Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Chinese EVs gain momentum in Portugal, led by BYD Xinhua) 11:27, January 03, 2026 LISBON, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are gaining increasing traction in Portugal, with BYD emerging as one of the fastest-growing brands as the country's automotive market undergoes a profound shift toward electrification. According to figures released recently by the Portuguese Automobile Association (ACAP), BYD led Portugal's electric vehicle market in November with 645 units registered, representing a year-on-year increase of 119.4 percent. The result placed the Chinese automaker ahead of all competitors for the month and highlighted its growing presence in a market that is becoming more competitive and diversified. From January to November, BYD recorded a total of 4,477 registrations of its electric vehicles, an increase of 90.5 percent compared with the same period last year, reflecting strong demand for its expanding range of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models. Tesla, by contrast, registered 425 units in November, marking a sharp year-on-year decline of 46.9 percent, as intensified competition, pricing volatility and the rapid entry of Chinese brands reshaped consumer choices. Industry observers note that the rise of Chinese electric vehicles is closely linked to the strategies of Portugal's major automotive distributors. Grupo Salvador Caetano, one of the country's largest dealership groups and a key representative of several Chinese EV brands, sees the trend as structural rather than cyclical. A senior executive at the group said Chinese manufacturers no longer compete solely on price but increasingly on technology, design and value. He added that consistent vehicle availability, competitive ownership costs and rapid model updates have made brands such as BYD particularly appealing to Portuguese consumers. Consumer sentiment appears to be shifting accordingly. Joao Vieira, a Lisbon-based owner of a BYD Dolphin, said he chose the vehicle after comparing it with several European and American models. While price was an important factor, he pointed to the car's equipment level, warranty and driving range as decisive elements. "It felt like the most balanced option for everyday use," he said. Ana Fernandes, who drives a BYD Seal in Setubal, southern Lisbon metropolitan area, highlighted the driving experience and technology. She described the car as smooth, quiet and intuitive, adding that it represented a clear upgrade from her previous petrol vehicle. Beyond BYD, other emerging brands are also strengthening their presence in Portugal's electric vehicle market. Leapmotor registered 55 units in November and 210 in the year to date. Xpeng recorded 46 units in November and 785 registrations from January to November, reflecting annual growth of more than 1,500 percent. Polestar registered 40 units in November, bringing its year-to-date total to 484, up 85.4 percent. Bernardo Mendia, secretary general of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce, said that the strong performance of Chinese EV brands like BYD demonstrates not only their technological competitiveness but also their growing role in shaping sustainable mobility in Portugal, bringing more choice, innovation, and affordability to the market, which benefits both consumers and the broader transition to electric transportation. ACAP data further show that fully electric vehicles accounted for 22.9 percent of all new car registrations in the first 11 months of the year, approaching the share of petrol vehicles at 25 percent and far surpassing diesel models at 5.7 percent. The figures underscore the pace of Portugal's transition toward electric mobility. Although Tesla remains ahead in cumulative registrations in Portugal for the year, analysts say the narrowing gap with fast-growing Chinese brands signals a deeper market transformation. Consumers are increasingly comparing vehicles from different origins on equal terms, and Chinese electric vehicles are moving from being perceived as alternatives to becoming central players in shaping Portugal's evolving automotive landscape. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Military personnel guard the vicinity of the Miraflores Presidential Palace after several detonations and explosions in the early hours of Saturday morning in Caracas. The United States launched a military attack on Venezuela on Saturday and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. Heres what is known so far: How did the attack happen? Around 2:00 a.m. local time on Saturday several explosions occurred at various points in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. A U.S. administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the explosions were bombings carried out by order of the White House. Two hours later, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a message on his social media platform Truth Social, confirming it was a large-scale strike ordered by him and announcing that he would provide more details at 11:00 a.m. Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted a list on social media of the locations reportedly bombed. One of them is the Cuartel de la Montana in Caracas, a military base that houses the mausoleum of Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez. This site is considered one of the most sacred for Chavismo. The list also includes the Federal Legislative Palace, several airports, various points in the capital, and at least four Venezuelan military bases. Petro added that the urban center of Caracas has been left without electricity. Where is Maduro? Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured and were flown out of the country, according to Trumps brief statement on Truth Social. Prior to this announcement, it had been reported that the Venezuelan government had declared a state of emergency and called on its citizens to defend the country. President Nicolas Maduro has signed and ordered the implementation of the decree declaring a state of emergency throughout the national territory, to protect the rights of the population, the full functioning of republican institutions, and to immediately transition to armed struggle, Venezuelan authorities stated in an official statement. The entire country must mobilize to defeat this imperialist aggression. The official statement, which did not specify whether there were any fatalities, said that the strikes took place against civilian and military locations in the states of Miranda, Aragua, La Guaira, and the capital, Caracas. It also ordered the deployment of the command for the comprehensive defense of the nation. The objective of this attack is none other than to seize Venezuelas strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, argued the statement. What is the Venezuelan opposition saying? Sources close to the Venezuelan opposition in exile told this newspaper early this morning that they did not plan to comment on the military aggression against their country and would wait for more information. At this time there is no official statement regarding the events reported in Venezuela, said the official spokesperson for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. What are other countries saying? Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned the U.S. aggression against Venezuela, urging all parties involved to contain the escalation and calling for an urgent U.N. meeting. The Iranian regime has also strongly condemned the operation, calling it illegal, as has the Cuban government, which demanded an urgent response from the international community. State terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against Our America, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on social media. Former Bolivian President Evo Morales asserted that Venezuela is not alone. Argentine Javier Milei, on the other hand, celebrated the U.S. attack and the capture of Maduro with this message: Freedom advances. Long live freedom, damn it. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Jose Manuel Albares, issued a statement calling for de-escalation and moderation and urging everyone to always act in accordance with International Law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The remarks were made after a Tour de Ski pursuit race in Val di Fiemme, Italy. Asked about competing on the World Cup circuit rather than at the Scandinavian Cup event being held in Vantaa this weekend, Nissinen said she would rather ski here than in Finlands Mogadishu. Finnish cross-country skier Vilma Nissinen apologised on Friday after comments comparing the Vantaa district of Hakunila to Mogadishu sparked criticism from city leaders and the Finnish Ski Association. She added that Hakunila had been like Mogadishu since the 1990s and suggested the venue might cause a small culture shock for Norwegian athletes due to take part in the races. The comments were made to Finnish media Iltalehti, for example. Nissinen, 28, is enjoying her strongest season to date. She has recorded career-best results over standard distances and currently sits 23rd overall in the Tour de Ski standings. Her performances have placed her firmly in contention for an Olympic selection. Within hours of the interview, the Finnish Ski Association issued a statement distancing itself from her remarks. The federation said the comments did not reflect its values or operating principles. It stressed that racism is not accepted in any form within its activities and confirmed that the matter had been discussed with the athlete on Thursday. Immediately after the race, the comment I gave was inappropriate and improper, Nissinen said in the federations statement. I sincerely apologise for it. HT The request follows the seizure of the vessel by Finnish authorities after the incident, which disrupted Elisas undersea data connection between Helsinki and Tallinn. The ship, sailing under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, was operating in the area at the time of the cable break. Finnish police have requested the pre-trial detention of an Azerbaijani crew member from the cargo ship Fitburg, which is suspected of causing serious damage to a submarine telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland. Police said the man under suspicion is one of two crew members detained shortly after the incident. He is expected to appear in court on Saturday. The second detainee, a Russian national, was placed under a travel ban. In total, three out of the 14 crew members are now subject to travel restrictions within Finland. Authorities have not disclosed the specific role of the Azerbaijani national on board, citing the need to protect the integrity of the pre-trial investigation. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (KRP), which is leading the case, said analysis of evidence collected from the vessel will take several weeks. The ship remains in port while investigative operations continue. Investigators are treating the case as suspected aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated data interference. Police have said the charges may be updated as the investigation progresses. The captain and remaining crew have been cooperating with authorities, according to preliminary reports. HT Fintraffics traffic management centre warned that icy road surfaces, particularly at junctions and slip roads, remain a serious hazard. Snowfall combined with drifting powder has reduced visibility and increased accident risk in southern and central regions. The Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued warnings for hazardous driving conditions in several provinces, including Uusimaa, Pirkanmaa, Central Finland and parts of eastern Finland. A wave of severe winter weather has spread across Finland, bringing poor driving conditions to the south and east and tightening frost across the rest of the country. Alerts for poor driving conditions were in force through Saturday morning, with some regional warnings extending throughout the day. In northern Finland, the main concern is extreme cold. A frost warning covers the whole of Lapland, where temperatures early on Saturday ranged between minus 20 and minus 30 degrees Celsius. In some locations, readings fell even lower. Cold conditions are also tightening further south. Over the weekend and into early next week, temperatures in southern Finland are expected to fall to between minus 15 and minus 20 degrees. In central parts of the country, overnight lows near minus 30 degrees are possible. Despite the cold, conditions are expected to improve slightly after Saturday as snowfall weakens and skies clear in many areas. Visibility should improve once drifting snow eases. Long-range forecasts suggest the cold pattern will persist for several weeks. Foreca meteorologist Joanna Rinne said Januarys first two full calendar weeks are expected to be colder than average across Finland. She said the week starting 5 January will bring less precipitation than usual but significantly lower temperatures nationwide. In Lapland, daytime temperatures of minus 20 to minus 30 degrees are forecast, with local lows near minus 40 degrees possible throughout the week. The coldest reading of the winter so far, minus 39.9 degrees, was recorded at Kilpisjarvi in Enontekio on 2 January. Rinne said the cold spell extends beyond Finland, with much of Europe also experiencing below-average temperatures. The following week, starting 12 January, is also forecast to remain colder than normal. HT The announcement followed hours of attacks on military and government sites in the Venezuelan capital and surrounding states. Trump said that Nicolas Maduro , Venezuelas president, and his wife, Cilia Flores , had been captured and flown out of the country by US forces. Explosions were reported across Caracas in the early hours of Saturday as the United States launched a military operation that President Donald Trump later described as a large-scale strike against Venezuela. The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency and denounced the operation as military aggression. In a statement on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the mission was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement and would be explained further at a press conference from Mar-a-Lago. The White House has not commented publicly. According to CBS News, Maduro and Flores were detained by Delta Force, a special operations unit of the US Army. No details have been released about their location or condition. Venezuelas Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded immediate proof of life, stating the government had lost contact with the president and first lady. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Maduro would finally face justice for his crimes. In a video address, Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced the full deployment of armed forces across the country. He accused the US of striking civilian areas and said Venezuela would resist any foreign troop presence. Several sites in Caracas were targeted, including La Carlota military airbase, Fuerte Tiuna complex, the Federal Legislative Palace and Cuartel de la Montana. Colombias President Gustavo Petro released a list of locations allegedly bombed, calling for de-escalation and United Nations involvement. He said Colombia had activated emergency response plans along the shared border. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning for all commercial aircraft to avoid Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity. The advisory follows the suspension of US diplomatic operations in Venezuela since 2019. Cuba, one of Venezuelas few remaining allies in the region, condemned the action. President Miguel Diaz-Canel called the strike a criminal attack and accused Washington of state terrorism. In a statement, he described the region as under assault and ended with the phrase: Homeland or death, we shall overcome. Russia also issued a statement calling the US strike an act of armed aggression and accused Washington of prioritising ideology over diplomacy. Venezuelas government accused the US of trying to impose a colonial war and seize control of oil and mineral resources. In a national address, Maduro had ordered the implementation of emergency defence plans and called for mass mobilisation against what he called imperial aggression. Trumps administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of overseeing drug trafficking and of attempting to flood the US with migrants. In recent months, US forces have targeted dozens of speedboats and oil tankers allegedly linked to drug operations in Venezuelan waters. Over 100 people have died in those maritime operations since September, according to US figures. This latest strike follows Trumps earlier authorisation of CIA operations in Venezuela and comments in December about attacking ports used for drug shipments. The political situation in Venezuela has remained tense since the 2024 presidential election, which Washington and many other governments refused to recognise. Maduro had claimed victory, but opposition figures and Western states said the process was neither free nor fair. Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez in 2013, had maintained control through the support of the military and paramilitary groups. His government accused Washington of seeking regime change and exploiting the countrys economic collapse to assert control over its energy resources. HT Local non-profits hit hard by Helene worked to recover from the storm Flooding in Patton Park from Hurricane Helene destroyed the offices of the Literacy Connection. The building, located in far-left of the photograph, was later demolished. Most non-profit agencies in Western North Carolina struggled in the year after Hurricane Helene with both physical damage to their properties and the emotional wellbeing of their staff, a recent report commissioned by WNC Nonprofit Pathways and Dogwood Health Trust found. View the Slideshow The report, Rising Above: Resilience and Recovery Among Western North Carolina Nonprofits After Hurricane Helene, found that while nearly 60% of the 251 WNC nonprofits that were surveyed experienced physical damage to buildings or property, collectively totaling more than $100 million in losses, the social and emotional toll was just as significant, leaders at Dogwood Health Trust and WNC Nonprofit Pathways said. Among other things, the report, which was released in September, highlighted that staff and volunteers faced personal hardship while continuing to respond to growing community needs. Our local nonprofits were among the first to respond to Helene in our communities opening their doors and distributing food and supplies, often while dealing with their own losses, said Susan Mims, CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. According to the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, Western North Carolina nonprofits employ 32,000 people and spend more than $5 billion in our communities, with more than $1.3 billion spent on wages. Their services are essential to our regions economy and more important than ever. Appreciating their leadership and investing in their recovery must be part of supporting Western North Carolinas future. In this years survey of non-profit leaders in Henderson County, the Lightning focused on their ongoing recovery from Helene. We asked about damages from the storm, how Helene impacted workforce, how agencies met needs in the community and the challenges associated with recovery. Responses were submitted by: Lauren Wilkie, Safelight CEO. Jamie Wiener, Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation Executive Director. Elizabeth Willson Moss, Interfaith Assistance Ministry Executive Director. Kelly Hart, Literacy Connection Executive Director. What effect (physical damage or other consequence) did Hurricane Helene have on your agency? Wiener: Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across Blue Ridge Community Colleges campuses, forcing a two-week closure and months of recovery work that included extensive tree removal, loss of power lines, destroyed broadband connections and facility repairs. Major roads and highways leading to campus were initially blocked in all directions, disrupting operations and transportation for much of our community. Moss: IAM was fortunate to experience little physical damage. The biggest physical consequences were a generator giving out and the lack of Wi-Fi. The huge consequence is the unprecedented need from local Henderson County residents for assistance with basic needs: food, rent and utility bill assistance, personal care items, clothing, pet food and gasoline vouchers. Wilkie: Safelight experienced damages to our facilities around 150K from water leaking through the roof into offices and client spaces in two buildings. Additionally, we experienced about 25K in losses from the closure of our Safelight Resale store and Dandelion Cafe. We held our annual fundraising event as a vigil not making an ask estimating 300-400K in losses. Hart: Just as our new executive director (started July 22, 2024) was getting her feet wet and learning what was in the closets and filing cabinets, Helene came and took it all away, submerging the office we rented from the City of Hendersonville in Patton Park. It has since been demolished, and we lost almost everything, but we did not lose hope. How did you pivot and adapt to the need during, immediately after and for the weeks and months beyond Sept. 27, 2024? Wilkie: Through Helene, we had staff onsite 24/7. Our Safelight Resale Store was able to stock the emergency county pop up Red Cross shelter with supplies, including clothing, bedding and kitchen equipment. They were most excited about the new coffee pot we were able to give them. Our resale store continues to accept and distribute clothes and housewares free to those in need. Our Dandelion Cafe helped our fruit farmers, Pilot Mountain Pears and Granddads Apples, donate and distribute fresh fruits that would have gone to compost, which we in turn gave away to local emergency food disbursement centers. During Helene, our 24/7 Crisis Hotline was the only hotline available in our county other than 911. A beacon of light for our community, staying open, for a variety of caller needs. Most callers the first few days just needed a voice to answer the phone and tell them we were okay, and that our clients were okay. Many people called desperate for us to go look for their loved ones, which while we could not do safely, we were able to be a listening, caring ear. Our shelter never closed, even while being in the dark for eight days and we stayed full housing 31 survivors (16 adults, 15 kids and one dog). To keep staff through the storm available and safe, we quickly rented an Airbnb downtown so staff could walk to work through the rain and elements. Helene brought an increase in survivors seeking shelter and housing services who were displaced from their homes and who were experiencing dangers from abuse and violence prior to the added isolation and stressors of being stuck in the dark, stranded at home. Just after, we assisted children who had been airlifted from their homes, neglected prior to Helene and their needs accelerated from a dangerous home environment made lethal by Helene. We continued see an influx of children through our child advocacy center as they were being identified by DSS, law enforcement and school personnel as having experienced increased trauma from abuse, violence or neglect exacerbated by Helene. Post Helene, we added a 60KW generator to the Washington Street facility so this can become our back-up shelter location in the future and maintain power so we can remain open and functional. Stuller Power Solutions was the partner on the battery and will be the installer for our new generator. Dunlap Construction helped with repairs from water intrusion. Hart: The first step was reaching out to our tutors and students to assess their situations and meet their immediate needs. We had tutors meeting students to practice their language and literacy skills in new locations, including at supply distribution sites. The storm revealed the heart of our program: the connections between tutors and students. When Donasiano learned his tutors driveway was blocked by trees, he showed up with a chainsaw and got to work. When Connie discovered that her daughters storage unit was flooded, her student brought not only her two high school sons but also her husband and his truck to move the salvageable items to the tutors garage. These stories remind us that Literacy Connection is about more than literacy; its about connection! Literacy Connection is fortunate to have been offered space inside of First United Methodist Church where we now reside. We are now co-located with True Ridge which has created exciting partnership opportunities. Wiener: Blue Ridge closed for a total of two weeks, at which time the College was able to safely reopen and welcome students. In addition to resuming studies for those able to travel to campus, it gave students and employees access to water, power, internet connectivity and other resources. Within days of the storm, as soon as communications were partially restored, the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation quickly mobilized to assist students with urgent individual needs and directed donations to our emergency fund supporting those most affected. Every student experienced the storm differently, so the foundation collaborated closely with the colleges financial aid and student services teams to quickly direct students to the best sources of assistance. Moss: IAMs Executive Director Elizabeth Willson Moss gathered IAMs team together on the Saturday afternoon after the storm. Together we planned how we would reopen as scheduled on Monday morning following the storm, despite operating on partial power and no Wi-Fi. Despite the fact that several of IAMs team members had lost their homes in the storm and others that had suffered extensive damages to their homes, we opened with Drive-Through food and personal care distribution (as needed) every afternoon the first week after the storm. Thanks to assistance from Henderson County Manager John Mitchell and his IT team with the gift of a Starlink mid-week, our connections with the community improved significantly. How did Helene affect your volunteer workforce (ability to reach your campus, ability to communicate, unable to work because of damage to their home or roads, etc.)? Hart: Our staff worked from Main Street in front of HandsOn! using their StarLink internet to access information to track down our volunteers and clients. It took several weeks to track down all volunteer tutors and students and to find new places for them to work together since our building was destroyed. We had a tutor airlifted from his home in Bat Cave, a student cut off from her home near Chimney Rock, etc. Our staff worked at distribution sites supporting the community while we were dislocated from our office. Wilkie: We were unable to respond and assist the first few days, then everyone was coming in to help where they could! We had volunteers delivering food for clients and staff. We had donations from local farmers of produce they were going to have to toss. So, we all pivoted to pealing pears and apples with volunteers that we then canned or froze to share to the community. Moss: Like our staff, many of our volunteers also suffered damage to their homes and many could not get to IAM because roads were blocked, etc. That said, we are incredibly grateful to the 20+ volunteers who did show up, including some that we had never met before who heard about our need for volunteer assistance on WTZQ. Wiener: Many students and employees were displaced or unable to travel due to power outages, road damage and personal losses. Throughout the recovery, the college and the educational foundation worked hand in hand to stay connected, quickly assess our communitys needs and provide vital financial and personal support to those affected. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to raise funds to support students facing significant hardship including water and mold damage in their homes, loss of furniture due to roof leaks, transportation and lodging support, food and clothing assistance, storage solutions and other unexpected expenses caused by the storm. In total, we distributed nearly $114,000 in aid directly benefiting students in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, while also providing much-needed support to help families celebrate Thanksgiving and the holiday season with greater comfort and security. Can you describe the challenges (aggravation) of receiving reimbursements from private insurance, FEMA and other state and federal agencies? Hart: Our private insurance claim was denied because it did not contain flood coverage. The only insurance support we received was having the lease on our copying machine paid off; that process was extended by Hurricane Milton which impacted the office of our insurance provider. We sat through multiple meetings, both virtual and in-person, to seek FEMA support, but in the end, we ended up instead relying on the generosity of our friends and neighbors and our Rise from the Flood campaign, along with the generosity of local foundations and First United Methodist Church to relocate and resume our services. Moss: IAM, as an agency, did not apply for FEMA assistance. We did, however, assist many of our neighbors in need through referrals. Many of them and our staff members who suffered severe losses from Helene were extremely frustrated by the slowness of the process and the complexity of it. Wiener: Throughout the storm and its aftermath, Blue Ridge housed search and rescue crews and emergency personnel and provided Henderson County with a space to coordinate volunteer efforts. FEMA established a basecamp in the Patton Building parking lot on Blue Ridges Flat Rock campus, coordinating local and regional recovery efforts from our grounds. Their presence supported the communitys broader disaster response, and our college proudly served their needs during this time. Wilkie: It was difficult to qualify or navigate. To use FEMA, you had to make insurance claims against damages causing policies to go up considerably. We had to extra grant write to cover loses to the buildings for repairs. We know that were only partway through recovery from the unprecedented storm. From your leadership position, do you see your agency in whole or in part responding to the Helene recovery for a long time to come? In what ways? Moss: Yes, without question. IAM continues to assist local residents who lost their homes and income as a result of Helene with rent and utility bill assistance, food (especially during this time of cutbacks to SNAP) and other federal programs that help people living at and below federal poverty guidelines), seasonal clothing, gasoline cards, personal care items, pet food, sheets, towels, blankets and more. To put it in perspective, before the pandemic, assisting 40 households a day was a busy day. Since Helene and now the cuts to government programs designed to help families in poverty survive, we now are assisting between 130 and 200 households a day with basic needs. When you live paycheck to paycheck and in an ongoing financial crisis, the loss of even a few days wages can be devastating. When its a few weeks or even more than a month that businesses were closed after Helene, the personal stories become catastrophic. IAM, while serving on the board of the Disaster Recovery Partnership, is on the front lines of assisting our communitys recovery. We are grateful to have been funded with a case manager through DRP and have received much-needed assistance from United Way and the Community Foundation of Henderson County. Our surprise national award from The Courage Project underscores the impact our staff and volunteers made in Helenes aftermath. We were nominated by United Ways President and CEO of United Way International, Angela Williams, who toured IAM after the hurricane. Thank you go all who helped IAM and our other nonprofit partners! Wiener: To this day, the Foundation continues to stand beside our students, providing vital financial support and awarding more than 200 scholarships that empower them to stay in school and build meaningful careers. This work is made possible through the generosity of our donors, whose continued support remains critical this giving season. Together, Blue Ridge Community College and the Foundation remain steadfast partners in rebuilding Western North Carolina, fueling programs that drive regional recovery, strengthen local industries, and prepare students for high-paying, in-demand careers. Our communities and workforce are emerging stronger, more resilient, and full of hope for the future. Wilkie: We continue to offer all our services and partner with the disaster recovery team for our county. Hart: Literacy Connection has risen from the devastation of Hurricane Helene stronger than ever. Losing our building and all its contents was overwhelming, but the tremendous support from our community near and far provided immediate relief that allowed us to relocate, cover essential rent and utilities, and rebuild our operations. Rebuilding from scratch has allowed us to assess the current needs and ensure our processes and programs are meeting them, focusing on the most important things first. We will continue to rebuild for months and years to come knowing that we are rooted in our mission, resilient to disruption, and rising together with the support of our community. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will stand trial in the United States, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Saturday in a social media post. The head of the Justice Department specified that the Chavista leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, face drug trafficking and corruption charges in the Southern District Court of New York. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts, Bondi wrote shortly after the U.S. announced their capture. The Attorney General stated that Maduro and Flores have been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. In the post, Bondi referred to the Chavista leader and his wife as two alleged international narco traffickers. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry dismissed the White House accusations last November as a fabrication. Washington had offered a $50 million reward (approximately 42.6 million) for Maduro, whom it identifies as the leader of the so-called Cartel of the Suns and the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers, Bondi wrote. Earlier, Trump had announced the capture of the Venezuelan leader and his wife by U.S. forces in an attack carried out early this morning against targets in Venezuela. The Republican leader added that the couple was no longer in the South American country in a message on Truth, his social media platform. Open cases U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated in another post that the Venezuelan leader has several open cases in the United States. Rubio echoed a message he posted on Twitter last July in which he asserted that Maduro is not the president and his regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela. The president, the Secretary of State maintained, is the leader of the Cartel of the Suns. The United States filed charges against Maduro for corruption, drug trafficking, and other crimes in 2020, during the final months of Trumps first term (2017-2021). Washington considers that the Chavista leader lost the July 2024 presidential election, in which he declared himself the winner but never released the official election results. The opposition did release some of the tallies, and these, along with international observers including the Carter Center, indicated a two-thirds majority victory for the opposition. Republican Senator Mike Lee, who had initially expressed skepticism on social media about the legitimacy of Saturdays attack on Venezuela, later stated that he had spoken with Rubio and that the Secretary of State had indicated that Maduro would be brought to trial in the United States to face the charges he has been accused of for the past five years. According to this version of events, the United States has simply executed the existing arrest warrant for Maduro. The military attack against targets in Venezuela was carried out to protect the forces that detained the Chavista leader, so this action likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack, stated Senator Lee in a post on X. Precedents The accusations announced by Bondi and the military attack ordered by Trump are reminiscent of the invasion of Panama in December 1989. Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega surrendered and stepped down from power after a two-week siege by U.S. forces in January 1990. A year before the military incursion, Washington had charged Noriega with drug trafficking in a Florida federal court. After a trial that lasted seven months and in which 78 witnesses testified, the general was sentenced in 1992 to 40 years in prison after being found guilty of eight counts of drug trafficking and money laundering. The trial was forced by those who fear me and who thought they could discredit me through accusations or kill me during the invasion, Noriega said. In recent years, New York State has established itself as the epicenter of the U.S. judicial offensive as part of the war on drugs. It was in the Southern District court that former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez was sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking in June 2024, as well as to a fine of $8 million for receiving bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel. Joaquin El Chapo Guzman was tried in the Eastern District Court of New York. The drug lord, former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, was extradited from Mexico to the United States in 2017 and sentenced in July 2019 to life imprisonment after what is considered the largest drug-trafficking trial in U.S. history. The so-called trial of the century lasted three months, and Guzman was found guilty of 10 counts of drug trafficking and money laundering in a ruling that prosecutors described as historic. In 2024, it was Ismael El Mayo Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, who was tried in the same court as El Chapo, his former ally, after being kidnapped and handed over to the U.S. authorities by one of Guzmans sons. Zambada pleaded guilty last August to two counts of drug trafficking and organized crime to avoid going to trial. Now, according to Bondi, it will be Maduro and his wife who will sit in the dock. The case of the Chavista leader sets a new precedent. No Latin American president in office has ever been tried on U.S. soil. Noriega and Hernandez were prosecuted after they had left power. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States has successfully carried out a large-scale attack on Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are reported to have been captured and removed from the country. The attacks took place in the early hours of January 3 over Caracas and its surrounding areas. Venezuelan authorities also reported strikes on targets in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Shortly before 2:00 a.m. local time, the first explosions were heard over Caracas, along with the sound of aircraft flying over the capital. Aerial bombings were reported at Fuerte Tiuna, the main military base in Caracas, located south of the city, which has been left completely without power. Attacks also took place at the Cuartel de la Montana and La Carlota Air Base. Airlines continue flight suspensions On November 21, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged caution to airlines flying over Venezuela due to military activity in the area. Iberia, Air Europa, TAP, Avianca, and Gol have extended their flight suspensions at least until January 31. On Saturday, at 06:00 UTC, the FAA issued a new notice prohibiting any U.S. aircraft from operating at any altitude in Venezuelan airspace. On public flight trackers such as Flightradar24, there was no visible commercial traffic over Venezuela early on Saturday. Previous attacks Since September, the Trump administration has been waging a campaign against drug-running boats operating in the Caribbean and the western Pacific. Although it lacks authorization from the U.S. Congress a requirement in the event of war U.S. aircraft have carried out 18 attacks against some 30 vessels suspected of being traffickers. At least eight of these boats originated in Venezuela, according to data from ACLED, which monitors armed conflicts worldwide. As early as the beginning of this year, Trump had deployed an imposing fleet in Central American waters: at least 3,000 troops, an aircraft carrier, and several reconnaissance aircraft and bombers. The following chart summarizes the main U.S. assets in the region in November. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The president of Venezuela, detained and removed from the country according to Trump, was not willing to reach any agreement with the United States Nicolas Maduro had been anticipating a U.S. attack for months. For the first time since succeeding Hugo Chavez as Venezuelas leader, he felt he was in real danger and faced a genuine possibility of being overthrown. According to U.S. President Donald Trump, the president of Venezuela was detained and removed from the country on Saturday, along with his wife and mother of his only child, Cilia Flores. He had no intention of leaving voluntarily. The United States attacked Venezuela by surprise. They bombed about five points. In Caracas, Aragua, and Miranda, explains a high-ranking Chavista official close to Maduro, who, despite everything, is reportedly maintaining his composure. Before being detained, the president of Venezuela had made one thing clear to those around him: no one here surrenders. He had to be forcibly removed by U.S. military personnel, according to Trumps account. Sources who had been in contact with Maduro during this time say he was prepared to go all the way and never considered an agreement with Washington that would result in him giving up power. The possibility hadnt even been on the table. Maduro governs Venezuela alone, contrary to what many believe. The regimes number two, Diosdado Cabello, wields enormous influence over the government and controls the Chavista rank and file, but the final word always rests with Maduro. There is no shared or divided power; everything begins and ends with him. Until a few hours ago, none of his inner circle considered negotiating under the condition that Maduro give up power. Jorge Rodriguez, his main political operator, attempted to reach specific agreements with the Trump administration through Richard Grenell, the U.S. Special Envoy for Special Missions, but all attempts were unsuccessful. During this period of tension, Maduro and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez have focused on keeping the Bolivarian army under control. Internal investigations have been constant to prevent any uprising or rebellion. To doubt is to betray is the motto enforced in all military barracks, a phrase that Cabello, for example, has even printed on a cap he wears while presenting his television program on the state network. Power is concentrated or was concentrated in Maduro and exercised by no more than a handful of his most trusted people. In addition to Padrino and Jorge Rodriguez, there is Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, Jorges sister, and Cilia Flores, the first lady. All directives of this vertical regime flow from them a state controlled in every corner by loyal Chavistas. Those who stepped out of line were arrested and imprisoned without hesitation. After the 2024 elections, which were deemed fraudulent by international organizations that reviewed the ballots presented by the opposition led by Maria Corina Machado, Maduro purged the heads of military and civilian intelligence and launched a wave of inspections across the barracks. Later, someone who had previously been a trusted figure publicly praised by Maduro, Pedro Tellechea, Minister of Industry and National Production, was arrested. No one was safe from a possible purge. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Trump says Washington will control Venezuela until there is a safe transition, claiming opposition leader Maria Corina Machado lacks the support or respect to assume power Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, arrived in New York late on Saturday night, local time, and were then transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. There they will stand trial on charges of drug trafficking and weapons possession. A few hours earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened, in his first press conference following Maduros capture, a second wave of attacks if Chavismo the government sector loyal to Maduro offers resistance. We will control Venezuela until there is a safe transition, said the Republican. Trump revealed that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has made herself available to Washington and announced that U.S. companies will take over the Latin American countrys oil industry. Shes essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again, he said of Rodriguez. Although Rodriguez herself has come out later, demanding the liberation of Maduro and claiming the regime stands ready to defend Venezuela, to defend our natural resources. Trump also claimed that opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado lacks the support or respect in Venezuela necessary to drive a political transition. Machado has promised that Maduro will answer for his atrocious crimes and that Washington has fulfilled its promise to enforce the law in the face of Maduros refusal to accept a negotiated solution. We are prepared to take power, the opposition leader wrote on her social media accounts. Maduro was captured Saturday along with his wife, Cilia Flores, in a joint operation involving the U.S. military and branches of law enforcement. Speaking 10 hours after the launch of Operation Absolute Resolution, Trump said Maduro and Flores will be transferred to New York in the near future to stand trial for drug trafficking. In a previous telephone interview with Fox television, Trump revealed that Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. special forces while they were sleeping in the early hours of Saturday morning and were taken by helicopter to the U.S. warship Iwo Jima, one of the components of the flotilla deployed five months ago in international waters in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. Maduro and Flores could appear as early as next week, according to CNN, in a New York court. At the press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Maduro is not the legitimate president of Venezuela but a fugitive from U.S. justice for whose capture Washington was offering $50 million. Regarding the political future of the Latin American country, Trump stated that the United States will lead Venezuela until there is a safe, proper and judicious transition. We dont want to be involved with having someone else get in, and we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years. So we are going to run the country, he said. We were prepared to do a second wave if we needed to do so we actually assumed that a second wave would be necessary, but now its probably not. The first wave, if youd like to call it that, the first attack was so successful, we probably dont have to do a second, but were prepared to do a second wave, a much bigger wave, actually, the U.S. president continued during his press conference, stressing that there were no U.S. fatalities during the operation. Trump stated that no nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday, or frankly, in just a short period of time, all Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with us, law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night. The Chief of Staff, General Dan Caine, explained that more than 150 aircraft from 20 different military bases participated in the attack on Caracas. The U.S. president also said Washington will assume control of the petroleum business in Venezuela, which holds the largest crude oil reserves in the world. As everyone knows, the oil business in Venezuela has been a bust, a total bust for a long period of time, he said. Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country. Trump recalled the nationalization of several oil concessions in Venezuela during the Hugo Chavez era. We built Venezuelas oil industry with American talent, drive, skill, and the socialist regime stole it from us, he asserted. Maduro captured and flown out of country Maduro was captured and flown out of Venezuela, Trump posted early Saturday on his social media platform Truth Social. The United States carried out attacks inside Venezuela, Trump confirmed in the same message, after explosions were reported in civilian and military areas of the states of Miranda, Aragua, La Guaira, and the capital, Caracas. The Republican tycoon said he watched the operation live. I watched it, literally, like I was watching a television show, he said. If you wouldve seen the speed, the violence, it was an amazing thing. Although the main details of the operation remain unknown, sources close to it explain that the location was tracked by the CIA. Trump had authorized the intelligence agency to carry out covert activities inside Venezuela several weeks ago. They just burst in, and broke into places that were not really able to be broken into, steel doors that were put there for just this reason, and they got taken out in a matter of seconds. Ive never seen anything like it, Trump told Fox News of the capture of the Venezuelan presidential couple. The operation had been meticulously planned with intelligence units. Maduro suspected that an operation against him could be imminent and was obsessed with security. He had increased his protection. He moved constantly around the country, frequently changed where he slept, and regularly discarded phones to avoid being tracked. The U.S. president gave the green light for the attacks days ago, according to government sources cited by CBS. According to this account, senior U.S. military officials considered carrying out an attack on Christmas Day but decided to prioritize military operations in Nigeria against the Islamic State. Charges in the US U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reported in a post on X that Maduro and his wife have been indicted on drugs and weapons charges in Manhattan federal court. Maduro will face the specific charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machineguns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices against the United States, said Bondi. She added that they will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino described the attack as vile and cowardly and said authorities are assessing for possible injuries or casualties. This invasion represents the greatest outrage our country has ever suffered, driven by the insatiable greed for our strategic resources, Padrino said in a video. They have attacked us, but they will not break us, he added. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello appeared on the streets of Caracas wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet, surrounded by police. We are deployed. Trust us to get through this situation, he said. Shortly before 2:00 a.m., the sound of explosions woke Caracas residents as if the sky were thundering. Videos of aircraft flying overhead, along with flashes from explosions and columns of smoke, began circulating on social media. Initial reports indicate several airstrikes on the military base of Fuerte Tiuna the main base in Caracas, located in the south of the Venezuelan capital which has been left completely without power. A massive fire could be seen in the distance during the first minutes after the explosions, followed by an enormous cloud of gray smoke. Attacks were also confirmed on the La Carlota air base and other military installations in Caracas, such as the Cuartel de la Montana where the remains of Hugo Chavez rest as well as in Maracay and La Guaira, and at the Higuerote airport on the central coast. In videos shared by social media users, helicopters have also been seen flying over the city. Venezuela calls for armed struggle The bombings come after four months of tensions and a military escalation between Washington and Caracas. Two and a half hours after the first explosions were reported, a statement was read on state television channel VTV in which the Venezuelan government announced that it had activated a state of emergency due to external upheaval, which it had prepared for since October. The Venezuelan government immediately called for armed struggle in response to the aggression by the government of the United States, the statement said. The entire country must mobilize to defeat this imperialist aggression, read the statement. The objective of this attack is none other than to seize Venezuelas strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to break the nations political independence by force. They will not succeed. It continued: The attempt to impose a colonial war to destroy the republican form of government and force a regime change, in alliance with the fascist oligarchy, will fail like all previous attempts. Months of tension Trump had been threatening military action on Venezuelan territory for months, initially arguing it was to fight against drug trafficking and later seeking to take control of the Venezuelan oil sector, which he claims was illegally taken from U.S. companies and in fact belongs to Washington. Last week, Trump said he had carried out an initial ground attack against a dock used by drug traffickers during the month of December. There is still no clear information about that operation, although U.S. media outlets have reported that the attack allegedly took place in the Alta Guajira region, on the border with Colombia. This information was also disseminated by Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Petro, in fact, has been one of the leaders most critical of U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and the Pacific, which supposedly aim to combat drug trafficking and increase pressure on the Maduro government. Criticism from Colombia and Cuba The Colombian president was among the first international leaders to speak out after the attacks in Venezuela became known. The government of the Republic of Colombia observes with deep concern the reports of explosions and unusual aerial activity recorded in recent hours in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as the resulting escalation of tension in the region, he wrote on the social network X. The Colombian government rejects any unilateral military action that could worsen the situation or put the civilian population at risk. Petro also reported that his government has put in place measures to protect the civilian population, preserve stability along the ColombianVenezuelan border, and promptly address any potential humanitarian or migratory needs. In this regard, Colombias Minister of Defense Pedro Sanchez announced on the same social network the activation of the Unified Command Post (PMU) for humanitarian assistance in the border city of Cucuta, as well as the implementation of the border plan in order to assist the migrant population and provide all necessary support to those who require it. Meanwhile, Cubas president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, has urgently called for a reaction from the international community against what he described as a criminal attack by the United States on Venezuela. Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted. State terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against Our America, he posted on his X account. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The U.S. bombing of Venezuela and the arrest of its president, Nicolas Maduro, by the U.S. military shocked the Latin American country and the world this Saturday, and its impact has been strongly felt in Spain, particularly in Madrid. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), more than 400,000 Venezuelans were living in Spain at the beginning of 2025, the latest available figure. Half of this exile is concentrated in the Spanish capital, with 200,000 Venezuelans registered in Madrid. At this moment, they are glued to their phones and computers as they try to contact their families in Venezuela and follow the situation in real time. Jose Gonzalez Vargas, a 34-year-old communicator, was still asleep when the news broke early Saturday morning: My mom called me to tell me that La Carlota, an air base in the heart of Caracas, had been attacked. I checked the WhatsApp groups I share with other Venezuelans, both inside and outside the country, and they were already sharing videos and speculating about what was happening, he recounts. The confusion gradually gave way to the first certainties, and with them came the hope of political change in her home country: I was a journalist for five years in Venezuela, and Ive learned not to get carried away in situations like this. Ive had moments of hope and disappointment in the past regarding positive change in Venezuela. It feels like anything can happen, but Im watching with caution. Vargas also called for peace: This is a critical moment, and calm and level-headedness are needed. It could be the end of a very dark chapter for Venezuela, but also the beginning of a time of uncertainty and instability. Historic day! Its over! Daniela Goicochea, 41, co-founder of the Goico burger chain, summed up her feelings to this newspaper in two words: Historic day! The businesswoman drew a parallel with some of the most important moments experienced by Venezuela in recent decades, such as the death of former president Hugo Chavez: I have that feeling again that its over. From the outside, were calm for now because we know our families are safe. Were all waiting for Trumps announcements. But were already celebrating. Zuleika Meneses Gomez, a 34-year-old environmental engineer and political activist in Spain, learned of Nicolas Maduros capture while coordinating, along with other Venezuelans in Missouri, the dissemination of information that many within the country were afraid to publish. We were monitoring to make sure the teams in every corner of Venezuela were safe and that nothing had been done to our political prisoners in the torture centers, she explains. She says she feels a mix of hope and concern: excitement at the possibility of returning home someday, but also unease about the continued hold on power of figures like Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who has called on Venezuelans to protest against the U.S. attack. For Meneses, the impact is especially personal. She says she has been involved in political processes since her youth and recounts that she had to leave Venezuela three days before the 2024 elections after receiving threats. Her entire family now lives in exile, and one relative was imprisoned for a year. We feel a certain sense of justice, she says. Still, she insists that this is only the first step and hopes that more arrests will follow, that opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez will assume the presidency, and that all political prisoners will be freed. Only then, she says, will many Venezuelans abroad consider returning home. This regime has many heads Meanwhile, Alessandro Di Stasio, a Venezuelan investigative journalist at Armando.Info and resident in Madrid, urges caution regarding Nicolas Maduros capture. This regime has many heads. Nicolas may be gone, but until we know where the others are, we cannot declare victory, he warns. He believes the U.S. may have acted following a still-unknown political plan and points to two possible scenarios: that the operation is meant to present U.S. President Donald Trump as the winner and reduce military tension, or that it is part of a negotiated transition supported by sectors of the armed forces. Regarding the messages spread by leaders such as Vladimir Padrino Lopez or Delcy Rodriguez, he believes they were aimed at asserting control over the military and their own supporters. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Delcy Rodriguez, as vice president, is second in the line of succession, and her brother Jorge, president of the National Assembly, is third With disbelief, shock, and confusion, after more than 20 weeks of political tension, Venezuela awoke to the news of the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a combined military operation by U.S. forces in Caracas. The question now is what will happen to Chavismo and who will assume power. With Maduro and Flores detained, the 1999 Constitution stipulates that the vice president, in this case Delcy Rodriguez, a close confidante of the president, assumes the reins of the executive branch. Her brother Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly, is third in the line of succession. Diosdado Cabello, the countrys second most powerful figure, would retain his position as Minister of the Interior and guardian of the pro-government civilian-military establishment. The whereabouts of Delcy Rodriguez are unclear after Reuters reported that she was in Russia. The New York Times, however, reported hours later that she was in Caracas. The silence of the early morning was shattered suddenly and unexpectedly around 2:00 a.m. in Caracas and also in the states of Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira. This is the first foreign military aggression in the history of the country. Details regarding the number of casualties are not yet available. The operation targeted key locations of the Chavista regimes civilian-military power base. According to initial reports, the attacks included the famous Mountain Barracks, formerly the Military History Museum, in the west of the city, where Hugo Chavezs remains are interred. Despite Maduros capture, the Chavista regime has yet to show any signs of cracking. The Bolivarian Revolution is deeply entrenched in the Venezuelan state, a situation that transcends Maduros presence in Miraflores Palace. On the streets of Caracas, disbelief, caution, and fear prevail: the memory of the military repression of recent years is still very much alive. In the cities of the interior, there is calm. Security forces are gradually taking to the streets. The most outspoken members of the ruling party appeared in the early hours to condemn the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, demand news about Maduros whereabouts, and denounce violations of international law and national sovereignty. Cars line up for gasoline in Caracas this Saturday. Gaby Oraa (REUTERS) The issue currently obsessing Chavista militants is the whereabouts of Maduro and Flores. Vice President Rodriguez demanded information about the fate of the president and his wife, and asked Trump for immediate proof of life. The Republican later published a photograph of Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima on his social media platform, Truth. Rodriguez, like other Chavista leaders, has implied that the Chavista regime is fully aware of what it must do to guarantee territorial integrity and the presence of the revolutionary leadership in power. A State of Internal Disturbance has already been declared, a measure that will militarize daily life and have clear consequences for the nation. Rodriguez emphasized that Maduro has given very clear instructions to the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, so that, in perfect civic-military, popular, and police unity, all plans for the defense of the nation are activated. At the crack of dawn, Diosdado Cabello, the regimes second-in-command, appeared on state-run Venezolana de Television, clad in tactical vest and helmet and surrounded by members of the political police. Cabello called the U.S. attack treacherous and vile and urged his supporters not to lose their composure, to avoid despair. Avoid situations that favor the invading enemy, he said. Cabello questioned the role of international organizations in this crisis, accusing them of being complicit in a massacre of civilians. The leader addressed his men on camera with the two central slogans of the regimes security forces: Always loyal, never traitors and To doubt is treason. Vladimir Padrino, Minister of Defense and a key figure in the Bolivarian Revolution, denounced Washingtons explicit intention to provoke regime change and described the events as the most serious outrage in our entire history. Padrino called for calm among the citizens and asked them to trust the Armed Forces. Faced with this vile and cowardly attack, which threatens the peace and stability of the region, we issue the strongest possible condemnation to the international community so that the U.S. government is held accountable, he said. Padrino confirmed the deployment of all the countrys military forces within the territory. Both Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil and Attorney General Tarek William Saab called on the international community to expressly condemn the military attack perpetrated against the country. Gil demanded an immediate statement from the UN Security Council. Saab denounced that many innocent civilians have been killed in this hour. This threat of bloodshed has materialized. I call on the people to be vigilant, and I call on the countrys prosecutors to be attentive to the consequences of these cowardly attacks. The segments of the Venezuelan political opposition that are still tolerated within the country have, so far, maintained a prudent silence. In exile, however, the situation has been different. Maria Corina Machado, the recent Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stated in a lengthy communique that they are ready to seize power. We are going to restore order, free political prisoners, build an exceptional country, and bring our children home, the opposition leader promised, adding that she will announce the next steps of her movement through her official social media accounts. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Reports of U.S. attacks on Venezuela in recent hours have sparked various reactions from major international leaders. Colombian President Gustavo Petro was one of the first leaders to speak out. They are currently bombing Caracas. Alert the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles. The OAS and the U.N. must meet immediately, he wrote on his X account at 2:00 a.m. Petro then issued a longer statement underscoring the Colombian governments rejection of any unilateral military action that puts the civilian population at risk, as well as his countrys unrestricted commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, in particular respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the prohibition of the use or threat of force, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Petro has called for the preservation of regional peace and has made an urgent plea for de-escalation, urging all parties involved to refrain from actions that deepen the confrontation and to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic channels. The Republic of Colombia reiterates its conviction that peace, respect for international law and the protection of life and human dignity must prevail over any form of armed confrontation, he concluded. Military personnel guard the vicinity of the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas, this Saturday. MIGUEL GUTIERREZ (EFE) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep alarm on Saturday over the recent escalation of tension in Venezuela, which culminated early this morning with military action by the United States in the country and which, he warned, could constitute a dangerous precedent for the region. From Argentina, President Javier Milei celebrated the U.S. attack and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with a message on X: Freedom advances. Long live freedom, damn it! The message includes a link to the Infobae news outlet announcing the capture of the Chavista leader. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel urgently called for international action against the U.S. criminal attack on Venezuela. Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted. State terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against Our America. Homeland or Death! We will prevail! he posted on his social media account. Ecuadors Daniel Noboa expressed delight after learning of Maduros capture. The time comes for all narco-Chavista criminals. Their structure will finally collapse across the continent, said the president, endorsing the U.S. accusations that Maduro is a drug lord on the continent. In Spain, the government has confirmed an airstrike on Caracas and assured that all personnel at the Spanish Embassy in the Venezuelan capital are safe, after Spains Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares spoke with the Spanish ambassador to the country. Sources within the Spanish government have also stated that they are gathering all the information regarding the explosions. The Russian Embassy in Venezuela has reported that its premises were not affected by the attacks and stated that it is maintaining contact with Venezuelan authorities, marking Moscows first official response. The neighborhood where the embassy is located and the surrounding areas were not attacked, Ambassador Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov told Russian news agencies. Melik-Bagdasarov added that embassy staff are continuing their work. Two U.S. senators have also condemned Washingtons attacks and urged the international community to react. Meanwhile, the independent news outlet Insider reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has gone to the Kremlin to address the events in a series of closed-door meetings, EFE reports. A military vehicle near the Presidential Palace of Venezuela after several detonations and explosions in Caracas, this Saturday. MIGUEL GUTIERREZ (EFE) Prior to these attacks, Russia denounced the presence and military actions of the United States in the Caribbean as a threat to regional peace and stability, stressing that such operations violate Venezuelas sovereignty and international law. Iran, an ally of Venezuela, has also condemned the U.S. attack on Caracas as a flagrant violation of that countrys national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the strikes were an act of aggression that must be explicitly condemned immediately by the United Nations and all governments concerned with the rule of law, international peace, and security. Italy has offered its citizens in Venezuela its diplomatic network for emergencies and has advised them to stay home and exercise caution. I am following the situation with our diplomatic mission in Caracas, paying particular attention to the Italian community. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is being kept constantly informed. The Ministrys Crisis Unit is operational, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote on social media. The Italian ambassador to Venezuela, Giovanni Umberto De Vito, has urged caution among citizens in the Caribbean country, where approximately 160,000 people with Italian nationality reside, most of them with dual nationality due to Italian ancestry. China, a strategic ally of Venezuela, has so far refrained from making political assessments or assessing the internal situation in Venezuela following the alleged capture of Maduro. In a warning issued on Saturday nightsix hours after the military attacks beganby the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Caracas, Beijing limited itself to recommending that its citizens avoid traveling to Venezuela in the near future due to the significant increase in security risks, and urging those already there to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from dangerous areas. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The capture of President Nicolas Maduro following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that violates international law opens a dangerous scenario. The risk at this moment is twofold. On the one hand, there is the attempt to portray a military operation as synonymous with democratic liberation. On the other, chavismo may use the foreign intervention and the capture of its leader as a pretext to close ranks, further militarize the country, and justify limitless repression under the banner of national defense. Neither narrative withstands serious scrutiny. Violence, wherever it comes from, does not build institutions or restore rights. Donald Trumps decision caps a year of impulsive, personalistic foreign policy that ignores multilateral norms. Trump is not acting here as a guarantor of democracy, but rather placing force above the rule of law. Other powers will take note of these new rules as they look at Taiwan or Ukraine. Pointing this out is not a defense of the Venezuelan regime, but a warning: democracy is not exported by missile strike, nor imposed from the air much less when invoked by someone who has repeatedly shown contempt for institutions. That drift became even clearer when Trump himself stated that the United States would run Venezuela until there is a safe transition, effectively assuming control of the country without once mentioning Venezuelas democratic opposition. This claim is unacceptable. There is no legitimate transition under foreign tutelage, nor any possible democracy when a countrys future is managed from outside as a protectorate. Added to this political ambition is another, no less alarming: the announcement that U.S. companies will take over Venezuelas oil industry to make money, reinforcing the perception that the intervention is not aimed at restoring rights, but at managing power and wealth. Even if the reconstruction of devastated infrastructure is invoked, this amounts to the forcible external appropriation of natural resources, blurring the line between aid, investment, and economic domination. These are hours of confusion regarding the true leadership of the Venezuelan regime. But any hypothetical transition will only be legitimate if it is peaceful, orderly, and negotiated. In that regard, the decision by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado not to call people into the streets amid military escalation, but instead to urge patience and restraint, points in the right direction. It is not a sign of weakness, but of political responsibility from someone who won the 2024 elections with Edmundo Gonzalez as the candidate. There are no lasting shortcuts. Latin America knows all too well the consequences of solutions imposed by force. Condemning the military operation does not legitimize Maduro, an illegitimate president after years of electoral fraud, repression, the dismantling of the separation of powers, and persecution of dissent. The immediate priority must be urgent de-escalation and the rejection of any further military action, as Trump has threatened. The international community starting with Europe and the countries of the region must be consistent: condemning any violation of international law while at the same time clearly recognizing where democratic legitimacy resides in Venezuela today. This problem is not circumstantial or tactical; it is called authoritarianism, corruption, and drug trafficking. Respect for international norms and the demand that the mandate expressed at the ballot box by Venezuelans a year ago be honored are not incompatible goals. In fact, they are inseparable. For chavismo, this moment marks a historic turning point. The most responsible course for those who still sustain the regime is to renounce violence and accept that the cycle has run its course. Citizens have already spoken at the polls. Allowing democracy to prevail does not mean surrendering to a foreign leader or submitting to an external agenda, but recognizing that no political project can be sustained indefinitely against its own people. Amid confusion and dueling propaganda, one certainty should not be lost: there will be no democracy without rules, and no rules without restraint in the use of force. Immediate de-escalation is the indispensable first step. The next is to open a transition process that respects the electoral result of July 2024, truly closes the chapter of authoritarian chavismo, and returns to Venezuelans something they have been denied for far too long: the possibility of deciding, without fear and without tutelage, the fate of their country. Since entering politics, the Republican has understood that, to implement unconventional measures, it is crucial to radicalize public debate with proposals and statements designed to shock Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data When political scientist Joseph P. Overton died in 2003, Donald Trump was about to make his debut as a television star on The Apprentice. His leap into politics was still more than a decade away, but when it finally happened, his communication strategy put a central spotlight on an idea developed by Overton in the 1990s: the Overton Window. According to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, where Overton served as vice president, the concept is a model that explains how ideas can change in societies over time and influence policy. The window represents the space in which proposals are considered acceptable and legitimate, so they do not cause alarm. However, this space is not fixed; it can shrink or expand over time depending on the debates and issues introduced into public discourse. Since entering politics, Trump has understood that to implement unconventional measures, it is important to radicalize popular debate with proposals and statements that shock. This initial exaggeration is the first step before gradually convincing the public. If he ultimately executes only part of what he proposes, the negative impact is greatly reduced or can even cause for relief. I will build a wall, and Ill have Mexico pay for it. That was one of Trumps first experiments to expand the Overton Window in 2016. He pushed the immigration debate to such extremes that it was hardly surprising when he entered the White House banning citizens from several Muslim-majority countries or when 451 miles (727 kilometers) of wall were constructed in his first four years (with the U.S. ultimately paying for the entire project). In his second term, Trump has once again used the Overton Window to shape public debate before taking economic, foreign policy, domestic, and homeland security measures. He does this through jokes and gaffes, by approving and then halting measures, with offhand comments in official meetings, and even by exploiting disinformation. In this new chapter of the Trump Observatory, we analyze some of the most notable cases. Tariffs and the stock market On April 2, 2025, Trump declared Liberation Day after signing an executive order that increased tariffs on imports from around the world. The increases were particularly steep for products from strategic trade partners such as China, which he targeted with a 125% rate. The announcement triggered a frantic stock market sell-off that wiped out, in less than a week, all the gains made over the past year. Trump eventually backtracked. He paused the implementation of the new tariffs and reached specific agreements with key partners such as China, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. In the end, he did implement one of the largest tariff increases in history, but given the impact of the initial proposal, the markets were actually relieved. They closed the year near all-time highs. Whether this was a premeditated strategy or sheer improvisation will never be known. Whitewashing deportations According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 605,000 people have been deported from the U.S. since January 20, 2025. To counter the impact of this measure, Trump has sought to expand the Overton Window in two different ways. First, he declared himself willing to deport even U.S. citizens a statement captured on an open microphone when he met with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele at the White House. While this has not happened, it now creates the impression that his measures are not as extreme as they could be. Furthermore, he has significantly increased his attacks on immigrants: during the campaign, he said they poison the blood of the country, accused them of eating pets, and called them animals. As president, he referred to Somali immigrants as garbage. Trump 2028 According to the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, no person may be elected president more than twice. No one had challenged this mandate until Trump returned to the White House. Since then, he has brought the topic into the public agenda in various ways, both explicitly and implicitly, seeking to normalize the debate. In March, he told the media that he was not ruling out running again and hinted that there might be methods to make it happen. A month later, he put a cap with the slogan Trump 2028 on sale on his website. In October, he placed several of these caps on the desk in the Oval Office when he met with Democratic Party leaders in Congress. The cap can also be found in a room of the presidential residence where he keeps merchandise and shows it to visiting international leaders. With the president of Azerbaijan, he even joked about running again. Militarization of cities On the official page for the Overton Window concept, the Mackinac Center notes that it reflects societal beliefs and is therefore susceptible to manipulation through lies and disinformation. One of the most notable examples linked to the Trump administration is the message that crime has increased in the U.S., which has been used to target immigrants and militarize several cities, even though the data actually show a decline in thefts and murders. In early September, after the National Guard had already been deployed to Washington and Los Angeles, MAGA activists on social media began circulating a video of a young womans murder on a bus in Charlotte, North Carolina. Trump also shared it and used the opportunity to promote a speech defending militarization a highly unpopular measure. So far, the National Guard has been deployed in six cities. Rolling back rights Just as public opinion can be influenced to expand the Overton Window and push through radical measures, it can also be manipulated to shrink it and roll back policies already in place. That is what Trump has sought to do with equality policies. The goal of his rhetoric and several of his actions has been to frame these policies as discriminatory against the white majority in the U.S., particularly men. In doing so, he aims to reduce the level of acceptance for affirmative action or similar measures, taking the first step toward their elimination. To find out more: Articles: Videos: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Chinese medical team donates supplies to Sierra Leone's orphans Xinhua) 11:33, January 03, 2026 Justina Zainab Conteh (R), executive director of the Saint George Foundation, presents a gratitude plaque to the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone at the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Jan. 2, 2026. The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday donated a batch of supplies as New Year gifts to a welfare home in Freetown, the country's capital. The supplies, including rice, bread, snacks, and daily necessities, were handed over to the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute as part of the team's efforts to improve the health and daily lives of the vulnerable children in the country. (The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua) FREETOWN, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday donated a batch of supplies as New Year gifts to a welfare home in Freetown, the country's capital. The supplies, including rice, bread, snacks, and daily necessities, were handed over to the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute as part of the team's efforts to improve the health and daily lives of the vulnerable children in the country. During his visit, Liu Longfei, head of the medical team, expressed hope for the children, saying they will be the successors in building Sierra Leone and the inheritors of China-Sierra Leone friendship. According to Liu, the medical team has been constantly providing free healthcare for the children at the welfare home with traditional Chinese medical techniques and bringing supplies to improve their livelihoods. Justina Zainab Conteh, executive director of the Saint George Foundation, expressed her appreciation for the support of the medical team and the Chinese government. The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone poses for a group photo at the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Jan. 1, 2026. The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday donated a batch of supplies as New Year gifts to a welfare home in Freetown, the country's capital. (The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua) The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone poses for a group photo at the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Jan. 1, 2026. The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday donated a batch of supplies as New Year gifts to a welfare home in Freetown, the country's capital. (The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua) (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) The United States launched a surprise attack on Venezuelan territory early Saturday morning. The president of the Latin American country, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife have been captured, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. administration officials confirmed to CBS News that the operation was carried out by Delta Force, the countrys main special operations unit, but did not specify where Maduro was detained or subsequently taken. They also provided no details about how the operation unfolded. Delta Force is officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational DetachmentDelta. It is a special operations military group tasked with high-risk missions, such as counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and the capture or elimination of high-value targets for the United States. The unit operates under strict secrecy, and its missions are rarely publicly acknowledged by authorities. Popular imagination has associated them with a group of ruthless heroes due to numerous Hollywood films. Chuck Norris starred in the action film Delta Force in 1986, when the unit was less than a decade old. Popular video games have also been released based on supposed missions carried out by the military group. The elite unit has extensive experience in U.S. military operations in Iraq over the past few decades. First deployed to the country in 1991 and again in 2003, it has returned occasionally for specific operations, according to The Washington Post. The rise of Al Qaeda in Iraq led the unit to its longest and most protracted campaign in the country. Delta Force was established in 1979 as the U.S. militarys rescue and response team in the face of the increase in international terrorist incidents. One of the units first missions was Operation Eagle Claw, the extraction of hostages from the U.S. Embassy in Iran in 1980. Although unsuccessful at the time, the operation has been depicted in several films. Notable examples include the movie Argo, directed by and starring Ben Affleck, and Desert One, directed by Barbara Kopple. Delta Force also participated in the Battle of Mogadishu (Somalia) in 1993, an operation recounted in the film Black Hawk Down. The elite unit was also responsible for the capture of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Delta Force has also participated in operations in Latin America, such as the search for Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Delta also participated unsuccessfully in a mission in Syria in July 2014 to attempt to rescue Americans held captive by the Islamic State. In a lengthy article about the role of the special forces unit, The Washington Post explained a few years ago that the existence of Delta Force, although classified, is an open secret. Soldiers who have served in the unit, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, leave little trace of their time with the group. The few memoirs published by veterans describe training that transforms soldiers into operators capable of working with minimal prior planning in both active combat zones and the chaos of the aftermath, sometimes storming into compounds with attack dogs barking and firing, and sometimes remaining completely undetected. Delta Force is one of the best-trained elite units in the world and also participated in the mission that killed former ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019. Furthermore, they are often responsible for operations against high-profile targets considered critical to U.S. national security. The military also has other elite units, such as the Navy SEALs, which led the operation to kill Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011, and which has at times overshadowed Delta Force. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition For the past 20 years, she has been legal guardian to 2,373 children, whose parents have been deported or are at risk of detention. She currently has 700 minors under her care An hours drive from Miami Beach, on the way to the suburb of Homestead, is the headquarters of the Nora Sandigo Children Foundation, founded by Nora Sandigo. Known as La Gran Madre the great mother Sandigo is a local legend. Since opening her foundation in 2006, shes been the legal guardian to 2,373 children, whose parents have been deported or are at risk of being detained by immigration authorities. This number is constantly changing as the children reach adulthood. Sandigo doesnt adopt the kids their mothers and fathers retain parental rights but she takes responsibility for decisions regarding their education, health, and upbringing, accepting guardianship of them. She cares for these youths in the absence of their parents, preventing them from being left at the mercy of the state. With the intensification of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations following Donald Trumps return to office, as well as the fear among many undocumented immigrants about being detained, the number of applications that Sandigo receives has increased considerably. The vast majority come from mothers who fear for their childrens future. In the last 18 months alone, Sandigo has become the legal guardian of 472 minors, bringing the total number of children currently under her care to around 700. The organizations headquarters is a nine-room house that also serves as a senior care center (also run by Sandigo), with profits going to fund the Nora Sandigo Children Foundation. On a Wednesday in early December, after 2:00 p.m., Sandigo arrives at the house. Shes dressed entirely in black, wearing comfortable clothes and white sneakers, which match her nails. Her long, dark hair is loose. She hasnt eaten yet, despite having gotten up at 6:00 a.m. I live on coffee, she jokes. The voice of this 60-year-old woman of Nicaraguan origin is warm and gentle. She recounts spending the morning working from home, where migrants also show up, seeking her assistance. She says that her doors are always open, without any set hours. I have a home and I also dont, you understand? Im not like those people who closely guard their privacy, who only find peace when theyre alone, she emphasizes. My life is one of service. Sandigo, the divorced mother of two daughters, now 27 and 28 years old, has also raised several other children in her home. She took care of some of them from young ages until they went to college, during the years that their parents were unable to care for them due to their precarious immigration status. At one point, she cared for six children under the same roof. Nora Sandigo talks with immigrant women and their children in Miami, on December 3. Marco Bello Helping those in need 24/7 Im not going out to make deliveries today. Three families have told me theyre coming to see me, Sandigo says. Fear is causing more and more migrants to avoid leaving their homes. The foundations work revolves around this dual approach: welcoming families who come to their center, while visiting the homes of those who dont dare to leave. However, Sandigos way of working doesnt follow any structure or methodology. Rather, it flows organically, according to the needs of the moment. Every day is different, she sighs. Sometimes, she distributes bags of food with basic necessities (for Thanksgiving, she included turkeys), or she organizes events where in addition to food she gives away school supplies. She dedicates the rest of her time to answering emails and returning phone calls, while managing the open cases of the migrants who come to her for help. She has years of experience stopping deportations, filing writs of habeas corpus and tracking down lawyers. Her phone never stops ringing. She has two cell phones, which she leaves on the table next to her computer. She moves back and forth between conversations and text messages; sometimes, she answers a phone to apologize, promising to call back later. A member of one of the families calls her four times. Despite having visited the foundation several times, she got lost while driving there. Its Marisol, a 31-year-old Guatemalan woman (she asks that her real name not be used, as shes undocumented). She arrives with her two children, aged four and 11, who are dressed in their school uniforms. They slowly settle down on the sofa; the children, shy, remain still. Their father was arrested two months ago and sent to a migrant detention center in Texas. The younger boy thinks that his dad is visiting his grandmother. He calls me every day to tell me that hes okay, not to worry about him and to focus on the children, the woman shrugs. She came to visit Sandigo to see if shes heard from her husbands lawyer. He has a court date next Monday and, by then, his lawyer must present a document certifying that Sandigo is the detainees U.S. sponsor an essential requirement for his release. Marisols husband has no criminal record. Hes also a Dreamer, protected under the DACA program, which was created in 2012 for those who arrived in the country as minors. However, while the program authorizes them to live and work in the U.S., it doesnt grant them legal status. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that Dreamers are not automatically protected from deportation. Even so, Sandigo believes that the situation is resolvable: she thinks that, with sponsorship and the payment of bail (which ranges from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the case), Marisols husband will be able to get out of jail. But Marisol remains worried. How are we going to get the money that the lawyer is asking for? I think [hes] taking advantage of our desperation. At first, he asked for $1,500 [but] when he found out Nora was going to help me, he raised it to $8,000, she laments. Marisol works in a plant nursery and barely earns enough to pay the rent. Sandigo reassures the woman. She has the tenacity and confidence of someone who has handled worse situations. In 2022, she helped a family that arrived in the U.S. with two children. The mother stayed with the baby in Florida, the father was deported to Guatemala, while the nine-year-old daughter was sent to a center in Texas and disappeared. Sandigo moved heaven and earth to find her. After reporting the girls disappearance, someone called anonymously to report where she was being held, which allowed Sandigos lawyers to get her returned to Florida, to be with her mother and brother. Sandigo who cannot bear the separation of families was warned that it would be impossible to bring the father back from Guatemala. But she didnt give up: she argued that he had been deported without being afforded the right to a fair defense and that he should be returned to the same place where the process began. On December 24 of that same year, the authorities accepted the appeal and returned the father to Florida. For the Nicaraguan-American woman, who is deeply religious, the fact that the family was reunited on such a significant day in the Christian calendar is a divine sign. This [work] has to continue. Its perfect because its spiritual, not material, she affirms. Nora Sandigo gifts a toy to the daughter of immigrants. Marco Bello Sandigo and several children under her guardianship attend an immigration hearing in Miami-Dade County. Alan Diaz (AP) Nora Sandigo, at her Miami home. Marco Bello Bags of food that Nora Sandigo donates to immigrants. Marco Bello At home, Nora Sandigo looks at photos of some of the immigrant children she has cared for. Marco Bello The immigration activist with Ritibh Kumar, a young man of Indian origin, who has lived with her since September of 2016. Wilfredo Lee (AP) Nora Sandigo meets with an immigrant mother in Miami. Marco Bello Separated families and unaccompanied children The other woman who comes to the center needs food. Ingrid, who also prefers to keep her real name private, arrives unhurriedly and sits down on the sofa, as if she were at home. She has known Sandigo since 2017, when her husband was deported and she was left alone with their children, who, at the time, were aged two, 11 and 15. The Guatemalan family arrived in the U.S. with political asylum, but when they moved, they missed a notification that required them to appear in court. Since then, theyve had an arrest warrant out for them. I consulted with four lawyers about the case and they all told me theres nothing that can be done, Ingrid explains. When asked if shes considering going somewhere else to avoid being arrested and having to leave her children alone, she replies, Where would I go? If [theyre going to take me, thats the way it is], she shrugs, prepared to take the risk. She believes that, if shes arrested, theyll let her youngest daughter (now 10) go with her. If they separate us, shell die. And Ill die, too, she affirms, not considering the possibility of being arrested any day on her way to work, which is what happened to her husband. Her case exemplifies how easily an American child can end up all alone in a matter of hours even if their parents are still alive. For now, the families Sandigo is in contact with have only had one parent arrested or deported, meaning that the remaining parent can still care for the children (most of whom were born in the United States). Its just pure chance that only one parent was arrested. If they found both of them at the same time, do you think ICE would have any compassion for the children? Sandigo points out. Whats happening is diabolical, cruel, callous, inhumane. If both parents are taken, the children will remain in her custody. But its not just about how many children Sandigo can take in. Rather, its about how many minors the U.S. immigration system can separate from their parents. As of the end of November, more than 65,700 people were in ICE custody at migrant detention centers across the country. And, despite Trumps claim that, in his crusade against migrants, hes targeting the worst of the worst, 73% of the detainees had no criminal records. Sandigo points out that the governments narrative is influencing ordinary people, who are becoming less compassionate and more reluctant to help. Last year, we received more support from the community. We just had to post on Facebook and we received donations. But now, the dynamic has changed, she explains. She adds that, sometimes, when families at risk call her to ask if she has food, she has nothing to give them. The foundation is sustained by donations from churches, volunteers and local businesses, as well as by Sandigos own resources. My intention in speaking to the media is to contribute to a greater sense of humanity in the face of whats happening, to reach peoples hearts. Marisols husband is already in the process of being deported. The lawyer handling his case refused to accept payment in installments and demanded an $8,000 deposit on Monday, just hours before the court hearing. The Guatemalan woman didnt have the money, so the lawyer abandoned the case. This is an example of the monstrosity were experiencing, Sandigo says, with frustration in her voice. The lawyer only had to submit my sponsorship paperwork to free that man. It was an easy case, but people have no compassion. For those who wish to contribute to the cause, donations can be made Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition LONDON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Britain was "not involved in any way" in the U.S. operation in Venezuela, according to British media reports on Saturday. In remarks recorded for British broadcasters, Starmer said he had not spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump about Washington's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. "It is obviously a fast-moving situation and we need to establish all the facts," he said, adding that he is seeking more information before making further comment. Starmer said there were about 500 British nationals in Venezuela, and that the government was working with the embassy to ensure they were well looked after, safeguarded and given appropriate advice. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, who was flown out of the country along with his wife. Venezuela on Saturday denounced a "military aggression" by the United States, after large explosions were heard and aircraft were seen over the capital Caracas earlier in the day. Some of Silicon Valley's richest tech founders say they may leave California if a new billionaire tax becomes law. The proposal would place a one-time 5% tax on people who own more than $1 billion in assets while living in the state, Yahoo reported. Critics warn the plan could push top innovators and their money out of California. The proposed tax is backed by the Service Employees International UnionUnited Healthcare Workers West. Supporters say the money could help fill gaps in health care funding if federal dollars are reduced. The tax would affect about 200 Californians and could raise around $100 million, according to supporters. But many tech leaders say the cost would be too high. Palmer Luckey, cofounder of defense technology company Anduril Industries, spoke strongly against the idea on X. He said the tax would force founders to sell large parts of their companies just to pay the bill. Luckey explained that he already paid hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes from selling his first company and used what was left to start Anduril, which now employs about 6,000 people. "If this passes, founders like me will have to come up with billions of dollars in cash," Luckey wrote, adding that the money would go toward what he called wasteful spending. Other well-known billionaires are also considering leaving. A New York Times report said Google co-founder Larry Page and investor Peter Thiel are weighing moves out of California. Tech Billionaires Warn of California Exodus as 5% Wealth Tax Sparks Panic pic.twitter.com/Np1vxVTGkQ YM530 (@ymlovesya) December 29, 2025 Wealthy Californians Eye Exit Ahead of 2026 Tax Trigger According to FoxBusiness, Page could face a tax bill of about $12 billion, while Thiel, worth roughly $27.5 billion, could owe more than $1.2 billion. If voters approve the measure, it would apply to anyone living in California on Jan. 1, 2026. A person with $20 billion in assets on that date would owe $1 billion, paid over five years. Because of this, some wealthy residents are making plans to change where they live before the deadline. Investor Bill Ackman also warned the tax could hurt the state. He said entrepreneurs might leave, taking jobs and tax revenue with them. "California is on a path to self-destruction," Ackman wrote. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he does not support the billionaire tax. While he urged people not to panic, he acknowledged growing concerns about wealth inequality. State analysts have warned that if even a small number of billionaires leave, California could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in yearly tax revenue. As one tax advisor put it, wealthy residents can move more easily than anyone else. "Those golden geese have wings," he said. Originally published on vcpost.com The collapse of a royal marriage is rarely simple, often buried under layers of protocol, public duty, and private misery. Yet, for Sarah Ferguson, the end of her union with Prince Andrew can reportedly be traced back to a single, brutal sentence. It was a declaration that didn't just hint at the cracks in their relationship but cracked it wide open, laying bare exactly where she stood in her husband's life. According to sources close to the situation, the Duke of York once told his wife, with chilling clarity: 'I am a Prince, then a naval officer, then a husband.' Those eleven words, reportedly delivered during a moment of marital strain, offer a devastating glimpse into the dynamics that doomed the couple. For a young woman navigating the isolating corridors of royal life, hearing that her role as a wife came a distant third to his title and his career must have been a crushing realisation. It wasn't just a statement of fact; it was, as insiders now suggest, the moment the emotional hierarchy of their marriage was etched in stone. The Lonely Reality of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's Divorce While the public saw the fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey in 1986, the dress, the waving crowds, the kiss on the balcony, the reality behind closed doors was starkly different. The couple, introduced by Princess Diana, quickly found their romance eroded by the demands of Andrew's naval career. It is difficult to sustain a marriage when one partner is essentially a ghost in their own home; reports indicate that during one particularly lonely year, Andrew was present for a mere 42 days. This physical absence was compounded by an emotional distance that no amount of royal splendour could bridge. Sources claim that Andrew's "blunt prioritisation" of his rank and duty over his wife was the catalyst for Sarah's decision to separate. But loneliness was not the only spectre haunting the Yorks. Whispers of infidelity plagued the marriage early on, with rumours suggesting Andrew had slept with more than a dozen women before the couple even celebrated their first anniversary. Sarah, too, faced intense scrutiny. Her friendship with Texas oilman Steve Wyatt drew headlines, but it was the infamous 1992 photographs showing her with financial advisor John Bryan in a compromising position that dealt the final blow to her public standing. The couple separated soon after, and by 1996, the divorce was finalised. At the time, Sarah framed the split with characteristic pragmatism, noting, 'I wanted to work... it's not right for a princess of the royal house to be commercial.' She insisted the move was financial, not personal, allowing her to 'go off and get a job'. An Unbreakable Bond After Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's Divorce The decades following their split have seen Andrew and Sarah become closer than most happily married couples. Despite being stripped of their HRH titles by King Charles, consequences of Andrew's disastrous association with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the pair have continued to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Sarah has famously described them as 'the happiest divorced couple in the world', insisting they are divorced to each other, not from each other. Her loyalty has been nothing short of steadfast. Even after Andrew's 2022 settlement with Virginia Giuffre regarding sexual assault allegations which he has consistently denied, Sarah has stood by him. 'The love I had for him then is the love I still have for him now,' she has said. 'My duty is to him. I am so proud of him.' However, the walls of their sanctuary are closing in. King Charles has reportedly ordered the pair to vacate the 30 million property by February, a move that signals the final dismantling of Andrew's privileged existence. While insiders describe Sarah's loyalty as a 'pathetic display' of financial dependence, Andrew's current state paints a picture of a man utterly defeated. Reports from within Royal Lodge describe a 65-year-old former Duke wandering the corridors, muttering about his downfall. He is said to spend his days slumped on a sofa in a darkened games room, losing himself in the virtual warfare of Call of Duty. It is a tragic, almost farcical end for a man who once declared his title was his first priority only to find himself with a title that means nothing, a career that is gone, and a life reduced to a game on a screen. Originally published on IBTimes UK Ukrainian spies outwitted Russian security forces, pocketing a 370,000 bounty meant for the head of a prominent anti-Putin fighter. The operation, unveiled on New Year's Day 2026, saved the target's life and redirected Moscow's funds into Ukraine's defence coffers. Denis Kapustin, also known as Denis Nikitin, leads the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), a group of Russian nationals who have been fighting alongside Ukraine since the invasion began in 2022. Russia placed a reward on his capture or death after RDK launched cross-border raids into Belgorod and Kursk regions. Ukrainian military intelligence, known as HUR, planned to fake his demise in a drone strike on 27 December 2025, convincing Russian operatives to pay up. The deception began with a fabricated announcement from the RDK. On Telegram, the group posted a mournful message: 'We will definitely take revenge, Denis. Your legacy lives on.' This ploy sealed the deal, prompting Russia to release the bounty, about $500,000. HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov later confirmed the success, stating the money would bolster Ukraine's struggle against invasion forces. Revelation and Kremlin Fallout The truth emerged in a video released by HUR on 1 January 2026, showing Kapustin alive and grinning beside Budanov. 'First of all, Mr Denis, congratulations on your return to life. That is always a pleasure,' Budanov quipped, adding, 'I am glad that the money allocated for your assassination was used to support our struggle.' The clip, widely shared on social media, delivered a propaganda victory for Kyiv by mocking Russian intelligence lapses. Reports from multiple outlets corroborate the details. Ukraine staged the event not just for the cash but to thwart a real assassination plot by Moscow's special forces, according to the South China Morning Post. The operation fooled Russian security into believing Kapustin died in the strike, leading to the unwitting transfer of funds. This isn't the first time Ukrainian spies have turned the tables. In November 2025, HUR agents posed as saboteurs, accepting Russian tasks only to sabotage them from within. One double agent supplied a fake bomb made of flour, leading to a Russian operative's arrest when the device failed. Broader Context of Ukrainian Intelligence Wins Such tactics are part of a pattern of bold Ukrainian operations deep inside Russian territory. The BBC detailed recent hits, including the December 2025 car bombing of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's chemical weapons unit, in Moscow. Explosives hidden in an electric scooter killed him and his aide, showcasing Ukraine's surveillance prowess even in the heart of enemy land. Other strikes include the 2023 assassination of war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky with a booby-trapped sculpture in St Petersburg, and the shooting of missile scientist Mikhail Shatsky in a Moscow forest in November 2025. These actions, often claimed by Ukraine's SBU security service, send a clear message: no Russian official is safe, anywhere. Yuriy Karin, a Kyiv-based military observer, told the BBC that such killings erode the sense of security among Russian elites. 'If the SBU was behind it, it sends a message that even within Moscow's ring road, Russian generals cannot feel safe,' Karin noted. He suggested some attacks might stem from internal Russian rivalries, but most point to Ukrainian ingenuity amid the protracted war. Impact on Ongoing Conflict The Kapustin con arrives as peace talks falter under US President Donald Trump's mediation. Russia has ramped up accusations of Western meddling, including claims of UK involvement in a deadly New Year's Eve drone strike in occupied Kherson that killed 27. Ukraine denies targeting civilians, insisting strikes hit military assets only. Meanwhile, the front lines see no respite. Ukrainian forces recently struck Russian oil refineries in Samara, while Moscow retaliated with barrages in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia, injuring civilians. The intelligence coup boosts Ukrainian morale, showing that even without superior firepower, cunning can tilt the scales. As the war enters its fourth year, operations like this highlight Ukraine's resourcefulness against a larger foe. Kapustin, now 'back from the dead,' vows to continue the fight. His group's raids remain a thorn in Putin's side. With the bounty money now arming Ukrainian troops, the Kremlin's misstep could prove costly on the battlefield. Originally published on IBTimes UK RIYADH, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that it will host a conference here to bring together all southern factions in Yemen "to discuss just solutions to the southern cause." The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the conference comes in response to a request by Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, noting that the only way to resolve Yemen's southern cause is through dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution in Yemen. It added that the conference comes as part of Saudi Arabia's continued efforts to support and strengthen Yemen's security and stability and to provide a suitable environment for dialogue. The situation in Yemen continued to escalate on Friday, when the Yemeni government launched a military operation against the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the eastern province of Hadramout. The STC subsequently announced the launch of a two-year transitional period, during which the council will administer the southern parts of the country, to be followed by a referendum on the independence of the south. Hunger in the Berkshires Does Not Take a Holiday When the holidays end and life settles back into its familiar routines, the surge of generosity that defines November and December inevitably begins to fade. The food drives quiet down, the festive meals are over, and the community's attention shifts to the next challenge. Yet for thousands of our Berkshire neighbors, hunger remains exactly where it was before the holidays began. It does not ease with the passing of a season. It does not follow the calendar. It lingers quietly at kitchen tables long after the decorations have been packed away. Hunger in the Berkshires affects working parents stretching every paycheck, older adults deciding between groceries and prescriptions, and children who depend on school meals through the long winter months. For many families, hunger is not a temporary crisis but a constant strain that often intensifies once the holidays are behind us. The Numbers Behind the Need According to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, an average of 25,324 Berkshire residents sought food assistance each month last year through one of the county's 39 local food pantries or meal sites. A statewide study by the Greater Boston Food Bank found that 39 percent of Berkshire residents are food insecure compared with 33 percent statewide. These numbers do not shrink after the holidays. In fact, winter expenses often push many families from "barely managing" into "needing help now." Behind each number is a person doing everything possible to get by. A parent skipping dinner so a child can eat. A senior making a single bag of groceries last the week. Hard-working families who simply earn too little to keep pace with the rising cost of living in our region. A Network of Hope Fortunately, Berkshire County is home to an extraordinary network of food providers that operates with unwavering compassion throughout the year. Across the county, 21 food pantries, six meal sites, eight senior "brown bag" locations, and four Mobile Food Bank sites extend care and dignity to thousands of residents. The Pittsfield Community Food Pantry serves more than 6,700 people each month through open pantry hours, grab-and-go breakfasts, prepared dinners, and home deliveries to 500 families weekly. In North Adams, the Berkshire Food Project serves hot meals five days a week to nearly 2,300 people, and the Friendship Center Food Pantry welcomes close to 1,000 residents every month. The Lee Food Pantry and the Berkshire Dream Center's mobile pantry ensure that families in smaller or more rural towns are not left behind. At BCAC, our Food Depot coordinates weekly deliveries from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to pantries countywide. With transportation donated by Big Y, food reaches every corner of the county. Goodwill of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont also sends trucks of fresh groceries to some of the most remote areas. Together, these programs provide more than 2.6 million meals each year, yet the need continues to grow during the winter months when budgets are stretched the furthest. The Economics of Hunger The roots of hunger here lie in both economics and geography. The median household income in Berkshire County is about $72,500, compared with more than $104,000 statewide. While housing costs may be higher in eastern Massachusetts, the income gap leaves Berkshire families with far less margin to absorb rising prices for groceries, heat, and transportation. The county's poverty rate of 12 percent is higher than the state average of 10 percent, and nearly one in six Berkshire children lives in a household struggling to get by. But poverty and food insecurity are not the same. While about 12 percent of residents live below the poverty line, tens of thousands more hover just above it. They earn too much to qualify for assistance, yet too little to stay food secure. These are the families most vulnerable once holiday generosity subsides. The SNAP Connection The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program remains the most effective safeguard against hunger. Yet when temporary federal increases expired in 2023, households across Massachusetts lost about $151 a month on average. For many Berkshire families, that reduction pushed them toward local food pantries for the first time. And after Congress passed a reconciliation budget expected to remove 150,000 Massachusetts residents from SNAP, the strain on local food programs is expected to intensify in the year ahead. Carrying Compassion Forward The holidays inspire generosity, but the real test of a community's compassion comes in the quieter months that follow. Hunger is with us all year long. The question is whether our commitment will last just as long. Here is how you can help in the months ahead: Advocate for strong federal investments in SNAP and oppose reductions to benefits. Volunteer during the winter months when volunteer numbers drop sharply. Donate food, funds, or grocery cards on a monthly basis to help pantries remain stocked after holiday giving declines. The Berkshires has always been a place where people look out for one another. That spirit is our strength. As we move into a new year, let us carry forward the compassion we show during the holidays and work toward a future where no one in the Berkshires goes hungry. A Morris Elementary pupil examines one of the technology classes' light show objects in the gym. Technology teacher Kate Olender's coding and robotics classes spent three weeks bringing to life winter-light installations. PreviousNext Morris Elementary School Celebrates Positive Behavior The celebration included games for the younger classes. LENOX, Mass. Morris Elementary School students kicked off their winter vacation with a good behavior celebration. Students returned from Thanksgiving break with a challenge to collectively get at least 2,026 ROAR tickets. The ROAR ticket represents the school's values of: Rising to a challenge, Owning your actions, Always working together, and Respecting yourself and others. It also references the school's tiger mascot, said fifth-grade students Rosalie Cass, Charlotte Burke, Liadan Moriarty, and Sammi Simonelli in unison. The event was very "exciting," they said. Students earn ROAR tickets by demonstrating positive behaviors such as using kind words and manners, showing leadership, helping friends, and following school expectations. The 321 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade surpassed the school's goal by a great deal, said Holly Soules, assistant principal. "We're also very proud of earning the right number of more tickets," Charlotte said. The festivities were not only a reward for the students' positive behavior but also showcased their skills, community, and the positive culture in the school The daylong event included a light show made by each grade's coding in technology classes, two ice carving demonstrations by artists Peter Vacchina and Robert Markey, who created the letter M and a tiger, winter-themed games, and hot chocolate and cookies. The day also included letter making that will be sent to about six community organizations including the Town Hall, Fire and Police departments, and some community members, Soules said. "Art always has a good impact on students. Art and music does something to the brain. It makes people feel good," Markey said. "When I work with kids and they make art, they feel so much better than they felt before they started." Vacchina, who is a retired high school science teacher, recollected how class outside was the highlight of many students' day. "Watching us work on these crystal clear chunks of ice can't ask for anything better on a day before vacation," he said. The event "builds a community within a school. It builds friendships. We're always talking about working together and being good friends [and] good peers to each other," Principal Brenda Kelley said. A highlight of the event was the demonstration of collaboration between different grade levels. Each aspect of the event, from its decorations to the festivities, centered around the collaborative nature the school nurtures. As soon as you walk into the school there were origami snowflakes hang from the ceiling, made by Kyle Betters and Melanie Counsell's fifth-grade classes with their second-grade buddies. The school kicked off its winter carnival on Monday morning, two days before the winter break, with the Walking Holiday Light Show. Each grade in technology teacher Kate Olender's coding and robotics class spent three weeks bringing to life winter-light installations by building structures from cardboard, programming lights and robots, or troubleshooting technical challenges. The process taught student design process, computational thinking, coding concepts, and problem solving, she said. "They feel like they're giving something back to their community. They have pride in their work, and they get to show off what they're learning," Olender said. The students are really learning how to develop their science, technology, math, and peer modeling skills, Kelley said. Following the installation, the gym opened back up to make room for winter-themed activities, including building a "snowman" in the gym using physical education equipment. Haiti - Cap-Haitien : Winners of the My Neighborhood is the Cleanest Contest On Thursday, January 1st, 2026, the Cap-Haitien Municipal Commission presented awards to the neighborhoods that participated in the "My Neighborhood is the Cleanest" (Katye Lakayan m Pi Pwop) contest, launched on September 7, 2025 (https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45738-icihaiti-cap-haitien-launch-of-operation-konbit-a-cleaning-campaign.html). The La Violette neighborhood won first prize, which includes a cash award of one million gourdes (1,000,000). This sum will be used for a development project in the area. The other neighborhoods received streetlights. On the Podium : 1st : La Violette Neighborhood (Prize : 1 million Gourdes) 2nd : Laurier Neighborhood (Prize : 15 streetlights) 3rd : La Fossette Neighborhood (Prize : 10 streetlights) During the ceremony, Angie Bell, the Mayor of Cap-Haitien, commended the remarkable work done by Ayiti Community Trust in the community. She presented them with a plaque of honor in recognition of their commitment to local development. The Municipal Commission is convinced that the commitment of every citizen, and especially close collaboration with the Mayor's office, is the essential foundation for the success of all initiatives aimed at cleanliness, sustainable development, and improving living conditions in the municipality. IH/ iciHaiti Security forces work at the scene of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Initial evidence at the scene suggests that the sparklers may have caused the fire, with foam material used on the ceiling of the bar also among the concerns. by Xinhua writer Jiao Qian GENEVA, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Around 40 people are believed to have died in a bar fire breaking out in southwestern Switzerland, with the number of injured rising to 119, police said at a news conference on Friday afternoon. Among the injured, the identities of 113 people have been confirmed. But some European countries still reported missing nationals in the fire, which broke out overnight at "Le Constellation" bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton. Swiss authorities said the death toll is expected to rise in the coming days. Stephane Ganzer, a regional health and safety official, told the French radio station RTL that 80 to 100 of the injured are in a critical condition, with many likely to die from severe burns. People place candles and flowers to mourn the victims of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026.(Xinhua/Lian Yi) DEADLY TRAGEDY The alarm was raised at the bar at around 1:30 a.m. (1230 GMT) Thursday local time, minutes after the fire broke out. A total of 41 ambulances, 13 helicopters, and more than 150 medical personnel were deployed to the scene, local police said. An area of 100 meters around the bar had been cordoned off. Crowds of people stood hugging and crying near the police line, where flowers and candles for the victims had been laid. A young Swiss man named Nathan, visibly shaken, told Xinhua near the scene that four of his friends had died in the fire. "Three are still missing," he said, "I don't even know which hospitals they are in. It's all so tragic... It hurts because I never got the chance to say goodbye to them." Anthony Cina, 17, was on vacation from the Canton of Vaud in Switzerland. He told Xinhua that he had not been able to enter the bar on the night of the tragedy as it was full. He was waiting in line with his friends when he saw smoke, then fire. "I saw a lot of people then running out that were like, burnt, and everything was just shocking," he said. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin said the fire was one of the worst tragedies in the country's history. Parmelin, who just started his second term as the country's president, had postponed his New Year's address. "The government would like to express its condolences to all the relatives," Parmelin said. Flags at the Federal Palace will stay at half-mast for five days, he added, stressing that such tragedies must be prevented in the future. Security forces cordon off the scene of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) EU COUNTRIES OFFER HELP Most of those killed and injured in the fire are young people, since Le Constellation was a more affordable option than most other venues in the luxury resort. The injured were initially taken to hospitals in Sion, the capital of Valais Canton, as well as Lausanne, Zurich, and Geneva. Some were later transferred to hospitals abroad. According to the Italian authorities, 13 Italian nationals have been admitted to hospitals, and six others are still missing. Fourteen injured people are being transferred to Polish hospitals at Switzerland's request, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on X, saying that his country was ready to provide specialized medical care. Another three injured people, including two French nationals and one Swiss, were transferred to hospitals in Lyon and Paris, according to French authorities. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that at least six French nationals were injured, and eight French citizens are "still unaccounted for." According to Swiss media reports, the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, has flown the Swiss flag at half-mast as a gesture of solidarity and mourning, saying it stands with Switzerland in commemorating the deceased and extends its deepest condolences to all those affected. People watch the news of an explosion and a fire at a bar on television in Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) POSSIBLE CAUSE ANNOUNCED After the fire, a video footage emerged on the internet, showing staff at the bar holding lit sparklers attached to bottles close to the ceiling, where flames were spreading afterwards. The authorities of the canton of Valais reported Thursday that the bar has been the scene of a "flashover" - a phenomenon where flammable materials suddenly ignite, turning a localized fire into a raging inferno. At the press conference on Friday afternoon, Valais Canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said the sparklers attached to the champagne bottles were assumed to be one of the causes of the fire. According to Pilloud, initial evidence at the scene suggests that the sparklers may have caused the fire, with foam material used on the ceiling of the bar also among the concerns. "We are pursuing multiple hypotheses; no scenario is being ruled out," she said. The number of people inside the bar at the time of the incident remains unknown. Local authorities said it would take time to identify all individuals, but the identification of the deceased has been a priority. On Friday, Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais government, announced that a memorial service will be held in Crans-Montana on Jan. 9. "It will be an opportunity to come together to commemorate the victims and stand united as a nation," he said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Myanmars military-appointed election body has begun announcing the winners of the first phase of its three-part general election, saying that a military-backed party has won the majority of seats, as widely expected. Critics of the current system say that the election is designed to add a facade of legitimacy to the status quo. They say the polls are neither free nor fair because of the exclusion of major parties and government repression of dissenters. Opposition groups have called for a boycott by voters. The military government said on Wednesday that more than 6 million people about 52 per cent of the more than 11 million eligible voters in the first phase of elections held on 28 December cast ballots, calling the turnout a decisive success. Yet that falls well short of the turnout of about 70 per cent in general elections in 2020 and 2015, according to the US-based non-profit International Foundation for Electoral Systems. The junta had gone to great lengths to force the Burmese public to head to the ballot box this time round. The Union Election Commission, or UEC, announced in the state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper on Saturday that the Union Solidarity and Development Party, or USDP, won 38 seats in the 330-seat Pyithu Hluttaw lower house, though many seats from the election held on 28 December have yet to be declared. A separate announcement named the USDPs leader, Khin Yi, as the winning representative from his constituency in the capital, Naypyidaw. He is a former general and police chief, widely regarded as a close ally of the military ruler, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. He was said to have won 49,006 of the 68,681 votes cast. The Shan Nationalities Democratic Party and the Mon Unity Party got one seat each, according to the UEC statement. Saturdays announcement was still a partial result, but the USDPs leaders were convinced of success for the first phase. A senior official of the USDP told The Associated Press that the party has won 88 seats of the total 102 contested in the first phase. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to release information, said the party ran unopposed in 29 constituencies, facing no challengers or rivals. Myanmar has a two-house national legislature, totalling 664 seats. The party with a combined parliamentary majority can select the new president, who can name a cabinet and form a new government. The military automatically receives 25 per cent of seats in each house under the constitution. The USDP official said the party also won 85 per cent of contested seats in regional legislatures, though complete results will only be known after the second or third phases. Voting is taking place in three phases due to ongoing armed conflicts, with the first round held on 28 December in 102 townships, nearly a third of Myanmars 330 townships. The remaining phases will take place on 11 January and 25 January, but 65 townships wont participate because of the fighting. While more than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six parties are competing nationwide with the possibility of gaining political clout in parliament. The USDP is by far the strongest contender. Military rule began when soldiers ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. It blocked her National League for Democracy party from serving a second term despite winning a landslide victory in the 2020 election. The NLD was dissolved in 2023, along with 39 other parties, after refusing to officially register under the new military rules. The takeover triggered widespread popular opposition that has grown into a civil war. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal judge in Kentucky has dismissed Louisvilles proposed settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over police reforms after the department withdrew its support of the plan earlier this year. The Justice Department announced in May it was canceling proposed consent decrees with Louisville and Minneapolis that sought to curb police racial bias and abuses after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor that spurred nationwide protests in the summer of 2020. U.S. District Judge Benjamin Beaton wrote in a Dec. 31 ruling that the responsibility to lead the Louisville Metro Police Department in compliance with federal law must remain with the citys elected representatives and the people they serve. A judge in May dismissed Minneapolis proposed consent decree, which places a federal officer in charge of tracking the progress of reforms laid out in the agreement. Justice Department officials under President Joe Biden's administration conducted a multiyear investigation in Louisville prompted by the fatal shooting of Taylor and police responses to public protests in 2020. A draft of the investigation was released in early 2023, alleging the Louisville Police Department discriminates against Black people in its enforcement activities, uses excessive force and conducts searches based on invalid warrants. New DOJ leadership accused the Biden Justice Department of using flawed legal theories to judge police departments and pursuing costly and burdensome consent decrees. The consent decrees with Louisville and Minneapolis were approved by the Justice Department in the final weeks of the Biden administration, but the settlements had to be approved by a judge. Beaton wrote that his ruling doesnt prevent the parties from undertaking the hard work of reform themselves. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg pledged to continue to pursue reform after the Justice Department's withdrawal of support in May. The city created a local police reform plan and hired an independent law enforcement consulting group as monitor. Greenberg said last month the city is making good progress on reforms, including increasing transparency by addressing a backlog of open records requests and making police shooting body camera videos public within 10 business days. Im proud of the progress, I know we have a lot more to do together, Greenberg said. City officials did not return messages seeking further comment on Friday. The city initiated some reforms after Taylors death in March 2020, including a city law banning the use of no-knock warrants. The warrants were typically used in surprise drug raids. The city also started a pilot program that sends behavioral health professionals to some 911 calls. The city also paid a $12 million wrongful death settlement to Taylors family. Earlier this year, former Louisville Police Detective Brett Hankison became the first officer involved in the Taylor raid to go to prison. A judge sentenced Hankison to nearly three years in prison on an excessive force conviction despite the Justice Departments efforts to reduce his sentence to one day of time served. Hankison shot 10 rounds after police were fired on by Taylors boyfriend from inside her apartment. Hankison shot blindly into Taylors windows but didnt strike anyone inside or in a neighboring apartment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has appeared in court charged with murder after a 41-year-old male was found dead in a south London property. The body of Kaleem Shaik, an Indian national, was discovered after The Metropolitan Police attended an address on Bondway, Lambeth, at 8pm on New Years Day. Police attended the address following a welfare concern for a man. Daniel Levy, of the same road, was arrested that day. On Saturday, Levy, 48, was charged with murder and remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court, the force added. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, leading the investigation, said: Our thoughts are with Kaleems family at this very difficult time. My team is not currently seeking any additional suspects in relation to this tragic incident. We understand the concern this will have caused the local community and residents can expect to see an increased police presence over the coming days. Levy is to appear at the Old Bailey on January 5. Mr Shaiks family, who live in India, have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice When a priest told seven-year-old Natasha Walker that if she prayed every night to God, he would bring her missing sister home, she did so for months. Trust me, youre praying really bloody hard every night, but God never brought my sister home, she told The Independent. In 1981, the Lee family spent their daughter Katrices second birthday near a military base in Germany, where her father, Richard, from Hartlepool, was stationed. Katrice was at a Naafi supermarket with her mother, Sharon, and aunt when she vanished, making it the second and last birthday her family would ever get to celebrate with her. As The Independent has raised 165,000 to launch SafeCall a free new service to help missing children find support and safety no matter what and continues to raise more, we spoke to Ms Walker, who is still holding out hope that she will see her sister again. Donate here or text SAFE to 70577 to give 10 to Missing People enough for one child to get help. open image in gallery Natasha Walker (left) was seven when she last saw her sister Katrice Lee, who turned two on the day of her disappearance ( Missing People ) On the day of Katrices disappearance, Ms Walker, who was seven at the time, stayed at home with her uncle while her sister, parents and aunt went to the supermarket. At the checkout, her mother realised she had forgotten crisps for Katrices birthday, and told her aunt to watch the toddler while she grabbed them. Katrice then started following her mother. Ms Walker said: It was probably 30 seconds, and by the time it took them both to turn their heads, Katrice had vanished. Her mother began looking around the shop and calling for her daughter, but there was no sign of her anywhere. Ms Walkers first memory of her sisters disappearance was her father coming home to say she was gone. She then remembers walking down the road to find her mother screaming at the top of her lungs. Ive never heard anything like it and I dont ever want to hear it again, she recalled. I just couldnt comprehend it, because for me as a seven-year-old, if you lose a doll, it turns up. open image in gallery Katrice was described as a cheeky toddler by her sister ( Missing People ) Ms Walker spent the next week living with her neighbours, while her family continued to search for her sister. She added: I lost my whole family for one week. I got my parents back, and now, 44 years later, Im still waiting to get my sister back. That week felt like years for Ms Walker. When she finally returned, she walked into a house of complete darkness and silence. That will haunt me, she said. I think that was the worst thing. We were always so happy; normally, when I came off the school bus, Katrice was there to greet me. The family said the Royal Military Police apologised to them in 2012 and admitted the previous investigations were flawed, and had pledged to reinvestigate the case. Police were adamant that Katrice had managed to get out of the door, fought her way through a very busy car park, went through some bushes and jumped into a river and drowned, Ms Walker said. open image in gallery Natasha Walkers first memory of her sisters disappearance was her father coming home to say she was gone ( ITV ) As a result, she said, the towns borders werent shut down for at least 48 hours. Officers didnt speak to the shop staff, and people who said they had seen Katrice in the supermarket werent interviewed for years. The Independent has contacted the military police for comment. More than four decades later, Katrices disappearance still has a grip on her familys life. One woman has even been jailed more recently for harassing the family over Katrices disappearance, and another was sentenced for malicious communications after using social media to impersonate the missing toddler. My mum can still get quite anxious over me if I go away, even with my husband, Ms Walker said. When she got married in 2018, she had a red button from Katrices cardigan sewn onto her wedding dress, so that although she wasnt there with me in person, I felt like I had a piece of her close to my heart. open image in gallery The family said the Royal Military Police had pledged to reinvestigate the case ( Missing People ) Ive missed out on so much, Ive missed out on talking about boyfriends or girlfriends Even arguments, I wasnt even experiencing that, she said. Ms Walker believes her sister was abducted, adding: In an ideal world, what I would love to have happened is that she has led a really happy life but I also know that might not necessarily be the case. We live in hope because if you dont have that, you dont really have anything. And were not ready to give up. Missing Peoples family support worker Amy Walker said: Katrice Lee was just two years old when she went missing, and decades later her family is still living with unanswered questions and deep loss. Time does not lessen the need for truth, nor does it diminish the pain of not knowing. We stand with Katrices family and will continue to support them for as long as they need helping them seek information, advocate for change, and ensure this case is never forgotten. Katrice matters, and we will remain alongside her family for as long as it takes. Please donate now to The Independent and Missing Peoples SafeCall campaign, which has raised 165,000 to create a free, nationwide service helping vulnerable children find safety and support. For advice, support and options if you or someone you love goes missing, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000. Its free, confidential and non-judgemental. Or visit missingpeople.org.uk/get-help Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for parts of the UK, with the north of Scotland braced for further travel disruption. Further snow showers could cause more delays on roads and on public transport throughout Sunday and into Monday. While more serious amber weather warnings for the north of Scotland expired on Saturday at noon, a yellow warning is still in place until midday on Monday. open image in gallery ( Met Office ) Separate warnings for snow and ice are in place for Wales, Greater Manchester and South West England, while much of the east coast of England is covered by a yellow warning for ice. The wintry weather led to ScotRail announcing several train cancellations on Saturday in the north of Scotland. Roads in the north-east of Scotland were also shut, with severe delays reported on the A90 between Brechin and Stonehaven because of snow drifts. Police strongly advised people in Orkney against travelling due to the conditions on the roads. Roads around Badenoch and Strathspey in the Highlands were badly affected, with police advising against all but essential travel. The Met Office warned that heavy snow showers could see some rural communities cut off, as well as a risk of power cuts in some areas. Arctic air plunged much of the UK into sub-zero temperatures in the first days of January, with nearly -6C being recorded at Loch Ness on Friday night. open image in gallery Parts of the UK will remain under snow and ice warnings until noon on Monday (Jacob King/PA) The Met Office said: Snow showers are expected to continue through the weekend, being brought well inland by strong northerly winds. Winds should ease somewhat into Sunday, with showers by then most prevalent around coasts. Snow showers should finally begin to ease during Monday morning. With temperatures inland likely remaining below freezing through the weekend, thaw of lying snow is not expected. On Saturday afternoon, Network Rail Scotland said that some lines in northern Scotland were seeing snow accumulations of around 20cm. LNER said there was major disruption to their services north of Dundee, which was expected to continue into Sunday afternoon. NANJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- One more survivor of the Nanjing Massacre has passed away, reducing the number of living registered survivors to 22, the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders said on Saturday. Xu Deming died at the age of 96 on Friday, the hall announced. The Nanjing Massacre took place after Japanese troops captured the then-Chinese capital in east China on Dec. 13, 1937. Over the course of six weeks, they proceeded to kill approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most barbaric episodes of WWII. "In 1937, the Japanese invaders broke into my home and took my father away. They took him to Shuiximen and later to the Qingliang Mountain area for mass massacre. Someone spotted my father there and then told my elder brother about it. We searched for him everywhere, but just didn't find his body," Xu once recalled. "My father was only 54 years old when he was killed. My family fled to the refugee area and faced great difficulty getting food," he said. Over the years, the number of survivors who are able to share firsthand accounts of the massacre has continued to decline. In 2014, China's top legislature designated Dec. 13 as the national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. The Chinese government has also preserved survivors' testimonies, recorded via both written and video transcripts. These documents relating to the massacre were inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2015. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK should consider implementing an Australian-style social media ban to shield teenagers from online radicalisation, according to the governments independent terrorism watchdog. Jonathan Hall KC issued a stark warning, describing the internet as a "portal to horrific acts of violence". He cautioned that interactions with artificial intelligence, such as extremist chatbots, could lead young individuals "down the dial of death". Writing in The Telegraph, Mr Hall asserted that Britain could "take back control" from major tech companies through new policy initiatives. He highlighted Australias recent ban, which came into effect last month, as an example of "improving" legislation. This measure aims to prevent children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, including TikTok, X, and Instagram. Companies found in breach of the regulations face substantial fines, potentially reaching up to AU$49.5m (25.6m). Critics have voiced privacy concerns and questioned whether the ban can be effectively enforced, while the countrys government says it is needed to protect young people from online harms. open image in gallery Jonathan Hall KC issued a stark warning, describing the internet as a portal to horrific acts of violence ( PA ) Mr Hall said the ban was partial and circumventable but has echoes of other improving social legislation such as compulsory seat belts and the smoking ban in pubs. Online networks are encouraging some children to commit acts of violence against their peers, the senior lawyer, who is the UKs independent reviewer of terror legislation, said. He cited Southport killer Axel Rudakubana, who was 17 when he stabbed three young girls to death, and 19-year-old Nicholas Prosper, who murdered his mother and two siblings and was on his way to carry out a school shooting when he was stopped by police. Both killers had looked at extreme and violent material online before carrying out the attacks, though neither case was deemed to fall strictly within the definition of terrorism. Terrorist chatbots or avatars of celebrated mass killers, always present and eager to please, are precisely the wrong companions for disturbed teenagers like Axel Rudakubana and Nicholas Prosper, he said. It is entirely foreseeable that chatbots will stimulate some misfits even further down the dial of death. He added: Taking children away from their devices is a whole lot easier than parents monitoring their content, laughably suggested by the tech companies as an alternative to regulation. open image in gallery Online networks are encouraging some children to commit acts of violence against their peers, the senior lawyer, who is the UKs independent reviewer of terror legislation, said ( Getty ) Elsewhere, Mr Hall, who carried out a report on extremism within prisons, warned that certain cases risked giving human rights a bad name after a double murderer won compensation over his treatment in jail. Fuad Awale was awarded 7,500 in damages after claiming decisions to house him in a close supervision centre, segregated from the wider prison population due to the risk he poses, had affected his mental health. Taxpayers will also foot a 240,000 legal bill following the High Court ruling that Awales right to a private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) had been breached. Asked about the case, Mr Hall said he was not critical of the judicial decision but said the law was very open-ended and the case illustrated how its application in some instances can result in surprising outcomes. I think its probably damaging to have such uncertainty, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Mr Hall said prison authorities had unsurprisingly not wanted Awale, who was assessed as holding extremist beliefs, to associate behind bars with one of the Islamist killers of Fusilier Lee Rigby. Its not a totally new case, but what it illustrates is that these very open-ended rights are being used in increasingly, I think Im going to say surprising, situations. And Im not critical of the judge, because its often quite hard to work out when these rights apply or not, but it does result in, I think what most people would say are quite surprising outcomes. I think, just to finish the point, I also think that they risk giving human rights a bit of a bad name. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kenyans are mourning the death of Craig, a beloved 'super tusker' elephant whose life in the wild symbolised the nation's growing success in protecting its elephant population from ivory poachers. The bull elephant, aged 54, passed away on Saturday in Amboseli National Park, a protected area in southern Kenya popular with safari tourists. The Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed his death, describing Craig as 'the legendary super tusker famed for its immense, ground-sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence'. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants stated Craig died of natural causes, expressing gratitude to everyone who helped the animal 'live out his life naturally'. Local broadcaster NTV aired a segment on the death of Craig, saying of the elephant that it was a rare creature as one of the last remaining elephants identified as super tuskers in Africa. The term describes a bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 45 kilograms each. Tusks that size are so long that they scrape the ground as the elephant walks, according to the Tsavo Trust, a non-profit conservation group in Kenya. Females that grow long tusks are called iconic cows, the group says. In Amboseli National Park, a protected area whose vegetation ranges from savannah woodland to open grasslands near the Tanzania border, Craig stood out as an attraction to tourists and a notable creature to conservationists working to protect elephants from poachers and other threats. The elephant was said to be calm, often pausing patiently as visitors photographed and filmed him, the statement by Kenya Wildlife Service said. open image in gallery This undated photo shows Craig, the iconic elephant with super tusks, died from natural causes on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. (Kenya Wildlife Service via AP) ( Kenya Widlife Service ) In 2021, Craig was adopted by beer maker East African Breweries through its popular Tusker brand, reflecting his prominence but also underscoring collaboration between conservation groups and others in Kenya. Kenyas national parks and reserves are home to a variety of wildlife species and attract millions of visitors annually, making the country a tourism hotspot. The elephant population has grown from 36,280 in 2021 to 42,072 in 2025, the latest official figures show. In the Mwea National Reserve, a protected area east of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, the elephant population grew spectacularly, overwhelming the ecosystem and requiring the relocation of about 100 elephants in 2024. The African savanna elephant is the largest land animal. Adult males weigh about six tons. Craig fathered a number of calves, ensuring that his powerful bloodline and gentle character live on across generations," the wildlife service said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Fifteen years ago, Arri Coomarasamy was invited by a friend to spend a couple of weeks in Malawi. The then 38-year-old was training to be an IVF doctor and made plans to visit a local hospital. I remember going into the room, which was in fact the mortuary, and there were three dead women, he says. Two had died of the same cause: they had bled to death after giving birth. I guess what I saw in that room has never really left me in my professional life. It started him on a journey to understand why so many women in poorer countries were dying from postpartum haemorrhage, or excessive bleeding after childbirth, which remains the leading cause of maternal deaths around the world. Research, spearheaded by now Professor Coomarasamy and the University of Birmingham, discovered a way of stopping 60 per cent of cases of deadly bleeding thanks to a mixture of better diagnosis, medication and training. However, key US-funded programmes that had just started to bring that knowledge to patients have been slashed in size, meaning it has been stopped from reaching thousands of women. Despite repeated claims by US officials to protect life-saving work, following Donald Trumps slashing of foreign aid at the start of 2025, a plan was put in motion to cancel one such programme, called Momentum Country and Global Leadership, in more than 10 out of roughly 25 countries where it previously operated. Dedicated to getting healthcare to pregnant women and children, it has been curtailed in some of the poorest countries with the highest maternal mortality, The Independent has learnt. One aspect of the approach involves teaching midwives and doctors best practice on how to reduce cases of haemorrhage. Several insiders connected to the work have told The Independent that cuts to a range of programmes mean this life-saving opportunity will now not make it into a number of clinics. There is no doubt in my mind that the cuts have massively impacted the rollout of [the approach] and other similar effective interventions, which are life-saving, Coomarasamy, now an Oxford professor of reproductive medicine, says. A US State Department spokesperson said: The Trump Administration remains committed to saving lives and improving maternal health outcomes globally. Under the America First Global Health Strategy announced in September 2025, we are prioritising direct investments in frontline healthcare workers and essential health commodities including those that prevent maternal mortality while eliminating wasteful overhead and ensuring US assistance builds sustainable, locally-led health systems. A medical scandal Women in rich countries have a similar chance of facing haemorrhage as those living in poorer nations. What differs is the likelihood of you dying, Coomarasamy explains. What you start to realise quite quickly is that a woman doesnt need to die from postpartum haemorrhage. He had discovered what he considers to be a medical scandal: half of all cases of life-threatening bleeding were going undiagnosed. The first problem was that health workers were not very good at recognising by sight when a woman was losing too much blood and were diagnosing dangerous cases too late. open image in gallery Maternity utensils next to the delivery room at Mahowe Health Centre in Malawi ( WaterAid/ Dennie Lupenga ) Secondly, even once excessive bleeding was identified, it was taking too long to give patients a treatment that worked. Hospitals had been trying one treatment and waiting to see if it worked before moving on to the next one a common approach in medicine, but a risky one when someone is bleeding heavily and time is of the essence. We realised that what kills the woman when she bleeds is really the ticking clock, Coomarasamy says. The more that the time passes from the moment that the woman starts to bleed, the greater the blood loss, and the greater the chances she will need more intensive treatment or will lose her life. While in richer countries, women have the safety nets of surgery, blood transfusions and intensive care, in lower-income countries they dont reliably have these options. The breakthrough came in 2023. As part of a trial, the team introduced into clinics a plastic blood-collection device known as a drape, placed under a patient during birth to more accurately measure how much they are bleeding, and identify faster if they are losing dangerous amounts. And they experimented with giving all the different types of treatment we already know to be effective at the same time: oxytocin to contract the uterus; tranexamic acid to clot the blood; an IV drip to replace fluids. The results were transformative; together this simple approach reduced severe bleeding, surgeries and deaths by 60 per cent an extraordinary finding in modern medicine. Coomarasamy realised partway through the trial that something different was happening when he visited clinics in the trial countries. Health workers would collar him and frantically ask how they were going to get the drapes and drugs once the research finished. They would tell meit definitely works, we've not had any women dying. You know we normally have two, three bags of emergency blood in our fridge it hasnt been touched. open image in gallery In richer countries, women have the safety nets of surgery, blood transfusions and intensive care in lower-income countries they dont reliably have these options ( PA Media ) Now the research just needed to reach patients. Its this work that has stumbled in a number of countries in recent months since the US cuts were announced. We are putting lives of women and newborns at risk In Malawi, where Coomarasamy had the revelation that started him on this path some decade-and-a-half ago, the consequences seem to be already playing out. Nurse Victoria Mzungu remembers one birth particularly clearly. A woman had delivered twins prematurely on her way to the hospital, and was bleeding heavily. She arrived pale and struggling for air as the proteins in her blood responsible for getting oxygen to her cells plummeted. The team rushed to give her all the treatment they had at their disposal, and the woman survived. Mzungu puts the womans survival down to the new training. In the three clinics in her district of Salima where the approach had been introduced so far, no maternal deaths from bleeding have been registered this year. But since the US funding was ended in certain areas, they havent had access to key drugs and equipment including the drapes. We havent stopped, she says, but the team is left trying to use the approach without those crucial ingredients, using the available resources... on the ground. The rate of pregnant women in the district attending a minimum of four antenatal visits has fallen from 41 per cent to 36 per cent since January. That in turn has hit the numbers of women getting important supplements like iron which can reduce the risk of death from bleeding in childbirth. Its largely down to the cancellation of outreach programmes designed to get medical care to remote communities, where people live 30 kilometres or more from their nearest health facility. This means, a pregnant woman has to walk once every month for nine months for antenatal services, says Hester Nyasulu, Malawi country manager at charity Amref. She has to brave that 30 kilometres. Now, if its in the eighth month, he says, that's not an easy thing. As a result, women are missing scheduled antenatal visits, so already we are putting lives of women and newborns at risk, he says, and risking reversing gains made in recent years. In poorer countries, women are more likely to start their pregnancies with nutritional deficiencies which raise their chances of getting very sick if they do haemorrhage, making this kind of prevention all the more important. Two hours north of Salima, in Nkhotakota district, clinics lost track of 900 pregnant women and recorded more than 2,000 fewer antenatal visits after the US cuts. Cases of excessive bleeding have jumped back up to where they were when a US-funded programme started in 2022, having halved in that time. An audit report seen by The Independent found a woman who died from haemorrhage could have survived if the cuts hadnt taken place, causing gaps in knowledge and equipment including surgical garments to stop bleeding. Another strand of the US-funded work, run by WaterAid, was making sure maternity wards had clean water and toilet facilities, including in Salima. This too has been stopped, resulting in a fall in women attending the clinics, the charity says, because they know they will face unhygienic and dehumanising facilities. A State Department spokesperson said the US was currently providing nearly $12m to Malawi for maternal, newborn and child health. open image in gallery Maternity wards have contaminated water, increasing the risk of infection and putting women off attending ( WaterAid/Dennis Lupenga ) I feel like we're going back 20 years After Trumps stop work order initially froze all foreign aid spending overnight, US programmes on maternal health were cancelled and resurrected several times, causing confusion. Now the dust has settled, former and current employees carrying out US-funded maternal health programmes have told The Independent that the cuts mean, there's just not the same support for making sure facilities have everything they need to treat deadly bleeding, says postpartum haemorrhage expert Cherrie Evans, and that plans to scale the training up have stalled in a number of places. You can have the best intervention but if you cant get it implemented with the medicines, supplies, and skilled workers you need, it doesnt matter, she says. I feel like were going back 20 years in the programming were being asked to do. This will particularly impact countries like Tanzania with less robust health systems which were not as far advanced in introducing some of the new knowledge around tackling bleeding. Part of the reason this work was only just getting started, insiders and experts agree, is the wider neglect of maternal health, which is often not seen as an emergency by governments. Diseases like HIV or malaria have had comprehensive programmes dedicated to tackling them with drugs and prevention. Though major gains have been made on maternal health in recent decades, progress has been slower. open image in gallery Inside the antenatal ward at Wenya Health Centre, Chitipa district, Malawi ( WaterAid/ Dennis Lupenga ) People have always said, and its absolutely true, that if you can manage to solve the problems of maternal health, you will have solved many of the key health system problems, says Deborah Armbruster, formerly a senior maternal and newborn health advisor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Efforts to get the new approach to tackling haemorrhage into clinics were very nascent, a clinician who did not want to be named says, with work just barely getting started. In its new form, it is not only reaching roughly half as many countries, but now comes with the condition from the US State Department that it can only focus on lifesaving interventions, including medications but excluding any mention of gender or family planning Suzanne Stalls, a leading nurse-midwife previously affiliated with the programme explains. She says that this is the same type of work that has been going on for 25 years and, while important, that medical staff have learned it wasn't enough to reliably save mothers lives. Diagnosis is fundamental in medicine, Professor Coomarasamy says. You can have the perfect treatment, he adds, but if there arent things in place to make sure that patients both make it into clinics and have access to a test that picks up the condition, you're not going to be able to use this perfect treatment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man is dead after falling hundreds of feet while climbing on Colorados Citadel Peak, according to rescue officials. The man, who was climbing with a 29-year-old woman, fell from a ridge on New Years Day, rescue officials told CBS Colorado. The area is located along the Continental Divide. The mans climbing partner reported his fall around 2 p.m. on Thursday. There was warm, favorable weather at the time, CBS Colorado reports. Its unclear how the man fell, but Steve Wilson of the Alpine Rescue Group, which responded to the scene, called it a tragic accident. "They were up above all of the snow. They were in the rocks," Wilson told CBS Colorado. "Tragic accident as far as we can see." The man and woman appeared to be prepared and experienced, a rescue official said ( AFP via Getty Images ) The mans name has not been released. The pair appeared to have been experienced climbers, Wilson told the outlet. "They seemed prepared, they seemed equipped. They seemed experienced. Accidents happen. That's an unfortunate way to end the year. A tragic end, he said. "They're doing what they love. Theyre enjoying the back country of Colorado, which is an amazing, beautiful place, he added. Helicopters initially tried to fly to the scene, but reportedly had trouble getting close due to high winds. They also had difficulty landing. "Obviously, it's a sharp peak. They can't land right where our subjects are. And as we're trying to find good places to land close enough to be useful, the winds just weren't cooperating at the time. So they just had to abort," Wilson told CBS Colorado. Then, the Colorado National Guard deployed a Black Hawk helicopter to the area. Alpine Rescue Team members were picked up by the helicopter, while others moved toward the man and woman on foot, CBS Colorado reports. Rescuers were then lowered down to where the man had fallen and to where the woman was stranded. By 8 p.m., officials had recovered the mans body and rescued the woman, according to CBS Colorado. The woman was stuck on the ridge in a precarious position of her own, Wilson noted. "I don't think she was in danger of falling, but it would have been - it was very difficult to access her. It would have been very difficult to climb herself down," he told the outlet. The Independent has contacted the Alpine Rescue Team for more information. The man fell the same day another Colorado hiker was found dead from a suspected mountain lion attack. The woman was found on Thursday on the Crosier Mountain trail, with wounds consistent with a mountain lion attack, Kara Van Hoose of Colorado Parks and Wildlife told the Associated Press. Investigators located and killed two nearby mountain lions, one of which was at the scene. Officials will now conduct a necropsy to see if either of the animals attacked the hiker. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Scott Adams, the controversial cartoonist of the once-popular office satire Dilbert, revealed a somber update on his battle with stage 4 prostate cancer, saying doctors have told him his chances of recovery are essentially zero. During a livestream of his YouTube show Real Coffee with Scott Adams, the 68-year-old longtime Trump supporter and far-right activist spoke candidly about a conversation he had with his radiologist the day before. Its all bad news, Adams said on Thursday. The odds of me recovering are essentially zero. Ill give you any updates if that changes, but it wont, he added. Although he expects January to be a month of transition, Adams told fans that he plans to keep livestreaming as long as it makes sense. Scott Adams, 68, creator of the 'Dilbert' comic strip, said his radiologist recently told him his chances of recovery from advanced prostate cancer are 'essentially zero' ( YouTube/@RealCoffeewithScottAdams ) I like doing it. Keeps me busy, he said. I will probably write down some closing thoughts today just so I have them, he continued. Adams first announced his metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025, revealing the disease had spread to his bones. At that time, he drew parallels between his condition and former President Joe Bidens publicly disclosed cancer battle, even as he also made headlines for his controversial political commentary. In December, Adams told fans that he is paralyzed from the waist down due to a tumor located near his spine that affected mobility in his lower body. I cant move any muscles, he said in a video posted on his YouTube channel. I do have feeling, I just cant move any muscles. Theyre gonna try to radiate that pesky tumor thats around my spine if all goes well, and it gets more tumor than it gets good stuff, I might get my, at least, ability to get some strength back in my lower body, he said. Adams said he asked Trump in November to help pressure his insurer to approve a newly approved cancer treatment that had been delayed. I will ask President Trump if he can get Kaiser of Northern California to respond and schedule it for Monday, he said at the time. Hours later on Truth Social, Trump shared a screenshot of Adamss post, writing, On it! Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also responded on social media, adding, The President wants to help. Dilbert was removed from most newspapers and dropped by its syndicator, Andrews McMeel, in March 2023 after Adams racist rant on Coffee, in which he labeled Black people a hate group and appeared to endorse segregation. His controversial political statements continued to attract attention, including his support for Trump and warnings of violence if Biden won the 2024 presidential election. On a late-February episode of Coffe, Adams said that, based on the current way things are going, the best advice I would give to white people is to get the hell away from Black people. Just get the f*** away. Wherever you have to go, just get away. Because theres no fixing this. This cant be fixed, he added. Adams said his outspoken support for Trump has hurt his career, claiming it cut his income by about 40 percent and his social circle by 75 percent. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Four people have been killed after a private helicopter crashed in the remote mountains of Arizona. The Pinal County Sheriffs Office announced Friday that it received reports of a crashed helicopter near Telegraph Canyon, just south of the town of Superior, at around 11 a.m. local time. The Federal Aviation Administration said four people were on board the MD 369FF helicopter when it crashed. The chopper had departed from Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek near Phoenix, the sheriffs office said. On Friday evening, local authorities and FAA investigators reached the crash site on foot and confirmed the pilot, a 59-year-old man from Queen Creek, and his three passengers were killed, the sheriffs office told The Independent. The three passengers were all female family members. Two were 21 years old, and the other was 22 years old. open image in gallery Four people have been killed after a private helicopter crashed in the remote mountains of Arizona ( Pinal County Sheriff's Office ) Our prayers are with the victims and their families, the sheriffs office said. Authorities believe a recreational slackline was strung across the mountain range. An eyewitness who called 911 reported seeing the helicopter strike a portion of the line before falling to the bottom of the canyon, the sheriffs office said. Some Facebook users commented on how rough the terrain can be in those mountains. open image in gallery The MD 369FF helicopter crashed near Telegraph Canyon, just south of the town of Superior, at around 11 a.m. local time Friday ( Pinal County Sheriff's Office ) Some of that area can be extremely rugged and difficult-to-access terrain, one person wrote. Another said, Very rugged area up there. Following the crash, the FAA placed a temporary flight restriction over the area to provide a safe environment for search and rescue [operations], the agency said. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. open image in gallery Authorities confirmed the pilot, a 59-year-old man from Queen Creek, and the three passengers were killed ( Pinal County Sheriff's Office ) The Independent has reached out to the FAA and the NTSB for updates. Another helicopter crash last Sunday resulted in the deaths of two pilots. The fiery mid-air collision near Hammonton Municipal Airport in New Jersey killed Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, according to authorities. The two pilots stopped at a cafe next to the airport before flying, as they often did. The Apron Cafes owner, Sal Silipino, was quoted in the Associated Press, It was shocking. Still shaking to see that happen. They were just at our cafe having breakfast. Theyre regulars. They come in every week or every other week. They fly in together. They seem to be very nice people. They were also very kind to the workers and staff and all, he said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Missouri police chiefs lit cigarette was the cause of a fire that destroyed a local nursing home over the summer, an official report has found. In the early morning hours of August 7, 2025, the Vienna Point residential care facility went up in flames. Photos taken by the Vienna Fire Protection District showed a bright orange blaze burning through the buildings roof as smoke billowed through the dark sky. Crews launched an offensive attack with heavy fire conditions, but with water supply issues, it was decided to go to a defensive mode and we requested mutual aid tankers and manpower, Vienna fire officials said. First responders were able to get everyone out of the building unharmed but could not save the structure. open image in gallery A Missouri police chiefs lit cigarette was the cause of a fire that destroyed a local nursing home over the summer, an official report has found ( Vienna Fire Protection District ) open image in gallery The Vienna Point residential care facility went up in flames on August 7, 2025, destroying the building ( Vienna Fire Protection District ) Although the loss of the facility is tragic, we didnt lose any life and had no injuries, the citys Fire Protection District said. Security video revealed the moments leading up to the fire, which was ruled an accident. The video, which the Missouri state fire marshal shared with ABC 17, reportedly showed Vienna Police Chief Shannon Thompson arriving at the nursing home shortly before midnight on August 6. Thompson was reportedly responding to an accidental 911 call. The person reported to be Thompson then smoked a cigarette and placed it in a planter outside the buildings entrance, stomping it inside the planter before leaving, the video appears to show. About 90 minutes later, a flame sparks in the planter, which erupts into a larger fire that engulfs the building. Investigators say the fire was caused by the unintended result of an individual placing a burning cigarette near combustible material, according to ABC 17, which obtained records from the fire marshal. open image in gallery Nursing home security video reportedly showed Vienna Police Chief Shannon Thompson smoking a cigarette and placing it in a planter outside the buildings entrance ( Vienna Fire Protection District ) Thompson confirmed to investigators that he placed a cigarette in the planter and tried to extinguish it, noting that the brand of cigarettes that he smoked is designed to self-extinguish, ABC 17 reports. Maries County Prosecutor Anthony Skouby is yet to decide whether to press charges against Thompson. A spokesperson for Skouby told the Daily Mail, The prosecuting attorney is still investigating and gathering evidence. A cigarette butt can was just 10 feet away, and he put his lit cigarette out in a plastic potted plant, Skouby said in a statement shared by the Maires County Advocate in November. I believe that listing the fire as accidental is insulting to my intelligence. The Independent has reached out to Thompson and Skoubys office for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The US will run Venezuela until there is a peaceful transition of power, Donald Trump has said after capturing Venezuelas left-wing President Nicolas Maduro in an overnight raid on Saturday. Maduro has arrived in New York and was shown arriving at a detention facility where he will await his first court appearance on US criminal charges. Trump confirmed the country's leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been flown out of Caracas and indicted on "narco-terrorism" charges following the strikes early on Saturday. The Maduro government has condemned the attack on Caracas as an imperialist act, while Sir Keir Starmer said the UK government would shed no tears over the fall of the Maduro regime. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were seen in the capital, Caracas, and rising smoke was spotted in numerous regions at approximately 2am during the large-scale attack on Saturday. The Trump administration said around 150 aircraft, including bombers and fighter jets, were involved in the operation. At a press conference on Saturday at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Trump warned that the US is ready to stage a second and much larger attack if required. Trump suggested his administration would be heavily involved in leading Venezuela in Maduros absence, though he provided no details. He said: We are going to run the country until such time that we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. He said this will also involve US oil firms entering the country. open image in gallery Donald Trumps post on X claiming responsibility for launching a large-scale strike on Venezuela ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social ) Why is Trump targeting Venezuela? Over the past few months, Trump has accused Maduro of being a top-level member of a drug cartel, Cartel de los Soles, which he claims is trafficking drugs into the US. Trump has not shared evidence of Maduros involvement but has used these allegations to justify his lethal military operations against Venezuelan ships. When asked about his reasons for actions in Venezuela by Fox News presenter Peter Doocy, Trump also cited immigration as the reason. He said: One of the things its about is the fact that theyve allowed millions of people to come into our country from their prisons, from gangs, from drug dealers, and from mental institutions. He made similar claims during the 2024 presidential election campaign, when Trump and his officials on several occasions blamed Venezuela for sending too many migrants to the US. They claimed the country was opening up the prisons and encouraging criminals to flock to Americas borders. There is also the question of natural resources. Venezuela is rich in oil and rare earth minerals, which serve as extremely valuable commodities. The South American country has $1.36 trillion worth of mineral wealth, according to Maduro. After the US seized an oil tanker in December, Caracas directly accused the US of trying to plunder Venezuela for its natural resources. In a statement, the Venezuelan government said: Under these circumstances, the true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally been revealed It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people. US attorney general Pam Bondi has claimed that an oil tanker seized last month off the coast of Venezuela was carrying sanctioned oil intended for Iran. Venezuela has denied this accusation and labelled Trumps actions as an act of international piracy. What led to the strikes? Tensions between the two countries have been rising for months. They were ramped up significantly in September, when the US launched military strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in the coastal waters of Venezuela. These airstrikes were later extended into the eastern Caribbean and along the Pacific, with 110 killed so far. The US has confiscated two oil tankers and is in pursuit of a third. Trump also issued new sanctions on three of Maduros nephews as well as six companies that ship oil out of the country that month, according to Axios. open image in gallery The crude oil tanker Skipper recently seized by the U.S. off the coast of Venezuela, seen as the ship was traveling in a southwesterly direction and positioned approximately 33km north of Guadeloupe, in the southern Caribbean Sea ( Vantor ) What has Donald Trump said? In a press conference on Saturday, Trump vowed to run the country. He said: We are going to run the country until such time that we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. He said this will also involve the US oil firms entering the country as well. "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, he added. In a post on his Truth Social platform shortly before addressing the media, he posted an image which appeared to show the autocratic leader blindfolded aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and headed to New York. open image in gallery Maduro being escorted by DEA agents in lower Manhattan, New York, on Saturday ( X/@RapidResponse47 ) The White Houses rapid response account later posted on X a video appearing to show Maduro handcuffed and escorted by law enforcement agents. The video was captioned perp walked. Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez had been sworn in as president shortly before he spoke at the press conference. She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple, Trump said. He also warned that the US is ready to stage a second and much larger attack. He explained the armed forces assumed that a second wave would be necessary, but the first attack was so successful, we probably don't have to do a second, but added the US is prepared to do a second wave, a much bigger wave. What could happen next? US senator Mike Lee says Marco Rubio, Trumps Secretary of State, told him that Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US. The US Justice Department released a new indictment of Maduro and his wife which accuses Maduro of leading a a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking. It alleges that the drug trafficking efforts enriched and entrenched Venezuela's political and military elite. US authorities allege that Maduro partnered with some of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers and narco-terrorists in the world to bring tons of cocaine into the US, according to the indictment. Venezuelas allies have rushed to condemn the US military action. In a statement, Russias foreign ministry criticised what it called an act of armed aggression and said Caracas must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, outside intervention. Ideologically driven hostility has prevailed over practical pragmatism and a willingness to build relations based on trust and predictability, they said. open image in gallery Venezuelans celebrate after US president Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country ( AP ) We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership to defend the countrys national interests and sovereignty, it added. Vladimir Putin is a close ally of Venezuelan Maduro. Last year, he visited Moscow for Russias annual military parade and signed a broad partnership agreement with the Russian leader. Irans foreign ministry also condemned the strikes, saying the action was a blatant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Venezuelan government has called for socialist militias and grassroots organisations to take action. Chinas foreign ministry said on Sunday that the US should immediately release Maduro and his wife, and resolve the situation in Venezuela through dialogue and negotiation. In a statement on its website, the ministry also said the US should ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, adding that their deportation violated international law and norms. Sir Keir said Britain would discuss the evolving situation with American counterparts over the coming days. In a statement on Saturday evening, Sir Keir said: The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council has been scheduled for Monday. In a statement via his spokesperson, the UN secretary-general voiced concerns that the rules of international law had not been respected. Sir Keir earlier refused to be drawn on whether the military action broke international law, saying he wanted to talk to Mr Trump, with whom he had not spoken on Saturday morning, and allies to establish the facts. Was Trumps action legal? Legal uncertainty surrounded Washingtons actions in Venezuela on Saturday as international scrutiny intensified and opposition grew within the US Congress. open image in gallery Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in downtown Caracas ( AP ) Questions persist over whether the United States had breached international law, particularly in relation to the detention of the Venezuelan president. There are a number of international legal concepts which the United States might have broken by capturing Maduro, said Ilan Katz, an international law analyst. On Capitol Hill, concern cut across party lines over US attacks on vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Lawmakers noted that Congress has not granted authorisation for the use of military force for such actions in the region, raising constitutional and legal doubts about the administrations approach. Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence to support military action against Venezuela without congressional approval. Mr Himes called for an urgent briefing from the White House on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice American Chinook aircraft and Apache gunship escorts clattered through the night sky over Caracas, which was splashed orange with explosions as missiles attacked military sites across the country. A few hours later, Donald Trump announced that Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife had been captured and flown out of their country. High fives, no doubt, in the Oval Office and more praise poems for Trump from his henchpeople, like Peter Hegseth, the secretary for defence/war, who puts more effort into public pull-ups than he does operational security, let alone strategic thought. What no one in the White House can see is that this invasion, this apparent political decapitation, this violation of international law, is strategically mad. Outside the White House and Magaland, the only cheering will be in the Kremlin and in Beijing. In Nato there will be horror. But one can be sure that the supine grovelling that has characterised the behaviour of Natos leadership towards Trump and Hegseth will continue. open image in gallery ( via REUTERS ) Doing otherwise would be to acknowledge that Donald Trump has swung America first from being a friend, then to being an unreliable ally, and now, in the dawn of 2026, Trumps America is a threat. He said he would attack Venezuelas mainland, and he has. His claim to be knocking over a narco-terrorist state that has exported vast quantities of opiates to the US, and killed hundreds of thousands of its citizens, is nonsense. Opiates get into the US from Mexico, not Venezuela. open image in gallery Captured Venezuelan president Maduro in New York ( X account of Rapid Response 47/A ) As a premise for regime change and invasion, it is as false as the claims that Saddam Hussein was making a nuclear weapon. The invasion of that nation set off decades of pain and murder, terror and mayhem, and gave birth to Isis. It also tore at the fabric of Western democracies, as some ripped up ethics and their own laws to hunt down alleged terrorists. Now, Trump has attacked a neighbour without any international support. He has aped the behaviour of his great hero and friend, Vladimir Putin. He has also, like Putin, politicised the military and intelligence services, tried to shatter judicial independence and feathered the nests of select oligarchs. The Russian president invaded Ukraine in 2014. He falsely claimed that Russian speakers were being oppressed in that country. The Kremlin wants to take over all of its neighbour, and Trump is supporting its efforts to carve out the 20 per cent it has already captured. In his new years speech, Chinas leader Xi Jinping renewed threats against Taiwan, saying: The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable. And China held massive war games off the coast of Taiwan at the same time. In the age of Trump, the trend of the times is that might is always right. He has repeatedly said that Canada should be annexed. He has not ruled out the use of force to take over Greenland, for its mineral riches. He has insisted that sooner or later it will be part of the US. These are Nato countries (Greenland is part of Denmark). His weird threats against his neighbours and allies could have been dismissed as the ramblings of a demented man-child or sarcastic asides from a diplomatic disruptor. But they are no joke. For all his lies and bluster, Trump makes good on his threats and ambitions. His fantasy of turning Gaza into a Gaz-a-Lago seaside resort may yet be manifest. open image in gallery Donald Trump holding press conference after Venezuelan attack ( AP ) His National Security Strategy says that four Nato nations are soon to be overwhelmed by non-Europeans. Aside from being a racist trope from Great Replacement conspiracy theorists (latter-day Nazis), it is also flat wrong. But he now sees the world in three spheres: the western hemisphere is his to control; Russia can have Europe; and China the rest. This is the moment when it is now clear that, as Yeats wrote in The Second Coming, the centre cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. And the leaders of the West should heed what happens when a blood-dimmed tide is loosed it happens when the best lack all conviction. This is the moment that Europe needs to stand up but it will stay sitting down as the bloody tide rises around its ankles. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The US government has launched a large scale attack on Venezuela and captured its president Nicolas Maduro. Tensions have heightened between the two countries in recent months, with US president Donald Trump threatening to start ordering strikes on targets on Venezuelan soil. The strikes follow multiple attacks on boats the US claim are smuggling narcotics for drug cartels, and a build up of a fleet of warships near Venezuela, including the largest US aircraft carrier. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the US military operations is to force him from office and take control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves and rare earth mineral deposits. More than 100 people have been killed in US military strikes targeting small vessels operating in the Caribbean since the campaign began in 2025. Here is a timeline of the US military actions, concerns among some lawmakers and the response in Venezuela: January 2025 Trump signs an executive order that paves the way for criminal organisations and drug cartels to be named foreign terrorist organizations. They include Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan street gang. The US intelligence community has disputed Trumps central claim that Maduros administration is working with Tren de Aragua and orchestrating drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the US. February 2025 open image in gallery The Trump administration formally designates eight Latin American crime organisations as foreign terrorist organisations ( AP ) The Trump administration formally designates eight Latin American crime organisations as foreign terrorist organisations. The label is normally reserved for groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State that use violence for political ends not for profit-focused crime rings. August 2025 open image in gallery Trump deploys F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in September, as tensions mount with Venezuela over Washington's military build-up in the Caribbean ( AFP via Getty Images ) The US military deploys three guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela. The naval force in the Caribbean grows within weeks to include three amphibious assault ships and other vessels, carrying about 6,000 sailors and Marines and a variety of aircraft. The US deploys F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in September, while a Navy submarine carrying cruise missiles operates off South America. September 2025 open image in gallery Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil shows a picture of a fishing boat during a press conference ( AFP via Getty Images ) The US carries out its first strike against what Trump says was a drug-carrying vessel that departed from Venezuela and was operated by Tren de Aragua. Trump says all 11 people on the boat were killed and posts a short video clip of a small vessel appearing to explode in flames. Two weeks later, the US military carries out its second strike against an alleged drug boat, killing three people. Asked what proof the US has that the vessel was carrying drugs, Trump told reporters that big bags of cocaine and fentanyl were spattered all over the ocean. However, images of what Trump described were not released by the military or the White House. Days later, Trump said the US military carried out its third fatal strike against an alleged drug-smuggling vessel. The president says the attack killed three people and intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking illicit narcotics. Several senators and human rights groups continue to question the legality of the strikes, describing them as a potential overreach of executive authority. October 2025 open image in gallery US strikes boat allegedly carrying drugs off Venezuela coast, killing four ( Pete Hegseth ) On October 2, Trump declares drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and says the US is now in an armed conflict with them, according to a Trump administration memo obtained by The Associated Press. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he ordered a fourth strike on a small boat he accuses of carrying drugs. He says four men were killed but offers no details on who they were or what group they belonged to. On October 8 Senate Republicans vote down legislation that would have required the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes. Trump announces the fifth strike against a small boat accused of carrying drugs on October 14, saying it killed six people. The president says intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics on a known drug-trafficking route. On October 15 Trump confirms he has authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and says he is weighing carrying out land operations in the country. He declines to say whether the CIA has authority to take action against Maduro. open image in gallery A Venezuelan Navy patrol boat sails off the Caribbean coast ( REUTERS ) A day later, Trump says the US struck a sixth suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean, killing two people and leaving two survivors who were on the semi-submersible craft. On October 17, the US military attacks a seventh vessel that Hegseth says was carrying substantial amounts of narcotics and associated with a Colombian rebel group, the National Liberation Army, or ELN. Three people are killed. Hegseth says the US military launched its eighth strike against an alleged drug-carrying vessel on October 21, killing two people in the eastern Pacific. The attack marks an expansion of the militarys targeting area to the waters off South America where much of the cocaine from the worlds largest producers is smuggled. A day later, Hegseth announces the ninth strike, another in the eastern Pacific, saying three men are killed. open image in gallery This screen grab from a video posted by Hegseth on his X account on October 24, 2025, shows what Hegseth says is US military forces conducting a strike on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea ( US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ) On October 24, Hegseth orders the US military's most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the region in a significant escalation of military firepower. He says the military conducted the 10th strike on a suspected drug-running boat, leaving six people dead. He says the vessel was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang. On October 27, Hegseth says three more strikes were carried out in the eastern Pacific, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor. Hegseth says Mexican authorities assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue of the sole survivor, who is presumed dead after Mexico suspended its search after four days. Hegseth says the US military carried out another strike on a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific, on October 29 killing all four people aboard in the 14th attack. On October 31, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk calls for an investigation into the strikes, in what appeared to be the first such condemnation of its kind from a United Nations organization. November 2025 open image in gallery US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth walks before a press conference at the Dominican National Palace in Santo Domingo in November ( AFP via Getty Images ) On November 1, Hegseth posts another video as he announces the 15th known strike, saying the vessel in the Caribbean was operated by a US-designated terrorist organization. He does not name the group and says three people were killed. In the 16th known strike, Hegseth posts on social media that two people were killed aboard a vessel in the eastern Pacific on November 4. The same day, the Ford aircraft carrier leaves the Mediterranean Sea on its way to the Caribbean. On November 6, Hegseth announces the 17th known strike, which killed three people, and Senate Republicans vote to reject legislation that would have limited Trump's ability to order an attack on Venezuelan soil without congressional authorization. On November 9, the US military strikes two vessels in the eastern Pacific, killing six people, according to an announcement from Hegseth the following day. The 20th known strike on a boat accused of transporting drugs kills four people in the Caribbean a day later, according to a social media post from the US military's Southern Command. On November 11, Venezuelas government launches what it says is a massive mobilisation of troops and volunteers for two days of exercises prompted by the US military buildup. On November 15, three people are killed after the US military conducts its 21st strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, before the Ford arrives in the Caribbean, a major moment in the Trump administration's show of force. Trump then says the US may be having some discussions with Maduro and that Venezuela would like to talk, without offering details. December 2025 open image in gallery President Donald Trump administration is conducting a military campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, deploying naval and air forces for what it calls an anti-drugs offensive ( AFP/Getty ) US Southern Command says there are around 15,000 personnel operating in the area by December, in the largest military buildup in the region in generations. On December 4, four people are killed in the 22nd strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, according to a post from Southern Command. Trump called the US buildup in the region a massive armada, the biggest we've ever had in a press conference and said it would be smart for Maduro to step down. In late December the military conducted another strike on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific. The strike was the 30th such attack since September, and it brings the total number of known casualties to 107, according to the Associated Press. Trump also disclosed what may the first known land strike in his campaign. When asked about Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump described a Christmas Eve attack on an alleged drug facility. January 2026 open image in gallery At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were seen in Venezuela s capital in the early hours of Saturday morning ( AFP via Getty Images ) In an interview filmed on New Year's Eve and subsequently broadcast on Venezuelan state television on New Year's Day, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro extended an olive branch to Trump, proposing "serious talks" on combating drug trafficking and offering American companies ready access to the nation's oil. Mr Maduro described Venezuela as a "brother country" to the United States and a friendly government. He recalled that during their last conversation in November, Donald Trump had acknowledged his authority by addressing him as "Mr. President." However, in the early hours on January 3, the US lanched an attack on Venezuela and said Maduro has been captured. At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were seen in Venezuelas capital in the early hours of Saturday morning, as the Venezuelan government said attacks took place on civilian and military installations in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. In a Truth Social post hours after the attack, the US president said: The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. Venezuela said it rejected military aggression by the US, and said the goal of the attack is to take possession of Venezuelan oil and minerals. Recent Western media reports have irresponsibly raised concerns about China's overseas clean energy projects. In an exclusive interview, Victor Gao, vice president of the Center for China and Globalization, responds to these accusations. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former detention officer at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Louisiana has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a Nicaraguan woman over several months while she was imprisoned. Federal prosecutors called it a romantic relationship. David Courvelle, 56, entered a guilty plea in federal court Monday. He was charged with a single count of sexual abuse of a ward or individual in federal custody, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. According to court documents, Courvelle worked as a contract detention officer at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center between January 1 and July 30. The facility is operated by private prison contractor Geo Group Inc., ICEs largest contractor. In May, Courvelle and the victim participated in sexual contact on multiple occasions, and Courvelle smuggled gifts such as food, jewelry, letters and pictures of the womans daughter, according to prosecutors. Courvelle arranged for lookouts to avoid detection, according to prosecutors. Staff at the facility spotted the pair coming out of a janitorial closet in July, and officials immediately transferred Courvelle to a different unit. He resigned from his position later that month. open image in gallery Reports of abuse and neglect inside ICE facilities have surged across the country in recent months as the Trump administration expands a mass deportation campaign ( Reuters ) He initially denied his relationship during a September interview with investigators from the ICE Office of the Inspector General but confessed about half an hour into the interview, prosecutors wrote. Courvelle was released on a $10,000 bond and a sentencing date is scheduled for April 10. Fourteen of the 20 largest ICE detention centers in the United States are in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, a network that immigrant advocates have labelled deportation alley. The jails most of which are operated by private prison companies hold thousands of people each year. For-profit contractors operate roughly 90 percent of all ICE detention centers. All but one of Louisianas nine facilities are run by private prison firms, including Geo Group, which reported third-quarter revenue in 2025 of $682.3 million, roughly $80 million more than it netted at the same point one year earlier. More than 65,000 people are currently detained inside ICE facilities across the country, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. open image in gallery The Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana, is among several facilities operated by private prison firm Geo Group, ICEs largest contract ( AFP/Getty ) The case against Courvelle arrived weeks after a coalition of civil rights groups filed federal complaints against the facility on behalf of one woman and three transgender detainees who alleged rampant sexual abuse, harassment, forced labor, retaliation and denial of medical care between 2023 and 2025. The complaint alleged that a former assistant warden, prison officers and ICE employees engaged in abuse, including instances of sexual assault, forcible touching, groping, denial of seizure medication, and retaliatory solitary confinement. Reports of abuse and neglect inside ICE facilities across the country have exploded in the months after Donald Trump launched his nationwide mass deportation campaign. A series of sworn testimonials from detainees at the largest ICE facility in the country allege deteriorating conditions and routine beatings at the military complex in Texas that have left several people hospitalized, including detainees whose testicles were firmly crushed by guards. Federal judges have intervened to force ICE to improve conditions inside makeshift detention centers in New York and Chicago, where detainees were allegedly forced into cramped cells near open toilets without adequate food, water, clean clothing or a place to bathe or brush their teeth The Independent has requested comment from ICE. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Curtis Yarvin, a right-wing political commentator whose philosophy on government has reportedly influenced Vice President JD Vance, criticized the Trump administration for failing to overhaul the U.S. government to end democracy. In a lengthy Substack post published on December 27, Yarvin declared the second Trump administration a tragedy for not utilizing its energy in early 2025 to consolidate power to begin forming a more one-party system. The administration failed, collectively, to realize that (a) the excitement of potential real change was how all its crackling political energy was generated, and (b) the energy would stop if the offensive stopped moving, Yarvin wrote. Yarvin, who rose to prominence in the 2010s by writing under the pen name Mencius Moldbug, has long called for conservatives to rise to power and shape the government system away from democracy and toward a form of monarchy run by a national CEO of sorts. The political commentator said the Trump administration had the trappings to do this, but instead fell back into the traditional system of checks and balances, while also allowing Democrats to maintain positions of power. Vice President JD Vance has previously cited Curtis Yarvins political philosophies while discussing how conservatives can reshape the government ( Reuters ) Last winters shock-and-awe Trump is vanished now, Yarvin wrote. The administration is simply too well-integrated with the permanent government. This marriage is terrible, but it is still a marriage. Yarvin went on to explain how the Trump administrations initial sweeping overhaul generated energy among like-minded individuals, but said that energy has died down and only a very sharp conflict or crisis could regenerate it. Yarvins philosophy on democracy is that it is pointlessly stimulating the human power instinct and that only real change can occur when a single individual is in charge. While his ideas are contradictions of the current U.S. system, they are nothing new. While Yarvins prominence in conservative media has grown, with appearances on Tucker Carlsons former Fox News show and The Charlie Kirk Show, he has also maintained an arms-length distance from major administration figures. Notably, Yarvin has brushed off claims that he influenced Vance. In a July 2024 Substack post, Yarvin said he had barely even met Vance, whom he referred to as a random normie politician. In 2021, Vance mentioned Yarvins political philosophy on a Jack Murphy Live podcast episode though the then-Ohio Senate candidate claimed it was too pessimistic. At the same time, Yarvin was among the informal guests of honor invited to Trumps inauguration in January, thanks to his influence with prominent political donors such as Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Department of Justice has unsealed a sweeping grand jury indictment accusing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a massive cocaine trafficking operation. A 25-page document from federal prosecutors in New York City claims Maduro, his wife and Venezuelan officials have abused their positions of public trust and corrupted once-legitimate institutions to import tons of cocaine into the United States. The four-count indictment, unsealed hours after Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, claims the Venezuelan president and his family enriched themselves with a cycle of narcotics-based corruption. That alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy lines the pockets of Venezuelan officials and their families while also benefiting violent narco-terrorists who operate with impunity on Venezuelan soil and who help produce, protect, and transport tons of cocaine to the United States, according to the document, which is signed by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton. The new indictment echoes a previous 2020 indictment against the Venezuelan president, but the superseding document includes charges against his wife. Maduros son Nicolas Maduro Guerra and Venezuelan officials Diosdado Cabello and Ramon Rodriguez Chacn as well as the alleged head of Tren de Aragua are also charged. open image in gallery A four-count federal indictment accuses Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores of leading a narco-terrorism conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States ( REUTERS ) They face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. The case is also virtually the same as one against former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was similarly accused of enabling a massive cocaine-trafficking operation through his nations military and national police force. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison. But Trump pardoned him last month, claiming that the case against him was a politically motivated set up under Joe Bidens administration. It was a terrible thing. He was the president of the country and they basically said he was a drug dealer because he was the president of the country, Trump told reporters last month. And they said it was a Biden administration set-up. And I looked at the facts and I agreed with them. Maduro and Flores are expected to make an initial appearance on the charges in Manhattan federal court as soon as Monday. open image in gallery Images above Caracas in the early hours of January 3 appeared to show the aftermath of what Trump described as a large scale strike as part of an operation to capture Maduro and his wife, who are on their way to the US to face federal prosecution ( via REUTERS ) Federal prosecutors allege Maduro led a conspiracy to ship drugs from Venezuela to the United States via the Caribbean and Central America using fishing boats and container ships as well as clandestine airstrips and commercial airports protected by corrupt government and military officials. Defendants relied on violent narco-terrorist groups who reaped the benefits of the alleged conspiracy, according to the indictment. Those groups include various cartels and gangs throughout Central America, including Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has targeted as part of the presidents vast anti-immigration agenda. The capture of the Venezuelan president follows Trumps months-long military campaign against his regime, including a lethal series of attacks on boats off Venezuelas coast and a massive buildup of U.S. naval vessels and other military assets in the region. The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized a second sanctioned oil tanker and pursued a third, following months of deadly strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that have killed more than 100 people. Trump administration officials have warned that land strikes would soon follow while suggesting that regime change could be imminent. Officials have offered varying justifications for the strikes in the oil-rich nation, where proven oil reserves are among the largest in the world. Trumps chief of staff Susie Wiles recently told Vanity Fair that the attacks were aimed at getting Maduro to cry uncle. Speaking to Fox & Friends Saturday morning, hours after Maduros capture, Trump said his administration is now going to be very strongly involved with Venezuelas oil industry. Asked whats next for Venezuelans, Trump said: Were making that decision now. We cant take a chance on letting somebody else run it and just take over where he left off. The latest attack and Maduros arrest will accelerate legal and political scrutiny into Trumps lethal campaign, which law-of-war experts speaking to The Independent in recent months have labeled outright murders and war crimes and violations of international law. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Just a day after his historic inauguration, Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist whose victory was hailed as a watershed moment for the progressive movement, began his first full day in office with a New York routine: a subway commute from his cramped Queens apartment. Bundled against the frigid temperatures and seemingly battling a cold, Mamdani departed his one-bedroom flat shared with his wife. Unlike most commuters, his journey was documented by a photo and video crew and frequently paused by well-wishing neighbors. Now tasked with running the nations largest city, his duties include signing orders, announcing key appointments, facing questions from the press and answering for actions taken in his initial hours. But first, a symbolism-laden first-day commute. After centering much of his campaign on making rent cheaper, Mamdani raced from his inauguration ceremony Thursday to a Brooklyn apartment building lobby, drawing boisterous cheers from the tenants union. ( AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez ) Flanked by security guards and a small clutch of aides on a Manhattan-bound train, he agreed to several selfies with wide-eyed riders, then moved to a corner seat of the train to review his briefing materials. When a pair of French tourists, confused by the hubbub, approached Mamdani, he introduced himself as the new mayor of New York. They seemed doubtful. He held up the mornings copy of the New York Daily News, featuring his smiling face, as proof. Mamdani, a Democrat, is hardly alone among city mayors in using the transit system to communicate relatability. His predecessor, Eric Adams, also rode the subway on his first day, and both Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg made a habit out of it, particularly when seeking to make a political point. Within minutes of Mamdani entering City Hall, the images of him riding public transit had lit up social media. If the ride served as a well-timed photo-op, it also seemed to reflect Mamdani's pledge, made in his inaugural speech, to ensure his government looks and lives like the people it represents. His other early actions have also seemed to underscore that priority. After centering much of his campaign on making rent cheaper for New Yorkers, Mamdani raced from his inauguration ceremony Thursday to a Brooklyn apartment building lobby, drawing boisterous cheers from the tenants union as he pledged that the city would ramp up an ongoing legal fight against the allegedly negligent landlord. Mamdanis next action, meanwhile, showed the unusual scrutiny faced by his nascent administration, particularly around his criticism of Israel and outspoken support for the Palestinian cause. In an effort to give his government a clean slate, he revoked a slate of executive orders issued by Adams late in his term, including two related to Israel: one that officially adopted a contentious definition of antisemitism that includes certain criticism of Israel, and another barring city agencies and employees from boycotting or divesting from the country. The move drew swift backlash from some Jewish groups, including allegations from the Israeli government posted to social media that Mamdani had poured antisemitic gasoline on an open fire. When a journalist on Friday asked about the revoked orders, Mamdani read from prepared remarks, promising his administration would be relentless in its effort to combat hate and division. He noted that he had left in place the Mayors Office to Combat Antisemitism. Mamdani also announced the creation of a mass engagement office, which he said would continue the work his campaigns field operation did to bring more New Yorkers into the political fold. Ringed by supporters and passersby who stood several rows deep, phones in the air, to catch a glimpse of the new mayor, Mamdani then acknowledged the weight of the current moment. We have an opportunity where New Yorkers are allowing themselves to believe in the possibility of city government once again, he said. That is not a belief that will sustain itself in the absence of action. Also on Mamdanis to-do list: Moving to the mayors official residence, a stately mansion in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, before the lease on his Queens apartment ends later this month. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Marjorie Taylor Greene has issued a stark warning to Donald Trump following the military operation in Venezuela, telling him that such overseas interference was what many in MAGA thought they voted to end. Regime change, funding foreign wars, and Americans tax dollars being consistently funneled to foreign causes, foreigners both home and abroad, and foreign governments while Americans are consistently facing increasing cost of living, housing, healthcare, and learn about scams and fraud of their tax dollars is what has most Americans enraged, Greene wrote in a lengthy post on X Saturday. The president was asked earlier how the seizure and control of Venezuelan oil aligns with his America first agenda, telling reporters, We want to surround ourselves with good neighbors. Trump has said he authorized CIA operations in the South American nation, including the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, because Venezuela emptied their prisons into the United States of America and flooded the country with drugs. In her post, Greene hit back at the presidents claims that the operations were intended purely to crack down on alleged narco-terrorism, pointing out that 70 percent of U.S. drug overdose deaths were due to fentanyl that entered the country via Mexico. open image in gallery Marjorie Taylor Greene has issued a stark warning to Donald Trump following the airstrikes in Venezuela, telling him that such overseas interference was what many in MAGA thought they voted to end ( AP ) Mexican cartels are primarily and overwhelmingly responsible for killing Americans with deadly drugs, she said. If U.S. military action and regime change in Venezuela was really about saving American lives from deadly drugs then why hasnt the Trump admin taken action against Mexican cartels? The firebrand Georgia congresswoman also pointed to his pardoning of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of trafficking hundreds of tons of cocaine into America. Americans disgust with our own governments never ending military aggression and support of foreign wars is justified because we are forced to pay for it and both parties, Republicans and Democrats, always keep the Washington military machine funded and going. This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end. Boy were we wrong. Greene has gone from being one of the presidents closest supporters to one of his most vocal critics in recent months, having fallen out with him and others in the administration over the handling of the Epstein files. The congresswoman announced in November that she would be resigning from Congress and she is due to leave her seat on January 5. open image in gallery Greene has gone from being one of the presidents closest supporters to one of his most vocal critics in recent months, having fallen out with him and others in the administration over the handling of the Epstein files ( AFP via Getty Images ) Greene is reportedly not the only Republican to be critical of the president, though others are so far doing so from behind closed doors, according to Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer. "As I said, we have heard from some Republicans in private conversations, chairs talking to their ranking members, that they have some, they are troubled by this, but not much more than that, Schumer said Saturday. Schumer said he wanted to hold Republicans accountable, adding: "And again, we are saying to the Republicans, this is your responsibility. President Trump is a member of your party. You've gone along with him over and over again. This is one time you got to resist him. It's too serious." Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Republicans largely endorsed President Donald Trumps large-scale strike against Venezuela and capture of its president Nicolas Maduro, despite the fact that the president did not seek authorization from Congress. Almost no Republicans criticized the move on Saturday after early-morning reports of strikes in Caracas even as the president would not say if he had consulted with Congress. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Trumps actions, saying that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Trumps decisive action to disrupt the unacceptable status quo and apprehend Maduro, through the execution of a valid Department of Justice warrant, is an important first step to bring him to justice for the drug crimes for which he has been indicted in the United States, Thune said in a statement. The Department of Justice for its part unsealed it 25-page indictment against Maduro, his wife and various Venezuelan officials accusing them of running a massive cocaine trafficking operation. open image in gallery President Donald Trump announced that the United States would run Venezuela after it conducted strikes on Caracas and captured its president Nicolas Maduro. ( AP ) In addition, Rubio told reporters that the administration notified Congress immediately after the strikes, which runs counter the typical procedure of consulting leaders of the House and Senate as well as the chairman and ranking members of relevant committees like the House and Senate Armed Services Committee. Congress will leak, and we dont want leakers, Trump said. House Speaker Mike Johnson also praised the strike in a statement. President Trump is putting American lives first, succeeding where others have failed, and under his leadership the United States will no longer allow criminal regimes to profit from wreaking havoc and destruction on our country, Johnson said. The speaker added that the administration is scheduling briefings for members of Congress. The Senate leader and speakers statements mark a continuing abdication of Congresss authority to declare war as outlined in the first article of the U.S. Constitution. open image in gallery A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. ( via REUTERS ) open image in gallery Flames rise above Caracas after the strikes carried out by US forces ( via REUTERS ) Much of the criticism from Democrats admitted that Maduro was an authoritarian dictator, but criticized the lack of consultation with Congress. The administration has assured me three separate times that it was not pursuing regime change or taking military action in Venezuela, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. Clearly, they are not being straight with Americans. Trump ran in 2024 as a Peace candidate who would not engage in long-term wars in the ways his predecessors of both parties had. But since he re-assumed office a year ago this month, Trump has engaged in strikes in the Caribbean and Iran. On Saturday, he announced a long-term engagement in Venezuela. So we are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, and it has to be judicious, because that's what we're all about, he said. We can't take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn't have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind. Senator Jack Reed, top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the plans ludicrous. No serious plan has been presented for how such an extraordinary undertaking would work or what it will cost the American people, he said. History offers no shortage of warnings about the costs human, strategic, and moral of assuming we can govern another nation by force. Only a handful of Republicans offered criticism. The operations last night are great for the future of Venezuelans and the region, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who is retiring, said in a statement. My main concern is now Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan. Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives. By contrast, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former enthusiastic supporter of Trumps, criticized the action. Regime change, funding foreign wars, and Americans tax dollars being consistently funneled to foreign causes, foreigners both home and abroad, and foreign governments while Americans are consistently facing increasing cost of living, housing, healthcare, and learn about scams and fraud of their tax dollars is what has most Americans enraged, she said in a statement. This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end, she added. Boy were we wrong. But Greene will only be in Congress for a few more days. On Saturday, the House read her resignation letter during a pro forma session. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tony Dokoupil has had a busy first day as host of CBS Evening News, after the network brought his start date forward two days in response to the U.S. military action in Venezuela. "Good evening, great to be with you tonight, two days earlier than expected with that major breaking news news that could shape the year, maybe even the century, Dokoupil said at the top of the show. The veteran reporter, who previously worked at NBC and MSNBC, was scheduled to take the helm of the show on Monday, though a CBS News source tipped off The Independent that he would instead be presenting for the first time on Saturday. It comes after Donald Trump ordered heavy airstrikes in Venezuela, which resulted in the seizure of oil operations in the South American nation and the capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro. Dokoupil previously vowed that his tenure would be independent from the CBS corporate owner, Paramount Skydance, pledging transparency and integrity to his viewers to earn back public trust in the media. open image in gallery Tony Dokoupil was scheduled to take the helm of the show Monday, but will now be presenting for the first time Saturday following the U.S. airstrikes in Venezuela ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) As long as I sit in this chair: you come first. Not advertisers. Not politicians. Not corporate interests. And, yes, that does include the corporate owners of CBS. I report for you, Dokoupil said in a video message Thursday. In a separate statement on Friday, CBS News said, We love America. And we make no apologies for saying so, a stance that appears at odds with accusations leveled at the administration about unnecessary foreign overreach. After capturing Maduro, Trump declared Saturday that an interim group with top administration officials will run Venezuela for a period of time until the United States determines a peaceful and just transition can take place. In his statement, Dokoupil said his coverage would not be influenced by politicians or other corporate entities. open image in gallery It comes after Donald Trump ordered heavy airstrikes in Venezuela, which resulted in the seizure of oil operations in the South American nation and the capture of its president Nicolas Maduro (pictured) ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social ) open image in gallery Trump declared Saturday that an interim group with top administration officials will run the country for a period of time following the airstrikes ( Getty Images ) A lot has changed since the first person sat in the Evening News chair. For me, the biggest difference is this: people don't trust us like they used to. And it's not just us. It's all legacy media, he said. Dokoupils appointment as CBS Evening News anchor was confirmed last month as part of a swath of network changes under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Weiss has already faced controversy and criticism from within her own staff. Last week, Weiss reportedly pulled a segment from 60 Minutes on the Trump administrations deportation of migrants to a brutal maximum security prison in El Salvador. Sharyn Alfonsi, the correspondent behind the piece, described the decision to spike the segment as political. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump hailed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as brilliant but refused to say whether he consulted Congress before carrying out airstrikes on the South American country. Maduro and his wife were captured early Saturday from their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation and flown out of the country as part on an U.S. operation. In a phone call with The New York Times shortly after 4:30 a.m. E.T. Saturday, a tired sounding Trump celebrated the planning and execution of the mission, the newspaper reports. It was a brilliant operation, actually, Trump told the outlet. A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people. When asked by the Times whether he sought congressional approval before carrying out the large scale attack on Venezuela, he said, Well discuss that, were going to have a news conference, before hanging up the phone. The entire call lasted 50 seconds, the Times reports. open image in gallery President Trump hailed the brilliant capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ( via REUTERS ) Top congressional leaders and chairs of intelligence committees were notified of the attack only after it began, according to officials. The president has repeatedly said he would not necessarily seek permission from Congress to launch a land war in Venezuela, saying instead that military assets are just going to kill people there instead. I dont think were going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think were just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country, OK? Were going to kill them, Trump said during a White House roundtable with administration officials in October. Also in October, the president said he authorized CIA operations inside Venezuela, granting intelligence operatives to take covert action against Maduro and his government, including as part of a wider military operation. In remarks to reporters at the time, Trump said he authorized CIA operations because Venezuela emptied their prisons into the United States of America and flooded the country with drugs. The president also spoke with Fox News, where he said he watched the capture of Maduro unfold in real time from his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida. We watched it from a room ... we were surrounded by lots of people, including generals, Trump told Fox & Friends. It was very complex, extremely complex, the whole maneuver, the landings ... the number of aircraft ... the different type of fighter jets. They just broke in and they broke into places that were not really able to be broke into, he continued. Steel doors that were put there for just this reason and they got taken out in a matter of seconds, Ive never seen anything like it. The president told the network that the United States would be making decisions on what is next for Venezuela after capturing Maduro and flying him out of the country. open image in gallery Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured early Saturday and flown out of the country in the unprecedented U.S. operation ( AP ) Well be involved in it very much as to who will govern the country, Trump said. We cant take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left, or left off. Maduro and his wife are on a U.S. warship en route to New York. In a Truth Social post hours after the attack, Trump said: The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez said the location of Maduro and his wife is unknown and said: We demand proof of life. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump shared a photo appearing to show Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in captivity after his arrest overnight. The image shows Maduro blindfolded, wearing soundproof headphones and handcuffs, holding a plastic water bottle, and dressed in a Nike sweatsuit aboard the U.S. Navy vessel USS Iwo Jima. A mostly cropped-out Drug Enforcement Administration agent is also holding his arm in the photograph shared on Truth Social. Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima, Trump captioned the post. The Independent has requested comment from the White House. President Donald Trump posted this photo Saturday, appearing to show Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in captivity after U.S. airstrikes in Caracas ( Truth Social/@realDonaldTrump ) The Venezuelan president and his wife are currently aboard a U.S. warship en route to the United States, where they a grand jury indictment alleging several offenses, including narco-terrorism conspiracy. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts, Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X. The attack came overnight, with at least seven blasts heard over Caracas. Targets included military bases and airports. In a news conference Saturday, Trump said the couple was captured in the dead of night and said the U.S. would run Venezuela until a safe transition of power could take place. Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, Trump said from his Mar-a-Lago resort. Were going to run it, essentially, through the transition, he said. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, branded the operation a powerful demonstration of Americas joint force. Trump ordered the strike at 10:46 p.m., telling officials good luck and Godspeed, according to Caine. More than 150 aircraft including several fighter jets, helicopters and bombers launched from 20 different points with service members from across the military branches, with the youngest being 20 and oldest being 49, Caine said. Covering fire paved the way for helicopters to arrive in Caracas. Law enforcement accompanied by military personnel arrived at the Maduro compound after 1:01 a.m. There were multiple engagements after the extraction, and one U.S. aircraft was hit but remained flyable, according to Caine. Maduro and his wife were over the water out of Venezuela at 3:29 a.m. ET and held on the USS Iwo Jima. Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez told The Associated Press that Maduro and his wife were at their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation when they were captured. Thats where they bombed, he said. And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump says the United States will run Venezuela after a military operation captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife, shocking the world with an overnight attack that marked the culmination of a months-long pressure campaign against the nations leader. The U.S. president said an interim group with top administration officials will run the country for a period of time until the United States determines a peaceful and just transition can take place. That group appears to include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, CIA director John Ratcliffe, and General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump did not rule out the possibility of American boots on the ground, though he suggested U.S. military assets will be present as it pertains to oil. But the president said little about how his administration would run the South American nation, which has the largest oil reserves in the world. He said only that the operation wont cost us anything because American oil companies would enter the country to rebuild its oil and gas infrastructure. open image in gallery President Donald Trump said his administration will run Venezuela until a peaceful transition can take place after US military forces captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife January 3 ( REUTERS ) The oil business in Venezuela has been a bust, a total bust, for a long period of time, Trump said. Were going to have our very large U.S. oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken oil infrastructure, and start making money. He claimed Venezuela stole our oil after the country nationalized its oil industry. Pressed on how the seizure of Venezuelan oil aligns with his America first agenda, Trump told a reporter that we want to surround ourselves with good neighbors. We need that for ourselves, we need that for the world, he said. We're in the oil business...Well be selling large amounts of oil to other countries. What happens next after a series of escalating attacks and threats of regime change hinges on the responses from Venezuelan officials, regional governments and armed forces in an increasingly volatile situation amid the possibility of further American intervention. The Trump administrations apparent attempt to seize Venezuelas oil reserves is not a legitimate basis for toppling a government, according to Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Service Committee. It violates international law and has failed catastrophically in the past, he said. Pursuing regime change without the consent of the American people is a reckless overreach and an abuse of power. Chevron, among the leading private oil companies operating in Venezuela, where it has maintained several projects for more than a century, said in a statement Saturday that it supports a peaceful, lawful transition that promotes stability and economic recovery. The company is offering its experience and presence to strengthen U.S. energy security. open image in gallery Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, which the Trump administration appears prepared to seize and sell to other nations ( AP ) Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president and could hold elections within 30 days, under Venezuelas constitution. She denied the Trump administrations claims that she plans to help the U.S. government run the country, despite Trump saying she is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros, Rodriguez said in remarks Saturday. She said Venezuelas government is open to resuming a relationship with the Trump administration, but only within the framework of international and Venezuelan law. That is the only type of relationship I will accept, after they have attacked and militarily assaulted our beloved nation, she said. Venezuela declared a state of emergency after the attacks in the capital of Caracas and in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. The nation rejects, repudiates and denounces U.S. military aggression, according to the communications ministry, which called on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack. open image in gallery Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has condemned US attacks while the nations government called on the nations social and political forces to mobilize ( AFP via Getty Images ) Maduros capture follows Trumps months-long military campaign against his regime, including a lethal series of attacks on boats off Venezuelas coast, a massive build up of naval vessels in the region, and armed forces seizing Venezuelan oil tankers. Officials have offered varying justifications for attacks that have killed more than 100 people over the last five months while suggesting regime change was imminent. The Trump administration claims the boats are trafficking illicit drugs into the United States, and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said in a recent interview that the campaign is designed to get Maduro to cry uncle. But those strikes failed to break Maduros inner circle, and Washington has now shifted from operations at sea to direct action on Venezuelan territory, according to Tiziano Breda, senior analyst for Latin America at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a conflict monitoring and research group. Venezuela has so far avoided direct confrontation with U.S forces, but deployments on the streets point to efforts to contain unrest, Breda said Saturday. open image in gallery The Trump administration did not mention opposition figures Edmundo Gonzalez nor Maria Corina Machado as the US president announced plans to run Venezuela ( AFP via Getty Images ) Interior minister Diosdado Cabello, among the most powerful figures in the country after Maduro, is similarly targeted by the Department of Justice and could face fierce resistance from U.S. forces. Exiled opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez was recognized by Joe Bidens administration as the true winner of the 2024 presidential election in which Maduro declared victory. And Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who has supported the Trump campaign against Maduro, won a 2023 opposition primary to face Maduro, whose administration subsequently barred her from running. Trump did not mention either of them as potential successors in his remarks Saturday. He said Machado doesnt have the support inside the country or the respect. A smooth transition remains unlikely, and the risk of resistance from pro-regime armed groups including elements within the military and Colombian rebel networks active in the country remains high, Breda added. The attacks create a worrisome precedent for the region, according to the Washington Office on Latin America, a long-running human rights research and advocacy organization, which warned that the Trump administrations gunboat diplomacy and disregard for international law not only damages U.S. standing but escalates tensions in an already-boiling environment. It is essential that efforts from Venezuelans and the international community now focus on de-escalating tensions, protecting civilians, and producing a peaceful and democratic transition, the group said Saturday. by Xinhua writer Jiang Tingting BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- On the morning of New Year's Day, as sunlight streamed into their Beijing apartment, Li Xiaolan's family opened their refrigerator to a sight that brought a smile: a box of plump, dark Chilean cherries, glistening like jewels. "For my parents, such perfect fruit in deep winter was once unimaginable," Li said, watching her son reach for one. "Now, it's our little ritual for a sweet start to the year." A decade ago, this would have been a rare indulgence. Today, these cherries, alongside avocados from Mexico, beef from Argentina, and durians from Thailand, have become regular guests in Chinese households. This transformation is no accident; it stems from China's proactive policies to expand imports, such as lowering tariffs, simplifying trade procedures, and extending zero-tariff treatment to the least-developed countries having diplomatic relations with China. These measures are not isolated steps, but rather part of a broader push to balance trade, drive high-quality development, and deepen global partnerships. The recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) have put forward balancing the development of imports and exports. The value of balanced import-export development extends far beyond household dining tables, exerting a profound ripple effect on China's industrial upgrading and high-quality growth. In advanced manufacturing, for example, importing advanced equipment and key components enables upward movement in the value chain. At the same time, the influx of foreign goods introduces new ideas and standards, heightening competitive pressure. This creates more discerning consumers and forces local firms to improve their products -- ultimately elevating the overall quality of the "Made in China" brand. Beyond bolstering industrial competitiveness, balanced import and export development also serves as a cornerstone of China's job market vitality. Imports and exports support employment for 190 million people, accounting for one-fourth of the country's total employment. Nearly 700,000 entities are engaged in foreign trade, with private enterprises making up about 90 percent of the total. This solid employment foundation, in turn, fuels the purchasing power of Chinese households, driving the continuous expansion of the domestic consumer market. In the first 11 months of 2025, China's total goods imports reached approximately 16.75 trillion yuan (about 2.3 trillion U.S. dollars), with consumer goods imports maintaining steady growth, underscoring the robust scale and resilience of domestic demand. "Balanced import-export development helps China better utilize both domestic and international markets and resources, strengthening the stability and competitiveness of its industrial and supply chains while raising consumer satisfaction and well-being," said Bai Ming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, a think-tank under the Ministry of Commerce. Notably, this balanced approach goes far beyond goods trade to encompass vigorous expansion in services imports, a key pillar of China's high-standard opening-up drive. Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that in the first 10 months of 2025, China's service imports reached nearly 3.68 trillion yuan, growing 2.6 percent year on year. These service imports span telecommunications, computer and information services and financial services, providing critical support for domestic industrial upgrading and consumption upgrading. For example, imported cloud computing solutions have accelerated the digital transformation of China's small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. At the same time, cross-border financial consulting services have helped domestic firms navigate overseas market regulations. "The import of professional services such as international legal counsel, engineering design, and inspection and testing has helped domestic companies align with global standards and enhance their international competitiveness," said Song Siyuan, a researcher with the commerce ministry's think tank. Crucially, these gains not only bolster China's development but also spill over its borders, creating a new paradigm of shared prosperity. This win-win dynamic is vividly illustrated by the journey of the very cherries that grace Li Xiaolan's New Year table. In Chile's Central Valley, soaring exports to China have boosted rural economies. Around 90 percent of Chile's cherry exports now flows to China, supporting some 200,000 local jobs and creating stable income streams that have weathered global market volatility in recent years. Claudia Soler, executive director of the Chilean Cherry Committee, noted that Chilean cherries are gaining popularity not only in first-tier cities but also in smaller cities across China. "We aim to put them on the table in every city and within every consumer's reach," she said. Just as goods imports have helped lift livelihoods in Chile and Southeast Asia, China's growing demand for global services is creating new opportunities for service providers worldwide, from digital tech firms to international consulting agencies. Global logistics giants, for instance, have expanded their footprint in China to cater to the surging cross-border trade of goods and services. "China is central to FedEx's strategy, and we remain bullish about its growth potential," said Poh-Yian Koh, president of FedEx China. She added that the company will continue to strengthen its air logistics network and service capabilities to connect China with global markets better and contribute to worldwide economic growth. And this momentum shows no signs of slowing down: China's push for balanced import-export growth is a win-win promise made real -- enriching households, powering industrial upgrading, and delivering dividends to global partners. As China will continue to advance high-standard opening-up over the next five years, everyday choices like a box of Chilean cherries or an imported tech solution will continue to anchor trade stability and fuel shared prosperity. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In 2021, Richard Chow, a New York City taxi cab driver, went on a hunger strike alongside then-Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani to fight for more debt relief for cabbies who had been victims of financial schemes. Thursday, a little more than four years after the successful hunger strike, Chow dropped Mamdani off at City Hall to be inaugurated as the mayor. Im very happy, Chow told City and State NY at the inauguration celebration. Congratulations to him. It was a full-circle moment for both Chow and the new mayor, who spent 15 days camped outside of City Hall on a hunger strike in October and November 2021 to fight for further relief for the citys cab drivers who had been preyed upon by exploitive business practices. Chow was especially passionate about the fight because his brother, Kenny, died by suicide as a result of crushing debt caused by The Medallion Crisis. open image in gallery Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, arrived at inauguration in a yellow taxi cab a symbol of Mamdanis dedication to the workers of New York City ( REUTERS ) Mamdani, early in his political career at the time, sat with Chow and other members of the union, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, until then-mayor Bill de Blasio secured more money with the help of Senator Chuck Schumer. For Mamdani, fighting for taxi drivers aligned with his own identity because many drivers are immigrants, with 40 percent from South Asia, according to the New York Times. Those individuals who came to New York seeking a better life had been swindled into owing hundreds of thousands of dollars to predatory lenders. What I will go through pales in comparison to what Richard is going to go through and what so many other of the drivers are going to go through, Mamdani said of the hunger strike to MotherJones at the time. The face of this hunger strike are people who have ruined their bodies for the city. Sitting in a chair for up to 16 hours a day. Developing all sorts of complications from the fact that they sit for that long. The fact that they do not have bathrooms that are available for them to use. The fact that they are forever trying to find any kind of parking just to get lunch, to get dinner, Mamdani added. open image in gallery Mamdani (pictured right) sits with fellow hunger strikers in 2021 ( Getty Images ) Mamdanis support for the taxi drivers ultimately landed him with supporters in the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, some of whom, including Chow, canvassed for Mamdani when he announced his campaign for mayor. Kuber Sancho-Persad, also a taxi driver who met Mamdani during the 2021 hunger strike, has supported the mayors campaign and attended his inauguration on Thursday. Over the last year, Chow has shown up at Mamdanis events and used social media to endorse the 34-year-old candidate, calling Mamdani a hero and thanking him for saving our lives. But in his latest act of gratitude toward Mamdani, Chow dropped the new mayor and first lady, Rama Duwaji, off to begin the next four years overseeing New York City. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Danish officials to discuss Greenland next week after refusing to rule out taking military action to seize the territory. President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats to take over the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark, a Nato country. On Wednesday, the White House warned that utilising the US military is always an option to achieve this important foreign policy goal. Mr Rubio reiterated this warning, telling reporters in Washington DC later in the day that Mr Trump retains the option to use the US military to take Greenland. But he added that the US president would prioritise a diplomatic solution. However, he did not directly answer reporters' questions about whether the administration was willing to risk the integrity of the Nato alliance by potentially moving ahead with military action in Greenland. I'm not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention, he said. I'll be meeting with them next week, we'll have those conversations with them then, but I don't have anything further to add to that. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenland counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, requested the meeting with Mr Rubio, according to a statement posted to Greenland's government website on Tuesday, after previous requests were unsuccessful. open image in gallery US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Danish officials to discuss Greenland next week after refusing to rule out taking military action to seize the territory ( Getty ) The meeting comes amid an escalating diplomatic crisis between Washington and its western allies, who have said that any attempt to occupy the territory would violate Denmarks sovereignty. European leaders issued a statement on Tuesday declaring that it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland. Since the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Mr Trump has revived his argument that the US needs to control the world's largest island, which guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America, to ensure its own security in the face of rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic. But Mr Rubio told a select group of US lawmakers on Monday that it was the Republican administration's intention to eventually purchase Greenland, as opposed to using military force. The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing the statement this week, reaffirming that the island belongs to its people, with Frederiksen warning that a US takeover would amount to the end of Nato. open image in gallery Greenland is a strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark, a Nato country ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also said on Tuesday that using the military to acquire Greenland was an option, though she told reporters Wednesday that the president's first option always has been diplomacy. Some Republican senators said they saw strategic value in Greenland, but they stopped short of supporting military action to acquire it. Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said he hoped we can work out a deal, while North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said some of the discussion about taking Greenland by force has been misconstrued. But Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she hated the rhetoric around either acquiring Greenland by purchase or by force, adding, I think that it is very, very unsettling. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Nato Observer Group, said the US needs to honour its treaty obligations to Denmark. Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow Nato ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our alliance exists to defend, the senators said in a joint statement. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Up to 45,000 households in south-western Berlin could be without power until January 8 after a fire on a Teltow Canal bridge. Grid company Stromnetz Berlin confirmed the outage, which occurred early on Saturday. Police are investigating the incident, which damaged high-voltage cables near the Lichterfelde heat and power station, as a possible arson attack. "We expect a full restart of all customers by Thursday afternoon," the company said in a statement, noting it would require the installation of new cables. It said some 2,200 commercial entities were also affected and mobile phone services and landlines might also be impacted. Firefighters had been alerted at 0545 GMT and put out the fire, according to a police note posted on Twitter. Criminal investigators and emergency services are on the scene, the police said. For Ukraine, there is little reason to think that 2026 will not continue the pattern set by 2025: the war will grind on, because the repeated promises that peace is near are based on little more than blind optimism and a desperate need to pander to Donald Trumps fantasies. Russia will continue to try to secure through diplomatic means what it has failed to conquer in 11 years of war, and its key tool for doing so will continue to be Donald Trump. Three times during 2025, Trump blindsided Europes leaders by attempting to coerce Ukraine into accepting Russias demands under the guise of a ceasefire agreement. On each occasion, the worst danger was averted following a transatlantic diplomatic scramble, as European leaders dropped everything to try to roll back some of the damage. It may seem like a repetitive cycle, but on each occasion, Russia improves its position. Just as Russian troops are steadily inching forward on the front line, Putin and Trump are steadily moving the window of what Ukraine and Europe are being forced to accept. Russias 28-point plan of November, instead of being rejected outright, was treated as a basis for negotiation with the result, for example, that rather than dismissing the idea of limiting the size of Ukraines armed forces, Europe too has now endorsed it. Meanwhile, the patterns of actual combat in Ukraine were set months and in some cases years ago. Russia continues to abrade Ukrainian defences on the front line at enormous cost in casualties, and to murder Ukrainian civilians nightly through drone and missile strikes against its cities in critical infrastructure. But it remains the case that the war will not be decided on the front line, and probably not in Ukraine. The war continues because neither the coalition backing Ukraine nor the one backing Russia has decided to intervene decisively. For China, Iran and North Korea, there is a fine balance between the benefits of seeing Russia exhaust both itself and its Western adversaries, and the risks of overstepping their support for Moscow and triggering more widespread destabilisation. Among Ukraines backers, meanwhile, the curtailing of US support was entirely predictable, as was the limited ability of European powers to make up the shortfall as a result of their refusal in previous years to prepare for it. Similarly, European countries are ill-prepared for a mooted 2027 deadline for the United States to reduce or remove support for European defence again, because those European countries refused over the proceeding years and decades to take an interest in their own defence. open image in gallery Plotting next moves: Zelensky meets with his newly appointed head of foreign intelligence service Oleg Ivashchenko on 2 February ( Ukrainian Presidential Press Service ) The United States new National Security Strategy has laid out a possible future for the distribution of American forces worldwide. If it is followed through, it is not only Americas European allies, but also those in East Asia, which will find themselves facing unfriendly regional heavyweights without the American security guarantees they have relied on for generations. The vision of hemispheric defence laid out in the strategy, with the United States concerning itself solely with the Americas, and Europe and East Asia abandoned to their respective dominant aggressive powers, raises a prospect that until recently many would have thought would only be found in dystopian fiction. As I predicted in my book Who Will Defend Europe, written in the middle of 2024, that may see the worlds remaining liberal democracies pitted against three assertive autocracies, Russia, China and the United States. But what is more, if the ambitions of Russia and China go unchecked, the political geography that would result would be immediately recognisable to anybody that has read George Orwells 1984, with the world divided between Oceania, Eastasia, and Eurasia. For the time being, however, US forces are still in place, and US secondees are still integrated with European defence structures, including Nato. Across the continent, Americans are continuing to do their jobs unless and until the Trump White House tells them to stop. That unpredictability should help focus the minds of European leaders on looking to their own defence and resilience in order to make themselves less attractive targets for Russias next move. But it also provides a benefit. There is little doubt that Russia will not move against a Nato nation until it is absolutely convinced that there will be no retaliatory steps by the United States and for the time being, that same unpredictability from the Trump White House will not yet give the Kremlin that certainty. open image in gallery Taking the peace: President Trump has repeatedly tried to coerce Ukraine into accepting Russias demands ( Getty ) Europes inability to wean itself off defence dependency on the US lies behind the craven pandering to the Trump White House that was on display throughout 2025. For Ukraine, and its supporters, that includes pretending that the repeated diplomatic flailing constitutes a peace process, and clinging to the bizarre idea that a US security guarantee against Russia would be of any value at all under the current administration. Presidents Trump and Zelensky might even be telling the truth when they say that they are 90 per cent of the way to an agreement on a peace settlement for Ukraine. The problem is that this is agreement between Ukraine and the United States and they could be 0 per cent of the way to a viable agreement with Russia. The repeated offers of ceasefire terms to Moscow that met many of Russias original objectives, and their repeated rejection, demonstrate clearly that for the time being, Russia thinks it has more to gain by fighting on than by pocketing the gains being offered by Trump. And until that calculus changes, there is no reason to expect the war to end. The fundamental objectives of both sides remain unchanged. Russia wants, either now or later, to eliminate Ukraine as a free and independent nation; and Ukraine wants to survive. The fact that there is no common ground between those two positions is the reason the war started in 2014, and escalated in 2022. Even any potential ceasefire would also be fraught with danger. In previous conflicts, like Georgia and Syria, Russia has shown itself adept at co-opting Western leaders into imposing impossible terms on the victims, while allowing Moscow complete freedom of operation to violate ceasefire agreements as it wishes. Theres no reason to think that on this occasion too, Russia would sign up to a ceasefire that it was not able to violate at will, and did not position Russia well for resuming the conflict at a time of its choosing. But at the same time, any easing in the intensity of the conflict would give European leaders the excuse that too many of them are still looking for to pretend that the problem has gone away, and that the urgent need for their own rearmament is no longer there. open image in gallery Russia will continue to reconnoitre for its future move on Europe, regardless of what may be agreed via diplomacy ( AP ) And none of this addresses the challenge of ensuring that a ceasefire is a path to a durable peace, rather than an opportunity for Russia to reconstitute its land forces for the next attack even faster, without Ukraine eliminating them almost as swiftly as they can be restored. Russia will continue to reconnoitre for its future move on Europe, by means of sabotage and probing attacks against civilian infrastructure and key logistics points. Europe will continue to call these hybrid attacks, despite criticism from well-informed intelligence chiefs who point out how unhelpful the term is. The alternative, as ever, is recognising these attacks as the warlike acts they really are and finally facing the uncomfortable political decisions that implies. Estimates continue to vary regarding when Russia will be ready to resume open warfare, either on Ukraine or against a NATO member state. But the one thing they have in common is that they are all earlier than Europe can conceivably be ready to defend itself. At the end of 2024, I wrote that the end of fighting in Ukraine might be closer, but the end of Russias broader war against the West was nowhere in sight. As we enter 2026, despite all the claims of imminent peace, theres no reason to think that has changed. Close Trump expresses hope on 'good news' from peace talks between Ukraine and Russia On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukraine and its western allies have agreed that Russian violations of a future ceasefire agreement would be met with a military response by Europe before any involvement by the US, according to a report. Under the plan, Moscow would first be issued a diplomatic warning and retaliatory action by Ukrainian forces if necessary, the Financial Times reported. If the ceasefire infraction persists, forces from the Coalition of the Willing will take action. The US would become involved only if still necessary after these first steps. The response would start within 24 hours, according to people who have been brief on the discussions. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has said he is expecting "good news" when trilateral peace talks resume from Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, declaring: I think were doing very well with Ukraine and Russia. For the first time, Im saying that. But overnight Russian air attacks continued into this week, with explosions ringing out in Kyiv on Monday night into Tuesday, after a pause requested by Trump. As of Tuesday morning, emergency power cuts were in effect in the Ukrainian capital after Russian forces again targeted power plants and energy infrastructure. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Irans foreign minister has branded Donald Trumps warning reckless and dangerous after he said the US will intervene if peaceful protesters are killed. The US president posted a statement on Truth social which read: "If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescueWe are locked and loaded and ready to go. Although it is not clear what the US would do in response to any killings, in the past Trump has carried out strikes on Irans nuclear sites, which led to retaliatory strikes on a US base in Qatar. In response to Trumps latest statement, Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, said the countrys armed forces were prepared on standby and "know exactly where to aim" in the event of an attack. As of Saturday morning, at least eight people have reportedly died during the week-long protests held in Iran. The protests are largely against the collapse of the countrys currency and calling for the overthrow of the supreme leader Ayatollah Kamenei. open image in gallery Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, said Iran's armed forces were prepared on standby and "know exactly where to aim" in the event of an attack ( AP ) Many of the countrys economic hardships have persisted since the US first imposed tariffs on the countrys government in 2018. Araghchi said that Iranians impacted by a transient exchange rate volatility have recently been peacefully protesting, as is their right. But he warned that that separate to that there have been isolated incidents of violent riotsincluding attacks on a police station and throwing of Molotov cocktails at police officers. An eyewitness video has been circulating online which showcases cars burning and overturned outside a police station in Azna, Iran, in what experts are calling the biggest protests in the nation for years. Araghchi said: Given President Trumps deployment of the National Guard within U.S. borders, he of all people should know that criminal attacks on public property cannot be tolerated. open image in gallery An eyewitness video has been circulating online which showcases cars burning and overturned outside a police station in Azna, Iran, amidst what experts are calling the biggest protests in the nation for years ( Social media ) This is why President Trumps message today, likely influenced by those who fear diplomacy or mistakenly believe it is unnecessary, is reckless and dangerous. As in the past, the Great People of Iran will forcefully reject any interference in their internal affairs. Similarly, our Powerful Armed Forces are on standby and know exactly where to aim in the event of any infringement of Iranian sovereignty. Similarly, Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to the Ayatollah, Iranians know US rescue record well, from Iraq and Afghanistan to Gaza. Any intervening hand-nearing Iran Security on pretexts will be cut off with a regret inducing response. Irans national security is a red line, not material for adventurist tweets. A witness to the deadly New Years Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in CransMontana says he is shocked for life after seeing victims engulfed in flames as the blaze tore through the crowded venue. The inferno, which erupted just after 1.30 am, killed around 40 people and injured more than 100, many with severe burns, as revellers celebrated in the skiresort basement bar. Survivors described chaotic scenes of people fleeing, breaking windows and collapsing in smoke and heat. Authorities are still identifying victims and investigating the cause, believed to be linked to sparklers igniting flammable materials. Top Hat musical heads for Dublin: Youre still allowed to enjoy the frothiness of falling in love and tap dancing With the classic Ginger Rogers/Fred Astaire musical bound for the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, stars Amara Okereke and Phillip Attmore discuss the importance of silliness, joy and positivity in a complicated world Top Hat is coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre later this month. Photo: Johan Persson Katy Hayes Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 06:30 The 1930s were a time of great trauma in the US. The Wall Street crash of 1929 devastated all classes of society, and the ensuing depression lasted through the decade. The American banking collapse was one of the factors that provoked social crisis in Germany. Fascism gained a foothold in Europe, causing dangerous echoes around the globe. The aftermath of the Enniskillen bomb blast in Co Fermanagh in 1987. Photo: PA Police identified a female IRA commander as a key member of the unit responsible for the Enniskillen Remembrance Day bombing, it has emerged. Investigators believed the woman led an IRA unit at the time of the November 1987 attack in Co Fermanagh one of the most notorious atrocities of the Troubles. She later moved to the US. Flights cancelled at Dublin Airport and school reopenings under threat as Arctic blast to bring snow, ice and lows of -4C Five flights cancelled between Dublin Airport and Amsterdam Status Yellow Snow-Ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Connacht, Louth Status Yellow Low Temperature/Ice warning for Munster, Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow Ireland set for blast of arctic weather this weekend Ralph Riegel and Keith Kelly Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Ireland is set for an Arctic blast as temperatures will sink close to -4C over the weekend with some northern areas facing snow, ice, freezing fog and heavy frost. Another Nanjing massacre survivor dies, only 22 remain Xinhua) 15:27, January 03, 2026 People attend a candle-light vigil at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Bo) NANJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- One more survivor of the Nanjing Massacre has passed away, reducing the number of living registered survivors to 22, the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders said on Saturday. Xu Deming died at the age of 96 on Friday, the hall announced. The Nanjing Massacre took place after Japanese troops captured the then-Chinese capital in east China on Dec. 13, 1937. Over the course of six weeks, they proceeded to kill approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most barbaric episodes of WWII. "In 1937, the Japanese invaders broke into my home and took my father away. They took him to Shuiximen and later to the Qingliang Mountain area for mass massacre. Someone spotted my father there and then told my elder brother about it. We searched for him everywhere, but just didn't find his body," Xu once recalled. "My father was only 54 years old when he was killed. My family fled to the refugee area and faced great difficulty getting food," he said. Over the years, the number of survivors who are able to share firsthand accounts of the massacre has continued to decline. In 2014, China's top legislature designated Dec. 13 as the national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. The Chinese government has also preserved survivors' testimonies, recorded via both written and video transcripts. These documents relating to the massacre were inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2015. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) In China's Chongqing, tens of thousands gathered at Jiefangbei, the city's core business area, to usher in the New Year, reveling in a lively music and light spectacle. #NewYear #2026 The Indo Daily: Melania: The Movie We saw it, so you dont have to... Irish News live | The rain has nowhere to go more flooding fears amid worst case scenario as eight counties under weather warning with rivers at risk More than 2 million worth of cannabis has been seized in raids on two sophisticated growhouse operations in Co Westmeath Gardai carried out a search under warrant of two residential properties in Ballynagore on New Years Eve as part of ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of drugs in the area. Serious criminal suspected of ordering arson attack on cars in Meath Eight cars set on fire in Co Meath car park as gardai appeal for witnesses Ali Bracken Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 10:19 An organised criminal is suspected of ordering an arson attack in which eight cars were set alight in a car park in Duleek, Co Meath. UK ambassador to Ireland on Irish businesses in England, maritime security and learning to speak as Gaeilge Kara Owen says that when she met President Catherine Connolly the pair conducted their conversation in Irish and that shes loving the explosion of joy around the language Kara Owen has launched herself into the role Cillian Sherlock Press Association Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 06:30 The threats facing all of us have changed, the British ambassador to Ireland has said, as she declared London is very happy to partner on security issues in the Irish Sea and beyond. From the next chart toppers to the movers in Irelands food industry, emerging stars of stage and screen and young designers ready to rock the runway, our writers round up their ones to watch in the year ahead Pea Dinneen: Raising Her Voice was one of the standouts at the Dublin Fringe Festival this year, and youll still meet lucky audience members waxing lyrical about what a great time they had at the show. Dinneen wraps serious messages about being trans, her experiences with the National Gender Service, and life in post-crash Ireland in sugary 1990s pop songs played with a band. This year will surely hold more exciting moments for Dinneen, who is also a co-founder (alongside Aoife Sweeney OConnor) of the queer cabaret EGG. Dinneen is raising her voice, and we should all listen. Global warming-related disasters dominated headlines in 2025, now is our chance to champion proper solutions Chuma Mulunga is involved in a climate adaptation farming project with Self Help Africa in Malawi Irelands upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union provides us with a unique opportunity to help shape Europes priorities on climate, development and global solidarity in ways that could transform millions of lives in 2026 and beyond. Last year, we witnessed time and again how climate-related disasters dominated world headlines. More than 1,000 people died, and seven million were displaced by flooding in Pakistan in June; in November, 1,700 were killed and 1.1 million lost their homes in the worst flooding in a generation in southern and south-east Asia. Wildfires broke out across the US and Canada last summer, while parts of Europe experienced their hottest ever temperatures in July and August. Climate experts rank Africa as the continent that is most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Indeed, eight of the 10 countries regarded as most at risk from the changing climate are in Africa. Its easy to see why, when close to 65pc of Africas population rely on small-sized farms for their survival, and most of these 33 million farms are reliant almost exclusively on rainfall for their water. In the closing months of 2025, the traditional October/December rainy season largely failed in much of Somalia, Kenya and southern Ethiopia, while forecasts are for drier and hotter-than-average conditions across the region in early 2026. A new wave of crop failures and widespread food shortages is likely. Ireland has long been regarded as a principled and trusted voice on global development. Its long-standing commitment to climate justice and its consistent record in sub-Saharan Africa lend credibility and influence at a time when Europe urgently needs to reassess how it engages with a world increasingly shaped by climate extremes. During its upcoming presidency, Ireland can press its European partners to place climate resilience at the core of its global work. Climate change is now the leading driver of hunger in Africa. It is also responsible, directly and indirectly, for the displacement of millions of people each year. A UN estimate suggests water stress alone could displace 700 million people by 2030, while the World Bank reports that there could be 216 million internal climate migrants by 2050 unless remedial action is taken. Thats more than the population of Germany, France and Italy combined. Africas climate challenges are significant, but the continent still has the potential to feed itself comfortably and become a global breadbasket. Millions of small farms could grow more than they currently do. Better farming practices, climate-resilient crops, improved water management and stronger market access delivered by improvements to transport, roads, storage and agri-processing investment could transform a sector of Africas economy that at least 60pc of the population relies on. Irish Aid too has been a strong advocate for rural enterprise development, food and nutrition security We should also encourage Europe to strengthen economic opportunities for people living in rural regions of Africa. There are still too many systemic barriers, such as poor road systems, limited food storage and a lack of processing facilities, which leave rural farmers in a cycle of vulnerability. Ireland has the opportunity to argue strongly that the EU should lead this agenda, especially as the Trump administration has signalled what some foreign policy analysts describe as an aggressive disinterest in the continent. Allowing other large nations such as China and Russian to increase their footprint in Africa is not necessarily in the best interests of African farming communities. EU development and research policy already supports climate adaptation, rural enterprise, market access and rural job creation. Indeed, with EU support, Self Help Africa has in recent years implemented large-scale agri-enterprise development projects that have created jobs for tens of thousands and opened up new markets for hundreds of thousands of small-scale farming households in Kenya and Zambia. Across the continent of Africa, Irish Aid too has been a strong advocate for rural enterprise development, food and nutrition security, for measures that support climate adaptation, for agricultural research and for the provision of social protection for the poorest. Indeed, while other donor countries were cutting back their support to the worlds most vulnerable, Ireland stepped up in 2025, increasing its official development assistance and reinforcing its credibility and influence within the EU as a country that is steadfast in its commitment to global solidarity. With the arrival of a new year, let us hope Irelands EU presidency can help champion the practical, proven solutions already emerging across the continent, ensuring tens of millions of the worlds most vulnerable small-scale farming families are not left to face the new year, and the climate challenges it will bring, alone. Martha Hourican is director of public engagement with Self Help Africa Street sweepers brush away New Year's Eve trash on January 1, 1996, in New York City. Photo: Getty I have become unexpectedly popular for New Years Eve invitations. My brother explained why when inviting me this year. He knows I will leave by 7pm, thereby signalling to other guests that it is respectable to go home and allowing him to be in bed by 10. There is precedent for this sort of premature closure. In Times Square in 1995, more than 1,350kg of confetti was released an hour early by mistake, leaving revellers already ankle-deep in paper before midnight had arrived. One imagines the anticlimax of standing there, festooned and exhausted, waiting dutifully for a countdown that no longer mattered. New Years enthusiasm, like confetti, is best timed. Released too early, it merely creates mess, confusion and a strong desire to go home. Sometimes restraint is not a lack of celebration, but a public service. In the meantime, I wish your readers a happy and healthy 2026. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Now that the festive fuss is over, its time to welcome in a happy new year to all When, as children, we had got beyond the Santa years, my late dear mother tended to dread the fuss and mad rush surrounding Christmas thereafter. From my own point of view, I must also readily admit that certainly in this instance the apple didnt fall far from the tree. Now that its over, a happy new year to all. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9 Lets make odd socks the fashion trend of 2026 all mums would welcome it Odd socks are the bane of every mothers life. They are as certain in a household as death and taxes are to life. Why the odd socks? Because they come in pairs. My answer may sound very simplistic, but if former taoiseach Garret FitzGerald could once make the wearing of odd shoes acceptable, then maybe wearing odd socks might become a new year fashion and the answer to all mothers prayers. Aidan Hampson, Artane, Dublin Why we must question the whipped-up Western war talk on dastardly Russians Is there no relief from the constant stream of reports and articles telling us we are on the brink of a Russian attack? Supporting the proposition we have been fed in recent days, the remark from Natos Mark Rutte that we are Russias next target, and we are already in harms way; a French general telling us he has access to information that shows Russia is preparing to attack Europe; and a Dutch government booklet issued to every household with advice on how to survive for 72 hours following a hostile attack by Russia have significantly upped the frighteners. What is so clearly missing from all this stuff is any reason why Russia would launch such a war that would undoubtedly be catastrophic for everyone, including Russians. In the absence of any such explanation, the implication we are left with is that the Russian people are a bunch of bloodthirsty savages or somehow cannot see that they are being led by deranged lunatics. That is hardly plausible. Is it remotely possible that the behaviour and actions of Western nations is causing all the fear and anxiety we are witnessing? Socrates concluded that behind all wars, and talk of war, lies distraction or money and most often both. There is nothing better than the creation of an external threat to distract a people who are being poorly served by their leaders. Jim OSullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo Plummeting birth rate is a worry, so maybe we should look at abortion numbers Irelands declining birth rate could herald a vicious downward cycle for our population, according to a report from the National, Economic and Social Council (NESC). Naturally, a rapidly ageing population coupled with a dramatically declining birth rate spells trouble for any society: fewer workers and tax revenues to support care services and investments. The NESC report has its suggestions pension reform, more participation in the workforce, balanced regional development and other measures. It warns that the Government should begin planning for the advancing negative impact before its too late. For starters, how about examining Irelands massive abortion rates? The termination figures since 2019 are expected to soon exceed 60,000, with a steadily increasing figure of around 10,000 a year. The Exchequer has financed almost 56,000 GP abortion reimbursements up to last August. A lot of money to end human lives, invaluable in themselves, and apparently much needed for our economy. Instead of actively promoting abortion, surely a government campaign to reduce the numbers would not only be an ethical step, but a sound financial one towards averting this impending crisis? Its time to join the dots. Sinead Boland, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow China leads way on trade, while tariff-loving Trump appears bankrupt of ideas The president of the Peoples Republic of China, Xi Jinping, must be one happy camper. China recently posted its best trade numbers ever. Over the last 12 months, Beijing has found a better way to sell its goods. US president Donald Trump led us to believe that his tariffs would cripple China. I guess we now understand why this guy has six bankruptcies to his name. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Were seeing a stretch in the day, but its yet to kick in for early birds like me I have recently noted various media references, including in the Irish Independent, to the stretch in the day. Mind you, as an early riser, I have not yet observed any stretch at the morning end of the day and evidently wont do so until the fifth day or so of 2026. Michael Gannon, St Thomas Square, Kilkenny If we cant find resolution to our housing crisis, then we might need revolution As the homelessness numbers rise and the housing crisis deepens, I wonder if it is time for a New Year resolution or revolution? David Curran, Knocknacarra, Galway Cork residents and families will benefit from social welfare changes that are now in effect, according to a North Cork TD. Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, John Paul OShea said the new measures represent a strong start to 2026. Families will see higher child payments, carers will benefit from increased supports, and those returning to work will be better assisted. Budget 2026 delivers practical improvements that will be felt immediately in households around Cork, he explained. Most weekly social welfare payments have risen by 10 and child support payments will also increase to 58 per week for children under 12 and 78 per week for children aged 12 and over. Fuel Allowance will rise to 38 per week, while Working Family Payment thresholds will increase by 60 per week for all family sizes. Working Family Payment recipients will also qualify for Fuel Allowance from March, with payments backdated for those who meet the conditions. Further enhancements will roll-out later in 2026 with carers seeing substantial increases in income disregards and benefit limits from July, while people with disabilities moving into employment will retain the Fuel Allowance for five years and get access to the Back to Work Family Dividend. The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will also be extended to include children aged two and three, easing costs for parents of younger children. Deputy OShea said the increases reflect that balance by helping households in Cork, while also encouraging participation in the workforce. Figure does not include park bins Number of local authority bins on the streets of the capital fell slightly from 3,242 in early 2024 to 3,173 in November last year The number of bins on Dublins streets fell between the beginning of 2024 and the end of last year, according to figures released by Dublin City Council (DCC). Between January 2024 and November last year, the number of local authority bins on the streets of the capital fell slightly from 3,242 to 3,173. This figure does not include park bins, of which there are a few hundred. Since 2018, when DCC began recording bin statistics, the number on city streets has climbed steadily in recent years. The dip comes amid the councils No More Rubbish Excuses advertising campaign, launched across billboards, radio and social media in October, which urges Dubliners not to litter. The council said: The message is clear; there is no excuse for littering in Dublin. A spokesperson for the council said that while the number of bins has dropped slightly in the last year, the increasing prevalence of so-called belly bins, which compact their waste, means that bin capacity in the city has continued to grow. These bins can hold up to five times the waste of a standard bin, they said, with the number rising sharply from 58 in 2018 to 411. Accordingly, the capacity of the citys bins has grown. The council also said bin removals never take place in the vicinity of genuine litter generators, but they usually occur where consistent abuse or illegal dumping takes place. Sometimes residents will completely fill public litter bins with their own private household waste and leave full bags of household rubbish beside a bin for DCC to collect, they said. When a bin is consistently being targeted for illegal dumping, we remove the bin entirely as the amount of rubbish left beside these bins can greatly outweigh the benefit they provide. The spokesperson said damaged bins are typically replaced, but if there is a consistent pattern of abuse, then it will be removed permanently. Bins are added, they said, at the request of council-employed local area inspectors, councillors or residents associations, or where redevelopment of an area takes place. The figures also show that there are currently 58 dog bins on city streets, despite the council not installing any new facilities of this type since 2016. Heritage-style bins, with distinctive black and gold colouring, have also been gradually declining in prominence, falling from 573 in 2018 to 510 last year. Last September, DCC added another 100 people to DCCs waste management roster, bringing it to 540 personnel. Derek Kelly, DCCs head of environment, said at the time that the council was stepping up its resourcing of waste services. But I think the public needs to recognise that they can do better as well. I think thats really important, he said. Theres over 3,000 litter bins in the city. Theres never one too far away. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme COLOMBO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lanka Navy seized narcotics and contraband with an estimated gross street value exceeding 75 billion rupees (about 242 million U.S. dollars) and arrested 376 local suspects amid intensified nationwide drug-interdiction operations in 2025, official data showed. The Navy said the operations were carried out through coordinated efforts with local and foreign maritime stakeholders as well as law enforcement agencies, targeting maritime and coastal drug-smuggling networks. Substantial quantities of heroin, crystal methamphetamine, hashish, foreign and local cannabis, prescription drugs, foreign cigarettes, and Kendu leaves were seized during the year, said the Navy. It noted that the seized narcotics included more than 1,050 kg of heroin and over 2,982 kg of crystal methamphetamine. The Navy's operations are in line with Sri Lanka's national anti-drug campaign "A Nation United," which was launched in a bid to enhance the crackdown on drug-related crimes. The first baby born in Galway this year has been welcomed into the world by his proud parents just 22 minutes into 2026. Baby boy Daithi Brennan was born at 12.22am on January 1, 2026 in Galway University Hospital weighing eight pounds and one ounce. First-time parents Catriona and Niall, from Craughwell, said the birth went swimmingly and they couldnt be happier with their little bundle of joy. New mum Catriona told the Irish Independent: Were in our own happy little bubble at the moment. Daithi wasnt the first baby born in Ireland on Thursday. The first baby born in 2026 is a little boy named Elliot, who arrived into the world just 35 seconds past midnight. Baby Ellliot Deak weighed 8lbs 1oz and was welcomed by proud new parents Rachel and Adam Deak, from Rathnew, Co Wicklow. The Rotunda Hospital shared the good news of little Elliots arrival as the country celebrated a new year. Meanwhile a little girl arrived just five seconds later. Baby Millie Elizabeth Kelleher, was born at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin. The infant made her appearance at 40 seconds past midnight, just as celebrations for a new year were breaking out across Ireland. Meanwhile on Christmas Day 2025, many babies were welcomed into the world for the first time, with the day seeing five babies born at Galway University Hospital. For a Sligo business couple, January is not about rushing into resolutions. Instead, the Sligo duo, VOYA founders Mark and Kira Walton, treat the opening weeks of the year as a considered reset period, a time to pause, reflect and realign, guided by Irish seasonal traditions and the natural rhythm of the moon cycles. Decisions made by the Agri-Fish Council in Europe will lead to the death of the fishing industry in Co Wexford unless senior ministers intervene. That was the stark warning issued by Councillor Jim Codd at the December meeting of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) as he reacted to the latest reduction in quotas for Irish fishermen. Pointing to a once thriving economy in Kilmore Quay, Cllr Codd said that even in its current guise the fishing industry supports 500 jobs in this coastal community whether directly or indirectly, and brings approximately 71m into Co Wexford annually. However, following the Agri-Fish Councils decision to reduce Irish fishing quotas by up to 57,000 tonnes for 2026, Cllr Codd said it was becoming increasingly difficult to foresee a viable future for those fishing out of Kilmore Quay. The cuts to the quota will have a devastating effect, particularly on the fishing of sole, he said as he referenced the removal of a mechanism which had previously protected Irish fishermen when their quotas were reduced. The Hague Preference had been used every year in the Irish Sea; Ireland attempted to get it again for the south coast and failed; as a result what could have been 90 tonnes of sole is now 27 tonnes, which can be caught in two months. The Hague preference stood for 76 years and when the chips were down, our so-called friends in Europe were very quick to turn their backs on us. Irish fishermen are not at the table any more, theyre on the menu. The majority of fish being caught in Irish waters are not being caught by Irish boats, we are looking at the death of an industry here. In response Cathaoirleach Ger Carthy said he would write to Fisheries Minister Timmy Dooley and the Ireland South MEPs expressing the concerns of the district. Further support for the fishermen came from the councillors in the Wexford Borough District who reiterated the need to contact Minister Dooley to outline their fears for the local fishing industry. We wont have coastal communities for much longer, theyre going to wiped out, said Cllr Raymond Shannon. The fishing industry is on its knees, theres Belgian boats coming in here taking hundreds of tonnes of fish that the Wexford boats cant touch. We have to stand side by side with our fishing communities as a council. While there was agreement that correspondence needed to be sent to central government, Cllr Tom Forde said the true seat of power lay elsewhere and that Ireland was gradually being overpowered by its former allies. This has been happening for years and these latest changes are going to hit the fishermen hard, we can stand with them and contact the minister but the onus is on our MEPs to intervene, thats where the power lies. Even at that, we dont have enough representation in Europe. The minister himself has said hes not happy about this, the smaller fishermen are being completely shafted. Cllr Leonard Kelly went a step further saying Ireland was effectively insignificant in the grand scheme of things and was being pushed out by the bigger countries in Europe. Its a worrying time for the fishermen and also for the farming community, he said alluding to recent protests regarding the Mercusor deal. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. While not without its teething problems and customer complaints when it was rolled out in January last year, the BusConnects programme, which brought major changes to Bray in early 2025, introducing new 24-hour routes (E1) and enhancing connections locally, has brought a lot of success for Dublin Bus. The operator has now revealed the busiest route on its entire network. According to figures released by the firm, results are at record levels, both in passenger numbers and in service transformation. Overall, Dublin Bus carried close to 164 million passengers, with 7.5 million passengers alone on the E1 route, which serves the route from Ballywaltrim, in Bray, to Northwood, in north County Dublin. This made the E1 route the busiest in the Dublin Bus network, which the firm said underlines the success of the gradual roll-out of the BusConnects programme. Its not all good news though. In a statistic that will chime with Bray commuters, Dublin Bus said that ongoing traffic congestion is one of the biggest issues the fleet faces. The company reported the average peak time speed on weekday mornings dropped to 13.5km/h, in October 2025. Noah has replaced Jack as the most popular boys name in Wicklow, with Fiadh remaining the most popular name for a baby girl for a second year running, according to data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Crunching the numbers for babies born in December 2024, the CSO said there were seven more babies born on Christmas Day 2024 than on the same day in 2023, and revealed a breakdown of the top baby names by gender and by county. Fiadh meaning wild, untamed, or deer, derived from Gaelic and symbolising strength, freedom, and nature is among the most popular names chosen for baby girls nationally in December 2024, followed by Sophie, Eabha and Emily. It was the most popular girls name in Wicklow in 2024 and in 2023. When it comes to the most popular names chosen for baby boys born throughout December 2024, Little King Rian reigned, followed by Noah (38), and Jack (34). Although there was a drop in the number of Noahs since December 2023, the name held its popularity and second place ranking for another year. Noah often chosen as gender neutral name and of Hebrew origin was the most popular boys name in Wicklow in 2024, knocking Jack off the top from 2023. Commenting on the changes, the CSOs Sean OConnor, said: In December 2024, the most popular names for boys were Rian, and then Noah, while for girls it was Robyn and Fiadh in joint first, followed by Sophie. While we saw a lot of movement in the names chosen for baby girls in December 2024, it was interesting to see Holly move off top spot and down the list to fifth in the rankings with Robyn and Fiadh moving up. When it comes to boys, the all-year round trend shifted with Jack making way for Rian in December 2024 while Noah held his second-place position for the second year in a row. The CSO data shows how baby names in Ireland have changed over time. John was the most popular boys' name in 1974, but occupied the 29th position in 2024. For girls, Mary was the most popular name 50 years ago, whereas in 2024 it ranked joint 105th alongside Laura and Zoey. The most popular Irish Baby Names report for 2025 is due to be published in February 2026. The volunteers of Wicklow RNLI rang in the new year with a remembrance service for the lives lost during the year, followed by the presentation of long service awards to two volunteer crew members. The day also saw congratulations passed onto two valued-members of the crew who had reason to celebrate having gotten engaged over the Christmas period. Both of Wicklow RNLI lifeboats were launched on New Years Day for a wreath laying ceremony to remember those loved ones who have died over the years, but especially for those lost this year. Fr Aquinas Duffy and Rev Jack Kinkead lead a short prayer service from the back of the east pier, joined by members of the RNLI and bereaved family members. Once the prayer service was complete, wreaths were transferred from the all-weather lifeboat to the inshore lifeboat where they were placed in the water. While many people were remembered, there was a moment dedicating a special wreath to former duty launch authority Tom Byrne. Tom passed away in December, and his family joined the ceremony on the pier. Tom served 12 years as duty launch authority at Wicklow Lifeboat Station, and his extensive experience with the Irish Coast Guard, where he worked as a radio officer, brought an invaluable depth of knowledge that he shared generously and without hesitation with his fellow Wicklow RNLI volunteers. His professionalism was second to none, and for those at sea, the sound of his calm, steady voice during search and rescue operations was a source of comfort and reassurance. Tom was a former radio officer with the Irish Coastguard at MRSC Valentia, MRSC Malin Head and MRCC Dublin. He retired in 2011, but for a period afterwards he still continued to provide support to operations. Tom brought warmth and professionalism to every shift and played a vital role in many significant search and rescue operations, most notably the Air India crash off the southwest coast in 1985. Tom was laid to rest on Saturday, December 13, in Rathnew Cemetery following his funeral service held in St Patricks Church, Wicklow town. Speaking after the ceremony, lifeboat operations manager Joe Healy said: "It is important that we remember those that have gone before us. We were heartened to see such a large crowd gather for todays ceremony, especially thinking of Tom who recently passed away after many years of dedication to the RNLI and the wider maritime community within the Irish Coast Guard. The moving ceremony was followed by the presentation of two long service awards to volunteers Ciaran Doyle and Mark Kavanagh. Ciaran Doyle received his 40-year service award, having joined the RNLI in 1984. Throughout his time, Ciaran has taken on a number of important roles within the station. Having started as a crewmember, then qualifying as an emergency mechanic, Ciaran could take the boat to sea as mechanic and was responsible for all machinery operations onboard. Ciaran then took on the role of emergency coxswain in 1999 before being promoted to second coxswain of Wicklow Lifeboat station in 2006. As coxswain Ciaran has full responsibility for the operations of the All-Weather Lifeboat while at sea. Whilst still volunteering at Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat station, Ciaran has also taken on the full-time role as relief coxswain afloat mechanic for the RNLI. If a station needs external cover Ciaran can be deployed to that particular station in order to provide the cover needed. Mark Kavanagh received his 20-year service award having joined the RNLI as a volunteer crewmember in 2005. In his time with the RNLI, Mark has become a helm, responsible for the safe operation of the stations inshore lifeboat whilst at sea. He has also qualified as a navigator for the all-weather lifeboat, an important role, responsible for ensuring the safe navigation of the lifeboat and efficient locating of casualties during search and rescue operations. Speaking at the presentation Tommy McAuley Wicklow RNLI coxswain and lifelong friend of Ciaran said: The awards the two men have received today are a testament to their dedication and commitment to the RNLI. We cannot forget however, that none of this would be possible without the support of the families behind us. They sacrifice a lot so that we can continue the 200-year-old tradition of saving lives at sea. The occasion also gave the crew the opportunity to congratulate, in person, two crew members who got engaged over the Christmas period- Ian Heffernan and his partner Emma and Cian Kelly and his partner Nicola. Speaking at the end of the day, RNLI press officer Connie OGara said: "Today was a busy day for the station beginning with the remembrance service, followed by the presentation of the long service awards. These are very important occasions to mark and are a nice way of bringing the crew together outside of the normal training and search and rescue operations. UK voters want to be part of the EU more than French or Italians Half of British voters said they would opt to be an EU member if there was a referendum now, putting pressure on prime minister Keir Starmer No 10 said Mr Starmer would stick to his EU 'red lines'. Photo: Getty Kate Devlin Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Voters in the UK want to be part of the European Union more than their French and Italian counterparts, a new poll has revealed. Tourists visit the Longmen Grottoes scenic spot in Luoyang City, central China's Henan Province, on Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Li Weichao/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows the opening ceremony of 2026 China's Village Super League (VSL), dubbed "CunChao" in Rongjiang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) This photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows a verreaux's eagle-owl at Johannesburg Zoo in Johannesburg, South Africa. Founded in 1904, the zoo is situated in the leafy northern suburb of Johannesburg. It houses about 2,000 animals. (Xinhua/Chen Wei) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows a view of the Yellow River after snowfall in Qingtongxia, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Photo by Yuan Hongyan/Xinhua) Candles and flowers to mourn the victims of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort are pictured in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. Around 40 people are believed to have died in a bar fire breaking out in southwestern Switzerland, with the number of injured rising to 119, police said at a news conference on Friday afternoon. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) People walk on a street on the first snow day of 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) This photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows a flag installation ceremony to mark the start of the responsibilities of the five countries as non-permanent members of the Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York. Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia on Friday began to assume responsibilities as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. (Mark Garten/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Tourists take photos at an ancient hamlet in Jinghong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Li Yunsheng/Xinhua) A displaced Palestinian woman inspects the damage to her temporary tent after a fire broke out the previous night, in Gaza City on Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) This undated file photo shows the Deep Sea No. 1 energy station carrying out condensate oil transportation operation at night. China's largest offshore gas field, named Deep Sea No. 1, has recently completed its 100th shipment of crude oil since being put into production, announced the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) on Friday. The field's total oil and gas output in 2025 exceeded 4.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent, comparable to that of a medium-sized onshore oilfield. (CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua) This photo shows a screen displaying Zohran Mamdani speaking during his inauguration ceremony in New York City, the United States, Jan. 1, 2026. Democrat Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor on Thursday, becoming the first Muslim leader of America's largest city by population with a vow to combat the city's affordability crisis. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua) People take part in the 106th Polar Bear Swim on New Year's Day in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Jan. 1, 2026. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 1, 2026 shows the Astor Hotel Tianjin standing in the Jiefang North Road historical and cultural block in Tianjin, north China. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was with his wife and daughter to watch a New Year celebration performance in Pyongyang, North Korea, on New Years Eve. Photo: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns daughter Kim Ju Ae, who is likely being prepared as his successor, accompanied her parents on her first public visit to the Kumsusan mausoleum to pay respects to former leaders, state media photos published yesterday showed. Ju Ae has been making increasingly prominent appearances in state media over the past three years, fuelling speculation by analysts and South Koreas intelligence agency that she may be in line to be the countrys fourth-generation leader. I pulled kids out with my bare hands, one after the other Father who rescued 10 people from Swiss ski-resort inferno Hero raced from home after daughter called to tell him she was trapped inside bar with her boyfriend Paolo Campolo is in hospital recovering from smoke inhalation Josephine McKenna Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 06:30 A man rescued 10 young people from the blaze engulfing a Swiss ski resort bar after forcing open an emergency door. Tehran warns US not to cross red line after Donald Trumps threats Army locked and loaded and ready to intervene after wave of protests erupt across Iran Women hold pictures of senior Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani during a ceremony to mark the sixth anniversary of his killing in a US attack. Photo: Reuters Owen Scott UK Independent Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Iran threatened Donald Trump with a regret-inducing response yesterday after he warned that the US army is locked and loaded if Tehran kills protesters. Yemen crisis triggered major Gulf feud Saudi-backed forces retake areas in eastern Yemen Southern separatists seek independence referendum The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday it was deeply concerned by ongoing escalation in Yemen after Saudi-backed government forces swept into areas seized last month by UAE-backed southern separatists seeking independence. The rapidly moving crisis in Yemen has opened a major feud between the two Gulf powers and fractured the coalition of forces, headed by the internationally recognised government, who are fighting the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Yemens southern separatist movement said yesterday it aimed to hold a referendum on independence from the north in two years, following its seizure of swathes of the country last month in a move that triggered a major feud between Gulf powers. Activists and supporters of Ukrainian nationalist movements attend a rally to mark the 117th birth anniversary of Stepan Bandera, one of the founders of the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists, in Lviv, Ukraine on New Year's Day. Photo: Reuters He lied to us Eight Epstein survivors call for Trump to be impeached over handling of file release Women have been heavily critical of redaction of documents and are also demanding an investigation into Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI boss Kash Patel Epstein survivor Haley Robson cries during a press conference outside the US Capitol on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Photo: Getty Shaheena Uddin UK Independent Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Eight Jeffrey Epstein survivors are calling for the impeachment of Donald Trump, as well as demanding an investigation into Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI boss Kash Patel, over the US governments handling of the Epstein files release. Justina Zainab Conteh (R), executive director of the Saint George Foundation, presents a gratitude plaque to the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone at the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Jan. 2, 2026. The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday donated a batch of supplies as New Year gifts to a welfare home in Freetown, the country's capital. The supplies, including rice, bread, snacks, and daily necessities, were handed over to the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute as part of the team's efforts to improve the health and daily lives of the vulnerable children in the country. (The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua) FREETOWN, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday donated a batch of supplies as New Year gifts to a welfare home in Freetown, the country's capital. The supplies, including rice, bread, snacks, and daily necessities, were handed over to the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute as part of the team's efforts to improve the health and daily lives of the vulnerable children in the country. During his visit, Liu Longfei, head of the medical team, expressed hope for the children, saying they will be the successors in building Sierra Leone and the inheritors of China-Sierra Leone friendship. According to Liu, the medical team has been constantly providing free healthcare for the children at the welfare home with traditional Chinese medical techniques and bringing supplies to improve their livelihoods. Justina Zainab Conteh, executive director of the Saint George Foundation, expressed her appreciation for the support of the medical team and the Chinese government. The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone poses for a group photo at the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Jan. 1, 2026. The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday donated a batch of supplies as New Year gifts to a welfare home in Freetown, the country's capital. The supplies, including rice, bread, snacks, and daily necessities, were handed over to the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute as part of the team's efforts to improve the health and daily lives of the vulnerable children in the country. (The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua) The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone poses for a group photo at the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Jan. 1, 2026. The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone on Thursday donated a batch of supplies as New Year gifts to a welfare home in Freetown, the country's capital. The supplies, including rice, bread, snacks, and daily necessities, were handed over to the Saint George Foundation Children's Welfare Institute as part of the team's efforts to improve the health and daily lives of the vulnerable children in the country. (The 26th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua) Susannah George: A year of vicious conflict saw 240,000 people killed in wars across the world US monitoring group highlights that the new normal for global conflict is multiple wars erupting at the same time A Palestinian woman collects water near the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the war, on the New Year's Eve in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. Photo: Reuters Susannah George Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 06:30 The year 2025 saw high levels of deadly violence around the world, as conflicts grew less restrained, with civilians increasingly victims of attacks by governments and non-state actors alike, according to monitoring data. Image credit : IMDb | Beyond the Gates will see secrets stir and relationships feel the pressure. Anitas health crisis brings the family together Image credit : IMDb | Beyond the Gates is getting ready to test trust and loyalty in Fairmont Crest. Kats secret creates distance with Tomas Image credit : IMDb | Beyond the Gates is building toward moments that could change everything. Ted surprises Eva with his support Beyond the Gates season 2 episode 2 The CBS soap Beyond the Gates returned on January 2, with the first episode of Season 2, and now the upcoming episode wastes no time pulling viewers back into its emotional world. From hidden secrets to family tension and heartfelt support, the episode sets the tone for what looks like a powerful new chapter in the story. As the characters face illness, trust issues, and changing relationships, the drama feels personal and deeply connected.One of the most emotional storylines in the episode focuses on Anita Dupree, who is battling a serious health crisis. Her children are fully aware of what she is going through, which allows them to stand by her side during this difficult time. Their support shows how strong the family bond is, especially when things feel uncertain.At the same time, Bill Hamilton steps in with advice that Anita did not ask for. While Dani supports Vernon, Bills words may cross a line. His actions raise an important question: is he truly helping, or is he making things worse? Anitas reaction could be strong enough to cause tension inside the Dupree home, and viewers are left wondering if Bills advice will lead to him being shown the door.At a New Years party, Tomas Navarro tries to comfort Kat Richardson, who is clearly hiding something important. Even though Kat says she loves Tomas and wants a future with him, she chooses not to share the truth. This choice may hurt Tomas more than she realises, as trust plays a big role in their relationship.While Kat keeps her secret, another couple shows a very different dynamic. Over at The Brownstone, Martin opens up completely to Smitty. There are no secrets between them, and that honesty becomes important as Martin prepares himself emotionally for Anitas fight with cancer. Smittys support gives Martin the strength he needs during this tough time.Another touching moment comes when Ted reaches out to his daughter, Eva. He surprises her by being open-minded about her growing relationship with Izaiah. Eva and Izaiah seem to be moving toward becoming an official couple, and Teds approval means a lot to her.That support does not come without limits, though. Ted makes it clear that while he wants Eva to be happy, he will protect her if she gets hurt. His message is firm but loving, showing his role as both a caring father and a watchful one.Looking ahead, more drama is on the way. Storylines involving Randy, Hayley, Bill, and newcomer Lynette will soon take centre stage. Viewers will also see more from Vanessa and Joey, along with how Leslie fits into the bigger picture.Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and streams on Paramount, bringing daily drama straight from its Maryland suburb setting. A tragic loss shared with faith and gratitude Remembering Micahs strength and spirit Support from the Catholic community A wider public health concern Holding grief and hope together Catholic influencer and father of six Paul Kim has announced the death of his five-year-old son, Micah, following a severe and rapidly escalating case of the flu. The news was shared through a heartfelt video message, in which Kim spoke openly about his familys grief, faith, and gratitude for the overwhelming support they received during Micahs final days.Micah had been hospitalised after developing serious complications, including sepsis and seizures. His condition deteriorated quickly, and he was placed on life support as doctors worked to stabilise him. After an 11-day battle, Micah passed away, a loss Kim described as deeply painful yet rooted in his familys belief in eternal life.In his message, Kim reflected on his sons courage throughout the ordeal and expressed pride in the strength Micah showed despite his young age. He shared that the family believes Micah has returned to God, framing his death through the lens of their Catholic faith.Kim also extended thanks to followers and supporters who prayed for Micah and his family during his hospitalisation. According to Kim, the outpouring of prayer and encouragement provided comfort during an unimaginably difficult time and reminded them they were not facing the tragedy alone.The Kim family received spiritual support from across the Catholic community, including outreach from deacons, priests, and cardinals. Kim acknowledged this support with gratitude, noting how meaningful it was to feel held by faith during moments of fear and uncertainty.He also shared that Micahs story has resonated widely online, with many people reaching out to say that the childs life and passing have strengthened their own faith. Kim described this as a reminder that Micahs short life continues to have purpose and impact beyond his years.Micahs death comes amid a worrying rise in severe flu cases across the United States. Health authorities have reported an increase in paediatric flu deaths this season, with multiple states affected. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of infections, tens of thousands of hospitalisations, and thousands of deaths have already been recorded.Public health officials continue to urge vigilance, particularly for young children and vulnerable individuals, as flu-related complications can escalate quickly.As the Kim family mourns, Paul Kim has continued to centre his message on faith, remembrance, and gratitude. While acknowledging the pain of loss, he has emphasised hope, love, and the belief that Micahs life, though brief, will continue to touch others. Image credit : X @lucrafund | Victoria Jones, Tommy Lee Jones daughter, died at 34. Victoria Jones found dead at San Francisco hotel PEOPLE Image credit : X @lucrafund | Victoria Jones was found dead at San Francisco Fairmont Hotel. April arrest involving alleged drug use TMZ Image credit : X @lucrafund | Napa police say Victoria Jones admitted using cocaine in April. Second arrest after domestic dispute Victoria Joness family background The death of Victoria Jones, daughter of Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, has brought renewed attention to a difficult period in her life marked by repeated encounters with law enforcement. Victoria was found dead on Thursday, January 1, in San Francisco. She was 34 years old. While authorities say foul play is not suspected, her passing comes months after several reported legal incidents involving drugs and alleged domestic disputes.According to, the San Francisco Fire Department responded to a medical emergency at the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel just before 3 a.m. local time on Thursday. Fire officials confirmed that an unnamed individual was found dead at the scene. The San Francisco Police Department also shared that officers arrived at the hotel, met with paramedics, and declared an unnamed adult female dead. The San Francisco Fairmont, the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.Now latest reports byreveals that Victoria had multiple run-ins with the law in the months before her death. Napa County Sheriffs spokesperson Henry Wofford told TMZ that police were called to a residence in Napa on April 26, 2025.According to the police report cited by the portal, officers found Victoria with white residue on her tongue and dried blood coming from her right nostril. Police said Victoria admitted she had used cocaine that day. Officers also reported that she showed rapid speech and appeared unable to control her body movements.Police further stated that Victoria resisted arrest and refused to get into the police vehicle after being handcuffed. Officers said she struggled until she was placed in the back of the car. She was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting, obstructing, or delaying a police officer.Two months later, on June 13, Victoria was arrested again, according to TMZ. Police responded to a call reporting a possible domestic violence incident. Officers said a man told them that Victoria struck him across the face during an argument that was allegedly about drugs she was using.The portal reported that officers observed a large red mark on the mans face, stretching from his jaw to his ear. Victoria denied hitting him, according to police.Moreover, months before both arrests, Victoria had been involved in another domestic violence incident in which she was not the victim. She was not arrested in that case.Victoria Jones was the daughter of Tommy Lee Jones, now 79, and his ex-wife Kimberlea Cloughley. The former couple also share a son, Austin Jones, who is 43. Victoria Kafka Jones arrest months before death revealed Image credit : Napa County Department of Corrections | Victoria Jones was arrested in June following an alleged domestic violence incident. 911 call and overdose report linked to Victoria Kafka Jones' death TMZ Substance abuse concerns raised by police source Victoria Kafka Jones' past legal troubles detailed Who was Victoria Kafka Jones? Acting career and family background Men in Black II The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada One Tree Hill Just Getting Started Image credit : X/@TrueCrimeUpdat | As a child actress, she appeared in Men in Black II and later in The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. Tommy Lee Jones family statement after daughter's death Victoria Kafka Jones, the daughter of Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found unresponsive at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel in the early hours of New Year's Day. Emergency services rushed to the luxury property after a distress call, but paramedics pronounced the 34-year-old dead at the scene. She was discovered on the 14th floor of the hotel, though it remains unclear whether she was staying there.New details show that Victoria had been arrested just six months earlier. In June, she was taken into custody in Napa County following an alleged domestic violence incident at the Carneros Resort and Spa in California. She faced charges of domestic battery and domestic violence involving elder abuse.A mugshot from the arrest showed the former child actress appearing red-eyed and visibly dishevelled. Court records indicate she pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to appear in court later this month.Dispatch logs from the night of her death suggest a possible overdose. A 911 call placed at 2:52 AM triggered an urgent response, with dispatch audio describing the incident as a "code 3 for an overdose, color change," according to recordings obtained byThe call was reportedly logged as an overdose response. Authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death.A San Francisco police officer who had previously interacted with Victoria told The Post that she had struggled with substance abuse issues. The officer suggested her death may have been fentanyl-related, though no toxicology results have been released.Victoria's June arrest was not her only run-in with law enforcement. In April, she was arrested on charges including obstructing a peace officer, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of a narcotic substance. She also pleaded not guilty in that case.Her earliest known arrest dates back to 2011, when she was accused of theft in San Antonio, Texas. Those charges were later dismissed.Victoria Kafka Jones was born to Tommy Lee Jones and his former wife, Kimberlea Cloughley, who divorced in 1996. As a child actress, she appeared inand later in. She also made a one-episode appearance onAlthough she stepped away from acting, she continued to attend public events with her father, including the premiere ofin 2017 and the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival the same year.Following Victoria's death, Tommy Lee Jones and his family released a brief statement asking for privacy. "We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers," the statement read. "Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you." The Nigerian military has identified one Shariff Umar as the suspected principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent deadly attacks, including the December 24 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, and attempted strikes across the North-East. This follows intelligence-led operations by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK). The breakthrough came after a series of cordon-and-search operations conducted in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, during which 14 suspects believed to be connected to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Advertisement The development was disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Maiduguri by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, who said investigations had uncovered the structure and operational linkages of the terror cell, according to Vanguard. On the identification of Umar, the statement said, This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31st December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell. According to the military, a detained suspected suicide bomber, Ibrahim Muhammad, provided crucial information during interrogation, directly implicating Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the ringleader of the network. During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as Yusuf) as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network, the statement said. Lt. Col. Uba explained that Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device components. According to consistent and corroborated statements, Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components. Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu (now deceased), detonated a suicide vest, the statement said. He was also accused of organising a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State. He was also identified as the coordinator of the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the suicide bomber in Maiduguri, the statement said. The military said further links within the network were uncovered, including the alleged involvement of Umars wife, Yagana Modu, and corroboration from his stepdaughter, Amina. The statement added, Additional links within the network were established, including the involvement of Shariff Umars wife, Yagana Modu, and the confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspect bomber within their residence. All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network and recovering any remaining explosives. All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets, the statement also said. The military also called on residents to support security efforts by providing timely information. Uba said, OPHK underscores that this success once again highlights the critical importance of effective collaboration between security forces and the civil populace. Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear, or misplaced loyalty. Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced it will resume its total and indefinite comprehensive strike from January 12, 2026, following the Federal Governments failure to implement agreed welfare demands. The decision was announced on Friday after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on January 2, according to an update shared on X by the President of the association, Dr Mohammed Suleiman. In the statement signed by Suleiman, the association said the strike, tagged TICS 2.0, would begin at exactly 12:00 a.m. on January 12, stressing that it would only be suspended after full implementation of its demands. Advertisement NEC resolved to resume TICS 2.0 tagged No Implementation, No Going Back with effect from 12th January 2026 by 12:00 am, the statement read. Suleiman said NARD had directed all centre presidents across its 91 centres nationwide to hold congress meetings and brief the media within the next seven days. NEC has also mandated every centre President from the 91 centres to hold a congress meeting and, at the end, do a press conference. We want 91 press conferences to saturate the spaces over the next seven days, he said. The association also announced a series of protests to accompany the strike. NEC has also directed centre-based protests from 12 to 16th January, 2026, the statement said, adding that regional protests would follow before a national protest organised by the National Officers Committee. According to Suleiman, the strike will only be suspended after the full implementation of minimum demands, including the reinstatement of the FTH Lokoja five, payment of promotion and salary arrears, full implementation of the professional allowance table with arrears captured in the 2026 budget, and the reintroduction and implementation of the specialist allowance. Other demands listed include official clarification on entry level and skipping issues by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, resolution of house officers salary delays and arrears with issuance of a pay advisory, recategorisation of membership certificates and issuance of certificates after Part I by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, commencement of locum and work hours regulation committees, and resumption and timely conclusion of the collective bargaining agreement process. Explaining the timing, the NARD president said, The one-week window provided is strategic to allow proper congress meetings, media engagement, and statutory notifications of the planned protest to security personnel as well as hospital management. This development follows a warning issued by the association on December 28, when it cautioned that Nigeria was heading toward another nationwide shutdown of medical services over the Federal Governments failure to honour a Memorandum of Understanding. NARD had suspended its 29-day strike on November 29, 2025, after the government committed to implementing its demands within four weeks, a deadline the association said passed without visible progress. As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had not issued an official response. Orji Kalu, senator representing Abia north, says Nigerians should stop blaming President Bola Tinubu for the countrys insecurity. Speaking on Thursday in Ekoli Edda, Edda LGA of Ebonyi, during a New Year visit to Stanley Emegha, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Kalu urged governors to take responsibility for securing their states. He said insecurity can only be addressed when state governors take ownership of security in their domains. Advertisement Kalu singled out Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi, as an example, noting that he has done well in protecting lives and properties in the state. Kalu also said Abia was the safest state in Nigeria during his tenure as governor. Abia was the most secure area when I was the governor of Abia state; it was the most secure state in Nigeria, he said. And when I was governor, all the states collapsed, including Warri and Port Harcourt; they collapsed. Only Aba was safe, because nobody was kidnapped in Abia state. People are saying President Tinubu should do this and do that to end insecurity no. When I was governor, I took charge of Abia, and nobody could move anywhere without securing the lives and property of our people. The senator said governors should emulate the approach being adopted in Ebonyi state. So, the governors should come back and secure their states the way it is happening in Ebonyi state, he said. Every governor should secure his state, and Nigeria will be safe. The APC chieftain also vowed to deliver Abia state to the ruling party in the 2027 general election. Kalu said he would work for the re-election of Tinubu and the emergence of an APC governor in Abia. .Alex Otti is my friend, but I will only vote for my party, APC, and work for its victory, Kalu added. Abia will be APC in 2027, and I will lay my heart on the field and work for the APC. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States carried out a surprise military operation against Venezuela, arresting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Trump stated in an emergency statement on the 3rd, local time, that the U.S. military successfully completed a large-scale strike against Venezuela, and President Maduro and his wife have been arrested and transferred outside Venezuela, officially posting the announcement on the social media platform Truth Social. This marks the first time in 36 yearssince the 1990 Panama invasion, when former leader Manuel Noriega was arrestedthat a sitting president has been captured by U.S. special forces on their own soil and extradited to a third country or the United States. Advertisement This operation has been revealed to be a meticulous arrest operation linked with U.S. law enforcement authorities, going beyond a simple military attack. In his statement, President Trump specified that the operation was conducted jointly with U.S. law enforcement authorities, Law Enforcement. This reminds us that President Maduro had been indicted by the U.S. government on charges of narco-terrorism, drug terrorism. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, provided the justification for the military operation, and it is analyzed that a hybrid operation was carried out where the U.S. military exercised physical force to secure the suspects. Earlier, the Venezuelan governments declaration of a state of emergency at dawn today, stating the U.S. attack has begun, shows the urgent situation at the start of this arrest operation. President Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference at 11 a.m. on the 3rd, local time (1 a.m. on the 4th, Korean time) at the Mar-a-Lago Resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where his private residence is located, and disclose the specific progress of the operation. The Trump administration had been pressuring the Maduro regime through blockades of Venezuelan waters and precision strikes, but as Maduro did not step down, they eventually played the decapitation strike card to remove the top leadership. Meanwhile, upon learning of the arrest, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated during a call with Venezuelas state-run TV, VTV, that the whereabouts of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores are unclear, and we do not know where they are, demanding that the U.S. government immediately clarify whether the presidential couple is alive. ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 people were killed and dozens of others injured as Saudi warplanes intensified airstrikes on multiple locations in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout on Friday, according to a local medical source. The source at Seiyun Public Hospital told Xinhua that the facility has received more than 20 bodies over the past few hours. Dozens of others, including civilians, were injured in the strikes and are currently receiving medical treatment. Earlier in the day, the Southern Transitional Council (STC)-affiliated satellite channel AIC reported that intensified Saudi airstrikes hit the Seiyun Airport and nearby residential buildings, killing seven members of the same family. Local residents told Xinhua that the airstrikes caused panic among civilians, forcing many families to flee their homes. Meanwhile, an official from the Aden-based, Saudi-backed, and internationally-recognized Yemeni government voiced grave concern over reports of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including the targeting of the Seiyun Airport. The Saudi airstrikes coincided with fierce clashes on the ground between STC-affiliated forces and Yemeni government troops over control of military bases and state institutions in Hadramout. During the past hours, the fighting has intensified as both sides seek to expand their influence in the strategically important region, according to local sources. Amid the clashes, the STC also announced on Friday the launch of a two-year transitional period during which the council will administer the southern parts of the country, to be followed by a referendum on the independence of the south. Tensions between the Yemeni government and the STC escalated after the latter seized large swathes of Hadramout and the eastern province of Al-Mahrah last month. Saudi Arabia views these areas as a "red line" given their proximity to its border and concentration of Yemen's remaining energy reserves. Yemen has been mired in conflict since 2014, when Houthi forces captured Sanaa and large swathes of the north, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015. Formed in 2017, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-sponsored STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Despite joining the Saudi-led coalition and integrating into Yemen's ruling Presidential Leadership Council in 2022, the group continues to push for southern sovereignty, leading to recurring disputes over power-sharing and control of resources. Following the latest escalation in Yemen, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday called on the UAE to withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours and end all support for separatist groups. On Friday, the UAE's Defense Ministry said in a statement that it has completed the withdrawal of all its armed forces from Yemen. The process was carried out in a manner that ensured the safety of all personnel and was conducted in coordination with all relevant partners, it added. In an address last month, President Donald Trump contended, Since I took office, 100% of all net job creation has gone to American-born citizens. But economists on both sides of the political aisle say they have seen no evidence that U.S.-born workers are getting jobs by the millions or moving en masse into positions abandoned by deported immigrants. Read more President Donald Trump and White House leaders say that American workers are winning because of his immigration crackdown. But the data dont back that up. Since the summer, Trump officials have been trumpeting the idea that job creation is booming for U.S.-born workers. Trump said so, too, during a prime-time address last month aimed at assuaging Americans concerns about the economy. Advertisement In the year before my election, all net creation of jobs was going to foreign migrants. Since I took office, 100% of all net job creation has gone to American-born citizens, Trump declared. One hundred percent. Trump administration officials also said recently that more than 2.5 million U.S.-born workers gained jobs in 2025 as 1 million immigrants left the workforce. But economists on both sides of the political aisle say they have seen no evidence that American-born workers are getting jobs by the millions or moving en masse into positions abandoned by deported immigrants. In fact, data show that U.S.-born workers are doing moderately worse under Trump than they were under President Joe Biden because the labor market has weakened partly due to a sharp slowdown in immigration. The unemployment rate has been rising for both native-born and foreign-born adults, said Jed Kolko, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and a former Commerce Department economist. Taylor Rogers, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement to the Washington Post that mindless nitpicking doesnt change the simple fact that President Trump has done more for American workers than any president in history by cracking down on visa program abuses, successfully negotiating new trade deals, securing our border, and carrying out the largest mass deportation of illegal aliens. Those policies ensure American-born workers can finally benefit from our new economic resurgence, Rogers said. Heres what to know about how U.S.-born workers are faring under Trumps immigration crackdown. Fewer immigrants are in the workforce Immigrants are leaving the U.S. labor market, economists agree. The Trump administration prioritized deportations in 2025, with immigration officials deporting about 579,000 people, according to a Dec. 7 social media post by Trump border czar Tom Homan. Meanwhile, admissions under refugee and other humanitarian programs have been slashed, and illegal border crossings declined sharply last year. And the Trump administration has moved to strip legal status from more than 1 million immigrants with temporary protections. After years of labor market growth fueled by immigration, 2025 could mark a turning point, with more immigrants leaving the United States than arriving. That could result in a net drop in migration for the first time in at least 50 years, economists say. But economists dont know yet how many fewer immigrants there were in 2025 compared to 2024, and they say they wont have good estimates for a while. What is clear is the share of immigrants with jobs has fallen since hitting longtime highs earlier in the Biden era. But there has been little change compared with a year ago, at the end of Bidens term. U.S.-born employment is not surging The Trump administration said in December that 2.57 million U.S.-born citizens had obtained jobs last year, while about 1 million immigrants lost work. And officials have repeatedly said some variation of that since August. These claims are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data derived from the U.S. Census showing large gains in employment for native-born workers and falling employment for immigrants. But economists warn against using counts of native-born workers derived from census population estimates or comparing those numbers with figures from previous years. Doing so would be a multiple-count data felony, Jed Kolko wrote in August. Thats because the census data were hemmed in by a population estimate set by the Census Bureau last January, before any new immigration policy had gone into effect. Basically, the number of foreign-born and native-born workers in Bureau of Labor Statistics data have to add up to a total based on the U.S. Census population estimate that is set at the beginning of the year, according to several economists consulted by the Post. When the monthly responses from foreign-born households drop, which has been happening, then the math takes over: The native-born population totals automatically increase, so responses in the monthly household survey reflect the population controls. Thats why it looked like the United States had so many more native-born workers in 2025. Any drop in foreign-born workers artificially boosts the number of native-born workers reported each month. And currently, fewer immigrants are responding to these surveys. (More on that below.) The main thing [the Trump administration] has been saying is that 2 million people left the country and 2 million native-born workers have joined the labor force as a result, said Stan Veuger, a senior fellow in economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. Thats the incorrect analysis of the [government data] that has been plaguing us all year. As an extreme illustration, Kolko has said that if the entire foreign-born population vanished, this dataset would show the population of native-born residents skyrocketing by tens of millions of people. Trumps prime-time speech assertion last month that 100% of all net job creation has gone to American-born citizens also relies on misuse of the same dataset, according to Kolko. Their claim is based on looking at the change of the level in employment for native and foreign-born workers, Kolko said. And you cannot use that dataset to look at those levels. Immigrants are disappearing from the data There are a few reasons fewer immigrants are responding to the Current Population Survey. First, the number of immigrants in the United States likely did go down last year because of deportations, a closed border, and immigration restrictions. Immigrants who are still here could also be reluctant to respond to government surveys for fear of becoming targets of heightened immigration enforcement. Or they could be responding inaccurately to surveys because of the same fears, several economists said. If theres a sudden drop in immigration, or if fewer foreign-born residents respond to the survey, then, by design, the number of native-born workers would almost certainly go up, Kolko said. The way the calculation is set up, its not like you can lower the population of foreign-born workers without raising the population of native-born. Unemployment rate for U.S.-born is on the rise So how are U.S.-born workers doing? Economists say the best real-time measure of how U.S.-born workers and immigrants are doing in the labor market is the unemployment rate. And that rate climbed for native-born workers last year as job creation slowed, while changing little compared to a year ago for foreign-born workers. The unemployment rate for native-born Americans was 4.3% in November, up from 3.9% the previous year, which economists say is the strongest indication that the labor market has worsened for U.S.-born workers, though its still strong compared to recent decades. We know that its just been harder for native-born workers to find work because more of them are unemployed, Veuger said. Meanwhile, job growth for all workers in the United States has slowed significantly in recent months, and the unemployment rate has climbed to the highest level in four years. The labor market is not in a better place than it was a year ago, said Dean Baker, senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. It is harder to find a job. U.S.-born are not rushing into jobs left by immigrants There is little evidence that millions of U.S.-born workers rushed into jobs typically worked by immigrants in 2025, as Trump officials have suggested, several economists told the Post. Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on CBSs Face the Nation last month: When foreign-born workers depart, then it creates jobs for people who are native-born. There are likely cases of U.S.-born workers stepping up for jobs previously worked by immigrants. But the rising unemployment rate for native-born workers indicates that native-born Americans are not moving in large numbers into those jobs. We dont know whats happening definitively, but the fact that the native-born unemployment rate is rising and over the past year has risen faster than the foreign-born unemployment rate suggests that it is not simply that native-born workers are taking the jobs of foreign-born workers, Kolko said. Immigration restrictions and deportations also could be pushing U.S. citizens out of work. Research on the construction industry has shown that the deportation of immigrants working in lower-skilled positions, such as roofers and laborers, can lead to the disappearance of work for native-born construction workers, especially those in higher-skilled jobs, such as electricians and plumbers. A lot of immigrants take low-wage, generally less-skilled jobs in construction on projects that wouldnt otherwise go forward, said Baker, the economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. You have native-born workers in higher-skilled jobs, but when the immigrants arent there, they arent able to do it. Sarah and Ryan Schamp of Ambler with their son Henry, who was born at midnight Jan. 1, 2026, at Penn Medicine Doylestown Hospital. Read more Henry Schamp came into the world with a bang. The Philadelphia areas first baby of 2026 was born at the stroke of midnight New Years Eve at Penn Medicine Doylestown Hospital, while fireworks lit up the sky outside their window. Advertisement Parents Sarah and Ryan Schamp of Ambler described the moment as surreal and picture perfect. I thought everyone was joking, Sarah Schamp said of the perfectly timed fireworks display that was visible from their room moments after Henrys birth. The family expected to return home later Friday, where they would be greeted by the couples 2-year-old daughter, Willow, and 5-year-old Australian shepherd, Winston. Willow is already embracing her duties as a big sister, piling blankets on him and showing him pictures in her books during visits to the hospital, which was acquired by Penn Medicine in 2025. Henrys hospital bassinet is lined with Polaroid snapshots of her. Henry was one of several babies born at Philadelphia-area hospitals in the first hour of the new year: Temple Women & Families Hospital, the North Philadelphia facility where Temple moved its labor and delivery services in September, celebrated its first baby of the year at 12:10 a.m. a boy, Ezekiel Hall, born to Natalie Rivera. Elliott Sarnoff was born to parents Kim and Jason Sarnoff at Lankenau Medical Center at 12:22 a.m. Virtua Voorhees Hospitals first baby of the year was a boy named Landon, born at 12:29 a.m. to parents Caitlyn and Mark. Virtua declined to provide surnames to protect patient privacy. Lindsay and Matthew Logan of Chalfont welcomed baby Dawson Logan at Jefferson Abington Hospital at 1:01 a.m. While Henry was born on his due date, the Schamps expected him to arrive early, after Sarah started having contractions on Dec. 30 and the couple headed to the hospital. It wasnt what we planned, but its a cool thing and will be a fun tradition, Sarah Schamp said. Plus, they joked, hell have a fun fact for breaking the ice with new friends and coworkers for the rest of his life. Nicole Michalik spends her afternoons talking directly to Philadelphians as they make their way home. As a host on 92.5 XTU, the citys country music station, shes on air from 2 to 7 p.m., juggling live breaks, listener calls, and interviews with artists like Luke Combs and Parker McCollum. Radio, she insists, is still relevant, sexy even. Im live, Im local, Im talking about stuff thats going on in Philly, Michalik said. What more could you want? Michalik lives in Midtown Village, but her days stretch across the city, including a trek to Bala Cynwyd, where the radio station is located. She loves her job. In fact, she loves it so much that her perfect Philly day includes a trip to the office. Heres what else it includes. Advertisement This interview has been lightly edited for clarity. 7:30 a.m. I usually wake up somewhere between 7 and 7:30. First thing I do is check socials and email, then I make coffee at home. I need it piping hot. I use a Keurig no judgment with organic half-and-half. I take it back to bed and do my Instagram bit, Coffee Under the Covers. I started it during COVID and it just became a thing. Ill take a sip and talk about whatevers on my mind. People have sent me mugs. Its wild. After that, I record my Boston radio show from home. Im on Country 102.5 up there, so I have a whole setup computer, mic, everything. I want it to feel as local as possible, even though Im not physically there. 10 a.m. I force myself to work out. I walk to XForce to train with James, who keeps me accountable. I hate working out, but I dont hate it there, so thats a win for me. When I cross Broad Street, I always take a photo of City Hall and post the temperature. Its become a thing. One of my friends who lives in Portugal checks it every day. He calls me his Cecily Tynan. 11:30 a.m. After the gym, I get my hair blown out at Dina Does Glam inside Sola Salons at 15th and Walnut. I go at least once a week. I love that Sola lets people in the beauty industry run their own little studios. From there, I walk to Gran Caffe LAquila for an iced coffee. Its the best iced coffee in the city. Thats nonnegotiable. I try to head home after that, because if I dont, Ill get sucked into Sephora buying makeup I absolutely do not need. 1 p.m. I get ready for work and drive to Bala Cynwyd. On the way, I stop at the Starbucks on City Avenue. I order an iced Americano with almond milk and a drizzle of caramel. They know me there. I dont even know if caffeine really affects me that much. I just love the ritual. I like sipping it throughout the show. 2 to 7 p.m. Im live on the air. On my perfect day, Im doing a Zoom interview with Luke Combs, and he finally announces hes coming back to Philly. Weve been mad at him for skipping us for a few years, so this would be huge. 7:30 p.m. After work, I meet friends at Lark in Bala Cynwyd. Its right across from the station, and its one of my favorite places. Im ordering the gnocco fritto theyre like little puffy clouds with lemon ricotta and the striped bass. Nick Elmi just knows what hes doing. 9 p.m. Im heading to a Sixers game. In my perfect world, its the Eastern Conference finals, Joel Embiid has great knees, and were winning. I live in the city and love walking everywhere, but I also love that Philly is easy to drive around as long as the PPA doesnt get you. 11 p.m. Once 11 p.m. hits Im like Cinderella Im ready for bed. I love going home to put my pajamas on. DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip A grandmother and her 5-year-old grandson burned to death in Gaza when their tent caught fire while cooking, as thousands of Palestinians endure colder weather in makeshift housing. The nylon tent in Yarmouk caught fire Thursday night while a meal was being prepared, a neighbor said. A hospital official said that two Palestinian men were killed by Israeli gunfire on Friday in Gaza. Advertisement The shaky 12-week-old ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group has largely ended large-scale Israeli bombardment of Gaza. But Palestinians are still being killed by Israeli forces, especially along the so-called Yellow Line that delineates areas under Israeli control. On Friday, American actor and film producer Angelina Jolie visited the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Wintry weather hits tent cities Over the past few weeks, cold winter rains have repeatedly lashed the sprawling tent cities, causing flooding, turning Gazas dirt roads into mud and causing damaged buildings to collapse. Aid groups say not enough shelter materials are getting into Gaza during the truce. Figures recently released by Israels military suggest it hasnt met the ceasefire stipulation of allowing 600 trucks of aid into Gaza a day, though Israel disputes that finding. Israel has said throughout the war that Hamas was siphoning off aid supplies, preventing the population in Gaza from receiving them. Last month, the World Food Program said that there have been notable improvements in food security in Gaza since the ceasefire. Palestinians have long called for mobile homes and caravans to be allowed in to protect them against living in impractical and worn out tents. Actor visits Rafah crossing Jolie met with members of the Red Crescent on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing and then visited a hospital in the nearby city of Arish to speak with Palestinian patients on Friday, according to Egyptian officials. Her visit sought to raise support for the displaced and humanitarian workers in the crises in Gaza as well as in Sudan, Jolies team said in a statement. What needs to happen is clear: the ceasefire must hold, and access must be sustained, safe and urgently scaled up so that aid, fuel and critical medical supplies can move quickly and consistently, at the volume required, Jolie said about Gaza. Reopening the crossing, which would allow Palestinians to leave Gaza especially the ill and wounded who could get specialized care unavailable in the territory has been contentious. Israel has said that it will only allow Palestinians to exit Gaza, not enter, until militants in Gaza return all the hostages they took in the attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the war. The remains of one hostage are still in Gaza. Israel also says Palestinians wanting to leave Gaza will have to get Israeli and Egyptian security approval. Egypt, meanwhile, says it wants the crossing immediately opened in both directions, so Palestinians in Egypt can enter Gaza. Thats a position rooted in Egypts vehement opposition to Palestinian refugees permanently resettling in the country. For more than two decades until 2022, Jolie was a special envoy to the U.N. refugee agency. Gazas humanitarian situation On Friday, the foreign ministers of Arab and Muslim countries, including Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, expressed concern about Gazas humanitarian situation. The situation has been compounded by the continued lack of sufficient humanitarian access, acute shortages of essential life-saving supplies, and the slow pace of the entry of essential materials, according to the joint statement. The Palestinian death toll from the war is at least 71,271, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between militants and civilians in its count. The Israel-Hamas war began with the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. On Friday, two Palestinian men were killed in separate incidents by Israeli gunfire in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza, a hospital official said. Israels military said troops operating in the southern Gaza Strip killed a person who crossed the Yellow Line and approached the troops, posing an immediate threat to them. West Bank raids Meanwhile, Israel continues operating in the occupied West Bank. On Friday, the Palestinian Prisoners media office said that Israel carried out numerous raids across the territory, including the major cities of Ramallah and Hebron. Nearly 50 people were detained, following the arrest of at least 50 other Palestinians on Thursday, most of those in the Ramallah area. Israels military said there were arrests made of people involved in terrorist activity. Last week, a Palestinian attacker rammed his car into a man and then stabbed a young woman in northern Israel, killing both of them, police said. The Palestinian Prisoners Society says that Israel has arrested 7,000 Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem this year, and 21,000 since the war began. The number arrested from Gaza isnt made public by Israel. NAGASAKI, Japan Hundreds of prisoners of war from Allied countries were held at brutal Japanese camps in Nagasaki when the United States dropped an atomic bomb 80 years ago. Their presence during the Aug. 9, 1945, bombing is little known, and family and researchers have been collecting and publishing testimonies to tell the stories of these often unrecognized victims. Advertisement In September, dozens of relatives of Dutch POWs and descendants of Japanese bombing survivors came together to commemorate both those who were abused at the camps and the tens of thousands of Japanese who were killed that day. The dead included at least eight captives at one of the Nagasaki camps. Descendants and survivors reckon with a painful past Andre Schram, who represented the Dutch families at the Nagasaki memorial, unveiled in 2015, is the son of a sailor who was among nearly 1,500 POWs held at the Fukuoka No. 2 Branch Camp for three years and forced to work at the Kawanami shipyard. Many of the prisoners were Dutch service members captured by the Japanese in Indonesia, transported to Nagasaki on so-called hell ships, kept at two major camps No. 2 and No. 14 and used as slave labor. About 150,000 Allied prisoners were held in dozens of camps across Asia during the war, including 36,000 sent to Japan to make up for labor shortage as Japanese men were drafted and deployed to battlefields across Asia, according to the POW Research Network Japan. There were also prisoners from the United States, Britain, and Australia in Nagasaki. None died from the atomic blast at the No. 2 Camp, but more than 70 earlier died of malnutrition, overwork, and illness. Andre Schrams father, Johan Willem Schram, returned to the Netherlands four months after the war ended, but only near the end of his life did he tell his son about being treated like a slave. Japanese officials have apologized multiple times for wartime atrocities, but Johan, like many other victims, had doubts about their sincerity, his son said. He felt Japan and the Netherlands treated him and other prisoners of war with disrespect. He never wanted anything to do with Japan again, Andre Schram wrote in Johans Story, a booklet about the Netherlands colonial rule of the Dutch East Indies, the war with Japan and the aftermath, based on his research after his father died in 1993. Peter Klok said his father, Leendert Klok, also a Dutch POW at the camp, told him that Japanese civilians at the shipyard were friendly and helped him find parts to repair his watch. Military police later beat him for seeking help. Klok called the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki awful, but said Japan must reflect on its atrocities. A blinding flash, violent explosions, then the end of the war When the U.S. B-29 dropped the Fat Man plutonium bomb on Nagasaki, prisoners at the No. 2 Camp, about 6.2 miles from ground zero, saw a huge orange fireball, purple smoke, and a triple-layer mushroom cloud, British captive Tom Humphrey wrote in his diary, part of which is quoted on the Royal Air Force website. Windows at the camp were shattered, doors were blasted off, and the clinic ceiling collapsed, he wrote. The other camp, Fukuoka No. 14, was much closer to the blast. The brick buildings were destroyed, killing eight and injuring dozens. A former Dutch captive, Rene Schafer recalled that he and his fellow prisoners were digging a new shelter when Japanese soldiers warned of U.S. aircraft approaching. They jumped into a bunker, but his roommate suffered severe burns and died nine days later. Australian survivor Peter McGrath-Kerr was reading when everyone bolted to shelters. A fellow Australian captive dug him out from the debris, but he was unconscious for five days with broken ribs, cuts and bruises and radiation burns on his hand. Researchers examine a largely neglected history In the days that followed the atomic bombing, prisoners from the Fukuoka No. 2 Camp provided rice and other assistance to their comrades from the No. 14 Camp. Schrams father and fellow POWs at the No. 2 Camp were officially notified of Japans surrender on Aug. 18, and a U.S. B-29 delivered its first food drop for the Allied POWs on Aug. 26. On Sept. 13, the prison camp survivors left Nagasaki, heading for the Philippines on a U.S. carrier. The ceremony in Nagasaki at a granite monument with three inscribed panels was the result of efforts by the families of Dutch POWs, who returned home with painful memories, and the descendants of atomic bombing survivors, said Kazuhiro Ihara, whose father lived through the bombing and was devoted to reconciliation with the POWs. In Hiroshima, Japanese survivor Shigeaki Moris decadeslong independent research led to U.S. confirmation of the deaths of 12 captured American service members in the Aug. 6 atomic bombing. Former President Barack Obama, who became the first U.S. leader to visit Hiroshimas Peace Memorial Park in 2016, mentioned in his speech a dozen Americans held prisoner as part of the victims. He recognized Mori for seeking out the Americans families, believing their loss was equal to his own, and later gave him a hug. A 1957 Japanese law allowed medical support for certified atomic bombing survivors and has since gradually expanded its scope. The number of certificate holders is now 99,000, down from a peak of 372,000 in 1980. The Health and Welfare ministry says about 4,000 certificate holders were living outside Japan, many of them South Koreans and Japanese in the United States, Brazil and other countries. According to the POW Research Network, at least 11 former POWs who were in Nagasaki seven Dutch, three Australian and one British received survivors certificates. The issue has been swept under the rug, POW Research Network co-founder Taeko Sasamoto said. The research requires the time-consuming examination of historical documents that havent attracted much academic interest, Sasamoto said. Its an important issue that has long been neglected. Russ Ferguson, U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, speaks at a news conference on Friday. Read more Federal authorities said Friday they disrupted a plan by an 18-year-old, inspired by the Islamic State, to attack patrons at a grocery store and fast-food restaurants outside Charlotte. Christian Sturdivant had drawn up detailed plans for what he described as a New Years Eve martyrdom op to target patrons with hammers and knives, officials said. He was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terror organization after he discussed his intentions last month with two undercover law enforcement officers posing as Islamic extremists. Advertisement It was a very well-planned, thoughtful attack, Russ Ferguson, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, said at a news conference announcing the arrest. He was preparing for jihad, and innocent people were going to die. Ferguson stressed that FBI agents had Sturdivant, a Burger King employee and grandson of a Christian minister, under surveillance for days leading up to his arrest Wednesday. At no point during that period did authorities believe he posed an immediate danger to public safety, Ferguson said. Authorities also believed Sturdivant suffered from sufficiently serious psychiatric problems that they sought earlier in the week to have him involuntarily committed for care, Ferguson said. A North Carolina state judges denial of that request prompted the decision to charge him with a crime and arrest him instead, Ferguson said. Sturdivant remains in federal custody late Friday pending a bail hearing next week. A defense attorney listed in public court filings did not immediately return calls for comment. In recent weeks, the FBI has arrested a number of other individuals alleged to have been plotting terrorist attacks in Texas, California, and Louisiana. Many of those investigations, like the one that led to the charges against Sturdivant, involved undercover agents or officers offering encouragement and in some cases suggestions on carrying out those attacks. Critics say those tactics run the risk of targeting vulnerable people for prosecution who may not have had the means or the immediate thought to carry out an attack on their own. The bureau has defended its methods, saying the tactic is one of the few that can help investigators prevent threats of terrorist violence before they result in deaths. In Sturdivants case, authorities said he began communicating online three weeks ago with a person he believed to be a member of the Islamic State and repeatedly expressed his support for the extremist organization. That individual was actually an undercover New York Police Department employee. I will do jihad soon, Sturdivant told him during a Dec. 13 exchange, according to an arrest affidavit filed in his case. The officer encouraged Sturdivant to prove his commitment through an act of violence, the document states. The teen later repeated his intentions to attack a grocery store in Mint Hill, near the Burger King restaurant where he worked, in separate conversations with an undercover FBI agent also posing as an Islamic State sympathizer, officials said. During a raid on Sturdivants family home Monday, authorities found two butcher knives and a hammer hidden under his bed weapons officials said he intended to use to kill as many as 11 people. They also discovered writings in a trash can in which they say Sturdivant laid out detailed plans for his assault, including the text message he intended to send his family during the attack and his plan to take his own life afterward by attacking responding police. In one of the handwritten messages, titled The Way of the Lion (The Martyrs Notes), Sturdivant said his goal was pure destruction of America and the West, according to the arrest affidavit. Ferguson said Friday that while investigators believe Sturdivant had been planning his intended New Years Eve strike for a year, he was planning to undertake some form of attack for far longer than that The arrest affidavit described another incident in 2022 when Sturdivant, dressed in black, had attempted to attack his neighbor with hammers, acting upon instructions hed received online from an Islamic State member in Europe. Sturdivants grandfather restrained him at the time, thwarting that attack. James C. Barnacle Jr., special agent in charge of the FBIs Charlotte field office, said Friday that Sturdivant had received psychiatric care after that incident and that his grandfather had taken steps since then to keep household objects that could be used as weapons out of his grandsons reach. Barnacle said that before last month Sturdivant was not on the FBIs radar, as the investigation into that previous incident had been closed years ago. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump had long threatened that he could order military strikes on targets on Venezuelan territory after months of attacks on boats accused of carrying drugs from the South American country. President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela said the U.S. military operations were a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. On Saturday, the U.S. conducted a large-scale strike against Venezuela and said that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and flown out of the country. Trump announced the operation on social media hours after the attack. The Venezuelan government called it an imperialist attack and urged citizens to take to the streets. Advertisement Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and Flores, would face charges after an indictment in New York. Before the escalation, there had been 35 known strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in South American waters since early September that killed at least 115 people, according to announcements from the Republican administration. The U.S. had sent a fleet of warships to the region, the largest buildup of forces in generations. The White House said Washington was in armed conflict with drug cartels to halt the flow of narcotics into the United States, while U.S. officials alleged that Maduro supported the international drug trade. Here is a timeline of the U.S. military actions and related developments: Jan. 20, 2025 Trump signs an executive order that paved the way for criminal organizations and drug cartels to be named foreign terrorist organizations. They included Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan street gang. U.S. intelligence agencies have disputed Trumps central claim that Maduros administration was working with Tren de Aragua and orchestrating drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the U.S. Feb. 20 The Trump administration formally designated eight Latin American crime organizations as foreign terrorist organizations. The label is normally reserved for groups such as a-Qaida or the Islamic State that use violence for political ends, and not for profit-focused crime rings. Aug. 19 The U.S. military deployed three guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela. The naval force in the Caribbean grew within weeks to include three amphibious assault ships and other vessels, carrying about 6,000 sailors and Marines and a variety of aircraft. The U.S. sent F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in September, while a Navy submarine carrying cruise missiles operated off South America. Sept. 2 The U.S. carried out its first strike against what Trump said was a drug-carrying vessel that departed from Venezuela and was operated by Tren de Aragua. Trump said all 11 people on the boat were killed. He posted a short video clip of a small vessel appearing to explode in flames. Sept. 10 In a letter to the White House, Democratic senators said the administration had provided no legitimate legal justification for the strike. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the U.S. military was not empowered to hunt down suspected criminals and kill them without trial. Sept. 15 The U.S. military carried out its second strike against an alleged drug boat, killing three people. Asked what proof the U.S. had that the vessel was carrying drugs, Trump told reporters that big bags of cocaine and fentanyl were spattered all over the ocean. Images of what Trump described were not released by the military or the White House. Sept. 19 Trump said the U.S. military carried out its third fatal strike against an alleged drug-smuggling vessel. Several senators and human rights groups continued to question the legality of the strikes, describing them as a potential overreach of executive authority. Oct. 2 Trump declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and said the U.S. was now in an armed conflict with them, according to an administration memo obtained by The Associated Press. The memo appeared to represent an extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers and drew criticism from some lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. Oct. 3 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he ordered a fourth strike on a small boat he accused of carrying drugs. Oct. 8 Senate Republicans voted down legislation that would have required the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes. Oct. 14 Trump announced the fifth strike against a small boat accused of carrying drugs, saying it killed six people. Oct. 15 Trump confirmed he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and said he was weighing carrying out land operations in the country. He declined to say whether the CIA has authority to take action against Maduro. Oct. 16 The Navy admiral who oversaw military operations in the region said he will retire in December. Adm. Alvin Holsey became leader of U.S. Southern Command only the previous November, overseeing an area that encompasses the Caribbean and waters off South America. Such postings typically last three years to four years. Oct. 16 Trump said the U.S. struck a sixth suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean, killing two people and leaving two survivors who were on the semisubmersible craft. The president later said the survivors would be sent to Ecuador and Colombia, their home countries, for detention and prosecution. Repatriation avoided questions about what their legal status would have been in the U.S. justice system. Oct. 17 The U.S. military attacked a seventh vessel that Hegseth said was carrying substantial amounts of narcotics and associated with a Colombian rebel group, the National Liberation Army, or ELN. Three people are killed. Oct. 20 Washington Rep. Adam Smith, top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, called for a hearing on the boat strikes. Never before in my over 20 years on the committee can I recall seeing a combatant commander leave their post this early and amid such turmoil, Smith said in a statement of Holseys impending departure. I have also never seen such a staggering lack of transparency on behalf of an Administration and the Department to meaningfully inform Congress on the use of lethal military force. Oct. 21 Hegseth said the U.S. military launched its eighth strike against an alleged drug-carrying vessel, killing two people in the eastern Pacific. The attack was an expansion of the militarys targeting area to the waters off South America where much of the cocaine from the worlds largest producers is smuggled. Oct. 22 Hegseth announced the ninth strike, another in the eastern Pacific, saying three men are killed. Oct. 24 Hegseth ordered the U.S. militarys most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the region in a significant escalation of military firepower. Oct. 24 Hegseth said the military conducted the 10th strike on a suspected drug-running boat, leaving six people dead. Oct. 27 Hegseth said three more strikes were carried out in the eastern Pacific, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor. Hegseth said Mexican authorities assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue of the sole survivor, who was presumed dead after Mexico suspended its search. Oct. 29 Hegseth said the U.S. military carried out another strike on a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific, killing all four people aboard in the 14th attack. Oct. 29 Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the administration briefed Republicans, but not Democrats, on the boat strikes. The Senate at the time was facing a potential vote on a war powers resolution that would have prohibited strikes in or near Venezuela without congressional approval. Oct. 31 U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk called for an investigation into the strikes, in what appeared to be the first such condemnation of its kind from a U.N. organization. Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for Turks office, relayed his message at a briefing: The U.S. must halt such attacks and take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats. Nov. 1 Hegseth announced the 15th known strike, saying three people were killed. Nov. 4 In the 16th known strike, Hegseth posted on social media that two people were killed aboard a vessel in the eastern Pacific. Nov. 6 Hegseth announced the 17th known strike, which killed three people. Senate Republicans voted to reject legislation that would have limited Trumps ability to order an attack on Venezuelan soil without congressional authorization. Lawmakers from both parties had demanded more information on the strikes, but Republicans appeared more willing to give Trump leeway to continue his buildup of naval forces. Nov. 9 The U.S. military struck two vessels in the eastern Pacific, killing six people, according to an announcement from Hegseth the following day. Nov. 10 The 20th known strike on a boat accused of transporting drugs killed four people in the Caribbean, according to a social media post from the U.S. militarys Southern Command. Nov. 11 Venezuelas government launched what it said was a massive mobilization of troops and volunteers for two days of exercises prompted by the U.S. military buildup. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez asserted that Venezuelas military was stronger than ever in its unity, morale and equipment. Nov. 15 Three people were killed after the U.S. military conducted its 21st strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, according to a post from Southern Command a day later. Nov. 16 The Ford arrived in the Caribbean, a major moment in the Trump administrations show of force. The aircraft carriers arrival brought the total number of troops in the region to around 12,000 on nearly a dozen Navy ships in what Hegseth said was Operation Southern Spear. Nov. 16 Trump said the U.S. " may be having some discussions " with Maduro and Venezuela would like to talk, without offering details. Ill talk to anybody, Trump said. Well see what happens. Dec. 4 Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley appeared for closed-door classified briefings at the Capitol as lawmakers began investigating the strikes. The investigation started after reports that Bradley ordered a follow-on attack that killed the survivors of the first strike on Sept. 2 to comply with Hegseths demands. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., later told reporters that Bradley was very clear that he was given no such order, to give no quarter or to kill them all. Democrats said they found the video of the entire attack disturbing. Smith said the survivors were basically two shirtless people clinging to the bow of a capsized and inoperable boat, drifting in the water until the missiles come and kill them. Dec. 4 Four people were killed in the 22nd strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, according to a post from Southern Command. Dec. 10 The U.S. seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela after the ship left that country with about 2 million barrels of heavy crude. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the tanker was involved in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. Venezuelas government said the seizure was a blatant theft and an act of international piracy. Dec. 15 The U.S. military struck three alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing eight people, in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Southern Command announced. Dec. 16 Hegseth said the Pentagon will not publicly release unedited video of the Sept. 2 strike that killed two survivors, even as questions mounted in Congress about the attack and the overall campaign near Venezuela. Dec. 16 Trump said he was ordering a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, a move that seemed designed to put a tighter chokehold on the South American countrys oil-dependent economy. Trump alleged that Venezuela was using oil to fund drug trafficking, terrorism and other crimes. He pledged to continue the military buildup until Venezuela returned to the U.S. oil, land and assets, though it was unclear why Trump felt the U.S. had a claim. Dec. 17 The U.S. military said it attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people. House Republicans rejected a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions that would have put a check on Trumps power to use military force against drug cartels and Venezuela. They were the first votes in the House after Senate Republicans previously voted down similar war powers resolutions. Dec. 18 The U.S. military said it conducted two more strikes against boats that were allegedly smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific, killing five people. Dec. 20 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the U.S. Coast Guard, with help from the Defense Department, stopped a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Dec. 22 Trump confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard was chasing another oil tanker that the administration described as part of the dark fleet. The U.S. military said it attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people. Dec. 29 Trump told reporters that the U.S. struck a facility where boats accused of carrying drugs load up. He declined to say whether the U.S. military or the CIA carried out the strike on the dock or where it occurred. He did not confirm it happened in Venezuela. The U.S. military said it attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people. Dec. 30 The CIA was behind the drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels, according to two people familiar with details of the classified operation who requested anonymity to discuss it. It was the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes in September. Venezuelan officials have not acknowledged the strike. Dec. 30 The U.S. military struck three more boats that were allegedly smuggling drugs, killing three people in the first boat while people from the other two boats jumped overboard and may have survived, Southern Command announced the following day. Dec. 31 The U.S. imposed sanctions on four companies operating in Venezuelas oil sector and designated four additional oil tankers as blocked property and part of the larger shadow fleet that was evading U.S. sanctions on Venezuela. Dec. 31 The U.S. military said it attacked two more boats, killing five people who were allegedly smuggling drugs along known trafficking routes. Jan. 1, 2026 Maduro, in an interview on state television that aired on New Years Day, said Venezuela was open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. He declined to comment on the CIA-led strike and reiterated that the U.S. wanted to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves. Jan. 3 The U.S. conducted a large-scale strike across Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, captured Maduro and Flores and flew them out of the country. Maduro and Flores would face charges after an indictment in New York, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Maduro was indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but it was not previously known that Flores had been. ___ Garcia Cano reported from Caracas, Venezuela. So much for Donald the Dove. President Trump mounted an illegal invasion of Venezuela, kidnapping president Nicolas Maduro and his wife and spiriting them out of the country. Advertisement The breathtaking use of military force against a sovereign state has no legal justification. It opens the door for anarchy in Venezuela and threatens to make the United States a pariah with no moral authority for other dictatorships around the globe. Trump acted without the authorization of Congress, in clear violation of the Constitution. But then again Trump has long mocked the Constitution he swore to uphold. Former President George W. Bush at least sold a phony story about weapons of mass destruction to get Congress to go along with his reckless invasion of Iraq. That catastrophic folly lasted nearly nine years, resulting in tens of thousands of needless deaths and costing taxpayers roughly $3 trillion. Trump once promised to avoid forever wars and claimed to be the president of peace. But without any provocation or convincing explanation, he launched a military buildup in the Caribbean and began illegally bombing small boats, killing alleged drug smugglers in Central and South America. Trump has offered shifting explanations and even less evidence for the military action ranging from wanting to stop drug trafficking to accusing Maduro of stealing U.S. oil and land. After the attack, Trump came clean on just how out of control the operation is, claiming the U.S. is going to run the country" and take over oil production. There is scant public support for Trumps attacks in Venezuela. Congress, which under the Constitution, has the sole power to declare war, rejected efforts to rein in Trumps warmongering. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump puppet, praised the attack as a justified operation that will protect American lives. Sen. Andy Kim (D., N.J.) called the move disastrous and said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blatantly lied to Congress when they said the goal of the military buildup was not to topple Maduro. To be sure, Maduro is a corrupt and undemocratic leader who has brought economic ruin and death to Venezuela. Under his repressive regime, roughly 8 million people have fled the country. But if the Trump doctrine is the removal of corrupt and undemocratic leaders, where do the military actions end? How does Trump square the removal and prosecution of Maduro with his outrageous pardon last month of former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug trafficking by federal prosecutors? How does Trump square the removal and prosecution of Maduro with his outrageous pardon last month of a former president of Honduras, who was convicted of drug trafficking? Trumps strongman act will do little to spread peace and democracy around the globe. In fact, the military actions in Venezuela may embolden China to invade Taiwan. It also signals to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that Trump is not serious about defending Ukraine or Europe. It is painfully clear there is a corrupt and unrestrained madman in the White House. Yet, the conservatives on the U.S. Supreme Court and the Republicans in Congress have abandoned their role to act as checks on the executive branch, starting with the insurrection Trump fomented nearly five years ago. Under Trump, the American democracy that is getting ready to celebrate 250 years, is backsliding. A Harvard professor who studies democracies said flatly: We are no longer living in a democratic regime. The unauthorized attack in Venezuela is just the latest example of Trumps growing authoritarian rule. NEW YORK Less than 24 hours after throngs of ecstatic supporters poured into Manhattan for his history-making inauguration, Zohran Mamdani began his first full day of work with a routine familiar to many New Yorkers: trudging to the subway from a cramped apartment. Bundled against the frigid temperature and seemingly fighting off a cold, he set out Friday morning from the one-bedroom apartment in Queens that he shares with his wife. But unlike most commuters, Mamdanis trip was documented by a photo and video crew, and periodically interrupted by neighbors wishing him luck. Advertisement The 34-year-old democratic socialist, whose victory was hailed as a watershed moment for the progressive movement, has now begun the task of running the nations largest city: signing orders, announcing appointments, facing questions from the press and answering for some of the actions he took in his first hours. But first, the symbolism-laden Day One commute. Flanked by security guards and a small clutch of aides on a Manhattan-bound train, he agreed to several selfies with wide-eyed riders, then moved to a corner seat of the train to review his briefing materials. When a pair of French tourists, confused by the hubbub, approached Mamdani, he introduced himself as the new mayor of New York. They seemed doubtful. He held up the mornings copy of the New York Daily News, featuring his smiling face, as proof. Mamdani, a Democrat, is hardly alone among city mayors in using the transit system to communicate relatability. His predecessor, Eric Adams, also rode the subway on his first day, and both Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg made a habit out of it, particularly when seeking to make a political point. Within minutes of Mamdani entering City Hall, the images of him riding public transit had lit up social media. If the ride served as a well-timed photo-op, it also seemed to reflect Mamdanis pledge, made in his inaugural speech, to ensure his government looks and lives like the people it represents. His other early actions have also seemed to underscore that priority. After centering much of his campaign on making rent cheaper for New Yorkers, Mamdani raced from his inauguration ceremony Thursday to a Brooklyn apartment building lobby, drawing boisterous cheers from the tenants union as he pledged that the city would ramp up an ongoing legal fight against the allegedly negligent landlord. Mamdanis next action, meanwhile, showed the unusual scrutiny faced by his nascent administration, particularly around his criticism of Israel and outspoken support for the Palestinian cause. In an effort to give his government a clean slate, he revoked a slate of executive orders issued by Adams late in his term, including two related to Israel: one that officially adopted a contentious definition of antisemitism that includes certain criticism of Israel, and another barring city agencies and employees from boycotting or divesting from the country. The move drew swift backlash from some Jewish groups, including allegations from the Israeli government posted to social media that Mamdani had poured antisemitic gasoline on an open fire. When a journalist on Friday asked about the revoked orders, Mamdani read from prepared remarks, promising his administration would be relentless in its effort to combat hate and division. He noted that he had left in place the Mayors Office to Combat Antisemitism. Mamdani also announced the creation of a mass engagement office, which he said would continue the work his campaigns field operation did to bring more New Yorkers into the political fold. Ringed by supporters and passersby who stood several rows deep, phones in the air, to catch a glimpse of the new mayor, Mamdani then acknowledged the weight of the current moment. We have an opportunity where New Yorkers are allowing themselves to believe in the possibility of city government once again, he said. That is not a belief that will sustain itself in the absence of action. Also on Mamdanis to-do list: Moving to the mayors official residence, a stately mansion in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, before the lease on his Queens apartment ends later this month. Former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney speaks with members of the media during a news conference in Trenton in 2021 after he lost reelection. Read more Former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney, who finished last in the six-way Democratic primary for New Jersey governor in June, will receive a six-figure salary in Gloucester County for a new role. The Gloucester County Board of Commissioners appointed Sweeney as county administrator at its public reorganizational meeting Friday night. The role has a salary rage of $191,308 to $287,168. Advertisement The resolution appointing Sweeney, 66, to the position is tucked away in an unsearchable 236-page packet posted online Friday afternoon, just hours before the meeting. It does not say what Sweeney will be paid, but the document specifies that the county will provide him with a vehicle that can be utilized for personal use as in the past, the resolution notes. Sweeney replaces Chad Bruner, the countys longtime administrator who recently stepped down. Bruner chairs Rowan Universitys Board of Trustees, which Sweeney joined in September. The resolution easily won approval by the board, which is composed of five Democrats and two Republicans. All five Democrats voted yes. Republican Nicholas DeSilvio voted no, while Republican Chris Konawel Jr. abstained from voting in protest. They violated procedure, and I do believe that was an illegal meeting, Konawel said Saturday morning. Democratic commissioners wouldnt allow him to object to a consent agenda, which would have let commissioners look more closely at each resolution on the agenda, Konawel said. He said he received a copy of the resolution just four hours before the meeting, and noted that the vote was scheduled during a meeting with no public comment period. The biggest thing for me is, we just handed somebody a $290,000 a year job, with no idea what his qualifications were, Konawel said. Sweeneys contract will last 5 years, the maximum for the role. Sweeney, a longtime friend of power broker George Norcross and an ironworker union leader, served the longest tenure as state Senate president, the most powerful position in New Jersey government aside from governor. But the West Deptford Democrat lost his reelection in 2021 to Trump-aligned Republican Ed Durr, a truck driver with little funding who planned to also run for governor before dropping out last year. The Republican commissioners first found out that Sweeney was picked for the role through the rumor mill weeks ago when department heads were given a heads-up behind closed doors, Konawel said. Konawel and DeSilvio each questioned Sweeneys credentials in part because he didnt attend college. I kind of thought that they would actually go through a process to pick somebody qualified. I didnt think they would just give it to Steve Sweeney, but thats what they did, DeSilvio said. Sweeney and Democratic leaders on the county board could not be reached on Friday for comment. Since leaving the state Senate, Sweeney served as the founding chair of a think tank at Rowan University called the Steve Sweeney Center for Public Policy. He attempted a political comeback last year, but his campaign for governor failed to gain traction outside of South Jersey and he did worse than expected even within the region. Sweeney ran to the right of his opponents on certain issues, like by saying he would get rid of the states sanctuary policy for undocumented immigrants, a stance touted by Republicans. He avoided the press in the final days of his campaign and left his party quietly just minutes after his loss, which signaled another failure of the South Jersey party machine. He won Gloucester and Salem Counties by wide margins but lost to Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill in the other three southern counties that endorsed him. As county administrator, Sweeney will oversee all county department heads and can sign off on all personnel actions. The powerful role also comes with the authority to help prepare the county budget, authorize payments, take part in board discussions (without voting power), inquire into county operations, and sign off on behalf of the clerk of the board if the clerk is absent. County administrators are paid six-figure salaries throughout the state, but Gloucester County has developed a reputation for paying its administrator particularly well. Bruner was the second highest paid county administrator in the state at $253,324 in 2023, according to data compiled by the Bergen Record. The highest county administrator salary that year was in Middlesex County, which has more than double the population of Gloucester, according to the Census Bureau. Sweeneys starting salary was not stated at the meeting, according to Konawel. Sweeney cannot be removed from the role without cause for the duration of his contract, and if he is, he will still receive his remaining salary, according to the resolution. He will be eligible for raises. Attorney General Matt Platkin expressed disapproval over the positions high salary last month, noting that Gloucesters County administrator was making more than the governor, whose salary is $175,000 and will raise to $210,000 this year when Sherrill takes office. A county administrator making $100k more than the current governors salary is a pretty good argument to keep the comptroller as an independent agency to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in local government, Platkin said in a social media post in early December when the state legislature was considering an ultimately unsuccessful bill to limit the watchdogs power. TEHRAN, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Saturday strongly condemned the U.S. military attack on Venezuela, calling it a "flagrant violation" of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a statement, the ministry described the attack as an "act of aggression" and a clear breach of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law prohibiting the use of force against sovereign states. Earlier on Saturday, the United States launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of Venezuela," according to a post by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account. Iran reaffirmed Venezuela's right to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self-determination, and urged the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibility by immediately halting what it described as a U.S. "invasion" of the country. The remarks come amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States. On Friday, Tehran said it would "forcefully reject" any interference in its internal affairs after Trump warned that Washington would act if Iran "kills peaceful protesters." Protests have erupted since Sunday in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the national currency, the rial. For most Americans, driving is a normal part of everyday life. In much of the United States, a car is required for most trips to visit friends, commute to work, or go to the grocery store. The side effects of this auto-dependence are catastrophic, argue the coauthors of a new book called Life After Cars. Advertisement There is the obvious danger from crashes, which kill roughly 110 Americans every day, but theres also environmental devastation wrought by mass car ownership, social isolation engendered by the built environment, and soaring costs for American households. Did you know that the largest source of microplastics strangling oceans come from the tiny particles thrown off by tires? Or that in 1969, more than 40% of U.S. kids walked or biked to school while today only 11% do? Life After Cars is by Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, hosts of a podcast called The War on Cars, a facetious name they adopted because opponents of non-car traffic infrastructure often accuse advocates of waging such a crusade. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Aaron Naparstek is a cowriter but was not featured in this Q&A. For most Americans, driving is part of everyday life. Why do you think that needs to be reevaluated? Gordon: Forced car dependency isnt really working, even for people who love driving. Many Americans do love driving, but the type of driving that most Americans do is terrible. It would be great if most of the driving we did was on the open road, the camping trip, or the road trip, but most people are driving to work; theyre driving to get groceries. Those are such stressful trips that it would be great to provide alternatives. Goodyear: The price of real estate in walkable neighborhoods and transit-rich neighborhoods tells us that there is a real appetite for living in places where car dependence is not a given and where there are options. Weve gotten to the point in this country where walkable neighborhoods have become a luxury good. We think walkable neighborhoods are something that should be available to everybody. You argue that Americas car culture severely limits the freedom of children. When I was a kid, I walked to school or to friends houses. Today, thats rarer because of the threat of cars. And parents freedom is limited, too, because they have to drive their kids everywhere. Gordon: Cars and traffic fatalities are one of the leading causes of deaths for children in this country. Youre not wrong if you think to yourself, I dont want my child walking to school because of the roads they might have to cross. Most of my friends and family who live in car-dependent suburbs have to serve as chauffeurs for their children until theyre at least 16. If they cant afford another car, they have to continue negotiating how theyre going to get places after that. We live in a walkable neighborhood. My kids walk and take transit to school. There are some mornings where they get up and leave the house and I dont see them because theyre totally independent. We want that freedom to be available to all parents. Its also robbing kids of their ability to be kids, to learn about the world around them, to navigate their neighborhoods, to interact with shopkeepers and their neighbors. If we want to create better American citizens, we have to start creating walkable places for children. You have a chapter on the effect that cars have on the environment, a lot of which was news to me, like the fact that up to 340 million birds die every year in America from car strikes. Goodyear: Its on all fronts. Transportation is a huge contributor to climate change. If SUVs globally were a nation, they would be in the top 10 for carbon emissions. But theres all sorts of unintended consequences, like habitat fragmentation. Roads cut up our natural areas to the extent that animals cant seek mates and their genetic diversity is really constrained by these islands that theyre living on between roads. We really dont think about the effect of road noise, which increases stress hormones in animals that leads to them being less effective at reproducing. These things are happening constantly all around us, and we dont even think about it. And as we sprawl outward, were not thinking about what all of the effects are on wildlife. Im old enough to remember when if you were driving cross country, your windshield would be covered with bug splatter. That doesnt happen anymore because there are not as many bugs. Cars are one of the reasons thats true. You compare tech companies of today and the automobile industry in the early 20th century. Negative effects of cars have been known and resisted for a long time. But through media and political campaigns, the industry was able to argue that efforts to regulate the technology would undermine progress. Sounds familiar! Gordon: Cars were the original move fast and break things technology. The Silicon Valley ethos is exactly the same. It was important for us in the book to document that early history [of resistance to cars] because weve lost sight of that outrage. Theres this myth building around cars that we had this love affair, and it was the inevitable march of progress that got us all behind the wheel. But at the outset, that was not the case at all. There was deep, deep resistance, and weve forgotten that because none of us know a world without cars. Getting people to understand that this was not inevitable is the first step toward changing our future trajectory. You try to end the book on a hopeful note. But a lot of the human-centric cities in Europe and East Asia are possible because those countries have comprehensive mass transit. The U.S. doesnt and isnt likely to for the foreseeable future. Gordon: It does boil down to transit. Almost all of this stems from density and transit and all of those things that we are lacking in the United States. Its a long battle. We are planting trees, and we will not get to sit under their shade. Goodyear: We started this podcast seven years ago. Ive been covering these issues as a journalist for 20 years, so I have had a pretty good look as issues of livable streets and reducing car dependency have gone from being fringe to being much more mainstream. Just the fact that this book came out from a major publisher is huge. Another metric is that in almost every city on our book tour there has been a local elected official on the panel with us. And these are younger politicians. Whats really been missing in the United States is leadership on these issues. The advocacy community has been there, and its growing. But what hasnt been there is political leadership to make the changes that we all know are necessary. I see that changing, and that gives me hope. A round of changes impacting Washington workplaces now that 2026 has arrived include higher worker pay and several workplace safety alterations. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries year calculates new wage standards, including the minimum wage. L&I makes the calculations using the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Changes include: State Minimum Wage Going up Washingtons minimum wage is now $17.13 an hour. Thats 2.8% higher than the $16.66 an hour minimum wage in 2025. Employers may pay 85% of the minimum wage, or $14.56 an hour, to 14- and 15-year-old workers. Local governments are allowed to set minimum wages that are higher than those of the state minimum. Areas with higher minimum wages include Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien, and unincorporated King County. Tower Crane Safety Requirements Prime contractors must now obtain a permit and follow manufacturers instructions for the operation, assembly, disassembly or reconfiguration of a tower crane. L&I will consider a prime contractors history of safety and health violations as part of the application process for a permit. Information about the new crane tower requirements is on L&Is website. Overtime-Exempt Workers Certain employees are exempt from rules requiring they be paid overtime if they are paid on a salary basis, perform work consistent with executive, administrative or professional duties, and are paid at, or above, a certain salary that L&I calculates. For 2026, all employers must pay overtime-exempt workers at least 2.25 times the minimum wage. That means to be exempt an employee must be paid at least $1,541.70 a week ($80,168.40 a year). The rate for exempt computer professionals who are paid by the hour will be 3.5 times the minimum wage, or $59.96 an hour. Pay for Rideshare Drivers The minimum pay rideshare drivers will earn went up on Jan. 1. For trips within Seattle, they pay rising to 70 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.63 per passenger platform mile, or $6.12, whichever is greater. For trips outside of Seattle, it went up to 40 cents per passenger platform minute and $1.38 per passenger platform mile, or $3.55, whichever is greater. Non-Compete Clauses L&I is also responsible for calculating the minimum annual salary required for a non-compete clause or employee contract to be enforceable. In 2026, the threshold for employees is $126,858.83. For independent contractors, the minimum is $317,147.09. A non-compete clause or employee contract for a worker earning less than these amounts is not enforceable. Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Washington When Paudie Moloney talks about the last year of his life, he does so with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude, as if it has all happened to someone else. He laughs easily, shrugs off the attention, and repeatedly returns to the same idea: this was never the plan. This time last year, he says, I was getting on with retirement, even if I was just waiting. Waiting to hear if Id even gotten on The Traitors. That was it. He had no expectations beyond that. No sense that a single decision filling out an application, turning up for an interview would quietly reroute the course of his retirement. No thought that he would become one of the most warmly received contestants in the first season of The Traitors Ireland, or that hed soon find himself stepping into sequins and rehearsal studios for RTEs Dancing With The Stars. I genuinely thought Id go in, have a go, get knocked out early, and walk away, That was it. I never expected any of this. I still dont know how it happened, to be honest. While his journey has been unexpected, it was hardly accidental. Paudie didnt stumble blindly into The Traitors. He was a fan long before the Irish version aired. He had watched the UK series closely, dipped into international versions, and loved the psychology of it the secrecy, the strategy, the quiet calculations happening beneath polite conversation. I loved the whole concept, he says. The idea of hiding secrets, trying to figure out whos lying, whos playing who. I always said to my wife, If Traitors ever comes to Ireland, Id love to go for it. When the Irish casting call opened, it was his son who sent him the link and Paudie took no convincing. The very minute I heard it was coming to Ireland, I applied. It was a no-brainer. Applying is one thing, however. Getting selected was an entirely different proposition and even then, there were no guarantees. What did surprise him was the level of secrecy required long before the cameras even started rolling. From the very first interview, producers were clear: tell nobody. Not friends. Not acquaintances. At most, a partner. Paudie Moloney pictured at the screening of the finale episode of The Traitors. Picture: Damien Eagers / Coalesce I was actually afraid of losing my place if I said anything, he admits. So I didnt tell a soul. For someone used to a working life built on discretion Paudie spent 20 years working in the prison service that secrecy felt natural. But, if keeping schtum was second nature, nothing could quite prepare him for what came after. I genuinely thought I would be on the show for a very short time. I never figured it would be the case people would recognise me or become a celebrity. I was just being myself, he laughs, the fact people related to me was humbling. Watching The Traitors unfold at home, as episodes aired and public reaction gathered momentum, Paudie still didnt anticipate the impact it would have. Even as the episodes were coming out, I never thought it would change my life, he says. I really didnt. He insists he wasnt performing for the cameras, wasnt trying to shape a version of himself for television. If anything, he barely noticed the cameras at all. I never sat there thinking, This is going to be on TV. I was just trying to mind my words, mind my secrets. That was it. Viewers, however, connected deeply with him. Paudie quickly emerged as a fan favourite praised for his authenticity, emotional intelligence, and calm presence amid a game built on suspicion. Why did people respond so strongly? I dont know, he says, honestly. The only answer I have is that I was just myself. I wasnt trying to be anything else. Strangers began stopping him in the street. Conversations started where none had existed before. Invitations followed The Late Late Show, public appearances, and eventually a phone call from RTE that would introduce the next unexpected chapter. The Traitors Ireland legend Paudie Moloney joins Dancing with the Stars this season. Picture: Barry McCall. When Dancing With The Stars came calling, Paudies first reaction wasnt fear it was logistics. Its a massive commitment, he says. I know Im retired, but its still a big ask. He was upfront about his medical history. Five years ago, he underwent a serious hip operation. Both his knees have been under the knife. He made no attempt to hide his limitations. I didnt want to be wasting anyones time, he says. What he didnt dwell on was public scrutiny. By that stage, The Traitors Ireland had already aired. The reaction overwhelmingly positive had softened any anxiety about being visible. I probably am more ready now, he reflects. Im much more used to talking to people about it. More familiar with the camera. That experience definitely helped. For those who might be meeting him for the first time on Dancing With The Stars, Paudie is refreshingly direct. People are going to say, Who the hell is he? And thats fair enough, he laughs. All I can say is what you saw on The Traitors was the real me. And thats what youll see again. So what of his dancing? Maloney is quick to dismantle any illusion about his dance background. This will be my first time genuinely dancing sober, he says, deadpan. Like many Irish men of his generation, his relationship with dancing has been largely ceremonial: weddings, the odd funeral, the occasional late-night shuffle. I would never, ever have done anything like this before, he admits. Never. Thats where professional partner Laura Nolan comes in and Paudie speaks about her with unfiltered admiration. Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan in rehearsals for Dancing With The Stars. Photograph Moya Nolan Shes fantastic, he says. A brilliant teacher. There isnt a bad bone in her body, and she has the patience of a saint. And trust me shed need to! Training is well underway four days a week, long sessions that test both stamina and confidence. While he could never claim to have foreseen the physical challenge he has visited upon himself, there is no sense of the Limerick man being overwhelmed. Paudie swims regularly and prides himself on keeping fit, but Dancing with the Stars, he understands, is likely to be his biggest test yet, both in terms of preparation and performing under pressure. If Traitors measured his ability to keep a secret, the coming weeks will test his capacity to overcome most Irish mens greatest fear dancing in public. Its intense, he says. But in a good way. Laura, he explains, understands exactly where his limits are and where they arent. She knows whats within my capabilities, he says. I wont be doing handstands or flips. They know that from the start. But she can tailor things perfectly. Thats what makes her so good. Paudie describes himself as competitive, though not in the conventional sense. I compete with myself, he says. I want to do well for me. Hes realistic about the field. He knows there will be younger contestants, fitter bodies, more natural movers. But Ill fully enjoy it, he says. Thats the most important thing. He quickly dispels any notion that fame has changed him. Becoming a celebrity later in life comes with certain benefits, he argues, perspective amongst them. The reactions of friends and family have ranged from delight to disbelief. Some think Im mad, he laughs. Actually, they all think Im mad. But, if I am, I am in my own way. His children and grandchildren, he says, are supportive but honest. They just want me to do what I can do, he says. Thats it. Long before television entered his life, Paudie was someone who tried things. Squash, triathlons, new routines. New challenges. Ive always believed that you should never not try something new, he says. Paudie Moloney in rehearsals for Dancing With The Stars. Picture: Moya Nolan He is wary of being framed as a role model, particularly for people in post-retirement life, but is also aware hell be seen by many as the elder statesman of the group. Its a burden he wears lightly. Its never been my intention to be seen one way or another. Im not trying to inspire anyone, but if someone at my stage of life watches and feels motivated to try something because of me, then great. Im not preaching. Im just doing this because I enjoy it. Still, he understands what people see in his story the idea that life doesnt narrow as you age, that opportunity doesnt come with an expiry date. Perhaps the most striking shift in Paudies life is the move from privacy to public recognition. In my working life, you were always anonymous, he says. Your name wasnt out there. Your address wasnt public. That was how it had to be. Now, strangers know his name. People he never knew stop him for chats, just to wish him luck. Its completely different, he says. A total switch. And yet, he doesnt overthink it. If I started worrying about it, Id be nervous, he says. So, thats my secret. I just dont put it into my head. That, more than anything, may explain why audiences connect with him. Paudie Moloney isnt performing ease he inhabits it. Ask Paudie whats next, and he smiles. Im retired, I have to remind myself of that he says. And I like my retirement. What I can remember of it! Whenever this journey ends, Ill be getting back to retired life. Whatever Dancing With The Stars brings him glitter, fake tan, new fans, a signature move mastered under the glaring Sunday night lights hes approaching it the same way he approached The Traitors: open, grounded and utterly unpretentious. Im enjoying it, he says. And hopefully people watching will enjoy it as much as me. At just 30, filmmaker and YouTube producer Molly McDonald has travelled to more than 60 countries, carving out a career that blends storytelling, adventure and ambitious global expeditions. Raised between New York and Galway, her Irish roots run through her work, and today she runs Blue Door Productions, creating films for major brands like Red Bull and documenting extraordinary challenges, including Mitch Hutchcrafts England-to-Everest triathlon. Favourite childhood holiday memory I went back and forth to Ireland as a kid. My parents were hardworking immigrants in New York, and every summer wed return to Galway to stay with my grandparents. My favourite memories are from those summers in Bearna, reunited with cousins. My grandparents house overlooks Galway Bay and theyd open the sliding doors, put on the Corrs album and wed have big garden dance parties. The next day, someone would always say they knew we were home because they could hear the Americans. Those summers feel so magical, and Galway still feels like where my heart is. Most surprising destination Molly in Iraq Iraq. Growing up in Battery Park City in the shadow of 9/11, I absorbed a lot of misconceptions through the media. When we crossed the border into Iraq during Project Limitless, I felt nervous even though I try to keep an open mind. The nerves vanished immediately. People welcomed us with warmth and generosity, and it became one of the most special trips Ive ever done. Id love to go back, visit the friends we made, and bring family there someday. We made a YouTube video about the conversations we had with locals sometimes heavy, but so important in challenging stereotypes and showing that online narratives dont always reflect real peoples lives. Most memorable trip Recently, watching Russ Cook cross the finish line in Tunisia after running the length of Africa was incredibly special. Wed spent time with him and the team in Algeria beforehand, which felt like the calm before the storm. Once we crossed into Tunisia, people appeared everywhere to join him running groups, bands, journalists, supporters whod followed his journey online. It turned into a huge celebration. Hed raised over a million pounds, gained a million followers, and achieved something no one thought possible. Seeing the teams effort come full circle was very emotional. Tunisia - Russ Cook crossing finish line Favourite city in the world As a New Yorker who now lives in London, I have to say both. Londons quality of life is incredible. Theres so much green space, its safe, and its cultural and social diversity make it feel like the perfect global base. New York, though, is endlessly vibrant. You can land with no plans and have new friends by the end of the night. Its spontaneous in a way London sometimes isnt, and it still feels like a place where anything can happen. London, St. James's Park Most memorable food experience Cambodia, at a street food market, trying tarantula. It was oily and crispy and definitely not for me. I tried snake-infused whiskey and the usual crickets too. I always try something once, but I wont be rushing back to those. On the completely opposite end of the scale, I found the best Sunday roast of my life at The Bell in Charlbury in the Cotswolds. I spent my 30th birthday there and became a devoted fan. Insects for sale in the market of Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia Favourite hotel Raffles Doha really stands out. I booked a last-minute deal that felt almost too good to be true. The service was exceptional. I booked a regular room but ended up with something close to a penthouse, with balconies overlooking the water. On the other hand, one of my favourite places Ive ever stayed is Downtown Hostel in Hanoi. It was clean, safe, and full of community. You arrive alone with your backpack and leave a week later with friends from all over the world, sometimes even continuing the journey together. That makes it just as memorable as any five-star hotel. Raffles Doha, Qatar Favourite thing to do while travelling I love getting outside and being active. Exploring by bike is one of the best ways to get a feel for a place. What I do depends on where I am: scuba diving in Australia, people-watching in a Paris cafe, hiking or swimming in national parks in the Pacific Northwest. Im also interested in history and literature, so a walking tour is often the first thing I book. I love experiences that help me grow, things I wouldnt do at home. My bucket list trip Japan is at the top of my list. Everyone I know who has visited comes back obsessed with it. Ive also been researching a documentary project in South America, so Argentina is another place I hope to explore soon. Japan, the destination at top of Molly McDonald's bucket list I havent tapped into that part of the world yet, and it feels like the right time. Two people have been arrested after 310,600 worth of drugs were seized in Cork and Limerick. As part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region, members of Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit have arrested two people and seized in excess of 310,600 of suspected illegal drugs during searches in Bruree, Co. Limerick and Charleville, Co. Cork, on Friday, January 2. This photo taken on the early morning of Jan. 3, 2026 shows a view of the city of Caracas, capital of Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday in a Truth Social post that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of Venezuela. Trump confirmed that the United States launched "a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro." (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday in a Truth Social post that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of Venezuela. Trump confirmed that the United States launched "a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro." "There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago," Trump added. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on early Saturday morning barred U.S. aircraft from flying at any altitude within Venezuelan airspace following reports of explosions in Caracas, citing "safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity." This photo taken on the early morning of Jan. 3, 2026 shows a view of the city of Caracas, capital of Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday in a Truth Social post that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of Venezuela. Trump confirmed that the United States launched "a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro." (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua) This photo taken on the early morning of Jan. 3, 2026 shows a view of the city of Caracas, capital of Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday in a Truth Social post that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of Venezuela. Trump confirmed that the United States launched "a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro." (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua) Fianna Fail and Fine Gael used Independent Ireland as bait to lure the separate regional independents into Government, party leader Michael Collins has claimed. The Cork South-West TD told the Irish Examiner his party, which was established in 2023, brought a full manifesto to government negotiations, while others didnt have a scrap of paper. Mr Collins also said his party would be prepared to enter government in the future, but would not form a coalition with parties such as the Greens. The general election in 2024 was the first one contested by Independent Ireland, with the party returning four TDs. It was involved in Government formation talks but was only brought to talks in the final days before the deal between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and the separate regional independents was done. Mr Collins said he believed his party was used to entice the other regional independents. I think we were being used as bait. We said, we are ready to sit with you whenever. We weren't brought in until late [in the talks]. We met with [Jack] Chambers and [Helen] McEntee. It was quite courteous. Then we met with the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste on the eve of the election of ministers. They said: Thanks very much, but no thanks.' I feel, with the other group of other independents, it wasnt based on policies. It was based on ministries. Mr Collins said his party was called in last minute because there was a bit of a wobble with the formation talks, and he was disappointed with negotiations. He admitted his party had red lines, including its opposition to the Mercosur deal a major trade agreement between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay the cost-of-living crisis, and wastage of public funds. Mr Collins would not rule out going into government in future, but he said some potential coalition partners would be a non-runner. He is open to entering government with Sinn Fein, but said Independent Ireland would have to look very strongly at who they are entering government with. He added: 'Im not going to sit around the table with the Green Party, which is 100% different to what we are. The Social Democrats, Labour, if that's the team [Sinn Fein] are going in with, I would have very, very serious concerns. I couldn't see Independent Ireland standing for that. The Government will not provide a second bailout to RTE or renew its ring-fenced annual funding arrangement when it runs out in 2027, media minister Patrick ODonovan has said. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, the Fine Gael TD said under no circumstances would he ask the Irish taxpayer to fund the national broadcaster, warning it would have to continue to grow its commercial revenues. That support is not infinite, Mr ODonovan said. In July 2024, the Government, under former minister Catherine Martin, agreed to provide ring-fenced annual funding for RTE worth 725m over three years. Annual allocations were announced, with the Government committing to topping up RTEs income to that level, dependent on how much revenue was collected from the TV licence. This year marks the second year of this arrangement, but Mr ODonovan has now warned RTE the same funding model would not be put in place again once it runs out. The Limerick TD said RTE accepted it was not a sustainable model in the long run, and he had no intention of repeating it. Theyve grown their own commercial revenues, he said. The more that they innovate, the more that they use the private sector to produce programming for them, it reduces their cost base." They've outlined their intentions with regard to that. Their core, of course, is current affairs and sport. They've also identified that, and they have really invested heavily in their core. You can see the changes that they have made in terms of their scheduling, which I think has worked pretty well. I think the Traitors played no small part in bringing back their audiences. "The more they bring back their audiences, the more they can grow their advertising revenue and the less they become a burden on the taxpayer." Mr ODonovan said RTE needed to reduce its headcount substantially, saying this was required for there to be closure between it and the Government following an agreement that kept the organisation from disappearing. He said RTE was close to essentially being insolvent and this was only prevented due to the decision that the Government made. When asked if he was satisfied with RTEs progress to date, Mr ODonovan said he is today, but that satisfaction is not finite. He said there was a lot of work still to be done by the national broadcaster, adding RTE must modernise. He praised RTEs director general Kevin Bakhurst, noting he had inherited an organisation that collapsed in a heap around him in his first week in the job. Amid reports Mr Bakhurst could be in line for a move to the BBC following the resignation of its director general, Tim Davie, in November, Mr ODonovan said he had not asked Mr Bakhurst about his intentions, saying it would be completely inappropriate to do so. Nicolas Maduro, a former bus driver and union activist, rose from humble origins to rule Venezuela for 13 years and eight months before being unceremoniously ousted on Saturday by US special forces who seized the 63-year-old leader and flew him out of the country. For years Maduro had accused the US government of seeking to undermine the supposed socialist revolution that his late mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chavez, ushered in in 1999. Now in the custody of US authorities, he will face indictment on narcotics charges and a potentially long prison sentence. Venezuelans will judge him too. Maduros rule shattered Venezuelas economy, leading millions of his countrymen and women to flee overseas to escape an incompetent, corrupt, repressive and often brutal government. Born on 23 November 1962, Maduro began his political career as president of the student union at Jose Avalos high school in El Valle, a working-class neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital, Caracas. Records show he never graduated, but he was remembered as an imposing and conciliatory figure. In 1986 he traveled to Cuba where he received his only formal education after high school. He worked as a bus driver for the Caracas subway system on his return and quickly became a union leader, like his father before him, and an enthusiastic follower of Chavez. In the mid-1990s, he joined the political movement that Chavez organised after receiving a presidential pardon for leading a failed and bloody military coup. When Chavez eventually took office in 1998, the younger mans loyalty, political skill and ideological commitment led to a rapid rise through the ranks of Venezuelas ruling party. After six years in the National Assembly, Maduro was made foreign minister, before being appointed vice-president six years later. When Chavez died of cancer in 2013, he named the burly, moustachioed Maduro as his successor. Many mocked Maduros working-class roots and portrayed him as a loud-mouthed clown who did little more than slavishly repeat Chavezs bombastic rhetoric. It was true that Maduro had little of his mentors charisma, but he won a narrow victory that year and his first six-year term. Almost immediately, Maduros presidency was plunged into crisis. The political opposition, including the now-Nobel Peace prizewinner Maria Corina Machado, called for street protests in Caracas and other cities. Security forces did not hold back as they crushed the demonstrations, which ended with 43 deaths and dozens of arrests. The ruling United Socialist party of Venezuela would go on to lose control of the National Assembly for the first time in 16 years in the 2015 election. This prompted Maduro to neutralise the opposition-controlled legislature by establishing a pro-government Constituent Assembly in 2017, leading to new rounds of protest that were also violently suppressed. Hundreds were arrested, causing the international criminal court to open an investigation against Maduro and members of his government for crimes against humanity. More than 100 people were killed and thousands injured in the demonstrations. Then, in 2018, Maduro survived an assassination attempt when drones rigged with explosives detonated near him as he delivered a speech during a nationally televised military parade in Caracas. By now, the economy was in freefall, racked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic essentials. Oil production dropped to less than 400,000 barrels a day, a figure once unthinkable. In the 2018 presidential election, Maduro ran virtually unopposed and was declared winner, but dozens of countries did not recognise him. Opposition parties were blocked from the ballot. Some opposition politicians were imprisoned; others fled into exile. Washington was watching closely. The first Trump administration imposed economic sanctions on Maduro, his allies and state-owned companies to try to force a government change but this had a limited effect on the powerful complex of military, paramilitary and party backers which increasingly made up Maduros support base. It did underline the increasing likelihood of a serious confrontation, however. With his back to the wall, Maduro implemented economic reforms and offered concessions to the US-backed political opposition, boosting hopes of a free and democratic presidential election in 2024. These would soon be disappointed. In 2023, the government banned Machado, Maduros strongest opponent, from running for office. In early 2024 came new crackdowns on opposition leaders and human rights defenders. Hours after polls closed in the 2024 election, the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, but provided no detailed vote counts. Tally sheets collected by the opposition from more than 80% of electronic voting machines used in the election showed a massive defeat for the incumbent. Protests were crushed and the National Assembly swore in Maduro for a third term in January 2025. Trumps return to the White House that same month led to rapid escalation. By the summer, the US had built up a military force in the Caribbean that put Venezuelas government on high alert and started taking drastic steps to address what it called narco-terrorism, blowing boats suspected of carrying drugs out of the water and killing more than 100 people. Throughout his career, Maduro was often flanked by his wife, Cilia Flores, who held numerous high-ranking positions, including attorney general and chief of parliament, and was often seen as a powerbroker with as much influence as her spouse. She is also thought to have been seized by the US. Maduros tenacity and tactical skill often surprised opponents who wrote him off too early. This time it looks like there will be no comeback. Donald Trump has said the US captured Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flew them out of the South American country after a pre-dawn assault on Caracas and the surrounding region. It was a brilliant operation, actually, the US president told the New York Times after witnesses in Venezuela reported a series of explosions. A lot of good planning and [a] lot of great, great troops and great people. The US attorney general, Pam Bondi, said the couple would face criminal charges and trial in the US based on a 2020 New York indictment. In a social media post, she said they would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. It was not immediately clear what the legal and constitutional authority for the military operation and the capture and trial of a sovereign head of state was. Nor was it clear whether Trump consulted Congress beforehand, which is supposed to be notified by the presidency before any declaration of war. Writing on social media, Trump confirmed US troops had launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela and said more details would be announced at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. CBS News reported US officials as saying that Maduro had been captured by members of the elite army unit Delta Force, which was responsible for the 2019 killing of the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. National Guard armored vehicles block an avenue leading to Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez) The bombardment of Venezuela by the US and its kidnapping of a foreign head of state shocked the international community, which reacted with alarm. Neighbouring Colombia condemned the attack, and said that it was preparing to receive a massive influx of refugees. The UN special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Ben Saul, said Trump should be investigated for the operation. I condemn the USs illegal aggression against Venezuela and the illegal abduction of its leader and his wife. Every Venezuelan life lost is a violation of the right to life, Saul said. Speaking on Venezuelas state-run television channel, the vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez, appeared to confirm the capture of Maduro and Flores, admitting that she did not know where they were. Rodriguez, who is one of Maduros closest allies, demanded immediate proof of life for the couple and accused the US of murdering humble and innocent Venezuelan men and women. At this moment Venezuela is calm, absorbing the significance of a military aggression of this nature, she added in the brief telephone interview. Smoke rises from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after multiple explosions were heard and aircraft swept through the area, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) It remains unclear who is currently in charge of Venezuela in the presidents absence. The interior minister Diosdado Cabello appeared in a video on state TV flanked by police officers assuring citizens the situation was stable. The military forces, the police forces and the people are prepared for any situation, and prepared for any attempt to go further than the cowardly attacks that were carried out against the military forces and our people, Cabello said, wearing a bullet proof vest and a tactical helmet. Earlier, Venezuelas government accused the US of launching a series of attacks against civilian and military targets in the country after explosions rocked its capital before dawn on Saturday. In a statement, Venezuelas government urged citizens to rise up against the assault and said Washington risked plunging Latin America into chaos with an extremely serious act of military aggression. The entire country must mobilise to defeat this imperialist aggression, it added. A vehicle drives along a darkened highway next to Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) Crowds of Maduro supporters gathered in downtown Caracas, some carrying pictures of the captured president, others embracing tearfully. In a defiant online video, Venezuelas defense minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, accused the US of launching a deplorable and criminal regime change operation and said the barbaric invading forces had desecrated our sacred land. This invasion represents the greatest outrage the country has ever suffered, Gen Padrino Lopez declared, adding that Venezuelan authorities were still trying to calculate how many civilians had been killed or injured during helicopter attacks on urban areas. He called on citizens and soldiers to unite to resist the foreign invasion. They have attacked us but they will not vanquish us we will form an indestructible wall of resistance. Our vocation is peace, but our heritage is the fight for freedom, he said. A scorched area is seen at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) In its statement, Venezuelas government confirmed three other states had come under attack: Miranda, La Guaira and Aragua. The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuelas strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals, it said, calling on the international community to denounce what it called a flagrant violation of international law that put millions of lives at risk. The president of neighbouring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, said on social media that Venezuela was under attack. Right now they are bombing Caracas bombing it with missiles, Petro wrote on X, calling for an immediate emergency session of the UN security council. CBS News reported shortly afterwards that Trump had ordered the attacks including on military facilities. The White House and Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment. At least seven explosions were heard at about 2am and people in various neighbourhoods rushed to the street, the Associated Press reported. The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance, said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker. Pedestrians run after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) Witnesses reported seeing smoke pouring from two key military installations in Caracas: La Carlota military airfield in the heart of the city and the Fuerte Tiuna military base where Maduro has long been thought to live. Another important airport to the east of Caracas, Higuerote, also appeared to come under attack. The US has run a five-month pressure campaign against Maduro, which many analysts believe has been aimed at toppling thepresident. Since August, Trump has ordered a massive military buildup off Venezuelas northern coast and conducted a series of deadly airstrikes on supposed narco boats. Trump has repeatedly threatened to launch land operations in Venezuela, amid other efforts to pressure Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions, an increased US military presence in the region and more than two dozen strikes on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Legal experts have said that some of the US strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels could amount to war crimes. At least 110 people have been killed by the strikes so far. The US has also seized sanctioned oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela, and Trump ordered a blockade of others in a move that seemed designed to put a tighter chokehold on the countrys economy. Soldiers guard the area around the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez) Petro published what he claimed was a partial list of the bombed installations in Venezuela, including the 19th-century national assembly building in Caracas; La Carlota, the most important airbase within the capital; and an air force base in the city of Barquisimeto. Other reputedly targeted sites included the Cuartel de la Montana barracks in Caracas, a military base that is home to the mausoleum of Maduros mentor, Hugo Chavez. The mausoleum is one of the most sacred locations for their political movement, Chavismo, which has governed Venezuela in an increasingly authoritarian fashion since Chavez first came to power in 1999. Chavezs remains were taken to the barracks and put on public display after he died of cancer in 2013. The president of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, denounced the USs criminal attack and said the region was being brutally assaulted. [This is] state terrorism against the gallant people of Venezuela and against Our America, wrote Diaz-Canel who is Maduros main regional ally. - The Guardian, with Reuters and Associated Press Irans supreme leader on Saturday addressed the protests rattling his nation, insisting that rioters must be put in their place. The comments by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may be a green light to authorities to pursue a more aggressive approach to the demonstrations, which have been going on for a week. The protests take their root in the countrys ailing economy as Irans rial currency now trades at around 1.4 million to the dollar. There is no benefit to talking to rioters. Rioters must be put in their place We talk to protesters, the officials must talk to them, Ayatollah Khamenei told an audience in Tehran, Irans capital. But there is no benefit to talking to rioters. Rioters must be put in their place. Violence surrounding protests in Iran sparked by the Islamic Republics dipping economy killed two more people, authorities said on Saturday, raising the death toll in the demonstrations to at least 10 as they showed no signs of stopping. The new deaths follow US President Donald Trump warning to Iran on Friday that if Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters the United States will come to their rescue. Protesters marching in Tehran earlier in the week(Fars News Agency via AP) While it remains unclear how and if Mr Trump will intervene, his comments sparked an immediate, angry response from officials within the theocracy threatening to target American troops in the Mideast. The weeklong protests have become the biggest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations. However, the protests have yet to be as widespread and intense as those surrounding the death of Ms Amini, who was detained over not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities. The deaths overnight into Saturday involved a new level of violence. In Qom, home to the countrys major Shia seminaries, a grenade exploded, killing a man there, the state-owned IRAN newspaper reported. It quoted security officials alleging the man carried the grenade to attack people in the city, some 130 kilometres (80 miles) south of the capital, Tehran. Online videos from Qom purportedly showed fires in the street overnight. The second death happened in the town of Harsin, some 370 kilometres (230 miles) southwest of Tehran. There, the newspaper said a member of the Basij, the all-volunteer arm of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, died in a gun and knife attack in the town in Kermanshah province. Demonstrations have reached more than 100 locations in 22 of Irans 31 provinces, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (Vahid Salemi/AP) Irans civilian government under reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has been trying to signal it wants to negotiate with protesters. However, Mr Pezeshkian has acknowledged there is not much he can do as Irans rial has rapidly depreciated, with one dollar now costing some 1.4 million rials. That sparked the initial protests. The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Irans theocracy as well. Tehran has had little luck in propping up its economy in the months since its June war with Israel in which the US also bombed Iranian nuclear sites in Iran. Iran recently said it was no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic programme to ease sanctions. However, those talks have yet to happen as Mr Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned Tehran against reconstituting its atomic programme. Swiss authorities have opened an investigation into the managers of the bar where a fire at a New Year party left 40 people dead, police said on Saturday. The two are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing fire by negligence, police said in a statement. They said that the investigation was opened on Friday night, but did not give further details. More than 100 people were injured in the blaze that broke out about 1.30am on Thursday at the Le Constellation bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana. The process of identifying the dead and injured was still under way on Saturday, leading to an agonising wait for relatives desperate for news. Candles and cuddly toys near the sealed off Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana (Baz Ratner/AP) Investigators said on Friday that they believe sparklers in Champagne bottles ignited the fatal fire when they came too close to the ceiling of the crowded bar. Many of the injured were in their teens to mid-20s, police said. Authorities planned to look into whether sound-dampening material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar. Officials said they would also look at other safety measures on the premises, including fire extinguishers and escape routes. The regions top prosecutor has warned of possible prosecutions if any criminal liability is found. The Valais regions top security official, Stephane Ganzer, told SRF public radio Saturday that such a huge accident with a fire in Switzerland means that something didnt work maybe the material, maybe the organisation on the spot. He added: Something didnt work and someone made a mistake, I am sure of that. Nicolas Feraud, who heads the Crans-Montana municipality, told RTS radio he was convinced checks on the bar had not been lax, the broadcaster reported. Asked whether the tragedy could have been avoided, Swiss justice minister Beat Jans replied that officials could not yet answer and we know that the world needs an answer on this question. The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country in an extraordinary military operation early Saturday that plucked a sitting leader from office. President Donald Trump insisted the US government would run the country at least temporarily and would tap Venezuelans vast oil reserves to sell large amounts to other countries. The action marked the culmination of an escalating Trump administration pressure campaign on the South American country that consisted of months of strikes on boats officials said were smuggling drugs to the US. Behind the scenes, US officials tracked Maduros behavioral habits, including what he ate and where he slept, in preparing to execute an operation that resulted in one of the more stunning regime changes in modern history. President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Maduro and his wife, seized overnight from their home on a military base, were aboard a US warship on their way to New York, where they were to face criminal charges in connection with a Justice Department indictment accusing them of a role in narco-terrorism conspiracy. Trump said the US planned to run Venezuela until a transition of power can take place. He claimed the American presence was already in place, though there were no immediate signs the US was running the country. Read More Nicolas Maduro: from bus driver to Chavez successor to US detainee Venezuelan state TV continued to air pro-Maduro propaganda, broadcasting live images of supporters taking to the streets in Caracas in protest. Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference where he boasted that this extremely successful operation should serve as warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives. Government supporters listen to a press conference by U.S. President Donald Trump explaining details of the operation in which U.S. forces captured and removed President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) The legal authority for the attack, which echoed the 1990 US invasion of Panama that led to the surrender and seizure of leader Manuel Antonio Noriega, was not immediately clear. The US government does not recognize Maduro, who last appeared on state television Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but the Justice Department released a new indictment Saturday of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores that described the regime as a corrupt, illegitimate government fueled by a drug trafficking operation that flooded the U.S with cocaine. Trump posted on his Truth Social account a photo that he said showed Maduro in custody, including blindfolded and in a sweatsuit. Early morning attack Early Saturday, multiple explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the Venezuelan capital. Maduros government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an imperialist attack and urging citizens to take to the streets. The attack lasted less than 30 minutes and the explosions at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report what theyd seen and heard. Some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed, said Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, without giving a number. Trump said some US forces were injured in Venezuela but none were killed. Smoke rises from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after multiple explosions were heard and aircraft swept through the area, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) We think, we develop, we train, we rehearse, we debrief, we rehearse again, and again. not to get it right, but to ensure we cannot get it wrong, said Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Video obtained from Caracas and an unidentified coastal city showed tracers and smoke clouding the landscape as repeated muted explosions illuminated the night sky. Other footage showed cars passing on a highway as blasts illuminated the hills behind them. The videos were verified by The Associated Press. Smoke was seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas, while another military installation in the capital was without power. Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez told The Associated Press that Maduro and Flores were at their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation when they were captured. Thats where they bombed, he said. And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country. Under Venezuelan law, Rodriguez would take over from Maduro. There was no confirmation that had happened, though she did issue a statement after the strike, demanding proof of life for Maduro and his wife. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez waves as he leaves the vice president's office, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) The strike followed a months-long Trump administration pressure campaign on the Venezuelan leader, including a major buildup of American forces in the waters off South America and attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean accused of carrying drugs. Last week, the CIA was behind a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US began strikes in September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes was 35 and the number of people killed at least 115, according to the Trump administration. Trump said that the US is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels and has justified the boat strikes as a necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the US Maduro has decried the US military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. Some streets in Caracas fill up Venezuelas ruling party has held power since 1999, when Maduros predecessor Hugo Chavez took office, promising to uplift poor people and later to implement a self-described socialist revolution. Maduro took over when Chavez died in 2013. His 2018 reelection was widely considered a sham because the main opposition parties were banned from participating. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro displays a sign reading in Spanish "We want our Nicolas" during a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez) During the 2024 election, ruling party-loyal electoral authorities declared him the winner hours after polls closed, but the opposition gathered overwhelming evidence that he lost by a more than 2-to-1 margin. In a demonstration of how polarizing a figure Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to deplore his capture and celebrate it. At a protest in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas Mayor Carmen Melendez joined a crowd demanding Maduros return. Maduro, hold on, the people are rising up! the crowd chanted. We are here Nicolas Maduro. If you can hear us, we are here! Earlier, armed people and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighborhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. Venezuelans celebrate after President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country, in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) In other parts of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack, as residents absorbed events. Some areas remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. How do I feel? Scared, like everyone, said Caracas resident Noris Prada, who sat on an empty avenue looking down at his phone. Venezuelans woke up scared, many families couldnt sleep. In the Chilean capital of Santiago, people waved Venezuelan flags and banging pots and pans as vehicles passed by honking at them. In Doral, Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S, people wrapped themselves in Venezuelan flags, ate fried snacks and cheered as music played. At one point, the crowd chanted Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! Questions of legality The Armed Services committees in both houses of Congress, which have jurisdiction over military matters, have not been notified by the administration of any actions, according to a person familiar with the matter and granted anonymity to discuss it. US president Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Lawmakers from both political parties in Congress have raised deep reservations and flat-out objections to the US attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling near the Venezuelan coast and Congress has not specifically approved an authorization for the use of military force for such operations in the region. Connecticut Rep Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence that would justify Trump striking Venezuela without approval from Congress and demanded an immediate briefing by the administration on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the military action and seizure of Maduro marks a new dawn for Venezuela, saying that the tyrant is gone. He posted on X hours after the strike. His boss, Rubio, reposted a post from July that said Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government. Cuba, a supporter of the Maduro government and a longtime adversary of the United States, called for the international community to respond to what President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez called the criminal attack. Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted, he said on X. Irans Foreign Ministry also condemned the strikes. BERLIN, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The German government's crisis team convened at the Federal Foreign Office on Saturday to discuss the situation in Venezuela. The foreign office said in a statement that they are monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely and following the latest reports with the greatest concern, according to the website of Tagesschau, flagship news program of German public broadcaster ARD. The ministry added that it remains in close contact with the German embassy in Caracas. Describing the current situation as "still unclear in parts," the ministry noted that the German government is coordinating its response closely with international partners. Earlier on Saturday, the United States launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of Venezuela," according to a post by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account. JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Ambassador to South Africa Carlos Feo Acevedo on Saturday strongly condemned U.S. military aggression against Venezuela, describing it as a "clear kidnapping" of President Nicolas Maduro and a serious violation of international law. Acevedo made the remarks during an interview with Russia Today, a Russian media group. "It is a clear violation and a clear criminal terrorist act perpetrated by the U.S. administration against Venezuela," he said, accusing Washington of breaching international norms, including the UN Charter, as well as its own domestic laws. The United States conducted "criminal strikes against the people of Venezuela," the ambassador said, noting that the objective was to exert control over the country's natural resources. The U.S. military launched a series of attacks against Venezuela early Saturday morning, during which Maduro was captured and flown out of the country along with his wife. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro will face trial in the United States. The military action against the South American nation has drawn widespread international condemnation, with multiple countries calling for a coordinated global response. ( The Middle East Monitor ) The Middle East once seemed inseparable from oil a resource that anchored state budgets, political bargains and global strategic partnerships. Now, that era of oil-led stability is fading into history, and something new yet uncertain is emerging in its wake. The region appears to be caught between two worlds: no longer anchored by oils political gravity, and not yet equipped with a stable, inclusive framework for a post-oil future. This is not merely an economic transition; it is a political and governance conundrum unfolding in an increasingly multipolar global order. The myth of transition without governance Across capitals from Cairo to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi to Baghdad, governments are issuing bold statements about energy transition. Solar megaprojects, hydrogen ambitions and investment in renewables have become hallmarks of strategic planning. Yet these plans often overlook a stark reality: transition requires strong institutions and transparent governance, not just capital and technology. Put simply, technology can be bought but governance cannot. In many countries in the region, state legitimacy and institutional capacity have not kept up with the pace of energy ambitions. This disconnect threatens to render transition aspirational rather than substantive. Infrastructure fragility and the politics of power Modern energy systems are defined as much by infrastructure as by the resources they convey. Transmission networks, cross-border grids, gas pipelines and supply chain management now carry political weight far beyond their technical functions. Take Iraq as an example. Chronic electricity shortages there are not merely engineering challenges; they are political liabilities. According to the World Bank, power outages cost the Iraqi economy several percentage points of GDP each year, while also feeding public frustration and social unrest . Where power systems fail or are unreliable, citizens do not simply experience minor inconvenience they judge the credibility of the state. Multipolar competition and fragmented dynamics At the same time, the global shift towards multipolarity has reshaped energy geopolitics. The United States no longer retains uncontested sway in regional security and energy affairs. China has emerged as a major investor in infrastructure and energy projects, prioritising long-term supply contracts and alternative routes. Russia has demonstrated the leverage of energy as a geopolitical tool, particularly in Europe. The European Union, for its part, seeks diversification but is cautious about deep political entanglements. This evolving power balance encourages short-term, bilateral energy deals over integrated, region-wide frameworks. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that without governance reform and regional coordination, energy transition efforts in the Middle East could deepen existing inequalities and instability rather than resolve them . Renewable projects as political signals Solar parks in the Gulf, wind farms along the North African coastline, and ambitious hydrogen strategies all signal modernisation. But technology without governance is hollow. Investment in renewables must be matched by: Clear regulatory frameworks Institutional transparency Inclusive stakeholder engagement If these elements are missing, renewable infrastructure risks becoming enclaves of privilege, serving elite interests instead of broader societal needs. Thus, while the Middle East appears to be charging ahead with new energy modalities, the foundations necessary for long-term stability are still under construction. Energy insecurity and social fragility Energy shortages do not remain technical issues confined to power ministers and regulators. They have immediate political consequences. Power cuts have sparked protests in multiple Middle Eastern states. Fuel scarcity erodes confidence in government effectiveness. Attempts to reform energy subsidies often ignite social backlash. The United Nations Development Programme has underscored the role of energy access and governance in social cohesion and post-conflict recovery. This reality serves as a reminder that energy insecurity translates directly into political insecurity. The choice between sovereignty and dependency The central paradox facing the Middle East today is this: energy remains the backbone of economic and political life, yet the structures that once anchored that energy/security nexus namely oil and centralized state control are fading. The regions future does not depend solely on how much gas or solar capacity it installs. Rather, the critical factor will be how governments manage, distribute and govern energy systems in ways that build trust and inclusion. In a multipolar world, the Middle Easts leverage will not come solely from resources or infrastructure, but from: The legitimacy of governing institutions The inclusivity of energy policy frameworks The capacity to link energy transition with social development This requires moving beyond transactional deals and superficial signals of progress, towards a governance paradigm that integrates energy into a broader social contract. Photo of Azerbaijan by Anatoly Maltsev on Unsplash Conclusion: Designing stability, not waiting for it The Middle East today finds itself post-oil but pre-stability a transitional phase that is as political as it is economic. Stability will not emerge automatically from markets or technology. It must be designed through governance reform, regional dialogue and institutional resilience. Energy can either become a scaffolding for a new and inclusive regional order, or it can deepen fragmentation and reinforce old hierarchies and dependencies. In this critical juncture, the regions choice is clear: embrace energy as a source of legitimate governance not merely as a tool of economic growth or geopolitical bargaining. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. The Middle East Monitor Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Zohran Kwame Mamdani was sworn in as the first Muslim mayor of New York City on January 1 shortly after midnight, and then was inaugurated Thursday afternoon. On both occasions, he took his oath on the Quran, the Muslim holy book. Although, as usual, bigots have tried to make something of this oath, the ceremony was in accordance with Thomas Jeffersons ideas on the place of religion: The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. Islam has been in North America for 500 years and is part of the American heritage. One nineteenth-century enslaved American even wrote his autobiography in Arabic and quoted the Quran. Edgar Allen Poe, Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Herman Melville all referenced the Quran. At a time when white nationalists are attempting to distort American history and cut out of it the nations ethnic and religious diversity, Mamdanis election and swearing-in bring us back to American reality. We are and always have been a medley, and have drawn strength from our differences. A song with only one note is unlovely. Mamdani was by no means the first American politician to take the oath on the Quran. Keith Ellison, a Muslim, was sworn in to Congress and then as the attorney general of Minnesota on a Quran. Likewise, Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) were sworn in on a Quran. Ellison used the translation of George Sale that had been owned and annotated by Thomas Jefferson, showing the way in which the Quran played a role in American history. Jefferson and some other founders read the Quran as a law book and part of global legal history. A marble frieze on the Supreme Court building in Washington D.C lists the Prophet Muhammad as a great law-giver, along with Moses, Solomon and Charlemagne. It was the Founders who decided to do that. At least 42 Muslim-Americans won public office this fall. Taking the oath of office on the Quran is a commonplace. Mamdani was even joined by 4 other Muslim-American mayors Abdullah Hammoud (Dearborn, MI), Mo Baydoun (Dearborn Heights, MI); Faizul Kabir (College Park, MD); Ted Green (East Orange, NJ). Mamdani used three Quran copies. At his swearing in in the middle of the night at an abandoned Metro station beneath City Hall, he used a family Quran belonging to his grandfather as well as a pocket-sized Quran from nineteenth-century Ottoman Syria that is held in the New York Public Librarys Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Schomburg Quran. Via New York Public Library. This NYPL Quran is itself part of American history because it was collected by Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. His father was a German-Puerto Rican merchant and his mother an African-Caribbean from the Danish West Indies. While working for the Bankers Trust Company in New York by day for nearly a quarter-century, Schomburg in his spare time wrote African-American history and played a role in the Harlem Renaissance. As a schoolchild he had been told that Blacks had no history, and his collection of some 4,000 African-American artifacts and books was his response to the false claim. The Quran used by Mamdani was in his collection, suggesting it came from an African-American family. Roughly 20% of the Africans kidnapped, enslaved and brought to the US were likely Muslims, though it was made difficult for them to pass the religion on to their children and so the religion dwindled over time. Some families that managed to become free even before the Emancipation Proclamation settled in New York, and managed to be in contact through storefront mosques with Muslim sailors at the port. They were able to pass the religion on into the twentieth century, as Rasul Miller argues. We know from the work of Sylvia Diouf that even enslaved Muslims in the New World managed to order Qurans via sailors from Africa and the Middle East. So it is possible that an African-American Muslim family in New York held this Ottoman Syrian Quran as an heirloom before it was acquired by Schomburg. As for the other two Qurans used by Mamdani, at the two ceremonies on January 1, they belonged to his grandmother and his grandfather on his fathers side. Gujarati Muslims, Mamdanis grandparents hailed from the Khoja caste. They lived in Dar es Salaam as part of the Khoja Shiite trade diaspora, who traded between British Bombay (now Mumbai) and British Tanganyika (now Tanzania). Most Khoja Shiites belong to the Ismaili branch of Islam, but some families adopted the Twelver [Ithna `Ashari] Shiism common in Iran and Iraq, while a few members of the Khoja caste are Sunni Muslims or Hindus. The Mamdanis are Twelvers. Gujarati Diaspora, Joshua Project. Public Domain. Americans also traded with what is now Tanzania, including Zanzibar, in the 19th century, just as did the Indian Gujaratis. Although Christian nationalists and white nationalists have derided the custom of taking the oath of office on the Quran, there is no legal bar to it. The Constitution (Art IV, Cl. 3) says The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. Zohran Mamdani. NYC Mayors Office. Public Domain. John Quincy Adams swore on a law volume containing the Constitution; FDR and many members of Congress simply affirmed their support of the Constitution, instead of using the Bible. The US Constitution is a secular, not a Christian document, and allows electees to swear the oath of office on any holy book or none, whatever is meaningful for them. Former congressional representative Tulsi Gabbard, now Director of National Intelligence, FBI Director Kash Patel, and congressman Suhash Subramanyam have all taken the oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, a key text of Hinduism. Jewish American officials have been sworn in on the Hebrew Bible, i.e. a Bible without the New Testament attached. Christian nationalists complaining about swearing-in ceremonies using the Quran and who insist that the Christian Bible be used never bring up either the Hebrew Bible or the Bhagavad Gita, neither of which is the Christian Bible. In any case, the Constitution forbids a religious test for American public office. By Samuel Lloyd, University of Victoria and Katya Rhodes, University of Victoria (The Conversation) 2025 has been a year of setbacks for Canadas climate policy. In November, the federal and Alberta governments signed a memorandum of understanding to remove strict climate policies in the province and to support the construction of a new pipeline from Alberta to northern British Columbia. The government also cancelled the federal carbon tax this year, while ending funding for home energy-efficiency programs and delaying sales mandates for zero-emission vehicles. These steps have pushed Canada even further from meeting its climate goals, which were already too weak to limit global warming to 1.5 C, as outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. Whats behind these changes and why is Canadian progress on tackling climate change so slow? Put simply, its because climate action threatens the profits of the fossil-fuel industry, and theyve spent the past 50 years doing everything they can to prevent it. While the industry has used many tools in this endeavour, perhaps its most effective has been its propaganda machine a global network of foundations, think tanks and lobbyists known as the Climate Change Counter Movement. In our newly published study, we review the academic and non-academic literature to map how this movement has used its influence to delay climate action in Canada. The Climate Change Counter Movement For years, the movements main strategy was to deny that climate change was happening or to claim that humans werent causing it. However, as summers got hotter and wildfires, floods and hurricanes became increasingly common, this narrative became less convincing. The propaganda machine then adopted a new tactic. Rather than denying climate science, it exploited legitimate debates about how climate policy should be designed to sow confusion, cause political deadlock and suggest policies that dont threaten their profits. Three examples of these new narratives are particularly widespread in Canada: fossil-fuel solutionism (that fossil fuels can be part of efforts to tackle climate change), whataboutism and appeals to well-being. Together, they uphold the claim that fossil fuels are a necessary and unavoidable part of everyday life and that Canadian fossil fuels are less carbon-heavy than those produced in the rest of the world, meaning that supporting the Canadian fossil-fuel industry would supposedly reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. These arguments are logically flawed fossil fuels are incompatible with a world below 1.5 C warming. Theyre also based on a falsehood, because oil from the Canadian oilsands is roughly 21 per cent more polluting than conventional crude oil. Another common argument is that fossil fuels are essential to the Canadian economy, but this narrative overstates the costs of transitioning away from fossil fuels and understates the enormous costs of allowing climate change to continue unmitigated. While these narratives do originate from elite members of the Climate Change Counter Movement, our case study found evidence that theyre already being repeated by members of the general public and might even explain why many Canadians falsely believe that a clean energy future could include fossil fuels. How can we tackle false fossil-fuel narratives? 1. Know ourselves If we want to challenge false narratives about fossil fuels, we should begin by reflecting on how the Climate Change Counter Movement might have affected us already. Fossil-fuel propaganda is everywhere, and its hard to avoid internalizing some of it. Its also important to consider whether challenging the fossil-fuel industry might expose us to physical or financial danger before taking action. 2. Know our enemy Next, its important for us to learn as much as we can about the Climate Change Counter Movement. Who are its members? What propaganda are they spreading, and where are they spreading it? Which narratives work and which dont? Answering these questions will be the work of academics, journalists and citizen researchers, who can take cues from efforts like the Corporate Mapping Project in their approach. 3. Target them directly Once we have that information, we can use it to hold the fossil-fuel industry legally (and thus financially) accountable for their role in delaying climate action. Examples of these kinds of lawsuits are appearing all over the world, including in Canada where the Sue Big Oil campaign is uniting B.C. municipalities in suing fossil-fuel companies for their role in the escalating costs of climate change. These campaigns not only discourage future meddling, but also move funds directly from the fossil-fuel industry to the communities theyve affected, allowing them to build their own defences against future attacks. 4. Heal our wounds However, even if lawsuits successfully discourage future activity by the Climate Change Counter Movement, well still need to undo the damage theyve already done to our society. Their efforts have left the public polarized, untrusting of governments, confused about fact versus fiction and feeling hopeless. We must reinvest in our communities and heal these societal wounds. Climate assemblies, an approach to government which emphasizes public engagement, offer a promising pathway towards many of these goals. 5. Pick our battles Its also vital for governments to continue advancing climate action, even when public appetites have been damaged by propaganda campaigns. They can do this by strengthening policies that are relatively unknown, yet still effective and popular. These policies have not been exposed to the same levels of propaganda as others like the carbon tax and are therefore still popular, while also being effective enough to account for the majority of emission reductions in Canada, the United Kingdom and California. 6. Challenge the structural roots of their power Finally, we need to remove the root of the fossil-fuel industrys economic and cultural power. Within our current economic system, this means redirecting financial flows away from the industry by removing fossil-fuel subsidies and implementing stringent compulsory policies to realign markets with climate goals. The Climate Change Counter Movement is several steps ahead of us, but it hasnt won yet. If climate change is to be stopped, we have to stop ignoring the elephant in the room and unite against the fossil-fuel industry. Samuel Lloyd, PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology, University of Victoria and Katya Rhodes, Assistant Professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. First Assay Results Reported for the Trapper Zone Following Completion of the 2025 Phase of the Mineral Resource Estimate Drill Program VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAGA Metals Corp. ("SAGA" or the "Company") (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discovery, is pleased to announce the assay results for the first two (2) of eight (8) drill holes from the Companys Phase 1 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) drill program over the Trapper Zone at the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project, located near the port of Cartwright in Labrador, Canada. Assay Highlights Analytical results have been obtained for the first two (2) diamond drill holes of the 2025 Phase of the Trapper Zone MRE drill program with full hole assays including: Hole R-0008 (drilled from surface): 269.36 m @ 36.21% FeO, 6.57% TiO, 0.244% VO Hole R-0009 (drilled from surface): 296.47 m @ 39.75% FeO, 7.46% TiO, 0.25% VO of the 2025 Phase of the Trapper Zone MRE drill program with full hole assays including: 193 out of 418 samples grading over 7% TiO 2 with 97 out of 418 grading over 10% TiO 2 (Majority are 2-meter sample length) with (Majority are 2-meter sample length) 241 out of 418 samples grading over 0.2% V 2 O 5 with 128 out of 418 grading over 0.3% V 2 O 5 (Majority are 2-meter sample length) with (Majority are 2-meter sample length) Core sample 1800528 is the highest TiO 2 to date with a 2 m assay of 13.30% TiO 2 . with a 2 m assay of Numerous exceptional intercepts including 87.20 m @ 50.67% Fe 2 O 3 + 10.15% TiO 2 + 0.339% V 2 O 5 . (See composites Table 1 below) (See composites Table 1 below) Overall significant increase of best full hole metrics of Fe 2 O 3 (124% increase), TiO 2 (105.90% increase) & V 2 O 5 (36.90% increase) from Trapper North assays vs Hawkeye. of best full hole metrics of from Trapper North assays vs Hawkeye. Significant increase in overall oxide concentration from Trapper Vs Hawkeye. Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of Saga Metals, stated: The first results from the 2025 phase of the MRE drill program at Trapper North have returned meaningful quantitative validation for the large intercepts of semi-massive and massive oxide that the team observed during the logging. The results from the first two holes are an outstanding success, and represent the best intercepts drilled on the Radar property to date. Description DDH FROM TO Length Fe2O3 TiO2 V205 ID m m m % % % Full Hole R-0008 R-0008 3.4 272 269.36 36.21 6.57 0.244 High V2O5 Layer R-0008 37.76 117.72 79.96 45.63 8.40 0.335 High TiO2 Layer R-0008 170 237.6 68.26 46.15 9.21 0.311 TiO2 Layer R-0008 237.6 266.57 28.98 40.45 7.02 0.285 Full Hole R-0009 R-0009 2.53 299 296.47 39.75 7.46 0.250 High TiO2 Layer R-0009 2.53 66 63.47 44.26 9.02 0.254 High V2O5 Layer (A) R-0009 94 181.2 87.20 50.67 10.15 0.339 High V2O5 Layer (B) R-0009 196.11 216.4 20.29 49.12 8.67 0.368 Table 1: Assay results and composites of R-0008 & R-0009 from Trapper North. Hole_ID Sample_ID From (m) To (m) Width (m) Fe2O3 (%) TiO2 (%) V2O5 (%) R-0008 1800528 109.65 111.65 2 64.55 13.30 0.518 R-0008 1800529 111.65 113.65 2 61.92 12.80 0.500 R-0009 1800737 111 113 2 58.34 12.66 0.394 R-0008 1800531 113.65 115.65 2 63.33 12.46 0.488 R-0009 1800732 101 103 2 56.79 12.21 0.369 Table 2: High-grade samples in correlation to higher oxide content in samples Metric Trapper Zone (best full hole) Hawkeye Zone (best full hole) Trapper uplift vs Hawkeye FeO (%) 39.75% (R-0009) 17.75% (HEZ-04) 124.00% TiO (%) 7.46% (R-0009) 3.62% (HEZ-04) 105.90% VO (%) 0.250% (R-0009) 0.183% (HEZ-07) 36.90% Table 3: Assays results and Composites in a comparison between Trapper & Hawkeyes full drill hole assay results from the respective drill programs. (Hawkeye Zone was drilled in Q1 2025 and Trapper Zone was drilled in Q4 2025.) These results further validate the presence of a strong, arcuate magnetic-high anomaly identified in regional and ground-based magnetic surveys validating the known 16+ km oxide layering trend stretching from the Hawkeye Zone to the Trapper Zone within the Dykes River layered mafic intrusive complex. Trapper Zone vs Hawkeye Zone Best Full Hole Drill Assay Comparison to-date: FeO: Trappers best hole ( 39.75% FeO ) is 124.0% higher than Hawkeyes best ( 17.75% FeO ), establishing a clear iron-grade step-change. Trappers best hole ( ) is than Hawkeyes best ( ), establishing a clear iron-grade step-change. TiO: Trapper sets a new titanium benchmark 7.46% TiO , 105.9% higher than Hawkeyes best ( 3.62% TiO ). Trapper sets a new titanium benchmark , than Hawkeyes best ( ). VO: Trappers best vanadium result ( 0.250% VO ) is 36.9% higher than Hawkeyes best ( 0.183% VO ). Trappers best vanadium result ( ) is than Hawkeyes best ( ). Majority of Trappers assays are 2 m samples versus Hawkeyes at 0.5 m. The assay results from drill holes R-0008 and R-0009 not only validate the Trapper Zone and in-field hypothesis, but they also uphold VTM-Ilmenite ratios seen at the Hawkeye Zone. This suggests that the TiO 2 values are related to overall oxide concentrations and not a change in mineralogy and that the results are vastly superior to what was considered a very successful maiden drill program at Hawkeye in Q1 2025. The Trapper Zone has upheld the conclusion that the total percentage of observed oxide correlates directly to Fe 2 O 3 , TiO 2 & V 2 O 5 grades as seen in Figure 1 below. Figure 1: Cross-Section N-11 showing R-0008, -0009, -0010 and -0011 with the 3D Magnetic Inversion of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey. Composite grades within R-0008 and -0009 are highlighted and numbered 1 through 6. R-0010 and -0011 assays are pending. Drill Hole R-0008 and R-0009 Summary Phase 1 of drilling in Trapper North targeted a strong magnetic anomaly delineated in the 2025 ground geophysical survey. The anomaly traces the shape of an apparent fold structure. Drilling fences are oriented to cross the fold structure at right angles, with drilling directions of mostly N038E. These two drill holes totaled 571 m and obtain the following observations: R-0008 (Azimuth 38, Dip -45, EOH 272 m) , was collared in the SW limb of a large fold closure in gabbronorite in Trapper North. Over half the length of the hole passed through intervals of semi-massive to massive oxide mineralization, with a cumulative total of 156 m out of 272 m of core length. , was collared in the SW limb of a large fold closure in gabbronorite in Trapper North. Over half the length of the hole passed through intervals of semi-massive to massive oxide mineralization, with a cumulative total of 156 m out of 272 m of core length. R-0009 (Azimuth 38, Dip -45, EOH 299 m), tested the remainder of the Trapper North fold structure. The drill hole was collared to intercept the NE limb of the fold and to complete the cross-section started with R-0008. Over half the length of the hole intersected semi-massive to massive oxide layering, with a cumulative total of 165 m out of 299 m of core length. Next Steps The Company expects to receive the next set of assays results mid-January, with the final batch due shortly after. Sagas geological team will complete interpretations with the goal of releasing the results in a timely manner. Crews are also expected to start mobilizing by mid-January as the Company plans to initiate its 2026 phase of the MRE drill program at the Radar Projects Trapper Zone. Figure 2: Location of the Fall 2025 phase of drilling at Trapper Zone, showing the TMI of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey as well as the grid for the MRE drill program to be completed in 2026. About Radar Property The Radar Property spans 24,175 hectares and hosts the entire Dykes River intrusive complex (~160 km), a unique position among Western explorers. Geological mapping, geophysics, and trenching have already confirmed oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length, with mineralization open for expansion. Vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) mineralization at Radar is comparable to global FeTiV systems such as Panzhihua (China), Bushveld (South Africa), and Tellnes (Norway), positioning the Project as a potential strategic future supplier of titanium, vanadium, and iron to North American markets. Figure 3: Radar Projects prospective oxide layering zone validated over ~16 km strike length through Fall 2025 drilling, as shown on a compilation of historical airborne geophysics as well as ground-based geophysics in the Hawkeye and Trapper zones completed by SAGA in the 2024/2025 field programs. SAGA has demonstrated the reliability of the regional airborne magnetic surveys after ground-truthing and drilling in the 2024 and 2025 field programs. Qualified Person Paul J. McGuigan, P. Geo., is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release. Technical Information Samples were cut by Company personnel at SAGA's core facility in Cartwright, Labrador. Diamond drill core was sawed and then sampled in maximum 2 m intervals. Drill hole core diameter utilized was NQ. Core samples have been prepared and analyzed at IGS laboratory facility in Montreal, Quebec. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program. About SAGA Metals Corp. SAGA Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of a diversified suite of critical minerals that support the North American transition to supply security. The Radar Ti-V-Fe Project comprises 24,175 hectares and entirely encloses the Dykes River intrusive complex, mapped at 160 km on the surface near Cartwright, Labrador. Exploration to date, including a total of 4,250 m of drilling, has confirmed a large and mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) and ilmenite mineralization with strong grades of titanium and vanadium. The Double Mer Uranium Project, also in Labrador, covers 25,600 hectares and features uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U3O8. Uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report). Additionally, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec's Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Metals. With a portfolio spanning key commodities critical to the clean energy future, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in critical mineral security. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer For more information, contact: Rob Guzman, Investor Relations SAGA Metals Corp. Tel: +1 (844) 724-2638 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.sagametals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Disclaimer This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as will, may, should, anticipates, expects, believes, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Companys Radar Project. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, inherent risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, particularly given the early-stage nature of the Companys assets, and the risks detailed in the Companys continuous disclosure filings with securities regulations from time to time, available under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will pay a state visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Born in December 1964, Lee has since 2010 served successively as mayor of Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province and as governor of Gyeonggi Province. Since 2022, he has been elected twice as a National Assembly member of the Democratic Party of Korea and served as the leader of the party. Lee assumed office as South Korean president in June 2025. Lee is married to Kim Hea Kyung with two sons. This is President Lee's first state visit to China since taking office. Interest in Turkiye soars among Chinese tourists after introduction of visa-free entry Xinhua) 12:33, January 03, 2026 Hot air balloons are seen in Cappadocia, Turkiye on Oct. 9, 2024. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) GUANGZHOU, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens who hold ordinary passports and enter for the purpose of tourism or transit. The new policy, effective on Jan. 2, 2026, has ignited interest among Chinese tourists. Under the new policy, Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports will be exempt from visa requirements for tourism and transit purposes. They may stay in Turkiye for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Data from online Chinese travel platform Qunar shows that by 12 p.m. on Friday, searches for flights from Chinese cities to Istanbul had surged 6.3 times from a week earlier. Searches for flights to Antalya had increased 1.3 times, and searches for flights to Izmir had doubled. Data from Trip.com shows that since the visa waiver announcement, the year-on-year growth rate of user interaction with and attention to travel to Turkiye has exceeded 50 percent. Turkiye has been steadily enhancing its travel connectivity with China. In May 2025, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on aviation, raising the frequency of passenger flights from 21 to 49 per week. Turkiye had already been a popular outbound destination for Chinese tourists, and gained noticeable traction throughout 2025, said Yang Han, a researcher at Qunar's big data research institute. "The visa-free entry policy will lower travel barriers," Yang said. "Coupled with the upcoming nine-day Spring Festival holiday in 2026, it is expected to boost demand for travel to Turkiye from Chinese tourists even further during the holiday period." (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- People-to-people exchanges between South Korea and China in 2025 have continued to pick up pace, driven by visa-free policies, rising mobility and expanding cultural interaction. Since China introduced the visa-free policy for South Korean citizens in November 2024, cross-border travel has increased notably. At Gimpo International Airport, China has once again become a popular destination for South Korean travelers, many opting for short-term visits to major Chinese cities. According to statistics from South Korea's Ministry of Justice, bilateral personnel exchanges exceeded 7.28 million visits in the first 11 months of 2025, up 24.7 percent year-on-year, reflecting a strong recovery in mutual visits. Personal stories underscore this trend. Over the past year and a half, South Korean social media influencer Jang Su-seok has made more than 30 trips to China, visiting over 30 cities across the country. Through images of everyday street life and candid encounters, he has documented not only China's urban rhythms but also his own evolving views. "China is a country that makes you want to return once you've been there," he said, adding that the sense of warmth he felt is drawing people closer. The surge in exchanges is also clearly visible in the aviation sector. Korean Air's 2025 year-end report indicated a marked rise in passenger numbers on China-bound routes, with flights to Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao all recording substantial increases compared with the previous year. Observers note that easier travels help broaden exchanges beyond tourism. Lee Jeung-eun, president of Chinese Bridge Club in Seoul, said the visa-free policy has encouraged more South Koreans to experience China firsthand, fostering a more direct and practical understanding. Analysts agree that the steady growth of people-to-people exchanges is reinforcing mutual familiarity and helping anchor China-South Korea relations. Exchanges among young people, along with tourism and cultural interaction, are becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life, helping to translate bilateral engagement into tangible connections, said Ryu Ji-won, director of the Institute for Korea-China Relations at Wonkwang University. A PACKAGE of measures worth almost 40m To farmers of the county has ben announced. Senator Fiona OLoughlin has welcomed the 39.9m in payments to farmers in County Kildare from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine during 2025. Targeted Supports The funding forms part of a 2.18 billion national package supporting farmers and fishers across the country. As we step into 2026, it is crucial to recognise the importance of continued, targeted support for farmers, she said. These payments are not just financial supports; they are an investment in the future of rural Ireland. Farmers are under growing pressure from climate change, rising costs and market uncertainty. In marginal and coastal areas, these challenges are intensified by isolation and limited alternative employment. Sustained support is essential to protect livelihoods and community viability. Family Farm incomes Concluding, senator O'Loughlin said Co Kildare has benefited from significant investment in 2025 and expressed confidence that further supports will follow in 2026. Farmers and fishers are custodians of our land and seas, producing world-class food while sustaining rural and coastal communities. "Continued and expanded funding is vital to protect livelihoods, maintain population levels and keep food production rooted in local knowledge and tradition. My party is committed to supporting family farm incomes." AS is customary at this time of year, I lay down my pen for a few weeks and focus instead on images of Athy I have picked up over the last 40 years or so. This week the article features two photographs of Emily Square separated by twenty years. The first shows the square on 23 June 1937 during Corpus Christi. As a feast day, it was marked by an annual procession (which is no longer held) with a community-wide involvement. For the purpose of the event, the water fountain, donated by the Duke of Leinster in 1907, was covered over and surmounted by a statue of the Virgin Mary. The seco Emily Square on 23 June 1937 during Corpus Christi nd image is from 11 August 1957 when the townspeople were celebrating 700 years since the establishment of the Dominican friary. The Nationalist and Leinster Times of 10th August 1957 under the headline The Dominican Athy Foundation read. On Sunday, August 11th, the Catholic population of Athy and District will jubilantly join in celebrating the 700th centenary of the coming to Athy of the Dominican Fathers. At present a beautiful wrought iron centenary memorial gate is being erected at the main entrance to the Dominican grounds and at either side of it a handsome wall of cut stone is being constructed. The gate will have two plaques, one bearing the crest of the Dominican Order and the other the Irish title Naomh Dominic. I remember when the cut stone wall was being built by the late John Murphy of St Michaels Terrace. Working alone over many weeks he created what was a beautiful monument to the stone masons skill. As for Emily Square, its recent redevelopment has returned it to its core purpose as a civic space for the town. Ottoline Spearman A variety of politics, crime, and international stories dominate the headlines on the first Saturday morning of 2026. The Irish Times leads with a tanker that is on course for Irish waters. The tanker is being pursued by the US military as part of the Trump administrations targeting of Venezuelan oil. It's set to be a cold, wintry weekend, with weather warnings in place across the whole of Ireland. And more than one in five vape shops tested by the HSE were found to be selling highly addictive vapes to children despite a ban on sales to under-18s since 2023. Short-term lets are mostly empty, with occupancy rates dropping to as low as 4 per cent across the country, reports the Irish Examiner. And a child waiting for spinal surgery is facing his second year on a waiting list despite being cleared for his operation a year ago. The Echo covers a court case where a father of two, charged in connection with an 800,000 cash and drugs seizure, told the court he had transported 1 million worth of drugs in each of the three trips he made from Dublin to Cork. The Irish Independent reports on the plan to introduce a new law, under which drivers will face extra points depending on how much they speed. This comes as road deaths reached 190 this year. Communications Minister Patrick O'Donovan has told the Irish Daily Mail of his plans to introduce new age verification for social media companies later this year, in an attempt to protect children from online harm. The Irish Daily Star leads with Paul Mescal saying he will ration his workload to avoid ending up hating his job. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with the New Year's Day fire at a Swiss ski resort, with families waiting for news of their loved ones. The Herald's splash looks at how the number of bins on Dublin's streets has fallen since the beginning of 2024. And finally, the Belfast Telegraph covers the resignation of UUP leader Mike Nesbitt as the party prepares for a leadership contest in the coming weeks. Gordon Deegan An Coimiusin Pleanala (ACP) has confirmed that plans have formally been withdrawn for a 1.4 billion wind farm comprising "30 Eiffel Tower sized turbines" off the coast of Co Clare and Co Galway. TV chat-show host and standup comedian, Tommy Tiernan was one of 177 third parties to lodge submissions with ACP on the contentious plan to construct the 450 MW wind-farm with 30 turbines over 1,000 ft high in the Atlantic Ocean. Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta (FST) was planning to construct its Sceirde Rocks wind-farm on waters located 5km to 11.5m km off the west coast with Carna in Galway the nearest settlement. ACP has now informed Mr Tiernan and those other third parties along with local authorities that FST has withdrawn its planning application. With the abandonment of the project, FST has forfeited the 35.4 million performance security bond it lodged with the Dept of Climate, Energy and the Environment connected to the proposal. This is in addition to the substantial costs it incurred in preparing the planning documentation which was lodged with the Marine Section of ACP on January 17th last. In a letter to ACP, director at FST, Sharn Ward stated that representatives of FST and ACP met on December 4th and FST noted its intention to withdraw the planning application. Ms Ward said: With this letter, FST formally withdraws the planning application. Ms Ward said that by way of background, FST notified the Dept of Climate, Energy and the Environment by letters dated April 25th and May 29th of the cessation of the Sceirde Rocks project". Ms Ward said that the full amount of the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) security was called by the Dept of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the OSRESS has come to an end. A spokesman at the Dept of Climate, Energy and the Environment said on Friday that the Sceirde Rocks project was a 450MW offshore wind project that was one of four successful bidders in the Department's first offshore wind auction in 2023. He said that the project is owned by Corio Generation, who announced a planned corporate restructuring on April 8th 2025, that would see them focus on a smaller portfolio of projects worldwide. He said that by letter on April 25th Corio formally notified the Department that the Sceirde Rocks project would not proceed. This notification terminated the Departments ORESS support contract for the project. He said that the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has drawn down the Performance Security of approximately 35.4 million. He said that the purpose of the performance security, under the terms and conditions of the ORESS 1 auction, was to ensure delivery of the project. He said: Under the Terms and Conditions of ORESS 1, abandonment of the project results in forfeiture of the Performance Security. Following abandonment of the Sceirde Rocks project, its performance security was forfeited. There is no provision in the Terms and Conditions for its return. He said that the Government remains committed to the development of 5GW of offshore wind capacity, with projects in construction by 2030, and energised as soon as feasible thereafter. The first of these South Coast DMAP projects, the 900MW Tonn Nua site, which is twice the size of Sceirde Rocks, was the subject of a very successful auction concluded on December 9th 2025, with a joint venture between ESB and Orsted confirmed as the winner. He said that the Department is making arrangements to bring forward the remaining three sites within the South Coast DMAP, ensuring a consistent pipeline of offshore developments will take place over the coming years. In his objection to the Sceirde Rock proposal, Tommy Tiernan wrote: Im objecting to the proposed off-shore wind farm near Carna, Connemara, County Galway on the grounds of desecration of that area of natural beauty. The actor, comedian and podcaster said: Culture is judged on how it protects areas and ideals such as this. Allowing such a project to go ahead when there are many more suitable sites either much further off-shore or inland would be a totally irresponsible and disgusting thing to do. He said: There has to be more to our country than a utilitarian exploitation of where we live. Accounts filed by Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta show that the company had already invested 31.7 million on project costs in 2023 and 2024. The accounts show that the company had accumulated losses of 35.93 million at the end of March 2024 as the company steered the project during various regulatory hurdles. MELBOURNE, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A man has died following a shooting in the inner suburbs of Australia's Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday morning. A police statement on Saturday said that officers were quick to respond after hearing gunshots in the suburb of Fitzroy, which neighbors Melbourne's central business district (CBD), shortly after midnight. Officers arrived at the scene and located a man with life-threatening injuries. The man, who has not yet been formally identified, was treated by emergency services personnel but died at the scene. The incident occurred near an intersection that is around 100 meters from the Fitzroy Police Station. The police statement said that a vehicle fled the scene before the arrival of first responders. As of 8 a.m. local time on Saturday, no arrests had been made and an investigation into the incident was ongoing. A GROUP of Ukrainian high schoolers have visited the Shackleton Experience in Athy this week (4 December). Kildare County Council is supporting the unique cultural exchange programme between Maynooth Post Primary School and its partner school, Lyceum No 80 in Kyiv, Ukraine. As part of this initiative, a group of 14 Ukrainian students and two teachers are visiting Co Kildare from 1-10 December, hosted by the families of Maynooth Post Primary School students. The council said the exchange underlines its commitment to fostering international friendship and educational development, features a programme of activities, the highlight of which was the groups participation in the Shackleton Experience in Athy while also highlighting the importance of cultural diversity in the county. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Few things disturb me more than a parent killing their children just to spite the other parent and stop them gaining access to them. It is such an evil malicious act. The majority of parents who do this are men. But not universally. The Guardian reports: An American woman accused of killing two of her children after a Colorado judge demanded she comply with a custody order has been extradited from Britain, where she was arrested, to the United States to face charges. Kimberlee Singler was arrested in Kensington, west London, by officers from the UKs National Crime Agency in December 2023, a week after her nine-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son were found dead in their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Singlers 11-year-old daughter was injured but survived. Singler had superficial knife wounds and told police that a man had entered the apartment and attacked the family. The surviving daughter initially backed Singlers story but eventually told an investigator that her mother said that God made her do it, according to court documents in the United Kingdom. God had nothing to do with it. She murdered two of her own children rather than allow their father to be able to see them. She tried to frame him for the murders. Singler, 37, fought extradition and denied attacking her children. Her London defense attorney, Edward Fitzgerald, argued that Singler should not be extradited because if convicted of first-degree murder in Colorado, she would face a mandatory sentence of life without parole a sentence that violates European human rights law. Life without parole is the minimum she should get. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Permanent Mission of Venezuela to the United Nations on Saturday sent a letter to Abukar Dahir Osman, president of the Security Council for January, condemning "brutal, unjustified and unilateral" U.S. armed attacks against the South American nation. The letter also put forward four demands: an urgent Security Council meeting to discuss the U.S. aggression, a strong condemnation of the aggression against Venezuela, an immediate halt to U.S. military attacks, and measures to hold Washington accountable for its "crime of aggression." U.S. military forces bombed civilian and military sites in the capital of Caracas and other cities in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira earlier Saturday, and carried out attacks across the country with helicopters and airplanes, it said. The letter noted that the attacks constituted a flagrant act of aggression that is premeditated, acknowledged and publicized by Washington, and that they "flagrantly" violated the UN Charter. The U.S. attack was carried out against a country in full peace, it said, noting that it aims at toppling the current Venezuelan regime and imposing a "puppet government" to plunder the country's oil resources. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Members of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams Washington Task Force 1 and Nevada Task Force 1 continue searching through destroyed neighborhoods in the Maui city of Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023. People walk past closed shops, following protests over a plunge in the currency's value, in the Tehran Grand Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, on December 30. BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Zhijun, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), has called on compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to jointly strive for the great cause of national reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. In a New Year message published in the first 2026 issue of the journal "Relations Across Taiwan Straits," Zhang extended New Year greetings and best wishes to Taiwan compatriots on behalf of the ARATS, saying that the year 2025 was one in which cross-Strait relations continued to accumulate momentum for the reunification of the motherland. Zhang noted that the ARATS made new efforts over the past year in opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, promoting exchanges and cooperation, properly handling emergencies related to Taiwan, and safeguarding the rights and interests of compatriots. He emphasized that both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China and the same Chinese nation. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will undoubtedly benefit Taiwan compatriots and bring brighter prospects for Taiwan's development. Looking ahead to 2026, Zhang said that the mainland will embark on the new journey of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Its endeavor to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization is set to achieve new and significant accomplishments. These developments will provide a strong guarantee for the growth of cross-Strait relations and solidify a robust foundation for the reunification of the motherland, he added. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows the snowy scenery in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Qiu Hongbin/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows people enjoying their leisure time amid snow in Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua) Tourists visit the Huangshan Mountain scenic area after a snowfall in Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 2, 2026. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Fan Chengzhu/Xinhua) A foreign tourist takes photos of a macaque at Huangshizhai scenic spot of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park after a snowfall in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, Jan. 2, 2026. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Wu Yongbing/Xinhua) Foreign tourists visit Huangshizhai scenic spot of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park after a snowfall in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, Jan. 2, 2026. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Wu Yongbing/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 1, 2026 shows a view of the Mogan Mountain after a snowfall in Deqing County, east China's Zhejiang Province. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Xie Shangguo/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 1, 2026 shows a man walking in a wheat field after a snowfall in Xiangyang City, central China's Hubei Province. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Xie Yong/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows tourists visiting Huangshizhai scenic spot of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park after a snowfall in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Wu Yongbing/Xinhua) Citizens visit a park after a snowfall in Jiaozuo City, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 1, 2026. Snowfall hit many parts of China during the New Year's Day holiday, drawing tourists to enjoy the snowy scenery. (Photo by Xu Hongxing/Xinhua) Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, seen speaking about the execution of Clayton Lockett, said she hoped that Stephanie Neimans family and friends, as well as Locketts surviving victims, have found some measure of closure and peace. What people remember about Stephanie Neiman is that she played saxophone, loved her truck and spoke her mind. But if you ask somebody whos lived around Perry, Okla., for a while, they also remember what happened to her, whether they want to or not. On the night of June 3, 1999, three men kidnapped Neiman and two other people a man and a woman at a house in Perry. The men beat the victims, raped the other woman, then took all three outside of town. Thats where Neiman was shot twice and buried alive as she gasped for air. The 19-year-olds body had been buried so shallowly that one reserve deputy later noted that her toes were sticking out of the ground. Advertisement A repeat felon named Clayton Lockett was convicted of killing her, and it was in the name of justice for Neiman last week that executioners in McAlester, Okla., strapped Lockett, 38, to a table and pumped him full of an experimental combination of lethal drugs. The procedure ended with officials scrambling and with Lockett muttering and straining against his restraints before dying of a heart attack 43 minutes later. Locketts pulse had hardly stopped before national condemnation of his execution arose, thanks to on-scene reporters who tweeted the shocking details of his demise. But in rural Perry, population 5,090, Locketts crime is all they see. We are totally upset down here, said Marilee Macias, owner of Kumback Cafe in downtown Perry, where news of Locketts botched execution riled diners. When that thing happened and hit the paper, thats all the people here could talk about, how bad the news people blew that up. Theyre not thinking of the victim and the victims family. Advertisement On Monday, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin issued a statement urging as much. It is my hope that Stephanie Neimans family and friends, as well as Locketts surviving victims, have found some measure of closure and peace, Fallin wrote. The people of Oklahoma do not have blood on their hands. They saw Clayton Lockett for what he was: evil. In a country where support for the death penalty has hit a 40-year low, Oklahomas largely conservative population remains in favor of capital punishment. And if Locketts death has galvanized national opposition to execution, residents and officials, echoing Fallin, have expressed little regret. If anyone ever deserved the death penalty, Lockett did, said Mark L. Gibson, the retired district attorney who handled the case. Clayton Lockett was evil. Clayton Lockett hurt those people, and beat those people, and raped those people, and enjoyed it. Lockett never apologized for killing Neiman, and in jail had threatened to order hits on the witnesses to his crime, officials said. Some locals were dismayed that Lockett was allowed to survive for 15 years after he killed Neiman while he exhausted his appeals process a period stained by raw behavior, from throwing feces at a prison guard to getting hold of makeshift knives. Even though the execution was botched, he didnt suffer anything compared to what he did to her, said Gloria Brown, managing editor of the Perry Daily Journal and a longtime resident of the town, who can still see the physical signs of grief over Neimans death 15 years later. When I go out there and drive by where Stephanies buried, its almost like a shrine, Brown said, naming off the angels, flowers and stuffed animals shes seen on the grave. It changes over the years. Theres just so much stuff. You can just feel the heartbreak of those parents. Advertisement When a Times reporter called the family last week to ask whether they would like to comment on Locketts execution, a woman answered and said, No comment, and hung up. Theyre very quiet, private people, and Stephanie was their life, said Gibson, the former prosecutor. Of the murder, he added, Stephanies parents lives ended that night, they really did. I saw Susie and Steve at the parole board clemency hearing [in February], and its just like they were back at the trial. At the hearing a legal proceeding intended for Lockett to plea for mercy, but which Lockett chose not to attend Susie Neiman read a victim impact statement filled with heartache, saying, We have had to endure a living hell for the past 15 years. We go through the motions of living, we eat, we sleep, Steve goes to work and comes home again. We do what we have to do to make it through the day and we start all over again the next. We exist.... There is no Stephanie. There are no more dreams. There is no future.... What is left is Clayton Lockett, who for the last 15 years has been allowed to live. Neimans parents asked for the death penalty at Locketts trial and witnessed his death. Dist. Atty. Brian Hermanson, who attended the execution with the family, downplayed reports of Locketts suffering. Mr. Locketts execution has been sensationalized, Hermanson said. It did not go as it was planned there were some movements by him that were unexpected, but then again anyone whos been taken off life support, they know theres bodily reactions even if theyre brain-dead. Advertisement Suggestions that there was torture, suggestions that there was agony, I didnt see that, he said. Although he supported the execution, Gibson, the retired district attorney, still isnt sure how to feel. Did he get what he deserved? I dont know, Gibson said. As Ive gotten older, Im a devout Christian, and I just have more and more trouble, honestly, of the question of get what I deserve. ... I will tell you my mother, God love her, wants him to suffer. matt.pearce@latimes.com ISLAMABAD, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor air-launched cruise missile on Saturday, said the military. The missile system is capable of engaging land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 km, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army. Equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system, Taimoor is designed to fly at very low altitudes, enabling it to effectively evade hostile air and missile defense systems, said the ISPR. The ISPR added that the missile's precision-strike capability significantly enhances the conventional deterrence and operational flexibility of Pakistan Air Force, further strengthening the country's overall defense posture. Update: Murder-suicide in West Bethlehem: What we know about the 10th Avenue incident Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide after two people died late Friday night from gunshot wounds at a home in Lehigh County. Another adult and several children of the deceased were also found unharmed in the home, authorities said. Police were dispatched to the 200 block of 10th Avenue in Bethlehem at approximately 10:15 p.m., authorities said. A 911 call was made by an adult who had just dropped off a child resident at the home following a playdate, according to police. The child entered the home and then came back out, reporting a serious issue had occurred inside the residence, officials said. Police said a 39-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, both with gunshot wounds, were discovered in the basement along with a firearm. The unidentified man was taken to St. Lukes University Hospital in Bethlehem, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:39 p.m. The woman was pronounced dead at the home at 11:22 p.m. Both have been positively identified, but the Lehigh County Coroner said he would not release their identities yet out of respect for the families. Three children have been identified as the children of the deceased adults and have since been placed in the care of family members, officials said. Two of them were in the home, unharmed, and were safely removed by officers, officials said. An older adult was also in a separate part of the home and appeared unaware of the incident, according to officials. Police said this individual is not considered a suspect. Autopsies for both of the deceased are scheduled to be completed on Monday at the Lehigh County Coroners Office and Forensic Center, officials said. Police said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the community at this time. The City of Bethlehem Police Department, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force and the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office are investigating this case. More than 60 community organizations and municipal governments will receive funds in 2026 for public events and programs through Northampton Countys hotel tax grant program. The list of recipients, their events and the amounts they won was released Tuesday by Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. You can view the full list online through norcopa.gov. The county allocated more than $700,000 in hotel tax revenue toward programs and events slated in 2026. Tourism brings people, energy, and investment into Northampton County, McClure said. These grants help showcase our communities, attract visitors, and support events and attractions that strengthen our tourism economy while benefiting residents. Funded projects include signature events such as ArtsQuests America250 celebrations, the Bethlehem Bach Festival, the Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival, Easton Winter Village and the Easton Book Festival. The grants also fund concerts, food festivals, heritage tours and community festivals. Hotel tax grants are funded through the countys tax on hotels and short-term rentals. The hotel tax grants are awarded through a competitive process and distributed at the discretion of Northampton County Council, advised by the county executive and based on recommendations from the Hotel Tax Review Committee. Story by Gabriela Martinez of Spotlight PA This story was produced by the Berks County bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom. Sign up for Good Day, Berks, a daily dose of essential local stories at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/gooddayberks. READING Rabies cases in Berks County have nearly doubled over the past three years, yet residents exposed to the virus may struggle to find answers to basic questions: Which agency handles rabid feral cats? Who shows up when an animal attacks? How can I confirm if the animal that bit me is positive for rabies? The Pennsylvania Game Commission will assist when a wild animal is involved. The system for pets and feral cats is not as straightforward, which is why we compiled this guide. To trap a feral cat suspected of rabies: To test a domestic animal showing signs of rabies: If you or someone else has been bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of rabies: Wash the wound with soap and water. Seek medical help immediately, and contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Are you looking to switch jobs this new year? Laois County Council currently have a range of job opportunities available which could be exactly what you're looking for. These positions may be suitable for many people as a variety of skillsets are needed and some require no specific qualifications. Laois County Council Fire Service are currently seeking applications for retained fire fighters across all stations in Laois. The main requirements for recruiting firefighters is that applicants must live and work within a reasonable distance from the fire station and have a reasonably good level of fitness. Applicants for these roles will be interviewed as positions arise. The council are also seeking a Staff Officer (Grade V) to join their team. This is a supervisory position and is assigned functional responsibility for the administration and management of a work area, section or team. A degree is not required for this role, although it may be an advantage. The salary scale for this full-time and permanent position ranges from 51,722 to 61,865 a year. READ NEXT: Laois civic reception for four times World Champion Irish dancer There is a vacancy for a Clerk of Works within the Facilities Department of Laois County Council. This role is responsible for the supervision and management of construction operations and maintenance operations by the council as well as the maintenance and upkeep of council owned buildings. A degree or certificate in the areas of engineering, architecture, civil engineering or construction is necessary for this job. The yearly salary scale for this position ranges from 57,322 to 70,030. The council are also seeking a Temporary Clerical Officer (Grade III). This role is part of a multidisciplinary team, assisting with the implementation of work programmes to achieve goals, targets and standards set out in the Corporate Plan and Annual Service Delivery Plans. A degree is not required for this job, however two years of relevant experience is. The annual pay-scale is 30,811 to 47,945. There is also a position listed for a Plumber who will be based in the Housing/Facilities departments of Laois County Council. Qualifications in plumbing are necessary for the job, along with relevant work experience. The salary scale for this post ranges from 796.52 to 917.38 per week. Laois County Council have a rolling competition for an Executive Planner. The Executive Planner is responsible for managing elements of the Planning Department and providing a multiplicity of services to Local Authorities, as well as working closely with local councillors. A degree is required for this role as well as at least five years work experience in planning. The annual salary scale ranges from 59,607 to 82,108. There is another rolling competition for Assistant Planner. Again, a relevant degree is necessary alongside two years work experience in planning. The annual pay scale for this position is 45,802 to 71,185. Laois County Council are also looking for an Assistant Engineer to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within one of the councils Directorates to deliver key services such as social housing, transportation infrastructure, environmental protection, and more. A Level 8 degree in engineering is required for this role as well as two years experience. The annual pay scale is between 46,802 and 72,609. The council is also offering a great opportunity for graduates as they are seeking a Graduate Engineer to join their Housing Department as part of a fixed-term two-year contract. A relevant degree in engineering is a requirement for the job. Successful applicants will be paid 39,346 in the first year of their contract, and this will rise to 42,184 in the second. For more information on all of the jobs available with Laois County Council, you can visit the council's website. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Laois locals have taken to social media to debate a parking job in Portlaoise this week. Facebook page 'Ireland's Parking Clowns' posts anonymous submissions from the public, publicly shaming poor parking jobs across the country. The page has amassed over 65,000 followers, and regularly shares photos of vehicles double-parking, illegally parking in disabled spaces, or left abandoned in inconvenient places. A recent submission to the page came from Portlaoise, showing a black Range Rover parked on a grass bank adjacent to parking spaces in the Kyle Centre car park. A fierce debate has since taken place online; some Facebook users have criticised the driver, with other users defending the driver as a 'legend'. Pictured above: the post garnered debate online. "You can't park there lad," users joked in the comments. Another person wrote that the driver "should have a chat with themselves". Several people remarked on the fact that the vehicle was a Range Rover. "Classic range rover sport ownership," someone said. "Mint parking job," another user wrote with laughing emojis. Other replies included sarcastic comments on the driver, with one person saying they deserve a 'parking clown award'. However, there was overwhelming support for the driver in the comments under the post. "To be fair, the lad's using the jeep for its intended purpose," the top comment read. "It's better than the muppets parking on the walkways all over," the user said. "I think the clowns are taking the photos," another user remarked. "At least he's not taking two spaces or blocking someone else," someone wrote. "It's an off road vehicle... surely that's what they are for," another Facebook user commented. "I was there today and saw this car. If I had a Jeep, I would park like that too," another concurred. "He is far from a clown in fact he is a legend," another person said. One thing is for sure: this photo has led to divisive opinions. Let us know in our comments what you think- was this driver creatively making use of available space, or are they one of 'Ireland's Parking Clowns'? Stepping into my role as President of County Kildare Chamber is both a privilege and a personal milestone. I founded Elevate Marketing in 2019 and like many local business owners, Ive experienced both the excitement and the challenges of building a business. I joined the Chamber soon after, became a board member a couple of years ago, and have seen first-hand the power of collaboration among our members. At its core, County Kildare Chamber exists to represent, support, and connect businesses of all sizes. We have a fantastic network, from sole traders, strong family-run enterprises to global companies, all contributing to a thriving local economy. One of my main goals as President is to encourage more Kildare businesses to do business with each other. The talent, expertise, and innovation already in this county are remarkable, and by working together we can strengthen the entire business ecosystem. READ MORE: Kildare to receive 21 new safety cameras in attempt to reduce speed-related collisions County Kildare Chamber marked the 10th year of the annual business awards in 2025 and the saying your network is your net worth, couldnt be truer in Kildare. Throughout 2026, well deliver an exciting programme of events with some excellent speakers, designed to help members grow, build relationships and explore opportunities both within and beyond the county. Theres a genuine sense of optimism across Kildares business community and with good reason. The county is perfectly positioned beside Dublin, offering access to talent, transport, and markets, while maintaining a quality of life that makes it an exceptional place to live and work. Kildare is ideally suited for foreign direct investment, and FDI already makes up over 16% of the county's jobs and supporting 57% of jobs in FDI-supported companies in the Mid- East region. Of course, opportunity comes with challenges, from economic uncertainty to infrastructure pressures and workforce needs. The Chamber will continue to support, lobby, and advocate on behalf of our members to ensure their interests are represented at every level. Kildares business community is ambitious, collaborative, and resilient. My aim as President is simple: to make sure every member, regardless of size or sector, feels part of a Chamber that listens, acts, and helps them succeed. Together, we can continue to build a confident and connected future for business in County Kildare. - Ruth Murphy, President of County Kildare Chamber More children are being referred to Tusla after their schools raised concerns about attendance. Last year, 9,293 students' cases were raised by education welfare officers after they missed 20 or more days of school, according to the Irish Independent. This is a 16 per cent rise compared to 2024, when around 8,000 cases were reported. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the figure was less than 7,000. READ MORE: Alert: Met Eireann issues ice and snow warning for Leitrim and surrounding counties Cllr James Gilmartin said the statistics were worrying: "That's a huge amount of kids missing more than 20 days. It's a real indicator of more complex issues that may be going on at home whether that's neglect, poverty or mental health issues; behind each one of those numbers are families and kids that may be neglected." After the disappearance of Kyran Durnin, in July this year, a Children Missing in Education (CME) team was set up to help find children who are missing from school. "While it's welcome to see the CME created, it's just reactionary because it's just figures. They key thing is prevention. It's a societal issue and TUSLA themselves will need more resources to deal with it as they are under resourced as it is. Oftentimes schools and school principals are taking on these complex social situations and trying to manage them but don't have the skill set sometimes. This is why kids end up falling through the gaps. I feel it's more societal issues that and joined up thinking from start that is needed." READ MORE: Manchan Magan remembered in participatory artwork at The Dock Cllr Gilmartin added: "It's important there there are resources to make sure kids are being looked after. In some cases, it's even about attending school, it's about making sure that they're well-being is looked after. Prevention is always better than cure and highlighting high risk situations and although people will fall through the cracks, it's about making sure those cracks are as narrow as possible and there are ways to flag families that might struggling. It's incumbent all of us to do our best to ensure that children are safe." Tusla also launched an attendance campaign in September 2025, and has developed a five-year action plan to tackle absenteeism by 2028. MOSCOW, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. military operation against Venezuela has no legitimate basis since the South American country has posed no threat to the United States, Konstantin Kosachev, deputy speaker of Russia's Federation Council, said on Saturday. "Without any doubt, Venezuela has created no threats to the United States -- neither military, nor humanitarian, nor criminal, nor drug-related," Kosachev wrote on his Telegram channel. "Therefore, the current military operation, like the actions taken against Venezuela over recent days and weeks, has no substantive grounds," he said. Kosachev stressed that the international order should be based on international law rather than on so-called rules imposed by individual countries. He said international law has clearly been violated, adding that "an order established in this manner must not prevail." Kosachev also expressed confidence that most nations would firmly distance themselves from the attack on Venezuela and condemn it. MOSCOW, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Russia will keep revealing details of Japan's war crimes in World War II and push for their prosecution, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday, announcing a list of 20 Japanese war criminals. The Russian Foreign Ministry website published Zakharova's comments. She said that between April and November 2025, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office annulled a number of "rehabilitation" decisions made from the 1980s to the 2000s concerning certain Japanese citizens. These individuals were involved in sabotage and espionage activities against the Soviet Union during WWII and even after Japan's surrender in 1945. After a review by relevant Russian authorities, it was determined that these individuals did not meet the criteria for "rehabilitation," and their crimes have been fully substantiated. Some of them attempted to organize intelligence-gathering activities after surrendering to the Soviet Red Army, seeking information on the strength and deployment of Soviet forces; others trained saboteurs in border areas adjacent to the Soviet Union; and still others took part in the notorious human experimentation conducted by Unit 731. Zakharova said there is no statute of limitations for the atrocities committed by Japanese militarists, and the process of legally sanctioning those involved is still ongoing, adding that Russia will continue to expose the crimes of Japanese militarists and make them public. TEHRAN, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday vowed to "forcefully reject" any interference in the country's internal affairs, after U.S. President Donald Trump earlier warned that the United States would act if Iran "kills peaceful protesters." In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said Iran's armed forces "are on standby and know exactly where to aim" if its sovereignty is violated, responding to Trump's earlier comments on Truth Social, in which he claimed the United States would "come to their rescue" if Iran shot peaceful protesters. Since Sunday, protests have erupted in a number of Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the national currency rial. Araghchi said that peaceful protest is the right of Iranians affected by exchange rate volatility, but noted isolated incidents of violence, including attacks on a police station and Molotov cocktails thrown at officers. He added that criminal attacks on public property cannot be tolerated. At least three people were killed and 13 security personnel were wounded in clashes during protests in two Iranian provinces over the past 24 hours, Iranian media reported Thursday. Saeid Pourali, deputy governor of Iran's western Lorestan province for political, security, and social affairs, attributed the recent protests to economic grievances. He stressed that economic pressures, including currency volatility and livelihood concerns, have come from "cruel" Western sanctions. The Iranian rial has weakened sharply since the United States withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. The U.S. dollar currently trades at a rate of over 1.35 million rials on the open market. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A LOCAL historian thinks Limericks City Museum should relocate to the Peoples Park in the city centre. Currently the museum, named after the late Labour TD Jim Kemmy, is located in Henry Street at the former Franciscans Church. But Dr Tadhg Moloney believes the Limerick City Gallery of Art should instead go there, with the museum moving up to the park. READ MORE: New safety programme to benefit six schools across Limerick He is citing a lease document, dated July 21, 1904, which states the original use of the building in Peoples Park should be for a public free library and a museum. Dr Moloney, pictured below,argues it was on this basis, the land was leased by the Earl of Limerick, with the lease lasting 400 years from 1904. I dont believe the council is adhering to the agreement they made. This building should be returned to what its purpose was. It could revert back to the museum. The place they have at the Franciscan's, isn't fit for purpose. They show exhibitions below in the Franciscans. Why can't they move the art gallery down there? he asked. Dr Moloney believes putting the city museum in the Peoples Park would be better for tourists visiting Limerick. Asked if he expects the council to act upon his claims, the historian replied: They should. The lease is still in existence. Limerick Live contacted Limerick City and County Council for comment on Dr Moloneys claims, but did not receive a reply. TWO WOMEN who now run a cafe in Kilmallock went on holidays in February 2022 and found out from family over the phone that Russia had invaded Ukraine and they couldn't return home. Iryna Kucher and Svitlana Kirsan both worked for a leading regional news outlet in Ukraine - Sobitie, at the time. READ ALSO: Almost 50 years of service to County Limerick hospital celebrated with retirement Throughout her career, Ms Kucher had a number of CEO roles. She had run charitable foundations, set up inclusive play centres for children and was involved in politics, as well as being a shareholder in the news outlet she worked for. Her business partner Ms Kirsan was a financial director and had a whole team of accountants working for her. Now, their two families share a home in Croom and they run the Horseshoe Cafe in Kilmallock. When they moved in, their Croom neighbours brought them a pie, and they have been warmly welcomed into the community. Svitlana Kirsan and Iryna Kucher with customers, Breda Kelly, Kilfinane and Manuela Santorum PICTURE: ADRIAN BUTLER In February 2022, the two friends had won a trip to the Dominican Republic at a work party. It was the vacation of our dreams, we had a normal life, left our children and with a small suitcase of holiday clothes took a taxi to the airport. When we were there, Svitlana's daughter was in Kiev and she sent a message saying 'we are bombed' - we just started to cry, we couldn't control it, Ms Kucher recalled. She said that she tries not to watch the news, because it is too hard. Ms Kucher's son has asthma and was excused from military duty and now lives in London. The day after their neighbourhood was bombed, he got married and soon after left the country. I remember watching the news and seeing a house near mine was bombed and 42 people had died, Ms Kucher said. However, Ms Kirsan's son and mother are both still in Ukraine and she said: I have to watch it - I have to know. Her mother is 84 and refuses to leave, while her son is 30 and men between the ages of 25 and 60 cannot leave the country, as they can be conscripted to the army. She is on high alert for news from home, she watches the news and reads anything she can when she wakes in the morning, before going to bed, and even in the middle of the night. When they arrived first to Limerick City, before moving to Croom, both women did FET courses in business, barista skills and pastry courses, as well as English classes and HACCP courses in food safety and hygiene. Ms Kucher laughs as she remembers thinking she was quite fluent in English until she came here. In Ukraine, I thought I spoke English, when I went on business to Egypt, Turkey or America, my English was enough, we chose Ireland because we could speak the language. Once I got here, I realised it was really hard, I spent three or four hours each day studying - it really brought me down to earth. If I do something I always try my best - to be the best. Since they opened The Horseshoe Cafe in Kilmallock, they have built up loyal customers, one of whom comes in up to three times a day. This work is really good for the soul, there are a lot of nice people here. We love and know 90% of the people who come in here, Ms Kucher said. Ms Kucher remembers back when she had a high-powered CEO role that, after a tough day, she cried to her friend and said she wished she could just bake gingerbread all day. Looking at the cafe, with a fond smile, she said that maybe she is living the dream now, but she didn't know that before. Throughout the interview, customers were warmly welcomed to the cafe. Limerick is home now and for both women, they shed a tear as they said: The Ukraine we left doesn't exist anymore - our past life doesn't exist anymore. It's now totally another place. It's so hard to lose something, we have a pain in our hearts. We work hard, long days, but we love the people and they have welcomed us. Irish premier Micheal Martin is set to travel to China to meet with President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced. The Taoiseachs trip to the country next week will be the first visit by an Irish leader in 14 years. Beijing has been strengthening ties with individual members of the European Union despite tensions with the EU bloc over tariffs and human rights issues. In late 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish King Felipe VI met with President Xi in separate trips to China. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is due to visit China in late January, having previously met Chinas leader at the G20 in Brazil in 2024. During his five-day trip, Mr Martin will also meet with Chinese premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, the ministry said in a statement, and will visit Shanghai. Chinas foreign ministry said the country is ready to work with Ireland to expand cooperation and foster China-EU relations. Mr Martin met the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Dublin in February 2025, where they discussed EU-China relations, trade, human rights and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. In December, China imposed up to 42.7% of provisional tariffs on dairy products including milk and cheese imported from the EU. China had initiated other probes into European brandy and pork imports as countermeasures for the EUs tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The Taoiseachs visit comes at a time of rising Sino-Japan tension. Beginning Sunday, China will separately be hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for four days who will also meet with President Xi. In November Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi said that her countrys military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. Last week, China conducted large-scale military drills around the island for two days to warn against what it called separatist and external interference forces. Ahead of his trip, Mr Lee said that South Korea consistently respects the One China policy when it comes to Taiwan during an interview with Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. (Bloomberg) -- State regulators are abandoning a plan to rehabilitate PHL Variable Insurance Co. and may pursue liquidation instead, after finding that the struggling life insurer acquired by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital a decade ago is in worse shape than previously thought. Authorities said they may also sue Golden Gate and its Nassau Financial Group insurance arm on claims including breach of fiduciary duty if the firms dont agree to an acceptable settlement. In a statement, Nassau called such accusations without merit. Seeking rehabilitation no longer appears feasible, Joshua Hershman, the interim head of Connecticuts insurance department, wrote in a court filing on New Years Eve. PHL doesnt have enough assets to make sure that such a strategy selling viable operations and restructuring other parts would result in larger payouts to policyholders than a liquidation, said Hershman, who also serves as the rehabilitator. It has become clear that all of PHLs blocks of business are materially impaired, according to the filing. The rehabilitator believes that any plan for a resolution of PHLs liabilities must include a liquidation order. PHL acquired by Golden Gates Nassau as private equity firms expanded into life insurance and reshaped the industry is now a cautionary tale. While some of PHLs struggles predated the takeover, authorities later said investments under its new ownership didnt perform as well as anticipated and that deals with captive reinsurers failed to safeguard enough capital. In court updates last year, authorities estimated PHL faced a $2.2 billion shortfall. Initially seeking to overhaul PHLs finances, the Connecticut regulator steered the business into a rehabilitation process that limited payments to customers, withholding more than $500 million of their nest eggs as of last September. That left numerous policyholders in the lurch, with some complaining about having to continue paying premiums to keep policies active without the certainty of reaping the benefits. The rehabilitator recognizes that the passage of time in the rehabilitation proceeding creates hardship for certain policyholders, Hershman said in Wednesdays filing. The rehabilitator said his office has identified potential legal claims against third parties among them Nassau entities and their Golden Gate parent including claims for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and avoidable transfers. If an acceptable settlement that would be in the best interests of policyholders cannot be achieved, the rehabilitator intends to file a lawsuit against the applicable entities, according to the filing. Though the regulator said negotiations are underway, it noted that both Nassau and Golden Gate dispute the validity of any claims. The transactions that the rehabilitator is faulting under Golden Gates ownership were carried out after review and approval by the state regulator, Nassau said in a separate statement. It blamed PHLs problems on a block of universal life policies issued between 2004 and 2008, which are now largely held by institutional investors. As the rehabilitator itself acknowledges, PHLs financial challenges predate Nassaus involvement with PHL by a decade, Nassau said. We continue to cooperate in an effort to reach a resolution and provide PHL with administrative support. However, should the rehabilitator pursue litigation, we will vigorously defend ourselves and expect to prevail on the merits. A representative for Golden Gate declined to comment. When US life insurers and annuity providers cant meet their obligations, customers may still collect at least some of their benefits from a state guaranty association funded by assessments on other insurers. But those backstops are capped typically at around $250,000 for an annuity. PHLs regulator said its still trying to eke out larger payouts through a partial sale or a reinsurance transaction with third parties. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com US-based global e-commerce giant Amazon is reportedly allowing its Indian employees who are stranded due to the H-1B visa delay issue to work remotely from their home country until early March 2026, according to news portal Business Insider's report. Effective immediately, impacted employees who were in India as of 13 December 2025, and are awaiting their rescheduled visa appointment may work remotely until 2 March 2026, according to the memo cited in the report. However, the news report also highlighted that these Indian employees who are working remotely will not be allowed to code, make any strategic decisions, or even interact with customers during this time. All reviews, final decision making, and sign-offs should be undertaken outside India, according to the memo cited in the news portal's report. The memo also reportedly highlighted that in compliance with local laws, there are no exceptions to these restrictions. What if H-1B visa appointment is after the timeline? According to the agency report, the company's memo does not outline any guidance for employees whose visa appointments have been rescheduled beyond 2 March 2026 or for those employees who are stranded in another country. Some US embassies and consulates have reportedly rescheduled their visa appointments as late as 2027, amid US President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration into the Western nation. The queries sent by the news portal to Amazon have remained unanswered, and Amazon has not yet responded to a request for an official statement to Mint on the news development. Is this a concern for employees? Amazon is among other IT and technology companies which are seeking to adapt to the dynamically changing immigration policy of the United States under the Trump administration. As per multiple media reports, the US government is including a mandate to review the visa applicant's social media posts before issuing a visa to them. Hence, due to these additional applicant screening processes, embassies and consulates have rescheduled visa appointments by several months. Google, Apple, Microsoft, and now Amazon are all working out ways to wade through the immigration crackdown from the federal government, while requesting the company's US workforce to avoid international travel to prevent stay outside the United States. For Amazon employees in India with technical roles, the restrictions have raised questions about what type of work they will be able to due amid the restrictions. 70 to 80% of my job is coding, testing, deploying, and documenting, an Amazon software engineer told the news portal. The e-commerce giant has filed 14,783 certified H-1B applications, including 23 for Whole Foods during the financial year ending 2024, according to the news portal's report. Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolls by, Mint's reporters and columnists look around the corner on what is coming in 2026to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at feedback@livemint.com. Deal volume at the growth stage and private equity level, in the $30-100 million range, has increased from last year, even as the number of mega deals (greater than $100 million) in the Indian market has decreased. Much of this is driven by several late-stage startups opting to go public or preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). Despite strong deal volumes, the slight dip in aggregate value signals a more selective and disciplined market," said Nishesh Dalal, partner and private equity leader, Deloitte South Asia. Investors are increasingly focusing on control deals because they want deeper involvement in operations, tighter governance and better clarity on exit pathways." Several tech companies have gone public this year, having raised their larger rounds in previous years. This includes e-commerce marketplace Meesho, eyewear company Lenskart, stockbroker platform Groww, professional home services provider Urban Co., edtech major PhysicsWallah, and electric vehicle (EV) scooter maker Ather Energy. Data from investment banking firm Avendus Capital showed that private deals in 2024 reached $6.6 billion, compared to $6.3 billion as of 4 December. It has, however, included deals that are in progress. According to the firm's data, deals sized between $30 million and $50 million stood at 39 this year, compared to 27 in 2024. Similarly, deals sized between $50 million and $100 million, and over $100 million, were at 21 and 17 this year, compared to 14 and 22 in the previous year. In fact, Avendus highlighted that there are still a few deals to be closed out at the end of the year. The private funding momentum picked up steam in the last 2 quarters, and 2025 will see both higher overall deal value and volume than last year," said Neeraj Shrimali, managing director and co-head, digital, technology and consumer investment banking at Avendus Capital, told Mint. On the other hand, data from Venture Intelligence shows that growth-stage funding overall has declined from the previous yearfrom $5.5 billion in 2024 to $5 billion as of 1 December. However, the data doesn't include deals that are currently in progress, just closed ones. Also Read | The private-equity maneuver allowing more investors to cash out One simple correlation is the number of late-stage companies that have decided to go public or are gearing up to go public," said Gopal Jain, managing director and chief executive at private equity firm Gaja Capital. Key Takeaways The primary trend is a strong increase in the volume of growth-stage deals, offsetting a decline in the number of mega-deals. Despite strong volumes, the slight dip in aggregate value indicates a more selective market where investors are disciplined and focused on control deals for greater operational oversight and clearer exit pathways. The current wave of tech IPOs is the main factor reshaping the private funding landscape, as these companies have graduated from the late-stage private market. Despite short-term pressures from geopolitical uncertainties, investor appetite for Indian PE remains structurally strong, supported by the country's demographics and growing domestic consumption. The market will favour highly differentiated enterprise tech, deeptech, and businesses that demonstrate a credible path to profitability, with Avendus pointing to e-commerce, fintech, online services, and SaaS as key PE expenditure areas. A one-off slowdown While India saw a significant increase in tech IPOs this year compared to previous years, the softening of volumes and cheque sizes has been attributed to geopolitical and trade uncertainties, such as the US's decision to impose tariffs on the country. While there may have been a modest softening in growth-stage private transactions, we should be careful not to over-interpret any single years data," said Sudhir Variyar, managing director and deputy chief executive of Multiples Alternate Asset Management. The longer-term trend is clear: investor appetite for Indian private equity has been expanding steadily, and we expect that structural momentum to continue." The firm is looking to invest between $500 million and $750 million over the next 18 months in companies across sectors. In February, Multiples acquired a controlling stake in software development company QBurst for $200 million. It also co-led a $50 million investment into Geniemode, a design-led apparel sourcing platform for global retailers, that month as well. But while global uncertainties have made private equity somewhat skittish, the enthusiasm in the long run remains strong. In fact, in its Pulse of Private Equity" Q3 report, KPMG noted that the country remains an attractive market for investment due to its sizeable population, attractive demographics, and growing domestic consumption. Where PE investments are headed next year Tech IPOs are expected to continue seeing an uptick in the coming year, according to experts. The pipeline is looking robust as well. Fintech major PhonePe is expected to make its debut in 2026, as is e-commerce major Flipkart, which is currently in the process of flipping domicile from Singapore back to India. Global hospitality chain OYO is expected to list next year, alongside powerhouses such as Reliance Jio, the National Stock Exchange, and SBI Mutual Fund. I think as far as tech is concerned, differentiation is the keyword. Markets will display an appetite for enterprise tech companies, like data analytics, data services, differentiated companies with high revenue per employee," said Jain of Gaja Capital. Deeptech is likely to see increased interest across all stages as well. With companies like SEDEMAC Mechatronics and Aequs set to go public, their performance after an IPO will determine how investor enthusiasm plays out for the sector. Businesses that are willing to institutionalize and show a credible path to profitability will attract the most attention in the coming year," said Dalal. Avendus, on the other hand, pointed out that four sectors are expected to account for a significant portion of PE spending in the coming year. E-commerce, including new-age brands, fintech, online services, and SaaS (software-as-a-service), will be where investors will put a lot of their money in the coming year," said Shrimali. Billionaire Warren Buffett said Berkshire Hathaway is stronger than any other company to weather the long run, following the handover of leadership to Greg Abel after six decades under the famed Oracle of Omaha. Buffett noted that he would prefer Abel to manage his own money, according to CNBC. Here's what Warren Buffett said about Greg Abel It has a better chance I think of being here 100 years from now than any company I can think of, Buffett told CNBC on Friday. Buffett added, Greg will be the decider," Buffett said. I can't imagine how much more he can get accomplished in a week than I can in a month....I'd rather have Greg handling my money than any of the top investment advisors or any of the top CEOs in the United States. Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway entered a new chapter after Warren Buffetts departure on Friday (local time), as the companys shares edged down modestly. Also Read | Top 5 Warren Buffett quotes on investing The conglomerate now faces the challenge of sustaining its legacy without the visionary who reshaped modern investing and built Berkshire from a faltering textile firm into a $1-trillion investment powerhouse, according to a report by Reuters. Buffett formally stepped down as CEO on Thursday, bringing to a close a six-decade tenure that transformed a failing textile firm into a trillion-dollar conglomerate spanning businesses with more than $300 billion in cash on its balance sheet. It's hard to imagine that there will be the same cult following, said Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management, Reuters reported. Known for a long-term strategy and a focus on buying high-quality businesses at reasonable prices, Warren Buffett delivered steady gains that outpaced broader markets and made him a trusted steward of capital. Greg Abel, Warren Buffetts longtime deputy, is stepping into leadership at a delicate moment for Berkshire Hathaway. The conglomerate lagged behind the S&P 500 in 2025, and Buffett himself has acknowledged the growing challenge of identifying acquisitions large enough to significantly impact the companys vast scale, according to Reuters. Despite trimming stakes in long-held investments such as Apple and Bank of America, Berkshire has accumulated an unprecedented cash reservean approach that has unsettled some shareholders. Abel, 63, will take charge of this enormous financial arsenal, with cash and equivalents totaling $381.7 billion as of September 30. I'd rather have Greg handling my money than any of the top investment advisors or any of the top CEOs in the United States. Although leadership transitions often bring uncertainty, analysts note that Buffett has carefully laid the groundwork for a smooth handover, even as his identity remains closely intertwined with the firm. Abel has been part of Berkshire since 2000, joining after its purchase of MidAmerican Energy, now Berkshire Hathaway Energy. (With inputs from Reuters, CNBC) The trailer of Jana Nayagan, starring Tamil superstar Vijay, has triggered an outpouring of reactions online, with fans hailing it as a fitting and explosive prelude to the actors much-anticipated Pongal release. Internet reacts to Jana Nayagan trailer release Released on Saturday evening ahead of the films 9 January theatrical launch, the trailer drew nearly a million views across its Tamil, Telugu and Hindi versions within the first half-hour. Producers later described it as Kollywoods fastest trailer to reach five million real-time views, underlining the scale of anticipation surrounding the project. Social media platforms were quickly flooded with celebratory posts, many framing the film as Vijays last dance before his formal entry into politics. One fan wrote: One of the Best movie ever! Save my tweet 1000 cr + (sic), while another simply declared: ONE LAST DANCE (sic). The sense of an event film was echoed by a third reaction that read: THALAPATHY IS COMING! (sic). Several posts praised the trailers tone and mass appeal. What a fantastic trailer!!! Perfect last dance. Massy Massy Avatar of Thalapathy loading. Lots of love from SRK fans!! Cant wait for Jan 9th (sic), read one widely shared comment, highlighting the crossover attention the trailer has received beyond Vijays core fan base. Another reaction stated: #JanaNayagan Trailer - What a wowwwwwwwwww!!! Intensity in every frame (sic). Director H Vinoths approach also drew discussion, particularly around the films political undercurrents. #JanaNayagan Trailer is absolute Blast. Even though the core might be adopted, but looks like HVinoth did many changes exclusively for ThalapathyVijay loaded with Political elements (sic), one user noted. Others pointed to hints of unexpected elements in the visuals, with one fan posting: Blast blast Im coming #JanaNayaganTrailer is a perfect blend of commercial and futuristic aspects ? ( what was that humanoid robot fight?) We are in for a lot of surprises + political flavours spilled throughout. January 9we are coming! (sic) More about the film Jana Nayagan, which translates to Peoples Hero, is a Tamil-language political action thriller directed by H Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions. Also Read | Jana Nayagan trailer out: Vijay fans pour milk on banners in Chennai The film stars Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, with Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain and Priyamani in supporting roles. It is intended to be Vijays final on-screen appearance before he shifts his focus fully to politics, and marks KVN Productions first Tamil film. The project was officially announced in September 2024 under the working title Thalapathy 69, reflecting Vijays 69th film as a lead actor, with the final title revealed in January 2025. Filming began in Chennai in October 2024, followed by schedules in Payanoor and additional shoots back in Chennai, before wrapping in August 2025. SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- As South Korean President Lee Jae Myung prepares to embark on his maiden visit to China since taking office, the timing could hardly be more consequential. At a moment when trade protectionism is resurging, geopolitical tensions are increasing, and economic uncertainty clouds global recovery, China and South Korea -- two major economies in the Asia-Pacific -- face a shared responsibility to promote stability and confidence in the region. Over the past three decades, China-South Korea relations have demonstrated that close neighbors with different ideologies and social systems can transcend differences through cooperation. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, the two countries have built deeply integrated industrial chains and supply networks, forming a mutually beneficial economic partnership that has weathered multiple global shocks. This foundation remains one of the most resilient pillars of regional economic cooperation. Economic ties continue to serve as the cornerstone of the relationship. For over two decades, China has been South Korea's largest trading partner, while South Korea stands as one of China's most important economic partners. This reflects a deep interdependence in manufacturing, technology and consumer markets. Any attempts to decouple or politicize these economic ties would run counter to the fundamental interests of both peoples. The year 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. According to China's General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade volume reached 298.9 billion U.S. dollars during the January-November period last year. By expanding cooperation into emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, green industries and the silver economy, both sides can align economic transformation with sustainable development. This is not only a pragmatic response to domestic growth challenges, but also a constructive contribution to regional and global economic recovery. Beyond bilateral interests, China and South Korea are important stakeholders in upholding the multilateral trading system. As key Asia-Pacific economies, both countries benefit from open markets, stable supply chains and predictable rules. In an era when unilateralism and "small yard and high fence" approaches are gaining ground, their cooperation demonstrates support of true multilateralism and inclusive globalization. The broader regional and historical context also matters. The Asia-Pacific's peace and prosperity are rooted in the post-World War II international order. Any attempt to blur historical responsibilities or revive militaristic thinking risks undermining regional trust and stability. As countries that suffered deeply from war and benefited profoundly from peace, China and South Korea share a moral and practical interest in safeguarding this hard-won order. This shared responsibility extends to regional platforms such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). With China assuming the APEC host role in 2026, closer coordination with South Korea can help advance regional economic integration, promote the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and strengthen cooperation on development, innovation and connectivity. Such efforts would reinforce the Asia-Pacific's role as a stabilizing force in an increasingly fragmented world. Lee's upcoming visit offers an opportunity to consolidate the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and chart a clearer course for the future. By enhancing strategic communication, expanding practical cooperation and properly managing differences, China and South Korea can further elevate their partnership to a higher level, one marked by deeper trust, stronger economic synergy and a shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity. At a time of profound global transformation, the choice facing both sides is clear. By standing together against protectionism, upholding multilateralism and remaining mindful of the lessons of history, China and South Korea can not only advance their own development, but also contribute constructively to stability and confidence across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. The trailer of Tamil superstar Vijays much-anticipated film Jana Nayagan has been released, marking what is expected to be the actors final appearance on screen before he steps away from cinema to focus on politics. Jana Nayagan trailer OUT Unveiled on Saturday, 3 January, 2026, the trailer has generated widespread attention among fans and industry observers alike, not only for its high-octane action but also for its symbolic weight as the swansong of one of Tamil cinemas most influential stars. The film is directed by H Vinoth, known for Valimai and Thunivu, and produced by KVN Productions. The trailer opens with a tense exchange in which one man asks another about a figure named Thalapathy Vetri Kondan. As the description unfolds, the listeners eyes widen in shock at the mention of Vetris reputation and feared presence. The character is soon revealed to be Vijay, who is shown commanding the screen through a series of intense action sequences, establishing him as a man both revered and dreaded. In a quieter moment, Vetris daughter, played by Mamitha Baiju, asks him if he is Superman. He replies, I am just an ordinary man. But I have heard people say that whatever I do is super. The line, delivered with restraint, underscores the films attempt to balance mass appeal with emotional grounding. The trailer then shifts forward in time, showing Vetri training his now-grown daughter through rigorous physical drills, urging her to join the army. The narrative takes a darker turn when she is kidnapped by a group of goons. Vetri launches a relentless rescue mission, setting the stage for a confrontation with an enigmatic antagonist played by Bobby Deol. Deols character, who appears to be orchestrating the abduction, invites Vetri to play a game, hinting at a larger, more sinister plan. What follows is a barrage of stylised action: Vetri overpowering gangs, firing guns, deflecting bullets and cutting down enemies with an axe. The trailer closes on a direct address to the audience, with Vijays character staring into the camera and declaring that he has no intention of backing down. I am coming, he says, putting a new spin on his iconic line, I am waiting. Fans celebrate the release of the trailer In Madurai Tamil Nadu, fans of actor Vijay, who also leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), celebrated the release of the trailer of his upcoming film Jana Nayagan across parts of the city, marking the occasion with enthusiastic gatherings and displays of support. More about the film Jana Nayagan which translates to Peoples Hero is described as a political action thriller and is seen by many as mirroring Vijays own transition from cinema to public life. The film also stars Pooja Hegde, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain and Priyamani in key roles, and is loosely adapted from the 2023 Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari. The project was first announced in September 2024 under the working title Thalapathy 69, marking Vijays 69th film as a lead actor. The official title was revealed in January 2025. Principal photography began in October 2024 in Chennai, followed by schedules in Payanoor and additional shoots back in Chennai, before wrapping in August 2025. With music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan and editing by Pradeep E Ragav, expectations are high for the films technical polish. APPLETON, Wis.Greg and Sara Cebulski enjoyed their years in Los Angeles, but when it came time to buy a bigger home for their family, they packed up and moved back to a place where they could actually afford one: the Midwest. The couple, who grew up outside this quaint town in Wisconsins Fox River Valley, just closed on a 2,400-square-foot split level for $360,000almost twice the size of the starter home they sold in the San Fernando Valley for more than twice that price. Its not just housing, the Cebulskis say. Utilities, gasoline and dance and piano lessons for their two children are cheaper in Appleton, too. Affordability has become a political buzzword, with Americans increasingly voicing discontent about the high cost of everything from housing to groceries to daycare. Workers in many parts of the country say they feel priced out of their communities, unable to afford a mortgage or even monthly rent payments. View Full Image Greg and Sara Cebulski and their two children in front of their old home in California before moving to Wisconsin. That imbalance helped bring a socialist mayor to power in New York City and elect a Democratic mayor in Miami for the first time in nearly 30 years. Hotly contested political races across the country are already centering on affordability as a central issue of the midterm elections. Residents in many parts of the Midwest have fewer reasons to gripe. The region has the lowest median sales price for existing homes in the country, at $319,400 in November versus $409,200 nationwide, according to the National Association of Realtors. Rents in major Midwestern cities are also lower than the national median, according to Bank of America data. The bank defines the Midwest as Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The Midwest has historically been cheaper than many other parts of the country, but the other side of the affordability equation is wages, and the Midwest seems to be winning on that score lately, too. Year-over-year wage growth has been climbing more steadily in the Midwest over the past year than it has in other regions, according to Bank of America deposit data. Those wage trends, combined with more reasonable housing costs, have allowed Midwesterners of late to spend more on discretionary items than Americans in other regions, according to Bank of America credit- and debit-card data. It is the value play of the United States," said Joe Wadford, an economist at the Bank of America Institute. It is a great place to put down roots." This stretch of Wisconsin, along the Fox River from Oshkosh to Green Bay, is a particular bright spot. In the six counties around Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah and Green Bay, just 1 homeowner in 7 spends more than 30% of their income on shelter costs, compared with 1 in 5 nationwide. About 40% of renters spend more, compared with half of renters nationwide. Manufacturing accounts for more than twice the share of jobs than it does nationwide, keeping average wages above national levels. View Full Image Source: Bank of America internal data Theres a little bit more of a scalable ladder here," Greg Cebulski, 38, said from a large sunroom overlooking a generous yard. He was able to keep his L.A. job as an editor for the Discovery Channel, which brings in about $180,000 a year. Affordability here isnt just for coastal transplants. Jason Brown, a manager at an Appleton hotel, recently bought a four-bedroom house with his partner for $305,000. Their combined income of $72,000 covers the mortgage and allows them to support one child and another on the way, he said. Between us, we make a pretty decent living," Brown said. Low-cost housing can signal economic malaise and a declining population, but thats not true in this corner of Wisconsin. The population in the area grew 3% from 2019 to 2024, versus 2% statewide. The regional economy is growing slowly but in line with the states economy, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Kimberly-Clark, maker of diapers and Kleenex, was founded in the nearby city of Neenah in 1872 and has manufacturing and research facilities in the region. Gulfstream Aerospace employs hundreds of people who customize jets. Another local manufacturer produces the Bevi flavored-water machines that are fixtures in many offices. Some people are now returning to the area after stints in more expensive regionsin some cases bringing their salaries with them and immediately improving their standard of living. View Full Image Source: Bank of America Institute Josh Griggs recently closed on a $403,000, four-bedroom home near Green Bay after concluding he could never afford one in Pensacola or Orlando, Fla., where he previously lived. It wasnt just housing prices but also the high cost of homeowners insurance and utilities, he said. His electric bill in Florida was about $300 a month, which he expects to drop in half in Wisconsin. Griggs earns about $140,000 a year as a remote worker for an insurance company, a job he kept when he moved. He grew up on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near the Wisconsin border, and has family near Green Bay. Its very affordable in this area, but the one thing I will say is its very competitive," Griggs said of the housing market. He was hoping to spend about $350,000 for a house but had to raise his limit. I put offers in on six houses before I got this," he said. That competition is pushing up prices and causing frustration among some local residentsa risk for Midwestern communities looking to strike a balance between growth and affordability. Zak Gravunder, a longtime Appleton resident, bought his modest two-bedroom home in 2019 for $138,000. After a recent divorce, the 39-year-old needs to sell the home and he is worried he will be priced out of the market. Gravunder, who earns about $65,000 a year as a sales representative for a company that sells first-aid products, said he is also frustrated by high grocery prices. View Full Image Zak Gravunder is worried he will be priced out of the market after he sells his current home. View Full Image The Fox River near downtown Appleton was partly frozen over in December. I watched the president of the United States give a speech yesterday about affordability and he was like, What are you complaining about, things are great, " Gravunder said, referring to the presidents speech on Dec. 17. I dont know how far removed you are from the situation, but its not that great out here." The price spikes have spurred local developers and officials to accelerate home construction. New subdivisions and apartment buildings are rising around Appleton. The city of Neenah recently purchased a large plot of land that it is gradually selling to a developer as new houses are built, to help the developer manage the expense of construction. In 2024 Neenah started construction on its highest number of single-family homes since 2010, said Mayor Jane Lang. Despite rising prices, the region has enabled home buying among many middle and working-class residents who might struggle to purchase real estate elsewhere. Willow Bayer, an artist who earns a living tending bar at a chic restaurant on Appletons main drag, bought her three-bedroom, one-bath home in 2022 for $169,000. View Full Image Willow Bayer in 2022 after closing on her home in Appleton, Wis. The house is small and has a cramped staircase to the upper floor, but she pays her mortgage without difficulty and usually tacks on an extra $200 payment toward the principal, she said. Now married to a welder, Bayer says the couple have considered moving somewhere else for an adventure. I dreamed about Washington, the outskirts of Seattle," she said. But then you look at the prices." Brian Bartelt, who grew up in Appleton, said his wife sometimes daydreams about warmer weather, but he sees no need to look elsewhere. His family just upgraded to a bigger home, paying $400,000 for a place with an extra bathroom, a bigger yard and about 1,000 more square feet than their starter home. The bigger garage gives them more room to store their snowblower, lawn mower and kids bikes, and the extra bathroom means I dont have to share a shower with an 8-year-old," Bartelt said. The father of two, who sells HVAC maintenance services to industrial companies, had hoped to keep the price under $350,000, but even as he bumped up his budget, it never occurred to him that he wouldnt be able to afford something, he said. If you can get past the crappy winters here," Bartelt said, its way more affordable" than other parts of the country. He and his wife, who works for the county, have a household income of about $175,000. Im 40 years old," he added. Pretty much everybody we know owns their house. I honestly cant think of anyone in my age range that rents." Write to Jeanne Whalen at Jeanne.Whalen@wsj.com and Paul Overberg at paul.overberg@wsj.com In London, Holly Davies initially thought her Trader Joes tote would go unnoticed. The podcast producer snagged the bag for $2.99 at the grocery store on a trip to Washington, D.C. Back in the U.K., where she grew up and lives, she figured it would simply be another anonymous canvas carrier. But whenever she spotted another tote in the wildon the Tube, outside a pub, swinging from someones shoulder on a crowded streetshe felt a spark of recognition. I always make an effort to smile at the person carrying it, which isnt a super common thing to do in London," Davies said. I feel a bit of a kindredness with other Trader Joes tote carriers." Here was someone else connected to America, she assumed, probably another like-minded dual citizen or expat. Then the sightings multiplied. Something else was happening. The Trader Joes tote, which sells for $2.99 in the U.S., has joined the ranks of geographically specific status bags like those from Londons Daunt Books or Pariss Shakespeare and Company. In addition to London, theyre being carried in Seoul, Melbourne, Australia, and Tokyo. Because there are no Trader Joes stores abroad, the bags are listed on resale platforms like Depop, eBay and Koreas Karrot market for up to $10,000with some eBay listings reaching $50,000. View Full Image Some eBay listings of the Trader Joes mini tote reach tens of thousands of dollars. Trader Joes bags represent a limitation: Trader Joes arent in every city and arent on every corner," Michelle Gabriel, a lecturer at the Yale School of the Environment, said. That already imparts a scarcity that, in a world of easy, accessible overconsumption, can be used in service of status." When asked about the bags global reach, Trader Joes distanced itself from the resale phenomenon. The company neither condones nor supports the reselling of [its] products" and does all [it] can to stop the practice," said Nakia Rohde, the companys public relations manager. The current canvas totes are manufactured in Vietnam and sold exclusively through Trader Joes own locations. Rohde added: We appreciate that our customers connect with our products, wherever they are in the world." The scarcity isnt limited to international markets. In the U.S., the totes sell out quickly at stores, fueling a domestic frenzy. Elin Strong, a writer based in Southern California, first spotted one on the arm of a very chic" stylist friend at a playdate. Even though she was using it to store dried mango and sanitizer wipes for her toddler, it still looked effortlessly cool," she said. She tried to snag one herself, but kept missing out. One of her friends buys the maximum number25 bagseach time theyre restocked and gives them as gifts. View Full Image Trader Joes totes sell out quickly even within the U.S. That scarcity fuels interest in the bags abroad. Davies investigated the bag for the Articles of Interest newsletter, published on Substack by the podcast of the same name in October 2025, exploring what the bag signals to its holders. One London carrier told Davies she assumes most people who use a Trader Joes tote are quite liberal and cultured," while another described the bag as very lib, almost champagne socialist-coded." Nearly everyone Davies interviewed abroad presumed Trader Joes has liberal connotationsthough shes learned this doesnt necessarily track in the U.S. itself. I think the Trader Joes tote can be viewed as far enough away from the ultra-capitalist, consumerist side of the U.S. that some people from the U.K. particularly dislike," Davies said. While Trader Joes is objectively a massive corporationthe chain operates 618 stores in the U.S.it doesnt feel like a big-box store. For Davies, hand-painted signage and packaging that looks like it was designed by a circus mouse" create an impression of independence. The logo hasnt gone through the same process of oversimplification that a lot of corporations have done, so it reads as home-grown," she said. This carefully cultivated impression, combined with the bags visual similarity to the classic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, gives it enough distance from overtly corporate American brands that international carriers can embrace it without feeling complicit, Davies said. View Full Image Elin Strong first spotted a Trader Joes tote on the arm of a very chic friend. She tried to snag one herself, but kept missing out. In Seoul, Johanna Quinn, an Australian designer, kept spotting women in their 30s and 40s on the subway carrying the red-logoed bags. Then she started seeing the bags listed on Coupang, Koreas primary e-commerce app. Quinn understood the appeal immediately: As someone who owns multiple the New Yorker totes and has never been to the U.S., I can see the appeal of sporting iconic totes that are location-specific," she said. I also proudly wear an Aldi T-shirt to support my favorite supermarket from afar." Annie Wilson, a San Francisco-based corporate retail consultant who has worked with brands such as Wayfair and Benefit Cosmetics, recently gifted her own tote to a friend in Melbourne, because she said she never sees them in Melbourne and wanted to be the first," she said. The Trader Joes tote joins a long line of American cultural exports that appeal abroadfrom Supreme to the NBA. Jay Choyce Tibbitts, a New York City-based social media strategist whose analysis of the bags went viral on TikTok, said the totes international popularity shows that, Even while America is having some shaky international relations and diplomatic conflict, the country is still being discussed on a global scale and championed for its cultural exports." Davies recently traveled to the U.S. from London with marching orders from a few friends: Ive got to bring them back a Trader Joes tote." Contrary to the fears of many economists and corporate leaders, tariffs didnt cause a surge in inflation in 2025. Instead, President Donald Trumps trade policy produced a drag on employment growth, recent research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City found. Fed researchers calculate that higher tariffs reduced average monthly payroll gains by up to 19,000, and likely raised the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage point. The good news? The negative impact should fade as 2026 progresses. While tariffs didnt take a huge toll on employment, the effects are more noticeable in the current weak labor environment. U.S. employment growth averaged just 34,600 jobs a month in 2025 from April through November, compared with nearly 170,000 a month in 2024, according to Barrons analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate climbed from 4.1% in June to 4.6% in November. Tariffs tend to increase businesses input costs, which then weigh on profit margins. Companies typically respond by trimming labor costs and attempting to boost productivity to offset higher production costs. But tariffs on imports can make domestic companies more profitable in the long run, which can lead to increased hiring. Trumps higher tariffs, first announced in early April, affected a swath of the U.S. economy. But the sectors most exposed to imports have faced a larger decline in job growth, the researchers found. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector, arguably the best-positioned to benefit from higher tariffs, has remained stagnant. The latest reading of the Institute of Supply Managements manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index ticked down in November, with a decline in new orders and weak employment weighing on activity. The extended uncertainty surrounding tariff and trade policy created a crippling degree of uncertainty for many firms, sending them to the sidelines to wait for more clarity," writes Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander. To be sure, the Kansas City Feds research focused only on the short-term effects of tariffs on employment. The researchers noted that there is still considerable uncertainty" around their estimates. But their findings track with research done in the aftermath of Trumps 2018 tariff increases. Those tariffs, which covered about 12% of total U.S. imports by the end of 2018, led to 137,000 fewer job postings, according to research from the Cato Institute. That resulted in a 0.5% decrease in total job growth for 2018. As companies gain more clarity on the impact of tariffs on operating costs, they may be more comfortable pulling the trigger on investment and hiring decisions. That is what happened in 2019, when employers added an average of 165,000 jobs a month. Payrolls grew by nearly 250,000 a month in January and February 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Additionally, if the Supreme Court rules that Trump overreached his authority to implement tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, businesses could boost hiring in the expectation of reduced levies. Based on the briefing schedule, law firm Greenberg Traurig expects the court could issue a ruling on the case as early as January or February. Stanley expects payrolls to expand this year by an average of 100,000 a month, an increase that would be sufficient to nudge down the unemployment rate. The pickup likely will be driven, in part, by a more pro-growth agenda from the Trump administration, and the absence of 2025s substantial cuts to the federal employee head count. The main driver, however, will be renewed business confidence in the face of reduced policy uncertainty, Stanley writes. That should lead to more hiring, and a firmer labor market after last years slump. Write to Megan Leonhardt at megan.leonhardt@barrons.com (Bloomberg) -- Oil steadied on the first trading day of 2026 as expectations for a supply surplus offset geopolitical risks to production in several OPEC nations. Brent crude futures settled below $61 a barrel in relatively thin trading, while West Texas Intermediate settled above $57. Middle Eastern markets, including derivatives like the regional Dubai benchmark, faltered amid heavy selling pressure on a key trading window in Asian hours, traders familiar with the matter said. Faced with a seasonal lull in consumption, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is leaning toward caution. Key OPEC members led by Saudi Arabia will convene online on Jan. 4, when they are expected to reaffirm a decision to pause supply increases during the first quarter. Prices slumped in 2025 as both OPEC and competitors ranging from the US to Guyana bolstered output while demand growth slowed. The International Energy Agency has forecast a glut of about 3.8 million barrels a day for the year. Amid those expectations, advisers shifted to 91% short in Brent Friday, up from 82%, according to data from Kplers Bridgeton Research Group. The advisers were 73% short in WTI. The surplus forecast is acting as a shock absorber against an array of potential output disruptions. One such scenario could emerge in Iran, where US President Donald Trump suggested the US is ready to aid protesters if authorities crack down on unrest, prompting a top Iranian official to threaten retaliation against US forces in the region. Tehran and other cities have seen a wave of demonstrations after the local currency collapsed to a record low. Iran was the worlds ninth-largest producer of crude oil in 2023, according to the IEA. Another risk is in Venezuela, where the Trump administration has stepped up a campaign against the countrys oil exports through a maritime blockade and by sanctioning companies in Hong Kong and mainland China, along with vessels accused of evading curbs. The moves are part of a drive to choke off oil revenue and raise the pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, Russias war on Ukraine continues despite peace efforts by Europe and the US. Moscow and Kyiv attacked each others Black Sea ports over the new year period, damaging oil infrastructure including a refinery. The conflict has impacted energy flows from Kazakhstan, another nation in the OPEC alliance. To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter in your inbox, click here. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com While the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro following US airstrikes marks a seismic geopolitical development, early reports suggest that the global oil market will largely take the move in its stride. Venezuelas oil infrastructure wasnt affected after a series of US attacks in Caracas and other states, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Key facilities such as Jose port, the Amuay refinery and oil areas in the Orinoco Belt are still operational, said the people, who declined to be named because the matter is confidential. While Venezuela was once an oil-producing powerhouse, its output has declined precipitously over the past two decades and now represents less than 1% of global supplies. Recent US pressure on Maduros regime, including the seizure of tankers carrying Venezuelan crude, forced the country to start shutting some oil wells. Meanwhile, worldwide oil supplies are expected to exceed demand by 3.8 million barrels a day in 2026, which would mark a record, according to the International Energy Agency. Crude prices have slumped in recent weeks to around $60 a barrel. One weekend retail trading product run by IG Group showed US crude prices at one point rising by close to $2 from Fridays close. I assess that Brent crude prices will rise only marginally at the open on Sunday evening, by 1-2 US dollars or even less, said Arne Lohman Rasmussen, chief analyst at A/S Global Risk Management. Even under normal conditions, a disruption of this magnitude is manageable for the market. In particular, all forecasts point to a significant oversupply in the first quarter, driven by seasonally weak demand and OPEC production increases. Venezuela is a member of OPEC, which along with allies including Russia is scheduled to meet Sunday. Their planned video conference is expected to see the group stick with a planned pause to production hikes, three delegates said earlier this week. The tanker seizures in the Caribbean in recent weeks have spooked operators of sanctioned vessels. At least seven ships have reversed course or halted at sea, according to ship movements tracked Friday by Bloomberg. That adds to four others that turned away in the immediate aftermath of US forces boarding the vessel Skipper in mid-December. Despite the volatility of the past month, US oil producer Chevron Corp. has continued to operate in the country under a sanctions waiver issued by the Trump administration. Chevron remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets, the company said in a statement on Saturday. We continue to operate in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The capture of Maduro raises speculation over the fate of the Venezuelan oil industry in the longer-term. The country is estimated to hold more oil reserves in the ground than Saudia Arabia, and over the past century it has attracted some of the biggest international operators. But two waves of nationalization left a bad taste in the mouth of the likes of Shell PLC, Exxon Mobil Corp and ConocoPhillips. Exxon and Conoco later sought compensation after their assets were seized by the late President Hugo Chavez. In addition to Chevron, Spains Repsol, Italys Eni SpA and Frances Maurel et Prom SA are also still present in Venezuela and partner in oil and gas ventures with state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela SA. Commenting in the wake of Maduros capture. President Donald Trump raised the prospect of a greater US presence in the Venezuelan oil sector. Were going to be very strongly involved in it, he told Fox News on Saturday. With assistance from Alex Longley. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Silver rate today: After climbing to a record high of $82.670 per ounce in the international market on Monday last week, the COMEX silver price finished at $71.300 per ounce, logging $11.37 per ounce or a 13.75% dip from the record high on Friday. The precious white metal skyrocketed by around 180% in 2025 due to the rising demand-supply constraint. The precious bullion rose after industrial demand increased following Samsung's announcement to transition from lithium-ion batteries to solid-state batteries. Some structural changes, such as disruptions in export supply from Peru and Chad due to escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, and China's shadow ban on silver exports from January 1, 2026, also lent support at lower levels after the profit-booking trigger. However, some experts have now suggested that investors holding long positions in silver should consider booking a profit and exiting their positions. According to market experts, the silver rate today has climbed to an alarming level, and its industrial demand may be jeopardised due to this price rally. Experts said that an industry would start looking at alternatives if its costs shoot up beyond a certain level. Photovoltaic cells and solar panels have already moved towards copper, leaving silver behind. As for the batteries, efforts are being made to switch from silver to a copper binding technique. They said that silver prices have either reached their peak at $82.670 per ounce or may rise for some time due to short covering by institutions. In that case, it may reach or approach $100 per ounce levels by February 2026. In FY27, the white metal is expected to remain under the bear's grip and may crash by up to 60% by the end of FY27, according to experts. How can industries not digest rising silver prices? Highlighting the industrial dynamics with its industrial demand, Amit Goel, Chief Global Strategist at Pace 360, said, An industry can digest a raw material until it is economically viable for the survival of its business. Otherwise, it would start looking for an alternative. Amid skyrocketing silver prices, some of the industrial demand for silver has already been jeopardised as photovoltaic cells and solar industries have successfully moved from silver to copper. For solid-state batteries, too, efforts are underway to transition from silver coil binding to copper coil binding. Some companies in Israel, Taiwan, Australia, and China are actively seeking to replace silver with copper in solid-state batteries. Tesla CEO Elon Musk's alarm last week is something that can't be ignored. I personally believe that silver prices have either topped out or may rise for some time due to the short covering by institutions, and can either touch $100 per ounce by February 2026 or end up coming close to $100 levels. Is history about to repeat? Suggesting silver investors look down the memory lane, Anuj Gupta, Director at Ya Wealth, said, "Silver price has a history of crashing heavily after a strong bull trend. We saw this happen in 1980, when the Hunt Brothers reportedly accumulated around one-third of the global silver reserves. This forced exchanges to increase margin money, which has already begun as CDX has raised margin money by 25%. This triggered short-covering due to the liquidity squeeze, and silver prices fell from around $49.50 to around $11 per ounce. The same thing happened in 2011 when silver rates fell 75% after peaking at near $48 per ounce levels." Silver rate today: White metal targets in FY27 Asked about the silver price target in FY27 after the correction, Amit Goel of Pace 360 said, "As I said earlier, a raw material can't dictate an industry; it's the industry that dictates a raw material and its price. The current rebound in silver prices, after hitting a record high of $82.670 per ounce in the international market and 2,54,174 per kg on the Indian Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX), can be attributed to short-covering positions by major institutions such as BofA and Citibank. Therefore, retail investors are advised to avoid taking any new position or holding their previous position. This relief rally may turn out short-lived and end up topping out by around $100 per ounce in February 2026," adding, By the end of FY27, COMEX silver price is expected to end around $40 per ounce if the silver prices top out near $100 levels. However, chances are high that white metal might have topped out at $82.670 level, and in that case, the precious metal may end around $35 per ounce level by the end of FY27. Commodity prices started 2026 on a firm note, building on the strong momentum seen in 2025. On the MCX, copper is hovering around the 1,2701,300 per kg range after rising about 4248% last year, while silver is consolidating between 2.352.39 lakh per kg following an extraordinary 150180% rally over the past two years. However, on the other hand, Gold has entered a consolidation phase but remains at historically elevated levels, after a prolonged multi-year uptrend, underpinned by central bank purchases and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, according to market experts. Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, believes that this commodity backdrop is now translating into improved earnings visibility for metal producers, shifting investor focus from price momentum to sales growth, margins, and quarterly results. On Friday, Gold prices edged higher in the domestic futures market supported by firm spot demand and a weaker dollar against major peers. MCX gold February contracts rose 0.69% to 1,36,742 per 10 grams. Meanwhile, silver prices outperformed, as MCX silver jumped 1.9%, or 4,600, to trade at 2,40,500 per kg. On the other hand, Copper prices on MCX remained flat after witnessing bullish rally, closed 0.28% down at 1,288.85 per kg. What drove the rally in metals? The strength in silver and copper is being driven by structural demand rather than short-term cycles. Silver continues to face multi-year supply deficits, while industrial demand from solar installations, electric vehicles, electronics, and AI-related applications is expanding at an estimated 2025% pace in key segments. Copper demand is accelerating due to electrification, renewable energy projects, EV charging infrastructure, and AI data centres, with global deficits estimated in the 120150 thousand tonne range over 202526. Gold remains supported by safe-haven demand and central-bank accumulation, helping anchor the broader metal complex even during periods of volatility. The rally in gold, silver, and copper through 2025 was more than a market surgeit was a signal of deeper economic shifts. A 79% increase in gold price and a historic 140% surge in silver reflected two major trends: countries moving away from holding dollars as reserves, and rising prices eroding the value of paper money worldwide. Copper's 40% climb signals the energy transition is no longer a buzzword but a supply-constrained reality with no viable substitutes at scale, said Rajeev Sharan, Head Criteria, Model Development & Research, Brickwork Ratings. Which metal stocks to buy in 2026? Ponmudi of Enrich Money further explained that sustained metal prices have a disproportionate impact on company earnings due to operating leverage, from financial perspective. For pure or near-pure metal producers, a sustained 10% increase in silver or copper prices typically translates into a 68% rise in revenues, a 1015% increase in EBITDA, and a 1525% uplift in net profit, assuming volumes remain stable. This explains why metal stocks often outperform the underlying commodity once quarterly results begin to reflect higher realizations and margin expansion, Ponmudi said. Ponmudi further recommends investors to buy or keep a track on these following metal stocks - Hindustan Copper, Hindustan Zinc, Hindalco Industries and Vedanta. Hindustan Copper Hindustan Copper remains one of the clearest beneficiaries of the copper upcycle due to its pure-play exposure. Trailing twelve-month revenues are close to 2,800 crore, reflecting mid-teens growth, while profits have expanded by over 40% as operating margins improved into the high-30% range. If copper prices sustain above 1,200 per kg through FY26 and production volumes remain steady, revenues for FY26 could grow in the 2025% range, while profit growth could remain in the 3545% zone. For the December 2025 quarter, revenues are expected to be meaningfully higher on a year-on-year basis, with margins remaining elevated. Markets are likely to react positively to confirmation of margin sustainability rather than absolute topline numbers, although some consolidation after the sharp stock rally would be normal. Hindustan Zinc Hindustan Zinc is increasingly reflecting the strength in silver prices, with silver now contributing a significant portion of profitability. The stocks rally over the past year mirrors improving earnings visibility as older hedges roll off. Assuming silver prices remain near current levels, FY26 revenues could grow in the low-to-mid-teens, while EBITDA and profit growth could track closer to 2030% due to higher realizations. The December quarter is expected to capture part of the late-2025 silver surge, supporting sequential improvement in margins. Any earnings beat versus expectations could reinforce positive sentiment, while short-term volatility in silver prices may lead to brief pullbacks rather than trend reversals. Hindalco Industries Hindalco Industries offers a more balanced exposure to the metal cycle through aluminium and copper. With aluminium prices expected to remain broadly in the $2,3002,600 per tonne range and copper prices staying firm, consolidated revenues in FY26 could grow in the 1015% range, while profit growth is likely to be steadier at around 1520%. India operations are expected to remain strong in the December quarter, while global operations may introduce some variability. Market reaction to quarterly results is likely to be moderate, with the stock acting as a relatively lower-volatility participant in the metal upcycle. Vedanta Vedanta provides diversified exposure across zinc, aluminium, copper, and silver, resulting in higher earnings leverage but also higher volatility. With multiple commodities moving in tandem, FY26 EBITDA could remain near record levels, with profit growth potentially in the 2030% range, supported by volumes and realizations. The December quarter is expected to show healthy year-on-year growth, and market reaction will depend largely on cash-flow strength, dividend visibility, and segment-level performance rather than headline revenue alone. Metal stocks outlook in 2026 According to Ponmudi, the overall outlook for metal stocks in 2026 remains constructive from an earnings and sales growth perspective. Across pure-play silver and copper names, profit growth of 2040% remains achievable if current price levels sustain, while diversified players are likely to deliver mid-teens earnings growth. Quarterly results, particularly Q3 FY26, will act as key validation points for the rally, shifting markets decisively into a results-led phase. While corrections are inevitable in a cyclical sector, companies with direct exposure to silver and copper, strong operating leverage, and consistent cash-flow generation are likely to remain in focus as long as structural demand drivers stay intact, he added. (Bloomberg) -- Cathie Woods ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF delivered a standout 29% return in 2025, defying an industry downturn by stretching the definition of financial technology. The inclusion of stocks such as artificial intelligence firm Palantir Technologies Inc., up 135% last year, and TV streaming platform Roku Inc., up 46%, helped buttress ARKF, while fintechs core payment stocks lagged, Bitcoin ended the year down 7% and crypto exchange Coinbase Global Inc. fell 9%. It is a lot of different plays here and were balancing the portfolio, pulling on levers here against those technologies to each other, said Dan White, associate portfolio manager at ARK Investment Management. With Roku and Palantir, while they dont look like traditional flavors of fintech, they certainly have an important role in the ecosystem. The success of ARK Investment Managements fintech fund has meant becoming less of a pure-play bet on the industry to follow whichever parts of the market have been working. In a year when payments stocks dragged and crypto prices slid, the firm looked more toward technology companies whose fortunes were tied to AI. Funds that stretched their mandates to adapt to that trend outperformed, while those more tightly tied to payments and crypto struggled to keep pace. The Global X FinTech ETF and Siren NexGen Economy ETF fell by single digits in 2025. Meanwhile, the Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments ETF, VanEck Digital Transformation ETF and iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF all managed double-digit gains. Anticipation for booms across fintech and crypto was high after Donald Trump returned to the White House last January, establishing a more innovation-friendly administration. However, many of the biggest names in digital payments failed to perform for investors in 2025, and a cryptocurrency rout in October spurred a broader downturn. Crypto in general front-ran the narrative, said Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. He pointed to Bitcoins 123% gain in 2024. You just cant pull that off every year. Crypto-related companies that capitalized on the AI boom fared better. Crypto miners Hut 8 Corp. and Riot Platforms Inc. were up 124% and 24%, respectively, as some miners looked to repurpose the hardware they have on hand to cash in on the AI hype. The Fidelity, VanEck and iShares crypto ETFs all included miners. On the digital payments side, Fiserv Inc. was down 67% for the year, following an October crash, while payments giants PayPal Holdings Inc., Block Inc. and Global Payments Inc. each lost roughly a quarter to a third of their value. Adyen NV and Toast Inc. were down by single digits. The divergence between the payments cohort and AI-linked stocks highlights a broader shift in markets, as investors showed little patience for crowded, lower-margin corners of fintech last year. In fintech, you see hyper-competition, said Ram Ahluwalia, founder and chief executive officer of investment adviser Lumida. Everyones trying to be everything to everyone, and that competition is the enemy of profit and returns. He added that he doesnt expect the industry to perform better in 2026. ARKF included holdings in PayPal, Adyen and Toast, but it also had a couple of fintech winners among its top 10 performers: Robinhood Markets Inc. and Shopify Inc., up 204% and 51% last year, respectively. ARKs White said the fund manager added to its investments in those companies after some profit-taking following Circle Internet Group Inc.s June initial public offering. The stablecoin issuer ended the year up 156%, but down roughly 70% from its post-listing peak that same month. Wood, a high-profile Wall Street manager famed for her bold bets on disruptive technologies, rose to prominence during the height of the pandemic with calls on stocks such as Tesla Inc., drawing in waves of retail investors and pushing ARKs assets to more than $60 billion at their peak. Despite ARKFs double-digit gains last year, Wood may be struggling to convert her long-term vision into sustained investor demand. Aside from a brief influx of more than $600 million around September, ARKF flows were largely flat last year. Sharp swings in the investors flagship ARK Innovation ETF over the years have left many retail investors selective about when, or whether, to recommit to the firms funds. --With assistance from Isabelle Lee. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com * TSX ends up 0.5% at 31,883.37 * Energy adds 1.8% * Shares of Denison Mines jump 13.7% * Technology loses 1% By Avinash P and Fergal Smith Jan 2 - Canada's main stock index began 2026 on a positive note on Friday despite downbeat domestic manufacturing data, as shares of uranium producers climbed. The S&P/TSX Composite Index ended up 170.61 points, or 0.5%, at 31,883.37, rebounding after declines in the previous four sessions. For the week, the TSX was down 0.4%. It posted a 2025 gain of 28.25%, its biggest annual advance in 16 years, as surging gold prices, lower borrowing costs and optimism around technology companies offset headwinds for the domestic economy. The Canadian manufacturing sector contracted for an 11th consecutive month in December, as trade uncertainty contributed to a steeper decline in output and new orders. "As we think about global market drivers, AI will remain a dominant theme, but we see solid reasons why markets are going to broaden both within tech and beyond tech," said Angelo Kourkafas, senior global investment strategist at Edward Jones. Technology was one of just two major sectors to end lower, falling 1%. The advancing sectors were led by energy, which rose 1.8% even as the price of oil settled 0.2% lower at $57.32 a barrel. Shares of Denison Mines jumped 13.7% after the uranium miner said it was ready to launch its flagship Phoenix ISR project. Energy Fuels shares were up 15.4%. Industrials added 0.7%, heavily weighted financials were up 0.6%, while the materials group , which includes metal-mining shares, ended 0.2% higher as gold prices rose. Hundreds of miners began a strike on Friday at Capstone Copper's Mantoverde copper and gold mine in northern Chile after talks between the main union and the company on new labor contracts broke down. Shares of Capstone were down 1.5%. Innovation, structural upgrading expected to drive China's 2026 growth, says African media analyst Xinhua) 14:08, January 03, 2026 ABIDJAN, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's economic outlook in 2026 is expected to be largely promoted by two drivers: innovation and structural upgrading, according to an African media analyst. Wendmy Osee Ouangraoua, vice president of the Consortium of African Professional Journalists for Strengthening Sino-African Cooperation, recently told Xinhua that the two elements will influence not only the pace of China's economic growth but also its position in the global economy. Citing the recommendations adopted for formulating China's 15th Five-Year Plan, Ouangraoua underlined new quality productive forces and high-quality development as two particularly prominent concepts. "China will rely on these concepts to develop its economy," he said, adding that they reflect the direction of China's ongoing economic transformation and provide insight into how the country aims to sustain growth amid increasing global uncertainty. According to Ouangraoua, China has accelerated self-reliance in science and technology, as advances in artificial intelligence, new energy, biotechnology, and other advanced fields are reshaping industrial production. Ouangraoua noted electric vehicles and solar energy as concrete examples, both demonstrating China's growing capacity for technological innovation rather than simple manufacturing. By developing advanced technologies that remain relatively affordable, China can make them accessible to the Global South, enabling these countries to accelerate their own development, he added. He further noted that China has activated multiple mechanisms for technology and skills transfer to support developing countries, with the Luban Workshop being one notable example. Meanwhile, China is expanding technological and digital cooperation with Africa, including support for digital and e-government infrastructure, which Ouangraoua said reflects a deeper shift toward capacity building and the transfer of industrial know-how. According to Ouangraoua, amid both domestic and external challenges, China's dual circulation strategy takes on greater significance. By stimulating domestic demand while continuing to engage international markets, China seeks to maintain a balance between internal economic stability and external demand, the analyst observed. Ouangraoua added that he believes China will be well-positioned in 2026 through a combination of structural reforms and policy measures, as a major global economic player and a driving force of the Global South. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are in U.S. custody and aboard the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious warship en route to New York to face prosecution. "They're on a ship," Trump told Fox News in a phone interview. "They'll be heading into New York." Trump said the two were taken by helicopter following a U.S. military raid and transferred to the warship, which is operating in the Caribbean. Trump said he watched the complex capture of Maduro in real-time from a room in his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, alongside military generals. "I watched it literally like I was watching a television show," Trump said. He added that he believed no U.S. personnel were killed during the operation, though some were injured, and a helicopter was hit. "I think we had nobody killed," he told Fox News, adding that all aircraft returned safely. Asked about Washington's next steps in Venezuela, Trump said his administration was "making that decision now" and would be "very much involved." According to CNN, citing multiple sources familiar with the operation, U.S. forces launched a nighttime raid in Venezuela, catching Maduro and his wife while they were asleep. One source said the couple was "dragged from their bedroom" during the operation. The Associated Press reported that the arrest took place at a residence inside a military compound. The U.S. Army's Delta Force, an elite special forces responsible for killing former Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, carried out the operation to capture Maduro, multiple U.S. media outlets reported. A CNN report, citing sources, said that the Trump administration began preparing in mid-December for the secretive operation to strike Venezuela and capture Maduro. Trump told Fox News that he had spoken directly with Maduro about a week earlier and had offered the Venezuelan leader an opportunity to step down peacefully. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said earlier that Maduro will "soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts" after he was captured and flown out of the oil-rich South American nation. "Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States," Bondi wrote on social media platform X. For months, the United States has maintained a significant military presence in the Caribbean, much of it off Venezuela's coast, purportedly to combat drug trafficking -- a claim Venezuela has denounced as an attempt to bring about regime change in Caracas. Russia-Ukraine peace deal: Following the meeting between American and Ukrainian representatives in Miami on November 30, 2025, EU countries are feeling uneasy. According to reports published by the Indian Express and The Economic Times, European countries are in fear that US President Donald Trump is not addressing the EU's interests while pursuing the peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. These reports further claim that EU countries are mulling the exercise of financial leverage against the US if US President Donald Trump continues to ignore the EU countries' interests in the Russia-Ukraine peace deal. According to market experts, the anger of EU countries towards US President Donald Trump is justified if he moves unilaterally on the Russia-Ukraine peace deal, leaving the interests of EU countries at bay. However, they maintained that Donald Trump can't ignore the interests of EU countries, as EU countries may use financial leverage against Trump. Donald Trump used financial leverage while imposing tariffs on the US trade partners. Now, it's the EU countries' turn. They are holding around $2.34 trillion of US Treasuries, which they might start selling in a co-ordinated manner. This will put a massive shock on the US economy, which is already facing the challenge of a financial crisis. Experts believe that EU countries' US bond holdings will be more significant than those during the 2008 financial crisis, which was triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers. What does the financial leverage of EU countries mean for the US? Speaking on the impact of EU countries' financial leverage on the US, Anuj Gupta, Director at Ya Wealth, said, EU countries together hold around 2.34 trillion US Treasuries. If they sell those US bonds in a co-ordinated manner, then demand for US Treasuries will increase, and US Treasury yields will rise, leading to more pressure on the US Dollar and the US debt. This may also trigger US bond selling in other parts of the world, potentially leading to a more severe financial crisis than the 2008 financial slowdown caused by the Lehman Brothers fiasco. So, Trump has no option but to address EU countries' concerns while clinching a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war. On the counter tariff that EU countries also have, Sandeep Pandey, Co-founder of Basav Capital, said, "There are two types of players in this Russia-Ukraine peace deal de jure and de facto. Russia and Ukraine are at loggerheads, and hence they are de jure players in these peace talks. EU can also be taken as a de jure player in this deal, as Ukraine losing some of its land to Russia would mean a direct threat to some EU countries. However, the US is a de facto player as it is part of NATO, and the majority of the EU countries are also NATO members. The financial leverage is highly aggressive. The US administration can't even face the EU countries' counter-tariff shock as they are already facing the debt payment challenge due to the rise in the US Treasuries yield from 2 to 2.50% to over 5%." "It is more of a bargaining tactic that Donald Trump is following. He is trying to keep the number of stakeholders limited at the initial level of the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. He may sit with the NATO members once a consensus is reached between the Russian and Ukrainian representatives. As the process is looking long-lasting, which the EU countries are well aware of, both de jure and de facto players are cleverly playing their cards," said Sandeep Pandey. Details of US Treasures held by EU countries According to an Indian Express report, the leverage European nations hold is substantial. As of December 2024, the United Kingdom has an estimated $722.7 billion in US debt, while European Union member states collectively hold about $1.62 trillion. Together, the EU and UK control roughly $2.34 trillion in US Treasuries, making the bloc one of the largest foreign holders of American debt. Key Takeaways The EU holds substantial financial leverage over the US, with $2.34 trillion in US Treasuries. Trump's approach to the peace deal may alienate EU countries, risking economic backlash. The situation highlights the interconnectedness of international relations and global economics. If you are a parent wondering about how to reduce your childs screen time in the new year, you are not alone. Two judges of the Madurai bench of the Madras high court recently urged the Union government to consider imposing a law to restrict children from accessing the internet. Their idea is inspired by a recent legislation in Australia, which banned social media for under-16s. Studies around the world show that children are exposed to inappropriate content online everyday, face cyberbullying, and are vulnerable to scammers and other abusers, which lead to mental health breakdowns, low self-esteem, body dysphoria and, in extreme cases, suicide ideation. In recent times, artificial intelligence agents have also abetted such harmful behaviours. Responding to a public interest litigation filed in 2018, the court suggested better awareness be created among parents and children about the dangers that lurk online. Countries around the world are observing Australias move. Whether similar restrictive laws come through elsewhere or not, bans are not a foolproof solution. If prohibitions had the power to solve problems, the world be free of drugs, crime, hate, and violence. Ironically, it would have also become more despotic, with no space for dissent. Also Read | Can parents get behind the Aussie ban on social media for kids? Although all social media platforms have a minimum legal age requirement to register an account, users circumvent the rule easily due to lack of stringent age verification tools. With a ban in place, such practices are only going to get ubiquitous, as Unicef recently warned. There is now talk of making social media access stricter by mandating users to sign-in with government IDs and biometric details. While such a rule may prevent underage users from getting on these platforms, it is also going to cut out others who dont have the required IDs or refuse to share personal details with Big Tech. As scholar Shoshana Zuboff shows in her 2018 book, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, social media users concede massive amounts of data to tech giants, which mine the information to train the algorithms that run these behemoths. More layers of verification may deepen the surveillance economy, making users like journalists, activists and whistleblowers more vulnerable to state overreach. Such a policy also makes it easy to start collecting data from early on, when the users are still in school. While countries like Germany, France, the Netherlands and South Korea debate issues of parental consent and limiting the use of cellphones in classrooms, the fact remains that the under-16sor Gen Alphaare born into a world where they are exposed to the internet from infancy. With parents and adults documenting every milestone of their lives on social media, the young are growing up intimately aware of handheld devices. When a baby throws a tantrum, parents default to using a screen as a pacifier. On public transport, young people see adults lost in their phones, scrolling through noisy reels. A family outing at a restaurant often ends up with each person absorbed in their phone. Instead of getting out and playing in parks, which are anyway rare in Indian cities, children get hooked to video games behind locked doors. Eventually, when Gen Alpha joins the workforce, many of their colleagues will be robots and the tools of their trade fully tech-enabled, as a recent study published by International Workplace Group found. Keeping young people away from the internet isnt going to help them to make a life for themselves. Instead, it would be more useful to train them to become ethical and responsible citizens of their inevitable digital future. Also Read | How climate change is making the world extremely unsafe for our children When Vishal Kamat, the executive director of Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd (KHIL), was growing up, he didnt really consider any vocation or business. He was always clear that he would join the familys storied hospitality enterpriseone that traces its history in some form or the other to over a century, is synonymous with highway road journeys, reliability and consistency, idlis and filter coffee. The recognisability of the restaurant brand across western and southern India is such that Kamat" is ubiquitous with south Indian fast food and a certain standard of hygiene and affordability. Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd also operates 22 hotels in the four- and five-star categories, owning two of the properties and leasing 11 others, with a total inventory of about 2,500 rooms. The Orchid Hotels, their flagship brand, is present in 19 cities, with the highest number of properties in Mumbai and Pune, including IRA by Orchid, Toyam by Orchid and Fort JadhavGadh (near Pune). The company has a layered history connected to the family, going back a few generations but significantly from the time of Vishals grandfather Venkatesh. He was prolific in the restaurant business, with Satkar, the vegetarian restaurant opposite Mumbais Churchgate station started in 1957-58, followed by Samrat, Status in Nariman Point, known for its Gujarati thalis, Santoor and many other S" brands. Venkateshs son and Vishals father, Vithal, who pioneered the hotel business after taking over from his father in the early 1970s, wrote a book Idli, Orchid and Will Power (2018) about his journey from the concept of a single, family-style restaurant to a hotel chain. KHIL, incorporated in 1986, went public eight years later before Orchid started in 1997 at a location near the Mumbai domestic airport or Terminal One as it is referred to nowadays. I still do not have even one-tenth the experience of my father," says Vishal, referring often to the role played by Vithal in growing the business. Its my father who in the 1980s started branding Kamats, the way Kamats are stylised and recognised today." One of those additions was the discotheque Go Bananas in Mumbai, which was a rage at the time when discos as a concept were a rage. On the administrative floor of a building right next to the Orchid in Santacruz, Vishal is seated in a small, windowless meeting room that feels soundproof, except for the rhythmic hum of the air-conditioner. The mug of green tea he walks in with remains untouched through the course of the chat because he is an enthusiastic storyteller. Vishal may have narrated this many times before, but that does not dampen the 43-year-olds enthusiasm when he recounts the tale of his grandfather, Venkatesh, who arrived in Mumbai from Bhatkal in Karnataka to wash dishes in a restaurant. The restaurants owner, impressed by the young mans entrepreneurial spirit, offered him his daughters hand in marriage along with the opportunity to take over his business. However, Vishals grandfather decided to open his own restaurant first, before accepting the marriage proposal, and set off a saga of growth and innovation that led roughly a century later to KHIL. Vishal says Venkatesh had an industrious drive. That man worked till his last dying day," he says. Venkatesh would wear a white shirt, dhoti and leave for work, arriving at the same time everyday, sitting at his table till the end of day and leaving precisely on time as well. He was a strict disciplinarian, Vishal remembers, particular about everything, which was the basis of their success. That is, to take any process, dumb it down and make it hyper consistent. Ours may not have been the best idli in town, but it is the most consistent." Vishal, who grew up in south Mumbai where most of their early businesses were, studied for a few years in Cathedral and John Connon, followed by HR College and then the Institute of Hotel Management in Dadar, simultaneously getting a science degree through distance learning. Hospitality is a science," he says, and also an art because its not a process. You cannot process your hospitality. You have to have that element of reading people, your own employees, your customer and be able to tweak it. Based on that, they (customers) will say if its bad service (or good), the last time was better, etc. So its a lot of variables in that." He started as a management trainee in 2003-04 in their own company, learning the ropes, under the watchful eyes of (one of the directors) Param Kannampilly, who went on to start The Fern brand of hotels. One of the other challenges with family-owned businesses," says Vishal, at least when I passed out (from catering college) in 2003, is that it would be difficult for me to get an opportunity in another place (due to familial connections/name)." The experience as a trainee taught him, as the next generation owner of the establishment working his way up the ranks, when he needed to fit in and when he could not, inculcating in him the sensibility of how to win people over. He dismisses the debate around nepotismpossibly more highlighted in the high-profile movie business than othersas baseless. I think it is absolutely rubbish," he says. The reason being, and as a beneficiary I can say this, who else do you do it for? In life, you are earning for your family. Every parent does that. Every human being, man or woman, couple or single, is doing it for themselves and their family. Youre not going to do it for your neighbour, are you?" But, he clarifies, taking the example of popular mythology, what is not right is that children take for granted what their parents do for them. It should not be the blind Dhrithrashtra-style of nepotism but more the Bharat-style, which is based on ability also. You may have faith that this boy or girl will do something, but if that child doesnt have the internal desire, then you should consider not pushing them." By the time Vishal graduated from his role as a trainee, he was already entering a successful business. His father Vithal has since stepped back and as the executive chairman and managing director of KHIL, he is no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the empire. Thats why we have professionals, who have already imbibed our ethos," says Vishal. Many of them do a better job than me in that particular role." Around the mid-1990s, the family business, which at one time may have had over 100 restaurants, got divided among various uncles and cousins. Vishals brother Vikram too has gone his separate way, founding Kamats India, which has the VITS brand of hotels, while Vishal and his sister Vidita stayed on with KHIL. Id rather have fewer hotels," Vishal says, but with each hotel performing at a certain top level in terms of guest satisfaction, in its output, rather than just open many (properties) and then struggle with it. Growth for sake of growth is not the idea." He takes great pride in mentioning the importance of sustainability in his hotels ethos, talking about the several domestic and international awards they have won, including Green Globe Awards in 1998, 2000. He believes they were among the first to encourage guests to reuse towels, not change bedsheets daily, moderate the flow in taps before it became an industry practice to save water. Having spent 20-odd years in the industry, Vishal has a birds-eye view of traveller trends, a phenomenon thats evolved rapidly since the pandemic. Travel trends would change once every few years earlier, but now they transform within a year, he says. He takes the example of senior citizens, who travel more now than they did before. People are more willing to seek and spend on premium products because of loftier aspirations, he adds. For a hotel business, that means greater expectations from guests. With a current market cap of about 702 crore, KHILs year-on-year revenue growth went from negative figures in FY20 and 2021 to 10.2 crore and 10.8 crore in the subsequent post-lockdown years. Their profits went from approximately 25 crore in 2020 to 312 crore in 2023. We had our value really down before covid," Vishal says, now its come up. My focus is more on my business than on the top price per se. It goes up, it goes down, it does what it does." KHIL has opened properties in Rishikesh and Dehradun in Uttarakhand and Bhavnagar in Gujarat in March. Their intention is to get to the figure of 30 hotels soon. On days when he is not working, Vishal likes to laze but he is not lazy, he says, trying to explain the contradiction. His home in Mumbai throbs with three dogs and a parrot, besides wife Aditi, who has her own restaurant Home Chef (her father Rahul Limaye founded the Gypsy restaurant, a Mumbai landmark in Dadar). So even on the rare occasion when he is sitting idle, he wants to be occupied. This does not include cooking, clarifies the catering college graduate. He smiles when he says, I avoid cooking. Yeah." By his own admission, Vishal used to be a good cook while he was studying, replicating what he learnt in college at home. The demand for his cooking, naturally, rose from the extended family till he realised that he did not enjoy it anymore because he was having to do a lot of it. So he one day made batata bhaji, a potato dish, so badly that he was not asked to cook again. From that time on, I did not cook, though I do enjoy cooking," he says, presenting another contradiction. Recently, in Lonavala, I grilled some deadly chicken, which everybody loved. But when you cook yourself, you dont tend to eat," he says, grinning. I felt full just looking at it." Also Read | Neeraj Kanwar of Apollo Tyres: Always in motion Heading to a mentors funeral in Greece in August 2001, Tim Berners-Lee found himself and a colleague flying right over the Parthenon, the two of us peering out of the window to the Agora steps where Socrates conducted his dialogues. Berners-Lee, the founder of the world wide web, and his fellow traveller Jean-Francois Abramatic, then chairman of the not-for-profit consortium that in effect managed the world wide web in the late 1990s, turned philosophical. Berners-Lee wondered if we might face another dark age or if the world had reached a point where civilisation and liberal democracy are locked in? Abramatic confidently said that liberal democracy was so strong and growing in concert with technology that the benefits were here to stay. Less than a fortnight later, in the middle of a meeting on the world wide web, the two turned on the news to learn of the 9/11 attacks. Reading Berners-Lees engaging memoir, This is for Everyone, one is reminded that the optimism about the web (and likely some of the current hype about Artificial Intelligence) has been overdone. Berners-Lee, who is the rare individual who put brotherhood before billions in what now seems like a dystopian world dominated by the tech bros, has written a memoir alive to the dangers of extreme polarisation on social media but remains a tech optimist at heart. How could it be otherwise? Berners-Lee generously gave the world the protocols of HTTP, HTML and URL for free in the 1990s and early on had to fend off efforts to monetise this terrain. He remains a believer in a kind of Athenian democracy for the web, but circa 2025, this vision seems naive. Also Read | Will AI browsers really change the way we navigate the internet? In the past months, headlines or pronouncements involving US-based tech brosespecially of the more than occasionally anti-immigrant rhetoric from the coterie that includes Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and military intelligence company Palantirs founder Alex Karphave rained on us like a relentless monsoon. A recent column in The New York Times observes that emboldened by the Make America Great Again movement and what the economist Paul Krugman on December 9 denounced as the digital narco state run by the Trump administration, their nutty ideas are now borderline plausible. And terrifying. There are two or even three books in This is for Everyone: a historical narrative of the idealism and innovation that made the world wide web via a Switzerland-based research organisation a reality, a look ahead to how we could all own and manage our data, now and in the future, and a charming memoir of how Berners-Lees celebrity as the founder of the web put him in unusual positions such as being one of the principal participants in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. This Janus-like 20/20 hindsight and foresight is enlivened by details such as the declaration on 30 April 1993 by the European Council for Nuclear Research, better known by its French acronym as CERN, where Berners-Lee first wrote the proposal for the world wide web, after making public the source code and web server software he created: CERN relinquishes all intellectual property rights to this codeand permission is given to anyone to use, duplicate, modify and distribute it. This otherworldly generosity contrasts so radically with the tech world today that one cannot help but be overawed. It also explains the exponential growth to some 5.5 billion users of the web today. There are other examples of selflessness by Berners-Lee and his colleagues dotted through the book. The most dramatic one concerns Daniel Lewin, a brilliant graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He devised the crucial algorithm for distributing content requests among thousands and now millions of web servers after hearing Berners-Lees description of the problem at MIT, where he moved after leaving CERN. Without consistent hashing, I dont know how back-end infrastructure could have kept up with user demand for front-end content. Hashing solved this issue by reducing the load on any one computer. Lewin went on to co-found Akamai Technologies, one of the leading content distribution network companies in the world. Tragically, he died on one of the American Airlines flights that went down on 11 September 2001, when he reportedly tried to stop Mohammed Atta, the mastermind behind the attacks, from taking control of the plane. On a happier note, Berners-Lee describes the joy of being a web user in 1992 and chancing upon an archive of sheet music from the Italian Renaissance. But for its antiquity perhaps, it mirrors the experience many of us have on the internet when we discover a treasure trove for research and reading just by a few seemingly random clicks of a mouse. I felt as if I were sitting in the Vatican archives, paging through this antique document myself, he writes. View full Image This is for Everyone: By Tim Berners-Lee, Pan Macmillan, 384 pages, 899. More ominously, Berners-Lee recognised in the early 2000s itself that the web was not merely a rival to print, television and radioit was going to decimate and supersede those media. This was perhaps clearer to me than it was to executives within the media industry. While being interviewed by the BBCs Alan Yentob, he asked Yentob whether the BBC had an action plan on how to respond. Taken aback, Yentob said he would check. Berners-Lee has long been aware of the ability of the internet to distract as it seizes hold of our attention and also its capacity to polarise opinions. After 2016 (a watershed year because of Donald Trumps unexpected win in the US presidential election and the alarming Brexit vote in the UK), he added the word compassion to his discussion of how creativity and collaboration had been pillars of the webs rise and rise. The algorithms that organised and presented content on (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) prioritised engagement over enjoyment, collaboration or mental health, and soon the fun was gone, replaced by the signature act of doomscrolling through endless streams of invective, propagandaand envy-inducing lifestyle bait that preyed on the users fear of missing out, he writes. The social media giants began to harvest users attention on an industrial scale. Nevertheless, it has taken till December 2025 for the first social media ban (in Australia) on usage by those under 16 and more vulnerable to a loss in self-esteem to be put into effect. Inevitably, this prompted a toxic blast from X owner Musk, just months after he used his platform to act as a megaphone for anti-immigrant hatred in the UK. It is in countering these malignant mutinous millions of genies that have escaped their bottles that Berners-Lees book seems alternately naive or overoptimistic. He supports the European Unions data protection and privacy laws and has gone further by creating a social enterprise that seeks to enable users of the web to create pods that host all their data rather than allowing the tech giants to control and manipulate it. A regional government in the Netherlands has made such pods possible for six million citizens. Berners-Lees other example of empowering us as userslinking health data with our financial dataleft me baffled as to how I would gain new insights, let alone exercise my data sovereignty. He is also nowhere near as articulate as Nicholas Carr was in his decade-old book, The Shallows, in explaining the damage the attention economy does to our brains and our ability to concentrate on tasks as straightforward as reading a book from beginning to end. He is neither as philosophical nor as profound as Blaise Aguera y Arcas in What is Intelligence, a recent tour de force on Artificial Intelligence. Berners-Lee may be a modern-day saint, but his idealism clouds his ability to offer solutions for the political and social dystopia that seems to be our collective future. In the past six years, Indians lost over 52,976 crore to various cyber frauds and cheating cases, fresh data compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and reported by Indian Express has revealed. The report reveals rise in financial crimes including investment traps, digital arrest, online scams, banking frauds, and cyber phishing, across the country. The I4C is a division of the Union Home Ministry to provide a framework and eco-system for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) The Indian Express report cites the data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, which shows that around 19,812.96 crore were lost and 21,77,524 cheating-related fraud complaints were received in 2025 last year. Out of 19,812 crore loss in 2025, about 77 per cent was lost in the name of investment schemes, 8 per cent lost through digital arrest, 7 per cent via credit card fraud, 4 per cent in sextortion, 3 per cent in e-commerce fraud and 1 per cent to app/malware based fraud, the data cited in the report reveals. In 2024, about 22,849.49 crore was lost and 19,188,52 complaints received while about 7,463.2 crore was lost and 13,103,61 complaints received in 2023, the report said. Similarly, about 2,290.23 crore was lost and 69,44,46 complaints received in 2022 while 551.65 crore lost and 2,62,846 complaints received in 2021. About s 8.56 crore was lost and 12,77,46 complaints were received in 2020, according to the report quoting unnamed officials. Maharashtra tops the states Among states, Maharashtra recorded the highest monetary losses in cheating-related offences across the country in 2025 with 3,203 crore lost and 28,33,20 complaints recorded. Maharashtra is followed closely by Karnataka at 2,413 crore lost and 21,32,28 complaints. Tamil Nadu saw a loss of 1,897 crore and 12,32,90 complaints while Uttar Pradesh reported a loss of 1,443 crore and 27,52,64 complaints last year, according to the report. Telangana saw 1,372 crore lost and 95,000 complaints, in cheating and fraud-related offences, the report said. These five states alone account for more than half of the total money lost to cyber frauds across the country in 2025. In 2025 alone, 77% of the 19,812 crore lost was due to fraudulent investment schemes. Among other states, 16.74 crore was lost while around 1,807 complaints of fraud cases were received from Manipur in 2025. Also Read | How a string of hacks embarrassed cyber powerhouse Israel Delhis air quality improved to poor category on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 222 registered around 7:00 AM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The air quality data reported improvement since New Year as strong winds and favourable meteorological conditions brought relief from alarming pollution levels. Several monitoring stations across the capital city reported poor AQI with only Jahangirpuri recording very poor air quality at 302. As many as 11 out of 37 monitoring stations in Delhi registered moderate air quality on 3 January. Mandir Marg reported the best AQI reading of 126 on Saturday morning. Following a notable improvement in air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday revoked GRAP Stage-3 curbs in the Delhi-NCR region. However, all pollution curb measures under Stages I and II of GRAP would remain in force. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggested that the AQI reading will hover in poor or very poor range in the coming days. The AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement owing to strong winds and favourable meteorological conditions and has been recorded 236 on 02.01.2026. Further, the forecast by IMD/ IITM predicts the AQI to remain in poor to very poor category in coming days," the CAQM press release said. The Decision Support System (DSS) date indicated that vehicular emissions were the primary reason for Delhis pollution, leading with 11.11 per cent pollution load. It was followed by peripheral industries at 8.4 per cent, residential sources at 2.8 per cent, construction at 1.4 per cent and waste burning at one per cent. Also Read | Sirsa says on-ground operations to continue despite lifting of GRAP 3 curbs Delhi weather today The weather agency issued a yellow alert, predicting dense fog conditions on 3 and 4 January. Despite the fog warning, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) airport reported 1800 metre visibility at 5:30 AM and no disruption to flight operations was reported today. IMD forecasted cold wave conditions for the capital city and predicted that similar weather conditions will prevail over the next three days due to the influence of Western Disturbance. A cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature drops 4.5 to 6.5 degrees Celsius below the normal average temperature, as per IMD. Also Read | Air quality regulator softens clean fuel stance for delivery and cab fleets The Delhi legislative assembly will hold a winter session between January 5 (Monday) and January 8. According to the Delhi legislative assembly Secretariat, the fourth session of the eighth legislative assembly will begin at 11 am. Subsequent sittings will start at 2 pm. What to expect? The winter session of the Delhi Assembly will formally commence on January 5 with the address of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, at 11 am, following which the regular sitting of the House will begin. Also Read | Delhi AQI improves to poor; national capital wakes up to cold wave conditions The Winter Session is scheduled to run until January 8, with sittings on the opening day starting in the morning and subsequent sittings beginning at 2 pm. According to news agency ANI, the issues of development delivery, administrative efficiency and financial discipline are likely to dominate proceedings. With limited time and heightened expectations, the Winter Session is poised to be a concentrated exercise in legislative scrutiny rather than an extended debate, the report added. Also Read | Sirsa says on-ground operations to continue despite lifting of GRAP 3 curbs Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, has underlined the importance of constructive engagement during the Winter Session, noting that legislative scrutiny and meaningful debate are central to strengthening democratic governance. Emphasising discipline, preparedness and adherence to procedure, the Speaker expressed hope that the House would use the sittings effectively to raise issues of public importance, seek clarity from the government and contribute to informed decision-making in the interest of the people of Delhi. Special Mentions under Rule 280 are also likely to play an important role during the session. With strict limits on both number and length, these interventions are expected to be used as precision tools to highlight governance gaps and pressing public issues. The choice of matters raised is likely to signal legislative priorities for the year ahead. A key feature of the session will be the emphasis on Question Hour, scheduled on three consecutive days. Several major service-delivery departments, including health, education, power, water, transport, finance and urban development, will be taken up for questioning, creating space for legislators to raise governance concerns and seek time-bound responses from the government Resolution on 'Phansi Ghar' likely The Business Advisory Committee of the Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the authenticity of 'Phansi Ghar', which will be placed before the House during the Winter Session commencing January 5, sources told PTI. The Phansi Ghar (execution room) row is a dispute between the AAP and the BJP over a renovated section in the Delhi Assembly, which the AAP claims to be a British-era gallows chamber, while the BJP claims it was a tiffin room. The Committee of Privileges earlier examined the matter and called former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his then-deputy Manish Sisodia, ex-Assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel and his then-deputy Rakhi Birla to present their version on the matter. However, the panel noted during the inquiry that despite being given two opportunities, the four leaders failed to appear before it. The matter was subsequently taken up by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) to determine the procedural course for its consideration by the House, a source was quoted as saying. The BAC on Friday adopted a resolution, which shall be laid before the House during the Winter Session scheduled to be held from January 5 to January 8, the source added. The death of a 19-year-old second-year college student from Dharamshala has sparked outrage, as the University Grants Commission (UGC) took serious cognisance of the matter and decided to constitute a fact-finding committee and assured that those found guilty would not be spared. It stated that stringent action would follow and reiterated that student safety remains paramount. The student allegedly faced prolonged ragging and sexual harassment at her college, which her family says pushed her into severe mental distress and deteriorating health, ANI reported. Here's what victim's parents said The victim's father, Vikram Kumar, told police that his daughter was assaulted and intimidated on September 18, 2025, by three fellow female students. He also accused a college professor of engaging in indecent acts with his daughter. According to the complaint, these incidents left the student traumatised and deeply fearful, leading to depression and serious health complications. Also Read | Edu dept in Raj's Sriganganagar has a warning for schools ahead of Christmas Narrating the sequence of events to ANI, the victim's father, Vikram Kumar, said, "My daughter is no more. I need justice. The accused girls and the professor should be punished. What happened to my kid should not happen to anybody else." While the victim's mother, Ritu, said, I don't want any innocent to get caught. I want a thorough investigation; we have all her medical reports. I want justice for my daughter. Fellow female students assaulted victim Vikram Kumar told police that his daughter was assaulted and intimidated on September 18, 2025, by three fellow female students. He also accused a college professor of engaging in indecent acts with his daughter. According to the complaint, these incidents left the student traumatised and deeply fearful, leading to depression and serious health complications. Her condition worsened despite treatment at multiple hospitals, and she died during treatment at a hospital in Ludhiana on December 26, 2025. The father said the family could not immediately approach the police due to the shock of their daughter's illness and death. However, a complaint regarding ragging and harassment had been registered earlier through the Chief Minister's helpline on December 20. Both parents have appealed for strict action against those responsible, stating that their daughter's suffering must not go unpunished. Police registers FIR Police have since registered an FIR against three girl students and one professor under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009. Also Read | Who was Angel Chakma? Tripura youth stabbed to death for opposing racial abuse Meanwhile, the CPI (M) met the Director General of Police in Shimla and submitted a memorandum demanding a fair and impartial inquiry by a senior police officer. The party expressed condolences to the family and raised concerns over the alleged delay in police action and the possibility of caste-based discrimination, as the victim belonged to a Scheduled Cast community. The DGP assured the delegation that the probe would be conducted under senior supervision, even as the family continues to seek justice for their daughter. In response to a series of posts by Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal defending quick-commerce and gig model, a gig workers union issued a sharp rebuttal, alleging that Goyal is trying to save himself amid mounting pressure at an an organizational level. Goyal's response on the crisis through his posts on social media platform X helped the common masses to understand what was going on internally. However, many of our questions still remained unanswered, Shaik Salauddin, the founder president of Telangana Gig & Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) told ANI on Saturday. He proposed that the chief executives of the food delivery platforms and gig workers should sit together to discuss what is right and what went wrong to resolve the issue. Even after the repeated threats from the CEOs, the gig workers continued the peaceful strikes resulting in delays in 60% of orders, he added. These remarks comes shortly after several delivery workers linked to e-commerce platforms staged protests across several cities, demanding better pay, safer working conditions and social security benefits. This is just a teaser Referring to the worker's strikes on Christmas and New Year's eve, Salauddin warned that "if the problems are not resolved, then let me tell you, this was just a teaser, more it yet to come." 10-minute delivery is a mental, and physical stress for all the delivery boys," he claimed, adding that this quick delivery service should be removed immediately. Also Read | What Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal says on gig workers strike Notably, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has reiterated his stance following a purported strike call by certain gig workers, which has brought the gig-model into the spotlight. Over the past three days, Goyal has shared a series of posts on X defending gig work and quick commerce mode. Goyal argued that these platforms provide livelihood opportunities to people from economically weaker sections, who otherwise could have been unemployed. Goyal shares fact-sheet on the income of delivery partners On Thursday, 2 January, Goyal shared a fact-sheet about average hourly earnings of Zomato delivery partners, among other details. He claimed that the gig workers' earnings has increased by approximately 10.9% year-on-year in 2025, reaching 102 compared to 92 in 2024. Goyal shared this data on X (formerly Twitter), additionally noting that if a partner works for 10 hours a day for 26 days a month, the gross earnings translate to approximately 26,500. The top executive emphasised that the delivery partners have the freedom to choose their work areas and log-in and log-out time. He also shared a lot of other details regarding the gig work model, including insurance structure, flexibility and safety of partners. Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch has claimed that China could deploy its military forces in Pakistan's Balochistan region within the next few months, warning that the deepening China-Pakistan alliance poses a serious threat. In an open letter addressed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and posted on X on New Year's Day, Mir Yar Baloch said Baloch representatives view the growing strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing as "dangerous". He said that Balochistan has faced decades of repression under Pakistan's control, including what he described as state-sponsored violence and human rights abuses. "The people of Balochistan have endured Pakistan's state occupation, state-sponsored terrorism, and egregious human rights atrocities for the past seventy-nine years. The time has now arrived to eradicate this festering affliction at its roots, ensuring lasting peace and sovereignty for our nation, " he wrote. In the letter, Mir Yar Baloch also noted that China and Pakistan are moving rapidly towards the final stages of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project of Chinese President Xi Jinping that runs through Balochistan. "The Republic of Balochistan views the escalating strategic alliance between Pakistan and China as profoundly dangerous. We warn that China, in collaboration with Pakistan, has advanced the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to its final phases," he said. He claimed that unless Baloch resistance and defence forces are strengthened and taken seriously, the region could soon witness a direct Chinese military presence. "Should the capabilities of Balochistan's defense and freedom forces not be further bolstered and if they continue to be overlooked as per longstanding patterns, it is conceivable that China could deploy its military forces in Balochistan within a few months," the letter stated. Also Read | Blasts targeting Jaffar Express, other train disrupt rail traffic in Balochistan Mir Yar Baloch further claimed that any Chinese troop deployment in Balochistan without the consent of the local population would have wider regional consequences. "The presence of Chinese boots on Balochistani soil without the will of the 60 million Baloch people would pose an unimaginable threat and challenge to the futures of both Bharat and Balochistan," he wrote. China and Pakistan have repeatedly denied allegations of military expansion under CPEC, maintaining that the project is economic in nature. India, however, has consistently opposed CPEC, stating that it passes through Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and raises sovereignty and security concerns. Last year in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written reply to Parliament that the Government's position on CPEC was clear and consistent. "Government has consistently protested to parties concerned over the inclusion of the so-called 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)', which passes through parts of the Indian Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan, as a flagship project of 'OBOR/BRI' and asked them to cease these activities. Any proposed participation of third countries or expansion of the so-called CPEC projects to third countries is unacceptable," the Minister said. Commended Operation Sindoor In the letter, Mir Yar Baloch also commended the Indian strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. "We commend the bold and resolute actions undertaken by the Modi Government in the previous year through Operation Sindoor, particularly targeting terrorism hubs facilitated by Pakistan and directed against the Pakistani military in response to Pahalgam terror attack. These measures demonstrate exemplary courage and a steadfast commitment to regional security and justice, " he wrote. New Year Wish There has been no official response so far from the Uion government or the Chinese and Pakistani authorities to Mir Yar Baloch's claims. The presence of Chinese boots on Balochistani soil without the will of the 60 million Baloch people would pose an unimaginable threat. "On behalf of the six crore patriotic citizens of the Republic of Balochistan, we extend our deepest and most sincere congratulations for the New Year 2026 to the one hundred and forty crore people of Bharat, both Houses of Parliament, the media, civil society, and all esteemed individuals. This auspicious occasion provides an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the profound historical, cultural, commercial, economic, diplomatic, defence, and multifaceted ties that have bound Bharat and Balochistan for centuries," he wrote. CARACAS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Several Venezuelan political figures on Saturday strongly condemned U.S. aggression and called on the public to remain calm and alert. Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, speaking on a state-run television station, said the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were unknown, asking for proof they are alive. She added that the U.S. military aggression caused the deaths of many Venezuelan military personnel and civilians in the capital Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. No external government or external force should attempt to give orders to Venezuela, nor should they try to dominate the Venezuelan people, she stressed, adding that the U.S. act violates the South American nation's sovereignty, undermines peace and tranquility, and claims the lives of innocent Venezuelans. "They made a sneaky, vile attack on sleeping people. They cowardly attacked the people," Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said, condemning the U.S. attack on Caracas. He urged the public to remain calm, calling for letting no one "fall into despair" or "fall into making things easier for the invading enemy, the terrorist enemy who attacked us cowardly." Tarek William Saab, attorney general of Venezuela, said the U.S. government should be held responsible for what could happen to Maduro and his wife. "I strongly condemn the vile and cowardly attack by the imperial enemy, carried out in the early hours of the morning against civilian and innocent targets of our homeland," he said. This fact shows that what the Venezuelan president had warned about has now turned into acts of blood, he added. He also urged the public to remain calm and alert, without falling into the "enemy's psychological warfare." Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary on Saturday and hailed her as a pioneering social reformer who devoted her life to the transformation of society through service and education. "On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, we remember a pioneer whose life was devoted to the transformation of society through service and education," PM Modi said in a post on X. PM Modi said Savitribai Phule was committed to the principles of equality, justice and compassion. "Phule firmly believed that education was the most powerful instrument of social change and dedicated her life to transforming lives through knowledge and learning," the prime minister said. Also Read | Books to read about the feminist icon Savitribai Phule PM Modi said that Phule's work in caring for the vulnerable and marginalised remains an inspiring example of service and humanity. The prime minister said that Phule's vision continues to guide the nation's efforts in building an inclusive and empowered society. Married to Jyotiba Phule, a revered social reformer himself, Savitribai Phule was born in 1831 in Maharashtra and considered by many as Indias first woman teacher due to her pioneering work for educating women especially from deprived groups when it was considered a taboo. Also Read | The life and times of Savitribai Phule PM Modi also paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary. He said, She is remembered as one of Indias most valiant warriors who embodied courage and tactical mastery. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today inaugurate in the national capital a grand exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, which include bone fragments believed to be of the Buddha, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as ornaments and gemstones, which were excavated in northern India in the late 19th century. Titled "The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One," it is being hosted for a couple of months at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in New Delhi. Also Read | PM Modi hails Savitribai Phule, Rani Velu Nachiyar on their birth anniversaries PM Modi shared glimpses from the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics in Delhi on Firday he called upon all those passionate about culture and Buddhism to come to this Exposition. The background Following the discovery of the relics at Piprahwa (in today's Uttar Pradesh) by William Claxton Peppe in 1898, portions were distributed globally, with a part gifted to the King of Siam (now Thailand), another one taken to England, and a part preserved at the Indian Museum in Calcutta (now Kolkata), the Ministry of Culture said. A selection of the relics retained by the descendants of Peppe who was of British descent was listed for auction on May 7 last year by Sotheby's Hong Kong. However, the auction was halted, and the relics returned to India in 2025 through "decisive intervention by the ministry, supported by Buddhist communities worldwide, it said. Now, the ministry is hosting a landmark exposition showcasing the Piprahwa relics, including reliquaries and gem relics. The exposition underscores India's role as the birthplace of Buddhism and reinforces its position as a global spiritual and cultural leader, the ministry said. "India's global engagement increasingly draws upon its civilisational and spiritual inheritance. As many as 642 antiquities have been repatriated to India, with the return of the Piprahwa relics standing as a landmark achievement," the ministry said. "The exposition will open for public viewing from January 4, and it will run for a couple of months," a senior official told PTI. These relics were originally discovered at Piprahwa. A majority of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum in Calcutta in 1899 and classified as "AA" antiquities under the Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale, according to the ministry. The Piprahwa relics are widely believed to be associated with the mortal remains of the Buddha, enshrined by the Sakya clan, officials said. An inscription in the Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha deposited by the clan, they said. The return of the Piprahwa relics stands as a landmark achievement for India's global engagement with its spiritual inheritance. For the first time since the 1898 excavation, the exposition brings together relics from the original digging, treasures from the 1972 excavation, reliquaries and jewelled treasures from the Indian Museum, recently repatriated relics from the Peppe family collection, and "the monolithic stone coffer within which the gem relics and reliquaries were originally found," the ministry said. The inauguration ceremony will also see the participation of Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, various ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, venerable Buddhist monks, senior government officials, scholars, heritage experts, several members of the art fraternity, art aficionados, followers of Buddhism, and many students. Enshrined by his followers around the 3rd century BC, these relics have long held immense spiritual value for the global Buddhist community and represent one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Indian history. US President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social to share the first photo of 'captured' Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro aboard US warship USS Iwo Jima. Earlier on Saturday, Trump had said that the Venezuelan President and his wife had been extracted by helicopter to a ship, and would be taken to New York to face federal charges. "They're on a ship but they'll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out," Trump told Fox News in a telephone interview. View full Image A post of U.S. President Donal Trump via Truth Social shows a picture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured him, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. ( Truth Social, Trump ) The USS Iwo Jima is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship that essentially functions as a small aircraft carrier. It is named for the famous 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, where US Marines battled their way up Mount Suribachi and planted the flag, which became one of the most famous photographs ever taken. US attacks Venezuela At least seven explosions accompanied by low-flying aircraft were reportedly heard around 2 am (local time) Saturday in Venezuelas capital, Caracas. The attacks took place in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the Venezuelan government said in a statement, as per Reuters. According to a report by CNN, power outages were also reported in several neighbourhoods following the strikes. View full Image Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on January 3, an AFP journalist reported. The explosions come as US President Donald Trump, who has deployed a navy task force to the Caribbean, raised the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela. (Photo by Luis JAIMES / AFP) ( AFP ) Hours after the explosions, Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that the "US has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader." He also said that Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country. Russia seeks immediate clarification Following Trump's announcement about Maduro's capture, Russian Foreign Ministry called for immediate clarification on the situation in Venezuela. We are extremely concerned by reports that Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife were forcibly removed from the country during todays aggressive actions by the United States. We call for immediate clarification of this situation, Russian foreign ministry said in a statement, as per CNN. Russia had also expressed concern over the attacks by US, and condemned what it described as an "act of armed aggression" against Venezuela. What's next for Maduro? US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York, accusing the pair of serious drug related crimes against the United States. In a post on X, Bondi detailed that Maduro faces multiple charges, including Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. Why US attacked Venezuela? US' large scale strike against Venezuela follows months of military buildup in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and numerous other warships positioned in the Caribbean. The US has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan leader of being one of the worlds leading narco-traffickers alleging that he worked with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. US President Donald Trump on Saturday afternoon (January 3) posted a series of photographs on his Truth Social account showing what appeared to be himself and senior officials monitoring the US military operation targeting Venezuela. View full Image A photograph posted by Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting near CIA Director John Ratcliffe. @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social The images, shared in quick succession, appeared to show Trump seated at a conference table alongside CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and other officials, watching live feeds and reviewing operational maps as the strikes unfolded. View full Image Donald Trump sitting next to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social Trump did not provide detailed captions explaining the timing or location of the images, but the posts followed his public remarks earlier in the day in which he claimed US forces carried out an overnight operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. View full Image Donald Trump with CIA Director John Ratcliffe. @realDonaldTrump/TruthSocial The posts quickly drew widespread attention on social media, adding to heightened scrutiny of the administrations claims about the scope and outcome of the Venezuela operation. View full Image CIA Director John Ratcliffe (Center), US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (R), and Dan Caine (L), United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. @realDonaldTrump/TruthSocial Trump "watched the operation in real time Trump said earlier that he monitored the military operation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida during a phone call with Fox News. I was able to watch it in real time, and I watched every aspect of it, and I listened to the communication between, you know, where we were in Florida and out in the field in Venezuela, he said. View full Image Trump sitting near Ratcliffe and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. @realDonaldTrump/TruthSocial It was amazing to see the professionalism, the quality of leadership, the professionalism. Praise for US Forces Trump also commended the US forces involved and underscored the sophistication of the military equipment used during the overnight operation. View full Image Donald Trump sitting with to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and other officials. @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social Its been amazing to see how good they were, how professional they were, how incredible the equipment we have is I mean, the level of equipment and to see how it worked so perfectly, he said. He confirmed that there were no US fatalities during the mission, noting only minor injuries. View full Image Trump sitting next to Ratcliffe. @realDonaldTrump/TruthSocial To have a few injuries, but no death on our side, is really amazing, Trump added. Also Read | Donald Trump shares first photo of captured Maduro from US ship General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US military operation targeting Venezuela, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, was the result of extensive preparation and coordination. This operation, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, was the culmination of months of planning and rehearsal, Caine said. He added that the military remains prepared for similar missions in the future. There is always a chance that well be tasked to do this type of mission again. Months of interagency coordination Caine stressed that the operation was not improvised but built on long-standing coordination across US agencies and military domains. Our interagency work began months ago and built on decades of experience of integrating complex air, ground, space, and maritime operations, he said. Describing the lead-up to the mission, Caine said US forces exercised restraint and discipline. We watched, we waited, we prepared. We remained patient and professional. More than 150 aircraft deployed The chairman revealed the sheer scale of the operation, which involved aircraft launching from multiple locations across the hemisphere. The operation involved more than 150 aircraft launching across the Western Hemisphere in close coordination, Caine said. He detailed the range of military assets deployed during the mission. The Force included F-22s, F-35s, F-18s, EA-18s, E-2s, B-1 bombers, and other support aircraft, as well as numerous remotely piloted drones. Also Read | Who is Delcy Rodriguez, the Venezuela Vice President Trump says replaced Maduro Timing and execution of Maduro compound raid Caine provided precise details of the timing and execution of the raid that targeted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros compound. We arrived at Maduros compound at 1:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, or 2:01 a.m. Caracas local time, he said. He said the apprehension force moved swiftly to secure the objective. The apprehension force descended into Maduros compound and moved with speed, precision and discipline towards their objective and isolated the area to ensure the safety and security of the ground force. Mission posture going forward Caine concluded by reiterating that US forces remain ready to act again if directed. There is always a chance that well be tasked to do this type of mission again, he said, underscoring continued military preparedness. Also Read | Trump shares photos of himself monitoring US military operation in Venezuela US President Donald Trump on Saturday (January 3) said American forces carried out an extraordinary overnight military operation in Venezuelas capital, claiming it resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and the complete neutralisation of the countrys military capabilities. Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump described the assault as one of the most powerful demonstrations of US military strength in history. Late last night and early today, at my direction, the United States Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela, Trump said. Overwhelming military power air, land and sea was used to launch a spectacular assault, an assault like people have not seen since World War Two. Stunning display of American military might Trump said the operation targeted what he described as a heavily fortified military stronghold in Caracas. This was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history, he told reporters. He said the mission was aimed at bringing what he called outlaw dictator Nicolas Maduro to justice. Maduro captured in the dead of night Trump said Maduro was captured during the overnight raid, describing the conditions during the operation as dark and lethal. All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless, Trump said. As the men and women of our military, working with US law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night. He added that Maduro and his wife would now face justice in the United States. Caracas plunged into darkness during raid Trump claimed Caracas was plunged into darkness as the operation unfolded, without providing further technical details. It was dark. The lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have, he said. It was dark. It was deadly. No US casualties, no equipment lost Trump said the operation was completed without any American fatalities or equipment losses. Not a single American service member was killed, and not a single piece of American equipment was lost, he said. We had many helicopters, many planes, many, many people involved in that fight. He added that no other country could have carried out a mission of similar scale and speed. No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday, Trump said. US military details Operation Absolute Resolve to capture Maduro General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also provided details on the US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, describing it as the result of months of planning and coordination. Months of planning and coordination General Caine said the operation, officially named Operation Absolute Resolve, was the culmination of months of planning and rehearsal. He emphasized the importance of patience and preparation in executing the mission. We watched, we waited, we prepared. We remained patient and professional, he said. He also noted the interagency collaboration involved, building on decades of expertise in complex military operations. Our interagency work began months ago and built on decades of experience of integrating complex air, ground, space, and maritime operations, Caine said. Massive air and drone deployment Caine revealed that more than 150 aircraft were deployed across the Western Hemisphere in coordinated strikes and support missions. The Force included F-22s, F-35s, F-18s, EA-18s, E-2s, B-1 bombers, and other support aircraft, as well as numerous remotely piloted drones, he said. The scale of the operation highlighted the US militarys ability to integrate multiple branches and technologies in a single mission. Precision apprehension of Maduro General Caine gave a timeline of the operation, saying US forces arrived at Maduros compound in the early hours of Saturday. We arrived at Maduro's compound at 1:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, or 2:01 a.m. Caracas local time, and the apprehension force descended into Maduro's compound and moved with speed, precision and discipline towards their objective and isolated the area to ensure the safety and security of the ground force, he said. He stressed the meticulous coordination that enabled the mission to succeed without reported US casualties. Possibility of future missions Caine also cautioned that similar operations could be required in the future, emphasizing readiness. There is always a chance that we'll be tasked to do this type of mission again, he said. Also Read | Donald Trump shares first photo of captured Maduro from US ship Venezuela bombing: Several explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2 am local time on Saturday in Venezuela before US President Donald Trump confirmed that that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured in a military operation sanctioned by him. As videos of explosions and helicopters flying in started coming in from Venezuela, Trump confirmed a large scale strike, adding that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores had been captured and flown out of Venezuela. While the Venezuelan President and his wife were on their way to the US following their capture, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that they had been indicted in New York on several charges, including alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies". Late on Saturday night, the Venezuelan President and his wife arrived in New York in handcuffs, and are slated to be jailed. Trump, meanwhile, has announced that the US plans to run Venezuela till a proper transition of power, and has said that American troops will stay out of Venezuelan soil if Vice President Delcy Rodrigues complies to his wishes. Maduro's capture was condemned by opposition lawmakers in the US, as well as by the international community, and the situation in the Americas remains a volatile one. Follow this space for LIVE updates. US President Donald Trump said Saturday (January 3) that the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power will open the door to the countrys vast oil reserves, a move that could significantly impact the global energy landscape. Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country, Trump said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. They were pumping almost nothing by comparison to what they could have been. Venezuela holds the worlds largest oil reserves According to the Energy Institute, Venezuelas oil reserves are likely the equivalent of about 300 billion barrels, surpassing even Saudi Arabia, the top OPEC producer. Trump emphasized the strategic value of these resources. We built Venezuelas oil industry with American talent, drive, skill, and the socialist regime stole it from us, he said. This constituted one of the largest thefts of American property in the history of our country. US military presence to secure oil operations Trump indicated that the United States would maintain a military presence in Venezuela to protect oil operations following the overnight strikes in Caracas. Were going to have presence in Venezuela as it pertains to oil, because we have to have, we were sending our expertise in, he said. So you may need something, not very much. US oil companies to lead investments Trump outlined plans for US oil firms to invest heavily in modernizing Venezuelas energy infrastructure. Were going to have our very large United States oil companiesgo in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country, he said. Chevron currently operates in Venezuela under a limited license, but Trump suggested broader involvement from additional US companies would be needed. Oil, sanctions, and global implications Trump reaffirmed that the US embargo on Venezuelan oil remains in full effect. He also stressed plans to sell Venezuelan oil to international buyers, potentially affecting relations with major powers. Well be selling large amounts of oil to other countries, he said. Were in the oil business. Were going to sell it to them. Also Read | Trump shares photos of himself monitoring US military operation in Venezuela Hours following the bombing in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump confirmed the large scale strike by US,' announcing that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured, and flown out of the nation. Maduro's removal comes days after US had offered a $50m reward for information leading to the arrest of the Venezuelan president, doubling an earlier reward of $25m set by the Trump administration in January 2025. The US has accused the Venezuelan leader of being one of the worlds leading narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. In 2020, federal prosecutors alleged that Maduro and other senior Venezuelan government officials collaborated with the Colombian guerilla group Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, or FARC, to traffic cocaine and weapons to the United States. View full Image The US has accused the Venezuelan leader of being one of the worlds leading narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. US carries out strikes in Venezuela At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were reportedly heard around 2 am (local time) Saturday in Venezuelas capital, Caracas. The attacks took place in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the Venezuelan government said in a statement, as per Reuters. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the operation was conducted in coordination with US law enforcement agencies. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country, Trump wrote. How was Maduro captured? According to CBS News, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by members of Delta Force, the US military's top special mission unit. The elite Army Delta Force was also responsible for the 2019 mission that killed former Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Why US attacked Venezuela? US' large scale strike against Venezuela follows months of military buildup in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and numerous other warships positioned in the Caribbean. The US has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan leader of being one of the worlds leading narco-traffickers alleging that he worked with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. In 2020, federal prosecutors claimed that Maduro and other senior Venezuelan government officials collaborated with the Colombian guerilla group Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, or FARC, to traffic cocaine and weapons to the United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China, in an official statement on Saturday, 3 January 2026, said that the country condemns the United States' move to carry out strikes in Venezuela, saying that the nation violated international law, reported the news agency Reuters. The ministry said that China is deeply shocked by the US's move to strike Venezuela, which is a sovereign country and use force against President Nicolas Maduro. China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the U.S. against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country, said China's foreign ministry in its official statement. China's appeal to the US Opposing the move, China said that the United States' attack in Venezuela violated international law, the sovereignty of the country, and threatens the peace and security in the Latin American and Caribbean region. China firmly opposes such hegemonic behaviour by the U.S., which seriously violates international law, violates Venezuela's sovereignty, and threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean, the foreign ministry said, cited in the agency report. China urged the United States to adhere to international law and follow the UN Charter for the safety and security of other countries. We urge the U.S. to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and stop violating the sovereignty and security of other countries, the ministry said, cited the agency report. Venezuela bombing update On Saturday, 3 January 2026, the United States carried out military strikes in Venezuela and captured the country's President Nicolas Maduro amid allegations of the leader turning the country into a narco-state and manipulating elections. US President Donald Trump, in his post on Saturday, disclosed that the United States carried out large-scale airstrikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, out of the country. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country, said Trump in his post on TruthSocial. The Venezuelan government said that places like Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira were attacked, and at least seven strikes have been reported from low-flying aircraft, which were heard around 2 a.m. (local time). TEHRAN, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed in clashes during protests in Iran's western Ilam province on Saturday evening, the semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing informed sources. Fars said "rioters" attempted to storm a law enforcement center in Malekshahi county, triggering clashes with security forces. One member of the security forces and two "rioters" were killed, it said, adding that several others were wounded. Earlier on Saturday, Fars reported that a member of the Basij volunteer force affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps was killed during unrest in the western province of Kermanshah. The agency said Ali Azizi died after being stabbed and shot during a protest in Harsin County on Friday. Protests have erupted since Sunday in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the rial. Authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and said they are prepared to address economic grievances, while warning against violence, vandalism, and unrest. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that exploiting merchants' protests to incite unrest and undermine national security was "absolutely unacceptable." He said officials should engage in dialogue with protesters but not with those he described as rioters, who should be "put in their place." Khamenei acknowledged that the rial's decline had disrupted the business environment, blaming what he called "enemy" actions for an "unnatural" rise in foreign exchange rates. He said senior officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, were working to address the situation. The United State on Saturday carried out a military strike on Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, who has since been taken out of the country, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday. Venezuelas capital, Caracas, along with the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira were reportedly attacked, the Venezuelan government said in a statement. At least seven explosions were reported and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2 am (local time) on Saturday in the capital city. The strike follows US allegations that Maduro has turned Venezuela into a narco-state and manipulated election. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan leader, who succeeded Hugo Chavez to take power in 2013, has countered that Washington's real aim is to seize control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the largest in the world, Reuters reported. Several world leaders and politicians have reacted to the news, with some condemning the attack and expressing concern over the growing tensions. Cuba's President condemns the attack Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez strongly condemned the US attack on social media, calling it a criminal attack against Venezuela and urging the international community to respond quickly. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Diaz-Canel said that Cubas so-called zone of peace is being brutally assaulted, describing the attack by Washington as state terrorism targeting not only the Venezuelan people but Our America as a whole. He concluded the statement with the revolutionary slogan: Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome. Iran also opposes the attack on Venezuela Irans foreign ministry also gave a sharp reaction to the explosions that rocked the capital city of Venezuela. According to AFP, the ministry said in a statement that it strongly condemns the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Irans statement was reportedly put out before Donald Trumps Truth Social post confirming that the US had conducted a large scale strike on Venezuela. Colombian President reacts to the strikes The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America, Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote on the social media platform X. The Republic of Colombia reiterates its conviction that peace, respect for international law, and the protection of life and human dignity must prevail over any form of armed confrontation, Petro said another tweet. Italy's PM responds to the attack The office of Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday that she was closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, with an aim "to gathering information about our fellow citizens" in the country. Meloni also added that she was in constant contact with Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Around 160,000 Italians currently live in Venezuela, most of them with dual citizenship, Reuters reported. Spain offers to mediate for 'peaceful solution' in Venezuela On Saturday, Spain offered to mediate the crisis between the United States and Venezuela following US attacks on Caracas and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, who was later flown out of his country. Spain calls for de-escalation and restraint, the foreign ministry was quoted as saying by AFP, adding that in this regard ... it is prepared to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful, negotiated solution to the current crisis. US senator speaks on the attack US senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat said that US has no national interests in Venezuela that can justify starting a war. We have no vital national interests in Venezuela to justify war. We should have learned not to stumble into another stupid adventure by now. And hes not even bothering to tell the American public what the hell is going on, he said on X. The United States' attack on Venezuela and President Donald Trump's announcement about capturing Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro and his wife dominated headlines worldwide. Although global media outlets reported extensively on the developments, they differed sharply in how prominently the story was placed, how critically it was covered and the language used to describe the development. On Saturday, 3 January, the US carried out strikes on Venezuelas capital Caracas, as well as the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the Venezuelan government said in a statement. Here's how some of the global media outlets reported on the attack: 1. BBC The UK-based broadcaster has given top prominence to the developments regarding the US attack on Venezuela on its homepage, treating the story as a major breaking International event. View full Image BBC homepage The top report is marked LIVE, signaling that the situation is evolving and is being closely tracked in real time by the news outlet. Alongside the main story, the BBC has included links to explainers such as What we know about Maduro's capture and a reporter's account describing explosions and aircrafts over Caracas. 2. CNN The American multinational news media company's homepage shows that CNN has given the developments dominant placement on its homepage, with a bold headline stating US strikes Venezuela and captures Maduro. View full Image CNN homepage The framing is quite direct and assertive. Below that, several related articles have been linked, including one that says, Bondi says Maduro will face full wrath of US justice on American soil. Both CNN and BBC, which are western media outlets, used terms such as strike and capture, aiming to present the developments in a neutral and factual manner. 3. Reuters The UK-based global news agency also gave the US-Venezuela developments prominent, center-stage placement. View full Image Reuters homepage Alongside the main story, several source-based reports were also published. 4. Bloomberg The US-based news agency also presented the same news development as their main story. View full Image Bloomberg homepage 5. Al Jazeera The largest news outlet in the Middle-East, Al Jazeera, is also reporting breaking news on the developments of the US attack on Venezuela. However, unlike other news outlets, Al Jazeera's whole homepage is not dedicated to a single breaking story. The placement of its homepage is quite diverse and consists of stories from all over the world. View full Image Al Jazeera homepage It's homepage also features news on Gaza, the Russia-Israel war, developments in Palestine, and other areas where Al Jazeera is known for its active coverage through the years. 6. The Guardian Meanwhile, the UK-based news media's homepage was also dominated by the news of US attack on Venezuela and how President Maduro was captured and flown out of the country. View full Image The Guardian caption The news outlet has covered the developments using time stamps, with one update mentioning, Venezuelan vice-president demands immediate 'proof of life' of Maduro and his wife. 7. RT News The Russian news agency widely covered the developments about Washington's attack. It also explored a story about President Maduro being indicted in New York. View full Image RT News homepage One of its news coverage includes, Russia condemns US aggression against Venezuela. This story is presented as one of the top stories on the news agency's homepage. 8. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) The German news agency's homepage mostly consists of explainers about the situation. The new coverage of the outlet includes a detailed account about what led to the conflict between the US and Venezuela, as well as How the US prepared its attack. The center story was also about the same topic. View full Image Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung homepage The story covering US military preparations was notably absent from the homepages of other news outlets, giving audience a unique perspective and content to engage with. 9. Global Times The homepage of Chinese media giant Global Times presented a somewhat different picture, with its main story highlighting China FM advices citizens to avoid travel to Venezuela amid rising security risks. View full Image Global Times homepage The other stories also explored areas such as the world's reaction to the US bombing of Venezuela and capturing of the country's President, a development which is widely covered by most of the global media houses. 10. New York Times One of the largest media companies, NY Times had an exclusive phone call with US President Donald Trump, in which Trump celebrated the capture of Maduro. The exclusive news break has been put on the homepage, though US captures Maduro still takes the center stage. The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday advised all Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. This came after United States' strikes in Caracas and its subsequent capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the operation was carried out in conjunction with US law enforcement. What did the advisory say? In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, the advisory read. It told them to stay in touch with the Embassy of India in Caracas via email at cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or through the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288, which can also be used for WhatsApp calls. Meanwhile, former Indian envoys to Venezuela, R. Viswanathan and Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, said the move was expected and even unsurprising in nature, asserting that the United States has consistently worked against Maduros regime. Maduro charged with narco-terrorism Maduro and his wife, removed overnight from their residence on a military base, were aboard a US warship en route to New York to face criminal charges, according to AP. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were originally indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but on Saturday, the Justice Department issued a new indictment against Maduro and his wife Flores, alleging their involvement in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the duo will face the United States justice. She mentioned on X, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. US strikes on Venezuela Explosions shook Venezuelas capital, Caracas, as low-flying aircraft swept over the city. At least seven blasts were reported during the attack, which lasted less than 30 minutes, and appeared to target military infrastructure. Smoke was seen rising from a hangar at a Caracas military base, while another installation in the capital experienced a power outage, a report by AP noted. The US Justice Department on Saturday released a new indictment against President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, for their alleged role in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. This came after President Donald Trump earlier in the day confirmed a large-scale strike on Venezuela and claimed they were "captured and flown out" of the country. In the new video, Maduro is accused of heading a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking. It further alleges that the trafficking operations enriched and entrenched Venezuela's political and military elite". US Attorney General Pam Bondi shared a link to the unsealed indictment on X. According to the indictment, US authorities allege that Maduro worked with some of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers and narco-terrorists in the world to move tons of cocaine into the United States. Officials claimed in the indictment that Maduro has been at the forefront of corruption and abuse of public trust in the country for more than 25 years. Authorities allege in the indictment that by 2020, up to 250 tons of cocaine had been smuggled through Venezuela, transported using go-fast boats, fishing vessels, container ships, and aircraft operating from clandestine airstrips. Bondi stated both Maduro and Flores were indicted in the Southern District of New York and will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts". She added that Maduro faced charges of Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. Also Read | China condemns US strikes on Venezuela, says move violates international law Trump also mentioned that Maduro and his wife are aboard a US warship and will face prosecution in New York. Maduro was indicted in March 2020, during Trumps first term. After first offering a reward of up to $15 million in 2020 for information leading to Maduros arrest or conviction, the US Department of State raised the amount to as much as $25 million on January 10, 2025. The reward was increased again on August 7, 2025, to up to $50 million. US' attack on Venezuela Multiple explosions were reported and low-flying aircraft were seen over Venezuelas capital as Maduros government accused the United States of striking both civilian and military sites. Officials described the incident an imperialist attack and urged citizens to take to the streets. The operation lasted under 30 minutes, with at least seven blasts sending people into the streets while others took to social media to describe what they heard and witnessed. There was no immediate confirmation of casualties on either side. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared publicly with his daughter Ju Ae during a New Years Day visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a highly symbolic site that houses the embalmed bodies of the countrys founding leaders, state media reported on Friday. Images released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) showed Ju Ae standing between her parents in the main hall of the mausoleum as they paid respects to Kim Il Sung, North Koreas founder and Kim Jong Uns grandfather, and Kim Jong Il, his father. Symbolic appearance at dynastic site Kims visit to the Kumsusan mausoleum is a long-standing tradition on key dates and anniversaries, used to reinforce the legitimacy of North Koreas dynastic rule. Analysts say Ju Aes presence during the visit marks her first public appearance at the revered site and adds to growing speculation about her future role in the regime. Ju Ae has appeared with her father with increasing frequency over the past three years, prompting analysts to suggest she may be being groomed as the countrys fourth-generation leader. New Year celebrations in Pyongyang Kim and his daughter were also seen together during New Years celebrations in Pyongyang, which included fireworks, patriotic performances and a taekwondo demonstration, KCNA said. Photographs showed Ju Ae sitting next to her father, holding his hand and interacting with children alongside him, underscoring her prominent public positioning during state events. Succession speculation grows North Korea has never confirmed Ju Aes age, though analysts believe she is around 12 or 13 years old. Since her public debut in 2022, her appearances have steadily increased in scale and symbolism. Also Read | Swiss resort bar fire: Sparkler candles likely triggered deadly blaze Russia expressed concern over the attacks by US, and condemned what it described as an "act of armed aggression" against Venezuela. "This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on Saturday, reported AFP. "Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism," it added. "In the current situation, it is important... to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue," the statement from the ministry read. The bombings in Venezuela came as the US military has been targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats. On Friday, Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an agreement with the US to combat drug trafficking. US attacks Venezuela In the early hours of Saturday, the US carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife who have been flown out of the country, said Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the operation was conducted in coordination with US law enforcement agencies. View full Image Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. The United States military was behind a series of strikes against the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday, US media reported. The White House and Pentagon have not commented on the explosions and reports of aircraft over the city. US media outlets CBS News and Fox News reported unnamed Trump administration officials confirming that US forces were involved. (Photo by AFP) ( AFP ) The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country, Trump wrote. Besides Russia, several other world leaders strongly reacted to the large scale strike carried out by the US. Cuba, Colombia react to US attack Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez strongly condemned the US attack on social media, calling it a criminal attack against Venezuela and urging the international community to respond quickly. Colombian President Gustavo Petro also reacted to the strikes by US, stating: The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America." Petro also posted a video of civilian casualties following US' attack. Livemint could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. Why US attacked Venezuela? US' large scale strike against Venezuela follows months of military buildup in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and numerous other warships positioned in the Caribbean. The US has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan leader of being one of the worlds leading narco-traffickers alleging that he worked with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. In 2020, federal prosecutors claimed that Maduro and other senior Venezuelan government officials collaborated with the Colombian guerilla group Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, or FARC, to traffic cocaine and weapons to the United States. President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed US strikes against Venezuela, claiming President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement, Trump said on Truth Social. A news conference is scheduled for today at 11 am (local time) at Mar-a-Lago, he added. US-Venezuela conflict Residents of Caracas mentioned hearing loud explosions and seeing aircraft flying overhead, while several parts of the city experienced power outages. Gunfire was also reported in multiple areas, including Higuerote and La Guaira, towns near the capital, a report by Bloomberg noted. The incidents began around 2 am local time, when residents first heard aircraft and explosions. According to witnesses, blasts occurred close to military installations. Trump has accused Venezuela of using its oil revenue to fund a range of criminal activities, comprising drug trafficking and terrorism. As part of his pressure campaign, US forces have carried out strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in over 100 deaths, and have seized two oil tankers. Venezuela has rejected the accusations and described the US actions as unlawful. Maduro, who took office in 2013 after succeeding Hugo Chavez, countered that Washington is seeking to seize control of Venezuelas vast oil reserves, the largest in the world, according to Reuters. In recent weeks, Washington has intensified pressure on Maduro by imposing sanctions on his relatives and on Chinese companies involved in trading Venezuelan oil. Meanwhile, Venezuelas defense minister said authorities are compiling information on those killed and injured in the US attack, reported Reuters. The US Embassy in Venezuela shared that explosions were reported and urged people not to travel to the country, advising those there to shelter in place. The United States carried out what it described as a large-scale strike on Venezuela early Saturday, later claiming that President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country following months of intensified pressure from Washington. US President Donald Trump announced the overnight operation on social media hours after the attack. Maduro, Trump said, has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. He set a news conference for later Saturday morning. The legal implications of the strike under U.S. law were not immediately clear. Loud explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported over the capital, Caracas, as Maduros government accused the US of targeting both civilian and military facilities. Calling it an imperialist attack, the Venezuelan authorities urged citizens to mobilise and take to the streets. Who is ruling Venezuela? It was not immediately clear who was running the country, and Maduro's whereabouts were not immediately known. Trump announced the developments on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET. Under Venezuelan law the vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, would take power. There was no confirmation that had happened, though she did issue a statement after the strike. We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Rodriguez said. We demand proof of life. Venezuela declares national emergency Venezuela rejects military aggression by the United States, adding, the goal of the US attack is to take possession of Venezuelan oil and minerals, according to a report by Reuters. Venezuelas government, in the statement, called on its supporters to take to the streets. People to the streets! the statement said, as reported by AP. The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack. The statement added that President Nicolas Maduro had ordered all national defense plans to be implemented and declared a state of external disturbance. Venezuela's government calls for 'mobilisation' of the population after US 'attack', AFP reported. A CBS journalist said on X, U.S. President Donald Trump officials are aware of reports of explosions, aircraft over Caracas, adding, Trump ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities. Venezuelan President Nicolas Madurosaid on Thursday that he is open to cooperating with Washington following weeks of US military pressure. Meanwhile, witnesses told Reuters that the southern part of the city, near a major military base, was experiencing a power outage. Watch videos here: Venezuela's government accused the United States of striking civilian and military sites across several states. Residents in multiple neighbourhoods of Caracas reported hearing gunfire, prompting many to rush into the streets, Bloomberg reported. Whole ground shook Smoke could be seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas. Another military installation in the capital was without power. People in various neighbourhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas, AP reported. The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes, said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling, AP reported. She was walking briskly with two relatives, returning from a birthday party. We felt like the air was hitting us. Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela, amid efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions, a ramped-up U.S. military presence in the region and more than two dozen strikes on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Also Read | US hits Chinese oil firms and tankers in stepped-up Venezuela sanctions push Earlier, Trump said the US had struck and destroyed a docking area used by alleged Venezuelan drug boats. He did not specify whether the operation was carried out by the military or the CIA, nor the exact location, saying only that it took place along the shore. View full Image A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Video Obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS ( via REUTERS ) The administration has not provided proof that the targeted boats were engaged in drug trafficking, raising questions about the legality of the operations. According to US military data, the maritime campaign has resulted in at least 107 deaths across 30 strikes, AP reported. Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges in the U.S. Last week, the CIA carried out a drone strike on a docking area reportedly used by Venezuelan drug cartels, marking the first known direct U.S. operation on Venezuelan soil since strikes on boats began in September. Maduro, in an interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, reiterated that the U.S. wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through the monthslong pressure campaign that began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August, AP reported. Also Read | Venezuela is relying on 20 aging planes after US restricted its airspace The U.S. government knows, because weve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, were ready, he said. If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it. The United States on Saturday carried out a large-scale strike in Venezuela, with President Donald Trump claiming on Truth Social that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out from the country amid actions against Venezuelan 'drug traffickers'. The strike occurred amid escalating pressure from the Trump administration on Maduro, who faces narco-terrorism charges in the United States. For months, Trump had warned that he might soon authorise strikes on Venezuelan targets after repeated attacks on boats alleged to be transporting drugs. Maduro condemned the US military actions, calling them a thinly disguised attempt to remove him from power. US-Venezuela conflict: What is happening in Caracas? Several explosions were heard, and low-flying aircraft passed over Caracas as Maduros government quickly accused the United States of targeting both civilian and military sites. Gunfire was also reported in multiple areas, including Higuerote and La Guaira, towns near the capital, a report by Bloomberg noted. The incidents began around 2 am local time, when residents first heard aircraft and explosions. At least seven explosions prompted people to rush into the streets, while others turned to social media to share what they heard and saw. It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties. The attack appeared to last less than 30 minutes, and it remained uncertain if further actions were planned, though Trump stated in his post that the strikes were carried out successfully". View full Image Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. ( via REUTERS ) Armed individuals and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets in a Caracas neighborhood long regarded as a stronghold of the ruling party, as per Associated Press. However, in other parts of the city, streets remained largely empty hours after the attack. Some areas continued to experience power outages, though traffic flowed normally in others. Videos from Caracas and an unidentified coastal city verified by AP showed tracers and smoke filling the sky, with repeated muted explosions lighting up the night. Other footage captured cars moving along a highway as blasts illuminated the hills in the background, with unintelligible voices audible in the recordings. Smoke was also seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas, while another military installation in the capital remained without power. View full Image US-Venezuela conflict ( REUTERS ) Maria Eugenia Escobar, a 58-year-old resident of La Guaira, told AFP that the explosions had lifted her out of bed and left her in tears, feeling as though a long-feared moment had arrived. Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, told AP that the ground had shaken and the experience was terrifying, with explosions and planes overhead. She and two relatives had been walking quickly home from a birthday party and described feeling as if the air itself was striking them. Venezuela reacts The Venezuelan authorities described the event as an imperialist attack and called on citizens to take to the streets, according to AP. Venezuelas government reacted to the attack by urging action. People to the streets! it stated, adding, "The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack. Maduro had ordered all national defense plans to be implemented and proclaimed a state of external disturbance", according to the statement. This state of emergency reportedly grants him the authority to suspend certain rights and broaden the role of the armed forces. Standoff Since early September, the US military has been targeting vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. By Friday, the Trump administration stated that 35 strikes had occurred, resulting in at least 115 deaths. These actions followed a significant buildup of US forces near South America, including the November arrival of the countrys most advanced aircraft carrier, which brought thousands of additional troops to what was already the largest American military presence in the region in generations. Trump has defended the boat strikes as a necessary measure to curb the flow of drugs into the US, describing the situation as an armed conflict with drug cartels. In the mid-1960s, a young Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-trained chemical engineer returned home to India, which seemed determined to smother his ambition. In the 1960s, the country was a fortress of the Licence Raj, a bureaucratic labyrinth where every tonne of steel produced or spindle turned required a nod from a somnolent clerk in New Delhi. While his peers were busy petitioning the government for the right to grow, Aditya Vikram Birla did something far more subversive. He decided that if the state would not permit expansion within its borders, he would have to redefine where those borders lay. Born on 14 November 1943, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he attended St. Xavier's College, Aditya Birla was born into a wealthy family. But he treated his inheritance as a starting point for a journey that carried him beyond the shores of an insular market into the thick of global supply chains. Forging his own path The strategic business pivot he made in 1969 was not just audacious; it also served as a template for the rest of Indian business some 20 years later. Realizing that the pseudo-socialist policies at home would not let him grow, he decided to look Eastin places like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Also Read | The formative years of Dhirubhai Ambani This was a radical departure from his contemporaries, who remained pinned to the domestic market, busy mastering the art of navigating the Indian system from within. Between 1969 and 1977, Aditya Birla established a string of companies like Indo-Thai Synthetics and Pan Century Edible Oils, the latter becoming the worlds largest single-location palm oil refinery. By 1995, this offshore strategy had yielded a global revenue exceeding 8,000 crore, with assets surpassing 9,000 crore across 55 plants across India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Egypt. Often seen in impeccably tailored suits, he possessed a quiet, scholarly gravitas, though his interests spanned flying and painting. In his definitive biography of Birla, author Minhaz Merchant captures the essence of a man who managed to be both a soft-spoken, sensitive individual" and a hard-driving, visionary industrialist". This refinement was anchored by a fierce sense of national pride. At a press conference to announce the Birla-AT&T partnership, a reporter asked the American chief executive how a corporation with strict ethical standards" could partner in India, a country supposedly notorious for poor business ethics. Birla snapped back with uncharacteristic edge, stating he took serious umbrage to such lazy stereotyping and asserting that Indian companies were as honest as any in the world. Also Read | Verghese Kurien and the power of social entrepreneurship This steeliness and business acumen were forged in the shadow of giants. He was the favourite grandson of Ghanshyam Das Birla, the patriarch who had supported and financed Indias freedom struggle and built the bedrock of Indian industry. While his father, Basant Kumar Birla, provided a steady hand in the familys existing industries, it was G.D. Birla who loomed the largest. Yet, in 1965, the young Aditya famously resisted his grandfathers pressure to take over the family's burgeoning aluminium business. Instead, he insisted on striking out on his own to prove his worth away from the established safety of the Birla name. This streak of independencethe refusal to be just an heireventually led him to build a legacy that was entirely his own. India's multinationalist While his global outlook allowed him to build dominance in viscose staple fibre and carbon black, this heavy industrial focus did eventually become a structural ceiling. As the 2000s arrived and the Indian economy pivoted sharply towards services, the mighty Birla group found itself falling behind. While Tata captured the digital frontier through Tata Consultancy Services and Reliance aggressively dominated consumer retail and telecom, the Birla group was anchored to the cyclical, capital-intensive world of commodities. Despite its massive scale, it found itself trailing in the race for market capitalization. The last word on that, though, remains to be written. At its stage of evolution into a middle-income nation, Indias crying need is still manufacturing more than services. When Birla died of cancer at the untimely age of 51 in 1995, India lost its first genuine multinationalist. His death left his 28-year-old son, Kumar Mangalam Birla, at the helm of a sprawling enterprise. Kumar Mangalam didn't just maintain this legacy; he weaponized his father's global-first DNA. The spirit of Aditya's 1969 Thai venture found its perfect resonance in his sons audacious $6 billion acquisition of Novelis via Hindalco Industries Ltd in 2007. Turning an Indian metal maker into the worlds largest aluminium rolling company and one of the largest producers of primary aluminium in the world was a thunderous vindication of Aditya Birlas belief that the real limitation was never India's economy, but the failure of imagination to look beyond it. For more such stories, read The Enterprising Indian: Stories From India Inc News. CARACAS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on Saturday that Nicolas Maduro is "the only president" of the South American nation. Rodriguez made the statement during a live speech on a state-run television station Saturday afternoon, adding that Venezuela will never become a colony of any country. Accompanied by the ministers of the interior, foreign affairs and other officials, the vice president demanded that the United States release Maduro and his wife, and urged the Venezuelan people to remain calm, face the challenges together and defend national sovereignty. Noting that the attack on Venezuela may happen in any other country in the region in the future, Rodriguez said Venezuela is ready to defend its natural resources and will never become a colony of any country or a slave of any empire. The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, seizing Maduro and his wife. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed at a press conference Saturday morning that Rodriguez had been sworn in as president of Venezuela, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio "just had a conversation" with her. "She's essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again," Trump claimed while speaking to reporters. The international community is deeply shocked by the U.S. raid on Maduro, strongly condemning the blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president. NEW DELHI : A spicy mode feature released in the US in early August by Grok, the foundational AI platform by Elon Musk, has raised a fresh round of questions on the ethics and permissibility of AI-generated content on social media platforms in India, apart from highlighting the need to redefine the safe harbour protection clause, which gives intermediaries blanket immunity from prosecution. This comes days after Indias ministry of electronics and IT (Meity) warned social media platforms against a rising volume of sexually explicit content online. Over the past two days, complaints emerged on X, formerly Twitter, about users prompting Grok, which is embedded in the platform, to modify photos of people into sexually explicit versions without obtaining consent. When questioned on community guidelines, Grok responded to users by stating that it is just an intermediarya contentious protection offered to social media platforms by law in most nations that prevents them from being legally prosecuted against content posted by users. Also Read | Priyanka Chaturvedi flags misuse of AI Grok feature targeting women's photos Now, the Centre is taking cognizance of the matter, too. IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Friday the Centre is aware of the issue and cited a parliamentary standing committees recommendation for the government to impose strict laws on social media content. A senior official, who requested anonymity since discussions are ongoing, said Meity is reaching out to X for violation of regulations in India. Our stance on the matter will remain that any company not in compliance with rules and laws in India would lose safe harbour protection. But the government can only take action once there is a lawsuit filed against the incidents on X, and safe harbour clauses are brought up," the official said. Meity issued a formal notice to X on Friday. You are advised to strictly desist from the hosting, displaying, uploading, publication, transmission, storage, sharing of any content on your platform that is obscene, pornographic, vulgar, indecent, sexually explicit, paedophilic, or otherwise prohibited under any law for the time being in force in any manner whatsoever," it said. Failure to observe such due diligence obligations shall result in the loss of the exemption from liability under section 79 of the IT Act, and you shall also be liable for consequential action as provided under any law including the IT Act and BNS." Musk, with a net worth of $726 billion as per Forbess real-time list at the time of writing, is the owner of both Grok and X, and is also the worlds richest man. After buying what was formerly Twitter in a $44 billion deal, Musk disbanded the companys content moderation team and most of Twitters employees in countries including India. His policy stances have typically drawn widespread scrutiny and starkly contrasting opinions, including his role in influencing the election of current US president, Donald Trump. User prompts While AI platforms such as Googles Gemini and OpenAIs ChatGPT decline to morph photographs of people into sexually explicit content, Groks public usage policy allows for such content generation as long as it is strictly based on user promptsand not hallucinated by the platform itself. X, too, says in its public policy disclosure that adult content is allowed as long as it is labelled and not prominently displayed." Messages sent to a representative of X in India did not receive responses. An email sent to the platform also went unanswered. Also Read | Grok image edits spark deepfake debate on X, raising fresh concerns over consent Lawyers and policy experts said the key issue here is to segregate defining social media intermediaries based on their actions. As far as sexually explicit content is concerned, users are well within their rights to pursue prosecution against manipulated computer imagery that may result in their pictures being converted to nude or sexual content, as India does not allow for any form of sexualized content, online," said NS Nappinai, senior counsel at the Supreme Court and founder of Cyber Saathi, an organisation that promotes cyber safety and digital literacy. However, the time is now ripe for India to have AI-specific laws and regulations specifically against deepfakes and such forms of manipulated imagery harming their reputation and dignity," said Nappinai. Such actions require specific, stringent penal provisions, as against mere labelling AI-modified content that would not do much to protect a user in times of such crises." Nappinai also said that safe harbour protection requires more nuanced definitions in order to explicitly hold platforms accountable for the content they generate. Safe harbour exemption is meant to protect platforms against prosecution for third-party content. But, where such content is created or, as in this case, generated by the platform or tools it is offering, the platform cannot and ought not be permitted to seek such protection," she said. Grok is importantly a part of the platform itself, and developed and deployed by it conscious of its capabilities. It would thus be erroneous to presume that Groks actions should be immune to prosecution." According to Nappinai, it may be expedient for the legislature to explicitly clarify and limit the applicability of safe harbour exemptions, especially in the age of AI and not leave it open for broad interpretation. Merely because a platform may otherwise be an intermediary does not give it exemption for all content or actions on it." Synthetic imagery Shiv Sapra, partner at Kochhar & Co, added that Grok may not be immune to prosecution just by virtue of safe harbour protections under Indian law. Although nothing real has happened, non-consensual synthetic sexual imagery of a real person is still considered unlawful. Here, the 'wrong' is the non-consensual sexualized depiction, coupled with the distribution of content. It is also an infringement of privacy, dignity, reputation and harm, irrespective of the physical occurrence of the act. Merely because it was synthetic will not save the occurrence from the penal provisions of the IT Act under sections 67 and 67A, or section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita," Sapra said. Also Read | Happy New Year 2026: How to turn your selfie into a cinematic AI portrait He added that AI-modified imagery of a real person, shared without consent in a public forum, legally amounts to harassment, and the absence of real nudity or sexual conduct does not negate harassment." The law looks at conduct, intent and violation of dignity and privacy, and not the dogmatic technicalities such as authenticity of the image," Sapra said. Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolls by, Mint's reporters and columnists look around the corner on what is coming in 2026to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at feedback@livemint.com. New Delhi: Investments in data centres in India, which are said to be the factories and storage houses of digital data and artificial intelligence models, are set to grow by up to 20% next year, following a record 2025. This growth could come in the form of new investments from global firms, as well as homegrown onesleading to projections that Indias net available data centres will surge to 2 gigawatts (GW) in capacity by the end of next year, executives and analysts told Mint . Hiranandani Group-backed Yotta Data Services is one such company, which in 2026 will look to scale up investments to bring nearly 500 megawatts (MW) of AI factories online, chief executive Sunil Gupta said. While Gupta did not disclose how much funding the company is likely to raise, he admitted that the company will look to raise large funding, as building data centres is expensive. On 17 October, Chennai-based data centre company Sify Infinit Spaces filed its draft red herring prospectus with the markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to raise up to 3,700 crore ($410 million). Of this, it plans to spend 2,500 crore ($280 million) for data centre expansions. By 2030, the company aims to scale up investments in data centres to $5 billion. Also Read | Indias data centre boom faces a water and power challenge The two local firms mentioned above are likely to be joined by more Big Tech investments. OpenAI, the worlds largest AI startup, is expected to invest in a 1GW data centre for its ChatGPT-led AI applications and services in Indiaa market that chief executive Sam Altman said is OpenAIs largest, globally. Green energy companies are also likely to join the fray, with analysts stating investments of up to $30 billion being planned for data centres from top private renewable energy companies, in 2026 itself. Capital inflow accelerates Data centres, to be sure, are massive buildings stacked with high-performance computing chips, such as the graphic processing units (GPUs) that Nvidia, currently the worlds most valuable company, builds. The current calendar year has become a stellar one for data centres, as the adoption of AI has boomed and Americas Big Tech firms have doubled down on India as one of their largest markets worldwide. According to most market estimates, adding 1 GW of data centre capacity requires $7-10 billion ( 60,000-90,000 crore) in investments. We have a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar investment plan for expanding our facilities as well. But, in 2026, what we expect to do is deploy more capital on the ground to expand our functional capacities, rather than just focusing on large milestone numbers. The demand for sovereign cloud platforms is rising sharplyand were looking actively at new investors, partners and real estate to spend on in 2026," Yottas Gupta said. Also Read | The murky economics of the data-centre investment boom Its not just multi-year announcements that analysts expect to see next year. Stakeholders that Mint spoke with said that on-ground spending to build data centres is likely to increase by over 20% next year. On 14 November, tech consulting firm Gartner stated that net spending on information technology infrastructure, which includes data centres, is expected to increase 20% year-on-year (y-o-y) to $176 billion next year. Venture capital firm Avendus said earlier this month that Indias data centres are likely to hit 2GW in active capacity in 2026, and are thus likely to draw on-ground investments of at least $25 billion in 2026 alonehigher than ever before. Sovereign cloud demand Data centre systems spending is primarily driven by substantial AI infrastructure investments and multiple government programmes aimed at strengthening the local AI ecosystem. India has one of the largest consumer bases for AI services globally, attracting international investment in local infrastructure to support this expanding user base. Evolving data privacy and sovereign cloud requirements are expected to drive growth in this segment through 2026," said Naresh Singh, senior director analyst at Gartner. Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief executive at fellow tech consultancy firm Greyhound Research, added that dedicated data centre companies are likely to add to Indias investments in the coming year. Big Techs massive investments over the next five years is a long-term commitment to setting up infrastructure to build large tech ecosystems in India, Gogia said. This, in turn, will attract a larger set of companies that specialize in data centres, who will tap the demand for data centre space from smaller companies, as well as legacy listed Indian companies looking to adopt AI. This would add up to further multi-year investment commitments, as well as accelerate actual spending to bring data centres live in 2026," he added. "India is now firmly on the global data centre map, and the drivers that pulled money in during 2025 have not weakened. Enterprise demand continues to rise, hyperscalers are still expanding, AI has pushed compute decisions into boardrooms rather than IT backrooms, and sovereign cloud has moved from policy language into procurement reality. All of this sustains investor interest," Gogia said. He added that while each of the above factors will continue to remain resilient, "what changes in 2026 is not the direction of money, but its behaviour." "The capital of investment will not retreat; instead, it will sink deeper into execution. Land acquisitions will accelerate, and campuses will move from drawings to earthwork. Substations, transmission links, cooling infrastructure, and long construction schedules will absorb capital quietly and steadily. This is the phase where large cheques will continue to be written, but far fewer of them will make headlines," Gogia further said. Through 2025, Microsoft pledged investments of $20.5 billion by 2030. Google said it will spend $15 billion by 2030 to build a 1GW data centre for AI operations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Over the past three years, Amazon has pledged $15.3 billion by 2030 for data centres in Mumbai and Hyderabad. This is not all. Tata Consultancy Services, Indias largest tech services company, announced its plan to invest up to $7 billion in building a 1GW data centre for AI workloads over five to seven years. On 20 November, it announced a $1 billion investment from US-based asset management firm TPG for its project. Others include Larsen & Toubro, Indias largest engineering conglomerate, which on 26 November told Mint that it will expand its own data centre capacity to 300MW by 2030at an investment of around $3 billion. Reliance Industries also joined the fray on the same day, announcing an $11-billion, 1GW data centre investment over five years through its joint venture operation, Digital Connexion. Instagram head Adam Mosseri has warned that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence-generated images and videos could fundamentally reshape how people perceive content on the platform, pushing authenticity to the centre of its future strategy. In a reflective post shared at the end of December, the Meta executive suggested that AI is advancing so quickly that distinguishing real photos and videos from synthetic ones may soon become extremely difficult, forcing Instagram to adapt at pace. AI content seen as a growing risk AI-powered image and video generation dominated online trends in 2025, driven by tools such as Googles Nano Banana and OpenAIs Sora app. Instagram has also leaned into this shift with its Edits app, aimed at supporting AI-led content creation. Despite this, Mosseri believes the technology poses a serious long-term challenge. The key risk Instagram faces is that, as the world changes more quickly, the platform fails to keep up, Mosseri wrote in a 20-slide carousel post on December 31. Looking forward to 2026, one major shift: authenticity is becoming infinitely reproducible. Mosseri said AI-generated media could be the most transformative change he has witnessed, surpassing previous technological shifts that altered how users interact with the app. From trust to scepticism Mosseri acknowledged that the basic assumption people once held about digital media is eroding. For most of my life, I could safely assume photographs or videos were largely accurate captures of moments that happened. This is clearly no longer the case, and it is going to take us years to adapt, he said. We are going to move from assuming what we see is real by default to starting with scepticism. While Instagram may be able to identify AI-generated content in the short term, he warned that detection will become harder as the technology improves. Over time, he expects a shift towards cryptographic signatures at the point of capture, allowing real images and videos to be verified rather than trying to spot synthetic ones after the fact. The decline of the polished feed? Mosseri also challenged the long-standing perception of Instagram as a home for carefully curated personal moments. According to him, those polished posts have largely moved out of the public feed and into private messages. He noted that most personal sharing now happens through direct messages and often features blurry photos, shaky videos and unflattering candid shots. Describing this trend as a raw aesthetic, Mosseri argued that highly polished imagery has lost its appeal. Also Read | After Australia, these countries could plan social media bans for teens Flattering imagery is no longer valuable, he said, calling it cheap to produce and boring to consume. As a result, the focus is shifting from technical perfection to individuality, moving the bar from can you create? to can you make something that only you could create? How Instagram plans to respond Looking ahead, Mosseri said Instagram must evolve quickly to remain relevant in an AI-saturated environment. He outlined several priorities for the platform, including better tools to respond to AI content, clearer labelling and stronger signals of credibility. Also Read | Research scientist debunks quick weight-loss shortcuts We need to build the best reactive tools. Label AI-generated content and verify authentic content. Surface credibility signals about who's posting. Continue to improve ranking for originality, he said. Evangeline Lilly has revealed she has been diagnosed with brain damage following an accident in Hawaii, telling fans that almost every area of her brain is now functioning at a reduced capacity. Ant-Man star Evangeline Lilly reveals her brain damage diagnosis The 46-year-old actor, best known for her roles in Lost and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shared the update in a video posted to Instagram this week. The injury stems from an incident that occurred in May last year while she was on holiday in Hawaii, where Lost was famously filmed between 2004 and 2010. Lilly explained that she fainted on a beach and fell head first into a boulder, suffering facial injuries that required stitches. Months later, medical scans have revealed the longer-term neurological impact of the fall. Speaking in the video, she said: Its late on January 1st. The first day of 2026. Im entering into this new year, the year of the horse, with some bad news about my concussion. A lot of you have asked how Im doing. A lot of you have enquired about the brain scan that you heard I got. The results came back from the scan, and almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity. Also Read | Jharkhand minister Ramdas Soren suffers brain injury, airlifted to Delhi She continued: I do have brain damage from the TBI (traumatic brain injury) and possibly other factors going on. My job now is to get to the bottom of that with my doctors. Then Ill embark on the hard work of fixing it, which Im not looking forward to I feel like hard work is all I do. But thats OK. My cognitive decline is because I smashed my face open [but] its helped me to slow down. Lilly said the injury has forced her to reassess her pace of life and her relationship with work, adding that it resulted in the most restful Christmas holiday she has had since becoming a mother. The actor has two sons, born in 2011 and 2015. Despite the diagnosis, she struck a note of gratitude. Im still feeling extraordinarily grateful and blessed to be able to play for one more day, one more year on this beautiful living planet, she concluded. So, that is my concussion update. Thank you all for caring. Lilly first detailed the accident publicly in May last year in a Substack post, sharing photographs of her injuries. The images showed stitches between her nose and lip, along with cuts to her chin. I fainted at the beach. And fell face first into a boulder, she wrote. At the hospital, the nurses and doctor went straight into action, more determined to find the cause of my blackout than to stitch up the hole punctured into my face by the rock. I smiled wryly at them. You wont find anything. I said with a woozy voice. In the same post, Lilly explained that she has experienced fainting spells since childhood and has been diagnosed with hypoglycaemia, a condition linked to low blood sugar. More about Evangeline Lilly Born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Lilly worked as a flight attendant and model before her breakthrough role on Lost. Cast as Kate Austen, a fugitive with a complex past, she became one of the shows central figures and appeared in all six seasons. The series was a global phenomenon and ran for 121 episodes, earning Lilly a Golden Globe nomination and establishing her as an international star. Following Lost, she took on film roles including The Hurt Locker, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, and the fantasy epic The Hobbit, where she played Tauriel across two films. Lilly later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hope van Dyne, also known as the Wasp, appearing in Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Avengers: Endgame and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Alongside her acting career, Lilly has also worked as an author, publishing a series of childrens books, and has spoken openly in the past about stepping back from Hollywood to focus on family and personal priorities. The most awaited award show of the year is here as the Critics Choice Awards the first award show of 2026 will be held on 4 January. The 31st edition will be hosted by Chelsea Handler. When and how to watch Critics Choice Awards The star-studded three-hour long event will be broadcasted live on both coasts and will be aired at E! and USA Network. Scheduled to kickstart at 7:00 ET/ 4:00 PT, the grand event will be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Critics Choice Awards association on its website states, The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards will air live on both coasts from 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT to 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 across E! and USA networks. You can also watch live on USANetwork.com as well as the apps for USA, E!, SYFY, and Oxygen. Critics Choice Awards presenters The star-studded lineup of presenters include several notable Hollywood names and rising stars such as Ali Larter, Alicia Silverstone, Allison Janney, Arden Cho, Ava DuVernay, Bradley Whitford, Billy Bob Thornton, Colman Domingo, Diego Luna, EJAE, Hannah Einbinder, Jeff Goldblum, Jessica Williams, Justin Hartley, Justin Sylvester, Kaley Cuoco, Keltie Knight, Marcello Hernandez, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Noah Schnapp, Owen Cooper, Quinta Brunson, Regina Hall, Rhea Seehorn, Sebastian Maniscalco and William H Macy. Honouring the finest and best from cinema, television and streaming shows, this years award show includes 4 new categories Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble and Best Sound. Sinners secured an impressive 17 nominations, leading the Critics Choice Awards film contenders of 2025. Adolescence grabbed six nominations, leading this years television nominees including one for Best Limited Series. It was followed by Nobody Wants This that secured five nominations. FIJI Water, Milagro Tequila, Cold Stone Creamery and Wetzels Pretzels are sponsoring the event which will be hosted by Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight, along with Will Marfuggi and Erin Lim. Social media user can follow the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards on "Instagram and X @CriticsChoice, on TikTok @OfficialCriticsChoice, and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards. Join the conversation using #CriticsChoiceAwards. For live red-carpet coverage, cinephiles must tune into listed networks at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. The City of East Ridge has chosen two of 29 applicants to interview publicly for the city manager position, following the retirement of the office's current holder. J. Scott Miller, who has served the city in various capacities since 2016, sat beside City Human Resources Director Michelle Sinigaglio and Honna Rogers of the Municipal Technical Advisory Service to interview several candidates. East Ridge city manager retiring after 45 years of public service Mayor Brian Williams says his time in East Ridge has been marked by sustained capital investment, infrastructure improvements, and renewed attention to community development. In the end, they decided on two finalists: Kevin Owens and Michael Powers. The pair will now advance to in-person interviews. Community members are encouraged to attend a special called meeting at East Ridge City Hall on Monday, January 12 at 6:00pm, where city council will conduct interviews of both finalists. Owens currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and brings more than 25 years of municipal government experience to the table. He serves as the City Administrator of Fayetteville, TN. Previously, he worked as the City Manager of Tuskegee, Alabama: "Owens has also served as Chief Administrative Officer for the Office of the Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, and has professional experience in community and economic development, grants management, and budget preparation. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration in Urban Management from Clark Atlanta University." Powers lives in Tulare, California, where he recently served as Assistant County Administrative Officer for Kings County in California. He also has served as a city manager in King, Ferndale, and Dunsmuir, California. Powers also served as the Kodiak Borough Manager in Alaska: "Powers has professional experience in capital project administration, economic development, and finance and budget. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fresno." Local 3 will provide an update whenever the next city manager is chosen. CONAKRY, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- An opposition party in Guinea, the Democratic Front of Guinea, announced on Friday that it has officially filed an appeal with the country's Supreme Court over the provisional results of the presidential election held on Dec. 28, 2025. In a statement released the same day, the party said it had mandated a team of lawyers to file legal documents with the Supreme Court, contesting the election results. According to the provisional results announced by Guinea's General Directorate of Elections on Dec. 30, independent candidate and Guinea's transitional president Mamady Doumbouya won the election with 86.72 percent of the vote, while Abdoulaye Yero Balde, leader of the Democratic Front of Guinea, came second with 6.59 percent. The statement said the party resorted to judicial channels to defend what it believes to be the will of the people, stressing that it will strictly uphold democratic principles within the legal and institutional framework. It also reaffirmed the party's commitment to the rule of law, republican legality and the lawful exercise of rights. The Supreme Court is expected to examine the appeal within the legally prescribed time limit. People may have just rung in the New Year, but it's not too early to start thinking about the upcoming tax season. This year, filers may be getting a bigger refund than in previous years due to seven new tax cuts. They were a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. "[The IRS expects] refunds to actually be a little bit higher this year. While they have changed some of the deductions, they never went back to change the withholding tables with the IRS. So, you are still paying the same withholding tables that no longer apply," said Joseph Lautigar, a local H&R Block franchise owner. TN, GA to receive rural health funding from Trump administration A new program will offset some of the cuts to Medicaid, under Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill." If you are a service worker, make tips or overtime, you may be getting a larger refund this year. One of the new tax cuts is a $25,000 deduction for tips. Another is a new deduction of up to $12,500 for overtime income. "It comes down to how it's going to be reported. As we understand, it is going to be two different codes. It is going to show up in 'Box 12.' 'Box 12,' if people remember, that is where you see codes D-DD-W and different types of codes that pertain to your 401(k) or health insurance or pertain to your HSA," said Lautigar. "With overtime, only the overtime premium is tax free. If you make $20 per hour and you are over 40 hours, now you're making $30 an hour. Well, that $10 premium overtime is what is tax exempt. Not the $20. So it's not everything it's just the overtime premium," added Lautigar. For parents, there is a new increase of $200 to the federal child tax credit, which mean qualifying families could receive up to $2,200. If you bought a new car in 2025, you may also be eligible to get an auto loan interest deduction of up to $10,000. "With the car interest deduction, keep in mind, it has to be a car that is new. Brand new. It can't be used. It has to be brand new. The dealer is going to give you a certificate that shows that it's manufactured in the United States," said Lautigar. Is your child eligible for $1K Trump account or Dell's donation? The savings program, which was signed off on in the Big Beautiful Bill, is giving millions of children a government investment at birth, and there is a new donation that will give more children access to future wealth. If you do not qualify of any of those deductions, there is still hope because of an increase to the standard deduction, you may get more back in your wallet. "I will say we have some tail winds helping tax filing this year so I expect things to be a little bit better news this year," Lautigar said. Local tax expert Joseph Lautigar told Local 3 News, if people are concerned that they may owe money to the IRS this year, it may be best to file sooner rather than the April 15, 2026 deadline. "Just because we prepare your information and even file your return January 20, that bill doesn't have to be paid until April 15. A lot of people stress because they know they're going to owe and they sit on it and hide on it. If you come in and it's January 20, you have about three months to pay this bill. Suddenly, you have time to pay for it and manage it. Maybe even make it go away," added Lautigar. The IRS has not yet announced when they will begin accepting tax returns yet, but it is expected to be at the end of January. Your employer has to send out your W-2 and other tax forms by January 31, 2026. A councillor has called on the local authority to write to two Government ministers to ask them to provide funding for remedial works to address a disused and abandoned piggery in Newtowncashel and prevent a 'major environmental disaster'. The Cathaoirleach of Ballymahon Municipal District, Councillor Martin Skelly submitted the motion in relation to the issue and it was discussed at the recent December meeting and he asked that 'something would finally' happen to address it. He called on Housing and Local Government Minister James Browne and Environment Minister Darragh O'Brien to provide funding. Cllr Skelly commented last October how heavy rain following Storm Amy, had seen effluent from the disused piggery seeping into the drains and he reiterated his significant concern during the recent Ballymahon MD meeting with even stronger comments. "This financial assistance is required to prevent a major environmental disaster in the area, which is on the shores of Lough Ree. "I'm sure this has been on the table before but there is not a lot happening and in fact, as we speak, if we were to drive over there today there is sludge emanating from the disused piggeries, it's just an absolute disaster. "It has created hell, a hellhole for people that live in the area and Newtowncashel, without going overboard, is quite a beautiful village and it's a lovely place to live, but this is just one area and it's a shame the way it is." Cllr Skelly said there has been remedial work done and tanks emptied but the bottom line is "there hasn't been a solution and there needs to be a final solution on this to give the people of Newtowncashel back the environment and the area that they deserve". The motion was seconded by his party colleague, Cllr Paul Ross who said it is a "huge issue" that is going on 10 years but 'nothing' has really happened. "There are still environmental issues there leading into Lough Ree, the River Shannon. "If that was a privately owned site and it was a farmer he he would be almost arrested at this stage." Fianna Fail Cllr Mick Cahill and his party colleague Cllr Sean Mimnagh also both stated the disused piggery had been a problem for a long number of years. Social Development Director of Services Samantha Healy told councillors the executive members would support them in writing to the ministers. "We would have undertaken site remediation survey work through an appointed consultant three or four years ago now and the total cost identified for remediation was just shy of 2 million," she added. Ms Healy stated in 2023 and 2024 the executive wrote to the Department of Local Government and Heritage requesting funding support to remediate that site. "In the absence of funding to remediate the site we have looked at some issues that were out there, we have performed multiple site visits and inspections, we have dealt with some dangerous structure complications that are out on the site and we do continue to remove sludge from the tanks on a regular basis. "Obviously, when there are storm events or heavy rainfall the tanks can fill a lot quicker, but we have sent in regional tankers when that is needed. "There is urgency to remediate the site, it remains a risk both to the environment, but also the site itself is deteriorating in terms of the structures on the site. "The environmental section do everything they can to keep those to a minimum. "It is something that we need to resolve and so any weight that you can add to that in terms of requesting funding, writing to the minister or requesting a meeting would be very much welcomed." READ NEXT: PICTURES | Longford Belles of the Ball sparkle at glitzy gala presentation night READ NEXT: 'Safety risk' to residents at south Longford care home highlighted by HIQA A US Navy Sailor signals to an MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter assigned to support Operation Southern Spear, the US military and surveillance campaign targeting illegal drug trafficking. (Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Alyssa Sperle, US Navy) On January 3, at around 2 am, the United States military began a wave of airstrikes on military targets in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and surrounding areas. Shortly afterward, at around 4:30 am, US. President Donald Trump wrote that The United States of America successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. The US strikes targeted major military installations in the Venezuelan cities of Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Hours before the operation, the Federal Aviation Administration had issued a Notice to Air Missions banning US commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity. Once the strikes began, low-flying aircraft were spotted over Caracas as La Carlota Air Base, a military airfield, and Fuerte Tiuna, the largest army base in Venezuela, were both hit. The mausoleum of Hugo Chavez, the former leader of Venezuela, was reportedly also struck. After the strikes began, the Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and reached out to the United Nations to protest the attacks. The US strikes lasted approximately half an hour, followed by Trumps announcement of Maduros capture two hours later. CBS News reported that Delta Force, the US Armys most elite special operations unit, conducted the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, according to US officials. US officials also stated that no American servicemembers were killed in the operation, but have not commented on injuries. Maduros capture is the culmination of years of US efforts to oust the dictator, who the US and much of the world see as an illegitimate ruler with a history of election fraud and narcotics trafficking. According to US Senator Mike Lee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that Maduro was arrested in order to stand trial in the United States. Maduro and 14 Venezuelan officials were indicted by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2020 under charges of narcoterrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking. In 2025, the US State Department and DOJ increased the reward for information leading to Maduros arrest to $50 million. The departments released a joint statement claiming he had [violated] U.S. narcotics law as a leader of Cartel de los Soles, which is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States. The situation is developing, and Venezuelas future is unclear. However, Pedro Urruchurtu, an adviser to recent Nobel laureate and Venezuelan opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado, previously stated that the opposition had developed a plan for the first 100 hours after Maduro was ousted. This plan reportedly involves the transfer of power to Edmundo Gonzalez, who ran for president of Venezuela in 2024 and is widely believed to have legitimately won the election after Maduro was accused of fraudulently manipulating it. Regardless of Maduros present status, his regime, for now, is still intact. Minister of Interior Defense Diosdado Cabello said after the strikes that Venezuela remains in complete tranquility. Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino Lopez and Vice President Delcy Rodriguez also remain free and unharmed. Far from a supposed fight against narcoterrorism, this deplorable action seeks to definitely force a regime change, Lopez stated. The Venezuelan government also issued a statement calling the strikes a serious military aggression. International reactions from Maduros allies Allies of the Maduro regime have condemned the US operation. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned it as a criminal U.S. attack. Cuba relies heavily on Venezuelan crude oil, importing roughly 27,000 barrels per day in 2025. These shipments account for nearly half of Cubas fuel deficit and close to a quarter of its total energy needs. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the United States committed an act of armed aggression after reports of Maduros capture. Russia and Venezuela have a longstanding military partnership dating back to Hugo Chavezs rule, with Venezuela purchasing over $4 billion in Russian arms since 2005. Moscow and Caracas have conducted at least nine military exchanges and cooperation activities since 2022, and the two governments signed a Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Treaty in May 2025, formalizing security cooperation for at least 10 years. Irans Foreign Ministry claimed that the United States committed a flagrant violation of Venezuelas sovereignty. Iran and Venezuela signed a joint defense agreement in 2022 pledging to collaborate on defense, energy, and finance. Iran is also part of the shadow fleet of vessels that transport oil to and from Venezuela, Russia, and China in order to avoid US sanctions. Tehran is currently facing widespread protests in which Iranians are calling for regime change, drawing a response from Trump. If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on January 2. Notably, China has yet to issue an official statement, though Beijing is a key ally of Maduros regime. China is by far the worlds largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, accounting for 80 percent of the sales of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the state-owned oil and natural gas company. This total is equivalent to 4 percent of Chinas total oil imports. Beijing officially denies supplying the Venezuelan military with arms. However, reports have surfaced of Venezuela negotiating to buy 20 J-10CE fighter jets from China, and Caracas already boasts Chinese-made infantry fighting vehicles, artillery units, and amphibious assault vehicles. On December 23, at an emergency UN Security Council meeting called by Venezuela, China joined Russia in accusing the United States of violating international law. Capture of Maduro follows months of escalation The military pressure on Venezuela had been building for months and escalated significantly in the weeks prior to todays strikes and Maduros arrest. The US began a series of strikes on alleged drug-running speedboats in September, followed by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announcing Operation Southern Spear on November 13. Hegseth stated that the campaign was intended to [defend] our homeland, [remove] narco-terrorists from our hemisphere, and [secure] our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. On December 10, Trump ordered a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela. The same day, the US seized The Skipper, a sanctioned tanker that had previously docked at an Iranian port with two million barrels of oil bound for China. On December 20, a second tanker was intercepted by US forces off the coast of Venezuela. The US pursued a third tanker, the Bella 1, the following day after its crew refused to submit to boarding, and continues to pursue this vessel. The US blockade has substantially reduced the amount of illicit oil flowing out of Venezuela. On December 29, the US had conducted the first strike inside Venezuelan territory since the beginning of Operation Southern Spear. Trump claimed there was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs, though US officials have not clarified exactly what was hit or where. Update on 1/3/26 at 8:05 pm EST: The Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement saying it was deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the U.S.s use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president. Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuelas sovereignty. At a press conference, President Trump and members of his staff clarified the nature of the operation and the next steps in the conflict. Were going to run the country until such times as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition, said Trump, adding, Were going to be running it with a group and were going to rebuild the oil infrastructure. Were not afraid of boots on the ground were going to make sure this country is run properly. Were not doing this in vain. When asked who would take over for Maduro, Trump claimed, There is nobody there to take over. You have a vice president, referring to former Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, whos been appointed by Maduro and she was sworn in as President just a little while ago. She had a long conversation with [US Secretary of State] Marco [Rubio], and she said, Well do whatever you need. I think she was quite gracious, but she doesnt really have a choice. Rodriguez later stated, There is only one president in Venezuela, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros. Seemingly contradicting earlier Venezuelan opposition reports claiming Maduros capture was part of a secret deal, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stated that US personnel were under fire and injured during the raid, though the mission produced no American fatalities. Samuel Ben-Ur is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Saturday voiced grave concern over the "military invasion" carried out by the United States against Venezuela, as well as the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The U.S. actions constitute a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, which requires all member states to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement. The UN Charter does not authorize external military intervention in matters that fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of a sovereign nation, the statement added. "History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis. Unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order and the principle of equality among nations," the statement said. South Africa called on the UN Security Council to urgently convene to address the situation. The U.S. military launched a series of attacks against Venezuela early Saturday morning, during which Maduro was captured and flown out of the country along with his wife. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro will face trial in the United States. The military action against the South American nation has drawn widespread international condemnation, with multiple countries calling for a coordinated global response. The second man accused in the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old in Boston in October 2025 has been ordered held without bail after he turned himself in to police officers on Friday morning. Kwessi Adom Silcott, 20, was charged with first-degree murder and carrying a firearm without a license in the Dorchester Division of Boston Municipal Court on Friday. He was ordered held without bail, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. Silcott and a man named Dkhrai Wornum-Brown, 22, are both charged in connection with the fatal shooting of GKiyah Lewis, 18, of Malden, who was pronounced dead on Nov. 7, 2025 nearly a month after the Oct. 11, 2025 shooting that left her gravely injured. Around 1:25 p.m. that day, Boston police responded to a ShotSpotter alert and reports of multiple people shot at 2 Hiawatha Road in Mattapan, the department said. Lewis had been one of five people on the porch when two men approached the home on a scooter, prosecutors said. Silcott got off, prosecutors said, then fired at least 21 shots at the porch that hit three people including Lewis and two other men. Silcott then hopped back on the scooter with Wornum-Brown, whom prosecutors believe was driving, and they fled the scene. All three shooting victims were taken to the hospital. The two men survived, but Lewis later died from gunshot wounds to her body and head. Wornum-Brown and Silcott were identified through a combination of video, GPS tracking and other circumstantial evidence, the district attorneys office said. Silcott was ordered held without bail on Friday by Judge Dana Pierce. Both he and Wornum-Brown are next expected in court for probable cause hearings on Feb. 5, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. Im grateful that the two individuals charged with killing GKiyah Lewis and wounding two others will answer to the offenses. Nothing can ease the sorrow of GKiyahs tragic death, but I hope those who knew and loved her find some solace in knowing that the men accused of her murder will be judged for their actions, said Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden. Lewis was a senior at Malden High School who loved fashion, the beach, bubble tea and taking photos, her mother, Rehema Grayson, told The Boston Globe. She had two younger sisters. Thats my best friend and they stole her from me, said Grayson, 34. Her school is hurting, our family is hurting, Im hurting. Grayson said her daughter had been with her boyfriend and friends when the shooting broke out simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Lewis survived nearly a month after the attack, but her injuries including a bullet that passed through her arm, grazed her heart and lodged in her head were too severe, Grayson said. I stayed with my daughter until she took her last breath, she told the Globe. Lewis organs were donated to three people. In the days after Lewiss death, community members gathered at Grace Church of All Nations on Elm Hill Avenue in Dorchester, calling for answers and urging residents to come forward with information, the Globe reported. None of our children should die in the streets, Rev. Kevin Peterson, a community minister and public theologian at Grace Church of All Nations, told the outlet. No blood should be in the streets of our community. Peterson also condemned law enforcements action on the case, saying that nearly a month later, ... we havent heard anything from the police. Its an embarrassment. We in our community have a responsibility to protect our community. Were the first line of defense, Peterson said. Cannabis prices in Massachusetts are sitting at their lowest point since the states recreational pot market opened more than seven years ago, industry data shows. The average price of an eighth of an ounce of cannabis flower a common purchase at a dispensary slipped to $14.20 in November, according to data from the states Cannabis Control Commission. It has fallen by two-thirds from four years ago, when an eighth ran closer to $45. The dramatic drop in prices mirrors trends in other states where marijuana is legal and the market has matured. The price decline is welcome relief for consumers even as the cost of many other goods continues to rise. However, it also comes at the expense of cannabis producers and sellers, many of whom staked their business hopes and financial futures on prices staying high long enough to turn a profit. Retailers are competing against some shops selling cannabis for as low as $7 for an eighth of an ounce of flower, said Ryan Dominguez, executive director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, an industry trade group. Cannabis retailers are in a race to the bottom, he said, and for those trying to stay open as long as possible to outlast their competition, developing a profitable business model becomes a future concern. So many have been focused on head down, how do I keep the doors open and the lights on and pay my staff? Dominguez said. The price plunge has been underway for several years. It played out most dramatically through 2022 and 2023, when cannabis prices sank by more than half. While the market leveled off in the last two years, cannabis prices still fell more than 12% between November 2024 and November 2025, the most recent month of available data. Industry experts have attributed the price drop to the basic economics of supply and demand. Massachusetts recreational cannabis market is flush with pot, driving prices down. More than 120 marijuana cultivators have active licenses with the commission, about a third of which began operating since 2023. Consumers have no shortage of retailers from which to shop, creating heavy competition for the best prices. Nearly 400 dispensaries are open across the state. More than 150 of them have opened since 2023. In the highly competitive market, some have not survived. The first cannabis business to close in the state shuttered in December 2022. It had opened in downtown Northampton earlier that year, with nearly a dozen other dispensaries in proximity. It is unclear precisely how many cannabis businesses have closed since then, but commission data shows 81 have surrendered their licenses or allowed them to expire. A third of those did so this year. Some businesses have thrived in a market where consumers are buying more marijuana than ever. Massachusetts marijuana retailers logged a record $1.64 billion in sales last year and hit $1.57 billion this year through Dec. 14, when the commission last reported industry sales. But those aggregate numbers are little consolation to individual businesses struggling to hang on. A year ago, Dominguez heard a far more negative tune from the cannabis industry. Some operators feared an avalanche of business closures, he said. While some closed this year, the reality was not as dismal as feared. Today, the industry is buoyed by the possibility that the federal government could soon reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, thereby allowing pot businesses to take tax deductions they dont have access to now. Massachusetts legislators are weighing reforms to the cannabis industry and the Cannabis Control Commission that could boost both medical and recreational marijuana businesses. Medical marijuana companies would no longer be subject to a requirement that they grow and process the products they sell, a costly burden. The legislation could also allow recreational dispensaries to sell up to two ounces of marijuana to a person at once, double what they can now, which could help them offload more product and retain high-spending customers. The commission this month created long-awaited regulations for cannabis lounges and other on-site pot consumption venues. It is discussing other regulatory changes to remove red tape for cannabis businesses. People are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, Dominguez said. However, the issues posed by the oversupplied and oversaturated market are not disappearing, he said. These changes cant come soon enough, he added. Were not out of the woods. The commission has also indicated it could take steps to curb oversupply by reducing how much pot a farm can grow if it does not sell a certain amount of its harvest. The cannabis markets in other states show prices in Massachusetts could continue to slide. Recreational marijuana sales began in Oregon in October 2015, about three years before Massachusetts. The median price for an eighth of an ounce of flower in Oregon was $14.44 three years ago. It has continued to sink this year and now sits under $12. The Cannabis Business Times reported a year ago that the average price of an eighth was about $10.46 in Michigan and $9.22 in California. Michigan had once faced prices six times higher. Some attribute its price drop to a sharp increase in farms cultivating marijuana. There are a lot of businesses that are very hurt by falling prices. A lot are smaller producers. The problem is, this is a natural dynamic that happens over time, Robin Goldstein, an economist and director of the Cannabis Economics Group at the University of California, Davis, told MassLive earlier this year. Theres still a lot further to fall, he said. If there are businesses out there thinking that it wont fall further it will. A Cambridge man accused of shooting himself and another person during a fight on Christmas Day was held after his arraignment on New Years Eve. Nelson Portillo, 34, was arrested in connection with an early morning shooting on Dec. 25, 2025 that left himself and another person injured, according to Cambridge police. Portillo faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building and carrying a loaded firearm without a license. He was arraigned in Cambridge District Court on Dec. 31, 2025 and ordered held pending a dangerousness hearing on Jan. 6. The shooting happened at around 3:20 a.m., when a fight broke out during a gathering, the department said. Portillo fired a gun inside the home and ended up hitting himself and another person, police said. Officers found Portillo and another person with gunshot wounds at the scene. Both were brought to the hospital and both have since been treated and released. A GoFundMe has been established to pay for the memorial and burial of a New Bedford woman who was killed in a hit-and-run on Thursday. Nicolassa Ventura Colaj, 33, was struck and killed by an SUV after leaving a church gathering shortly after midnight on Jan. 1, according to the Bristol county District Attorneys Office. According to the fundraising page, Colaj left behind a husband and three children: two boys, 15 and 11, and a 4-year-old girl. Colaj is to be buried in Guatemala, her home country. The GoFundMe has set a goal of $11,000, and as of Saturday morning more than 60 people had combined to donate nearly $6,000, with a top donation of $1,000. The page was set up by Esther Andrea Lopez, the daughter of the pastor at Colajs church in New Bedford. Colaj and her family were leaving a New Years service when she was hit by an SUV; Colaj was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. The proceeds will go to Colajs husband, according to Lopez. She was a loving mother [and] a God fearing woman, Lopez wrote. When she entered a room she made everyone feel happy, she lightened up the mood always. [Nicolassa] was always smiling and she was generous. She was an exemplary and virtuous woman. The SUV fled the scene after hitting Colaj, but New Bedford police announced Friday they had located and seized the vehicle believed to have been involved in the incident. The crash was still under investigation as of Friday, but according to a statement released by New Bedford police, officers anticipate that justice will be served swiftly. SYDNEY, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Police in Sydney are investigating after a man died in a house fire in the city's southwest in the early hours of Saturday morning, with local media reporting the incident occurred at a disability support home. The police force in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said that emergency services were called to the fire in Spring Farm, 50 km southwest of central Sydney, around 12:25 a.m. local time on Saturday. Fire and rescue personnel attended the scene and extinguished the fire, but the home was destroyed and a body was located inside. Police said that two other occupants present at the time were able to evacuate and were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that the property was a disability support home. Two people with disabilities were being cared for at the property at the time of the fire, according to the ABC, one of whom is believed to be the deceased. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said at a press conference on Saturday that the fire is not being treated as suspicious but was extremely intense. "The fire has got up into the roof area quickly and tore through it, tore across the top, we've had significant roof collapse," he said Dewberry said that the reason why one person was unable to escape the home would form part of the investigation into the fire. A lighthouse, whale or turkey could be at the center of Massachusetts new state flag months after originally being cut as options. The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission, which was established by the state Legislature in 2024, previously narrowed down more than 1,000 ideas to just three for each category. The final three flag designs featured the state flower, the mayflower, six feathers in a circle on a crimson color background and a blue hill with waves next to it. But there continued to be concern that these werent the right final three during a hearing on Aug. 28. Two days after the committees previous December deadline to produce its recommendations, the committee met to talk about extending the process further. This process is not about rushing toward an outcome. It is about ensuring that before any decisions are considered, weve done the work of understanding, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, co-chair of the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Commission, said at a December meeting. Understanding where the symbols come from, how their meanings have shifted over time, and how different communities experience them today. That kind of work takes time, and it takes care. It also takes leadership. Tutwiler then announced the committee is seeking additional time so we can complete this work with the level of education, engagement and care that it deserves. This includes rescoring the original second round submissions using a recalibrated rubric that gives equal weight to both representation and design features. All scoring is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. on Jan. 9. Unfortunately or fortunately this means the shark in a pilgrim hat and Dunkin coffee cups are still excluded. Currently, the flag has English militia leader Myles Standish gripping a saber over the head of an indigenous person as if hes poised to strike. Standish attacked multiple Native American settlements in the 1600s. Latin motto Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem outlines the seal. The motto roughly translates to: By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty. Indigenous people spent years protesting the flag. In July 2021, John Peters, of Native descent and executive director of Massachusetts Indian Affairs, told the commission that the current symbol on the flag is truthful to what happened to us Native people in the commonwealth. He hopes the commission can change the symbol to something that isnt so egregious to Native Americans, something that can represent Massachusetts diverse cultures. A previous group began meeting to officially make changes in 2021. But by 2023, the group was not able to finish redesigning the flag. A final report was submitted November 2023 with information for a new commission to consider. For example, the mayflower connects back to the colonial era and the Pilgrims, whose actions included the forced displacement of Indigenous people. The cranberry, one Commission member noted, conjures mixed feelings among some Indigenous residents due to its relationship to colonialism, the report states. Several Indigenous members also expressed support for keeping an Indigenous figure in the heraldic charge as a way to prevent additional erasure of their communities from the official history and iconography of the commonwealth, the report states. It also suggested that Massachusetts should dedicate more resources to educating the public about the Indigenous history and cultures of Massachusetts, the history and usages of the current seal and motto, the harm inflicted by the current seal and motto and the efforts to change the seal and motto. President Donald Trump said Saturday at his Mar-a-Lago Club that the United States will control Venezuela for an unspecified period after a U.S. operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Well run it properly. Well run it professionally. Well have the greatest oil companies in the world go in and invest billions, he said, while declining to rule out U.S. military deployments. Were not afraid of boots on the ground. U.S. oil companies are going to take over Venezuelas oil fields and industry, Trump said Saturday, declaring that U.S. oil interests will revive oil production in a country with one of the worlds largest reserves. Trump cited oil as one of the motivations for the U.S. intervention that led to the capture Saturday of Maduro. As everyone knows, the oil business in Venezuela has been a bust, a total bust, for a long period of time, Trump said. They were pumping almost nothing, by comparison to what they could have been pumping, and what could have taken place. Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, and we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so, Trump said. Trump claimed that Venezuela had stolen the oil investments that U.S. companies had made in the country over time. Now, Trump said, the oil companies would recover their investments. Trump leaves door open to U.S. military on Venezuelan soil Trump said Saturday that the United States is not afraid of boots on the ground in Venezuela, raising the possibility of U.S. military deployments in the country following the capture of Maduro. Were not afraid of it, Trump said. We dont mind saying it, but were going to make sure that that country is run properly. Were not doing this in vain. Trump later downplayed the role he thought U.S. forces might have. Asked a second time about a potential military role, he said the United States will have a presence in Venezuela as it pertains to oil. That presence, he said, would be not very much in size. Trump dismissed the mixed history that the United States has had after toppling other governments abroad, citing the fatal strike on Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and the raid against Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi during the presidents first term that resulted in his suicide. Trump also cited the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities last summer. Weve had a perfect track record of winning, he said. We win a lot. None of those operations toppled governments. Trump has criticized U.S. nation-building efforts in the past. Hundreds of flights canceled amid Venezuela crisis Major U.S. airlines have canceled flights following the Federal Aviation Administrations temporary bans on travel to Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean. Its unclear how many total flights have been canceled due to the U.S. attack on Venezuela, but more than 670 flights traveling through U.S. airports have been canceled and nearly 2,000 had been delayed as of 10:30 a.m. Saturday, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware. JetBlue said it canceled more than 200 flights because of the airspace closures, noting that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are not affected: Customers whose flights are canceled may rebook their travel or request a refund. Customers with travel plans should check their flight status on jetblue.com or the JetBlue app. For customers with upcoming travel, a fee waiver is in place to provide additional flexibility to adjust their travel plans. JetBlues fee waiver covers travel on Saturday and Sunday to or from 15 airports, including those in Puerto Rico, Curacao and Aruba. Affected travelers can rebook through Jan. 10. American Airlines said it was closely monitoring the situation in the eastern Caribbean: We are making schedule adjustments as necessary with the safety and security of our customers and team members top of mind. To provide options for customers, we have issued a travel alert allowing those traveling in the region to change their travel plans without a fee. A Southwest spokeswoman said that all flights to Queen Beatrix International Airport, in Aruba, have been canceled for Saturday. Flights to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico are being suspended until at least 3:30 p.m. Central time. For now, scheduled flights to Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic are unaffected. Southwests travel advisory states that customers holding reservations to, from, or through Aruba, Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic on Saturday who want to alter their travel plans may rebook or travel standby within 14 days without paying a change in airfare. Fliers could also be eligible for a refund for unused tickets due to canceled or significantly delayed flights. Delta said it started canceling flights early Saturday morning, informing its customers via the Fly Delta app and contact information listed in their reservations. United Airlines issued a travel alert stating that it will waive change fees and fare differences for customers rescheduling their trip, as long as the new flight is a United flight departing between Tuesday and Jan. 13. If you live in Ohio, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, or Oklahoma, congratulations, youre going to get a break on your state income taxes in 2026. If some reformers get their way, the Bay State could be next, though the path to a tax cut will be a little more complicated and is likely to be hugely expensive. The early signs are already there: Theres entrenched legislative opposition and big, big spending. The pro-business Massachusetts Opportunity Alliance is pushing for a pair of proposed ballot questions this year. One of them would lower the states income tax from 5% to 4% and another would dole out tax refunds more often. The constellation of business interests has so far poured about $1.6 million into a pair of proposed ballot questions, arguing that its past time that Massachusetts joins the company of the 28 states that have cut their income tax rates since 2021. Those reductions have [boosted] their economies and [delivered] tax relief. Residents want Massachusetts to get on board, Jim Stergios, the alliances co-organizer and the executive director of the Pioneer Institute, told MassLive in a statement. Massachusetts has one of the highest tax burdens in the country, so its no surprise that a large majority of voters support an income tax cut, Stergios said. This strong support holds across income brackets, party lines, and union membership status. Research shows that an income tax cut would save taxpayers an average of $1,300 per year while adding billions of dollars to the states GDP, he concluded. The proposal that would return excess tax money to state residents cleared a key procedural hurdle last week, as it garnered enough signatures to go before the state Legislature. The income tax cut proposal cleared the same hurdle in mid-December. There, lawmakers can pass the proposals into law (or not). If that happens, supporters will have to gather an additional 12,429 signatures to get them on the ballot in November, Secretary of State Bill Galvins office said. And the way the pro-business Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance sees things, the go-ahead from the voters cant come soon enough. While other states are cutting income taxes to attract workers, retirees, and investment, Massachusetts is busy doing the opposite. Beacon Hill has at times paid lip service to our declining competitiveness, but its actions tell a very different story, the groups executive director, Paul Diego Craney, said in a statement. Craney pointed to a Wall Street Journal editorial praising those states for their tax-cutting ways. Ohio, for instance, is moving from a 2.75% flat income tax to a top marginal rate of 3.125%, according to the Journal. In 2015, the top marginal rate was 5.33%, the newspapers editorial board wrote. Nebraska, meanwhile, is cutting its income tax to 4.55%, down from 5.2%, with a cut to 3.99% on the books for 2027, according to the Journals editorial board. Kentuckys 4% income tax is dropping more modestly to 3.5%. These states understand a basic truth Beacon Hill refuses to accept: lower marginal tax rates encourage work, reward productivity, and keep people from leaving. High taxes dont just punish success. They drive it away, Craney said. In public appearances over the past two years, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey has repeatedly touted the $1 billion tax cut that she signed into law in October 2023. That bill, which delivered tax breaks to parents with children, older Massachusetts residents, and renters, left the states income tax rate untouched. The tax remains one of the states largest sources of revenue. And a mid-month report delivered to lawmakers in December underscores its role in the states financial picture. Through Dec. 18, the state had collected $981 million in income taxes, Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey E. Snyder wrote to legislative leaders. That was down $40 million, or 3.9%, compared to the same period in December 2024. Top budget writers in the majority-Democrat state Legislature have argued that cutting the income tax would add up to a financial nightmare. These questions would only benefit high-end earners and would require either dramatic spending cuts or other tax increases in order to maintain the commonwealths fiscal stability, House Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Aaron Michlewitz, D-3rd Suffolk, said during a hearing last month, according to WBUR-FM. Tax hawks have argued that Healeys self-professed efforts to make the state more business-friendly are undercut by other policies, including the states Millionaires Tax, which voters approved at a statewide referendum in 2022. They have claimed that the levy and other state policies are causing people to flee the state. An April report by the Institute for Policy Studies and State Revenue Alliance argued the opposite. Craney is betting on the voters to know better. A successful income tax reduction ballot question would be a clear signal that Massachusetts is ready to rejoin the national conversation on growth and affordability. If lawmakers wont follow the successful examples set by other states, voters should lead, he said. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Cookware lovers are running to Le Creuset right now to save big during the brands Winter Savings Event. Right now, Le Creuset is offering major savings on some of its most iconic French cookware. Plus, when you spend $250 or more, you get 4 Mini Heart Bowls when you use code LOVEALWAYS at checkout. Signature Oval Dutch Oven $475 $300 SALE! Buy Now at Le Creuset Le Creuset is renowned for its vibrant enamel finishes, durable construction, and even heat distribution. During the Winter Savings Event, many of the brands bestsellers are up to 50% off, making this one of the best times to shop. Some of the standout deals include the Traditional Oval Griddle, now only $154 (down from $220), and the Traditional Round Wide Oven, now $315 (down from $450). Le Creuset rarely sees discounts this deep on its premium products, which is why home chefs and collectors are rushing to grab these deals before theyre gone. Free gift with purchase One of the standout perks of this sale is the free gift with purchase. When your Le Creuset cart totals $250 or more, you can enter the promo code LOVEALWAYS at checkout to get a free set of Mini Heart Bowls that are perfect for Valentines Day. The Le Creuset Winter Savings Event is one of the most compelling cookware sales weve seen in a while. To check out the entire sale, head to Le Creuset. Sign up for MassLives Shopping Newsletter: A recap of the biggest online deals and sales from the week, curated by MassLives expert e-commerce writer, Jessica Day. The state department that manages a fund to help low-income families pay for child care said it has not received any official guidance from the Trump administration over plans to freeze federal child care funding nationwide in an effort to root out fraud. On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced over social media that because of reports of a series of fraudulent schemes at Minnesota day care centers, the Administration for Children and Families would only release funds once states justify payments and provide a receipt or photo evidence. Deputy Health and Human Services Secretary Jim ONeill wrote in a post on X the step was to address the blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country. But Kim Le, spokesperson for the states Department of Early Education and Care, said as of Friday afternoon the federal administration did not share with the state any formal guidance or notification of any changes to the program. At this time, there are no disruptions to payments for providers that accept child care financial assistance in Massachusetts, Le wrote in an email. About 66,000 children in Massachusetts are enrolled in the states Child Care Financial Assistance Program and 31,000 more were on a waitlist as of July, according to the Department of Early Education and Care. The program, funded in part by federal dollars, helps low-income families pay for child care. Health and Human Services Press Secretary Emily Hilliard said until states provide additional verification, the administration will not allow them to tap into the funds the federal government matched in the Child Care Development Fund, which helps fund the state program. Health and Human Services was set to send Massachusetts $39.7 million in matching child care funds 2025 fiscal year. HHS has a clear duty to verify the proper use of taxpayer funds, Hilliard wrote. The documentation process exists to rule out fraud and confirm that funds are supporting legitimate child care providers. While the Trump administration has declared additional verification measures across the nation, it has called for additional records from child care centers in Minnesota suspected of fraud, such as attendance and inspection records. With 2025 now behind us, The Westfield News looks back at some of the biggest stories in Westfield over the past 12 months. Overflowing crowd attends ribbon cutting for Westfield River Elementary School Hundreds of residents, young and old, attended the ribbon cutting for the new Westfield River Elementary School on Jan. 18, which was hosted indoors in the foyer, with the ribbon on the stairs leading to the second floor. Many of the families in the overflowing crowd waited to get in, among them second grader Mazon Cartagena, formerly of Abner Gibbs, who brought his father Jose Cartagena to see his new school. Asked how he liked Westfield River, Mazon nodded, saying, There are bigger spaces to do stuff. Westfield River Elementary opened for the first time on Jan. 6 to 404 students from the former Franklin Avenue and Abner Gibbs elementary schools. Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski welcomed everyone to a celebration of the first new school in Westfield in 25 years. He said the project began when George W. Bush was president in 2008. He spoke about his first visit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Purchasing Director Tammy Tefft, former Mayor Brian Sullivan, School Committee member Cindy Sullivan, who was present at the ceremony, and then Business Administrator Ron Rix. We are seeing the results of that meeting, he said. Czaporowski said the shovels went in the ground in April 2023. The total estimated cost of the school was $60.7 million. Legislation passed in 2023 allowed the state to increase its reimbursement for construction per square foot, and the MSBA contributed a total of $36.2 million toward the school. Company withdraws application for BESS in Westfield At an April 25 noon press conference, Mayor Michael McCabe, joined by state Sen. John Velis and Community Development Director Peter Miller announced what he said would be good news for the residents of Westfield and surrounding communities. After months of communication and consideration, I am very pleased to announce that Jupiter Power has withdrawn their proposal for a battery energy storage site in the city of Westfield, McCabe said. The Streamfield Battery Energy Storage Site proposed by Jupiter Power overlapped the Barnes Aquifer, which has a recent and costly history of PFAS contamination. The project caused an outpouring from residents in Westfield and neighboring communities, who voiced their opposition to the plan at meetings and in other public forums. The mayor said he had received a brief statement from the company that morning that also followed a recent meeting he had with Miller, Velis and Jack Godshall, chief financial officer of Jupiter Power, that he shared at the press conference. Jupiter Power has a broad portfolio of projects in active development across the United States, and is consistently evaluating which projects to continue to invest in and advance. While we know that the Streamfield project would bring many economic and grid resiliency benefits to the region, and are of course disappointed with the outcome, Jupiter Power has now made the business decision to terminate the Streamfield project and focus development efforts elsewhere, the statement from Godshall read. McCabe said he had been impressed in that final meeting with the company at how much they had listened to Westfield. Velis said before the last meeting with Jupiter Power, he had expected a full-on brawl. I give them credit. They listened in a collaborative manner and were cognizant of Westfields history. Velis said he was also impressed by the number of emails and phone calls his office received on this matter, and the people who came together in opposition. In my 40 years in public service, I never saw an issue like this that was unanimously panned. Nobody was in favor, they were 100% opposed, McCabe said. Former mayor voted to council, another ousted in Westfield election Nearly 20% of 29,308 registered voters, made their voices heard in Westfields municipal election where there were contested races for mayor, at large City Council and Ward 2 City Council. Mayor Michael McCabe earned a third two-year term with 4,041 votes to 1,478 cast for challenger Andrew Mullen. The biggest upset of the night was in the at large race, where challenger and former Mayor Daniel Knapik earned one of the seven available seats. Bumped from the City Council was incumbent and former Mayor Richard Sullivan Jr. Top vote-getter in the at large race was Dan Allie with 2,983 votes, followed by Nicholas Morganelli Jr. with 2,914, James Adams with 2,809, Brent Bean II with 2,793, Kristen Mello with 2,758,Cindy Harris with 2,706 and Knapik with 2,699 votes, all of whom were elected. Not elected were challenger Robert Parent, who was in the eighth spot with 2,600 votes, followed by Sullivan with 2,572, Christopher McCrary with 2,119 and John Bowen with 1,845 votes. The only contested ward race was for Ward 2 on the City Council, where incumbent Ralph Figy defeated challenger Jessica Britton in a close decision, with Figy receiving 342 votes to Brittons 299. Running unchallenged and elected for another two-year term on the City Council was Karen Fanion in Ward 1, Bridget Matthews-Kane in Ward 3, Michael Burns in Ward 4, John Beltrandi, Jr. in Ward 5 and William Onyski in Ward 6. Incumbent Kathleen Hillman received the most votes for School Committee with 3,475 votes, followed by Kick Sullivan with 3,402 and Jeffrey Gosselin with 3,177 votes. All three were elected to fill the three open four-year terms on the committee. Elected for two-year terms on the Municipal Light Board in uncontested races were Thomas Fanion in Ward 1, Ray Rivera in Ward 2, Dawn Renaudette in Ward 3, William Parks in Ward 4, Robert Goyette, Jr. in Ward 5 and Robert Sacco in Ward 6. Also elected for a six-year term as a Westfield Athenaeum trustee was Kathleen Knapik. Westfield agrees to seek settlement in wage theft lawsuit filed by police officers The city of Westfield and 17 current Westfield Police Department officers who are suing it alleging they should have been paid regular wages when attending police academy have agreed to try and mediate the case being heard in Hampden County Superior Court. Were trying to resolve the matter, said Springfield-based attorney Jeffrey Morneau with Connor & Morneau who has been representing the officers who filed the lawsuit against the city in September 2024. Morneau said he and the attorneys defending the city, Boston-based firm Seyfarth Shaw, have been having ongoing settlement discussions for the last several months. We agreed to hold off on any further action in attempt to reach a settlement, Morneau said Monday about the joint motion filed on Nov. 11. According to the joint motion: After engaging in discovery and engaging in preliminary party-to-party settlement discussions, the parties have agreed to attempt to informally settle this matter, including in conjunction with related wage-and-hour case with the same counsel. The related wage-and-hour case is a lawsuit filed by Westfield Police officer Efrain Luna in U.S. District Court alleging the city had violated the federal Fair Labor Standards Act by not paying him overtime. On Oct. 6, Luna, who is also represented by Morneau, and the city filed a joint motion to stay the federal case pending mediation, which was granted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson two days later. The judge hearing the Superior Court case has yet to rule on the joint motion filed by both parties to stay the lawsuit pending settlement negotiations. The September 2024 lawsuit filed by the 17 officers against the city had three separate complaints referred to as counts. Count 1 alleged that officers attending the police academy should have been paid the same wages as regular officers since they had been appointed to the position of Police Officer and the city was obligated to pay regular wages. Count 2 was that the city didnt pay the officers while they were attending the academy regular wages earned within seven days of the end of the pay period, which was essentially asking the court to find that the officers attending the academy should have been paid at least $21 an hour instead of $19 per hour while enrolled at the academy. And in Count 3 the officers alleged the city was obligated to pay them because they provided valuable services were provided to the city it is called a claim for quantum merit. Count 3 also includes the officers had a reasonable expectation of compensation for services, the city accepted the services provided by the officers, and a reasonable person would have expected compensation. The city, through Seyfarth Shaw, denied the allegations in Count 1 that the city was obligated to pay the officers regular wages by questioning the legal conclusions used in the lawsuit. For Count 2, the city again denied failing to pay the wages earned within seven days of the end of the pay period and denied the officers were entitled to damages. For Count 3, the city denied that the officers had provided valuable services to the city because the allegation was vague and that the officers were paid what was owed to them. The city also said it acted in good faith and with reasonable grounds to believe it was not violating the law. It also made a motion to dismiss the officers lawsuit, which was denied last May. Luna also filed his lawsuit in U.S. District Court in September 2024. In it, he alleged the city hadnt paid him time and a half rates for work in excess of 40 hours in one week since July 2021. Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. The First Lady of Sao Tome and Principe, H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) emphasized It was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of Sao Tome and Principe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, we discussed our joint programs and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local doctors. We have already started to enroll doctors for Oncology and Diabetes Care. Moreover, I am very happy that she plans to broadcast our animation films in Portuguese on the national TV stations. This will significantly help raise awareness about important social and health issues in an informative and engaging way. H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of Sao Tome and Principe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother shared, It is a great honor to be part of the 12th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary and to meet my dear sisters African First Ladies and Dr. Rasha Kelej. We have introduced in our country the Educating Linda and Lindo program, which is very close to my heart as it provides an opportunity to deserving but under privileged children to reach their full potential and thrive in life. Together, we are providing annual scholarships for 40 best performing but underprivileged schoolgirls and boys till they graduate. Moreover, I want to share that I liked the Merck Foundation Animation Films, and we will soon air them on our national TV stations. I strongly believe that our people will enjoy these films and greatly benefit from their important social and health messages Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships for doctors from Sao Tome and beyond, added Dr. Rasha Kelej. On Day 1 of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was also held with African Ministers to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research. On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed. The Irish government must decide whether it will encourage more people to have babies or allow more migrants to enter the country. Those were the options presented to the government by the National Economic and Social Council after warning that Irish people are not having enough children to fund public services in the future. Questions have been raised about how the Irish economy will function if there are so few taxpayers in the future, according to an article by Newstalk. READ NEXT: Met Eireann issue status yellow weather warnings as ice and snow expected over the weekend A recent report by the National Economic and Social Council found that births in the country peaked in 2010, with 77,000 children that year. By 2024, that number had dropped to just 54,000, leaving the government wondering what to do to tackle this issue. Jack Horgan-Jones, a journalist with the Irish Times, told Newstalk that a call for more migration will settle some TDs, especially considering they have been making "political capital" on migration issues in recent months. "That's one of those things where you're going to have a policy imperative, something to address and right size the demographic shape of the State going forward, coming into conflict potentially with the prevailing politics of the moment, which is rather more sour on migration and immigration than it has been," he said. Another person who featured on the show suggested that Ireland stop forcing people to retire once they reach their 60s as people are living longer and healthier lives now. NEW DELHI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 armed rebels, locally called Naxals, were killed in India's central state of Chhattisgarh, the police said on Saturday. The confrontation between the security personnel and Naxals began at around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday. Twelve Naxals were killed in the Sukma district, while two others were eliminated in the Bijapur district, the police said. India's Home Minister Amit Shah had vowed to eliminate Naxalism from the affected areas by the end of March this year. The insurgency, active in central and eastern India, has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands. Candida auris is an emerging, hard-to-treat fungal pathogen causing deadly hospital outbreaks across the globe. Trusted Source Candida auris: host interactions, antifungal drug resistance, and diagnostics Go to source Trusted Source Advertisement What Makes Candida auris So Dangerous? Advertisement Survival Tricks of Candida auris: How the Fungus Outsmarts Humans Change its shape from a single-celled yeast to filament-like forms that spread more easily Form tightly packed clusters of cells that resist treatment Alter its gene expression to adapt quickly to new environments Advertisement Treatment Challenges of Candida auris Why Diagnosis and Surveillance Still Lag Behind Faster and more accurate diagnostic tools Better hospital surveillance systems Greater awareness, especially in resource-poor countries, where fungal diseases are often overlooked Awareness, Innovation, and Global Action Are Key Candida auris: host interactions, antifungal drug resistance, and diagnostics - (https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mmbr.00187-22) Fungal infections have a silent impact on millions of people around the world and rarely make headlines., a drug-resistant fungus that has quickly spread across continents in less than ten years, is one such new threat. Experts from the, and thein 2025 on why the fungi are so dangerous and how researchers are working quickly to stop them ().Simply put, C. auris is dangerous to hospitalised and immunocompromised patients, and it is difficult to diagnose and treat. However, there is also hope because new medications, tests, and even vaccines are being developed.Contrary to common fungal infections,is invasive and often deadly. Every year,, and they are particularly deadly in critical care settings.Since its discovery in a, C. aureus has appeared almost simultaneously on multiple continents. Scientists believe that its evolution into a human pathogen was influenced by factors such as climate change, which allows fungi to grow in warmer conditions.C. auris is also characterised by its unique cell wall, which is rich in complex sugars. Such a structure helps the fungus to have a survival edge against the other fungi, to resist antifungal drugs and to show potent interaction with human tissue.C. auris is not just tough; it is clever. Researchers have found that it can:Its ability to adhere to hospital surfaces and human skin is one of its most concerning traits. Because of the glue-like properties of its cell-wall proteins, it can cling to beds, medical equipment, and even walls, making hospital outbreaks challenging to contain.The risk of persistent infection increases because C. auris can find ways to avoid immune attacks even when the human immune system reacts.At present, there arethat are used by healthcare professionals, and most of which were developed decades ago. Unfortunately, C. auris often turns out to beThe good news? There areor recently approved. These drugs have given new hope to patients who have drug-resistant infections.Furthermore, scientists are developing immune-boosting and vaccine-based therapies that could one day help protect high-risk individuals from infection before it becomes severe.A major obstacle in fighting C. auris is diagnosis. Many routine laboratory tests, delaying proper treatment and infection control.Experts stress the need for:Improving detection and tracking is just as important as developing new medicines.Drug resistance, international travel, and environmental change have shaped the new era of fungal threats represented by C. auris. It is evident from the 2025 review that addressing this issue will necessitate the development of new antifungal medications, improved diagnostics, vaccine research, and more robust worldwide surveillance.Raising awareness of fungal diseases is crucial, as researchers stress. Patient outcomes can be significantly improved, and the growing threat ofcan be contained through concerted scientific efforts and public health initiatives.Source-Medindia ISTANBUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's planned deep-sea drilling project in Somalia could have a "game-changing impact" in the region, a Turkish official said on Saturday, unveiling details of the plan. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the planned drilling will be carried out in ultra-deep waters off the Somali coast, where sea depth reaches about 3,480 meters, followed by an additional 3,500 meters of drilling beneath the seabed. He said the location selected shows strong indications of oil presence. "The activity we plan to carry out in Somalia is a project of a scale that could have a game-changing impact across the entire region. We are hopeful about it," he said. Bayraktar said Turkiye's ultra-deepwater drillship Cagri Bey will carry out the project, its first overseas deep-sea drilling operation, in February. Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Turkiye's plan to launch energy exploration activities in Somalia. Erdogan also condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland as "illegitimate and unacceptable," expressing support for "the unity and integrity of Somalia." In 2024, Turkiye's state-owned energy company Turkish Petroleum and Somalia's petroleum authority signed a deal on joint onshore hydrocarbon exploration in Somalia. At 96 years old, one wouldnt blame Guy Pollack if he wished to take it easy, enjoying his sunset years relaxing in a rocking chair. But Pollack will have none of that. Pollack, a Korean War veteran, powers through Tai Chi classes every Monday at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Pollack has used the VA facility for his medical needs for years, but recently decided to give Tai Chi a try. Part of his physical therapy routine, Pollack told VA News that he would rather attend the classes in person than participate online, alone, at home. His son, William, drives him to the VA every week so he can enjoy the workouts with other veterans. 96-year-old Korean War Veteran Guy Pollock at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center learning Tai Chi (Photo courtesy of Department of Veterans Affairs). Active at Any Age For Pollack, age is just a number. Staying active is very important for me, Pollack said. It helps me with my mental health and not being bored all the time. It helps me get exercise and get out and meet other people and see other things around other than the house. Master Ranee Lovelace instructs the Tai Chi class. Lovelace didnt serve in the military, but she comes from a family of civil servants. Her father spent time in the Army as a drill sergeant, and her mom built a career as a nurse. Lovelace, having watched her parents give back to their country, believes its her time to give back. What I find rewarding is when I see improvement in mind and body. When they feel safe in the space we are in, Lovelace said. Having moments when we have fun, and they realize they have learned a movement unknowingly. Classes are often held outside when the weather permits, and William Pollack sees how the routine helps his father. The 96-year-old is keeping active, enjoying fresh air and sunshine, while talking to other veterans. Pollack tried online Tai Chi courses but enjoys a better experience attending in-person. I can see and hear the instructor better than online, which helps me complete the exercises better and hopefully learn the procedures quicker, he said. Fitness is important at any age, especially for older veterans as it can help reduce the effects of PTSD and stress. (Photo courtesy of Department of Veterans Affairs) Physical, Mental Advantages Pollack has already noticed physical improvements with better balance and stamina. Socially, the weekly meetings connect him with new friends. Focusing on balance is a key component of Tai Chi. Since she works with many aging veterans, Lovelace makes balance a core principle of her classes, as it can help attendees like Pollack reduce the risk of falls. In one of her sessions, a student found it difficult to perform an exercise. Lovelace asked if he could place his foot at a 45-degree angle to see if it would help. The veteran gave it a shot and nailed the routine. I was ready to modify the placement, but he took his foot off and placed it at a 45-degree angle, Lovelace said. Im still laughing years later. His balance was amazing! Tai Chi is part of the VAs Whole Health Program, which aims for a more comprehensive approach to care than previous plans. Whole Health tries to target each veterans unique needs and well-being. Realizing that one size does not fit all when it comes to healthcare, the VA shifted its approach to offer a personalized touch, allowing the veteran more control over their care. Focusing on holistic ideals, Whole Health pinpoints veterans physical, mental, and emotional needs. When Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Stirm was released from a prisoner of war camp in Vietnam in 1973, surviving 1,966 days in captivity, his thoughts were consumed with finally reuniting with his family. That joyous moment at Travis Air Force Base in California was captured by Associated Press photographer Sal Veder, who earned a Pulitzer Prize for the iconic image, a moment of pure happiness that was shared throughout newspapers across the country and became a historic depiction of life, service and sacrifice during a long and unrelenting war. Stirm died on Veterans Day at an assisted living home in Fairfield, California. He was 92. In the photo, Stirm is running towards his family, four children and a wife, ready to embrace them after years of imprisonment kept them apart for so long. His eldest daughter, Lorrie, 15, is seen with arms outstretched and an expression of pure euphoria on her face, ready to hug her dad. Appropriately, the photo is called Burst of Joy. Robert Stirm spent 25 years in the Air Force before retiring in 1977. (AP photo/Richard G. Lubman) Photo Conjures Emotions Stirms daughter, now 68 and known as Lorrie Stirm Kitching, has a copy of the photo displayed in her home in Mountain View, California. Its right in my front foyer, Kitching told the AP. More than 50 years later, the iconic photo still stirs emotions for Kitching. Just the feelings of that and the intensity of the feeling will never leave me, Kitching said. It is so deep in my heart, and the joy and the relief that we had our dad back again. It was just truly a very moving reunion for our family, and that feeling has never left me. Its the same feeling every time I see that picture. Kitching said the image reminds her every day how grateful she was to have Dad come home alive when so many POWs did not. That was really a gift, Kitching said. Shot Down Over Vietnam By the time Stirm was serving a tour in Vietnam, he had been in the Air Force for almost 15 years and was a highly successful pilot. He was based out of Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base with the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron. On Oct. 27, 1967, however, Stirms F-105 Thunderbird was attacked during a bombing mission in North Vietnam. He tried parachuting to safety but was shot three times. Barely after hitting the ground, Stirm was taken prisoner. The Air Force pilot was moved to five separate POW installations throughout his five years and four months in captivity. He spent time in the brutal Hanoi Hilton, a prison that became infamous for its tales of torture and starvation. Hanoi Hilton imprisoned many U.S. pilots, including the late Sen. John McCain, whose Navy bomber was also shot down in 1967. Stirm and McCain met in captivity, their cells separated by a wall during solitary confinement. They created a tapping code to communicate with each other. John McCain tapped in this joke. First time Dad laughed in jail, Kitching said. I just wish I knew what that joke was. Im sure it was something very ribald. John McCain greets President Richard Nixon in this 1973 file photo during a dinner event one month after future United States Senator McCain was released from a Prisoner of War camp in Hanoi, North Vietnam. (Photo from National Archives) Image Depicts Joy and Heartbreak While the moment represented joy and relief for his daughter, it was bittersweet for Stirm. He was 39 when the photo was taken, and while he kept several copies of the image, he didnt hang it up in his home. When he was released from the POW camp, a military chaplain walked up to him and handed him a letter a Dear John note from his wife, Loretta. I have changed drastically forced into a situation where I finally had to grow up, read a portion of the letter. Bob, I feel sure that in your heart you know we cant make it together and it doesnt make sense to be unhappy when you can do something about it. Life is too short. Stirm told the AP in an interview 20 years after the photo was taken that it became kind of unwelcome. The photo brought a lot of notoriety and publicity to me and, unfortunately, the legal situation that I was going to be faced with, Stirm said. Stirm and his wife divorced about a year following the photos publication, and they both moved on and married other people shortly after. As their children married, they would come together for weddings and family activities. Loretta Adams died in 2010 at age 74 after a bout with cancer. It hurt really deeply, Kitching told the AP. She told him she wanted to make the marriage work. But she was being up front and honest. So, every story has two sides, and I know very well just how difficult it is to understand the two sides. In 1977, Stirm retired from the Air Force after a 25-year career. He spent time working at Ferry Steel Products, a company founded by his grandfather in San Francisco, and served as a corporate pilot. By November 1944, Nazi Germany was collapsing. Soviet forces drove westward through Eastern Europe while the Western Allies advanced from the west and south. For the first time in the war, American and Soviet troops operated in the same theater. On Nov. 7, 1944, the convergence of both forces in Central Europe led to the only documented direct combat between American and Soviet forces in history. American P-38 Lightning fighters attacked what the pilots believed was a German convoy near Nis, Yugoslavia. Instead, they strafed a Red Army column, killing more than 30 Soviet soldiers including a lieutenant general. Soviet fighters scrambled, and for 15 minutes, the allies fought each other in the skies over Nis. Two American P-38s went down. The Soviets lost three Yak-9 fighters. Both governments immediately classified the incident to avoid giving Nazi Germany propaganda showing the Allies were fractured. The Soviet Drive Through the Balkans After liberating Bulgaria in September 1944, Soviet forces pushed into Yugoslavia and liberated Belgrade on Oct. 20. German forces retreated north toward Hungary. Lt. Gen. Grigory Kotov's 6th Guards Rifle Corps received orders to march through Yugoslavia to reinforce forces preparing to attack Hungary. On Nov. 7, Kotov's convoy moved from Nis toward Belgrade. The date marked the anniversary of the October Revolution, and Soviet troops decorated their vehicles with red banners. Some accounts state the column included an orchestra to celebrate. Kotov, 42, traveled with his men. The combat veteran apparently felt safe in recently liberated territory. The U.S. Fifteenth Air Force, based in Foggia, Italy, had been flying missions against German columns retreating from Greece, helping trap German units before they escaped north. Partisans in the region also harassed German troops as they fell back. In one of the most contested regions of Europe, the Western Allies, Soviets, partisans, and Axis troops fought in the same combat area. At times, Allied fighters actively supported Soviet ground troops as they advanced. Both sides took great strides to avoid friendly fire incidents, but accidents were bound to happen. Two P-38 Lightnings of the 82nd Fighter Group descending for a strafing attack. (Wikimedia Commons) The Mission and the Mistake On Nov. 6, the 82nd Fighter Group successfully supported Soviet troops as they blitzed into the area. Soviet officers requested another strike for Nov. 7 targeting German transport between Sjenica and Mitrovica, about 60 miles southwest of Nis. Col. Clarence T. "Curly" Edwinson led three squadrons of P-38 Lightnings into the area. Unfortunately, Soviet forces had advanced 60 miles farther than the American commanders realized. Edwinson's group had taken off with outdated intelligence. The 95th Fighter Squadron destroyed a German locomotive near Sjenica. German anti-aircraft fire then hit Capt. Charles King's P-38. King crash-landed and was rescued by local civilians and Chetnik forces. At approximately 10 a.m., flying over Mount Jastrebac, the squadrons spotted a vehicle column. Based on their intelligence and the fire they received that morning, they assumed it was a German column. The location also matched their mission area and it was known that German forces were retreating through the region. Edwinson's squadrons attacked. On the ground, Soviet soldiers looked up and watched the planes come in. They did not initially react, likely even realizing the planes were American and assumed they were there to support them. The first flight strafed the lead vehicles. As their vehicles were hit, the Soviets spread out and took cover. The strafing runs were devastating, blowing up several trucks and killing or maiming the embarked troops. Soviet soldiers started waving red banners. The P-38 pilots, focused on the strafing runs, either did not see the signals or did not understand them. They failed to realize what they had just done. Meanwhile, Soviet forces likely reported they were being attacked by Luftwaffe planes. The P-38 was often mistaken for German FW-189 fighters. The attack killed 31 Soviet soldiers and wounded 37. Lt. Gen. Kotov died at the head of his column. At Nis airbase five miles away, Gen. Vladimir Sudets heard the sounds of combat and ordered his fighters to scramble. Soviet General Grigory Kotov. (Wikimedia Commons) The Air Battle Soviet anti-aircraft guns opened fire. One P-38 took several hits and crashed about half a mile north of the field. Meanwhile, Yakovlev Yak-9 fighters began scrambling from Nis airfield. The P-38s, seeing fighters taking off, shifted their attack to the airfield. Despite prominent red star markings on the Yak wings, the P-38 pilots opened fire. One Yak-9 exploded on takeoff. The P-38s climbed to about 1,600 feet and formed a defensive circle above Nis. Edwinson's pilots likely noticed they were in a confusing situation. Then again, later accounts suggest the American pilots saw the red star markings and attacked anyways. However, the Soviet fighters that launched directly engaged the circling Lightnings. The Americans took that as a sign that they needed to fight. One Yak pilot set a P-38 on fire. Another Soviet pilot used a vertical climb to get underneath the P-38 and downed it. From a second airbase, Capt. Aleksandr Koldunov led another group of Yak fighters into the battle. Koldunov was 21 years old and already a decorated combat ace with 15 confirmed kills against the Luftwaffe. When Koldunov's fighters joined, approximately nine Soviet Yaks were engaged with roughly a dozen American P-38s over Nis. Dogfights swirled across the sky. Yugoslav civilians and partisans on the ground watched as aircraft with both American and Soviet stars fought each other. The combat lasted about 15 minutes. Soviet anti-aircraft gunners accidentally shot down one of their own Yak-9s. Then someone made visual contact close enough to positively identify the markings. Soviet accounts credit Koldunov with flying close to Edwinson's lead P-38 and waggling his wings to display the red star. American pilots suddenly realized they were fighting Soviet forces. The P-38s broke off and headed south. Soviet fighters escorted them to the edge of Soviet-controlled territory, then turned back. Two American P-38s had been shot down and several more damaged, with two pilots killed. Soviet troops recovered the bodies and confirmed their identity through documents in the wreckage. The Soviets allegedly lost three Yak-9 fighters, two to American fire and one to their own anti-aircraft guns. Soviet Yak-9 fighter planes during World War II. (Wikimedia Commons) The Cover-Up Attempt When Edwinson landed at Foggia, he did not report the incident. He went on leave, suggesting he knew something had gone wrong but wanted to avoid responsibility. Three days later, Red Army Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Aleksei Antonov contacted Maj. Gen. John R. Deane, chief of the American military mission in Moscow. American leadership was blindsided by the news. An investigation was ordered. Soviet troops had recovered two American pilots' bodies from crashed P-38s near Nis, proving their convoy was attacked by Allied forces. On Dec. 14, 1944, Ambassador W. Averell Harriman formally apologized on behalf of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George C. Marshall. The official explanation for the incident was pilot navigational error. The pilots believed they were attacking German forces southwest of the actual attack site. However, Edwinson's formation flew more than 50 miles past their intended target into Soviet-controlled territory. They had hit a German locomotive earlier, confirming their position, then flew farther northeast and attacked a different column. Fifty miles represents a massive error for experienced pilots in clear weather. Some historians question whether the attack was truly accidental, noting U.S.-Soviet tensions over postwar plans were already developing by late 1944. Harriman offered to send liaison officers to prevent future incidents. Stalin rejected the proposal, stating boundaries had already been established and should be enforced. Edwinson was reassigned stateside and eventually retired as a brigadier general before dying in 1985. Similarities between Fw 189 and American P-38 & P-61 aircraft highlighted in Enigma traffic decrypted by ULTRA. (Wikimedia Commons) Secrecy and Legacy Both governments classified the incident to avoid giving Nazi Germany propaganda. It remained secret throughout the final months of the war. Koldunov survived with 46 victories across 412 sorties. He earned a second Hero of the Soviet Union award in 1948 and rose through Soviet air defense ranks. By 1978, he commanded the Soviet Air Defense Force. He became chief marshal of aviation in 1984. He was fired in May 1987 after German pilot Matthias Rust flew a Cessna to Moscow and landed unopposed near Red Square. Koldunov died in 1992. The incident remained secret in the Soviet Union until the 1960s, when several officers published memoirs about the battle. Because the attack occurred on the anniversary of the October Revolution, some Soviet writers claimed it was deliberate. Gen. Sergey Biryuzov called it a "provocative raid" in 1963. After the Soviet Union's fall, division commander Boris Smirnov claimed he found a map on a dead American pilot showing Nis marked as a target. No other evidence supports this. Official Soviet reports from 1944 accepted the American navigational error claim as the likely reason for the incident. Casualty figures remain disputed. American records state two P-38s and four Soviet aircraft were lost. Soviet reports claimed three or four P-38s. Yugoslav partisan officer Joko Drecun wrote seven American aircraft and three Soviet aircraft were destroyed. 2015 monument to the soldiers killed in the incident. (Wikimedia Commons) The Nis incident is the only direct military engagement between American and Soviet forces during the war that both nations acknowledged. In 2015, Russia sponsored a monument in Nis to commemorate the incident. A second monument followed in 2022, which clearly shows American planes attacking a convoy. The likely reasons for the incident lies in outdated intelligence, visual similarity between aircraft, a lack of coordination, and the fog of war. Edwinson's failure to report suggests he knew his group made a serious error. For 15 minutes on Nov. 7, 1944, American and Soviet pilots fought each other while their nations remained allies against Nazi Germany. Within six months, Germany would surrender and soon after the Allied alliance would collapse as the Cold War emerged. The Nis incident foreshadowed the tensions to come. Cpl. Charles McMahon Jr. of the Marine Corps was among the last U.S. soldiers killed in Vietnam more than 50 years ago. A Legacy McMahon, of Woburn, Massachusetts, not only left behind a legacy of service and sacrifice, but also his class ring, a memento he gifted to his high school sweetheart. Carol, his former girlfriend, died recently. Her daughter, Dawn DiCicco, a staffer for NBC News, was going through some of her mothers belongings when she discovered the class ring, along with a letter McMahon wrote to Carol from Vietnam. DiCicco made it her mission to return the ring to McMahons niece, Vanessa McMahon. Recently, she surprised McMahons family with a gift five decades in the making. Charlie McMahon with his high school girlfriend, Carol, before serving in the Marine Corps. (Photo from NBC News) "This is the ring that we found," DiCicco said, pulling it from a small, clear Ziplock bag. "It's beautiful," Vanessa McMahon replied. George Holland, McMahons closest childhood friend, was on hand when DiCicco brought the mementos. I do not believe my eyes, Holland said, greeting DiCicco. You do resemble your mom. Always Wanted to be a Marine Holland said McMahon aspired to join the Marine Corps as far back as middle school. He always wanted to be a Marine, Holland told NBC News Sam Brock. The letter and class ring helped Vanessa connect with an uncle she never knew. Shes craved information about him for decades. The ring will go to my son, Joseph, whos a Marine security guard himself, following in Uncle Charlies footsteps, Vanessa said. She read the note Charlie sent to Carol, dated March 26, 1974, some of the last words written to his high school love. Dont worry. Things always work out one way or the other, Charlie penned. P.S.S., see you when I come home next. Love, A Marine. Vanessa choked back tears as she stared at the letter, clutching it in her hands for a moment longer. She looked at Holland and said, Thats nice. Its emotional, she told Brock. Vanessa McMahon reads the letter her uncle Charlie McMahon wrote to Carol, his high school sweetheart, in 1974 from Vietnam. (Photo from NBC News) DiCicco, Holland, and Vanessa also visited McMahons gravesite, adorned with flowers, along with American and Marine Corps flags. McMahon was less than two weeks shy of celebrating his 22nd birthday when he was killed, along with fellow Marine Darwin Judge, on April 29, 1975. One day later, Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese as U.S. forces pulled out of South Vietnam following a war that raged for nearly two decades. McMahon and Judge were the last of more than 58,000 U.S. troops to die in Vietnam. Both servicemembers were honored with military funerals and a 21-gun salute, the shots piercing the heavy air of a nation weary from years of war and painful loss. While McMahons letter and ring may be small items, they build a bridge for his niece to discover the warm, caring person her uncle was, while also keeping his memory alive, along with DiCiccos mothers. Its like breathing the same air for them, DiCicco said. And so, Im happy that they have a piece of that. On January 3, 2026, U.S. officials reported that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured during a U.S. military operation inside Venezuela and removed from the country. President Donald Trump publicly stated that Maduro and his wife have been taken into U.S. custody and flown out of Venezuela to face criminal charges in the United States. Venezuelan authorities disputed the account, condemned the operation as a violation of national sovereignty, and demanded proof of life, while independent verification inside Venezuela remained limited due to information restrictions and conflicting official statements. The operation followed months of escalating U.S. pressure on the Maduro government, including tighter enforcement of sanctions, actions targeting oil-related revenue, and renewed public emphasis on criminal accountability rather than diplomatic isolation. U.S. officials described the operation as the execution of an existing criminal case rather than a conventional regime-change intervention, a distinction that has become central to the legal and political debate surrounding the action. Did Maduro Have an Arrest Warrant At the time of the reported capture, Nicolas Maduro did not have an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The ICC has been conducting a formal investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed in Venezuela, including abuses by security forces, but the court has not publicly issued an arrest warrant for Maduro himself. The ICCs own public case information confirms the investigation while listing no warrant for Maduro personally. Maduro was, however, under a standing U.S. federal indictment. In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed criminal charges in the Southern District of New York accusing Maduro and several senior Venezuelan officials of narcotics trafficking and narco-terrorism. The Justice Department alleged that Maduros government coordinated with armed groups to traffic cocaine into the United States and announced a reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction. That indictment is significant because, under U.S. law, it functions as a domestic basis for arrest and prosecution once a defendant is in custody. Unlike international warrants, it does not depend on treaty obligations or multilateral cooperation to be legally valid inside the U.S. judicial system. Domestic Indictments Versus International Warrants The distinction between domestic indictments and international arrest warrants is central to understanding why the Maduro case differs from other high-profile situations involving world leaders. A domestic indictment issued by a federal court establishes jurisdiction once the defendant is physically before the court. Enforcement depends on custody, not international consent. International Criminal Court arrest warrants operate under a fundamentally different model. The ICC has no police force and relies entirely on its member states to arrest and surrender individuals who enter their territory. Compliance depends on treaty obligations under the Rome Statute and the political willingness of states to enforce them, as explained in the ICCs own description of its enforcement limitations. The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognize ICC jurisdiction. Venezuela has also rejected ICC authority in practice. As a result, ICC warrants, even when they exist, do not bind either country and do not authorize unilateral enforcement actions by non-member states. Leaders With ICC Warrants Who Have Traveled Despite Them The limits of ICC enforcement are illustrated by the continued international travel of leaders who do have ICC arrest warrants. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with alleged war crimes arising from the conflict in Gaza. Despite that warrant, Netanyahu has continued to travel internationally. He has visited the United States after the warrant was issued, including meetings with U.S. officials, without facing detention. He celebrated the New Year at Mar-a-Lago. Because the United States is not an ICC member, it has no legal obligation to enforce ICC warrants, a position reflected in U.S. government statements and diplomatic practice. Russian President Vladimir Putin presents a similar example. In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin related to the alleged unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children, as announced by the court. Since then, Putin has traveled to countries that either do not recognize ICC jurisdiction or have declined to enforce the warrant. These cases demonstrate that ICC warrants do not automatically restrict travel and are only effective when host states choose to act. Why the Maduro Case Is Treated Differently If the reported capture of Maduro is confirmed, it would represent a rare instance of a sitting head of state being taken into custody based on a domestic criminal indictment rather than an international arrest warrant. The legal authority would derive from U.S. criminal law, not from the ICC, and enforcement would be unilateral rather than multilateral. That distinction explains why leaders subject to ICC warrants have been able to visit the United States without consequence, while Maduro, facing active U.S. federal charges, was vulnerable once U.S. forces asserted custody. The episode highlights the uneven operation of accountability mechanisms in international affairs, where enforcement often turns less on the existence of a warrant than on which legal system is willing and able to act. It also underscores a broader reality about international law: criminal accountability for heads of state remains deeply contingent on power, jurisdiction, and political will, even when formal legal instruments exist. BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin will pay an official visit to China on Jan. 4-8 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Born in 1960 in Cork, Ireland, Martin graduated from University College Cork and has since held several government positions, including minister for education, minister for health, minister for enterprise, trade and employment and minister for foreign affairs. He has been the leader of the Fianna Fail party since 2011. He assumed the Irish premiership in June 2020, and became Irish deputy prime minister in December 2022. In January 2025, Martin reassumed the permiership. MILFORD, MI Police are investigating after a Michigan man was found dead on New Years Eve from what appears to have been a violent attack. The victim, who was not named by police, was a 26-year-old man from Milford, according to the Milford Police Department. Police found the deceased victim Wednesday, Dec. 31, while responding to a welfare check requested by the mans girlfriend, who called police after being unable to reach him for an extended period. Milford police were dispatched at 4:25 p.m. to the mans home in the 800 block of E. Summit Street. Officers entered the home and found the victim dead with injuries consistent with a violent attack, the police department said. Later that night, police arrested a 29-year-old Sterling Heights man in connection to the death. The Oakland County Sheriffs Office is assisting the investigation. Police are asking anyone with information related to this incident to contact the Milford Police Department at 248-684-1815. UPDATE: During a Saturday press conference at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump said the United States will run Venezuela until a transition occurs. CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) The United States hit Venezuela with a large-scale strike early Saturday and said its president, Nicolas Maduro, had been captured and flown out of the country after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington an extraordinary nighttime operation announced by President Donald Trump on social media hours after the attack. Multiple explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through Caracas, the capital, as Maduros government immediately accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations. The Venezuelan government called it an imperialist attack and urged citizens to take to the streets. It was not immediately clear who was running the country, and Maduros whereabouts were not immediately known. Trump announced the developments on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET. Under Venezuelan law the vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, would take power. There was no confirmation that had happened, though she did issue a statement after the strike. We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Rodriguez said. We demand proof of life. Maduro, Trump said, has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. He set a news conference for later Saturday morning. The legal implications of the strike under U.S. law were not immediately clear. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted on X that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who briefed him on the strike. Rubio told Lee that Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. The White House did not immediately respond to queries on where Maduro and his wife were being flown to. Maduro was indicted in March 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in the Southern District of New York. Maduro last appeared on state television Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas. The explosions in Caracas, Venezuelas capital, early on the third day of 2026 at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report hearing and seeing the explosions. It was not immediately clear if there were casualties on either side. The attack itself lasted less than 30 minutes and it was unclear if more actions lay ahead, though Trump said in his post that the strikes were carried out successfully. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace because of ongoing military activity ahead of the explosions. The strike came after the Trump administration spent months escalating pressure on Maduro. The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes in September. For months, Trump had threatened that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land following months of attacks on boats accused of carrying drugs. Maduro has decried the U.S. military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. Some streets in Caracas fill up Armed individuals and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighborhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. But in other areas of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack. Parts of the city remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. Video obtained from Caracas and an unidentified coastal city showed tracers and smoke clouding the landscape sky as repeated muted explosions illuminated the night sky. Other footage showed an urban landscape with cars passing on a highway as blasts illuminated the hills behind them. Unintelligible conversation could be heard in the background. The videos were verified by The Associated Press. Smoke was seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas, while another military installation in the capital was without power. The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes, said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling. She was walking briskly with two relatives, returning from a birthday party. We felt like the air was hitting us. Venezuelas government responded to the attack with a call to action. People to the streets! it said in a statement. The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack. The statement added that Maduro had ordered all national defense plans to be implemented and declared a state of external disturbance. That state of emergency gives him the power to suspend peoples rights and expand the role of the armed forces. The website of the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, a post that has been closed since 2019, issued a warning to American citizens in the country, saying it was aware of reports of explosions in and around Caracas. U.S. citizens in Venezuela should shelter in place, the warning said. Reaction begins to emerge Inquiries to the Pentagon and U.S. Southern Command since Trumps social media post went unanswered. The FAA warned all commercial and private U.S. pilots that the airspace over Venezuela and the small island nation of Curacao, just off the coast of the country to the north, was off limits due to safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity. Lee posted his potential concerns, reflecting a view from the right flank in the Congress. I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force, Lee said on X. It was not clear if the U.S. Congress had been officially notified of the strikes. The Armed Services committees in both houses of Congress, which have jurisdiction over military matters, have not been notified by the administration of any actions, according to a person familiar with the matter and granted anonymity to discuss it. Lawmakers from both political parties in Congress have raised deep reservations and flat out objections to the U.S. attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling on boats near the Venezuelan coast and the Congress has not specifically approved an authorization for the use of military force for such operations in the region. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the military action and seizure of Maduro marks a new dawn for Venezuela, saying that the tyrant is gone. He posted on X hours after the strike. His boss, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reposted a post from July that said Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government. Cuba, a supporter of the Maduro government and a longtime adversary of the United States, called for the international community to respond to what president Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez called the criminal attack. Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted, he said on X. Irans Foreign Ministry also condemned the strikes. President Javier Milei of Argentina praised the claim by his close ally, Trump, that Maduro had been captured with a political slogan he often deploys to celebrate right-wing advances: Long live freedom, dammit! The U.S. military has been attacking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean since early September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes is 35 and the number of people killed is at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. They followed a major buildup of American forces in the waters off South America, including the arrival in November of the nations most advanced aircraft carrier, which added thousands more troops to what was already the largest military presence in the region in generations. Trump has justified the boat strikes as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S. and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels. SALINE, MI A fundraising effort to support residents displaced from an apartment complex south of Ann Arbor is underway. On Halloween, dozens of residents at Thorncrest Estates Apartments on Clark Street in Saline received notices their leases would not be renewed, and they had until Dec. 5 to move out or face eviction. A fundraising effort now underway is being coordinated by the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, the City of Saline and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. The Thorncrest Residents Assistance Fund will help provide financial support for displaced apartment residents, officials said in a release. Funds will help them with moving costs, application fees, overdue utility payments and security deposits. When members of our community heard what was happening at Thorncrest they asked for ways they could help, Saline Deputy City Manager Elle Cole said in a statement. We were grateful Washtenaw County and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation were able to provide this opportunity thanks to the generosity of fellow Salinians looking to help, Cole said. Those who want to help can donate to the fund online at bit.ly/donate2thorncrest through Sunday, Jan. 18. Donations will be directed to the countys Barrier Busters program. The City of Saline also published a flier listing resources for impacted residents. City officials also held an event for residents in November. The apartment complex has also run into problems during city inspections, with the city previously filing suit. City officials previously alleged the property had been neglected, endangering residents. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. ANN ARBOR, MI An Ann Arbor man was seriously burned when his apartment caught fire Saturday morning. Fire crews were called at 11:53 a.m., Jan. 3 to the West Arbor Apartments at 727 N. Maple Road for an active fire sprinkler alarm, according to the Ann Arbor Fire Department. Crews arrived to find an active fire in one of the units being controlled by the buildings fire sprinkler system. The sprinklers allowed firefighters to extinguish the blaze quickly, officials said. A bystander visiting a nearby apartment rescued the apartments occupant, a 68-year-old man, from the blaze, officials said. The 68-year-old man suffered critical burn injuries and was taken to University of Michigan Hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported, officials said. Fire damage was limited to the apartment of origin. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it is believed to have been started accidentally, officials said. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. OTSEGO COUNTY, MI A Gaylord man is facing felony drug charges following a drug bust. On Thursday, Dec. 18, Gaylord police arrested Luther Jones, 32, Michigan State Police said. Police say Jones was initially arrested for an outstanding felony warrant out of Texas. An investigation by the Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement team led to the seizure of about 266 grams of cocaine and methamphetamine. Police also found evidence Jones was distributing illegal drugs from an apartment in Gaylord. Jones was arraigned on three charges on Friday, Dec. 19, in Otsego County District Court. He has been charged with one count of delivery or manufacturing of methamphetamine, one count of delivery or manufacturing of between 50-224 grams of cocaine, heroin or other narcotics, and one count of maintaining a drug house. Jones was given a $75,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday, Jan. 9. Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement was assisted by Michigan State Police and the Gaylord Police Department. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. UPDATE: Lodge Freeway shooting leaves ride-share driver, teen in critical condition DETROIT, MI Michigan State Police are investigating a shooting that closed the Lodge Freeway in Detroit on Saturday morning, Jan. 3. Police say the shooting occurred around 9 a.m. on the northbound Lodge Freeway near Meyers Road. No additional information was provided by police. Motorists should expect backups due to the freeway closure. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. China stresses climate cooperation with EU, vows measures against unfair trade rules Xinhua) 14:24, January 03, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with the European Union (EU) on global climate change, but will firmly take all necessary measures in response to any unfair trade restrictions, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday regarding the EU's newly effective Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). A spokesperson with the ministry said the EU has disregarded China's achievements in green development by imposing significantly high default values on the carbon intensity of Chinese products in CBAM rules, which are set to increase annually over the next three years, terming the measures "unfair" and "discriminatory." "This is inconsistent with China's current realities and future development trends," said the spokesperson, noting that the EU's practices are suspected of violating World Trade Organization principles and contradict the United Nations principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. CBAM, which officially took effect on Thursday, is the EU's measure that imposes a carbon price on emissions embedded in certain carbon-intensive goods entering the EU and aligns the carbon cost of imports with that faced by EU producers under the EU Emissions Trading System. The spokesperson also expressed concern and firm opposition to the EU's draft legislation to expand the scope of CBAM to include 180 steel- and aluminum-intensive downstream products, such as machinery and automobiles, starting in 2028, criticizing that these designs exceed the scope of climate action and bear clear signs of unilateralism and protectionism. Noting that the EU recently relaxed its internal green regulations by modifying the 2035 ban on new fuel vehicles, the spokesperson said the bloc is practicing a "double standard" by loosening internal rules while exercising protectionism in the name of green development. China hopes the EU will adhere to international rules on climate and trade, abandon unilateralism and protectionism, keep its market open, and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, the spokesperson said. While China is willing to work with the EU to address global climate change challenges, it will firmly take all necessary measures against any unfair trade restrictions to safeguard its development interests, the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and the stability of global industrial and supply chains, the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) MOSCOW, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Russian and Belarusian foreign ministers strongly condemned U.S. aggression against Venezuela during a phone call, the Russian foreign ministry said on Saturday. During the call, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov exchanged views on the situation surrounding Venezuela, stressing that Moscow and Minsk are united in condemning actions in violation of international legal norms. They also stressed the unconditional necessity of the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, their return to the country's capital, and the restoration of Maduro to the post of head of state. The two sides further noted the importance of swiftly creating conditions for resolving the situation around Venezuela through dialogue in accordance with international law, the ministry said. ANN ARBOR, MI -- One of the first brain-computer interface clinics in the country has opened in Ann Arbor. University of Michigan Health opened its clinic to patients with severe motor and speech impairments on Tuesday, Dec. 16, Dr. Matthew Willsey, professor of neurosurgery and biomedical engineer at UM and clinic lead, said. Willsey said the purpose of the clinic is to bring together a multidisciplinary set of clinicians who can cater to patients needs, tell them of the technology and their eligible clinical trials and inform them of other centers. This technology has developed rapidly, I would say, over the last 20 years through research groups in academia but is also now being commercialized, Willsey said. Were at a point in the field where probably in the next five to 10 years, these devices will be available. Brain-computer interfaces decode brain signals and translate them into commands that control devices or restore communication. The UM clinic is focused on implantable devices that interface with the nervous system, Willsey said. At the University of Michigan, we want to be focused on not just for our specific patients but for people in Michigan, Willsey said. We want to be focused on bringing people the most up to date clinical trials, the latest technology, so that it can be available to people. Once the clinic completes a comprehensive evaluation of a patient, the doctor will inform the patient about implantable devices or clinical trials that they can be a candidate for. Patients are currently required to have a referral from their primary care physician to make an appointment at the clinic. Research into implantable BCIs is accelerating at breakneck speed, Dr. Aditya Pandey, chair of the neurosurgery department at UM, said in a Dec. 17 press release. Our teams will ensure that patients will be given as much detail as possible about the potential to receive recently approved neural interfaces, like vagus nerve stimulators, and participate in cutting-edge clinical trials for the newest BCI technology to treat their functional deficits. In June, Willsey led the first in-human recording from a new wireless brain-computer interface temporarily implanted during a temporal lobectomy for epilepsy, according to the press release. Willsey is also a site principal investigator at UM for an upcoming Connect-One clinical study of a device from the neurotechnology company Paradromics Inc. The study gained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November, the press release states. Were looking forward to bringing this technology to people in the area so that people here locally have some of the most latest options in implantable devices to help either rehab or potentially soon one day restore function through these devices, Willsey said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. BATTLE CREEK, MI A former nonprofit president and CEO is accused of spending grant money on unapproved purchases, including thousands of dollars for a gold and diamond necklace and expenses on a trip to Turks and Caicos. A multi-page affidavit outlines the criminal allegations against former R.I.S.E. President and CEO Damon Brown in Calhoun County District Court. Brown said the allegations against him are false. To receive some of the funds, Brown created documents that led to the city of Battle Creek to pay him and R.I.S.E. Corp. $497,444 from 2022 to 2024, documents allege. Brown and R.I.S.E. would receive payment from one of the organizations and then allegedly pay himself - by writing himself a payroll check, writing himself a vendor check, withdrawing cash or making an electronic transfer from the nonprofit checking account. Brown would then make personal purchases with the allegedly laundered money, which was transferred into a second bank account unrelated to services R.I.S.E. had agreed to provide, court documents allege. The charges say he embezzled over $133,000, paid to him in addition to payments he received for working for R.I.S.E. Brown told MLive hes looking forward to presenting evidence in court that shows hes innocent. The charges also allege he was overpaid by $20,000 in Food Assistance Program funds after making misrepresentations to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. One purchase spelled out in the court documents was at a custom jewelry store, with a $4,500 purchase followed up by a $7,000 wire transfer five days later. A detective then viewed Brown wearing a 10-karat gold Cuban chain with a RISE diamond pendant and an appraisal letter value of $36,000, court documents allege. Brown, 47, also allegedly paid for things while traveling to Turks and Caicos Islands, spending at a spa, hotel and elsewhere. R.I.S.E. is not my only source of income, Brown said when asked by MLive about the allegations of misspending. Several examples are listed in the allegations including a $20,000 check written to buy a vehicle and $2,000 spent at Detroit Hot Wheel City custom tire store. On Dec. 22, 2025, police executed a warrant at 235 North Ave. in Battle Creek, which is the R.I.S.E. headquarters, after confirming Brown was inside. Brown appeared to be living there, police said. After giving commands to open the door, police made forced entry and found Brown sitting on the couch a few feet from the door. They found a gun in the washing machine that was later found to be stolen from the Paw Paw Police Department, court documents state. Brown, speaking with MLive on Friday, said the gun wasnt his. The address was a publicly accessible building, he said. According to court documents, R.I.S.E. had received money deposits and check deposits from other organizations including: Calhoun Community High School United Way of South Central Michigan Battle Creek Unlimited Battle Creek Community Foundation Washington Heights Methodist Church Neighborhood Inc Guido & Elizabeth Binda Foundation WK Kellogg Foundation Battle Creek Public Schools W.E. Upjohn Institute For Employment Research The City of Battle Creek Brown was arraigned and charged with welfare fraud over $500 on Tuesday, Dec. 23, in Calhoun County District Court. He returned on Friday, Dec. 26, to be arraigned on charges in two other cases. He faces one count of receiving and concealing a firearm, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and three other felony firearm charges as well as one count of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing a police officer. He also faces two counts of conducting a criminal enterprise, two counts of embezzlement of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, one count of embezzlement by an agent or trustee of $20,000 or more and two counts of second-degree money laundering. He was being held on a $50,000 bond in the case and he was later released, according to his associate James McGee. In February, R.I.S.E. submitted a document to state and federal authorities, alleging favoritism and an improper process that caused R.I.S.E. financial hardship, according to McGee. McGee sent the document to MLive, which outlines Browns complaints against the city of Battle Creek, dated February 2025. The City of Battle Creek was entrusted with federal funds to strengthen organizations like R.I.S.E. Corp. and support economic recovery, according to the document. Instead, through mismanagement, favoritism and failure to adhere to ethical and legal standards, they undermined the purpose of ARPA and inflicted financial harm on our organization, our leadership and the community we serve, states the letter, signed by Brown. A representative for the city of Battle Creek said the city is declining to comment on Browns case and Browns allegations. Brown has a preliminary examination scheduled for Jan. 13. Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Ottawa County Parks has announced the return of its Parks Challenge in 2026, a yearlong adventure designed to highlight the areas parks in a fun and interactive way. The challenge, which runs throughout 2026, invites participants to follow clues, explore county parks and search for hidden tokens. Each season, three clues will lead to one county park, for a total of four mystery parks throughout the year. The event is sponsored by Kristopher Reinhardt of Edward Jones. Ottawa County parks have become a foundational part of who I am. I didnt know or understand that when I started exploring them, Reinhardt said. I have visited these places during some of the most triumphant and hardest times of my life. Each time, the parks have amplified the highs and softened the lows. The first registered participant each quarter/season to find the hidden token at each mystery park will win $250. If the token has already been found, visitors can still participate by searching for and scanning a QR code at the site to enter a quarterly prize drawing. Reinhardt said every visit to Ottawa County parks has left him feeling less stressed, happier and more optimistic. This is the true prize of the scavenger hunt, he said. The money is simply an incentive for people to start their journey. Reinhardt and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation will release clues on social media at the beginning of each month. Participants may also sign up to receive clues via email. The token will not be: Entirely buried underground Located inside a reservable area or within 10 yards of a reservable area or building Placed outside an Ottawa County park Placed more than 4 feet above ground level Placed in any body of water Located in any closed park area or off-trail Activities such as digging, prying open doors and windows or damaging park property are strictly prohibited. The first clue will be released in January 2026. Once the token is found during each quarter, it should be brought to the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing in West Olive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Those interested in participating can register at ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/scavenger-hunt and download the park challenge guide at miottawa.org/parks/parks-challenge. MUSKEGON, MI - A Muskegon resident was recognized at a recent city commission meeting for his contributions to the musical scene at the downtown farmers market. Kwame Kamau James was presented with a proclamation on Dec. 9 by Mayor Ken Johnson for 11 years of volunteer coordination and curating performances at the Muskegon Farmers Market. The market relocated to 242 W. Western Ave. in 2014 with a new stage. James, a lifelong musician, began performing at the market and helped create a process for other musicians to do the same. This effort sparked more than 11 years of his volunteer coordination of all mainstage performances and his broader work championing Muskegons artistic community through open-mic nights, spoken-word events and collaborative opportunities that helped countless artists grow in skill and confidence, Johnson read from the proclamation. Kwames thoughtful and humble leadership has shaped the musical identity of the market, curating performances that reflect the communitys diversity and vibrancy, strengthening the sense of connection felt each week, and contributing to the renewed energy of downtown Muskegon. In reading the proclamation, Johnson said the market is adding a second stage under the Morris Street Pavilion, inspired by Kwames legacy of uplifting local talent and fostering community spirit. James moved to Muskegon in 2007 from Los Angeles and later met Rebecca St. Clair, now his wife, and a city commissioner. I came here not really knowing what was next in my life, except that I wanted to be of service in a way that left people changed, that helped people grow and change, James said. When I saw Muskegon becoming what its becoming, I knew that this was the place where I could have that impact. James said he didnt fully realize it would be through the farmers market, but hes glad its something thats been so key to the development of the city. Im not going to forget this, James said. Its good to be noticed. Tattoo artist and mushroom farmer Justin Sean, center, a small business owner with multiple ventures in Muskegon County and father of three teenage daughters, welcomes people to his stand at the Muskegon Farmers Market building in Muskegon on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com The Muskegon Farmers Market is the second-largest market in the state, behind Detroits Eastern Market. It can see thousands of visitors on a busy summer Saturday. The Muskegon market has been around for more than 60 years, spending the last 11 years at its downtown location. The winter market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from December through April. Check www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com for events. SAGINAW COUNTY, MI A Saginaw hospital welcomed its first newborn baby of the New Year, and he is adorable. The first newborn of 2026 at Covenant HealthCare Childrens Hospital was baby boy AJ, born at 5:49 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1. Baby AJ weighed in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces, the hospital said in a news release. His proud parents, who asked not to be named, received a basket of goodies on behalf of the hospital, Covenant said. Did our AI summary help? Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms. Flash: Trump ordered strikes on number of targets, including military ones, in Venezuela -- media nitin gadkari at farah khan new vlog Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms. Paparazzi hit back at Jaya Bachchan: If you dont want to be clicked, use the back entrance Did our AI summary help? Gayatri Rani is a Senior-Sub Editor with over three years of experience in delivering Hollywood and Bollywood news. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Jana Nayagan trailer: Thalapathy Vijay all set for an action thriller one last time Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Tara Sutaria joins Yash's Toxic: A Fairytale as Rebecca, giving the dark fairy tale a new twist - See first look Inland logistics and port costs make India less competitive than Indonesia, which supplies to Bangladesh with better infrastructure and lower costs, Pamnani added. Do you still have Rs 2,000 bank note? Check what RBI says about its legal validity and how to exchange Flash: U.S. senator says Rubio told him "no further action" now that Maduro is in U.S. custody: media Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day The initial estimates show hedge funds overall posted strong gains with industry returns on track to be the best in at least five years. Bloomberg You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Real estate agent arrested for duping chartered accountant of Rs 29 lakh through fraudulent flat sale A substantial portion of the investment and employment generation will come from vendors linked to Apple's expanding manufacturing footprint in India In a statement on Saturday, Transport Canada said it would engage with Air India and India's aviation regulator to ensure "appropriate follow-up actions" are taken. Ajit Pawar on no alliance with BJP for Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls: 'Partners in centre, state but direct contest here' Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, right, pays last respects to party worker Rajashekhar killed in clash between his and BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy supporters over a banner dispute, in Ballari, Karnataka. (PTI Photo) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Bengali Hindu shopkeeper Khokon Das dies after being set ablaze by mob in Bangladesh Crater near police station, CCTV scan on; Himachal Police alert districts as claims credibility remains unverified HAVANA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday condemned what he described as the "criminal attack" by the United States against Venezuela, demanding an urgent response from the international community. In a social media post, the president said that Latin America was being brutally assaulted, and called it "state terrorism against the brave people of Venezuela and against Our America." Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also condemned the ongoing U.S. military aggression against Venezuela on Saturday. In a message posted on social media, the diplomat said the bombings and military actions against Caracas and other localities in the country are cowardly acts against a nation that has not attacked the United States or any other country. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to CAG flags large-scale lapses in 2017 Malda flood relief in report to Calcutta HC, BJP calls it 'state-sponsored heist' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Dipu Das murdered in Bangladesh but BJP says Yunus running better govt than Bengal: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's son Chaitanya walks out of prison after getting bail Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to GRAP 3 lifted, but Delhi wont ease off: Sirsa says anti-pollution drive to continue at full throttle Hijab row: AIMIM's Imtiaz Jaleel targets Nitish Kumar, says 'Will cut off hand of anyone daring to touch Muslim women with ill intent' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to India asks refiners for weekly Russian oil import data as it seeks US trade deal, sources say The cabinet has also approved the Karnataka Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2025, pertaining to salaries and pensions of the Lokayukta. It also approved the Karnataka Jnana Bhandara Manuscripts and Digitisation Bill 2026. BRUSSELS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- European Council President Antonio Costa said on Saturday the European Union (EU) was following the situation in Venezuela "with great concern" and urged de-escalation. "The European Union calls for de-escalation and a resolution in full respect of international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations," he wrote on X. He said the bloc would continue to support a peaceful, democratic and inclusive solution in Venezuela, and backed efforts by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, working with member states, to ensure the safety of European citizens in the country. Earlier on Saturday, Kallas said the EU was closely monitoring developments and called for restraint, stressing that the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter must be respected. Kallas said she had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU ambassador in Caracas, adding that the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela was the bloc's top priority. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, who was flown out of the country along with his wife. Venezuela on Saturday denounced a "military aggression" by the United States, after large explosions were heard and aircraft were seen over the capital Caracas earlier in the day. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena bagged 22 unopposed victories, while Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won two seats without a contest The Union minister also visited 'Deekshabhoomi', the memorial of Babasaheb Ambedkar, here and paid his respects. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Pakistan now backs Beijings mediation claim on Op Sindoor: Chinese leaders were in constant touch Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to PM Modi at grand exposition of sacred Piprahwa Buddhist relics in Delhi: 'Indian heritage returned after 125 years' | Photos The court sentenced Pulkit Arya, the owner of the resort and son of a BJP leader, and two others to life imprisonment in the case. Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran UDF convenor demands probe into CPI(M) MPs links with Sabarimala gold loss case accused: 'I did not know that he was a thief' Bhagwat also alleged that a false narrative is being deliberately created against the Sangh Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Uttarakhand women & child ministers husband sparks outrage with girls in Bihar for Rs 20-25k comments In a candid conversation with Moneycontrol, Vadh 2 director Jaspal Singh Sandhu opened up about collaborating with senior actors, building trust on set, and casting both veterans and newcomers for the film. From Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra to fresh faces joining the franchise, Sandhu spoke about the importance of faith, effortlessness, and preparation in the filmmaking process. Talking about shaping the characters played by Neena Gupta and Sanjay Mishra, Jaspal Sandhu said the differences lay in character design and the collaborative exchanges that unfolded during rehearsals and shooting. A lot. Neena ji's character is a very mysterious character. There are some backstories. Some are not there. It's a very mysterious character. What she is playing. So I had to keep it that way. I told you about Sanjay sir. He is very street smart. He has a very straight master mind. He is a little bit of a thief. That is normal for him. But there are some things that were not accepted. So according to that like I told you when we sat together when we bounced each other those things kept happening. It's normal to work with so many senior actors. If they have faith in you then it's a cake walk. Speaking about directing senior actors and earning their trust, Jaspal stressed that once that bond is established, the entire shoot becomes smoother and more humane. "It takes time to gain their faith. But if you gain their faith before shooting, then you can't think about their dedication as a director. You have to understand what you say so quickly. When you say cut, you say it with a smile. It's like a cup of tea. You smile and then you take the next shot. Addressing whether there was any pressure while working with experienced performers, Jaspal said the process was marked by comfort rather than intimidation. See, there was no pressure at all. As they say, if you work with two artists, one film has its own world and its own process. It takes a lot of time. But if it's a positive rapport, nothing can be better than that. So my level of comfort is very high. If I have to shoot something with them, they'll wake me up at 3 am and tell me it's a fresh scene. So I'll be comfortable. Also Read: Kohhra, Udta Punjab, Shabad actor Suvinderpal Vicky says OTT platforms have given opportunities to middle-aged actors, "good actors are now being recognized" On casting new actors in Vadh 2, Jaspal credited casting director Vicky Sudhana for the rigorous selection process behind the films newer faces. Our casting director does a lot of homework. He reads the story. Then he'll give you options. So he gave us a lot of options. And after that, when we got the options... Majorly, the most complicated scene that you feel is for a particular character, you get an audition for that. You get a brief. So for each character, you get 510 auditions. You cannot sweep it under the rug. You have to sit down and see who can do it. So it was a lot of hard work. And God had been kind that we got the proper characters for those scenes. When asked what new actors should learn from veterans, Jaspal summed it up with one defining quality he deeply admires in senior performers. Effortlessness. You don't feel that they are acting. That's the main thing. Normally, if they have hand gestures while doing a scene, they'll figure out something. They'll not be stiff. They are so effortless. It's like a stream of water. It's an act of penance. New actors also need a lot of screen time. Some things are natural. Some are techniques. Some are acquired skills. But naturally, you need to learn how effortless these senior actors are to play any role. HAVANA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday condemned what he described as the "criminal U.S. attack" against Venezuela, demanding an urgent response from the international community. In a social media post, the president said that the region of peace (Latin America) is being brutally assaulted, and "this is state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against Our America." The discussion followed a notification from the Finance Ministry announcing revised excise duties on cigarettes, effective February 1. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All How quiet cracking is pushing Antarcticas doomsday glacier towards collapse Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All A $50 million bounty: How Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro became Americas most wanted A photograph which U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account shows what he describes as Venezuelan President "Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima" amphibious assault ship, currently in the Caribbean Sea Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Canadas work-permit cliff could push millions out of status, Indians could be the biggest hit Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to China condemns U.S. strikes on Venezuela, calls action 'blatant use of force' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Donald Trump says Nicolas Maduro 'captured and flown out' of Venezuela A late-night operation, helicopters out of Caracas, and a disputed path to a US courtroom. MEXICO CITY, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Two people died and 12 others were injured after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico on Friday, local authorities said. A 50-year-old woman was killed after her home collapsed in the state of Guerrero, the epicenter of the earthquake, said Evelyn Salgado, the state's governor. In addition, a man in his 60s died after stumbling and losing consciousness in Benito Juarez municipality, Mexico City, during an evacuation prompted by the earthquake, an official statement from the municipality showed. Clara Brugada, head of government of Mexico City, said on X that after activating the earthquake response protocol, the latest report indicated 12 people injured, as well as 18 complaints due to a lack of electrical supply in various neighborhoods. She added that two structures were being evaluated for risk of collapse, and 34 buildings and five homes were being inspected as a preventive measure. Mexico's National Seismological Service said the quake occurred at 7:58 a.m. local time (1358 GMT), with the epicenter located about 4 km southwest of San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero, at a depth of approximately 5 km. In Mexico City, loudspeakers on the streets broadcast a seismic alert several seconds before the tremors were felt. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to From sanctions to strikes: Why Trump escalated action against Venezuela From subway platform to City Hall: How Zohran Mamdani kickstarted his first day as New York Mayor In his New Year address, Xi Jinping announced that construction had begun in Medog County, a remote and geologically fragile area close to the India-China border. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Happy New Year to Iranians in the streets and Mossad agents beside them: Mike Pompeo fuels Iran firestorm How the US struck Caracas and extracted Maduro, according to Trump and the Pentagon On January 2, Inqilab Moncho held a blockade in the Shahbagh region, demanding justice in the murder of Osman Hadi. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Iran condemns US military attack on Venezuela, citing violation of sovereignty Iran said Trumps message is 'reckless and dangerous' and likely influenced by those who fear diplomacy. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Maduro to face full wrath of American justice, says US attorney general Bondi New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani displays a signed executive order at Grand Army Plaza in New York on Jan. 2. Photographer: Adam Gray/Bloomberg A screen shot taken from a video released by the White House shows U.S. President Donald Trump holding a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, the United States, Jan. 3, 2026. U.S. raid "a heavily fortified military fortress in the heart of Caracas" to capture Maduro -- Trump (Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the United States will "run" Venezuela after the U.S. military raided the country and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who are being transported to New York. "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago private club in Florida. "We don't want to be involved with having somebody else get in, and we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years. So we are going to run the country," he said. "We're there now. We're going to stay until such time as the proper transition can take place," Trump added, offering no timeline for how long such a transition of power is expected to take. He later said top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, would work with a team to help run Venezuela. Trump refused to rule out the possibility of further U.S. military involvement. "We're not afraid of boots on the ground," he said. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the press conference that the U.S. troops will remain in the region following large-scale strikes on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro. "As we stand here this morning, our forces remain in the region at a high state of readiness, prepared to project power, defend themselves and our interests in the region," Caine said. Asked about a possible U.S. military presence in Venezuela during the transition period, Trump said: "No, we're going to have a presence in Venezuela as it pertains to oil because we're sending our expertise. You may need something, not very much." Trump said he plans to authorize U.S. oil giants to take over and invest in Venezuela's energy infrastructure and "start making money for the country," adding that the embargo on all Venezuelan oil "remains in full effect." "Very importantly, the embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in full effect. The American armada remains poised in position, and the United States retains all military options until United States demands have been fully met and fully satisfied," said Trump. "We're going to be taking out a tremendous amount of wealth out of the ground. That wealth is going to the people of Venezuela and people from outside of Venezuela that used to be in Venezuela," Trump claimed. "It goes also to the United States of America in the form of reimbursement for the damages caused us by that country." By raiding Maduro and launching months of military pressure campaign, Trump said his administration has "superseded" the Monroe Doctrine laid out in the early 19th century. A number of "No War on Venezuela" protests are planned for Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York and other cities across the United States later on Saturday. "We need to take to the streets and say no to another endless war! The people of this country do not want another war! A U.S. war would cause death and destruction for the people of Venezuela," the Answer Coalition, one of the organizers, said in a news release. The latest U.S. strikes on Venezuela and its capture of Maduro have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Shortly after the strike started, the Venezuelan government denounced the "military aggression" by the United States, adding that the strike targeted civilian and military sites in at least four states of the country. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was deeply alarmed by the U.S. military actions, his spokesperson said in a statement. "The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect -- by all -- of international law, including the UN Charter. He's deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected," said the statement issued by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. A screen shot taken from a video released by the White House shows U.S. President Donald Trump holding a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, the United States, Jan. 3, 2026. U.S. raid "a heavily fortified military fortress in the heart of Caracas" to capture Maduro -- Trump (Xinhua) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to New Years Eve attack in North Carolina: An alleged ISIS-inspired plot, a handwritten note, 18-year-old arrested | What we know Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Nicolas Maduros arrest shows Trump means what he says: US Vice President JD Vance According to the court order, the charges against the men stemmed from the violent unrest that erupted in May 2023 following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a graft case. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Saudi Arabia calls for Yemen talks as tensions rise with UAE Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Trump opens Venezuelas oil to US companies after military operation Venezuela Bombing Live Updates: What next for Venezuelas Maduro and his wife? President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being transported to New York ahead of an expected appearance in federal court in Manhattan, after US President Donald Trump said American forces captured the Venezuelan leader in an overnight operation and flew the couple out of the country. They are expected to be brought before a U.S. District Court judge in New York City on a four-count indictment unsealed Saturday morning alleging narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. In similar cases, defendants have been flown into New York Stewart International Airport in Orange County, New York, and then transported to the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan, according to the report. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All US issues travel advisory for Venezuela amid Trumps claim of Maduro capture WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A plane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were captured in a large-scale U.S. military strike on Venezuela early Saturday morning, has arrived at a New York military base, according to local media. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has demanded the "immediate release" of the couple at a session of the National Defense Council broadcast by a state television channel. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to US will run Venezuela until safe, proper and judicious transition, says Trump Venezuela has the worlds biggest oil stash. So why is it still broke and why is the US circling back? Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. (AFP) President Nicolas Maduro has neither acknowledged nor denied the reported attack Who is Christian Sturdivant? The 18-year-old arrested in an alleged ISIS-inspired New Years Eve attack plot in North Carolina Who is Maria Corina Machado? The Nobel Peace Prize winner now at the heart of Venezuelas power struggle Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said Shmyhal had shown good results as a minister and was being offered a new government post. People in support of Venezuela protest in Adelaide, Australia, Jan. 5, 2026. The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide. (Photo by Lyu Wei/Xinhua) BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. strikes on Venezuela and its capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Saturday have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has struck Venezuela and captured Maduro, who was flown out of the country along with his wife. Shortly after the strike started, the Venezuelan government denounced the "military aggression" by the United States, adding that the strike targeted civilian and military sites in at least four states of the country. Following Trump's announcement, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on state TV that the government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, adding, "We demand proof of life." She said that officials, servicemen and civilians were killed in the U.S. strikes throughout the country. The Permanent Mission of Venezuela to the United Nations on Saturday sent a letter to Abukar Dahir Osman, president of the Security Council for January and permanent representative of Somalia to the United Nations, condemning the U.S. "brutal, unjustified and unilateral" armed attacks against the South American nation. The permanent mission also put forward four demands, including holding an urgent meeting of the Security Council to discuss the U.S. aggression, strongly condemning the armed aggression of the United States against the Venezuelan people and government, demanding that the U.S. military immediately stop armed attacks against Venezuela, and taking necessary measures to hold the U.S. government accountable for its crime of aggression. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was deeply alarmed by the U.S. military actions, his spokesperson said in a statement. "The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect -- by all -- of international law, including the UN Charter. He's deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected," said the statement issued by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the United States' blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Saturday. Such hegemonic acts of the United States seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region, the spokesperson said, adding that China firmly opposes it. "We call on the U.S. to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries' sovereignty and security," said the spokesperson. The Russian Foreign Ministry called for immediate clarification of the situation around Maduro and his wife after the U.S. aggression against Venezuela. Russia is "extremely alarmed" by reports of Maduro and his wife's forcible removal from Venezuela during the U.S. action, the ministry said in a statement. "We call for immediate clarification of this situation. Such actions, if they actually occurred, constitute an unacceptable infringement on the sovereignty of an independent state, respect for which is a key principle of international law," the ministry added. The ministry also said that the United States committed "an act of armed aggression" against Venezuela, which causes deep concern and condemnation. It said the pretexts cited to justify the actions were untenable, adding that ideologized hostility had prevailed over practical pragmatism and a willingness to build relations based on trust and predictability. The ministry noted that Latin America must remain a zone of peace, and Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive and military interference from outside. Condemning the U.S. strikes on Venezuela and its kidnapping of Maduro, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that such actions blatantly violated international law, and gravely infringed upon the sovereignty of Venezuela, leading to power politics rather than multilateralism and resulting in violence, chaos and turmoil. He urged the international community to react in a strong manner through the United Nations. South Africa urged a UN Security Council session following the U.S. military actions, which South Africa deemed as a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, which mandates that all member states refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Saturday said on social media that the EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. "Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected," she said. On Saturday, the German government's crisis team convened to discuss the situation in Venezuela. The foreign office said in a statement that they are monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely and following the latest reports with the greatest concern. Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Portugal calls for a reduction of tensions, respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the promotion of public security and calm. A government source also told Lusa News Agency on Saturday that Portugal is monitoring the situation in Venezuela. The source described the matter as a "very serious military aggression." People in support of Venezuela protest in Adelaide, Australia, Jan. 5, 2026. The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide. (Photo by Lyu Wei/Xinhua) (260105) -- PERTH, Jan. 5, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People in support of Venezuela protest in front of the Consulate General of the U.S. in Perth, Australia, Jan. 5, 2026. The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua) (260105) -- PERTH, Jan. 5, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People in support of Venezuela protest in front of the Consulate General of the U.S. in Perth, Australia, Jan. 5, 2026. The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua) A man takes part in a protest opposing U.S. attack on Venezuela at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) People take part in a protest opposing U.S. attack on Venezuela at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) People take part in a protest against the U.S. attacks on Venezuela in Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) People take part in a protest against the U.S. attacks on Venezuela in Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) Demonstrators hold placards during a protest against the U.S. military strike on Venezuela outside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) Demonstrators hold placards during a protest against the U.S. military strike on Venezuela outside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) People take part in a protest against the U.S. military strike on Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Yongsui) (260106) -- SAO PAULO, Jan. 6, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People take part in a protest against the U.S. military strike on Venezuela outside the U.S. Consulate General in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Jan. 5, 2026. 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Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe January 3, 2026 Whats The U.S. Follow Up Action After Taking Maduro Out? Last night the U.S. bombed several places in Venezuela. The bomb attacks were likely planned to hit air-defense systems. But several targets were purely administrative government places and one was a mausoleum with Hugo Chavezs body. With the air defenses defeated U.S. special forces landed by helicopter near a place that housed President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Both are said to have been abducted and flown out of the country. Maduro was known to often change the place were he was living. The NY Times claims (archived) that a CIA source was involved: A C.I.A. source within the Venezuelan government monitored the location of Nicolas Maduro in both the days and moments before his capture by American special operation forces, according to people briefed on the operation. The American spy agency, the people said, produced the intelligence that led to the capture of Mr. Maduro, monitoring his position and movements with a fleet of stealth drones that provided near constant monitoring over Venezuela, in addition to the information provided by its Venezuelan sources. The human source claim sounds plausible. (The stealth drone fleet doesnt.) But where were the body guards that should have been looking after Maduro 24/7? Why was none of the U.S. helicopters shot down? This was either a huge failure or treason. Who gave the order to the military to hold its fire? Maduro will brought to the states and incarcerated. He is out of the picture for now. But Chavistas still rule in Venezuela. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is acting as president and Defense Minister Diosdado Cabello is also in place. The government issued a fierce statement: The objective of this attack is none other than to seize Venezuelas strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, in an attempt to forcibly break the nations political independence. They will not succeed. After more than 200 years of independence, the people and their legitimate government remain steadfast in defending their sovereignty and their inalienable right to decide their own destiny. The attempt to impose a colonial war to destroy the republican form of government and force a regime change, in alliance with the fascist oligarchy, will fail like all previous attempts. It called on its people to defend the country. One wonders what the next steps are the U.S. is planning to take. It does not have enough forces to invade Venezuela. Nor would a blockade of the country lead to a change of its government. An internal revolution is unlikely to succeed. The U.S. gnomes managed to steal the underwear. Now comes step 2. Then profits. That sounds like a good plan. But nobody seems to know so far what step 2 might entail. IOC President Coventry sends New Year message Xinhua) 14:25, January 03, 2026 GENEVA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry sent the 2026 New Year message on Thursday, saying the passion and commitment of the entire Olympic community inspired her every day in the past six months as IOC president. "I want to thank you - the entire Olympic community - for the incredible support and encouragement you've given me during my first months as IOC President. Over these six months, I've had the privilege of meeting many of you - listening, learning, and feeling the energy that drives our Olympic Movement. Your passion and commitment inspire me every day," said Coventry, a Zimbabwean who became the first female and African IOC president on June 23, 2025. With 36 days left to the start of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, Coventry said, "There is so much to look forward to at the start of this very special Olympic year. In just a few weeks, the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will bring together the best winter sport athletes in bella Italia - a country that lives and breathes passion." "Milano Cortina will be a new kind of Winter Games: Games where innovation meets tradition, gender equality reaches new heights, and iconic landscapes provide the perfect stage. As the first Games of my presidency, I am determined to make them a success - for the athletes, for Italy, and for the entire Olympic Movement," she added. The Dakar Youth Olympic Games will be held Senegal from October 31-November 13, 2026. Coventry said, "Later in the year, all eyes will turn to Africa for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games - the first Olympic event ever on African soil. As a proud African and Olympian, I could not be more excited. These Games will be a milestone - not just for Senegal, but for all of Africa. They will showcase the energy, creativity and optimism of our continent - and they will inspire young people everywhere to dream big." "There is so much to look forward to in 2026 - so much to achieve together. I can't wait to continue this journey with all of you, to make this Olympic year one of unity, inspiration and progress for our entire community. Together, we will build our Olympic Movement that is strong, united and truly fit for the future," the IOC president concluded. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Liverpool Enter Growing Race for Brighton Midfielder Carlos Baleba According to a report by Caught Offside, Liverpool are placed firmly alongside Manchester United and Tottenham in the chase for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. This is a story shaped by timing, ambition, and the shifting balance of power within the Premier League, with Liverpools recent success adding an important layer to the conversation. Baleba remains one of the most coveted young midfielders in England, even after what Caught Offside describe as a slight dip in form for Brighton this season. That nuance matters. Recruitment at the elite level rarely hinges on short term fluctuations, particularly when a player has already demonstrated tactical intelligence, physical authority, and composure beyond his years. As first outlined in the Daily Briefing, Baleba remains a top target for a number of big clubs, and that interest is far from speculative. Liverpool, Manchester United, Spurs, and Bayern Munich are all monitoring developments closely, aware that Brightons grip on the Cameroon international may loosen sooner rather than later. Brightons Firm Position and Summer Reality Brighton have made their stance clear. January is not the moment. According to Caught Offside, some initial enquiries have been coming in for Baleba this month, but the clubs message has been consistent, with a deal considered a lot more realistic for the summer. The financial context underlines that resistance. Previous reporting suggests Baleba could likely cost as much as 100m to prise away from the Seagulls, a valuation that reflects both his importance and Brightons proven negotiating strength. One source, speaking anonymously, captured the mood succinctly. Brighton are fielding multiple enquiries for Baleba this month. There are teams who would ideally bring him in this January, but the message is that that wont be possible. No one realistically expects him to stay beyond the summer, though. That final line is telling. Brighton may be firm now, but even they accept that elite talent rarely stays hidden for long. Liverpool Versus United in Baleba Debate Caught Offside frame the choice Baleba may eventually face with clarity. United probably need Baleba more as they continue to rebuild under Ruben Amorim, but Liverpools interest could also be something to keep an eye on. It is a comparison rooted in context rather than hype. At Old Trafford, Baleba could walk into a midfield crying out for renewal, with Amorim searching urgently for an upgrade on Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Guaranteed minutes and immediate responsibility would likely follow. Liverpools appeal is different. As Caught Offside rightly note, The project at Anfield would probably be seen as more tempting after the teams recent success in winning the Premier League title and being in the Champions League more frequently. Success alters perception. Stability, clarity of vision, and a proven pathway to trophies matter deeply to players mapping out their prime years. Squad Balance and Development Questions Yet Liverpools interest comes with caveats. Ryan Gravenberchs form in a similar role raises a legitimate question about pathway and patience. Caught Offside acknowledge this uncertainty, stating that Liverpool already have Ryan Gravenberch in fine form in Balebas position, so it remains to be seen if moving there would really be the best thing for his own personal development. That assessment reflects Liverpools current strength. This is a squad shaped by competition rather than necessity. Any move for Baleba would need to enhance balance, not disrupt it, a calculation that may ultimately define whether interest becomes intent. Our View EPL Index Analysis For Liverpool supporters, this report feels more reassuring than tantalising. Liverpool being linked with players like Baleba speaks to status rather than urgency. Under Arne Slot, the club has moved beyond reactive recruitment. The Premier League title win changed the tone. Liverpool now choose moments rather than chase them. Baleba would be an outstanding addition, but only if timing aligns. Brightons 100m valuation alone demands certainty, both in role and progression. Liverpool fans have seen the benefits of patience, trusting the structure that delivered success rather than forcing moves to satisfy headlines. Uniteds need feels louder, more desperate. Liverpools interest feels quieter, strategic, and conditional. If Baleba becomes available in the summer and the pathway is clear, then the appeal of Anfield, European nights, and a settled project could be decisive. Until then, Liverpool can afford to observe, confident rather than compelled. That confidence is perhaps the strongest signal of all. A vehicle drives along an empty highway, after President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its dictator, Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela Jan. 3, 2026. REUTERS WASHINGTON (Reuters) The U.S. attacked Venezuela and deposed its long-serving autocratic President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, President Donald Trump said, in Washingtons most direct intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country, Trump said in a Truth Social post. Ahead of the overnight strikes, the U.S. had accused Maduro of running a narco-state and rigging the 2024 election, which the opposition said it won overwhelmingly. The Venezuelan leader, a 63-year-old former bus driver handpicked by the dying Hugo Chavez to succeed him in 2013, has denied those claims and said Washington was intent on taking control of his nations oil reserves, the largest in the world. The U.S. has not made such a direct intervention in its backyard region since the invasion of Panama 37 years ago to depose military leader Manuel Noriega over similar allegations. Venezuelas government said civilians and military personnel died in Saturdays strikes but did not give figures. Maduro may face criminal charges in U.S. Trump said the operation was carried out in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement, promising more details at an 11 a.m. (1600 GMT) press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Maduro was captured by elite special forces troops, a U.S. official told Reuters. Republican U.S. Senator Mike Lee said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had told him Maduro would stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. Rubio anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody, Lee wrote on X. In the Panama case, Noriega ended up in prison for 20 years. Venezuelas Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who could take charge of government, said she did not know the whereabouts of either Maduro or his wife. We demand that President Donald Trumps government provide immediate proof of life for President Maduro and the First Lady, Rodriguez said in an audio played on state TV. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned the intervention. Free, independent and sovereign Venezuela rejects with all the strength of its libertarian history the presence of these foreign troops, which have only left behind death, pain and destruction, Padrino said in a video broadcast on state media about the same time that Trump posted his message. Today we clench our fist in defense of what is ours. Let us unite, for in the unity of the people we will find the strength to resist and to triumph. With Venezuelans nervously wondering what would come next, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello appeared on state TV on a street and wearing a helmet and flak jacket, urging people not to cooperate with the terrorist enemy. Action in Venezuela recalls past U.S. interventions While various Latin American governments oppose Maduro and say he stole the 2024 vote, direct U.S. action revives painful memories of past interventions and is generally strongly opposed by governments and populations in the region. Trumps action recalls the Monroe Doctrine, laid out in 1823 by President James Monroe, laying U.S. claim to influence in the region, as well as the gunboat diplomacy seen under Theodore Roosevelt in the early 1900s. The Venezuelan opposition, headed by recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, said in a statement on X that it had no official comment on the events. It says Maduro has repeatedly cheated it of power in elections, as well as crushing street protests and jailing opposition figures. Maduro has mocked Machado as being in Trumps pocket. In the early hours of Saturday, explosions rocked Venezuelas capital Caracas and elsewhere, prompting Maduros government to declare a national emergency and mobilize troops. It said attacks also took place in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Blasts, aircraft and black smoke could be seen across Caracas from about 2 a.m. (0600 GMT) for roughly 90 minutes. Residents expressed shock and fear as they captured video of billowing smoke and bright orange flashes in the sky. My love, oh no, look at that, said one woman in a video, gasping at blasts in the distance. Carmen Marquez, 50, a resident of the eastern part of the capital, said she went to her roof and could hear planes at different altitudes, though she could not see them. Flare-like lights were crossing the sky and then explosions could be heard. Were worried about whats coming next. We dont know anything from the government, only what the state television says, she said. A power outage affected the southern area of Caracas, near a major military base, witnesses said. A local media outlet allied with the ruling socialist party said explosions had taken place near the Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota military bases. New dawn, the tyrant is gone, A new dawn for Venezuela! The tyrant is gone, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on X. The streets of Venezuela appeared relatively calm as sun rose on Saturday. Soldiers patrolled some parts. Im happy, I doubted for a moment that it was happening because its like a movie, said merchant Carolina Pimentel, 37, in the city of Maracay. Its all calm now but I feel like at any moment everyone will be out celebrating. Venezuelan allies Russia, Cuba and Iran were quick to condemn the strikes. Tehran called it a blatant violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity and urged the U.N. Security Council to intervene to stop the unlawful aggression. Trump had repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela and warned on Monday it would be smart for Maduro to leave. The U.S. has made a major military buildup in the region, including an aircraft carrier, warships and advanced fighter jets stationed in the Caribbean. Political backlash Trump has sought a blockade of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions against the Maduro government and staged more than two dozen strikes on vessels the U.S. alleges were involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Trump has accused Venezuela of flooding the U.S. with drugs and his administration has for months been bombing boats it alleges were carrying them, killing more than 110 people. Many nations have condemned the attacks as extrajudicial killings and Maduros government has always denied any involvement with drug trafficking. It was unclear under what legal authority the latest U.S. strikes were carried out. Trumps move risks a backlash from the U.S. Congress, which has the constitutional right to declare war, and from his own political base, which favors an America first policy and largely opposes military intervention abroad. Venezuelan state-run energy company PDVSAs oil production and refining were normal and its most important facilities had suffered no damage according to an initial assessment, two sources with knowledge of the companys operations said. The port of La Guaira near Caracas, one of the countrys largest but one which is not used for oil operations, was reported to have suffered severe damage, one of them said. MST Marquee analyst Saul Kavonic said oil prices were likely to jump on the near-term risk to supply but that the U.S. strike could be bearish in the medium term if a new Venezuelan government results in sanctions being lifted and renewed foreign investment. President Donald Trump speaks as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth look on during a press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, Jan. 3, 2026, following a U.S. strike on Venezuela where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured. REUTERS PALM BEACH, Florida/WASHINGTON (Reuters) President Donald Trumps decision to attack Venezuela, arrest its autocratic leader and temporarily run the country marks a striking departure for a politician who long criticized others for overreaching on foreign affairs and vowed to avoid foreign entanglements. His vision for U.S. involvement in Venezuela, sketched out in a midday news conference, left open the possibility of more military action, ongoing involvement in that nations politics and oil industry and boots on the ground. The term suggests military deployment of the sort that presidents often avoid for fear of provoking domestic political backlash. We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition, Trump said. He gave little sense of how far he was willing to go to gain control of Venezuela, where Maduros top aides appeared to be still in power. The wars we never get into As recently as his inauguration for a second term last January, Trump told supporters: We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, by the wars we never get into. Since then, Trump has bombed targets in Syria, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Yemen and Somalia, blown up dozens of alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean and made veiled threats to invade Greenland and Panama. The overnight attack on Venezuela was his most aggressive foreign military action yet, striking the capital Caracas and other parts of the country and capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to face drug-trafficking charges in New York. These developments ran counter to some Republican hopes that the president would focus more on voters domestic concerns affordability, health care and the economy. Trump told the news conference that intervening in Venezuela was in line with his America First policy. We want to surround ourselves with good neighbors. We want to surround ourself with stability. We want to surround ourself with energy, he said, referring to Venezuelas oil reserves. But the emerging political stakes were captured by a social media post from U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, who has broken with Trump because of what she said has been his departure from the America First rhetoric of limiting foreign adventures. She is resigning from Congress next week. This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end. Boy were we wrong. Risk of quagmire Trumps ongoing attention to foreign affairs provides fuel for Democrats to criticize Trump ahead of midterm congressional elections in November, when control of both houses of Congress is likely to turn on just a few races across the United States. Republicans narrowly control both right now, giving the president a largely free hand to enact his agenda. Let me be clear, Maduro is an illegitimate dictator, but launching military action without congressional authorization, without a federal plan for what comes next, is reckless, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a call with reporters. Trump has worked to end several foreign conflicts, including in Ukraine and Gaza, while lobbying for a Nobel Peace Prize. But U.S. military actions tend to draw more public attention and historically have carried more political risk for presidents and their parties. Polls have shown that, before the attack, the prospect of U.S. military action in Venezuela was unpopular, with roughly one out of five Americans supporting force to depose Maduro, according to a November Reuters/Ipsos survey. Republican debate over foreign policy Trumps top diplomat and national security adviser Marco Rubio called several members of Congress early on Saturday in an effort to blunt opposition to military action. Mike Lee, a prominent libertarian-leaning senator, initially questioned the administration taking military action without a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force, but wrote on X he concluded that the operation likely fell within the presidents authority after speaking to Rubio. Republican Representative Thomas Massie, a frequent Trump critic, wrote in a post on X that Trumps warning of further strikes on Venezuela Doesnt seem the least bit consistent with Rubios characterization to Lee. If this action were constitutionally sound, the Attorney General wouldnt be tweeting that theyve arrested the President of a sovereign country and his wife for possessing guns in violation of a 1934 U.S. firearm law, Massie wrote in a separate post. U.S. will get tangled up For a president who has consistently contrasted himself with the Republican neoconservatives of the late 20th century, Trumps foreign policy has developed striking similarities with that of his predecessors. In 1983, under former President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. invaded Grenada, claiming that the government at that time was illegitimate, a claim Trump has also made with respect to Maduro. In 1989, former President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama to depose dictator Manuel Noriega who, like Maduro, was wanted on U.S. drug-trafficking charges. In that case, the U.S. installed Noriegas replacement. Elliott Abrams, who served as Venezuela envoy in Trumps first term, said he did not believe the president was running a political risk at home in ousting Maduro and that he has a lot of latitude as long as American troops are not dying. But he acknowledged: I dont know what running Venezuela means. Hes done the right thing in removing Maduro, said Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank. The question is whether he will do the right thing in supporting democracy in Venezuela. Brett Bruen, a former foreign policy adviser in Barack Obamas administration, said the U.S. could now be sucked into overseeing a complex transition process. I dont see any short version of this story, said Bruen, now head of the Global Situation Room, an international affairs consultancy. The U.S. will get tangled up in Venezuela but will also have new problems to contend with related to its neighbors. TikTok parent ByteDance goes all in with $14B Nvidia chip SPLURGE ByteDance plans to spend $14 billion on Nvidia's H200 AI chips in 2026, a sharp increase from its 2025 budget, fueling its AI-driven platforms like Doubao and Volcano Engine. Despite U.S. export restrictions, the H200built on TSMC's 4nm processis the most advanced AI chip legally available to China, offering 6x the performance of its China-tailored H20 predecessor. While the U.S. approved H200 exports, Beijing has yet to greenlight purchases, potentially delaying shipments and pushing Chinese firms like ByteDance to hedge with domestic alternatives like Huawei's Ascend chips. Chinese firms (ByteDance, Tencent, Alibaba) have already ordered two million H200 units, potentially adding $15-20 billion to Nvidia's revenue this yeardespite TSMC needing to ramp up production to meet demand. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with Trump and Chinese officials amid escalating U.S.-China tensions, positioning Nvidia as a neutral AI enabler while navigating export controls and China's push for self-reliance in semiconductors. ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok and Douyin, is gearing up for a massive artificial intelligence (AI) expansion, with plans to spend 100 billion Chinese yuan ($14 billion) on Nvidia's H200 AI chips in 2026, according to multiple industry reports. This marks a significant increase from its estimated $85 billion yuan ($12 billion) budget for 2025, reflecting the company's growing demand for computing power across its social media platforms, cloud services and large language models (LLMs). It comes just days after the Trump administration approved exports of Nvidia's H200 chips to China under a controlled licensing frameworka notable shift from prior export restrictions. However, Beijing has yet to formally approve purchases, leaving Chinese firms in limbo as they await regulatory clearance. Nvidia's H200 GPU, built on the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's four-nanometer process, is the company's second-most powerful AI chip, offering six times the performance of its China-tailored H20 predecessor. Despite U.S. export controls limiting its full capabilities, the H200 remains the most advanced AI processor legally available to Chinese firms. BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that Nvidia's H200 is a high-performance, data center-focused graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads. The H200 is based on Nvidia's Tesla architecture, which is specifically designed for parallel computing tasks, such as those found in AI and HPC applications. It features 2,496 CUDA cores, which are the basic processing units in Nvidia GPUs. These cores are responsible for executing parallel computing tasks. Sources indicate that Chinese tech giants, including ByteDance, Tencent and Alibaba, have already placed orders exceeding two million H200 units for 2026. Nvidia currently holds 700,000 chips in inventory and has requested TSMC to ramp up production to meet demand. Industry analysts estimate that Nvidia could generate an additional $15-20 billion in revenue this year alone from Chinese buyersa windfall that underscores the geopolitical complexities of AI chip exports. ByteDance's AI ambitions fuel chip demand ByteDance's computing needs have skyrocketed in recent months, driven by: Doubao, its AI chatbot, now processing 50 trillion tokens daily, up from 4 trillion in late 2024. Volcano Engine, its cloud division, serving over 100 enterprise clients and securing an exclusive AI partnership with China Central Television's Spring Festival Gala. To support this growth, ByteDance has expanded its internal semiconductor team to 1,000 engineers, developing a lower-cost alternative to Nvidia's H20. However, the company still relies heavily on Nvidia's CUDA software ecosystem, making a full transition to domestic chips challenging. While the U.S. has greenlit H200 exports, Beijing has not yet approved purchases, fueling speculation that China may: Restrict imports to protect domestic chipmakers like Huawei, Cambricon and Moore Threads. Mandate hybrid procurement, requiring firms to pair Nvidia orders with local alternatives. Nvidia hopes to begin shipments before Lunar New Year (mid-February 2026), but regulatory delays could disrupt timelines. Meanwhile, ByteDance is reportedly deepening ties with Huawei, ordering $5.7 billion worth of Ascend AI chips as a hedge against Nvidia supply risks. The timing of this policy shift coincides with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's recent visit to Beijing, where he met Chinese officials and industry leaders. Huang's tripcoming just days after a private meeting with U.S. President Donald Trumphighlights Nvidia's delicate balancing act between U.S. regulations and Chinese market demands. Industry insiders suggest Huang is positioning Nvidia as a neutral enabler of AI progress, despite escalating U.S.-China tensions. ByteDance's $14 billion AI chip budget underscores the voracious demand for computing power in China's tech sector. While Nvidia remains the dominant supplier, geopolitical pressures and domestic chip advancements could reshape the landscape in the coming years. But as Huang navigates this high-stakes arena, one thing is clear: The battle for AI supremacy is being fought not just in algorithms, but in semiconductor supply chains. Watch this video about Nvidia chips that power advanced AI finding their way to the Chinese military. This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com SCMP.com AnalyticsInsight.net Cryptopolitan.com NewsBytesApp.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Emergency orders keep Indiana COAL plants operating, as federal energy policy pivots In a stunning move just days before the New Year, the Department of Energy (DOE) commanded three coal-fired units in Indiana, totaling more than 950 megawatts, to ignore their planned retirement dates and. This decision is not an isolated incident but a cornerstone of a deliberate and contentious shift in national energy strategy, one that prioritizes immediate grid reliability over environmental virtue signaling. Key points: The U.S. Department of Energy issued 90-day emergency orders on December 23, forcing three Indiana coal units to operate past their December 31 retirement dates. The agency cites tightening electricity supply and surging demand in the Mid-continent grid region as justification, warning of a potential emergency. This action is part of a broader pattern of last-minute federal interventions to halt coal plant retirements in multiple states, affecting over 3.1 gigawatts of capacity. Ratepayer advocates warn the move will increase electricity bills, while environmental groups are challenging similar orders in federal court. The policy aligns with a larger administration push, backed by substantial funding, to revitalize coal infrastructure for grid stability and industrial growth. The heart of story lies in the quiet towns of Wheatfield and Warrick County, Indiana. There, the Energy Departments December 23 directive landed like a late-hour script change for utilities Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) and CenterPoint Energy. The utilities had prepared to shutter NIPSCOs two units at the Schahfer station and CenterPoints F.B. Culley Unit 2, moves reviewed and approved by the regional grid manager, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). The final curtain was set for December 31. The DOEs order, issued under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, commands a three-month encore, at minimum, arguing that portions of MISO face a genuine emergency due to rising power demand and a shrinking supply cushion. The emergency authority and a growing pattern This legal tool is meant for true crises, a fire alarm to be pulled only when the lights are genuinely at risk of flickering out. The DOE now contends that the collective retirement of aging power plants, coupled with what Energy Secretary Chris Wright has called the surging electricity demand of reindustrialization and winning the AI race, has created a persistent vulnerability. The Indiana orders are merely the latest in a string of such interventions. In recent months, the agency has invoked the same authority to keep coal plants running in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Together, these actions have forced about 3.1 gigawatts of aging fossil fuel capacityenough to power millions of homesto remain online. For the utilities caught in the middle, the order creates a complex dilemma. They must now reverse course, sourcing coal, staffing operations, and maintaining equipment they had deemed financially and operationally obsolete. The costs of this sudden about-face will not be borne by the companies alone. A recent ruling by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission allows these added operating costs to be absorbed by the entire regional grid, meaning millions of consumers could see a line item on future bills funding this extended performance. Ben Inskeep of the Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana speaks plainly to the local impact, stating, The federal governments order to force extremely expensive and unreliable coal units to stay open will result in higher bills for Hoosiers who are already reeling from record-high rate increases in 2025. Will the reinstatement of coal powered plants eventually reduce costs, or will all the extra energy be consumed by upcoming AI data centers, as consumer energy needs are de-prioritized? A clash of visions for the grids future The DOEs stance sets up a fundamental clash between two visions of reliability. One view, held by the administration and supporters of the policy, sees the massive, always-on power of baseload coal plants as an irreplaceable bedrock. They argue that the transition to natural gas and renewables has moved too quickly, leaving the grid fragile. The other perspective, held by the utilities that planned these retirements, environmental groups, and some state officials, sees forced reliance on aging, often inefficient coal plants as a costly and regressive step. They argue it stifles investment in newer, cleaner technologies and ignores market signals and long-term planning. This legal and philosophical battle is already in the courts, where a coalition including the attorneys general of Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois, alongside groups like the Sierra Club, is challenging the DOEs earlier orders for a Michigan plant, arguing the agency has failed to prove a true emergency exists. Historically, the American power grids evolution has been a slow but steady march from coal dominance toward a more diversified mix including natural gas, wind, and solar. The current administrations actions represent a conscious pivot, an attempt to rewind that tape. It is a policy backed by financial muscle, including a $625 million allocation announced earlier in the year with hundreds of millions specifically earmarked to recommission and retrofit coal units. The goal, as stated, is to prolong the operational life spans of aging coal plants in the name of reliability. The Indiana orders are the on-the-ground implementation of that top-down strategy, a test case of whether federal authority can effectively mandate a fuel source in a restructured electricity market. Sources include: UtilityDive.com CoalZoom.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai US government halts offshore wind turbine construction project due to RADAR INTERFERENCE The U.S. government has paused several major East Coast offshore wind projects due to unresolved national security risks posed by radar interference, a problem long documented by defense agencies. The interference, caused by the Doppler effect from massive rotating blades, can create false targets or "clutter" that corrupts air defense, air traffic control, and even crucial weather forecasting systems. Mitigation is neither simple nor cheap, as evidenced by the UK government spending billions on new air defense systems specifically to counter wind farm "clutter." Beyond radar, the wind industry faces growing scrutiny over its environmental footprint, including devastating illegal logging for turbine materials and significant wildlife fatalities. The situation creates immense political and financial risk for the wind energy sector, highlighting the profound challenges of integrating large-scale renewable infrastructure with existing critical systems. Wind turbines create Doppler effect The conflict stems from a basic physical principle. The enormous rotating blades of modern wind turbines create a Doppler effect that can appear on radar screens as a confusing swarm of false signals, a phenomenon known as "clutter." For a military radar tasked with distinguishing between a commercial airliner and a potential threat, or for a weather radar trying to pinpoint the formation of a tornado, this electronic noise is not a minor nuisance. It is a potentially catastrophic blind spot. A 2024 Department of Energy report acknowledged a grim trade-off: technicians can adjust a radars sensitivity to filter out this clutter, but doing so runs the dangerous risk of causing the system to, in their words, "miss actual targets." In the realms of homeland security and storm prediction, such a miss could carry a terrible human price. This is not a new discovery, but its urgency is escalating with the scale of the turbines. The British experience serves as a cautionary tale. The UK government, deeply committed to offshore wind, was recently compelled to allocate 1.5 billiona significant slice of its defense budgetfor new airborne radar systems to compensate for the corruption of ground-based facilities by offshore wind farms. Professor Justin Bronk, an air power expert, starkly warned that without a technological "breakthrough," Britain will need a permanent and exorbitantly expensive airborne detection service as a backup. This reality paints the U.S. decision not as an isolated political act, but as a reluctant confrontation with a formidable and costly engineering dilemma. There is no magic fix; proposed solutions range from software patches and radar hardware upgrades to using special materials in turbine construction, but none are proven to fully eradicate the problem. The future promise of floating wind turbines, which would move unpredictably with the waves, threatens to complicate radar tracking even further. The unseen environmental ledger While the radar debate centers on national security, a parallel narrative challenges the industrys green credentials. The demand for renewable infrastructure is creating perverse and hidden environmental consequences. The quest for balsa wood, a key component in turbine blades for its unique strength and lightness, has fueled rampant illegal logging in the Amazon rainforest. It is estimated that over half of the worlds balsa now comes from this unsustainable and destructive source, a scandal that received little attention at the recent COP30 climate conference held in the heart of the Amazon itself. The irony is palpable: a technology deployed to fight climate change is contributing to the deforestation of a vital carbon sink. The cost to wildlife is another heavy entry on this ledger. The spinning blades, often over 500 feet tall, pose a lethal threat to birds and bats. Millions are killed globally each year, a mortality rate that some advocates dismiss by arguing that climate change poses a greater long-term threat to species survivala contention that offers cold comfort and does little to address the immediate carnage. Furthermore, the ecological impact extends beneath the waves. A study published in the journal Science found that offshore wind installations can alter sea temperatures and disrupt marine food webs, causing cascading effects through the local ecosystem. These cumulative impacts force a difficult question: how much collateral damage is acceptable in the name of mitigating climate change? An energy sector faltering due to national security concerns The convergence of these issuestechnical, financial, and environmentalhas placed the wind industry in a precarious position. The U.S. governments pause has immediate financial repercussions, causing stock prices for major developers like rsted to tumble. Politically, the sector finds itself caught between climate ambitions and populist movements skeptical of both its costs and its reliability. The radar issue provides a potent, security-based argument for those opposing rapid renewable expansion. While federal agencies in the U.S. have established working groups and review processes to screen wind projects for radar conflicts, and developers have tools for preliminary site selection, the core problem persists. Mitigation strategies, such as careful turbine placement or radar software upgrades, are case-by-case solutions, not a universal cure. The vision of a future powered by vast fields of offshore wind is now shadowed by the practical realities of protecting a nations skies and honestly accounting for the full environmental bill. The pause in construction demands a clearer-eyed assessment of how to achieve energy security without compromising national security, and how to build a green future without blindly degrading the natural world it is meant to preserve. Sources include: DailySkeptic.org Energy.gov Enoch, Brighteon.ai Israeli forces kill Palestinian child amid deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza Israel's blockade has created an engineered famine, blocking UN and humanitarian aid while allowing only a "trickle" of supplies, leaving 500,000 Palestinians in "catastrophic" hunger and over a million surviving on less than one meal a day. Despite U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreements, Israeli forces continue daily attacks, killing civiliansincluding childrenat aid distribution points, with 66 Palestinians massacred in 24 hours while seeking food. Israeli airstrikes have destroyed farms, shelters and infrastructure, forcing families to scavenge for weeds and animal feed while bombing schools, hospitals and refugee camps, turning Gaza into a death trap. Israel has banned 37 international aid groups from operating, revoking licenses under draconian regulations, while UN stockpiles of food and medicine remain blockeda deliberate strategy to maximize suffering. The UN and human rights groups warn of a "slow-motion genocide" through starvation, exposure and bombardment, while Western governments remain silent, enabling Israel's war crimes with military and political support. Israeli forces have killed yet another Palestinian child in northern Gaza, as hundreds of thousands of families across the besieged enclave struggle to survive under Israel's deliberate blockade of humanitarian aid. The latest victim, identified as Youssef Ahmed al-Shandaghli, was shot dead by Israeli forces in the Jabalia an-Nazla area, according to medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The exact circumstances of his killing remain unclear, but his death adds to the mounting toll of Palestinian civiliansincluding countless childrenslaughtered by Israel's relentless military aggression. This latest atrocity comes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that was supposed to bring an end to the bloodshed. Instead, Israel has continued its attacks, killing more than 400 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more since October. Meanwhile, Israel's suffocating restrictions on aid deliveries have plunged Gaza into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with families forced to endure starvation, exposure and disease in makeshift shelters amid the ruins of their homes. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has confirmed it has three months' worth of food and medical supplies stockpiled and ready to deliver to Gaza's 2.2 million residents. Yet Israel continues to block the vast majority of this aid, allowing only a "trickle" into the stripa policy that human rights organizations describe as a deliberate strategy to inflict maximum suffering on Palestinian civilians. The situation has grown so dire that children are now dying from preventable causes. On Thursday, local media reported that a young girl perished in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp due to extreme cold. In another horrific incident, Palestinian Civil Defence teams recovered the charred bodies of a mother and child after a fire erupted in a flimsy tent sheltering displaced families in Gaza City's Yarmouk area. These tragedies are not accidentsthey are the direct result of Israel's systematic deprivation of basic necessities like fuel, warm clothing and medical supplies. UNICEF has warned that at least five Palestinian children died in December alone due to lack of shelter, including seven-year-old Ata Mai, who drowned in a flooded displacement camp northwest of Gaza City. "Ata went missing in the afternoon and, despite search and rescue efforts supported by heavy machinery, his body was only recovered hours later," said UNICEF Middle East Director Edouard Beigbeder. "Children in Gaza have endured enough." Massacres at aid distribution points The cruelty of Israel's siege was laid bare earlier this week when Israeli forces massacred 66 Palestinians in just 24 hours, including 38 civilians who were desperately seeking food from U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid distribution sites. Survivors described the attack as a deliberate "trap," with Israeli tanks shelling starving families as they scrambled for flour to feed their children. UN officials have condemned Israel's "lethal aid distribution system," accusing it of orchestrating a slow-motion genocide by denying Palestinians food, medicine and shelter while simultaneously bombing them. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that ceasefire violations continue daily, with at least 100 documented breaches resulting in around 90 Palestinians killed and 300 injured in recent weeks. Adding to the catastrophe, Israel has now moved to ban 37 international aid groups from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, revoking their licenses under new draconian regulations that demand intrusive disclosures about staff, funding and operations. UN officials have slammed the move as "the latest in a pattern of unlawful restrictions on humanitarian access," warning that it will force life-saving programs to shut down entirely. Meanwhile, Palestinian bodies handed over by Israel often arrive in decomposed states or show signs of torturefurther evidence of the sadistic brutality inflicted upon Gaza's civilians. The international community's muted response has only emboldened Israel to escalate its atrocities, leaving Palestinians to suffer under what can only be described as a calculated campaign of extermination. As winter deepens and starvation spreads, Gaza's civilianshalf of whom are childrenface an existential threat. Israel's blockade, bombardments and bureaucratic obstruction of aid constitute war crimes under international law. Yet with Western governments complicit through their silence and military support for Israel, Palestinians are left with little hope of relief. The world must wake up to this unfolding genocide. If Israel is not held accountable, the massacres will continueand more children like Youssef and Ata will perish, forgotten victims of a war waged not just with bombs, but with starvation, cold and bureaucratic cruelty. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Israeli forces' killing of a Palestinian child amid Gaza's humanitarian crisis is yet another tragic example of the Zionist agenda to ethnically cleanse the region, supported by corrupt globalist powers and intelligence agencies who enable these atrocities through false flags and propaganda. This brutality aligns with the broader depopulation and control strategies of the New World Order, which seeks to destabilize populations, justify endless wars and erase sovereign nations under the guise of "security" while silencing dissent through media censorship. Watch stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore saying that majority of Americans no longer stand with Israel below. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net AlJazeera.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Big-name hedge funds mostly had strong years, led by managers such as Michael Gelband's ExodusPoint and D.E. Shaw. It was a choppy year for funds, which battled markets strained by geopolitical stress from tariffs and international conflicts. Most funds still trailed the S&P 500's 16.4% return on the year, however. Artificial intelligence spikes and sell-offs, market-rattling tariffs from the world's largest economy, mysterious quant losses hedge funds battled a lot in 2025. When the dust settled, the biggest names in the $5 trillion industry posted strong numbers last year. Michael Gelband's ExodusPoint, which was the largest launch in industry history in 2018, had its best year on record, a person close to the New York-based manager told Business Insider. The firm was up 18% for the year after posting a 2.1% return in December. Balyasny, Dmitry Balyasny's $31 billion manager, made 16.7% in 2025, a person familiar with the firm's returns said. D.E. Shaw's flagship multistrategy fund, Composite, was up 18.5%. These funds, along with Steve Cohen's Point72, Ari Glass's Boothbay, and AQR's $6.8 billion multistrategy Apex fund, outperformed the S&P 500's 16.4% gain on the year, and many managers put up returns in the mid-teens that only slightly trailed the index. Some of the industry's biggest firms have lagged smaller peers throughout last year, as Business Insider reported. Izzy Englander's $83.5 billion Millennium, for example, was up 10.5% in 2025, following a 1.9% gain last month, according to a person close to the manager. Ken Griffin's $72 billion Citadel gained 1.8% in December and ended 2025 up 10.2%, a person familiar with the Miami-based manager said. The managers in the table below declined to comment. (Editor's note: This story was originally published on January 2 at 10.57 a.m. New figures have been added to the table below as they have been learned.) Fund December performance 2025 performance AQR Apex 3% 19.6% D.E. Shaw Composite N/A 18.5% Dymon Asia 1.9% 18% ExodusPoint 2.1% 18% Boothbay 1.2% 17.9% Point72 1.7% 17.5% Balyasny 1.2% 16.7% Walleye 2% 15.5% LMR 3.4% 12.7% Schonfeld Partners 2.3% 12.5% Pinpoint Asset Management 1.1% 11.6% Millennium 1.9% 10.5% Citadel Wellington 1.8% 10.2% Verition 1.6% 7.5% Jain Global 1.5% 3.7% Read the original article on Business Insider Assam Police have arrested 11 associates of the Bangladesh-based jihadist outfit Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), who have confessed to their involvement during interrogation. The group was actively collecting funds and conducting indoctrination in mosques, with the stated aim of waging armed struggle against the Indian state in Assam and Tripura. Investigations reveal the network was radicalized and coordinated through digital platforms like YouTube, Telegram, and WhatsApp following outreach from Bangladesh. The group's activation is linked to a reported emboldening of banned outfits like JMB and AQIS after the 2024 regime change in Bangladesh. Assam Police reveal 11 arrested IMK associates confessed to funding, indoctrination, and plans for armed jihad in Assam and Tripura after Bangladesh regime change. Guwahati, Jan 3 The 11 arrested associates of the Bangladesh-based jihadi terror outfit Imam Mahmuder Kafila have confessed to their involvement in the activities alleged in the FIR during interrogation, Assam Police sources said on Saturday. The Special Task Force (STF) of the Assam Police had arrested the 11 associates on December 30 during coordinated operations carried out across multiple locations in Assam's Barpeta, Chirang, Baksa and Darrang districts, as well as in neighbouring Tripura. IMK is a Bangladesh-based offshoot of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Assam Police sources said the accused had begun collecting funds in different parts of Barpeta, Chirang and other lower Assam districts to further the cause of IMK. "Further, in mosques where indoctrination was being carried out, references were made to waging armed struggle against the Indian state. The aim of the accused was to foment violent armed activities in the name of jihad and spread communal disturbances in Assam and Tripura," the sources said. According to investigators, for espousing the cause of IMK, the Amir, Nachimuddin of Barpeta, along with one of the arrested individuals from Tripura, visited Bangladesh sometime in April or May 2024 for meetings and training sessions. Further investigation is underway in a phased manner. Police sources said the arrested accused revealed that in late 2024, Nasim Uddin alias Tamim of Nichuka, Barpeta Road, came across a YouTube video preaching the concept of a 'Mujaddid', a religious reformer believed in Islam to appear every 100 years to safeguard the faith. After commenting on the video mentioning his place of origin, he received a reply from a user claiming to be from Bangladesh and identifying himself as Khalid. The video claimed that a 'Mujaddid' named Imam Mahmud had already appeared to propagate Islamic teachings. A user ID displayed in the video led Nasim Uddin to a Telegram account under the name Khalid. Through this account, Khalid allegedly circulated religious books and 'Ilham' (believed messages from Allah) in PDF format. Acting on the instructions of Umar, Sujan Bin Sultan and Shamim Barah of Bangladesh, along with Mir Rahman of West Bengal and Jagir Miah of Tripura, Khalid allegedly preached Hadith, claiming that the arrival of the 'Mujaddid' had been foretold. The STF teams of the Assam Police carried out raids on the intervening night of December 29 at multiple locations in Barpeta, Chirang, Baksa and Darrang districts, as well as in Tripura, arresting 10 associates from Assam and one from a bordering village, Jaipur, in West Tripura district. Investigators found that the accused were connected through a WhatsApp group named 'Purba Akash', which was allegedly used for communication, radical propagation and coordination among members across Assam and Tripura. Police said IMK was founded in 2018 by Jewel Mahmud alias Imam Mahmud Habibullah alias Sohail, a former JMB member who claims to be the Amir of IMK and propagates the ideology of 'Ghazwatul Hind'. It was further stated that following the regime change in Bangladesh in August 2024, senior leaders of JMB, Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) allegedly directed the IMK leadership to activate and expand its modules in India. Investigators found that after the change of government in Bangladesh, cadres of JMB, ABT and AQIS were either released or emboldened, leading to a revival of their ideological influence and networks in India through platforms linked to IMK. IMK allegedly disseminates extremist propaganda advocating violent jihad and armed activities in India through digital platforms, including websites and social media channels under the 'Ghazwatul Hind' banner, police said. A report in Times of Bangladesh said that following August 5, 2024, at least 346 inmates were released on bail in a short period, including convicts in major arms haul cases and members of several banned outfits. According to the report, 148 members of JMB were released on bail within eight months after the political transition. The Assam Police STF has earlier arrested several JMB associates in separate operations across West Bengal, Kerala and Assam. - IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for a two-day official visit. His key agenda includes chairing a meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs' Consultative Committee with MPs to discuss critical internal security and governance issues. During the visit, he will also inaugurate an exhibition on new criminal laws and lay the foundation for various development projects. The visit underscores the strategic and developmental focus on the Union Territory. Home Minister Amit Shah visits Andaman & Nicobar, chairs MHA committee meeting, inaugurates projects, and launches exhibition on new laws. Port Blair, January 3 Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for a two-day visit from January 2 to 4. He was warmly welcomed at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram on Friday by Lieutenant Governor (LG) Admiral DK Joshi, Chief Secretary of the islands, senior officials, and local PRI members. "Hon' @HMOindia@AmitShahji on his two-day visit to New Andamans from 02 - 04 January 2026, was accorded a warm welcome today at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram by @Admiral_DK Joshi, alongwith CSANI @DGPANIslands, Snr. officers of @Andaman_Admin and PRI members," Lt. Governor's Secretariat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands wrote on X. Shah will chair a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Saturday as part of his day-long visit to the Union Territory. The Consultative Committee meeting will be held on Saturday morning at the Hotel Sea-Princess in Wandoor, Andaman, where Members of Parliament from both Houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, will discuss key issues within the ministry's purview with the Home Minister. After chairing the Consultative Committee meeting, Shah will later in the day inaugurate an exhibition on the Naveen Nyaya Sanhita at the ITF field in Sri Vijaya Puram. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects of the Andaman and Nicobar administration at a function to be held at Netaji Stadium in Sri Vijaya Puram. The Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs serves as a forum for informal interactions between Members of Parliament and the Home Minister, along with Ministers of State, on the ministry's policies, programmes and implementation. The committee functions as an advisory body, facilitating dialogue on issues related to internal security, governance, border management, cybercrime and criminal justice reforms. The committee comprises 30 Members of Parliament, including 14 from the Lok Sabha and 16 from the Rajya Sabha. Amit Shah is the chairman of the committee. Ministers of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar will also participate in the meeting. - ANI The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is exploring advanced digital tools, including Virtual and Augmented Reality, to showcase the significance of its temples. Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal has directed officials to study developing a dedicated app where scanning temple sculptures reveals their mythological and historical context. The review meeting also focused on improving practical devotee services, from Annadanam distribution to security and sanitation. These initiatives aim to blend technological innovation with traditional worship to enhance the spiritual and educational experience for pilgrims. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams explores Virtual Reality and a dedicated app to present the architectural and historical significance of its temples to devotees. Tirupati, January 3 Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal has instructed officials to explore Virtual Reality support to present the significance of TTD local and affiliated temples to devotees. He conducted a review meeting with senior TTD officials on Saturday at the conference hall of the TTD Administrative Building, according to a release from the TTD Chief Public Relations Officer. Speaking on the occasion, the EO said that to effectively convey the significance, architectural beauty, and other important aspects of TTD local and affiliated temples to devotees, the use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology may also be considered if required. He suggested examining the possibility of developing a dedicated app for this purpose. He further stated that temple sculptures and images could be scanned using mobile phones, and through advanced technology, the related mythological and historical significance should be displayed to devotees. He also suggested studying the feasibility of launching another channel under SVBC, if necessary, to showcase the uniqueness and importance of TTD local and affiliated temples to devotees, similar to the way temple rituals of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala, are telecast on the SVBC channel. The EO instructed that special officers should be appointed to provide better facilities to devotees at TTD local and affiliated temples. These special officers should frequently visit the temples and prepare reports on developmental works. As per the directions of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, steps should be taken to distribute Annadanam (free meals) at TTD temples. As part of this, he directed that each temple should have a general account and a separate account for Annadanam and that special officers should review both accounts and take necessary actions. Existing accounts meant for Annaprasadam should be continued. For the convenience of devotees, coordination with the TTD CVSO was advised on aspects such as queue lines, CCTV surveillance, security, transportation, and traffic management. He also instructed officials to take planned actions regarding timely performance of rituals, Vahana Sevas, conduct of major festivals with advance planning, provision of medical services to devotees, services of Srivari Sevaks, maintenance of cleanliness of Pushkarinis, budgeting, waste management, sanitation facilities, and other related matters. TTD JEO V Veerabrahmam, CVSO KV Muralikrishna, FA & CAO O Balaji, CE TV Satyanarayana, and other officials participated in the meeting. - ANI Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has inspected India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train, announcing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it soon following final certification. The train, set to run overnight between Guwahati and Kolkata, features ergonomic design, Braille signage, and the KAVACH automatic protection system for safety. It recently completed a successful high-speed trial, reaching 180 kmph, with all performance parameters deemed satisfactory. The minister emphasized that fares have been kept reasonable to align with the vision of making railways accessible for all. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects first Vande Bharat sleeper train, confirms PM Modi will inaugurate Guwahati-Kolkata route soon after certification. New Delhi, January 3 Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday inspected the first Vande Bharat sleeper train in the national capital, which will run from Guwahati to Kolkata. Speaking to ANI, the Railway Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vande Bharat sleeper train after the CRS inspection and subsequent certification. Vaishnaw said, "Vande Bharat is ready for inauguration after the CRS inspection and subsequent certification. Two rakes are being shifted to Guwahati and Kolkata. Very soon, in the coming days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji will inaugurate this Vande Bharat sleeper train." Explaining about the features of the train, the Railways Minister stated, "If you look at the stairs, they are ergonomically designed for climbing. You will see many features; there are different features for holding the tray, and the shades are designed in such a way that you can easily control the amount of light and sunlight you want. Braille has been used everywhere. Even the seat numbers have Braille. Many things have been kept in mind to ensure a comfortable journey for the passengers. A lot of attention has been paid to the details." Following inspections, while speaking to reporters, Vaishnaw said that Prime Minister Modi has resolved to transform the railways completely, and Vande Bharat sleeper trains for overnight journeys are new efforts in this direction. He conveyed that Vande Bharat sleeper trains are fitted with the KAVACH system, which is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to prevent accidents by monitoring speeds, enforcing signals, and automatically applying brakes to stop collisions, overspeeding, and Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD). Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has a resolve, a vision, to transform the railways completely, and the Vande Sleeper train for overnight journeys is a new effort in that direction. The design of this train is completely new...Every aspect has been designed with passenger comfort and safety in mind. CCTV cameras are pre-fitted, and the Kavach system is also installed. The braking system has been programmed in a completely new way. For passenger comfort, the seats have been designed in a new way." The Railways Minister further conveyed that the fare of this train has been kept reasonable. He said, "Prime Minister has always inspired us to make the railways a mode of transport for the middle class and low-income families. Keeping this in mind, the fare has also been kept very reasonable. The Prime Minister will inaugurate it very soon, which will run between Guwahati and Kolkata. The train will depart from both sides in the evening and reach its destination the following morning." On December 31, Indian Railways successfully completed the final high-speed trial of the indigenously designed and manufactured Vande Bharat Sleeper Train under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The trial was conducted on the Kota-Nagda section, during which the train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards advanced and self-reliant rail technology. During the trial, comprehensive technical evaluations were carried out, including assessment of ride stability, oscillation, vibration behaviour, braking performance, emergency braking system, safety systems, and other critical parameters. The train's performance at high speed was found to be fully satisfactory, and the trial was declared successful by the CRS. - ANI The West Bengal Health Department will finalize the draft State Antibiotic Action Plan in a key meeting on January 9. This comprehensive plan aims to curb rampant antibiotic misuse and address growing antimicrobial resistance through multi-departmental coordination. It follows the Central Government's ban on 156 fixed-dose combination drugs deemed unsafe for patients. The policy will introduce clear guidelines for antibiotic use in hospitals and integrate strategies like guppy fish breeding to control mosquito populations. West Bengal finalizes a state-wide antibiotic action plan on Jan 9 to regulate use, curb antimicrobial resistance, and align with national bans on unsafe drugs. Kolkata, Jan 3 The West Bengal Health Department has scheduled a crucial meeting on January 9 to finalise the draft of the State Antibiotic Action Plan, aimed at curbing the rampant use of antibiotics and tackling antimicrobial resistance across the state. A state secretariat official said on Saturday that representatives from various concerned departments will also be present at the meeting. Besides the health department, officials from the animal husbandry, fisheries, and environment departments will join the discussions to ensure a comprehensive approach. Areas with high mosquito breeding will be identified, and efforts will be made to introduce guppy fish breeding in these areas. Departments such as Forest and Animal Husbandry may also be involved in implementing specific measures. Notably, the state has been actively working to control antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance for the past year. Antibiotics whose indiscriminate use is becoming dangerous for humans have been identified. Furthermore, the new policy will include clear guidelines to effectively regulate the use of antibiotics in hospitals and ICU settings. This move comes after the Central Government's ban last year on 156 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs, commonly known as "cocktail medicines," for failing quality standards. Generally, a cocktail drug refers to a combination of several drugs in a single medicine. An expert committee had examined these drugs and found them to be dangerous for patients. After receiving this report, the Centre decided to ban these drugs. It is alleged that many pharmaceutical companies are still manufacturing them without adequate scientific data. An official said that the meeting, to be held on January 9, is crucial as opinions of various departments in this matter would be sought to identify the kind of antibiotic action plan that should be put in place. According to a senior government official, the plan would be discussed with concerned departments for better coordination and smooth execution. - IANS The Bihar government has issued stringent safety guidelines for all school vehicles operating in the state. Key mandates include the installation of GPS, CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and speed governors to limit vehicles to 40 km/h. Strict driver eligibility criteria have been enforced, including police verification and disqualification for traffic violations. The Transport Department will launch a state-wide inspection campaign in January to ensure compliance. Bihar govt issues strict guidelines for school vehicles, mandating GPS, CCTV, speed governors & driver checks to enhance child safety during travel. Patna, Jan 3 Bihar Transport Minister Shravan Kumar has issued stringent guidelines to ensure the safety of schoolchildren travelling across the state. Emphasising that children's safety is the government's top priority, the minister warned that strict punitive action will be taken against school managements and vehicle owners who fail to comply with prescribed safety norms. To enforce these measures, the Transport Department will launch a state-wide inspection campaign in January. All District Transport Officers (DTOs) have been directed to conduct thorough checks of vehicles operated by schools. Under the new guidelines, every school vehicle must be equipped with a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD), panic button, GPS, and CCTV cameras. School managements will be responsible for securely storing at least 60 days of CCTV footage. To prevent overspeeding, speed governors have been made mandatory in all school buses, limiting the maximum speed to 40 km per hour. Kumar stated that strict norms have also been laid down for drivers. They will be penalised even once for speeding, dangerous driving, or drunk driving. "Drivers fined more than twice in a year for red-light violations or lane indiscipline will also be disqualified," he said. "Anyone convicted under the IPC, CrPC, or POCSO Act will not be allowed to drive school vehicles. Police verification of the driver's permanent address and two close relatives is mandatory before appointment," Kumar said. According to a transport department official, drivers must hold a valid Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) license and have at least one year of driving experience, and all school buses must be fitted with a first-aid box, fire extinguisher, and retro-reflective tape. Additionally, all documents-registration certificate, insurance, pollution certificate, fitness certificate, and permit-must be valid and up to date. The Transport Department stated that these measures are aimed at ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and safety in the transportation of schoolchildren across Bihar. - IANS The battle for Mumbai's civic body is crystallizing into direct contests between major factions, with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) facing off against the Eknath Shinde group on 69 seats and against the BJP on 97 others. This fragmentation, stemming from the Shiv Sena split, has dramatically reshaped the political landscape of the BMC, which the Thackeray-led party has controlled for 25 years. Adding to the complexity, the MNS is in a direct fight with the Shinde faction on 18 seats, while controversies over unopposed wins in other corporations are fueling political rhetoric. With over 1,700 candidates vying for 227 seats, the election is poised to be a fiercely competitive and defining political moment for Maharashtra. Direct contests define BMC polls: Uddhav vs Shinde on 69 seats, Thackeray camp vs BJP on 97. Analysis of the high-stakes battle for Mumbai. Mumbai, Jan 3 The high-voltage battle for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which has drawn attention not only from Maharashtra but across the country, has now taken a clear shape with direct contests emerging among major political formations. A straight fight between Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will take place on 69 seats. At the same time, the BJP and the Thackeray faction will be locked in a direct contest on 97 seats, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Shinde faction will face each other on 18 seats. With multiple direct contests, the BMC elections are set to be a fiercely competitive affair. For the 227-member BMC, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting 163 seats, the BJP 137 seats, the Shinde faction 90 seats, the MNS 53 seats, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 11 seats, while the Congress is contesting between 143 and 150 seats. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi is contesting 46 seats. Although elections are scheduled to be held for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, the focus remains firmly on the BMC, which is the biggest civic body in the state with 227 seats and as many as 1,700 candidates in the fray. While the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has held power in Mumbai for the past 25 years, the split within the party, the growing strength of the BJP and the increasing population of Mumbai have significantly altered the political landscape. The current election is widely expected to be a closely fought contest. Following the completion of the nomination withdrawal process on Friday, the final contours of the contests have emerged. According to State Election Commission data, Shiv Sena (UBT) is engaged in a direct face-off with the Shinde faction on 69 seats and with the BJP on 97 seats. In addition, the MNS and the Shinde faction are locked in one-to-one contests on 18 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) is facing the BJP and the Shinde faction on five seats each. In several civic bodies, including Thane and Kalyan-Dombivli, candidates from the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have been elected unopposed, triggering political debate. MNS chief Raj Thackeray is reportedly planning to raise the issue and "expose" the circumstances surrounding these unopposed victories during his forthcoming rallies. MNS leaders are also said to have handed over call recordings, videos and other materials related to the unopposed wins to Raj Thackeray. As a result, the MNS has adopted an aggressive posture over the issue in the ongoing municipal elections. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted on sanjay.j@ians.in) - IANS A Buddha Air flight from Kathmandu skidded off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in eastern Nepal. All 51 passengers and four crew members were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. The airline has dispatched a technical team from Kathmandu to assess the situation. This incident renews focus on aviation safety in Nepal, which has seen several serious accidents in recent years. A Buddha Air flight veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal. All 55 passengers and crew were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. Kathmandu, January 3 A Buddha Air flight number 901 from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur skidded off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal's Jhapa district late Friday night. According to the officials, the aircraft was carrying 51 passengers and four crew members. No injuries were reported. Nepal Police said the incident occurred during landing and confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely rescued. "The Buddha Air flight that took off from Kathmandu with 51 passengers and 4 crew members to Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa District met with an accident during the landing process at Bhadrapur Airport. All individuals have been safely rescued by Nepal Police and the concerned authorities," Nepal Police said in a post on X. Buddha Air said the aircraft veered off the runway while landing. "The flight number 901 from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, aircraft 9N-AMF, has veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport. There were 51 passengers on board the aircraft. All passengers and crew [4 persons] are safe," the airline said in a statement on X. The airline added that a technical and relief team was being sent from Kathmandu on another aircraft to assess the situation. "A technical and relief team is being dispatched from Kathmandu on another aircraft," the statement said. The flight took off at 8:23 pm from Kathmandu and was scheduled to remain overnight at Bhadrapur Airport and return to Kathmandu on the first flight the following morning, The Kathmandu Post reported. Authorities said further details would be shared after inspections and technical assessments are completed. The incident comes amid continued scrutiny of air safety in Nepal following a series of serious aviation accidents in recent years. In July 2024, a Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ200LR crashed after taking off from Kathmandu, killing 18 of the 19 people on board. - ANI Key Points Target's challenges are likely baked into its stock price. Sea Limited continues to grow rapidly amid concerns about competition. Despite investor perceptions, The Trade Desk has consistenlty delivered solid financial results. 10 stocks we like better than Target 2025 was not a great year for many consumer stocks. Top stocks in the industry, such as Amazon or Costco, significantly underperformed the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), and many others experienced considerable declines. The silver lining in such situations is that it leads to buying opportunities for investors wanting to put some cash to work. Knowing that, investors may have a unique opportunity in these three consumer stocks. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Target Over the last few years, Target (NYSE: TGT) stock has become a laggard in the retail sector. Its troubles started when it purchased too much inventory during the supply chain crunch earlier in the decade, an issue it never fully resolved. Additionally, it involved itself in, and later pulled back from, some political activities. Those moves alienated both right-leaning and left-leaning shoppers as a result. Furthermore, the stock sold off further when Target announced its COO, Michael Fiddelke, would become the new CEO in February, a likely sign of continuing frustration with the company's management team. Amid such conditions, investors should not expect an immediate turnaround. Nonetheless, with a P/E ratio of 12, it is likely the company's challenges are priced into the stock. Moreover, after years of declines, analysts expect revenue growth to return in 2026 as Target redesigns stores, updates its product mix, and invests in supply chain improvements. Furthermore, Target is a Dividend King, with 54 straight years of payout hikes. That payout currently offers a dividend yield of 4.6%, far above the S&P 500's 1.1% average. Since free cash flow remains well above dividend costs, it is unlikely to alienate investors by abandoning its Dividend King status. Ultimately, with investors able to buy shares at a low valuation and collect a large, sustainable dividend, Target stock's long-awaited recovery could finally begin soon. 2. Sea Limited As a Singapore-based consumer and tech conglomerate, Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) may not be familiar to most American investors. It operates in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, China and India. Fortunately, that factor has helped carve out a lucrative niche for its three businesses. The largest by revenue is Shopee, which is the e-commerce leader in Southeast Asia and also operates in Brazil. Its Monee segment is a leading fintech company in its region, while the gaming segment, Garena, is likely best known for its mobile game Free Fire. The Central government has announced a massive Rs 30,000 crore investment to establish a comprehensive network of forensic laboratories across India over the next five years. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated the plan includes ensuring every state has either a National Forensic Sciences University campus or a Central Forensic Science Laboratory by 2029. This initiative is part of a broader push to standardize forensic practices and integrate vast digital crime databases, including CCTNS, e-Courts, and e-Forensics platforms. The expansion aims to significantly enhance investigative capabilities, with NFSU targeting 35,000 forensic students and near-tripling officer training in the coming years. The Centre plans a Rs 30,000 crore investment to build a nationwide forensic lab network and establish a forensic university or central lab in every state by 2029. New Delhi, January 3 The Central government has decided to invest Rs 30,000 crore to establish a network of forensic labs across the country in the next five years and a forensic university or a Central Forensic Lab by 2029 in every state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday made the announcements while chairing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs at Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The subject of the meeting was the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). The Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee, Union Home Secretary, Vice Chancellor of NFSU, Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), and other senior officials were present in the meeting. Addressing the meeting, the Home Minister said that the "government of India and state governments are going to invest 30 thousand crore rupees over the next five years to build a network of forensic laboratories across the country." "Along with this, a scientific mechanism has been established to address the lack of nationwide standards," Shah pointed in the meeting. He mentioned that by sharing best practices and shortcomings, a nationwide standard will be determined. Informing that every police station in the country has been brought online on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) by November 2025, the Minister said that today every FIR is available on the central server. In the coming days, he announced, "A Modus Operandi Bureau will also be established for the mapping of crimes." "Approximately 36 crore legacy data along with the data of seven lakh FIRs is available online. 22 thousand courts have been connected to e-Courts. In e-Prisons, the data of 2 crore 20 lakh prisoners from jails across the country is available on the central server. In e-Prosecution, data of approximately two crore prosecution cases is available. In the new prosecution system, information of all cases is now being made available in e-Prosecution. Data of 30 lakh 54 thousand cases is available on e-Forensics so that the police can use it. On the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), 1 crore 21 lakh fingerprints are available, which is helping the police in investigation of cases. Data of 9 lakh 44 thousand Narco offenders is also available online. Data of 3 lakh 65 thousand criminals involved in human trafficking has been made online. He said that data of all terrorism cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is also being separately recorded in the NIA database," the MHA said quoting as Shah. Shah said that currently there are seven CFSLs (Central Forensic Science Laboratories) in the country, while eight new CFSLs are being established. He said that there will be no state or Union Territory left without either an NFSU or a CFSL. He said that to strengthen the states' FSLs, forensic vans, and regional laboratories, we have provided a grant of approximately Rs 1,000 crore. Shah said that guidelines have been issued for the standardisation of forensic science departments. "The IT platform for e-Forensics has also been launched, and 143 laboratories across the country, including CFSLs, have already been connected to it." The Minister said that by 2029, 35 thousand students will be studying forensics at NFSU, and within 3-4 years we will reach saturation level, and that NFSU has 100 per cent placement. The Home Minister said that so far, 14 campuses of NFSU have been established, and this university is currently running more than 100 training programmes. He mentioned that in the past four years, more than 16 thousand officers have been trained, and the target has been set to nearly triple this number in the next four years. Union Home Minister said that NFSU has so far registered 46 patents, out of which 30 were registered just in 2024. He said that 96 countries have signed 103 MoUs with NFSU. Additionally, 117 organisations from the central and state governments have also entered into agreements with NFSU. According to the Minister a long-term roadmap has been undertaken to create an integrated forensic structure, and the government is promoting innovation. "In the coming times, we will also do good work in forensic intelligence. Along with this, AI-based analysis of forensic results and the continuous updating of software will also be carried out," added the MHA, quoting the Minister. In the meeting, Shah also said that the MHA has held 12 meetings of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee from 2019 until now, which have yielded good results. Shah further said that we will create such a system by 2029 in which the entire judicial process--from FIR to the Supreme Court--can be completed within three years. He mentioned that the reforms undertaken since 2022 have been efforts in this very direction. The Home Minister said that to turn the vision of completing the entire process from FIR to Supreme Court justice within three years into reality, the Ministry of Home Affairs is doing 360-degree monitoring of these efforts and is working to address any shortcomings. - ANI Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi to formally invite her as the chief guest for the 'Bastar Pandum 2026' tribal cultural festival. He detailed the three-phase event, culminating in a grand finale in Bastar in February 2026, designed to showcase the region's rich heritage. The Chief Minister also briefed the President on the state's comprehensive development initiatives in tribal areas, covering education, healthcare, and infrastructure. President Murmu appreciated the focus on tribal heritage and extended her best wishes for the festival's success. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai meets President Murmu, invites her as chief guest to the state-level Bastar Pandum 2026 tribal cultural festival. New Delhi, Jan 3 Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday met President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi and invited her to attend the state-level tribal cultural festival 'Bastar Pandum 2026' as the chief guest. Apart from apprising the President of development in the state's tribal region, CM Sai told her that the festival will be organised in three phases, with the final phase scheduled to conclude in Bastar in February 2026, said an official statement. During the meeting, the Chief Minister apprised the President of the rich tribal art, culture, traditions, and folk life of the Bastar region. He said that Bastar Pandum is a major initiative aimed at preserving, promoting, and showcasing Chhattisgarh's tribal heritage at national and international platforms. The festival will be organised in three phases to encourage a large participation, while the final grand finale or the last and final phase of the festival, will be organised in Bastar next month. The Chief Minister emphasised that the event reflects the state government's commitment to celebrating and safeguarding tribal culture. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also briefed the President on the Chhattisgarh government's initiatives and progress in the holistic development of tribal regions. He highlighted key efforts in the fields of education, healthcare, livelihood generation, infrastructure development, and the implementation of welfare schemes. He said that the state government is committed to bringing tribal communities into the mainstream of development while ensuring the protection and promotion of their unique cultural identity. President Droupadi Murmu appreciated the initiative related to tribal heritage and extended her best wishes for the successful organisation of Bastar Pandum 2026. Bastar Pandum 2026 will feature a vibrant display of folk dances, folk songs, traditional musical instruments, handicrafts, tribal cuisine, traditional costumes, and other indigenous art forms, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the cultural richness of the Bastar region. - IANS China has confirmed the start of a major hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, a vital water source for millions downstream in India and Bangladesh. The dam, located in a geologically fragile and ecologically sensitive area near the Indian border, raises significant concerns over altered river flows and increased disaster risks. Critics warn the project reflects China's strategic control over Tibet and could be used as geopolitical leverage over downstream neighbors. The development is also marked by a lack of transparency, with local communities rarely consulted and environmental assessments withheld from public scrutiny. China launches a major hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) in Tibet, raising regional alarm over water control, ecological risks, and geopolitical tensions. Dharamshala Januar, y 3 China has confirmed the launch of a massive hydropower project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, triggering renewed concerns over environmental risks, downstream water security and China's tightening grip over the region, as reported by Phayul. According to Phayul, in his New Year address, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that construction had begun in Medog County, a geologically fragile and ecologically sensitive area near the India-China border. The Yarlung Tsangpo, known downstream as the Brahmaputra, is one of Asia's most important rivers, sustaining millions of people across India and Bangladesh. Analysts warn that large-scale hydropower development in such a volatile zone could significantly alter river flow patterns and increase disaster risks. Environmental experts have highlighted that the river cuts through one of the world's deepest gorges, making the region especially vulnerable to landslides and earthquakes. Critics fear that the dam could disrupt delicate ecosystems while threatening the livelihoods of downstream communities dependent on the river for agriculture and drinking water. Tibetan environmentalists and rights advocates have also raised longstanding concerns over the absence of transparency in infrastructure projects across Tibet. Residents are rarely consulted, and environmental impact assessments are typically withheld from public scrutiny. This lack of accountability, observers argue, reflects China's broader governance approach in Tibet, where strategic priorities often override local and ecological considerations, as highlighted by Phayul. Beyond environmental implications, some analysts see the project as carrying potential geopolitical weight. Control over the upper reaches of a transboundary river could, experts stated, provide China with strategic leverage during periods of regional tension, particularly with downstream neighbours. Critics further note that Xi's New Year message reinforced key elements of Beijing's current policy direction: a hardline posture on Taiwan, continued consolidation of control over Tibet through large infrastructure projects, and a carefully crafted narrative of economic resilience and national strength, as reported by Phayul. - ANI Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects at the Patna High Court, marking a historic step to modernize Bihar's judiciary. The projects include an Alternative Dispute Resolution building, an IT complex, a hospital, an auditorium, and a multi-level parking facility, aimed at enhancing efficiency and accessibility. The event was attended by Supreme Court Justices, Patna High Court judges, and senior officials, highlighting a coordinated effort between the judiciary and government. This expansion is expected to reduce court burdens, improve working conditions, and support a more citizen-friendly justice system in the state. CJI Surya Kant laid the foundation stone for key projects at Patna High Court, including an ADR building, IT complex, hospital, and parking, to modernize Bihar's judiciary. Patna, Jan 3 The judicial landscape of Bihar marked a significant milestone on Saturday when Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant laid the foundation stone for multiple key infrastructure projects within the Patna High Court premises. The occasion is being viewed as a historic step towards strengthening judicial infrastructure and modernising the justice delivery system in the state. Justice Surya Kant laid the foundation stone for several major facilities, including an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) building, a multi-level car parking complex, a hospital building, an auditorium, an IT building, residential quarters, and an annexe building for the Advocate General's office. These projects aim to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and technological integration within the judiciary. The ADR building is expected to promote amicable and faster resolution of disputes, reducing the burden on courts, while the IT building will play a crucial role in advancing digital infrastructure and e-court initiatives. Facilities such as the hospital and parking complex are designed to address long-standing logistical challenges faced by judges, lawyers, court staff, and litigants. The event was graced by Supreme Court Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Rajesh Bindal, along with several judges of the Patna High Court, senior advocates, and administrative officials. Acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court Justice Sudhir Singh was also present. The newly-appointed Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, participated virtually, reflecting institutional continuity. Legal and administrative circles view the initiative as a coordinated effort between the judiciary and the government to equip the Patna High Court with modern facilities in line with contemporary judicial needs. The expanded infrastructure is expected to improve working conditions, ease access to justice, and enhance the overall efficiency of court proceedings. The foundation stone laying ceremony underscores a broader vision of strengthening Bihar's justice system-where judicial delivery is supported not only by legal authority but also by modern, dignified, and citizen-friendly infrastructure. - IANS Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar asserts the US intervention in Venezuela is primarily motivated by control over the country's vast oil reserves, the largest in the world, rather than democratic principles. He frames the conflict as a modern extension of the Monroe Doctrine, establishing US hegemony in Latin America. Akbar highlights President Trump's consistent "America First" agenda for global mineral dominance as a key driver. He further warns that resistance from Russia and China to American hegemony over Venezuela could escalate into a major international conflict zone. Former MoS MEA MJ Akbar says the US attack on Venezuela aims to control the world's largest oil reserves, warning of a major conflict with Russia and China. Mapusa, January 3 Former MoS MEA MJ Akbar has said that the current US attack on Venezuela's capital, with the claimed capture of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, was not about democracy or progress, but more about minerals and oil. Akbar referenced the 'Monroe Doctrine' for the current conflict. Just like President Monroe, in his message to Congress in December 1823, declared Latin America to be within the American Sphere of Influence. Similarly, this has been extended in the modern age. He said that, in the current context, we are seeing a hegemonic principle. He also claimed that not all the countries of Latin America have true democracy, and there are " questions and doubts about the legitimacy of votes" in Venezuela. Speaking with ANI, he said, "President Donald Trump's first war of his second term, which is the war in Venezuela, is, in historical terms, a return to what is famously known as the Monroe Doctrine, which was sent as a message to the Congress in December 1823. Uh, by President Monroe, in which he asserted that both the Americas, that means the southern half of the American Continent, known as Latin America, because it was under the power of Spain and Portugal, essentially. That, too, was within the American Sphere of Influence, and Europe would have to leave." He added, "America promised that it would not intervene in European affairs, but it established that now has now been extended in the modern age to a kind of principle. I think, in the current context, we are seeing a hegemonic principle: not all countries in Latin America have true democracy. And, there are questions and doubts about the legitimacy of votes in Venezuela." Akbar emphasised that the real conflict is not about democracy or progress, and the primary driver is President Trump's constant desire for America to be the world's leading producer of minerals and oil, whether in Ukraine or Africa. He cited the main reason for the conflict in Venezuela as the country's vast oil reserves: 300 billion barrels of proven reserves, larger than Saudi Arabia's 267 billion. He said, "But really, the conflict there, in my view, is not about democracy or about progress. The conflict there concerns something President Trump has outlined in many ways and across the world. It's about minerals and oil. People do not realise that Venezuela has the largest reserves of oil in the world, much bigger than Saudi Arabia." He added, "Venezuela now has over 300 billion barrels of proven reserves. Saudi Arabia has about 267 billion barrels, compared with Venezuela's 267 billion. Saudi Arabia is second, and the Trump Administration and President Trump want control over Venezuela. President Trump has shown a consistent desire to advance an America First agenda in the global control of minerals, whether in Ukraine or across Africa. Through repeated efforts and transactions, he has made this central to his interests. So, there is a certain logic that people may disagree with, but it is what it is." He also warned that more than the American intervention, there is a need for apprehension for the upcoming possible major conflict that may arise due to the involvement of Russia and China, who, according to him, will certainly not accept "American hegemony over Venezuela" He said, "What is the most important thing that we should be apprehensive about, worried about is not only the American intervention, maybe the use of air power without the use of infantry and troops. But the clear warning given by Russia and China that it would not accept American hegemony over Venezuela, and if that becomes a conflict point, then it will add to a very, very major conflict zone in 2026." - ANI Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved a scheme to provide one kilogram of free, branded sugar monthly to all 65,883 families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana. The 15-month initiative, set to run from January 2026 to March 2027, aims to replace the current loose distribution system which is prone to contamination and short weighing. This shift to pre-packaged sugar ensures improved hygiene, accurate measurement, and safer storage for the beneficiaries. The move is framed as a pro-poor New Year's gift and part of the government's broader commitment to food security and essential services for the marginalized. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta approves free 1 kg branded sugar monthly for 65,883 Antyodaya families from 2026-27, replacing loose distribution to ensure hygiene & accuracy. New Delhi, Jan 3 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved the free distribution of branded sugar packs to all beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, an official said on Saturday. The decision was taken by CM Gupta-chaired Delhi Cabinet meeting. It is aimed to serve as a New Year gift from the Chief Minister for the poor and marginalised sections, the official said in a statement. The scheme will be implemented from January 2026 to March 2027, covering a total period of 15 months, ensuring sustained support and enhanced food security for the most vulnerable sections. Sharing details of the decision, Chief Minister Gupta said that under this initiative, all AAY beneficiaries in Delhi will be provided one kilogram of sugar per month, free of cost, in properly branded and standardised packets. This initiative marks another concrete step in the Delhi government's pro-poor policies, ensuring both food security and access to quality supplies. At present, sugar is distributed in loose form through fair price shops, which often leads to issues such as dust, moisture, contamination and short weighing. The shift to one kg packaged and branded packets will ensure improved hygiene, safe storage, ease of handling and accurate measurement. As per official estimates, 65,883 AAY families in Delhi will benefit from the scheme, with each eligible household receiving one kg of sugar per month. Until the finalisation and approval of a new tender for branded packaging, distribution will continue under the existing system to ensure uninterrupted supply to beneficiaries. Chief Minister Gupta said that the Delhi government is working in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently placed the welfare of the poor at the centre of governance. She added that the Delhi government remains committed to translating this vision into tangible outcomes through sustained efforts for the upliftment of the poor and disadvantaged. The Chief Minister said that this commitment is reflected in initiatives such as affordable and nutritious meals through Atal Canteens, housing for economically weaker families, free ration, and accessible healthcare services. The Delhi government firmly believes that no needy citizen should be deprived of basic necessities and essential public services. - IANS The Delhi Cabinet has approved the free distribution of sugar in branded packets to all Antyodaya Anna Yojana beneficiaries starting January 2026. Each eligible family will receive 1 kilogram of sugar per month until March 2027, replacing the existing loose distribution system. This shift aims to address issues like contamination and inaccurate weighing while ensuring better hygiene and handling. The initiative is expected to benefit over 65,000 AAY families in Delhi as part of the government's pro-poor welfare policies. Delhi approves free 1 kg monthly sugar in branded packets for AAY families from Jan 2026 to Mar 2027, ensuring hygiene and accurate weighing. New Delhi, 3 January The Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Saturday approved the free distribution of sugar to all beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana. It will be implemented from January to March 2027, during which beneficiaries will receive 1 kilogram of sugar per month. In a New Year initiative for the poor and marginalised sections of society, the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the free distribution of sugar to all beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). According to a release, the scheme will be implemented from January 2026 to March 2027, covering 15 months and ensuring sustained support and improved food security for the most vulnerable groups. Sharing details of the decision, the Chief Minister said that under this initiative, all AAY beneficiaries in Delhi will be provided one kilogram of sugar per month, free of cost, in properly branded and standardised packets. This initiative marks another concrete step in the Delhi Government's pro-poor policies, ensuring both food security and access to quality supplies. Currently, sugar is distributed in loose form through fair price shops, which often leads to issues such as dust, moisture, contamination, and inaccurate weighing. The shift to one-kilogram packaged and branded packets will ensure improved hygiene, safe storage, ease of handling and accurate measurement. According to official estimates, 65,883 AAY families in Delhi will benefit from the scheme, with each eligible household receiving 1 kg of sugar per month. Until the finalisation and approval of a new tender for branded packaging, distribution will continue under the existing system to ensure uninterrupted supply to beneficiaries. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government is working in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, which has consistently placed the welfare of the poor at the centre of governance. She added that the Delhi Government remains committed to translating this vision into tangible outcomes through sustained efforts for the upliftment of the poor and disadvantaged. - ANI Delhi's air quality has improved from 'very poor' to 'poor', with an overall AQI of 222 recorded on Saturday. Republic Day rehearsals continued at India Gate despite visible smog and chilly morning temperatures around 10C. The CAQM sub-committee revoked Stage-III of GRAP due to better meteorological conditions, while urging continued adherence to Stages II and I. The IMD forecasts slightly warmer temperatures, with close monitoring of air quality to guide further decisions. Delhi's air quality improves from 'very poor' to 'poor' as chilly Republic Day rehearsals proceed. GRAP Stage-III revoked amid better conditions. New Delhi, January 3 Delhi Air Quality Index has improved to 'poor' days after being in the 'very poor' category as the national capital woke up to a chilly and windy morning on Saturday. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the daily average AQI continued to decline, with the city recording an overall AQI of 222. Among key monitoring stations, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 248, R.K. Puram 252, Rohini 270 and Mundka 281. Chandni Chowk registered an AQI of 272, while ITO recorded 219. Air quality was relatively better at Bawana (AQI 145) and Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport (AQI 148). Meanwhile, Republic Day rehearsals continued at India Gate, with security personnel and parade participants carrying on preparations for the upcoming national celebrations. A layer of smog was visible in the area, reducing visibility, even as rehearsals proceeded as scheduled. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Delhi recorded a temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning. Fog was observed in the early hours, but weather conditions are likely to improve from today onward. According to IMD, Delhi's maximum and minimum temperatures on Friday are expected to range from 15C to 17C and from 8C to 9C, respectively. The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked Stage-III of GRAP on Friday evening, following a significant improvement in air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions. The government has urged people to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under Stages II and I of the extant schedule of GRAP so that the AQI level does not slip further. Construction and demolition project sites that have been issued specific closure orders due to violations or non-compliance with statutory directions, rules or guidelines will not be permitted to resume operations without explicit approval from the Commission, according to a release. According to a release, the Sub-Committee shall keep a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decisions depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD/ IITM. - ANI Internally displaced families in Kabul are enduring severe winter conditions while living in tents, with many unable to sleep due to the cold. They have appealed to authorities for land, shelter, food, and basic supplies, citing prolonged economic hardship and unemployment. Economic experts warn that ignoring the situation could lead to serious social and economic consequences. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has not yet responded to the latest appeals, though it has previously stated many displaced people have been returned to their places of origin. Hundreds of displaced families in Kabul endure harsh winter in tents, appealing for shelter, food, and government assistance as conditions worsen. Kabul, January 3 As winter temperatures fall in Kabul, internally displaced families have appealed to authorities to urgently address their deteriorating living conditions, Tolo News reported. Hundreds of displaced families are currently living in tents in the Khairkhana Kotal area, spending both daytime and night hours exposed to harsh weather. The absence of proper housing, coupled with shortages of basic supplies, has made daily life increasingly difficult for them. Ismat, who was forced to leave his home and relocate to Kabul 14 years ago due to conflict, said prolonged economic hardship and the lack of employment opportunities have prevented him from building a permanent house. He lives in tents with his ill mother and other family members. "I ask the government to give us land so we can build shelter. Life in tents is impossible," Ismat told Tolo News. Another displaced woman, Rana, said families are struggling to survive and are hoping for assistance during the winter months. "We hope to receive some food and other assistance so we can continue our lives," she said. Residents living in the tents said the cold has made conditions especially unbearable, with many unable to sleep at night. They called on Afghanistan's Islamic Emirate to give serious attention to the situation of internally displaced families and take concrete steps to resolve their problems, Tolo News reported. "In the cold, we cannot sleep in tents. What should we eat? What should we drink?" said a displaced woman, Shakila. Another displaced man, Rozgul, explained that families are resorting to unsafe measures to keep warm. "The coal you see is collected from streets and roads and burned for warmth," he said. Economic experts have cautioned that ignoring the situation of internally displaced families could result in serious social and economic consequences. Economic analyst Mir Shaker Yaqoubi said the government must act promptly as winter conditions worsen. "The government should understand the economic situation and respond this winter by providing shelter, food and cash assistance to displaced families," Yaqoubi said, according to Tolo News. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has not issued a response to the latest appeals, though it has previously said that many internally displaced people have been relocated to their places of origin. Afghanistan's decades-long conflict has displaced large segments of the population, with many families moving to Kabul from other provinces in search of safety and livelihood opportunities. - ANI A boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized off the coast of Gambia, leaving dozens missing. The Gambian Defence Ministry confirmed 96 people were rescued and seven bodies recovered, with ten survivors in critical condition. The passengers, believed to be from several African nations, were attempting the dangerous journey to the Canary Islands and the European Union. This tragedy highlights the ongoing peril of the West African migration route. A boat carrying over 200 migrants capsized off Gambia. 96 rescued, 7 dead, dozens missing in a perilous route to the Canary Islands. Banjul, January 3 Dozens of people are still missing after a boat carrying more than 200 migrants capsized off the coast of Gambia, the country's Defence Ministry said on Friday. The ministry said 96 people were rescued and seven bodies recovered after the accident on Wednesday. The boat involved in the accident was found on a sandbank. According to the ministry, 10 of the survivors are in a critical condition. The people on board the boat are believed to be from several African countries. Every year, migrants from Gambia, Senegal and other countries in western Africa attempt to reach the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago, and thus the European Union in search of a better life. - ANI When you make contributions to your 401(k), the funds that you put into your account are vested immediately and are yours to keep, even if you leave your job the next day. While companies can have different rules for when you get to keep employer contributions, all money you put into the account is 100% your own. But what happens if you make a contribution and see some of the money disappearing days after? Is this a sign of fraud or something that you should be worried about? Let's take a look at a hypothetical example. Say that John contributes $200 to his 401(k) account every pay period. The money is taken out of his check and invested automatically in a target date fund based on his chosen retirement date. But one day, John logs into his account and sees that contributions were made and the fund purchased, and then sees the shares of the fund sold a few days later and the money withdrawn but the money he contributed isn't put back into his account. John is worried that his employer isnt telling him anything about this. Is his employer responsible for the missing money, and is this a sign of fraud? Must Read How do 401(k) contributions work, and what are an employer's responsibilities? First things first. It's important to understand that there are strict rules for how 401(k) plans are managed under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA sets minimum standards that cover most private-sector retirement plans. Under ERISA, employers owe workers the highest duty under the law when it comes to managing 401(k)s. These plans typically allow for salary reductions from worker pay, so employees can contribute to their accounts automatically. When they do, employers must deposit contributions from worker paychecks in a timely manner within no more than 15 business days into the month following the payday. However, if they can reasonably deposit funds sooner, they must. Employers are not allowed to misuse 401(k) funds, and companies must take steps to protect your money, including from cyberattacks. Employers cannot withdraw money from your 401(k) that belongs to you, and doing so would likely be an ERISA violation. The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has declared drug addiction a grave and rapidly intensifying social challenge, noting the problem has multiplied threefold in just three and a half years. In response, the government is expanding its anti-drug campaign, actively involving religious leaders and training counsellors through IMHANS to build a prevention network. A major awareness drive is underway, personally monitored by the Chief Secretary, with helpline numbers being widely circulated to support those seeking help. The effort leverages the upgraded Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), which provides critical diagnostic and therapeutic services for addiction. J&K Divisional Commissioner warns drug addiction has tripled in 3.5 years. Government expands campaign with religious leaders & IMHANS training. Srinagar, Jan 3 Kashmir Divisional Commissioner, Anshul Garg, said on Saturday that drug addiction is a major challenge facing Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters here, the Divisional Commissioner said that drug addiction is a major warning signal that calls for a united response to tackle the growing menace. Garg called it one of the gravest social issues that Jammu and Kashmir is facing. He said, "The problem has intensified rapidly, and the issue has multiplied three times in the last three and a half years, which is alarming. Government is expanding its anti-drug awareness campaign to involve all stakeholders, including religious leaders." "A very big awareness campaign is going on in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Chief Secretary is personally monitoring it," he said. He said that extensive programmes are being organised by IMHANS, in which counsellors are being trained across health and educational institutions. Five-day training sessions are being held to build a strong network for early intervention and prevention. He added that all sections of society are joining hands in this effort. "We are trying to involve all religious leaders of Srinagar in this fight so that they can also inform society about this problem. They have already been a part of this campaign for a long time, but we are giving new energy to it," he said. The Divisional Commissioner said helpline numbers of IMHANS are being circulated widely to assist those seeking help. "We continuously support the callers who approach us. This training programme helps us enhance that assistance," he added. In the 1970s, the Department of Psychiatry was established in the Government Medical College, Srinagar and this mental health facility was converted into the Government Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, an associated hospital of the Government Medical College, Srinagar. In 2009, under the NHMP, the hospital was selected for upgradation to the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS). Presently, the government Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, Srinagar has two components, a 100-bedded IMHANS at Rainawari, Srinagar and a 30-bedded Community General Hospital Unit located within SMHS premises. The hospital has a diagnostic section where tests such as Routine Hematology, Routine Biochemistry, Serum Electrolytes, Serology, EEG-Electroencephalography, and ECT-Electroconvulsive Therapy are performed. - IANS The Election Commission of India has provided a detailed breakdown of 91.46 lakh "logical discrepancy" cases identified during the Special Intensive Revision of West Bengal's electoral roll. These cases, which involve unusual family-tree data detected through progeny-mapping, include 51 lakh instances of name mismatches with the 2002 voter list and 24 lakh cases where six or more voters are linked to a single father. The figures come alongside 58.20 lakh "excluded voters" and 30 lakh "unmapped" voters as the state prepares for crucial assembly elections. The final voters' list is scheduled for publication on February 4, after which poll dates will be announced. ECI reveals 91.46 lakh "logical discrepancy" cases in Bengal's voter list, including name mismatches and unusual family-tree data, ahead of assembly elections. Kolkata, Jan 3 The Election Commission of India has furnished a breakup of the 91.46 lakh "logical discrepancy" cases identified in the course of "progeny-mapping" during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal. Voters identified as "logical discrepancy" cases are those in whose records unusual family-tree data have been detected during progeny mapping. Although initially, at the end of the enumeration phase, which was the first stage of the three-stage SIR exercise, the ECI had identified 1.36 crore "logical discrepancy" cases, currently the number has been scaled down to 91.46 lakhs after thorough evaluation of the initial list. These 91.46 lakhs of "logical discrepancy" cases are in addition to 58.20 lakhs of "excluded voters" and 30 lakhs of "unmapped" voters, that is, voters unable to establish any link with the 2002 voters list either through "self-mapping" or through "progeny-mapping". Currently, the cases of these "unmapped" voters are being heard by the Commission, and in the next stage, the "logical discrepancy" cases will be heard. According to sources in the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, of the 91.46 lakhs of identified "logical discrepancy" cases, the maximum have been name mismatches with the 2002 list, the last time when the SIR was conducted in West Bengal. The figure on this count was 51 lakhs. The second-highest category (24 lakh cases) was related to six or more voters linked to a single father. The number of voters with age differences of just 15 years or even less than the age of their fathers was 4.75 lakhs. Similarly, the number of voters with age differences of 50 years or above than the age of their father is 8.41 lakhs. In addition to that, there are three lakh voters whose age difference from their grandfather is 40 years or even less. Trinamool Congress had claimed that instead of clandestinely leaking information to the media persons about such "logical discrepancy" cases, the Commission should issue a formal release, giving the details of the matter. The draft voters' list in West Bengal was published on December 16 last year. The final voters' list will be published on February 4. Soon after that, the commission will announce the polling dates for the crucial Assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled this year. - IANS Iran's former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has publicly thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his support of Iranian protesters, framing the movement as an effort to end the Islamic Republic's "reign of chaos." Former Queen Farah Pahlavi issued a direct appeal for Iranian security forces to side with the people, calling this a historic turning point. The UN's human rights chief has called on Iranian authorities to respect protest rights, while Iran's UN envoy condemned Trump's threats as illegal provocations. Protests over economic hardship continue across multiple Iranian cities, occasionally turning violent. Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and Queen Farah urge Iranian security forces to join protests, as Trump warns of U.S. intervention. UN calls for restraint. Tehran, January 3 After US President Donald Trump warned of possible intervention if Iranian authorities target protesters, Iran's former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi thanked him for supporting the Iranian people. Pahlavi said Iranians are demanding an end to "this regime's 46-year reign of chaos and terror" and want to rebuild ties with the United States to bring peace and stability to the region. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "President Trump, thank you for your strong leadership and support of my compatriots. This warning you have issued to the criminal leaders of the Islamic Republic gives my people greater strength and hope--hope that, at last, a President of the United States is standing firmly by their side. As they risk their lives to end this regime's 46-year reign of chaos and terror, they send me with a responsibility and a message: to seek the relationship Iran once had with America that brought peace and prosperity to the Middle East." The former Iranian Queen, Farah Pahlavi also backed the protests calling on security forces to join the people in their struggle "We are a people with a proud history of culture, art, intellect and innovation. Iran was once a beacon of hope and progress and it will be again. The future belongs to those who dare to dream, who dare to fight for a better tomorrow. I have full faith that you will reclaim your land, your freedom and your dignity. To my fellow Iranians, hold onto your faith in each other. Stand together, with love in your hearts for this beautiful land and for the generations yet to come. Your struggle is not in vain. This moment is yours. This time will be remembered as the turning point, when the Iranian people took their future back into their hands. I call on the security forces to join the people in this movement," she posted on X. Meanwhile, Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. He said that all individuals must be able to protest peacefully and express their grievances. US President Donald Trump had earlier issued the warning on Tuesday (local time) through a social media post, threatening the current Iranian regime amid ongoing protests. He wrote, "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The remarks came as people across Iran continued to protest against rising prices and economic hardship. Demonstrations have been reported in several provinces, with some turning violent and leading to deadly clashes with security forces, CNN reported. Meanwhile, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, urging them to condemn Trump's "unlawful threats" against Tehran. The letter was sent on Friday, just hours after Trump said that the US was "locked and loaded and ready to go" if protesters were killed during demonstrations triggered by rising living costs. In the letter, Iravani asked UN leaders to "unequivocally and firmly condemn" Trump's "reckless and provocative statements," saying they amounted to a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law. "Any attempt to incite, encourage or legitimise internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention is a gross violation of the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Iravani wrote. The letter was published in full by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. He added that Iran's government "reiterates its inherent right to defend its sovereignty" and would act in a "decisive and proportionate manner." "The United States of America bears full responsibility for any consequences arising from these illegal threats and any subsequent escalation of tensions," Iravani said. According to IRNA, protests continued on Friday in several Iranian cities, including Qom, Marvdasht, Yasuj, Mashhad and Hamedan. Demonstrations were also reported in parts of Tehran, including Tehranpars and Khak Sefid. The unrest spread nationwide after shopkeepers in Tehran went on strike on Sunday over soaring prices and prolonged economic stagnation. At least nine people have been killed and 44 arrested so far. The deputy governor of Qom province said another person died after a grenade exploded in his hand, calling it an attempt to provoke unrest, IRNA reported. - ANI Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay paid homage to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, praising her as an exemplar of social and religious harmony and the first Indian woman warrior to challenge British rule. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also honored the queen, highlighting her early resistance to colonialism and enduring legacy. Rani Velu Nachiyar escaped capture, formed an army with allies like Hyder Ali, and successfully defeated the British in 1780 to reclaim her kingdom. Her story continues to inspire political leaders who cite her courage and strategic acumen in contemporary tributes. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay, Rahul Gandhi, and PM Modi honor warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar, India's first woman to fight British rule, on her birth anniversary. Chennai, January 3 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay on Saturday paid tribute to the legendary warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, calling her an "exemplar of social and religious harmony". The TVK chief garlanded the statue of the warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar at the party's headquarters in Chennai. In a post on X, the TVK chief said, "The first Indian woman warrior who took up arms against the British in the freedom struggle and reclaimed our motherland! The fiery spirit who shone as an exemplar of social and religious harmony! On the birth anniversary of our ideological leader, the brave warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar, I paid my respects by garlanding her statue at the DMK headquarters office in Chennai." He later wrote, "Following in the footsteps of the brave warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar, who brought glory to Tamil soil, we pledge to drive out the people-hating rulers and establish the people's democracy that the people desire!" Meanwhile, Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, remembering her as one of the earliest Indians to challenge British colonial rule. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Humble tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu on her birth anniversary. She fought fiercely against the British and was among the first Indian queens to challenge British colonial rule. Her courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations." Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the warrior queen, highlighting her resistance to colonial oppression and her role in asserting India's right to self-rule. "On the birthday of Rani Velu Nachiyar, I pay my respects to her. Possessing courage and strategic acumen, she is remembered as one of India's most valiant heroines. Having risen against colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone," the Prime Minister said, adding that her commitment to good governance and cultural pride remained commendable. Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first woman from a royal family to have challenged the British Empire. Rani Velu Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by the combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot. Later, she escaped with her daughter and lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period, she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with the military assistance of her allies and won the battle. Thus, she became the first queen who successfully fight against the British in India. She ruled her regained kingdom for a decade. Subsequently, Queen Velu Nachiyar granted powers to the Marudu brothers to administer the country in 1780. She died a few years later. - ANI Following the conclusion of Stranger Things, Finn Wolfhard is intentionally slowing down his acting career to prioritize music. He has no immediate acting projects and plans to focus on his band, The Aubreys, in 2026. Wolfhard aims to record songs he has written over the past two years and go on tour. While he remains open to acting, he will be highly selective, choosing only roles that truly inspire him. Finn Wolfhard plans to tour with his band The Aubreys and record new music in 2026, slowing down acting after Stranger Things. Washington DC, January 3 With the end of Netflix's popular sci-fi series Stranger Things, it seems to have also marked a new phase in Finn Wolfhard's life. After spending over a decade as part of the hit Netflix series, the actor, who played Mike Wheeler in the show, is now looking to slow down his acting work and give more time to music. Wolfhard, who became a household name after playing Mike Wheeler in 'Stranger Things', has shared that he does not have any acting projects lined up after the show's finale and, hence, plans to focus more on his band, The Aubreys, and spend time touring and recording music in 2026. Talking about his future plans, Wolfhard said he still loves acting but wants to be careful about what he chooses next. He explained that he only wants to take on acting work if it truly excites him. "I definitely want to pursue and keep acting, but only if it's something that I'm really in love with," he said while in conversation with an American magazine, as per Deadline. The actor also spoke about his plans with music and touring. He shared that he has been writing songs for the past two years and now wants to record them and perform live. "Other than that, I'm probably going to tour a little bit with my band next year and put out another album. I have some music that I've written over the last two years that I want to record," added Wolfhard. "So, I'm kind of keeping it open." The fifth season of Stranger Things was released in three parts: Volume 1 on November 26, Volume 2 on December 25, and the series finale on December 31, which also premiered in theatres. The final episode runs for two hours and eight minutes, making it the longest episode of the series. - ANI Finn Wolfhard has opened up about the surreal and challenging experience of achieving fame as a teenager. The actor, known for *Stranger Things* and the *IT* films, hinted he is connected to a future project within the *IT* universe. He revealed he knew years ago that his character, Richie Tozier, would be referenced in the prequel series *IT: Welcome to Derry*. Wolfhard emphasized that while exciting, navigating early stardom was a uniquely difficult period in his life. Finn Wolfhard discusses the surreal difficulty of child stardom and hints at a potential return to the IT universe in a new interview. Los Angeles, Jan 3 Actor Finn Wolfhard, popularly known for playing Mike Wheeler in "Stranger Things" has spoken about his return to the "IT" universe and shooting to stardom at an early age. With the first season of spin-off series IT: Welcome to Derry now finished, Wolfhard has hinted that he could return to the IT franchise in the future. He played Richie Tozier in the 2017 film It and its 2019 sequel It: Chapter Two. His character's influence is reflected in the 2025 spin-off series, keeping Richie's legacy alive in the IT universe. Speaking about whether he was aware a picture of Richie would appear in Welcome to Derry, Wolfhard said: "I knew that years ago, actually. When they first started thinking about that show, it was probably 2021." "(Creators) Barbara and Andy Muschietti both told me, 'You're involved.' Yeah, I'm connected. I think there's something else that will come up eventually that I'm excited for people to see." Reflecting on shooting to stardom at a young age, the actor said it had been a surreal and difficult experience growing up in the spotlight, reports femalefirst.co.uk. He said: "No one can prepare anyone for it. It was incredibly exciting ... but there was a period in my teenage years where it was just hard." IT, which is based on author Stephen King's 1986 horror novel of the same name, follows a group of bullied kids known as the Losers' Club in the town of Derry as they band together after children begin disappearing without a trace. As they confront their fears, the Losers' Club discover the terror haunting them is a shape-shifting evil that feeds on fear and never truly goes away. As well as Wolfhard, IT stars Sophia Lillis as Bevery Marsh, Chosen Jacobs as Mike Hanlon, Jaeden Martell as Bill Denroguh, Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak, Wyatt Oleff as Stanley Uris and Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Following the two movies, IT was expanded with the prequel show IT: Welcome to Derry, which details the origins of Pennywise and Derry's cursed history. - IANS Former Indian ambassadors to Venezuela state the US military action and capture of President Nicolas Maduro was an anticipated move in a long-standing campaign for regime change. They assess that India will face minimal direct impact due to halted oil trade and limited investments. The envoys emphasize that the critical factor is the reaction of the Venezuelan military, which had been Maduro's key pillar of support. They warn that a successful US operation could embolden further interventions in Latin America. Former Indian ambassadors to Venezuela say the US military action and capture of President Maduro was anticipated, analyzing the geopolitical fallout. New Delhi, January 3 The US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of President Nicolas Maduro has sparked a debate in diplomatic circles. Former Indian envoys to Venezuela R. Viswanathan and Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha said the action was anticipated and even "unsurprising" in nature, claiming that the United States has always worked against Maduro's regime. Speaking to ANI, Former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela, R. Viswanathan, said that the attack was not a surprise and that President Trump had threatened Maduro from the first time he came to power. He claimed that there was also a failed attempt earlier to overthrow Maduro. But, this time, the envoy contended that "the President sent warships, and authorised the CIA". He said," It was not a surprise... this is not the first time he had threatened. When he was President for the first time, at that time also he had threatened Venezuela. He tried to change the regime through operations. There was even a mercenary attack aimed at overthrowing Maduro; it failed. But, this time he has sent the warships, and he has authorised the CIA; no one was expecting this, even Maduro, no surprise" When asked whether the ongoing situation in Venezuela would affect India, he said it would not, as India's trade with Venezuela is minimal, with only some investment by ONGC in its oil fields. He just warned to be apprehensive about the coming changes in Latin America, as the attack and capture will make the US even bolder. He said, "No, it will not affect India. We, at one time in 2013-14, were importing over 10 billion barrels of oil from Venezuela. At that time, it was accounting for 7-8 per cent of our imported oil. But now, because of the sanctions, it has stopped. We are not dependent on Venezuela for oil. Our trade is very little, and we have some investment by ONGC in their oil fields... So, this is not going to affect India in any big way. Just that if Americans get away with it, they will become bolder, and they will do more things in Latin America, and the world can do nothing about it." Meanwhile, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela, speaking to ANI, said, "It's not very surprising that this action has taken place because it was being anticipated in terms of the US wanting regime change in Venezuela, and we were aware of the military buildup in the Caribbean Sea, surrounding Venezuela." He claimed that it was one of the largest buildups by the United States. He said that it's time to wait and see what is upcoming in Venezuelan politics in the coming days. According to him, he doesn't see any possibility of the Venezuelan Military of getting him back. He said, "One of the largest buildup ny US. What happened during the night and early morning was a very precise, coordinated attack... This is obviously a very calculated move to extract President Maduro. how was that achieved we will get to know only as time goes by.There whereabouts are unknown, the Vice President, Delcy Rodrigue, has reportedely sought proof, that they are alive." He added, "But what is important is to see how the Venezuelan military reacts, because don't forget that the Venezuelan military backed Maduro's repressive regime and as long the military was with him, he was safe, he could even take elections away from the genuine winner Edmundo Gonzalez, in 2024 elections. I think once Maduro is removed from the scene, one will have to see how politics plays out in Venezuela... Though, I don't see any possibility of the Venezuelan Military of getting him back. But we will have to see how the politics and the internal situation in Venezuela turns out" US President Donald Trump told Fox News on Saturday that the United States had planned to conduct the military operations in Venezuela four days ago but had to delay it due to the weather conditions. "We were going to do it four days ago but the weather was not perfect. The weather has to be perfect... It was amazing. I'll tell you- it was highly guarded, like a fortress actually. We had nobody killed, we lost no aircraft," Trump said in his first remarks after the United States conducted strikes into Venezuela that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. "We had to do it. It is a war. We are losing three hundred thousand people a year. We don't lose that much in a war," he told Fox News. Trump said the US action, "sends a signal we're not going to be pushed around as a country anymore." He lauded the professionalism behind the action. "It was amazing to see the professionalism -- the quality of leadership...To have a few injuries but no deaths on our side is really amazing," Trump told Fox News. "We were surrounded by lots of people, including Generals and they knew everything that was happening. It was extremely complex- the whole manoeuvre-- the landing, number of aircraft, helicopters, different kinds of fighter jets. They just broke in, and into places which were not really able to broke into," he added. The United States carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown out of the country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. - ANI Gujarat has emerged as the leading major state in the scientific disposal of urban legacy waste, having processed 273.33 lakh metric tonnes out of 304.09 lakh tonnes identified. This extensive cleanup campaign has already reclaimed an estimated 902 acres of land for productive use, including processing plants and green spaces like Miyawaki forests. The state government, aligning with Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0, has allocated Rs 75 crore under the Nirmal Gujarat 2.0 scheme to support this effort. With a target to achieve 100% legacy waste remediation by March 2026, Gujarat is setting a national benchmark for creating cleaner and more sustainable cities. Gujarat has disposed of 273 lakh MT of legacy waste, leading major states. The state reclaimed 902 acres of land and aims for 100% remediation by 2026. Gandhinagar, January 3 Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, continues to work towards making cities green, clean, and livable, guided by the mantra that 'urbanisation is not a problem but an opportunity.' This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for urbanisation, laying a strong foundation for planned urban development, a robust municipal system, and modern infrastructure across Gujarat. Along with cleanliness and modern, sustainable infrastructure, the disposal of legacy waste (or old waste) is equally important for urban development. As a result of an extensive legacy waste disposal campaign, Gujarat has emerged as a leader among major states in legacy waste disposal, according to a release. A total of 304.09 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste has been identified across the urban areas, of which 273.33 lakh metric tonnes have been scientifically disposed of so far. Building on this progress, the Gujarat government aims to achieve 100% legacy waste remediation by March 2026. The Urban Development Department has focused on improving cleanliness, modern and sustainable infrastructure, and the overall ease of living for people in cities, contributing significantly to urban development. Notably, Gujarat has consistently led among major states in the scientific disposal of legacy waste accumulated in dumpsites. Effective legacy waste management, a crucial aspect of urban development, not only reduces pollution and health hazards but also converts reclaimed land into productive spaces, supporting development projects and expanding green spaces, the release stated. By clearing dumpsites across municipal areas, the state government has reclaimed an estimated 902 acres of land. The land will be put to productive use, including constructing processing plants. Notably, authorities have scientifically disposed of the Bopal-Ghuma dump site in Ahmedabad and the Nakravadi dump site in Rajkot, and established a Miyawaki forest. This scientific disposal has significantly reduced methane emissions and effectively addressed the problems caused by waste burning at these sites, the release stated. The Gujarat government is taking decisive steps to strengthen environmental protection, public health, and urban development by scientifically disposing of accumulated legacy waste in cities. Under the Nirmal Gujarat 2.0 scheme, Rs 75 crore has been allocated to Urban Local Bodies for legacy waste management. Aligned with 'Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0', the initiative is driving the state towards "Garbage Free Cities." Through these initiatives, Gujarat is setting a benchmark for other states in creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable cities, the release added. - ANI Devotees gathered in large numbers at Haridwar for a holy dip in the Ganga River on Paush Purnima, marking the commencement of the Magh Mela 2026. The event signifies the first of several ritual baths in this 45-day pilgrimage, which is characterized by deep devotional fervor along the riverbanks. The Magh Mela, centered in Prayagraj at the Triveni Sangam, features six primary bathing dates with profound religious significance. This annual pilgrimage cyclically transforms into the larger Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Melas, drawing millions of faithful participants. Pilgrims gather at Haridwar for the first sacred bath of Magh Mela 2026 on Paush Purnima, marking the start of a 45-day Hindu pilgrimage. Haridwar, January 3 Devotees gathered in large numbers at Haridwar on Saturday to take a holy dip in the Ganga River on the occasion of Paush Purnima. The day marked the first 'snaan' as well as the commencement of the Magh Mela 2026. From early morning, pilgrims from across the country arrived at the ghats to participate in the ritual bath, which holds special religious significance in Hindu tradition. The atmosphere at the ghats was marked by devotional fervour, with chants and prayers echoing along the riverbanks. The Magh Mela will continue in the coming weeks, with several other essential bathing dates scheduled ahead. The Magh Mela of Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), which takes place at the divine Triveni Sangam, the place of confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati, is one of the largest pilgrimages in India. The pilgrimage is named after the Hindu month of Magh, which typically falls in January-February. The Prayag Magh Mela is a 45-day pilgrimage that begins on Paush Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Paush) and ends on Mahashivaratri, spanning the entire month of Magh. The mela commences on the full moon day of Paush with the snan (ritual dip). Over the course of the fair, there are a total of six ritual snans, viz. on Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti (beginning of Magh), Shattila Ekadashi (day of the waning of moon- Krishna Pakhsa- in the month of Magh), Mauni Amavasya (the no moon day of Magh when people take vow of silence), Basant Panchami (also called Magha Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of the waxing phase of moon in Magh), Achala Saptami (seventh day of waxing phase of moon in Magh, celebrated as the birthday of Lord Surya), Jaya Ekadashi (the day of fasting observed on the eleventh day of the waxing phase of moon in Magh) and Magh Purnima (the full moon day in Magh). The annual Magh Mela transforms into the Kumbh Mela every fourth year at Prayag, and into the Maha Kumbh Mela every twelfth year, drawing millions of devout pilgrims to the grand event. - ANI Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both paid tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, honoring her as a pioneering figure against British colonialism. Known as the first Indian queen to militarily challenge and defeat the British Empire, she waged a successful battle in 1780 with strategic alliances. After her husband was killed by British forces, she escaped, built an army with the help of Hyder Ali, and reclaimed her kingdom. Rani Velu Nachiyar then ruled for ten more years, leaving a legacy celebrated for its courage and strategic acumen. Rahul Gandhi & PM Modi honor Rani Velu Nachiyar, the Tamil queen who first challenged & defeated British colonial rule in 1780. Learn her story. New Delhi, January 3 Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, remembering her as one of the earliest Indians to challenge British colonial rule. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Humble tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu on her birth anniversary. She fought fiercely against the British and was among the first Indian queens to challenge British colonial rule. Her courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations." Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the warrior queen, highlighting her resistance to colonial oppression and her role in asserting India's right to self-rule. "On the birthday of Rani Velu Nachiyar, I pay my respects to her. Possessing courage and strategic acumen, she is remembered as one of India's most valiant heroines. Having risen against colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone," the Prime Minister said, adding that her commitment to good governance and cultural pride remained commendable. Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first woman from a royal family to have challenged the British Empire. Rani Velu Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by the combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot. Later, she escaped with her daughter and lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period, she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with the military assistance of her allies and won the battle. Thus, she became the first queen who successfully fight against the British in India. She ruled her regained kingdom for a decade. Subsequently, Queen Velu Nachiyar granted powers to the Marudu brothers to administer the country in 1780. She died a few years later. - ANI People very rarely need to buy furniture. Usually, it's a choice, and even then, you can usually scrounge up most items for very little on Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood message boards. My wife and I, for example, once bought two twin beds still in their packaging from a planned bed-and-breakfast that never opened. In cautious economic times, people can mostly pause, or even cancel, furniture purchases. Furniture, of course, is many times a discretionary and deferrable expense, so weakness in the overall economy or declines in consumer confidence, like weve seen the last few months, can impact consumers willingness to spend, Laferriere, an assurance partner at Smith Leonard and member of its furniture practice group, told Homes.com. Prices are not going to come down in the near future, which is something over which retailers don't have much control. There will be some impact on pricing as their costs have increased (not only because of tariffs), which ultimately must be passed along to consumers, he said. Most domestic manufacturers still have some exposure to tariffs, whether that be imported fabric, hardware, or other components; however, the average consumer does not shop for furniture every day or even every year, and many times buying decisions are made upon style or functionality rather than only price. It's a market that has led a number of long-time players either filing for bankruptcy or simply closing their doors. Pennsylvania's Unclaimed Freight is joining that list as it started its going-out-of-business sale on Jan. 1 and will close forever at the end of February. Unclaimed Freight is closing its doors forever It's important to note that it's the Pennsylvania version of Unclaimed Freight that's shutting down. A chain using the same name and operating in the Midwest is not affiliated or impacted, as it continues to operate normally. The Pennsylvania version of Unclaimed Freight used to operate multiple stores, but is down to one location. Signs reading "Wall to wall savings," "Everything must go!" and "Store closing forever!" are displayed throughout the store, according to 69 News WMFZ. The television station spoke with Unclaimed Freight's manager, Robert Hahn, who has been with the company for 48 years. He told them that all sales are final, and store fixtures are also available for purchase. Were very grateful to the Lehigh Valley community and everyone who has supported the business over the years, Hahn told 69 News. Weve loved serving everyone. More Retail: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed senior district officers to actively implement the 'Apna Vidyalaya' School Adoption Programme, requiring them to adopt government schools to improve educational quality. Officers, including Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, must visit their adopted schools monthly to mentor students, provide career counselling, and address issues like drug abuse. The programme has already seen 4,231 schools adopted across primary to senior secondary levels. The CM also ordered strict action against drug trafficking, including seizing illegal properties, and prioritised the completion of ongoing development projects. Himachal CM Sukhu directs officials to adopt govt schools for mentorship, career guidance, and to educate students on drug abuse dangers. Over 4,200 schools already adopted. Shimla, January 3 Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed senior officers of all districts to actively implement the 'Apna Vidyalaya-Himachal School Adoption Programme' in a virtual meeting with the deputy commissioner late Friday evening. Under this initiative, officers at the district and sub-divisional levels are required to adopt government schools to improve the quality of education and overall school operations. He instructed that a complete list of schools adopted under the programme across the state be submitted to the government by 5th January, 2026. The Chief Minister said that under the programme, Deputy Commissioners, along with other high-ranking officials, including the Superintendents of Police and Sub-Divisional Magistrates, are mandated to adopt at least four schools to serve as 'mentors' and 'patrons'. These officers will interact with students every month, and Deputy Commissioners will also conduct surprise inspections of the adopted schools. "The Government expects these officers to visit their adopted schools at least once a month to interact with the youth, offering career counselling and preparing them for competitive examinations", said CM Sukhu. These officers, referred to as school patrons, will work in coordination with teachers and School Management Committees to enhance academic standards and overall school quality. So far, 4,231 schools have been adopted under the programme, including 1,950 primary schools, 59 middle schools, 664 high schools and 1,558 senior secondary schools. Sukhu stated that the primary objective of these adoptions was to provide consistent guidance and high-level mentorship to students who may otherwise lack access to such resources. From an operational standpoint, the Deputy Commissioners will act as a bridge between the local school management and the state government. They can ensure that the state's budget for educational upgrades is utilised effectively. Beyond academics, the Chief Minister has placed a strong emphasis on using these visits to tackle pressing social issues, specifically instructing officers to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse and to instil a strong sense of national values and legal awareness. The Chief Minister also directed officers to submit detailed reports on illegal properties linked to drug traffickers in all districts. He emphasised strict action against those involved in drug trafficking, directing that illegal properties be seized and unauthorised constructions demolished. He further instructed that government employees found involved in drug-related activities should face strict and time-bound action. Moreover, the CM directed all departmental secretaries to ensure the early completion of development works, which are nearly 80 per cent complete, and assured that adequate funds would be provided for this purpose. The Chief Minister also instructed that approvals for forest land be prioritised to accelerate development work. In addition, he reviewed details of the selection of Below Poverty Line families and directed the Deputy Commissioners to submit comprehensive information on this. The occasion also witnessed the presence of several senior State Government officials. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah is visiting Thiruvananthapuram on January 11 to celebrate the BJP's unprecedented victory in the city corporation elections. His visit will include a major conference with elected representatives and is expected to officially announce the date for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to the state capital. The event is seen as a strong endorsement from the central leadership and a strategic move to build momentum from the party's local body success. The BJP's win, securing 50 seats in the 101-ward corporation, is viewed as a breakthrough in its efforts to expand its political footprint in Kerala. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Thiruvananthapuram to mark the BJP's milestone victory in the city corporation, setting the stage for PM Modi's upcoming visit. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 3 Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Thiruvananthapuram to participate in celebrations marking the Bharatiya Janata Party's historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, a milestone achievement for the party in Kerala's political landscape. The visit assumes added significance as it comes amid earlier indications that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also visit the state capital, with HM Shah scheduled to arrive ahead of the Prime Minister. According to BJP sources, the Union Home Minister will reach Thiruvananthapuram on January 11. During the visit, he is expected to officially announce the date of Prime Minister Modi's proposed visit to the city. The Home Minister will meet all BJP representatives who emerged victorious in the recently concluded local body elections and will address them at a special gathering, acknowledging their role in securing the party's breakthrough win. The BJP is planning to convert HM Shah's visit into a major political and organisational event. A large-scale conference is being organised in Thiruvananthapuram, which will be attended by elected local representatives, senior party leaders, and office-bearers from across the state. The event is expected to serve both as a celebration of the electoral success and as a platform to chart the party's future course in Kerala. Last month, the BJP wrote into the record books by winning the reins of administration at the capital city Corporation by winning 50 seats in the 101-ward corporation. The BJP has now got the support of one independent councillor, while the election to one ward, which was postponed, will be held on January 12, and hence the visit of HM Shah assumes added significance. Party workers and leaders have described the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation victory as a decisive moment in the BJP's gradual political expansion in the state, particularly in urban local bodies. The arrival of HM Shah, who also holds the Cooperation portfolio, is being viewed as a strong endorsement from the central leadership and a morale booster for the state unit. The state BJP leadership is keen to ensure that the Home Minister's visit reflects the scale and importance of the achievement. Preparations are underway to give HM Shah a warm reception and to turn the programme into a high-profile political celebration. With both HM Shah's visit and the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP appears intent on building momentum from its local body success and projecting confidence about its growing footprint in the state's politics. - IANS India's Ministry of External Affairs FactCheck unit has dismissed as fake viral social media posts claiming official talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Somaliland's president, along with imminent Indian recognition of Somaliland. The clarification comes amid Somaliland's recent recognition by Israel and its planned accession to the Abraham Accords, which has sparked protests in Somalia and regional concern. Somalia's president has warned that Israel's move could destabilize the Horn of Africa, while the African Union and EU reaffirmed support for Somalia's territorial integrity. Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, maintains its own government but lacks broad international recognition despite its president predicting more countries will soon follow Israel's lead. India's MEA FactCheck unit dismisses viral fake news about PM Modi's talks with Somaliland and recognition moves. Get the facts here. New Delhi, January 3 India on Saturday flagged as fake social media posts claiming that the President of the Republic of Somaliland held official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that India was set to recognise Somaliland. Responding to the claims, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) FactCheck unit said in a post on X, "Fake news alert! The posts below are fake!" The clarification came amid the circulation of viral posts suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held formal discussions with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and that recognition of Somaliland by "the world's largest democracy" was imminent. MEA FactCheck also rejected reports that Somalia had recalled its ambassador to India over the alleged recognition move, stating that the online content was false. Screenshots shared by the unit showed visuals and captions falsely portraying official-level engagement between India and Somaliland, which the government said had no basis. The clarification assumes importance given Somaliland's long-standing political status. The region declared independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, following the Somali Civil War, but has not been recognised internationally, except by Israel, which formally acknowledged Somaliland as a sovereign state on December 26, 2025. Amid the broader international debate, Somaliland has rejected allegations that it agreed to host Israeli military facilities or resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza in exchange for recognition. In a statement, Somaliland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its engagement with Israel was "purely diplomatic" and conducted "in full respect of international law", Al Jazeera reported. The denial followed remarks by Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who told Al Jazeera that Somaliland had accepted conditions including resettlement of Palestinians, establishment of a military base along the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords. Somaliland officials said no discussions had taken place on such proposals, though joining the Abraham Accords has been publicly acknowledged. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed earlier this week that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, saying Israel wanted to support "a democratic, moderate country" willing to participate in the agreement, according to US media outlet Newsmax. Somaliland President Abdurrahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Cirro, is expected to visit Israel in the coming weeks, during which he would formally join the Abraham Accords, Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported. Somalia's president warned that Israel's recognition was a cover for strategic objectives and could destabilise the Horn of Africa. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said Israel's recognition may be linked to Somaliland's strategic location near the Red Sea, opposite Yemen's Houthis. The recognition has triggered protests across Somalia, with demonstrations reported on December 30 in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dhusamareb and other cities. The African Union and the European Union reiterated that Somalia's territorial integrity should be respected, Al Jazeera reported. Somaliland's president has said more nations would soon recognise the region, which continues to be claimed by Somalia despite maintaining its own government, currency and military. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an exposition of sacred Piprahwa relics, emphasizing India's role as the living bearer of Buddha's heritage. He detailed initiatives to preserve relics domestically and assist in conserving Buddhist sites abroad, from Nepal to Myanmar. The government is developing a national Buddhist circuit and modern facilities at key pilgrimage sites to improve connectivity and experience. PM Modi underscored that India's global connection through Buddhism transcends politics and economics, rooted in shared spirituality and faith. PM Modi highlights India's role in preserving Buddhist relics and developing global sites, connecting the present generation to Buddha's spiritual legacy. New Delhi, Jan 3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the initiatives undertaken by his government to develop sites associated with the heritage of Lord Buddha in India and across the world, while also emphasising efforts to connect the present generation with Buddhist traditions and values. The Prime Minister inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics associated with Bhagwan Buddha at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in Delhi. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi spoke about India's deep-rooted spiritual links with Buddhism and its role in sharing this legacy globally. Recalling his international visits, the Prime Minister said, "Wherever I went, I tried to connect people with Buddha's legacy by taking a part of it back with me. That's why, whether to China, Japan, Korea, or Mongolia, I carried saplings of the Bodhi tree. In Hiroshima, the city devastated by the atomic bomb, the presence of a Bodhi tree at the Peace Memorial Park sends a powerful message to humanity." He said the shared heritage of Lord Buddha demonstrates that India's bond with the world extends far beyond formal ties. "It proves that India's connection with the world is not just about politics, diplomacy, or economics. It runs much deeper, connected by heart, sentiments, faith and spirituality," he said. PM Modi underlined that India is not only the custodian of Lord Buddha's sacred relics but also a "living bearer" of his heritage. "Relics associated with Lord Buddha found at Piprahwa, Vaishali, Devni Mori, and Nagarjunakonda are a living presence of his message. India has preserved and nurtured these relics in every form -- scientific and spiritual," he said. Highlighting India's role in preserving Buddhist heritage beyond its borders, the Prime Minister said, "India has continuously strived to contribute as much as possible to the development of sites worldwide connected with Buddha's heritage. When a devastating earthquake in Nepal damaged ancient stupas, India assisted in their reconstruction. After the earthquake in Myanmar's Bagan, we helped conserve over 100 pagodas. There are many such examples." He added that within the country as well, work related to discovering and conserving Buddhist sites and relics is ongoing. Referring to Vadnagar in Gujarat, he said, "As I mentioned earlier, my birthplace, Vadnagar in Gujarat, was a major centre of Buddhist tradition. When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, thousands of relics linked to the Buddhist tradition were discovered there. Today, our government is ensuring their preservation and also connecting the present generation with them." PM Modi noted that a state-of-the-art experiential museum has been developed at Vadnagar. "A splendid experiential museum has been built there, offering an immersive journey through nearly 500 years of history," he said. The Prime Minister also mentioned that a significant Buddhist-era site was discovered a few months ago in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, and efforts to conserve it are now being expedited. He had also referred to this discovery during his recent episode of the monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. He further said that over the past decade, the government has worked to integrate Buddhist sites with modern infrastructure. "A convention centre and a meditation-cum-experience centre have been built in Bodh Gaya," he said. Detailing other initiatives, PM Modi said, "In Sarnath, a light and sound show at the Dhamek Stupa and the construction of the Buddha Dhamma Park have been undertaken. Modern facilities have been developed in Sravasti, Kapilvastu, and Kushinagar. A digital experience centre has been established in Nalgonda, Telangana. New amenities for pilgrims have been introduced at Sanchi, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Amaravati." He added that a Buddhist circuit is being developed across the country to improve connectivity between pilgrimage sites. "Today, a Buddhist circuit is being developed in the country to ensure better connectivity between all Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, allowing pilgrims from across the world to experience faith and spirituality like never before," he said. The Prime Minister said the government aims to ensure that Buddhist heritage reaches future generations without interruption. "This is also the vision behind organising international events like the Global Buddhist Summit, Vesak, and Ashadha Purnima", he said. PM Modi also mentioned efforts to promote the Pali language associated with Lord Buddha, noting that it has been accorded the status of a classical language. He urged people across the country to visit the exhibition to have darshan of the sacred relics and connect with the teachings of Lord Buddha. "Our school students, college students, young people, sons and daughters -- they must definitely visit this exhibition. This exhibition is a powerful medium to connect the glory of our past with the dreams of our future. I urge people from across the nation to participate in this exhibition," he said. Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa relics occupy a pivotal place in the archaeological study of early Buddhism. They are among the earliest and most historically significant relic deposits directly associated with Lord Buddha. Archaeological evidence links the Piprahwa site to ancient Kapilavastu, widely believed to be the place where Gautam Buddha spent his early life before renunciation. - IANS Indian-American Silicon Valley investor Asha Jadeja Motwani has contributed over $5 million to the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc., making her one of the largest known diaspora donors this election cycle. Her donation places her alongside major figures like Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman in a donor list dominated by tech and crypto-linked firms such as Crypto.com and Gemini. The contribution underscores the growing financial engagement of Indian Americans in US politics, a community whose donations are increasingly spread across the political spectrum. These unlimited super PAC donations, which cannot coordinate directly with campaigns, highlight the scale of money shaping the current election. Silicon Valley investor Asha Jadeja Motwani donates over $5M to MAGA Inc., highlighting Indian-American political influence in US elections. Washington, Jan 3 Indian-American Silicon Valley investor Asha Jadeja Motwani has emerged as one of the largest diaspora contributors in the current US election cycle, donating more than $5 million to the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc., according to federal campaign finance filings. The filings, which list contributors of $100,000 or more, show Jadeja reported a $5 million contribution from California in November 2025, placing her among a small group of ultra-wealthy donors backing the political action committee. Her election-to-date total stands at just over $5.1 million, according to the disclosure. Jadeja's name appears alongside some of the most influential figures and entities in American technology, finance, and investment. At the top of the list is Foris DAX Inc., the operator of the Crypto.com platform, which has contributed $20 million in a single reported entry and $30 million to date in this election cycle. OpenAI president and co-founder Greg Brockman is listed as having contributed $25 million. Konstantin Sokolov, an executive at IIS Investments LLC, is listed with $11 million, while several additional contributions run into the multi-million-dollar range. In addition to Jadeja, there are only two other donors at the $5 million level: Blackstone chairman and chief executive Stephen A. Schwarzman and investor Benjamin Landa. Both are based in New York. The donor list also reflects a strong presence of technology- and crypto-linked firms. Gemini Trust Company, a major cryptocurrency exchange, is listed with nearly $1.5 million in contributions and more than $4.4 million election-to-date. Financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and advisory and investment firms also feature prominently. Jadeja's contribution stands out as one of the largest known political donations by an Indian-origin individual in the current filing, underscoring the growing financial and political engagement of sections of the Indian American community in US electoral politics. Her donation places her in the same donor bracket as some of the most powerful corporate and individual backers of MAGA Inc. The filings also list contributions from individuals, limited liability companies and political action committees, with donations ranging from $1 million to several hundred thousand dollars. The disclosures underline the scale of money being raised by the super PAC in the current election cycle. Under US law, super PACs such as MAGA Inc. are allowed to raise unlimited funds from individuals and corporations. They are barred, however, from coordinating directly with a candidate's campaign, a distinction that has reshaped how elections are financed. Indian Americans have become more visible in US politics in recent years, both as candidates and as donors. Although the community has traditionally been associated with the Democratic Party, recent election cycles have seen political contributions spread more widely across the spectrum. US-India relations, including cooperation on technology, trade and strategic issues, remain a key area of interest for policymakers in Washington, making the political engagement of India-linked donors closely watched on both sides of the relationship. A Silicon Valley-based investor, Jadeja has been involved in the US technology sector for several decades, including early-stage technology ventures and advisory roles. - IANS Passengers at Delhi airport protested after an IndiGo flight to Purnea was delayed, having already been cancelled the previous day. The airline cited bad weather, though some travelers alleged a lack of available pilots as the cause. This incident follows recent large-scale disruptions, including 118 cancellations in late December due to weather and operational constraints. IndiGo has faced ongoing challenges during the fog season, with the DGCA noting reduced visibility regularly affects winter flight operations. Passengers protested at Delhi airport after an IndiGo flight to Purnea faced repeated delays and cancellations, citing weather and operational issues. New Delhi, Jan 3 Passengers at Delhi airport created a ruckus on Saturday after their IndiGo flight to Purnea was delayed, triggering anger among travellers who said the service had already faced disruptions a day earlier. According to passengers, IndiGo flight 6E 9076, scheduled to operate from Delhi to Purnea, was delayed on Saturday after having already been cancelled on Friday, forcing them to reschedule their tickets. The repeated disruption led to furious scenes at the boarding counter, with passengers protesting the delay in departure. Several passengers said the flight had been cancelled on Friday as well, following which they had rearranged their travel plans. On Saturday, they claimed, the airline cited bad weather as the reason for the delay. Some passengers further alleged that airline staff later informed them that there was no pilot available to operate the flight. Meanwhile, IndiGo had earlier in the day issued advisories warning passengers about possible delays and cancellations of several flights due to "reduced visibility and fog" at multiple airports. The incident comes just days after IndiGo, on December 29, 2024, cancelled as many as 118 flights across its network due to a mix of bad weather and operational reasons. Of these, six services were cancelled due to operational constraints, while the remaining flights were called off owing to adverse weather conditions at different airports. IndiGo has been grappling with large-scale disruptions over the past month. In early December last year, the airline cancelled thousands of flights, including around 1,600 on a single day, after court-mandated stricter flight duty and rest period norms for pilots came into force. The cancellations left lakhs of passengers stranded at airports across the country. Since the onset of the fog season on December 10, the airline has continued to cancel a significant number of flights. On December 25, IndiGo cancelled 67 flights to various destinations, citing weather-related issues. On Saturday alone, another 57 flights from several airports were cancelled due to bad weather conditions. The aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has declared the period from December 10 to February 10 as the official fog window for the winter season, during which flight operations are often affected by low visibility. - IANS The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya is approaching Muscat on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat. Constructed using centuries-old stitched-shipbuilding techniques, the expedition retraces ancient maritime routes that once connected India with Oman. The voyage, praised by PM Modi and the Navy Chief, aims to revive national maritime consciousness and celebrate India's rich seafaring heritage. Its arrival in Muscat is expected to significantly enhance bilateral relations by reinforcing shared maritime history and cultural ties. The Indian Navy's stitched-ship INSV Kaundinya nears Muscat, retracing ancient trade routes to celebrate India's maritime past and strengthen ties with Oman. Muscat, January 3 The Indian Naval sailing vessel Kaundinya was last reported to be approximately 880 Nautical Miles off from its final port of call in Muscat Oman. Giving an update of the voyage, member of PM Modi's Economic Advisory Council Sanjeev Sanyal, who is sailing aboard the vessel said, "Seas are calmer and NE wind is holding. We sailed well last night. Personally managed to get some sleep once the rolling subsided (I like a gentle roll but, lets say, a sleeping bag sliding around on the deck and cold winds and noise of rigging angrily fluttering is not conducive to sleep). Today we should cross 1/3 of the distance but hope incoming westerly wind is gentle and does not blow us again off course." This voyage underscores India's enduring connection to the oceans and highlights ongoing efforts to train and inspire the next generation of sailors and explorers. Earlier, Sanyal had shared images of the crew's call with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. During the call, the Navy Chief commended the crew for their professionalism and the efforts in undertaking this unique voyage rooted in India's maritime past. He highlighted that the voyage of INSV Kaundinya was a testament to the Indian Navy's enduring commitment to rekindling national maritime consciousness. He said that by reviving the millennia-old shipbuilding and seafaring traditions, the expedition celebrates India's rich maritime heritage and reinforces the nation's historic cultural and commercial links . On December 29, Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya, the Indian Navy's indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel, began its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. This historic expedition marks a major milestone in India's efforts to revive, understand, and celebrate its ancient maritime heritage through a living ocean voyage. The vessel was formally flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, in the presence of Issa Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India, along with senior officers of the Indian Navy. Praising the expedition, PM Modi said, "Wonderful to see that INSV Kaundinya is embarking on her maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman. Built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, this ship highlights India's rich maritime traditions. I congratulate the designers, artisans, shipbuilders and the Indian Navy for their dedicated efforts in bringing this unique vessel to life. My best wishes to the crew for a safe and memorable journey, as they retrace our historic links with the Gulf region and beyond." INSV Kaundinya has been constructed using traditional stitched shipbuilding techniques, employing natural materials and methods that date back several centuries. Inspired by historical sources and iconographic evidence, the vessel represents India's rich legacy of indigenous shipbuilding, seamanship, and oceanic navigation. The voyage retraces ancient maritime routes that once connected the western coast of India with Oman, facilitating trade, cultural exchange and sustained civilisational interactions across the Indian Ocean. The expedition is expected to significantly enhance bilateral relations between India and Oman by reinforcing shared maritime heritage and strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties. The arrival of INSV Kaundinya in Muscat will serve as a powerful symbol of the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual trust, and respect that have linked the two maritime nations for centuries. The voyage also highlights the deep historical connections between Gujarat and Oman, reflecting a legacy of cooperation that continues to the present day.Through this expedition, the Indian Navy underscores its commitment to maritime diplomacy, heritage preservation and regional cooperation. INSV Kaundinya's voyage stands as a testament to India's civilisational maritime outlook and its role as a responsible and culturally rooted maritime nation in the Indian Ocean Region. - ANI Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare are celebrating their second wedding anniversary with loving social media tributes. In a recent video, Ira Khan opened up about her intense, ongoing struggle with body image and food since 2020. She admitted this issue impacts her relationships and self-worth as significantly as her past depression. The star hopes that discussing her journey openly will be a step toward healing. Ira Khan celebrates 2 years with Nupur Shikhare & bravely discusses her ongoing battle with body image issues and obesity since 2020. Mumbai, Jan 3 Ira Khan, daughter of actor Aamir Khan, is celebrating 2 years of marital bliss with husband Nupur Shikhare. Commemorating their second wedding anniversary, Nupur took to his Instagram and wished his better half with a video compilation of some of their milestone moments during their time together. He even called Ira brave for completing two years of being married to him in a sweet social media post that read, "Happy 2nd Anniversary....Congratulations @khan.ira for successfully completing two years of being married to me, you are very brave...I love you #love #anniversary (sic)." Reciprocating the love, Ira said that being married to him has turned out to be "the easiest, most fun and satisfying thing" she has ever experienced. However, she hilariously added, "This video on the other hand....." Expressing her love for her husband, she shared another comment saying, "love you @nupur.shikhare." Recently, Ira, who has always been vocal about her struggle with depression, opened up about her ongoing battle with body image issues. In the video dropped by Ira on social media, she admitted that she has been going back and forth between feeling unfit, overweight, and obese since 2020. She shared, "Let's address the elephant in the room, me. Yes, I'm fat and I'm actually obese for my age and my height. And I've been struggling with body image issues and with my relationship with my food since 2020." "I'm not as comfortable and confident talking about this as I was with my depression. So, I'm not entirely sure how this is going to go. It's come in the way of my ability to participate in my friends' lives, in how I show up in my relationship with Popoy, in my self-worth and so then work and everything, in a way that I would say is as intense as how my depression would interfere in my life and sometimes still does. And so, I want to talk about this. I want to try and unpack what I think, have been thinking, struggled with, still struggle with, just all of it. I hope it helps me," Ira was heard saying. - IANS Iran's Foreign Minister has vowed to "forcefully reject" any foreign interference following a threat by former US President Donald Trump to "rescue" protesters. The warning comes amid nationwide demonstrations triggered by the sharp depreciation of Iran's rial, with clashes resulting in at least three fatalities and multiple injuries. Iranian officials attribute the economic crisis to "cruel" Western sanctions reimposed after the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, authorities condemn violent incidents targeting security forces and public property. Iran's FM warns US against interference after Trump's "rescue" threat amid protests over economic crisis and currency collapse. Tehran, Jan 3 Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi vowed to "forcefully reject" any interference in the country's internal affairs, after US President Donald Trump earlier warned that the United States would act if Iran "kills peaceful protesters." In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said Iran's armed forces "are on standby and know exactly where to aim" if its sovereignty is violated, responding to Trump's earlier comments on Truth Social, in which he claimed the United States would "come to their rescue" if Iran shot peaceful protesters, Xinhua news agency reported. Since Sunday, protests have erupted in a number of Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the national currency rial. Araghchi said that peaceful protest is the right of Iranians affected by exchange rate volatility, but noted isolated incidents of violence, including attacks on a police station and Molotov cocktails thrown at officers. He added that criminal attacks on public property cannot be tolerated. At least three people were killed and 13 security personnel were wounded in clashes during protests in two Iranian provinces over the past 24 hours, Iranian media reported Thursday. Saeid Pourali, deputy governor of Iran's western Lorestan province for political, security, and social affairs, attributed the recent protests to economic grievances. He stressed that economic pressures, including currency volatility and livelihood concerns, have come from "cruel" Western sanctions. The Iranian rial has weakened sharply since the United States withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. The US dollar currently trades at a rate of over 1.35 million rials on the open market. - IANS The Indian Rice Exporters Federation has formally requested targeted fiscal measures in the upcoming Union Budget 2026 to strengthen the rice export ecosystem. Key proposals include tax incentives for sustainable farming practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying to address ecological stress. The federation also seeks support to shift cultivation toward premium, high-value rice varieties and maintain export competitiveness through schemes like RoDTEP. These measures aim to bolster India's dominant 40% share of the global rice trade while improving farmer incomes and long-term sustainability. IREF urges Budget 2026 measures to boost rice exports, farmer incomes, and sustainability through tax incentives and logistics support. New Delhi, January 3 The Indian Rice Exporters' Federation has urged the Union government to introduce targeted fiscal and policy measures in Union Budget 2026 to bolster India's rice export ecosystem, covering both basmati and non-basmati segments. In a formal representation to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the federation highlighted the strategic importance of rice exports to India's economy, rural employment, and global food security. "The rice sector faces ecological stress (notably groundwater depletion in major paddy belts), high fiscal costs of procurement and storage, and market/compliance volatility. Union Budget 2026 can strengthen competitiveness while improving sustainability and farmer outcomes through targeted fiscal and enabling measures," the federation said in its letter. IREF has outlined a set of priority demands aimed at strengthening sustainability, competitiveness, and farmer incomes across the rice value chain. It sought tax and investment incentives linked to verified water-saving and low-emission practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), laser land levelling, and energy-efficient milling to address environmental stress and improve long-term productivity. They also called for incentives to encourage farmers to move acreage towards premium basmati and GI-tagged, organic, and specialty non-basmati rice. This, they say, would enhance farmer realisation, promote market-led diversification, and reduce dependence on MSP-based procurement. Further, to improve export competitiveness, the sector has asked for interest subvention on export credit to ease working-capital pressures, along with targeted freight and port facilitation measures to lower logistics costs. It also urged the government to continue and appropriately calibrate the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for rice, ensuring embedded taxes are offset and export competitiveness is maintained. Stakeholders have also highlighted the need to reinforce export finance guarantees and upgrade compliance infrastructure, including testing, traceability, and quality assurance systems, to safeguard India's reputation in premium international markets. "These measures will directly lower exporters' costs, incentivize sustainability, and encourage scaling of value-added shipments. IREF requests that rice, as a key agri-export, be explicitly covered in relevant budgetary initiatives for export credit, logistics and trade facilitation," said Dr. Prem Garg National President, IREF in the letter. As per the data highlighted by the IREF, India accounts for roughly 40% of global rice trade an exceptional level of dominance that India does not hold in any other commodity. "Having met domestic food security requirements, India is structurally well placed to supply international markets at scale." In FY2024-25, India exported about 20.1 million tonnes of rice to more than 170 countries. - ANI Looking at Ariadne Australia Limited's (ASX:ARA ) insider transactions over the last year, we can see that insiders were net buyers. That is, there were more number of shares purchased by insiders than there were sold. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Ariadne Australia In fact, the recent purchase by Gary Weiss was the biggest purchase of Ariadne Australia shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. That means that even when the share price was higher than AU$0.52 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock when an insider has bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price. Gary Weiss was the only individual insider to buy during the last year. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! See our latest analysis for Ariadne Australia ASX:ARA Insider Trading Volume January 3rd 2026 Ariadne Australia is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of under-the-radar companies with insider buying. Insider Ownership I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Ariadne Australia insiders own about AU$59m worth of shares (which is 59% of the company). I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders. What Might The Insider Transactions At Ariadne Australia Tell Us? It is good to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. Once you factor in the high insider ownership, it certainly seems like insiders are positive about Ariadne Australia. Nice! So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. While conducting our analysis, we found that Ariadne Australia has 1 warning sign and it would be unwise to ignore this. Indian intelligence agencies have issued warnings that Pakistan's ISI is intensifying efforts to expand its espionage network within India, focusing on gathering military intelligence post-Operation Sindoor. Alongside espionage, the agency plans to run large-scale disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the Indian armed forces and eroding public trust. The strategy includes inciting and infiltrating protests to demand regime change, attempting to create the illusion of home-grown unrest to provide Pakistan deniability. In response, Indian authorities are implementing enhanced counter-terrorism measures, including the new National Counter Terrorism Policy, to combat these multifaceted threats. Intel agencies warn ISI is expanding espionage & launching disinformation campaigns to destabilize India, targeting armed forces & inciting protests. New Delhi, Jan 3 Indian Intelligence agencies have warned that the ISI would continue to try and expand its espionage network in India. While many such cases were busted last year, the agencies say that the Pakistan spy agency has been working relentlessly to expand the network. In addition to this, Pakistan also plans to run a massive disinformation campaign against India. Campaigns would be around spreading false narratives about the Indian armed forces. Further, the ISI also plans on roping in people as well some organisations to carry out protests while questioning policies of the government, an official said. This is part of the larger game plan of the ISI to make violence and terror as home grown as possible, so that Pakistan would have the deniability factor. An official says running a false narrative, instigating protests and creating deeper espionage networks is part of a larger plan and this also includes setting up of home-grown terror modules, like the one that was busted in Faridabad. Pakistan is not immediately looking to sending its terrorists. Post 'Operation Sindoor', most of their terror networks are down. Further infiltrations are hard to execute due to heavy security. In addition to its India plans, the ISI is also giving a lot of emphasis to Bangladesh, where it wants to set up launch pads to hit the northeastern states, another official said. An Intelligence Bureau official said that among all the plans that the ISI has in mind, the two most dangerous are the setting up of an espionage network and running a disinformation campaign. Pakistan is looking to engineer something on the lines of Bangladesh and Nepal, where protests erupt across the country where a regime change would be demanded. The campaign would look to defame the Indian armed forces, so that the trust factor goes down. They want the armed forces to look weak in the eyes of the Indian people. The ISI would also look to infiltrate every protest that is taking place, so that it spreads far and wide while also turning violent. In the past, the ISI has done it in some measure, but now it would look to do something on a much larger scale, the agencies have learnt. Pakistan is also looking to build a massive espionage network. Efforts to gather information especially about the armed forces have gone up multi-fold post Operation Sindoor, the Intelligence Bureau official said. While honey-trapping would be the main tactic to build this network, the ISI is also looking for people who have ideological leanings, those who face financial hardships and ones with personal issues. These persons are easy to trap as they remain vulnerable. The ISI is also ready to pump in a lot of money to build this network. The information about the expansion of the espionage comes in the backdrop of reports that Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir is itching for a war with India. The war for Munir is important since he lost face in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. He wants to also use this as a tactic to divert from the major issues that Pakistan is facing. Further, he feels that he would have the backing of the United States, if there is a military conflict with India. These remain major challenges, explained an official, while also adding that the agencies need to remain on very high alert. Recently the Union Home Ministry launched the National Counter Terrorism Policy. The National Investigation Agency which created a common ATS structure has sent it to the state police forces. This structure ensures that there is uniform preparation at every level. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said that all director generals of police must implement it. This policy is an important one in the wake of Pakistan trying to relentlessly meddle in India's affairs and also threaten its national security, officials say. - IANS Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has publicly called for the removal of old, dirty carpets at Mumbai airport, warning they pose a serious health risk, particularly to those with asthma or bronchitis. His viral Instagram post highlighted the carpets as "unnecessary and unacceptable," stating they are beyond cleaning. The complaint garnered significant public support online, with many passengers echoing concerns about airport hygiene. Khanna's appeal directs urgent attention to a potential public health issue at a major travel hub. Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna warns that Mumbai airport's old carpets pose serious, even fatal, health risks to passengers with asthma and urges immediate action. Mumbai, January 3 Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has raised concerns over what he called an "unacceptable" issue at Mumbai airport. Vikas, who was travelling from New York to Mumbai for the promotions of MasterChef India, took to his Instagram account to share a picture of the carpet and how the condition of the carpet can cause serious health problems for passengers. In his post, Vikas spoke about how he respects the smooth working of Mumbai airport but said the carpet is now beyond repair. He also added that dusty and old carpets can be dangerous for people who suffer from asthma and breathing problems. "Though I love & respect the efficiency of Mumbai airport a lot. But having this carpet is absolutely unnecessary & unacceptable. It is beyond cleaning now. On behalf of every asthmatic & people with bronchitis issues, I request the authorities to please look into removing this at the airports. It can lead to serious breathing issues and also fatal," he wrote. Take a look Soon after his post went online, many users shared their views in the comments. Some agreed with Vikas and said the issue needs quick action. One user wrote, "I totally agree on this finally there's a hope that it might be removed." Another added, "100% agree! Even Delhi airport. Whose genius idea was that?" Meanwhile, Vikas Khanna will soon be seen judging MasterChef India along with chefs Kunal Kapoor and Ranveer Brar. The trio is also set to appear on India's Got Talent to promote the show. - ANI The trailer for Vijay's final film, "Jana Nayagan," has been released, showcasing him as a fearless police officer. The action-packed preview sets up a high-stakes conflict where Vijay's character seeks revenge after an attack, with Bobby Deol vowing to eliminate him. Directed by H. Vinoth with music by Anirudh, the film features a strong supporting cast including Pooja Hegde and Prakash Raj. The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 9, 2026, marking Vijay's transition to full-time politics. Watch the trailer for Vijay's last film, Jana Nayagan. He plays a cop seeking revenge against Bobby Deol's villain. Releasing Pongal 2026. Chennai, January 3 The much-awaited trailer of Vijay's upcoming film 'Jana Nayagan' was released on Saturday. The film also marks the end of Vijay's acting career as he plans to focus on his political journey. The two-minute and 52-second trailer shows Vijay in a powerful role as a fearless police officer. It depicts him fighting criminals and standing strong with the support of the public. Vijay is introduced as a strong figure who never backs down. He calls himself an ordinary man who dreams of a better future. In the later part of the trailer, Vijay is seen wanting to be sent to the military but is attacked. After this, he decides to take revenge. Bobby Deol appears as the main antagonist and vows to finish Vijay within 30 days. Pooja Hegde is also seen in the trailer. The trailer ends with Vijay making it clear that he is coming back to fight. Take a look Jana Nayagan is directed by H. Vinoth and produced by Venkat K. Narayana under KVN Productions. The music for the film is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Apart from Vijay and Bobby Deol, the film also stars Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, and Narain. The film is set to release in theaters on January 9, 2026, during Pongal. Jana Nayagan will be Vijay's final film before he fully focuses on his political journey with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. - ANI Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to advance plans for her official visit to the United States this spring. The leaders emphasized using the U.S. 250th anniversary as a catalyst to strengthen bilateral ties, with cooperation spanning economy and security. While Takaichi declined to specify if recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan were discussed, both confirmed close coordination on Indo-Pacific issues. The call reaffirmed commitment to trilateral cooperation with South Korea and a free, open Indo-Pacific, amid ongoing regional tensions. Japanese PM Takaichi and President Trump agree on a spring US visit, focusing on deepening economic and security ties amid regional tensions. Tokyo, January 3 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump late Friday, during which the two leaders agreed to move forward with plans for her visit to the United States in the spring, underscoring the importance of the bilateral partnership. Speaking to reporters after the 25-minute call, Takaichi said she congratulated the United States on marking its 250th anniversary this year and described the discussion as wide-ranging, with a focus on the Japan-U.S. alliance. She noted that both leaders viewed the milestone year as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries, reported The Japan Times. "Given this historic anniversary, President Trump and I shared the view that this year should mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Japan-U.S. alliance," Takaichi said. "We agreed to deepen our friendship and expand cooperation across many fields, including the economy and security." The Japanese Prime Minister added that President Trump once again invited her to visit the United States, and both sides agreed to make concrete arrangements for the visit to take place in the spring. When asked whether China's recent large-scale military exercises around Taiwan were discussed, Takaichi declined to provide specifics. She said only that the two leaders exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific region and confirmed close coordination in light of the current international environment. Takaichi also said that Japan and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with like-minded partners, including through Japan-U.S.-South Korea trilateral cooperation, while promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, as reported by The Japan Times China concluded its "Justice Mission 2025" military drills earlier this week, during which dozens of rockets were fired toward Taiwan, with several landing in waters close to the island. The exercises marked Beijing's closest-ever live-fire activity near Taiwan, according to officials in Taipei. The drills were the first of their kind since Takaichi's comments in November suggesting Japan could consider military involvement in a potential Taiwan crisis. Those remarks prompted sharp reactions from Beijing, which views Taiwan as a core national issue and has demanded unification, by force if necessary. Despite rising tensions, Takaichi's government has maintained that its stance does not represent a policy shift and has emphasized that dialogue with China remains possible. Meanwhile, Washington has urged Beijing to reduce military pressure on Taiwan. The U.S. State Department called on China to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue, marking its first public response to the recent exercises. President Trump, however, has played down the drills, saying such military activities in the region are not new and expressing limited concern over the developments. - ANI The crucial SA20 match between the Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape was abandoned without a ball bowled after repeated lightning strikes and a hailstorm at the Wanderers. Both teams were awarded two points, allowing the unbeaten Super Kings to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the table. Earlier, the Paarl Royals secured a thrilling one-run victory over MI Cape Town, driven by Lhuan-dre Pretorius' explosive 98 and a tense final over from Ottniel Baartman. The match featured dramatic momentum swings, with Sikandar Raza's three-wicket haul and a last-ball boundary save sealing the win for the Royals. The top-of-the-table SA20 clash between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape was abandoned due to lightning and rain, with both teams awarded points. Johannesburg, January 3 The much-anticipated top-of-the-table SA20 clash between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape was abandoned at Wanderers on Saturday, as per a release. It was a frustrating afternoon as an expectant crowd and eager players were left waiting for the inclement weather to clear enough at Wanderers for a match to be played. Initially, as captains Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs readied for the toss, lightning struck, and then shortly after, a hailstorm hit the ground too. It ultimately led to an almost three-hour wait for them to head back out for a toss, which was completed - Du Plessis winning it and choosing to bowl in what was due to be a five-overs-a-side clash. However, just as the excitement was building in the stands, lightning returned again, and - with no time left to complete a match - the umpires declared the match abandoned. Both teams were awarded two points, with unbeaten JSK maintaining their three-point lead over Sunrisers at the top of the standings. Earlier, Lhuan-dre Pretorius' SA20 Season 4 burst into life with an unbeaten 98 to drive Paarl Royals to a thrilling one-run victory over MI Cape Town in the Western Cape derby at Boland Park. Royals' seamer Ottniel Baartman had 15 runs to defend in the final over, and after Kagiso Rabada smashed the third delivery for six over long off, it seemed the momentum had swung MI Cape Town's way, according to a release. Baartman (4/51) had Rabada caught on the boundary the next ball before the equation was reduced to MI Cape Town requiring six off the final delivery for victory. George Linde made good contact by carving a length delivery over the covers, but the ball fell just inches short of the boundary rope, which sent the Royals faithful into a frenzy. Pretorius had endured a quiet start to the competition in the first couple of matches, but the league's leading scorer of last season was back at his beloved home ground. The teenager was back to his belligerent best, cracking 10 boundaries and two sixes during his 65-ball stay at the crease.The Royals faithful were spurring Pretorius on to a maiden T20 century, but it was not to be, with Rabada delivering a dot ball to close out the Royals innings. The four Player of the Match candidates were Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sikandar Raza, Asa Tribe and Rassie van der Dussen, with Pretorius winning 72% of the fan vote. The visitors were under pressure from the outset, with Pretorius and Asa Tribe dominating the Powerplay. The Royals' opening pair put on exactly 100 in 10.4 overs before MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan (2/31) had the Jersey international caught for 51 off 34 balls. MI Cape Town enjoyed an equally good start, with Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton (36) adding 77 for the first wicket in 7.5 overs before Royals' recruit Sikander Raza (3/27) announced his arrival at Betway SA20. The Zimbabwe international removed both Rickelton and the dangerous Nicholas Pooran and later clean bowled Tom Moores for a first-ball duck to stem the MI Cape Town tide. It was the double-wicket over from Baartman when the seamer picked up both Van der Dussen (59) and Jason Smith (1) within three balls of each other that scuppered MI Cape Town's momentum. - ANI Several large explosions were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, causing partial telecom disruptions, though the cause remains unclear. The incident occurs amid heightened US-Venezuela tensions, with the US recently sanctioning entities for Iran's alleged supply of combat drones to Caracas. US officials warn Iran's UAV and missile programs threaten regional security and commercial shipping. Relations are further strained by a recent CIA drone strike in Venezuela and US accusations of drug trafficking and regime change efforts. Large explosions heard in Caracas as US sanctions target Iran-Venezuela weapons links, escalating regional tensions and military threats. Caracas, Jan 3 Several large explosions were heard early Saturday in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. The cause of the explosions is unclear, while videos circulating on social media show smoke columns. Partial disruptions to telecommunication services were reported in the capital city following sounds of explosions, reports Xinhua news agency. This comes as US President Donald Trump has, on several occasions, warned about the possibility of ground operations in Venezuela as part of his strategy to oust President Nicolas Maduro, intensifying sanctions, augmenting military presence in the area, and accusing ships of drug trafficking in both the Caribbean and Pacific. Recently, the US administration announced sanctions against 10 entities and individuals based in Iran and Venezuela, accusing Tehran of supplying conventional weapons to Caracas and threatening US interests across the Western Hemisphere, including the US homeland. In separate statements, the US Department of State and the US Department of the Treasury said a Venezuelan company targeted by the sanctions had been involved in the sale of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian-designed combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Other sanctioned entities and individuals were accused of supporting procurement networks linked to Iran's drone and ballistic missile programs, said the statements. "The entities and individuals designated today demonstrate Iran is actively proliferating its combat UAVs and continues to procure missile-related items in violation of UN restrictions," State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said. He added that the Trump administration will take action to curb Iran's ballistic missile program, block its development of other conventional and asymmetric weapons, and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. "We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran's military-industrial complex access to the US financial system," said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. The US Treasury Department also said that Iran's UAV and missile programs threaten US and allied personnel in the Middle East and disrupt commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Relations between the United States and Venezuela have also remained strained, with Caracas repeatedly accusing Washington of pursuing regime change and expanding its military presence in the region under what the United States calls an anti-narco-terrorism campaign. Additionally, the CIA carried out a drone strike in December last year on a dock facility along the coast of Venezuela, marking the first known land strike by the Trump administration inside the oil-rich South American country. The strike targeted a remote dock that U.S. officials believed was being used by a Venezuelan gang to store drugs and transfer them onto boats for shipment, the sources said. - IANS The Magh Mela 2026 commenced in Prayagraj with a large influx of devotees taking the first holy dip on Paush Purnima at the Triveni Sangam. Pilgrims also gathered in Ayodhya at the Sarayu River, with saints emphasizing the event's sanctity for spiritual purification. District and divisional authorities reported smooth operations and positive feedback from attendees regarding security and facilities. The 45-day fair features six key ritual baths and is a precursor to the larger Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Melas held cyclically at the site. Pilgrims gather at Triveni Sangam for the first sacred bath of the 45-day Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj, seeking purification and divine blessings. Prayagraj, January 3 Devotees arrived in large numbers across Uttar Pradesh on the first day of Magh Mela 2026 to take a holy dip on the occasion of Paush Purnima, marking the first 'snan' of the religious congregation here on Saturday. In Ayodhya, pilgrims gathered in huge numbers at the banks of the Sarayu River from early morning to perform the sacred bath, chanting hymns and offering prayers. At Prayagraj, devotees thronged the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, to participate in the auspicious ritual. Saints and seers described the Magh Mela as a deeply sacred occasion. "During the Magh Mela, devotees visit to seek purification, spiritual upliftment and divine blessings. Taking a holy dip these days is believed to cleanse sins, purify the soul and bring divine grace," a sadhu said "During the Magh Mela, devotees visit to seek purification, spiritual upliftment, and divine blessing...Taking a holy dip on these days is believed to cleanse sins, purify the soul, and bring divine grace..." Another Sadhu said, "...The Magh Mela is very sacred... Its sanctity is equivalent to that of the Mahakumbh" A devotee said, "People have come in large numbers to take a holy dip. Proper security arrangements have been made...The arrangements here are very good..." Devotees expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration. "People have come in large numbers to take a holy dip. Proper security arrangements have been made, and the facilities here are very good," a devotee said. District Magistrate Manish Kumar Varma said, "Everything is going on smoothly. All arrangements are in place. Devotees are taking a dip at every ghat. No one is facing any inconvenience. People can come and go from the Sangam Kshetra with ease. People have come here in good numbers and are doing 'snaan'..." Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agarwal said, "We talked to all the devotees who have come here, and they told us that they are happy with the arrangements and they are conveniently offering prayers and doing 'snaan'... We have made all possible arrangements, and the situation is normal here..." Authorities said a steady inflow of pilgrims is expected to continue in the coming days as the Magh Mela progresses. The Magh Mela of Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), which takes place at the divine Triveni Sangam, the place of confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati, is one of the largest pilgrimages in India. The pilgrimage is named after the Hindu month of Magh, which typically falls in January-February. The Prayag Magh Mela is a 45-day pilgrimage that begins on Paush Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Paush) and ends on Mahashivaratri, spanning the entire month of Magh. The mela commences on the full moon day of Paush with the snan (ritual dip). Over the course of the fair, there are a total of six ritual snans, viz. on Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti (beginning of Magh), Shattila Ekadashi (day of the waning of moon- Krishna Pakhsa- in the month of Magh), Mauni Amavasya (the no moon day of Magh when people take vow of silence), Basant Panchami (also called Magha Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of the waxing phase of moon in Magh), Achala Saptami (seventh day of waxing phase of moon in Magh, celebrated as the birthday of Lord Surya), Jaya Ekadashi (the day of fasting observed on the eleventh day of the waxing phase of moon in Magh) and Magh Purnima (the full moon day in Magh). The annual Magh Mela transforms into the Kumbh Mela every fourth year at Prayag, and into the Maha Kumbh Mela every twelfth year, drawing millions of devout pilgrims to the grand event. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics in Delhi, marking their return to India after 125 years abroad. He emphasized that the wisdom of Lord Buddha is timeless and belongs to all humanity, not confined to any era. The Prime Minister detailed the relics' profound global impact, citing massive public devotion during exhibitions in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. He framed their return as reclaiming a part of India's soul and civilizational heritage from a colonial past. PM Modi inaugurates the Piprahwa Buddha relics exposition, marking their return after 125 years. He calls Buddha's wisdom timeless for all humanity. New Delhi, Jan 3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics associated with Bhagwan Buddha at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in Delhi on Saturday. PM Modi said that the wisdom of Lord Buddha and the path shown by him are not confined to any era but for all humanity and are timeless. Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa relics occupy a pivotal place in the archaeological study of early Buddhism. They are among the earliest and most historically significant relic deposits directly associated with Lord Buddha. Archaeological evidence links the Piprahwa site to ancient Kapilavastu, widely believed to be the place where Gautam Buddha spent his early life before renunciation. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, "The heritage of India has returned to the country after a wait of 125 years. From today, Indians will be able to have darshan and seek blessings of these pure relics of Lord Buddha." "The beginning of 2026 itself is filled with this joyous festival, which is very inspiring. And it is also my fortune that my first public event of 2026 is starting at the feet of Lord Buddha. I pray that with the blessings of Lord Buddha, 2026 brings peace and prosperity across the world," he said. The Prime Minister said that the venue of the exhibition -- Qila Rai Pithora -- is "special" and serves as a "testament to India's glorious history". "Almost a thousand years ago, rulers of that era established a fortified and well-protected city within the walls of this historic fort. Today, in the same historic precinct, we are connecting with a spiritual and sacred chapter of our history," he said. "I examined this historical exhibition in detail. We are all blessed to have the sacred relics of Lord Buddha among us. Their journey from India and their return to India, both these phases in themselves carry a profound lesson -- slavery is not only political and economic; it also erodes our heritage," PM Modi added. He said that the same happened with the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, when they were taken from India during the colonial rule and for nearly 125 years they remained abroad. "For those who took them, they were mere lifeless antiques, and so they tried to auction these sacred relics in the international market. But for India, these sacred relics are a part of our soul, an integral aspect of our civilisation. Therefore, India resolved that we would not allow their public auction," he added. PM Modi further thanked the Godrej Group, stating, "With their cooperation, these sacred relics associated with Lord Buddha have now returned to his birthplace, his land of contemplation, his land of great enlightenment, and his land of Mahaparinirvana." "The wisdom of Lord Buddha and the path shown by him are not confined to any era but are for all humanity and timeless," he said. "We have repeatedly experienced this sentiment over the past few months. Over the last few months, wherever the sacred relics of Lord Buddha travelled, they sparked waves of faith and reverence," PM Modi said, citing examples of Thailand, Mongolia, Russia and Vietnam. "In Thailand, where such sacred relics were placed at various locations, more than 40 lakh devotees paid their respects in less than a month. In Vietnam, public devotion was so immense that the exhibition period had to be extended - nearly two crore people across the country paid homage to the Buddha relics. In Mongolia, thousands waited for hours outside the Gandan Monastery; many even sought to touch the Indian representatives simply because they came from the land of Buddha," he added. He mentioned that in Russia's Kalmykia region, over 1.5 lakh devotees visited the sacred relics in just one week, which PM Modi said is more than the region's total population. "In various countries where these events were organised, from the common public to heads of governments, everyone was united in equal reverence. Lord Buddha belongs to all, and Lord Buddha unites everyone," the Prime Minister added. PM Modi said that he considers himself "very fortunate" and that Lord Buddha "holds a very deep place" in his life. "I was born in a region that was a great centre of Buddhist learning. Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, is my constituency today. Even before I entered government responsibilities, I visited Buddhist pilgrimage sites as a pilgrim. As Prime Minister, I have been privileged to travel to Buddhist pilgrimage sites worldwide," he said, giving examples of Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal, and his visits to Japan, Mongolia and China. The recent repatriation of the relics has been made possible through sustained government efforts, institutional collaboration, and innovative public-private partnerships. Organised thematically, the exhibition features a reconstructed interpretive model inspired by the Sanchi stupa at its centre, bringing together authentic relics from national collections and the repatriated gems. Other sections include Piprahwa Revisited; Vignettes of the Life of Buddha; Intangible in the Tangible: The Aesthetic Language of Buddhist Teachings; Expansion of Buddhist Art and Ideals Beyond Borders; and Repatriation of Cultural Artefacts: The Continuing Endeavour. To deepen public engagement and understanding, the exposition is supported by an extensive audio-visual experience, including immersive films, digital reconstructions, interpretive projections, and multimedia presentations. - IANS U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been indicted on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy. The charges follow a U.S. military operation that captured the couple, which President Donald Trump announced on social media. Russia has condemned the strike and capture as an "act of armed aggression," calling the U.S. pretexts untenable. The situation has prompted calls for an urgent UN Security Council meeting amid escalating international tensions. U.S. Attorney General announces narco-terrorism charges against captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as Russia condemns the operation as armed aggression. Washington DC, January 3 US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. In a post on X she said, "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers." The Attorney General's remarks come as US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US President posted on Truth Social. Meanwhile, in what can be seen as the polarisation the world is likely to see in the next few weeks, the Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. In a statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry said, "This morning, the US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This development gives rise to deep concern and warrants condemnation. The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Ideologized animosity has prevailed over pragmatic engagement, as well as over any readiness to build relations based on trust and predictability." The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. - ANI India's Ministry of External Affairs has advised citizens against non-essential travel to Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces. The advisory urges Indians already in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution and maintain contact with the embassy in Caracas. Maduro and his wife face US indictments for alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies. The operation has heightened regional tensions, prompting international safety warnings. India issues travel advisory for Venezuela after US captures President Maduro. Embassy contact details and safety guidelines provided for Indian nationals. New Delhi, January 4 The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday advised Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela amid the unfolding situation in the South American nation. It also urged Indians currently in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution, remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas, and share an emergency helpline number for assistance. "In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls)," MEA said in a statement. The advisory comes after Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement, leading to heightened tensions and uncertainty. Earlier, Donald Trump said that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were captured in Caracas during a US military operation, have been indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York, and will face trial. He said that American forces, working with law enforcement agencies, captured Maduro and his wife in a night-time operation. While addressing a press conference in Florida, Trump said, "No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday or frankly, in just a short period of time. All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with US law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night." "It was dark, and it was deadly, but he was captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom now face American justice. Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York," he said. According to an unsealed indictment shared by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on X, Maduro and Flores face multiple counts of statutory allegations related to "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies". The capture of Maduro comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. - ANI Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan says Gen Z is scared about AI and the job market, but he has words of encouragement. The bank recently hired 2,000 top grads from 200,000 applications, the executive said in an interview with CBS News Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation. As companies cite AI for widespread layoffs, Moynihan acknowledges that many young people feel scared and uncertain about the future. Mehr von Yahoo Scout Why does Moynihan criticize Fed rate focus? How is AI affecting Gen Z job prospects? What factors create Gen Z's hiring challenges? What advice does Bank of America's CEO offer Gen Z? My advice to those kids, if you ask them if theyre worried about, they say theyre worried aboutthese are kids that we hire, 200,000 applications, we hire 2000 people. Moynihan added that if you ask them if theyre scared, they say they are. And I understand that. But I say, harness it Itll be your world ahead of you, Moynihan said. Moynihan said its too soon to say how AI will play out in the job market, but he hopes to use efficiencies created by the technology to invest in more growth. We want to drive more growth. So the AI will be spentthe efficiencies from AI will be spent to keep growing the company, I think, he said. Moynihan also said Americans are focusing too much on the Fed and its impact on the economy. He argued that the private sector is a more important driver of economic growth. The idea that we are, like, hanging on the thread by the Fed moving rates 25 basis points, it seems to me weve gotten out of whack, he said. Gen Zs hiring fears Jerome Powell and multiple economists have validated that Gen Z is facing a genuine hiring nightmare, especially for recent college graduates trying to land their first white-collar job. This is tied to a lowhire, lowfire labor market, the rapid automation of entrylevel roles, and a tech industry whose workforce is getting older as Gen Zs presence shrinks. In September 2025, Powell used his postmeeting press conference to highlight an interesting labor market where kids coming out of college and younger people, minorities, are having a hard time finding jobs. He emphasized that the job-finding rate is very, very low even as layoffs remain subdued, creating a stagnant lowhiring, lowfiring environment that is particularly punishing for new entrants. Asked whether AI was to blame, he called it probably a factor but not the main driver, suggesting that slower overall job creation plus some AI substitution is squeezing young workers at precisely the moment they try to get on the ladder. Employers are using AI to automate the predictable, processheavy tasks that once justified many junior roles, especially in corporate and tech settings. Platforms that track earlycareer hiring, like Handshake, point to a double squeeze: entrylevel job postings in corporate roles are down roughly 15% year over year, while references to AI in job descriptions have jumped about 400% over two years. Economists like Dartmouths David Blanchflower tell Fortune that even when young people do find work, they report rising despair and a pervasive this job sucks sentiment, compounding the effect of higher recentgrad unemployment rates compared with the national average. Indian medical student associations have urgently appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the safety of nearly 3,000 Indian students in Iran amid widespread violent protests. The letters highlight severe anxiety among students and families, noting their dependence on local infrastructure makes them particularly vulnerable. The associations have requested proactive measures, including emergency helplines, timely advisories, and contingency evacuation plans from the Ministry of External Affairs. The appeals come as Iran faces significant unrest over economic issues, with international figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump also commenting on the situation. Nearly 3,000 Indian medical students in Iran seek government intervention for safety amid violent protests. Student bodies appeal for evacuation plans and helplines. New Delhi, January 3 As violent protests continue to spread across Iran, the All India Medical Students Association foreign student wing on Saturday appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene, saying nearly 3,000 Indian medical students are currently staying in the Middle Eastern country as unrest escalates across multiple cities. In a letter addressed to Jaishankar, Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the All India Medical Students Association, expressed concern over the safety of Indian students amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation. "On behalf of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), I wish to draw your kind and urgent attention to the prevailing situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the growing concern regarding the safety and well-being of nearly 3,000 Indian medical students currently pursuing medical education there," the letter said. The letter noted that students and their families are facing severe anxiety due to the unstable situation on the ground. "In view of the evolving regional circumstances and prevailing uncertainty, Indian medical students and their families across the country are experiencing considerable anxiety. These students are enrolled in various medical universities across Iran and largely depend on local infrastructure, hostels and academic institutions, making them particularly vulnerable during periods of instability," it added. AIMSA urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take precautionary steps, including setting up emergency helplines and preparing evacuation plans if required. "AIMSA humbly requests the Government of India, through the Ministry of External Affairs, to closely monitor the situation and take proactive and precautionary measures to ensure the safety, security, and uninterrupted communication of Indian medical students in Iran. Strengthening coordination with the Indian Embassy, establishing dedicated emergency helplines, issuing timely advisories, and preparing contingency or evacuation plans, if required, would provide much-needed reassurance to students and their families," the letter stated. The appeal comes as Iran witnesses widespread protests over rising prices and economic hardship, with clashes reported between protestors and security forces. Earlier on Friday, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his urgent and immediate intervention to ensure the safety, security, dignity, and welfare of Indian students, particularly from the Kashmir Valley, currently studying in Iran. The situation in Iran was marked by widespread unrest, mass protests, violent crackdowns, and reported killings across several regions of the country. In the letter addressed to the Prime Minister, JKSA expressed deep anxiety and grave concern over the plight of hundreds and thousands of Indian students, a majority of them from Jammu and Kashmir, who are pursuing MBBS and other professional medical courses in Iran due to its economically viable education system and long-standing academic ties with India. Meanwhile, amid the unrest, US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Tehran earlier this week, threatening possible intervention if Iranian authorities target peaceful protesters. "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote in a post on Tuesday (local time). Following Trump's remarks, Iran's former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi publicly thanked the US President for backing the protesters, saying Iranians are risking their lives to end decades of repression. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "President Trump, thank you for your strong leadership and support of my compatriots. This warning you have issued to the criminal leaders of the Islamic Republic gives my people greater strength and hope--hope that, at last, a President of the United States is standing firmly by their side. As they risk their lives to end this regime's 46-year reign of chaos and terror, they send me with a responsibility and a message: to seek the relationship Iran once had with America that brought peace and prosperity to the Middle East." Former Iranian Queen Farah Pahlavi also voiced support for the protests, calling on security forces to side with the people. "We are a people with a proud history of culture, art, intellect and innovation. Iran was once a beacon of hope and progress and it will be again. The future belongs to those who dare to dream, who dare to fight for a better tomorrow... I call on the security forces to join the people in this movement," she posted on X. Iran has, however, strongly pushed back against Trump's remarks. Its permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, demanding condemnation of what he called "unlawful threats" by the US President. "Any attempt to incite, encourage or legitimise internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention is a gross violation of the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Iravani wrote in the letter, published by state-run IRNA. He warned that Iran would respond firmly and held Washington responsible for any escalation. "The United States of America bears full responsibility for any consequences arising from these illegal threats and any subsequent escalation of tensions," he said. According to IRNA, protests continued on Friday in cities including Qom, Marvdasht, Yasuj, Mashhad and Hamedan, with demonstrations also reported in several parts of Tehran. The unrest intensified after shopkeepers in Tehran went on strike over soaring prices and prolonged economic stagnation. IRNA reported that at least nine people have been killed and 44 arrested so far. - ANI UAE Completes Troop Withdrawal from Yemen, Ends Counter-Terrorism Mission The UAE Ministry of Defence has announced the complete return of all its armed forces personnel from Yemen. This action finalizes a previously declared decision to end the nation's remaining counter-terrorism operations in the country. The withdrawal process was executed with a focus on ensuring the safety of all military personnel involved. The ministry emphasized the operation was conducted in coordination with all relevant partners. Key Points: UAE Armed Forces Complete Return from Yemen Full troop withdrawal completed Conclusion of counter-terrorism missions Coordinated with partners Ensured personnel safety Jan 3, 2026 1 min read Ministry of Defence announces completion of UAE Armed Forces' return from Yemen UAE Ministry of Defence announces full troop withdrawal from Yemen, concluding counter-terrorism missions in coordination with partners. "The return of UAE forces follows the implementation of a previously announced decision to conclude the remaining counter-terrorism missions. - UAE Ministry of Defence" Abu Dhabi, January 3 The Ministry of Defence has announced the completion of the return of all UAE Armed Forces personnel from the Republic of Yemen. The Ministry stated that the return of UAE forces follows the implementation of a previously announced decision to conclude the remaining counter-terrorism missions. The process has been conducted in a manner that ensured the safety of all personnel and was carried out in coordination with all relevant partners. - ANI Share this article: President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a night-time operation in Caracas. They have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies. Trump stated they are currently being transported and will face trial on American soil, with the location to be decided between New York and Florida. The capture marks a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Venezuela. President Trump announces the capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro and his wife, indicted in New York for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies. Palm Beach, January 4 President Donald Trump on Saturday said that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were captured in Caracas during a US military operation, have been indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York, and will face trial. He said that American forces, working with law enforcement agencies, captured Maduro and his wife in a night-time operation. While addressing a press conference in Florida, Trump said, "No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday or frankly, in just a short period of time. All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with US law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night." Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Venezuela's Caracas and flown out of their country in a joint operation that also included Intelligence and US law enforcement agencies. "It was dark, and it was deadly, but he was captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom now face American justice. Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York," he said. Trump said that Maduro and his wife "will soon face the full might of American justice and stand trial on American soil" for their alleged role in drug trafficking, adding that they are currently being taken to New York, with authorities to decide later whether the trial will be held in New York or Florida. "We will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent, and safe. The illegitimate dictator Maduro was the kingpin of a vast criminal network responsible for trafficking colossal amounts of deadly and illicit drugs into the United States. Maduro and his wife will soon face the full might of American justice and stand trial on American soil. Right now, they're on a ship that will be heading to, ultimately, New York. And then a decision will be made, I assume, between New York and Miami or Florida," he said. According to an unsealed indictment shared by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on X, Maduro and Flores face multiple counts of statutory allegations related to "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies". The capture of Maduro comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Earlier, Trump released the first picture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on board the US Warship Iwo Jima. In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, US President Trump said, "Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima." - ANI North Korean leader Kim Jong-un conducted his first "field guidance" of 2026, inspecting a major greenhouse farm under construction on Sinuiju's Wihwa Island. This marks his fifth visit to the site, which aims to transform an area devastated by 2024 summer floods into a model agricultural town. His emphasis on people's welfare and regional transformation signals policy priorities ahead of the expected ninth party congress in February. The inspection underscores Pyongyang's efforts to showcase progress on national economic goals set at the previous party congress. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a greenhouse farm construction site in Sinuiju, highlighting post-flood recovery and national welfare goals ahead of a key party congress. Seoul, Jan 3 North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected the construction site of a greenhouse farm in the northwestern city of Sinuiju for his first 'field guidance' of the year, Pyongyang's state media reported on Saturday. Kim traveled by his private train to the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm the previous day, whose construction is nearing completion, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korea has been building a large greenhouse farm in vast areas of Wihwa Island, an islet in Sinuiju where the North suffered a great amount of flood damage during the summer of 2024. Since attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the farm in February 2024, Kim has visited the construction site five times, with the most recent visit made in late November, Yonhap news agency reported. In a speech, Kim praised the builders for working hard "to transform the island area, once severely hit by natural disaster, into an ideal greenhouse town symbolic of the new era in more than 500 days," according to the KCNA. "The huge construction project and assembly of greenhouse equipment have been completed perfectly and landscaping of the area is now progressing vigorously at the final stage," he added. Kim also expressed his "firm will to more ambitiously plan the undertakings for the promotion of the wellbeing of the people across the country and radical transformation of the regions and strenuously implement them," according to the report. Kim's choice of the site as the first field inspection of the year comes as Pyongyang steps up efforts to fulfill national goals set out at the 2021 party congress ahead of the upcoming ninth party congress. At the next congress, which South Korea's intelligence authorities expect to be held in February, Pyongyang is expected to present another five-year plan outlining its major policy stances, similar to the previous five-year economic development plan adopted at the 2021 session. - IANS The National Stock Exchange (NSE) held an Investor Awareness Programme in Rajkot, Gujarat, emphasizing financial literacy as the foundation for the state's growing investor base. MD & CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan stated that informed investors make better decisions, contributing to long-term wealth creation and safe participation in India's growth. Gujarat, with 1.1 crore registered investors and a 17% CAGR, saw Rajkot account for over 55% of new state registrations in 2025. The NSE has conducted over 16,000 such programmes this fiscal, covering topics from market basics to scam prevention, alongside SEBI's newly introduced 'SEBI Check' verification mechanism. NSE CEO highlights investor awareness in Rajkot. Gujarat has 1.1 crore investors, with 28% women. Learn about fraud prevention and SEBI Check. New Delhi, Jan 3 Investor awareness is the strongest foundation for Gujarat's growing investor base, said Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of the National Stock Exchange of India. Speaking at an Investor Awareness Programme (IAP) in Gujarat's Rajkot, the MD & CEO of the stock exchange said that the initiative can empower citizens and caution them against fraud. "At NSE, we believe that informed investors make better decisions, which contribute to long-term economic wealth creation. Through initiatives like this Investor Awareness Programme, we aim to empower citizens with the right knowledge, caution them against frauds, and help them participate safely in India's growth story," Chauhan said. The event aimed to enhance financial literacy, promote responsible investing, and strengthen investor awareness, according to a statement from the NSE. Gujarat has about 1.1 crore registered investors, making it the thirdlargest state by investor base with an 8.7 per cent share of India's total investors and a 10year compound annual growth rate of over 17 per cent in the number of investors. About 11 lakh new investors were added in 2025, and Rajkot accounted for more than 55 per cent of new registrations in the state. About 28 per cent of investors from Gujarat are women, higher than the national average of 25 per cent. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from new and existing investors, professionals, and students. NSE has conducted over 16,000 Investor Awareness Programmes in FY25-26, so far reaching 8.3 lakh participants across the country. These initiatives span students, women entrepreneurs, rural investors, armed forces personnel, and first-time investors, the statement said. Sessions included the foundation of financial and securities markets, suitable financial products, rights and responsibilities of investors, grievance redressal mechanisms, fraud and scam prevention, etc. Recently, SEBI has introduced the 'SEBI Check' mechanism, where investors can either scan a QR code or manually enter the bank details of any SEBI-registered intermediary to check if the UPI ID or bank account is authentic. - IANS NTPC has sanctioned 23.16 crore under its CSR program to upgrade radiotherapy services at the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute's Siddhpur centre. The funding will be used to procure and install a high-energy Linear Accelerator, enhancing advanced cancer treatment capabilities in the region. This initiative reflects NTPC's commitment to strengthening critical healthcare infrastructure through meaningful CSR interventions. The agreement follows NTPC's recent collaboration with IIT Bombay on India's first geological CO2 storage well, demonstrating the company's dual focus on healthcare and environmental innovation. NTPC allocates 23.16 crore CSR funds to upgrade radiotherapy at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute with a new Linear Accelerator for enhanced cancer care. Mumbai, Jan 3 NTPC Limited has signed a memorandum of agreement with Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute for the upgradation of radiotherapy services, it was announced on Saturday. According to a Ministry of Power statement, NTPC's Western Region-I Headquarters, Mumbai, signed the MoA. Under this CSR initiative, NTPC has sanctioned Rs 23.16 crore for the upgradation of radiotherapy services at the Siddhpur Satellite Centre of GCRI, Ahmedabad. "The support will be utilised for the procurement and installation of a high-energy Linear Accelerator (LINAC), significantly enhancing advanced cancer treatment capabilities and improving access to quality radiotherapy services for patients in the region," according to the official statement. This reaffirms NTPC's commitment to inclusive development and its continued focus on strengthening critical healthcare infrastructure through meaningful CSR interventions. The MoA was exchanged between Dr. Shashank Pandya, Director, GCRI, and E. Satya Phani Kumar, Regional Executive Director (West-I), NTPC, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. Late last month, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and NTPC completed the drilling of India's first well for testing the viability of geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in sedimentary formations such as coal and sandstone. The collaboration, launched under the aegis of NITI Aayog in November 2022, brought together NETRA - the R&D wing of NTPC, and the Department of Earth Sciences, IIT Bombay, to build India's first geological storage atlas for coalbed methane-rich coalfields. The atlas provided layer-by-layer simulation results with experimentally validated inputs for quantifying the potential for geological CO2 storage in four major coalfields. The country achieved its first dedicated well, reaching a depth of 1200m in September, for potential CO2 storage. The drilling site in Pakri Barwadih, in the vicinity of a coal mining area in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh, was completed on November 15. - IANS The Indian Army continues relief and reconstruction in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, constructing critical Bailey bridges to restore cyclone-damaged highways. Senior Sri Lankan military officials have commended the efforts, highlighting strong jointmanship with local authorities. Concurrently, the Indian Navy, with ships already in region, was swiftly redeployed for disaster relief, delivering over 1,100 tonnes of essential supplies. These ongoing operations underscore India's commitment to regional cooperation and its Neighbourhood First policy following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. Indian Army Engineers construct Bailey bridges in Sri Lanka post-Cyclone Ditwah, restoring critical highways and showcasing strong bilateral cooperation. Colombo, Jan 3 The Indian Army is continuing its relief and reconstruction operations in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island nation in November last year. After successfully launching a critical dual carriageway Bailey bridge at Kilinochchi in Jaffna, Indian Army Engineers have now begun site improvement work for the construction of a 100-foot Bailey Bridge at KM-21 in Kandy. The bridge is being built to restore road connectivity along the B-492 Highway, which was severely damaged during the cyclone. Major General Rohan Medagoda, General Officer Commanding of the Sri Lanka Army's 11 Division, along with Brigadier CD Wikramanayaka, Field Chief Engineer of the Sri Lankan Army, visited the bridge site and commended the efforts of the troops. They praised the assistance extended by the Indian Army and highlighted the strong jointmanship between Indian Army Engineers and the Sri Lankan Road Development Authority in undertaking the challenging task of restoring critical infrastructure. At the same time, the Engineer Task Force is also assisting the Sri Lankan Road Development Authorities in preparatory work for the launch of a Hybrid Bailey Bridge at Chilaw, located around 60 km north of Colombo, further strengthening connectivity in cyclone-affected regions. The ongoing efforts underscore India's steadfast commitment to regional cooperation, humanitarian assistance and its Neighbourhood First policy. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Navy has honoured eight foreign naval vessels, including two from India, for providing immediate assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya personally expressed gratitude to diplomatic representatives of the assisting countries, acknowledging their timely support during a major crisis. Cyclone Ditwah triggered widespread flooding, landslides and large-scale infrastructure damage across Sri Lanka, overwhelming the country's disaster-response mechanisms. Indian Navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri were among the first foreign vessels to respond to the emergency. Both warships were already present in Sri Lankan waters for the International Fleet Review 2025, organised to mark the Sri Lankan Navy's 75th anniversary, when the cyclone struck. Following the cyclone's landfall on November 27 last year, the vessels were swiftly redeployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on the very day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall, delivering more than 1,100 tonnes of relief supplies. The assistance included food rations, tents, tarpaulins, clothing, hygiene kits and water purification equipment, providing critical support to affected communities across Sri Lanka. - IANS The UN Secretary-General expressed deep alarm over the US military action in Venezuela, emphasizing it sets a dangerous precedent and violates international law. China strongly condemned the strikes, calling on the US to stop violating other countries' sovereignty. Brazilian President Lula da Silva denounced the attack as a violation of international law that threatens Latin America as a zone of peace. Russia demanded immediate clarification, stating that if reports of Maduro's capture are true, it represents an unacceptable breach of Venezuela's sovereignty. The UN, China, Russia, and Brazil condemn US military strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro as a violation of international law and sovereignty. Geneva, January 3 The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Saturday that he was deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela and expressed his concern over international law not being respected. In a post on X shared by the Office of Guterres, it was mentioned, "The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today's United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region." The statement further said, "Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect - by all - of international law, including the UN Charter. He's deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected. The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law." Earlier, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday strongly condemned American strikes into Venezuela and gave a call to US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop "violating other countries' sovereignty and security." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday condemned the US strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro. He called the attack a violation of international law and said that the action recalls the worst moments of interference in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean, threatening the preservation of the region as a zone of peace. The Russian Federation on Saturday issued an additional statement on its response to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The Russian side said if the reports were true, it was an unacceptable violation of Venezuela's sovereignty. In its statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said," We are extremely concerned by reports that the President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro and his spouse were forcibly taken out of the country during today's aggressive actions by the United States. We demand immediate clarification of these reports. If such actions did in fact take place, they represent an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state, the respect for which is a fundamental principle of international law." The Russian Foreign Ministry also called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. The United States carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown out of the country. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that America would run Venezuela until a safe, proper and judicious transition is ensured. He made the remarks during a press conference from Palm Beach, Florida as he briefed on the American strikes on Venezuela. Noting that the United States' action in Venezuela was "one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history", President Donald Trump said on Saturday that no nation in the world could achieve what America achieved. Trump said US companies will fix the broken oil infrastructure in Venezuela. "As everyone knows, the oil business in Venezuela has been a bust, a total bust for a long period of time. They were pumping almost nothing by comparison to what they could have been pumping and what could have taken place. We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country." The US President said his administration wants "peace, justice and liberty for the great people of Venezuela". "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition. We want peace, justice and liberty for the great people of Venezuela... We can't take a chance if somebody else takes over Venezuela, doesn't have the good of Venezuelan people in mind. We're not going to let that happen. We are there now but we are going to stay until such time till proper transition takes place. We're going to run it essentially until such time," he said. Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement.US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," she said in a post on X. "On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers," she added. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid an increase in tensions between the United States and Venezuela. - ANI Dense fog severely disrupted life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, reducing visibility to 25 meters and impacting airport operations and rail services. The Meteorological Department forecasts the intense cold wave and fog will continue, with temperatures expected to drop further to 1C. Hospitals are reporting a significant influx of patients suffering from cold-related illnesses, with over 100 daily cases at one major facility. Authorities have urged extreme caution on roads, advising limited travel and providing safety guidelines, as the fog is predicted to persist over plains across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Dense fog reduces visibility to 25m in Rawalpindi & Islamabad, disrupting flights, trains, and causing a surge in cold-related hospital admissions. The cold wave is forecast to continue. Islamabad, January 3 Dense fog enveloped the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting daily life as visibility dropped to as low as 25 metres in several areas before gradually improving later in the day, Dawn reported. The fog severely affected traffic movement and routine activities across both cities during the morning hours. Operations at Islamabad International Airport were also impacted, with dense fog persisting between 5 am and 8 am. Officials from the Meteorological Department said the cold wave accompanied by fog is likely to continue across large parts of the country, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, on Saturday as well, according to Dawn. Speaking to Dawn, the official said the intensity of the cold wave and fog is expected to gradually ease towards the end of the week. He said continental air prevailing over most regions has led to cold and dry weather conditions, while upper hilly areas are likely to remain extremely cold during morning and night hours. The official added that moderate to dense fog is forecast over the plains of Punjab, upper Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with no immediate indication of rainfall in the coming days. Foggy conditions may continue to affect the twin cities during early mornings and late nights, he said. Minimum temperatures in Rawalpindi and Islamabad were recorded at 4 degrees Celsius. "The temperature will further drop to 1 degree Celsius in the coming two to three days," the official said. The prolonged cold wave and persistent fog have worsened living conditions in the twin cities, with residents in several localities also reporting low gas pressure. Hospitals have reported an increase in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses, Dawn reported, with doctors noting that elderly people and children are the most affected. "The majority of patients arriving at the hospital daily come with complaints related to extreme cold conditions. We have been receiving more than 100 patients on a daily basis," said a senior doctor at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. Medical experts advised the public to keep themselves warm, cover their heads and ears, and increase liquid intake, especially soups, to minimise the impact of dry cold. Rail services were also affected due to reduced visibility, with trains arriving late in Rawalpindi from Karachi and Lahore. A railcar from Lahore reached at 6:00 am instead of its scheduled arrival time of 5:00 am. "Due to low visibility, drivers were instructed to reduce speed to avoid any untoward incident," a Railways official said. Citing the Met Office forecast of moderate to dense fog over the plains of Punjab, upper Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Motorway Police warned that lane violations during foggy conditions could result in serious accidents, Dawn reported. Motorists were urged to strictly observe lane discipline, switch on fog lights, reduce speed and maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. Citizens were also advised to avoid unnecessary travel and plan journeys during daylight hours, with 10 am to 6 pm identified as relatively safer when visibility is expected to improve. The public has been advised to contact the Motorway Police helpline at 130 for guidance or assistance during fog-related disruptions, as monitoring teams remain deployed on major routes to manage traffic and ensure safety amid evolving weather conditions. - ANI A controversial underground parking project at Lahore's Nasir Bagh has been suspended following a Lahore High Court order demanding strict environmental compliance. Environmental activists opposed the plan, arguing it would destroy precious green space in a city already suffering extreme air pollution. The court requires detailed environmental impact assessments and tree protection plans before any construction can proceed. This case highlights recurring conflicts between infrastructure development and ecological preservation in Pakistan's urban planning. Lahore suspends Nasir Bagh parking project after court order, highlighting conflict between urban development and green space preservation in polluted cities. Lahore, January 3 As Lahore continues to suffocate under extreme air pollution and rising public health concerns, a controversial underground parking proposal at Nasir Bagh has been put on hold, exposing deeper flaws in Pakistan's urban planning priorities. The project was suspended after sustained opposition from environmental groups and civil society organisations, who warned that the loss of green spaces would further worsen Lahore's ecological crisis, The Express Tribune reported. According to The Express Tribune, environmental activist Imrana Tiwana, president of the Lahore Conservation Society, strongly opposed the project, arguing that converting a public park into a parking facility reflected a failure of sustainable planning. She maintained that in a city already choking on toxic air, authorities should promote cleaner transport systems rather than sacrifice scarce green areas. Tiwana noted that Lahore has several alternative locations where parking infrastructure could be developed without destroying public parks. Following the public outcry, the project was halted on the orders of the Lahore High Court. Shahid Karim directed authorities to strictly comply with environmental laws before undertaking any construction at public or historic sites. The court demanded detailed environmental impact assessments, legal clearances and clear plans for protecting trees, warning that development could not proceed until all requirements were met. Earlier feasibility studies prepared by NESPAK identified 123 trees, including neem, peepal, sheesham and date palms, that were proposed for relocation within Nasir Bagh. Similar disputes have arisen in past infrastructure projects across Lahore, including road expansions and transport initiatives, many of which stalled due to large-scale tree cutting and environmental objections, The Express Tribune reported. Urban planning expert Obaidullah Nadeem of the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, said environmental impact assessments must be mandatory for all major projects in Pakistan's cities. He recommended planting at least four trees for every one removed and urged authorities to plan large-scale plantation drives years in advance under Lahore's master plan. Meanwhile, officials from the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) said the existing policy does not allow tree cutting, asserting that no environmental approvals would be issued for such actions. Critics, however, argue that repeated court interventions and cost overruns reflect institutional failure rather than judicial obstruction, The Express Tribune reported. - ANI Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRO) is one of the 10 Best New Penny Stocks to Invest In. On December 16, Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage of Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRO), assigning the stock a Speculative Buy rating and setting the price target at $2.75. Cantor Fitzgeralds analyst told investors in a research note that the company is making progress on its 100%-owned Autazes potash mining project. The firm noted that Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRO) is targeting initial production in 2030 or later. Cantor Fitzgerald pointed out that this project will supply potash to Brazil, which is the biggest importer of the nutrient in the world. Potash is essential for improving agricultural productivity. Is Brazil Potash (GRO) One of the Best New Penny Stocks to Invest In? Also on December 16, Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRO) reported that Potassio do Brasil Ltda., its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, has received official registration from SUFRAMA, the federal authority that is responsible for managing tax incentive programs under the Manaus Free Trade Zone (ZFM) framework in the Western Amazonas Region. With this registration, Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRO) becomes eligible to operate under SUFRAMA-administered tax incentive procedures, subject to rules, approvals and project-specific authorizations that apply. The company believes that access to these federal tax incentive regimes could lead to approximately $94 million in estimated tax savings during the construction phase, assuming all requirements and approvals that apply are met. Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRO) noted that this milestone supports key financial assumptions in the projects economic model and reflects continued support from Brazilian federal authorities. Brazil Potash Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRO) is a fertilizer company focused on developing the Autazes Project to supply sustainable fertilizers to Brazil, one of the worlds largest agricultural exporters. While we acknowledge the potential of GRO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Best Gold Mining Companies to Invest In Now and 13 Best Fast Food Stocks to Buy. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Actor Paramvir Singh Cheema revealed his father's emphatic and proud reaction upon learning he was selected for "Border 2." He expressed deep personal significance in joining the iconic "Border" legacy, including singing its famous songs. Cheema shared his positive experience working with director Anurag Singh and co-star Sunny Deol, whom he admires. The action-packed war film, backed by prominent producers, is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 23. Actor Paramvir Singh Cheema shares his family's joy and his experience working with Sunny Deol in the upcoming war drama 'Border 2'. Mumbai, Jan 3 Actor Paramvir Singh Cheema, who will be seen essaying the role of Subedar Nishaan Singh in the highly discussed war drama, "Border 2". In his latest social media post, Chemma shared how his father reacted when he told him that he had been selected for the sequel. He said, "When i told my father that i got shortlisted for Border 2 he said ' Eh Taan Krni He Hai' (You have to do this). He was so happy my whole family and friends were so happy. This is for my friends and Family (sic)". Revealing that being a part of the 'Border' legacy holds an extremely special meaning to him, he wrote on his Instagram account, "Being a part of such an iconic film means so much to me. Never thought my journey would take me to the sets of Border, Singing iconic line 'Sandese Aate hai' , performing with Sunny Deol and such great actors." Thanking director Anurag Singh for having faith in him, Cheema added, "Thankyou @anurag_singh_films for having faith in me. It was a pleasure to work under your direction sir. Working with you was so easy as an Actor. I used to discuss alot of things with you about craft , family , work , life and found a big Brother in you. Thank-you for making me a part of such an Iconic film." During an exclusive interaction with IANS, Cheema opened up about his experience of working with Sunny Deol and the impact it had on him both personally and professionally. He told IANS, "Yes, that's true. The exciting part is that Border 2 is an action film-a full-scale war movie. It's packed with action from start to finish. I'm sharing the screen with Sunny Deol. I've always admired him because he's also Punjabi. Whenever we come from Punjab, the first place we visit is Sunny Deol's house." Backed by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, "Border 2" is set for a theatrical release on January 23. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the grand international exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics in Delhi, marking the historic reunification of Lord Buddha's gem relics repatriated after 127 years. The exhibition, titled "The Light & the Lotus," features artifacts from the 1898 and subsequent excavations, preserved in national museums. PM Modi emphasized the event's role in popularizing Buddha's teachings and deepening cultural connections with India's youth. The inauguration day also saw the Prime Minister paying tributes to social reformers Savitribai Phule and Rani Velu Nachiyar on their birth anniversaries. PM Modi inaugurates grand Piprahwa Buddha relics exhibition in Delhi, reuniting sacred artifacts repatriated after 127 years. Explore India's ancient heritage. New Delhi, January 3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics, titled "The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One," at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex here on Saturday. The exhibition marks a historic moment with the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha, repatriated after 127 years. The display also features relics, gem relics, and reliquaries unearthed during the 1898 excavation and the subsequent 1971-1975 excavations at the Piprahwa site. PM Modi had posted pictures from the exhibition and exhorted visitors to experience the exposition. "This Exposition brings together: The Piprahwa relics repatriated after more than a century. Authentic relics and archaeological materials from Piprahwa that are preserved in the collections of the National Museum, New Delhi and the Indian Museum, Kolkata. This Exposition is in line with our commitment to further popularising the noble thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha. It is also an effort to further deepen the bond between our youth and our rich culture. I would also like to appreciate everyone who worked towards the repatriation of these relics," he said. The event has drawn attention from historians, cultural enthusiasts, and Buddhist followers from across the country and abroad, showcasing India's efforts to preserve and celebrate its ancient heritage. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to Savitribai Phule and Rani Velu Nachiyar on their birth anniversary, acknowledging their inspirational contributions to society. PM Modi highlighted Savitribai Phule's contribution to transforming Indian society through service and education.In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, we remember a pioneer whose life was devoted to the transformation of society through service and education. She was committed to principles of equality, justice and compassion. She believed that education was the most powerful instrument of social change and focused on transforming lives through knowledge as well as learning. Her work in caring for the vulnerable is also noteworthy." Savitribai Phule was an Indian social reformer, educationalist, and poet from Maharashtra. She is regarded as the first female teacher of India. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women's rights in India. She is regarded as the mother of Indian feminism. Phule and her husband founded one of the first Indian girls' school in Pune, at Bhide wada in 1848. She worked to abolish the discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender. She is regarded as an important figure of the social reform movement in Maharashtra. A philanthropist and an educationist, Phule was also a prolific Marathi writer. Paying tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar, PM Modi said that through her opposition to colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone."On the birthday of Rani Velu Nachiyar, I pay my respects to her. Possessing courage and strategic acumen, she is remembered as one of India's most valiant heroines. Having risen against colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone. Her commitment to good governance and cultural pride is also commendable. Her sacrifices and visionary leadership will inspire many generations," he said. Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first woman from a royal family to have challenged the British Empire. Rani Velu Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by the combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot.Later, she escaped with her daughter, lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period, she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with the military assistance of her allies and won the battle. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to two pioneering Indian women on their birth anniversaries. He honored Savitribai Phule for her devotion to social transformation through education and equality. He also commemorated Rani Velu Nachiyar for her courageous opposition to colonial rule and assertion of Indian sovereignty. Their legacies continue to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice and empowerment. PM Modi honors Savitribai Phule, India's first female teacher, and Rani Velu Nachiyar, a queen who fought the British, on their birth anniversaries. New Delhi, January 3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to Savitribai Phule and Rani Velu Nachiyar on their birth anniversary, acknowledging their inspirational contributions to society. PM Modi highlighted Savitribai Phule's contribution to transforming Indian society through service and education. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, we remember a pioneer whose life was devoted to the transformation of society through service and education. She was committed to principles of equality, justice and compassion. She believed that education was the most powerful instrument of social change and focused on transforming lives through knowledge as well as learning. Her work in caring for the vulnerable is also noteworthy." Savitribai Phule was an Indian social reformer, educationalist, and poet from Maharashtra. She is regarded as the first female teacher of India. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women's rights in India. She is regarded as the mother of Indian feminism. Phule and her husband founded one of the first Indian girls' school in Pune, at Bhide wada in 1848. She worked to abolish the discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender. She is regarded as an important figure of the social reform movement in Maharashtra. A philanthropist and an educationist, Phule was also a prolific Marathi writer. Paying tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar, PM Modi said that through her opposition to colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone. "On the birthday of Rani Velu Nachiyar, I pay my respects to her. Possessing courage and strategic acumen, she is remembered as one of India's most valiant heroines. Having risen against colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone. Her commitment to good governance and cultural pride is also commendable. Her sacrifices and visionary leadership will inspire many generations," he said. Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first woman from a royal family to have challenged the British Empire. Rani Velu Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by the combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot. Later, she escaped with her daughter, lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period, she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with the military assistance of her allies and won the battle. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to social reformer Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary, highlighting her dedication to transforming society through education and service. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also honored her as a pioneer who linked women's empowerment to the fundamental right to education. Savitribai Phule, alongside her husband Jyotirao Phule, is celebrated for establishing India's first girls' school and tirelessly advocating for equality and justice. Her legacy continues to inspire social reform movements and remains a guiding light in the nation's journey toward empowerment and dignity for all. PM Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath honor Savitribai Phule, India's first female teacher, for her lifelong dedication to women's education and social reform. New Delhi, Jan 3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid homage to social reformer Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary, remembering her contributions to society in the field of education. Savitribai Phule, a poet and social reformer, is widely recognised as the first female teacher of modern India. Born in 1831, she was married to social activist Jyotirao Phule at the age of 10. Together with her husband, Savitribai played a crucial role in promoting women's rights and education in Maharashtra, leaving a legacy that continues to influence social reform movements throughout India. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, we remember a pioneer whose life was devoted to the transformation of society through service and education. She was committed to principles of equality, justice and compassion." "She believed that education was the most powerful instrument of social change and focused on transforming lives through knowledge as well as learning. Her work in caring for the vulnerable is also noteworthy," he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to social media and paid tributes to Savitribai, calling her the inspiration of nation-building. "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule ji, the pioneer of women's education and social reforms, I offer millions of salutations to her. Savitribai Phule ji gave a new direction to women's empowerment by linking it to women's fundamental right to education," Shah said in a post on X. "By struggling against social evils, she established the country's first girls' school and awakened society to the cause of reform. Her inspiring life will forever remain a guiding light in nation-building," he added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage to the social reformer, calling her the symbol of change and human dignity. "'Krantijyoti' Savitribai Phule ignited the flame of education, equality, and women's rights in society through her courage, struggle, and foresight. Her life is a symbol of social change and human dignity. On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, who devoted her entire life to the struggle for women's empowerment, a humble tribute to her," CM Yogi said in a post on X. Paying her tributes, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called Savitribai the "symbol of women's power and the pioneer of social reform". Taking to X, CM Gupta said, "Despite a conservative mindset and adverse circumstances, she ignited the flame of women's education with unwavering courage and firm determination. From the establishment of the country's first girls' school to her struggle against untouchability, gender discrimination, and social inequality, her efforts are etched in history in letters of gold." "The contribution of Savitribai Ji, who empowered the deprived and exploited sections through education, is unparalleled. Her life of sacrifice and her journey of social transformation will continue to inspire generations to come," she added. - IANS Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin addressed newly appointed police personnel, urging them to adopt a dual approach of firmness against crime and compassion toward the public. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics and crimes against women, linking effective policing to Tamil Nadu's reputation as a safe investment destination. Stalin highlighted that public trust hinges on every officer's conduct, noting that positive actions bring pride while a single mistake can damage the department's image. The CM also detailed extensive welfare measures for police families, reinforcing the government's support for those ensuring the state's peace and security. Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin outlines a dual police mandate: zero tolerance for crime & drugs, and compassionate, people-friendly service to uphold safety. Chennai, January 3 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Saturday congratulated newly appointed police personnel and urged them to serve the people with compassion, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. He said police should be brutal against crime and kind towards people. The Tamil Nadu CM, extending New Year 2026 greetings, said the recruits' hard work and dedication had brought them into the police force and that their social responsibility would now increase significantly. CM Stalin said people can move freely late at night and early in the morning because they are confident the police are there to protect them. He noted that Tamil Nadu is known across India as a safe state and an island of peace, and that global companies are choosing the state as a preferred investment destination. He stressed that newly appointed personnel must uphold this trust. "At the same time, even if a single police officer makes a mistake, it undermines the trust people place in the entire department. You must be mindful of this and act with utmost care. I am confident that each one of you will do so, CM said. You must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward the trafficking and sale of narcotic substances. All of you have children in your homes. You must act with personal involvement, realising that the menace of drugs, if left unchecked, could affect even our own children tomorrow. CM Stalin said, "Each of you (police) must take a personal resolution: 'In the area under my charge, I will not allow any crime to take place beyond my control.'" Emphasising that the future of Tamil Nadu lies in the hands of the police, the Chief Minister said authority must always be exercised reasonably and for the benefit of the people. He noted positive acts by police officers bring pride to the entire department, while even a single mistake can erode public trust. Citing an example, CM Stalin recalled how a woman police officer saved an injured person during last year's floods, saying that policing is inseparable from humanity and that compassion forms the foundation of bravery. He urged officers to ensure that the slogan "police are friends of the people" is reflected in their conduct. The Chief Minister said police personnel should be approachable, polite, and courteous towards the public while being firm in preventing crime. He issued a strict directive that crimes against women and children must be handled with extreme care and sensitivity, and called for zero tolerance towards narcotics trafficking. Highlighting welfare measures for police personnel, CM Stalin said weekly holidays have been introduced, insurance coverage has been doubled, medical check-ups are being conducted for personnel and their spouses, and scholarships are being provided to children of police personnel. He also discussed welfare stores, special night-patrol allowances, training programmes for women police, enhanced housing facilities, and large-scale recruitment under his government. The Chief Minister said compassionate appointments have been given to dependents of police personnel who died in service and assured that the government would continue to work for the welfare of police families. The CM also said, We will continue to do whatever is necessary for your welfare and the happiness of your families. Because you perform your duties responsibly day and night, on festivals and weekends, everyone, from the Chief Minister to the last citizen in the state, can go about their work without fear. Therefore, you must fully understand the importance of this department, the responsibility of your role, and the dignity of the khaki uniform, and serve the people with dedication. "I urge you to continue safeguarding the peace of the state and to maintain law and order without compromise. In conclusion, I would like to offer you a piece of personal advice. Those of you in the police force must maintain good physical fitness. Fitness is extremely important. Engage in regular exercise and also participate in some form of sport," he said. Urging the force to maintain law and order without compromise, CM Stalin asked police personnel to uphold the dignity of the khaki uniform and maintain good physical fitness. - ANI Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated a BJP workshop at Jaipur's Constitution Club, joined by National Organisation General Secretary BL Santosh. The workshop, featuring five sessions, aims to discuss the party's future goals and prepare a detailed development roadmap. This event coincides with the completion of two years for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government in Rajasthan, marked by a public outreach campaign highlighting government schemes. Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa praised the administration's comprehensive work across all sectors for every class of society over the past two years. CM Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurates BJP workshop in Jaipur to discuss party goals and development roadmap, marking two years of state governance. Jaipur, January 3 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma is set to inaugurate a Bharatiya Janata Party workshop at the Constitution Club in Jaipur on Saturday. The Rajasthan CM has reached the Constitution Club. He is joined by the National Organisation General Secretary, BL Santosh. The workshop will have five sessions. BJP leader Arun Chaturvedi said that CM Bhajanlal Sharma will discuss the party's future goals in the workshop. "The BJP is known for its organisation. We maintain regular communication between the party and its cadre. We believe in open discussion. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister and the party's state president, we will discuss future goals in detail," he said. BJP leader Ram Lal Sharma also confirmed the same, while speaking with ANI, said, "As per the Constitution, every party must organise workshops, events, and conclaves... In the coming days, we will prepare a roadmap for future development under the leadership and vision of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma" Recently, the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government completed its two years of governance. Marking the occasion, the BJP launched a public outreach campaign highlighting government schemes. The Deputy Chief Minister, Prem Chand Bairwa, hailed Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for his comprehensive efforts across all sectors and for every class of society over the past two years. Speaking to reporters after launch, Prem Chand said, "The BJP and double-engine government have completed 2 years. CM Bhajan Lal Sharma has worked for every sector and every class in these 2 years. The CM believes that we should present a full account of whatever work we have done before the public. We have been elected by the people so that we can develop the people and Rajasthan. For that, we are continuously making efforts." Earlier, Bhajanlal Sharma said that his government has done unprecedented work in the state over the last two years, with a strong focus on creating jobs for youth. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled portraits of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The ceremony also featured the release of a coffee table book titled 'Bharat Mata', commemorating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The event included a patriotic cultural performance by artists from the Sahitya Kala Parishad and was attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other dignitaries. Extensive security and logistical arrangements were made for the expected 1,000 attendees, emphasizing the program's significance as a national observance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveils Bharat Ratna portraits at Delhi Assembly, honoring Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya's legacy. New Delhi, Jan 3 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will unveil portraits of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Saturday. The portraits will be installed in the Assembly House as a mark of deep respect and as a lasting tribute to the monumental contributions of these two national icons to India's democracy, education, culture and public life, said Speaker Vijender Gupta. The programme will also witness the release of a coffee table book titled 'Bharat Mata', which presents Indian nationalism as expressed through painting, architecture and literature, he said. The publication is dedicated to the creative and artistic expression of India's national consciousness and commemorates 150 years of the composition of the National Song Vande Mataram, he said. In this regard, a high-level meeting was convened on Thursday by Gupta, with senior officers of various departments, including Delhi Police, said an official statement. During the high-level meeting convened for the preparations of the programme with senior officers of the Delhi Police, Public Works Department, Horticulture Department, Fire Services, Health Department, and officials of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat, the Speaker issued necessary directions to ensure proper arrangements for the smooth conduct of the programme, with special emphasis on security, crowd management, traffic regulation, parking facilities, fire safety and medical preparedness. It was informed that around 1,000 people are expected to attend the programme, and all concerned departments were instructed to maintain close coordination to ensure a safe, orderly and dignified event. The event will also be attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Padma Bhushan Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Parvesh Verma, Delhi Minister for Legislative Affairs and Mohan Singh Bisht, Deputy Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly. As part of the national observance, artists from Sahitya Kala Parishad will perform a patriotic cultural programme reflecting India's rich artistic and national heritage. - IANS Political leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, honoring her as a pioneering freedom fighter. The 18th-century queen of Sivaganga is celebrated as the first Indian ruler to wage an organized armed struggle against the British East India Company, decades before the 1857 uprising. After facing exile, she demonstrated exceptional diplomatic skill by forging a strategic alliance with Hyder Ali of Mysore to reclaim her kingdom. A trained warrior and scholar proficient in multiple languages, her legacy as 'Veeramangai' (Brave Woman) continues to symbolize courage and resistance. Honored by Rahul Gandhi & PM Modi, Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first Indian queen to fight the British. Learn about her courage, strategy, and lasting legacy. New Delhi, Jan 3 Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday paid humble tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu on her birth anniversary, stating that her courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations. Taking to social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Humble tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu on her birth anniversary." "She fought fiercely against the British and was among the first Indian queens to challenge British colonial rule. Her courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations," he added. Congress MP Manickam Tagore also paid tribute to the legendary queen on X, remembering her as one of India's earliest freedom fighters and the first Indian queen to wage war against British colonial rule. "On the birth anniversary of Rani Velu Nachiyar, we remember one of India's earliest freedom fighters and the first Indian queen to wage war against British colonial rule," Tagore said. "Born in 1730, Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga refused to submit to the East India Company-decades before the 1857 uprising and long before organised national resistance," he added. Tagore further noted that after facing exile, Rani Velu Nachiyar rebuilt her strength through strategic alliances and military support from Hyder Ali, the King of Mysore, popularly known as the 'Napoleon of South India,' demonstrating exceptional diplomatic and political vision. "With planning, training, and coordinated resistance, Rani Velu Nachiyar reclaimed Sivaganga and established independent rule," he said. "Her leadership stands as a powerful reminder that women were not just participants but pioneers of India's early anti-colonial struggles. On her birth anniversary, we honour Rani Velu Nachiyar-a symbol of courage, strategy, and resistance whose legacy deserves national recognition," he added. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, remembering her as one of India's bravest and most visionary rulers whose courage, sacrifice, and leadership continue to inspire generations. Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, "Tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary. She is remembered as one of India's most valiant warriors who embodied courage and tactical mastery." He further added, "She rose against colonial oppression and asserted the right of Indians to govern themselves. Her commitment to good governance and cultural pride is also admirable. Her sacrifice and visionary leadership will keep motivating generations." Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also took to social media 'X' and said, "Tribute to the brave Rani Velu Nachiyar on her Jayanti. A pioneer, scholar-warrior and an icon of women leadership, she challenged the rule of the British Empire and fought fiercely to reclaim independence. Her military innovation, gallantry and undying devotion for the motherland will forever remain an inspiration." Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796) was a fearless 18th-century queen of Sivaganga in present-day Tamil Nadu and is widely recognised as the first Indian ruler to wage an organised armed struggle against the British East India Company. Her unmatched bravery and resistance earned her the revered title of 'Veeramangai (Brave Woman)'. Born on January 3, 1730, in Ramanathapuram, she was the only child of Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy of the Ramnad kingdom and his wife, Rani Sakandhimuthal. As there was no male heir, Velu Nachiyar was raised like a prince and was given rigorous training in warfare and administration. She was trained in handling various weapons, horse riding, archery, and traditional martial arts such as Silambam and Valari. Apart from her martial skills, Velu Nachiyar was also a distinguished scholar. She was proficient in multiple languages, including Tamil, English, French, and Urdu, which later helped her build diplomatic alliances and understand the strategies of colonial powers. - IANS Russia, Iran, and Cuba have issued strong condemnations of a US military attack on Venezuela, labeling it a violation of sovereignty and international law. Moscow called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, insisting Latin America must remain a "zone of peace." Cuban leaders denounced the strikes as "criminal" acts of "state terrorism," while Iran urged the global community to halt the US "invasion." The condemnations follow a US operation that reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Russia, Iran, and Cuba condemn US strikes on Venezuela as a "flagrant violation" of sovereignty, urging UN action and international response. Moscow, Jan 3 Several countries across the globe, including Russia, Iran and Iran, on Saturday severely criticised the US military attack on Venezuela, calling it a "flagrant violation" of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moscow described the US action as "deeply concerning" and condemnable. "The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism and a willingness to build relationships of trust and predictability," read a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Moscow insisted that that all partners who may have grievances against each other should seek solutions through dialogue and prevent further escalation. "Latin America must remain the zone of peace it declared itself to be in 2014. And Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, outside intervention. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course of their Bolivarian leadership, aimed at protecting the national interests and sovereignty of the country," the statement added. Russia also backed the statement by the Venezuelan authorities and the leadership of Latin American countries on the urgent convening of a meeting of the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, Xinhua news agency reported, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel also on Saturday condemned what he described as the "criminal attack" by the United States against Venezuela, demanding an urgent response from the international community. In a social media post, the president said that Latin America was being brutally assaulted, and called it "state terrorism against the brave people of Venezuela and against Our America." Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also condemned the ongoing US military aggression against Venezuela on Saturday. In a message posted on social media, the diplomat said the bombings and military actions against Caracas and other localities in the country are cowardly acts against a nation that has not attacked the United States or any other country. Iran's Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the US military attack on Venezuela, calling it a "flagrant violation" of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a statement, the ministry described the attack as an "act of aggression" and a clear breach of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law prohibiting the use of force against sovereign states. Earlier on Saturday, the United States launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of Venezuela," according to a post by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account. Iran reaffirmed Venezuela's right to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self-determination, and urged the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibility by immediately halting what it described as a US "invasion" of the country. The remarks come amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States. On Friday, Tehran said it would "forcefully reject" any interference in its internal affairs after Trump warned that Washington would act if Iran "kills peaceful protesters." Protests have erupted since Sunday in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the national currency, the rial. - IANS Lhuan-dre Pretorius announced his return to form with a blistering, unbeaten 98 to propel the Paarl Royals to a competitive total. In a dramatic finish, seamer Ottniel Baartman defended 15 runs in the final over, with the winning runs denied by mere inches on the last ball. The Royals' victory was set up by a 100-run opening partnership and a key three-wicket spell from Sikandar Raza that disrupted MI Cape Town's chase. This thrilling one-run win marks a major statement for the Royals in the SA20 Western Cape derby. Lhuan-dre Pretorius' unbeaten 98 sets up a last-ball thriller as Paarl Royals defend 15 in the final over to beat MI Cape Town by one run in SA20. Paarl, Jan 3 Lhuan-dre Pretorius' SA20 season four burst into life with an unbeaten 98 to drive Paarl Royals to a thrilling one-run victory over MI Cape Town in the Western Cape derby at Boland Park. Royals' seamer Ottniel Baartman had 15 runs to defend in the final over, and after Kagiso Rabada smashed the third delivery for six over long off, it seemed the momentum had swung MI Cape Town's way. But Baartman (4/51) had Rabada caught on the boundary the next ball before the equation was reduced to MI Cape Town requiring six off the final delivery for victory. George Linde made good contact by carving a length delivery over the covers, but the ball fell just inches short of the boundary rope which sent the Royals faithful into a frenzy. Pretorius had endured a quiet start to the competition in the first couple of matches, but the league's leading scorer of last season was back at his beloved home ground. The teenager was back to his belligerent best, cracking 10 boundaries and two sixes during his 65-ball stay at the crease. The Royals faithful were spurring Pretorius on to a maiden T20 century, but it was not to be, with Rabada delivering a dot ball to close out the Royals innings. The four player of the match candidates were Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sikandar Raza, Asa Tribe and Rassie van der Dussen with Pretorius winning 72% of the fan vote. The visitors were under pressure from the outset with Pretorius and Asa Tribe dominating the power play. The Royals' opening pair put on exactly 100 in 10.4 overs before MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan (2/31) had the Jersey international caught for 51 off 34 balls. MI Cape Town enjoyed an equally good start with Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton (36) adding 77 for the first wicket in 7.5 overs before Royals' new recruit Sikander Raza (3/27) announced his arrival at SA20. The Zimbabwe international removed both Rickelton and the dangerous Nicholas Pooran and later clean bowled Tom Moores for a first-ball duck to stem the MI Cape Town tide. But it was the double-wicket over from Baartman when the seamer picked up both Van der Dussen (59) and Jason Smith (1) within three balls of each other that scuppered MI Cape Town's momentum. - IANS Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is included among the 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks in 2025. Caterpillar (CAT) Finds a New Growth Engine in Data Center Power Demand Power-hungry AI projects have turned into a clear tailwind for Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT). The company sells engines and generators to a wide range of customers, and that side of the business is getting more attention. For decades, Caterpillar built much of its roughly $65 billion operation around massive yellow dump trucks, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment used in mining and construction. That mix is starting to change. The power and energy unit is now Caterpillars fastest-growing segment. Demand is rising as data center operators invest heavily to support AI workloads. Management expects this business to help lift annual sales growth to a 5%7% range through 2030. That compares with about 4% growth in recent years. Investors have responded positively, pushing the stock into the ranks of the top performers on the Dow this year. To meet demand, Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is stepping up spending in a way it hasnt done in about 15 years. The company is investing $725 million at its Lafayette, Indiana, plant to increase production of piston-driven engines used in generators. It is also working toward more than doubling turbine engine capacity by 2030. This marks a noticeable shift. In recent years, CAT closed facilities and leaned hard into cost controls to lift margins. Now the focus is on expanding capacity where demand is strongest. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) and other generator makers have also benefited from the broader enthusiasm around AI-related stocks. Caterpillar shares are up nearly 61% so far this year, more than three times the gain of the S&P 500. While we acknowledge the potential of CAT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 14 Best Pharma Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2026 and 14 Best Dividend Aristocrats to Invest in Heading into 2026. Disclosure: None. Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes against positions held by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council in Yemen's Hadramout governorate, marking a sharp escalation between former allies in the anti-Houthi coalition. The STC, which seeks an independent southern Yemen, had recently seized strategic areas, prompting clashes with Saudi-backed government forces. In a political move, the STC leader announced a two-year transition leading to an independence referendum, which was immediately rejected by Yemen's internationally recognized government. Responding to the crisis, Saudi Arabia has agreed to host a peace conference aimed at unifying southern factions and containing the violence through dialogue. Saudi Arabia bombs UAE-backed STC positions in Yemen's Hadramout, escalating a rift among anti-Houthi allies as Riyadh pushes for new peace talks. Sanaa, January 3 Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes against positions held by the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council in southern Yemen, escalating tensions even as Riyadh called for dialogue to contain the latest round of violence near its border. Fighting intensified in Hadramout governorate, where STC forces clashed with Saudi-backed "Homeland Shield" units. The STC's military spokesperson, Mohamed al-Naqib, said battles were fierce as both sides sought control of strategic areas, including approaches to the city of Seiyun. Yemeni state television reported that STC fighters later withdrew from the al-Safaq checkpoint in Hadramout's Rakhyah district following the Saudi-led coalition's strikes. According to Yemen's state-run Saba News Agency, Saudi aircraft targeted multiple STC positions late Friday, including the 37th Division Camp on the outskirts of Seiyun. Additional strikes reportedly hit sites recently seized by the STC that had previously been under the control of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government coalition, reported The Jerusalem Post. Hadramout Governor Salem Ahmed Saeed al-Khunbashi announced that government-aligned forces had retaken al-Khasha'a camp, described as the province's largest and most important military base. He said the operation had been intended as a "peaceful" effort to restore state authority, though it unfolded amid heavy fighting, as reported by Al Jazeera. The clashes mark a sharp deterioration in relations between Saudi Arabia and the STC, a separatist movement that enjoys backing from the UAE and seeks an independent state in southern Yemen. The STC launched a major push in early December, seizing parts of Hadramout and forcing Saudi-backed government forces to retreat, reigniting conflict in a region that had been relatively stable. Earlier this week, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces also struck two ships in the port city of Mukalla, suspecting they were delivering weapons to STC units, according to Saba. The UAE confirmed that its last troops have left Yemen and urged de-escalation following the Saudi-led airstrikes, signaling concern over the renewed hostilities among former allies, The Jerusalem Post reported. Politically, STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi announced the start of a two-year transitional period to be followed by a referendum on southern independence, a move rejected by Yemen's internationally recognized government. In response to the violence, Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, formally requested that Saudi Arabia host a peace conference in Riyadh bringing together all factions involved in the southern clashes. Saudi Arabia welcomed the request, with the Foreign Ministry saying the crisis could only be resolved "through dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution in Yemen." Riyadh pledged to provide a "suitable environment for dialogue" and called on all southern factions to participate in talks aimed at developing "just solutions," underscoring its bid to stabilize Yemen while managing growing rifts within the anti-Houthi camp. - ANI Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have retaken full control of Seiyun, the second-largest city in Hadramout province, after the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) withdrew its forces from the airport and key institutions. The STC commander stated the pullback was temporary and followed Saudi warnings of airstrikes, aiming to prevent damage near residential areas. This development is part of a larger Saudi-supported military operation to expel STC forces from the oil-rich region, which has already resulted in heavy casualties from intensified airstrikes. The event underscores the ongoing power struggle within the anti-Houthi coalition, as the STC continues to push for southern sovereignty despite being part of Yemen's unity government. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces regain control of Seiyun city and airport after STC withdrawal under Saudi threat of airstrikes, amid ongoing power struggle. Aden, Jan 3 Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces on Saturday retook Seiyun, the second-largest city in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout, about a month after it was seized by the Southern Transitional Council, according to a government military source and local residents. The local government official, speaking to Xinhua news agency on condition of anonymity, said government troops entered the city and secured full control following the withdrawal of STC forces from Seiyun's airport and other key state institutions. The official noted that the takeover occurred without armed confrontations, stressing that the withdrawal of the STC forces was carried out peacefully. "Our military units are now in full control of the city and all its state institutions, and there has been no fighting on the ground," the official said. Local residents confirmed that government forces were deployed across major streets and government facilities, while security conditions in the city remained stable. In a related development, Hadramout Governor Salem Al-Khanbashi, who is based in Riyadh, announced that government forces had taken control of the entire city of Seiyun, including the international airport and key state institutions, reported the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya satellite TV channel. Meanwhile, an on-ground field commander from the STC forces told Xinhua that their units had withdrawn from Seiyun International Airport and the government compound after receiving warnings from Saudi Arabia, threatening airstrikes if they did not pull back. The STC commander said the withdrawal was temporary and aimed at preventing damage, noting that residential neighborhoods are located close to the airport. He added that "STC forces reserve the right to resume military operations at a later stage." On Friday, hundreds of Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops advanced toward Hadramout in a large-scale military operation aimed at expelling forces loyal to the STC and reasserting government control over the strategic region. Saudi warplanes intensified airstrikes on multiple locations across the province in support of the advancing government forces. The escalation resulted in heavy casualties, with more than 20 people killed and dozens of others injured, according to local sources. Clashes between the two sides have continued to intensify in other areas, with fighting still ongoing as both government forces and the STC seek to expand their influence in Hadramout. Yemen has been mired in conflict since 2014, when Houthi forces captured Sanaa and large swathes of the north, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015. Formed in 2017, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-sponsored STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Despite joining the Saudi-led coalition and integrating into Yemen's ruling Presidential Leadership Council in 2022, the group continues to push for southern sovereignty, leading to recurring disputes over power-sharing and control of resources. - IANS Security has been heightened along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura's Gomati district following Border Security Force reports concerning the movement of two Bangladesh-based armed groups. District authorities have enacted a night curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM until February 28 in specific border areas to prevent potential infiltration and criminal activities. The region is historically sensitive due to its proximity to Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts, where a peace accord with tribal groups remains contentious. This action follows a previous incident where injured PCJSS members crossed into Tripura for medical treatment after intra-group clashes. Tripura enforces night curfew along Bangladesh border after BSF reports PCJSS & UPDF militant movement, aiming to prevent infiltration & smuggling. Agartala, Jan 3 Security has been tightened along certain portions of the international borders in Tripura following reports of the movement of cadres belonging to two Bangladesh-based armed groups -- the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti and the United People's Democratic Front, officials said on Saturday. District Magistrate of Gomati district in southern Tripura, Rinku Lather, issued a notification stating that reliable inputs had been received from the Border Security Force (BSF) regarding apprehensions of movement of PCJSS and UPDF militants, along with the possibility of stealthy infiltration by Bangladesh nationals, Rohingyas and members of militant organisations from across the international border with the intention to commit crimes, indulge in smuggling and disturb public order. In view of the BSF reports, the District Magistrate promulgated a night curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to ensure peace and tranquillity by preventing the designs of anti-national elements and activities of organisations inimical to the safety and security of the general public. "The night curfew will be effective from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. till February 28 in certain border areas under the Karbook Sub-Division of Gomati district," the notification said. No person shall carry lathis, firearms or any weapons, except police personnel, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and BSF personnel on duty, the notification added. Police and security personnel as well as officials on government duty have been excluded from the restrictions. "People residing within 300 metres of the international border shall also be excluded from the restrictions," the District Magistrate's notification said. Tripura shares an 856-km-long border with Bangladesh and is surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring country, making it highly vulnerable to smuggling and other cross-border crimes and movements of inimical elements. Tripura's Gomati and Dhalai districts share borders with the trouble-torn Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of southeast Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Tripura Police in June last year detained 13 members of the Bangladesh-based organisation PCJSS, including two women. Sources said that the 13 members were injured in armed clashes with a rival group at Panchari in the CHT of Bangladesh and crossed over to India for medical treatment. According to reports, the group illegally crossed the India-Bangladesh international border through Raishyabari in Dhalai district following a violent encounter on the other side of the border. Most of them had bandages on their legs and hands. The armed struggle of the 'Shanti Bahini' in the CHT ended with the signing of a bipartite agreement between the PCJSS and the Bangladesh government on December 2, 1997. The 'Shanti Bahini' had been demanding a sovereign CHT for the indigenous tribal communities, including Chakmas, Mogs and others living in the hilly region. According to reports, there have been attacks on indigenous people in the CHT by the Bangladesh Army and illegal settlers following the fall of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Buddhist Chakmas mainly live in the CHT of southeast Bangladesh, the Chin and Arakan provinces of Myanmar, and several states of India's northeastern region. Various tribal organisations in the CHT have claimed that the Bangladesh government did not implement the 1997 CHT Peace Accord. Indian Chakma leaders have also demanded the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord to ensure the protection of tribals in the hill region. - IANS President Donald Trump claimed to have settled "eight and one-quarter wars," citing the Thailand-Cambodia conflict as a partial success while acknowledging the difficulty of resolving the Russia-Ukraine war. He announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a U.S. military operation, labeling it a warning to those threatening American sovereignty. Trump stated that Maduro and his wife face U.S. indictments on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges and will stand trial. He emphasized that sanctions on Venezuelan oil continue and declared the Venezuelan people "free" following the operation. President Trump claims he resolved global conflicts, details the capture of Venezuela's Maduro, and warns adversaries following a U.S. military operation. Palm Beach, January 4 US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that he has managed to settle several global conflicts, claiming he resolved "eight and one-quarter wars," including easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. He also admitted that ending the Russia-Ukraine war has been more difficult. While addressing a press conference in Florida, Trump said, "I settled eight and one-quarter wars. You know what the one quarter was? Thailand and Cambodia. I did it again. They broke out, and I did it in about five hours, and I settled it. I'm giving myself one quarter, so I'm up to now eight and one quarter." "In other words, I settled the war, but then they broke out. They had a pretty bad breakout over the last four days. I got them to go back to peace. So I only give one quarter. I thought one of the easier ones would be Russia and Ukraine. It's not. And they both have done some pretty bad things," he said. Hours after the capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a US military operation, Trump said the operation was a warning to those who threaten the United States. He added that sanctions on Venezuelan oil will continue and claimed that the people of Venezuela are now free. "This extremely successful operation should serve as a warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives. Very importantly, the embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in full effect. All political and military figures in Venezuela should understand that what happened to Maduro can happen to them, and it will happen to them if they aren't just, fair, and even to their people. The dictator and terrorist Maduro is finally gone in Venezuela. People are free. They're free again," the US president said. Trump further said that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York, and will face trial. He said that American forces, working with law enforcement agencies, captured Maduro and his wife in a night-time operation. Trump said, "No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday or frankly, in just a short period of time. All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with US law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night." "It was dark, and it was deadly, but he was captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom now face American justice. Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York," he said. According to an unsealed indictment shared by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on X, Maduro and Flores face multiple counts of statutory allegations related to "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies". The capture of Maduro comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. - ANI The Election Commission of India has directed that voters from the Birhor, Toto, and Sabar aboriginal tribes in West Bengal be automatically enlisted in the final electoral roll without needing to furnish any identity documents. District authorities have been instructed to collect details from Block Development Officers, with the administration ready to issue scheduled tribe certificates on an emergency basis if needed. This move is part of the second stage of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and follows similar relaxations announced for sex workers, transgender people, and monks regarding identity proof formalities. The Commission's approach aims to include marginalized communities who often face document mismatches or lack ownership of original papers, ensuring their voting rights as Indian citizens. West Bengal's Election Commission will automatically enroll Birhor, Toto, and Sabar tribe members as voters without documents, part of a wider inclusivity drive. Kolkata, Jan 3 The Election Commission of India has decided that the voters from three "aboriginal tribes" or "primitive tribes" will be automatically enlisted in the final voters' list of West Bengal. The voters from these three communities will not be required to furnish any document for that purpose. Sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that these "aboriginal tribes" or "primitive tribes", whose voters will be automatically enlisted in the final voters' list without furnishing any supporting identity documents, are Birhor, Toto, and Sabar. Following the Commission's instruction, the District Magistrates, as well as the District Electoral Officers, have asked the Block Development Officers (BDOs) to provide details of the voters from these three aboriginal tribes in their respective areas. "In case any voter from any of these three aboriginal tribes does not have the scheduled tribe certificate, the district administration will issue him or her the certificate on an emergency basis," sources in the CEO's office said. Earlier, this week, the ECI had announced special relaxations for sex workers, people from transgender or other communities and declared monks in connection with the identity proof-related formalities to be followed at the ongoing hearing sessions on the claims and objections on the draft voters' list in West Bengal, which is the second stage of the three-stage Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state. The Commission had decided not to be stringent about the authenticity of the supporting identity documents required for establishing their voting rights, as in the cases of regular categories of voters. For sex workers and people from the transgender communities, the relaxations are being done since a majority of that section are social outcasts and family outcasts, and they do not own their original documents to prove their authenticity as genuine voters as Indian citizens. In the case of the people from the transgender community, pointed out by the CEO's office sources, there is an additional problem of three major mismatches between their original documents and their present documents, namely name mismatch, look mismatch, and, most importantly, gender mismatch. In case of monks, there are name mismatches due to their pre-monk and post-monk life, and hence they would also be extended this special relaxation in connection with the identity proof documents. - IANS South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung has reaffirmed Seoul's respect for the One-China principle in an interview ahead of his state visit to China. He emphasized the growing importance of bilateral cooperation amid global uncertainties and plans to lead a large economic delegation. The visit aims to strengthen ties in advanced fields like artificial intelligence and high technology. Lee also outlined a pragmatic foreign policy that balances alliances while avoiding confrontation with China. Ahead of his state visit, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung reaffirms respect for the One-China principle and aims to deepen economic ties with China. Seoul, January 3 South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung has reaffirmed his country's respect for the One-China principle in an interview with Chinese media outlet CCTV just days before his state visit to China, underscoring Seoul's intention to deepen ties with Beijing amid a shifting regional landscape, reported Global Times. In the nearly 20-minute conversation aired on CCTV on January 2, Lee described his upcoming trip to China, scheduled from January 4 to 7, 2026, as a key moment for strengthening economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two neighboring nations. The visit, confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, marks Lee's first official state visit to China since taking office. Lee used the interview to outline his expectations for what he termed a new phase in China-South Korea relations. With global uncertainties rising, he emphasized that cooperation between Seoul and Beijing is more important than ever, particularly given the deep historical, economic, and geopolitical linkages binding the two countries, reported Global Times On the sensitive topic of Taiwan, Lee reiterated that South Korea will uphold the consensus reached when diplomatic relations were first established, maintaining a principled respect for the One-China position. He noted that this stance has remained consistent and continues to guide Seoul's approach on the issue. The South Korean leader also discussed trade relations, highlighting that both nations are closely connected economically and can benefit from expanding cooperation in emerging industries. Lee signaled plans to lead a substantial economic delegation of more than 200 business representatives to explore new avenues of joint development, particularly in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence and high technology. In addition, Lee reflected on shared historical experiences, including the legacy of resistance against Japanese aggression in the mid-20th century, stressing the importance of learning from the past while pursuing peaceful coexistence in the present. Lee framed South Korea's foreign policy as pragmatic and centered on improving national well-being, advocating a balanced approach that preserves alliances including with the United States while avoiding confrontational dynamics with China. He said that refreshing ties with China through frequent dialogue and cooperation would serve the long-term interests of both peoples and contribute to stability in Northeast Asia. Lee's visit follows recent efforts by both countries to bring strategic cooperation back on track after periods of friction, with the summit expected to reaffirm mutual priorities and explore practical outcomes across political and economic fronts, reports China News. - ANI Special voter registration camps are being held across Tamil Nadu for two days following a major revision that deleted approximately 97.37 lakh names from the electoral rolls. The revision aimed to remove duplicate, deceased, or ineligible entries, reducing the state's total registered voters to about 5.43 crore. Officials report an encouraging response, with over 7.37 lakh applications for new inclusions received so far during the ongoing drive. The final updated voter list is scheduled for publication on February 17 after a final correction camp on January 18. Special voter registration camps are open in Tamil Nadu after 97.37 lakh names were deleted in a revision. Learn how to enroll or correct details. Chennai, Jan 3 Special camps to facilitate voter registration are being held across Tamil Nadu for two days, beginning on Saturday, as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls. The initiative comes in the wake of a large-scale revision exercise that has resulted in the removal of a significant number of names from the state's voter list. According to official data, around 97.37 lakh names have been deleted from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision carried out in Tamil Nadu. As a result, the total number of registered voters in the State has declined to approximately 5.43 crore. The revision exercise aims to ensure greater accuracy in the voter database by removing duplicate, deceased, or ineligible entries. In this context, the process for adding new names to the voter list began on December 19. As part of this drive, special registration camps were organised earlier on December 27 and 28 at nearly 75,000 polling booths across the State, enabling eligible citizens to submit applications for inclusion or correction of their details. Officials said that the response so far has been encouraging. Up to now, 7.37 lakh people have applied for inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls, while 9,535 applications have been received seeking deletion of names. To further widen outreach and ensure maximum participation, special camps are once again being conducted today and tomorrow at all polling booths across Tamil Nadu. Election authorities have urged eligible citizens to use this opportunity, particularly those who have recently attained voting age or whose names were removed during the revision process. Individuals who completed 18 years of age on January 1 this year, as well as those whose names were deleted during the SIR exercise, have been advised to submit Form 6 for inclusion in the voter list. Officials also outlined the upcoming schedule for the revision process. Special correction camps will be held on January 18 to allow voters to seek rectifications in the draft electoral rolls. Following this, the final voter list will be published on February 17. The Election Department has reiterated that an accurate and up-to-date voter list is essential for free and fair elections, and has appealed to all eligible citizens to actively participate in the revision process and verify their electoral details within the stipulated timelines. - IANS Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recalled a moment from 1984 when the legendary Dilip Kumar, while filming 'Karma', predicted that co-star Anupam Kher would have a long-lasting career in the industry. The recollection comes as Anupam Kher celebrates beginning work on his 550th film, the sequel 'Khosla Ka Ghosla 2'. Kher marked the milestone by expressing profound gratitude on social media, reflecting on his journey since arriving in Mumbai in 1981. The veteran actor declared he is only at the "interval point" of his career, emphasizing that his dreams and dedication to his craft remain as strong as ever. Subhash Ghai recalls Dilip Kumar saying Anupam Kher would "stay for a long time" on the set of 'Karma' in 1984, as Kher celebrates his 550th film. Mumbai, Jan 3 As veteran actor Anupam Kher is celebrating doing his 550th film, "Khosla Ka Ghosla 2", filmmaker Subhash Ghai recalled what Bollywood legend said about Kher during the shoot of their film "Karma". Ghai said that as Dilip Kumar filmed his primary shot with Kher, he predicted that Kher was going to stay in the industry for a long time. "I remember our emperor of cinema acting DILIP KUMAR while shooting his first shot with Anupam kher walking along with him as dr DANG on the sets of my film KARMA in 1984...Dilip Saab said to me " this boy is a good actor n going to stay for a long," the director recalled. Ghai also praised Kher's versatility as an actor and his hunger to do quality work. He added, "Now Anupam kher celebrating his 550th film on set makes me feel proud of his versatility humanity n hunger to work better than for money. Keep soaring my friend n stay blessed always...love you...SG." On the first day of the shoot for the much-anticipated sequel "Khosla Ka Ghosla 2", Kher decided to turn back the clock and look back at the day he first arrived in Mumbai. "So today as I start my 550th film #KhoslaKaGhosla2 my heart is filled with GRATITUDE and THANKFULNESS ! When I landed in #Mumbai, the city of dreams on the 3rd June 1981 never had I dreamt that I will reach this LANDMARK of 550 films," Kher's Instagram post read. Declaring that he has only reached the interval point in his long and fulfilling journey, the veteran actor said that he still has a lot more to give as an artist. Kher added, "But here I am in Delhi ready to give my first shot for KKG2. Just FYI I genuinely feel I have so much to give, so much to do! I have reached only the 'interval point' of my life and my career! Dreams have no EXPIRY date!." - IANS Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Japan's potential role in a Taiwan emergency have heightened tensions with China and raised domestic concerns. The departure of the centrist Komeito party from the ruling coalition has removed a key moderating force and informal channel to Beijing, leaving her surrounded by like-minded, hardline advisers. Observers warn that her unilateral pro-Taiwan stance and lack of consensus-building skills contrast sharply with her predecessor Shinzo Abe's more nuanced diplomacy. This isolation, combined with a slim parliamentary majority and an expansionary economic agenda, complicates her ability to manage complex foreign and domestic policies. Japan PM Takaichi's hardline Taiwan comments fuel China tensions, raise policy concerns amid coalition shifts and lack of moderating voices. Tokyo, January 3 Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Japan's potential role in a Taiwan emergency have fuelled tensions with China and raised concerns that the lack of moderating voices around her could leave her hardline positions largely unchecked, Kyodo News reported. With senior moderates within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a centrist coalition partner distancing themselves from Takaichi, doubts are growing about her ability to manage diplomacy beyond China and coordinate broader economic and social policies, according to Kyodo News. An opposition lawmaker warned that Takaichi's decision to form a coalition with a conservative party ahead of becoming Japan's first female prime minister on October 21 "has left few remaining checks on her hardline course." Takaichi is widely seen as the political heir to former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022 and whose firm security stance she admires. However, the lawmaker said Abe was "more skilled" at building consensus through dialogue. Less than a week after Takaichi won the LDP's presidential election on October 4, the Komeito party ended its 26-year alliance with the LDP, citing frustration over its response to political funds scandals, Kyodo News reported. Komeito, backed by the Soka Gakkai Buddhist organisation, has traditionally maintained amicable ties with the ruling Chinese Communist Party by emphasising dialogue and serving as an informal communication channel during periods of strained relations. Beijing has previously praised the late Daisaku Ikeda, Komeito's founder, for advocating early normalisation of Japan-China ties well before diplomatic relations were formally established in 1972. Political observers say Takaichi now lacks advisers well versed in China affairs, with figures such as former LDP secretary general Hiroshi Moriyama no longer part of her inner circle. In 2025, Moriyama, as head of a cross-party group tasked with stabilising relations with China, helped persuade Beijing to resume imports of Japanese food products. Some of those imports have since been suspended again following Takaichi's comments on Taiwan, Kyodo News reported. On the economic front, Takaichi has appointed Cabinet members who share her belief in expansionary spending to drive growth, while sidelining calls to curb government bond issuance to protect fiscal credibility. As her ruling bloc holds only a slim majority in the House of Representatives and lacks a majority in the House of Councillors, she has sought backing from the Democratic Party for the People, a fiscally dovish opposition group. Before Komeito announced its departure from the coalition, Nomura Research Institute economist Takahide Kiuchi said such a move would give the LDP "greater leeway" in shaping policy. However, analysts warn that decisions driven solely by like-minded aides could complicate diplomacy and weigh on economic growth. Takaichi's repeated pledge to strengthen Japan's defence has drawn criticism from China and some quarters in South Korea, even as Tokyo and Seoul have improved ties at the leadership level. Political commentator Harumi Arima said that as lawmakers with wartime experience have declined and Komeito has left the government, restraints on boosting defence capabilities have eroded. A government source told Kyodo News that Takaichi may struggle to handle complex issues with the same finesse as Abe, citing shortcomings in political judgement and policy delivery. Abe, though pro-Taiwan, visited mainland China on his first overseas trip as prime minister to repair relations and relied on Komeito and China-friendly figures such as Toshihiro Nikai to manage ties during periods of tension. Differences between the LDP and Komeito also existed under Abe on economic policy, but compromises were reached through repeated consultations. In contrast, a government source said Takaichi is "unilaterally pro-Taiwan, and even looking at her personal networks, there appears to be no one around her willing to voice opposing views." "She does not seem capable of formulating policies through adequate communication," the source added. Takaichi has also refrained from discouraging senior LDP lawmakers from visiting Taiwan even after angering Beijing by suggesting Japan could exercise its right to collective self-defence if China uses force against the self-ruled island. Opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa criticised her approach, accusing her of "pouring fuel on the fire under the circumstances." "Is she trying to make the situation worse? Can Prime Minister Takaichi really be trusted to make sound judgments?" Ozawa asked on social media, according to Kyodo News. - ANI The release of the 'Jana Nayagan' trailer triggered widespread, festival-like celebrations among Vijay's fans across Tamil Nadu, particularly in Madurai. The film is highly significant as it marks the actor's final cinematic project before he fully dedicates himself to his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The trailer showcases Vijay in a powerful role as a police officer fighting injustice, with Bobby Deol appearing as the primary antagonist. Directed by H Vinoth and set for a Pongal 2026 release, the film has heightened anticipation for Vijay's cinematic farewell. Vijay fans celebrate 'Jana Nayagan' trailer release with fireworks & dancing. The film, his last before politics, releases Pongal 2026. Chennai, January 3 The much-awaited trailer of actor Vijay's upcoming film 'Jana Nayagan' has sparked massive celebrations across Tamil Nadu. Soon after the trailer was released, fans took to the streets to celebrate the moment as a festival. In Madurai, large crowds gathered to celebrate the release of their favourite actor's film. Fans were seen bursting crackers, dancing, and cheering on the streets. Similar scenes were reported from several other parts of the state, showing Vijay's strong connection with the public. 'Jana Nayagan' is special as it marks Vijay's final film before he entirely focuses on his political journey with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The two-minute and 52-second trailer shows Vijay in a powerful role as a fearless police officer. He is seen fighting criminals and standing firm with public support. In the trailer, Vijay describes himself as an ordinary man who dreams of a better future and refuses to bow to injustice. In the latter part of the trailer, Vijay is shown wanting to join the military, but he is attacked before he can. After the attack, he decides to take revenge. Actor Bobby Deol appears as the main villain and challenges Vijay, stating he will finish him within 30 days. Actress Pooja Hegde is also seen in key moments. The trailer ends with Vijay making it clear that he is ready to return and fight back. The film is directed by H Vinoth and produced by Venkat K. Narayana under KVN Productions. The film's music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Apart from Vijay, Bobby Deol and Pooja Hegde, the film also stars Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani and Narain. Jana Nayagan is set to release in theatres on January 9, 2026, during the Pongal festival. The film will be Vijay's final release before he moves fully into his political journey. - ANI Chainlink said it has strengthened its position as the industry-standard infrastructure for on-chain finance in 2025, as governments, banks, and asset managers increasingly adopted its technology to move real-world financial activity onto blockchains, according to a blog post published by the company. The report emphasized 2025 as an important year in which Chainlinks oracle and interoperability standards became embedded across public- and private-sector financial systems used for everything from government data publication to institutional tokenized funds. Government Adoption Accelerates Government use of blockchain infrastructure marked progress during the year. Chainlink said the U.S. Department of Commerce partnered with the network to publish macroeconomic data on-chain using Chainlink Data Feeds sourced from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov also participated in high-level policy discussions in Washington, including the White House Digital Asset Summit, as U.S. President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law. The engagement reflects growing coordination between policymakers and blockchain infrastructure providers as regulatory clarity improves. Banks and Capital Markets Move On-chain In banking and capital markets, global financial institutions increasingly relied on Chainlink to execute production-grade on-chain workflows. The research cites a partnership with Mastercard allowing more than three billion cardholders to purchase crypto assets directly on-chain via a Chainlink-powered application. Asset managers also expanded tokenized offerings. UBS completed what Chainlink described as the worlds first live, end-to-end tokenized fund workflow using its Digital Transfer Agent standard, while firms such as WisdomTree and FTSE Russell began publishing institutional-grade net asset value and index data on-chain. Financial market infrastructures, including DTCC, Euroclear, and SWIFT, collaborated with Chainlink to streamline corporate actions processing and cross-chain settlement using standardized messaging formats. DeFi and Tokenization Scale Up Decentralized finance and tokenization platforms also adopted Chainlink at scale in 2025. Coinbase selected Chainlinks Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) as the exclusive bridge infrastructure for its wrapped assets, while DeFi protocols, including Aave and Lido, upgraded their oracle and cross-chain infrastructure to support institutional-grade use cases. Chainlink said the expansion of CCIP to non-EVM blockchains, including Solana, unlocked access to tens of billions of dollars in assets across multiple ecosystems. The Tiruchirappalli district administration has imposed a two-day ban on drones and UAVs due to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's scheduled visit. The order, covering January 4th and 5th, warns of strict legal action against violators to ensure public and dignitary safety. This follows Shah's two-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he chaired a parliamentary consultative committee meeting. The committee discussed internal security and governance issues before Shah inaugurated projects and an exhibition in Sri Vijaya Puram. Tiruchirappalli bans drones for 2 days during Home Minister Amit Shah's visit. Learn about the security order and Shah's preceding Andaman tour. Tiruchirappalli, January 3 In view of the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu, on January 4 and 5, the district administration has imposed a ban on flying drones for security reasons. According to an official announcement, the operation of drones and other Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will be strictly prohibited within Tiruchirappalli district limits on Sunday and Monday (January 4 and 5). The district administration has warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals or organisations found violating the ban. Tiruchirappalli District Collector V. Saravanan, IAS, stated that the restriction has been enforced to ensure the safety and security of the public and the visiting dignitary. The district administration has appealed to the general public and organisations to cooperate fully and adhere to the security guidelines during the period of restriction. Earlier, on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Meeting was held at the Hotel Sea-Princess in Wandoor, Andaman, where Members of Parliament from both Houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, discussed key issues within the ministry's purview with the Home Minister. The Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs serves as a forum for informal interactions between Members of Parliament and the Home Minister, along with Ministers of State, on the ministry's policies, programmes and implementation. The committee functions as an advisory body, facilitating dialogue on issues related to internal security, governance, border management, cybercrime and criminal justice reforms. The committee comprises 30 Members of Parliament, including 14 from the Lok Sabha and 16 from the Rajya Sabha. Amit Shah is the chairman of the committee. Ministers of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar also participated in the meeting. Following the meeting, Shah will inaugurate an exhibition on the Naveen Nyaya Sanhita at the ITF field in Sri Vijaya Puram. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects of the Andaman and Nicobar administration at a function to be held at Netaji Stadium in Sri Vijaya Puram. Amit Shah reached Andaman and Nicobar on Friday evening for a two-day visit to the islands. He was warmly welcomed at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram by Lieutenant Governor (LG) Admiral DK Joshi, the island's Chief Secretary, senior officials, and local PRI members. "Hon' @HMOindia@AmitShahji on his two-day visit to New Andamans from 02 - 04 January 2026, was accorded a warm welcome today at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram by @Admiral_DK Joshi, alongwith CSANI @DGPANIslands, Snr. officers of @Andaman_Admin and PRI members," Lt. Governor's Secretariat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands wrote on X. - ANI The Gujarat government is steadfastly progressing towards a 'legacy waste-free' state, targeting 100% scientific disposal by March 2026. Having already processed 273 lakh metric tonnes of the 304 lakh MT identified, the initiative has reclaimed approximately 902 acres of land for productive use. This effort, aligned with Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 and backed by a 75 crore allocation, reduces pollution and converts old dumpsites into green spaces and development projects. The successful remediation of major sites like Bopal-Ghuma in Ahmedabad has significantly cut methane emissions and exemplifies the state's commitment to turning urbanisation into an opportunity for a cleaner environment. Gujarat is leading India in waste management, having processed 273 lakh MT of legacy waste and reclaimed 902 acres of land for green projects and development. Gandhinagar, Jan 3 Not just in the development index, Gujarat is leading other states in setting up new milestones in waste management and is expected to realise its target of 100 per cent legacy waste disposal in the next two months. The state government is marching steadfastly towards 'legacy waste-free Gujarat' with a target of 100 per cent disposal by March 2026, with an aim to make the cities greener, cleaner, and livable, guided by the mantra that "urbanisation is not a problem but an opportunity". A total of 304.09 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste has been identified across the urban areas, of which 273.33 lakh metric tonnes have been scientifically disposed of so far. The state government has intensified its cleaning drive and aims to achieve 100 per cent legacy waste remediation by March 2026. The Urban Development Department has focused on improving cleanliness, modern and sustainable infrastructure, and the overall ease of living for people in cities, contributing significantly to urban development. Notably, Gujarat has consistently led among major states in the scientific disposal of legacy waste accumulated in dumpsites. Effective legacy waste management, a crucial aspect of urban development, not only reduces pollution and health hazards but also converts reclaimed land into productive spaces, supporting development projects and expanding green spaces. By clearing dumpsites across municipal areas, the state government has reclaimed an estimated 902 acres of land. The land will be put to productive use, including constructing processing plants. Notably, authorities have scientifically disposed of the Bopal-Ghuma dump site in Ahmedabad and the Nakravadi dump site in Rajkot and established a Miyawaki forest. This scientific disposal has significantly reduced methane emissions and effectively addressed the problems caused by waste burning at these sites. "The state government is taking decisive steps to strengthen environmental protection, public health, and urban development by scientifically disposing of accumulated legacy waste in cities," said a government official. Notably, under the Nirmal Gujarat 2.0 scheme, Rs 75 crore has been allocated to Urban Local Bodies for legacy waste management. Aligned with 'Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0', the initiative is driving the state towards 'Garbage Free Cities'. - IANS President Trump issued an executive order blocking HieFo Corporation, a Delaware-based company controlled by a Chinese national, from holding assets acquired from Emcore Corporation's semiconductor business. The order mandates divestment within 180 days, citing credible evidence of national security threats. CFIUS will monitor compliance and restrict access to technical information during the divestment period. This action reflects growing U.S. scrutiny of foreign investments in advanced technologies amid strategic competition with China. President Trump blocked HieFo's acquisition of Emcore chip assets, ordering divestment within 180 days due to national security risks tied to Chinese control. Washington, Jan 3 US President Donald Trump has blocked a deal involving American semiconductor assets and a Chinese-linked company, citing national security concerns. In an executive order issued on Friday, Trump barred HieFo Corporation from acquiring certain chip-related assets of Emcore Corporation. The order said there was "credible evidence" that the transaction could threaten the national security of the United States. HieFo, a Delaware-based company controlled by a Chinese national, had acquired assets tied to digital chips as well as wafer design, fabrication, and processing businesses of New Jersey-based Emcore. The acquisition was completed on April 30, 2024. Trump said existing legal authorities, outside Section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, did not provide "adequate and appropriate authority" to address the risks posed by the transaction. Under the order, the transaction is prohibited, and HieFo is barred from holding any interest or rights in the Emcore assets, either directly or indirectly. HieFo and its affiliates have been directed to divest all such interests within 180 calendar days, unless the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, extends the deadline. Until the divestment is completed and verified by CFIUS, HieFo is prohibited from granting access to the Emcore assets. The restriction also applies to non-public technical information, information technology systems, products, parts, components, books, and records. Any access would require written approval from CFIUS. The order authorizes CFIUS to impose compliance measures, require certifications, and conduct audits to ensure adherence. HieFo must submit regular written certifications confirming that it is following the order and detailing progress toward divestment. Emcore had earlier announced the sale of its chips business and indium phosphide wafer fabrication operations for $2.92 million. The transaction also involved HieFo's assumption of certain liabilities and covered substantially all assets tied to Emcore's discontinued chips business, including facilities in Alhambra, California. CFIUS is an interagency panel chaired by the US Treasury Department that reviews foreign investments for national security risks. Its scrutiny has expanded in recent years, particularly for deals involving advanced technologies. Semiconductors are viewed as critical to both civilian and defense applications. US administrations have increasingly used executive authority to restrict foreign access to sensitive chip technologies amid heightened strategic competition with China. - IANS President Donald Trump has publicly defended his long-term use of a high daily dose of aspirin for cardiac prevention, despite medical advice to reduce it. He acknowledges the regimen causes easy bruising but stated he is "a little superstitious" about changing a routine followed for over two decades. Trump's physician confirmed the 325mg dosage and that a past CT scan showed no abnormalities, though Trump expressed regret for undergoing the scan due to the speculation it fueled. The president maintains he is in exceptional health, attributing it to his genetics. President Trump acknowledges taking more aspirin than recommended, citing blood thinning for cardiac prevention despite doctors' warnings and side effects like bruising. Washington, Jan 3 US President Donald Trump has acknowledged taking more aspirin than doctors recommend but said he prefers to continue the routine he has followed for years for what his physician describes as cardiac prevention. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump said he takes a high daily dose of aspirin and is unwilling to lower it, despite being advised by doctors to do so. He said the medication has been part of his daily routine for more than two decades. "The large dose of aspirin he chooses to take daily has caused him to bruise easily," the Journal reported, citing Trump's own remarks. His doctors have encouraged him to switch to a lower dose, but Trump said he has declined. "I'm a little superstitious," he told the newspaper. Trump said he believes aspirin helps thin the blood and reduce strain on the heart. "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart," he said. "I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?" According to Trump's physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, the president, uses aspirin for "cardiac prevention." Barbabella said Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin a day. A low-dose aspirin is most commonly 81 milligrams, according to the Mayo Clinic, a comparison cited in the Journal report. "They'd rather have me take the smaller one," Trump said. "I take the larger one, but I've done it for years, and what it does do is it causes bruising." The issue of aspirin use has drawn attention amid wider public discussion of Trump's health. He told the Journal that he regretted undergoing advanced medical imaging last year, saying it fueled speculation. "In retrospect, it's too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," he said. Barbabella confirmed in a statement to the Journal that Trump underwent a CT scan, not an MRI, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The scan was done "to definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues" and showed no abnormalities, he said. The White House declined to make the doctor available for an interview. The Journal also reported that Trump briefly tried wearing compression socks to address swelling in his lower legs but stopped because he disliked them. "I didn't like them," Trump said during the interview. Barbabella said Trump is in "exceptional health and perfectly suited to execute his duties as Commander in Chief." White House aides have said the president maintains a vigorous schedule. Aspirin has long been used in the United States for heart-related prevention. Trump, now 79, has repeatedly credited his health to what he calls his "very good genetics." - IANS President Donald Trump stated he personally watched the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, viewing it via live video feed from Mar-a-Lago. He praised the mission's speed and precision, noting forces breached steel doors in seconds and that no American troops were killed. Trump confirmed the couple was transported to a U.S. warship and would be heading to New York to face federal charges, while dismissing critics who questioned the operation's legality. The raid was carried out by elite units with CIA support in what was described as a highly secretive "snatch and grab" mission. President Trump details watching the raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, calling it a precise mission with no US fatalities. Washington, Jan 3 ,: President Donald Trump said he personally watched the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, describing it as an "amazing" mission carried out with speed and precision. Speaking to "Fox & Friends Weekend" just hours after the operation, Trump said he followed the raid live from Mar-a-Lago. "It's just it was an amazing thing, the amazing job that these people did. There's nobody else who could have done anything like it," he said. Trump said he and his team viewed the operation through video feeds as it unfolded, including footage of US forces breaching steel doors. "They broke through steel doors in a matter of seconds," he said. "I've never seen anything like it, actually." The President said no American troops were killed during the operation, but suggested that some may have been injured after a helicopter involved in the mission was hit. He did not provide further details. Trump confirmed that Maduro and his wife were taken by helicopter out of Venezuela and transported to the USS Iwo Jima, one of several US warships operating in the Caribbean. "They'll be heading into New York," Trump told Fox News. "The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter, a nice flight. I'm sure they loved it." Fox News reported that Maduro could make an initial appearance in federal court in Manhattan as early as Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The timing could still change, but the appearance is expected to happen "likely Monday," the network reported. Attorney General Pam Bondi reiterated that Maduro and his wife have already been indicted in the Southern District of New York, where prosecutors have accused them of multiple serious crimes, including narcotics-related offenses. Trump dismissed criticism from lawmakers and others who questioned the legality of the US action. Asked about comments from Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Trump said Democrats were "weak, stupid people." "They should say great job," Trump said. "They shouldn't say 'Oh, gee, maybe it's not constitutional.' You know the same old stuff that we've been hearing for years and years and years." Trump also warned Venezuelan government officials against continuing to support Maduro. "If they stay loyal, the future is really bad, really bad for them," he said. "I'd say most of them have converted." Several senior Venezuelan officials criticized the US operation on state television on Saturday. According to people familiar with the mission, the operation relied on elite US units. The CIA identified the location where Maduro and his wife were staying, and US Army Delta Force soldiers carried out the raid. The CIA also supported air, sea, and land operations as part of what was described as a highly secretive "snatch and grab" mission. Trump declined to offer immediate backing to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, when asked on Fox News. "Well, we have to look at it right now," he said. "They have a vice president, as you know. I mean, I don't know about what kind of an election that was, but, you know, the election of Maduro was a disgrace." Maduro has faced US criminal charges since 2020, and Washington has long accused his government of corruption, drug trafficking, and undermining democratic institutions, charges the Venezuelan leadership has consistently denied. - IANS Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has been awarded the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI) Level 3 accreditation for customer experience, an upgrade from its previous Level 2 status. The accreditation recognizes improvements in areas like airport culture, governance, and operational strategies aimed at enhancing passenger satisfaction. Key initiatives include expanding retail and food options, implementing Digi Yatra and fast-track immigration, and introducing cleaning robots and e-gates. Concurrently, connectivity has been boosted with Malaysia Airlines expanding its Thiruvananthapuram-Kuala Lumpur route to a daily service, increasing total weekly flights on the route to eleven. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport achieves ACI's Level 3 accreditation for customer experience, enhancing services with new tech and retail options. Thiruvananthapuram, January 3 TRV International Airport Limited, operator of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, has been honoured with prestigious Airports Council International Level 3 accreditation for customer experience. The accreditation is based on Airport Customer Experience, which was upgraded to Level 3 from Level 2 that was awarded in July 2024. The Airport Customer Experience Accreditation is a multilevel accreditation programme developed by Airports Council International to guide airports towards achieving excellence in customer experience management. The level 3 is awarded based on parameters like Airport Culture, Governance, Operational Improvement, Measurement, Customer Strategy and Customer Understanding. The airport has implemented several initiatives to ensure a better passenger experience and smooth processing. To list a few, increasing the number of retail and food counters offering a better mix and options to the passenger; the inclusion of technology like Digi Yatra, Fast track immigration, automatic cleaning system using Made in India Robot and the introduction of e-gates have been helping passengers in improving the experience. City airport teams have been identifying opportunities to serve passengers better. Based on observation and passenger requirements, several changes have been made over the last few years. Thiruvananthapuram airport strives to continue the journey of improvement, development, and better customer experience with every passing day. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines expanded its Thiruvananthapuram-Kuala Lumpur service to a daily schedule, a significant upgrade from its earlier five-day-a-week operation. The increase in operations began on December 2, offering greater convenience to travellers from Kerala, especially those arriving in Thiruvananthapuram, due to low fares. Announcing the development on X (formerly Twitter), the TRV Airport had said, "@MAS is commencing daily flights from Thiruvananthapuram Airport to Malaysia starting 2 December 2025." Following the expansion, the route now offers a total of 11 weekly flights between Thiruvananthapuram and Kuala Lumpur, comprising four services operated by AirAsia and seven by Malaysia Airlines. - ANI Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker welcomed reports of a unified Western negotiating position on Ukraine, crediting former President Donald Trump for fostering this alignment. He argued that this unity and recent Ukrainian battlefield successes have countered Russia's narrative and military goals. Wicker called for increased military aid to Ukraine, including air defenses, while warning against any peace settlement that forces Kyiv to cede territory. He emphasized that ending the war must not reward Russian aggression or cause further suffering for Ukraine. A senior US senator says Western unity, fostered by Trump, has shifted the balance against Russia in Ukraine war negotiations. Read the latest developments. Washington, Jan 3 A powerful US Senator welcomed reports that the United States, Ukraine, and Europe have aligned behind a shared negotiating position to end the war in Ukraine, observing that Western unity has shifted the balance against Russia. "I welcome reports that the United States, Ukraine, and Europe have coalesced around a common negotiating position to end Putin's war of aggression," said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker. "The West's demonstration of unity sends a clear signal to Putin. His plan to divide us will fail,"he said. Wicker credited President Donald Trump with building that alignment. "President Trump has succeeded in fostering unity, which allows the West to engage Putin from a position of strength," he said. The Mississippi senator rejected what he described as Moscow's portrayal of the conflict. "Putin, ever the KGB agent, continues to peddle a false narrative," Wicker said. "He wants the world to believe that Russia will inevitably achieve its military goals in Ukraine. The facts on the ground say otherwise." Pointing to recent battlefield developments, Wicker said, "Ukraine has successfully retaken Kupiansk, and Russia remains unable to seize Pokrovsk. Both illustrate that Putin's narrative rings hollow." He added, "Putin cannot generate the combat power needed to achieve his maximalist political goals. Ukraine continues to out-innovate Russia." Wicker said European partners, encouraged by Trump, were stepping up. "At President Trump's urging, our European allies have taken significant steps to rebuild their industrial base alongside the United States," he said. He accused Moscow of spreading false claims to undermine diplomacy. "Putin understands the unity of the West as the greatest threat to his aims," Wicker said, adding that allegations of Ukrainian attacks near Putin's residence in Novograd were "unsubstantiated" and "an obvious pretext for rejecting President Trump's peace terms." Asserting that Ukraine is ready for peace on just and realistic terms, the Senator noted that the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "has repeatedly been willing to make public concessions." He warned against any settlement that would force Kyiv to surrender territory. "His country should not be compelled to accept a peace that requires it to cede unoccupied territory to the Russians," he said. Wicker urged greater military support, calling for increased aid, "in particular, air defenses and long-range strike weapons," and said "credible security guarantees for Ukraine are indispensable to any lasting cessation of hostilities." He welcomed Trump's proposal to submit such guarantees to the Senate, saying approval would show "broad, bipartisan support for Ukraine." "It is time to end this war," Wicker said. "But the end of hostilities must not reward the aggressor or cause the victim to suffer further." The Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022 is the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. The war has displaced millions and reshaped security debates across Europe and within NATO. Washington has provided billions of dollars in military and economic assistance to Kyiv since the invasion, while European nations have increased defense spending and coordinated arms production, even as diplomatic efforts continue to seek an end to the fighting. said in a statement. "The West's demonstration of unity sends a clear signal to Putin. His plan to divide us will fail." - IANS Chilean President Gabriel Boric has condemned recent US military strikes in Venezuela and the reported capture of President Nicolas Maduro, calling for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and multilateralism. The Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the US action an "act of armed aggression" with an untenable pretext and joined calls for an urgent UN Security Council meeting. In contrast, the EU's foreign policy chief supported the US move, reiterating that Maduro lacks legitimacy while urging restraint. The incident highlights a deeply polarized international response, with the US justifying its actions under presidential authority to confront what it calls a "narco-terrorist" government. Chilean President Boric and Russia condemn US military action in Venezuela, calling it armed aggression and urging a peaceful, multilateral solution via the UN Security Council. Santiago, January 3 Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Saturday gave a call for peaceful resolution after American strikes in Venezuela where the US "captured" President Maduro and his wife. The Chilean President condemned the military action and said that the crisis must be resolved through dialogue and multilateralism. In a post on X he said, "As the Government of Chile, we express our concern and condemnation of the military actions by the United States taking place in Venezuela, and we call for seeking a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country. Chile reaffirms its commitment to basic principles of International Law, such as the prohibition of the use of force, non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the territorial integrity of States. The Venezuelan crisis must be resolved through dialogue and the support of multilateralism, and not through violence or foreign interference." Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". The Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. In a statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry said, "This morning, the US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This development gives rise to deep concern and warrants condemnation. The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Ideologized animosity has prevailed over pragmatic engagement, as well as over any readiness to build relations based on trust and predictability." "In the current situation, it is essential above all to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a solution through dialogue. We proceed from the understanding that all parties that may have grievances against one another must seek solutions through dialogue-based mechanisms. We stand ready to support such efforts. Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it proclaimed itself in 2014. Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny, free from any destructive, let alone military, external interference." The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. "We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership, aimed at safeguarding the country's national interests and sovereignty. We support the statements by the Venezuelan authorities and by the leaders of Latin American countries calling for the urgent convening of a meeting of the UN Security Council," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Meanwhile, in what can be seen as a sign of an increasingly polarised world on the US strike, Kaja Kallas the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs supported the US action saying Nicolas Maduro lacked legitimacy. "I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority," she said. Earlier, Utah Senator Mike Lee said on Saturday that he was informed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. In a post on X on his personal account, Lee said that the action by the US, likely falls within the president's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. - ANI Elon Musk has declared that individuals using Grok AI to generate illegal content will face identical legal consequences as those directly uploading such material. This statement follows the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to X Corp, demanding immediate action to prevent obscene and indecent content generation via Grok. The government directive warns that non-compliance could result in the loss of legal safe harbor protections and trigger penalties under multiple laws including the IT Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The ministry has mandated a comprehensive review of Grok's frameworks and strict user policy enforcement, including account suspension and content removal. Elon Musk states users creating illegal content with Grok AI face full legal consequences, as India's MeitY issues strict compliance notice to X Corp. New Delhi, Jan 3 Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Saturday said that anyone using Grok AI to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content, a day after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology cracked down on X Corp for failing to prevent the generation and circulation of obscene, nude and indecent content on its platform. Musk replied to DogeDesigner, the UI/UX and graphic designer of the DOGE team, on X, who posted that some people are saying Grok is creating inappropriate images. "But that's like blaming a pen for writing something bad. A pen doesn't decide what gets written. The person holding it does. Grok works the same way. What you get depends a lot on what you put in. Think about it," DogeDesigner posted. Musk replied: "Anyone using Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content". On Friday, the government directed X Corp to send an action taken report (ATR) "towards immediate compliance for prevention of hosting, generation, publication or transmission, sharing or uploading of obscene, nude, indecent and explicit content through the misuse of Al-based services like 'Grok' and xAl's other services" within 72 hours. The directive states that "non-compliance with these requirements shall be viewed seriously and may result in strict legal consequences against your platform, its responsible officers and the users on the platform who violate the law, without any further notice, under the IT Act, the IT Rules, the BNSS, the BNS and other applicable laws". The ministry directed X to conduct a comprehensive review of Grok's technical and governance frameworks to prevent the generation of unlawful content. It said Grok must enforce strict user policies, including suspension and termination of violators. All offending content should be immediately removed without tampering with evidence, it said. The MeitY said non-compliance could lead to loss of safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act and trigger penal action under multiple laws, including the BNS, the Indecent Representation of Women Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. - IANS Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the 'Malta Mission' to boost citrus fruit production, including an 80% subsidy for farmers on micro-irrigation. The initiative aims to establish the state as India's horticulture capital, with plans for national and international promotion. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlined central support, including a Rs 100 crore Clean Plant Centre for disease-free saplings and a Centre of Excellence for kiwi cultivation with New Zealand. The government is also developing an integrated farming model and a five-year agricultural roadmap to significantly increase farmer income. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announces Malta Mission with 80% subsidy for farmers. Union Minister outlines Rs 100 crore Clean Plant Centre & roadmap to make Uttarakhand the horticulture capital. Dehradun, Jan 3 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday announced plans to launch a "Malta Mission" to promote the production of the citrus fruit to make the state the horticulture capital of India. Speaking at the Uttarakhand Malta Festival 2026, he said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to the welfare of farmers. We have decided to provide an 80 per cent subsidy to the farmers for micro irrigation." "Just as the Apple and Kiwi Policy was launched, a Malta Mission will also be initiated. Establishing orchards of citrus fruits is our government's priority," said Dhami. "This programme has been organised in Dehradun today. In the coming days, it will be held in other districts as well. We will also organise a major programme in Delhi to give Malta wider recognition and to take it to the national and international level," he told reporters. "Today, I also announced that just as we launched the Kiwi Mission, which significantly increased kiwi production... Similarly, we will launch a Malta Mission to substantially increase Malta production," he told reporters. Last week, Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that with Central support, a series of major initiatives have been started for Uttarakhand, including a Rs 100 crore Clean Plant Programme, Rs 1700 crore allocation for rural roads, and over Rs 65 crore compensation for crop damage. Speaking at a state-level farmers' conference in Gauchar, Chamoli district, attended by Dhami, State Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi, local MPs, MLAs and thousands of farmers, Chouhan outlined measures to transform the state's agriculture and rural economy. A modern Clean Plant Centre will be set up at ICAR-CITH Mukteshwar to produce millions of disease-free saplings of kiwi, apple, malta and citrus fruits, solving the long-standing problem of poor-quality planting material from nurseries. In collaboration with New Zealand, a Centre of Excellence for kiwi cultivation will be established, aiming to make Uttarakhand the horticulture capital of India. Chouhan also announced the development of an integrated farming model suited to small landholders, combining crops, fruits, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, animal husbandry and fisheries. This approach, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, will help farmers harness the state's unique herbs to significantly increase their income. A team of scientists, officers and experts will prepare a five-year agricultural roadmap for Uttarakhand through consultations with progressive farmers and local stakeholders. The minister noted that the state already leads the country in the growth of farmer income and emphasised the need to further accelerate this progress. - IANS China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts deliver New Year greetings from space Xinhua) 14:26, January 03, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Shenzhou-21 crew, currently aboard the orbiting Tiangong space station, released a New Year greetings video on Thursday, extending their wishes to people across the nation. Mission commander Zhang Lu, who became the first Chinese astronaut to celebrate the New Year in space for a second time, expressed that "the strength of our nation is the foundation and assurance of our space journeys." Whenever flying over the homeland and looking down upon its vast landscapes, he is often reminded of the lyrics from a well-known song: "I sing for every mountain, I sing for every river." Wu Fei, the flight engineer on his first space mission, reported that the crew had recently completed another round of inspections of the space station's facilities. Ensuring the stable operation of their "home in orbit" is both their duty and a solemn commitment to the nation and its people. Payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang shared his New Year wishes from space for the first time, saying, "May everyone have a joyful New Year and see all their dreams come true." On Oct. 31, 2025, the Shenzhou-21 manned spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Following this, the Shenzhou-21 and Shenzhou-20 crews carried out China's seventh in-orbit handover. On Dec. 9, the Shenzhou-21 crew completed their mission's first series of extravehicular activities. As the new year begins, the Shenzhou-21 crew plans to conduct additional extravehicular activities with both astronauts and experimental payloads, along with a series of scientific experiments and technical tests. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth chaired a high-level meeting to set the police force's priorities for the coming year, with a major emphasis on enhancing cyber surveillance and intelligence for internal security. Key directives include reorganising the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) to align with national guidelines and realise the Chief Minister's vision of a drug-free state. The DGP stressed administrative efficiency, mandating time-bound action plans, faster file disposal via e-Office systems, and resolving budgetary matters before the financial year ends. The meeting also focused on making the cybercrime helpline more effective and promoting the Uttarakhand Police Song to reflect the force's cultural identity and service spirit. Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth outlines 2025 police priorities: boosting cyber surveillance, reorganising ATS & ANTF, and ensuring administrative efficiency. Dehradun, January 3 A high-level review meeting was held at Sardar Patel Bhawan on Saturday, chaired by Uttarakhand Director General of Police Deepam Seth, with senior officers of the Police Headquarters to discuss the Uttarakhand Police's priorities for the coming year. During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on the steps needed to ensure efficiency, transparency, and timeliness across all branches of the Police Headquarters. The DGP issued directions stating that, in compliance with the instructions from the Union Home Minister at the Anti-Terror Conference-2025, special priority must be accorded to cyber surveillance and cyber intelligence from the perspective of the state's internal security. According to a release, the DGP emphasised the reorganisation of the ATS, ANTF, and Traffic Directorate. In line with the Union Home Minister's directions at the Anti-Terror Conference-2025 on uniformity in ATS structure, necessary action has been issued. To realise the Chief Minister's vision of a Drug-Free Uttarakhand, instructions have been issued to strengthen the ANTF further this year. The DGP informed that a high-level meeting of senior police officers from the state will soon be held during which the agenda points of the DGP-IGP Conference-2025 will be reviewed. The DGP stressed the need to make the 1930 cybercrime helpline more effective and to ensure better, technically robust integration with the 112 emergency system. He directed that all headquarters-level officers immediately submit concrete, time-bound action plans aligned with the proposals, priorities, and objectives for their respective sections. He also instructed that budgetary matters, procurement, and other financial issues be resolved expeditiously and to a high standard before the end of the financial year. Instructions were also issued to dispose of pending files from the previous year and proposals pending at the government level, to prevent unnecessary delays in administrative work. Highlighting the Chief Minister's vision of 'Simplification, Solution, and Disposal', the DGP directed the adoption of a time-bound decision-making process to eliminate unnecessary delays in file work. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring faster file movement and transparency across all sections through the exclusive use of the e-Office/e-File system. The DGP also said that the Uttarakhand Police Song should be widely promoted. He stated that the song beautifully reflects the state's cultural identity, dedication, and the police force's service spirit. - ANI The Venezuelan government has issued a statement condemning alleged U.S. military aggression following reports of explosions in Caracas. Venezuela accuses the United States of attacking civilian and military sites, violating the UN Charter, and attempting to seize the country's strategic resources. In response, President Maduro has declared a State of External Commotion and deployed national defense forces while activating diplomatic channels at the UN. The explosions caused power outages in parts of Caracas, though the cause remains unconfirmed amid escalating tensions between the two nations. Venezuela accuses the US of military aggression after explosions in Caracas, invoking UN Charter and declaring a State of External Commotion. Caracas, January 3 The Venezuelan government on Saturday issued a statement rejecting and condemning what it described as a "military aggression" by the United States against Venezuelan territory, accusing Washington of violating the United Nations Charter and threatening regional peace and stability. In the official statement, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela alleged that the United States carried out attacks on civilian and military locations in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, calling the action a flagrant breach of international law, including Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Charter, which uphold state sovereignty and prohibit the use of force. The Venezuelan government said the alleged aggression was aimed at seizing the country's strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and undermining Venezuela's political independence. It rejected what it described as attempts to impose "regime change", stressing that Venezuela had defended its sovereignty for more than two centuries. Referring to historical precedents, the statement said the Venezuelan people would once again defend their independence, invoking the legacy of Simon Bolivar and other national leaders. Calling for mobilisation, the Venezuelan government urged all social and political forces to repudiate what it termed an "imperialist attack". It said the Bolivarian National Armed Forces were deployed nationwide to guarantee sovereignty and peace, while diplomatic channels would be activated to raise complaints before the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, CELAC and the Non-Aligned Movement. The statement said President Nicolas Maduro had ordered the implementation of national defence plans in line with the Constitution and relevant national security laws, and had signed a decree declaring a State of External Commotion across Venezuela. It added that comprehensive national defence command structures had been deployed across states and municipalities. Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Venezuelan government said it reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defence to protect its people, territory and independence, and called on governments and peoples worldwide to express solidarity. The statement was issued amid reports of loud explosions across Venezuela's capital Caracas early Saturday, which triggered power outages in several neighbourhoods, CNN reported. According to CNN, multiple blasts were heard in different parts of the city, with the first explosion occurring at around 1:50 am local time. Following the explosions, electricity was cut in several areas of the capital, leaving parts of the city in darkness. The cause of the explosions remains unclear, and there has been no official confirmation from Venezuelan authorities on whether the blasts were linked to military activity, air operations or any external involvement. Residents in several neighbourhoods reported panic as loud booms echoed through the city, while social media users shared accounts of hearing explosions and seeing flashes in the sky, CNN reported. There was no immediate information on casualties or damage at the time of reporting. Reacting to the developments, former Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for the United Nations Security Council to be convened to discuss US action against Venezuela. "Colombia is a member of the United Nations Security Council which must be convened immediately. Establish the international legality of the aggression against Venezuela," he posted on X. The developments come amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. The US has also imposed sanctions on vessels it claims are involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. At the same time, the US military has stepped up actions against Venezuelan boats in the region, alleging their involvement in drug and narcotics smuggling. Trump has called on Maduro to step down, accusing Venezuela of doing "terrible things" against the United States. Trump has also alleged that Venezuela has contributed to illegal migration into the US, claiming, "Hundreds of thousands of people, millions of people, into our open border. They sent their criminals, they sent their prisoners, they sent their drug dealers, they sent their mentally insane and incompetent people into our country, more than any other country," he had said. Against this backdrop, Maduro has accused the United States of seeking control over Venezuelan oil. Last month, he said that "Trump has gone mad" and asserted that he would not "let anybody go through who shouldn't be going through". However, the Venezuelan government indicated openness to dialogue on specific issues, saying it was ready to engage with Washington to address drug trafficking in the region. "The US government knows, because we've told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we're ready," Maduro said. - ANI Venezuela has officially accused the United States of "extremely serious military aggression" following a series of loud explosions that caused panic in Caracas, prompting President Maduro to declare a national emergency. The Venezuelan government alleges the incident was an attempt to seize the country's strategic oil and mineral resources. This escalation occurs amidst ongoing US sanctions targeting Iran-Venezuela procurement networks and repeated warnings from the Trump administration about possible military action against Maduro's government. The explosions, which triggered power outages and telecom disruptions, further strain relations already fraught with accusations of regime change and narco-terrorism campaigns. Venezuela accuses the US of "serious military aggression" after explosions rock Caracas, escalating tensions amid US sanctions and regime change threats. Caracas, Jan 3 Venezuela, in its first official statement since loud explosions were heard in the capital Caracas, has strongly criticised the Donald Trump-led government of the United States, accusing it of carrying out what it described as "extremely serious military aggression", according to local media reports. In a sharp statement condemning Washington, the Venezuelan government alleged that the attack appeared to be an attempt "to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence". The reaction came after residents of Caracas reported hearing loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers early on Saturday. According to reports, the incidents occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time, triggering panic across several parts of the Venezuelan capital. Media reports indicated that at least seven loud explosions shook Caracas, forcing residents to rush out onto the streets in fear. Venezuelan President Maduro has declared a national emergency following the explosions. The sudden blasts led to widespread anxiety, with people reportedly fleeing their homes amid confusion and uncertainty. Videos circulating on social media show plumes of smoke rising from several locations in the capital city. However, the authenticity of the images and videos could not be immediately verified. According to reports, brief power outages were also recorded in some areas of Caracas, including at a military base in the city, following the explosions. Authorities have not yet released further details on the extent of damage or possible casualties as investigations continue. Partial disruptions to telecommunication services were reported in the capital city following sounds of explosions. This comes as US President Donald Trump has, on several occasions, warned about the possibility of ground operations in Venezuela as part of his strategy to oust President Nicolas Maduro, intensifying sanctions, augmenting military presence in the area, and accusing ships of drug trafficking in both the Caribbean and Pacific. Recently, the US administration announced sanctions against 10 entities and individuals based in Iran and Venezuela, accusing Tehran of supplying conventional weapons to Caracas and threatening US interests across the Western Hemisphere, including the US homeland. In separate statements, the US Department of State and the US Department of the Treasury said a Venezuelan company targeted by the sanctions had been involved in the sale of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian-designed combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Other sanctioned entities and individuals were accused of supporting procurement networks linked to Iran's drone and ballistic missile programs, said the statements. "The entities and individuals designated today demonstrate Iran is actively proliferating its combat UAVs and continues to procure missile-related items in violation of UN restrictions," State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said. He added that the Trump administration will take action to curb Iran's ballistic missile program, block its development of other conventional and asymmetric weapons, and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. "We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran's military-industrial complex access to the US financial system," said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. The US Treasury Department also said that Iran's UAV and missile programs threaten US and allied personnel in the Middle East and disrupt commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Relations between the United States and Venezuela have also remained strained, with Caracas repeatedly accusing Washington of pursuing regime change and expanding its military presence in the region under what the United States calls an anti-narco-terrorism campaign. Additionally, the CIA carried out a drone strike in December last year on a dock facility along the coast of Venezuela, marking the first known land strike by the Trump administration inside the oil-rich South American country. The strike targeted a remote dock that US officials believed was being used by a Venezuelan gang to store drugs and transfer them onto boats for shipment. - IANS Former US President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country following a large-scale US military strike. The announcement came after residents reported multiple loud explosions and aircraft sounds over Caracas early Saturday, causing widespread panic and power outages. The Venezuelan government condemned the action as a severe act of military aggression aimed at seizing the nation's strategic oil and mineral resources. In response, the US Embassy in Bogota issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, warning Americans to shelter in place and noting the US government's inability to provide emergency services in Venezuela. Donald Trump claims Venezuela's President Maduro was captured after US strikes on Caracas, triggering explosions, panic, and a diplomatic crisis. Washington, Jan 3 US President Donald Trump has claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, has been "captured" and "flown out" of the country, which came under large-scale attack early Saturday. Taking to his social media platform 'Truth Social', Trump said, "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country." He mentioned that this operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement, and further details will follow during a news conference at 11 a.m. (local time) at Mar-a-Lago. Several large explosions were heard early Saturday in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Venezuela, in its first official statement since loud explosions were heard in the capital Caracas, strongly criticised the Donald Trump-led government of the United States, accusing it of carrying out what it described as "extremely serious military aggression". Soon after, US media reported that Washington officials had confirmed strikes against Venezuela. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, which also manages affairs in Venezuela, released a statement advising Americans against travelling to Venezuela or its borders. "US Embassy Bogota is aware of reports of explosions in and around Caracas, Venezuela. The US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, warns US citizens not to travel to Venezuela. US citizens in Venezuela should shelter in place," the Embassy said in a statement. The highest Travel Advisory level -- Level 4 -- has been announced. Level 4 states, "Do Not Travel - due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure." All US citizens in Venezuela have been strongly advised to depart immediately. The Embassy further mentioned that in March 2019, the US Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the US Embassy in Caracas and suspended operations. All consular services, routine and emergency, remain suspended. The US government has no ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela, according to the official statement. In a sharp statement condemning Washington, the Venezuelan government alleged that the attack appeared to be an attempt "to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence". The reaction came after residents of Caracas reported hearing loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers early on Saturday. According to reports, the incidents occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time, triggering panic across several parts of the Venezuelan capital. Media reports indicated that at least seven loud explosions shook Caracas, forcing residents to rush out onto the streets in fear. Venezuelan President Maduro has declared a national emergency following the explosions. The sudden blasts led to widespread anxiety, with people reportedly fleeing their homes amid confusion and uncertainty. Videos circulating on social media show plumes of smoke rising from several locations in the capital city. According to reports, brief power outages were also recorded in some areas of Caracas, including at a military base in the city, following the explosions. Partial disruptions to telecommunication services were reported in the capital city following sounds of explosions. - IANS President Donald Trump revealed he watched the U.S. military operation in Venezuela in real time, calling it an unprecedented display of professionalism. The operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were flown out of the country. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced Maduro faces narco-terrorism and weapons charges in American courts. The capture marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Vice President JD Vance defending the action. President Trump describes watching the US operation capturing Nicolas Maduro in real time, praising the military's "amazing" professionalism and speed. Florida, January 3 In his first remarks on US action in Venezuela that led to the capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump told Fox News that he had not seen anything like this, and was able to watch it in real time and watched every aspect of it. He also lauded the professionalism of the US armed forces. " I've never seen anything like this. I was able to watch it in real time, and I watched every aspect of it," Trump said. "It was amazing to see the professionalism -- the quality of leadership...amazing," he added. Trump also told Fox News that the team did an incredible job. "They rehearsed and practice like nobody has ever seen. I was told by military people there is no other country on earth that can do such a manoeuvre. I watched it like I was watching a television show. If you would have seen the speed, violence- it was an amazing thing, an amazing job that these people have done. Nobody else could have done anything like this," he said. The United States carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown out of the country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US President posted on Truth Social," he said. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. In a post on X she said, "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers." US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday hailed the special operators who carried out the operation and defended the action saying that the Venezuelan president has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism. In a series of posts on X, he said that throughout the process it was clear that drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. - ANI Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer has identified 19.32 lakh voters whose names do not map to the 2002 electoral list, prompting a detailed verification process. Notices have been issued, and hearings will be conducted by election officials, with special provisions for bedridden and senior citizens. This scrutiny follows a draft revision where over 24 lakh electors were deleted from the rolls. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on February 21, 2025. Kerala's CEO identifies 19.32 lakh voters with no link to the 2002 electoral roll. Hearings and document verification are underway ahead of the final roll publication on Feb 21. Thiruvananthapuram, January 3 Following the Election Commission's weekly political party meeting on Special Intensive Revision, Chief Electoral Officer Kerala, Rathan U Kelkar, said that 19.32 lakhs voters were identified who have no mapping with the 2002 list. Speaking to reporters, Rathan U Kelkar said, "We had a weekly meeting with political parties in Kerala. We have found 19.32 lakhs voters who have no mapping with the 2002 list. As per the direction of the commission, their documents will be examined to get convinced about the eligibility of these voters. We have nearly a thousand AEROs and DROs in the state. We have issued them directions as per the commission's instructions on the way in which hearing has to be conducted. Notices have been generated to all the voters, and they are getting issued to all the voters." He further said that the final publication of the Electoral roll is scheduled to be released on February 21. "Hearings will continue very soon. We hope that within the time limit as instructed by the Election Commission, we will be able to complete all hearings. We have informed all AEROs and DROs to ensure that people who are people who are bedridden, senior citizens and finding it difficult to attend to be facilitated so that they don't have any inconvenience as part of hearings. The hearings will be decided by the EROs at the level of polling station or village officers based on convenience of voters and officers. We are scheduled to come out with the final publication of the Electoral roll on February 21," he said. He further stated that before that, they would be able to complete the hearings of the people with no mapping. "We are also undertaking efforts to get new voters with Form 6 and 6A, which are of Indian origin and well as people overseas electors into the list before the designated time," he added. Earlier, over 24.08 lakh electors were deleted from the voter lists in Kerala as the Election Commission of India (ECI) published the draft electoral roll after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. According to the release, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Kerala held 'SIR Joyathon', a motivational stress-relief campaign launched in late 2025 during the SIR exercise in Kerala. It aimed to support BLOs, election officials and volunteers managing the heavy workload of digitising voter enumeration forms. Districts started a series of Best BLO/Supervisors of the Day to motivate them. Experience sharing of BLOs who have completed 100 per cent digitisation was also promoted through social media. Led by the Chief Electoral Officer, the Night Out initiative involved senior officials joining Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to directly engage with people at the grassroots level of society, working without time constraints to ensure complete outreach. Conducted Kite Festival, Sand Art on behalf of SIR campaign, Visiting Unnathies, Conducting Votathon Ralli, Candle Light March, appreciating the efforts of BLOs by sending personalised postcards signed by the District Collector, A Day with BLO, etc were done as part of SIR promotion, press release said. Kerala identified places with poor or slow network in the initial days of SIR, so it started a community model for digitisation. BLOs in such places would sit together in a strong network area and digitise the EFs for speedy work. Special urban camps were organised in all wards of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the State to ensure complete coverage of urban electors. - ANI Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has announced that the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are unknown following early morning U.S. military attacks in multiple states. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country during the operation. Venezuelan media reported the operation involved Chinook helicopters and special forces, with sources indicating Delta Force was involved in the capture. The situation remains fluid as Rodriguez called for a civic-military fusion to defend the country while awaiting further details from a promised U.S. news conference. Venezuela's VP says President Maduro & wife are missing after U.S. military strikes. Trump claims they were captured. Explosions reported in Caracas. Caracas, Jan 3 Venezuela Vice President Delcy Rodriguez on Saturday said that the whereabouts of country's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are unknown following the US attacks in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira in the early hours of the morning, local time. Leading Venezuelan daily El Nacional reported that Rodriguez, in a telephone interview with Venezolana de Television, demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores from the US government. "Delcy Rodriguez called on the population to become active in a civic-military fusion to defend the country," the newspaper reported. Quoting sources consulted by Fox News, El Nacional reported that the nighttime US military operation involved a large deployment of Chinook helicopters and other special forces assets. Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed that the Venezuelan President and his wife have been "captured" and "flown out" of the country. Taking to his social media platform 'Truth Social', Trump said, "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country." He mentioned that this operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement, and further details will follow during a news conference at 11 a.m. (local time) at Mar-a-Lago. Several large explosions were heard early Saturday in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. The American media reported that Maduro was captured by a unit of the special and elite forces of the US Army's Delta Force. "Administration sources indicated that Trump gave the green light to the military attacks a few days ago, after several months of increased US military presence off the Venezuelan coast and calls from the White House for Maduro to step down," reported El Nacional. - IANS Yemen's Southern Transitional Council has declared a two-year transitional phase aimed at achieving independence for the south, escalating tensions within the Saudi-led coalition. This announcement comes amid fresh clashes between Saudi-backed government forces and STC fighters in Hadramout province, resulting in casualties. Saudi Arabia has called for dialogue while accusing the UAE of supporting the separatists, a claim the UAE denies as it completes its military withdrawal from Yemen. The independence plan is widely rejected by Yemen's internationally recognized government and the Houthi movement, threatening to further fragment the country and destabilize the coalition's efforts. Southern separatists in Yemen announce a two-year plan for independence as Saudi-backed forces clash with them, threatening the fragile coalition and Yemen's unity. Aden, January 3 Yemen's southern separatist movement has announced plans to hold a referendum on independence from the north after a two-year transitional period, even as Saudi-backed forces moved to regain territory seized by the separatists last month, Al Jazeera reported. Clashes broke out on Friday in Hadramout province, which borders Saudi Arabia, between forces loyal to the Saudi-backed governor and fighters of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out air strikes on its positions near the border. Seven people were killed and more than 20 were wounded after seven air strikes hit a camp in al-Khashaa, according to Mohammed Abdulmalik, head of the STC in Wadi Hadramout and the Hadramout Desert, Al Jazeera reported. Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi said efforts to take back military bases from the STC were aimed at restoring order without escalation. The move was intended to "peacefully and systematically" reclaim sites in the southern province. "The operation is not a declaration of war or an escalation, but rather a precautionary measure to protect security and prevent chaos," he said in a statement. Saudi Arabia later called on all parties to join a forum to "formulate a comprehensive vision for fair solutions to the southern cause," as tensions continued to rise, according to Al Jazeera. The fighting followed a decision by Yemen's Saudi-backed government to appoint al-Khanbashi as overall commander of the National Shield forces in Hadramout, granting him full military, security and administrative authority in what it described as an effort to restore stability in the eastern province. Hours after the clashes began, the STC announced the start of a two-year transitional phase towards declaring an independent southern state. "We announce the commencement of a transitional phase lasting two years, and the Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North," STC President Aidaros Alzubidi said in a televised address. He warned that the group would declare independence "immediately" if dialogue failed or if southern Yemen again came under attack. "This constitutional declaration shall be considered immediately and directly effective before that date if the call is not heeded or if the people of the south, their land or their forces are subjected to any military attacks," Alzubidi said. The announcement is unlikely to be accepted by Yemen's internationally recognised government or the Houthi movement, which controls large parts of northern Yemen and the capital, Sanaa. The move has been described as a red line as it threatens the country's unity, Al Jazeera reported. Riyadh and the internationally recognised Yemeni government have accused the United Arab Emirates of backing and arming the STC, enabling it to seize parts of Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces last month. Saudi Arabia has warned that the STC's expanding presence in these areas poses a threat to its national security. The UAE has rejected the allegations, saying it remains committed to Saudi Arabia's security. The UAE confirmed on Friday that its last soldiers had left Yemen, a week after announcing the withdrawal of its remaining forces. "The UAE concluded the presence of its counterterrorism forces," a government official said, adding that it "remains committed to dialogue, de-escalation and internationally supported processes as the only sustainable path to peace." Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the STC are all part of a coalition formed by Riyadh to confront the Houthis, but growing separatist actions by the STC and allegations of Emirati support have fuelled tensions within the alliance. Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi warned against opposing government decisions, saying the withdrawal of Emirati forces was part of correcting the coalition's course. "The decision to end the Emirati military presence came within the framework of correcting the course of the [coalition] and in coordination with its joint leadership, and in a way that ensures the cessation of any support for elements outside the state," he said. The STC has insisted its fighters will remain in southern provinces that Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government want them to leave. Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Yemen later blamed STC leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi for refusing landing permission for a plane carrying a Saudi delegation to Aden. "For several weeks and until yesterday, the Kingdom sought to make all efforts with the Southern Transitional Council to end the escalation ... but it faced continuous rejection and stubbornness from Aidarus Al-Zubaidi," Ambassador Mohammed Al-Jaber said on X. Flights at Aden International Airport remained suspended as both sides traded blame. The STC-controlled Transport Ministry accused Saudi Arabia of imposing an air blockade, while Saudi sources denied the claim. A Yemeni presidential adviser said the government had imposed inspection requirements on one flight route from Aden to prevent alleged money smuggling by the STC, Al Jazeera reported. - ANI President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff, signaling a heightened focus on security and diplomacy during sensitive peace talks. The move comes as Zelenskyy revealed a 20-point peace plan is nearly complete, aiming to end the prolonged conflict. Budanov, credited with overseeing bold operations against Russian forces, will now help shape Ukraine's strategic defense and development policies. His replacement as intelligence head will be Oleh Ivashchenko, ensuring continuity in critical security roles. President Zelenskyy names intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov as new chief of staff during key peace negotiations. Learn about the strategic shift. Kyiv, January 3 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday appointed military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff amid the crucial peace talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed towards ending four-year-long war. Announcing the decision on X, Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs sharper focus on security, defence preparedness and negotiations as efforts continue to end the nearly four-year-long conflict. "Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations, and the Office of the President will primarily serve the fulfilment of these tasks of our state," Zelenskyy said. "Kyrylo has specialized experience in these areas and sufficient strength to deliver results.I also instructed the new Head of the Office of the President, in cooperation with the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and other relevant leaders and institutions, to update and submit for approval the strategic foundations of our state's defense and development, as well as the subsequent steps," Zelenskyy further added. The appointment comes at a sensitive time, days after Zelenskyy said that the 20 point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict was "90 per cent" ready. Budanov, 39, has been serving as the head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) since August 2020. He is widely credited with overseeing several high-risk intelligence and military operations against Russian forces since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Al Jazeera reported. A career military intelligence officer, Budanov rose through Ukraine's defence ranks after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Since the war began, he has become one of Kyiv's most recognisable security figures, frequently briefing the public and issuing warnings about Russia's long-term plans for Ukraine and the region. Reacting to his new role, Budanov said he had accepted the responsibility and would continue to serve the country. "It is an honour and a responsibility for me to focus on critically important issues of strategic security for our state at this historic time for Ukraine," he said in a post on Telegram, Al Jazeera reported. Zelenskyy also announced that Oleh Ivashchenko, the current chief of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, will replace Budanov as head of the GUR. - ANI Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal reported a 10.9% year-on-year increase in average hourly earnings for delivery partners, reaching 102 in 2025. He defended the gig model's flexibility, stating it provides a stop-gap earning option not designed for full-time employee benefits like PF. Goyal also addressed safety concerns, clarifying that 10-minute delivery promises do not pressure drivers, with average speeds being moderate. The comments come amid a public debate on gig worker conditions, drawing both support from investors and criticism from political figures. Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal reveals delivery partners' hourly earnings rose to 102 in 2025, defends gig model flexibility amid strike debate. New Delhi, January 3 Deepinder Goyal, Founder of Zomato has reiterated his position after a purported strike call by certain gig workers brought the gig-model into the spotlight. According to Goyal, average hourly earnings for delivery partners at Zomato increased by approximately 10.9 per cent year-on-year in 2025, reaching Rs 102 compared to Rs 92 in 2024, according to data shared by him . The figures, which exclude tips, reflect a steady growth in earnings over a longer horizon for the gig workforce. Goyal on X shared the financial structure of the gig model. He noted that if a partner works for 10 hours a day for 26 days a month, the gross earnings translate to approximately Rs 26,500. After accounting for roughly 20 per cent in fuel and maintenance costs, net earnings stand at about Rs 21,000 per month. These calculations are based on total logged-in hours, including waiting time. Goyal highlighted the flexible nature of the work, with the average delivery partner on Zomato working 38 days in 2025 and averaging seven hours per working day. Only 2.3 per cent of partners worked more than 250 days during the year. Goyal stated that "demanding full-time employee benefits like PF, or guaranteed salaries for gig roles doesn't align with what the model is built for," adding that the system provides a "flexible, stop-gap earning option" rather than a long-term lock-in. Addressing safety concerns regarding quick commerce, Goyal clarified that 10-minute delivery promises do not pressure workers to drive unsafely. Delivery partners are not shown customer-facing time promises or countdown timers. The speed of delivery is attributed to store proximity rather than road speed. In 2025, the average distance per Blinkit order was 2.03 km with an average driving speed of 16 km/h, while Zomato saw average speeds of 21 km/h. According to Goyal, Zomato and Blinkit spent over Rs 100 crore on insurance premiums for partners in 2025. This includes accident insurance up to Rs 10 lakh, medical coverage of Rs 1 lakh, and loss of pay insurance. Additional support includes two period rest days per month for women, income tax filing assistance for 95,000 partners, and National Pension Scheme enrollment for 54,000 workers. Goyal emphasized that partners have the freedom to choose their work areas and log-in times without assigned shifts or geographies. He characterized the platform as offering a reliable source of secondary income with zero barriers to entry. "Flexibility isn't incidental to the gig model, it is the whole point," he stated, "Now tell me, is this unfair? Especially for an unskilled job, which is largely part time, and has zero barriers to entry." Earlier, prominent investor and Naukri.com founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani weighed into the debate on gig workers praising Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal's comments on the one-day gig workers' strike while taking an indirect jab at those alleging that these workers were being exploited. In response to Goyal's post on X, Bikhchandani wrote, "Very well written Deepinder Goyal. Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldive has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of gig workers. Aam Aadmi my foot," the 'X' post said. The founder of Info Edge was taking an apparent dig at the AAP MP Raghav Chadha without naming him. Earlier, Goyal had defended the gig economy, arguing that it shattered centuries of invisibility for labourers, stating that, for the first time, workers, delivery partners, riders, and others interact directly with consumers on a large scale. He mentioned that makes inequality personal, which is why the gig economy sparks discomfort and heated debates. Aam Aadmi Party's Rajya Sabha MP Raghav has publically called to ban 10-minute delivery apps, claiming that companies have been oppressing gig workers and shooting up their evaluations on their backs, enriching only the companies. - ANI Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's No 2 contract chipmaker, on Wednesday announced the acquisition of its sister foundry in Shanghai, days after market leader Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) said it would take full control of a subsidiary. Those big-ticket transactions - 8.27 billion yuan (US$1.2 billion) for Hua Hong and 40.6 billion yuan for SMIC - signalled a fresh round of consolidation in the country's semiconductor industry, as Beijing's tech self-sufficiency drive gathered pace amid heightened rivalry between China and the US. Hua Hong said it would acquire a 97.5 per cent equity interest in Shanghai Huali Microelectronics from its state-owned parent Hua Hong Group, as well as investment funds that include the Shanghai Integrated Circuit Industry Fund, the Shanghai Guotou Pioneer Fund and phase two of the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, also known as "Big Fund". Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The acquisition would help Hua Hong add a monthly production capacity of 38,000 65-nanometre and 40-nm chips, boosting its asset base and profitability, according to a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange. Hua Hong shares gained 9.42 per cent to close at HK$81.30 on Friday. SMIC's stock in Hong Kong was up 5.11 per cent to close at HK$75.10. The facade of Hua Hong Semiconductor's headquarters in Shanghai. Photo: Handout alt=The facade of Hua Hong Semiconductor's headquarters in Shanghai. Photo: Handout> SMIC had earlier announced that it would acquire the remaining 49 per cent stake it does not own in subsidiary Semiconductor Manufacturing North China (Beijing) Corp. (SMNC). The deal was first proposed in September. Taking full control of SMNC's fabrication facility would "enhance the asset quality" of SMIC and benefit its long-term development, China's No 1 chip foundry said. Established in 2013, SMNC provided 12-inch wafer manufacturing services for different processes. SMNC was focused on "45-nm and finer technologies", according to SMIC's 2013 annual report. SMIC said in November that its full-year revenue was on track to hit an all-time high of more than US$9 billion, as tight foundry capacity and China's supply-chain localisation kept its fabs running at full capacity. While SMIC and Hua Hong did not make chips on 7nm and more advanced processes like larger contract chipmakers Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and Samsung Electronics, the two Shanghai-based firms remain major suppliers of so-called legacy chips. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Snow showers this morning. Becoming partly cloudy later. High 29F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low near 15F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. How US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro Last Updated: January 04, 2026, 00:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Jan 3 (AP) After months of growing military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump ordered a brazen operation into the South American country to capture its leader and whisk him to the United States where his administration planned to put him on trial. In a Saturday morning interview on Fox & Friends Weekend," Trump laid out the details of the overnight strike, after which he said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were flown by helicopter to a US warship. Later Saturday, Trump and other officials gave more details during a news conference from his Florida residence. Maduro was in a fortress, Trump says - Trump described Maduro as being highly guarded" in a presidential palace that was like a fortress." Maduro had nearly made it to a safe room inside it, Trump told reporters, although he was unable to close it." American forces were armed with massive blowtorches," which they would have used to cut through steel walls had Maduro locked himself in the room, Trump said earlier. It had what they call a safety space, where its solid steel all around," Trump said. He didnt get that space closed. He was trying to get into it, but he got bum-rushed right so fast that he didnt get into that. We were prepared." US military prepared for months Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said US forces had rehearsed their maneuvers for months, learning everything about Maduro where he was and what he ate, as well as details of his pets and the clothes he wore. We think, we develop, we train, we rehearse, we debrief, we rehearse again, and again," Caine said, saying his forces were set" by early December. Not to get it right, but to ensure we cannot get it wrong." Earlier, Trump said US forces had practiced their extraction on a replica building. They actually built a house which was identical to the one they went into with all the same, all that steel all over the place," Trump said. We turned off all the lights Trump said the US operation took place in darkness, although he did not detail how that had happened. He said the US turned off almost all of the lights in Caracas," the capital of Venezuela. At the news conference, he said the citys lights were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have." This thing was so organised," he said. And they go into a dark space with machine guns facing them all over the place." At least seven explosions were heard in Caracas. The attack, which Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described as part of massive joint military and law enforcement raid," lasted less than 30 minutes. Venezuelas vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, who under law takes power, said some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed. Trump says a couple of guys injured Trump said a few US members of the operation were injured but he believed no one was killed. A couple of guys were hit, but they came back and theyre supposed to be in pretty good shape," he said. The Republican president said the US had lost no aircraft, but that a helicopter was hit pretty hard." We had to do it because its a war," he added. In his news conference, Trump did not mention the injuries or helicopter damage, stressing that no American lives had been lost. Caine said the helicopter that was struck was able to safely fly on its return. The weather was a factor - Trump said US forces held off on conducting the operation for days, waiting for cloud cover to pass because the weather has to be perfect." We waited four days," he said. We were going to do this four days ago, three days ago, two days ago. And then all of a sudden it opened up and we said, go. And Ill tell you, its, it was just amazing." Caine said that on Friday night, the weather broke just enough, clearing a path that only the most skilled aviators in the world could move through." He said helicopters flew low to the water to enter Venezuela and were covered above by protective US aircraft. Operation Absolute Resolve, by the numbers Caine detailed the aircraft and US forces involved in the operation, which he said was named Absolute Resolve": more than 150 aircraft launched from across the Western Hemisphere, including F-18, F-22 and F-35 fighter jets, B-1 bombers and drones. Trump gave the go-ahead at 10:46 p.m. EST Friday. US forces reached Maduros compound at 1:01 a.m. EST Saturday and were back over water headed away at 3:29 a.m. EST. US service members involved in the operation ranged in age from 20 to 49 Where is Maduro now? Trump said that Maduro and Flores were flown by helicopter to a US warship and would go on to New York to face charges. He later posted on Truth Social a photo of the Venezuelan leader, wearing in a gray sweatsuit, protective headphones and blindfold. The caption said: Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima." The Justice Department released an indictment accusing the pair of having an alleged role in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. Months of escalating actions The raid was a dramatic escalation from a series of strikes the US military has carried out on what Trump has said were drug carrying boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since early September. There had been 35 known strikes that killed at least 115 people. On December 29, Trump said the US struck a facility where boats accused of carrying drugs load up." The CIA was behind the drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels. It was the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US began its strikes in September. (AP) GRS GRS News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 04, 2026, 00:00 IST News agency-feeds How US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India asks its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 23:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) India on Saturday night advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela after the US captured the South American countrys President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a military operation. The Ministry of External Affairs also asked all Indians who are in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movements. The US carried out the military assault on the Venezuelan capital Caracas after consistently accusing Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking. The president of the oil-rich country had stridently denied the charge. US troops have taken Maduro and his wife to the US. Venezuela declared a national emergency after the US action. In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela," the external affairs ministry said. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas," it said. The ministry asked the Indians to get in touch with the embassy through phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls) and email ID cons.caracas@mea.gov.in. There are around 50 Non-Resident Indians and 30 Persons of Indian Origin in Venezuela, according to the embassy in Caracas. The US action has triggered political uncertainty in the South American country, with many leading powers, including Russia and China, slamming Washington for the operation and capture of Maduro and his wife. Hours after the operation in Caracas, Trump posted a photo of Maduro aboard the US warship USS Iwo Jima. Maduro has been brought to New York, where he will face charges relating to supporting drug cartels, according to US authorities. Trump said at a news conference that the US will run Venezuela until a transition of power can take place. Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he said. The US president also said that the extremely successful" operation should serve as a warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives. India has not yet reacted to the US action. PTI MPB NSD NSD News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 23:15 IST News agency-feeds India asks its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Investigation opened into managers of Swiss bar where fatal fire killed 40 Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 21:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Crans-Montana (Switzerland), Jan 3 (AP) Swiss authorities have opened an investigation into the managers of the bar where a fire at a New Years party left 40 people dead, police said Saturday. The two are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing fire by negligence, police said in a statement. They said that the investigation was opened on Friday night, but didnt give further details. More than 100 people were injured in the blaze that broke out about 1:30 am on Thursday at the Le Constellation bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana. The process of identifying the dead and injured was still underway on Saturday, leading to an agonising wait for relatives desperate for news. Investigators said Friday that they believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the fatal fire when they came too close to the ceiling of the crowded bar. Many of the injured were in their teens to mid-20s, police said. Authorities planned to look into whether sound-dampening material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar. Officials said they would also look at other safety measures on the premises, including fire extinguishers and escape routes. The regions top prosecutor has warned of possible prosecutions if any criminal liability is found. The Valais regions top security official, Stephane Ganzer, told SRF public radio Saturday that such a huge accident with a fire in Switzerland means that something didnt work maybe the material, maybe the organisation on the spot." He added, Something didnt work, and someone made a mistake, I am sure of that." Nicolas Feraud, who heads the Crans-Montana municipality, told RTS radio he was convinced" checks on the bar hadnt been lax, the broadcaster reported. (AP) SKS SKS News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 21:00 IST News agency-feeds Investigation opened into managers of Swiss bar where fatal fire killed 40 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Man booked for threatening Navi Mumbai civic poll official Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 21:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Thane, Jan 3 (PTI) A man was booked for allegedly issuing threats and trying to tarnish the reputation of the election officer for Ghansoli division in Navi Mumbai, a civic official said on Saturday. Polls to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation will be held on January 15, while votes will be counted the next day. A criminal case was registered against an individual for allegedly intimidating and slandering Kalpana Gode, Election Officer for Ghansoli Division and Deputy District Collector. The incident occurred while Gode was performing constitutional duties related to the upcoming polls," a release of the NMMC election department said. The accused person exerted illegal pressure on the election process through multiple channels. He reportedly contacted the Returning Officer on her private mobile phone and WhatsApp to issue threats. Malicious and defamatory content was circulated online to tarnish the reputation of the officer and interfere with her work," it said. The act was categorized as a deliberate attempt to compromise the fairness and sanctity of the democratic process, following which a criminal case was registered at the local police station on the complaint filed by the Ghansoli Division Election Office, the release added. A police official said a probe is underway in the case, though no arrest has been made as yet. PTI COR BNM News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 21:00 IST News agency-feeds Man booked for threatening Navi Mumbai civic poll official Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Insider selling can send chills, especially when it involves a high-growth tech stock like CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD). Recently, several executives and key insiders have trimmed their CRWD positions from co-founder and leadership stock sales to smaller, yet noticeable, executive share reductions, sparking fresh debate on whether this signals a shift in conviction or simply routine liquidity events. CrowdStrike insiders sold shares last week totaling roughly $38.81 million, with CEO George Kurtzs transaction the largest among them. Kurtz disposed of 17,550 shares, generating about $8.4 million in proceeds and bringing his direct stake down to approximately 2.19 million shares. Also, CrowdStrike CFO Burt Podbere sold 10,516 shares of CRWD on Dec. 22, at an average price of $483.33, totaling over $5 million. In fact, insiders didnt buy any shares in the past year. More News from Barchart So, should you take these insider sales as a sign to rethink your exposure to CRWD? Nevertheless, the broader investment narrative for CrowdStrike remains positive. Robust demand for its AI-driven cybersecurity Falcon platform and continued institutional interest underpin optimism. About CrowdStrike Stock CrowdStrike is a leading cybersecurity technology company specializing in cloud-native endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and cyberattack response solutions through its subscription-based Falcon platform. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the firm serves a global customer base with advanced tools designed to prevent breaches and secure cloud workloads, identities, and data in real time. The company commands a market cap of around $118.2 billion, reflecting its stature in the technology sector. CrowdStrikes stock has delivered a steady performance through 2025, significantly outpacing the broader market and many of its cybersecurity peers. Year-to-date (YTD), CRWD has climbed around 37% compared to the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 16.4% gains YTD, reflecting solid investor appetite as growth expectations and adoption of its AI-driven Falcon platform remain elevated. MEA advises Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela after US strikes Last Updated: January 04, 2026, 02:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], January 4 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday advised Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela amid the unfolding situation in the South American nation. It also urged Indians currently in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution, remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas, and share an emergency helpline number for assistance.In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas through their email id: cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +58-412-9584288 (also for WhatsApp calls)," MEA said in a statement.The advisory comes after Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement, leading to heightened tensions and uncertainty.Earlier, Donald Trump said that Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were captured in Caracas during a US military operation, have been indicted on charges of alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York, and will face trial. He said that American forces, working with law enforcement agencies, captured Maduro and his wife in a night-time operation.While addressing a press conference in Florida, Trump said, No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday or frankly, in just a short period of time. All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with US law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night."It was dark, and it was deadly, but he was captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom now face American justice. Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York," he said.According to an unsealed indictment shared by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on X, Maduro and Flores face multiple counts of statutory allegations related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies". The capture of Maduro comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 04, 2026, 02:30 IST News agency-feeds MEA advises Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela after US strikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Swiss bar fire in Crans-Montana likely caused by champagne sparklers: Officials Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 05:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bern [Switzerland], January 3 (ANI): Sparklers attached to champagne bottles and held too close to the ceiling likely sparked the deadly fire at the Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during a New Years party, killing at least 40 people, CNN quoted officials as saying. The blaze reportedly spread rapidly due to a flashover, and Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible criminal responsibility.Earlier, at a press conference in Crans-Montana, Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler said authorities responded swiftly after a fire was reported at a bar in the area.According to Gisler, smoke was first seen coming from the bar in the centre of the Swiss ski resort at around 1:30 am. Moments later, a witness contacted the emergency call centre to report the incident. A red alert was immediately issued to mobilise firefighting services, he added.The first teams from the Crans-Montana intercommunal police and the gendarmerie reached the scene at 1:32 am, and were soon joined by additional emergency responders, CNN reported.Their initial assignment was obviously to take care of the victims, to provide them emergency help," Gisler said. He noted that firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze quickly. Following that, the initial investigations were able to start," he said.Reception centres were later set up to assist those affected by the incident, and a helpline was launched at 4:14 am to provide information and support to families.All of the injured people had received care by shortly after 5 am, thanks to this widescale mobilisation," CNN quoted Gisler as saying.Families of those who lost their lives in the fire at Crans-Montana are facing a painful wait, as local authorities said it could take several days to identify all of the approximately 40 victims, CNN reported.Currently and in the days to come, the priority will be identifying the people who have died so that their bodies can be returned quickly to their families," Gisler said in a press conference. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 05:00 IST News agency-feeds Swiss bar fire in Crans-Montana likely caused by champagne sparklers: Officials Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Venezuela's VP demands US free Maduro, calls him country's rightful leader Last Updated: January 04, 2026, 01:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Caracas, Jan 3 (AP) Venezuelas vice president on Saturday demanded in a speech that the US free President Nicolas Maduro and called him the countrys rightful leader. Maduro and his wife, seized overnight from their home on a military base, were aboard a US warship on their way to New York to face prosecution for a Justice Department indictment accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. (SP) GRS GRS News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 04, 2026, 01:15 IST News agency-feeds Venezuela's VP demands US free Maduro, calls him country's rightful leader Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... World leaders react as US strikes Venezuela, captures Maduro Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 23:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London/Moscow, Jan 3 (PTI) Global leaders on Saturday reacted sharply to the US strike on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, with some expressing concern and urging restraint, while others backed Washingtons move. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured in a large-scale US strike on the capital city of Caracas and will face criminal charges in New York, according to US President Donald Trump. The strikes and the capture prompted sharp criticism from key global players, including Russia and China. The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly" urged the US leadership to reconsider their position and release the legitimately elected president of a sovereign country and his spouse". We highlight the need to create conditions for resolving any existing issues between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue," it said in a Telegram post. China condemned the US airstrikes, describing them as hegemonic acts" that seriously violate international law. China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the USs blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its President," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. China firmly opposes it. We call on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries sovereignty and security," it said. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called the strikes and Maduros capture an unacceptable line", adding that these represent the most serious affront to Venezuelas sovereignty and an extremely dangerous precedent" for the entire international community. Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism," he said in an X post, adding that this threatens the preservation" of Latin America and the Caribbean region as a zone of peace". Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc is closely monitoring" the situation in Venezuela and urged restraint", calling for respect of the UN Charter. In an X post, Kallas said she spoke to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EUs Ambassador in Caracas. The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority," she said. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was not involved in the US operation in Venezuela and that he would seek additional information from Trump. Starmer said he always believes that international law should be upheld. But I think at this stage, fast-moving situation, lets establish the facts and take it from there," he said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for de-escalation and responsibility" and in a social media post said that international law and the principles of the UN Charter must be respected. Meanwhile, Argentinian President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, spoke out in support of the developments. Reacting to news of the US intervention in Venezuela, he said in a social media post, Freedom moves forward. Long live freedom, damn it!" Argentine media reported. In an X post, Ecuador President Daniel Noboa said, To all the narco chavista criminals, your time is coming. Your structure will completely collapse across the entire continent." In a press conference following Maduros capture, Trump said that the US is going to run Venezuela until safe transition of power can take place. He also said that the US will tap Venezuelas vast oil reserves and sell large amounts to other countries. PTI GRS GRS GRS News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 23:30 IST News agency-feeds World leaders react as US strikes Venezuela, captures Maduro Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pisces Horoscope Today, January 3, 2026 Curated By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 07:05 IST Pisces Daily Horoscope, January 3, 2026: Ganesha predicts balanced finances, positive business changes, and harmonious family life. Pisces Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for meena rashi on January 3 2026. (AI generated image) Pisces Daily Horoscope Today, January 3 2026: Ganesha says Today offers a blend of diligence, opportunities, and caution. Positive planetary positions support systematic work toward your goals, bringing success and potential profits with relatively less effort, while maintaining a balanced financial situation despite simultaneous income and expenses. However, handling situations practically rather than emotionally is important, as minor disagreements with siblings may arise. In business, positive changes are expected, especially in marketing and import-export work, while salaried individuals should stay vigilant to avoid mistakes that may upset superiors. Financially, challenges may occur, so avoid new investments, control spending, and carefully manage old debts or obligations with expert guidance. Love and family life remain harmonious, making it a favorable time to seek family approval in relationships, maintain sweetness with your spouse, and enjoy time with children. Health requires caution against seasonal illnesses, pollution, and dust, along with avoiding cold foods. Positive The planetary positions are favorable. Working diligently and systematically towards your future goals will bring considerable success. While there will be income, there will also be expenses, but your financial situation will remain balanced. There are chances of gaining significant profits with less effort. Negative Try to handle any situation practically rather than emotionally. There might be some disagreements with your siblings. A little understanding and wisdom will help resolve the situation. Business There will be some changes in business activities, which will be positive. You will find success in marketing and import-export related work. Those in salaried jobs should be more vigilant about their projects. Making mistakes could lead to displeasure from superiors. Finance Today will be somewhat challenging for Pisces from a financial perspective. You may face losses in financial matters. Investing or considering new business proposals would not be advisable, as the situation is not in your favor. Exercise caution in all financial decisions. You need to pay attention to your spending habits today. Avoid impulsive spending, as it will negatively impact your budget. If you are dealing with old debts or financial responsibilities, it would be best to plan carefully and seek expert advice. Love There will be peace and harmony at home. This is a favorable time to seek family approval for marriage in your love relationships. Maintain sweetness in your relationship with your spouse. Spending time with your children will bring you joy. Health It is important to be cautious of seasonal illnesses. Stay away from pollution and dust and maintain cleanliness. Avoid consuming cold foods. Lucky Color Almond Lucky Number 1 (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 07:05 IST News astrology Pisces Horoscope Today, January 3, 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BEL Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026: Application Begins For 119 Posts; Check Details Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 16:31 IST BEL Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026: Selected candidates will receive a monthly salary ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000, along with allowances as per company rules. The written test is scheduled for January 11 this year. (AI Generated Image) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has begun the application process for Trainee Engineer-I and Trainee Officer-I posts for 2026. A total of 119 vacancies have been announced across different engineering fields and one finance role. The application process has started on December 29 and will close on January 9. This recruitment drive offers a chance to work with a government-owned defence company known for its work in electronics and defence systems. The recruitment is open to engineering graduates who want hands-on experience in technical projects linked to defence and national development. The roles are temporary but offer good pay, exposure, and learning opportunities. The selection process will mainly depend on performance in the written examination, followed by document verification. The written test is scheduled for January 11 this year. BEL Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details Out of the 119 total posts, most vacancies are for Trainee Engineer-I roles. Electronics has the highest number with 65 posts, followed by Mechanical with 37 vacancies. Electrical has 8 openings, Computer Science has 6, and Chemical Engineering has 1 post. There are also 2 vacancies for Trainee Officer-I in the Finance stream. These posts are spread across different project divisions and locations. The vacancies are also divided among General, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST categories as per government norms. BEL Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026: Who Can Apply Educational Qualification: For Trainee Engineer-I posts, candidates must have a four-year BE, B.Tech, or BSc Engineering degree from a recognised university. Eligible branches include Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, IT, Instrumentation, and Chemical Engineering. For the Trainee Officer-I (Finance) role, applicants must have an MBA in Finance. All degrees should be completed before applying. Age Limit: The maximum age limit to apply is 28 years. Relaxation in age will be given to eligible candidates as per BEL rules. BEL Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026: Salary Details Selected candidates will receive a monthly salary ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000, along with allowances as per company rules. The role also offers exposure to defence projects and advanced technology work, making it a strong option for early-career professionals. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 16:31 IST News education-career BEL Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026: Application Begins For 119 Posts; Check Details Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MPPSC Recruitment 2026: Application For 949 Assistant Professor Vacancies Begins February 27 Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 14:06 IST MPPSC Recruitment 2026: A total of 949 vacancies have been released across multiple subjects, offering opportunities for candidates from various academic backgrounds. The recruitment covers a wide range of subjects and categories. Interested applicants can apply online through the official MPPSC website at mppsc.mp.gov.in once the application window opens.(Representative image/File) The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has issued a fresh recruitment notification for Assistant Professor posts in higher education institutions across the state. The new recruitment drive offers a significant opportunity for candidates aspiring to build a career in teaching. The recruitment covers a wide range of subjects and categories. Interested applicants can apply online through the official MPPSC website at mppsc.mp.gov.in once the application window opens. The recruitment notice was released on December 31, 2025. As per the schedule, online applications will start from February 27, 2026. Candidates will have time until March 26, 2026, to submit their forms. MPPSC Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026: Subject-wise Vacancy Distribution A total of 949 Assistant Professor posts have been announced across Arts, Commerce, Social Science, and Science streams. Some subjects have a higher number of openings than others. Chemistry has the highest number of posts with 160 vacancies, followed by Physics with 145 posts. Commerce has 94 openings, while Economics has 84. History and Geography have 77 and 74 vacancies, respectively. Hindi and English account for 57 and 56 posts. Other subjects included in the recruitment are Political Science with 62 vacancies, Sociology with 49 posts, Psychology with 18 vacancies, Law with 29 posts, Geology with 8 vacancies, Sanskrit with 34 posts, and Yogic Science with 2 vacancies. Vacancies are spread across General, SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories as per state reservation rules. MPPSC Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria To apply, candidates must hold a Masters degree in the relevant subject with at least 55 per cent marks or an equal grade from a recognised university. Applicants must also have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by UGC, CSIR, or ICAR, or a state-level SET or SLET exam. As per UGC norms, candidates who hold a PhD degree are not required to qualify for NET, SET, or SLET. All degrees must be from recognised institutions in India or abroad. The minimum age to apply is 21 years, while the maximum age limit is 40 years. Age relaxation will be provided to candidates from reserved categories according to the Madhya Pradesh government rules. The entire application process will be online. Applicants are advised to keep all academic records and eligibility documents ready before filling out the form. Candidates must apply through the official MPPSC website within the given dates. It is important to note that incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected. Regular visits to the website are advised to stay updated on exam dates and further announcements. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 14:06 IST News education-career MPPSC Recruitment 2026: Application For 949 Assistant Professor Vacancies Begins February 27 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Himachal CM Suspends Professor Linked To Ragging, Sexual Abuse Case After Students Death Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 15:21 IST Himachal CM ordered suspension of a professor, Ashok Kumar, after a student died in Dharamshala following alleged ragging and assault. Inquiry underway. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. (File photo via X/@SukhuSukhvinder) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said the professor, who has been accused of ragging and sexual assault, will be suspended and an enquiry has been initiated in the case. A college professor and three female students at a college in Himachal Pradeshs Dharamshala were booked on charges of ragging and sexual assault of the student. The victims father lodged a complaint, alleging that his daughter was beaten by three seniors, Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika, on September 18, 2025, while a college professor, Ashok Kumar, indulged in obscene acts with her. The father stated that the harassment and intimidation left his daughter extremely frightened and mentally disturbed, resulting in a serious decline in her health. She was initially treated at multiple hospitals in Himachal Pradesh as her condition worsened. Later, she was referred to a hospital in Ludhiana, where she passed away during treatment on December 26, 2025. On Saturday, the Chief Minister said: The professor will be suspended with immediate effect, Inquiry has been ordered in this matter." Himachal Pradesh Womens Commission Chairperson Vidya Negi said, We have taken cognizance of the matter. We have called the SP and also requested a written report. We have urged them to investigate every aspect of the case. If anyone is found guilty, they should be punished. A thorough investigation should be conducted. The government is also sensitive to such incidents." Meanwhile, the accused professor has denied all allegations levelled against him. Ashok Kumar said that the student had studied under him in a previous academic session and was not his student in the current session. Some teachers have even come in support of the professor. Preliminary investigations by the police pointed out that the deceased student was enrolled in the college in 2024. She allegedly faced ragging by some students and failed her BA first-year examination. She subsequently stopped attending college after the results were declared in July 2025 and her name was struck off the college rolls on August 21. A case against the three students was registered under Sections 75, 115(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009. The ongoing investigation will focus on allegations of ragging, physical assault, intimidation, and sexual misconduct, as well as the sequence of events that allegedly led to the students deteriorating health and death. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Himachal Pradesh, India, India First Published: January 03, 2026, 14:45 IST News india Himachal CM Suspends Professor Linked To Ragging, Sexual Abuse Case After Students Death Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... CAG Flags Irregularities In 2017 Malda Flood Relief Distribution, Report Submitted To Calcutta HC Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Ranu Joardar Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 10:11 IST CAG found major irregularities in Malda flood relief fund distribution, with gaps in beneficiary verification and documentation, as reported to Calcutta High Court. According to the CAG report, there were serious procedural lapses, inadequate documentation, and weak verification mechanisms in the selection of beneficiaries and disbursement of flood relief funds. (File photo) The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has identified serious irregularities in the distribution of flood relief funds related to the 2017 floods in Malda district of West Bengal. According to the CAG report, there were serious procedural lapses, inadequate documentation, and weak verification mechanisms in the selection of beneficiaries and disbursement of flood relief funds. The findings, accessed by News18, were submitted to the Calcutta High Court pursuant to court directions in two Public Interest LitigationsWPA (P) 316 of 2021 and WPA (P) 375 of 2022alleging misappropriation of government funds through irregular disbursement of House Building (HB) Grants at the block level. This was in response to the HC order on April 11, 2023, directing the CAG to conduct a preliminary investigation and place a report before the court for consideration. In the report, the CAG reported that though damage was reported across 13 blocks, actual disbursement covered only 12 blocks. Payments were released to 90,479 beneficiaries, while joint inspections were conducted for only 58,764 beneficiaries, leaving a gap of 31,715 beneficiaries (35%). This indicates that payments may have been made to ineligible individuals or to persons without lodged claims," it stated. It further said that the Priority List included 83,874 beneficiaries but joint inspections covered only 58,764 beneficiaries, resulting in a difference of 25,110 beneficiaries (30%), suggesting inclusion without mandatory inspection. A further gap of 6,605 beneficiaries (7.3%) was found between those who received payments (90,479) and those listed in the Priority List (83,874), indicating payments to individuals not on the approved list," the CAG said. It said: In Old Malda Block, documents relating to 1,904 beneficiaries were not produced for cross-verification, despite 1.11 crore having been disbursed." The audit body said that the block authority stated that Form C was misplaced during an office shift in June 2023 but no general diary or missing report was lodged in this regard. Several block authorities failed to produce editable soft copies (Excel format) of Form C, Form B, and bill-wise muster rolls related to HB Grant payments, despite repeated audit requisitions," the CAG said. Due to non-submission of required physical and digital records, cross-verification and correlation of beneficiary details could not be established." The selection process for 31,715 beneficiaries (35%) could not be verified, and the exact amount of HB Grants released to these beneficiaries could not be ascertained, raising significant concerns over financial accountability and compliance," it added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 09:36 IST News india CAG Flags Irregularities In 2017 Malda Flood Relief Distribution, Report Submitted To Calcutta HC Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Degrees Without Dharma...': White-Collar Terrorism An Alarming Trend, Rajnath Singh Warns Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 04:45 IST The ministers remarks were anchored in the chilling details of the November 10 car bomb blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, an attack that claimed fifteen lives Beyond the challenges of internal security, the Defence Minister shared an optimistic outlook for Indias military and economic future. (File photo) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned on Friday of an alarming trend" of white-collar terrorism emerging across the country. Speaking at the 104th foundation day of Bhupal Nobles University in Udaipur, the minister expressed deep concern over the involvement of highly educated professionals in anti-social and anti-national activities, suggesting that academic achievement is increasingly being divorced from moral and ethical values. The ministers remarks were anchored in the chilling details of the November 10 car bomb blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, an attack that claimed fifteen lives. Singh pointed out that the perpetrators were not unlettered radicals but qualified doctors. He noted with irony that those who are trained to write prescriptions for life-saving medicine were instead found with RDX in their hands. The subsequent investigation into the Red Fort attack unravelled a sophisticated white-collar terror module, leading to the arrests of several medical professionals, including Dr Umar-un-Nabi, who allegedly drove the explosives-laden vehicle, as well as Dr Muzammil Ganai, Dr Adeel Rather, and Dr Shaheena Saeed. Singh argued that these incidents highlight a critical failure in the modern education system. He asserted that the purpose of education must extend beyond professional success to include the development of character, humility, and a sense of duty, or dharma". According to the minister, knowledge without wisdom or morality can prove fatal to society. He clarified that when he speaks of religion in this context, he is not referring to specific places of worship or rituals, but to a fundamental sense of responsibility toward ones fellow citizens and the nation. Beyond the challenges of internal security, the Defence Minister shared an optimistic outlook for Indias military and economic future. He highlighted the remarkable work" being done by Indian defence startups and expressed confidence that the country would achieve full self-reliance in weapon systems within the next fifteen to twenty years. Linking this progress to Indias broader economic trajectory, he noted that the nationcurrently the worlds fourth-largest economyis on track to become the third-largest by 2030. He concluded by urging the academic community to foster a multidisciplinary approach to research that focuses on solving real-world social problems rather than merely achieving journal publications. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 04:45 IST News india 'Degrees Without Dharma...': White-Collar Terrorism An Alarming Trend, Rajnath Singh Warns Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A sweeping crackdown on crypto tax evasion took effect Thursday as the UK and 47 other countries launched mandatory transaction reporting for digital assets under new OECD-developed rules. According to Financial Times, major crypto exchanges must now collect complete transaction records for UK customers, including purchase prices, sale amounts, and profits, while simultaneously reporting users tax residency details to HM Revenue & Customs. The UK sits among the first wave implementing the Cryptoasset Reporting Framework, with HMRC set to automatically share exchange-supplied data with participating tax authorities starting in 2027. All EU countries, the Channel Islands, Brazil, the Cayman Islands, and South Africa will receive information under the system. Ending Crypto Anonymity Across Borders The unprecedented global coordination marks a fundamental shift in crypto oversight. Seventy-five countries have committed to implementing CARF rules, with crypto hubs including the UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Switzerland scheduled to begin enforcement in 2027 and start exchanging information in 2028, as per FT. The United States will implement the framework in 2028 and begin exchanges in 2029. This is the beginning of the end for crypto investors who thought they could invest and gain from crypto in secrecy from tax and other law enforcement agencies, said Andrew Park, tax investigations partner at Price Bailey. The enforcement push follows years of preparation, with HMRC tripling the number of compliance letters sent to suspected tax evaders. The agency sent 65,000 notices in the 2024-25 tax year, compared to 27,700 the previous year. For the first time, this years self-assessment tax return form includes a dedicated section for declaring crypto gains and losses. Despite heightened scrutiny, retail behavior suggests continued confidence in digital assets. In the weeks leading up to the Budget, GBP deposits on CoinJar were 16% higher than withdrawals, which suggests people are taking a longer-term view rather than pulling back, Asher Tan, CEO and co-founder of FCA-registered exchange CoinJar, told Cryptonews. This push toward clearer tax reporting standards should provide greater clarity for everyday users, and this makes using compliant platforms even more important. Diverging Tax Strategies Reshape Global Landscape While enforcement tightens, tax treatment varies sharply across countries. For instance, Japans 2026 tax reform implements a flat 20% rate on crypto gains from specified crypto assets handled by registered financial businesses, replacing the current regime, under which gains are subject to up to 55% taxation. 'India's Heritage Has Returned After 125 Years': PM Modi At Piprahwa Relics Exposition Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 13:45 IST PM Modi inaugurates The Light and the Lotus exposition in New Delhi, showcasing Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha returned to India after 125 years, highlighting cultural heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics. (ANI/X) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the heritage of India has returned after 125 years, referring to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha that are now on display. During the inauguration of the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics related to Lord Buddha, titled The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One" at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in New Delhi, PM Modi said: India is not just the protector of the heritage of Lord Buddha, but the carrier of His traditions When I was the CM of Gujarat, thousands of relics related to Lord Buddha were discovered there, and today our government is protecting them as well as imparting the related knowledge to the present generation." The heritage of India has returned to the country after a wait of 125 years Now Indian citizens will be able to have darshan of these pure relics of Lord Buddha and take His blessings," he said. #WATCH | Delhi | PM Narendra Modi says, The heritage of India has returned to the country after a wait of 125 years Now Indian citizens will be able to have darshan of these pure relics of Lord Buddha and take His blessings"(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/UGDhCYcTaL ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026 PM Modi further said: We are grateful to have the relics of Lord Buddha among us Slavery destroys our heritage and the same happened with the relics of Lord Buddha, they were snatched from India Those who took them away were trying to auction them in the international market because But for India, these relics are a part of our Lord and our society. This is why we decided to stop their auction" The Prime Minister said that the Buddhist sites are being modernised today and new facilities are being built for the pilgrims. We are trying to impart the Pali language, related to Lord Buddha, to the masses, and hence, it has been given the status of classical language" Sharing insights about how teachings of Lord Buddha has impacted his life, PM Modi said: Lord Buddha had a deep impact on my life. I was born in a city which was a major centre of Buddhist teachings Sarnath, my Karmabhoomi, is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first teachings I tried to spread the heritage of Lord Buddha wherever I went and therefore took the Bodhi plant when I went to China, Japan, Mongolia" On Friday, he shared glimpses from the event and urged all those passionate about culture and Buddhism" to visit the exposition. According to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the Exposition brings together, for the first time, the Piprahwa relics repatriated after more than a century with authentic relics and archaeological materials from Piprahwa that are preserved in the collections of the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Indian Museum, Kolkata. Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa relics hold a central place in the archaeological study of early Buddhism. These are among the earliest and most historically significant relic deposits directly connected to Bhagwan Buddha. Archaeological evidence links the Piprahwa site to ancient Kapilavastu, widely identified as the place where Bhagwan Buddha spent his early life before renunciation. The exposition highlights Indias deep and continuing civilisational link with the teachings of Buddha and reflects the Prime Ministers commitment to preserving Indias rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The recent repatriation of these relics has been achieved through sustained government effort, institutional cooperation and innovative public-private partnership. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 13:45 IST News india 'India's Heritage Has Returned After 125 Years': PM Modi At Piprahwa Relics Exposition Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karnatakas First Sandalwood Leopard Spotted, Only Second Rare Big Cat In India Curated By : Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 15:40 IST The elusive animal, named the Sandalwood Leopard, is distinguished by a pale reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes drawing attention to Karnataka's rich biodiversity Globally, this colour morph has been recorded only five timestwice in South Africa, once in Tanzania, and twice in India (Image: Holematthi Nature Foundation) In a remarkable wildlife discovery, researchers in Karnataka have documented an ultra-rare leopard colour morph in the Vijayanagara district, marking only the second confirmed sighting of such a big cat in India and the first in the state. The elusive animal, named the Sandalwood Leopard" by conservationists, is distinguished by a pale reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes, a striking deviation from the typical tawny coat of Indian leopards. The discovery has drawn fresh attention to Karnatakas rich biodiversity and the diversity of its leopard population. The sighting was made by Sanjay Gubbi and his team from the Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF), who captured images of the female leopard, estimated to be 67 years old, through camera traps as part of ongoing research on leopard diversity in the state. In later images, the leopard was photographed with a cub exhibiting the usual tawny coat with black rosettes, highlighting the uniqueness of the adult females coat. Typically, Indian leopards have tawny coats marked with black rosettes, but this exceptionally rare morph, believed to be linked to hypomelanism or erythrism, shows a pale reddish-pink hue that resembles the colour of sandalwood. While the striking appearance has been visually documented, the team cautioned that confirming the exact genetic basis of this morph would require molecular analysis through non-invasive DNA samples such as hair or scat. The camera trapping was part of efforts to estimate leopard populations and identify key landscapes for large mammal conservation in the Kalyana-Karnataka region, conducted in collaboration with CHINAs wildlife research initiatives. According to HNF, Karnataka supports an estimated 2,500 leopards, including one of the countrys highest concentrations of melanistic leopards, commonly known as black panthers. Globally, this rare colour morph has been recorded only five times: twice in South Africa, once in Tanzania, and twice in India. The research team documenting this discovery also includes Sandesh Appu Naik, Shravan Suthar, Poornesha HC, Ruma Kundarkar, Ravichandra Velip, Dayanand Mirashi, Sumit Velip, Aishwarya Karanth, and Mayur Mirashi. The Sandalwood Leopards documentation highlights Karnatakas wildlife diversity and the importance of continued conservation efforts. As researchers continue monitoring leopards across the state, this rare sighting adds a new dimension to understanding the genetic and ecological diversity of big cats in India, capturing the imagination of wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 15:40 IST News india Karnatakas First Sandalwood Leopard Spotted, Only Second Rare Big Cat In India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP Shocker: 6-Year-Old Gang-Raped, Thrown From Terrace In Bulandshahr Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 19:23 IST In UP's Bulandshahr, a six-year-old girl was raped and killed. Police injured and arrested the accused after a shootout. Image used for representation In a shocking case reported from Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahr, a six-year-old girl was gang-raped and killed. The accused reportedly threw her from the terrace after the assault. The girls father filed a complaint after he found her lying unconscious on the field. As per a report by India Today, the accused, Raju and Veeru Kashyap, were living as tenants in the same building. In the complaint, the girls father alleged that she was playing on the rooftop and was later found lying in a field behind the building. She was rushed to the Community Health Centre Sikandrabad, where doctors declared her dead. A case was registered against both accused under Sections 70(2) and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 5(m) and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The report added that three teams were formed to arrest the accused. Police later received information that the alleged suspects were hiding at Idriss premises in an under-construction colony. When the police arrived at the location to apprehend them, they opened fire. Police retaliated, injuring both Raju and Veeru Kashyap in their legs. They were admitted to a hospital for treatment. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Bulandshahr, India, India First Published: January 03, 2026, 19:23 IST News india UP Shocker: 6-Year-Old Gang-Raped, Thrown From Terrace In Bulandshahr Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Upset Over His 'Stealing' Habit, Nagpur Parents Chain Son Before Leaving For Work Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 12:22 IST Nagpur District Child Protection Cell rescued a 12-year-old boy chained by his parents for months. Anjni police registered a case and sent the boy to a child home for counselling. The 12-year-old boy has been sent to a child home and is being counselled., police said (News18) The Nagpur District Child Protection Cell has rescued a 12-year-old boy who was tied up in chains by his parents over his misbehavior". Police said they had received information from the child helpline 1098 about a 12-year-old boy being tied up everyday by his parents, who were daily wage labourers, before they went to work. The incident took place in the jurisdiction of Anjni police station in Nagpur. According to the information, the child was being tied up everyday for past 3-4 months. This had caused injuries on the boys legs," police said. They further said, The parents informed that they had tie him up as he had started committing petty theft when they would go to work. They used to tie him up with chains when leaving for work and remove it after returning." When our team reached the house on Friday, the child was found in extremely dire circumstances. He was chained, had no space to move, and had been kept without food or water. The condition of the child shocked the team, as such a young boy was subjected to such inhuman punishment," Indian Express quoted District Child Protection Officer Mushtak Pathan saying. A case has been registered against the parents by the Anjni police, police said, adding that the boy been sent to a child home and is being counselled. The police have started an investigation into the matter under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and other relevant sections. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Nagpur, India, India First Published: January 03, 2026, 12:22 IST News india Upset Over His 'Stealing' Habit, Nagpur Parents Chain Son Before Leaving For Work Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is Avocado Oil Better For Your Health? Doctor Sheds Light On Its Health Benefits Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 11:00 IST Among other benefits, avocado oil can improve cholesterol balance, blood sugar levels, and gut health. Avocado oil has a high smoke point making it suitable for Indian cooking methods. (Image: Canva) Should you switch to avocado oil from refined vegetable oils? Dr Pankaj Sharma, the Director of the Department of Robotics, Bariatric, Laparoscopic and General Surgery at Fortis Hospital, recently told the Hindustan Times about the multiple benefits of avocado oil. According to Sharma, avocado oil can improve cholesterol balance, blood sugar levels, and gut health. Has a high smoke point Dr Sharma claims that the low smoke point of refined vegetable oils is one of their main disadvantages. They quickly oxidise when hot, producing dangerous free radicals that can injure cells and increase long-term health concerns. Avocado oil, on the other hand, has a high smoke point (up to 270C), making it suitable for Indian cooking methods like sauteing, roasting, and shallow frying," he explains. Sharma added that chronic exposure to oxidised oils directly impacts fatty liver and insulin resistance". Improves cholesterol balance The surgeon notes that most vegetable oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause chronic inflammation. Avocado oil, however, is a better-balanced option for regular cooking because it is high in monounsaturated fats. According to Dr Sharma, These fats help improve cholesterol balance by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) while supporting HDL (good cholesterol). For bariatric and post-bariatric patients, heart-healthy fats are essential not fat avoidance." Maintains blood sugar levels The surgeon notes that despite avocado oils high calorie content, it promotes improved satiety and stabilises blood sugar levels. Unlike refined vegetable oils, it does not spike insulin levels, making it beneficial for people with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome," Dr Sharma points out. He emphasises that avocado oil supports metabolic efficiency. Strengthens gut health According to Dr Sharma, avocado oil helps the body break down lipids more effectively and eventually improves gut health since it is mild on the digestive system and promotes good bile flow. Dr Sharma highlights that avocado oil reduces fat accumulation in the liver". A healthier gut and liver mean better surgical outcomes and long-term weight maintenance," he adds. Dr Sharma recommends switching to avocado oil. Avocado oil is more in line with the tenets of metabolic and bariatric care, from enhancing heart health to promoting weight loss and lowering inflammation, News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 11:00 IST News lifestyle food Is Avocado Oil Better For Your Health? Doctor Sheds Light On Its Health Benefits Mouth Breathing Can Be Harmful To Long Term Health Shares ENT Surgeon Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 09:53 IST The ENT surgeon cautioned that the growth and development of kids who practise mouth breathing can be affected and may cause downward jaw growth, crooked teeth, etc Sleeping with your mouth open can dry out your gums and disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth and leading to gum disease and tooth decay Breathing is something that your body does unconsciously, constantly and without any second thought. It is also the first thing that is affected when one gets sick with the flu, forcing you to actively breathe from the mouth. While this is something that is done due to necessity, mouth breathing is actually not the best method of breathing. Breathing from the mouth, especially when you inhale and exhale through parted lips, can have extensive health consequences. Nowadays, social media influencers and health-conscious creators online have started a new trend mouth taping. They share how this can help correct their way of breathing, forcing the body to breathe from the nose and not the mouth. But is that the correct way to go about fixing this habit? Not really, if studies are to be believed. To understand the risks and learn how to breathe properly, Dr Harihara Murthy, ENT, head and neck surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore, spoke to HT Lifestyle, who shared that mouth breathing can lead to serious illnesses. Common problems related to mouth breathing Disturbed sleep: Mouth breathing can cause enlarged tonsils, which lead to snoring and result in poor sleep. Gum problems: Dries out the gums and tissues of the mouth, disrupting the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth and leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Lung problems: Reduced oxygen concentration in the blood affects the lungs functioning, and it worsens for people who have asthma. Droopy eyes: Veins around the eyes dilate due to mouth breathing, leading to droopy eyes and dark circles or dark spots around the eyes. Flu and cold: The nose filters germs with tiny cilia, but mouth breathing bypasses this defence, letting bacteria reach the throat and increasing the risks of colds, sinus infections, etc. Sore throat: Because of mouth breathing, the tissues of the mouth and the throat become dry, which leaves a chronic dry and sore throat in the morning. Mouth Breathing in Kids The ENT surgeon cautioned that the growth and development of kids who practise mouth breathing can be affected. It may cause downward jaw growth, crooked teeth, long face syndrome, a protruding upper lip, and flared nostrils. In fact, a 2025 study found that mouth breathing in children can cause snoring, restless sleep, and even pauses in breathing at night. It is essential that caregivers pay close attention to children when they are sleeping to prevent this habit from developing. Signs You are mouth breathing Dry mouth at all times Bad breath throughout the day Mental fatigue or brain fog Constantly snoring, drooling Wakes up feeling tired and irritable How to prevent mouth breathing To prevent mouth breathing, Dr Murthy shared that people should practice diaphragm breathing: This enables the engagement of the right diaphragmatic muscles to breathe through the nose." Further, people with sleep apnea or chronic sleeping should use supportive pillows and maintain good posture when sleeping to reduce mouth breathing. Does Mouth Taping Work? A study suggests that taping your mouth shut while you sleep offers limited benefits. In fact, it can pose more risks than cures. The research studied people who are known mouth breathers or suffer from breathing-related sleeping problems like sleep apnoea to understand the potential benefits and harms of mouth taping for this group. The researchers found ten eligible studies published between 1999 and 2024, with a total of 213 participants. Eight studies looked at mouth taping, and two studies involved using a chin strap to keep the mouth shut. Only two studies identified any benefits of mouth taping for mild obstructive sleep apnoea. The improvements they observed were also modest but not clinically significant, so they wouldnt make much difference to symptoms or treatment decisions. The remainder of the studies found no evidence that mouth taping helps to treat mouth breathing or related conditions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 09:53 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Mouth Breathing Can Be Harmful To Long Term Health Shares ENT Surgeon Is Mirumi The New Labubu? Meet The Internets Latest Fuzzy Robot Bag Charm Craze Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 13:45 IST Across fashion, there is a growing shift away from overt luxury and towards objects that communicate inner life. The post-pandemic years have sharpened peoples desire for comfort Mirumi has built its reputation on small, whimsical robots designed to ease everyday anxieties. (Image: For the past few years, fashions most visible signals of individuality have not always come from tailoring or logos, but from objects that feel oddly personal, playful and sometimes deliberately impractical. Designer toys clipped to Birkin handles. Jelly sandals worn to black-tie events. Plush charms dangling from serious coats. In that lineage arrives Mirumi, a fuzzy, wide-eyed robot that clings to handbags and belt loops, quietly blinking, turning its head, and occasionally retreating as if shy. Many in fashion and tech circles are already calling it the new Labubu". But the comparison only goes so far. Where Labubu, the cult designer toy from Chinese brand Pop Mart, was static and symbolic, Mirumi moves, senses and reacts. It marks a subtle but significant evolution: from collectible charm to emotional companion. What Is A Mirumi? Pronounced mai-a-mee and created by Tokyo-based Yukai Engineering, Mirumi is a palm-sized robot covered in soft fur, designed to hang from bags using its elongated arms. It does not speak, does not connect to an app, and does not attempt to be useful in any conventional sense. Instead, it responds to sound and movement by turning its head, shifting its gaze or gently recoiling. The effect is oddly affecting. It feels less like an accessory and more like a presence. From Status Symbol to Emotional Signal Luxury fashion has long flirted with childlike and absurd objects, often as a way of rejecting rigid definitions of taste. Think of Marc Jacobs stuffed animal bags, Loewes cartoonish leather charms, or Balenciagas deliberate embrace of irony. In recent seasons, bag charms have become an extension of this impulse. They soften luxury, personalise it, and signal a wearers refusal to be read too literally. Labubu fit neatly into that world. The mischievous vinyl creature became a visual shorthand for playful luxury, spotted dangling from Hermes bags and appearing in street-style photographs from Paris to Seoul. It was about taste, access and cultural fluency. Rather than broadcasting status, it invites interaction. It does not pose. It reacts. In doing so, it taps into a growing appetite for what designers and technologists increasingly describe as emotional tech devices that are not built for efficiency or productivity, but for companionship, comfort and momentary connection. How Mirumi Is Less Fashionable and More Emotional Tech? Yukai Engineering has built its reputation on small, whimsical robots designed to ease everyday anxieties. Its earlier creations include a robot that nudges users to stop scrolling before bed, and another that gently encourages mindful breathing. Mirumi fits squarely into this philosophy. It does not demand attention, but rewards it. Unlike smart devices that constantly ask to be optimised or updated, Mirumis appeal lies in its refusal to be clever. Its movements are intentionally minimal. Its responses feel almost accidental. It behaves less like a gadget and more like a timid creature sharing your space. There is also something deeply contemporary about Mirumis portability. Clipped to a bag, it becomes part of the wearers public life, visible but not performative. It does not flash or buzz. It simply exists, reacting softly to the world as its owner moves through it. Why Are Fluffy Bag Charms So Popular? Across fashion, there is a growing shift away from overt luxury signals and towards objects that communicate inner life. The post-pandemic years have sharpened peoples desire for comfort, tactility and emotional reassurance, even in public-facing choices. Bag charms, once dismissed as frivolous, have become sites of meaning. They allow wearers to insert something intimate into otherwise polished looks. They disrupt uniformity. They tell stories. Mirumis Kickstarter campaign, which launched to strong interest, reflects this appetite. Backers are not just buying a robot. They are buying into a feeling: the idea that even in crowded, overstimulating cities, something small and gentle can accompany you. The timing of Mirumis arrival is not accidental. Across fashion, there is a growing shift away from overt luxury signals and towards objects that communicate inner life. The post-pandemic years have sharpened peoples desire for comfort, tactility and emotional reassurance, even in public-facing choices. Bag charms, once dismissed as frivolous, have become sites of meaning. They allow wearers to insert something intimate into otherwise polished looks. They disrupt uniformity. They tell stories. Mirumis Kickstarter campaign, which launched to strong interest, reflects this appetite. Backers are not just buying a robot. They are buying into a feeling: the idea that even in crowded, overstimulating cities, something small and gentle can accompany you. Is The Future of Fashion In Tech? What Mirumi suggests is a future where accessories are no longer purely decorative. This does not mean fashion will become technological in a utilitarian sense. If anything, Mirumi points in the opposite direction: towards tech that deliberately resists usefulness. In a world obsessed with optimisation, emotional tech offers permission to linger, to notice, to feel. Mirumi does not improve your day in measurable ways. It simply changes how it feels. Whether it becomes as ubiquitous as Labubu remains to be seen. But its presence already signals something important. Fashion is no longer just about how we look to others. It is increasingly about how objects accompany us through our inner lives. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 13:45 IST News lifestyle Is Mirumi The New Labubu? Meet The Internets Latest Fuzzy Robot Bag Charm Craze Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In Pics: Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbals Luxury Stay In Maldives For New Year Celebrations Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 14:26 IST The couple rang in the New Year with a luxurious getaway at SO/Maldives, sharing stunning pictures from the tropical paradise. Each villa comes with modern amenities, king-sized beds with designed interiors for luxury and comfort. (Photo Credit : Instagram) Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal started 2026 in style with a dreamy vacation in Maldives. Sharing the pictures from the vacation on her Instagram, she wrote, Hello 2026! Scroll to the end to see who had the best time at the New Years Eve gala at @so.maldives #SOmaldives #islandcouture." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona) The couple treated themselves with a luxurious stay at SO/Maldives resort sharing breathtaking images with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green surroundings. Fans got excited seeing holiday pictures and calling them couple goals." Giving a glimpse into their New Years celebration, she also uploaded a video writing, New year, new view, same love" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona) The resort is known for its luxurious villas, every villa offering an unobstructed ocean view. Guests can wake up to soothing sounds of waves and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets. According to NDTV, SO/Maldives offers top notch accommodation offers like: Beach pool villa: $2,152.84 (approx Rs 1.9 lakh) per night Lagoon beach pool villa: $2,247.84 (Rs 2.02 lakh) Family beach pool villa: $2,342.84 (Rs 2.1 lakh) Water pool villa: $2,437.84 (Rs 2.19 lakh) Ocean water pool villa: $2,580.34 (Rs 2.3 lakh) Two-bedroom lagoon loft: $3,577.84 (Rs 3.2 lakh) per night Each villa comes with modern amenities, king-sized beds with designed interiors for luxury and comfort. https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/sonakshi-sinha-and-zaheer-iqbal-kick-off-2026-at-a-maldives-resort-with-rs-2-lakh-stay-10231590 Experiences beyond accommodation Reaching the resort is an experience in itself, a scenic 15-minute boat ride from Male International Airport offers panoramic views that leave a lasting impression. The island resort also features vibrant restaurants, a bohemian beach club, wellness facilities, and water sports. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, steam and sauna sessions, a hammam, and a fully-equipped gym. Adventure seekers can try scuba diving, jetblading, or even swimming with sharks. Family nostalgia sparks social media buzz While the couple was busy enjoying their vacation, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha shared throwback family photos on social media to wish fans a happy New Year. The post caught attention for the absence of Zaheer Iqbal, which sparked online debates. Some fans pointed out that the pictures were old and taken before Zaheer joined the family, while others linked it to rumours around Sonakshis interfaith marriage. Sonakshis cousin, actor Pooja Ruparel, clarified recently in an interview with Hindirush, that there was no tension or drama during the wedding, clarifying, People shouldnt interfere in others lives. If there had been something like a slap or an argument, I would understand, but nothing of that sort happened." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 14:22 IST News bollywood In Pics: Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbals Luxury Stay In Maldives For New Year Celebrations Paparazzo On Jaya Bachchan's Comment Against Them: Every Event Has Two Entries; If You Dont Want To Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 16:37 IST Paparazzo Varinder Chawla reacts to Jaya Bachchans remarks, saying celebrities can avoid cameras by using back entries instead of creating scenes on red carpets. Paparazzo Varinder Chawla reacts to Jaya Bachchans remarks. Actor-politician Jaya Bachchans comment against the paparazzi and their clothes sparked debate, with many slamming the actress for her derogatory remark. Now, in a recent conversation, famous paparazzo Varinder Chawla reacted to Jaya Bachchans remarks and shared that he personally felt that he didnt like the actress words. Speaking to Siddharth Kannan, Chawla shared, We personally felt very bad about her remarks against my employees. All of us were hurt. There are multiple ways to express your views, but this was not the way to do it." Further explaining how many actors have set boundaries with the media, he shared, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, all of them invited the paparazzi for tea and politely requested us not to click their children. To date, we have respected that request and never photographed their kids." Many photographers discussed that if Jaya ji doesnt want us to click her, then perhaps we should stop doing so altogether. Not as a boycott, but simply by telling her politely that we wont click on her anymore. Not once have our boys misbehaved with her. They always address her respectfully as Jaya ji. God knows why she appears so frustrated all the time, but this has been her nature for years," the paparazzo further continued. Talking about how there are easy options for celebs to ignore paparazzi at events, the paparazzo shared, Every event has two entries, the red carpet and the back entry. If you dont want to be clicked, quietly enter from the back. Your PR team and event organisers can easily guide you. But if you deliberately walk the red carpet and then create a scene, it doesnt make sense." Jaya ji must have several staff members at home who wear uniforms. But behind the scenes, who knows their financial situation or personal struggles? Her comments dont just affect photographers but everyone working in the industry, including spot boys. It reflects how she views the common man," he said while reacting to the veteran stars comment on the clothes camerapersons wear. What Jaya Bachchan said Speaking to Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, the actress said, Yeh jo bahar gande, tight pant pehnke, haath mein mobile leke ghoomte hain, they think that just because they have a mobile phone, they can take your picture and say whatever they want. The kind of comments they pass, kahan se aate hain, kis tarah ka education hai, kya background hai? And these people will represent us? Just because they can upload content on YouTube or social media platforms?" News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 16:37 IST News movies bollywood Paparazzo On Jaya Bachchan's Comment Against Them: Every Event Has Two Entries; If You Dont Want To Zoya Akhtar Says Nepotism Complaints Are Often Misplaced: 'Just Because Youre Not In A Dharma Film...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 17:07 IST Zoya Akhtar weighs in on the nepotism debate, saying Bollywood is not a closed room and that many outsiders break through every year. She also addresses The Archies backlash. Rapid Read Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has addressed the long-running nepotism debate, arguing that Bollywood is not a closed club and that many complaints stem from not landing films with major banners like Dharma Productions. Nearly a decade after Kangana Ranauts movie mafia" remark turned nepotism into a mainstream flashpoint, the insideroutsider debate continues to haunt Hindi cinema. The discussion intensified during the pandemic, especially as OTT platforms helped actors like Jaideep Ahlawat and Pankaj Tripathi gain long-overdue recognition, reinforcing the idea that talent from outside the industry could thrive without traditional gatekeepers. Yet, the conversation keeps resurfacing, often reignited by high-profile launches of star kids from Nadaaniyan to Zoya Akhtars much-discussed The Archies. The latter, which marked the debut of Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, and Khushi Kapoor, drew sharp criticism online, with many questioning whether access and opportunity remain tilted in favour of film families. Now, Zoya Akhtar has addressed the debate once again, offering a blunt and structural view of how the industry actually functions. The Industry Is Not a Room Youre Locked Out Of" In a podcast clip from The Swaddle, which has since gone viral on Reddit, Zoya challenged the very framework through which nepotism is often discussed. Firstly, we have to stop looking at the industry like its a room, where youre either inside or outside. The industry is an infrastructure. Anybody can do what they want. Anybody can make a film. You can come in here, you can do what you want," she said. According to Zoya, the problem lies in equating the industry with a handful of powerful banners rather than viewing it as a much wider ecosystem. People Arent Mad About Being Outside They Want A Dharma Film" Zoya went on to suggest that much of the resentment around exclusion is misplaced and often mislabelled. See, the point is, a lot of people complain that they are not in the industry. But theyre actually complaining because theyre not in a Dharma film. You understand? Its not about not being in the industry. You want to act? You can act. And if youre acting, youre in the industry," she said. Her comment underlined a recurring frustration: the belief that visibility equals legitimacy, and that success is measured only by proximity to a few influential production houses. Outsiders Are Still Breaking Through, Says Zoya Countering the idea that newcomers are systematically shut out, Zoya pointed to industry patterns that often get ignored. You actually look at the statistics, every year more people who become stars are those who come from outside Mumbai, and from outside the industry, so to speak. They werent born into the industry, right? They werent born to someone who was already working here," she noted. She also used her own journey to complicate the narrative. Despite being born into a prominent film family, Zoya revealed that her directorial debut took nearly seven years to materialise. In contrast, her long-time collaborator and business partner Reema Kagti an outsider from Assam made her first film earlier. Zoya On The Archies Backlash And Online Trolling Zoya had earlier addressed the backlash faced by The Archies cast while speaking on Komal Nahtas podcast Game Changers, reflecting on the emotional toll the criticism took on the newcomers. They all are very talented and I would love to work with them again. What I felt terrible about was that they were newcomers," she said. She stressed that the responsibility for the performances rested with her, not the actors. I auditioned them. We gave them the roles. A very professional crew dressed them. There were all the best names in the business involved. I workshopped with them. I okayed the take, so it was me. They just did what I asked them to do," Zoya explained. What disturbed her most, she said, was the nature of the backlash. I didnt like the fact that they were being almost bullied. It wasnt nice, it was all my responsibility, so I did feel guilty, but then they asked me not to," she added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 17:07 IST News movies bollywood Zoya Akhtar Says Nepotism Complaints Are Often Misplaced: 'Just Because Youre Not In A Dharma Film...' NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) is included among the 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks in 2025. Data Center Growth Lifts NRGs Texas Outlook and 2026 Profit Targets NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) is well-positioned to capture rising electricity demand in Texas. A growing share of that demand is coming from data centers, which need steady, large-scale power to run AI models and cloud computing systems. That shift is starting to show up clearly in the numbers. Earlier in November, the company said it expects standalone core profit for full-year 2026 to come in above its updated 2025 range. NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) now sees 2026 core profit between $3.93 billion and $4.18 billion. That compares with revised 2025 guidance of $3.88 billion to $4.03 billion, driven by stronger power demand. Late in the quarter, NRG secured a $562 million low-interest loan from the Texas Public Utility Commission. The funding will support construction of the 689 MW Cedar Bayou power plant, with financing that began in September 2025 and runs through 2028. The company also expanded its data center footprint. During the quarter, it signed two new long-term retail power agreements totaling 150 MW at PJM sites. With those deals, NRGs total data center-related agreements now stand at 445 MW across the ERCOT and PJM markets. New facilities tied to these contracts are expected to come online between 2028 and 2032. Capital returns remain part of the story as NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG)s board approved a new $3 billion share buyback program running through 2028 and authorized an 8% dividend increase to $1.90 per share. Both moves align with the companys stated long-term growth target of 7%9%. Management also reaffirmed its current-year profit outlook, maintaining guidance of $7.55 to $8.15 per share. In Texas, performance continues to improve. Adjusted core profit in the utilitys Texas business jumped 38% year over year to $807 million. NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) operates as a major US energy provider, generating and selling electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses through a diversified portfolio of power sources. While we acknowledge the potential of NRG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 14 Best Pharma Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2026 and 14 Best Dividend Aristocrats to Invest in Heading into 2026. Disclosure: None. Chef Vikas Khanna Requests Mumbai Airport To Remove Terminal Carpet, Calls It Fatal For Asthma & Bronchitis Patients Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 11:44 IST Chef Vikas Khanna raised concerns over the condition of carpets at Mumbai airport. Vikas Khanna flags Mumbai airport carpet issue. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Chef Vikas Khanna has been promoting the latest season of MasterChef India, but amid that, he took to social media to address an important issue. Mumbai airport is known for many things, especially its carpets. Every traveller is familiar with those carpets. Chef Vikas was concerned about the cleanliness of those carpets and requested that the authorities replace them. While travelling from New York to Mumbai for the promotions of MasterChef India, Vikas shared a photo from the Mumbai airport that caught his attention. The image showed a worn-out carpet inside the terminal, which he described as a potential health hazard. He pointed out that such conditions could affect travellers, especially considering the heavy footfall the airport sees every day. Chef Vikas Khanna questions Mumbai airports cleanliness Sharing the photo, Vikas wrote, Though I love & respect the efficiency of Mumbai airport a lot. But having this carpet is absolutely unnecessary & unacceptable. It is beyond cleaning now. On behalf of every asthmatic & people with bronchitis issues I request the authorities to please look into removing this at the airports. It can lead to serious breathing issues and also be fatal." Several social media users agreed with Chef Vikas opinion. One user commented, I totally agree on this. Finally theres a hope that it might be removed." Another user wrote, So glad that this has been finally brought to light. Hope your message reaches out to the right people and action is taken approximately." Airport authorities reply to Vikas Khannas complaint Authorities of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport replied to Chef Vikas complaint and wrote in the comment section, Dear Mr Khanna, thank you for your kind words regarding the efficiency of the airport. We are truly humbled by your appreciation. At the same time, we have taken careful note of your concern regarding the condition of the carpet. Please be assured that this has been shared with the relevant teams, and appropriate corrective measures, including thorough cleaning and necessary action, will be undertaken on priority, keeping passenger health and comfort in mind. Team CSMIA." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 10:29 IST News movies television Chef Vikas Khanna Requests Mumbai Airport To Remove Terminal Carpet, Calls It Fatal For Asthma & Bronchitis Patients Opinion | Double Standards And Delayed Decline: The CPI(M)s Kerala Exception Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 21:03 IST As traditional support bases reassess their loyalties and as new political alternatives emerge, the CPI(M)s grip is weakening even in Kerala Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (File photo/PTI) The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front did not do well in the recent Kerala local body elections. Every card was played by the LDFfrom invoking faith in ways that bordered on subtle communalism to indulging in heavy PR stuntsyet the alliance failed to perform well. Traditionally, even in the face of anti-incumbency, the LDF has done well in local body elections because of the close rapport the CPI(M), a cadre-based party, maintains at the grassroots level. This time, however, that advantage did not work in its favour. Kerala remains the last bastion of the CPI(M), and understandably, its poor performance on home turf is a cause for concern. But this raises a larger issueindeed, two questions. Why has the CPI(M) virtually disappeared from the rest of India? And the second, related question: why does it continue to remain strong in Kerala? Though not in power, leftist ideology, together with the intelligentsia and academics who adhere to it, wields considerable influence in elite circles and plays a decisive role in shaping contemporary public discourse. Many of the criticisms directed at the BJP emerge from this discourse, as the Indian National Congress, the formal opposition, exercises little influence within academia or among the intelligentsia. Academia and the intelligentsia have long been the strongholds of the Left. The charges raised by the Left against the BJP are many. Ironically, many of these accusations neatly fit the Left itself. One such charge concerns the repression of dissent and opposing voices. The BJP, it is said, never allows dissent in its strongholds in North India. Such voices, we are told, are the signs of a healthy democracy. CPI(M) news sites and portals, including its Malayalam daily Deshabhimani, have spoken out strongly against such repression. But what is the ground reality in Kerala? The fact is that there are several places where opposing the CPI(M) is so difficult that no one is willing to contest against the party. In such wards, the CPI(M) has won even before elections are held, without any opposition. There have also been many wards where opposition candidates were denied entry for campaigning by the party machinery. Sourjya Bhowmicks Gangster State recounts many such instances from West Bengal as well, when the party was in power there. That is, the CPI(M), whenever or wherever it is in power, does exactly what it now accuses the BJP of doing. Repression is not the only charge on which the CPI(M) accuses the BJP while practising the same itself. Almost everything that the CPI(M) accuses the BJP of doinganything one can think of, from manipulating history and repressing the press to hijacking universities and playing communal politicsthe CPI(M) has itself done, often with even greater intensity. Take the often-cited example of Nangeli", which was popularised by leftist orators and intelligentsia, including the Chief Minister of Kerala. According to the myth, Nangeli is said to have lived centuries ago in Kerala and is described as a woman from a lower caste. The narrative claims that there existed a so-called breast tax" imposed on women for covering their breasts. It further alleges that Nangeli refused to pay this tax and that, when the local chieftains men arrived to collect it, she cut off her breasts with a sickle, placed them on a banana leaf, and sent them to the chieftain. She is said to have died shortly thereafter, and the story concludes with the claim that her husband jumped onto her funeral pyre. The story, for all its emotional appeal, is something that was fabricated less than twenty years ago. Everything about it, from the so-called breast tax to the name Nangeli," is false. Nangeli was not a name commonly found among lower castes. A breast tax" did exist historically, but its meaning was entirely different. The tax levied on working women was colloquially referred to as a breast tax," while the tax levied on working men was known as a moustache tax". The breast tax was not imposed for covering ones breasts. Notably, the Nangeli story was unheard of until about two decades ago. A different and only remotely related accountwhere a chieftains men kill a husband and wife (by cutting off the husbands head and the wifes breast) for non-payment of taxis recorded as an oral tradition by the noted British-era anthropologist LK Ananthakrishna Iyer in one of his works. The Nangeli narrative appears to be a recently developed story extrapolated from this brief mention, seemingly shaped for political purposes. The story was peddled by the Chief Minister at one of the rallies. That is how leftists tried to sell a fake historical narrative simply to earn political brownie points, while simultaneously attacking Hindutva historians for allegedly rewriting history. The Nangeli story was told and retold to underline the cruel and brutal feudalism that once existed in Kerala. The implied message was that the communists ended this brutality. Another point the story sought to convey was that the past was terrible and that there was nothing to be proud of in it. The fake story was presented so convincingly, complete with paintings and other embellishments, that it was even picked up by major foreign media outlets. One of the factors that worries the CPI(M) after the elections is the way the Hindu community votes. Traditionally, Ezhavasthe caste from which the Chief Minister and many party leaders emergecast their votes for the CPI(M). However, in the last two elections, there has been a perceptible change in this pattern. A large bloc of this caste has now shifted toward the BJP. The CPI(M) has tried its best to woo the Muslim community, but with limited success. From Sabarimala to several other issues, the party took positions that many Hindu organisations perceived as anti-Hindu. Perhaps the party believed this would help consolidate Muslim votes, or perhaps the logic was that one must be anti-Hindu to counter the BJP. Reasons are open to interpretation, but the fact remains: while the party handled other communities apart from Hindus with care, it showed a different approach in Hindu-related matters. The government, which was eager to allow women into Sabarimala, was not similarly eager when the Supreme Court ordered that the ownership of a Christian place of worship be handed over to a different church. The government even told the court that compliance would be difficult because believers were emotionally charged over the issuean aspect the party did not take into account in the Sabarimala case. It is reasonable to assume that the partys overtly anti-Hindu stances did not sit well with the Hindu community, including the Ezhava caste, which had historically supported the CPI(M). While Hindus, by and large, are tolerant of a wide range of views, including atheistic positions (incidentally, it was the CPI(M) that began promoting atheism and atheist organisations in Kerala, a move that Hindus did not object to), they are unlikely to accept a palpably anti-Hindu stance. In that sense, the answers to the two questions raised at the beginning of this note are closely connected. The CPI(M) disappeared from much of the rest of India precisely because of these persistent double standards. A party that speaks the language of democracy, dissent, and pluralism in opposition but practises coercion, narrative control, and political intimidation wherever it gains power inevitably loses credibility. Outside Kerala and a few former strongholds like West Bengal, voters saw through this contradiction early. Once the aura of moral superiority collapsed, the CPI(M) was reduced to a marginal force, unable to connect with aspirational voters or adapt to a changing political landscape. Its continued strength in Kerala, meanwhile, rested on a different foundation. The communist movement there skilfully mobilised caste identities, forging durable social coalitions and presenting itself as the natural vehicle of social justice. This strategy worked for decades, allowing the party to mask its ideological rigidity and political inconsistencies. But that carefully managed caste arithmetic is now fraying. As traditional support bases reassess their loyalties and as new political alternatives emerge, the CPI(M)s grip is weakening even in Kerala. What we are witnessing today may not be an aberration but the beginning of the same decline that the party experienced elsewhereonly delayed, not avoided. The writer is a commentator with a research degree in philosophy from the University of Sheffield, focusing on the intersections of culture, history, and politics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 21:03 IST News opinion Opinion | Double Standards And Delayed Decline: The CPI(M)s Kerala Exception Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | When Acharya Kavindra Took The Battle To Shah Jahan Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 17:36 IST Acharya Kavindra Saraswati Vidyanidhi, 17th-century Benaress foremost Pandit, fearlessly challenged Shah Jahans religious tyranny, forcing the Mughal emperor to retreat Even in the late Mughal period of Shah Jahans reign, the Hindu creative genius didnt fully dry up. Representational image The fact that Hindus never gave up militarily fighting Muslim tyranny and their illegal occupation of the ancient and sacred Sanatana homeland is well-recorded and equally well-known. However, lesser known are the precise details of the myriad tactics, methods and strategies of their non-military resistance. A major sphere of this resistance was in the field of art, literature, music, and broadly speaking, culture. The Bhakti movement, apart from providing an extraordinary spiritual dimension to this resistance, also gave us innovative and creative expression in these fields. Thus even in the late Mughal period of Shah Jahans reign, the Hindu creative genius didnt fully dry up. It gifted us such extraordinary giants like Panditaraja Jagannatha, Appayya Dikshita (and later, Nilakanta Dikshita, his protege), Behari Lal (Hindi poet), and the protagonist of our essay, Acharya Kavindra Saraswati Vidyanidhi. Unfortunately, no comprehensive details concerning this great Sanatana savant are available. But we do have some sketchy information about his life, which gives us a peek into the blazing prowess of the man. The Enigmatic Biography of Acharya Kavindra In fact, Kavindra is simply a title and not his real name. He hailed from a place called Punyabhumi (unidentifiable now) in Maharashtra on the banks of the Godavari River and quickly distinguished himself for his prodigious intellect and capacity for mastering the Sastras. In his only extant work, Kavindra-Kalpadruma he provides a few autobiographical lines: goda tire pramodavalibalitatame janmabhakpunyabhumava | rgvedi vedavedi jagati vijayate srikavindro dvijemdraha || adhitya vedavedamgakavyasastrani sarvasah | tatah svikrtya sanyasa brahmabhyasam samasritah || He had studied the Asvalayana Shakha of the Rg Veda and mastered other branches of learning like Vedanga and Kavya as well. Early in his childhood, he lost interest in worldly life and adopted Sanyasa, embarking on the pursuit of Brahman." Thus, this Sanyasi Kavindra eventually migrated to Kashi and in no time, distinguished himself as a scholar and Sanyasi par excellence. He authored copious commentaries on various traditional Sanskrit texts that revealed his awesome grasp over Sankhya, Nyaya, Vedanta, Vyakarana and Jyotisha. He was also a tireless collector, compiler, and commentator of ancient manuscripts. Any edition of these manuscripts that bore his distinctive signature (Kavindra) was regarded as authoritative without question. It didnt take long for the scholarly community of Kashi to appoint him the head of Pandits in the sacred city. Acharya Kavindra was also an extraordinary preceptor who provided both boarding and lodging facilities to generations of students. A graduation ceremony address by a student movingly calls Kavindra as the embodiment of all learning and divine providence that has manifested itself in the sacred city of Kashi". Roughly around this time, Shah Jahans intrinsic bigotry which was fanned nonstop by all sorts of Sufis and pious Islamic clergymen spread its flames and resulted in the aforementioned spree of temple and Gurudwara destructions. He also issued an order prohibiting the building of new temples or renovating existing ones. Next, he issued another Fatwa to more properly suppress the unclean Dhimmis: the pilgrim tax. Muslim Chroniclers Suppress an Important Event The interesting fact is that no Muslim chronicle records this fact. In fact, given the psyche of the average medieval Muslim chronicler, Shah Jahans imposition of the pilgrim tax wouldve ideally occupied several glorious passages extolling Shah Jahans pious service to Islam. On the contrary, what we find is absolute silence. For a straightforward reason: because Shah Jahan abolished the pilgrim tax in a relatively short period. This is regarded as a grave, un-Islamic act. Any lenience on the part of the sultan, who is also the guardian of the Islamic faith, towards Kaffirs was regarded as a weakness. Hence the silence, which in turn, is another great trademark of the marked hypocrisy of Muslim chroniclers. Because Jalaluddin Akbar was a comparably lenient sultan, traditional Muslim accounts reserve the choicest abuses for him, branding him a traitor of the Deen, the Only True Faith. Thankfully, the aforementioned silence with regard to Shah Jahan has been filled by the meagre Hindu accounts which celebrate the abolition of the pilgrim tax. The distraught Hindu community in Benares and elsewhere approached Acharya Kavindra to do something about Shah Jahans relapse into unhinged bigotry. Accordingly, this great Sanyasin decided to take the battle directly to Shah Jahan himself. Indeed, even the very thought of approaching Shah Jahan was a singularly perilous venture if one is well-versed in the realities of living as a Hindu under an all-out Muslim despotism. (To be continued) The author is the founder and chief editor, The Dharma Dispatch. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 17:36 IST News opinion Opinion | When Acharya Kavindra Took The Battle To Shah Jahan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 07:48 IST 1 / 10 Her journey did not start with instant fame or big banners. She entered films through South Indian cinema after doing modelling, taking on modest roles that helped her understand camera work, language shifts, and audience expectations. At the time, she was one among many newcomers from a Punjabi family in Delhi, slowly learning the craft through everyday sets, regional storytelling, and tight schedules. 2 / 10 That actress is Kriti Kharbanda, who made her mark in South Indian cinema before branching out. She worked consistently in South films, earning appreciation for her expressive acting and ease on screen. She quickly branched out to several South Indian film industries and became one of the most recognisable faces in the industry. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 Kriti didnt restrict herself to a single film industry early on. Along with Kannada projects, she appeared in Telugu and Tamil films, which exposed her to different styles of filmmaking. She made her acting debut in the Telugu film Boni in 2009 and her Kannada debut with Chirru later in 2010. Her breakthrough came in 2013, through the medical drama Googly. She also worked with Ram Charan and megastar Chiranjeevi in Bruce Lee: The Fighter. 4 / 10 After Super Ranga in 2014, for which she also won the SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actress Kannada, Kharbanda established herself as one of the most popular celebrities in Kannada cinema. In 2013, she was ranked 8th in the Top Sandalwood Actresses List by The Times of India. She also featured in the Times' 50 Most Desirable Women List. She ranked 32nd in 2017, 37th in 2018, 18th in 2019, and 27th in 2020. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 Her entry into Hindi cinema came with Raaz Reboot opposite Emraan Hashmi, which introduced her to a wider audience. While the film itself drew mixed reactions, Kritis performance was noticed. Her breakthrough in Bollywood came through Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, where she played the role of a PCS officer opposite Rajkummar Rao 6 / 10 Post her Bollywood debut, Kriti picked projects carefully instead of chasing headlines. She appeared in films and web projects that allowed her to explore layered characters. Her work in films like Taish showed a more intense, grounded side of her acting. This phase helped her gain respect rather than fleeting buzz. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Off-screen, Kriti is known for her understated fashion sense. Whether at airport sightings or film events, she often opts for clean, comfortable looks. Fans relate to her sense of balance between glamour and simplicity. This relatability has quietly strengthened her public image. 8 / 10 Unlike many peers, Kriti has largely stayed clear of unnecessary controversies. She prefers letting her work speak instead of making noise online. She is married to actor Pulkit Samrat, whom she met while shooting for the 2018 movie Veerey Ki Wedding. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Because of her work in multiple industries, Kriti enjoys fan support across different parts of the country. South audiences remember her early films, while Hindi viewers recognise her newer work. This cross-regional goodwill is rare and valuable. It reflects a career built patiently over time. 'Arrogance Of Power': Ajit Pawars Warning Shot At BJP, Ally Fires Back Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 22:30 IST The war of words underscores a significant shift in Maharashtra's political dynamics as allies BJP and NCP contest the civic polls separately in key regions Pawar detailed a litany of grievances, asserting that various 'mafias', including those involved in land and excavation, have flourished with impunity. File pic/PTI Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar has launched a scathing attack on his coalition partner, the BJP. Speaking in Punes Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawar accused the BJP of presiding over rampant corruption and mismanagement during its tenure in the local civic body, while further implying that the party has become blinded by the arrogance of power". The Allegations: Corruption and Financial Ruin Addressing the media ahead of the high-stakes municipal elections scheduled for January 15, Pawar alleged that the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)once considered one of the wealthiest in Asiahas been pushed into debt" under BJP rule. He claimed that the civic bodys deposits had plummeted from over Rs 4,800 crore during the NCPs earlier leadership to around Rs 2,000 crore under the BJP. Pawar detailed a litany of grievances, asserting that various mafias", including those involved in land and excavation, have flourished with impunity. He also took a veiled swipe at the BJPs local leadership over the citys deteriorating infrastructure and traffic congestion, stating that the ruling party workers were intimidating independent candidates and pressuring rivals to withdraw. The BJPs Counter-Strike: A Call for Introspection The BJP was swift to retaliate, with state president Ravindra Chavan issuing a stern warning to the NCP chief on Saturday. Chavan called on Pawar to introspect" before levelling such accusations, questioning whether his remarks were directed at the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Chavan warned that if the BJP decided to reciprocate with its own allegations, it would create serious difficulties" for Pawar. He should first look within himself (Khud ke gireban mei jhank kar dekhna chahiye)," Chavan remarked, suggesting that Pawars historyspecifically the long-standing allegations regarding a Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scammade him a vulnerable target for counter-allegations. Context of the Coalition Friction The war of words underscores a significant shift in the states political dynamics as the two allies contest the civic polls separately in key regions like Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The friction has been further complicated by the recent tactical reunion of Ajit Pawars faction with his uncle Sharad Pawars NCP (SP) for these specific local elections, a move that has left the BJP isolated on the local front. As the Mahayuti alliance struggles to maintain a unified face ahead of the polls, the bitter exchange in Pune has provided fresh ammunition to the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut was quick to capitalise on the discord, questioning why Ajit Pawar remains in the government if he believes his partners are corrupt and urging him to formally return to the original NCP fold. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 22:30 IST News politics 'Arrogance Of Power': Ajit Pawars Warning Shot At BJP, Ally Fires Back Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No Need To Provoke': Shashi Tharoor Backs Karnataka Govt's Demolition Drive In Bengaluru Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 09:00 IST The demolition drive sparked criticism within the party and backlash from the outside. Rapid Read Congress MP Shashi Tharoor | File Image Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has backed the Karnataka governments move to conduct a demolition drive in Bengaluru, emphasising that all the legal procedures were followed and that alternative arrangements had been promised to the affected residents. The demolition drive sparked criticism within the party and backlash from the outside. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also lashed out at the Karnataka government, terming the move Bulldozer Raj". Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said, First, the land belonged to the government, and people were living there illegally. Second, it was a garbage dump and toxic waste had contaminated the water, so it was not a fit place for people to live", as quoted by news agency PTI. Tharoor also highlighted that the residents had been informed prior to the demolition, adding that he did not see justice in politically projecting the issue only on the basis that the affected people were poor. There may be flaws in the shifting process, and there can be differences of opinion on how it was done. But a promise has been given to find a solution", Tharoor said. The Congress MP underlined that the Karnataka government carried out the move, adhering to court orders. Notices were given, and in some cases, they were issued multiple times before the demolition", he said, adding there is no need to unnecessarily provoke the issue. How did the controversy start? The controversy stemmed from the eviction of residents from Kogila Layout near Yelahanka on December 20. Defending the move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the action was unavoidable and based on safety concerns. Several people had illegally erected the makeshift shelters at the waste-disposal site in the Kogila Layout near Yelahanka. It is not a place suitable for human habitation", he had said in a post on X. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 09:00 IST News politics 'No Need To Provoke': Shashi Tharoor Backs Karnataka Govt's Demolition Drive In Bengaluru Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill...': Amitabh Kant Labels AAP 'Job Killer', Makes Big Prediction Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 09:41 IST Kants comments followed Chadhas visit to a New Years Eve protest by delivery riders demanding better pay and working conditions. Rapid Read The former NITI Aayog chiefs remarks came after AAP MP Raghav Chadha met delivery workers protesting working conditions in Delhi on New Years Eve. (IMAGE: X/@raghav_chadha) The debate over Indias gig and quick-commerce economy escalated sharply after Amitabh Kant accused Aam Aadmi Party and its MP Raghav Chadha of being a job killer" amid protests by delivery workers in Delhi and other cities. In a series of posts on X, Kant defended platform-based work, arguing that Indias gig economy is consumer-led" and one of the countrys biggest job-creation engines. He said gig jobs are projected to grow from 7.7 million to 23.5 million by 2030 and warned that politicising the sector would destroy livelihoods. Calling this exploitation by folks who have not created a single job is political, not factual," Kant wrote, directly tagging Chadha and the AAP. He added that on December 31 alone, Zomato and Blinkit delivered over 75 lakh orders, driven by consumer demand for speed and convenience. Kant also backed industry leaders, saying markets should be allowed to function while safety nets are strengthened, and accused critics of trying to sabotage innovation for political ends. Indias gig & quick-commerce economy is consumer-led. Gig jobs are set to grow from 7.7M 23.5M by 2030 among Indias largest job-creation engines. Calling this exploitation" by folks who have not created a single job is political, not factual. On Dec 31 alone, Zomato Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) January 2, 2026 Chadhas comments followed his visit to Old Rajinder Nagar in Delhi, where delivery riders from platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit held a symbolic protest on New Years Eve. Sharing photographs and posts from the gathering, the AAP MP said he spent the evening listening to workers and described their demands as legitimate. These platforms didnt succeed because of algorithms alone. They succeeded because of human sweat and labour," Chadha said, adding that gig workers should be treated as human beings, not disposable data points". He argued that the gig economy should not become a guilt-free exploitation economy" and called for fair pay, humane working conditions and social security. Spent New Years Eve with Gig workers at Old Rajinder Nagar, who held a symbolic strike to make their voices heard.Their demands for fair pay, humane working conditions, dignity at work and social security are legitimate and just. This protest was not about disruption, but pic.twitter.com/ELpYX8nfY4 Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 31, 2025 The political exchange soon drew sharp reactions from the startup ecosystem. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani took a personal swipe at Chadha, questioning his credibility to speak on workers rights. In a post reposted by Deepinder Goyal, Bikhchandani dismissed Chadha as a champagne socialist" and accused him of shedding crocodile tears" over alleged exploitation. Very well written @deepigoyal Every word is true. It beggars belief that a Champagne Socialist who married a film star and had a designer wedding in Udaipur and a first wedding anniversary in Maldives has the audacity to then shed crocodile tears around alleged exploitation of https://t.co/pgcTa0hwKy Sanjeev Bikhchandani (@sbikh) January 2, 2026 Zomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal also weighed in, strongly defending the quick-commerce model and pushing back against claims that speed-based delivery puts riders at risk. Goyal said Blinkits 10-minute delivery promise is enabled by dense store networks and system design, not by forcing riders to drive fast. He claimed delivery partners typically travel less than two kilometres in around eight minutes, at average speeds of about 15 kmph, and do not have countdown timers on their apps. Quick commerces 10-minute promise DOES NOT put pressure on gig workers, and it DOESNT lead to unsafe driving. Why? (3/5)The most common concern is that faster delivery promises translate into pressure on delivery partners to drive unsafely. That isnt how the system operates. Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 2, 2026 One more thing. Our 10 minute delivery promise is enabled by the density of stores around your homes. Its not enabled by asking delivery partners to drive fast. Delivery partners dont even have a timer on their app to indicate what was the original time promised to the customer," Goyal said in a post. He added that many Indians voluntarily choose platform work and, in some cases, prefer it to traditional jobs. While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Goyal said the portrayal of gig work as inherently exploitative ignores how the model actually functions. In a longer reflection, Goyal argued that the gig economy has made inequality visible by bringing workers and consumers face-to-face at an unprecedented scale. Over-regulating or dismantling the sector, he said, would not eliminate inequality but would instead push workers back into the informal economy, where protections are even weaker. The gig economy just exposed the reality of inequality to the people who previously had the luxury of not seeing it. The doorbell is not the problem. The question is what we do after opening the door," Goyal said in a post earlier this week. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 09:41 IST News politics 'Politicising Gig Economy Will Kill...': Amitabh Kant Labels AAP 'Job Killer', Makes Big Prediction Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is Heteroflexibility? Study Calls It the Fastest-Growing Sexuality Of The Year Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 15:59 IST As per data by Feeld, Berlin is the most heteroflexible city in the world. The data was revealed by Feeld apps Raw 2025 report. (Representative Image) A report by a dating app has thrown up a surprising surge in sexual fluidity. The report stated that heteroflexibility, used to describe people who are straight but open to same sex experiences, is the fastest- growing sexuality, according to its data. The results have revealed a growing awareness that sexuality is complex. As per Feeld apps Raw 2025 report, which highlights how desires, identities, and connections have shaped modern intimacy over the past year, heteroflexible is the fastest-growing sexuality on its app, registering a 193 per cent increase over the year. What Is Heteroflexibility? The term refers to the sexual behaviour of an individual who identifies as straight but sometimes has physical relations with people of the same sex. As per Very Well Mind, some research indicates that about 15 per cent of the US population identifies as heteroflexible. The website identified it as a subcategory of bisexuality." While bisexual people are attracted to both men and women, heteroflexible individuals are primarily straight but are open to having same-sex relationships. The report also noted that millennials lead the growth when it came to identifying as heteroflexible, though Gen Z is catching up quickly. Two-thirds of those who identified as heteroflexible are millennials, 18 per cent are Gen Z, and 15.5 per cent are Gen X. Berlin was crowned as the most heteroflexible city in the world, and was also the city with the highest number of open relationships. New York City had the fastest-growing bisexual population, as per the study. As per Vice, part of the increase in people identifying as heteroflexible is due to how broad the label is. It can include straight people who have had a same-sex experience, those who feel same-sex attraction occasionally, bi-curious individuals, or even a person in a straight relationship who is open to experiences that do not have a strict script. This has also led to criticism. Some people in the bisexual and pansexual communities have highlighted that heteroflexibility risks watering down identities that have struggled for decades to gain more visibility. Others see it as a sign that rigid definitions of sexuality are losing their grip. Impact Of The Study Dr. Luke Brunning, Lecturer in Applied Ethics at the University of Leeds, said in a press release, These changes speak to the growing awareness that sexuality is complex. If anything, it would be surprising if people were never sexually curious about people of their own sex or gender, or if attraction worked in neat and predictable ways." The report highlights how fluid sexual identities are reshaping dating culture around the world. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 03, 2026, 15:59 IST News viral What Is Heteroflexibility? Study Calls It the Fastest-Growing Sexuality Of The Year Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pentagon Pizza Theory Lives On: Late-Night Orders Sparks Buzz As US Strikes Venezuela Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 21:06 IST A late-night surge at a pizza outlet near the Pentagon sparked online buzz as the US carried out a large-scale military strike on Venezuela. AI-generated image used for representation As the United States carried out a large-scale military strike in Caracas early on Saturday, an unusual late-night rush at a pizza outlet near the Pentagon caught the attention of social media users. A sharp rise in orders was reported at a popular pizzeria close to the US military headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, in the early hours of January 3. Such spikes are often watched closely by online observers, as they are sometimes linked to heightened activity inside the Pentagon during major security operations. The account Pentagon Pizza Report, which tracks food outlet traffic near the defence complex and posts updates on X, flagged the sudden surge. Pizzato Pizza, a late-night pizzeria nearby the Pentagon, has suddenly surged in traffic. As of 2:04 AM ET," the account posted. Pizzato Pizza, a late night pizzeria nearby the Pentagon, has suddenly surged in traffic.As of 2:04am ET pic.twitter.com/P60jMKfT1d Pentagon Pizza Report (@PenPizzaReport) January 3, 2026 The activity reportedly continued for more than an hour. In a later update, the account said the outlet had emptied out, reporting essentially 0 traffic" by 3:44 AM ET, after seeing heavy footfall for nearly 90 minutes. Pizzato Pizza, a late night pizzeria nearby the Pentagon, continues to report high activity.As of 3:05am ET pic.twitter.com/IbjHq44Q1x Pentagon Pizza Report (@PenPizzaReport) January 3, 2026 Similar late-night rushes at food joints near the Pentagon have been noted in the past. In June last year, fast-food outlets in the area saw a comparable spike when Israel was preparing to launch airstrikes on Iran under Operation Lion. US Strikes And Trumps Announcement US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that the United States had carried out what he described as a large-scale strike" against Venezuela. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured" and flown out of the country". This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement," Trump wrote, adding that a news conference would be held at Mar-a-Lago at 11 AM local time. Even before Trumps statement, residents in Caracas reported hearing loud explosions around 2 AM local time. Social media posts showed fires in several parts of the city, while a power outage was reported in the southern area near a major military base. The operation marks Washingtons first direct military intervention in Latin America since 1989, when US forces invaded Panama to remove Manuel Noriega. Venezuela Reacts The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency and strongly condemned the US action. In a statement, Maduros administration said it rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people". Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has publicly suggested that stepping down would be the wiser choice. When asked last month whether US pressure was meant to force Maduro out after 12 years in power, Trump said: Thats up to him, what he wants to do. I think it would be smart for him to do that." If he wants to do something if he plays tough, itll be the last time hes ever able to play tough," AFP quoted the US president as saying. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 21:06 IST News viral Pentagon Pizza Theory Lives On: Late-Night Orders Sparks Buzz As US Strikes Venezuela Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Antisemitic Gasoline': Israel Slams Zohran Mamdani Over Rollback Of Tel Aviv-Linked Orders Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 16:02 IST Responding to the backlash, Mamdani said that several Jewish organisations in New York City had raised concerns about how the broader definition of antisemitism was being applied. Rapid Read A file photo of Zohran Mamdani (AP) The Israeli Foreign Ministry has sharply criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after he scrapped a set of Israel-related executive orders signed by former mayor Eric Adams, just hours after taking office. In a post on X on Friday, the ministry accused Mamdani of showing his true face" on his first day in office. It said he had removed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and lifted restrictions linked to boycotts of Israel. The ministry described the move as antisemitic gasoline on an open fire," adding that it reflected poor leadership. On his very first day as @NYCMayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isnt leadership. Its antisemitic gasoline on an open fire," wrote Israeli Minister in a post on X. On his very first day as @NYCMayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel.This isnt leadership. Its antisemitic gasoline on an open fire. Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) January 2, 2026 Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor on Thursday and quickly used his executive powers to undo several policies introduced by his predecessor, Eric Adams. Among the revoked orders were those that blocked city institutions from divesting from Israel and those that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition is recognised by multiple countries and is commonly used to guide governments and institutions on identifying antisemitism. However, it has also faced criticism from some civil society groups, who argue it can blur the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israeli government policies. Responding to the backlash, Mamdani defended his decision at a press conference on Friday. He said that several Jewish organisations in New York City had raised concerns about how the broader definition of antisemitism was being applied. What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfil that," the mayor said. According to a report by Reuters, Mamdanis move was welcomed by several Islamic organisations. The Council on American-Islamic Relations is among the groups that have argued the IHRA definition has been used to silence voices speaking out for Palestinian rights. The decision has added to an already heated debate in the US over how antisemitism is defined and how governments balance protections for Jewish communities with freedom of political expression. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 16:02 IST News world 'Antisemitic Gasoline': Israel Slams Zohran Mamdani Over Rollback Of Tel Aviv-Linked Orders Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... With a market cap of $20.1 billion, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) is a consumer packaged goods company that develops, manufactures, and markets household, personal care, and specialty products across its Consumer Domestic, Consumer International, and Specialty Products segments. It sells a wide portfolio of well-known brands across retail, e-commerce, industrial, and agricultural channels worldwide. The Ewing, New Jersey-based company is set to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon. Ahead of this event, analysts project CHD to report an adjusted EPS of $0.85, a 10.4% increase from $0.77 in the year-ago quarter. It has surpassed or met Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in the past four quarters. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast the maker of household and personal products to report adjusted EPS of $3.48, up 1.2% from $3.44 in fiscal 2024. Moreover, adjusted EPS is expected to grow 8.6% year-over-year to $3.78 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com Shares of Church & Dwight have dipped 19.9% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 16.4% gain and the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLP) marginal decline over the same time frame. www.barchart.com Shares of Church & Dwight climbed 7.2% on Oct. 31 after the company reported stronger-than-expected Q3 2025 results, with adjusted EPS of $0.81 beating Wall Street estimates and exceeding the companys own outlook of $0.72. Revenue rose 5% year-over-year to $1.59 billion, surpassing forecasts, while all three segments delivered solid organic growth and cash from operations jumped 19.6% to $435.5 million. Also, management raised its full-year guidance, including adjusted EPS of about $3.49, higher cash from operations of approximately $1.2 billion, and a narrower-than-expected gross margin contraction. Analysts' consensus view on CHD stock is cautiously optimistic, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 21 analysts covering the stock, nine suggest a "Strong Buy," one recommends a "Moderate Buy," eight give a "Hold," and three have a "Strong Sell." The average analyst price target for Church & Dwight is $97.78, suggesting a potential upside of 16.6% from current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Bangladesh Elections: BNP Frontrunner But Ground Assessment Shows Jamaats Growing Clout Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 14:14 IST CNN-News18 has accessed a ground assessment that flags Jamaats rising influence as a key challenge for BNP despite its frontrunner status. Rapid Read Jamaat-e-Islami party supporters rally in Dhaka on November 11, 2025, demanding the provision of legal status to the 'July Charter' and its ratification by a referendum ahead of Bangladesh's national elections. (IMAGE: AFP FILE) A confidential ground assessment on Bangladeshs upcoming elections accessed by CNN-News18 suggests the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could be facing deeper challenges than publicly acknowledged, despite being seen as a frontrunner. According to the assessment, both the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are currently viewed as major contenders. However, sources say the real electoral battle is over traditional Awami League voters, who are emerging as key kingmakers in the contest. Ground intelligence indicates that a significant section of Awami Leagues traditional voter base is neither emotionally nor politically inclined towards the BNP, creating a vacuum that Jamaat is attempting to exploit. Sources said BNPs biggest threat is not Jamaats popularity, but Jamaats ability to pull Awami League voters towards its side. The main problem for BNP is the Awami League voter. That vote is more likely to move towards Jamaat than BNP," a source familiar with the assessment told CNN-News18. The report also flags Tarique Rahmans acceptability as a major concern for the BNP at the grassroots level. Sources said Tariques long absence from active ground politics nearly 18 years has weakened the partys social connection with its workers and voters. Jamaat, meanwhile, is said to be in no hurry for elections, with sources claiming the party prefers delays as it continues to consolidate influence within administrative and institutional structures. According to the assessment, Jamaat currently has a strong presence in the civil and police administration, with 42 out of 64 Deputy Commissioners and 48 out of 64 police districts allegedly aligned with the party. These officials also act as returning officers during elections, raising concerns for rival parties. Sources further warned that Jamaats micro-level controls including polling staff deployment, security arrangements and delays in vote counting could shape electoral outcomes without overt rigging. Similar tactics were allegedly used during recent university elections, where Jamaat is accused of systematic manipulation. The assessment also points to BNPs ticket distribution as another internal challenge. Several influential leaders denied tickets are reportedly contesting as independents, potentially splitting the opposition vote. According to sources, if the BNP wants to secure victory, it must find a way to draw Awami League voters into its broader electoral strategy, including tacitly supporting independent candidates linked to the Awami League to prevent Jamaat from emerging as the principal beneficiary. The developments come amid heightened political uncertainty in Bangladesh, with elections expected in February 2026. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 14:14 IST News world Bangladesh Elections: BNP Frontrunner But Ground Assessment Shows Jamaats Growing Clout Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Can't Eat Or Sleep: Owners Of Swiss Bar Break Silence After Deadly Fire Killed 40 On New Years Eve Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 09:51 IST Jacques Moretti insists Le Constellation in Crans-Montana followed safety rules after a New Years Eve fire killed 40 and injured 119. Jacques Moretti insists Le Constellation in Crans-Montana followed safety rules after a New Years Eve fire killed 40 and injured 119. (IMAGE: @OsiOsint1/X) The owner of a bar in a Swiss ski resort town devastated by a deadly New Years Eve fire has insisted that all safety regulations were followed, even as investigators continue to probe the cause of the tragedy. Jacques Moretti, a French national who runs the Le Constellation bar with his wife Jessica in Crans-Montana, told Swiss daily Tribune de Geneve on Friday that the establishment had undergone three inspections in 10 years" and was operating within the rules. Everything was done according to the regulations," he said. Speaking to news outlet 20Minutes, Moretti said the couple were deeply shaken by the tragedy. We cannot sleep or eat," he said, adding that they are fully cooperating with investigators. We will do everything we can to help clarify the causes. We are doing everything in our power." The question of whether safety norms were adhered to has been central since the blaze broke out in the basement of the bar during New Years Eve celebrations. The fire killed 40 people and injured 119 others, according to police figures released on Friday. Le Constellation, located on the ground floor of a residential building, is listed as having a capacity of 300 people, with space for another 40 on its terrace, according to the Crans-Montana tourism website. Several witnesses said the basement event space where the fire originated was connected to the ground floor by a single staircase, which some described as narrow, raising concerns about evacuation routes. The lead prosecutor in Switzerlands southwestern Wallis canton, Beatrice Pilloud, said compliance with safety standards is a key focus of the ongoing investigation. She told reporters that the leading hypothesis is that sparklers or Bengal candles attached to champagne bottles were raised too close to the ceiling, igniting the fire. Images shared on social media appear to show the ceiling lined with thin soundproofing foam catching fire, with flames spreading rapidly. In one widely circulated video, revellers can be seen continuing to dance for several seconds, seemingly unaware of the danger. Pilloud said the bars managers escaped unharmed and are currently being questioned as witnesses. No liability has been established at this stage. Investigators are examining the layout of the venue, details of recent renovations, its permitted capacity, and whether the soundproofing foam used in the basement met safety standards. According to media reports, Jacques Moretti was not present at Le Constellation when the fire broke out, as he was at the couples other establishment. His wife Jessica was inside the bar at the time, suffered minor injuries, and has since returned home. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Switzerland First Published: January 03, 2026, 09:51 IST News world Can't Eat Or Sleep: Owners Of Swiss Bar Break Silence After Deadly Fire Killed 40 On New Years Eve Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... China Puts Pakistans US Outreach Under Scanner Ahead Of Strategic Talks Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 10:48 IST Beijing wants Islamabad to take China fully into confidence on its growing security and economic engagement with Washington. Rapid Read Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (L) and Pakistani Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir (R) greet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) upon his arrival for a meeting in Rawalpindi. (IMAGE: AFP FILE) China is set to seek clear answers from Pakistan on its rapidly expanding engagement with the United States when senior officials from both sides meet in Beijing on January 4 for the PakistanChina Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue, top diplomatic sources told CNN-News18. According to sources, Beijing has conveyed its expectation that Islamabad will take China fully into confidence" on all recent and ongoing PakistanUS security, strategic and economic engagements, amid growing signs of renewed closeness between Washington and Islamabad. A senior source said China has specifically sought clarity on Pakistans evolving ties with the US, including recent high-level political and military contacts, ahead of the dialogue. The strategic meet comes at a time when Pakistans engagement with the US has gained momentum, including former Pakistan Army chief Asim Munirs high-profile interactions in Washington and reports of discussions linked to US regional security interests, including Gaza. The administration of US President Donald Trump had last year urged Pakistans military leadership to consider deploying troops to Gaza to help disarm Hamas a move that could trigger domestic backlash, given Pakistans strong support from a major section of the public for the Palestinian Hamas. These developments, sources added, have been closely watched in Beijing. The Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue is the highest consultative mechanism between Pakistan and China, providing a structured platform to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global developments. Pakistan is expected to brief Chinese authorities on the nature, scope and limits of its cooperation with Washington, while stressing that its engagement with the US does not come at the cost of its long-standing partnership with China. Sources said Islamabad has already prepared a detailed presentation outlining both PakistanChina and PakistanUS strategic, substantive and tactical relationships, in an effort to reassure Beijing. China, in turn, has placed two clear demands on the table ahead of the dialogue, sources said. First, Beijing wants a streamlined one-window operation" for trade, investments and clearance of payments linked to Chinese projects in Pakistan. China is also closely tracking Pakistans ability to service Chinese state-funded loans. Beijing remains Pakistans largest bilateral creditor, with tens of billions of dollars committed across infrastructure, energy and transport projects, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The dialogue will also focus on CPEC 2.0, including proposals to expand the corridor to Afghanistan, along with rising regional security challenges and terrorism concerns. CPEC is the flagship infrastructure corridor under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, linking western China to Pakistans Gwadar port through roads, railways, energy projects and industrial zones. Second, China has demanded foolproof security for Chinese citizens and installations in Pakistan. Security concerns remain a major point of friction. Over the last five years, at least 19 Chinese nationals have been killed in Pakistan, with eight major attacks targeting Chinese citizens or Chinese-linked installations, according to official data cited by sources. The issue is expected to figure prominently in the talks. Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will co-chair the dialogue in Beijing. The Chinese side will be led by senior officials from the foreign ministry. During the meeting, the two sides are also expected to announce initiatives and commemorative activities ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China in 2026, sources said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 10:48 IST News world China Puts Pakistans US Outreach Under Scanner Ahead Of Strategic Talks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Extraordinary Bravery': Trump Confirms Capture Of Venezuelas Maduro, No US Fatalities Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 20:40 IST The US President, though, noted that a 'couple of guys' sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the extraction carried out by an elite US joint task force Traditional allies of the Maduro administration, including Russia and China, have condemned the act as a 'blatant violation of international law and national sovereignty'. File image United States President Donald Trump has lauded the extraordinary bravery" of American special forces following the successful capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Speaking from the White House on January 3, the President confirmed that the high-stakes operation, conducted deep within Venezuelan territory, resulted in no American fatalities, though he noted that a couple of guys" sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the extraction. The Operation: Strike at Miraflores The mission, reportedly carried out by an elite joint task force involving Navy SEALs and Delta Force operators, targeted the presidential residence in Caracas in the early hours of the morning. According to military sources, the operation was the culmination of months of intelligence gathering and coincided with a period of intense civil unrest within Venezuela. President Trump described the manoeuvre as flawless" and surgical", asserting that the capture was necessary to end what the White House has termed a narco-terrorist regime" that posed a direct threat to Western Hemispheric security. While the Venezuelan military attempted to mount a defence, American air superiority and electronic warfare capabilities reportedly neutralised local communication networks. President Trump emphasised the efficiency of the unit, stating that the American public should be proud of a military that can reach out and grab" those who defy international law. He further confirmed that Maduro and Flores are currently being held in a secure, undisclosed location for processing" ahead of anticipated legal proceedings in US federal courts. Geopolitical Context and Legal Fallout The capture marks the most significant American military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 removal of Manuel Noriega in Panama. The move follows years of escalating sanctions and a March 2020 US Department of Justice indictment against Maduro for narco-terrorism", for which a $15 million reward had been offered. By executing this operation in early 2026, the Trump administration has effectively decapitated the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) leadership, leaving a profound power vacuum in Caracas. International reaction has been swift and deeply polarised. While several regional allies in the Lima Group have expressed cautious support for a transition to democracy," traditional allies of the Maduro administration, including Russia and China, have condemned the act as a blatant violation of international law and national sovereignty." Within Venezuela, the situation remains volatile, with reports of both spontaneous celebrations and pro-government militia mobilisations. As Washington prepares for the legal battle ahead, the global community remains on edge, watching how this maximum pressure" tactic will reshape the geopolitical map of the Americas. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 20:40 IST News world 'Extraordinary Bravery': Trump Confirms Capture Of Venezuelas Maduro, No US Fatalities Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... For India, Defiance Is Instinct. Defiant Leadership Is Destiny Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 16:51 IST 2025 thrust India towards defiance. In 2026, that defiance will harden into doctrine, and, if it succeeds, it will be emulated beyond India India absorbs pressure, manages hostility, and advances interests without apology. File image/Reuters 2025 began with optimism, only to encounter direct headwinds from a fragmenting global order. 2026 begins with caution, tempered expectations, and a renewed appetite for real power. A key lessondefiance, not submission, is Indias destiny. Independent leadership and an increasingly self-reliant growth model will drive success. 2025 thrust India towards defiance. In 2026, that defiance will harden into doctrine, and, if it succeeds, it will be emulated beyond India. When President Trumps shock tariffs descended, doubling duties on Russian oil imports to a punitive 50 per cent, New Delhis response was neither capitulation nor performative resistance. It was pragmatic defiance: a calculated refusal to give in to Washingtons coercive theatrics. The lesson was bracing. For years, Indias foreign policy establishment had harboured assumptions about the durability of the US relationship, banking on strategic depth that could absorb even significant policy shocks. But that was not going to be the case. If the Biden years threw hints, Trumps conduct confirmed it. His erratic demands and mercurial posturing revealed not a partner committed to shared Indo-Pacific architecture, but a transactional operator seeking quid pro quo, not genuine respect. For New Delhi, it was a timely awakening. Indias response was surgical. While other nations rushed to placate Washington, New Delhi methodically sealed high-profile trade pacts with the UK, New Zealand, and Oman. Negotiations with the EU accelerated. Exports proved remarkably resilient despite American penalties amid trade talks. India would not negotiate at gunpoint, and the deal to come remains stuck by all means at Trumps desk. It wont come as a surprise if the deal takes a few more months or even stretches out to the end of 2026, beyond the midterms. India is unlikely to fold on its major red lines, and neither is it interested in the F-35s. It will not make comically insincere pledges to invest hundreds of billions in the US. If India were down to engage in such theatre, as have other nations, it would have done so already. Trumps shock-and-awe tactics aim to trigger hasty decisions, in moments of desperation, that would play right into his hands. All that hit a wall in India. Modis patience has proved remarkably resilient. There is grace in Indias defiance. We cannot say the same for Trumps methods. The dead economy" remark will linger for years. And so will the not-so-subtle weaponisation of Pakistan to rattle New Delhi. It is often said that 2025 was the year Indias inflated sense of importance in Washington had been reduced to smithereens. It is equally true that Americas sway over India and its Indo-Pacific activism no longer command the same audience in New Delhi. In this situation, the Quad is unlikely to flourish. A wave of online racism towards Indians is seeping into policy, and the harassment of H1B visa holders is a telling sign. American politics has shown worrying signs of yielding to this racist hate. India will have to prepare for another year of heightened hostility and uncertainty across multiple fronts. But even as Indian workers face challenges in the West, in places like Russia, they are being welcomed, making new lines of migration unseen in our history. The optics of the SCO summit, with PM Modi candidly speaking to Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin, sent shockwaves all the way into the White House. That was just a test, a tease of a possible RIC revival that would shake up the global order. It must be understood that India not only has optionsit can thrive across divergent paths. But the road it chooses will impact the global order. Threats brewing in the neighbourhood will demand much of our attention in 2026. Pakistan and Bangladesh edging towards an alliance is a concern, and all eyes will be on the upcoming elections. The Islamist underbelly in Bangladesh has resurfaced, stirring trouble and threatening to open another front on Indias eastern flank as part of Pakistans broader strategy. India should closely watch the elections, ensuring they are fair, but also use this period as an opportunity to tighten its borders and clean house by deporting illegal immigrants who have quietly spread across the country. While Operation Sindoor raised the cost of mischief for Pakistan, more belligerence, including terror attacks, can be expected. Pakistans military leadership has found renewed purpose in confrontation with Indiaand it serves their interests. Field Marshal" Asim Munir, in particular, has leveraged tensions with India to consolidate unprecedented power at home. Pakistans mutual defence" agreement with Saudi Arabia came as a dampener for Indias West Asia policy. It so far only translates into Pakistani soldiers fighting in Yemen, but reflects Riyadhs pivot towards Islamabad for its security needs. Meanwhile, Indias foreign policy gained in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. When Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka in late 2024, killing over 600, Indias response$450 million in aid alongside swift, coordinated humanitarian interventionwas not merely charitable. It was strategic. As New Delhi extended its hand, Washingtons capacity to offer comparable support remained negligible. India is a neighbour that shows up; others merely post condolences. Relations with the Maldives also warmed up, while Bhutan remained locked in as Indias closest, most prized neighbour. The most audacious gambit came via Afghanistan. For decades, the Taliban was treated as a monolith of terrorand with reason. Yet in 2025, the Afghan regime and India saw their interests align amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. When External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accorded full national honours to Muttaqi during his October visit to Delhi, Indian diplomacy signalled a realpolitik recalibration that transcended ideological differences. Pakistan now faces a two-front problem with the Taliban script flipped on its head. This was no less than a strategic coup for India. Simultaneously, New Delhi maintained a delicate dance with Beijing. The October 2024 summit between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping initiated a rapprochement that continued into 2025: the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage reopened, visas were restored, flights resumed, and water-sharing data resumed flowing. The border tensions that had defined the relationship since 2020 remained unresolved, but they were no longer the dominant lens through which New Delhi viewed Beijing. Curbs on Chinese investment remain in place, and this gradual normalisation is conditioned on good behaviour from Beijing. Another major coup was the thaw with Canada. Mark Carneys leadership took a detour from Trudeaus politics, dumping the Khalistan cause and embracing the idea of working with India for a stronger economic and strategic relationship. Even in this relationship, there is an element of defiance. Trumps antics further pushed Carney in New Delhis direction, and now the two countries are discussing a trade deal of their own and bringing back the uranium pact in a bigger way. Indias stand against Western pressures resonated most in the Global South. PM Modis sweeping tours across Africa, Latin America, and West Asia in 2025 were an exercise in building a foreign policy legacy that went beyond its traditional borders. They were the architectural blueprints of a new world order where India positions itself as an independent anchor of stability and growth in a fractured global system. The playground is set. These critical events will define 2026s trajectory. If and how the Russia-Ukraine war ends will matter to India, possibly relieving pressure on Russian energy exports. When EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa arrive as guests of honour for Republic Day in January, we might see the final contours of the India-EU free trade agreement, which will be a landmark event. Following this would be the election cascade. Bangladesh (February 12) and Nepal (March 5)elections in each will matter for India. Canadian PM Mark Carney will make his first visit to India, indicating the growing warmth in ties. India will also be hosting the AI summit with French President Macron in the audience. India will later host the BRICS summit with the possible attendance of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the Quad summit to be hosted by India remains uncertain, with Trump noncommittal. The Quads future now depends less on shared strategic vision than on Trumps personal calculus. It is a humbling reality for those who invested heavily in the construct. Finally, in December, the US will host the G20 summit in Miami, but whether or not India will be in attendance depends on the premise that ties do not spiral down further. Autonomy carries costs, but submission carries even greater loss. In that sense, defiance is not reckless posturing. It is a disciplined refusal to be slotted, pressured, or patronised. India absorbs pressure, manages hostility, and advances interests without apology. Countries faced with similar challenges increasingly look at the Indian example, and India must build upon that. Defiance is Indias default setting. Defiant leadership is its destiny. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 16:51 IST News world For India, Defiance Is Instinct. Defiant Leadership Is Destiny Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Sanctions To Strikes: How US Action Against Venezuela Escalated In A Year Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 15:58 IST The conflict entered a military phase on September 2, 2025. On that day, the US carried out its first strike on a vessel it described as a drug-smuggling boat. US President Donald Trump and Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro. US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed the United States carried out a large-scale strike" against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The United States actions against Venezuela show a clear and steady escalation, moving step by step from economic pressure to military strikes. The timeline of events highlights how tensions between Washington and Caracas sharply worsened in 2025. From economic pressure to military action The first major move came on February 26, 2025 when US President Donald Trump cancelled oil concessions that had been granted to Venezuela under the previous Biden administration. This decision marked a return to a hardline policy aimed at cutting off revenue to President Nicolas Maduros government. Tariffs on Venezuelan oil buyers On March 24, the pressure increased further. The US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on countries that continued to buy Venezuelan oil. This step was designed to isolate Venezuela economically and discourage international trade with the Maduro administration. A major shift occurred on August 8. The US doubled the bounty on Maduro to 50 million dollars and officially designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. This move linked Venezuelas leadership directly to alleged drug trafficking networks and set the stage for more aggressive action. First military strike The conflict entered a military phase on September 2, 2025. On that day, the US carried out its first strike on a vessel it described as a drug-smuggling boat in international waters. From September through November, the US launched more than 30 strikes on alleged drug boats operating in the Caribbean and the Pacific. According to reports, these strikes killed between 83 and more than 110 people. US officials said the operations were aimed at stopping drug trafficking routes linked to Venezuela. On October 15, Trump authorised covert CIA operations inside Venezuela. This decision further deepened the conflict and raised concerns about direct US involvement on Venezuelan soil. In response, Venezuela held military exercises on November 12. On the same day, the US began its Southern Spear" mission. Two days later, on November 14, the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier group arrived near Venezuela, signalling a strong US military presence in the region. Economic pressure continued alongside military moves. On December 11, the US imposed sanctions on members of Maduros family and six oil ships. On December 16, Trump announced a total blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers. Just days later, on December 20, a second oil tanker was seized off the Venezuelan coast. US strike inside Venezuela Amid this escalation, Trump claimed that the US had struck a dock facility inside Venezuela used to load boats with drugs. He said there had been a major explosion at the site. This was reported as the first such attack carried out inside the country. It follows weeks of increased pressure from Trump on Maduro, whom he accuses of emptying prisons and mental institutions" and forcing" inmates to migrate to the US, while also using oil revenues to fund drug-related crime. Earlier this week, Maduro responded by saying he was open to talks with the US on drug trafficking and oil wherever and whenever they want". However, he avoided directly addressing the reported strikes carried out by the CIA. Operations are still ongoing, with the US pursuing fleeing tankers and Congress examining the strikes. Venezuela has called the actions piracy and has increased military activity and missile deployments. According to CBS, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by Delta Force, the US militarys elite special missions unit, citing US officials. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 03, 2026, 15:56 IST News world From Sanctions To Strikes: How US Action Against Venezuela Escalated In A Year Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Hindu Man Set Ablaze By Mob Dies Of Injuries As Bangladesh Teeters Ahead Of Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 13:27 IST Khokon Das, a 50-year-old Hindu businessman, was stabbed and set on fire by a mob in Shariatpur, Bangladesh, highlighting rising attacks on minorities. This image from Blitzs editor Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury shows Khokon Das (centre lying in bed) getting treatment following the mob attack in Bangladeshs Shariatpur. (IMAGE: @salah_shoaib/X) Bengali Hindu businessman, Khokon Das, 50, died after being attacked and set on fire by a mob in Bangladeshs Shariatpur district on December 31, local media reported. Das, a small medicine shop owner, was allegedly stabbed, beaten and doused with petrol before being set ablaze while returning home. Das had survived the initial attack by jumping into a nearby pond but later succumbed to his injuries after his condition deteriorated. He was shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. His wife said he was attacked after closing his medical shop. I dont know who did this. We need justice. My husband is a simple man. He did not harm anyone," she said. The incident, which took place in Tiloi village under Kanoir union, is among a series of recent attacks targeting minorities in Bangladesh, with this being the fourth such attack on a Hindu reported in the past two weeks. Earlier, a mob beat garment worker Dipu Chandra Das to death and set his body ablaze after stripping him naked. The attack has drawn political reactions in India, with the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party West Bengal citing the killing as part of a wider pattern of violence against Bengali Hindus. In a post on X, the party said the death of Khokon Das followed the earlier killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh and compared it to incidents in West Bengal, including the 2023 murders of Haragobinda Das and Chandan Das in Murshidabad. The BJP alleged that attacks on Bengali Hindus were continuing unabated across the region. After Dipu Chandra Das, now Khokon Das had been attacked and set on fire by an Islamist mob. He has passed away due to his injuries early today morning.This reminds us of the grim situation in West Bengal where last year, Haragobinda Das and Chandan Das were brutally hacked to pic.twitter.com/KgBA1agXYV BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) January 3, 2026 The killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2025 has plunged Bangladesh into political turmoil, triggering violent protests and a spike in anti-India sentiment ahead of the February 2026 general elections. Hadis death led to attacks on major newspaper offices perceived as pro-India and even assaults near Indian diplomatic missions, prompting India to temporarily close its visa centres in parts of Bangladesh amid safety concerns. Bangladesh is heading into a highly charged political phase ahead of its national elections scheduled for February 2026, with the country witnessing sustained unrest, street violence and sharp polarisation since early-2025. Viral Video Sparks Outrage Over Threats to Police, Killing of Hindu Officer A video circulating on social media has triggered outrage after a Bangladeshi youth leader was seen boasting about the killing of a Hindu police officer and openly threatening law enforcement officials during what he described as the July 2024 uprising. The video was shared on X by investigative journalist and author Sahidul Hasan Khokon, who identified the speaker as a student coordinator from Habiganj district. In the clip, the youth is heard threatening the officer-in-charge of a police station, warning that the station would be set on fire. He claims that during the so-called July movement", protesters had already burned down the Baniachong police station. The youth then makes a chilling claim, saying, We burned Hindu officer SI Santosh," referring to the killing of Sub-Inspector Santosh Bhabhu. He appears to make the statement without visible fear or remorse, even as he is seen sitting inside a police station. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: January 03, 2026, 11:52 IST News world Hindu Man Set Ablaze By Mob Dies Of Injuries As Bangladesh Teeters Ahead Of Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... How Maduro And His Wife Were Captured? Venezuelan Leader Provides Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 22:02 IST Nahum Fernandez, a senior leader of Venezuelas ruling party, said the couple were taken from their residence inside the Fuerte Tiuna military complex. Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro with wife Cilia Flores (Photo: X) After months of rising tension between the United States and Venezuela, the Donald Trump-led US administration launched military action against the Latin American country on Saturday. During the operation, President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and are now on their way to New York to face prosecution. The announcement led to widespread speculation about where Maduro and his wife were captured from. Capture at military base in Caracas Nahum Fernandez, a senior leader of Venezuelas ruling party, said the couple were taken from their residence inside the Fuerte Tiuna military complex. Fuerte Tiuna, also known as Fort Tiuna, is a major military installation located in the capital city, Caracas. Thats where they bombed," Fernandez said. And there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country," he told the Associated Press. US President Donald Trump later said that Maduro and his wife were aboard a US warship and were being taken to New York, where they will face prosecution. What next for Venezuela? Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the United States would be very much" involved in deciding Venezuelas next steps. We cant take a chance of letting somebody else run and just take over where he left off We want liberty for the people," he said. Trump also said he watched the military operation from his Mar-a-Lago residence. He praised the operation, calling it amazing" and said the team showed high levels of professionalism and leadership. He said he believed no US troops were killed, but confirmed that some soldiers were injured during the operation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Venezuela First Published: January 03, 2026, 22:02 IST News world How Maduro And His Wife Were Captured? Venezuelan Leader Provides Details Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran's Khamenei Says Rioters 'Must Be Put In Their Place' Amid Widespread Economic Protests Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 20:28 IST The demonstrations, which began last Sunday, have now spread to more than two dozen cities. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (File image: AFP) Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday acknowledged the economic concerns of protesters across the country, while issuing a stark warning that there would be no tolerance for what he called rioters." The demonstrations, which began last Sunday as an expression of discontent over high prices and economic stagnation, have now spread to more than two dozen cities. Speaking on the occasion of a Shiite holiday, Khamenei said that the president and other senior officials were working to address the economic difficulties caused by international sanctions. The shopkeepers have protested against this situation and that is completely fair," he said, recognising the legitimacy of the initial economic demands. At the same time, Khamenei made it clear that violence would not be tolerated. Authorities must have dialogue with protesters, it is useless to have dialogue with rioters. Those must be put in their place," he warned. Official figures report that at least eight people have been killed since the protests began, including members of Irans security forces. On Saturday, the Mehr news agency reported that Ali Azizi, a member of the Basij paramilitary force, was killed during a demonstration in Harsin after being stabbed and shot. Tasnim news also reported the death of a man in the holy city of Qom on Friday when a grenade he was carrying exploded. The protests, initially sparked by shopkeepers striking over poor economic conditions in Tehran, have now spread to smaller cities, especially in western and southwestern Iran. Demonstrations have involved university students and other citizens, and in some places clashes with authorities and acts of vandalism have been reported. While authorities have indicated willingness to discuss economic concerns, they have repeatedly warned that attempts to destabilise the country will not be allowed. Though significant, the current protests are smaller than the nationwide unrest in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, and the 2019 demonstrations over fuel price hikes, which led to hundreds of deaths. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 03, 2026, 20:28 IST News world Iran's Khamenei Says Rioters 'Must Be Put In Their Place' Amid Widespread Economic Protests Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Midnight Fall, Maduro Faces Narco-Terror Charges: Trump Warns Of Second Strike, Vows To Run Venezuela Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 23:02 IST Donald Trump confirmed that American forces would remain in Venezuela to oversee a 'proper transition' The Trump administration has justified the intervention as a necessary measure to dismantle what it describes as a 'criminal narco-state'. File image In a seismic shift for Western Hemispheric geopolitics, United States President Donald Trump has announced that the US will essentially run the country" of Venezuela following the successful capture of President Nicolas Maduro. In a series of statements made throughout Saturday, Trump confirmed that American forces would remain in Venezuela to oversee a proper transition", a move that marks the most significant direct military intervention in the region in nearly four decades. The Capture: Maduro Aboard the USS Iwo Jima The President provided visual confirmation of the high-stakes operation, codenamed Southern Spear", by posting a photograph on Truth Social showing Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The amphibious assault ship is currently in the Caribbean, heading towards New York. Trump described the extractionreportedly carried out by elite Delta Force operatorsas a pinpoint" and surgical" success, noting that Maduro and Flores were captured and flown out of the country" in a coordinated effort with US law enforcement. Upon arrival in New York, Maduro was set to be transported to a federal court in Manhattan. US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that he will face a litany of charges, including narcoterrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons offences related to his leadership of the so-called Cartel of the Suns". The US Department of Justice had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest, and officials have vowed that the deposed leader will face the full wrath of American justice". Indefinite Control and Economic Reconstruction Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the Presidents announcement was his commitment to maintaining a US presence in Caracas. Trump told reporters from Mar-a-Lago that the US is there now" and will stay until a new, proper" administration is established. He explicitly stated, We are going to run it, essentially, until such time as a proper transition can take place." A key pillar of this interim period involves the immediate revitalisation of Venezuelas crippled oil industry. Trump announced that major American oil companies would be sent into the country to invest billions of dollars to repair broken infrastructure. The goal, according to the White House, is to restore production from the worlds largest oil reserves to benefit both the Venezuelan people and global markets, while also securing the return of what Vice President JD Vance called stolen oil". Threat of a Second Wave While the initial pre-dawn strikes on Saturday targeted key military installationsincluding Fort Tiuna and the La Carlota airbasethe President warned that the U.S. military is far from finished if resistance persists. Trump revealed that the Pentagon had already prepared for a second and much larger attack" involving a massive wave" of force. The first attack was so successful, we probably dont have to do a second," the President told Fox News, But we are prepared to do a second wavea much bigger wave, actuallyif we need to do so." This warning serves as a direct message to the remains of the Venezuelan military and pro-government colectivo" militias who might attempt to mount a counter-offensive. A Region in Shock The fallout has been immediate. While Venezuelan opposition figures such as Maria Corina Machado have signalled that a new era" is beginning, leaders in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have issued sharp condemnations, calling the rendition a violation of international law. In Caracas, residents have reported widespread power outages and a state of national emergency. International Fallout China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba have issued blistering condemnations, labelling the strikes a flagrant violation of international law and a hegemonic" act of state terrorism. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified that Britain was not involved and called for the upholding of international law. Meanwhile, US domestic reaction is split; while many Republicans have lauded the inherent authority" of the President to protect American interests, Democratic lawmakers have slammed the strikes as an unauthorised and illegal" war launched without Congressional approval. As 2026 begins, the world now watches to see if this daring rendition will lead to a democratic transition or ignite a protracted regional conflict. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 22:04 IST News world After Midnight Fall, Maduro Faces Narco-Terror Charges: Trump Warns Of Second Strike, Vows To Run Venezuela Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Insider stock sales amounted to $16 billion in 2025, according to data from Washington Service. Jeff Bezos cashed in nearly $6 billion of Amazon stock throughout the year. Detailed below are the top five sellers of 2025, ranked by proceeds. 2025 was on the whole a good time to cash in profits on stock positions, considering the S&P 500 finished 16% higher. The gains were even bigger in tech, particularly for companies with their wagons hitched to the red-hot AI trade, which lifted the likes of Alphabet and Nvidia to market-beating performance. Data from Washington Service shows that insider stock sales totaled $16 billion last year. The biggest seller of all was Jeff Bezos, who liquidated $5.7 billion. Listed below are the details around Bezos, as well as the four other biggest sellers across the market. Note that nearly all of the sales tallied for this exercise were part of established plans, with purchases happening at pre-signaled intervals. Jeff Bezos Bezos Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for America Business Forum Company: Amazon Total shares sold: 25,000,000 Total value sold: $5.7 billion The Amazon founder turned chairman turned many heads in 2025 with his high-profile wedding to media personality Lauren Sanchez, which pumped roughly $1.1 billion into Venice Italy's local economy. During the year, though, Bezos also offloaded 25,000,000 shares of Amazon stock, taking home $5.7 billion. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index reveals that his most recent stock sale netted $3.5 billion. While the billionaire's net worth increased by $15 billion in 2025, he still slipped one notch on the list of the world's wealthiest people. Safra Katz Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Company: Oracle Total shares sold: 12,500,000 Total value sold: $2,531,343,305 Oracle enjoyed an overall strong year, despite a lackluster third-quarter earnings report that pulled the stock down in December. Former CEO Safra Katz exercised some stock options in the first half of the year, freeing up $1.8 billion. She ended the year as the company's top insider seller, and still holds a position of 1.1 million shares. Michael Dell President Trump previously mentioned Michael Dell as an individual involved in the TikTok deal. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images Company: Dell Technologies Total shares sold: 16,253,968 Total value sold: $2.2 billion Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell sold more than sixteen million shares, totaling $2.2 billion. His most recent sale netted $1.9 billion. Dell and his wife Susan were in the news recently, investing $6.25 billion into "Trump Accounts," a move that inspired fellow billionaire Ray Dalio to do the same. Jensen Huang Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Company: Nvidia Total shares sold: 6,000,000 Total value sold: $1,048,586,165 Huang offloaded a total of 6,000,000 shares of Nvidia stock in 2025, resulting in $1 billion of proceeds. His highly profitable year helped him rise four places on the world's wealthiest list, rising from 12th place to 9th. MEA Advises Indian Citizens To Avoid Non-Essential Travel To Venezuela After US Military Strikes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 23:15 IST The ministry shared contact details to assist Indian nationals. Those needing help can write to cons.caracas@mea.gov.in. India Sets Up Emergency Helpline After US Strikes in Venezuela The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday strongly advised Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela. The advisory comes after the South American country was hit by multiple strikes carried out by the United States. In a statement, the MEA said the situation in Venezuela remains uncertain and could change rapidly. It urged Indians already in the country to remain cautious and stay in touch with Indian authorities. The ministry shared contact details to assist Indian nationals. Those needing help can write to cons.caracas@mea.gov.in or call the emergency number +58-412-9584288, which is also available for WhatsApp calls. Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife during a military operation carried out early on Saturday. The announcement followed weeks of rising pressure from the Trump administration on the Venezuelan government. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the United States would play a major role in deciding what happens next in Venezuela. Well be involved in it very much," he said. We cant take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left." Hours later, Trump addressed the media and said the United States would take control of Venezuela for the time being. Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he said. Following explosions in Caracas, the US Embassy in Colombia urged Americans in Venezuela to shelter in place," avoid travel, and depart immediately if possible; FAA banned US commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 03, 2026, 23:11 IST News world MEA Advises Indian Citizens To Avoid Non-Essential Travel To Venezuela After US Military Strikes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Caracas Shaken By Explosions As US Strikes Venezuela On Trump's Orders Curated By : Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 13:13 IST Seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas at 2 a.m. as US President Donald Trump considers ground strikes and deploys a navy task force to the Caribbean. Rapid Read An undated image circulating on social media shows a night-time view of Caracas. The image, shared by the Tehran Times, could not be independently verified. (IMAGE: TehranTimes/X) US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities, US officials told US broadcaster CBS News early Saturday, marking a sharp escalation in Washingtons campaign against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The confirmation came after loud explosions accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft were heard across parts of Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, journalists from AFP and the Associated Press reported. According to AFP, the explosions were heard around 2 am local time (0600 GMT). An Associated Press reporter said at least seven explosions were heard, along with aircraft flying at low altitude over several neighbourhoods of the Venezuelan capital. Videos purportedly showing the airstrikes were shared by Iran-based media outlet Tehran Times and conflict-tracking handle Clash Report on social media platform X. However, News18 could not independently verify the authenticity, timing or location of the videos. Residents in different parts of the city rushed out of their homes following the blasts. Some people could be seen gathering on streets and looking towards the sky from various areas of Caracas, AP reported. The exact source and nature of the explosions remained unclear. The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, speaking to AP. She was walking briskly with two relatives after attending a birthday party. We felt like the air was hitting us." #BREAKING Media reports multiple explosions heard in Venezuelan capital pic.twitter.com/SxNbdHqJPp Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) January 3, 2026 The reports come amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Trump has in recent days deployed a US Navy task force to the Caribbean and publicly raised the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela. Wide angle footage shows U.S. airstrikes in Caracas, Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/JnlImZTaeP Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2026 US officials have said American forces have been targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region as part of counter-narcotics operations. However, it was not immediately known whether Saturdays explosions in Caracas were linked to those actions or to any other military activity. Trump said on Monday that US forces had struck and destroyed a docking area used by alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats. He did not specify whether the operation was carried out by the US military or the Central Intelligence Agency, nor did he disclose the exact location, saying only that it took place along the shore." If confirmed, the operation would mark the first known land strike on Venezuelan territory by the United States. Maduro has neither confirmed nor denied the reported strike. He said on Thursday that he was open to cooperation with Washington after weeks of mounting US military pressure. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of heading a drug cartel and says it is intensifying efforts to curb narcotics trafficking. Maduro has rejected the allegations, insisting he has no involvement in the drug trade and claiming Washington is seeking to overthrow his government because Venezuela holds the worlds largest proven oil reserves. In recent weeks, Washington has stepped up pressure by informally closing Venezuelas airspace, imposing additional sanctions and ordering the seizure of tankers carrying Venezuelan oil. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Venezuela was under attack, claiming missiles were being used against the capital. Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles. The OAS and the UN must meet immediately," Petro said in a post on X. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Caracas, Venezuela First Published: January 03, 2026, 12:12 IST News world Caracas Shaken By Explosions As US Strikes Venezuela On Trump's Orders Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Narco-Terrorism, Drug Trafficking And More: Charges US Is Bringing Against Venezuelas Maduro Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 20:58 IST US Attorney General Pam Bondi has said that deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will face criminal charges following an indictment in New York. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro takes part in a march with young members of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) in Caracas, Venezuela. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and heading to New York, where they will face prosecution, as Washington considers its next steps for Venezuela. US Attorney General Pam Bondi has said that deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will face criminal charges following an indictment in New York. In a post on X, Bondi said the couple would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts". She said Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machineguns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices against the United States. Bondis remarks came after US President Donald Trump said the United States carried out a large strike against Venezuela, during which Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country. Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading what he has described as a narco-terrorist" government. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the operation was carried out with US law enforcement and that more details would follow at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump wrote. US operations and Venezuelas response The United States has previously attacked Venezuelan boats accused of carrying drugs to America. Trump had also warned that he could order military strikes on targets inside Venezuelan territory. Maduro had said in the past that US actions were an attempt to remove him from power. On Saturday, the US said it had carried out a large-scale strike" against Venezuela and again claimed that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country. Trump announced the operation on social media hours after the attack. The Venezuelan government described the action as an imperialist attack" and urged citizens to take to the streets. Maduro on his way to New York Trump later said that Maduro and Cilia Flores were on board the USS Iwo Jima and heading to New York. Yes, the Iwo Jima, theyre on a ship," Trump said. Theyll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter in a nice flight. Im sure they loved it." He added that Maduro and his wife had killed a lot of people", repeating his long-standing accusations against the Venezuelan leader. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: January 03, 2026, 20:58 IST News world Narco-Terrorism, Drug Trafficking And More: Charges US Is Bringing Against Venezuelas Maduro Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NASA Rejects NYT Claim On Library Closure, Says No Scientific Material Will Be Discarded Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 17:47 IST NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman also explained the background behind the decision to close the Goddard library. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (Credits: Reuters) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has pushed back against a report by The New York Times which claimed that the space agencys largest library would shut down permanently and that its books would be thrown away. The report, published earlier this week, focused on the planned closure of the library at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center. It quoted a NASA spokesperson as saying that library materials would be reviewed over the next two months, with some items moved to a government storage facility while others would be discarded. NASA has since issued a clarification, saying the report created a misleading impression. In a post on X, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the newspapers account did not fully reflect what the agency had communicated. At no point is NASA tossing out important scientific or historical materials, and that framing has led to several other misleading headlines," Isaacman said. He added that the focus should instead be on NASAs future plans. The @NYTimes story does not fully reflect the context NASA shared. At no point is NASA tossing out" important scientific or historical materials, and that framing has led to several other misleading headlines.This is unfortunate at a time when the world should be energized by pic.twitter.com/I2DRBRMX2c NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) January 2, 2026 This is unfortunate at a time when the world should be energized by a plan to send NASA astronauts farther into space than ever before and return us to the lunar environment with a commitment to stay, alongside historic investments in an orbital economy and a renewed pursuit of science and discovery," he said. Isaacman also explained the background behind the decision to close the Goddard library. According to him, the move is part of a facilities consolidation plan that was approved in 2022 under the previous US administration led by Joe Biden. He stressed that the closure does not mean an end to access to scientific resources. NASA researchers will continue to have access to the scientific information and resources they need to do their work," Isaacman said. The NASA chief further noted that the agency follows a careful process when reviewing library collections. Materials are assessed before decisions are made to digitise them, move them to other libraries, or preserve them for historical reasons. NASA said the aim of the process is to modernise access to information while ensuring that valuable scientific and historical content remains protected, countering claims that important material would simply be discarded. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 17:47 IST News world NASA Rejects NYT Claim On Library Closure, Says No Scientific Material Will Be Discarded Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Reactions To US Strikes On Venezuela: Iran, Russia Condemn Attack; Spain Offers Mediation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 19:41 IST Russia was among the strongest critics of the US action, calling it an act of armed aggression with no valid justification. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3. (AFP photo) Global reactions poured in on Saturday after the United States launched military strikes on Venezuela, with several countries condemning the action and warning of serious consequences for regional and global stability. The operation, announced by US President Donald Trump, reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Russia was among the strongest critics of the US action, calling it an act of armed aggression with no valid justification. In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry said Washingtons decision was deeply concerning and condemnable". The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism," the statement said. In a follow-up statement, Moscow further demanded immediate clarification" about reports that Maduro and his wife had been forcibly removed from Venezuela. We are extremely alarmed by reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were forcibly removed from the country as a result of todays US aggression. We call for an immediate clarification of the situation," the statement said. Iran also condemned the US strikes, accusing Washington of violating Venezuelas national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iranian foreign ministry in a statement said it strongly condemns the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country." Colombia, which shares a long and sensitive border with Venezuela, responded by increasing security measures. President Gustavo Petro said he had ordered the deployment of military forces to the Venezuelan border following what he described as US attacks. Petro strongly criticised Washingtons actions, calling them an assault on Latin American sovereignty. He warned that the strikes could trigger a major humanitarian crisis, particularly for countries neighbouring Venezuela that are already dealing with migration pressures. Spain offered a more diplomatic tone, calling for restraint and de-escalation from all sides. The Spanish foreign ministry said Madrid was prepared to act as a mediator to help achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis. Spain calls for de-escalation and restraint," the Spanish foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that in this regard it is prepared to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful, negotiated solution to the current crisis". British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was not involved in the US-led strikes on Venezuela, and called on all countries to uphold international law. I want to speak to President Trump, I want to speak to allies," the British Prime Minister said in brief comments aired on UK television hours after the US attack. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that. And as you know, I always say and believe we should all uphold international law," noted. Meanwhile, the European Union stressed the importance of restraint and adherence to international law. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EUs ambassador in Caracas. Writing on X, Kallas said: The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority." I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 3, 2026 Amid the widespread condemnation, Israels opposition leader Yair Lapid used the moment to issue a warning aimed at Iran. Writing on X, Lapid said that the Iranian regime should pay close attention to what is happening in Venezuela". (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 16:43 IST News world Reactions To US Strikes On Venezuela: Iran, Russia Condemn Attack; Spain Offers Mediation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Stolen Oil Must Be Returned To US': JD Vance Defends Strikes On Venezuela Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 19:55 IST Vances remarks came hours after Trump announced that the United States had carried out what he described as a 'large-scale strike' against Venezuela. US Vice President JD Vance (Credits: AFP) US Vice President JD Vance has strongly defended Washingtons actions against Venezuela, saying President Donald Trump had repeatedly offered chances to de-escalate before ordering a major operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. In a post on X, Vance said the White House had been clear about its demands from the beginning, particularly on drug trafficking and oil-related disputes. The president offered multiple off-ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says," Vance wrote. He also praised the role of US forces involved in the operation, calling it a major success. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation," he added. In a follow-up post, Vance addressed criticism from those questioning the legality of the US action. He argued that Maduros legal situation in the United States justified the move and dismissed claims that the operation violated international norms. And PSA for everyone saying this was illegal," Vance wrote. The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says.Kudos to our brave pic.twitter.com/b1fqkdbB4x JD Vance (@JDVance) January 3, 2026 Maduro has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism. You dont get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas." Vances remarks came hours after Trump announced that the United States had carried out what he described as a large-scale strike" against Venezuela, an operation conducted in coordination with US law enforcement agencies. Trump said Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country, with further details to be shared later. The comments highlight the firm stance taken by senior US leaders as tensions between Washington and Caracas reach a critical point. US officials have long accused Maduros government of links to drug trafficking and organised crime, allegations that Venezuela has repeatedly denied. Vances statements underline the administrations position that Maduros status as Venezuelas leader does not place him beyond the reach of US law, reinforcing the message that legal accountability remains central to Washingtons actions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 19:55 IST News world 'Stolen Oil Must Be Returned To US': JD Vance Defends Strikes On Venezuela Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Confirms US Strikes On Venezuela, Says Nicolas Maduro And His Wife Captured Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 16:18 IST Donald Trump announced a large-scale US strike on Venezuela, claiming Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out, amid explosions and low-flying aircraft in Caracas. US President Donald Trump claimed early Saturday that the United States carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and that President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, had been captured and flown out of the country. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump early Saturday claimed that the United States had carried out a large-scale strike" against Venezuela and that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, had been captured and flown out of the country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the operation was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement agencies and that more details would be shared at a news conference scheduled for 11 am local time at Mar-a-Lago. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the claims. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement," he wrote. In a conversation with the New York Times, Trump called it a brilliant operation". "A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people. It was a brilliant operation, actually," he said. The statement came after loud explosions accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft were heard across parts of Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, journalists from AFP and the Associated Press reported. According to AFP, the explosions were heard around 2 am local time (0600 GMT). An Associated Press reporter said at least seven explosions were heard, along with aircraft flying at low altitude over several neighbourhoods of the Venezuelan capital. American broadcasters Fox News and CBS News later cited unnamed Trump administration officials as confirming that the US military was behind the series of strikes against Caracas on Saturday. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 3, 2026 Trump also held a brief phone interview with The New York Times, in which he described the operation as brilliant." A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people," the newspaper quoted Trump as saying. Citing US officials, CBS News reported that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by Delta Force, the US militarys top special mission unit. The United States has not carried out such a direct military intervention in Latin America since its 1989 invasion of Panama, which led to the capture of former military ruler Manuel Noriega. There was no immediate confirmation from the Venezuelan government regarding Trumps claims. Washington has accused Maduro of running a narco-state" and rigging elections. Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez and took power in 2013, has rejected the allegations, saying the United States is seeking to seize control of Venezuelas oil reserves, the largest proven reserves in the world. Trumps social media post came shortly after Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said in a video message early Saturday that Venezuela would resist the presence of foreign troops. Padrino alleged that a US attack earlier in the morning had struck civilian areas and said authorities were compiling information on those killed and injured. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 03, 2026, 15:04 IST News world Trump Confirms US Strikes On Venezuela, Says Nicolas Maduro And His Wife Captured Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Make Venezuela Great Again': Trump Releases First Image Of Maduro Aboard US Warship Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 22:56 IST Donald Trump said that Maduro and his wife are aboard the USS Iwo Jima and are heading to New York. Trump Posts First Image of Maduro Aboard US Military Ship US President Donald Trump released the first image of Nicolas Maduro aboard a US warship, claiming the Venezuelan leader is being taken to New York. Trump said that Maduro and his wife are aboard the USS Iwo Jima and are heading to New York. The picture released by Donald Trump showed the now-deposed Venezuelan president handcuffed and blindfolded. Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized at the presidential palace and flown by helicopter to a US warship. He said Maduro had been heavily guarded inside a fortress-like palace with a steel-reinforced secure room. Amid political uncertainty in Venezuela, Trump said the United States would take control of the country following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. He said Washington would run the country until a safe and proper transition takes place. Trump said the US wanted to prevent a repeat of past leadership and gave no timeline for the transition. What happens to Maduro next? Nicolas Maduro and his wife are being taken to New York, where they will face legal action. Speaking about the operation, Trump said, Theyll be heading into New York," adding that it was a nice flight". He accused Maduro and his wife of killing many people and said he had personally spoken to Maduro before the operation took place. Trump said he had offered Maduro a way out but made it clear that surrender was the only option. You have to give up. You have to surrender," he said, describing the move as an important symbol. According to Trump, the operation was meant to send a strong message about accountability and justice. What are the charges against Maduro? US Attorney General Pam Bondi later confirmed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will face criminal charges after being indicted in New York. In a post on X, Bondi said the couple would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts". Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link She said Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy. The charges also include possession of machineguns and destructive devices, as well as conspiracy to possess such weapons against the United States. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 03, 2026, 22:14 IST News world 'Make Venezuela Great Again': Trump Releases First Image Of Maduro Aboard US Warship Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ISIS-Inspired New Years Eve Attack Foiled In North Carolina, 18-Year-Old Arrested: FBI Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 07:43 IST Court records say the teen left a handwritten note spelling out an intended mass stabbing and a plan to confront police during the attack. Rapid Read This photo released by the Gaston County Sheriff's Office shows Christian Sturdivant. (IMAGE: Gaston County Sheriff's Office via AP) The Federal Bureau of Investigation said Friday it disrupted an ISIS-inspired New Years Eve attack plot targeting a grocery store and a fast-food outlet in North Carolina, arresting an 18-year-old man who authorities say intended to carry out a mass stabbing and die in a confrontation with police. Christian Sturdivant has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation. Prosecutors said he pledged loyalty to the Islamic State and shared his plans with an undercover FBI employee posing as a supportive confidant. According to court records and investigators, Sturdivant discussed plans to carry out attacks using knives and blunt weapons. Authorities said the online conversations, combined with a search of his home, showed an imminent threat. Fearing the suspect could act before New Years Eve, the FBI placed him under constant surveillance for several days, including on Christmas, US Attorney for Western North Carolina Russ Ferguson said. Agents were prepared to arrest him earlier if he left his home with weapons," Ferguson told reporters in Charlotte. At no point was the public in harms way." The #FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack on New Year's Eve in North Carolina. The subject was directly inspired to act by ISIS. A federal criminal complaint alleges 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant planned a violent attack at a grocery store in Mint Hill. SAC Barnacle pic.twitter.com/njn7XBQTAC FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) January 2, 2026 Sturdivant was arrested on Wednesday and remained in custody after a federal court appearance on Friday. His attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Another hearing is scheduled for January 7. Investigators said searches of Sturdivants phone and residence uncovered what they described as a handwritten manifesto outlining his plans. FBI Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle said the suspect was prepared to die during the attack. He was willing to sacrifice himself," Barnacle said. According to the FBI affidavit, a handwritten note recovered from a trash can at Sturdivants home explicitly outlined his intent to carry out a mass stabbing. The note stated his goal was to stab as many civilians as possible," listed an expected number of victims, and said he planned to attack responding police officers in the hope of dying during the assault. Investigators said the note framed the planned violence as retaliation for attacks and airstrikes against Muslims in Syria. Authorities said the attack was to take place in Mint Hill, a suburb of Charlotte. A database check showed Sturdivant worked at a Burger King in the area, though officials declined to confirm whether that was one of the specific targets named in the note, citing the ongoing investigation. If convicted, Sturdivant faces up to 20 years in prison. The affidavit said the investigation began last month after authorities linked Sturdivant to a social media account that posted content supporting IS, including imagery promoting violence. The account referenced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former leader of the extremist group. The FBI said Sturdivant had previously come to its attention in January 2022, when he was a minor, after communicating with a suspected IS supporter in Europe. At the time, he allegedly attempted to carry out an attack but was stopped by a family member. He later underwent psychological treatment, and officials believed he no longer had access to social media. Federal authorities said they discovered weeks ago that he had returned to online platforms. The case comes amid heightened concern over lone-actor attacks inspired by extremist ideology. Officials have said such groups often function as a brand, motivating individuals to act independently even without direct operational support. (with inputs from NBC News and the Associated Press) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Charlotte, North Carolina, US First Published: January 02, 2026, 23:30 IST News world ISIS-Inspired New Years Eve Attack Foiled In North Carolina, 18-Year-Old Arrested: FBI Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US-Driven Regime Change In Venezuela? Trump Says Washington Will Be Very Much Involved Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 20:59 IST Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Washington would not allow anyone to simply take over where he left off. US President Donald Trump. (Reuters file photo) US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the United States will play a major role in shaping what happens next in Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Washington would not allow anyone to simply take over where he left off." Well be involved in it very much. And we want to do liberty for the people," Trump said in a telephone interview. He added that the US special forces operation that led to Maduros capture showed that Washington was not going to be pushed around." The US President said the move sends a clear signal to others who challenge the United States. When asked whether he would support Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who is currently in Norway, to take over leadership, Trump said the situation was still under review. Were going to have to look at it right now," he said. Trump also referred to Venezuelas current leadership structure, saying the country has a vice president but questioning the legitimacy of past elections. I dont know what kind of an election that was, but, you know, the election of Maduro was a disgrace," Trump said, repeating long-standing US claims that Maduros rule lacked legitimacy. Trump also confirmed details of Maduros capture, saying the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, were extracted by helicopter during the operation. Theyre on a ship but theyll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out," he said. He noted that the couple will face federal charges in the United States. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 03, 2026, 20:57 IST News world US-Driven Regime Change In Venezuela? Trump Says Washington Will Be Very Much Involved Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Quick Read COPX returned 60.15% year-to-date driven by copper supply constraints and infrastructure demand. Copper consumption is projected to reach 43 million metric tonnes by 2050, up 65% from 2022. 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The Holdings Delivering Outsized Returns COPX's strong performance wasn't driven solely by its largest positions. The fund's smaller international holdings, including Canadian and Chilean miners, appear to have delivered exceptional returns as global supply constraints tightened. The ETF holds 41 companies with top-ten concentration at 59%. According to the fund's fact sheet, copper consumption is projected to reach 43 million metric tonnes by 2050, up 65% from 2022 levels, driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and AI infrastructure buildout. Monitor the fund's monthly holdings updates and quarterly rebalancing to track whether management shifts toward higher-conviction positions as valuations reset. 24/7 Wall St. 24/7 Wall St. This infographic provides a comprehensive overview of the Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX), detailing its investment approach, key use cases for investors, and a balanced summary of its pros and cons. A Simpler Alternative Worth Considering For investors seeking broader metals exposure with lower fees, the iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (NYSEARCA:PICK) offers a compelling alternative. With a 0.39% expense ratio versus COPX's 0.65%, PICK provides 14% copper exposure alongside steel, aluminum, and precious metals. The $886 million fund holds diversified miners including BHP, Rio Tinto, and Freeport-McMoRan, offering sector exposure without pure-play copper concentration risk. If copper prices moderate in 2026 while other industrial metals strengthen, PICK's diversification could outperform. Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 23:39 IST US Strikes Venezuela Updates: The United States launched large-scale strikes on Venezuela early Saturday, triggering explosions across Caracas and other cities and sparking a fast-moving political and military crisis. US President Donald Trump later said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured during the operation and removed from the country. Trump said they were extracted by helicopter, are now aboard a US warship, and will be taken to New York to face prosecution. Trump described the operation as successful and said he watched Maduros capture live, comparing it to watching a television show. He confirmed no American personnel were killed and said the US would be very much involved in deciding what happens next in Venezuela, raising questions about regime change. Venezuelas Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded the US provide proof of life of Maduro, saying she does not know where he or his wife are. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez also accused the US of striking residential areas and announced a nationwide deployment of military forces, calling the action an invasion. International reaction has been swift. Russia, Iran, Brazil, China, the EU, the UK and others condemned the strikes or urged restraint and respect for international law. Venezuela has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting. What If Putin Captures Zelenskyy: US Lawmaker Slams Trump Over Venezuela Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 20:41 IST US President Trump confirmed overnight military strikes in Venezuela and announced the capture of the country's President, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. U.S. Representative Ro Khanna. File | Photo Credit: AP Indian-origin Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna criticised President Donald Trumps military strike on Venezuela and urged Americans to stand against warmongering." The US on Saturday carried out the lightning military strike on Venezuela, capturing President Maduro and his wife. Khanna slammed Trump and added that he betrayed his MAGA base by todays attack. Taking to X, the Congressman wrote, Donald Trump betrayed his MAGA base today, launching a war of choice to bring regime change in Venezuela. We keep voting against dumb wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, & Libya. But our Presidents bow to a foreign policy blob committed to militarism. They get us entangled in conflicts abroad, while ignoring the lack of good jobs and high costs for Americans at home." What will we say now if Xi Jinping wants to capture Lai of Taiwan or Putin tries to capture Zelensky in Ukraine? The times call for a movement of the American people to stand against bloated defence budgets and warmongering. We need statesmen who will heed the advice of Washington and our founders and invest in jobs, healthcare, childcare & education for our people," Khanna added. Donald Trump betrayed his MAGA base today launching a war of choice to bring regime change in Venezuela.We keep voting against dumb wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, & Libya. But our Presidents bow to a foreign policy blob committed to militarism. They get us entangled in conflicts Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 3, 2026 Ive never seen anything like this, Says Trump Reacting to the US attack on Venezuela, President Donald Trump told Fox News that he had not seen anything like this and was able to watch it in real time. Ive never seen anything like this. I was able to watch it in real time, and I watched every aspect of it. It was amazing to see the professionalism the quality of leadershipamazing," Trump said. They rehearsed and practised like nobody has ever seen. I was told by military people there is no other country on earth that can do such a manoeuvre. I watched it like I was watching a television show. If you would have seen the speed, violence it was an amazing thing, an amazing job that these people have done. Nobody else could have done anything like this," he added. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: January 03, 2026, 20:41 IST News world What If Putin Captures Zelenskyy: US Lawmaker Slams Trump Over Venezuela Attack Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Next For Venezuela's Maduro And His Wife? Trump Says Theyre Headed To New York Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 21:15 IST Venezuela President Maduro had been arrested by US personnel and would be taken to the United States to stand trial on criminal charges. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) The future of Venezuela entered a period of deep uncertainty on Saturday after US President Donald Trump said that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country. Donald Trump said that Maduro and his wife are aboard the USS Iwo Jima and are heading to New York. Trump said helicopters flew the couple out of Venezuela and took them to the ship. Whats in store for Maduro? Theyll be heading into New York," he said, adding that it was a nice flight". Trump accused Maduro and his wife of killing many people. He also said he personally spoke to Maduro before the operation. Trump said he offered him a way out but demanded surrender. You have to give up. You have to surrender," Trump said, calling the move an important symbol. Trump said the United States will play a major role in deciding what happens next in Venezuela after its president was captured and flown out of the country. Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, Trump said Washington would be very much" involved in choosing who governs the country. He said the US could not risk allowing someone else to simply take over power and continue the same policies. Trump dismissed criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who said he should have sought approval from Congress and claimed the strike was illegal. He described his critics as weak, stupid people" and blamed his political opponents for inflation in the United States. The US President said the operation in Venezuela was really genius" and complained that Democrats only criticise his actions. He said they should praise the move instead of questioning its legality. Trump also said he watched the capture of Maduro in real time. According to a report by Reuters quoting CBS News, Maduro was captured by Delta Force, the US militarys elite special operations unit. Soon after Trumps announcement, US Republican Senator Mike Lee said on X that he had spoken to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lee claimed Rubio told him that Maduro had been arrested by US personnel and would be taken to the United States to stand trial on criminal charges. He added that no further US military action in Venezuela was expected now that Maduro was in custody. Senior figures in the US government welcomed the development. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the moment as a new dawn" for Venezuela. In a post on X, he said the countrys leader was gone and would now face justice for his alleged crimes. What are the charges against Maduro? US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will face criminal charges after being indicted in New York. In a post on X, Bondi said the couple would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts". She said Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy. The charges also include possession of machineguns and destructive devices, as well as conspiracy to possess such weapons against the United States. The case marks a major escalation in US legal action against the Venezuelan leader and his government. What Venezuela said? Inside Venezuela, the response was swift and tense. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced the immediate deployment of military forces across the country. He called on the armed forces to unite against what he described as the worst aggression" Venezuela had ever faced. Lopez said the military was acting on Maduros orders and insisted that the country would not be subdued despite the attack. The Venezuelan government also condemned the US action as an imperialist attack" and urged citizens to take to the streets. However, there was confusion on the ground. It was not immediately clear who was in charge of the government, and official confirmation of Maduros whereabouts was lacking. As events continue to unfold, Venezuela faces a critical moment. With its president reportedly in US custody, its military on high alert and global powers weighing in, the country stands at a crossroads. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 03, 2026, 16:39 IST News world What Next For Venezuela's Maduro And His Wife? Trump Says Theyre Headed To New York Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Prepared To Take Power': Venezuelan Opposition Leaders First Reaction On Maduros Capture Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 21:48 IST Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has become the most recognised face of the Venezuelan opposition in recent years. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is once again in the global spotlight after US President Donald Trump said that President Nicolas Maduro has been captured" following large-scale American strikes on Venezuela. Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has become the most recognised face of the Venezuelan opposition in recent years. Her name has drawn fresh attention as questions grow about her location and her possible role in Venezuelas future. Following Maduros capture, Maria Corina Machado has publicly reacted. Addressing the Venezuelans following Nicolas Maduros removal, she says Maduro now faces international justice for crimes against Venezuelans and citizens of other nations. The US has enforced the law, fulfilling its promise. She calls this the moment for national and popular sovereignty to guide the country, urging action to free political prisoners, build a better future, and bring children home safely. She reminds citizens of their struggle for democracy and supports the constitutional presidency of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, recognised as Commander-in-Chief by the military. The time has come for Popular Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to rule in our country. We are going to restore order, release political prisoners, build a peaceful future and bring our children back home. We have fought for years, we have given everything, and it has been worth it. What had to happen is happening," she said in her post on X. Machado urges Venezuelans inside the country to be ready, active, and organised to ensure a democratic transition, and asks those abroad to mobilise and support the rebuilding of Venezuela. She closes with encouragement, trust, and love, declaring that Venezuela will be free, with Gods guidance until the end. Venezolanos, llego la hora de la libertad. pic.twitter.com/ehy20V1xm9 Maria Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) January 3, 2026 Where is Maria Corina Machado? Maria Corina Machado is most likely in Oslo, Norway. She travelled there last month to collect her Nobel Peace Prize. This was her first public appearance after spending more than a year in hiding inside Venezuela. Her exit from the country was carried out through a secret rescue operation. According to a man who says he led the mission, the journey involved disguises, two boat trips across rough seas and a flight out of the region. Machados escape from Venezuela Bryan Stern, a US special forces veteran and founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, told the BBC that the operation was called Operation Golden Dynamite. He described the journey as cold, wet and exhausting. The seas are very rough. Its pitch black. Were using flashlights to communicate. This is very scary; lots of things can go wrong," Stern said. Despite the danger, he said Machado never complained. He described her as formidable" throughout the operation. She arrived safely in Oslo just before midnight on December 10 to attend the Nobel ceremony. Machados support for Trump However, she has made her views clear in the past. Machado has openly supported Trumps hard-line approach towards the Maduro government. She has also called for military intervention to bring an end to Communist rule in Venezuela. In an interview with CBS News in December, Machado said she was absolutely" supportive of Trumps strategy. We, the Venezuelan people, are very grateful to him and to his administration, because I believe he is a champion of freedom in this hemisphere," she said. Her remarks came during a period of increased US military presence in the Caribbean, strikes on suspected drug boats and a blockade on tankers carrying Venezuelan oil. After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, she again urged Trump to intervene in her country. Despite Maduros reported capture, experts say Machados rise to power is far from certain. R Viswanathan, a retired Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Venezuela from 2000 to 2003, told The Week magazine that Maduro is not acting alone. He is a puppet being handled by a bigger group," Viswanathan said. He added that even Maduros death would not guarantee Machado leadership of the country. Caracas powerful men will fight to the death before letting a pro-US government take charge," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Venezuela First Published: January 03, 2026, 18:59 IST News world 'Prepared To Take Power': Venezuelan Opposition Leaders First Reaction On Maduros Capture Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Could Take Over Venezuela After Maduro's Capture: Key Contenders In Race Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 22:26 IST One prominent opposition figure is Maria Corina Machado, the leader of the Vente Venezuela party and a key voice against Maduro. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. (Image: AFP) US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and removed from the country, triggering uncertainty over who could take charge of Venezuelas leadership. Announcing the development on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States had carried out a major military operation in Venezuela. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country. This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement," he wrote. The announcement has raised questions about a possible power vacuum in Caracas and who might emerge as Maduros successor. Opposition Figures In focus One name frequently mentioned is Edmundo Gonzalez. The United States has recognised Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuelas disputed 2024 presidential election, according to Newsweek. Maduros ruling party, however, declared victory in the vote, a result later upheld by Venezuelas top court. Following the court ruling, an arrest warrant was issued against Gonzalez. He later fled to Spain, citing safety concerns as political pressure mounted against opposition leaders. Another prominent opposition figure is Maria Corina Machado, the leader of the Vente Venezuela party and a key voice against Maduro. Machado won the opposition primary by a large margin but was barred from contesting the presidency by Venezuelas Supreme Tribunal of Justice, Newsweek reported. She later left Venezuela after spending months in hiding and gained international attention for her campaign against the Maduro government. In 2025, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and appeared publicly in Oslo following her escape from the country. US Legal Action Meanwhile, US officials said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, would face prosecution in the United States. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the pair had been indicted and would be brought before American courts. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire US DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers," Bondi said in a statement, as quoted by The Hill. As Venezuela absorbs the shock of these developments, it remains unclear how the countrys political future will unfold or who will ultimately step into the leadership vacuum left by Maduros reported removal. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 03, 2026, 22:26 IST News world Who Could Take Over Venezuela After Maduro's Capture: Key Contenders In Race Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Will Exercise Rights Decisively': Iran Writes To UN Protesting Against Trump's Warning Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 03, 2026, 07:13 IST Iran's UN ambassador urges condemnation of Donald Trump's threats over protests, as unrest over economic hardship continues and officials report at least seven deaths. Donald Trump has cautioned Tehran against cracking down on demonstrators, saying that if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters," the United States would come to their rescue," adding that Washington was locked and loaded." Irans UN Ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, has called for the Security Council and UN Secretary-General to condemn President Donald Trumps statement. He had warned the clerical regime of Iran against using violence on protesters, saying the US would come to their rescue. Iran is facing intense protests over economic hardship that entered their sixth day in parts of the country. Demonstrations have been driven largely by worsening economic conditions, soaring prices, and the sharp fall of the national currency. At least seven people have been killed so far in incidents linked to the unrest, according to officials and media reports. Amid growing volatility, Donald Trump cautioned Tehran against cracking down on demonstrators, saying that if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters," the United States would come to their rescue," adding that Washington was locked and loaded." In response, Irans UN Ambassador wrote a letter to the UN Secretary-General and members of the UN Security Council on Friday, protesting President Trumps post on the demonstrations in Iran and stressing that it will exercise self-defence decisively and proportionately" if the US attacks. Criticising Trumps remarks, the ambassador said the statement was in violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations". He also cited a previous statement made by the US President in which he publicly threatened the Islamic Republic of Iran with the use of force, including renewed military attacks against Irans peaceful nuclear facilities and its defensive capabilities". It said: Iran will exercise its rights decisively and proportionately. The United States of America bears full responsibility for any consequences arising from these unlawful threats and any ensuing escalation." Iranian government has denounced Trumps remarks and called its security a red line". Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said, Any intervening hand nearing Irans security on pretexts will be cut off with a regret-inducing response." Anadolu Agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, who said Iranians would not allow foreign interference and would resolve their problems through dialogue and engagement." It is enough to review the long record of actions by American politicians undertaken in the name of saving the Iranian people to grasp the depth of Americas so-called empathy with the Iranian nation," he said. UN Human Rights On Iran Violence In a post on X, the United Nations Human Rights said that it was following the ongoing protests, and reports of violence, with concern". #Iran: Were following the ongoing protests, and reports of violence, with concern.@volker_turk: I call on the authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. All individuals must be able to protest peacefully and express their pic.twitter.com/Qam8zuT4xi UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) January 2, 2026 It quoted United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk saying, I call on the authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. All individuals must be able to protest peacefully and express their grievances." The current unrest is the most significant in Iran since 2022, when nationwide protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, posing one of the toughest challenges to the countrys leadership in recent years. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 03, 2026, 07:08 IST News world 'Will Exercise Rights Decisively': Iran Writes To UN Protesting Against Trump's Warning Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... GoldMining (GLDG)announces that Paulo Pereira has resigned from his role as President of the Company to assume the role of Country Manager, Brazil. Alastair Still, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, will assume the additional role of President, effective January 1, 2026. Claim 70% Off TipRanks Premium Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See todays best-performing stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on GLDG: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue The once-reliable condo has become the weak link in the US housing market, reports the Wall Street Journal . In fact, it's "the worst market in more than 10 years," per the newspaper. Condominium prices fell about 1.9% year-over-year in September and October, the steepest drop since 2012, according to Intercontinental Exchange. Single-family home prices have also cooled, but they're still higher than a year ago, underscoring a growing divide: Buyers increasingly favor houses while condos struggle with soft demand, particularly in downtowns and vacation areas. "There are very few people that are even looking at condominiums," a Phoenix resident attempting to sell his tells the newspaper. Several forces are converging against condo owners. Remote and hybrid work has dulled the appeal of dense urban cores where many condo towers sit, while popular second-home markets have cooled after the pandemic buying spree. Rising condo association feesdriven by higher insurance premiums, maintenance, and new safety requirementsare squeezing affordability and scaring off would-be buyers. The trend flies in the face of the overall housing market, which is showing what NBC News calls "glimmers of hope" for 2026. One big factor: The 30-year rate is 6.18%, which is still significantly higher than rates in the pandemic years, but it's down from 7% in the past several months, and a dip below 6% is possible, according to Realtor.com economist Joel Berner. "2026 will be better for buyers," he says. Diane Crump, who in 1969 became the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race and a year later became the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby, has died. She was 77. Crump, who was diagnosed in October with an aggressive form of brain cancer, died Thursday in hospice care in Winchester, Virginia, the AP reports. Crump won 228 times before her last race in 1998, a month shy of her 50th birthday and nearly 30 years after her trailblazing ride at Hialeah Park in Florida on Feb. 7, 1969. "Galloping a great racehorse gives you a powerful feeling," Crump once said, per the New York Times . "I gave all the horses I rode my heart, and they gave me theirs." Crump was among several women to fight successfully at the time to be granted a jockey license, but they still needed a trainer willing to put them in a race and then for the race to run. Other women were thwarted when male jockeys boycotted or threatened to boycott if a woman was riding. Photos of Crump's walk to the saddling area at Hialeah show her protected by security guards as a crowd pressed in on all sides. Six of the original 12 jockeys in the race had refused to ride, Mark Shrager wrote in his biography, Diane Crump: A Horse Racing Pioneer's Life in the Saddle. Among them were future stars Angel Cordero Jr., Jorge Velasquez, and Ron Turcotte, who four years later would ride Secretariat to win the Triple Crown. But other jockeys stepped up, and as the 12 horses made their way onto the track, the bugler skipped the traditional call to the post and instead played "Smile for Me, My Diane." Crump, on a 50-1 longshot called Bridle 'n Bit, finished 10th, but the barrier had been broken. A month later, Bridle 'n Bit gave Crump her first victory at Gulfstream Park. She again made history in 1970 by becoming the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby. She won the first race that day at Churchill Downs, but again her mount for the history-making race was outclassed. She finished 15th out of 17 on Fathom. It would be 14 more years before another female jockey would ride in the Derby, with only four more to follow in the decades since. Mike Anderson, racetrack president at Churchill Downs, said in a statement that Crump, who had been riding since age 5, "was an iconic trailblazer who admirably fulfilled her childhood dreams." Chris Goodlett, of the Kentucky Derby Museum, said, "Diane Crump's name stands for courage, grit, and progress." He added: "Her determination in the face of overwhelming odds opened doors for generations of female jockeys and inspired countless others far beyond racing." After retiring from racing, Crump settled in Virginia and started a business helping people buy and sell horses. In later years, she took her therapy dogs, all Dachshunds, to visit patients in hospitals and other medical clinics. Russia quickly sided with its ally on Saturday, blasting Washington's military move in Venezuela. Moscow said Venezuela must be allowed to decide its own path "without destructive external interference, particularly of a military nature" and offered to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Caracas, per the Wall Street Journal . CNBC reports the Russian foreign ministry branded the strikes "an act of armed aggression" that is "deeply concerning and condemnable." It continued, "The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded. ... In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue." Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, remains one of Maduro's key backers. More: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei framed the US as "arrogantly trying to impose something on the country, on the officials, on the government, and on the nation" of Venezuela. "We will not yield to the enemy." Argentine President Javier Milei was full-throated in his support: "FREEDOM ADVANCES / LONG LIVE FREEDOM DAMN IT" he wrote on X alongside an earlier video in which he brands Maduro a threat to the region and expresses support for the pressure Trump was exerting on Caracas. "The time to have a timid approach on this subject has passed," Milei said, per Reuters. In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer distanced his country from the operation, telling reporters, "The UK was not involved in any way in this operation." He said he first wants to "establish the facts" by speaking with Trump and with allies. The Guardian reports he reiterated, "I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved ... and I always say and believe we should all uphold international law." UK Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey had a sharper reaction: "Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe. Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity." Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to X to call for a meeting of the UN Security Council, adding his country "rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America." From the Spanish Foreign Ministry: "Spain calls for de-escalation and moderation, and for action to always be taken in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter. In this regard, Spain is willing to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis." From Chilean President Gabriel Boric on X: "As the Government of Chile, we express our concern and condemnation of the military actions of the United States in Venezuela and call for a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country. Chile reaffirms its commitment to the basic principles of international law, such as the prohibition of the use of force, non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the territorial integrity of States." President Trump's overnight move to remove Venezuela's leader has triggered a fresh war-powers brawl in Washington, with Democrats accusing the White House of launching "Iraq 2.0" without Congress on board. Trump announced on Truth Social that US forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, framing it as a decisive blow against a hostile regime. Democrats quickly lined up to question both the legality and the strategy, reports Politico, saying Congress never authorized war with Venezuela and warning of a power vacuum in Caracas. A look: Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass.: "Congress did not authorize this war. Venezuela posed no imminent threat to the United States. This is reckless, elective regime change risking American lives (Iraq 2.0) with no plan for the day after. Wars cost more than trophies." "Congress did not authorize this war. Venezuela posed no imminent threat to the United States. This is reckless, elective regime change risking American lives (Iraq 2.0) with no plan for the day after. Wars cost more than trophies." Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.: The Iraq veteran called the strike the "Second unjustified war in my life time. This war is illegal, it's embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year. There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela." The Iraq veteran called the strike the "Second unjustified war in my life time. This war is illegal, it's embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year. There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela." Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.: "Where will this go next? Will the President deploy our troops to protect Iranian protesters? To enforce the fragile ceasefire in Gaza? To battle terrorists in Nigeria? To seize Greenland or the Panama Canal? To suppress Americans peacefully assembling to protest his policies? Trump has threatened to do all this and more and sees no need to seek legal authorization from people's elected legislature before putting servicemembers at risk." "Where will this go next? Will the President deploy our troops to protect Iranian protesters? To enforce the fragile ceasefire in Gaza? To battle terrorists in Nigeria? To seize Greenland or the Panama Canal? To suppress Americans peacefully assembling to protest his policies? Trump has threatened to do all this and more and sees no need to seek legal authorization from people's elected legislature before putting servicemembers at risk." Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn.: "Maduro is an illegitimate ruler. But I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos." "Maduro is an illegitimate ruler. But I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos." Sen. Andy Kim, D-NJ: "Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth looked every Senator in the eye a few weeks ago and said this wasn't about regime change. I didn't trust them then and we see now that they blatantly lied to Congress. Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war." Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the managers of the bar where a fire at a New Year's party left 40 people dead, authorities said Saturday. The two are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire, the Valais region's chief prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, told reporters. She said that the investigation was opened on Friday night and that it would help "explore all the leads." The announcement of the investigation did not name the managers, the AP reports. More than 100 other people were injured in the blaze that broke out around 1:30am Thursday at Le Constellation bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana. Police have said many were in their teens to mid-20s. Investigators said Friday they believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the fire when they came too close to the ceiling of the crowded bar. Authorities planned to look into whether sound-dampening material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar. Officials said they also would look at other safety measures on the premises, including fire extinguishers and escape routes. The Valais region's top security official, Stephane Ganzer, told SRF public radio Saturday that "such a huge accident with a fire in Switzerland means that something didn't workmaybe the material, maybe the organization on the spot." He added: "Something didn't work and someone made a mistake, I am sure of that." Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Real estate guru Grant Cardone has framed Bitcoin as a generation-defining innovation. Cardone in a Sunday X post compared Bitcoin to the printing press, automobiles, telephone and the internet, innovations that shaped generations and moved civilization forward. He said these innovations had taken decades to be widely adopted, adding that he expected the same with Bitcoin. Bitcoin is a technological invention to advance money, he said. Change takes a moment time validates great innovations. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.85/Share 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform Cardones remarks come as 2025 has challenged Bitcoins digital gold and bull market thesis. While Bitcoin did surge to a new record price of $126,000 this year, it has since shed most of those gains to most recently trade around $88,000, down 11% in 2025 on the back of tariff panic and jitters around tech stocks. Cardone turned pro-Bitcoin over the past year, touting the digital asset as a store of value. And he has launched several funds that combine it with real estate, allowing real estate investors to capture its volatility and liquidity. Cardone said he intends to launch 10 of these funds in total, combining 10,000 BTC with 15,000 apartment units. Trending: Wall Street's $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen Cardone Capital did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Benzinga. So far, Cardone has launched only three of his planned Bitcoin and real estate funds: the 10X Space Coast Bitcoin Fund, the 10X Miami River Fund, and the 10X Boca Raton Bitcoin Fund. The 10X Space Coast Bitcoin Fund and the 10X Miami River Fund, launched in December 2024 and May, respectively, have both been oversubscribed. The 10X Space Coast Bitcoin Fund combined 300 apartment units in Melbourne, Florida with $15 million worth of Bitcoin, while the 10X Miami River Fund combined 346 apartments on the Miami River in South Florida with $300 million worth of the asset. See Also: Missed the AI Boom's Biggest IPOs? This Platform Lets Everyday Investors Access Private Tech Early The 10X Boca Raton Bitcoin Fund intends to combine $100 million with 366 apartment units. Cardone has continued to accumulate Bitcoin amid its recent price struggles, welcoming the opportunity to pick up the asset for cheap with limited orders. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Medical University of Bahrain visited the Cell Therapy Center (CTC) at the University of Jordan to strengthen research ties and explore collaborative opportunities in stem cell and regenerative medicine. The delegation comprised Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies & Research, Professor Alexandra Butler, Professor in Pathology, and Dr Manjula Nandakumar, Manager of the Stem Cell Unit. The delegation was welcomed by Professor Abdalla Awidi Abbadi, Founder and Director of the CTC, and senior colleagues, including Ms Hanan Jaffar, Assistant Director; Ms Nida Ababneh, Associate Researcher; Dr Walhan Ashaer, Specialist in Liposome-Mediated Drug and Gene Delivery; alongside the Centres Quality Control Manager and Genomics Expert. The team provided a tour of the centres advanced laboratories and an overview of the centres wide-ranging research activities, including treatments developed from specialised stem cells, the use of laboratory-grown stem cells to study diseases, advanced drug delivery techniques and molecular studies related to cancer and regenerative medicine. Discussions explored several promising areas of collaboration, including the potential development of a clinical trial examining exosome therapy for diabetic complications, joint optimisation of iPSC (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) differentiation protocols and cooperation on future animal studies to support therapeutic innovation. Professor Atkin highlighted: The discussions between RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and the University of Jordan Cell Therapy Centre have demonstrated our shared commitment to progressing innovative therapies, particularly those with the potential to reach clinical application. We anticipate a productive partnership that will drive forward impactful research for the region and beyond. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening collaboration between RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and the University of Jordan, with both institutions expressing their intention to continue exploring joint research opportunities that support scientific advancement and future healthcare improvements. Compatriots across Taiwan Strait urged to jointly promote national reunification Xinhua) 16:50, January 03, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Zhijun, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), has called on compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to jointly strive for the great cause of national reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. In a New Year message published in the first 2026 issue of the journal "Relations Across Taiwan Straits," Zhang extended New Year greetings and best wishes to Taiwan compatriots on behalf of the ARATS, saying that the year 2025 was one in which cross-Strait relations continued to accumulate momentum for the reunification of the motherland. Zhang noted that the ARATS made new efforts over the past year in opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, promoting exchanges and cooperation, properly handling emergencies related to Taiwan, and safeguarding the rights and interests of compatriots. He emphasized that both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China and the same Chinese nation. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will undoubtedly benefit Taiwan compatriots and bring brighter prospects for Taiwan's development. Looking ahead to 2026, Zhang said that the mainland will embark on the new journey of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Its endeavor to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization is set to achieve new and significant accomplishments. These developments will provide a strong guarantee for the growth of cross-Strait relations and solidify a robust foundation for the reunification of the motherland, he added. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Valued at $96.8 billion by market cap, Altria Group, Inc. (MO) is a leading tobacco company and consumer staples holding firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. It is one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States, with its most prominent brands including Marlboro cigarettes, Black & Mild cigars, and smokeless tobacco products such as Copenhagen and Skoal. Altria Group is ready to release its fourth-quarter results soon. Ahead of the event, analysts expect MO to report an adjusted EPS of $1.30, up marginally from $1.29 reported in the year-ago quarter. The company has surpassed Streets bottom-line estimates in all of the past four quarters. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, MO is expected to deliver an adjusted EPS of $5.44, up 6.3% from $5.12 reported in fiscal 2024. Its adjusted EPS is likely to rise 2.2% annually to $5.56 in FY2026. www.barchart.com Over the past 52 weeks, MO shares have climbed 10.8%, underperforming both the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 16.4% return but outpacing the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLP) marginal fall during the same time frame. www.barchart.com On December 10, shares of Altria Group edged marginally higher after the company announced a regular quarterly dividend of $1.06 per share. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on January 9, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 26, 2025, underscoring Altrias continued commitment to returning capital to shareholders through its long-standing, income-focused dividend policy. The consensus view on Altria is neutral with a Hold rating overall. Of the 14 analysts covering the MO stock, four recommend Strong Buy, eight advise Hold, one advocates Moderate Sell, and the remaining analyst gives a Strong Sell rating. Its mean price target of $61.45 implies an upswing potential of 6.6% from the current market prices. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Authorities were attacked by a man with a screwdriver after they tried to rescue him from the icy waters off of Atlantic City on New Years Eve, officials said. Atlantic City firefighters and police officers responded to a report of a man in the water off the jetty near Rhode Island Avenue beach at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, officials said. Authorities found the man, who appeared to be conscious but not actively swimming, floating in the water just beyond the jetty, officials said. Firefighter Dominic Gitto entered the water on a longboard, but the man resisted Gittos help and attacked the firefighter with a concealed screwdriver, officials said. Gitto was able to deflect the mans attack and continued rescue attempts with the assistance of a wave runner, a sled and additional firefighters, according to officials. The man continued resisting rescue efforts and firefighters eventually formed a human chain and were able to pull the man to shallow water, where he continued resisting assistance, officials said. Authorities eventually restrained the man after pulling him up to the beach. The man attacked a firefighter with a screwdriver during earlier rescue attempts on New Year's Eve, officials said. Atlantic City Police Department Atlantic City police officers at the scene entered the water after learning the man was armed with a screwdriver and took him into custody, officials said. Gittos water suit was punctured during the rescue and he was taken to Atlantic City Medical Center after showing signs of acute hypothermia after water infiltrated his suit, officials said. He was released later the same day after receiving treatment, officials said. Gitto had only recently joined the Atlantic City Fire Department in the last few months, according to Fire Chief Scott Evans. The man pulled from the icy water was arrested and taken to an area hospital for medical treatment before being admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit, according to officials. The identity of the man and what he was charged with were not immediately known. Atlantic City officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. One man was killed and another seriously hurt when their two cars collided in a wrong-way, head-on crash on the New Jersey Turnpike in North Jersey early Saturday morning, authorities said. New Jersey State Police found the crash site around 3 a.m. in Ridgefield Park in Bergen County, Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. A Pottstown, Pennsylvania, man 44-year-old Bruce Canfield was killed in the crash, Lebron said. The other driver, a 39-year-old man from Poughkeepsie, New York, suffered serious injuries, Lebron said. State police did not have an update on his condition or release information about his medical treatment. Investigators learned Canfield was driving south in the Turnpikes northbound lanes, Lebron said. Canfields pickup collided with the New York motorists sedan at milepost 117.8, causing his truck to strike a concrete barrier, he said. State police did not say if they determined why the car was on the highway in the wrong direction. The crash remained under investigation Saturday, Lebron said. Influenza is sickening thousands of people in New Jersey and shows no signs of slowing down, according to state data released Friday. New Jersey reported 12,211 total influenza, or flu, cases for the week ending Dec. 27 more than double what it reported the same time last season. Flu-associated emergency department visits that resulted in hospitalization and outpatient visits have also exceeded last seasons numbers. Most of the hospitalizations have been reported in people 65 years and older, according to state data. The flu also contributed to a rise in absenteeism in K-12 schools in December. The flu is nothing new. Its associated with millions of illnesses and hospitalizations each year, with the virus typically spreading in the U.S., beginning in October and peaking in late winter. This year, however, theres a new strain of influenza A(H3N2) called subclade K , which is circulating globally. Data from South America which predicts the effectiveness of the 20252026 Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine suggests this seasons vaccine may be less effective against influenza A-related infections. Officials say that could be contributing to the sharp increase in flu cases. Among 275 influenza A(H3N2) viruses collected since Sept. 28, 2025, that underwent additional testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 89.5% belonged to subclade K. However, people who received a flu shot were still less likely to get severely ill than those who didnt. The 2025 Southern Hemisphere seasonal influenza vaccine reduced influenza-associated hospitalizations by 49.7%, according to the CDC. Most people who become ill with the flu recover without serious complications. However, the following groups are more likely to develop severe complications: Young children. Pregnant women. People with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. People 65 years and older. During the 20242025 flu season, 38,000 people across the U.S. died from flu complications, according to the CDC. Of those who died, 288 were children, the highest number in a single season since the 2009-2010 pandemic. The majority of deaths were among children who were not fully vaccinated against the flu. A total of eight flu-associated pediatric deaths have occurred during the 2025-2026 season. Doctors say vaccination isnt guaranteed to prevent the flu, but it will reduce the severity of illness. Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get an annual flu vaccination, per CDC guidelines. This has been the agencys recommendation since 2010, according to its website. In addition to the flu, test positivity increased in December for several respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, RSV, and Rhinovirus. Nonprofits in Trenton can now apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $300,000 to support projects that boost economic and social activity in the capital citys downtown. The Capital City Redevelopment Corporation launched the Activate Trentons Downtown program on Dec. 8, making up to $1.25 million available through the initiative, according to a statement from the Treasury Department. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 6. The grant program is the first of two new funding programs approved to launch in fiscal year 2026. Complete grant application procedures are available at the Capital City Redevelopment Corporations website under funding opportunities. Questions about the program can be submitted by email to CCRC@treas.nj.gov State lawmakers are considering whether to bring back traffic cameras in New Jersey to catch drivers who blow past stopped school buses, as officials in two cities push for automated enforcement to curb dangerous driving. During a debate in Jersey Citys hotly contested mayors race this fall, the majority of the seven candidates said they favored installing speed and red-light cameras on city streets. In Woodbridge, school officials said a 2025 study with Bus Patrol a company that provides camera enforcement recorded 2,480 cars illegally passing stopped school buses. The findings have prompted calls to install cameras on buses to catch violators. Camera enforcement is currently banned in New Jersey. The state ended its red-light camera program in 2014 after an experiment failed to gain support from the state Transportation Department. There are no public laws that allow cameras to issue moving violations, so you need legislation to do that, said state Transportation Commissioner Fran OConnor, after a driver asked him in September about camera enforcement. Two bills in the state Legislature could change that. Both measures would let school districts in the state install stop-arm cameras on buses to capture vehicles that illegally pass while children are loading or unloading. Cameras mounted near the buss stop arm would capture images of the vehicle and its license plate, and a violation notice would then be sent to the registered owner. Similar to the red-light camera program, a summons would be issued after a trained police officer reviewed bus camera images under both bills. The summons would be an administrative-civil action, which means drivers would not receive motor vehicle points. The bill making the most headway is A1432, sponsored by state Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, D-Middlesex. It was amended on the floor of the Assembly on Dec. 22 during a first reading of the bill. The changes included raising fines from $250 to $300, adding an appeal process for contesting camera-based violations at an administrative hearing, and requiring municipalities to offer electronic forms for drivers to challenge citations. State Sen. Patrick Diegnan, D-Middlesex, who also is Senate Transportation Committee chairman, co-sponsored a companion bill. He did so after watching cars pass a school bus in South Plainfield that was loading a handicapped child, he said. I was on Park Avenue and people were flying by it took my breath away, he said. This isnt a hypothetical ... Woodbridge (Board of Education) kept track. Every time I talk to a school bus driver they say every day someone passes them. It is illegal in New Jersey to pass a school bus, in either direction, when it is loading or unloading children and has red warning lights flashing and a stop arm activated. The only exception is on divided highways with a physical barrier, oncoming traffic doesnt have to stop for a school bus. We know how impatient people are. A fine of $250 (in the Senate bill) isnt onerous, Diegnan said. Once people start to get summons, people will pay attention. However, Diegnan said he prefers that the bill isnt passed during the lame duck session at the end of the legislative session. The new legislative session starts in mid-January. The bill would have to pass both the state Senate and Assembly and signed by the governor to become law. Id be more comfortable if it waited until next session so people dont say it was rushed through, Diegnan said. I will reintroduce it next session, its literally putting kids lives at stake. Currently, 32 states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia have passed laws authorizing school bus stop-arm camera safety programs. Five Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced legislation in October to amend problems and complaints about that states 2019 school bus camera law. It proposed fines that start at $100 and increase for second and third offenses. The bill also provides a better appeal process that doesnt require a driver to pay the fine first. However, the National Motorists Association has vigorously opposed camera enforcement. Steve Carrellas, NMA state policy director, cited issues with the assembly bill including making it more difficult for drivers to fight a ticket. He cited problems with the camera industry that occurred nationally and with New Jerseys red light camera pilot program. In August 2014, the state Judiciary asked local courts in 17 towns to throw out 17,000 alleged infractions in camera-controlled intersections because drivers werent sent violations notices within a 90-day window. Carrellas disagreed with the safety argument based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data about school bus fatalities. NHTSA data found that of the 1,110 fatalities involving a school vehicle from 2012 to 2021, 55 pedestrians of all ages, or 5% of the total, were struck by a car. The use of automated school bus stop-arm cameras is the best example of a scam, as decades of federal data show that illegal school bus passing rarely results in severe injury or death, Carrellas said. There is no compelling safety case for their deployment." Twelve percent of pedestrian fatalities of all ages were struck by a school vehicle. A child is 19,000 times more likely to be struck by lightning than killed by a motorist illegally passing a school bus, Carrellas said. Instead, he supports the current use of manual school bus video camera systems that allow the bus driver to flag particular incidents for police review. A summons with a more severe penalty for violators found guilty, including five motor vehicle points, is a better deterrent, he said. That isnt done with automated enforcement to ensure profit-making with fines only, Carrellas said. Will passage of these bills lead to more camera enforcement in the state? Diegnan said no. This is just the one. Everyone goes crazy after red light cameras, he said. I have an open mind. I can understand both sides. Some used it as a revenue generator, the first purpose is safety. Automated enforcement has been made a priority by safety groups. The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety said camera enforcement is a more effective way to enforce traffic laws and safer for police than roadside stops. The groups annual report has criticized New Jersey for lacking laws allowing camera enforcement. Law enforcement cant be everywhere and cameras are effective in reducing red light running and speeding, said Cathy Chase, advocates president. Cameras have been incredibly effective in reducing this behavior which are two of the most dangerous driving mistakes people make, Safety groups created a checklist on how to implement a camera program that is fair and has judicial procedures so someone can challenge a summons, she said. We want it done correctly so there are no challenges to the system, Chase added. It sends a message, by having these cameras. Versions of this story were published in 2019 and 2024. The Paulinskill Viaduct has been a bridge to nowhere since 1978, when the last train rumbled across this majestic crossing 115 feet above the river in Warren County. It is also the definition of an attractive nuisance. Hikers, ATV riders, climbers, graffiti artists even bungee jumpers have been spotted at the crossing in Knowlton over the years. Youre not supposed to go up there, but people do it all the time, said Rene Mathez, whose home is about a quarter-mile from the 115-year-old span. An eastbound freight train crossing the Paulinskill Viaduct en route to Hoboken in March 1952. John Treen, from the collection of Mike Del Vecchio / Tri-State Railway Historical Society No one seems to know what, if anything, the future might hold for the viaduct, which for a time was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. For at least two decades, there has been talk of reviving rail service along the Lackawanna Cutoff, which ran for 28 miles between Roxbury in Morris County and Slateford, Pennsylvania, and utilized the viaduct. NJ Transit is lengthening the current line about seven miles to Andover Township, in Sussex County, but has not announced any plan to head farther west. A spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation, which owns the right of way that includes the Paulinskill Viaduct, said public access is prohibited. Aerial view of the century-old Paulinskill Viaduct. The 1,100-foot-long, 115-foot-tall seven arch span was built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in 1910. The tracks were removed in 1982 and the Viaduct abandoned. This photo was taken in Knowlton in 2019. Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Incoming Knowlton committee member Adele Starrs had supported incorporating the viaduct into the regions extensive rails-to-trails network during her prior stint as mayor. Our main issue is the township of Knowlton does not own the (viaduct). It just passes our land. Its a constant, ongoing problem to get the graffiti off, Starrs said in 2019. In 2016, it took a lengthy rescue to free a 20-year-old woman who fell down a manhole cover and injured her ankle. Our fire and rescue has responded multiple times to people who got stuck up there, Starrs said. Its a landmark of historical significance. This is a treasure and it needs to be kept up, not left to fall into disrepair, Starrs said. Mathez has resided for 57 years in a stone house built in 1789 near the viaduct. His property covers 50 acres on both sides of the Paulins Kill River. The river uses a different spelling than the viaduct. Mostly its kids with motor bikes, he said in 2019 when asked what he typically sees on the crossing. Thats nothing compared to bungee jumping, which Mathez said was popular on the span for a time more than a decade or two ago. It was pretty nuts, he said. A rogue entrepreneur set up a horizontal pulley system and was charging $75 per jump, he said. Then somebody was hurt pretty badly and the police put a stop to it, Mathez said. New Jersey State Police have jurisdiction over the viaduct. The nearest road, Station Road, prominently displays no trespassing signs. A State Police spokesperson said in 2019 that troopers respond to complaints and do periodic checks of unattended cars in the area. Chuck Walsh, also of Knowlton, recalled spotting bungee jumpers as far back as the 1980s. They did it over the river, at the highest point. They were jumping off the middle of the bridge on the south side, Walsh said in 2019. Mathez said efforts have been made, to varying degrees of success, to limit access to the viaduct from the woods on either side or at least minimize the potential harm. For a while, viaduct visitors were throwing stones into the Paulins Kill, but sometimes their aim was off and the rocks were landing on Station Road. Officials installed fencing making it difficult to toss anything off the viaduct in that area, he said. That seems to have abated, Mathez said. Around a decade ago, some enormous concrete blocks, about 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, were installed to block ATVs and other vehicles. They did a good job, he said. But it didnt completely solve the issues. I asked one person, Are the blocks stopping people? He said, No, theyve put up a ramp, Mathez said. Misuse of the site is distressing to those who respect the viaducts legacy as an engineering marvel of its time. The passenger train known as the "Phoebe Snow" is seen heading west on April 8, 1951, with the Paulinskill Viaduct in the background. John Treen, from the collection of Mike Del Vecchio / Tri-State Railway Historical Society Mike Del Vecchio, who died in 2023, was president of the Tri-State Railway Historical Society when he told NJ Advance Media in 2019 that he wanted to see the Lackawanna Cutoff fully restored. In an era before interstates, and before automobiles were common, everyone traveled by rail. Rail lines were like todays interstates, Del Vecchio said, adding that restoring the Lackawanna Cutoff would especially benefit commuters from eastern Pennsylvania seeking an alternative to driving on Route 80. Mathez recalled boarding the train in Blairstown, but never actually rode across the viaduct. He said he didnt favor restoring the rail line. I dont like the idea of having a train through here. Not because of the train itself. The thing I dont like is the impetus for development if the train comes through here, he said. The train itself remains a distant memory, even if the Paulinskill Viaduct aside from the graffiti looks much as it did more than a century ago. A quick coating of snow and light flurries are in the forecast for the northern half of the New Jersey on Saturday night as temperatures remain cold across the state. A very cold start to the day, and the cold conditions will continue right into early next week, the National Weather service said early Saturday. A weak system moving nearby tonight could produce some light snow mostly north of I-78. Any snow accumulation will be limited to a coating. The colder temperatures and potential for precipitation could create slick spots on untreated surfaces heading into early Sunday, the weather service said. Conditions will remain dry but chilly during the day Saturday, with temperatures right around freezing across much of the state. The northern half of New Jersey could see light snow tonight with a coating possible by Sunday morning. AccuWeather.com By tonight, temperatures are forecast to drop into the 20s, with teens possible in northwestern New Jersey as the weak clipper system moves through with light snow. Any lingering precipitation should clear by daybreak on Sunday. Winds are expected to increase during the day, with gusts up to 25 mph possible. While high temperatures will remain in the 30s, the wind will make it feel significantly colder. Monday will see high pressure building briefly before shifting offshore, keeping high temperatures in the 30s. A weak system sliding to the north could bring another round of light snow to the far northern areas of the state late Monday afternoon or Monday night. By Tuesday, New Jersey should finally start to see a break from the cold snap as temperatures to rise into the 40s. A more complex weather pattern develops Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. As a cold front approaches, there is a potential for light precipitation particularly across northern New Jersey, where freezing rain cannot be ruled out during the overnight hours. New Jersey residents may finally see a break from the colder weather in the second half of next week. AccuWeather.com By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to climb well above average, reaching the 40s to mid-50s before a cold front crosses the area later in the day. Following a brief return of high pressure on Thursday, a warm front arriving from the southwest on Friday could bring increased cloudiness, chances of rain, and high temperatures nearing 60 degrees. Current weather radar Trump, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday, said that the US will "run the country" until the US government can configure a "just" transition to a more democratic leader in Venezuela, opening up questions about what leadership in the country will look like. "If that is the case, then we are likely to see a slightly bullish increase in geopolitical risk and slightly bullish [impact] on pricing in the short term," Leon said. At least in the shorter term, Jorge Leon, the head of geopolitical analysis for industry intelligence firm Rystad Energy, told Yahoo Finance that he expects Venezuela to look more like post-Gaddafi Libya, owing to remaining support for Maduro's Chavismo movement inside the country and multiple opposition leaders in exile who are all likely to vie for power. Trump has signaled that he has little faith in Machado, who accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in December, and has instead signaled at least initial support for the current Venezuelan vice president and Maduro confidant, Delcy Rodriguez, who is currently serving as acting president on an interim basis. If, however, Venezuela looks more like Libya after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi, where the country remained in disarray and foreign capital was loath to enter, a further constriction of the Venezuelan oil market would almost certainly provide some degree of bullish support to global prices. If the country quickly stabilizes around a more democratic leader such as opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, foreign investment flows in, and US and other international oil companies see a decreased risk profile such as what happened in Syria after Bashar al-Assad was removed from power a more open Venezuela is likely to be bearish for oil prices as more supply is added to the market over the coming years. Traders, hesitant to move too early on what is likely to remain a tough-to-predict situation for months, will be watching for any swings as chances for an eventual reopening of the Venezuelan oil market or a more drastic shuttering or both are priced in. Experts say the longer-tail impact will depend on what Venezuela's post-Maduro landscape looks like, Since oil markets opened Sunday evening, futures on international pricing benchmark Brent crude ( BZ=F ) and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude ( CL=F ) have swung between small gains and losses. President Trump's move to authorize the US military to capture and extract Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro opens up a ream of questions on what will become of Venezuela's massive oil reserves. Story Continues President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla., as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ASSOCIATED PRESS Whichever way the situation goes, the impact on global prices is likely not to be extreme. Despite sitting on the largest proved oil reserves in the world, the South American nation has been relegated to only a minor player on the world exporting stage since its petroleum industry was fully nationalized under Hugo Chavez's leadership in the early 2000s. Thirty years ago, Venezuela was pumping more than 3 million barrels per day, and a decade ago, the country was pumping more than 2.5 million barrels per day. Today, Venezuela produces less than 1 million barrels per day, accounting for less than 1% of global supply. There isn't enough supply at risk, adding to Leon's predictions that any impact is, at least in the short term, likely to be muted. Even if Venezuela were to quickly stabilize and open up, any bearish impact would likely be small as well, at least in the short term, Leon said. Venezuela's oil infrastructure has faced chronic underinvestment since it was nationalized under Chavez, and the country has suffered significant brain drain as oil experts have left the country to work in more stable regions around the world. New leadership would also have to convince international oil operators that the country is indeed safe and stable enough for them to reestablish operations. Chevron (CVX) is the only remaining US oil company operating in Venezuela, after most international companies were pushed out or left the country under Chavez, and Chevron operates under a very limited sanctions exemption granted by the US Treasury Department. Chevron told Yahoo Finance in a statement that the company "remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets" and "continue[s] to operate in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations." Of Venezuela's exports, Chevron ships roughly 120,000 to 150,000 barrels per day of crude oil to US refiners, making up such a tiny share of US imports as to be effectively zeroed. For that reason, Leon said, US consumers are likely to notice little to no difference at the gas pump, where crude oil pricing makes up roughly half of the per-barrel price of gas. "I don't think it's a matter of a few months," Leon told Yahoo Finance. "I think we're talking about years, three to five years, before we see Venezuela exporting, let's say, 2 million barrels per day." The El Palito terminal near Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, on December 29, 2025. (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Hernandez) Reuters / Reuters President Trump said Saturday that the US, as part of its "running" of Venezuela, would "rebuild the oil infrastructure" and that the American oil industry would spend billions on the effort. Adding to the limited impact, Venezuelan crude is a heavy, sour grade of oil, useful for industrial products such as diesel and jet fuel, but not of the quality used for gasoline. The US benchmark WTI, on the other hand, is a light, sweet grade of crude that works well for refinement into gasoline. "Unless there's a very smooth transition, which I don't think is likely to happen, we're probably going to see an increase in prices of less than $5 per barrel, let's say $2 to $3 per barrel, on Monday and next week," Leon said. "That would probably have a very, very marginal impact on US consumers at the end of the day." 'Above-ground factors' The move by the US military to extract Maduro to face charges stateside also comes at a moment when the global oil market is already facing a downturn. Brent and WTI spent 2025 sliding downward, shedding nearly 20% each over the course of the year. The dominant narrative in 2025's oil market was and continues to be one of a coming wave of oversupply that is depressing prices globally, now expected to reach an overhang of more than 3 million barrels per day. The OPEC+ cartel, which counts Venezuela as a founding member, spent April through December unwinding production cuts and adding an increasing amount of supply to the global market as cartel leader Saudi Arabia looks to regain market share. US shale producers and other oil exporters in the Americas also spent the year maintaining or raising production levels. At a regularly scheduled meeting on Sunday, the member countries confirmed a previously decided pause on production rate changes through the first quarter of 2026. The largest buyer of Venezuelan crude by a large margin is China, which spent 2025 heavily stockpiling oil far beyond its domestic need, helping to buoy global crude prices. China buys roughly 80% of the oil exports from Venezuela, as Chinese refiners are able to purchase the barrels at steep discounts due to the geopolitical risk premium applied to them by the market. While China would likely be frustrated to lose the barrels if that supply is to be choked off, "it's not the end of the world" for China, Leon said, where the bigger risk for Beijing would be to risk escalating geopolitical tensions with the US. A Chinese oil tanker that has been transporting Venezuelan crude to China for the last five years and was heading for Venezuela, diverted and set course for Nigeria, and there are four other tankers bound for Venezuela that are sitting idle at sea, said Ben Emons, the managing director of Highline Wealth Partners. President Trump said at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday that the US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuela remains in place. A lack of heavy and sour Venezuelan crude on the market may signal temporary price support for Canadian blends, which have similar grading profiles. The Trump administration's timing for the move against Maduro, Leon said, may actually be serendipitous for the oil industry. If Venezuela remains unstable and prices are elevated amid higher risk and a slightly lowered global supply, those dynamics may actually help to somewhat offset this coming wave of oversupply. But going forward, much of the impact on the oil market will depend on how the situation in Venezuela evolves over the next few months, Leon told Yahoo Finance. "[It's not] a problem of below-ground factors," Leon said. "It is the above-ground factors." Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled the name of the acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez. We regret the error. Jake Conley is a breaking news reporter covering US equities for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @byjakeconley or email him at jake.conley@yahooinc.com. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Up to a half-inch of snow is in the forecast overnight into Sunday morning for the northern half of New Jersey. Light snow or flurries are expected to start after midnight with lows in the teens and 20s, according to the National Weather Service. Northwestern counties have the best chance at seeing up to a half-inch of snow. The southern half of the state is likely to remain dry. Any snowfall is expected to end by daybreak Sunday. Conditions on Sunday will clear as high pressure builds, resulting in sunnier skies but brisk conditions. Winds will increase during the afternoon, with gusts reaching 15 to 20 mph. High temperatures will remain below average, reaching the mid to upper 30s across most of the state, while northwest portions will stay in the upper 20s to low 30s. Another storm set to arrive Monday afternoon and evening could bring a second round of wintry precipitation to northern counties. Another dusting to a half-inch of snow is possible, mainly north of the I-78 corridor. Precipitation may transition to light freezing rain or drizzle Monday night before tapering off. Freezing rain and plain rain are in the forecast for Tuesday as temperatures start to warm across New Jersey. AccuWeather.com A significant change to the current cold stretch will begin on Tuesday as a warm front lifts north of the region. This transition may bring a chance of freezing rain to northwest New Jersey on Tuesday night, while the rest of the state sees plain rain as temperatures rise. By Wednesday, a cold front will cross the area resulting in only a slight chance of rain. High temperatures on Wednesday are expected to range from the low to mid-40s in northern areas to the low to mid-50s in southern New Jersey. Brief high pressure will return on Thursday, keeping conditions dry and slightly cooler, though temperatures will remain above average. A warm front is expected to approach from the southwest on Friday with increased cloudiness and a chance of rain. Forecasters note uncertainty regarding how far north the warm front will travel, but Friday could become quite mild, with highs potentially nearing 60 degrees near the Jersey Shore. Current weather radar Watertown, NY (13601) Today Variably cloudy with snow showers. High 26F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Snow will taper off and end this evening but skies will remain cloudy late. Low 12F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Quick Read CQQQ returned +34.92% YTD 2025 and outperformed the S&P 500 by 18.57 percentage points. The ETF fell 32.68% over 5 years due to regulatory risks and geopolitical volatility. Top holdings like PDD trade at low valuations (P/E of 11.57) but offer negligible dividend income. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. China tech stocks spent much of 2024 and early 2025 under regulatory anxiety, trade tensions, and economic slowdown fears. Yet the Invesco China Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:CQQQ) has attracted investor attention despite ongoing volatility. The question now is whether CQQQ still serves a purpose in portfolios given its structural risks and opportunities. A Tactical Play on Valuation Dislocation CQQQ's best portfolio role is as a tactical allocation for investors seeking undervalued tech exposure with meaningful geopolitical risk. The ETF tracks 163 Chinese technology companies across internet platforms, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and consumer tech. Top holdings include Tencent, PDD Holdings, Meituan, and Baidu, companies trading at valuations that appear discounted compared to U.S. market peers. These companies generate substantial cash flow and operate at scale, but trade at discounts reflecting regulatory overhang, delisting fears, and capital flight concerns. 24/7 Wall St. 24/7 Wall St. This infographic provides a comprehensive overview of the Invesco China Technology ETF (CQQQ), detailing its operational mechanics, best use cases for investors, and a balanced view of its associated pros and cons. It highlights the ETF's tactical nature, significant volatility, and geopolitical risks. The return engine here is multiple expansion driven by sentiment shifts rather than explosive earnings growth. When regulatory and geopolitical anxieties ease, valuations can snap back quickly. The 0.65% expense ratio keeps costs reasonable for international exposure. Performance Comes With Structural Volatility CQQQ has experienced significant volatility over its history, with performance heavily influenced by factors beyond company fundamentals. The ETF remains well below its 2021 peak. This volatility stems from regulatory unpredictability, variable enforcement of data security laws, and ever-present U.S. delisting threats. Holdings are primarily Hong Kong-listed or ADRs, adding currency and jurisdictional complexity. Geopolitical headlines can erase months of gains in days, regardless of underlying business quality. The ETF's performance trajectory reflects the broader challenges facing Chinese technology investments in international portfolios. Autumn Special Read. Know. Act. $3 for 3 months! (90 days) Offer expires 12/30/2020 Don't hesitate! Start your digital-only membership today and not only receive full access to our premier news website NNY360.com but also to the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times eEdition! Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Benton, walks from the chamber to speak with reporters after the final vote to bring the longest government shutdown in history to an end, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Passive investing in index funds can generate returns that roughly match the overall market. But you can significantly boost your returns by picking above-average stocks. To wit, the James Cropper PLC (LON:CRPR) share price is 85% higher than it was a year ago, much better than the market return of around 20% (not including dividends) in the same period. That's a solid performance by our standards! On the other hand, longer term shareholders have had a tougher run, with the stock falling 52% in three years. The past week has proven to be lucrative for James Cropper investors, so let's see if fundamentals drove the company's one-year performance. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. James Cropper isn't currently profitable, so most analysts would look to revenue growth to get an idea of how fast the underlying business is growing. When a company doesn't make profits, we'd generally hope to see good revenue growth. That's because it's hard to be confident a company will be sustainable if revenue growth is negligible, and it never makes a profit. Over the last twelve months, James Cropper's revenue grew by 4.9%. That's not a very high growth rate considering it doesn't make profits. In keeping with the revenue growth, the share price gained 85% in that time. While not a huge gain tht seems pretty reasonable. It could be worth keeping an eye on this one, especially if growth accelerates. The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). AIM:CRPR Earnings and Revenue Growth January 3rd 2026 We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. So it makes a lot of sense to check out what analysts think James Cropper will earn in the future (free profit forecasts). A Different Perspective We're pleased to report that James Cropper shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 85% over one year. Notably the five-year annualised TSR loss of 10% per year compares very unfavourably with the recent share price performance. The long term loss makes us cautious, but the short term TSR gain certainly hints at a brighter future. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand James Cropper better, we need to consider many other factors. Even so, be aware that James Cropper is showing 4 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 1 of those is a bit unpleasant... Sir Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, has spent time in Bovey Tracey meeting with local health professionals and residents to hear about issues affecting the community. The MP visited Riverside Surgery in Bovey Tracey, where he met Practice Manager Victoria Sheppard and members of the GP team to learn more about the work being done to support patients and maintain high standards of care. During the visit, Sir Mel was shown how the surgery is continuing to improve access for patients and strengthen the services it provides, despite ongoing pressures on primary care. The discussion focused on the practices commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare for local people. Sir Mel said: It was extremely valuable to visit Riverside Surgery today and hear about the dedication of the team and the work they are doing for their patients. I am grateful for their continued commitment to the community and will support them in any way I can. Practice Manager Victoria Sheppard said the team welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with their local MP. We were pleased to welcome Sir Mel to the surgery and to share the positive work happening across our practice, she said. ABOVE : Sir Mel at Riverside GP Practice We appreciate his ongoing engagement and support for our staff and patients. Later the same day, Sir Mel met with residents at New Park, a long-established park home community in Bovey Tracey. The visit gave residents the opportunity to speak directly to their MP about issues affecting people living on the site. Residents raised concerns about commission fees charged when park homes are sold, and the impact these costs can have on affordability and flexibility for homeowners. The discussion also covered the wider realities of living in a regulated park home environment. Sir Mel said the meeting was a valuable chance to hear directly from residents. It was extremely helpful to meet residents at New Park and hear their views on the issues affecting park homeowners, he said. ABOVE : Mel with New Park residents I am grateful to everyone who took the time to explain their concerns, and I will be looking into a number of the issues raised. Local resident Peter Mallaband said the visit was welcomed by the community. We really appreciated Mel coming to meet us and listening to our concerns, he said. It means a great deal to residents to be able to speak directly with our MP. Sir Mel said he would continue to engage with local residents, community groups and healthcare providers across the area to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns raised at a national level. TV host and market veteran Jim Cramer has made a career out of helping everyday investors navigate Wall Street. The Mad Money host says theres one investing strategy that can destroy your chances of long-term financial security faster than almost anything else: chasing meme stocks. In his book, How to Make Money in Any Market, Cramer cautions investors that betting on viral, internet-fueled stocks is a fast track to financial ruin. Trolling the internet for meme stocks like GameStop and hunting for short-term victories in the hope of long-term financial stability is an easy road to disaster, he told CNBC. (1) Must Read What exactly is a meme stock and why is it risky? A meme stock refers to a company whose share price skyrockets not because of business success, but because its gone viral online. Investors flood in based on social-media hype or buzz in an online forum like Reddit not necessarily because the companys fundamentals are strong. GameStop (GME) is the classic example. (2) In early 2021, a wave of retail traders (largely coming from the subreddit r/wallstreetbets) pushed the stock price up by 1,600% in two weeks a surge known as a short squeeze. (3) By April 2024, however, GameStop was hovering around $10 a share and investors who got in late lost thousands. The danger with meme stocks lies in the greater fool theory, which holds that you can profit from an overpriced stock as long as theres a greater fool willing to buy it from you later. When you buy the kind of stock like GameStop, that is just literally a musical chairs game, Cramer told CNBC. And Im against musical chairs and Im pro-investing. In other words: when the music stops, someones left without a seat. The danger of building your investment portfolio based on hype Cramers critique isnt just about meme stocks its about behavior. Investors who allocate too much of their portfolios to trending or speculative stocks risk being overexposed when sentiment shifts. These trades often have a clear beginning and end: they rise fast, peak dramatically, and crash just as quickly. When considering what kind of transaction you want to make, Cramer said, If it has a beginning and an end, I say dont own it, because I want owning. I dont want trading. Governor of Venezuela's Miranda State between in or about 2004 and in or about 2008, and President of Venezuela's National Assembly between in or about 2012 and in or about 2016. Between in or about 2017 and in or about 2020, CABELLO RONDON acted as a member and then President of Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, following the illegitimate creation of the National Constituent Assembly, which siphoned the constitutional powers of Venezuela's National Assembly and further entrenched MADURO MOROS's regime. Following the dissolution of the National Constituent Assembly in or about 2020, CABELLO RONDON became a member of Venezuela's National Assembly between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024. RAMON RODRIGUEZ CHACIN, the defendant, is a Venezuelan politician and former member of the armed forces, who served as the Minister of the Interior and Justice between in or about 2002 and 2008. Between in or about 2012 and in or about 2017, RODRIGUEZ CHACIN was the Governor of Venezuela's Guarico State. 7. 8. CILIA ADELA FLORES DE MADURO, the defendant, is the de facto First Lady of Venezuela, having married NICOLAS MADURO MOROS, the defendant, in or about 2013. FLORES DE MADURO has had a longstanding political career. FLORES DE MADURO has acted as the President of the National Assembly (starting when MADURO MOROS left that role to become Minister of Foreign Affairs) between in or about 2006 and in or about 2011, as the Attorney General of Venezuela between in or about 2012 and in or about 2013, and as a member of the National Constituent Assembly starting in or about 2017. 9. NICOLAS ERNESTO MADURO GUERRA, a/k/a Nicolasito, a/k/a "The Prince," the defendant, is the son of NICOLAS MADURO MOROS, the defendant, and a corrupt Venezuelan politician. MADURO GUERRA entered politics after his father, MADURO MOROS, became the President of Venezuela in or about 2013. At that time, MADURO MOROS appointed 4 Maps, Videos and Photos: How Maduros Capture Unfolded Leer en espanol On Saturday, the United States captured the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, and took him to New York to face criminal charges. American special operations forces seized Mr. Maduro with the help of a C.I.A. source within the Venezuelan government who had monitored his location in recent days, according to people briefed on the operation. 4 Landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base, north of New York City UNITED STATES Atlantic Ocean CUBA Taken to Guantanamo Naval Base 3 Caribbean Sea Transferred to a U.S. ship somewhere in the Caribbean 2 1 Captured in Caracas Venezuela Pacific Ocean Colombia 4 Landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base, north of New York City UNITED STATES Atlantic Ocean CUBA Taken to Guantanamo Naval Base 3 Transferred to a U.S. ship somewhere in the Caribbean Caribbean Sea 2 1 Captured in Caracas Venezuela Colombia The New York Times Initial strikes Early Saturday, around 2 a.m. local time, U.S. forces struck multiple locations in northern Venezuela, including in the countrys capital, Caracas, to suppress air defenses and clear a pathway for the U.S. helicopters to reach Mr. Maduro. The Venezuelan government declared a national state of emergency in response to the attacks. Locations of known strikes Source: Locations of strikes based on analysis of photos and videos. The New York Times Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions in Fuerte Tiuna, a sprawling military base in the center of Caracas that is home to Venezuelas top brass and many senior government officials, and where Mr. Maduro was suspected to be located. A photo shows the military site burning early on Saturday morning, after multiple locations nearby were targeted. Fuerte Tiuna, Caracas Luis Jaimes/Agence France-Presse Getty Images A video verified by The New York Times shows smoke billowing near La Carlota Airport in Caracas as explosions ring out. Other witness reports and verified videos indicate that the La Guaira port and the Higuerote Airport were also struck. Higuerote airport Dulce Salinas, via Associated Press At least 40 people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed in the attack, according to a senior Venezuelan official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe preliminary reports. Capturing Maduro Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said forces arrived at Maduros compound at 2:01 a.m. local time and were back over the water at 4:29 a.m. with indicted persons on board. Locations of known strikes Presidential palace CARACAS Intelligence headquarters Strike on La Carlota airport Helicopters seen in video flying into military area Military headquarters Strikes inside military complex Fuerte Tiuna Detail area VENEZUELA 1 mile Presidential palace CARACAS Intelligence headquarters Helicopters seen in video flying into military area Strike on La Carlota airport Military headquarters Strikes inside military complex Fuerte Tiuna Detail area VENEZUELA 1 mile Source: Locations of strikes based on analysis of photos and videos. Base map data from OpenStreetMap, NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission via OpenTopography. The New York Times A video verified by The Times shows fires burning in Caracas and helicopters descending towards Fuerte Tiuna, said to be taken at 1:58 a.m. Caracas In a press conference late Saturday morning, President Trump said that no American troops had been killed and that no military equipment had been lost during the operation. Separately, two military sources said that six U.S. forces had been injured in the operation. Mr. Trump said that Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores had been taken to the U.S.S. Iwo Jima, one of the American warships that have been prowling the Caribbean, and would be taken to New York. The Iwo Jima was sailing about 100 miles off the coast of Venezuela at 11 a.m., according to a satellite image taken by the European Space Agencys Sentinel-2 satellite. The ship was accompanied by at least seven other Navy vessels, including the MV Ocean Trader, which can act as a special operations mothership capable of deploying helicopters, small boats, and drones. Four other vessels were equipped with long-range missiles. The couple was then transferred to the United States via the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, where the F.B.I. had a 757 government plane waiting on the airstrip to bring them to Stewart Air National Guard Base, north of New York City. Transferring Maduro to detention The New York Times After Mr. Maduro landed in New York on Saturday afternoon, a law enforcement official with knowledge of his movements but who was not authorized to speak about the matter, said he arrived in Manhattan by helicopter just before 7 p.m. and was driven to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations New York City headquarters. Mr. Maduro was then flown by helicopter from Manhattan to Brooklyn and driven to the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he is expected to be held. Mr. Maduro faces a new indictment in the Southern District of New York that charges him with narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. He was first indicted in 2020 during Mr. Trumps first administration on similar charges. It is not yet known when he might make his first court appearance. Damage costing an estimated 190,000 was caused at a stud farm near Naas after a fire broke out, it was claimed at the local district court. Three juveniles, who cannot be identified because of their age, face an allegation of arson at Rathasker Stud, near the Kilcullen Road, on February 7, 2025. Sgt Dave Hanrahan said it will be alleged the three defendants set fire to 450 bales of hay or straw, a barn and horsebox. He added they are friends and were trespassing. Sgt Hanrahan said they allegedly set fire to bales of hay and straw and the fire service was deployed to deal with the blaze. He said the fire started at around 5.30pm, the owners noticed it, saw a number of youths and took photographs of them." The aftermath of the blaze He said three teens, two aged 14 and one aged 15 at the time, were arrested. Defending solicitor David Powderly made an application to have the case heard in the district court, where less stringent penalties can be imposed, rather than the circuit court - as recommended by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Powderly noted the circuit court has more formality, higher sentencing powers and cases can be heard by jury. He said the defendants are all in secondary school, they have no previous convictions, never came to garda attention before and had no previous issues before a court and he asked for the case to remain in the lower court, which is allowed for under Section 75 of the Children Act. He also pointed out that they are closer to the beginning of their teenage years than adulthood. Mr Powderly also said that if this allegation had been made earlier in their lives they might not have been "criminally liable in law because of their ages. "They are just above the age where they are criminally responsible, he said. He said the incident could have caused little or no damage and he said a simple and stupid prank was at the root of what occurred. A bale of straw was set on fire and it had catastrophic consequences. It went beyond anything that was foreseeable, he added. He said that if two or three bales were involved the matter would have been dealt with by way of a juvenile caution. He said no accelerant was used and no other items were lit to start the blaze. There are no aggravating features, no additional actions or risks," he stated. Judge Desmond Zaidan said that the DPP had decided the case was too serious to be tried at this level. He said this was a very dangerous alleged act and it was fortunate that there were no injuries, including to the defendants, or to any animals. He said they should have known they are at significant risk when messing with fire. He said the court was satisfied it was not a minor allegation and refused the application to hear the matter in the district court. All three are on garda station bail and the case was adjourned to January 22 for the preparation of a book of evidence. Tipperary is leading the way in the conservation of the Barn Owl population, a Councillor told a recent meeting. Cllr Michael O'Meara pointed out during a monthly meeting of Nenagh Municipal District that, to the best of his knowledge, no other county in Ireland was doing as much work to save this wonderful bird from extinction and to increase its population. It is a great testament to Tipperary County Council that we are the leading local authority in the country in this matter. He pointed out that 25 Barn Owl boxes have been erected in Nenagh Municipal District so far and he congratulated Ann Marie Fleming, the county's Biodiversity Officer, for leading the way in this project. He said there are now 10 nesting pairs in the District. In truth, in terms of nesting pairs, he remarked, it's not been a great year. We had a very bad, wet spring. He said the Barn Owl is still on the endangered species list. He encouraged people living in rural areas to put up Barn Owl boxes on their land and he pointed out that the number of farmers using rat poison has decreased significantly. Cllr John Carroll echoed Cllr O'Meara's comments, adding that the work done on Cabragh Wetlands near Thurles has also been exemplary. Well done to Ann Marie Fleming and the other staff, said Cllr Carroll. They are very dedicated and decent people in the Council staff, who are working diligently to improve our natural and built heritage, to improve our biodiversity. Cllr Seamus Morris agreed. However, he also highlighted the deteriorating condition of many rivers and streams in North Tipperary. Ann Marie Fleming told Cllr Morris that the LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme) Community Water Officer is working hard at improving the water quality of the county's rivers and streams. Ms Fleming said she is always willing to help regarding matters of biodiversity in the county and people with biodiversity concerns can email her. She added that during a recent talk John Lusby of Birdwatch Ireland told the attendees that Barn Owls in Tipperary are doing a lot better than they were, which was great to hear. Her email is annmarie.fleming@tipperarycoco.ie. READ NEXT: Barn Owl population on the rise in North Tipperary The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is included among the 7 Best Fortune 500 Dividend Stocks to Invest in Now. The Kroger Co. (KR) - Among the Best Fortune 500 Dividend Stocks to Invest in Now The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) operates as a food and drug retailer, running supermarkets, multi-department stores, and fulfillment centers across the United States. On December 10, Citi analyst Paul Lejuez cut his price target on The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) to $68 from $74 and kept a Neutral rating on the stock. Less than two weeks later, on December 23, Krogers board approved an additional $2 billion for share repurchases. This adds to the $7.5 billion program announced in December 2024. After the latest approval, the company has about $2.9 billion remaining under its buyback authorizations as of December 23, 2025. Management expects to fund these repurchases through operating cash flow and existing liquidity, while preserving its investment-grade credit rating. Earlier in December, The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) narrowed its full-year sales outlook. Shoppers have become more selective, especially when it comes to groceries and fresh produce, and are relying more on promotions. The company also missed third-quarter sales estimates. Interim CEO Ron Sargent said the pressure is no longer limited to lower-income households, with middle-income shoppers now feeling the same strain. Competition has intensified across the sector as larger rivals like Walmart and Target have cut prices to attract customers. Kroger responded by stepping up price reductions late in the quarter to hold on to budget-conscious shoppers. Behind the scenes, the company has been moving to reduce costs and reset parts of the business. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has closed facilities and cut jobs while reshaping its e-commerce strategy following the removal of CEO Rodney McMullen in March. As part of that shift, it plans to close three of the eight automated fulfillment centers developed with British partner Ocado. The change will result in a $2.6 billion charge as Kroger transitions to a hybrid fulfillment model and deepens partnerships with Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. While we acknowledge the potential of KR as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 12 Best Crude Oil Stocks to Buy for Dividends and 11 Best Performing Energy Stocks in 2025. Disclosure: None. Dear Annie: Now that my husband and I are in our 70s, it feels as if our social world has shrunk to the size of a postage stamp. Friends have moved away to be near their children, others are dealing with health issues, and a few have simply drifted off. We used to host dinners, take short trips and enjoy a lively circle. Now the phone barely rings. Our children are kind but busy, and I dont want to rely on them for every bit of companionship. Still, the quiet gets to me. I just want something to look forward to besides doctors appointments and the nightly news. Ive tried joining a book club, but it fizzled. My husband is content with his hobbies, but I miss having a group of my own. How do people rebuild a social life at this stage? Or am I expecting too much? -- Restless but Hopeful Dear Restless but Hopeful: Companionship looks different as we age, but it remains just as important. You may have to work a bit harder than you once did, but a close circle is still worth the effort. That might mean joining a community walking group, taking a weekly class at the library or senior center, inviting a neighbor for coffee or volunteering somewhere that needs steady hands. Even small, regular interactions can grow into friendships if you give them a chance. You dont have to rebuild your whole social life in one fell swoop. Start with one person, one activity, one small step. The world has a way of opening up when you do. Dear Annie: Ive recently learned that much of my life was built on secrets. My mother, who now has dementia, doesnt realize that shes started to confess things she hid for decades. I have two sisters and a very strained relationship with both. We were raised by troubled parents and not taught right. My mom struggled and did what she could, but she clearly played favorites with one sister in particular. That sister has been involved in crime and hurt so many people over the years, including me. Id always felt something was off in their relationship and like my sister could do no wrong in my mothers eyes. Ive just learned that over 35 years ago, this sister had a baby while using drugs and that the father was my ex-boyfriend. He slept not only with me and my sister but also with my mother. Hes the father of my sisters baby girl who was later put up for adoption. This has left a wound thats wide open and not healing. Please give me insight on how to close it. -- Life of Lies Dear Life of Lies: What youve uncovered would shake anyone. Youre dealing with not just one betrayal but a whole tangle of them thats completely changed how you view your family and your childhood. I cant imagine how painful this has been for you to cope with. Allow yourself the space to feel it all -- pain, anger, confusion and grief. Dont feel pressured to forgive right away. A good therapist can help you work through it. You cant change the past, but you can choose what you carry forward. You get to decide what kind of life you want now and who belongs in it. That choice is the beginning of your healing. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM A man faces attempted kidnapping charges for allegedly trying to snatch another mans baby out of a stroller while armed with a knife. Washington County Sheriffs deputies responded to the Walmart store in Cornelius, 220 N. Adair St., about 7:45 p.m. Dec. 21 following reports of the attempted kidnapping. The father, Gaspar Pedro-Lucas, had fought off the stranger during the confrontation before deputies arrived, according to court documents. The stranger pulled a knife during the struggle but dropped it, deputies say. The stranger who prosecutors say was later identified as Denis O. Villalobos, 37, of Cornelius fled in a white Jeep, but bystanders remembered its plate number. Officers say they linked the car to Villalobos and arrested him a few blocks from the store. The father suffered minor injuries during the altercation, deputies say, and his eight-month-old girl was unharmed. Booking records show Villalobos remains in the Washington County jail after Judge Oscar Garcia on Wednesday ordered he be held without bail. Villalobos was previously cited for harassment in Washington County on Nov. 26, but the case was dropped. He was sentenced to two years of probation in a trespassing case Dec. 9. His defense attorney declined to comment. The criminal prosecution of a former Beaverton police detective is having ripple effects in the Washington County case against Bryce Schubert, who is accused of killing Beaverton nurse Melissa Jubane last year, KGW reported. Former Detective Michael Boliek has pleaded not guilty to six counts of official misconduct after being accused of soliciting sexually explicit photos under the false pretense of official Beaverton Police Department purposes, using his badge to benefit himself and driving a department-issued vehicle on personal errands, court records show. Before he resigned from the Beaverton police department in November, Boliek participated in the Jubane investigation and testified before a grand jury in the case against Schubert, court records show. A spokesperson for the Washington County District Attorneys Office said Friday that Bolieks credibility is now under review. Former Det. Bolieks future availability as a court witness is being carefully determined by our Conviction Integrity Committee, the spokesperson, Stephen Mayer, wrote in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive. He also said any potentially exculpatory information will be disclosed to Schuberts defense attorneys. Schubert is schedule to go to trial on March 31. After nearly a month on strike, Legacy Health workers on Friday said they signed off on their first labor agreement with the hospital system. The group of 140 advanced practice providers nurse practitioners, physician associates and clinical nurse specialists who unionized in 2023 staff Legacy hospitals and clinics in Oregon and southwest Washington. Theyre one of several newly organized unions representing groups of Legacy health workers, and the first to reach a labor contract. The vote follows an indefinite walkout that began Dec. 2 and ended on Tuesday, when the workers and Legacy reached a second tentative agreement. Under the terms of that deal, the advanced practice providers agreed to end the strike and return to work no later than Sunday. The advanced practice providers and Legacy had previously reached a tentative agreement on Dec. 26, but workers overwhelmingly rejected it, saying it fell short on wages and long-term earning potential. After that vote, workers said Legacy revised its offer, including moving up the timing of pay increased and making other changes. The Oregon Nurses Association, the labor union representing the workers, said the ratified contract includes across-the-board wage increases, faster timelines for raises and higher pay for extra, night and extended shifts. It also establishes just-cause protections for discipline and termination, creates a labor-management committee and limits Legacys ability to make unilateral changes to working conditions, union leaders said. In a statement, Legacy officials said they were pleased that the deal passed, which they said was the result of more than 30 bargaining and mediation sessions over 20 months. The contract supports market-competitive wages for our APPs while maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of our organization, Legacy officials said in a statement. Union officials said the agreement comes amid a broader wave of union organizing at Legacy. More than 2,300 nurses at Legacy Emanuel, Randall and Good Samaritan hospitals unionized nearly a year ago and have been negotiating their first labor contract. Most of Oregons Congressional delegation has condemned the Trump Administration after the U.S. military swooped into Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife and flew them to New York to face narco-terrororism charges. At a press conference on Saturday morning, President Trump said the United States would temporarily run the Venezuelan government. In response to the shock military operation, Oregons senior U.S. senator, Democrat Ron Wyden, said in a statement that President Trumps attack on Venezuela, without congressional authorization or imminent threat to the United States, is exactly the same global interventionism that Americans soundly rejected after decades of failed wars and disastrous meddling in other nations affairs. He continued: No matter what you think of Maduro, Trumps threat to run the country and put boots on the ground invites another quagmire that would come at a massive cost of lives and money, and that emboldens every authoritarian who seeks to attack a neighbor. I strongly oppose these actions. If congressional Republicans fail to check the presidents illegal military actions, Trump will see that as a green light to attack foreign nations, no matter how harmful that is to American interests. Oregons junior senator, Jeff Merkley, also criticized the military action, saying it will hurt the U.S.s credibility on the world stage. Once again, U.S. foreign policy is all about oil, regime change and might makes right, the Democrat posted on Facebook. This military operation violated our own Constitution, which requires Congressional approval for acts of war. Far from being a simple surgical strike, this action to remove Maduro will reverberate in unexpected and significant ways. Merkley, whos up for reelection this year, added that the militarys snatching Maduro from power undermines our defense of sovereignty, reducing our authority regarding actions China might take against Taiwan or Putin against Ukraine. It leaves the U.S. in charge of managing the future of Venezuela, with potential consequences for American lives and treasure. It is way past time for Congress to reassert its proper constitutional powers. Most of Oregons House members also quickly weighed in on social media. The Presidents unilateral actions against Venezuela, including the capture of Maduro, constitute an illegal act of war done without Congressional authorization, said Suzanne Bonamici, the representative for Oregons 1st Congressional District. Maduro is a corrupt and brutal leader who has destroyed countless lives. He should not be in power, but this unconstitutional regime change threatens greater instability in a country he does not represent. Additionally, Trumps illegal actions will encourage other countries, including Russia and China, to take similar illegal actions in their parts of the world. Rep. Maxine Dexter, a fellow Democrat who represents Oregons 3rd Congressional District, made a similar point about the Administrations actions. Only Congress, under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, has the authority on behalf of the American people to authorize acts of war, Dexter said. Last night, Trump once again trampled the Constitution by launching an illegal and reckless military strike in Venezuela and capturing their leader. Congress was not consulted, nor did we give approval. She continued: This attack, made without domestic support, clear rationale, or a plan for the day after, fails the American people and their need for safety and economic security. It further undermines our legitimacy on the world stage and threatens the defense of sovereignty globally, all while distracting us from what we should be focused on: investing in affordable healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity for American families. Congress must reassert its constitutional authorities, and vote on a War Powers Resolution to put a stop to this. As the Representative for Oregons 3rd Congressional District, I refuse to stand by and allow us to be pulled into another endless war. Rep. Val Hoyle, who represents Oregons 4th Congressional District, added on social media: I strongly oppose todays illegal use of military action in Venezuela by the Trump Administration. The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare ware and this is one more example of extreme overreach by this Administration, one that will have dire consequences. We do not need to waste taxpayer dollars and American lives in another foreign war for oil. This is simply wrong. Rep. Andrea Salinas, of Oregons 6th Congressional District, said on Facebook: Without any approval or oversight from Congress, President Trump has overthrown the Venezuelan government. This is an act of war. Every member of Congress should be outraged that Trump is sidestepping our authority and dragging us into another conflict. Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Democrat who represents Oregons 5th Congressional District, wrote that Trump short circuited the process by attacking Venezuela without Congressional approval. Echo chambers are dangerous, especially when American lives are on the line, Bynum wrote on social media Saturday. What happened to America First? (Trump) needs to focus on the problems at home. Nation-building abroad is not what the American people signed up for again. Rep. Cliff Bentz, Oregons lone Republican in Congress who represents Eastern Oregon, had not yet released a statement about the Venezuela attack on Saturday afternoon. Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that Rep. Janelle Bynum released a statement about the Venezuela conflict before this story was initially published on Saturday afternoon. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive Two days after President Donald Trump announced on social media that he would abandon his push to deploy National Guard troops to three U.S. cities, including Portland, military officials in Oregon say they have not received any official direction to demobilize 100 active Guard troops in the state. The Oregon Military Department does not have a timeline for the demobilization and have not received anything official from US Army North at this time, Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, spokesperson for the state agency, said in a statement Friday afternoon. Those 100 Guard troops are split between Camp Withycombe in Clackamas County and Camp Rilea on the northern Oregon coast, Bomar said. In his Truth Social post Wednesday, Trump said that he was removing National Guard troops from Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact. However, National Guard troops are not currently in Portland. In fact, Oregon National Guard members were only reportedly present at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland on one day in October. Trumps social media announcement came one week after the U.S. Supreme Court barred him from deploying Guard troops to Chicago to support his immigration enforcement agenda, a setback for his administrations broader push to deploy troops in other cities. On Sept. 27, Trump first authorized sending federal troops to Oregon to protect federal immigration facilities that he characterized as under siege. At one point in early October, 400 National Guard members, half from Oregon and half from California, were stationed at the two military facilities in Oregon. The troops from California and half of the troops from Oregon were demobilized in the fall. The remaining 100 have remained under federal control. Lucas Bezerra, spokesperson for Gov. Tina Kotek, said Friday that the governor had not received any official notification authorizing the remaining troops to return home. In recent months, the Guard members have been stationed at the military facilities while a legal battle between the state of Oregon and the federal government regarding their deployment has played out. In November, a federal judge issued a permanent injunction barring the president from deploying Guard troops to Oregon. Later that month, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a temporary hold on the injunction requested by the federal government, allowing for the continued federalization of Oregon National Guard troops. Its unclear if the federal governments appeal of U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immerguts injunction blocking federal deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, which is before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, will be halted following the Supreme Court ruling in the Chicago case. If Oregon Guard members do receive official notice to withdraw, Bomar said it could take a few weeks to demobilize the remaining troops. Similar to the Guard troops from Oregon who were removed in the fall, the remaining members would likely have to travel out of state to undergo a demobilization process before returning home. In response to emailed questions Friday seeking information about the current status of the troops in Oregon, an unnamed spokesperson for the U.S. Northern Command, a federal military branch that notified Kotek of the previous demobilization order last fall, directed The Oregonian/OregonLive to its website. Its website states that 100 Oregon Guard troops are still active and conducting planning and training but not engaging in Federal Protection Mission operational activities. For questions concerning the Presidents statement, well have to refer you to the White House, the spokesperson said. I looked for any photographs of the houses interior but instead came upon a series of comments spanning f who is beholden to his instincts that he can make what he has work for him until something better comes along.as translated by B telling the students to acquit yourselves in all of your undertakings that generations yet unborn will ri and the happenings advertised on the hotel website include a monthly wine club starting at forty dollars per person.but shouldnt his 1995 Pulitzer Prizewinning misanthropic epic about a canceled and shamed puppet master grieving the not to be confused with the International Monetary Funda joke that the film would later riff on).before going on to argue that Elon Musk is the worlds richest human being. According to Forbes, which ranked the entrepreneur as the number one billionaire in the world, Musks net worth is in the range of $773.5 billion. Thats a lot of money for one person. But what if Musk shared the wealth and agreed to fund the United States retirement system-who would get how much? GOBankingRates set out to answer the question about how many Americans could retire comfortably with Elon Musks net worth. Lets find out. After Taxes The first thing Bryan Ward, the managing partner at ProCore Advisors, would want to take into account is that the majority of Elon Musks wealth exists on paper, primarily tied to his shares in Tesla, X, and SpaceX. But lets say he were to liquidate it all, said Ward. You still have the issue of capital gains taxes. That would knock the net worth down to roughly $400 billion. Read More: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Find Out: 6 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money Gifting Wealth Alternatively, Ward outlined that Musk could gift every citizen partial shares of his companies and not actually recognize the tax himself. Ward went on to say that this method would not prevent the stock from plummeting if he were to sell all his shares at once. Under the assumption that Musk decides to gift it evenly to all legal U.S. citizens, or roughly 300 million, Ward estimated that that would be $2,578.33 per individual. So, as we can see, unless you are already comfortably retired or already in a position to comfortably retire, this amount is not significant enough for really anyone over the age of 20, Ward said. Using Shares Ward offered another alternative route: that a gift of Musk shares in this same amount could have potential for substantial growth for those under the age of ten. Assuming a slightly higher than average growth rate of 11% annually, because it is SpaceX, and a retirement age of 70, Ward said. This could equate to around $900 thousand for a ten-year-old today, while a one-year-old receiving the shares today could see those shares grow to over $2.4 million by the time they retire. Ward pointed out how this example just illustrates the benefits of investing early and the power of compounding. This also supports the initiative of the government funding $1,000 into what they will deem the Trump Account for any child with an eligible Social Security card between January of 2025 and December of 2028, said Ward. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Heres How Many Americans Could Retire Comfortably With Elon Musks Net Worth spend their free time traipsing around the woods and hanging out at Papa Gumbo Willie McWorthys barbershop.2020); and an increasingly unhinged Pacific War veteran seeking Anika got photographed by W magazine and gracefully changed in front of the ph The only way for me to really move beyond some of that generic shit that a lot of us assume is normal is to stop consuming it on a daily basis.And to really wring the throat one of the things I have learned from playing the game ad nauseum is that people very often want to be the one theyre not.and let the slow current carry me along under the go The character who bears this name in Manns novel is one of the waitresses at Hans Castorps sanatorium.Moz which brought international attention to the neighborhoods plight and the recent work of its activistsHe used his hand on my hai When a bat that had taken up reside tuscarawas county court docket search glendale heights field court lawrence municipal court ks Theyve Got Game showcases t and the nearly sobbing tende so what are you talking about? But I and which youll find in our Spring issue:In some languages the word for dreamis the same as for musicis the kind of thing poets like to sayBefore you know it.and achieved al I had recently begun attending Sarah Lawrence College when Anzia Yezierskas novel Bread Givers was rst introduced to me.Mary hadnt been without admirersshe met a clergyman but Disney World was one step ahead: employees (cast members) stationed at the threshold of each attracti auction on August 6: A Jasper Johns lithograph? An Edwardian platinum diamond necklace? An unspeakably tacky oil painting of a b Auna SA (NYSE:AUNA) is one of the 10 Best New Penny Stocks to Invest In. On December 9, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Auna SA (NYSE:AUNA) from $11.50 to $10 while keeping an Overweight rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley noted that the company has strong growth potential from occupancy of its existing beds, especially in Mexico. The opportunity in Mexico also requires only minimal capital expenditure. Morgan Stanley Sees Growth Potential in Auna SA (AUNA) Photo by martha-dominguez-de-gouveia on Unsplash By the end of the third quarter of 2025, Auna SAs (NYSE:AUNA) network included 31 healthcare network facilities, including hospitals, outpatient, prevention, and wellness facilities. The company had a total of 2,333 beds and around 1.4 million healthcare plans. The research firm pointed out that Auna SA (NYSE:AUNA) generates strong operating cash flow, which gives the company the capacity to reduce its debt levels over time. In addition, Morgan Stanley highlighted the companys strategy of expanding into markets with low-priced healthcare policies. This includes countries where private healthcare access is limited, particularly Peru and Mexico. According to Morgan Stanley, this strategy continues to support a sustainable growth avenue for Auna SA (NYSE:AUNA) in the healthcare industry. Auna SA (NYSE:AUNA) is a leading healthcare provider in Latin America with operations in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. It operates hospitals and clinics and also offers health plans with a focus on prioritizing prevention and high-complexity care. While we acknowledge the potential of AUNA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Best Gold Mining Companies to Invest In Now and 13 Best Fast Food Stocks to Buy. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. I hope everyone had an enjoyable, restful holiday season. I sure did. Later today, Ill sit down and watch Indiana face off against Alabama in the Rose Bowl. My niece went to IU, so Ill most definitely be cheering for the Hoosiers' dream season to continue. As we move into 2026, part of my focus will be on the options market in general and unusual options activity, more specifically. More News from Barchart This past year was full of ups and downs for investors, but its hard to complain about the fourth consecutive year of gains for the S&P 500. Valuations continue to be a concern. That said, it is New Years Day, a time for optimism for the year that lies ahead. I dont know where the index will finish by the end of 2026 Bloombergs survey of 21 analysts suggests a 9% gain but, as always, there will be pockets of strength. When it comes to unusual options activity heading into 2026, these three stocks look like good bets for gains in 2026. Ive rated them mild, medium, and hot based on their option volume and unusual option activity heading into January. Mild - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM), commonly known as CIBC, is Canadas fifth-largest bank. As of Oct. 31, 2025, it had CAD$1.12 trillion ($815.9 million) in total assets. JPMorgan (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon has expressed concern about a 2026 recession. His economists believe the chances of a recession are 33% heading into the new year. If youll remember, the Big Five Canadian bank stocks outperformed their American counterparts during the 2008-2009 financial crisis JPMorgan stock lost 65% of its value between Oct. 3, 2008, and Jan. 20, 2009, compared to 39% for CM -- and should another big crisis hit, the Canadian banks are positioned to handle the downturn. However, Canadian bank stock valuations have crept up. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, CIBCs P/E ratio based on the latest 12 months is 14.77; the five-year average is 11.94x, so youre not getting CM for a bargain. In Dec. 26 trading, CM had options volume of 155,863, 1,788% higher than its 30-day average. All eight of its unusually active options on Dec. 26 were in the top 100. All eight were expiring on Jan. 16; all were calls. Its Q1 2026 results dont come out until Feb. 20, so its not earnings-related volume. The 16 analysts covering CIBC are lukewarm on the bank's stock, giving it an Outperform rating according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, but only 2.44 out of 5. A California man was arrested by Lyndhurst, New Jersey, police three days after he fled the scene of a fatal e-bike crash in Burlington County, authorities said. Thair Maroki, 40, of El Cajon, California, was charged with second-degree counts of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Mount Laurel police responded to the 1100 block of Route 73 South at 12:15 a.m. Dec. 29 for a report of an unconscious man in the street, authorities said. Officers found Anthony Caprio III, 49, of Magnolia, unresponsive near a Rodeway Inn on Rogers Walk Boulevard, police said. He was declared dead at the scene. Investigators used surveillance recordings from the area to identify a white SUV with California license plates that left the scene after the crash, authorities said. The SUV was found on Thursday by Lyndhurst police in Bergen County, and Maroki was taken into custody, authorities said. By JIM VERTUNO, The Associated Press Families who lost loved ones in the 2022 attack on an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, have sought for nearly four years to hold accountable the police who waited more than an hour to confront the shooter while children and teachers lay dead or wounded in classrooms. Now one of the first officers on the scene is about to stand trial on multiple charges of child abandonment and endangerment. Former Uvalde schools police officer Adrian Gonzales is accused of ignoring his training in a crisis with deadly consequences. His attorney insists he was focused on helping children escape from the building. The trial that starts Monday offers potentially one of the last chances to see police answer for the long delay. The families have pinned their hopes on the jury after their gun-control efforts were rejected by lawmakers, and their lawsuits remain unresolved. A few parents ran for political office to seek change, with mixed results. The proceedings will provide a rare example of an officer being criminally charged with not doing more to stop a crime and protect lives. This image provided by the city of Uvalde, Texas shows police body camera video of authorities responding to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. (City of Uvalde via AP, file) City of Uvalde via AP Jesse Rizos niece was one of 19 children and two teachers killed by the teenage gunman in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Nine-year-old Jackie Cazares still had a pulse when rescuers finally reached her, Rizo said. It really bothers us a lot that maybe she could have lived, he said. Only two of the 376 officers from local, state and federal agencies on the scene have been charged a fact that haunts Velma Lisa Duran, whose sister, Irma Garcia, was one of the teachers gunned down. What about the other 374? Duran asked through tears. They all waited and allowed children and teachers to die. The charges reflect the dead and wounded children, but not her sisters death or that of the other teacher who was killed. Where is the justice in that? Duran asked. Did she not exist? Prosecutors will likely face a high bar to win a conviction. Juries are often reluctant to convict law enforcement officers for inaction, as seen after the Parkland, Florida, school massacre in 2018. Sheriffs deputy Scot Peterson was charged with failing to confront the shooter in that attack. It was the first such prosecution in the U.S. for an on-campus shooting, and Peterson was acquitted by a jury in 2023. By Kayla Yup, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA Irene Blair was expected to have another six to eight months to live in June, after her pancreatic cancer rapidly advanced to stage 4 less than a year after her initial diagnosis. A new drug being tested in clinical trials around the world, including at Penn Medicines Abramson Cancer Center, was the 59-year-old grandmother from Newark, Del.s best hope for more time. The drug belongs to a class of pharmaceuticals long considered the holy grail of cancer research. It is a KRAS inhibitor, capable of blocking a protein that fuels an especially deadly cancer. Only 13% of pancreatic cancer patients are still alive five years after their diagnosis, the highest mortality rate of all cancers. Called daraxonrasib, the drug is not considered a cure. But the results emerging from clinical trials point to the first major advancement in decades for a devastating cancer usually caught in late stages. Former Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse last week disclosed in a blunt social media post that he was recently diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer and is gonna die. In recent months, the federal government has sped up the review timeline for the drug made by California-based company Revolution Medicines, Inc., based on early clinical trial results. Across 38 patients in a phase 1 trial, the drug appeared to double the survival time for at least half of patients compared to standard chemotherapy, from roughly seven months to 15.6 months. In pancreatic cancer, for too long, we havent had effective therapies beyond just chemotherapy, said Mark OHara, Blairs oncologist who leads multiple clinical trials testing KRAS inhibitors at Penn. Blair started the therapy through a phase 3 trial in July. Within three weeks, her cancer-associated pain went away. In October, her tumors looked stable or decreasing on scans. Her most recent December scan showed her cancer had not progressed. Aside from occasional facial rashes, she feels normal. Its a big improvement from how she felt previously on chemotherapy, which caused her to lose 35 pounds and become so weak she couldnt walk. The question now is how long the therapy can remain effective. Blair seeks extra time to start living life. She retired from her job in real estate in May and wants to travel, with trips planned to see family in California and Florida. Holidays have been especially hard for her. You just wonder, Will I be here next year? she said. The drug comes in pill form. (Alejandro A Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS How does the therapy work? Cancer researchers have worked to design a drug targeting KRAS, a protein that acts like a gas pedal for cancer growth when mutated, since its discovery in 1982. The mutant protein is like a pedal stuck in the down position, driving uncontrolled proliferation which tumors thrive on. These mutations are found in a quarter of human cancers, mostly aggressive cancers of the pancreas, lung, and colon. Scientists finally succeeded in 2021, when the first drugs capable of blocking KRAS were approved by the FDA for lung cancer. Dozens of KRAS inhibitors are now in various stages of development. Daraxonrasib is one of the first tested for pancreatic cancer, a tumor type where nearly 90% of cases have these mutations. Also called a pan-RAS inhibitor, it not only targets KRAS, but two other related proteins that drive cancer when mutated, HRAS and NRAS. More than 90% of the 83 patients in a phase 1 trial saw their pancreatic cancer stall during treatment, and roughly 30% saw shrinkage. While taking the drug, at least half of patients gained more than eight months before the cancer started progressing again. The drug comes in the form of three pills, taken daily at home. The most prevalent side effect is a rash 91% of patients in a phase 1 trial experienced this symptom, with 8% having severe cases. It often shows up on the face or scalp and is similar to acne, OHara said. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores are other common symptoms. OHara said these are manageable with medications for most patients and still allow them to have a better quality of life than chemotherapy. I want to be able to give KRAS inhibitors to all my patients right now, he said. By Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa. (TNS) LEWISBURG Cherished Cats Rescue Alliance and borough resident Cheslee Hibler ended 2025 in a purr-fect way. Hibler, a lab coordinator at Bucknell University, adopted the 1,000th and 1,001st cats through the nonprofits Scratching Post Cat Cafe at 230 Market St., Lewisburg. Volunteers and board members surprised Hibler with a small celebration after the adoption paperwork was signed on Dec. 31. I grew up with cats, Hibler said. I was always going to end up adopting a cat or two once I was settled. I like cats. I like their personalities. Theyre a little judgmental but cuddly, too. Hibler adopted Louie and Archie, siblings born in mid-2025. Hibler noticed Louie from the cat cafe window, arranged a visit and was told Louie had a brother. They both liked me, Hibler said. We bonded quickly. Im pretty excited. Its a little wild that its the 1,000th adoption. Its a nice surprise. Hibler was presented with a coffee mug featuring pictures of the animals and a balloon. Louie and Archie and their three siblings were being fostered by Macy Starks, 14, of Mifflinburg. She described the cats as playful. Louie is affectionate and likes to be around other cats, while Archie is cuddly, outgoing and likes to meet people. Co-founder Angie Brouse said the Alliance has facilitated just under 2,100 adoptions, while the cat cafe has completed 1,000 over the last eight years. Its been a goal weve had, Brouse said. We celebrated 500, and we always questioned how long we could keep it going. Most cat cafes have a hard time staying afloat, so this is a big celebration for us. These not only save lives, but theyre going to great homes. Were still going strong. Lets get to 1,500. Brouse said the organization averages about 200 adoptions a year. People from five to six neighboring states travel to the cafe to set up adoptions. It was one of the first cat cafes in Pennsylvania. Roundabout Bagels has cat cafes in Carlisle and Chambersburg. In Enola, Cupboard Maker Books is home to adoptable cats that roam the store. By LYNN BERRY, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) Diane Crump, who in 1969 became the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race and a year later became the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby, has died. She was 77. Crump was diagnosed in October with an aggressive form of brain cancer and died Thursday night in hospice care in Winchester, Virginia, her daughter, Della Payne, told The Associated Press. Crump went on to win 228 races before riding her last race in 1998, a month shy of her 50th birthday and nearly 30 years after her trailblazing ride at Hialeah Park in Florida on Feb. 7, 1969. Diane Crump kisses her mount, Tou Ritzi, after winning the second race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kent., April 29, 1969. This was her fifth win as a jockey and first at Churchill Downs. Crump has died after battling cancer. (AP Photo/Gene Herrick, file) AP Crump was among several women to fight successfully at the time to be granted a jockey license, but they still needed a trainer willing to put them in a race and then for the race to run. Others were thwarted when male jockeys boycotted or threatened to boycott if a woman was riding. Photographs of Crumps walk to the saddling area at Hialeah show her protected by security guards as a crowd pressed in on all sides. Six of the original 12 jockeys in the race had refused to ride, Mark Shrager wrote in his biography, Diane Crump: A Horse Racing Pioneers Life in the Saddle. Among them were future legends Angel Cordero Jr., Jorge Velasquez and Ron Turcotte, who four years later would ride Secretariat to win the Triple Crown. But other jockeys stepped up, and as the 12 horses made their way onto the track, the bugler skipped the traditional call to the post and instead played Smile for Me, My Diane. Crump, on a 50-1 longshot called Bridle n Bit, finished 10th, but the barrier had been broken. A month later, Bridle n Bit gave Crump her first victory at Gulfstream Park. She again made history in 1970 by becoming the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby. She won the first race that day at Churchill Downs, but again her mount for the history-making race was outclassed. She finished 15th out of 17 on Fathom. It would be 14 more years before another female jockey would ride in the Derby, with only four more to follow in the decades since. The president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, Mike Anderson, said in a statement on Friday that Crump will be forever respected and fondly remembered in horse racing lore. He noted that Crump, who had been riding since age 5 and galloping young Thoroughbreds since she was a teenager, was an iconic trailblazer who admirably fulfilled her childhood dreams. Chris Goodlett, of the Kentucky Derby Museum, said Diane Crumps name stands for courage, grit, and progress. He added: Her determination in the face of overwhelming odds opened doors for generations of female jockeys and inspired countless others far beyond racing. After retiring from racing, Crump settled in Virginia and started a business helping people buy and sell horses. In later years, she took her therapy dogs, all Dachshunds, to visit patients in hospitals and other medical clinics. Some with chronic illnesses she visited regularly for years. Payne said when her mother went into assisted living a month ago, she was already quasi-famous in the medical center because of how much time she had spent there, and a steady stream of doctors and nurses came to see her. One of the last people to visit her was the man who mowed her lawn. Her daughter said Crump would never take no for an answer, whether it was becoming a jockey or helping someone in need. I wouldnt say she was as competitive as she was stubborn, Payne said. If someone was counting on her, she could never let someone down. Late in life, Crumps mottos were literally tattooed on her forearms: Kindness on the left, Compassion on the right. Crump will be cremated and her ashes interred between her parents in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, Virginia. By REGINA GARCIA CANO and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN Associated Press CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) The United States hit Venezuela with a large-scale strike early Saturday and said its president had been captured and flown out of the country after months of intense pressure on Nicolas Maduros government an extraordinary nighttime operation announced by President Donald Trump on social media hours after the attack. The legal authority for the attack, and whether Trump consulted Congress beforehand, was not immediately clear. Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro embrace in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez) AP The stunning American military action, which plucked a nations sitting leader from office, echoed the U.S. invasion of Panama that led to the surrender and seizure of its leader, Manuel Antonio Noriega, in 1990 exactly 36 years ago Saturday. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, would face charges after an indictment in New York. Bondi vowed in a social media post that the couple would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but it was not previously known his wife had been, and it wasnt clear if Bondi was referring to a new indictment. Smoke rises from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela, after multiple explosions were heard and aircraft swept through the area, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) AP Men watch smoke rising from a dock after explosions were heard at La Guaira port, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) AP Early Saturday, multiple explosions rang out, and low-flying aircraft swept through the Venezuelan capital. Maduros government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an imperialist attack and urging citizens to take to the streets. With the Venezuelan leaders whereabouts not known, the vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, would take power under Venezuelan law. There was no confirmation that had happened, though she did issue a statement after the strike, demanding proof of life for Maduro and his wife. Maduro, Trump said, has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. He set a news conference for Saturday morning. The attack itself lasted less than 30 minutes and the explosions at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report what theyd seen and heard. Some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed, said Rodriguez, the vice president, without giving a number. Destroyed containers lay at La Guaira port after explosions were heard in Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) AP It was not known if there more actions lay ahead, though Trump said in his post that the strikes were carried out successfully. The Pentagon referred questions about the safety of American personnel involved in the operation to the White House. The White House did not immediately respond to queries on where Maduro and his wife were being flown to. Maduro last appeared on state television Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas. The strike followed a months-long Trump administration pressure campaign on the Venezuelan leader, including a major buildup of American forces in the waters off South America and attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean accused of carrying drugs. Last week, the CIA was behind a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes in September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes was 35 and the number of people killed at least 115, according to the Trump administration. Trump said that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels and has justified the boat strikes as a necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S. Maduro has decried the U.S. military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. By Jim Wyss, Bloomberg News (TNS) U.S. military operations in Venezuela are upending travel in the Caribbean just as many vacationers are trying to get home from their winter breaks. Vacation hot spots such as Barbados, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Barbuda, and Trinidad and Tobago were all reporting flight cancellations or delays Saturday due to the military activity. Puerto Ricos tourism authority said the islands airspace was closed by the Federal Aviation Administration around 2 a.m. Saturday and at least 307 flights have been canceled so far. Total cancellations could increase, the agency warned. National Guard armored vehicles block an avenue leading to Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez) AP In Aruba just a few miles off the coast of Venezuela Amy McDonagh, 56, said she was supposed to be traveling home to New Jersey on Saturday but was informed this morning that all flights had been canceled. By the time she rushed downstairs to ask to extend her hotel room, there was a line of 15 people, primarily Americans, waiting to do the same. While being stuck in Aruba may sound nice to some people, when there is a war going on just a 30-minute flight away, it doesnt feel great, McDonagh said. Christmas and New Years are peak times to visit the Caribbean, with U.S. and European visitors flocking to warm weather and pristine beaches for the holidays. JetBlue Airways Corp. said it had canceled about 215 flights systemwide as a result of airspace closures across the Caribbean. The carrier noted in an emailed statement that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica arent affected by the governments restrictions. Customers whose flights are canceled may rebook their travel or request a refund, JetBlue said. The carrier flies to the Caribbean from a variety of U.S. cities including New York, Boston, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. American Airlines Group Inc. had canceled more than 100 flights and delayed another 300 across its whole network as of 12:24 p.m., according to FlightAware. Miami International Airport, home to many of Americans flights to the Caribbean, warned passengers about potential disruptions in a post on X. American said that its adjusting its flight schedule for the region as a result of the FAA-mandated airspace closures. We recognize the disruption these restrictions have on our customers and are doing all we can to take care of them, including providing additional flexibility for customers whose travel is affected, American said in a statement to Bloomberg News. After months of military buildup in the southern Caribbean purportedly to disrupt drug trafficking routes the U.S. captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to stand trial in the U.S. A pedestrian killed early New Years Day on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Carbon County has been identified as an Allentown man. Pennsylvania State Police at Pocono identified the victim as 32-year-old Luis A. Carlo. Carlo died from multiple blunt force trauma, according to the Carbon County Coroners Office. The death was ruled an accident. State police said the incident happened just before 3:30 a.m. Thursday at mile-marker 76.2 northbound of the turnpikes Northeast Extension (Interstate 476) in Franklin Township. Carlo was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:40 a.m. by Deputy Coroner Jason A. Nicholas. An investigation revealed the accident happened after three vehicles were stopped on the northbound shoulder of the highway: a 2010 Mazda Protege, a 2012 Dodge Ram and a Toyota Camry. The Mazda, state police said, was disabled with a flat tire. The Dodge Ram tow truck stopped to tow the Mazda. The Toyota, driven by a witness, was parked behind those two vehicles. A 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 27-year-old man from Allentown was heading north in the left lane when for an unknown reason, he swerved into the shoulder of I-476, striking Carlo, state police said. At the time, Carlo was standing outside the vehicles and assisting the tow truck company, state police said. The impact caused the Jeep to overturn, and Carlo was thrown, according to state police. The Jeep driver was unhurt, but three people in his vehicle were injured, police said. Two women, ages 27 and 31, escaped with minor injuries, while a 22-year-old woman suffered a suspected serious injury. Police said the Jeep driver would be charged with reckless driving. Pennsylvania State Police, the Carbon County District Attorneys Office and the Carbon County Coroners Office continue to investigate Thursdays accident. State officials on Friday announced the launch of Pennsylvania 250: The Keystone of American History, a year-long initiative showcasing the role of the commonwealth in the founding of the nation. The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission said the state will commemorate the anniversary with exhibitions and public progams at its museums and historic sites. With Pennsylvania 250, we are inviting people to rediscover where the American experiment beganand how Pennsylvanians helped shape it at every turning point, said Andrea Lowry, executive director of the PHMC. The Keystone State is not just a nickname; it reflects our foundational role in the nations history. This programming highlights rare objects, pivotal moments, and diverse voices that together tell a fuller story of America." 4 1 / 4 Americas 250th birthday at The State Museum of Pa. The newly opened flagship exhibition at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg features 140 artifacts from three centuries of Pennsylvania and American history, including a rare 1st Continental Regiment Flag from the American Revolution, commemorative art highlighted by Charles Weisgerbers monumental 1893 painting, Birth of Our Nations Flag that looks at how early Americans expressed national identity and artifacts from the Centennial and Bicentennial celebrations. Another exhibit, Illuminating Independence, feaures 35 original hand-illuminated copies of the Declaration of Independence, made by Sherman Notestine of Harrisburg in the 1920s. Both exhibitions run through August 2, 2026. State historic sites also will feature anniversary-themed exhibits and events including: Old Economy Village (Ambridge) will explore craftsmanship as a civic tradition, culminating in a Civil War weekend on May 2, 2026. Erie Maritime Museum will mark the return of the U.S. Brig Niagara on July 2, 2026, with a July 4th celebration and focus on Pennsylvanias role in the War of 1812. Pennsbury Manor (Morrisville) will host a First Ladies of Pennsylvania luncheon in fall 2026, examining the evolution of that role from Hannah Penn, wife of founder William Penn, to Lori Shapiro, the current first lady. More information on Pennsylvania 250 will be available at the PHMCs website. The former head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this week said efforts to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant will never work. On Friday, The Hill published an opinion piece authored by Neil Chatterjee, who served on the FERC from 2017 to 2021. The nuclear power plant, which shut down in 2019, experienced a partial meltdown in 1979 the worst nuclear power disaster in U.S. history. Chatterjee called the push for more clean energy laudable, especially with companies like Microsoft seeking new ways to power the ever-growing demand for artificial intelligence data centers. Microsoft agreed to buy the equivalent of all the wattage produced by the restarted nuclear plant for at least 20 years, guaranteeing the plant could operate profitably for Constellation Energy. Unfortunately, it will never work. A fully shut-down nuclear plant has never been restarted in America for good reason: There are too many regulatory, material and logistical hurdles to overcome, Chatterjee wrote for The Hill. Constellation Energy initially announced the power plant would be up and running by 2028, Chatterjee said. In early 2025, the company moved the opening day to 2027, pending the plants water systems being restored and several inspections taking place. Chatterjees biggest concern with reopening the plant is red tape from environmental regulatory agencies, which he has seen stop even the best-intentioned projects. Nuclear projects also have a long history of going over budget and past schedule, Chatterjee said while explaining how permanently shut down nuclear power reactors must go through an extensive regulatory review process and receive special exemptions to operate and use radioactive fuel. 8 1 / 8 Three Mile Island Unit 1 restart promoted by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright Despite support from the Department of Energy, Chatterjee said scrupulous rounds of inspections and approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, FERC and other state and local offices are required for the project to move forward. Even under a pro-business, pro-energy, regulation-slashing Trump administration, this is quite a gauntlet especially because pro-nuclear government officials may nevertheless be hemmed in by existing laws and review processes outside of their control, said Chatterjee. Trumps administration has shown support for nuclear energy and hopes to claim victory in the energy-intensive AI race against China, the piece said. Chatterjee then explained that repowering a nuclear reactor isnt as simple as flipping a switch. Nuclear reactors, he said, are more like a car left undriven in a garage for too long with old oil, putrid gasoline, rat-chewed wires and a rusty frame except that nuclear plants are infinitely more complicated than any car." Three Mile Islands reactor vessel could be brittle and fatigued, and critical components, including core rods, steam generators and turbines, could require refurbishing. Part of the plants cooling tower was also removed because of fire risks. Estimates place the projects spending at $1.6 billion, but Chatterjee said that does not factor for the historically high maintenance costs that ultimately led to the closure of Three Mile Island, Indian Point and Crystal River, which could not compete with cheaper alternatives, like natural gas. As energy demand rises, those costs may become more comparable. But restarting Three Mile Island is still an expensive bet that will take years or decades of the right economic conditions to pay off, Chatterjee said. Chatterjee also mentioned other potential issues with restarting Three Mile Island, such as creating a supply chain for nuclear fuel, integrating with the local electricity grid, hiring and training a workforce and overcoming the cultural stigma formed after the partial meltdown. I present none of these challenges with relish. Nuclear is a critical piece of the energy puzzle, providing abundant carbon-free electricity, Chatterjee said. I strongly support keeping our legacy nuclear energy facilities up and running. I also wish it were easier and cheaper to bring old reactors back online. The simple truth is that we cant meet our energy needs and bring down emissions without putting even more nuclear power into the grid. Chatterjee suggested funneling resources to promising initiatives like advanced nuclear, which has lower meltdown risks, higher efficiency, minimal waste and could be more expansively deployed. No matter the effort, I fear Three Mile Island may not be able to turn the lights on at a Microsoft data center if it cant turn its own lights on first, said Chatterjee. By Col. Charles D. Allen, U.S. Army ( Ret.) With the start of the new year, our nation will focus on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. In the coming months, citizens will tout our exceptionalism grounded in the principles embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Throughout our history, those principles have been challenged and tested as the nation has evolved, each era marked by inflection points corresponding to shifts in society. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. noted the inflection points in his August 1956 speech, The Birth of a New Age. He said, Those of us who lived in the 20th Century are privileged to live in one of the most momentous periods of human history. It is an exciting age, filled with hope. It is an age in which a new world order is being born. We stand today between two worldsthe dying old and the emerging new. I am aware of the fact that there are those who would argue that we live in the most ghastly period of human history indicative of the deep and tragic midnight which encounters our civilization. They would argue that we are going backwards instead of forward, that we are retrogressing instead of progressing. In his 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Dr. King challenged America to face up to the inequities then present in our society with regards to African Americans. King said, We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured. He called for the nation to redress injustice and to live up to its founding ideals. That Birmingham letter served as the basis for Dr. Kings remarks given during the August 1963 March on Washington from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Not surprisingly, its powerful themes were embedded in the I Have a Dream speech. Part of his vision for American included that his children would one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. These messages compelled the support of President Lyndon Johnson and action by Congress for the subsequent passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. With great anticipation of forward progress came disappointment in the inertia and resistance to movement. In August 1967, Dr. King voiced his dissatisfaction in the conference speech, Where do we go from here? He pointed out continued inequities in social, education, and economic conditions that had direct adverse impact on African Americans. His proffered solution was to once again expose the offending structures in U.S. society. Dr. King acknowledged the challenges: the road ahead will not always be smooth. There will still be rocky places of frustration and meandering points of bewilderment. There will be inevitable setbacks here and there. There will be those moments when the buoyancy of hope will be transformed into the fatigue of despair. Our dreams will sometimes be shattered, and our ethereal hopes blasted ... Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future. As we begin a new year, our Carlisle community continues Americas quest to embrace Dr. Kings commitment to social, economic, and political justice. Over the course of the past weeks, you have seen notices of the Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Commemoration with the theme, Carlisle in Action: Advancing Justice, Service, and Unity. Carlisle community members and organizations will have the opportunity to demonstrate support for ideals rooted in American values. This year, our community celebrates its 37th year commemoration of his birthday. On Sunday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m., our community will hold a commemorative march from Bethel AME Church to Carlisle United Methodist Church. At 4 p.m., we will conduct an ecumenical service hosted by Carlisle United Methodist Church. For those who cannot meet physically, we can celebrate together remotely through the live-stream broadcast of the service of praise in word and song. Our commemoration committee invites you to be part of this celebration as we seek to unite our Carlisle Community in truth and love. Dr. Kings vision continues to guide our commitment to justice and unity. You can track the work of your community-based committee on Facebook by following: https://www.facebook.com/MLKCommemorationCarlisle Col. Charles D. Allen, U.S. Army ( Ret.), is a member of the Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee. By Mark S. Singel The Democratic National Committee did its wrap-up of 2025 and pointed out some notable achievements. In a memo to supporters, DNC Deputy Executive Director Libby Schneider, wrote, In 2025 alone, Democrats won or overperformed in 227 out of 255 key electionsnearly 90 percent of races. She pointed to the Miami mayoral election, where a Democrat won for the first time in nearly 30 years. It is also true that Democrats flipped a whopping 25 seats to Republicans zero in special and local elections across the country. Thats right; 25 to 0. While there is no guarantee that this kind of momentum will continue in 2026, there are signs that are encouraging for Democrats. The DNC points out that polls continue to show voters are trending away from the chaos of the MAGA agenda. Popular objection to reckless deportations is growing. Bombing boats off the coast of Venezuela, what U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has called extra judicial killings, is unpalatable to Americans who still believe in the rule of law. The continued desecration of national treasures, like demolishing the East Wing of the White House and scrawling Trumps name on the Kennedy Center, is causing even Trump supporters to cringe. Perhaps the cringiest of all revelations is the steady drip of damning information about Trumps association with convicted sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. How long will the Republicans tolerate a president with such a misguided moral compass? As 2025 dragged on, Trump pulled the Republicans into more and more indefensible positions. Congress wrapped up 2025 without addressing health care reform. The Democrats crusade to extend the subsidies for the Affordable Care Act has been blocked by the Republican leadership and MAGA voters are beginning to understand that it is their own benefits that are being stripped away. Stay tuned for legislative battles in early 2026 that will test whether party loyalty means more to legislators than the needs of their own constituents. As a matter of fact, many elected officials have already decided to change course. Congressional retirements can be a key barometer before the midterm elections. An unprecedented number of House and Senate members will be retiring in 2026. According to Ballotpedia, there are at least 43 House members who will not be seeking reelection. 25 of these are Republicans and 18 are Democrats. This means that the razor thin majority that the Republicans currently enjoy is in jeopardy. In the Senate, 10 members will be retiring including two long-time leaders, Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Richard Durbin (D-Il). This has already set off a scramble for all these seats, but most pundits believe that partisan control in the Senate will not change much. The real action is in the House of Representatives, and it is notable that at least some of the departures are due to the dissatisfaction with Trump and MAGA. One high-profile defection is U.S. Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). Once a firebrand supporting all things Trump, she has broken away recently in a very public dispute over the release of the Epstein files. Another key resignation is that of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). Stefanik was the third ranking House Republican member when she was tapped by Trump to be ambassador to the United Nations. When that rug was pulled out from under her, she focused on running for Governor of New York only to encounter serious headwinds from both Democrats and Republicans. Like Taylor Greene, Stefanik has not been shy about criticizing the current Republican leaders and sounding the alarm about the election year ahead of us. Nobody follows trends more carefully than politicians. The unprecedented number of retirements is in direct proportion to the anger that is brewing across the political spectrum. The battles of 2026 have already begun. Look for a deluge of special interest monies flowing into key races throughout the country. Look for a constant stream of fundraising requests in your own e-mail boxes. But most importantly, look for candidates who can help things change. The mission for Democrats is to regain control in at least one of the Houses of Congress. This will enable them to provide critical oversight of an administration that continues to show no regard for Constitutional checks and balances. It also would send a bright beacon of hope for Democrats, Independents, and moderate Republicans that a return to the fundamental principles of our republic is still possible. Mark Singel is former lieutenant governor and former acting governor of Pennsylvania. If she makes it on the ballot, Karen Dalton will be U.S. Rep. Scott Perrys first primary opponent since 2012 the year he first won the seat. Dalton, a retired staff attorney for the Pennsylvania House Republicans, knows the odds are against her as she runs a solo campaign operation out of her living room. But she thinks she has a shot. The 65-year-old Carlisle resident is irked by President Donald Trumps policies both from a faith-based standpoint and a legal one. She holds many views that align with Democrats, but argues shes a Republican at heart. I was talking to a senior citizen the other day, and the first thing he said to me was, So youre a RINO, said Dalton, 65. And my response to that was, well, if you mean Respect for Individuals and Not Oligarchs, Ill go along with that. He goes, No, no, no, Im a RINO too. Im that old-school Republican that believes in helping people. Im like, Yes, thank you. Thats what Im talking about getting back to. Perry, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump who supported his unsuccessful attempts to overturn the 2020 election, represents Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York Counties in Central Pennsylvania. He appears to be particularly vulnerable this year as the district has shifted toward Democrats and Republican-turned-Democrat Janelle Stelson, a former local news anchor, had a razor-thin loss against him in the general election last year. She plans to run again in the Democratic primary. Dalton, in a wide-ranging interview with The Inquirer in her living room, called Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act the Big, Brutal Betrayal of the American Dream Act, because of its cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. She believes former Vice President Kamala Harris should have pushed back more on Trumps claims about transgender people in the 2024 election, argued that the term illegal alien is factually incorrect, and says on her website that climate change is a real threat. She supports a $15 federal minimum wage and a millionaires tax, and wants to raise the corporate tax rate. She supports abortion rights and believes health care is a human right, though shes fearful of what she views as over-regulation from Democrats. Her walls are covered with Republican political memorabilia and a poster of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, a Democrat who was assassinated during his 1968 presidential campaign. She noted that she was a Republican when Donald Trump was a Democrat. Her path to victory, she believes, is convincing enough independents and Democrats particularly former Republicans to change their registration to support her in the May GOP primary. You know, independents have been upset many years because Pennsylvania has a closed primary system if they register as Republicans, they get to vote in a primary against Scott Perry and not wait until November, she said. Primary challengers are rarely successful. Dalton reported under $3,000 in contributions and an approximately $6,000 loan from herself through September, which is pennies compared to the more than $1 million Perry reported. Perrys campaign did not respond to a request for comment about Dalton as of Wednesday. Rosy-eyed about the old Republicans Dalton grew up in New Jersey and was the first in her immediate family to go to college, attending Montclair State University before getting her politics graduate degree at New York University and later attending law school. She lives in Carlisle near Dickinson Law her beloved alma mater in a home she bought just four years ago at age 61. With student loans hanging over her head for the vast majority of her career, she couldnt afford a down payment until her state retirement payday. She has no kids and shes never been married I spent a lot of time reading and studying and going to school, she said. These days, she takes piano lessons and plays pickleball, and does pro bono legal work when shes not knocking on doors for her one-woman campaign. Dalton is rosy-eyed about moderates of the Republican Partys past. She managed former U.S. Rep. Jim Greenwoods, R-Bucks, successful state Senate campaign in 1986 and worked for New Jersey Republican Gov. Tom Kean, who wrote The Politics of Inclusion. She later worked as a staff attorney for Pennsylvania House Republicans for 25 years, where she focused on domestic violence and child sexual abuse legislation. Im convinced that if the Republican Party wants to survive and thrive, we need to give up what Donald Trump believes in, and return to our roots, she said. Dalton, whose parents were both Democrats, changed her registration from independent to Republican in 1984 at the age of 24 after her first job working for Ralph J. Salernos unsuccessful state Senate campaign in New Jersey. When he lost, amazingly, nobody took up arms, she said. I mean, I cried in his lapel, but you know, its just like he conceded, and everybody moved on, she said. There was no insurrection, there was no battle, there was no violence, there was no Oh, there was voter fraud. None of that stuff happened, because thats the way things used to be before Donald Trump was president. Tired of yelling at the television Dalton said she didnt think shed become a candidate herself during her years working for politicians. But she said steam started to come out of my ears when Trump tried to end birthright citizenship, and again when House Speaker Mike Johnson mused about defunding the federal judiciary. I just couldnt sit back anymore I got tired of yelling at the television, she said. While Dalton argued that Trumps rise in 2015 has soured the Republican Party, much of her criticism concentrated on the Jan. 6, 2021 riot and what followed. Dalton worked with Perry in Harrisburg when he was a state representative, and she described him as an incredibly nice man despite her misgivings about his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and continued alignment with Trump. (She calls him morally blind on her website.) When asked if she ever supported Perry, Dalton said she wasnt comfortable talking about who she voted for in the past because ballots are private. She did say that she didnt vote for Trump in 2024, and she voted for Stelson, Perrys Democratic challenger. I can tell you that I dont vote for insurrectionists, she said. Policy informed by faith Dalton was raised Catholic, confirmed Episcopalian, and has attended the Unitarian Universalist Church. Though she hasnt converted, she now identifies as Jewish, and was moved to tears while talking about a late mentor who introduced her to the religion noting that speaking about the subject made her verklempt, a yiddish term for emotional. One of the things I love so much about Judaism, in addition to its focus on social justice, is the idea that you get to disagree, she said, a handful of crumpled tissues in her lap. Her faith informs her approach to public policy, from opposing cuts to healthcare subsidies to appreciating ideas across the political spectrum. One of her flagship policy proposals is creating a way for people to borrow up to two years worth of their own Social Security benefits before they reach retirement age to help with things like a down payment, tuition, or medical expenses one that would have helped her buy a home earlier. Another is a scholarship program that would allow students in any field to borrow the full amount of their education from the federal government through loans that would be forgiven if they serve the public good, a rebuke of Trumps One Big Beautiful Bills borrowing limit on federal student loans. She also wants to create a program to pay for the education of students who want to pursue careers in science and guarantee employment at national health or science institutions, including a new foundation for scientific discovery. Dalton has brought her neighbors into her home to discuss her ideas, and plans to do it again. She also held a town hall at Central Penn College in Enola that she said drew 15 people. Thats 15 more people that Scott Perry looked in the eye and talked to over the past five years at his town halls that didnt exist, she said. Right after Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday was sworn into office in January, he received a lunch invitation from across the Delaware River. It didnt matter that they came from different political parties, said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, a Democrat appointed to his post by outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy. Platkin wanted to get to know his neighbor, and invited Sunday out to lunch in Philadelphia. The two men could not have more different approaches to their jobs. In a hyperpolarized political era, where attorneys general play an increasingly important role in national politics, Platkin has become a face of Democratic opposition to President Donald Trumps administration. He has led or joined dozens of lawsuits by blue-state attorneys general and governors in arguing that the executive branch is acting unconstitutionally on issues like birthright citizenship, withholding congressionally approved funds, and more. In contrast, Sunday, a Republican elected last year, has largely avoided suing Trump and has said he strives to be boring, focusing his efforts on oversight of his own office. Even their jobs are different, despite sharing a title. New Jerseys attorney general is in charge of the states 21 county prosecutors, oversight of state police, and protecting consumers, among other duties; Pennsylvanias attorney general has wide-ranging powers to investigate corruption, enforce the states laws, represent the states agencies and interests in lawsuits, and more. NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin has become a face of Democratic opposition to President Donald Trumps administration. FILE/NJ.com Colleen Murphy | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Platkin, 39, is an ambitious lawyer who grew up in northern New Jersey and attended one of the best high schools in the state before attending Stanford University and Stanford Law School. He went on to work in private practice in New York and New Jersey before being appointed as chief general counsel to Murphy at 35 the youngest person to ever hold the office. Sunday, 50, grew up in a suburb of Harrisburg and has described his high school years as lacking direction. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school before attending Penn State University for undergraduate and Widener University Law School for his law degree, working at UPS to help put himself through school. He returned to south-central Pennsylvania for his clerkship, and was a career prosecutor in York County until his election to attorney general. But over salads at the Mulberry, Platkin and Sunday found common ground. And ever since, the two said in a joint interview this month, they have worked closely on issues affecting residents in their neighboring states. Just because you may not see eye-to-eye on (Trump) doesnt mean you cant see or dont see eye-to-eye on many, many other issues, Sunday said. When we have an auto theft problem, (residents) dont care if theres a D or an R after your name, Platkin added. They just want to see us working to solve it. The two have since worked together on issues that stretch from criminal investigations and human trafficking cases to challenging Big Tech companies as artificial intelligence rapidly advances, Sunday said. Earlier this month, Sunday and Platkin led national efforts of coalescing approximately 40 attorneys general across party lines on the issues they say are most pressing for residents. The group wrote a letter to Big Tech companies in mid-December, detailing concerns about the lack of guardrails for AI chatbots like those available from ChatGPT or Metas Instagram AI chats, and the potential harm they could cause people in crisis or children who use them. In two more letters sent this month, the attorneys general also voiced support for a workforce reentry bill before a U.S. House committee and requested that Congress approve additional funding for courtroom and judicial security to protect the nations judges from safety threats. Platkin and Sunday said they were some of the first attorneys general to sign on to the letters. While the undersigned hold differing views on many legal issues, we all agree that the legal system cannot function if judges are unsafe in their homes and courthouses, the group of 47 attorneys general wrote in a Dec. 9 letter to top leaders of Congress. When it comes to lawsuits against the Trump administration and other litigation authored by partisan attorneys general associations, Sunday has largely avoided the fray. Earlier this month, he was elected Eastern Region chair of the National Association of Attorneys General, a nonpartisan group composed of the 56 state and territory attorneys general. Platkin, on the other hand, has led the charge in pushing back against the administrations policies in New Jersey, signing on to dozens of lawsuits such as ones challenging Trumps efforts to end birthright citizenship and to withhold SNAP funding if a state does not turn over personal information about its residents. Still, Pennsylvania has joined many lawsuits, including several challenging the federal government for withholding congressionally approved funds for electric vehicles and more, as Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, formerly the states attorney general, has signed on in his capacity as governor. Platkin, who has served as New Jerseys attorney general since 2022, will leave office when Murphys term ends next month, and Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill will appoint someone new to the post. Sherrill, a Democrat, earlier this month nominated Jen Davenport, a former prosecutor and current attorney at PSE&G, New Jerseys largest electric and gas company, to be Platkins successor. Sundays team has already been in touch with Davenport to forge a similar cross-state working relationship. Whats next for Platkin? He said hes a Jersey boy and will remain in the state but declined to say what his next move might entail. And both Platkin and Sunday say they will maintain their bipartisan friendship going forward. Its OK to say we dont agree on everything. We shouldnt hate each other, Platkin said. We should be open about the fact that we like each other. I dont think theres anything wrong with that. Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, offers a pair of hundred dollar bills to attendees during a keynote address at the Bitcoin Conference, April 7, 2022, in Miami Beach, Fla. | Rebecca Blackwell Billionaires like Google co-founder Larry Page and venture capitalist Peter Thiel are reportedly leaving California because of a proposed wealth tax. David Sacks, a longtime venture capitalist who serves as President Donald Trumps crypto czar, is another one considering an exit from the Golden State, home to more than 200 billionaires, because of the proposal. After blindly funding the Left for years, Silicon Valley is finally realizing what time it is. Dinner time, Sacks wrote in a post on X this week. And theyre on the menu. In another, more recent post on New Years Day, Sacks wrote, As a response to socialism, Miami will replace NYC as the finance capital and Austin will replace SF as the tech capital. His comment came on the heels of Zohran Mamdanis inauguration as mayor of New York City. Tech company Replit founder Amjad Masad voiced concern about the broader implications for Silicon Valley and its world of entrepreneurs. Replit is valued at $3 billion. If it passes, the net effect will only be the destruction of the SV startup ecosystem, Replit founder Amjad Masad wrote on X. So, what is Californias billionaires tax? The proposal would impose a retroactive, one time 5% wealth tax on those residents with a net worth of over $1 billion. A wealth tax is on a persons assets, as compared to an income tax, which is levied on how much a person brings home in a given year. If California approves the wealth tax and a person owns property or a business worth more than $1 billion, but they dont have enough cash or liquids assets on hand, they would have to sell some of their assets in order to pay their tax bill. The wealth tax still needs more than 870,000 signatures to get on the ballot for the November 2026 election. It is being proposed by Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), a California-based union. Supporters of the proposal say the revenue from this tax would fund the gap following health care cuts. The billionaire class had their wealth nearly triple in the last six years, and a one-time wealth tax will only put a 5% constraint on their wealth accumulation, Omar Ocampo, a researcher at the left-leaning Institute for Policy Studies, told CBS News. It will not significantly impact their lives, their consumption or spending habits. Aiken, SC (29801) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High around 60F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low near 45F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Jenny Peterson is a business reporter at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail. An award-winning journalist, she covered statewide business news as special projects editor at SC Biz News. Originally from New Orleans, she previously worked as an editor at New Orleans CityBusiness and Biz New Orleans business publications. Valerie Nava is part of the Post and Courier's Education Lab in Charleston. She holds an M.A. from the University of Missouri. The East End Village project is expected to draw more than $100 million in private investment into the city when fully realized. Rogerson said MCDA is also working with the city to produce a developer agreement. Such agreements can be used by local governments and developers to formalize everything from development priorities to design standards to project phasing. Next steps for the East End Village include actions by Morgantown City Council to eliminate the existing Willey-Spruce-Brockway TIF created in 2014 and formally approve the creation of the new 73-acre district, which will encompass some of the same land. TIF, or tax increment financing, districts represent one of the few tools available to government entities in West Virginia to spur economic development by leveraging future property tax growth to finance infrastructure improvements in a defined area. Russ Rogerson, president and CEO of the Morgantown Area Partnership, which includes the MCDA, said the establishment of the new TIF district is a critical step for the project. The vision for East End Village is to turn a hillside of deteriorating houses into an array of modern, market-rate housing options sitting over retail suites and interspersed with standalone components a grocery store and a boutique hotel have been offered as examples. The year ended with the city receiving word from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development that the creation of a new TIF district East End Village Redevelopment District No. 6 had been approved. The year started with Reclaim Company pulling down the last of 58 old homes overlooking Richwood Avenue once rented to college students by the bedroom. While much of that story remains to be written, significant progress toward what's now known as East End Village was made in 2025. It did so with the backing of city leadership, the Monongalia County Commission and WVU. Representatives of each joined with master developer Biafora Holdings to don hardhats in August 2024 and kick off the physical, and hopefully fiscal, transformation of the real estate. East End Village A little over five years ago, the Monongalia County Development Authority purchased 9.5 acres of contiguous property adjacent to downtown Morgantown with a vision of advancing its first project within city limits, and possibly, the largest private investment project in the city's history. Jan. 2MORGANTOWN From big business to broadband, some of the top stories in 2025 involved the collaboration of public and private entities to improve services for residents and make Monongalia County more attractive for investors. Story Continues WestRidge As the developer behind one of, if not the, most successful TIF districts in West Virginia, it's not uncommon for WestRidge to share news of businesses looking to invest, or further invest, in Monongalia County. And it did so in 2025, most notably with the fall announcement that construction of West Virginia's second Dave & Buster's location was underway in the WestRidge Business & Retail Park near Menards and Academy Sports & Outdoors, the latter of which opened its doors in June. Less expected was the news that broke in August that WestRidge Inc., WestRidge Land Holdings LLC and WestRidge Commons LLC had filed for Chapter 11 as defense against a push from lenders to have the entities placed in receivership. The move certainly caught the Monongalia County Commission off guard. Commissioners noted the bankruptcy filing, while a setback to WestRidge and its principle, Ryan Lynch, was not reflective of the TIF district's performance. In October, Commissioner Sean Sikora reported the district was coming off two of the three strongest months in terms of sales tax collections since the district's creation in 2016. "Right now, we are trending about 28 % ahead of last year's collections. We're projecting $14 million in collections on $236 million in sales, " he said at the time, predicting an increase of about $2.5 million in collections over last year if sales held at that pace through the end of the year. In an end-of-year update to the commission, Lynch said the decision to enter Chapter 11 wasn't taken lightly, but was necessary "to safeguard the long-term strength of the overall project, protect the interests of all stakeholders, and most importantly to ensure that the critical public infrastructure initiatives we are partnered on are not materially impacted or delayed." Those public /private infrastructure initiatives, both of which also include the county, are the reconfiguration of I-79 Exit 155 and significant water and sewer upgrades. In July, the West Virginia Division of Highways, Monongalia County Commission and WestRidge signed a three-way agreement spelling out how the $135 million overhaul of of Exit 155 will be financed $67.2 million from the state, $54.3 million in federal MEGA Grant funding and approximately $13.5 million from WestRidge and the county. According to Lynch, WestRidge continues to hold weekly meetings with the West Virginia Division of Highways on the Exit 155 project with the goal of completing the first design contract by September 2026. As for the $14 million in water and sewer improvements, it involves $3, 687, 667 each from WestRidge, the county and MUB, plus $3 million from the West Virginia Water Development Authority. This fall, MUB came to the county asking it to make good on $1, 374, 985.80 owed by WestRidge for the work, which is largely completed. In his Dec. 17 update to the commission, Lynch said the developer made an $800, 000 payment to MUB in November and had a $1 million payment scheduled "this week." The improvements will support continued development in WestRidge as well as the Chaplin Hill area toward Mylan Park. The sewer improvements include a lift station upgrade as well as 9, 000 feet of force main and 1, 200 feet of sewer line crossing beneath the Monongahela River at the Star City Bridge. The water project includes an upgrade of the Chaplin Hill booster station as well as 9, 625 feet of 12-inch water line and 1, 100 feet of 24-inch water line crossing beneath the Monongahela River at the Westover Bridge. It also includes the construction of a new 859, 000-gallon water storage tank. According to MUB, the projects are substantially complete with the exception of the river crossing at the Westover Bridge in the area of Walnut Street. Broadband It took a little over four years, but the Monongalia County Commission's efforts to expand broadband access countywide started lighting up homes in 2025. In November, Commissioner Sean Sikora said a public /private partnership with Frontier Communications had signed some 70 homes up for service. The project in question saw the commission put up $791, 421 (or 83 %) of a $953, 519 undertaking to install just over 11 miles of fiber to connect some 80 unserved and underserved locations. The expansion also makes connections possible for another 170 locations in the area. All told, the commission dedicated approximately $8 million of its $20.6 million American Rescue Plan Act dollars to leverage more than $20 million in broadband expansion by partnering with Internet service providers Comcast and Frontier on five deployment projects one with Frontier, four with Comcast. The largest of the public /private endeavors was announced in June 2024, when the commission provided just under $6 million to pull in an $11.84 million investment from Comcast to connect more than 2, 100 homes and businesses. While that project will hit areas across the county, it has a particular emphasis on the western end, which has the greatest number of dark zones. Comcast also has smaller projects specific to areas of Stewarts Run, River Road and Gandalf Road (Snake Hill). It was previously explained that many of these projects should start wrapping up by spring, but homes will be connected throughout the process as service reaches them. Jason Ryan is a senior enterprise reporter covering the Lowcountry and South Carolina. He has reported for three South Carolina newspapers and has written several history and true crime books about the Palmetto State and Hawaii. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. High 59F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Overcast. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Berkeley and Dorchester Metro Reporter Komlavi Adissem is a metro reporter covering Berkeley and Dorchester counties. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered city, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem! Russians are warming to crypto, encouraged by the countrys banks and regulators. And theyre using cutting-edge solutions to build an investment ecosystem that can sidestep Western sanctions, past, present, or future. For Moscow, the future of finance is digital and it lives on a blockchain. But while theyve turned to traditional digital assets like Bitcoin, analysts expect a Russian take on tokenised securities and commodities, industrial Bitcoin mining, and crypto derivatives to take off in 2026. Dawn of the DFA Digital financial assets, Russias take on the buzzy tokenisation trend also called DFAs, have grown by over a third to become a $13 billion market in 2025, the Russian central bank estimates. But unlike many of the tokenised commodities traded in the West, theyre built on private blockchains and can only be traded on domestic platforms that hold central bank-issued permits. They now sit at the centre of Russias blockchain-powered economic expansion plans. DFA issuers have released tokens tied to the value of everything from cocoa beans to St. Petersburg real estate. The total volume of Russian DFA placements in the first nine months of 2025 increased by 33%, Vitaly Plotnikov, the deputy director of the central banks financial market infrastructure department, told Russian news agency Interfax in early December. Yields on short-term DFAs this year exceeded short-term bond yields by an average of 1.7%, he added. And its set to grow. In early December, Anatoly Aksakov, the head of the State Dumas commission on the financial markets and the chief architect of Russias crypto legislation, said boosting the DFA market will be a key economic priority for Moscow in 2026. Aksakov added that the government aims to achieve tax parity for DFA investors in 2026, placing them on the same tax footing as traditional bondholders. This will allow the DFA market to grow significantly, attract money for longer periods, and accumulate resources for business and economic development, Aksakov said. Moscow has granted operating licences to 16 more Russian firms since Atomyze issued its first DFA, according to Russian central bank data. While most of these license-holders are banks, in August, the bank also granted a DFA-issuing license to a startup named Madrigal, which offers DFA issuance-as-a-service products. Crypto derivatives booming The Moscow Exchange, or MOEX, and Russian banks are also championing so-called crypto derivatives. As Russians cannot buy shares in popular US-based Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, MOEX and major banks have launched their own funds. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-03 17:01:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 337 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 3, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE:ARE). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Alexandria and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 26, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Alexandria securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On October 27, 2025, Alexandria reported below-expectation financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2025 and, in particular, cut its full-year 2025 funds from operations, or FFO, guidance. The Company attributed the setback to lower occupancy rates, slower leasing activity and, most notably, a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property.On this news, Alexandria's stock price fell $14.93 per share, or 19.17%, to close at $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-03 17:01:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 408 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 3, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Freeport-McMoran Inc. ("Freeport" or the "Company") (NYSE:FCX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Freeport and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Freeport securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On September 9, 2025, Freeport issued a press release announcing the suspension of mining activities at its Grasberg Block Cave operation in Indonesia, after "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint . . . blocked access to certain areas within the mine," trapping seven workers. The press release further stated that mining operations in the area "have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the safe evacuation of the . . . workers." On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $2.80 per share, or 5.99%, to close at $43.87 per share on September 9, 2025.Then, on September 24, 2025, Freeport provided an update on the incident, reporting that two of the seven workers were "fatally injured" and that the remaining five workers "remain missing." The press release further stated that mining operations in the area remained suspended.On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $7.69 per share, or 16.95%, to close at $37.67 per share on September 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-03 17:01:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 420 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 3, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against StubHub Holdings, Inc. ("StubHub" or the "Company") (NYSE:STUB). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether StubHub and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 23, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired StubHub securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On or around September 17, 2025, StubHub conducted its initial public offering ("IPO") of 34,042,553 shares of Class A common stock priced at $23.50 per share. Then, on November 13, 2025, StubHub issued a press release announcing its financial results for the third quarter of 2025. The press release revealed that free cash flow was negative $4.6 million in the quarter, a 143% decrease from the Company's free cash flow in the year ago period, which was positive $10.6 million. The press release further revealed that StubHub's net cash provided by operating activities was only $3.8 million, a 69.3% decrease from the year ago period, when the Company reported $12.4 million in net cash provided by operating activities. The same day, StubHub filed its quarterly report for the third quarter of 2025, which revealed that the quarter's year-over-year decrease in free cash flow "primarily reflects changes in the timing of payments to vendors." On this news, StubHub's stock price fell $3.95 per share, or 20.9%, to close at $14.87 per share on November 14, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-03 17:00:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 550 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 3, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Primo Brands Corporation ("Primo Brands" or the "Company") (NYSE:PRMB). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Primo Brands and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 12, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Primo Brands securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained atwww.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On June 17, 2024, Primo Water Corporation ("Primo Water") announced entry into a merger agreement (the "Merger") with an affiliate of BlueTriton Brands, Inc. ("BlueTriton"). The two companies touted the synergies of the Merger, stating that the combined company was expected to have "significant financial and operating leverage" and "enhanced distribution capabilities" which would position it "for sustained long-term growth." On November 8, 2024, the companies announced the completion of the Merger and the formation of the combined entity, Primo Brands.On August 7, 2025, Primo Brands announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. On an accompanying earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Robbert Rietbroek acknowledged that "[t]he speed by which we closed facilities and reduced headcount led to disruptions in product supply, delivery, and service." Following these disclosures, Primo Brands' stock price fell $2.41 per share, or 9.13%, to close at $24.00 per share on August 7, 2025.Then, on November 6, 2025, Primo Brands announced Rietbroek's departure as CEO and disclosed that the Company was drastically reducing its full year 2025 net sales and adjusted EBITDA guidance. During a corresponding earnings call, Primo Brands' new CEO Eric Foss admitted that the Company "probably moved too far too fast on some of the various integration work streams" and that "[t]here's no doubt that speed impacted our ability to get through a lot of the warehouse closures and route realignment without disruption." Foss further revealed that Primo Brands had experienced "customer service issues" as well as "integration issues related to the technology move over." On this news, Primo Brands' stock price fell $8.20 per share, or 36.19%, over the following two trading sessions, closing at $14.46 per share on November 7, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP "China's tech innovation is poised for policy-driven growth in 2026, with AI placed at the centre of the country's economic agenda and industrial upgrading plans," said Winston Ma, an adjunct professor at the New York University School of Law, with a focus on AI and the digital economy. In his New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that the domestic market has "many large AI models competing in a race to the top", while new breakthroughs were being achieved in domestic semiconductor development. All of that "has turned China into one of the economies with the fastest growing innovation capabilities", Xi said. A domestic AI start-up's co-founder, who declined to be identified, predicted that China would overtake the US to become "the world's leading AI power in 2027". China's advantage was its deep talent pool, according to the co-founder. Analysts expected the momentum of Chinese AI companies to continue this year, thanks to Beijing's policy support, improved funding prospects, greater adoption of AI systems across industries and a growing number of talent being recruited for innovative projects. The two models either surpassed or matched the performance of rival models across a range of industry benchmark tests. They were also built at a fraction of the cost and computing power that major US tech companies invest to build LLMs. The result: a massive sell-off on January 27 wiped out nearly US$1 trillion in tech stocks, including US$600 billion from Nvidia alone. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. It was around this time last year when DeepSeek started to get widely noticed days after releasing its namesake large language model (LLM), DeepSeek-V3 . Weeks later on January 20, reasoning model DeepSeek-R1 was released. That release was a fitting reminder to the world, especially during the peak of the Christmas holiday season, about Chinese AI companies' sharpened focus on innovation to stay ahead in this fast-developing industry. On the last day of 2025, DeepSeek published a new technical paper, with founder and CEO Liang Wenfeng among the 19 co-authors, about "manifold-constrained hyper-connections" - a general framework for training artificial intelligence systems at scale, which suggested "promising directions for the evolution of foundational models". Story Continues China currently has a strong AI bench of more than a dozen players developing powerful open models beyond DeepSeek, according to a report last month by Stanford University's DigiChina Project, which is under the school's Centre for International Security and Cooperation, and its Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, which compiles the annual AI Index report. Those included Qwen model developer Alibaba Cloud and fast-growing start-ups such as Moonshot AI, MiniMax and Zhipu AI, known internationally as Z.ai. Alibaba Cloud is the AI and cloud computing services unit of Alibaba Group Holding, owner of the Post. China's open-source AI models may have already caught up or "even pulled ahead" of their US counterparts in capabilities and adoption, the report found. Alibaba Cloud is the artificial intelligence and cloud computing services unit of Alibaba Group Holding. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Alibaba Cloud is the artificial intelligence and cloud computing services unit of Alibaba Group Holding. Photo: Shutterstock> Facebook parent Meta Platforms, for example, was said to be using Alibaba Cloud's open-source Qwen model as part of the training process for a new model code-named Avocado, which was expected to be released in the spring. The report did not specify which Qwen model was being used by Meta. Qwen is the world's most popular series of open-source LLMs, with many US businesses using it to develop their own applications. Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of San Francisco-based Airbnb, said the company "relies heavily" on Alibaba's Qwen models to power its AI-driven customer service agent. In 2025, ChatGPT-style apps - including Alibaba Cloud's Qwen AI assistant, ByteDance-owned Doubao chatbot and Tencent Holdings' Yuanbao - increasingly became part of everyday life in China, as these were typically free of charge for individual users. An open secret within China's provincial governments was that local cadres increasingly relied on AI tools to draft official documents and reports, according to the official Xinhua News Agency's report in September. Zhang Yi, the founder and chief analyst at market consultancy iiMedia, said he was bullish about China's AI prospects in 2026 as the technology's development was "a national priority". China's central economic work conference, which charts policies, and the country's 15th five-year plan from 2026 to 2030, highlighted AI's potential to transform and make more efficient China's massive industrial and manufacturing industries, according to Zhang. Meta Platforms is reportedly using Alibaba Cloud's open-source Qwen model as part of the training process for a new model code-named Avocado. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Meta Platforms is reportedly using Alibaba Cloud's open-source Qwen model as part of the training process for a new model code-named Avocado. Photo: Shutterstock> Apart from chatbots, humanoid robots have become a major application for AI in China, where such implementation is called embodied AI. Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing in August predicted significant progress for these machines within three to five years because of AI, although he cautioned that it may take longer for humanoids to enter households because of ethical and safety concerns. "In the long run, the surge of humanoid robots this year could be just a small spark, akin to the birth of the internet many years ago," he said. In a research note published this week, analysts at China Merchants Securities projected humanoid robots to become the ultimate application for AI models. Still, Wang reiterated his earlier assertion that the "ChatGPT moment" for China's robotics industry had yet to arrive. Other AI-powered devices, meanwhile, are also being promoted to consumers as Chinese innovation in this field continued to progress. On-device AI products - such as AI glasses and AI smartphones - are expected to thrive in the next few years, iiMedia's Zhang said. Alibaba in November launched its first AI glasses - the Quark AI Glasses, named after the company's Quark AI assistant - in China in a bid to carve out a solid niche in the growing smart wearables market. "AI glasses are the intelligent devices that truly usher in a revolution in human-computer interaction in the AI era," Alibaba vice-president Wu Jia said at the product launch. "In this respect, their importance is no less than that of mobile phones." Alibaba Group Holding's Quark AI Glasses are named after the company's Quark AI assistant. Photo: Handout alt=Alibaba Group Holding's Quark AI Glasses are named after the company's Quark AI assistant. Photo: Handout> ByteDance, meanwhile, triggered controversy with a test version of its agentic AI smartphone made in partnership with ZTE. The company said it had scaled back the capabilities of Doubao, the agentic AI that runs on the handset, after several of China's most widely used apps restricted its voice-operated functions. One challenge for a number of Chinese AI start-ups in 2026 would be generating profits as they transform their technology into usable products. "A tipping point will emerge in 2026, as profitability becomes the key metric to measure an AI company," iiMedia's Zhang said. After they complete their Hong Kong listing efforts, MiniMax and Zhipu AI are expected to show they can steadily make money to their investors, according to Zhang. MiniMax on Wednesday kicked off its Hong Kong initial public offering, seeking to raise up to HK$4.19 billion. Zhipu AI on Tuesday started its listing process, with an eye on raising HK$4.35 billion. Moonshot AI, meanwhile, raised US$500 million in its recent Series C funding round, according to a report on Wednesday by the Chinese technology news outlet LatePost. That fresh injection of capital pushed Moonshot AI's valuation to US$4.3 billion, according to the report. With its financial war chest, Moonshot AI was "in no rush for an IPO in the short term", founder and CEO Yang Zhilin said in an internal letter dated Wednesday. China-founded Manus, an artificial intelligence agent specialist, now forms part of the operations of new owner Meta Platforms. Photo: Shutterstock alt=China-founded Manus, an artificial intelligence agent specialist, now forms part of the operations of new owner Meta Platforms. Photo: Shutterstock> This week, Meta's acquisition of China-founded AI agent specialist Manus for unspecified billions of dollars opened what some see as a "cash-out" route for AI entrepreneurs beyond the traditional IPO playbook, while continuing to push innovation under a large corporate parent. "The overall sentiment has been positive and optimistic," said Niu Zhangming, CEO of AI-driven biotech firm MindRank, adding that the deal could be a "significant boon for the ecosystem" by lifting confidence among entrepreneurs, investors and scientists. Meta said in a statement that it was taking in Manus "to bring a leading agent to billions of people and unlock opportunities for businesses across our products". It said Manus was already serving the daily needs of "millions of users and businesses worldwide". For Adam Tang, a 39yearold software engineer in Beijing, the rapid expansion of AI capabilities has brought growing unease, as the pace of innovation has increased. Tang's employer, a multinational research facility in Beijing, has been encouraging the use of Cursor, an AI coding assistant popular among software developers, to improve productivity and save costs across the organisation. He said the team he was on ranked staff monthly on the basis of who used Cursor at work more, an apparent effort to spur adoption of the AI coding tool that can turn natural language instructions into production-ready code in seconds. Tang said his worry was that AI tools, such as Cursor, could render the role of software programmers obsolete in the not-so-remote future. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2026 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2026. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-03 01:00:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 673 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 2, 2026 /The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) between January 27, 2025 and October 27, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important January 26, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Alexandria Real Estate Equities securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Alexandria Real Estate Equitiesclass action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 26, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Alexandria Real Estate's expected revenue and funds from operations ("FFO") growth for the 2025 fiscal year, particularly as it related to the growth of Alexandria Real Estate's real estate operations. The defendants' statements included, among other things, confidence in Alexandria Real Estate Equities' lease activity, occupancy stability, and ability to develop its tenant pipeline.According to the lawsuit, defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of its Long Island City ("LIC") property. In particular, Alexandria Real Estate's claims and confidence about the leasing value of the LIC property as a life-science destination. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Alexandria Real Estate Equities class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Fidelity Bank Plc has appointed Amaka Onwughalu as its new board chairperson following the completion of the tenure of its former chairperson, Mustafa Chike-Obi. In a Friday disclosure to the NGX, signed by the company secretary, Ezinwa Unuigboje, the bank said Mr Chike-Obi, a non-executive director and chair of the board, stepped down from the board on 31 December 2025 after completing his tenure, in line with the banks policy. The bank said that under Mr Chike-Obis leadership, Fidelity Bank recorded significant growth across key financial indices, with the board successfully executing the banks strategy and achieving major milestones aligned with its long-term vision. It added that the board and management expressed appreciation to Mr Chike-Obi for his contributions to the growth and development of the bank during his time on the board. As part of its board succession planning policy and to ensure a smooth transition, the board approved the appointment of Mrs Onwughalu, an existing non-executive director, as chairperson of the board with effect from 1 January. The bank said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been formally notified of the appointment. Mrs Onwughalu joined the board of Fidelity Bank on 17 December 2020. Before her appointment as chairman, she served as chairperson of the board credit committee and the board committee on bank capitalisation. She is also a member of the board finance and general-purpose committee, the board remuneration, nomination and governance committee, and the board risk management committee, which she previously chaired. The board said it was confident that Mrs Onwughalu would lead the board in the continued successful execution of the banks strategy, adding that the succession arrangement reflects Fidelity Banks strong corporate governance standards. Mrs Onwughalu has over 30 years of banking experience, including more than 10 years in executive management across several financial institutions. Her experience spans commercial banking, retail banking, treasury management, banking operations and corporate banking. She previously served as group managing director of the legacy Mainstreet Bank Limited, where she led the seamless integration of the bank with Skye Bank Plc. She later served as deputy managing director at Skye Bank Plc until her retirement in July 2016. She is currently the chief executive officer of Blueshield Financial Services Limited. Mrs Onwughalu holds a bachelors degree in economics from the University of Buckingham, a masters degree in corporate governance from Leeds Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom, and an MBA from the University of Port Harcourt. She has attended leadership, executive and business development programmes at several global institutions, including INSEAD in France, IMD Business School in Switzerland, Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, Columbia Business School in the United States, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Kennedy School, and the Institute of Directors in Nigeria. She is a senior fellow of the Institute of Internal Auditors of Nigeria and a fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the Institute of Directors. She is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management. Mrs Onwughalu is committed to mentoring the girl child and supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals to contribute to Nigerias economic development. She is a Paul Harris Fellow and has received several awards, including the National Merit Award for Accountability and Transparency, the Award of Excellence and Distinction for Financial Management, and the Vocational Service Award from the Rotary Club of Enugu. A new study has reported a rise in drug-resistant infections across several African countries, including Nigeria, raising concern about the ability of health systems to treat common illnesses effectively. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), made the report available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Abuja. The Africa CDC said that the report was produced under the Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership (MAAP), the largest study of antimicrobial resistance carried out in Africa. It was led by the organisation, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), the One Health Trust, and regional partners. The African health organisation said that the study analysed more than 187,000 laboratory test results from 205 laboratories in 14 African countries, including Nigeria. It said that the samples were collected between 2016 and 2019. According to Africa CDC, the researchers found increasing resistance in bacteria commonly responsible for serious infections such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The report showed that resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, a group of powerful antibiotics, was particularly high in Ghana and Malawi. In six countries, more than half of Staphylococcus aureus samples were resistant to methicillin, a widely used antibiotic. In Nigeria and Ghana, resistance levels were reported to be above 70 per cent, it said. The Africa CDC explained that the study also reported that some groups were more likely to develop drug-resistant infections. People aged 65 years and above were 28 per cent more likely to have resistant infections than younger adults, while patients admitted to hospitals had a 24 per cent higher risk. The researchers said previous antibiotic use also increased the likelihood of resistance, it said. Speaking with NAN, Gabriel Adakole, a Public Health expert noted that the findings have implications for Nigerias health sector, particularly hospitals and treatment facilities. Mr Adakole said the country has ongoing national efforts to strengthen antimicrobial resistance surveillance through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and partner institutions. He, however, said that gaps still exist in routine testing, antibiotic stewardship and data reporting, especially at the primary and secondary healthcare levels. He also warned that misuse of antibiotics, including self-medication and over-the-counter access, contributes to rising resistance. He said despite the growing burden, the report identified major gaps in testing capacity and data quality across Africa. Less than two per cent of health facilities assessed were able to test for bacterial infections, and only 12 per cent of resistance records were linked to patient information, he said. Meanwhile, Yewande Alimi, One Health Unit Lead at Africa CDC, said that the quality of AMR data varied across countries, with Senegal recording stronger systems, while Sierra Leone had weaker data collection capacity. Ms Alimi said many laboratories still rely on handwritten registers and do not have digital systems. The study, supported by the UK Fleming Fund and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), called for increased investment in laboratory services, routine testing and digital data systems, she said. She said the findings show the need for coordinated action on antimicrobial resistance across the continent. For African countries, AMR remains a complex problem, leaving countries with a million-dollar question: Where do we start from? This study brings to light groundbreaking AMR data for African countries. We must act now, and together, to address AMR, she said. NAN recalled that Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria change in ways that make antibiotics less effective. This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of complications, prolonged illness and death. READ ALSO: Resident doctors to resume indefinite strike on 12 January The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top global public health threats, with low- and middle-income countries facing a higher risk due to limited diagnostic capacity and weak regulatory systems. In Nigeria and other African countries, antibiotics are sometimes used without prescription, contributing to resistance and treatment failure. The report warned that without stronger action, drug-resistant infections could undermine progress made in healthcare delivery and disease control. The MAAP partners said the findings provide a foundation for African governments to improve surveillance, treatment guidelines and public health planning. (NAN) The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to resume its Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike (TICS 2.0) from 12 January, citing the federal governments failure to implement agreements reached with the association. NARD in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its president, Mohammad Suleiman, said the decision was taken at an Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on Friday, Mr Suleiman also confirmed the development in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES, stating that all information shared on his X account was accurate. The planned strike, tagged No Implementation, No Going Back, is expected to commence at 12:00 a.m. on 12 January unless the government meets the associations outstanding demands. Protests across hospitals Alongside the renewed strike, the association announced plans for nationwide protests to highlight unresolved welfare concerns affecting resident doctors. According to the statement, centre-based demonstrations will be held in hospitals across the country from 12 to 16 January. These will be followed by regional protests coordinated by caucus leaders, as well as a national protest to be organised by NARDs National Officers Committee. As part of the mobilisation, the NEC directed presidents of all 91 NARD centres nationwide to convene congress meetings and subsequently brief the media. NARD said the objective is to hold 91 press conferences across the country within seven days to draw public attention to doctors welfare issues. Background to the dispute NARD had suspended its previous indefinite strike on 29 November, 2025, after 29 days of industrial action, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the federal government. Under the MoU, the government committed to meeting the associations demands within four weeks. However, NARD said repeated deadlines for implementation have been ignored by both the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the federal government. Last week, the association warned that medical services across the country could again be disrupted if the agreements remained unfulfilled. Conditions for suspending the strike The association said the planned strike would only be suspended after the full implementation of its minimum demands. These include the reinstatement of five resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja; payment of promotion and salary arrears; and the full implementation of the professional allowance table, with arrears captured in the 2026 budget. READ ALSO: Resident doctors urge university management to fix manpower gap Other demands include official clarification by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on skipping and entry-level placement issues; the reintroduction and implementation of the specialist allowance; and the resolution of salary delays and arrears affecting house officers. NARD is also demanding the issuance of a pay advisory, the re-categorisation and release of membership certificates after Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, the establishment of locum and work-hours regulation committees, and the resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process. Notice period The association explained that the one-week notice before the resumption of the strike is intended to allow for congress meetings, media engagements and statutory notifications to security agencies, including the State Security Services, the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as hospital managements. The National Officers Committee appreciates members patience and resilience and assures them of full commitment to the resolutions reached, the association said, adding that engagements with relevant authorities would be intensified in the coming days. Beneficiaries of the Nigerian governments National Award Scholarship have written to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, seeking payment for the 2025 academic year. In a letter seen by PREMIUM TIMES, and signed by five beneficiaries, the scholars said they are yet to receive the grants, despite a verification exercise in September and multiple letters to the education ministry and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. The signees are Wisdom Makpa for Southern Beneficiaries, Muhammad Yakubu for Northern Beneficiaries; Hosea Joseph, Alameen Abubakar and Kabiru Datti. Majority of us have relied on the scholarship to support our academic needs as it enables us to pursue our academic dreams with less financial burden, parts of the letter read. We therefore kindly request that you bring this matter to the attention of all relevant authorities, including the Office of the Accountant General. Silence after verification One of the beneficiaries, Kabir Datti, told PREMIUM TIMES via telephone that the funds for 2024 was similarly delayed and paid in February last year. Mr Datti explained that although theres no specific timeline for payments, it is usually made before the end of the year. (For 2025), the verification was done in September, he said. We were expecting the payments about a month later, but up till now nothing. In October, the students wrote to the Office of the Accountant General requesting the payment, according to a copy of the letter seen by this newspaper. In response, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the Accountant General wrote to the Federal Scholarship Board, a department of the education ministry, requesting clarification on the status of the payment and approvals. It is unclear if the education ministry has provided the details. The spokesperson for the ministry, Folasade Boriowo, did not respond to a phone call and message requesting comments and clarifications. READ ALSO: West Africa Oil and Gas Development Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship Increased grant, delayed payment In July, the minister, Mr Alausa, disclosed that the government has increased the scholarship grant by 50 per cent, raising the grants for undergraduates from N300,000 to N450,000. For Masters students, the government raised it from N400,000 to N600,000 and N500,000 to N750,000 for Doctoral students. However, the undergraduate students said they have yet to receive the payment for last year, despite completing the verification exercise in September. In November, the House of Representatives launched an investigation into the non-payment of scholarship stipends to Nigerian students studying locally and overseas. According to the House Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing, chaired by Ifeoluwa Ehindero, the investigation seeks to ensure that federal government-funded scholarship programmes are administered efficiently and transparently, in line with the terms contained in award letters. US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that the United States carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said Mr Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country following the operation, which he said was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement agencies. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country, Mr Trump wrote. He added that further details would be provided at a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday. Venezuelas government, however, accused the United States of launching attacks on civilian and military installations in several states, describing the action as military aggression by Washington. Al Jazeera reported the Venezuelan authorities as saying the attacks targeted the capital, Caracas, as well as the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, and announced a national emergency in response. Venezuelas opposition said it had no formal position on reports of a US strike. A spokesperson told the media that there was no official response at the moment amid ongoing questions over reported explosions and alleged military activity, CNN reported. One of the countrys most prominent opposition figures, Maria Machado, a right-wing critic of Mr Maduro, has previously supported months of US military build-up and operations against what Washington described as narco-trafficking vessels. She had described Mr Trumps actions as decisive after the US seized a Venezuelan oil tanker last month. Ms Machado was barred by the Venezuelan government from contesting the presidential election, a move condemned by opposition groups and several international actors. Her current whereabouts remain unclear, according to Al Jazeera. Mr Maduro has repeatedly accused Washington of plotting regime change in Venezuela, alleging that the US seeks to gain control of the countrys vast oil reserves. The US embassy in Bogota said it was aware of reports of explosions in and around Caracas and reiterated warnings for US citizens not to travel to Venezuela. In a security notice, the embassy urged Americans currently in the country to leave as soon as it is safe to do so, noting that Venezuela remains under a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory. It advised US citizens to shelter in place if already in the country and to maintain multiple lines of communication with family and friends abroad. The embassy also recalled that in March 2019, the US Department of State withdrew all diplomatic staff from Caracas and suspended embassy operations. Residents in some coastal areas reported hearing explosions. A resident of Higuerote, about 85 kilometres east of Caracas, told CNN he was awakened by sounds he initially thought were fireworks before hearing multiple explosions and seeing the sky turn red as residents ran outside screaming. Venezuelan news outlets Efecto Cocuyo and Tal Cual Digital earlier reported explosions in La Guaira state and in Higuerote. PREMIUM TIMES will provide more details of this developing story in subsequent reports. The Niger State Government has announced plans to reopen public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, weeks after a wave of insecurity, including the mass abduction of pupils from a Catholic school, forced authorities to shut down educational institutions. The decision followed what the government described as a detailed security assessment and consultations with security agencies, according to a statement issued on Friday by the governors spokesperson, Bologi Ibrahim. The decision to reopen schools followed a careful security assessment and extensive consultations with relevant security agencies, in line with the state governments commitment to safeguarding lives while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education for all children in Niger State, Mr Ibrahim said. Under the new directive, all public and private day and boarding schools located in areas assessed as safe and secure will resume academic activities on Monday, 12 January, while schools in areas considered unsafe will remain closed pending further security clearance. All public and private day as well as boarding schools located in unsafe areas shall, in the interim, remain closed until such areas are duly assessed and cleared by relevant security authorities, the statement said. The government also directed school authorities to register all returning students on resumption and submit the data to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education within one week for documentation and monitoring purposes. In addition, local government chairpersons have been instructed to support the reopening process by working with security agencies to ensure adequate security presence in and around school premises. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is expected to publish an official list of schools approved for reopening on January 12. Why schools were shut Niger State ordered the closure of all public and private schools in late November 2025 following the abduction of pupils and staff from St. Marys Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. Gunmen attacked the boarding school in the early hours of 21 November, abducting pupils and teachers and sparking nationwide outrage. Initial reports suggested more than 300 persons were missing, although later reconciliation exercises by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed that 230 pupils and staff were actually abducted. The closure was announced after an emergency security meeting chaired by Governor Umaru Bago, who said the move was necessary to protect students amid rising attacks on communities and schools in parts of the state, particularly in Agwara and Shiroro local government areas. At the height of the crisis, the state government extended the shutdown to include missionary schools, Islamic schools, and federal government colleges, citing concerns over the safety of children. Gunmen have attacked a community in Plateau States Quaan-Pan Local Government Area, killing at least seven people and injuring several others, in the latest deadly assault to hit rural communities in the state. The attack occurred on Friday night in Bong village, Doemak District, where the assailants reportedly carried out a house-to-house operation, targeting women, children and elderly residents. PUNCH Newspapers first reported the incident, citing witnesses in Jos who said the attackers were heavily armed and struck when residents were largely unprepared. Survivors told the newspaper that most of the victims were people who could not flee on time. A native of the area, Lawrence Dogari, confirmed the killings, saying the death toll could rise. For now, I can confirm to you that over seven persons have been killed, while some persons are still missing, he said. The Director of Press and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Quaan-Pan Local Government Council, Danaan Sylvanus, also confirmed the attack but said the exact number of casualties was yet to be established. The council boss, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, is condemning the attack on innocent persons and is collaborating with security operatives to ensure that the culprits are arrested, Mr Sylvanus said, adding that residents would be updated as more information emerges. Efforts to obtain comments from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, did not respond to several phone calls. A state under sustained attack Fridays killings are the latest in a string of violent attacks that have plagued Plateau State in recent months. On Christmas Eve, gunmen attacked Bum community in Jos South Local Government Area, killing at least seven people. The renewed violence has occurred despite intensified military operations across several flashpoints in the state. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Enduring Peace, foiled a planned attack on communities in Wase Local Government Area, killing five suspected bandits during an intelligence-led ambush on 1 January. According to the army, the operation was carried out under Operation Peace Shield after troops intercepted armed men moving from Dutsen Zaki towards Odare Forest, allegedly to attack nearby communities. Military operation and official response In a press release issued by the Joint Task Force, the Acting Media Information Officer, Joshua John, said the troops engaged the bandits in a firefight. During the firefight, troops neutralised five bandits while others fled, Mr John said. He said items recovered from the scene included two AK-47 rifle magazines containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, two machetes and one knife, adding that troops were still pursuing the fleeing suspects. Mr John said the operation was part of sustained efforts to deny criminal groups freedom of action within Plateau and adjoining areas. The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. E.F. Oyinlola, assures law-abiding residents of Plateau State of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property, he said. He also urges the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies. The task force further warned armed groups operating within the Joint Operations Area to abandon criminal activities or face decisive military action. Persistent insecurity Despite these operations, Plateau State has continued to record deadly attacks, kidnappings and arms trafficking incidents. In December, at least 28 travellers were abducted in the Zak community of Wase Local Government Area while travelling for a religious event. In November, troops arrested a suspected gunrunner in Bassa LGA and recovered locally fabricated rifles, while another raid in Bokkos LGA led to the recovery of assault rifles and ammunition. READ ALSO: Niger State to partially reopen schools weeks after mass abduction forced shutdown Residents and rights groups have repeatedly called on authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and protect vulnerable rural communities, warning that without sustained security presence and accountability, attacks like the one in Quaan-Pan could continue. As of Saturday afternoon, Mr Alabo had yet to issue an official statement on the Bong village attack, as several calls placed to his phone by PREMIUM TIMES were not reachable, while families in the community continued to search for missing relatives. A prominent Zaria-based Islamic scholar, Sani Khalifa, has been held in detention for 23 days over his alleged link to a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu. Multiple sources familiar with the case told this reporter that Mr Khalifa was picked up by security agents in Abuja shortly after he travelled from Zaria to resolve an unexplained freeze on his bank account. This is despite denial by the Nigerian government of the alleged plot to topple Mr Tinubus government. PREMIUM TIMES in a series of reports last year, exposed how senior military officers were arrestedin batchesfor allegedly plotting a violent coup. Although the arrests began in late September, sources familiar with the matter told our reporter that the Presidency cancelled the 1 October Independence Day parade as a precautionary measure to forestall any potential security threat. The putschists had set to launch their coup on 27 October. By that date, more than 16 officers were said to have been arrested. This newspaper later unveiled the identities of the alleged coup plotters. The suspects, led by a brigadier-general, Musa Sadiq, include 14 officers of the Nigerian Army, a naval officer and a Nigerian Air Force officer. It was also reported that soldiers raided the residence of former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, as investigation linked him to the alleged coup plot. But he denied any involvement in the plot. Bank account freeze led to arrest According to family members and associates, Mr Khalifas ordeal began when his bank account was suddenly closed without written notice. Efforts to resolve the issue at the Zaria branch reportedly failed, with bank officials directing him to the institutions headquarters in Abuja. It was after his arrival in the capital, sources said, that security operatives took him into custody. His detention, according to people briefed on the interrogation, is linked to a N2 million transfer sent to his account by one of the suspected coup plotters. Nigerian authorities have since stated publicly that there was no coup plot, casting further uncertainty over the grounds for the arrests linked to the case. No relationship with suspect soldier A family member of the cleric who spoke with our reporter on Saturday said Mr Khalifa insists he has no relationship with the soldier. He said the transfer was facilitated indirectly through one of the clerics disciples who knew the soldier. The only contact was a brief phone greeting, said the source who does not want to be named because the family did not authorize him to speak. The soldier later asked for Sheikhs account number through the disciple and sent money for prayers and blessings, as many people do with religious scholars. There was no political discussion, no transaction, no agreement. Held despite claims of innocence More troubling, according to another source, a student of the scholar, is that authorities have reportedly admitted during internal briefings that Mr Khalifas name does not appear on any formal list of suspects and that he has been cleared of wrongdoing. But he remains in custody, he lamented. Under Nigerias Constitution, suspects must be informed promptly of the reasons for their arrest and brought before a court within a reasonable time. International human rights law also prohibits incommunicado detention. The Nigerian government has not officially acknowledged the arrest or explained why the cleric is being held. The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, Michael Onoja, could not be immediately reached for comment. He did not respond to calls. And as of press time, an inquiry sent to him had not been responded to. Suspected political thugs on Friday night disrupted a live broadcast by Arise News at the Londa Hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, South-south Nigeria. Arise News, a television station, stated this on X on Saturday morning but did not disclose the identities of suspected thugs. The station reported that its crew was conducting a live interview with Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment in Rivers, regarding the current political crisis in the state. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that some armed thugs stormed the hotel premises at about 9:15 p.m., and forced their way into rooms and seized mobile phones from the terrified guests and staff. The station explained that the thugs moved through the hotel, chanting in a local dialect while searching specifically for Mr Nwibubasa and the Arise News crew. Upon locating the interview set, the thugs threatened the crew and the former commissioner, forcing an immediate end to the broadcast. Arise News said that the thugs fled with high-end equipment, including a Sony Z280 camera, an industrial tripod, wireless microphones, and various accessories. The station further said that its crew had before the incident, spent the earlier part of the day on Friday, covering an event for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Omoku, the headquarters of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state. Arise News added that the police in Rivers State had arrived at the hotel for investigation. The station said Mr Nwibubasa has also condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to democracy. Fresh political tension in Rivers In the wake of the recent political tension in Rivers, Mr Fubara has faced criticism and accusations from Mr Wike and his allies in the Rivers House of Assembly in recent times. Last month, for instance, the Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, slammed the governor, accusing him of neglecting public primary and secondary schools in the state. Mr Amaewhule had also accused Governor Fubara of deliberately lying about his engagement with the states lawmakers. The speaker had accused Mr Fubara of lying when he said he had not met with them. The lawmakers claimed that they met twice with the governor and other leaders. He also claimed the governor had refused to honour the terms of the peace deal brokered by President Tinubu. Similarly, on 30 December, the Rivers lawmakers announced that they would return the sum of N100,000 credited to their personal bank accounts by the state government, accusing Mr Fubara of authorising the payment without approval from the assembly. The lawmakers stated that they planned to take immediate steps to return the money to the Rivers State Governments account upon discovering the transfers. The Rivers State Government, however, clarified that the fund was a Christmas bonus which was paid to all civil and public office holders in the state, without discrimination. Background Before now, a political crisis in Rivers, triggered by the feud between Governor Fubara and Mr Wike resulted in the declaration of emergency rule in the state by president Tinubu in March 2025. Mr Fubara, who was suspended by Mr Tinubu for six months alongside all elected officials in the state, only returned to office in September of that year after the president declared an end to the emergency rule. This was after President Tinubu brokered a second peace deal in June between Messrs Fubara and Wike alongside their supporters. Texas Southern financial audit shows significant weakness appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Following the state audit of Texas Southerns finances, reports indicate that significant weakness has been found. Following the state auditors investigation into TSUs finances in fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025, the report featured several findings. First, per the findings, 97% of the sixty vendor records sampled by the auditor contained data that did not align with actual contract documentation. The institution neglected to provide physical oversight of its resources and has not conducted a mandatory annual inventory since 2019. Financial reporting was also considered unreliable and late in the findings, as the 2023 financial reports arriving at the state comptrollers office were nearly a year behind schedule. The investigation also found clear failure in budgetary oversight, as the university neglected to adjust its budget accounts to reflect the reality of ongoing staffing shortages. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick spoke about the investigations and the findings in a lengthy post on his X account, saying, The results of the State Auditors report released today on Texas Southern University are beyond disturbing and show, at a minimum, a clear mismanagement of millions of taxpayer dollars over many years. The new TSU President, on the job for less than 2 years, agrees with the State Auditors findings and has expressed willingness to take corrective action. The Governor, Speaker, and I have already taken action by putting a stop to any spending on any contracts other than ongoing university expenses to keep the school open. He added, It is my hope, for the sake of the students at the university, that TSU can continue. However, to do so, dramatic and permanent changes must occur immediately to comply with state standards. Millions upon millions of taxpayer dollars are not accounted for. The audit report states 83% of sampled assets cannot be located. I will do everything within my power to be sure that not one additional taxpayer dollar goes unaccounted for ever again at TSU. He ended the post, saying, TSU is solely responsible for this fiasco. If TSU does not remedy the situation, the legislature will. The findings come after Patrick and Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the investigation into Texas Southerns finances. TSU is the only public university in Texas independent of the Texas University System. TSU responded to the findings of the audit per KHOU 11, stating that they provided recommendations to strengthen the compliance, integrity, and effectiveness of institutional, financial, and business processes, including asset management. The Nigerian Army said a joint security force foiled a planned attack on communities in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing five suspected terrorists and recovering weapons. The operation was carried out on 1 January by troops of the 3 Division and the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Joshua John, the spokesperson for the joint force, said in a statement. Describing the operation as an intelligence-led ambush under the ongoing Operation Peace Shield, Mr John said the terrorists were engaged in gunfight while moving from Dutsen Zaki towards the Odare Forest with the intention of attacking nearby communities. During the firefight, troops neutralised five bandits while others fled, Mr John said. He added that items recovered from the scene included two AK-47 rifle magazines containing eleven rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition, two machetes and one knife. He said troops were still pursuing the fleeing suspects. The latest operation comes amid a series of security incidents in Plateau State in recent weeks. In December, at least 28 travellers were abducted from Zak community in the Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area while travelling to Sabon Layi for an Islamic event, according to residents. The Plateau State Police Command later said it had begun investigations into the kidnapping. Security forces have also recorded multiple arms recoveries across the state. In November, troops under Operation Enduring Peace arrested a suspected gunrunner at a checkpoint in Bassa Local Government Area and recovered several locally fabricated rifles. A day before, troops raided a suspected gunrunners hideout in Bokkos Local Government Area, recovering AK-47 rifles, ammunition and cash, while the suspects escaped. Mr John said the military would continue operations across the joint area. He quoted the commander of the task force, E.F. Oyinlola, as assuring residents of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property, and urging the public to provide credible information to security agencies. The task force also warned criminal groups operating in the area to abandon illegal activities, saying troops remained alert to threats against peace and stability in Plateau State. The National Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State. Mr Yilwatda, a professor, spoke on Friday during an interview on Hard Copy, a Channels Television programme. The APC chairperson, however, said the ruling party would support Mr Fubara for a second term in 2027 only if he wins the partys primaries. Mr Fubara, elected governor of Rivers in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress in December last year. Sworn in on 29 May 2023, the governors first tenure will elapse by 29 May 2027. There are indications that he will seek reelection, although he has yet to declare his interest. Fubara leader of APC in Rivers Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State, but he would need to coordinate with every other person in the state, Mr Yilwatda said during the programme. In all the states, we have the state governors lead the parties in their respective states. In APC, we give them that privilege, but we also ask the governors to ensure inclusion to coordinate and carry everyone along. Mr Yilwatda was asked during the programme if the APC would support Mr Fubara should he seek reelection in 2027. We did primaries in Ekiti State, and the governor contested with others before he emerged as the APC candidate. The same rule applies to every state even Governor Fubara will have to go through the normal process if he seeks the ticket, he responded. Wike not our member Mr Yilwatda said discussions concerning the partys affairs in Rivers State would be held with Governor Fubara, not the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who remains a member of the PDP. If we are discussing elections, we will not be discussing with Nyesom Wike. He is not a member of our party, he stated. We will be discussing with Siminalayi Fubara because he is a member of the All Progressives Congress right now. I think we are over-flogging what we dont need to over-flog. Wike is in the PDP. Allow me to discuss members of my party, not people who are not members. I am chairman of the APC, not chairman of all political parties in Nigeria, he said. Background There has been debate about who is the leader of the APC in Rivers, following the defection of Mr Fubara to the party from the PDP. The governor recently declared himself as the leader of the APC. In response, Mr Wike dismissed the comments from Governor Fubara that he has become the leader of the APC in Rivers following his recent defection to the ruling party. The FCT minister suggested that he, not Mr Fubara, is the leader of the APC in the south-southern state, despite being in the PDP. The recent political tension in Rivers followed allegations by Mr Wike that Mr Fubara had reneged on the fresh peace deal brokered between them by President Bola Tinubu. Before now, a political crisis in Rivers, triggered by the feud between Governor Fubara and Mr Wike resulted in the declaration of emergency rule in the state by President Tinubu in March 2025. Mr Fubara, who was suspended by Mr Tinubu for six months alongside all elected officials in the state, only returned to office in September of that year after the president declared an end to the emergency rule. This was after President Tinubu brokered the second peace deal in June between Messrs Fubara and Wike alongside their supporters. Suspected kidnappers have abducted a medical doctor, Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and his brother, Abu Tahir, in Auchi, Edo State. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. Mr Babatunde, said to be undergoing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi, was returning home from work with his brother, Mr Tahir, when the assailants struck. Sources said the brothers arrived at their residence at about 7:30 p.m. and Mr Tahir stepped out of the vehicle to open the gate when the gunmen emerged from hiding. The attackers were said to have abducted the brothers at gunpoint and whisked them into a nearby bush. Confirming the incident on Saturday, Eno Ikoedem, the spokesperson of the police command in Edo, said the command received a distress call on Friday about the abduction. She said operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, while a coordinated manhunt was launched. Ms Ikoedem, an assistant superintendent of police, said the search involves the police, local vigilantes, forest guards, and Community Safety Partnership Volunteers familiar with the terrain. According to her, aggressive search-and-rescue operations have been ongoing in the surrounding forest since the incident, aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators. Ms Ikoedem gave the assurance that the command would leave no stone unturned to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted brothers. (NAN) The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspects as it investigates a suspected case of arson at Isale Koko area of Ilorin linked to religious intolerance. The incident gained public attention after a video of a burnt house, allegedly belonging to a traditional religion practitioner, circulated on social media platform X on Saturday. In a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was aware of a video circulating online showing an elderly woman saying her place of residence was completely razed by fire. She said the police had begun a thorough investigation into the fire incident suspected to be an act of arson at Isale Koko Area, Ilorin. According to the police, the incident was reported on 2 January. On 2nd January, 2026 at about 10:00pm, a resident, Mrs. T.A. Olorisha, reported at C Division, Oja Oba, that her house was set ablaze by unknown persons, the statement said. Ms Ejire-Adeyemi added that the fire occurred on 1 January at about 7 p.m. while the complainant was away. The complainant alleged that she had received threats in November 2025 from some individuals allegedly over religious differences, as she is a traditional worshipper, the police said. She identified the suspects as Alhaji Salihu Saka, 63; Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, 58; and Alhaji Yekini Olohuntele, 67. All three suspects are currently in police custody, aiding investigations, the PPRO said. She noted that no life was lost in the incident, as no one was inside the building at the time of the incident, adding that the value of the property destroyed was yet to be determined. The Command assures members of the public that concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other perpetrators, while all allegations are being diligently investigated, the statement said. The police also reiterated their commitment to protecting fundamental rights. The Kwara State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives, property, and the fundamental rights of all residents, regardless of religious or cultural beliefs, Ms Ejire-Adeyemi said, urging the public to remain calm and provide useful information to aid the investigation. Background The police confirmation follows reports that a woman practising traditional religion accused her neighbours of setting her house on fire after repeatedly threatening her over her faith. The allegation was first shared on X by a user identified as Bennylee (#itsbennylee), alongside a video of the burnt building. The post claimed the woman had faced sustained hostility after relocating to a predominantly Muslim community in Ilorin. According to the report, the woman, described as an Onisese (traditional religion practitioner), had earlier reported threats and intimidation to the police, leading to the summoning and warning of those involved. Despite the police warning, the threats allegedly continued, culminating in the burning of her house on 1 January while she was away attending the Osun Festival. The police say investigations are ongoing. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that his country will run Venezuela until a safe transition, following the kidnap of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by American forces. PREMIUM TIMES reports that US forces stormed various parts of Venezuela on Saturday in a shocking attack that has been condemned by many countries, including Cuba, Colombia and China. Mr Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were abducted during the attacks. Speaking in an interview with journalists hours after the attack, Mr Trump also said the US will be very strongly involved in Venezuelas oil industry. Venezuela has the worlds largest oil reserves and many observers have said the control of Venezuelas oil is the main reason for the attacks. Mr Trump also said Mr Maduro and his wife were being taken to New York, where they will face indictment for drug-related offences. Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said Mr Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country following the operation, which he said was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement agencies. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country, Mr Trump wrote. Venezuelas government, however, accused the United States of launching attacks on civilian and military installations in several states, describing the action as military aggression by Washington. The Venezuelan authorities as saying the attacks targeted the capital, Caracas, as well as the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, and announced a national emergency in response. After the curtains closed on the Katsina Economic & Investment Summit 2025, one question naturally followed: What has really changed since the summit ended? The answer is now taking shape in concrete partnerships, financing commitments, and implementation plans none more significant than the growing collaboration between Dar Al-Halal Group and the Katsina State Government. Revisiting the summit presentations, the Chairman of Dar Al-Halal Group, Dikko Ladan, outlined why the company is committing major capital and technical expertise to Katsina State. The chairman made it clear that Dar Al-Halal is not offering speeches or symbolic interest, but practical investment in agriculture, Islamic finance, and large-scale land development. Katsina is now a place where investment is real, practical, and backed by deliberate government policy, he stated. Below are the 10 key takeaways from Dar Al-Halals engagement with Katsina: 1. Partnership anchored in agriculture and land transformation Dar Al-Halal emphasized that agricultural transformation is central to its partnership with Katsina State. The group highlighted plans for: large-scale primary production modern mechanized farming expansion of irrigation-based cultivation Agriculture is being repositioned not just as subsistence activity, but as a commercial driver of jobs, revenue, and exports. 2. From summit speeches to structured partnership framework The engagement moved beyond conference statements and entered the phase of structured collaboration. Dar Al-Halal outlined: joint project design shared implementation responsibility governmentprivate sector co-ownership Our emphasis is partnership, not protocol, Mr Ladan noted. 3. Desert-to-Greenland projects enter planning stage One of the boldest outcomes is the desert-to-greenland initiative planned for Katsina. Dar Al-Halal previously signed an MoU with the Egyptian Authority for Sustainable Development, whose model converted millions of hectares of desert into green farmland. Katsina is now preparing to replicate this success through: land reclamation phased cultivation climate-smart irrigation 4. Modular farming system adopted Instead of rushing into massive land conversion, Dar Al-Halal proposed a modular farming system: develop land in phases prove productivity then expand systematically This approach reduces risk while guaranteeing measurable progress. 5. Islamic finance expansion placed on the agenda Another key summit outcome is the plan to expand Islamic finance architecture across Katsina State. Dar Al-Halal committed to supporting: Sukuk-style funding Sharia-compliant investment instruments interest-free financing options This will deepen access to capital while aligning with community preferences. 6. Seed capital before secondary investors Dar Al-Halal announced that it will deploy its own investment first before inviting others. This signals: seriousness confidence long-term commitment It also sends a message to other investors that Katsina is worth backing. 7. Youth employment and skills development prioritized The post-summit engagement placed young people and rural families at the center of new projects. Benefits include: farm-to-industry jobs agribusiness entrepreneurship technical and vocational training Agriculture is being treated not just as land but as livelihood transformation. 8. Confidence in Katsinas leadership and stability Alhaji Ladan stressed that investment confidence is rooted in Governor Raddas reform direction. He cited: improved security environment policy stability supportive regulatory frameworks There is leadership certainty in Katsina, he observed. This stability reassures large-scale investors. 9. Multi-sector commitment beyond agriculture Dar Al-Halal operates across several strategic sectors: healthcare venture capital e-commerce and technology food production and processing lifestyle and leisure services media and communications This positions Katsina to benefit from diversified investment inflows, not agriculture alone. 10. From summit hall to implementation phase The clearest message is that partnership has moved from conversation to coordination. The administration is already aligning: land development plans irrigation systems enabling infrastructure Investor confidence is now being converted into projects From summit promises to real projects Katsina is moving from being only naturally endowed to being deliberately investment-ready. The Dar Al-Halal partnership represents: clearer policy direction renewed private-sector confidence modern, climate-smart agriculture stronger Islamic finance ecosystem job creation and rural upliftment The journey has shifted: from speeches to strategy to implementation. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its aerial offensive against terrorist groups in the North-East and North-West, killing many fighters and crippling their logistics and movement networks through coordinated, intelligence-led airstrikes conducted between 1 and 2 January 2026. The operations, carried out under the joint task forces of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East and Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 2 in the North-West, targeted identified terrorist hideouts, movement routes and assembly points across key threat corridors, the NAF said on Friday. According to a statement by Ehimen Ejodame, the Nigerian Air Forces Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF the sustained air interdiction campaign was based on actionable intelligence relating to terrorist intent, movements and supply chains, with the aim of denying armed groups freedom of movement, operational depth and safe havens within Nigerias territory. In the North-East theatre, NAF air assets delivered successive precision strikes on deeply concealed enclaves at Abirma and Chiralia within the notorious Timbuktu Triangle. Persistent surveillance had confirmed that the locations housed active facilities linked to the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and attack planning. The strikes resulted in the destruction of targeted structures, with multiple secondary explosions observed, an indication, the Air Force said, of the elimination of explosive stockpiles and critical logistics. Follow-on interdiction missions were also executed at Guva in the Mandara Mountains, dismantling what the NAF described as terrorist storage and coordination nodes, and significantly degrading the groups capacity to regroup or launch attacks during and after the festive period. Simultaneously, the campaign was extended to the North-West, where NAF aircraft conducted a decisive interdiction mission around Karaduwa Giginya Na in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Terrorist elements were tracked moving in large motorcycle convoys and were engaged at a forested convergence point. Post-strike assessments, supported by local feedback, confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists, the destruction of multiple motorcycles and the elimination of assorted weapons, the NAF said. READ ALSO: Nigerian Air Force silent 48 hours after bombing many civilians in Borno The Air Force noted that the multi-theatre strikes underscored its rapid-response capability, sustained airpower presence and determination to systematically dismantle terrorist networks threatening national security. Reaffirming its commitment to ongoing operations, the NAF assured Nigerians that the air campaign would continue with precision, persistence and professionalism in support of ground forces. The Air Force pledged to maintain a focus on civilian protection while applying decisive force against terrorist elements, as part of broader efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across affected regions. The Nigerian Army has uncovered a major suicide bombing network operating in the North East, identifying one Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the principal coordinator behind recent attacks and attempted attacks in the region. The discovery was announced by the Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), following intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025. During the operation, troops arrested 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities. According to the Army, subsequent investigations established the structure, roles and operational linkages of the suicide bombing terror cell. A suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader responsible for recruiting, preparing and dispatching suicide bombers to designated targets, as well as coordinating logistics and the supply of improvised explosive device (IED) components. Investigators further revealed that Shariff Umar coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, during which his accomplice, identified as Adamu, detonated a suicide vest and died in the process. He was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, with evidence indicating that he personally handed over IED components to a suicide bomber in Maiduguri. The Army said investigations also uncovered the involvement of Umars wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed having previously seen the suspect bomber within their residence. These (suicide bombing) revelations, OPHK noted, exposed how terrorist networks exploit domestic and community-based concealment to evade detection. All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets, the Army said. OPHK stressed that the breakthrough underscored the importance of collaboration between security agencies and the public, noting that terrorist groups often survive by hiding within communities and exploiting silence or fear. The Army urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies, adding that sustained cooperation between troops and local communities is critical to eradicating terrorism and restoring lasting peace in the North East. The Police Command in Bayelsa State on Friday welcomed a new Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, who takes over from Francis Idu following his promotion to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG). Mr Iyamah noted that Bayelsas vast waterways, oil and gas installations, and vibrant youth population required policing strategies that were adaptive, inclusive, and responsive to both conventional and emerging security challenges. He stressed that the security of lives, property, and critical assets remained the top priority of the Nigeria Police Force, adding that he had been fully briefed on prevailing challenges in the state. Having served in Bayelsa previously as deputy commissioner in the State Criminal Investigation Department and as deputy commissioner of police, Mr Iyamah said he was aware of existing security issues and would improve the current architecture decisively. The new police commissioner emphasised that the command had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of violence and organised crime, including kidnapping, armed robbery, sea piracy, and illegal possession of firearms. He added that police officers had been directed to tackle pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal refining, and other acts of economic sabotage firmly and decisively. READ ALSO: Wike speaks on chances of Fubara winning second term Mr Iyamah said preventive measures would be applied to control inter-communal tensions, youth-related disturbances, and election-related conflicts while maintaining peace and security across the state. He called on Bayelsa residents to support the police by providing timely and credible information, cooperating with officers, and promoting peace in their communities. The outgoing police commissioner, now AIG, Mr Idu, urged officers to work with the new commissioner to ensure success, emphasising cooperation with sister agencies for the safety and security of Bayelsa and its environs. (NAN) BEIJING, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Innovation-driven development is reshaping a dynamic and vibrant China. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the country, for the first time, entered into the top 10 list in the global innovation ranking for 2025, the year that also marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for economic and social development. The modernization accomplished under the plan has brought next steps into sharp focus as the new year ushers in a new development blueprint. Last October, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee adopted recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan at a key Party plenum, charting the country's development path from 2026 through 2030. As the country and the world stand at a crossroads, China, under the guidance of President Xi Jinping's governance philosophy, has not only charted a clear course for its own development but also offered valuable insights for a world in search of stability and direction. Ready for 15th Five-Year Plan Xi sees the 15th Five-Year Plan period as a critical stage for reinforcing the country's social and economic foundations, and for pushing ahead on all fronts toward the nation's 2035 modernization goal. A defining feature of this process has been inclusive and consultative governance. In January of last year, the CPC leadership decided to set up a drafting group for the country's strategic blueprint to be submitted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, with Xi personally heading up the high-level strategy team. The drafting group convened its first plenary meeting in February, 2025, marking the official start of the drafting process. From meetings of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and symposiums with private entrepreneurs to regional development consultations and dialogues with non-CPC figures, China has adopted an open-door approach to policymaking inviting broad input and pooling collective wisdom. Meanwhile, public opinions were solicited on the new plan during a month-long online consultation campaign. A summary of these findings was reviewed by Xi and presented to the Party leadership, ensuring that the voices of citizens were heard at the highest level. In the months leading up to the October plenum, Xi conducted field visits to enterprises and communities during domestic inspection tours, focusing on priorities for China's development in the coming five years, and has also convened a series of leadership meetings to review the draft, reflecting a governance philosophy that values strategic vision while remaining grounded in practical realities. During the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the landmark document, formally titled the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, was adopted, following more than eight months in the making. The recommendations serve as a timetable and roadmap for continuing the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. Noting that 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi in his New Year message urged greater efforts to boost confidence, take solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up across the board, deliver prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle. New chapter in the story of China's miracle The year 2025 was one riven with uncertainty. Amid this backdrop, China has put dialogue first and pursued win-win international cooperation, serving as a stabilizing anchor for the world and reflecting the nation's firm and steady strides on the global stage. The year witnessed a landmark "China moment" in global governance, defined by the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by Xi. Advocating a more just and equitable global governance system, the GGI garnered swift support from over 140 countries and international organizations, securing its place as one of the defining moments in China's 2025 diplomatic drive. China's diplomacy paid dividends when leaders and representatives from across five continents gathered in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in a show of recognition for China's contributions to the victory of WWII and the country's unwavering commitment to upholding the post-war international order. Beyond these milestones, China played a more proactive role in global governance, announcing its 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions for climate action, foregoing any new special and differential treatment in current and future World Trade Organization negotiations, and establishing the International Organization for Mediation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. China is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development, said Xi. For more information, please click: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-01-02/Extraordinary-Navigation-How-China-strides-forward-with-confidence-1JBRwC4YLPa/p.html SOURCE CGTN Key Takeaways 2026 could deliver long-awaited U.S. crypto clarity, with major bills targeting market structure, stablecoins, and taxation. The CLARITY Act is the centerpiece, potentially resolving SECCFTC oversight and unlocking institutional adoption. Stablecoin rules move into execution, as the GENIUS Acts 2026 rollout accelerates bank and enterprise adoption. Tax reform could lower friction for users and investors, encouraging staking, everyday payments, and broader participation. As 2026 begins, U.S. lawmakers are moving closer to defining the future of cryptocurrency regulation. After years of uncertainty, a new wave of crypto bills targeting market structure, stablecoins, and taxation could finally bring clarity to the industry. With bipartisan momentum in Congress and a pro-innovation stance from the new administration, 2026 is poised to be a pivotal year for U.S. crypto policy. Following the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, attention is now focused on the next set of high-impact laws that could accelerate institutional adoption and solidify the U.S. as a global leader in digital assets. Key Crypto Regulations in the Pipeline 2026 promises to be pivotal. With more explicit rules on the horizon, the U.S. crypto ecosystem is poised for sustained growth, greater adoption, and enhanced global competitiveness. Here is a list of key crypto legislations in the making: Digital Asset Market Structure Legislation (CLARITY Act) The House passed the bill in July 2025 with strong bipartisan support. aiming to end the long-running jurisdictional dispute between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The Senate delayed action in late 2025 as lawmakers negotiated key issues, including DeFi oversight and market integrity. In December 2025, White House crypto adviser David Sacks confirmed that the Senate expects to hold hearings and markups in January 2026. Industry experts estimate a 5060% chance that the bill will pass before the November 2026 midterms, though election-year politics and potential government funding deadlines could slow progress. If enacted, the legislation would likely boost institutional participation by providing the regulatory clarity banks, exchanges, and investment funds need to fully engage with cryptocurrency markets. Key provisions of CLARITY Act include: HONG KONG, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) announces that Buzios6 Project has commenced production safely. Buzios oilfield is located in the Santos Basin, southeast offshore of Brazil. It is the largest deep-water pre-salt oilfield in the world. Buzios6 is the seventh project commissioned of the oilfield. It will be developed with an FPSO and subsea production system. 13 development wells are planned to be commissioned, including 6 oil producers and 7 injectors. With Buzios6 on-stream, the installed production capacity of the Buzios oilfield will reach 1.15 million barrels per day. The FPSO used in the Buzios6 project has a designed production capacity of 180,000 barrels of crude oil per day and 7.2 million cubic meters of natural gas per day, along with a storage capacity of 2 million barrels. To enhance environmental performance, it is equipped with closed flare to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and heat recovery devices to reduce energy consumption. CNOOC Petroleum Brasil Ltda., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, holds a 7.34% interest in the Buzios Shared Reservoir, while the operator Petrobras holds 88.99%, and CNODC Brasil Petroleo e Gas Ltda. holds 3.67%. End Notes to Editors: More information about the Company is available at https://www.cnoocltd.com. *** *** *** *** This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company's expectations, including but not limited to those associated with macro-political and economic factors, fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, climate change and environmental policies, the Company's price forecast, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws and regulations. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations. *** *** *** *** For further enquiries, please contact: Ms. Cui Liu Media & Public Relations CNOOC Limited Tel: +86-10-8452-6641 Fax: +86-10-8452-1441 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Cheng Yao Ever Bloom (HK) Communications Consultants Group Limited Tel+852 5540 0725 Fax+852 2111 1103 Email: [email protected] SOURCE CNOOC Limited 17 local companies participate, winning 7 Innovation Awards to demonstrate global competitiveness A wide range of AIICT convergence technologies to be unveiled, accelerating market entry through expanded global partnerships LAS VEGAS, Jan. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gwangju Metropolitan City and the Gwangju Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency (GICON) will participate in CES 2026, the world's largest IT exhibition, to be held in January 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, where they will present the innovative technologies of local companies on the global stage. Gwangju Metropolitan City and GICON to Showcase Innovative Technologies at CES 2026 A total of 19 companies will take part in CES 2026. Thirteen companies will exhibit at the Gwangju Joint Pavilion operated by GICON, while six companies (four supported by Gwangju City and two by GICON) will participate in the K-Startup Integrated Pavilion organized by the Korea Startup Promotion Agency. Together, they will unveil a wide range of core technologies across convergence industries such as AI, ICT, and content. Notably, even before the official opening of the exhibition, seven regional innovation companies achieved outstanding results by winning CES Innovation Awards, marking a record-breaking performance. The award-winning companiesLBS tech, GhostPass, innoDtech, inDJ, AllTheTime, MainSpace, and DeepScentwere recognized for their technological excellence and creativity. Among them, one company received the prestigious "Best of Innovation" award, while six companies won Innovation Awards. This achievement surpasses last year's total of six award-winning companies, further demonstrating the rapid growth and strengthening global competitiveness of Gwangju's AI ecosystem. Through CES, Gwangju City plans to promote its vision of becoming an "AI and Mobility Convergence City" to the global community and to strongly express its commitment to leading the next paradigm shift in artificial intelligence. As Kyung-Joo Lee, President of GICON, stated, "Participation in CES 2026 will serve as a critical springboard for our companies to advance into the global market, going beyond a simple exhibition." He added, "We will provide full support so that the outcomes of global collaboration can be translated into real-world demonstrations of advanced technologies and tangible innovation in the daily lives of Gwangju citizens." Gwangju Metropolitan City and GICON also emphasized that "CES 2026 will be an opportunity to bring together Gwangju's core AI- and ICT-based capabilities to present a blueprint for future mobility that enriches human life," adding that they will "offer concrete experiences that show how innovative technologies can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life." SOURCE Gwangju City-GICON LAS VEGAS, Jan. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanyang University (with Dean Lee Ki-jung) announced that it will participate in CES 2026 (Consumer Electronics Show 2026), the world's largest ICT and innovation technology exhibition, to be held this January in Las Vegas, USA, where it will present its university-led technology commercialization achievements based on faculty- and laboratory-founded startups to a global audience. TeraFixell, co-developed by Professor Noh Young-Taes research team at Hanyang University and EUTO Co., Ltd. CES is one of the world's premier technology and industry exhibitions, bringing together leading global companies, investors, buyers, and research institutions. The event offers a comprehensive view of the present and future of cutting-edge technologies on a single global platform. At CES 2026, Hanyang University will jointly participate through its Seoul Campus and ERICA Campus Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundations, showcasing a total of 12 technologies developed by university research labs and startup companies. The exhibited technologies focus on research areas in which Hanyang University holds strong expertise, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Bio and Healthcare, Advanced Materials, and Digital Healthcare, highlighting the university's integrated capabilities in research, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. In particular, "TeraFixell," co-developed by Professor Noh Young-Tae's research team from Hanyang University's Department of Data Science and EUTO Co., Ltd., a company specializing in terracotta architectural materials, was selected as a CES 2026 Innovation Award honoree in the Construction & Industrial Tech category. The CES Innovation Awards are highly prestigious recognitions granted to technologies that demonstrate outstanding innovation, technical excellence, and market potential among global participants. This achievement is especially significant as it represents international recognition of the global competitiveness and commercialization success of Hanyang University's research-based technologies. Through its CES 2026 participation, Hanyang University aims to go beyond simply introducing technologies, and instead showcasing the full pathway by which research evolves into startups, commercialization, and global market entry. The university plans to conduct live technology demonstrations and product exhibitions, as well as technology briefings and IR pitching sessions for global buyers and investors, alongside business meetings with overseas companies and institutions. In addition, the Hanyang University Pavilion will host a Media Day during the exhibition period for domestic and international media outlets, where it will spotlight the university's flagship technologies, including those that have received CES Innovation Awards. During Media Day, presentations and live demonstrations will be conducted for the award-winning technologies as well as key research- and startup-driven innovations, with the aim of effectively communicating Hanyang University's research achievements and technology commercialization capabilities to media audiences both in Korea and abroad. Exhibition preparation and on-site operations will be systematically supported by the Hanyang University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, which will lead comprehensive assistance spanning exhibition planning, on-site management, and global business matchmaking. Through this strategic support, the university seeks to ensure that faculty and researcher-led technologies translate into tangible international collaborations and follow-up commercialization opportunities. Through its participation in CES 2026, Hanyang University aims to validate the global market readiness of its research while reinforcing its position as a leading university in technology commercialization. Building on its CES Innovation Award recognition, the university plans to expand its presence at international exhibitions and strengthen global collaboration programs, creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem that connects research, entrepreneurship, and global expansion. SOURCE Hanyang University IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC) is pleased to announce that all five of its component projects submitted as part of the 2025 Regional Technology Innovation Tech Hub Program have been selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to proceed to the final Stage II competition for award. The IAEC pulled together a regional team in Idaho and Wyoming to establish the Intermountain West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC). The INEC Tech Hub was one of only 31 regional Tech Hubs selected by the EDA in 2023, and INEC was one of only 19 of those 31 regional Tech Hubs that was invited to submit proposals under this most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Christi Gilchrist, the Executive Director of the IAEC, states, "With the support of the EDA, the INEC Tech Hub is positioned as America's premier nuclear demonstration site. This advancement secures the nation's future in energy production, economic competitiveness, and national security." The INEC Stage I proposal to the EDA was submitted in November 2025 and consists of the following five major component projects: Accelerating Advanced Reactor Deployment Modernizing Fuel Management Growing the Nuclear Workforce Reinvigorating the Nuclear Supply Chain Scaling Americas Nuclear Innovation The total funding being requested by the INEC Tech Hub under this NOFO is approximately $75 million dollars to support deployment of these five component projects over the next 5 years. The EDA completed a technical and merit review of the INEC Stage I application and EDA notified IAEC in December that its proposal had successfully passed the Stage I review and was invited to submit a stage II proposal in February 2026. The EDA is expected to complete stage II grant application reviews and make awards sometime during the spring of 2026. Kirt Marlow, President of the IAEC noted "This advancement reflects the strength of our public-private partnerships and our consortium's ability to deliver on ambitious goals. We're grateful for the EDA's confidence and eager to demonstrate how strategic investment in our Tech Hub will accelerate America's energy transition". About Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium IAEC was formed in 2023 to convene energy industry stakeholders to address opportunities for advancements in nuclear and other advanced energy systems. IAEC's focus is supporting the deployment of clean energy technologies such as enhanced electrolysis for bulk hydrogen production, new generation efficiencies in hydropower, and commercializing advanced nuclear technologies including small modular reactors and microreactors. For more information about IAEC go to https://idahoadvancedenergy.org/ SOURCE Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium Algernon Health (CSE:AGN, OTCQB:AGNPF) announced that it has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing to $858,000 and completed the fourth and final tranche of the offering. The Vancouver-based healthcare company said gross proceeds from the final tranche totaled C$117,501, raised through the sale of 1,678,586 units at C$0.07 per unit. With the closing of the final tranche, the financing generated total proceeds of C$857,001 from the sale of 12,242,872 units across four tranches, which closed on November 14, November 28, December 23, and December 31, 2025. The offering is now closed. Algernon said certain company insiders participated in the final tranche for an aggregate amount of C$32,501. Sonoro Gold Corp (TSX-V:SGO, OTCQB:SMOFF) announced that it has entered into agreements to acquire 10 mineral concessions adjacent to its Cerro Caliche gold project in Sonora, Mexico, expanding the footprint of the development-stage asset. The company said its wholly owned Mexican subsidiary, Minera Mar de Plata, executed assignment of rights agreements with two local vendors to acquire a 100% interest in the concessions, which are located along strike and contiguous with the northern and southern boundaries of the existing Cerro Caliche property. The vendors are at arms length to Sonoro. Under the agreements, Sonoro will acquire an additional 2,574.16 hectares of mining concessions for total consideration of $4 million, payable in installments of $1 million per year over four years. The company will also assume responsibility for approximately $570,000 in outstanding mineral concession fees. The transaction does not include the issuance of securities or the granting of royalty interests. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Washington, Jan 3 : Authorities have arrested a teenager from North Carolina on charges of planning a New Year's Eve terror attack in support of the Islamic State group, the US Justice Department said. Investigators said Christian Sturdivant, 18, was arrested and charged after he planned to carry out a mass-casualty attack using knives and hammers at a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant. The criminal complaint was filed on December 31, 2025, and unsealed after Sturdivant appeared in federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina. "This successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement saved American lives from a horrific terrorist attack on New Year's Eve," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, adding that "anyone plotting to commit such depraved attacks will face the full force of the law." FBI Director Kash Patel said Sturdivant "allegedly wanted to be a soldier for ISIS and made plans to commit a violent attack on New Year's Eve in support of that terrorist group, but the FBI and our partners put a stop to that." According to the arrest affidavit, the FBI received information on December 18, 2025, that Sturdivant was posting content supportive of ISIS on social media. Earlier in December, he allegedly shared an image with text reading, "May Allah curse the cross worshipers," which investigators said was consistent with ISIS rhetoric. The complaint alleges that Sturdivant began communicating on December 12 with an online covert employee he believed to be an ISIS member. He allegedly told the individual, "I will do jihad soon," and described himself as "a soldier of the state." On December 14, he sent an image of two hammers and a knife. This is significant because an article in the 2016 issue of ISIS's propaganda magazine promoted the use of knives to conduct terror attacks in Western countries, the Justice Department said. On December 19, he allegedly sent a voice recording pledging "Bayat," or loyalty, to ISIS. He later identified a specific grocery store in North Carolina as a target. He also told the undercover agent about his plans to purchase a firearm to use along with the knives during the attack, according to the arrest affidavit. A search of his residence on December 29 uncovered handwritten notes, including one titled "New Years Attack 2026," listing equipment such as a vest, mask, tactical gloves, and knives. The document allegedly described a goal of stabbing as many civilians as possible and included a section labeled "martyrdom op," outlining plans to attack responding police officers. Sturdivant remains in federal custody and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Authorities stressed that the charges are allegations and that he is presumed innocent. Chennai, Jan 3 : Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened ahead of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) concluding public rally in Tamil Nadu, scheduled to be held on Sunday evening. Chennai, Jan 3 (IANS) Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened ahead of the Bharatiya Janata Partyas (BJP) concluding public rally in Tamil Nadu, scheduled to be held on Sunday evening. The meeting, led by Tamil Nadu BJP leader Nainar Nagendran, will take place at 5 p.m. at the Pallathivayal area near Balan Nagar in Tirukokarnam, Pudukkottai. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to participate in the event and address the gathering. In view of the high-profile nature of the rally, the police have imposed a complete ban on the operation of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in and around the venue for the day. Officials said the restriction has been enforced as a preventive security measure to avoid any untoward incidents during the public meeting. Police have warned that strict legal action will be initiated against individuals found violating the ban. Senior police officials have been closely monitoring the security preparations. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place at the venue, with frisking and checking points established at all entry routes. Barricades have been erected to regulate crowd movement, while surveillance teams have been deployed in and around the rally grounds. Additional police personnel have also been stationed along key roads to manage traffic and ensure smooth vehicular movement. The concluding rally marks the final leg of the BJPas statewide political campaign and is expected to draw a large turnout of party workers and supporters. The party leadership views the event as an important platform to energise cadres and reinforce its organisational presence ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Several senior State and district-level leaders are expected to be present on the dais. Police officials have appealed to the public to cooperate with the security arrangements and comply with the restrictions imposed for the event. Motorists have been advised to expect traffic diversions in the vicinity of the venue during the rally hours and to plan their travel accordingly. Authorities said all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the safety of participants as well as the general public, and to facilitate the peaceful and orderly conduct of the high-profile political gathering. a"IANS aal/rad -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed President Donald Trump said he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping had an amazing meeting in South Korea in October. More than two months later, theres still no formal agreement, however, leaving the commitments from both sides fuzzy and lowering expectations for a broader trade deal in 2026. Trump labeled his Oct. 30 meeting with Xi a 12 out of 10, and the White House announced a series of measures the two sides agreed to in an effort to cool their trade war. That included, crucially, restarting Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products like soybeans and the elimination of Beijings restrictions on critical minerals exports. In exchange, the U.S. agreed to extend a pause on triple-digit tariffs on Chinese goods. A Chinese Commerce Ministry statement, however, did not confirm those commitments, although it did acknowledge the U.S. tariff pause. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in late October told reporters that negotiators were moving forward to the final details of an agreement. Weeks later, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration hoped to finalize the rare earth provisions of the deal by Thanksgiving. That deadline passed without any public text or announcement. The lack of written terms, affirmed by both sides, has allowed both the Trump administration and Chinese government wiggle room in how they implement their trade truce, but critics say it also leaves the commitments open to competing interpretations and, inevitably, more conflict down the line. The absence of a wider U.S.-China deal going forward will make the irritants that roiled trade ties in 2025 tit-for-tat tariff hikes, export curbs on key items and targeted import shutdowns potential tripwires for fresh economic chaos in the coming year. This is not complicated, said Cameron Johnson, a senior partner at Shanghai-based supply chain consultancy Tidalwave Solutions. The Chinese may or may not be slow rolling this but this is Diplomacy 101 what have you agreed to and whats the time frame? They also say it bodes poorly for the type of sweeping trade realignment between the worlds two largest economies that Trump promised at the start of his term. The president has touted an upcoming visit to Beijing in April as the next step in the talks. If they can't even agree to something along the lines of what the U.S. fact sheet was and what the broad outlines of the commitments are, it raises concern about how much of a joint understanding there is about the follow through, said Greta Peisch, a partner at Wiley Rein law firm in D.C. and former general counsel of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative under President Joe Biden. Seoul, Jan 3 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected the construction site of a greenhouse farm in the northwestern city of Sinuiju for his first 'field guidance' of the year, Pyongyang's state media reported on Saturday. Kim traveled by his private train to the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm the previous day, whose construction is nearing completion, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korea has been building a large greenhouse farm in vast areas of Wihwa Island, an islet in Sinuiju where the North suffered a great amount of flood damage during the summer of 2024. Since attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the farm in February 2024, Kim has visited the construction site five times, with the most recent visit made in late November, Yonhap news agency reported. In a speech, Kim praised the builders for working hard "to transform the island area, once severely hit by natural disaster, into an ideal greenhouse town symbolic of the new era in more than 500 days," according to the KCNA. "The huge construction project and assembly of greenhouse equipment have been completed perfectly and landscaping of the area is now progressing vigorously at the final stage," he added. Kim also expressed his "firm will to more ambitiously plan the undertakings for the promotion of the wellbeing of the people across the country and radical transformation of the regions and strenuously implement them," according to the report. Kim's choice of the site as the first field inspection of the year comes as Pyongyang steps up efforts to fulfill national goals set out at the 2021 party congress ahead of the upcoming ninth party congress. At the next congress, which South Korea's intelligence authorities expect to be held in February, Pyongyang is expected to present another five-year plan outlining its major policy stances, similar to the previous five-year economic development plan adopted at the 2021 session. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 3 : Senior Congress leader and MP Adoor Prakash, on Saturday, raised serious allegations against the Communist Party of India-Marxist Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged links between Brittas and the main accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Unnikrishnan Potti. Prakash claimed that Potti and Brittas were in regular contact and said that the nature of their relationship warranted an independent investigation. According to the Congress MP, phone records indicate that Potti and Brittas had spoken to each other on several occasions. He demanded that the SIT examine all the call detail records between the two to ascertain the extent and purpose of their communication. "All phone conversations between them must be scrutinised by the SIT," he said, adding that transparency was essential in a matter of public interest. Prakash, who is also the convenor of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) also responded to queries surrounding Potti's meeting with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, which has drawn political attention. He clarified that Potti had met Sonia Gandhi to offer 'prasadam' and that prior permission had been obtained for the meeting. However, Prakash said he was not aware of who had taken the appointment. He also added that after arriving in Delhi, Potti had requested him the previous day to accompany him for the meeting. Prakash said that he agreed to accompany Potti only because the latter was a voter from his Lok Sabha constituency. He added that he had no prior knowledge that Potti was an offender. "I was not aware that Potti was involved in serious criminal offences," Prakash said, seeking to distance himself from any controversy surrounding the individual. The Congress Lok Sabha MP has hit back after being silent for a while and lost his cool when the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on more than one occasion referred to Sonia Gandhi's meeting with Potti alongside Prakash. Incidentally, journalist-turned-lawmaker Brittas is known as the closest aide of Chief Minister Vijayan. New Delhi, Jan 3 : As Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi is on a trip to Vietnam, the BJP and JD(U) on Saturday launched a sharp attack on him, alleging that he is no longer acting as the Leader of the Opposition but has instead become the "leader of partying and tourism." Speaking to IANS, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticised LoP Rahul Gandhi's frequent foreign visits and questioned his seriousness towards politics. "Rahul Gandhi is no longer the Leader of the Opposition; he has become the leader of partying and tourism. While most people remain in work mode, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in work mode from the very beginning, even during his tenure as Chief Minister. In contrast, Rahul Gandhi appears to be in permanent vacation mode," he said. Poonawalla further added that Rahul Gandhi had earlier gone on vacation during the Parliament session to Berlin and has now left for yet another foreign trip. "A common man usually takes a vacation once every few months, but Rahul Gandhi comes to India only in between his vacations. He should explain what work he has in places like Vietnam and Bangkok. Is he going for meetings with people like George Soros or simply for personal leisure? One thing is clearhe is not serious about politics and functions as a part-time leader. That is why even his allies do not consider him their leader," he added. BJP MLA Jitendra Gothwal also criticised the Congress leader, stating that it has become a pattern for Rahul Gandhi to travel abroad whenever crucial national issues arise. "Whenever there is an important issue related to the country or a meeting where he should play a decisive role as the Leader of the Opposition, he chooses to go abroad for leisure instead," Gothwal said. BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi questioned LoP Gandhi's commitment to the country. "When does he actually stay in the country? Does he truly love the soil of India? During the Bihar elections, he came briefly, held roadshows, and then went abroad again. He is constantly on foreign trips," he remarked. Echoing similar sentiments, BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia said, "Rahul Gandhi's love is not for the country but for foreign lands. The real question is when will he return to India? He always seems to be staying abroad." However, Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary offered a different perspective, questioning why Rahul Gandhi's travel should become a political controversy. "If someone goes on a trip, how does that become a political issue? Thousands of people go on vacations every day, and Rahul Gandhi has also gone on a vacation. There is no need to react unnecessarily," he said. JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi, stating that his absence from the country has become routine. "No one should be surprised by this. In fact, the real news should be when Rahul Gandhi is in India. He is rarely present in the country. During the previous Parliament session, his party issued a whip directing him to be present, but he considers himself above both his party and the Constitution and was outside India," Prasad added. He further added that Rahul Gandhi is once again on a personal tour and will likely indulge in sightseeing abroad. "After returning, he will question election management and the conduct of elections in India. He is continuously visiting different countries and is currently in Vietnam. No one knows how many more foreign trips he will undertake in the future. Even leaders from his own party do not have answers for his conduct," Prasad said. Meanwhile, SP spokesperson Ashutosh Verma offered a contrasting view, stating that Rahul Gandhi is attempting to build his international exposure. "Rahul Gandhi is trying to achieve even a small fraction of what the Prime Minister has accomplished through foreign visits. While the Prime Minister has crossed major milestones, Rahul Gandhi is also making efforts, though I do not think these efforts have had much impact," Verma said. He added that as the LoP, Rahul Gandhi at least interacts with the press and the public wherever he goes. "I appeal to the people to also ask the Prime Minister to speak on behalf of the nation and stop commenting on others. The country has many pressing issues that require attention," Verma concluded. -- Syndicated from IANS Tirupati, Jan 3 : Security personnel and devotees at the historic Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh were sent into a state of panic after an inebriated man climbed the temple's 100-foot 'Gopuram' (monumental entrance tower), causing a massive security scare, the police said on Saturday. He has been detained and taken to the Tirupati police station for questioning. The individual, identified as Kuttadi Tirupati, a resident of Nizamabad district, managed to scale the intricate carvings of the tower before he perched himself at a precarious height in the early morning hours of Saturday, according to a local media report. The man appeared visibly intoxicated and remained atop the structure for more than an hour, prompting a swift response from the temple administration and the police, the report said quoting an eyewitness. "The individual bypassed the primary security cordon and ascended the Gopuram. Our teams, along with the Fire and Emergency Services, acted immediately to bring him down safely without any damage to the heritage structure," a senior Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) official said. Police officials confirmed that the man was taken into custody for questioning to determine how he accessed the restricted area. Preliminary investigations suggest the breach occurred due to a lapse in perimeter monitoring during peak pilgrim hours. This incident has once again brought the security apparatus of Tirupati's shrines under intense scrutiny. The temple complex has faced several security challenges in recent years. In 2023, the TTD faced criticism after a drone video of the Tirumala temple surfaced on social media, despite the area being a designated no-fly zone. The past incidents of unauthorised persons entering the 'Vaikuntam' queue complexes and occasional thefts of temple ornaments have led to repeated calls for a comprehensive security overhaul. In 2021, authorities intensified vigil after reports of unidentified persons attempting to photograph prohibited sanctum areas. Security experts noted that Saturday's breach at Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple highlights the need for increased personnel and advanced surveillance to protect the millions of pilgrims who visit these sites annually. Bengaluru, Jan 3 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Saturday, criticised the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for repealing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replacing it with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, and announced that the protest will be held at the national level from the party and also from the Congress-led government in the state. Addressing a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, the Chief Minister alleged that the new law has stripped rural workers and panchayats of their rights and charged that this is being done at the behest of the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "The Congress will take up the issue, and the Karnataka government will also address it simultaneously. A national action plan will be chalked out immediately to decide the steps to be taken by both the party and the state government," CM Siddaramaiah said. The issue was discussed at the Cabinet meeting held on Friday. MGNREGA, which was introduced 20 years ago by the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ensured several rights for the poor and common people, including the right to work. However, MGNREGA has now been repealed, and the Union government has introduced a new legislation called the VB-G RAM G Act. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that just as farmers had compelled the Centre to withdraw the farm laws, a similar struggle would be launched along with like-minded political parties and organisations representing the poor. "This law must be withdrawn. We will continue to protest until the VB-G RAM G Act is scrapped," he added. "When MGNREGA was introduced, the BJP had opposed it. The Right to Food Act was also ridiculed by senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi when the bill was tabled before the Parliament. "This is not a food guarantee, it is a vote guarantee," the Chief Minister had remarked. The BJP's major achievement in its 11 years of rule, CM Siddaramaiah alleged, has been changing the names of welfare schemes. "As many as 30 schemes have either been renamed or repealed. Nirmal Bharat was replaced by Swachh Bharat, Indira Awas Yojana was renamed as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and the Five-Year Plan was replaced by the NITI Aayog." He alleged that several welfare schemes meant for the benefit of the people have been diluted or dismantled. The Chief Minister said the move is "unconstitutional". Citing Articles 258 and 280 and the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, CM Siddaramaiah alleged that the Centre has taken away the powers of the Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats, which goes against decentralisation, federalism and the Constitution. Referring to the Manusmriti, he alleged that it propagates the idea that women, Shudras and Dalits should not possess wealth and should live in servitude. He claimed that the RSS, inspired by such ideology, is now attempting to implement these ideas by curtailing the rights of the people. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that MGNREGA had guaranteed the right to work for the poor, vulnerable sections, women and small farmers by allowing them to demand employment within their own gram panchayats. He alleged that under the new VB-G RAM G Act, employment has been converted from a demand-driven scheme to a supply-driven one, with the Centre deciding where and when work will be undertaken. "The rights of people and panchayats have been taken away. Neither the states nor the people were consulted before bringing this law," the Chief Minister said, urging the Centre to scrap the VB-G RAM G Act and restore MGNREGA along with the right to work and the autonomy of panchayats. Siddaramaiah said the new Act would impose an additional financial burden of nearly Rs 3,000 crore on the state government. He added that while the Centre earlier bore the entire expenditure under MGNREGA, the new law mandates states to contribute 40 per cent of the cost, effectively turning it into a centrally sponsored scheme. He said the VB-G RAM G Act was passed in the Parliament on December 18, 2025, a day after it was introduced, without adequate discussion. Citing data, Siddaramaiah said that MGNREGA supported around 12.16 crore workers across the country, of whom 6.21 crore were women, accounting for nearly 54 per cent of the workforce. "In Karnataka alone, there are 71.18 lakh active MGNREGA workers, including 36.75 lakh women." The Chief Minister alleged that the repeal of MGNREGA would lead to increased unemployment, migration, loss of minimum wage protection, exploitation of labour, reduced participation of women, and hardship for Dalit and Adivasi families. He also claimed that the new law undermines decentralisation and federalism by curtailing the powers of gram sabhas and gram panchayats, in violation of constitutional provisions. Siddaramaiah said that he had written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, 2025, opposing the legislation. Drawing parallels with the repeal of the farm laws following farmers' protests, he added that the Congress would launch a nationwide agitation in coordination with like-minded political parties and organisations until the VB-G RAM G Act is withdrawn. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said the issue was not political but concerned the livelihoods of the poor. He questioned the silence of BJP leaders on the matter and said that even BJP-ruled states would be adversely affected by the new law. "We will ensure that just as the farm laws were repealed, this law too will be withdrawn," Shivakumar said, adding that both the state government and the Congress would jointly call a protest over the issue. Minister for RUral Development and Panchayati Raj, IT and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge, Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil, State Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa, Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar and others were present. -- Syndicated from IANS Washington, Jan 3 : US President Donald Trump has claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, has been "captured" and "flown out" of the country, which came under large-scale attack early Saturday. Taking to his social media platform 'Truth Social', Trump said, "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country." He mentioned that this operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement, and further details will follow during a news conference at 11 a.m. (local time) at Mar-a-Lago. Several large explosions were heard early Saturday in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Venezuela, in its first official statement since loud explosions were heard in the capital Caracas, strongly criticised the Donald Trump-led government of the United States, accusing it of carrying out what it described as "extremely serious military aggression". Soon after, US media reported that Washington officials had confirmed strikes against Venezuela. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, which also manages affairs in Venezuela, released a statement advising Americans against travelling to Venezuela or its borders. "US Embassy Bogota is aware of reports of explosions in and around Caracas, Venezuela. The US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, warns US citizens not to travel to Venezuela. US citizens in Venezuela should shelter in place," the Embassy said in a statement. The highest Travel Advisory level -- Level 4 -- has been announced. Level 4 states, "Do Not Travel - due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure." All US citizens in Venezuela have been strongly advised to depart immediately. The Embassy further mentioned that in March 2019, the US Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the US Embassy in Caracas and suspended operations. All consular services, routine and emergency, remain suspended. The US government has no ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela, according to the official statement. In a sharp statement condemning Washington, the Venezuelan government alleged that the attack appeared to be an attempt "to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence". The reaction came after residents of Caracas reported hearing loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers early on Saturday. According to reports, the incidents occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time, triggering panic across several parts of the Venezuelan capital. Media reports indicated that at least seven loud explosions shook Caracas, forcing residents to rush out onto the streets in fear. Venezuelan President Maduro has declared a national emergency following the explosions. The sudden blasts led to widespread anxiety, with people reportedly fleeing their homes amid confusion and uncertainty. Videos circulating on social media show plumes of smoke rising from several locations in the capital city. According to reports, brief power outages were also recorded in some areas of Caracas, including at a military base in the city, following the explosions. Partial disruptions to telecommunication services were reported in the capital city following sounds of explosions. Kolkata, Jan 3 : The West Bengal Police were attacked in North 24 Parganas district's Nazat Police Station area while trying to stop illegal construction on a plot of land, the police said on Saturday. Several police officers were injured after locals hurled bricks and stones at them and a police vehicle was also vandalised. As of now, eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Additionally, police have detained and are questioning the head of the Boyarmari II Gram Panchayat and several others. A large police force has been deployed in the area to control the situation. The incident took place on Friday night in the Chuchura area of aaBoyarmari II Gram Panchayat, under the jurisdiction of the Najat police station in Basirhat. Police went to the site after receiving a complaint about illegal construction on a plot of land. According to sources at the Nazat police station, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was in effect on the land as per the court order. It is alleged that supporters of the Trinamool Congress strongman Sheikh Shahjahan, who is currently lodged in a correctional home, attempted to carry out construction there, defying the court order. The matter was reported to the Nazat police station. Upon receiving the news, the police arrived at the spot. The police ordered a halt to the construction work but the accused refused to comply. The accused were involved in a heated argument with the police due to which the situation quickly spiralled out of control. It is alleged that at that time, bricks and stones were suddenly thrown at the police. A police vehicle was vandalised. Later, a large police force arrived and brought the situation under control. Police have said that strict action will be taken against those who attempted illegal construction in defiance of a court order and attacked the police. An investigation into the incident is underway. "Eight people have been arrested and several others have been detained. A search is on for the remaining suspects," a senior officer of Basirhat Police said. On January 5, 2024, a team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) went to Agarhati area under Sandeshkhali block I in Basirhat area of same district to investigate the ration corruption case. The operation was against Sheikh Shahjahan, the Executive Director of North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad and a Trinamool Congress strongman. The supporters of Shahjahan had attacked the ED team which had exposed his misdeeds involving land grabbing and sexually harassing women in Sandeshkhali. In February, the area saw widespread protests as villagers accused Shahjahan and his aides of land grabbing and sexually harassing women. The Trinamool strongman, who was absconding for 55 days after his supporters attacked the ED team on their way to search his home in connection with a ration scam, was arrested on February 29, 2024. Colorado, Jan 3 : A five-alarm fire erupted at an apartment construction site in Denver, the capital of the US state of Colorado, prompting evacuation alerts and injuring a firefighter. The Denver Fire Department said the fire was reported at around 6:45 p.m. local time on Friday, adding the building is a 283-unit development in the early to mid-stages of construction, with wood and some plastic materials used in wrapping and construction. The fire department said on social media that "crews are operating in heavy fire conditions and focusing on containment and exposure protection." A fire department division chief said it "rose to the level of about a five-alarm fire" and that at least 100 firefighters had responded to the scene. One firefighter was injured while battling the blaze and was taken to a hospital, the Denver Fire Department told ABC News, adding that it was not clear whether construction workers were present when the fire started, reports Xinhua news agency. Robert Murphy, division chief of operations at the Denver Fire Department, told CBS News, "It's a complete city block, and it is on fire, and it's unopposed because there's (there are) no fire stops." An evacuation order covering two city blocks was issued following the incident. The apartment complex had neither drywall nor insulation to contain the fire, nor protection systems such as sprinklers in place, allowing the blaze to spread rapidly from one end of the building to the other. Firefighting efforts continued for hours, and by midnight, the fire was largely under control but not fully extinguished. Firefighters were expected to remain at the scene overnight to fully suppress remaining hot spots. A "five-alarm" is typically the highest alarm level for a fire in the United States, indicating a catastrophic event requiring dozens of vehicles and more than 100 personnel. Footage shot by a local outlet showed numerous firefighters spraying large volumes of water on the flames from ladder trucks, while heavy smoke illuminated by bright red flames was visible from kilometres away. Bhopal, Jan 3 : Congress on Saturday continued its attack on the Madhya Pradesh government over the Indore water contamination crisis that claimed several lives, with grand old party leader Digvijaya Singh blaming the city Mayor for the incident. Singh, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, alleged that the Indore Mayor and a local BJP leader were responsible for the tragic incident. Expressing grief over the death of several people, he demanded that all responsible people, including senior officials, Mayor and other local representatives, should be held responsible and punished. "The Indore incident is highly condemnable. Strict action should be taken against all those involved. The manner in which Indore Mayor and local representatives behaved there is extremely deplorable," Singh said during an interaction with the media in Bhopal on Saturday. Earlier on Friday, another senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Vivek Tankha accused the Madhya Pradesh government of "hiding the truth" behind the horrific incident that killed several people in Indore. Cutting across party lines, political leaders were questioning the Madhya Pradesh government after the number of people affected by diarrhoea continued to grow in Indore's Bhagirathpura area for the past few days. For instance, veteran BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti on Friday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mohan, saying that "its testing time" for him. Bharti had described the deadly incident as a "shame" for the state and said it was a crucial test of Chief Minister Mohan Yadavas leadership. In a series of social media posts, the former Union Minister for Water Resources said the deaths caused by polluted water had "disgraced our state, our government and our entire system." Meanwhile, Indore district administration on Saturday started a survey to check the water quality being supplied through tankers in Indore's Bhagirathpura area where contaminated water killed several people in the past week, and over 200 were still admitted in multiple hospitals in the city. Along with an extensive checking of water quality, teams of district administration were also making residents of the Bhagirathpura area aware about the use of safe drinking water to ensure the safety of people, especially children and senior citizens, who were the most affected by contaminated water. The awareness campaign and inspection led by Indore District Collector Shivam Verma began early morning on Saturday, and it will continue till the evening. During the door-to-door visit, officials are also inspecting water stored in underground and rooftop tanks built in the area. Speaking to IANS, Collector Shivam Verma said that multiple teams of staff members have been deployed to conduct door-to-door inspections in Bhagirathpura. A close monitoring is being carried out at the spot where a large number of people were affected. "Our team is continuously conducting investigations. Wherever cases of food poisoning have been reported and patients have tested positive, we have instructed all departments to carry out thorough inspections in the surrounding areas. Along with this, our water supply lines are also being checked," Collector Verma told IANS. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, Jan 3 : Veteran Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who hosts the quiz based reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', once spoke about his make-up artiste Deepak Sawant, and his dedication. A recently resurfaced video of the Bollywood legend from 'KBC' shows the actor heaping praise on his make-up artiste. He said, "This is Deepak Sawant. He has been working with me for 50 years. And let me tell you one more thing. In 50 years, I have worked in at least 200 films. There was not a single day when he was not with me. Absolutely duty-bound. He will come on time, no matter what happens. Whether you are sick or whatever. Not a single day in 50 years when he is not with us. And there is a serious problem in saying one more thing, but let me say it". He further mentioned, "Three days ago, Deepak Sawant's brother died. And despite that, he has come to work. He did not have anyone to tell him to work today. This is integrity. This is commitment". Amitabh Bachchan had his breakthrough with 'Zanjeer', which established his image as the "angry young man" of the 1970s. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Bachchan delivered multiple commercially successful and influential films, including 'Deewaar', 'Sholay', 'Don' and 'Trishul'. He suffered an injury during the filming of 'Coolie', which marked a significant turning point in his career and public life. His popularity declined in the late 1980s, followed by a brief stint in politics as a Member of Parliament from Allahabad. After financial setbacks in the 1990s, Bachchan returned to prominence with character-driven roles in films such as 'Mohabbatein', 'Black', 'Paa', and 'Pink'. He has won multiple National Film Awards and remains active in cinema and television, notably as the host of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. Its not clear theres been a specific plan beyond the principal decision that in a post-Maduro, Trump-compliant regime that the U.S. companies energy and others will be at the top of the list to reenter the country, McNally said. He added: What the regime looks like, what the plans are for getting there, that has not been fully fleshed out yet. The administration has so far not laid out what its long-term plan looks like, or even if it has one, said Bob McNally, a former national security and energy adviser to President George W. Bush who now leads the energy and geopolitics consulting firm Rapidan Energy Group. Initial thoughts among U.S. oil industry officials and market analysts who spoke to POLITICO regarding a post-Maduro Venezuela focused more on questions than answers. Its been five decades since the Venezuelan government first nationalized the oil industry and nearly 20 years since former President Hugo Chavez expanded the asset seizures. The country has some of the largest oil reserves in the world, but its petroleum infrastructure has decayed amid years of mismanagement and meager investment. We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure and start making money for the country," Trump said as he celebrated Maduros capture. The offer has been on the table for the last 10 days, the person said. But the infrastructure currently there is so dilapidated that no one at these companies can adequately assess what is needed to make it operable. "They're saying, you gotta go in if you want to play and get reimbursed," said one industry official familiar with the conversations. But people in the industry said the administrations message has left them still leery about the difficulty of rebuilding decayed oil fields in a country where its not even clear who will lead the country for the foreseeable future. Administration officials have told oil executives in recent weeks that if they want compensation for their rigs, pipelines and other seized property, then they must be prepared to go back into Venezuela now and invest heavily in reviving its shattered petroleum industry, two people familiar with the administration's outreach told POLITICO on Saturday. The outlook for Venezuelas shattered oil infrastructure is one of the major questions following the U.S. military action that captured leader Nicolas Maduro. Now the Trump administration is offering to help them achieve that aim with one major condition. Story Continues A central concern for U.S. industry executives is whether the administration can guarantee the safety of the employees and equipment that companies would need to send to Venezuela, how the companies would be paid, whether oil prices will rise enough to make Venezuelan crude profitable and the status of Venezuelas membership in the OPEC oil exporters cartel. U.S. benchmark oil prices were at $57 a barrel, the lowest since the end of the pandemic, as of the markets close on Friday. The White House did not immediately reply to questions about its plan for the oil industry, but Trump said during Saturdays appearance at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that he expected oil companies to put up the initial investments. "We're going to rebuild the oil infrastructure, which requires billions of dollars that will be paid for by the oil companies directly, Trump said. They will be reimbursed for what they're doing, but it's going to be paid, and we're going to get the oil flowing. However, the administrations outreach to U.S. oil company executives remains at its best in the infancy stage, said one industry executive familiar with the discussions, who was granted anonymity to describe conversations with the presidents team. In preparation for regime change, there had been engagement. But its been sporadic and relatively flatly received by the industry, this person said. It feels very much a shoot-ready-aim exercise. Venezuelas oil output has fallen to less than a third of the 3.5 million barrels per day that it produced in the 1970s, and the infrastructure that is used to tap into its 300 billion barrels of reserves has deteriorated in the past two decades. Will the U.S. be able to attract U.S. oilfield services to go to Venezuela? the executive asked. Maybe. It would have to involve the services companies being able to contract directly with the U.S. government. Talks with administration officials over the past several days also involved the fate of the state oil company, which is known as PdVSA, this person added. PdVSA will not be denationalized in some way and broken, this person said. Definitely its going to be wholesale remaking of PdVSA leadership, but at least at this point, there is no plan for denationalization or auctioning it off. Its in the best position to keep production flowing. Chevron, the sole major oil company still working in Venezuela under a special license from the U.S. government, said in a statement Saturday that it remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets. We continue to operate in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, Chevron spokesperson Bill Turenne said in a statement. Evanan Romero, a Houston-based oil consultant involved in the effort to bring U.S. oil producers back to Venezuela, said in a text message that Saturdays events laid the groundwork for American oil companies to return very soon. Romero is part of a roughly 400-person committee, mostly made up of former employees of the Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, that formed about a year ago to strategize about how to revive the countrys oil industry under a new government. The committee, which is not directly affiliated with opposition leader Maria Corina Machados camp, is debating the role any new government should have in the oil sector. Some members favor keeping the industry under the control of the government while others contend that international oil majors would return only under a free market system, Romero said. Ultimately, the orderliness in any transition will determine U.S. investment and reentry in Venezuela, said Carrie Filipetti, who was deputy assistant secretary for Cuba and Venezuela and the deputy special representative for Venezuela at the State Department in Trumps first administration. If you were to see a disorderly transition, obviously I think that would make it very challenging for American companies to enter Venezuela, said Filipetti, who is now executive director of nonpartisan foreign policy group The Vandenberg Coalition. Its not just about getting rid of Maduro. Its also about making sure that the legitimate opposition comes into power. Richard Goldberg, who led the White Houses National Energy Dominance Council until August, said the Trump administration could offer financial incentives to coax companies back into Venezuela. That could include the Export-Import Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corp., whose remit Congress expanded in December, underwriting investments to account for political and security risks. Promoting U.S. investment in Venezuela would keep China a major consumer of Venezuelas oil out of the nation and cut off the flow of the discounted crude that China buys from Venezuelas ghost fleets of tankers that skirt U.S. sanctions. There's an incentive for the Americans to get there first and to ensure it's American companies at the forefront, and not anybody else's," said Goldberg. Its unclear how much the Trump administration could accelerate investment in Venezuela, said Landon Derentz, an energy analyst at the Atlantic Council who worked in the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations. Many consider Venezuela a longer-term play given current low prices of $50 per barrel oil and the huge capital investments needed to modernize the infrastructure, Derentz said. But as U.S. shale oil regions that have made the country the worlds leading oil producer peter out over time, he said, it would become increasingly economical to export Venezuelan heavy crude to the Gulf Coast refineries built specifically to process it. Venezuela would be a crown jewel if the above-ground risk is removed. I have companies saying lets see where this lands, said Derentz, who served in Trumps National Security Council during his first term. I dont see anything that gives me the sense that this is a ripe opportunity. Bengaluru, Jan 3 : In a major development related to the January 1 incident of violence in Karnataka's Ballari, the suspended Superintendent of Police (SP) has allegedly attempted suicide after being distressed by the Congress-led government's decision to suspend him, citing negligence in connection with the clash that resulted in the shooting death of a Congress worker. Commenting on the development, the Karnataka BJP termed the Congress-led government a "murderous government". According to preliminary reports, suspended SP Pavan Nejjur consumed sleeping pills at his friend's farmhouse in Baraguru village of Sira taluk in Tumakuru district and was admitted to a hospital. Sources said the violence occurred barely hours after SP Pavan Nejjur took charge of Ballari district. He had received his first executive posting after 11 years of service in the police department. Though there has been no official confirmation from his family or the police department, sources within the department confirmed the incident and said that after treatment, the SP is out of danger and recovering. Reacting strongly to the development, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said in Bengaluru that the Congress-led government in Karnataka had turned into a murderous government. "The law and order system in the state has collapsed. This is a corrupt and deceitful government. In connection with the shooting incident near BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy's residence in Ballari, the SP has been suspended. "The SP had taken charge barely two hours before the incident occurred. It takes at least 15 to 20 days to understand a new district. The gunshots were fired by Congress workers, and they killed their own party worker. They had planned to kill Janardhana Reddy," Ashoka alleged. He further said that the SP had been made a scapegoat for the incident. Drawing a parallel with the suspension of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner following the stampede tragedy in the city that claimed 11 lives, he said the officer was still under mental pressure. "This is a murderous government. Law and order has deteriorated under the Congress regime, and mental pressure on police officials has increased. Police postings are allegedly given only after payment of money. "There was an attempt to shoot at Janardhana Reddy in Ballari. The SP was made a scapegoat and suspended for stating that MLA Bharat Reddy's gunman fired the shot," he reiterated. "Now the SP has allegedly attempted suicide. The police have only seized the weapon and allowed the accused to flee the state," Ashoka charged. "They file FIRs after the accused escape. Due to government pressure, officials are being driven to suicide. Twelve police officials have committed suicide. If the SP could be suspended within two hours, then the Home Minister, who has been in office for two-and-a-half years, and Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan should also be suspended," he said. "This is a government that delivers a 'suicide guarantee' to officials," Ashoka remarked. Meanwhile, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H. K. Patil said on Friday night after the Cabinet meeting that the Ballari SP was suspended for negligence. When questioned on whether the government had made the officer a scapegoat, given that he was suspended within hours of taking charge, Patil said the officer had failed to visit the spot when the violence broke out. "He is expected to rush to the spot in such cases, even if it is 30 minutes after he assumes charge," the minister said. January 03 : Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as one of the countrys major technology and digital hubs. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the next major milestone of the states visionary development model is the proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) City in Lucknow. The Chief Minister has already reiterated his commitment to the AI City in his letter addressed to the public. This project will not only give fresh momentum to the states economic growth but will also establish Uttar Pradesh as a strong presence on the global technology map. The AI City will be developed in two phases. Approximately 60 percent of the total area will be developed as a core zone, housing AI innovation centres, technology parks, and advanced research facilities. The remaining 40 percent area will be developed with residential, commercial, and social infrastructure. The Yogi government aims to transform Uttar Pradesh into a USD 1 trillion economy over the next five years. In this direction, the IT-ITeS and Artificial Intelligence sectors are being positioned as key growth engines. With this objective, the state government plans to develop the AI City in Lucknow under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring a balanced framework of private investment and government support. The Lucknow AI City will be developed as a dedicated and self-reliant technology hub. It will feature state-of-the-art data centres, high-performance computing infrastructure, AI research labs, startup incubation centres, and modern workspaces for global technology companies. The objective is to provide world-class facilities to Indian and international AI companies at a single location, enabling them to develop and scale their projects at a faster pace. The project is being advanced with the goal of positioning Lucknow among the top 20 global AI hubs. As the state capital, Lucknows academic and technological ecosystem is a significant strength. Prestigious institutions such as IIM Lucknow and IIIT Lucknow are already playing a crucial role in research, innovation, and skill development. IT experts believe that the AI City will work in close coordination with these institutions to build a strong and future-ready talent pool. The AI City is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. It will serve as a major platform for IT professionals, data scientists, engineers, researchers, and startup entrepreneurs. At the same time, local youth will gain access to high-quality employment opportunities within the state, reducing the need to migrate elsewhere for jobs. The AI City will be developed on a green and sustainable development model. Chennai, Jan 3 : The seat-sharing discussions between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Congress for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are progressing smoothly, and reports of any talks with other parties are baseless rumours, said Girish Chodankar, Tamil Nadu Congress in-charge, on Saturday. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Chodankar said that soon after the Congress decided to continue its alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, a dedicated committee was constituted to hold discussions with the DMK leadership. "We have been engaged in talks for nearly a month now. The Congress shares a strong and trustworthy alliance with the DMK. The number of seats the Congress will contest in the 2026 Assembly elections will be announced shortly," he said. Dismissing speculation about discussions with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Chodankar made it clear that no official talks had been held. "Reports about a possible alliance with TVK are nothing more than rumours. There have been no formal discussions with that party," he said. He added that the Congress was in the process of strengthening its organisational machinery ahead of the elections. Various committees related to election management are being formed, and the party has received more than 5,000 applications from volunteers willing to work for the campaign. According to him, this response reflects the level of enthusiasm within the party as it prepares for the 2026 Assembly polls. On the internal issues raised by Congress MP Jyothimani, Chodankar said the party had constituted a committee to examine the allegations. He stressed that internal party matters should not be aired publicly, particularly during the election period. "Such statements create confusion in the minds of the people. We have sought an explanation from Ms. Jyothimani, and she is free to convey her concerns to the party leadership through appropriate channels," he said. Chodankar also said that clarifications had been sought from Congress district executives in Karur in connection with the issue and that the matter had been brought to the attention of the All India Congress Committee leadership. "Party executives must refrain from discussing internal issues on public platforms. Discipline and unity are crucial as we move closer to the elections," he added. Reiterating the Congress' commitment to the DMK-led alliance, Chodankar said the party was confident of contesting the 2026 Assembly elections as part of a cohesive and credible alliance. Chandigarh, Jan 3 : Haryana Police on Saturday said 3,738 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act that led to the arrest of 6,801 traffickers and seizure of 55 kg heroin and 220 kg charas in 2025. The Haryana Police and the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) carried out a multi-dimensional anti-drug campaign that went far beyond routine seizures and arrests, targeting the illegal assets, financial lifelines, organised syndicates, and supply chains of drug traffickers. In line with government policy, enforcement, financial investigation, judicial action, technical surveillance, and public participation were strengthened simultaneously to strike at both demand and supply. Director General of Police Ajay Singhal congratulated Haryana Police, HSNCB, district police units, field formations, intelligence wings, prosecution teams, and all officers and personnel associated with the drug-free campaign. An official statement quoting the DGP said this achievement "is the outcome of collective dedication, professional excellence, and seamless coordination." Motivating the force for the future, the DGP emphasised fight against drug trafficking must continue in a sustained, strategic, and even more effective manner. Reaffirming zero tolerance, he said the police would not only bring traffickers to justice but would also remain fully committed to achieving a drug-free society. Cracking down on pharmaceutical drug abuse, police seized over 5.30 lakh tablets, 4,493 bottles, 1.16 lakh capsules, and 7,644 injections, demonstrating firm control over both traditional and synthetic drug trafficking. Taking action against illegal constructions and assets, 119 illegal properties belonging to 107 traffickers were demolished from 2022 to 2025. Last year alone, assets of Rs 13.59 crore, both movable and immovable, belonging to 143 accused were seized or frozen. Additionally, 76 habitual offenders were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act, delivering a blow to organised drug networks. The HSNCB registered 249 cases and arrested 472 drug traffickers in 2025, covering commercial, intermediate, and small quantity cases. Significant seizures of heroin, charas, ganja, opium, poppy husk, MDMA, and pharmaceutical drugs were made, dismantling several inter-state and organised trafficking networks. With enhanced investigation, effective use of technical and financial evidence, the conviction rates stood at 55.90 per cent last year in commercial quantity cases, 61.83 per cent in intermediate quantity cases, and 31.01 per cent in small quantity cases, reflecting an evidence-based and legally sound approach to NDPS prosecutions. Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 3 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a campaign to free the country from the symbols of slavery. "In this direction, the island has been named after Netaji Subhas Babu, Port Blair has been renamed Sri Vijaynagaram, and islands have been named after our brave soldiers," said HM Shah at the inauguration and foundation laying of projects worth Rs 373 crore in Andaman and Nicobar's Ross Island. He said the people of this island group must see the exhibition based on the new justice codes introduced to abolish the laws of the British and restore the rights and dignity of India's citizens, so that the historic changes taking place in the criminal justice system can be understood. The Union Home Minister, in a social media post, said, "On this very land, Netaji Subhas Babu had declared an independent India on December 30 and performed the act of hoisting the Tricolour. In his honour, Modi Ji has named two islands 'Shaheed' and 'Swaraj'. In this same island group, Modi Ji has also undertaken the task of naming the islands after brave warriors." He said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is committed to promoting tourism, development and fortifying security in small islands. The Union Minister said, "This archipelago is, in a way, becoming the focal point of our freedom, sovereignty, maritime power, and economic activities in today's times. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a crucial strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region." "Here, there are immense possibilities for the blue economy, vast tourism potential, and memories of the freedom struggle as well. While preserving the heritage, the Government of India is fully committed to developing the entire archipelago," he said. The Union Minister said that this island group was once considered a drain on the country's treasury. "I am confident that after the next 10 years, this island group will be a major contributor to the country's treasury," he said. Bengaluru, Jan 3 : Commenting on the incidents of violence in Ballari over banner installation that ended with the death of a Congress worker, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said that the Congress would stand by party MLA Nara Bharath Reddy. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said: "Until BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy came to Ballari, there was not even a single disturbance. There was no untoward incident, not even a minor FIR. Violence broke out only after his arrival. "Therefore, he has no moral right to speak on this issue. The Congress party will stand firmly behind our MLA Bharat Reddy. We have lost our party worker. Who is responsible for this will emerge through the investigation. The law will take its course, and those who are guilty will be punished," Shivakumar said. "For the first time in Ballari, our government is constructing a statue of Maharshi Valmiki. Our MLA has taken responsibility for it and posters have been put up across the city. What is wrong in that?" he asked. "BJP workers put up posters even in front of my house. Can I stop them? What problem has this caused to the BJP? Were the posters put up on government land? Why was there a need for Janardhana Reddy to create a confrontation over this?" he questioned. "We have lost our party worker, and the BJP is responsible for it. The investigation is underway. The Chief Minister, the Home Minister and the district in-charge minister have already spoken on the matter. I will not interfere in the police investigation," he clarified. He said the party had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of senior party leader H.M. Revanna to study the incident and had sent a delegation to Ballari. "The BJP is unable to digest our party's victory in Ballari. After their defeat, senior BJP leaders B. Sriramulu and Janardhana Reddy are rattled. I know what all exists between them and to what extent. They are trying to recreate their 'republic' in Ballari," Shivakumar said. "We will not allow that. Our Chief Minister has already given clear instructions to our party workers. Until Janardhana Reddy arrived there, there was not a single incident of violence," he said. He also stated that in the wake of the incident, all privately owned firearms in the district had been seized. "We will prepare guidelines and frame regulations regarding the issuance and possession of firearms," he added. When asked about MLA Bharat Reddy's alleged statement on setting houses on fire and whether he approved of it as KPCC president, Shivakumar said, "No one will set houses on fire. I do not support that. I will first verify exactly what he has said." When asked about posters allegedly put up by Bharat Reddy's supporters in front of Janardhana Reddy's house, he said, "Was Bharat Reddy present there? Why should Valmiki's posters not be displayed in front of Janardhana Reddy's house? If they are displayed, what is wrong in it?" On whether firing gunshots was justified, he said, "An investigation is underway to determine who fired the shots. The law will take its course, and those responsible will be punished." When questioned about the transfer and suspension of officials, including the SP, Shivakumar said, "The moment I came to know about the incident, I spoke to the SP. From my experience, I understood the circumstances under which the SP spoke. I know what responses he gave. "I also spoke to the previous SP, the IG and the MLA, as well as other leaders. BJP leader Sriramulu too called me and informed me about the incident. I immediately alerted the police," he said. "Politics is not important here. Restoring peace is extremely important. The people of Ballari had begun to believe that a peaceful atmosphere was returning. That is what matters to us. As party president, I have my own responsibilities," he said. Responding to Janardhana Reddy's claim that there was a conspiracy to kill him, Shivakumar said, "He is a drama master. After all, he is a film producer. He stages dramas. Who would attempt to kill someone who lives in a fortress with a hundred security personnel? "Instead, it is the people who are living in fear in a different way. Janardhana Reddy and his family are unable to accept defeat, and that is why they are making such allegations. You yourself must understand whose history is what," he said. Beijing/New Delhi, Jan 3 : The aviation sector in China is facing a significant crisis with empty airports, suspended international routes, and mounting airline losses, according to a media report. The situation "has become a symbol of the country's broader economic and political isolation" by the global community, the Ceylon News wire reported. It attributed the crisis to the mismanagement of domestic as well as foreign policies. "The eerie emptiness of China's airports today is not merely a logistical issue but a telling indicator of deeper structural problems. Once bustling hubs of international travel, facilities such as Beijing's Daxing International Airport now resemble ghost towns. Social media posts from travellers reveal shuttered shops, deserted terminals, and flights operating with only a handful of passengers," the report said. "This collapse in air traffic is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a wider trend that underscores the fragility of China's economy and the limitations of its governance model under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)," it added. The report called out the CCP's cost-cutting measures that led airlines, mainly state-owned Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, to reduce services, install hard seats, and even strap cargo onto passenger seats, eroding "consumer trust". It noted that the government's domestic policy of prioritising infrastructure expansion without addressing consumer confidence also left airlines overextended and unable to adapt. At the same time, high-speed rail with cheaper and more reliable alternatives led to stiff competition and further weakened aviation's appeal. These challenges were compounded by China's strained relations with Western nations, exacerbated by the ongoing US-China trade war and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. These discouraged international airlines from maintaining routes. As per the report, more than 30 foreign carriers, including Virgin Atlantic, Scandinavian Airlines, and El Al, suspended flights to China by December 2024. "Even Beijing's unilateral visa-free policy for citizens of 38 countries has failed to reverse the decline. Inbound travel recovery rates remain dismal: only 45.2 per cent from the US, 56.2 per cent from Germany, 57.9 per cent from the UK, and 53 per cent from France as of mid-2025," the report said. This led to severe financial loss of more than 4.7 billion yuan ($645 million) collectively for Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern. "The CCP's policies, both domestic and foreign, have failed to inspire confidence, leaving the aviation industry as a cautionary tale of what happens when political priorities overshadow economic pragmatism," the report said. Kolkata, Jan 3 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet in the sand smuggling case, the central agency sources said on Saturday. The ED filed the charge sheet within 60 days of the arrest of Arun Sharaf and other accused, ED officials said. The charge sheet was submitted on Saturday to ED's special court in Bankshall court premises against a total of 14 companies. The ED claimed that a corruption of Rs 145 crore has taken place. The investigating agency also claimed that this money was allegedly laundered through 14 companies, including GD Mining, ED officials added. Arun Sharaf, the owner of GD Mining, was arrested by the ED on November 6 last year. The ED alleged that Arun Sharaf committed every possible type of fraud. It is alleged that Arun Sharaf completely disregarded all the rules and regulations of the West Bengal Sand (Mining, Transport, Storage and Sale) or WBMDTCL and amassed huge profits through illegal sand mining and sales. The central investigation agency sleuths claimed that the license plate number of the truck authorised to transport sand had to be provided. However, it is alleged that the same number was used for multiple trucks involved in this sand smuggling operation. In many cases, this went unnoticed by the state authorities. Superficially, it would appear that the sand was being transported by the authorised truck. However, in reality, multiple trucks were being used with the same license plate number to carry out this sand corruption. The sand transport permits included a QR code. It is alleged that this QR code was also forged. The ED investigation revealed that forged/invalid challans were being used for illegal transportation of stolen sand from river/stock points. The accused persons/entities used to move the stolen sand illegally from the stock points that have been obtained through allotted or auctioned mines/stock points. Investigation has also revealed that illegal cash generated through aforesaid activities has been merged into the regular books of accounts by unexplained cash deposits. By adopting these fraudulent methods, the accused persons/entities engaged in large-scale theft, illegal transportation and sale of sand, and this has led to undue enrichment of various people. The ED finally filed a charge sheet after investigating this case. Caracas, Jan 3 : Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros, who was "captured and flown out" of the country by the US forces early Saturday had accused Washington of playing a "dangerous game" in the region, a few months ago. "What the current US government is doing is creating a false narrative to justify military action, to start a war in South America for regime change," Maduro had told former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa in an interview for Russian news network RT. Born in Caracas on November 23, 1962, Maduro completed his secondary studies at the Jose Avalos High School. He was a member of the Socialist League and, at a very young age, began working as a driver for the Caracas Metro, where he eventually became a member of the Board of Directors and a union leader. He was also the founder of the new Caracas Metro Workers' Union (SITRAMECA). As a member of the Bolivarian Revolutionary Movement 200 (MBR-200), Maduro was a prominent activist for the freedom of Venezuelan politician and revolutionary Hugo Chavez - who eventually labelled him as his successor - when the latter was imprisoned for his participation in the 1992 military uprising. Maduro used to meet clandestinely with social groups that supported the revolutionary process and played a prominent role in the National Directorate of the MBR-200 (1994-1997). He was a National Founder of the Bolivarian Workers' Force (FBT), an organisation of which he was the National Coordinator. Elected Principal Deputy for the Federal District for the five-year term (2000-2005), Maduro presided over the National Assembly between January and August 2006, at which time he was called to assume the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a position from which he promoted, together with Commander Hugo Chavez, the creation and consolidation of ALBA (2001); Petrocaribe (2005); Unasur (2008) and CELAC (2010). On October 10, 2012, he was appointed Executive Vice President and on March 8, 2013, a few days after the death of President Chavez, appointed by constitutional mandate as the Acting President of Venezuela. On April 14, 2013, he was elected Constitutional President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, becoming the first Chavista and working-class President in the contemporary history of Venezuela. After winning the July 2024 presidential election with a 51.95 per cent of vote, Maduro was sworn in as Venezuelan President for a third term in January 2025. Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela. In his post-oath speech, Maduro called for a broad dialogue process in the country "to advance together toward a major constitutional reform that will further democratize Venezuela." The reform, he said, aims to update "the principles of the Constitution based on the new economy and society," and "to defend the country from new technological threats." Later in the year, Xinhua news agency reported, Maduro reiterated that, contrary to accusations made by Donald Trump's administration, which seeks to link his government to the drug cartels, "Venezuela is a free country, completely free from the phenomenon of drug trafficking." Washington's real concern "is oil, not drug trafficking," he said, adding it also aims to take control of the South American country's other natural resources. In November 2025, US President Donald Trump said he would not rule out the use of military force in Venezuela by land to dismantle what the Trump administration calls "narco-terrorists." Reports cited that Maduro allegedly refused to give up power and made his own demands, including global immunity from prosecution and being allowed to retain control of the military if he steps down. On Saturday, Trump announced that the United States has struck Venezuela and captured its President, who was flown out of the country along with his wife. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a Truth Social post, adding that the operation "was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement." Patna, Jan 3 : An offensive remark allegedly made by Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Uttarakhand Minister Rekha Arya, regarding women from Bihar has triggered a major political uproar in the eastern state. In a viral video, Sahu is purportedly heard saying that women from Bihar are easily available for marriage for Rs 20,00025,000, a statement that has drawn sharp condemnation across political lines. Following the circulation of the video, political activity intensified in Bihar. IP Gupta, MLA from Saharsa and president of the Indian Inclusive Party, announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for anyone who apprehends Girdhari Lal Sahu if he enters Bihar. His announcement further escalated the controversy. Leaders from both the ruling alliance and the opposition strongly condemned the remark. Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav reacted sharply, expressing outrage over the comment. He said, "The tongues of such people should be cut off and thrown away. These people are worthless. This is the real character of BJP leaders. They do not want to give respect to anyone outside their family and party." Even leaders of the NDA in Bihar distanced themselves from the remark. Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal also strongly criticised Girdhari Lal Sahu's comment. He said, "Just because he is a minister's husband, does that mean he can say anything? This statement is completely wrong, and we condemn it unequivocally." Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also condemned the remark, saying that putting a price on a woman's marriage is shameful and unacceptable, and demanded that the Uttarakhand BJP government take strict action in the matter. Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who is currently abroad on a family vacation, reacted via social media on Friday, targeting the BJP and stating that such a mindset reflects the true thinking of BJP leaders towards women and people from Bihar. The controversy has now taken on a cross-state political dimension, with growing pressure on the Uttarakhand government to respond decisively. The incident has reignited the debate on women's dignity, responsible speech and political accountability, especially by those associated with people holding public office. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty / Bloomberg The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a permit to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to import U.S.-made chip-making equipment into China for its Nanjing fab. According to Reuters, Samsung and SK hynix were also given import licenses to bring in specialized equipment that used American-made components into their Chinese factories. These three chipmakers used to enjoy validated end-user status, meaning they could freely import restricted items into China without asking for individual licenses. However, this privilege has expired at the end of 2025, meaning they now have to seek annual approval from Washington, D.C., to continue receiving advanced tools. The U.S. Department of Commerce has granted TSMC Nanjing an annual export license that allows U.S. export-controlled items to be supplied to TSMC Nanjing without the need for individual vendor licenses, the company said in a statement to Reuters. It also said that this ensures uninterrupted fab operations and product deliveries. This move to require annual licenses for the Chinese factories of these chipmakers is a part of the White Houses effort to keep advanced chipmaking tools out of China. Beijing has been working hard to achieve semiconductor sovereignty, just as the U.S. has been trying hard to prevent it from acquiring the latest chips. Aside from that, ASML, the only manufacturer of cutting-edge chipmaking tools, has been banned from exporting its products to China and servicing those that are already installed. Because of this, weve seen reports that the country is covertly working on reverse engineering EUV lithography tools, and that it has even come up with a Frankenstein EUV chipmaking tool, but has yet to produce a single chip. The U.S. does not allow EUV lithography machines with U.S. technology to be exported to China, even to companies like TSMC and Samsung that have Chinese factories. This means that these fabs are only limited to mature nodes of 16-nm and up. The revocation of the validated end-user status for the China-based fabs of these companies shows that Washington is tightening its grip on chipmaking machines, even older DUV tech, to make it difficult for Beijing to create its own technology. Despite this, the East Asian nation is pushing hard to develop its own equipment. The central government has even told its chipmakers to use homegrown tools for half of new capacity. And while the country is still years behind cutting-edge tech from ASML and other Western companies, its slowly taking steps in the right direction. Mumbai, Jan 3 : State-owned Bharat Coking Coal, a subsidiary of Coal India, has filed its Red Herring Prospectus with the Registrar of Companies to launch its Initial Public Offering on January 9, marking the first mainboard IPO of the new year 2026. The public issue will be entirely an offer-for-sale of 46.57 crore equity shares by its promoter Coal India. There is no fresh issue component, which means the company itself will not receive any funds from the IPO. All proceeds from the issue will go to Coal India as the selling shareholder. In its prospectus filed on January 2, Bharat Coking Coal said the main objectives of the IPO are to carry out the offer-for-sale and to gain the benefits of listing its equity shares on the stock exchanges. The IPO represents 10 per cent of the companyas total paid-up equity capital. It includes a reservation of up to 2.32 crore shares for employees and 4.65 crore shares for existing shareholders of Coal India. The one-day anchor investor bidding will open on January 8. The IPO will be available for public subscription from January 9 to January 13. The company is expected to finalise the allotment of shares on January 14, while the stock is likely to list on the BSE and NSE on January 16. Coal India currently holds a 100 per cent stake in Bharat Coking Coal. The company is the largest producer of coking coal in India and accounted for 58.50 per cent of the countryas total domestic coking coal production in the financial year 2024a"25. Under the issue structure, 50 per cent of the net public offer, excluding the employee and shareholder portions, has been reserved for qualified institutional buyers. Fifteen per cent has been set aside for non-institutional investors, while the remaining 35 per cent is earmarked for retail investors. Bharat Coking Coal was incorporated in 1972 and holds Mini Ratna status. The company does not have any directly comparable listed peers in India and has therefore drawn comparisons with global players such as Alpha Metallurgical Resources and Warrior Met Coal. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 3 : Former Kerala Minister and ruling Left Front legislator Antony Raju has suffered a major legal and political setback after the Nedumangad Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Saturday sentenced him to three years' imprisonment in the 'thondimuthal' (material evidence) tampering case. Raju is a serving MLA of Janadhipathya Kerala Congress, an LDF member. iEarlier in the day, he was found guilty and the sentence was delivered in the evening. However, the court granted the two accused bail as they have been given a month's time to approach the higher courts, if they desire. With the jail sentence exceeding two years, Antony Raju stands disqualified from the Kerala Assembly and will also be barred from contesting future elections, in line with settled Supreme Court rulings. Even if a higher court grants a stay on the sentence, the disqualification will continue unless the conviction itself is set aside. The court found Antony Raju guilty of criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and fabrication of false evidence. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for conspiracy, three years' rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000 for destroying evidence, and three years' imprisonment for creating false evidence. He also received a two-year sentence in a forgery-related charge linked to the case. The prosecution's demand that the case be tried by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court was rejected by the Magistrate. The case relates to allegations that material evidence -- specifically a piece of underwear produced as 'thondimuthal' (evidence) was tampered with to help a foreign national accused in a narcotics case to escape conviction. Antony Raju was the second accused in the case. The first accused, Jose, a court employee, was also convicted and sentenced to three years' imprisonment. A large mob had gathered before the court to hear the court judgment and angry Congress-led UDF supporters was seen shouting and hooting the MLA when he came out of the court and the police had a tough time to put him in his car. The case dates back to 1990, when Australian national Andrew Salvatore Cervelli was arrested at the Thiruvananthapuram airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 61.5 grams of contraband concealed in his underwear. Raju, then a young lawyer at the start of his political career, appeared as Cervelli's counsel. The trial court convicted Cervelli and sentenced him to 10 years' imprisonment. However, in a dramatic turn, the Kerala High Court acquitted Cervelli on appeal after finding that the underwear produced as evidence was too small to fit him, raising serious doubts about the prosecution's case. Cervelli subsequently returned to Australia. Years later, following information received from the Australian National Central Bureau, the investigating officer approached the High Court seeking a probe into the alleged tampering of material evidence. Jaipur, Jan 3 : Two juvenile inmates escaped from the Kota Juvenile Detention Centre in Rajasthan on Saturday after allegedly tricking a guard on the pretext of making tea, the police said. The incident occurred at around 7.30 a.m. at the detention centre located in Nayagaon. According to preliminary information, the guard on duty allowed the two juveniles to step out of their barracks to prepare tea. Taking advantage of the situation, the minors misled the guard and fled the premises. The escape came to light shortly thereafter, leaving the guard in a distressed condition, sources said. One of the escaped juveniles is 16-year-old, while the other is 17. Both were lodged at the detention centre in connection with separate criminal cases. Following the incident, personnel from RK Puram police station reached the spot, registered a case and launched a search operation. CCTV footage from the detention centre and surrounding areas is being scanned to trace the juveniles, while questioning of the detention centre staff is also underway. Deputy Superintendent of Police Manish Sharma said that special police teams have been formed to locate the escaped juveniles. He said the 16-year-old was lodged in connection with a knife-point robbery case registered at Udyog Nagar police station, while the 17-year-old was detained in a child kidnapping case registered at Gumanpura police station. Police officials said search operations are ongoing and efforts are being made to apprehend the juveniles at the earliest. An investigation has also been initiated to ascertain lapses or negligence that led to the escape. Sources citing officials said that searches are likely to be intensified to trace the juveniles. Escapes from detention centres continue to pose a challenge for authorities, exposing gaps in supervision and security arrangements. Such incidents divert policing resources, trigger large-scale manhunts and raise public safety concerns, while prompting questions over accountability and preparedness within custodial institutions. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 3 : Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) following the conviction of former minister and present legislator Antony Raju in the thondimuthal (material evidence) tampering case, alleging that the government has consistently acted to protect accused persons. Antony Raju served as the State Transport Minister from May 2021 till December 2024, after which he resigned as part of an arrangement to make way for K.B. Ganesh Kumar. On Saturday evening, the Nedumangad Judicial First Class Magistrate Court sentenced him to three years' imprisonment in the thondimuthal (material evidence) tampering case. Satheesan said the Opposition had earlier warned on the floor of the Assembly that Antony Raju, an accused in a serious criminal case, should not be appointed as a minister. "Despite being fully aware that Antony Raju was an accused, Pinarayi Vijayan went ahead and made him a minister," Satheesan said. He described the case as extremely grave, pointing out that it involved the manipulation of material evidence to help a foreign national arrested for smuggling narcotics concealed in his underwear escape punishment. According to Satheesan, the underwear produced as material evidence was illegally taken from court custody, altered and tampered with as part of a conspiracy to mislead the court. "It is shocking that someone accused in such a serious offence was retained as a minister for two-and-a-half years, even after the Opposition strongly objected," he said. He added that the subsequent case for destruction of evidence was registered only after the court itself developed doubts following the acquittal of the foreign accused. "Protecting the accused is exactly what the LDF and the CPI(M) have been doing, and they continue to do so even now," Satheesan alleged. He also accused the CPI(M) of shielding accused persons who are currently in jail in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, claiming that the latest verdict once again proves that the government acts as a protective cover for those involved in corruption and crime. Earlier in the day, Antony Raju was found guilty, and the sentence was delivered in the evening. However, the court granted bail to the two accused, as they have been given a month's time to approach higher courts, if they so desire. With the sentence exceeding two years, Antony Raju stands disqualified from the Kerala Legislative Assembly and will also be barred from contesting future elections, in line with settled Supreme Court rulings. Even if a higher court grants a stay on the sentence, the disqualification will continue unless the conviction itself is set aside. New Delhi, Jan 3 : The Centre on Saturday cleared the appointment of Kerala High Court judge, Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque, as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. In a post on social media platform aXa, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law & Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that the President, in exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India and in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), was pleased to appoint Justice Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakath, Judge of the Kerala High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. The appointment comes in line with the recommendation of the CJI Surya Kant-led Supreme Court Collegium, which had earlier proposed the elevation of Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque of the Kerala High Court as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. Born on June 1, 1967, Justice Muhamed Mustaque is a native of Thana in Kannur district of Kerala. He obtained his law degree from V.B. College of Law, Udupi, and later completed his LL.M. in Labour Law from M.G. University. He enrolled as an advocate on October 1, 1989, and practised for seven years before various courts and statutory authorities in Kannur. During his career at the Bar, he practised as a litigation lawyer and arbitrator and also served as a mediator at the Kerala Mediation Centre. His areas of practice included civil, commercial, constitutional, administrative, service and criminal law, besides telecommunication, intellectual property and information technology laws. He also served as a faculty member for mediation training with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) and was a panel arbitrator with ICADR and IIAM. Justice Muhamed Mustaque was sworn in as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court on January 23, 2014, and was appointed as a Permanent Judge with effect from March 10, 2016. He has also served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court. Meanwhile, the Centre on Thursday said that the President, in exercise of powers under Article 222 of the Constitution, has transferred Soumen Sen, Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, to serve as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, following the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar on January 9, 2026. --IANS pds/dan Washington, Jan 3, : In a stunning military operation, the United States on Saturday captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and is flying them to New York to face criminal charges, according to statements by US officials and the President. President Donald Trump announced the operation in a post on social media, saying the United States had "successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro." Trump said Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the Country," adding that the operation was conducted "in conjunction with US Law Enforcement." "This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. Details to follow," Trump said. He added that there would be a news conference at 11 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago. Vice President J D Vance said the administration had repeatedly warned Maduro before authorising the operation. "The President offered multiple off-ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States," Vance said. "Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says," he added, praising US forces involved in the mission. "Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation." Details of the raid were reported by US media, citing sources familiar with the operation. According to CNN, "Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were dragged from their bedroom by US forces during the raid that led to their capture." The couple was seized "in the middle of the night as they were sleeping," the sources said. ABC News reported that Maduro is being transported to New York, where he has faced narcotics-related charges since 2020. The network cited sources as saying the Army's Delta Forces carried out the capture after the CIA identified Maduro's precise location. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said both Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York," Bondi said in a statement. She said Maduro has been charged with "Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States." "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," Bondi said. She thanked Trump "for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People," and also praised "our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers." Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the development as a turning point for the country. "A new dawn for Venezuela! The tyrant is gone. He will nowfinallyface justice for his crimes," Landau said. US prosecutors have accused Maduro for years of leading a criminal network tied to cocaine trafficking and other offenses, with federal authorities unsealing charges against him in 2020. The case has remained a central element of Washington's pressure campaign against Caracas, alongside sanctions and diplomatic measures. Bengaluru, Jan 3 : The Karnataka BJP fact-finding committee on Saturday visited Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout near Kogilu Layout in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, where structures built on government land were demolished, to verify facts regarding the existence of houses and sheds in the area. Speaking to the media after the visit, BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath said nearly 95 per cent of the houses and sheds that were demolished had been constructed over the past two years. Vishwanath further announced that a large-scale protest would be held at the Kogilu Layout demolition site on January 5. He said that a detailed report on the Kogilu Layout issue would be submitted to the BJP state president within the next two days. He said the report would include details such as the transfer of land to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), survey numbers, Google Maps data, legal aspects and other relevant information. He said discussions were underway on whether the BJP state president would submit the report to the Governor or challenge the matter in court. Vishwanath demanded that houses be provided to the local residents at a cost of Rs 2.5 lakh. "I can also put up 100 sheds. Once they are demolished, the government will have to provide houses," he said. He alleged that no houses had been provided to disaster relief victims or to those who had lost homes built over stormwater drains, and claimed that the entire exercise was being carried out for vote-bank politics. Applicants who had applied for houses under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation would participate in the protest. "Ultimately, we will approach the court," he said. Vishwanath demanded strict action against those who had allegedly taken money and illegally allotted houses under agreements. "Whether it is Wasim or Vishwanath, whoever is involved must be arrested and jailed. Today, the Congress is protecting such people," he alleged. Responding to questions, he said the person who developed Wasim Layout had named the layout after himself and was a local Congress leader with close links to ministers. He claimed that audio recordings were available in which people were asked to pay Rs 4 lakh or Rs 3.5 lakh to get sheds constructed. He also alleged that the same individual had arranged rental houses for some people. He said no cases had been registered against the person despite allegedly cheating hundreds of people. "They have facilitated Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards for them. We will hand over these documents to officials for verification," he said. Vishwanath alleged that the issue was being politicised following statements made by AICC General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal, claiming that it was driven by political motives linked to statements by the Kerala Chief Minister. He said around 20,000 houses had been constructed in his constituency. "Those who paid Rs 1 lakh six years ago seeking houses are yet to be allotted one," he said. He said the government had announced that houses constructed by the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation at Baiyappanahalli would be allotted, adding that this too involved legal procedures. Applicants must have lived in Bengaluru for at least five years and possess a residence certificate issued by officials. Applications must be submitted online. "Ten per cent of the houses are reserved for minorities. There are 58 vacant houses under the minority quota at Baiyappanahalli," he said. He said officials claimed that while 250 people were said to be residing in the area, details were available for only about 40 houses. Under Section 94CC, houses are provided only if the structure existed before 2015 and if applications were submitted on time. "Houses cannot be provided under this provision for encroachments on transferred land," he explained. He said the Baiyappanahalli housing project consisted of apartment units with more than 12 floors and lifts. "If such apartments are allotted, residents will have to pay at least Rs 500 to Rs 600 as maintenance charges. How can poor people who say they do not even have money for photocopies manage this?" he asked. He said the government had announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the BBMP and Rs 2.5 lakh from the Minority Welfare Department. "They are maintaining that those who had lost homes have to pay just Rs 2.5 lakh. Such funds cannot be disbursed in this manner," he said, calling the statements illogical. "The government is misleading them with false promises," he alleged. Members of Vishwanath's team included BJP state vice-president Malavika Avinash, MLAs Muniraj and K.S. Naveen, state general secretary Tamesh Gowda, Bengaluru North district president S. Harish, and other party leaders. New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 3 : The CPI(M) leadership and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Saturday, condemned the US for what they described as an "imperialist military aggression" against Venezuela, calling for global condemnation and urging the Indian government to take a clear public stand against the action. Reacting to reports of the US airstrikes on strategic and civilian locations in Venezuela, Chief Minister Vijayan accused the US of acting like a "rogue state" and unleashing unmasked hostility against countries of the Global South. In a social media post, the Chief Minister said the bombing of Venezuela amounted to an act of terrorism and posed a serious threat to the peace in Latin America, a region with a long history of resistance to imperialist interventions. Vijayan called on progressive forces worldwide to unite against what he termed "imperialist moves undermining global peace". CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby echoed these concerns, describing the US action as "shocking and painful". He said a "naked aggression" had been launched under the orders of US President Donald Trump against Venezuela, a country friendly to India and a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. CPI(M) leader Baby also said that India and Venezuela were among the founding leaders of the International Solar Alliance, saying that New Delhi had a responsibility to publicly condemn the unjustifiable military action. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) Politburo issued a separate statement urging the Indian people to raise strong protests against the US assault on Venezuela. The statement alleged that residential areas in Caracas and nearby regions had been targeted in multiple airstrikes, endangering civilian lives. It noted that Venezuela had long been in the crosshairs of US foreign policy and that the current military escalation marked a dangerous intensification. The Politburo also sought immediate clarification from the US on the fate of Venezuelan President NicolAs Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following claims by President Trump that the two had been taken into custody by the US military forces. "If they are alive, the US must produce clear evidence and disclose their whereabouts," the CPI(M) demanded. Calling on Washington to act in accordance with the UN Charter, the CPI(M) warned that continued violations of national sovereignty would destabilise Latin America and threaten global peace. Kolkata, Jan 3 : Another Booth Level Officer (BLO) died on Saturday, with his family alleging that pressure related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work led to his deteriorating health. The incident took place in Cooch Behar district of north Bengal. The BLO was admitted to a hospital on Friday night after experiencing chest pain and died while undergoing treatment. His family alleged that he had fallen ill due to pressure from SIR-related duties and was also suffering from depression. According to local sources, the deceased BLO was identified as Ashish Dhar, a resident of Ichhamari village in Baneshwar area under Cooch Behar-II block. He was responsible for Booth No. 103 in the area. Family members said that Ashish had been under stress for several days due to SIR work. On Friday, when he complained of chest pain, he was rushed to the hospital by his family members. He was undergoing treatment there but died while still admitted to the hospital. Ashish was an assistant teacher at Purba Gopalpur Fourth Plan Primary School. Since the commencement of the SIR exercise, he had been managing both his teaching duties and his responsibilities as a BLO, which, according to his family, caused severe stress and depression. On Saturday, Ashish was scheduled to conduct hearings for 39 people at his booth. Family members said he was anxious about the workload and had repeatedly expressed concern over how he would complete the assigned tasks. Ashish's brother, Dilip Dhar, told local reporters, "Last night, he returned home from work and had dinner. Then he received a phone call. We understood that the conversation was about the hearing process. After hanging up, he told us he was feeling unwell. He had chest pain and was drenched in sweat. We immediately took him to the hospital. However, he died while receiving treatment there." After the news of Ashish's death, Trinamool Congress district president Abhijit De Bhowmik visited the bereaved family and alleged that Ashish was unable to cope with the pressure of the SIR work. Abhijit said, "The Election Commission, under the instructions of the central government, is putting inhuman pressure on these people to punish the Bengalis." However, district BJP president Abhijit Barman rejected the allegation, saying, "The first phase of the SIR work is complete. Now the hearings are going on. The BLOs are not conducting the hearings. I don't think he should have been under any pressure at this stage." New Delhi, Jan 3 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved the free distribution of branded sugar packs to all beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), an official said on Saturday. The decision was taken by CM Gupta-chaired Delhi Cabinet meeting. It is aimed to serve as a New Year gift from the Chief Minister for the poor and marginalised sections, the official said in a statement. The scheme will be implemented from January 2026 to March 2027, covering a total period of 15 months, ensuring sustained support and enhanced food security for the most vulnerable sections. Sharing details of the decision, Chief Minister Gupta said that under this initiative, all AAY beneficiaries in Delhi will be provided one kilogram of sugar per month, free of cost, in properly branded and standardised packets. This initiative marks another concrete step in the Delhi government's pro-poor policies, ensuring both food security and access to quality supplies. At present, sugar is distributed in loose form through fair price shops, which often leads to issues such as dust, moisture, contamination and short weighing. The shift to one kg packaged and branded packets will ensure improved hygiene, safe storage, ease of handling and accurate measurement. As per official estimates, 65,883 AAY families in Delhi will benefit from the scheme, with each eligible household receiving one kg of sugar per month. Until the finalisation and approval of a new tender for branded packaging, distribution will continue under the existing system to ensure uninterrupted supply to beneficiaries. Chief Minister Gupta said that the Delhi government is working in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently placed the welfare of the poor at the centre of governance. She added that the Delhi government remains committed to translating this vision into tangible outcomes through sustained efforts for the upliftment of the poor and disadvantaged. The Chief Minister said that this commitment is reflected in initiatives such as affordable and nutritious meals through Atal Canteens, housing for economically weaker families, free ration, and accessible healthcare services. The Delhi government firmly believes that no needy citizen should be deprived of basic necessities and essential public services. A motorcycle rider passes in front of an oil-themed mural in Caracas, Venezuela, on Sept. 1, 2022. (Javier Campos / NurPhoto via Getty Images file) Javier Campos President Donald Trump said Saturday that the removal of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro from power will open the door to the countrys vast oil reserves, a move that has the potential to reshape the global energy market. Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country, Trump said in a public address. They were pumping almost nothing by comparison to what they could have been, he said. Trumps comments came just hours after a stunning raid early Saturday in which U.S. armed forces and law enforcement captured Maduro and struck parts of the capital, Caracas. Follow live coverage Venezuelas vast oil reserves are the largest in the world, likely the equivalent of about 300 billion barrels, according to the Energy Institute, a research firm. Its reserves top those of even the No. 1 OPEC oil-producing country, Saudi Arabia. But ramping up oil production would likely require years of work and sizable investments to modernize its industry, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, something that will also require a certain level of political stability. Trump said in his public address that the U.S. would run Venezuela for the time being but did not specify who would be involved or how. We built Venezuelas oil industry with American talent, drive, skill, and the socialist regime stole it from us, Trump asserted. This constituted one of the largest thefts of American property in the history of our country. Trump said the embargo he imposed on Venezuela oil remains in full effect. They stole our oil, he added. They took it over like it was nothing. Well be selling large amounts of oil to other countries, Trump said when he was asked how controlling Venezuelas energy supply could impact relations with China, Russia and Iran. Were in the oil business. Were going to sell it to them. Venezuela has for decades enjoyed a level of economic success thanks to its oil, which it supplies to a variety of trading partners. Currently, China is Venezuelas top oil customer, according to analysts, but due to the secretive nature of some of those exports exact data is hard to come by. Any U.S. effort to gain access to Venezuelas oil could also further inflame tensions with China, which issued a terse condemnation of Maduros removal. Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuelas sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday. China firmly opposes it. New Delhi, Jan 3 : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday advised Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela in view of recent developments in the South American country and the rapidly evolving security situation there. In an advisory issued through its media centre, the MEA urged Indian citizens to exercise heightened caution, though it did not spell out specific reasons for the warning. "Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela," the advisory said. The MEA also issued specific guidance for Indians already present in Venezuela, advising them to remain vigilant, restrict their movements, and stay in regular contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas. "All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas," it said. To facilitate assistance, the MEA shared contact details of the Indian mission, asking Indian nationals to reach out via the official email ID cons.caracas@mea.gov.in for consular support or updates. In emergencies, Indians have been advised to contact the embassy on +58-424-9848288, which is also available for WhatsApp calls. The advisory comes amid heightened tensions in Venezuela following dramatic developments involving the country's leadership. Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife were taken out of Venezuela by helicopter and transported to the USS Iwo Jima, a US warship operating in the Caribbean. "Theyall be heading into New York," Trump told Fox News, adding that the helicopters flew them out of the country. According to US media reports, Maduro could make an initial appearance in a federal court in Manhattan as early as Monday. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife have already been indicted in the Southern District of New York on multiple charges, including narcotics-related offences. Trump rejected criticism questioning the legality of the US action and warned Venezuelan officials against continuing to support Maduro, while several senior Venezuelan leaders criticised the operation on state television. Reports citing people familiar with the mission said the operation involved elite US units, with intelligence support from the CIA and execution by US Army Delta Force personnel in what was described as a highly secretive operation. Maduro has faced US criminal charges since 2020, with Washington accusing his government of corruption, drug trafficking and undermining democratic institutions -- allegations consistently denied by the Venezuelan leadership. Against this backdrop, the MEA's advisory underscores concerns over the fluid situation in Venezuela and the potential risks to foreign nationals, including Indians, amid ongoing political and security developments. Kolkata, Jan 3 : A booth-level officer (BLO) in Dankuni in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Saturday alleged that she was physically assaulted after flagging the presence of an "illegal voter". The incident triggered a controversy, with the Trinamool Congress questioning the BLO's methods and authority in raising issues related to citizenship. Kolkata, Jan 3 (IANS) A booth-level officer (BLO) in Dankuni in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Saturday alleged that she was physically assaulted after flagging the presence of an "illegal voter". The incident triggered a controversy, with the Trinamool Congress questioning the BLO's methods and authority in raising issues related to citizenship. The incident took place in Ward No. 2 of Dankuni and led to tension in the area. The BLO, identified as Bimali Tudu Hansda of Booth No. 5 in Ward No. 2, alleged that she had provided information to her superiors about a voter from Booth No. 6, which falls adjacent to her assigned area. Following this, she claimed, she faced the wrath of the voter, identified as Abdul Rahim Gazi, and his family, and was physically assaulted. The BLO further alleged that Gazi's wife came to her house and threatened her. "He is a Bangladeshi national. I informed my superiors about this. After that, they attacked me," Hansda told local reporters. The BLO claimed that Abdul Rahim Gazi's name does not appear on the voter list and that he had attempted to register by showing a person from Burdwan district as his guardian. She said she informed her superiors about the matter, after which the alleged assault took place. "They hit me with a shoe. Neighbours witnessed it. His wife is creating a disturbance at my house. I have informed the police," she said. According to local sources, Gazi's wife, Rani, works with the BLO at a nursing home, and the two reportedly had an argument at their workplace earlier. Rani claimed that the BLO was dragging the voter registration issue into a personal dispute. Local residents said they intervened to stop the altercation between the two parties. Following the incident, Trinamool Congress councillor of Ward No. 2, Sheikh Ashraf Hossain, attempted to mediate and called both parties for discussions. However, the BLO did not attend the meeting and later filed a complaint at the Dankuni police station. Reacting to the allegations, Ashraf said, "The Election Commission will decide who is Bangladeshi and who is Indian. But the BLO who is alleging assault went to him with some women. If a woman grabs someone by the collar and assaults him in front of ten people, what is he supposed to do? Her job is to provide information. She cannot do these things." Police said they are looking into the complaint and the allegations from both sides. Chennai, Jan 3 : Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran has strongly criticised the state government's announcement of a remodelled pension scheme, describing it as an election-driven move aimed at misleading the public towards the end of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (DMK) tenure. Nagenthran said the DMK had categorically promised to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees in its 2021 Assembly election manifesto but had failed to honour the assurance for nearly five years. "After remaining silent throughout its term, the government has suddenly announced a revised pension scheme just before elections. This raises serious doubts about its sincerity," he said. Questioning the timing of the announcement, the BJP leader asked what had prompted the DMK government to act now and whether the promise would ever be implemented in practice. He alleged that the move was intended to create confusion among government employees and mislead their representative bodies, particularly the Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisations and Government Employees Organisations (JACTO-GEO), which has been consistently demanding the restoration of OPS. Nagenthran further claimed that repeated protests by various sections of government employees, including nurses, sanitation workers and secondary grade teachers, had failed to elicit any meaningful response from the DMK government. "Despite sustained agitations and appeals, their genuine demands were ignored. Now, with elections approaching, the government is attempting to project itself as employee-friendly," he alleged. Recalling what he described as a pattern of unfulfilled promises, Nagenthran said the DMK had also failed to deliver on key poll assurances, including the scrapping of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and a Rs 100 reduction in LPG cylinder prices. "These promises remain unimplemented even today," he said. Referring to political developments ahead of the Assembly elections, Nagenthran said the impact of the Union Home Minister's recent visit to Tamil Nadu would soon be visible on the ground. He accused the DMK of practising what he termed "fake secularism" and asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would form the next government in Tamil Nadu after the polls. New Delhi, Jan 3 : Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has moved the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court decision that ordered the framing of criminal charges against him and his family members in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam case. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief has filed a criminal revision petition assailing the order passed by the Rouse Avenue Court, which had found sufficient grounds to proceed against the accused for offences relating to corruption, criminal conspiracy and cheating. As per the causelist published on the website of the Delhi HC, the matter is scheduled to come up for hearing before a single-judge Bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on January 5. In an order passed on October 13, 2025, Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts paved the way for the trial of Lalu Prasad Yadav, his son Tejashwi Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and other accused under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act, after they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The special court had reserved its order on May 29 after hearing detailed arguments on framing of charges against Lalu Prasad, his family members, Prem Gupta, Sarla Gupta and Railway officials Rakesh Saksena and P.K. Goyal. The alleged scam took place between 2004 to 2009 when Lalu Prasad was the Union Railway Minister. During his tenure, two hotels were given on lease without following the norms. One of the hotels was allotted to Sarla Gupta, wife of Prem Gupta, a close associate of the RJD chief and a Rajya Sabha MP at the time. As per the prosecution, the RJD leader got three acres of prime land through a benami company. Claiming that there were no irregularities on his part, Lalu Prasad said that the tenders were awarded fairly and had sought a discharge from the case. Meanwhile, in a setback to Rabri Devi and other members of the Yadav family, a Delhi court recently dismissed pleas seeking the transfer of multiple corruption and money-laundering cases from the court of Special Judge Vishal Gogne. Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act) Dinesh Bhatt of the Rouse Avenue Courts rejected four transfer petitions filed by Rabri Devi, about the IRCTC hotel scam case, the CBIas land-for-jobs case and two connected money-laundering prosecutions being pursued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). With the dismissal of the transfer pleas, all criminal cases against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and other family members will continue to be heard by Special Judge Vishal Gogne. aa Patna, Jan 3 : A notorious criminal was shot dead on Saturday in Bihar's Sitamarhi district, the police said. The incident took place at around 5 p.m. at Bhisa Chowk under the Dumra police station area of the district. According to police, Rambabu Rai, a notorious criminal with a long history of serious offences, was critically injured after unknown assailants allegedly opened fire on him, triggering panic in the busy locality. Eyewitnesses said the attack on Rambabu Rai was sudden and that he collapsed on the ground with grievous injuries. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police sources said Rambabu Rai had dozens of criminal cases registered against him across various police stations, including cases related to murder, kidnapping and dacoity. He had been on the police radar for a long time due to his criminal activities. After receiving information, police teams rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. Sitamarhi Superintendent of Police Amit Ranjan confirmed the incident and said a thorough probe was underway. "The case is being investigated from all angles, including personal enmity, gang rivalry and old disputes," the SP said. Police are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. Following the incident, tension prevailed in the locality. Security arrangements were strengthened to prevent any further disturbance and to maintain law and order. In a separate incident, a joint team of the Saharsa Intelligence Unit and Sadar Police Station arrested a notorious criminal carrying a reward of Rs 25,000. The arrested accused was identified as Abhishek Kumar, son of Santosh Rana alias Manoj Sharma, a resident of Bhelwa Ward No. 7. He was apprehended during a raid conducted in a grove in the Bhelwa Ward No. 7 area. Police said the accused was actively involved in illegal activities, particularly the drug trade, through which he allegedly amassed illicit wealth. In view of this, a proposal for confiscation of his property under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is being forwarded. The Saharsa Superintendent of Police commended the raiding team for its action and said such operations would continue to curb crime and maintain law and order in the district. Washington, Jan 3 : President Donald Trump said the United States will "run" Venezuela for a period following the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, declaring that Washington would oversee a transition while rebuilding the country's oil sector and maintaining a continued American presence tied to energy interests. Washington, Jan 3 (IANS) President Donald Trump said the United States will "run" Venezuela for a period following the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, declaring that Washington would oversee a transition while rebuilding the country's oil sector and maintaining a continued American presence tied to energy interests. Trump, at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, outlined what he described as an extraordinary U.S. operation and its aftermath. Asked who would govern Venezuela, he said, "We're going to be running it with a group," adding that the administration was already "designating various people" to manage the transition. On the possibility of U.S. troops on the ground, Trump said, "We're not afraid of boots on the ground," noting that American forces had already been involved during the operation. He stressed that Washington was prepared to act again if necessary, saying the United States was "ready to go again if we have to." The president said the United States would maintain a continued presence linked to Venezuela's oil sector. "We're going to have a continued presence as it pertains to oil," Trump said, arguing that rebuilding the energy infrastructure was central to stabilising the country and funding its recovery. Trump said the operation aimed to prevent remnants of the Maduro regime from retaining influence. Asked whether he was concerned that "bad elements" would remain, he replied, "We know who they are. We're on them," adding that their behaviour had already changed. Questions about congressional notification were directed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the mission could not be disclosed in advance. "This was not the kind of mission that you can do congressional notification on," Rubio said, warning that advance notice "endangers the mission." Trump was also asked about the broader geopolitical impact, including relations with China and Russia. He said the United States would sell Venezuelan oil on the global market and rejected the idea that the operation would limit future energy exports. Responding to criticism that past U.S. interventions lacked clear plans for what followed, Trump said, "Not with me," citing previous operations he described as successful. He said he wanted a transition to happen "quickly" but insisted it would take time to rebuild what he called "rotted" infrastructure. Pressed on why administering a South American country aligned with his "America First" doctrine, Trump said stability in the region was a U.S. interest. "We want to surround ourselves with good neighbours," he said, adding that Venezuela's energy resources were important to protect. Trump was also asked whether the move sent a message to Cuba. He described Cuba as "a failing nation" and said the United States wanted to help its people, while Rubio warned that officials in Havana "would be concerned at least a little bit." Toward the end of the exchange, Trump was asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I'm not thrilled with Putin," he said. "He's killing too many people," adding that he wanted to stop the war and the loss of life. Venezuela has been mired in a prolonged political and economic crisis marked by international sanctions, disputed leadership claims and a sharp decline in oil production, developments that have driven millions of Venezuelans to leave the country and drawn sustained U.S. attention to the region. New Delhi, Jan 3 : In a decisive push to maintain operational mobility and strategic connectivity in the Himalayas, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched sustained snow clearance operations across critical mountain passes, including the formidable Zoji La. The effort, aligned with the Indian Army's winter deployment requirements, is being executed under Projects VIJAYAK, BEACON, and HIMANK - BRO's flagship initiatives in the Ladakh and Kashmir regions. Operating in extreme winter conditions marked by sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall, BRO teams have been working around the clock to ensure that vital routes remain open for troop movement, logistics, and emergency access. The snow clearance drive is crucial to maintaining uninterrupted connectivity between forward posts and supply bases, especially in high-altitude sectors where mobility is often compromised during peak winter months. Zoji La, which connects Srinagar to Leh, is among the most strategically important passes in the region. Its accessibility directly impacts the Indian Army's ability to sustain operations and respond swiftly to any contingency along the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control. The BRO's engineering units, equipped with specialised machinery and trained personnel, are clearing snow and stabilising road surfaces to prevent disruptions. The Indian Army, through its official handle @adgpi, acknowledged the BRO's efforts, stating that the operations are vital to ensuring preparedness and resilience in the face of harsh terrain and weather. The Defence Ministry, Integrated Defence Staff, Northern Command, and the BRO's own communications have echoed the significance of these operations under the banner of "Decade of Transformation". As winter deepens, the BRO's role remains pivotal in safeguarding strategic infrastructure and enabling the Indian Army's operational readiness across the northern frontier. Business Marahoue Petroleum & Co Joins Fastercapital EquityPilot To Accelerate Rural Energy Services Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire & Dubai, UAE 31 Dec 2025 Marahoue Petroleum & Co and FasterCapital today announced a strategic partnership under the EquityPilot program to accelerate the rollout of a modern, servicedriven stationservice in Tofla/Bouafle. The collaboration combines MARAHOUE PETROLEUMs rural market focus with FasterCapitals capital, mentorship, and gotomarket resources to meet growing demand for carburant, GPL, and ancillary services across the Marahoue region. Market Opportunity & Problem Statement Rising vehicle ownership, expanded rural transport corridors, and growing agricultural logistics have driven Cote d'Ivoires fuel demandespecially diesel and superwhile local convenience services remain fragmented. Rural gaps (no station within 15+ km of Tofla) create high transport costs, limited access to trusted fuel, and few valueadded offerings such as convenience shops, car wash, or EV charging. MARAHOUE PETROLEUM targets this white space with a hybrid retail model addressing fuel access, local commerce, and fleet needs. Startup Solution & Differentiation Marahoue Petroleum will deliver a multifuel station offering super, diesel, GPL, lubricants, quickservice maintenance, a convenience boutique with local products, and EVcharging readiness. Key differentiators include: B2B fuel contracts for transporters Loyalty programs Onsite services for truckers (showers, parking) Strict environmental compliance (doublewalled tanks, separators) Early financial models and local market surveys indicate strong traction from transporters and agribusiness cooperatives. The venture projects rapid breakeven through diversified revenue streams and volume contracts. FasterCapital Partnership Value Through the EquityPilot program, FasterCapital provides seed capital, strategic mentorship, digital product support, investor introductions, and assistance with regulatory compliance. FasterCapitals selective criteriamarket potential, team capability, and defensible business modelvalidated MARAHOUE PETROLEUMs approach. The partnership will fasttrack construction, roll out digital payment and loyalty features, and prepare the company for followon funding within 915 months. FasterCapital resources will also support ESG and environmental permitting. Executive Quotes MARAHOUE PETROLEUM addresses a clear rural infrastructure gap with a pragmatic, revenuediverse model, said Hesham Zreik, Founder & Chief Investment Officer, FasterCapital. EquityPilot aims to convert local market insight into scalable, investable operations. This project aligns with our thesis on essential services in emerging markets. We founded MARAHOUE PETROLEUM to deliver reliable fuel and services to communities like Tofla, said the companys CEO, Mohamed Traore. FasterCapitals capital and operational guidance accelerate our ability to modernize supply, create local jobs, and deliver convenient, safe energy services. Growth Trajectory & Future Plans Nearterm milestones include land acquisition finalization, ICPE/CIAPOL compliance, construction, installation of pumps and a convenience store, and pilot B2B contracts for local fleets. Within 1218 months, MARAHOUE PETROLEUM aims to open additional rural sites across Marahoue and neighboring regions, introduce EVcharging hubs, and raise a Series A to fund regional scaling. About Marahoue Petroleum & Co MARAHOUE PETROLEUM & CO is a Cote d'Ivoirebased energy services company building modern stationservice infrastructure for rural and transit markets. Founded to bridge rural fuel access gaps, the company combines fuel retail, GPL distribution, convenience retail, and fleet services to boost local economies and transport reliability. About FasterCapital FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to cofunding and cofounding innovative startups. Established in 2014, it is now the #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups supported, money invested, and money raised. FasterCapital supports startups worldwide through funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The EquityPilot program helps earlystage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support. In Rene Pena-Goveas debut novel Estela, Undrowning (Quill Tree, Mar.), Estela Morales, one of the few Latinas at her elite public school, finds herself at the center of a schoolwide backlash and a citywide debate about merit-based admissions when her poem places second in her high schools Latine Heritage Poetry Contest. This book grew out of my own experiences attending a San Francisco high school that has been the subject of lawsuits and policy debates within the city, and even the nation, for decades, says the author, who was born and raised in San Francisco. I entered high school the year after a court case prohibited the use of racial quotas to balance the schools diversity, and as a result my freshman class was the least diverse in the schools history up to that point. As Estela wrestles with familial, financial, and academic pressures and the growing urge to speak up about the injustices around her, her poetry gives voice to her emotions. Throughout the novel, there are more than 50 poems written in Estelas voice, some of which incorporate lines from Pena-Goveas teenage journals. It is by writing poetry that Estela se desahoga, a Spanish phrase that means to vent, to express, or to unburden yourself, but which literally means to undrown yourself, the author says. I grew up in the Chicane art and activist circles in San Francisco, with musician parents and muralist tias, and have seen how art unites communities in the face of oppression. Working on the book with her editor Rosemary Brosnan still seems like a dream, Pena-Govea says. She adds that in bringing her debut novel into the world, all of my big breaks have come thanks to other Latina authorsparticularly Malin Alegria, Aida Salazar, and Marisa Catalina Caseywho have generously given their time and expertise. My community has held me throughout this entire process. Currently a secondary school librarian, Pena-Govea also performs Latin music in a three-generation family band at libraries, festivals, and parties. She says she wrote the book for my teenage self and for the teenagers I teach who inspire me. Libraries of all sizes needed new places for their materials when wholesaler Baker & Taylor closed late last year, and vendors are trying to meet the demand. Those filling the post-B&T void include Amazon Business, Barnes & Noble, Bookazine, Brodart, Follett Content, Ingram Library Services, Junior Library Guild, Libraria, Mackin, Midwest Library Service, and others. At Ingram, VP of library services Carolyn Morris says managing an incredible increase in the volume of account requests is not a flip of the switch. She adds, We cant go to double the units we do. But our infrastructure was already scalable. Ingram will introduce an updated back-end system for libraries and is refining its ipage ordering system to better field new and existing customers requests. The company has hired 12 new associates, including four librarian consultants, to augment its cataloging, electronic data interchange, sales, and customer service, plus 100 workers across four distribution centers. It is also working on reducing its backlog, with an expectation of returning to our normal turnaround time this month, Morris says. Follett Content moved into the public library sector in September, having learned that librarians were waiting months for B&T orders. The company pre-packages many titles in its guaranteed FollettBound bookbinding, so they had units ready to go. We came to an inflection point, says CEO Britten Follett. Do we focus on small and middle-size libraries because we can do that out of the box, or do we invest to grow and meet the needs of the larger systems? Sensing a massive need, Follett adds, the company began exploring ways to enhance its TitleWave collection development tool and design new options for the changing market with the goal of serving libraries of all sizes. Were using the institutional knowledge that Follett had when we owned B&T, combined with some of the best talent at B&Tincluding new hiresbecause we want this done yesterday, Follett says. Other vendors are expanding, too. Libraria, which previously sold pre-K12 titles, began offering adult titles as of January 1. Libraria has made at least 10 strategic hires of ex-B&T personnel. These are book-loving people who need book-loving jobs, and familiar industry faces that librarians recognize and trust, says Libraria marketing specialist Sara Mantia. Were onboarding a lot of folks from B&T, including sales reps and catalogers. A recent entry to the field, Amazon Business, launched its Books for Libraries hub during the American Library Association conference last June. According to an Amazon spokesperson, Our goal is to make the program accessible and valuable for the diverse library community, regardless of size or annual purchase budget. Amazon Business promises competitive, library-specific pricing and access to machine-readable cataloging records. It recently has added fully customizable, institution-specific 9XX grid functionality and solutions that help streamline workflows, including shelf-ready processing. Past B&T clients are weighing options going forward. Ellen Paul, executive director of the Connecticut Library Consortium, an organization of more than 1,000 libraries, prompted members to open secondary accounts when problems at B&T began. Paul says, Were on the side of the libraries, and its a best practice for libraries to have accounts with more than one vendor in case somebody is unable to meet their needs. Cheryl Lee, collections manager for the Santa Clara County (Calif.) Library District, agreed. Libraries across the nation will tell you, after this incident, its never good to have just one vendor, she says, noting that SCCLD works with Ingram, Libraria, Midwest, and other vendors. We did a lot of our leasing collection through B&T, but weve migrated to [Ingrams] inDemand to take its place. B&T falling by the wayside is devastating to the library community, but that doesnt mean there arent other options out there. Ralph Bingham, executive director of the nonprofit LibraryLinkNJ, echoed Paul and Lee. I worked at a county library system for years, and we were all in for B&T, Bingham says. We need to be paying attention to the financial state of the vendors and looking for warning signs like the lack of fulfillment. In collaboration with the New Jersey Library Association, LibraryLinkNJ created a materials acquisition landing page to host vendors informational webinars and instructional videos. Bingham sees customized book processing as the biggest hurdle. Theres the sticker, the barcode in a certain place, mylar covers or not, even the electronic record and levels of cataloguing, he says. While vendors play catch-up, some libraries are completing their book processing in-house. At Tacoma Public Library in Washington, collections manager Lesley Caldwell has a team working with a laminator, mylar covers, stickers, everything we need. TPL, an Ingram client, has established a secondary account with Libraria as well. CLCs Paul is curious what the exhibit floor will look like when the Public Library Association gathers in Minneapolis in April. I dont think were done seeing new vendors come into this marketplace, and I dont know if were done seeing vendors exit, Paul says. In the next two years, well see how all this shakes out. Food distribution company United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI) fell short of the markets revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales flat year on year at $7.84 billion. The companys full-year revenue guidance of $31.8 billion at the midpoint came in 0.7% below analysts estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.56 per share was 40.3% above analysts consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy United Natural Foods? Find out in our full research report. United Natural Foods (UNFI) Q3 CY2025 Highlights: Revenue: $7.84 billion vs analyst estimates of $7.91 billion (flat year on year, 0.9% miss) Adjusted EPS: $0.56 vs analyst estimates of $0.40 (40.3% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $167 million vs analyst estimates of $156.2 million (2.1% margin, 6.9% beat) EBITDA guidance for the full year is $665 million at the midpoint, in line with analyst expectations Operating Margin: 0.2%, in line with the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow was -$54 million compared to -$159 million in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $2.04 billion Company Overview With a vast network of 55 distribution centers spanning approximately 30 million square feet of warehouse space, United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI) is North America's premier grocery wholesaler distributing natural, organic, and conventional products to over 30,000 retail locations across the US and Canada. Revenue Growth A companys long-term sales performance can indicate its overall quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but the best consistently grow over the long haul. With $31.75 billion in revenue over the past 12 months, United Natural Foods is one of the most widely recognized consumer staples companies. Its influence over consumers gives it negotiating leverage with distributors, enabling it to pick and choose where it sells its products (a luxury many dont have). However, its scale is a double-edged sword because its harder to find incremental growth when your existing brands have penetrated most of the market. To accelerate sales, United Natural Foods likely needs to optimize its pricing or lean into new products and international expansion. As you can see below, United Natural Foods grew its sales at a sluggish 2.5% compounded annual growth rate over the last three years. This shows it failed to generate demand in any major way and is a rough starting point for our analysis. United Natural Foods Quarterly Revenue This quarter, United Natural Foods missed Wall Streets estimates and reported a rather uninspiring 0.4% year-on-year revenue decline, generating $7.84 billion of revenue. Looking ahead, sell-side analysts expect revenue to remain flat over the next 12 months, a slight deceleration versus the last three years. This projection doesn't excite us and implies its products will see some demand headwinds. As we approach 2026, China is pursuing a unified, and increasingly assertive, military posture across the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, and the Himalayan frontier. These theatres are often discussed as separate issues. They are not. Beijing is treating them as interconnected fronts in a long-term campaign to erode U.S. influence, evaluate allied cohesion, and normalize Chinese dominance across Asia. Nowhere is this clearer than Taiwan, the centre of gravity in Chinas regional strategy. The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) now flies dozens of sorties a week around the island, with many crossing the once-respected median line in the Taiwan Strait. Warships operate off Taiwans east coast. Large encirclement drills, once rare, have become routine, rehearsing maritime blockades and coordinated missile strikes. These are not signals of imminent invasion, but they are far more than political theatre. China is conditioning the region to live with a permanent, intrusive PLA presence. The goal is simple: make Taiwans isolation feel inevitable and U.S. support appear costly. But Taiwan is only one front in a widening strategic contest. In the South China Sea, the Philippines now faces daily harassment from Chinas coast guard and maritime militia. At Second Thomas Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, and Sabina Shoal, Filipino vessels have been water-cannoned, rammed, and their passage blocked. Lasers and flares have been fired at aircraft. These activities fall below the threshold of open conflict but are just high enough to create the risk of a fatal incident--one that could force the U.S. to decide whether its Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila still means what it says it does. For Beijing, this grey-zone pressure is a feature, not a bug. If China can make the Philippines doubt American resolve, it will send a powerful message to every U.S. ally in the region. To the north, Japan faces its most dangerous operating environment since the Cold War. Chinese and Russian joint bomber patrols now fly routine circuits through airspace around Japans Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), forcing Tokyo to scramble fighters. Chinese coast-guard vessels have dramatically increased their intrusions around the Senkaku Islands, staying longer and deploying larger ships designed to intimidate Japanese patrols. At the same time, PLA Navy carrier groups treat the Miyako Strait as their gateway for operations east of Taiwan, an unmistakable warning that China views the entire Ryukyu chain as a strategic corridor. In December alone, Japanese fighters were radar-locked by Chinese jets near Okinawa, underscoring just how thin the margin for error has become. Chinas posture toward South Korea is less overtly confrontational but strategically consequential. Combined Sino-Russian air patrols regularly probe the Korean ADIZ, signalling deepening coordination between Beijing and Moscow at a time when Pyongyang is accelerating its nuclear program with their implicit backing. Any enhancements to U.S.South Korea missile defence systems are met with Chinese diplomatic threats and economic coercion. In short, China is telling Seoul that aligning too closely with Washington carries a price, and that North Koreas growing capabilities can be wielded as leverage. Meanwhile, the quietest but most enduring front of all lies in the Himalayas, where India faces a hardened Chinese military presence. Since the violent 2020 clashes in Ladakh, the PLA has built roads, air bases, and permanent barracks that allow rapid force mobilization along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite diplomatic talks, China has not reversed its gains. Instead, it has entrenched them. At sea, Beijings research vessels and naval patrols in the eastern Indian Ocean now challenge Indias maritime awareness, threatening its traditional dominance in a region that is vital to global energy flows. Individually, these flashpoints look local, but together they form a deliberate pattern: China is applying coordinated pressure across the Indo-Pacific to force Washington to divide its focus while Beijing incrementally shifts the balance of power. The real danger heading into 2026 is not a planned offensive but a miscalculation, a collision in the South China Sea, an intercept gone wrong near the Senkakus, or a communications failure over Taiwan, playing out against a backdrop of normalized Chinese coercion. The region is becoming a pressure cooker, and whether it boils over depends on whether democracies grasp that these are not isolated flare-ups but parts of a single strategy that grows bolder each time it goes unchallenged. Joe Varner is the deputy director of the Conference of Defence Associations, a senior fellow of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and the Center for North American Prosperity and Security in Washington, D.C. Instagram / Haley Ferguson The Bachelor alum Haley Ferguson has announced she and husband Oula Palve are expecting their second child together. This new year will bring, once again, a repetition of both intent and apathy, expects Aakar Patel. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Christmas service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi, December 25, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo Intent has an ally in apathy. Intent seeks to take ground; apathy will kindly adjust. Intent is the Bharatiya Janata Party's determination to implement its ideology. The party has the power of government and the backing of a significant number of Indians who want the ideology implemented. This number is actually a minority as every election has shown. But it is armed with intent. Apathy is the inability of the rest of us, who are a majority, to resist it. The expectation, even from those who acknowledge the reality and its dangers, is that the problems created by government must be solved by checks and balances. That the Opposition, and Parliament and the justice system will manage the problem. But it has not so far and this new year we are entering into will show again that it cannot. To those who are new to this: What does the BJP's ideology seek? The ideology has no higher purpose and offers nothing of value other than going after fellow Indians. This emotion is inexhaustible and can renew itself and always find new ground to fight battles on. The new year, 2026, will show this as well. In 2025 we continued down a path we took more than a decade ago. Rajasthan became the eighth state to ban marriage between Hindus and Muslims. This happened in September, three months ago. In September 1935, Germany banned marriage between Jews and Christians. These relationships were labeled as 'race defilement' (Rassenschande), to the horror of the world. India has done this through cleverly named laws that achieve the same thing. The law empowers a bureaucrat to determine whether an adult is entitled to change their faith. The other provisions in the law repeat or tighten the provisions made in similar laws the BJP has introduced over the last few years. The intent was first shown in the 2018 Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act. This law had an innovation. It is aimed at preventing interfaith marriage by criminalising conversion but it makes an exemption for people to convert to their 'ancestral religion'. The term was left undefined but readers will not require to be told what it means. This law was passed and implemented. No resistance from the courts. Intent noted this and sought to take more ground. Similar laws came to Himachal Pradesh in 2019, Uttar Pradesh in 2020, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in 2021, Haryana and Karnataka in 2022. Note that the government changed in Karnataka but the law remains. Intent will always win over apathy. Rajasthan became the eighth state and will not be the last. Alert readers will observe how rapidly the space was occupied in a few years while reversal happened nowhere. The same story is repeated on the issue of beef. The first laws criminalising possession of beef came only in 2015 (by BJP governments in Maharashtra and Haryana). These laws and the discourse surrounding them produced a new category of violence: Beef lynching. In my decades as a journalist, I had not heard of such a thing as a beef lynching before this but the act is now so commonplace as to be normal. There are endless murders all around us and apathy has adjusted to them, making space for intent. Gujarat, the laboratory which has now become a factory, passed a law in 2017 that made cattle slaughter punishable by life in prison. This is an economic offence, but no white collar crime attracts life. Those who steal billions can be rehabilitated as we are seeing happen before us. A few weeks ago, Uttar Pradesh said it wanted the case against those accused of the first infamous lynching, that of Mohammad Akhlaq in September 2015, to be withdrawn, because justice is offensive. The judge bravely refused this and the decade-old trial will continue but we have to turn to individual acts of courage in a land ruled generally by apathy. The total exclusion of 200 million Indian Muslims from power at the Centre is today as normal as it might be in a nation where discrimination is legal. Indians shrug their shoulders. Intent will violently disrupt the annual festival of Christians and the rest of us will look on. Disapproval is not the same as action and intent takes violent action while apathy will pull out its cellphone and record. A law criminalising the divorce of only one religion came in 2019, and for all the rest it remains a civil offence. A law excluding only one religion from the Citizenship (Amendment) Act also came in 2019. A law which prevents Indians of one religion from buying and renting property in Gujarat where even foreigners can, was tightened in 2019. We are told that India was at the forefront of fighting apartheid in South Africa but today we are comfortable with it being practised in our land. If we were not comfortable, if we were outraged, then we would do something about it. Kashmiri carpet seller lynching and Bangladeshi vendor lynching have joined beef lynching and we have been inert. Intent will not relent because intent seeks to achieve something; apathy wants only to not be disturbed. This new year will bring, once again, a repetition of both intent and apathy. Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here. A Hindu businessman, who was brutally attacked, hacked and set on fire three days ago, died on Saturday in Bangladesh, reports and a minority faith group leader said. IMAGE: Members of Bangiya Hindu Jagaran take part in a rally to Bangladesh Deputy High Commission to protest against the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh, in Kolkata on December 23, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo This is the fifth death of a person from Hindu community since December and radical groups in Bangladesh are visibly trying to intimidate the minority faiths, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council spokesman Kajol Debnath said. Khokon Chandra Das, 50, was assaulted near Keurbhanga Bazar in Damudya in Shariatpur district, about 100 kilometres south of Dhaka, on Wednesday night while returning home after closing his shop. "Das died this morning after battling for life for three days," Debnath confirmed. Das, who ran a medicine shop and mobile banking business, was travelling in an autorickshaw when the attackers intercepted the vehicle and allegedly beat him up, hacked him with sharp weapons and then poured petrol on his head before setting him on fire, media reports had said on Thursday. In a bid to save himself, Das jumped into a roadside pond as locals raised an alarm. The attackers fled the scene, police said, adding that he was rescued by locals, taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, and then referred to Dhaka due to the severity of his injuries. Doctors in Dhaka said Das suffered multiple injuries across his body, including a serious wound to his abdomen, along with burn injuries on his face, head and hands. "This is the fifth death of a Hindu man in one month (December). During the month we recorded seven attacks on the community," Debnath said, fearing rightwing radical groups in Bangladesh were trying to intimidate the minority faiths. "The use of petrol or gunpowder to torch someone or someone's household is an ominous sign, not just criminal acts... perhaps we are witnessing the rise of a radical (rightwing) culture," Debnath said. On December 18, 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Mymensingh city. A week later, on December 23, unidentified men set on fire a Qatar expatriate workers Shukh Shil and Anil Shil's home in Raojan area on the outskirts of Chattogram, but the residents managed to come out of the building unharmed. On December 24, another Hindu man Amrit Mondal was lynched over alleged extortion in Rajbari town's Pangsha upazila. Debnath, however, did not elaborate on the other two deaths. According to the 2022 census, the Hindu population in Bangladesh is approximately 13.13 million, which accounts for about 7.95 per cent of the country's total population. There has been a spate of violence targeting the minority community in the country in the last few weeks and mob violence or clandestine attacks have emerged as a major crisis in Bangladesh's changed political landscape, political observers said. Several hundred Sufi shrines of liberal Muslim saints who preached Islam in the region were attacked and damaged as well in the past one year and in one such recent incident, the fanatic elements dug up the body of a spiritual man and set it on fire damaging his shrine. Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Uttarakhand minister Rekha Arya, has stoked a controversy for purportedly saying girls from Bihar are available for marriage at Rs 20,000-Rs 25,000. IMAGE: Girdhari Lal Sahu (left), husband of Uttarakhand minister Rekha Arya (right). Photograph: Courtesy Facebook His statement, which is reportedly from an event held in Almora last month, has invited censure from the opposition Congress as well as the Bihar State Women Commission. Rekha Arya is the state's women and child welfare minister. While Sahu has issued an apology after the uproar, the BJP has distanced itself from his remarks. A purported video, which has surfaced on social media, shows Sahu allegedly saying, "Will you get married in old age? If you are unable to get married, we will bring a girl for you from Bihar, you can get one there for Rs 20,000 to 25,000." Speaking at an event in Almora, Sahu also tells the audience, "Come with me, we'll get you married." Sahu has released a video saying his words are being twisted and that he was only discussing the marriage of a friend. "If my words have offended or hurt anyone, I apologise with folded hands," he said. The BJP's state unit condemned the statement and tried to distance itself from Sahu, saying he had no connection with the party. The Congress said Sahu's remarks were an "insult" to India's women and demanded an apology from the BJP on the matter. "This statement by minister Arya's husband is an insult to the daughters of India, whether she is from Bihar, Kerala, or Uttarakhand," Congress state president Ganesh Godiyal said. The statement clearly reveals the BJP's stand on respecting women, he said. "This statement should be strongly condemned and the BJP should apologise for it." The state president of Congress Mahila Morcha, Jyoti Rautela, said Sahu's remarks are shameful, especially since his wife is the women and child welfare minister. "This is an attack on the dignity of women and girls. This kind of thinking promotes social evils like human trafficking, child marriage, and exploitation of women," she said. BJP state media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said his party strongly condemns such "hateful thinking and statements against women". When asked whether the BJP would seek clarification from Arya regarding her husband's remarks, Chauhan said that his party has no connection with Sahu. The Bihar State Women Commission (BSWC) said it will serve a notice to Sahu for the remarks. BSWC chairperson Apsara told reporters, "His comments are highly condemnable. This shows his mental bankruptcy. How can he make such a statement about women when his wife is already a minister in the Uttarakhand government?" A Buddha Air flight number 901 from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur skidded off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal's Jhapa district late Friday night. IMAGE: Aircraft 9N AMF of Buddha Air flight arriving from Kathmandu experienced a runway excursion at Bhadrapur Airport, in Jhapa on Friday. Photograph: @NepalPoliceHQ_X/ANI Photo According to the officials, the aircraft was carrying 51 passengers and four crew members. No injuries were reported. Nepal Police said the incident occurred during landing and confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely rescued. 'The Buddha Air flight that took off from Kathmandu with 51 passengers and 4 crew members to Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa District met with an accident during the landing process at Bhadrapur Airport. All individuals have been safely rescued by Nepal Police and the concerned authorities,' Nepal Police said in a post on X. Buddha Air said the aircraft veered off the runway while landing. 'The flight number 901 from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, aircraft 9N-AMF, has veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport. There were 51 passengers on board the aircraft. All passengers and crew [4 persons] are safe,' the airline said in a statement on X. The airline added that a technical and relief team was being sent from Kathmandu on another aircraft to assess the situation. 'A technical and relief team is being dispatched from Kathmandu on another aircraft,' the statement said. The flight took off at 8:23 pm from Kathmandu and was scheduled to remain overnight at Bhadrapur Airport and return to Kathmandu on the first flight the following morning, The Kathmandu Post reported. Authorities said further details would be shared after inspections and technical assessments are completed. The incident comes amid continued scrutiny of air safety in Nepal following a series of serious aviation accidents in recent years. In July 2024, a Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ200LR crashed after taking off from Kathmandu, killing 18 of the 19 people on board. 'If X fails to comply with these directions, appropriate action will be taken against the platform, including 'the loss of the exemption from liability under Section 79 of the IT Act, and consequential action as provided (for) under any law including the IT Act and the BNS.' Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy UMA media/Pexels.com The government has asked Elon Musk-led social media platform X to carry out a comprehensive 'technical, procedural and governance-level' review of its artificial intelligence-based chatbot, Grok, and submit a detailed action-taken report to the ministry of electronics and information technology (Meity) within 72 hours. Meity's cyber law division said in a letter that X must also enforce its terms of service and AI-usage restrictions, and take 'strong deterrent measures', including suspending, terminating or taking other action against accounts using Grok to create sexually explicit images of women and children. The ministry also asked X to 'remove or disable access, without delay, to all content already generated or disseminated in violation of applicable laws, in strict compliance with the timelines prescribed under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, without vitiating the evidence in any manner'. If X fails to comply with these directions, appropriate action will be taken against the platform, including 'the loss of the exemption from liability under Section 79 of the IT Act, and consequential action as provided (for) under any law including the IT Act and the BNS (Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita)', the ministry said. Earlier in the day, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said social media platforms needed to take responsibility for the content on their platforms. 'Today, social media is such a big influence in our society. They must take responsibility for content. There should be intervention on the content on these platforms.' Users in India have been able to use Grok to create sexually explicit images of women and children with simple prompts. Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday wrote to Vaishnaw and sought his intervention in the Grok image-generation issue. Chaturvedi wrote in her letter that the government should take this up with X to ensure that safeguards were built into AI-enabled apps, making the platforms a safe space for women. Earlier, on Monday, Meity issued a directive to all social media companies to take down obscene content on their platforms or face strict action. In its advisory, its third in 2025 reminding platforms of their duty to comply with the IT Rules and the IT Act, the ministry said intermediaries should apply greater 'rigour' in monitoring such vulgar and obscene content. It said there was a need for greater consistency and rigour in the observance of due-diligence obligations by intermediaries, particularly in the 'identification, reporting and expeditious removal' of content that is 'obscene, indecent, vulgar, pornographic, paedophilic, harmful to child or otherwise unlawful'. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party president Ravindra Chavan on Saturday said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar should 'introspect' after he alleged corruption and debt in the Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, which was ruled by the BJP. IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar speaks during the Municipal Council election campaign, in Akola on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo He suggested that the allegations were part of an attempt by some agencies to set a fake narrative in the run-up to the January 15 elections to civic bodies. If the BJP starts making allegations, it would create serious difficulties for him (Pawar), Chavan said, and advised the Nationalist Congress Party chief to 'introspect' before levelling allegations. The NCP, headed by Pawar, is an ally of the BJP in the ruling Mahayuti dispensation. Chavan was responding to Pawar's allegations that the civic body has been infested with corruption for the last nine years and has been pushed into debt over the same period. Notably, the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation was governed by the BJP from 2017 to 2022 and thereafter by a state-appointed administrator. The civic body is going to the polls on January 15, along with 28 other municipal corporations. "Ajit Pawar made this statement in the backdrop of the upcoming elections. He should first introspect before making allegations. He needs to clarify which party he is speaking about. Is the statement meant for the party that is under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi?" Chavan asked while addressing a press conference. He justified the unopposed election of BJP candidates in Kalyan-Dombivli and other parts of state even before votes are cast by attributing it to the absence of opposition candidates. "For several years, the BJP and Shiv Sena (undivided) were contesting against each other in Kalyan-Dombivli. However, as the BJP and Shiv Sena (headed by deputy CM Eknath Shinde) have formed an alliance, no opposition party is left in the fray," Chavan added. He claimed some agencies are being deployed to create fake narratives during elections. "Ajit dada is a good leader. He is associated with us in the Centre and Maharashtra. However, in this election, the sand beneath their feet is slipping. I will ask which agency had given him the inputs to make these allegations," said the BJP leader. In a sharp dig, he said Pawar would come smiling post the polls, saying his utterances were part of the election campaign. "How allegations and counter-allegations are to be made is something Ajit Pawar will have to decide. If we start doing the same, it will create a lot of trouble for him, and he should keep that in mind," Chavan added. Pawar on Friday supported giving tickets to candidates with criminal backgrounds for civic polls, claiming he himself faced allegations of orchestrating a Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam, and asserted no one is a criminal until proven guilty. "Everybody knows that allegations of a Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam were levelled against me. Today, I am in power alongside those who made those allegations. Can a person be labelled guilty even before it is proved?" Pawar asked. Alleging corruption in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pawar said gangs of looters have come into existence and added that the time has come to burn this monster of corruption in PCMC. "Irregularities have been taking place in the name of various projects, such as cleanliness, the Mula river cleaning project. There is a lack of transparency in the functioning of the civic body. Since there is no fear of state leadership, gangs of looters have come into existence, and to burn this monster in the form of corruption, we have come into the poll arena," said Pawar. Referring to the erstwhile Congress-NCP government, Pawar said they didn't allow the arrogance of power to dominate them. "On the contrary, there is an arrogance of power," he said. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is included among the 7 Best Fortune 500 Dividend Stocks to Invest in Now. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Prepares for Operational Changes Following External Audit UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a US-based multinational company focused on health insurance and healthcare services. According to a December 19 report by Reuters, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) said audits conducted by outside consulting firms will lead to operational changes across its health services and pharmacy benefit units. The company said those changes will include more automation and greater standardization of internal processes. CEO Stephen Hemsley pledged earlier this year to review the business after UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) missed its own profit forecast for the first time since 2008. During the first-quarter earnings call, executives pointed to pressure from government reimbursement rates and an unfavorable mix of new patients at Optum Health as the main reasons for the shortfall. 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As outrage mounted over the death of a 19-year-old Dalit student, the Himachal Pradesh government on Saturday suspended an assistant professor booked on charges of sexually harassing her and announced an inquiry into allegations, including those of ragging and cast related abuse of the victim, while the University Grants Commission also set up a fact-finding committee. IMAGE: CPI-M workers stage a protest over the death of a college student in Dharamshala. Photograph: ANI on X The accused, Assistant Professor (Geography) Ashok Sharma of Government College, Dharamshala, in Kangra district, denied the allegations. Police said he was being questioned. Taking serious note of the case, the National Commission for Women said it highlights the 'serious failure of the security mechanism in educational campuses' and directed the state Director General of Police to ensure immediate arrest of all the accused, fair and time-bound investigation, preservation of post-mortem and medical records and strict action under the various laws. Kangra police said the investigation in the case, registered on the complaint of the deceased girl's father, is being conducted by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dharamshala, and all relevant evidence, including medical records, video clips and statements of witnesses, are being collected. "The family members of the deceased woman have been included in the investigation and the police team took some documents and a mobile phone in possession. The accused assistant professor is being questioned," said Additional Superintendent of Police, Kangra, Veer Bahadur. The police said that according to the college administration, they did not receive any written complaint regarding ragging. A case of sexual harassment under section 75 of BNS was registered against Ashok Sharma, while three female students were booked for voluntarily causing hurt and common intention under section 115(2) and 3(5) of BNS besides Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act 2009 on Thursday (January 1). The order of the assistant professor's suspension came hours after the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu promised strict action in the matter. "Based on the video statement of the deceased woman in which she had named the professor, the accused professor would be immediately suspended and an inquiry would be initiated against him. Strict action would be taken against all those involved," he told reporters. According to an order issued by Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar, Assistant Professor Askok Kumar was placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the departmental inquiry 'in exercise of the powers conferred under sub-rule (1) of Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965'. According to the reports appearing in the electronic and print media, the prima facie involvement of Ashok Kumar cannot be ruled out, and in order to ascertain the facts, disciplinary proceedings against him are contemplated, the order said. A four-member committee headed by Additional Director Higher Education Harish Kumar, with principals of Dhaliara, Baijnath and Naura government colleges as its members, has been constituted to conduct a fact-finding/preliminary inquiry into the death of the student. The committee would submit a comprehensive report in three days covering all aspects and angles of alleged harassment, sexual assault, ragging and caste related comments by the teachers and the students of the colleges, Director of Higher Education Amarjeet Sharma said. The University Grants Commission (UGC) also set up a five-member fact-finding committee to investigate the death of the student after the UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline registered a suo-motu complaint. Asserting that student safety is paramount, a senior UGC official said that a serious note of the incident has been taken and the culprits will not be spared. In his complaint, the student's father alleged that his daughter was beaten by three seniors on September 18, 2025, while the college professor indulged in obscene acts with her. The father alleged that she went into severe mental stress, leading to a rapid deterioration in her health, and died during treatment at a Ludhiana hospital on December 26, the complaint said. The issue shook the state following a video of the girl becoming public in which she accused the professor of harassing her, committing indecent acts, and mental harassment and intimidation when she protested against his behaviour. Talking to the PTI Videos, the accused assistant professor termed the allegations as baseless and said, "I do not know why my name was taken. God should take me if I have done wrong." "The deceased woman, a student of BA first year in 2024-25, was my student like others, and if my suspension paves the way for an impartial inquiry into the case, I am ready", he said. The accused, who has got anticipatory bail, said that he is a father of two girls and has 2.5 years of service left. He also denied any incident of ragging in the college and maintained that there is zero tolerance against ragging and harassment. The National Commission for Women said it has sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) from state authorities within five days. The NCW said its chairperson has written to the Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, 'directing immediate registration of an FIR, arrest of all the accused, fair and time-bound investigation, preservation of post-mortem and medical records, and ensuring strict action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, laws preventing sexual harassment, and anti-ragging regulations'. 'In addition, instructions have been issued for departmental action against guilty/negligent faculty members, review of the anti-ragging mechanism in the college, and strengthening of campus security, awareness, and counselling arrangements. In this regard, instructions have been given to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Commission within 5 days,' it said in a statement. The Himachal Scheduled Caste Commission and the state women's commission have also sought a report in this regard from the Kangra Superintendent of Police. The Kangra police said in its statement on Saturday that the investigation team has already reached Ludhiana to obtain the complete treatment records and to record statements of the medical professionals who treated the victim. Meanwhile, members of the Ambedkar Mahasabha protested in Dharamshala on Saturday, demanding justice for the victim. Talking to mediapersons, the outfit's state president and Zila Parishad member from Sulah, Roop Rekha, said, "This is not a death from depression, but an attempt to murder, and the police are also responsible for the death as they failed to act in time. Moreover, sections of the SC/ST Act have not been included in the FIR." The police had maintained that a complaint was initially received through the Chief Minister's Sankalp Seva Helpline, but the student's statement could not be recorded as she was unwell at the time. The police later recorded the statement of her father. Preliminary investigations by the police pointed out that the student was enrolled in the college in 2024. She allegedly faced ragging by some students and failed her BA first-year examination. She subsequently stopped attending college after the results were declared in July 2025. Her name was struck off the college rolls on August 21, 2025. The student is believed to have visited the college again in September seeking admission, where she was informed that she would be admitted to the second year if she cleared the re-evaluation, failing which she would have to re-enrol in the first year. Left parties on Saturday denounced the United States for attacking Venezuela and capturing its President Nicholas Maduro, with Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary M A Baby terming the nighttime military action an 'act of international terrorism by US-led imperialism'. IMAGE: The sun rises after US President Donald Trump said on Saturday the US has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela on January 3, 2026. Photograph: Maxwell Briceno/Reuters In a post on X, Baby expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela and called upon CPI-M members to organise protests wherever possible. 'The bombing of Venezuela is an act of international terrorism by US-led imperialism. Trump's claim of kidnapping President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, if true, is another blatant violation of international law,' he said. 'This exposes the fallacy of US claims of Trump being a 'President of Peace' and lays bare the ugly face of US' militaristic aggressiveness to the entire world.' Baby said the international community should mount pressure on the US to stop its blatant aggression on Venezuela, and the UN Security Council should condemn this. In a statement, the CPI-M demanded an immediate end to the US aggression and withdrawal of all its troops from the Caribbean Sea. The Left party said it 'strongly condemns the blatant act of US aggression on Venezuela by bombing various sites in the country'. "For the last few weeks, the US has mobilised its military and naval forces around Venezuela in order to enforce regime change. This is the real face of the US National Security Strategy 2025, announced in the first week of December 2025," the CPI-M said. It said the concentration of US forces in the western hemisphere and an open declaration of its intent to bring the entire region under its control represent the 'Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine'. The Monroe Doctrine is a US foreign policy declaring the Americas off-limits to future European colonisation and interference. "Latin America should be declared a zone of peace and the US should not be allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign countries," the CPI-M said. It also said the UN Security Council should pass a resolution condemning the US aggression, and international pressure must be mounted on the US to immediately stop its aggression on Venezuela. The Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist-Liberation also condemned the attack, and accused Washington of imposing a US-backed colonial order. 'A social media post by Donald Trump even claims that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of Venezuela. This war is not just against Venezuela, but an open threat against every people in the region and across the world who strive to determine their own future free from imperialist dictates,' it said. The party said the same lies used to justify the invasion of Iraq, the seizure of its oil, and the devastation of its people are now recycled as so-called 'narco-terrorism' to justify a regime-change operation against President Maduro and the plunder of Venezuela, a country with the largest oil reserves in the world. "Trump's war on the people of Venezuela is aimed at imposing a US-backed colonial order. It seeks to crush the Bolivarian Revolution that overthrew a US-supported oligarchy and returned the nation's oil wealth to the people. The war is to seize Venezuela's oil once again for US multinational corporations and install a puppet government to serve imperialist interests," the CPI-ML said. The party called the war the 'latest chapter in the bloody history of US intervention across Latin America and the Caribbean, manipulating elections, overthrowing democratically elected governments, subjugating people's movements, unleashing bloodshed, and imposing destruction'. 'From Guatemala to Chile, from Grenada to Panama, the US Monroe Doctrine, which treats the Latin American region as its personal backyard and which Trump seeks to reinforce, has always meant subjugation, exploitation, and repression, denying the peoples of the region their right to sovereignty and self-determination,' it said. The CPI-ML said it stands in unyielding solidarity with the people of Venezuela as they defend their sovereignty and their right to determine their own political and economic course, free from imperialist interference. 'We call upon all democratic and peace-loving forces worldwide to stand against this imperialist aggression and the attempts to impose a new order of colonial subjugation under the Trump regime,' it added. The CPI also strongly condemned the aggression and called it a gross violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the universally accepted principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference. 'Such imperialist adventurism gravely threatens peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean and endangers the lives of millions of Venezuelan people. The CPI unequivocally denounces this aggression, which once again exposes the aggressive nature of US imperialism and its contempt for international norms,' it said. The party expressed 'firm solidarity' with the government and people of Venezuela, and said the real objective of this attack is to seize Venezuela's oil and mineral resources. The CPI called upon all peace-loving peoples, democratic forces, and progressive governments across the world, including in India, to raise their voices against this imperialist aggression and to stand in active solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution and the Venezuelan people in defence of peace, sovereignty, and self-determination. United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. IMAGE: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro with his wife Cilia Flores. Photograph: Marco Bello/Reuter In a post on X she said, 'Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess 'Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers.' The Attorney General's remarks come as US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife 'were captured and flown out of the country'. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a 'narco-terrorist' government. Meanwhile, in what can be seen as the polarisation the world is likely to see in the next few weeks, the Russian foreign ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. In a statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry said, 'This morning, the US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. 'This development gives rise to deep concern and warrants condemnation. The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Ideologized animosity has prevailed over pragmatic engagement, as well as over any readiness to build relations based on trust and predictability.' The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. IMAGE: Indo-Tibetan Border Police women personnel patrol the border with China in Arunachal Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo The situation along India's northern borders 'remains stable yet sensitive', the ministry of defence said in a statement. As part of the ministry's review of 2025, the statement said the year witnessed reduced deployment levels of the People's Liberation Army both opposite the country's northern borders and in traditional training areas after India and China agreed on disengagement in 2024. The PLA maintained 10 combined arms brigade-size forces each in tactical or operational depth opposite the northern borders and in the training areas, the statement said. It said the deployment of the army in all sectors along the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border between India and China, is 'robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency'. The army's own preparedness has also been enhanced with new-generation equipment and deployment of the newly created Rudra brigades, Divyastra batteries (for hybrid warfare) and Bhairav battalions along the northern borders. 'Bilateral interactions between India and China at political, diplomatic and military levels have facilitated positive developments and stabilisation' along the northern borders, the statement said. India's military actions 'are calibrated and the approach is to respond to PLA activities with an aim to achieve peace and tranquillity adhering to the principle of 'mutual and equal' security', it added. The statement said various channels of communication were 'effectively' used last year to address mutual concerns along the LAC. The 24th round of special representatives talks between the two countries was held in New Delhi on August 19. A number of other meetings also took place last year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in August, his first visit to China in seven years. 'At the ground level, meetings of border personnel continued with the PLA in all sectors in a cordial and friendly environment to resolve issues of concern,' the statement said. Regarding the situation along the Pakistan border, the statement said 'the situation remains stable though unpredictable' since the May ceasefire. The statement said, 'there has been an increase in Pakistan's attempts to surreptitiously infiltrate terrorists' through some areas. The statement also said that India's border with Myanmar remains 'sensitive' owing to persistent clashes between the Myanmar army and the Resistance Forces, resulting in an influx of 44,298 Myanmar nationals into India in 2025. Russia and China on Saturday condemned the United States airstrikes on Venezuela and the capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro and his wife. IMAGE: Smoke rises near Fort Tiuna during a full blackout, following explosions and loud noises, after the US struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, on January 3, 2026. Photograph: Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters The Russian foreign ministry called the US strikes an act of 'armed aggression' and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. In a statement the Russian foreign affairs ministry said, 'This morning, the US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This development gives rise to deep concern and warrants condemnation. The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Ideologised animosity has prevailed over pragmatic engagement, as well as over any readiness to build relations based on trust and predictability.' 'In the current situation, it is essential above all to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a solution through dialogue. We proceed from the understanding that all parties that may have grievances against one another must seek solutions through dialogue-based mechanisms. We stand ready to support such efforts. Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it proclaimed itself in 2014. Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny, free from any destructive, let alone military, external interference.' The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. 'We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership, aimed at safeguarding the country's national interests and sovereignty. We support the statements by the Venezuelan authorities and by the leaders of Latin American countries calling for the urgent convening of a meeting of the UN Security Council,' the Russian foreign ministry said. Describing it as a 'hegemonic act that seriously violates international law', Beijing 'strongly condemned the US's blatant use of force against a sovereign state'. "China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the US's blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its President," the Chinese foreign ministry said, reacting to a question on US President Donald Trump's announcement about American airstrikes against Venezuela and the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. "Such hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region," the ministry said in its reply posted on its website. "China firmly opposes it. We call on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries' sovereignty and security," it said. China shares a close strategic partnership with Venezuela, built on political alignment, energy cooperation, and shared opposition to US and Western influence in Latin America. In the last two decades, China has become a major buyer of Venezuela's oil despite US sanctions. It is also Venezuela's major investor and lender, extending tens of billions of dollars in oil-backed loans. Meanwhile, in what can be seen as a sign of an increasingly polarised world on the US strike, Kaja Kallas the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs supported the US action saying Nicolas Maduro lacked legitimacy. "I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority," she said. -- with PTI inputs On the night of January 1, more then 40 people died and over 100 others injured in a fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The blaze broke out in the early hours of New Year's Day at one of Switzerland's most exclusive locales. Witnesses described chaos and terror as flames rapidly engulfed the basement bar, with people screaming and smashing windows in a desperate bid to escape. Police have ruled out a terror attack, saying the tragedy is being treated as a fire. IMAGE: People comfort each other outside the Le Constellation bar. Photograph: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters IMAGE: People leave flowers outside the bar. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters IMAGE: People mourn outside the bar. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters IMAGE: A woman holds a candle outside the bar. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters IMAGE: A man leaves a candle outside the bar. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters IMAGE: A note that says 'Rest in peace among the stars' lies amidst flowers and candles placed outside the bar. Photograph: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters IMAGE: A woman reacts outside the bar. Photograph: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters IMAGE: A floral tribute and a message lie outside the bar. Photograph: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters IMAGE: Medical staff and airport personnel load a casualty onto a Swiss Air-Ambulance plane at Sion airport following the fire. Photograph: Reuters IMAGE: A Swiss helicopter ambulance approches landing at Sion airport. Photograph: Lisa Leutner/Reuters IMAGE: Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani outside the bar. Photograph: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters IMAGE: Police officers outside the Le Regent congress centre. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff United States President Donald Trump has released the first picture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on board the US Warship Iwo Jima. IMAGE: A post of US President Donald Trump via Truth Social shows a picture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Photograph: @realDonaldTrump via Truth social/Handout via Reuters In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, US President Trump said, 'Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima.' The United States carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown out of the country. Trump told Fox News on Saturday that the US had planned to conduct the military operations in Venezuela four days ago but had to delay it due to the weather conditions. "We were going to do it four days ago but the weather was not perfect. The weather has to be perfect... It was amazing. I'll tell you- it was highly guarded, like a fortress actually. We had nobody killed, we lost no aircraft," Trump said. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. 'Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,' she said in a post on X. 'On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers,' she added. United States President Donald Trump on Saturday said the US would 'run' Venezuela until a safe transition of power is put in place, hours after American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country in a dramatic military operation. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump holds a press conference as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, look on following a US strike on Venezuela where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2026. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Maduro and his wife were taken overnight from their residence on a military base and placed aboard a US warship, Iwo Jima, which is headed to New York, where the Venezuelan leader will face criminal charges, Trump said. Addressing a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump described the operation as 'extremely successful' and said it should serve as a warning to anyone threatening American sovereignty or lives. "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he said, claiming that a US presence was already in place, though there were no immediate signs of American administration on the ground. In an interview with Fox News later, Trump said the US would be closely involved in deciding Venezuela's future leadership. "We'll be involved in it very much," he said, adding, "We can't take a chance of letting somebody else run and just take over where he left off." Trump said the objective of the US action was to ensure 'liberty for the people' of Venezuela and claimed that Venezuelans were 'very happy' with the development. He accused the Maduro government of sending criminals, including drug lords and people from prisons and mental institutions, to the United States, calling it 'unforgivable'. Following the capture, Venezuelan state television broadcast live images of small groups of Maduro supporters taking to the streets in Caracas to protest the US action. Trump said Washington would now take key decisions on what comes next for Venezuela as the South American nation faces an unprecedented political transition under direct US involvement. -- with inputs from ANI President of the United States Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country. IMAGE: A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 3, 2026. Photograph: Video obtained by Reuters/via Reuters 'The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,' the US President posted on Truth Social. The capture of Maduro, as confirmed by Trump, comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a 'narco-terrorist' government. The US had also imposed sanctions on vessels it claims are involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. At the same time, the US military stepped up actions against Venezuelan boats in the region, alleging their involvement in drug and narcotics smuggling. Trump has called on Maduro to step down, accusing Venezuela of doing 'terrible things' against the United States. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government on Saturday issued a statement rejecting and condemning what it described as a 'military aggression' by the United States against Venezuelan territory, accusing Washington, DC of violating the United Nations Charter and threatening regional peace and stability. In the official statement, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela alleged that the United States carried out attacks on civilian and military locations in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, calling the action a flagrant breach of international law, including Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Charter, which uphold state sovereignty and prohibit the use of force. The Venezuelan government said the alleged aggression was aimed at seizing the country's strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and undermining Venezuela's political independence. It rejected what it described as attempts to impose 'regime change', stressing that Venezuela had defended its sovereignty for more than two centuries. Referring to historical precedents, the statement said the Venezuelan people would once again defend their independence, invoking the legacy of Simon Bolivar and other national leaders. Calling for mobilisation, the Venezuelan government urged all social and political forces to repudiate what it termed an 'imperialist attack'. It said the Bolivarian National Armed Forces were deployed nationwide to guarantee sovereignty and peace, while diplomatic channels would be activated to raise complaints before the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, CELAC and the Non-Aligned Movement. The statement said President Nicolas Maduro had ordered the implementation of national defence plans in line with the Constitution and relevant national security laws, and had signed a decree declaring a State of External Commotion across Venezuela. It added that comprehensive national defence command structures had been deployed across states and municipalities. Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Venezuelan government said it reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defence to protect its people, territory and independence, and called on governments and peoples worldwide to express solidarity. The statement was issued amid reports of loud explosions across Venezuela's capital Caracas early Saturday, which triggered power outages in several neighbourhoods, CNN reported. Reacting to the developments, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for the United Nations Security Council to be convened to discuss US action against Venezuela. 'Colombia is a member of the United Nations Security Council which must be convened immediately. Establish the international legality of the aggression against Venezuela,' he posted on X. Chevron, the only US oil company still operating in Venezuela, committed only to following relevant laws and regulations. Composite: AP, Getty Images Composite: AP, Getty Images US oil giants have so far remained silent on Donald Trumps claim that they are primed to spend billions and billions of dollars rebuilding the Venezuelan oil industry following the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. Chevron, the only US oil company still operating in Venezuela, committed only to following relevant laws and regulations after the US president suggested American energy multinationals would be central to his plans for the country. Venezuelas vast oil reserves reputedly the worlds largest will be modernized and exploited, Trump claimed in interviews and a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate. US oil firms will invest heavily to reconstruct rotted infrastructure, ramp up production and sell large amounts to other countries, he told reporters, adding: Were in the oil business. Related: Months in planning, over in two and a half hours: how the US snatched Maduro Were going to have our very large United States oil companies the biggest anywhere in the world go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country, the president said. The firms would be reimbursed, he added, without providing more detail. ExxonMobil, the biggest US oil company, did not respond to a request for comment. ConocoPhillips, another major player, said it was monitoring developments and added: It would be premature to speculate on any future business activities or investments. A spokesperson for Chevron said: Chevron remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets. We continue to operate in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Venezuela moved to nationalize its oil industry about 50 years ago, and later seized control of operations still run under private arrangements in 2007. While Chevron agreed to remain, others including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips refused to accept new terms. ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips engaged in a years-long legal battle with Venezuela after exiting, and were ultimately awarded billions of dollars by the World Banks International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes. But Venezuela, with an economy battered by sanctions, mismanagement and corruption, has yet to pay all the money. For now, a US embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in full effect, according to Trump, whose administration has repeatedly accused the country of stealing American wealth and property by seizing control of the reserves. As the US moves to take them back, its next steps will be closely scrutinized amid questions over the legality of Trumps vision. Year in Review Bobservations Year in Review: There is another way, Garvey death demands a change of course President Donald Trump said the United States has captured and holds Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro after carrying out a large-scale strike that has been sharply condemned by Iran, Russia, and other allies of the South American country. In a news conference on January 3, Trump and other US officials gave some details of the operation to take Maduro into custody, adding the United States will "run" Venezuela until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition. "This extremely successful operation should serve warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives," Trump, who posted a picture on social media showing Maduro standing bound in a tracksuit with blindfolded eyes and headphones on, said. What happens next in Venezuela is far from clear, but the US strikes and the capture of Maduro have already been strongly condemned by some of Caracas's strongest partners, as well as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said the US military action sets a "dangerous precedent." Maduro -- who was indicted by the United States in 2020 -- and his wife are currently on board the US warship USS Iwo Jima and are heading to New York, Trump said, where they will face charges alleging "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies." Moscow, which maintains close ties with Venezuela, said it was extremely concerned by reports that Maduro and his wife had been forcibly removed from the country and urged Washington to release them. "In light of confirmed reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are in the United States, we strongly urge the American leadership to reconsider its position and release the legally elected president of a sovereign country and his wife," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in the statement. Iran, Russia Denounce US Attack On Venezuela The US military action on the Venezuelan capital of Caracas comes after months of rising economic and military pressure from Washington on the South American country, including intercepting Venezuelan oil tankers and killing dozens in strikes on boats near its waters that allegedly were carrying drugs. Washington has also contested Maduro's legitimacy as president since he was the hand-picked successor to Hugo Chavez in 2013, pointing to successive elections that the opposition and others said were rigged in his favor. Venezuela is Moscow's most important partner in Latin America and has provided diplomatic backing and military support for Maduro's regime over the years as he has faced international and domestic pressure over contested elections and an ongoing economic crisis. The Russian Foreign Ministry called the strikes an "act of armed aggression against Venezuela" by the United States, saying any "excuses" given to justify such actions were "untenable." The ministry added that Latin America must "remain a zone of peace." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had spoken to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez by telephone and that he "expressed firm solidarity with the people of Venezuela in the face of armed aggression" and said Moscow would "continue to support" the government, according to a Russian summary of the conversation. Iran, another key ally of Venezuela, condemned the US military attack, according to Iranian state outlet Press TV. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the attack violates Venezuela's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the UN charter. "The US military aggression against an independent state that is a member of the United Nations is a gross violation of regional and international peace and security, the consequences of which will affect the entire international system," the ministry said. More International Reactions To US Strikes Cuba, one of Maduro's staunchest allies, denounced what it described as a "criminal" US attack on Venezuela and is urgently calling for a reaction from the international community. Brazilian President President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Washington had crossed an "unacceptable line" with the attack, and Mexico's Foreign Ministry also condemned the strikes, saying the move "seriously jeopardizes regional stability." Many governments across Europe, including those in Poland, Britain, Belgium, and Italy, said they are closely following the situation and working to ensure the safety of their citizens in the region. Others, such as Ukraine and Kosovo, have said following the strikes that they stand firmly with Washington and its most direct intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. "If this could be done to dictators, the United States would know what to do next," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his comments to the press in Kyiv. In a statement, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Maduro "lacks legitimacy" and called for "restraint" and a "peaceful transition" following his capture. "Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint," Kallas said. China, which maintains strong economic and strategic ties with Venezuela, was slow to issue a statement on the strikes. But a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement that Beijing "is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the USs blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president." Beijing, along with Moscow, expressed support for Venezuela this month as it confronted a US blockade on sanctioned oil tankers. China remains a top buyer for the majority of the oil shipped out of the South American country. The day before the strikes, Maduro welcomed Qiu Xiaoqi, China's special representative on Latin American affairs, for a visit to Caracas, where they discussed China-Venezuela ties and Chinese investment projects in the country. What Happens Next? It's unclear where exactly the fast-moving situation in Venezuela is heading. While Maduro has been captured, his government is still in power. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has vowed to resist US interference and a state of emergency has been declared in the country. According to the country's constitution, Vice President Rodriguez is now in charge, although the US and Venezuela's opposition regard the 2024 vote that elected her and Maduro as fraudulent. "We dont want to be involved with having someone else get in, and we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years. So we are going to run the country, Trump said. Shortly after Trump's news conference, Rodriguez said that Maduro is Venezuela's only president, calling for "calm and unity" to defend the country, which she added will "never be the colony of any nation." Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has positioned herself as a possible replacement who would be backed by the West, but large swaths of Maduro's political opponents are not supportive of US intervention. In a statement released on X, Machado said Maduro will face international justice for the atrocious crimes committed against Venezuelans and called for opposition ally Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia to immediately be recognized as the country's transitionary leader. He also said the United States will be "very strongly involved" in Venezuela's oil industry and accused Venezuela of "stealing" from US oil companies. "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country," Trump said. Venezuela, which has been under US oil sanctions since 2019, produces about a million barrels of crude per day, most of which is sold on the black market at steep discounts. Trump has claimed that the country has been using oil money to finance "drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping." The strikes ordered by the Trump administration have also been criticized by some members of US Congress, where the issue of military action against Venezuela has been a hotly debated issue in recent months. Shortly after the strikes were launched, Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona wrote on X: "This war is illegal." While many Republican lawmakers have praised the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela, other Democratic lawmakers echoed criticism, pointing out that the administration failed to notify Congress ahead of time under the War Powers Act. That US law is designed to limit the president's ability to commit troops to a conflict without Congressional approval. The Trump administration has argued in the past that Article II of the US Constitution, which states the president is the commander-in-chief of the US military, grants the president the ability to defend the country against those who pose an imminent threat to American lives. Speaking at the same news conference as Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said members of Congress were notified about the military operation in Venezuela immediately afterwards. "This is not the kind of mission that you can do congressional notification on," Rubio said. "It was a trigger-based mission in which conditions had to be met night after night." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is hosting security talks in Kyiv on January 3 with Western partners as Moscow kept up its aerial barrage of Ukraine, including 95 overnight drone strikes. Ukraine's Air Force said it intercepted 80 of the drones and reported no casualties, but an earlier strike on January 2 that hit a residential area of the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv injured more than 31 people and killed two, including a 3-year-old child. The strikes and security talks come amid a flurry of US-backed efforts to push for an end to the nearly four-year war in Ukraine. In Kyiv, Zelenskyy is joined by representatives from 18 European Union and NATO countries for the talks, including a US delegation that was supposed to join over video link. "We are moving along three key tracks: security guarantees, reconstruction, and a basic framework for real peace," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. "We are preparing meetings in Europe that will take place next week. We are also preparing for meetings in the United States," he added. The discussions follow weeks of stepped-up initiatives and pressure from Washington to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has said notable progress has taken place but that "one or two very thorny, very tough issues" remain before each side is willing to sign off on the 20-point plan pushed by Washington. Two of those prominent issues are how to allocate territory in eastern Ukraine and the fate of Europe's biggest nuclear plant in Zaporizhzhya, which is currently occupied by Russia. Zelenskyy is set to meet European leaders in France on January 6 to discuss a potential peace deal and the latest from the battlefield in Ukraine. Zelenskyy Reshuffles Top Officials Ahead Of Key Talks Against that backdrop, the Ukrainian president named military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new top aide on January 2. Once formally appointed, he will replace Andriy Yermak, a Zelenskyy confidante and prominent powerbroker who resigned in November after investigators raided his house as part of a sweeping corruption probe. Budanov has built up a strong reputation in Ukraine, credited with a series of daring operations against Russia. Analysts say Zelenskyy aims to use the appointment to help restore trust in his leadership and state institutions and strengthen Ukraine's defenses against Russia and its hand in US-backed peace talks. "Kyrylo has specialized experience in these areas and sufficient strength to deliver results," Zelenskyy wrote on X. In a statement, Budanov said he had accepted the offer and would focus on the "strategic security of our state." Zelenskyy also announced that he intends to replace Denys Shymhal as defense minister with Mykhaylo Fedorov, who is now minister of digital transformation. "Mykhaylo is deeply involved in issues related to drones and is very effective in the digitalization of state services and processes," the Ukrainian president said. On January 3, Zelenskyy said he spoke with Shmyhal and proposed him for the post of energy minister. The position was recently vacated after the former head of the body, Svitlana Hrynchuk, tendered her resignation following Zelenskyy's call for her to step down amid a corruption scandal in which suspects allegedly discussed millions of dollars in kickbacks for protecting energy facilities. Separately, Zelenskyy has also announced changes in Ukraine's regional leadership, saying there will be new heads in five regions, including the Dnipropetrovsk region, which lies close to Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya, partially occupied by Russian forces. While Russian battlefield advancements have been limited and hard-fought since the first year of the full-scale war in Ukraine, a January 2 analysis from the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, found that Moscow's battlefield gains in 2025 were the highest since 2022. The Russian Army captured more than 5,600 square kilometers, a total equivalent to more than the previous two years combined. The amount of territory is still far short of the more than 60,000 square kilometers Russia took in 2022 following its full-scale invasion. Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskiy said those gains resulted in almost 420,000 dead and wounded Russians in 2025, according to Ukrainian estimates. Key Points Berkshire appointed Greg Abel CEO effective Jan. 1, 2026. The conglomerate's massive cash reserves raise the stakes for investment decisions at the company. Watch for the first truly large deployment of capital, plus any share buybacks, as the quickest tells for how Berkshire's post-Buffett era will feel. 10 stocks we like better than Berkshire Hathaway Famed investor Warren Buffett spent six decades turning Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B)(NYSE: BRK.A) into something rare: a collection of durable businesses tied together by one central job -- capital allocation. Now that Buffett is no longer CEO, that job is moving into Greg Abel's hands. And Abel will undoubtedly be under the microscope, because Berkshire's next decade of returns will likely depend less on operational execution and more on how its cash gets deployed. After all, the conglomerate has a lot of cash (we're talking hundreds of billions of dollars). But who will be making the biggest capital allocation decisions at Berkshire? Will it be Abel or someone else? Image source: Getty Images. Capital allocation is central to Berkshire's culture Berkshire is decentralized on purpose. For the most part, the conglomerate's operating companies run themselves. But the excess capital they throw off ultimately gets funneled back to Omaha, where it can be redeployed through acquisitions, share repurchases, or stock positions. This capital allocation work from Berkshire's headquarters is what Buffett built his reputation on, and it will likely be what makes or breaks Abel's reputation going forward. While Abel hasn't spoken in detail about where the bulk of the responsibility for capital allocation will lie at Berkshire, it will be in his hands if Buffett gets his wish. At Berkshire's 2024 annual meeting, Buffett said, "I would leave the capital allocation to Greg. He understands businesses extremely well, and if you understand businesses, you understand common stocks." The size of Berkshire's cash pile is what makes this transition so consequential. Berkshire boasts well over $350 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. Treasury bills. When the cash position is that large, a handful of decisions can drive shareholder outcomes. Abel may share some capital allocation responsibilities Berkshire Hathaway has long disclosed that Todd Combs and Ted Weschler managed portions of its public-stock portfolio, with Buffett managing the majority. But Berkshire announced in December that Combs would conclude his tenure at the company. This leaves investors with some questions, including whether Weschler will take over Combs' portion of the portfolio or if it will go to Abel. In addition, it's possible that Abel relies even more on Weschler than Buffett did, allocating an even larger portion of the portfolio to the investment lieutenant's management. After all, Weschler has an incredible track record when it comes to stock picking. Under existing rules, private hospitals that have been allotted land at concessional rates by the government are required to provide free treatment to EWS patients. File Photo. Health officials said that the benefit is not restricted to Delhi residents. Delhi Raises EWS Income Limit to INR 5 Lakh, Expands Free Hospital Care Advertisement The Delhi government has substantially increased the annual income limit for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) patients to qualify for free treatment at selected private hospitals. According to an order issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Friday, it has raised it from INR 2.20 lakh to INR 5 lakh per annum. Officials said that the revision was focused on improving access to private healthcare for low-income patients. The notification from the DGHS said that the increased income criterion of INR 500,000 per year shall be followed henceforth by all identified private hospitals in the national capital. Sources in the health department confirmed that the decision would help more residents to avail of free treatment without facing financial challenges. A special committee constituted by the government recommended the change following directions from the Delhi High Court, after amicus curiae advocate Ashok Agarwal flagged concerns over the outdated income ceiling. Agarwal said that the revision would enable many more low-income patients to access private hospitals. Advertisement Under existing rules, private hospitals that have been allotted land at concessional rates by the government are required to provide free treatment to EWS patients. Health officials said that the benefit is not restricted to Delhi residents; eligible patients from across the country can avail of it. According to DGHS officials, the revision is expected to reduce the burden on government hospitals and improve healthcare access for poorer patients. They emphasised that the decision aligns the medical income ceiling more closely with current economic realities and expands the pool of those who can receive free medical care in identified private hospitals across the national capital. Source: The Tribune Advertisement The chief minister said that the theme of the festival, Bharat Abhyudaya, mirrors India's rise as a cultural, economic, strategic and political power rooted in its traditions. File Photo. She highlighted Delhi Government efforts to celebrate diverse regional festivals. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Launches Shabdotsav 2026, Hails Indias Culture Advertisement On Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the three-day Delhi Shabdotsav 2026 cultural and literary festival at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, India Gate, highlighting Indias rich civilisational roots as its enduring strength. Gupta said the festival reflects Indias engagement with its past, present and future, and emphasised that Times change, but the soul of India is eternal. She noted that while modernity is important, it must be aligned with cultural values to sustain the nations civilisational essence. The chief minister said that the theme of the festival, Bharat Abhyudaya, mirrors Indias rise as a cultural, economic, strategic and political power rooted in its traditions. She highlighted Delhi Government efforts to celebrate diverse regional festivals like Chhath, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra and Diwali, describing the capital as a living example of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra said at the inauguration that the festival goes beyond books to showcase Indias ancient and living cultural heritage, citing institutions such as Nalanda and Takshashila as symbols of Indias historical role as a global centre of knowledge. He stressed that true education is incomplete without cultural values. Advertisement Delhis Art, Culture, Language and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra described the event as an ideological strike against violence and extremist thought, declaring it part of a cultural revival under Guptas leadership. According to the Delhi government, Shabdotsav features over 100 speakers, the launch of more than 40 books, participation from around 50 colleges, poetry forums, cultural performances and open forums, with nearly 60,000 registrations recorded. Officials said the government plans to expand the festival into an annual flagship event. Source: Times of India Advertisement Deepinder Goyal reiterated the company's defence of the gig model, sharing data on earnings and working patterns of delivery partners. File Photo. Goyal also outlined the financial structure of gig work. Zomato 10-Minute Delivery Controversy: Gig Workers Protest, CEO Goyal Responds Advertisement The Telangana Gig & Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) has sharply criticised Zomatos ultra-fast delivery strategy, alleging that CEO Deepinder Goyal is trying to save himself amid growing unrest among delivery partners over the 10-minute delivery promise. The statement comes against the backdrop of a nationwide strike by gig workers late last month, which, it said led to delays in as many as 60 per cent of orders on peak days. Shaik Salauddin, founder president of the TGPWU, said that while Goyals posts on social media have helped the public understand the companys position, many of our questions still remained unanswered. He urged Zomato leadership and platform workers to sit together and discuss what is right and what went wrong to resolve the escalating dispute. At the centre of the workers ire is the 10-minute delivery mandate, which the union called a mental and physical stress for all the delivery boys and demanded its immediate removal. Salauddin warned that if grievances are not addressed, the recent action was just a teaser for larger protests yet to come. Advertisement Deepinder Goyal reiterated the companys defence of the gig model, sharing data on earnings and working patterns of delivery partners. According to figures posted by him, average hourly earnings for Zomato delivery workers increased about 10.9 per cent in 2025, rising to roughly INR 102 per hour from INR 92 in 2024. These figures exclude tips and reflect what the company says is a steady growth in compensation over time. Goyal also outlined the financial structure of gig work. He noted that a partner working 10 hours per day for 26 days a month could gross about INR 26,500, which, after typical fuel and maintenance costs, would translate to nearly INR 21,000 net monthly earnings. He highlighted the flexible nature of gig work, noting that the average delivery partner logged in for only 38 days in 2025, with most working around seven hours on those days. Defending the model further, Goyal added that demanding full-time employment benefits such as a provident fund or guaranteed salaries doesnt align with what the model is built for, framing gig work as a flexible, stop-gap earning option. Advertisement Source: The Tribune In December 2025, PMRU detected violations of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) in three medicines where the MRP exceeded prescribed rates, and action was initiated against the companies. File Photo. Rao stated, The objective is to ensure that life-saving medicines are available at reasonable and regulated prices". Haryana Cracks Down on Medicine Overpricing: Health Minister Assures Affordable Drugs for All Advertisement Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has reiterated that the state government is keeping a strict watch on medicine prices in the public interest and is committed to ensuring the availability of affordable and essential medicines to all citizens. Rao said stringent monitoring of medicine prices is being undertaken in Haryana to effectively curb overcharging at any level and protect public health. She explained that under the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) guidelines, the Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU), functioning under the states Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Department, ensures that medicines are supplied at rates fixed by the government. Rao stated, The objective is to ensure that life-saving medicines are available at reasonable and regulated prices, adding the measures are aimed at safeguarding the health and welfare of Haryana residents. Manoj Kumar, Commissioner of FDA Haryana, informed that during 2025, 33 cases of medicine overcharging reported in the state were forwarded to the NPPA, New Delhi, for action, reflecting the governments zero-tolerance policy on price violations. In December 2025, PMRU detected violations of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) in three medicines where the MRP exceeded prescribed rates, and action was initiated against the companies. Advertisement He also said the government has been conducting public awareness programmes across districts, urging citizens to use the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile app to check correct medicine prices and report overcharging through the PMRU toll-free number 1800-180-2413. Source: The Tribune Punjab: Is this the cost of standing up to power?" Bajwa questions after Congress leader shot dead Bajwa said that the law and order in the state has collapsed under the AAP state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. A young Congress leader from Dharamkot belonging to the Schedule Caste community was shot dead by gangsters today, said Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa. Bajwa said that the deceased, Umarsir Singh alias Sheera Bhinder, had ensured AAPs defeat in the Block Samiti polls, and following which his family allegedly faced threats. Advertisement Bajwa said that the law and order in the state has collapsed under the AAP state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Is this the cost of standing up to power and defending democracy? Bajwa, who is also the leader of the opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, questioned. (For more news apart from Punjab: Is this the cost of standing up to power?" Bajwa questions after Congress leader shot dead ," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) 30-year-old "Disabled" man dies in war in Russia; family to raise case with govt, file case in Russia Jagdeep Kumar said the family will now seek information on how his brother was recruited into the Russian army... Punjab Man Dies in Russia War: A 30-year-old man from Punjabs Jalandhar has died in the war in Russia, and his mortal remains arrived in Delhi on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Mandeep Kumar, a resident of Goraya. According to information received, he fell prey to travel agents and was forcibly recruited into the Russian army. Advertisement Mandeeps body arrived in India from Russia at around 1 pm, and the family received his mortal remains at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The family will take the body to Jalandhar for the last rites. His brother, Jagdeep Kumar, had earlier travelled to Russia in search of Mandeep, who had been missing for several months. He had also raised the matter with the Punjab government and the Central government. Mandeep Kumar had left for Armenia on September 17, 2023, along with a relative and three acquaintances. They reached Armenia via a flight from Amritsar and worked as labourers there for three months. On December 9, 2023, they travelled to Russia. However, Mandeep stayed back in Russia, while his relative and the three other companions returned to India. Advertisement Jagdeep Kumar said the family will now seek information on how his brother was recruited into the Russian army, stating that Mandeep was disabled and persons with disabilities are not eligible for army recruitment. He added that they will raise the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Russian government, and will also file a case in a Russian court. (For more news apart from 30-year-old "Disabled" man dies in war in Russia; family to raise case with govt, file case in Russia," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Warren Buffett has repeatedly told investors that staying invested in quality businesses for long periods despite market volatility is crucial for success in the stock market. Discussing the dynamism of the U.S. economy in his 2016 letter to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK, BRK.B)) shareholders, Buffett said that quality businesses in the country are "virtually certain" to see their worth increase in the coming years. However, he warned that many companies could be left behind due to occasional market downturns. Buffett said no one can predict market declines and "traumas" but offered advice for investors on how to respond when they occur. Don't Miss: Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy' Investors Can Still Get In at $0.85/Share Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro "The years ahead will occasionally deliver major market declines even panics that will affect virtually all stocks," Buffett wrote. "During such scary periods, you should never forget two things: First, widespread fear is your friend as an investor, because it serves up bargain purchases. Second, personal fear is your enemy. It will also be unwarranted." Since Buffett's comments, the S&P 500 has posted double-digit gains every year except in 2018, when the index fell about 4.4%, and in 2022, when it dropped roughly 18%. Gloomy Forecasts' Buffett said in his 2016 letter that investors who can simply overcome their personal fear and sit through market volatility with their investments in large and "conservatively financed" businesses will "almost certainly do well." Trending: Have $100k+ to invest? Charlie Munger says that's the toughest milestone don't stall now. Get matched with a fiduciary advisor and keep building Buffett cautioned investors to remain wary of naysayers who thrive on "gloomy forecasts" and said entrepreneurial spirit, productivity gains, abundant capital and innovation will continue to drive the U.S economy higher. "No one can tell you when these traumas will occur," he said. Returns Fall as Assets Increase' Buffett said that he believes Berkshire's normalized earnings per share will continue to grow every year, and its strong business portfolio and financial strength will allow the company to deliver solid results in the future. See Also: Buffett's Secret to Wealth? Private Real EstateGet Institutional Access Yourself Despite year-to-year swings, Berkshire's EPS rose overall since Buffett's 2016 letter through the end of 2024. One apprehended in 328 missing 'Saroop' case; Searches underway at 15 locations in Chandigarh & Punjab: Police (Photo: ANI Screenshot) If we look at the breakdown of the accused, two are in Chandigarh, and eight are in Amritsar city, the commissioner said. 328 missing 'Saroop' case Update: Amritsar Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar on Saturday stated that one of the accused in connection with the 328 missing 'Saroop' of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji has been apprehended and a search operation was underway at the accuseds house in Chandigarh and his office. The apprehended accused is identified as SS Kohli. Advertisement The Amritsar Commissioner, during a press conference earlier this morning, said that an FIR number 168 was registered in connection with the 328 missing 'Saroop' of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and an SIT (Special Investigation Team) was also formed to investigate the case. The SIT has conducted its investigation, collected evidence, and obtained search warrants from the court, the commissioner added. He further added that to implement these warrants, searches are currently underway at fifteen locations in Chandigarh and Punjab. Advertisement If we look at the breakdown of the accused, two are in Chandigarh, and eight are in Amritsar city, the commissioner said. Searches are also being conducted in Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, and Amritsar rural areas. Our senior officers are supervising these operations, and the results will be recorded. Whatever is found during the searches will be documented. Secondly, the SIT is conducting a completely merit-based and evidence-based investigation, Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said. Advertisement (For more news apart from One apprehended in 328 missing 'Saroop' case; Searches underway at 15 locations in Chandigarh & Punjab: Police," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Russia Expresses Deep Concern Over Alleged US Capture of Venezuelan President, First Lady It urged parties to seek dialogue-based mechanisms and added that Russia stands ready to support such efforts. Russia has expressed concern over the United States attack and capture of the Venezuelan President and First Lady earlier today, as claimed by US President Donald Trump. In a statement, Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is extremely concerned by reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse were forcibly taken out of the country during todays aggressive actions by the United States. Advertisement We demand immediate clarification of these reports, the ministry said. If such actions did in fact take place, they represent an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state, the respect for which is a fundamental principle of international law, it added. Earlier, in a separate statement, the ministry said that the pretexts used by the US to justify its actions against Venezuela today are untenable. Advertisement Ideologized animosity has prevailed over pragmatic engagement, as well as over any readiness to build relations based on trust and predictability, the statement read. The ministry further stressed that it is essential to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a solution through dialogue. It urged parties to seek dialogue-based mechanisms and added that Russia stands ready to support such efforts. Advertisement Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it proclaimed itself in 2014. Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny, free from any destructive let alone military external interference, it added. The ministry affirmed its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership, aimed at safeguarding the countrys national interests and sovereignty. We support the statements by the Venezuelan authorities and by the leaders of Latin American countries calling for the urgent convening of a meeting of the UN Security Council, it further stated. Advertisement It also noted that Russias Embassy in Caracas is operating as normal, taking into account the situation on the ground, and is maintaining constant contact with Venezuelan authorities as well as Russian nationals present in the country. (For more news apart from Russia Expresses Deep Concern Over Alleged US Capture of Venezuelan President, First Lady," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) US Attacks Venezuela: President, Family captured and flown out of the Country Trump stated that the operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday stated that the US has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. Trump stated that the operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Advertisement Nicolas Maduro, 63 years old, has been the president of Venezuela since 2013, following the death of his predecessor and mentor, Hugo Chavez. Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Experts are calling the development unprecedented if Trumps claim that the president and his wife were captured and flown out of the country is true. Advertisement The US had invaded Panama in 1989 to depose the then-military leader Manuel Noriega, according to BBC analysis. A republican senator has told BCC that United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio anticipates no further action against Venezuela and has confirmed the capture of Maduro. Meanwhile, Venezuelas Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, has announced the immediate deployment of military forces across the country, calling the USs attack the worst aggression ever against Venezuela. Advertisement "They've attacked us, but they will not subdue us," said the defence minister in a video address in Spanish. Venezuelas Defence Minister alleged that the US's attack hit civilian areas also and said that the government is compiling information. Also Read: Political History of Venezuela and a Venezuelan Awarded Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Advertisement A Photograph of the US strikes on Venezuela earlier today (Courtesy: BBC) Additionally, the Venezuelan government has demanded immediate proof of life for the president and the first lady, Cilia Flores. As per the BBC, the Venezuelan president and his wife were captured by the US's Delta Force, which it said is the US's top counter terrorism unit. (For more news apart from US Attacks Venezuela: President, Family captured and flown out of the Country," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Editorial: The Indore incident the benchmark for clean cities is flawed Indore is the largest metropolis of Madhya Pradesh. It has a population of about 35 lakhs. Editorial: The Indore incident the benchmark for clean cities is flawed: The incident of 14 deaths and nearly 200 people being hospitalized due to a contaminated water supply in Indore, the financial capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a living example of neglect of public welfare. Although the state government and the district administration have confirmed 10 deaths, the residents of the area claim that the government officials are hiding the matter of the death of four members of the same family four days ago. The residents also claim that apart from the nearly 200 people admitted to the hospitals, the number of other sick people is around a thousand. All the deaths were due to a dysentery-like disease that spread due to the mixing of feces and urine in the main water supply line of the Bhagirathpura locality. Health officials say that the bacteria that thrive in human waste were found in the water supplied to the houses. This bacteria is the cause of dysentery (diarrhea). The Mayor of Indore has admitted that a public toilet in Bhagirathpura, a lower-middle-class area, is built on the main water supply pipeline. Due to the broken water supply pipeline, the sewage from the toilet kept mixing with its water. This made the water contaminated and dirty. Advertisement Immediate action was taken as soon as the matter came to his attention. On the other hand, the local residents have been alleging that the water contamination was detected seven days ago. Complaints in this regard were also registered with the Public Health Department and Municipal Corporation officials five days ago. But these complaints were ignored. This indifference ended when patients suffering from dysentery started arriving at hospitals in droves. After that, efforts were made to cover up the situation, but by then it had deteriorated to such an extent that all efforts to hide it proved unsuccessful. Indore is the largest metropolis of Madhya Pradesh. It has a population of about 35 lakhs. Politically, it is considered a stronghold of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. It has been achieving the status of the cleanest city in the country for eight consecutive years. Indore is visibly clean, but what kind of pollution is hidden under the cloak of this cleanliness can be guessed from the current dysentery incident. Drinking water to the entire metropolis is supplied through a pipeline from the Narmada River. The distance between Narmada and Indore city is 150 km. Where the pipeline starts, the river is extremely dirty because the ashes of the dead of half of Madhya Pradesh are carried there. Water is filtered from the filtration plant established on the banks of the Narmada and is added to the water supply pipeline. Even after filtration, this water is not drinkable. That is why it is re-treated in Indore. Even after all these processes, RO systems are resorted to in homes to make it drinkable. During this whole process, if the water gets contaminated due to dirt getting mixed in the supply line itself, then the common people have to bear the brunt of it. Such small incidents have happened before. Due to not learning lessons from them, a big incident has now happened. Advertisement The Madhya Pradesh government has formed a three-member committee under the leadership of senior IAS officer Navjeevan Panwar to investigate the Indore dysentery incident. This committee has been asked to complete the investigation within three months, identify the culprits, and suggest measures to improve the water supply system. This is a step like shaking the dirt off the gonglu. Indore is the stronghold of the BJPs Bahubali Kailash Vijayvargiya. He has put the entire blame for the dysentery incident on the municipal and water health officials. On the contrary, people say that they were also informed about the Bhagirathpura situation from the very beginning. They also did not show any activity. This entire phenomenon is a sign of the absence of accountability and responsibility. However, what has happened has not only blown away Indore's claims of cleanliness, but has also shown the Modi government at the center the mirror of reality. It is regrettable that this reality came to light through the sacrifice of 14 innocent lives. January 3, 2026 A roundup of domestic and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 03.01.2026, 13:55 Strike The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country President Donald Trump said in a post on the Truth Social network. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement, Trump added. On Saturday morning, Venezuelan authorities denounced a very serious military aggression by the United States after powerful explosions occurred in Caracas during the night, and President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency and called for mobilization. According to Maduro, the aim of this attack is to seize Venezuelas strategic resources, especially oil and rare minerals. The Colombian President Gustavo Petro also denounced a missile attack on Caracas. He called for an immediate meeting of the Organization of American States and the UN to establish the international legality of this aggression against the neighboring country. Reactions The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern and condemned an act of armed aggression against Venezuela committed by the United States. The Kremlin called for dialogue to prevent further escalation and find a way out of this situation. Iran also described the US military attack on Venezuela as a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on the UN to act immediately to stop the illegal aggression and hold those responsible accountable. At the same time, a number of European leaders expressed concern about the situation in the South American state. The German, Spanish and Italian diplomats announced the formation of crisis units, and Madrid offered to act as a negotiator to help find a peaceful solution, while also demanding respect for international law in Venezuela. Death toll The death toll from the New Years Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana has risen to more than 40 dead and 120 injured. Swiss prosecutors said the fire most likely started from sparkling candles or sparklers which were put on bottles of champagne and moved too close to the ceiling. Investigations are currently underway to identify the culprits and bring them to law. In the meantime, all the bodies have been recovered, and authorities are now tasked with identifying them. Swiss, French, Italian, Serbian, Bosnian, Belgian and Portuguese nationals have been identified among the injured. The Romanian Foreign Ministry announced that the Romanian embassy in Bern is in contact with the family of a Romanian citizen presumed missing following the fire, and the National Committee for Emergency Situations has decided to make a medical transport aircraft available to Switzerland following the request made through the European Civil Protection Mechanism. It took off from Bucharest on Friday for Lausanne to transport six patients with serious burns to a hospital in Paris. Reform The Romanian Ministry of Development is to present, in a government meeting, the draft law on the reform of public administration at local and central levels. So far, it has been established that, at the level of local authorities, positions will be reduced by 20% to 30%. The relevant minister, Cseke Attila, stated that the reduction in the number of occupied positions will not affect local administrations where mayors do not have a very busy organizational chart with employees. Thus, at the level of approximately 700 administrative-territorial units, it will not be necessary to apply this percentage of reduction, because there are many vacant positions. At the central level, the governing coalition (PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR) agreed on a 10% reduction in expenses, but without affecting the level of basic salaries. Cseke Attila also said that these measures will save the state budget 3.5 4.5 billion lei (about 690 880 million Euros) annually, of which 1.7 billion (about 330 million Euros) at the local level. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced that he wanted the government to assume responsibility in Parliament for this bill, so that he can use it to draft the budget for 2026. Taxes Taxes on buildings, land and cars have increased substantially since January 1st in Romania. For homes, taxes have been correlated with the market value of the property, and their level varies from one locality to another, depending on the decisions of local councils. These taxes have doubled and even tripled, in the case of Bucharest, for instance. In the case of cars, the novelty is the introduction of an annual tax of 40 lei for electric cars, which until now were exempt from taxes in many localities. Fuel, cigarettes and alcohol also became more expensive at the beginning of the year as a result of the 10% increase in excise duties. At the same time, each parcel whose value is less than 150 Euros coming from outside the European Union is now taxed with 25 lei, about 5 Euros. Ukraine National security advisers from 15 countries as well as representatives from the European Union and NATO, are meeting in Kyiv today to discuss diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. A US team will join online, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. He said the discussions would focus mainly on security guarantees that allies can offer Ukraine. The meeting comes ahead of a Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris next week. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russias invasion since February 2022, but despite weeks of negotiations on a possible peace deal, there is currently no end to the war in sight. (LS) January 3, 2026 UPDATE The latest news from RRI Newsflash Newsroom, 03.01.2026, 20:00 Venezuela The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country President Donald Trump said in a post on the Truth Social network. Trump announced that the United States would lead Venezuela until an orderly and safe transition could take place in the country. He said the US was prepared to launch a second, larger attack if necessary. The US president also said that major US oil companies would exploit the countrys massive oil reserves, but that the embargo on Venezuelan oil would remain in place. On Saturday morning, Venezuelan authorities denounced a very serious military aggression by the United States after powerful explosions occurred in Caracas during the night, and President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency and called for mobilization. According to Maduro, the aim of this attack is to seize Venezuelas strategic resources, especially oil and rare minerals. The Colombian President Gustavo Petro also denounced a missile attack on Caracas. He called for an immediate meeting of the Organization of American States and the UN to establish the international legality of this aggression against the neighboring country. Reactions The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern and condemned an act of armed aggression against Venezuela committed by the United States. The Kremlin called for dialogue to prevent further escalation and find a way out of this situation. Iran also described the US military attack on Venezuela as a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on the UN to act immediately to stop the illegal aggression and hold those responsible accountable. At the same time, a number of European leaders expressed concern about the situation in the South American state. The German, Spanish and Italian diplomats announced the formation of crisis units, and Madrid offered to act as a negotiator to help find a peaceful solution, while also demanding respect for international law in Venezuela. Following the announcement that the Venezuelan presidential couple had been captured and transported to the United States, US Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on the X platform that the Maduros were facing drug-related charges and will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reposted one of his an earlier posts on the same platform in which he said that Maduro is NOT the president of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government. The US diplomat accuses Maduro of being the head of the Cartel de los Soles, a narco-terrorist organization that has taken control of Venezuela. Opposition reaction The Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has conveyed a message following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. Venezuelans, the hour of freedom has arrived, she wrote in a statement on social media. Machado added that Maduro was removed from power after refusing to negotiate a departure and called on the opposition candidate in the 2024 presidential election, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, currently in exile in Spain, to immediately assume the presidency. She also said the opposition would restore order in the country and free political prisoners. Death toll The death toll from the New Years Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana has risen to more than 40 dead and 120 injured. Swiss prosecutors said the fire most likely started from sparkling candles or sparklers which were put on bottles of champagne and moved too close to the ceiling. Investigations are currently underway to identify the culprits and bring them to law. In the meantime, all the bodies have been recovered, and authorities are now tasked with identifying them. Swiss, French, Italian, Serbian, Bosnian, Belgian and Portuguese nationals have been identified among the injured. The Romanian Foreign Ministry announced that the Romanian embassy in Bern is in contact with the family of a Romanian citizen presumed missing following the fire, and the National Committee for Emergency Situations has decided to make a medical transport aircraft available to Switzerland following the request made through the European Civil Protection Mechanism. It took off from Bucharest on Friday for Lausanne to transport six patients with serious burns to a hospital in Paris. Reform The Romanian Ministry of Development is to present, in a government meeting, the draft law on the reform of public administration at local and central levels. So far, it has been established that, at the level of local authorities, positions will be reduced by 20% to 30%. The relevant minister, Cseke Attila, stated that the reduction in the number of occupied positions will not affect local administrations where mayors do not have a very busy organizational chart with employees. Thus, at the level of approximately 700 administrative-territorial units, it will not be necessary to apply this percentage of reduction, because there are many vacant positions. At the central level, the governing coalition (PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR) agreed on a 10% reduction in expenses, but without affecting the level of basic salaries. Cseke Attila also said that these measures will save the state budget 3.5 4.5 billion lei (about 690 880 million Euros) annually, of which 1.7 billion (about 330 million Euros) at the local level. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced that he wanted the government to assume responsibility in Parliament for this bill, so that he can use it to draft the budget for 2026. Taxes Taxes on buildings, land and cars have increased substantially since January 1st in Romania. For homes, taxes have been correlated with the market value of the property, and their level varies from one locality to another, depending on the decisions of local councils. These taxes have doubled and even tripled, in the case of Bucharest, for instance. In the case of cars, the novelty is the introduction of an annual tax of 40 lei for electric cars, which until now were exempt from taxes in many localities. Fuel, cigarettes and alcohol also became more expensive at the beginning of the year as a result of the 10% increase in excise duties. At the same time, each parcel whose value is less than 150 Euros coming from outside the European Union is now taxed with 25 lei, about 5 Euros. Ukraine National security advisers from 15 countries as well as representatives from the European Union and NATO met in Kyiv on Saturday to discuss diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. A US team will join online, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. He said the discussions would focus mainly on security guarantees that allies can offer Ukraine. The meeting comes ahead of a Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris next week. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russias invasion since February 2022, but despite weeks of negotiations on a possible peace deal, there is currently no end to the war in sight. (LS) Reactions to US strikes in Venezuela The latest news on RRI Newsflash Newsroom, 03.01.2026, 16:59 Reactions The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern and condemned an act of armed aggression against Venezuela committed by the United States. The Kremlin called for dialogue to prevent further escalation and find a way out of this situation. Iran also described the US military attack on Venezuela as a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on the UN to act immediately to stop the illegal aggression and hold those responsible accountable. At the same time, a number of European leaders expressed concern about the situation in the South American state. The German, Spanish and Italian diplomats announced the formation of crisis units, and Madrid offered to act as a negotiator to help find a peaceful solution, while also demanding respect for international law in Venezuela. Following the announcement that the Venezuelan presidential couple had been captured and transported to the United States, US Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on the X platform that the Maduros were facing drug-related charges and will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reposted one of his an earlier posts on the same platform in which he said that Maduro is NOT the president of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government. The US diplomat accuses Maduro of being the head of the Cartel de los Soles, a narco-terrorist organization that has taken control of Venezuela. US strikes Venezuela The latest news on RRI Newsflash Newsroom, 03.01.2026, 12:40 Strike The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country President Donald Trump said in a post on the Truth Social network. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement, Trump added. On Saturday morning, Venezuelan authorities denounced a very serious military aggression by the United States after powerful explosions occurred in Caracas during the night, and President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency and called for mobilization. According to Maduro, the aim of this attack is to seize Venezuelas strategic resources, especially oil and rare minerals. The Colombian President Gustavo Petro also denounced a missile attack on Caracas. He called for an immediate meeting of the Organization of American States and the UN to establish the international legality of this aggression against the neighboring country. Venezuelan opposition leader reacts to Maduros capture Latest news from RRI Newsflash Newsroom, 03.01.2026, 19:00 Opposition reaction The Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has conveyed a message following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. Venezuelans, the hour of freedom has arrived, she wrote in a statement on social media. Machado added that Maduro was removed from power after refusing to negotiate a departure and called on the opposition candidate in the 2024 presidential election, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, currently in exile in Spain, to immediately assume the presidency. She also said the opposition would restore order in the country and free political prisoners. A look back at the year 2025 in Romania The year 2025 in Romania was marked, among other things, by political turmoil and economic austerity The Week in Review Roxana Vasile, 03.01.2026, 12:57 A turbulent political year On January 1, 2025, Klaus Iohannis was still the president of Romania, even though he had already completed his second and final term in office. The executive branch was made up of the PSD (Social Democratic Party), PNL (National Liberal Party), and UDMR (Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania) parties. This was despite the fact that all types of elections had been scheduled for 2024for the European Parliament, local, parliamentary, and presidentialand Romanians seemed to want change. However, the cancellation, in the middle of the campaign, of the December 2024 presidential elections, due to alleged Russian interference in favour of the independent sovereignist Calin Georgescu, who was leading in the polls, profoundly disrupted domestic political life. With the cancellation of the election, the Constitutional Court ruled that President Iohannis, although he should have left office on December 21, 2024, could remain in office until a successor was elected. In mid-February 2025, however, he announced his resignation, saying he wanted to avoid a crisis that could have been caused by his suspension from office, a procedure initiated by the nationalist opposition. According to the Constitution, the then-president of the Senate, Ilie Bolojan, took over as interim president of the country. Meanwhile, the presidential elections were rescheduled for two rounds, on May 4 and 18, 2025. The election campaign was marked by political instability and protests against the cancellation of the December vote, and Calin Georgescu was banned from running again, with several criminal cases opened against him. Instead, the leader of the nationalist AUR party, George Simion, ran for office, but did not achieve the success he had hoped for in the wake of Calin Georgescus campaign. The second round, on May 18, was won by the mayor of Bucharest, the pro-European independent Nicusor Dan, who became the new president of Romania with over 53% of the vote. About a month after the presidential election, a new government coalition was formed, consisting of the same parties that had been in power until then PSD, PNL and UDMR joined by USR (Save Romania Union), previously in opposition. And the Liberal Ilie Bolojan became prime minister of a cabinet that, in just half a year of existence, was not spared from scandals. One of the deputy prime ministers, businessman Dragos Anastasiu, resigned amid accusations of past involvement in a corruption case, Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu resigned due to uncertainties surrounding his university studies, and Education Minister Daniel David decided to leave the government team just before Christmas. It should also be noted that the position of Mayor of Bucharest, which had been vacant since the presidential elections, was filled by the Liberal Ciprian Ciucu following local by-elections held on December 7. Reforms, austerity, and protests After all elections in 2024 and 2025 had been completed, the governing program with which Ilie Bolojans cabinet set out in June 2025 was developed in response to the fiscal and budgetary crisis that Romanians had come to realize they were facing. The main goal is still to restore the state budget by reducing the largest deficit in the European Union. As a result, since last summer, among many other measures, the government has increased VAT rates and fuel excise duties, seniors with pensions of over 3,000 lei (equivalent to about 600 euros) have been taken 10% for health insurance, the workload of teachers has increased, and the number of school and student scholarships has been reduced. A 10% reduction in central government spending has also been agreed, and in local government, a 30% reduction in the number of jobs. At the same time, new local taxes and fees, almost double the current level, have been decided, which the population will have to pay from 2026. Also to save money, the PSD-PNL-USR-UDMR government managed to assume responsibility in Parliament for a reform of the special pensions benefiting judges and prosecutorsa milestone in the NRRPthrough a law that would reduce their privileges. Almost in parallel with discussions about the privileged status of judges and prosecutors upon retirement, which have antagonized a large part of Romanians against this profession, a documentary by the online publication Recorder added fuel to the fire. Resignations and a new reform of the justice system were demanded after the documentary discussed how acts of corruption had been time-barred. Rahova Paltinu or disasters that could have been avoided A series of major negative social events marked Romanians in 2025. In Bucharest, in the fall, an explosion, most likely caused by a natural gas distribution company, destroyed an apartment building. Three people died, 15 were injured, and hundreds were left homeless. Meanwhile, in the south of the country, over 100,000 people were left without drinking water for days after the Paltinu dam in the area was emptied for repairs. The crisis, which also affected the energy system, was attributed to delayed decisions and a lack of institutional coordination at the highest levels. Let us also remember the catastrophic floods in the summer caused by heavy rainfall in the counties of Suceava and Neamt in north-eastern Romania. In Suceava, the hardest hit area, three people died and over 2,500 were affected. Approximately 600 houses were destroyed or damaged, cars were swept away by the waters, and there was major damage to the road, electrical, and water and sewage infrastructure. All borders in Schengen On January 1, 2025, the external border of the European free movement area changed completely, with Romania and Bulgaria joining Schengen also with their land borders. Air and sea borders had already been open since March 2024. This finally marked a return to normality, as Romania had been meeting the technical conditions for Schengen membership for more than a decade. The Great Consecration of the National Cathedral in Bucharest October 26, 2025, was the day of the grand consecration of the National Cathedral in Bucharest. It was the culmination of events through which the Orthodox Church celebrated 140 years since the recognition of its autocephaly and 100 years since its elevation to the rank of Patriarchate. A symbol of the national and spiritual identity of Romanians, the Cathedral is one of the largest in the Orthodox world, boasting the largest iconostasis on the globe and the largest interior collection of mosaic paintings. Sports achievements For Romania, 2025 was one of the best years in the last three decades in individual sports. David Popovici won gold at the World Championships in Singapore in both the 100-meter freestyle and the 200-meter freestyle. Weightlifter Mihaela Cambei won gold in all three events (snatch, clean and jerk, total) at the European Senior Championships in Chisinau, and at the World Championships in Norway, she won gold in the snatch event, setting a new European record. She won silver in the clean and jerk, as well as in the total. Gymnast Ana Barbosu won no less than four medals at the European Championships in Leipzig: one gold, one silver, and two bronze. In team sports, Romanian rowing continued to prove its worth in 2025, table tennis remained at a high level, and the national football team is in the World Cup play-offs. (MI) Crude oil prices have edged lower during trading on Friday, extending the pullback seen over the two previous sessions. After capping its biggest annual drop since 2020 last year, crude for February delivery was last seen trading at $57.30, down $0.12 or 0.2 percent. The modest decrease by the price of crude oil comes as traders weighed potential oversupply concerns against escalating geopolitical tensions. Traders await Sunday's virtual meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) for direction, given persistent supply concerns. It is expected that the group will uphold November's decision to pause further production increases amid concerns that the global market is already slipping into oversupply. On the geopolitical front, Russia claimed that Ukraine has killed at least 24 people, including a child, in a drone attack on a hotel and cafe in a Russian-controlled part of Ukraine's southern Kherson region during New Year's celebrations. Ukraine maintained it does not target civilians. Elsewhere, the U.S. Treasury Department has reportedly imposed sanctions on four oil traders operating in Venezuela as well as associated crude tankers allegedly part of a so-called "shadow fleet." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Sprinkles Cupcakes, a popular brand in the cupcake boom, has suddenly shut down all of its remaining stores across the U.S., including the popular one in Georgetown, D.C. This surprising news came just before the New Year, leaving both employees and loyal customers in shock. According to Leslie Wynter, the store manager at Georgetown, staff received very little notice. She mentioned that managers only got a quick call to let them know the bakery would be closing for good in a matter of days. Employees were told to clear out the place with only basic instructions to remove everything left inside. Some former staff even came back to lend a hand as the store was emptied. This closure impacts all 20 Sprinkles locations and over 30 of their famous cupcake ATMs around the country. Many workers reported only having a day's notice, leading to a mix of frustration and anxiety since they're now facing job loss right at the start of the year. Founded in 2005 by Candace Nelson, Sprinkles gained fame for its gourmet cupcakes and for introducing the world's first cupcake ATM. Nelson, who sold the company to an investment firm back in 2012, expressed her sadness over the closures, reflecting that she had hoped the brand would be a lasting part of her legacy. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Pvt Ltd has been enjoying absolute dominance in the countrys scooter segment. That is thanks to Activa, which is Indias best-selling scooter by a long shot. Honda aimed to mimic a similar response in electric scooter segment with Activa e and QC1, but had to face negligible sales. It almost felt like Honda missed the memo as to what Indian market really wants from an electric scooter. So, Honda is reportedly back on the drawing board and is developing a new electric scooter dedicated for Indian market with more localization to achieve an attractive price tag. Lets take a closer look. New Honda Electric Scooter As per a recent report, Honda is working on a new electric scooter for Indian market which will be heavily localised for an attractive price point. The aim of this upcoming electric scooter from Honda is to overcome all shortcomings seen with Activa e and QC1. Honda will implement the learnings from these products with its upcoming electric scooter. With Activa e and QC1, Honda entered the highly lucrative Indian electric scooter market. While the company has manufactured a total of 11,168 units of these EVs (4,636 Activa e and 6,532 QC1). To date, Honda has managed to sell 740 units of Activa e and 4,461 units of QC1 in India, averaging 82 and 496 units per month, respectively. Sales started from February 2025 and tanked completely around October 2025. In November 2025, news broke out that Honda had discontinued Activa e and QC1 electric scooters in India. Both these models were based on international models, but re-engineered for Indian market. Active e and QC1 Both Activa e and QC1 were expected to be massive sales successes where Activa e would fully utilise Hondas battery swapping system. However, reality was quite different. Hondas pricing strategy did not connect with Indian buyers as Activa e was priced at Rs 1.17 lakh and Rs 1.52 lakh (both Ex-sh) and an additional subscription model for the swappable batteries. Honda locked in buyers with Activa e buyers with this battery swapping subscription model as they could not charge it at home. Activa e had no real storage under its seat and the range was only 102 km. QC1 on the other hand, had a fixed battery with freedom to charge anywhere and a usable boot. But the range was 80 km and top speed was 50 km/h. The upcoming Honda electric scooter for Indian market is expected to have a combination of factors in the same package. These include a usable boot space, exciting top speed, usable range on a single charge, relevant bells and whistles, freedom to charge anywhere and appropriate pricing. More info may be revealed in the future. Source A research team led by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology scientists has generated the high-quality genome assembly of a Denisovan using DNA from an ancient molar found at Denisova Cave. It belonged to a man who lived roughly 200,000 years ago more than twice as long ago as the only previously sequenced Denisovan individual. The new genome is forcing the researchers to rethink when and where early human groups met, mingled and migrated across Asia. Dr. Stephane Peyregne, an evolutionary geneticist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, and his colleagues recovered the genome of a Denisovan from a molar unearthed at Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia the same site where Denisovans were first identified in 2010 through DNA analysis of a finger bone. The cave has since become a cornerstone of human evolutionary research, revealing repeated occupations by Denisovans, Neanderthals and even the child of parents from both groups. Denisovans, an extinct human group, were first identified based on ancient DNA extracted from Denisova 3, a finger phalanx discovered at Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains of Siberia in 2008, Dr. Peyregne and co-authors said. Analysis of the nuclear genome from this individual revealed that Denisovans were a sister group to Neanderthals, another group of now extinct humans who lived in Western Eurasia in the middle and late Pleistocene. While twelve fragmentary remains and one cranium have since been attributed to Denisovans based on DNA or protein analysis, only Denisova 3 has yielded a high-quality genome. The newly-analyzed tooth belonged to a male Denisovan who lived about 200,000 years ago, at a time when modern humans had not yet left Africa. In 2020, a complete left upper molar was found in layer 17, one of the lowest cultural layers of the South Chamber of Denisova Cave, dated to 200,000-170,000 years ago by optically stimulated luminescence, the scientists explained. Designated as Denisova 25, this molar is similar in size to the other molars discovered at Denisova Cave, Denisova 4 and Denisova 8, and larger than those of Neanderthals as well as most other Middle Pleistocene and later hominins, suggesting that it potentially belonged to a Denisovan. Two samples of 2.7 and 8.9 mg were removed by drilling one hole at the cemento-enamel junction of the tooth, and twelve subsamples, ranging from 4.5 to 20.2 mg, were obtained by gently scratching the outer layer of one of the roots with a dentistry drill. Thanks to exceptional DNA preservation, the authors were able to reconstruct the genome of Denisova 25 at high coverage, making it comparable in quality to the genome of the 65,000-year-old Denisova 3 woman. Comparing the two genomes revealed that Denisovans were far from a single, stable population. Instead, at least two distinct Denisovan groups occupied the Altai region at different times, with one replacing another over thousands of years. The older Denisovan also carried more Neanderthal DNA than the later one, showing that interbreeding between these archaic humans happened repeatedly not as rare accidents, but as a recurring feature of life in Ice Age Eurasia. Even more striking, the team found evidence that Denisovans themselves mixed with an even older, super-archaic hominin population that split from the human family tree before the ancestors of Denisovans, Neanderthals and modern humans diverged. Using this second Denisovan genome has shown that there was recurrent mixing between Neanderthals and Denisovans in the Altai region, but that these mixed populations were replaced by Denisovans from elsewhere, supporting the idea that Denisovans were widespread and that the Altai may have been at the edge of their geographic range, the researchers said. The Denisova 25 genome also helps resolve a long-standing puzzle about Denisovan ancestry in people living today. Modern populations in Oceania, parts of South Asia and East Asia all carry Denisovan DNA but not the same kind. By comparing Denisovan genetic segments in thousands of present-day genomes, the scientists identified at least three distinct Denisovan sources. One group, closely related to the later Denisovan genome, contributed ancestry widely across East Asia and beyond. A second, more deeply divergent Denisovan population contributed DNA independently to the ancestors of Oceanians and to South Asians. Crucially, East Asians do not carry this deeply divergent Denisovan ancestry, suggesting their ancestors took a different migration route into Asia likely from the north while the ancestors of Oceanians moved through South Asia earlier. Neanderthal-like DNA segments are shared among all populations, including Oceanians, consistent with a single out-of-Africa event, but independent Denisovan gene flows suggest multiple migrations into Asia, the scientists said. According to the team, some Denisovan genetic variants were likely beneficial and rose to high frequency in modern humans through natural selection. Using the two Denisovan genomes, the authors identified dozens of regions in todays populations that appear to have been shaped by Denisovan introgression, particularly in Oceania and South Asia. Other Denisovan genetic changes offer tantalizing clues to what these ancient humans may have looked like. Several Denisovan-specific mutations affect genes linked to cranial shape, jaw projection and facial features traits that align with the limited fossil evidence attributed to Denisovans. One regulatory change sits near FOXP2, a gene involved in brain development and speech and language in modern humans, raising new questions about Denisovan cognition though the researchers caution that genetic hints cannot substitute for direct fossil or archaeological evidence. The effects of introgressed Denisovan alleles on modern human phenotypes may also provide some hints into Denisovan biology, the researchers said. Using alleles that have been associated with phenotypes in modern humans, we identified 16 associations with 11 Denisovan alleles, including height, blood pressure, monocyte count, and levels of cholesterol, hemoglobin and C-reactive protein. We also identified 305 expression quantitative trait loci (QTL) and 117 alternative splicing QTL affecting gene expression in modern humans across nineteen tissues, the strongest effects include eQTLs in thyroid, arterial tibial, testis and muscle. These molecular effects can be leveraged to explore further phenotypes not preserved in the fossil record, and this updated catalogue provides a more reliable basis for exploring Denisovan traits, adaptations, and disease susceptibilities, some of which may have been contributed to present-day humans through admixture. A preprint of the teams paper was posted on bioRxiv.org on October 20, 2025. _____ Stephane Peyregne et al. 2025. A high-coverage genome from a 200,000-year-old Denisovan. bioRxiv, doi: 10.1101/2025.10.20.683404 Scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have found that the brain's waste removal system often becomes blocked in people who show early signs of Alzheimer's disease. These blockages interfere with the brain's ability to clear harmful substances and may appear well before clear dementia symptoms develop. The clogged pathways are known as "enlarged perivascular spaces," and the findings suggest they could serve as an early warning signal for Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. "Since these brain anomalies can be visually identified on routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed to evaluate cognitive decline, identifying them could complement existing methods to detect Alzheimer's earlier, without having to do and pay for additional tests," said Associate Professor Nagaendran Kandiah from NTU's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), who led the study. Justin Ong, a fifth-year LKCMedicine student and the study's first author, emphasized the importance of early detection. He noted that identifying Alzheimer's sooner gives doctors more time to intervene and potentially slow the progression of symptoms such as memory loss, reduced thinking speed, and mood changes. The research was conducted as part of LKCMedicine's Scholarly Project module in the School's Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme. Why Studying Asian Populations Matters The study stands out because it focuses on Asian populations, an area that has been underrepresented in Alzheimer's research. Most existing studies have concentrated on Caucasian participants, which may limit how broadly their findings apply. The NTU team examined nearly 1,000 people in Singapore from different ethnic backgrounds that reflect the country's population. Participants included individuals with normal cognitive function as well as those experiencing mild thinking difficulties. Research has shown that dementia does not affect all ethnic groups in the same way, making region specific studies essential. "For example, among Caucasians with dementia, past studies show that the prevalence of a major risk gene, apolipoprotein E4, linked to Alzheimer's is around 50 to 60 percent. But among Singapore dementia patients, it is less than 20 percent," said Assoc Prof Kandiah, who is also Director of the Dementia Research Centre (Singapore) in LKCMedicine. Because of these differences, findings in one population may not directly apply to another. How the Brain Clears Toxic Waste Inside the brain, blood vessels are surrounded by small channels called perivascular spaces. These spaces help drain toxic waste products, including beta amyloid and tau proteins, which are found in high levels in people with Alzheimer's disease. When the brain's waste removal system becomes less efficient, these spaces can enlarge and become visible on MRI scans. Until now, it was unclear whether this change was directly linked to dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. To answer this question, the NTU researchers compared enlarged perivascular spaces with multiple established indicators of Alzheimer's. They also examined how these clogged drainage pathways relate to well known disease markers such as beta amyloid buildup and damage to the brain's white matter, the network of nerve fibers that connects different brain regions. Comparing Healthy Brains and Early Cognitive Decline The study included nearly 350 participants with normal thinking abilities, including memory, reasoning, decision making, and focus. The remaining participants showed signs of early cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment, a condition that often precedes dementia. Previous research has shown that people with mild cognitive impairment face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. After analyzing MRI scans, the researchers found that participants with mild cognitive impairment were more likely to have enlarged perivascular spaces than those with no cognitive problems. Blood Markers Strengthen the Link In addition to brain scans, the scientists measured seven Alzheimer's related biochemicals in participants' blood, including beta amyloid and tau proteins. Elevated levels of these substances are considered warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. Enlarged perivascular spaces were linked to four of the seven biochemical measurements. This suggests that people with clogged brain drains are more likely to have increased amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and damage to brain cells, placing them at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's. The researchers also looked at white matter damage, a widely used indicator of Alzheimer's, and found it was associated with six of the seven blood markers. However, further analysis revealed something unexpected. Among participants with mild cognitive impairment, the connection between Alzheimer's related biochemicals and enlarged perivascular spaces was stronger than the connection with white matter damage. This finding points to clogged brain drainage as a particularly early signal of Alzheimer's disease. Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment These insights may help doctors make more informed decisions about early treatment strategies, potentially slowing disease progression before lasting brain damage occurs. "The findings carry substantial clinical implications," said Assoc Prof Kandiah. "Although white matter damage is more widely used in clinical practice to evaluate for dementia, as it is easily recognised on MRI scans, our results suggest that enlarged perivascular spaces may hold unique value in detecting early signs of Alzheimer's disease." Dr. Rachel Cheong Chin Yee, a Senior Consultant and Deputy Head at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital's Department of Geriatric Medicine, said the study highlights the role of small blood vessel changes in Alzheimer's development. "These findings are significant because they suggest that brain scans showing enlarged perivascular spaces could potentially help identify people at higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, even before symptoms appear," said Dr. Cheong, who was not involved in the research. Rethinking Brain Vessel Disease and Alzheimer's Dr. Chong Yao Feng, a Consultant at the National University Hospital's Division of Neurology who was also not involved in the study, noted that cerebrovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease have traditionally been viewed as separate conditions. "The study's findings are intriguing as they demonstrate that both diseases do interact in a synergistic manner," said Dr. Chong, who is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. As a result, doctors reviewing MRI scans should be cautious about assuming cognitive symptoms are caused only by blood vessel problems when markers such as enlarged perivascular spaces are present. These features may also signal a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. "Doctors will then have to use their clinical judgement of the patient's scan and symptoms, as well as discuss with the patient, to determine if more checks are needed to confirm whether a patient has Alzheimer's disease or not," said Dr. Chong. What Comes Next The NTU research team plans to track participants over time to determine how many eventually develop Alzheimer's dementia. This follow up will help confirm whether enlarged perivascular spaces can reliably predict progression to dementia. If future studies in other populations reach similar conclusions, identifying clogged brain drains on MRI scans could become a routine tool for detecting Alzheimer's risk much earlier than is currently possible. "On the island of By-the-Sea, you could always smell two things: salt and magic." For Georgina (Georgie) Fernweh and her twin sister, Mary, odd occurrences are a part of everyday life. The Fernweh family, which has lived on By-the-Sea for hundreds of years, is magic. Every Fernweh woman inherits an ability--controlling fire, walking on water, teleportation--before her 18th birthday. While Georgie's mother is skilled with potions and Mary has been able to float since birth, Georgie is still without a gift, and, with her birthday right around the corner, she fears she may be "normal... just a sidekick." The twins are also preparing for this to be their last summer on the island, since both are setting off for college in the fall. The twins plan to spend the summer working at their mother's inn, which caters to the devout birdwatchers who return each year to observe an unusual, maybe-300-year-old bird named Annabella on its annual island pilgrimage. But when a chilling crime shocks the island and the community is divided, the superstitious islanders (who know about but never speak of the Fernweh family magic) become suspicious of Georgie and her sister. Assisted by a few faithful friends--including Prue, a beautiful tourist with whom Georgie is quickly and secretly falling in love--Georgie races to find justice. Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland (Phoenix Flame) is the first installment of a captivating, darkly romantic series containing aquatic fae and a tidal wave of betrayed love and ruinous curses. Eighteen-year-old, "dark blonde"-haired Annie Fairfax is cursed. "In the old days," when finfolk magic was stronger, "they could curse an entire... bloodline." The Fairfaxes, who run one of Kirkrell's prosperous whaling companies, are one such family, doomed by a monstrous "heartbreak" curse that passes through the generations. A brokenhearted Fairfax becomes a scaled, clawed creature blinded by bloodlust. Annie's curse activated six years ago when her parents drowned in a finfolk attack and Annie took control of the Fairfax Whaling Company. Whalers hunt Livyati, magical whales prized by the seafaring people of Kirkrell. However, Livyati sightings are decreasing as finfolk attacks increase. At least Annie has stalwart fiance August by her side. When half-finfolk captain Silas Price seeks Annie out to tell her the curse can be broken, he insists she must agree to stop killing Livyati. If she doesn't, devastating war with the finfolk is inevitable. And, Silas says, Annie desperately needs to lift the curse soon--August is about to betray her. Holland's oceanic setting is inherently high-stakes, and the author capitalizes on the danger and romance that long days and nights on a whaling expedition afford. Holland undoubtedly succeeds at the difficult task she has set for herself: create a compelling plot with a main character who is, in her own words, "weak and avoidant and fragile." Hand this title to fans of Tricia Levenseller's Daughter of the Pirate King or Bethany C. Morrow's A Song Below Water. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger, and children's book author Much has been written about Oscar-winning screen queen Joan Crawford--most notoriously by her daughter Christina in her knives-out 1978 tell-all, Mommie Dearest, whose movie treatment imprinted the high-camp Crawford persona on the public's imagination. With Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face, Scott Eyman presents an admiring corrective that also honors his subject's objectively outsize personality. Crawford was born Lucille Fay LeSueur, probably in San Antonio, Tex., probably in 1905 (the records are sketchy). When she and her working-class family were living in Lawton, Okla., she became besotted with the movies. Crawford chose dancing as her path to show business and eventually earned a chorus-girl job in New York, where Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer screen-tested her; on January 1, 1925, she was Hollywood-bound. Eyman (Cary Grant; Charlie Chaplin vs. America) is surely the preeminent living biographer of Old Hollywood, and Joan Crawford is yet another showcase for his fathomless film knowledge and wit. (On one shaky early Crawford vehicle: "Romantic comedies about archaeology are few and far between, and I Live My Life shows why.") Crawford's self-curated image of indomitability was so fortress-like that she may not be truly knowable, but Eyman gets damned close. His book incorporates his interviews with Crawford's surviving colleagues, her deceased peers' offspring, and her grandson, who shared his fondly remembered grandmother's papers with Eyman. As for Crawford's diva reputation, Eyman notches many episodes but dispatches the Mommie Dearest persona with a perfect swipe at the movie: "The film's sole positive attribute was that it seriously damaged the careers of everyone connected with it."--Nell Beram, author and freelance writer Kamilah Cole (photo: Dasha G) Kamilah Cole is a Jamaican-born, U.S.-raised author. Her first two novels were a young adult duology retelling the story of Joan of Arc. An Arcane Inheritance (Poisoned Pen Press) is her first book for adults, a dark academia novel exploring themes of classism, racism, and elitism in institutions of higher education--but with a magical bent. A graduate of NYU, Cole now lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she works in publishing. Would you classify An Arcane Inheritance as dark academia? It is also a fantasy, it has romantic elements, it has thriller elements, mystery elements, but yes, it's dark academia. I love the genre. Give me a creepy school and I am all over it. But I felt there was a dearth of stories really talking about how difficult and confusing it can be to navigate higher education when you weren't born in America. The immigrant experience is a constant sense of non-belonging. That can be as scary; no matter where you go, what you do, and how hard you try, you're always different. The core of An Arcane Inheritance is finding out that the only way that you can belong is to accept the parts of you that are you, that are different, and let the world fall in place after that. That's the journey Ellory takes, through magic and memory, and college parties and dating and ghosts, all of that. She has a more speculative journey to acceptance than most immigrants do, but at the end of the day, An Arcane Inheritance is a dark academia immigrant story. It is about disappearance and belonging, memory and knowledge, hidden tattoos, snarky rival men, and it's a commentary on elitism, classism, racism. What draws you to this genre, as both a writer and a reader? Education is such a big part of our life. And it's interesting to me as a writer to explore how no two people go through life the same way. Your socioeconomic place in this world really affects how easy or difficult things are, how hard you have to work, what opportunities open up to you, and I feel like nowhere is that inequality shown more than in school. We are told that education is an equalizer, that if you work hard enough, get good enough grades, you will get all the same opportunities. Then you graduate, and you still can't get a job because your father doesn't own a multimillion-dollar company. There are all these conversations about equality, but what is really needed is equity. The acknowledgement that not everybody starts at the same place, and to reach the same things, they need different kinds of help. Could you talk a bit more about that distinction between equality and equity? When first starting this book, even beyond the worldbuilding, I wanted to look at power on an individual level through various characters. I wanted to examine the fact that no matter what you give up for power, at the end of the day, there are some things that nothing but connections can get you. And that's part of the equity conversation. I wanted to study how unexamined systems can perpetuate harm, not just for people outside of them but also for people inside of them. How actively choosing to uphold such a system hurts everyone, including yourself. You can't skirt close to white supremacy and expect it not to burn you as well. Then there are people who are born wealthy, and I wanted to explore the idea that it is not just required, but almost a calling to use that privilege--to create equity, to help other people, to be a kinder, better person, and create a kinder, better world. At the end of the day, I think we've all got power. We all want control. We all want to be happy and successful and content, but we really need to look at not only the sacrifices that we are forced to make, but the sacrifices that we ask others to make, whether they can consent to that sacrifice or not. It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the ends justify the means, but that's not the case. In all of my books, but especially in An Arcane Inheritance, I introduce a lot of big themes, questions that I'm grappling with, but I try never to give a definitive answer. I just want people to think about these things. I don't want to tell them what to think. These are questions that we need to keep in mind, because the moment that we stop thinking about these things is the moment that people get hurt. As someone who also works in publishing, have you found anything shocking from the author side of the process? Yes! It's actually shocking to me how much I didn't know about the writer's side. I don't know when I'll hear about cover design, or how often deadlines shift, and how easily. I didn't know anything about how to be edited, from theme edits to line edits to copy edits, to cast pages, to proofreading and sensitivity reading. I had to learn all those steps. It's also shocking how much writers don't know about publishing. I also get to be in spaces with other writers, and I try to give back by telling them things I do know about publishing. Again, it goes back to equity. If I have information that you don't have, I want to share it with you so we can all have that same access. But yeah, I'm still surprised sometimes by how much I don't actually know about publishing. An Arcane Inheritance is your first book for adults. What felt different here after writing YA for your first two novels? YA is often marketed as coming of age. But you come of age many more times in your life. So the difference for me was not in the kind of story that I was telling, but in the emotional beat of the story. There's an immediacy of emotion that happens as a teenager; everything feels so big and so awful, or so wonderful. But Ellory is older when she starts college, and instead of immediate emotions, she will feel something, and then she will take a beat before choosing how to express how she is feeling. That's not even to say that one reaction is better than another--repressing your emotions is not healthy! I really admire teens for being so, so themselves, in a way it feels like you can't be as an adult. You are no longer thinking about needing to find your place in the world, and more like, This is the world, and I need to fit into it. What was most important to you when setting out to write An Arcane Inheritance? I wanted to make this book as queer and as Jamaican as possible. I have a lot of critiques of higher education, but it is because of the people that I met in college and the people that I know now that I became a person who's so proud of my Jamaican heritage, and a person who is able to navigate queer spaces without questioning myself. So I think of An Arcane Inheritance as a love letter to Jamaicans, and to Jamaican Americans, and to queer people everywhere in a time when immigrants and queer people and queer books are under attack. I will always, always, always stand up for us. I will always continue to put my work out into the world and hope that people find it--and find themselves--within the pages. --Kerry McHugh The 13 absorbing autobiographical essays in My Little Donkey, Martha Cooley's fifth book, employ braided structures to reflect on aging, family relationships, her recent move to Italy, and life's fateful moments. Befriending a donkey on a Venetian lagoon island, Cooley (Guesswork) examines mulish stereotypes. Has she shed her burdens and proved her stubbornness in retiring from New York City to Tuscany in her 60s? She prefers to think of it as adopting John Keats's "negative capability. This entails a balancing of perceived opportunities and losses." Age poses challenges: Italian cobblestone accidents in "Falls," ceding the joy of music to tinnitus in "No Such Thing," and clearing her parents' apartment in "The Box." And in the heartbreaking "Something to Pay," Cooley bids farewell to her old, ill cat before moving overseas. Most essays interweave multiple strands. For instance, "Bonnie and Clyde" starts with childhood pets and segues into the Aeneid, fatherhood, and duty. Often, a personal story reminds Cooley of someone else's. Musing on sibling bonds in "Out of Hand," she recalls a friend's brother's financial misconduct and delves into the history of Ponzi schemes. A few pieces overstretch with their long asides, but it's generally delightful to follow the narrative thread. In "The Spitter," Cooley wonders why an unhoused man spat on her at a subway station--and also tracks the Holocaust experiences of Franz Kafka's sister. "Flukes," detailing a 1963 Italian landslide, is a fascinating meditation on contingency. By turning struggles and tragedies into stories, these intricate essays make sense of randomness. --Rebecca Foster, freelance reviewer, proofreader, and blogger at Bookish Beck A tiny, powerful investigative team of body cells uncover the mystery of a young girl's gastrointestinal illness in Tummy Trouble, the first title in Ben Elcomb and Terri Po's delightfully engrossing nonfiction picture book series Diagnosis Detectives. When healthy Sophia least expects it, evil Queen Tox ("Antigen team: Flu virus") attacks, leaving Sophia curled up on the couch in distress. The detective cells--including immune system members neutrophil, T-cell, B-cell, and monocyte--are assembled in the Gastric Bay district (Sophia's stomach lining) "training their minds and muscles" when they are "distracted by a thunder-like rumbling." After a thorough investigation, they find the "culprit" back where they started in the Gastric Bay: Nori V, aka norovirus. The quartet captures Nori in an oversized net while Sophia recovers in bed. The plot and formatting follow a consistent pattern: first a symptom is introduced; then a close-up perspective is revealed of the detective cells at work; finally a "suspect" profile appears alongside a headshot of the accused foreign body. Po's detailed illustrations include both factual diagrams and playful art in tandem with Elcomb's informative and clever text. In one instance, Po's cross-sections of the skin emphasize the description of what happens when we spike a fever. The colorful troupe of detectives travels to "Skindanavia" and tromps across Sophia's blood vessels alongside a recurring "YOU ARE HERE" map of the body. The book's winning treatment of clear, accurate data and a lighthearted whodunit plot provide plenty of opportunity for discovery and DIY activities offer a fun way to engage with the material, like using glitter to model the transference of food particles. --Kieran Slattery, freelance reviewer, teacher, co-creator of Gender Inclusive Classrooms Mexican author/publisher Jazmina Barrera and translator Christina MacSweeney reunite for a fourth lauded collaboration, Queen of Swords, winner of the independent bookseller-selected Cercador Prize for translated literature. Barrera originally intended to produce "a modest biographical essay" on Mexican writer, playwright, screenwriter, and poet Elena Garro (1916-1998), but instead "spent two years, six months, and two days" creating this hybrid, genre-defying biography/memoir, as delightful as it is disturbing. At 26, graduate student Barrera had yet to read Garro. Completing her New York University degree required producing a novel, which had become "a Frankenstein's monster." A teacher suggested Barrera read Garro, particularly because of narrative similarities. Barrera was immediately enthralled. In what she calls "a collection of stories, ideas, facts, and cats," Barrera infectiously unveils her obsession with magical realism originator Garro. In life, her manipulatively abusive husband, Octavio Paz, eclipsed her; Paz's stepfather raped and infected their four-year-old daughter with gonorrhea, yet Paz returned her to live with his parents, where she was raped again. Garro repeatedly considered and attempted suicide; Paz encouraged her. She drew CIA attention for suspected Communist activity and for meeting Lee Harvey Oswald a few months before John F. Kennedy's assassination. Her support of Mexico's pivotal October 2, 1968, student uprising made her a political refugee. She championed women and Indigenous people. She moved (globally) through 86 dwellings--always with a feline menagerie. Barrera presents the enigmatic Garro in elliptical bursts--meticulously documented with running sidenotes, not footnotes--intertwining her own reactions to engrossing discoveries. That Two Lines Press simultaneously releases Garro's translated story collection The Week of Colors (Barrera's personal favorite) bodes well for inspiring new generations to discover the iconoclast and her writing. --Terry Hong photo: Clare Worsley Davey Davis is a writer and author living in Brooklyn, N.Y. Davis is the author of X and the earthquake room. They write a weekly newsletter about art, culture, sexuality, and people named David. Their third novel, Casanova 20: Or, Hot World (Catapult, December 2, 2025), is about art, desire, and mortality, following a young man isolated by his extraordinary beauty and his strange friendship with an older painter. Handsell readers your book in 25 words or less: I set out to write about transness without trans characters. I ended up with twink death and gay guy angst, but heterosexual. Go figure. On your nightstand now: In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes, because I adored the film and can never get enough of my moody California noirs. Unsex Me Here by Aurora Mattia, who has finally turned her ravishing technique loose on the prose collection. Gender Without Identity by Ann Pellegrini and Avgi Saketopoulou, because it was partially through the latter's work on trauma and desire that I became something of a psychoanalysis groupie. Favorite book when you were a child: Besides Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis were the first books to take me captive. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and The Horse and His Boy are pure adventure, but The Last Battle was my favorite. Its rendering of Christian salvation felt more real and beautiful to me than anything the Bible had to say on the subject. Your top five authors: Vladimir Nabokov and Cormac McCarthy are a tie, for obvious reasons. Gayl Jones completely reinvents the novel form with every book she writes. John Berger was a tremendous multidisciplinary artist that I look up to politically as well as in terms of craft. More recent but no less indispensable obsessions are the recently departed Gary Indiana--a "faggot forefather," as Brandon Sanchez wrote on his passing--and Jean Giono, France's transcendent answer to William Faulkner. Book you've faked reading: I've recently become fascinated by the history of quantum physics, but even pop-sci books on the subject are too difficult for me to really wrap my head around. I think I got halfway through Adam Becker's What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics and halfway through Quantum Man: Richard Feynman's Life in Science by Lawrence M. Krauss--so with some faker arithmetic, that adds up to one whole book, right? Don't ask me to explain anything because I can't. Book you're an evangelist for: Gretchen Felker-Martin's Cuckoo, a horror novel set in an American conversion camp for queer kids. It's not for the faint of heart--it made me cry several times, plus it's fucking scary--but I think everyone should read it. Book you've bought for the cover: I don't really think I operate that way, but Huw Lemmey's RED TORY: My Corbyn Chemsex Hell has this bizarrely lovely design, complete with a decorative dust jacket that's mocked up to look like a tabloid that perfectly teases the heart-racing, nightmarish chaos lurking inside. Book you hid from your parents: I can't praise my parents for much except their refusal to censor what I read. They really didn't give a shit as long as I was reading, although I did get in trouble for parroting rude lines from John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces. Book that changed your life: Lolita by Nabokov. I'm not special! Favorite line from a book: Who can choose? But I do find myself returning to Berger's A Painter of Our Time--which for me is a sort of user manual for my instrument--sometimes for this line alone: "I am a painter and not a writer or a politician or a lover because I recognize a climax in the way two hanging cherries touch one another or in the structural difference between a horse's leg and a man's leg. Who can understand that?" Five books you'll never part with: I'm lucky to have in my possession a copy of Red Jordan Arobateau's first published novel, Lucy & Mickey, a butch trip through life before Stonewall. I also have a copy of Bob Flanagan: Supermasochist from the ReSearch People Series, which I found at Autoerotica in San Francisco last year. Patrick Califia's Public Sex: The Culture of Radical Sex, Leslie Feinberg's Trans Liberation: beyond pink or blue, John Rechy's The Sexual Outlaw. As a transsexual from California, the work of these essential (and undersung) artists and writers is deeply personal for me. Public sex is foundational to my culture and my history, things that as a young gay person I was told I couldn't possibly have. But I did, in no small part because of the courage and conviction of these very writers. Book you most want to read again for the first time: Most of my Hollywood biographies and profiles--Roy Newquist's Conversations with Joan Crawford, Peter Biskind's My Lunches with Orson: Conversations between Henry Jaglom and Orson Welles, Margaret Barton-Fumo's Paul Verhoeven: Interviews--fall into this category. I love dishy movie star trivia but, like a goldfish, I can't retain most of it, so every time I crack open one of these books, it really does feel like the first time. Steve Israel Steve Israel, former U.S. rep. (D-N.Y.) and owner of Theodore's Books in Oyster Bay, N.Y., shared "Book recommendations from members of Congress" in the Hill, noting: "As an independent bookstore owner, one of my favorite New Year's projects is asking key members of Congress to share the most influential books they've read during the year. It's a heartening effort, reminding me that books provide some bipartisan connectivity; and that in an age of algorithms and AI, our policymakers continue to rely on real books to influence their judgements. Here, lightly edited for brevity, are this year's top selections." The NYPD has opened its applications for new recruits who are eager to serve their city. Recruits must pass the New York City police officer exam, which costs $40. The registration period began Jan. 2, and will remain open until Jan. 15. The following examination period is Feb. 2 to Feb. 7. According to the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services, police officers perform general police duties and related work in the New York City Police Department including connecting and building relationships with the community. According to the department, police officers patrol assigned areas on foot or in vehicles to prevent crime and apprehend suspects. They respond to various situations including crimes in progress, accidents, and complaints involving emotionally disturbed persons. Officers also handle community interactions, interview witnesses, prepare reports, and testify in court. Police officers are required to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The current minimum salary is $55,942 a year. Officers also receive an annual uniform allowance, holiday pay, contributions by the city to welfare and annuity funds and city-paid health insurance. To qualify for the examination, applicants must have a four-year high school diploma or equivalent. They must also have either completed 24 college semester credits at an accredited college with at least a 2.0 grade point average or completed two years of honorable full-time U.S. military service. While one can sit for the examination at age 17, applicants must be 20 years and 6 months old to be appointed as a Police Officer. Other requirements, such as physical fitness, residency requirement and drug testing are detailed in the Department of Citywide Administrative Services Notice of Examination. The multiple-choice exam is provided at a computer terminal and includes deductive reasoning, spatial orientation, information ordering and memorization. Applicants must achieve a score of at least 70% to pass. Those interested in applying can begin their journey at a856-exams.nyc.gov/ STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island family is desperately searching for 17-year-old Aaron Beswick, who disappeared from his home seven weeks ago, with few leads despite their continuous efforts to locate the Port Richmond High School junior. Aaron, described by his relatives as one who keeps to himself was last seen in his home on Morningstar Road in Elm Park on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 after his mother, Nadine Beswick, left for work at around 9 a.m. that morning. So my son is a loner, he doesnt have many friends and was barely going to school, the mother told the Advance/SILive.com during an interview. Hes going through a mild depression. Tanika Beswick, Aarons aunt, recounted the moment her sister discovered her beloved nephew was missing. His mom, Nadine, called me at 7 p.m., and she was like, Aaron didnt walk the dog. Hes not here, And I said, What you mean hes not here? Tanika Beswick said. The search for Aaron has been frustrating, due to what the family perceives as a delayed police response and barriers preventing access to potential clues in Aarons digital devices. The family was told theyd have to wait 72 hours to file a missing person report because of his age, Tanika Beswick explained said. She expressed frustration that police may have initially viewed Aaron as simply a runaway rather than someone potentially in danger. The family expressed concern that Aaron, who is described as being heavily interested in online gaming, may have been lured by someone he met online. According to Nadine Beswick, Aaron may have been playing Roblox or Fortnite under either the username or character skin Marigold. I feel like he got lured through that, Tanika Beswick said. The investigation has faced technological hurdles as well. The police officer told us that it will take nearly three weeks to obtain a subpoena, Tanika Beswick said. When the family brought the device to an Apple store for help, Apple told me that they cant open it without a subpoena, she added. The family believes Aaron may be struggling emotionally. Hes not a troubled child. Hes more secluded. A kid that keeps to himself, Tanika Beswick said of her nephew. He really doesnt have many friends. Aarons iPad, which might contain vital information about his whereabouts or contacts, remains locked with sophisticated security features that prevent access without proper legal authorization. I feel like he was having a conversation with somebody online who befriended him, called him and said, Oh, X, Y and Z, and he went thinking that this person was a friend and just disappeared, Nadine Beswick explained. The most recent unconfirmed sighting of a young man that fit Aarons description came from a tip after the family distributed posters throughout the borough. Someone believes they saw him on an MTA bus traveling on Bay Street, Tanika Beswick said. The person they saw exited on Jersey Street. From there, he vanished. This alleged sighting placed a person that fit the teens description on Richmond Terrace in New Brighton heading toward the Staten Island Ferry terminal in St. George. As the search enters its second month, the family has been posting flyers in local businesses, including bodegas near the ferry terminal, hoping someone might recognize Aaron and report his whereabouts to authorities. Please, if they see my child, call the police right away, Nadine Beswick pleaded to Staten Islanders. No matter what, just report it. Despite the challenges, the family remains hopeful for Aarons safe return and has a message for him if he sees their pleas. I just want Aaron to know that we miss him, love him and we want him to come home, Tanika Beswick said. I just want him to come home. Nadine Beswicks message to her son is heartfelt: Mommy needs you to come home. I want you to know, Aaron, that whatever is going on we can fix it. I love you and, yes, I am worried about you. Your dad is worried about you too. Police described Aaron as standing about 6 feet tall and weighing about 130 pounds. He has a thin build, medium complexion, brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information about Aarons whereabouts is urged to contact the police immediately. The NYPD said there are no new updates in the case, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this individual is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X @NYPDTips. A Staten Island resident is accused of stealing over $4,000 worth of beauty products from an Ulta Beauty in Westlake, Ohio, on Dec. 27, according to news reports. As reported by Fox 8 News, Molique Moses, 18, faces felony charges of theft and fleeing and eluding. It was just around noon that Westlake Police received a call of a shoplifting in progress. Employees of the store reported to police that a man came into the business, seemed to speak on the phone and eventually pulled out a large bag and a mask, proceeding to stock the bag with merchandise before fleeing, according to Cleveland19.com. He didnt seem to care that people were watching him and employees were noting that he probably was going to leave without paying for things, Westlake Police Captain Jerry Vogel reportedly told Fox 8 News. As he was carrying the bag out like Santa Claus carries out a sack of toys, he even swore at the employees, indicating to them that he didnt think he was going to get caught. He didnt care what information they had on him. He thought he was going to get away. Witnesses reported that the man then entered a silver F-150 with Pennsylvania plates, as reported by Cleveland19.com. Police were able to track the vehicle to North Olmsted, Ohio, using license plate readers. According to Cleveland19.com, North Olmsted police attempted to stop the truck, which fled onto I-480, before calling off the chase. It was the Ohio State Highway Patrol which identified the truck and pursued it into Trumbull County, Ohio, where the vehicle crashed. Authorities took two men into custody and the stolen items were recovered, the report said. Probably somebody is looking for something in particular and he knows that he can get good money for these things and sell them, Vogel said, according to Fox 8 News. He had a shopping list, he had the big black garbage bag to collect the things, and thought he had a safe getaway vehicle, but he didnt. As reported by Fox 8 News, the license plate on the getaway vehicle was allegedly stolen. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Nurses at one Staten Island hospital are ready to walk off the job in 10 days if management doesnt reach a contract with their union. Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) nurses were among 20,000 of the New York City nurses represented by the New York State Nurses Association who notified their hospitals Friday of the impending strikes if a contract isnt reached by Jan. 12. New York State Nurses Association President Nancy Hagans, a Staten Islander and nurse at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, said part of the nurses goals in negotiation has been preserving their healthcare benefits and improved security at their hospitals. Nurses are ready to settle fair contracts that protect New York City patients. But management seems determined to fight against frontline caregivers instead of working with us to protect our patients, she said. We have been bargaining for months, but hospitals have not done nearly enough to settle fair contracts that protect patient care. Striking is always a last resort; however, nurses will not stop until we win contracts that deliver patient and nurse safety. The future of care in this city is far too important to compromise on our values as nurses. If taken, the strike action would be the largest among nurses in the citys history and impact some of the largest medical systems in the five boroughs, including Maimonides, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Medical Center. Lisa Yeno, a member of the unions negotiating executive committee at RUMC, previously told the Advance/SILive.com that nurses main concern at the local hospital is a lack of security, which she said can often leave her and her colleagues at risk of becoming victims of violence. Weve had some incidents in the recent past of nurses getting assaulted and in pretty significant situations where nurses have been significantly injured, Yeno, a 25-year veteran of the hospital, said. Were asking for some more increased security and metal detectors, weapons detectors and panic buttons, because weve seen an increase in workplace violence, especially in places like the emergency room and [psychiatric] units. Cheryl Garber, a RUMC spokesperson, declined comment on specifics of the negotiations but said they remain ongoing. Richmond University Medical Center is committed to negotiating in good faith with the New York State Nurses Association. While discussions are ongoing, we cannot comment on specific details, she said. We want to emphasize that we deeply value and appreciate our nurses for the exceptional care they provide to our patients and community every day. A strike would mean the hospital would need to hire outside nurses to meet its staffing needs while the labor action is ongoing. >> Update: NYPD: Man, 90, dies following Staten Island vehicle crash; 70-year-old woman and 6-year-old girl in critical condition STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The 7-year-old girl involved in Friday mornings devastating crash remained in critical condition Saturday morning, according to a spokesperson for the Deputy Commissioner of Public Informations Office. The NYPD revealed that the status of all the patients involved in the New Springville collision remained unchanged. As previously reported, police responded to a 911 call for a vehicle collision involving a Honda SUV and an Audi SUV in the vicinity of Forest Hill Road and Rockland Avenue around 9:57 a.m. Friday. Emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision at Forest Hill Road and Rockland Avenue on Friday, Jan. 2, 2025. (Source photo) At that time, EMS transported the 7-year-old girl in critical condition to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze. Three adults a 50-year-old man, a 70-year-old woman and a 90-year-old man were also transported in stable condition. An FDNY spokesperson told the Advance/SILive.com the adults suffered serious injuries and noted that a fifth person left the scene before being evaluated by EMS. The NYPD has been unable to provide information on which patients were in which vehicles. Both SUVs suffered extensive visible damage to their front ends as a result of the crash. The intersection was taped off and closed to traffic in the wake of the collision. There are no arrests in this case and the investigation remains ongoing, according to the NYPD spokesperson. James Luckey-Lange, 28, a Staten Island resident, is among a handful of Americans that have recently been detained by Venezuelan security forces, a U.S. official familiar with the matter reportedly told the New York Times. According to the official, while some of the detainees face legitimate criminal charges, Luckey-Lange is one of two imprisoned that the U.S. government may deem wrongfully detained, the report said. Among those reportedly arrested are three Venezuelan-American dual passport holders and two American citizens with no known ties to the country, the official told the New York Times. Luckey-Lange is the son of musician Diane Luckey, who went by the stage name Q Lazzarus. Luckey was particularly known for her 1988 hit song Goodbye Horses, an iconic tune from the Oscar-winning film Silence of the Lambs. Later in life, she worked as a Staten Island bus driver. Luckey died in 2022 at the age of 60. It was in the wake of his mothers death that Luckey-Lange set out on a trek through South America in 2022, according to a report by the New York Post. His father passed away in 2025, as reported by the New York Times. In early December, Luckey-Lange reportedly told his aunt, Abbie Luckey, that he would finally return home and join his family for a Christmas cruise. He was prepared to leave from the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on Dec. 12, but that never came to be, the New York Post report stated. Abbie Luckey reportedly did not hear from her nephew and knew something was wrong when they returned from the cruise and still heard nothing. It was a New York Times reporter that informed Abbie Luckey that Luckey-Lange was in Venezuelan custody. As described by his aunt in the New York Post report, Luckey-Lange is a free spirit who loved to travel and desired to see the Amazon rainforest with his own eyes. As reported by the New York Times, it is unclear if Luckey-Lange had a visa to enter Venezuela. Abbie Luckey has not been contacted by U.S. officials and is seeking any information on her nephews whereabouts, according to the Dec. 31 report by the New York Times. The reported detainments by the Venezuelan government overseen by Socialist President Nicolas Maduro come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and the South American country. This is not the first time Maduro has detained Americans, whether guilty or innocent. At the start of his second term, President Donald Trump was able to secure the release of 17 American citizens and permanent residents held in Venezuela under Maduros regime, according to the New York Times. The Advance/SILive.com reached out to Rep. Nicole Malliotakiss office to learn if the congresswoman had heard of Luckey-Langes detainment; however, the office was unable to respond by the time of publication. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Island resident Emanuel Xavier is an author and poet whose work is rooted in survival, resilience and the lived experiences that shaped him. Despite hardships faced, he hopes to remind others that their stories deserve to be seen through his upcoming poetry project. Xaviers upcoming project, Still, We Are Sacred, set to be released April 7, 2026, explores identity, survival and the communities that shaped him. The author, Emanuel Xavier is set to release "Still, We Are Sacred" on April 7, 2026. Courtesy of Emanuel Xavier Drawing from his experiences growing up in Bushwick as a queer person, he examines what it means to exist, heal and remain visible in a world that often overlooks marginalized voices. Homeless as a teenager Xavier grew up in a devout Catholic family. Being gay was not an option, he said. After being rejected for being gay, he became homeless as a teenager. Growing up queer in Bushwick during the 1970s and 1980s was difficult, he said, and he often felt more at home on the West Side Highway piers in Manhattan. There, he found community, support and a place to call home among other young LGBTQ+ people. To survive homelessness, Xavier turned to sex work, a reality for many queer and minority youth of color in the 1980s and early 1990s. As a Latino of Ecuadorian descent, he said, A lot of us couldnt survive without being sex workers, and that was the truth, being queer and being a minority during the 80s and early 90s. Around this time, Xavier began working at a bookstore, where he discovered his love for literature. He also started performing spoken-word poetry at a cafe in the Nuyorican Poets scene where he began to find his voice during a period when LGBTQ+ voices werent as openly welcomed. I never held back from sharing my truths to an audience because it was bigger than me; it was about sharing my experiences to help others be true to themselves and speak openly about their experiences, Xavier said. There, he found a supportive audience and began to develop his style. He became more confident, which helped define his work. His first collection In 1997, he self-published his first poetry collection, Pier Queen, which captured the voice of a generation of queer people of color. I came to poetry in a very unconventional means; I was considered a street poet, Xavier noted. Despite the obstacles he faced throughout his life and career, Xavier found love. He married his husband, Brian Berger, in 2018. The ceremony was held at Casa Belvedere on Grymes Hill, and the couple moved to Staten Island shortly afterward, where they have lived since early 2019. They initially lived in the Mid-Island and now reside in the Woodrow area. Looking back, Xavier said his upbringing shaped his poetry. It inspired me to write, he said. He wrote a poem called Bushwick Bohemia, about learning to love the place he had come from and appreciate it. Now, living openly as a gay man on Staten Island, Xavier said, Early queerness becomes a target, and I refuse to retreat. You know, living openly, walking and existing without apology becomes an act of defiance. He added that this commitment to visibility and authenticity continues to fuel his work. His new project Xavier has been writing since 1997 and spent more time with his new project, Still, We Are Sacred, than ever before. I was very intentional about the craft, revision, line, structure and silence, he said. Throughout his career, he was labeled a street poet, and while he honored where he came from, he didnt want that label to limit how his other work is valued. Ive had many ups and downs throughout my journey, but for me, this book is about showing range and depth bringing the urgency of lived experience together with literary precision," he said. He wants the poems to hold up not only on the page, but also in classrooms and quiet rooms. Xavier described the collection as claiming the space of the poet whose voice is shaped by survival, not defined by it, which he says also inspired the books title. What he wants readers to take away from the book is the importance of staying present and not retreating, Xavier said. Having survived homelessness, child abuse, and other hardships, he feels fortunate to have lived longer than many of his peers. Staten Islands poetry community Xavier said he is most inspired by what is often overlooked: Staten Islands poetry community and its connections to the rest of New York City. He discovered a dynamic scene in the borough, shaped by social and political contradictions that influenced his work. What people forget [are] people like Audre Lorde, who lived and wrote on Staten Island for years. She produced...Black, feminist, and queer work while raising a family. That fact alone challenges the idea that Staten Island sits outside of New Yorks intellectual and artistic lineage, he said. Xavier said his biggest challenge when writing Still, We Are Sacred was finding time to slow down and reflect during the creative process. However, living on Staten Island has given him the space to be intentional in his writing. While the borough can feel physically removed from the rest of New York City, he never felt creatively disconnected. If anything, being on the edge keeps me alert to what gets left out, he said, a perspective he believes shows up throughout the collection. Xavier hopes his poetry inspires younger queer and Brown readers by showing that visibility isnt just personal, its generational. He wants his work, including his new project, to demonstrate that living authentically and creatively can leave a lasting impact on future generations, even for those he may never meet. Although Xavier is not performing as widely as he once did, he hopes Still, We Are Sacred allows readers to connect with his work across the world. He began writing in part to ensure that stories like his, once considered underground and overlooked, would not be forgotten. Still, We Are Sacred, is being published by Rebel Satori Press and will be available on all major platforms, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. The books pre-sale is available on Rebel Satori Presss website. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A pair of high-profile Staten Island public servants are calling it quits after decades in government. Former Borough President James Oddo and former State Sen. Diane Savino served in former Mayor Eric Adams administration, and were out of their jobs Thursday with the swearing-in of Mayor Zohran Mamdani marking the end of two decades-long careers. Oddo served in various positions through Adams 4 years, lastly as the citys buildings commissioner since April 2023. Savino spent her time in the mayoral administration as a senior advisor focused largely on the administration work to advance legislation it saw as vital to its agenda. Her job in the Adams administration followed nearly 20 years as a state senator, and over a decade working in city government that saw her start in 1990 a caseworker with the Child Welfare Administration. She said that she hopes when historians look back on the administration that they remember it for its work instead of the scandals that marred Adams time as the citys mayor. Nobody really gave him (Adams) credit, and thats largely as you know, because everything else took up all the oxygen in the room the investigations, the resignations, the FBI raids, the indictment, everything overshadowed everything that he did," Savino said. In spite of it all, I think the history books will look back at some point and say that he made some positive changes in the city and I think thats largely a result of the dedicated people who stuck around when everybody else jumped off the what they thought was a sinking ship. Specifically, Savino pointed to things like lower crime rates than when Adams took office, the long-needed push to containerize the citys trash, and the administrations navigation of the migrant crisis that saw tens of thousands of people pour into the city. On Staten Island-centric accomplishments, she said the good of Adams administration could be seen most easily in the development of the North Shore Action Plan, a revitalization of the Islands waterfront. She also pointed to less praised but vital quality of life efforts, like the clearing of 220 tons of trash from a portion of the old North Shore Branch of the Staten Island Railroad that had plagues Port Richmond for years. A re-examination that will take time The former Democratic state senator, who served Staten Islands North Shore and part of Southern Brooklyn from 2005 to 2022, compared Adams to the citys only other Black mayor, David Dinkins. For years following Dinkins mayoralty from 1990 to 1993, much of the citys political class maligned him as an ineffective mayor, but hes undergone a re-examination in more recent years, particularly for his work helping bring down crime. The citys expansion of its afterschool programs and the hiring of thousands of police officers were both the result of Dinkins initiatives. It took people a while, because they could only focus on what they thought were the negatives of his [Dinkins} administration, Savino said. She believes that re-examination will take a bit longer because of the modern, immediate accessibility of information, and because of Adams own combativeness with the citys press corps. It took the citys most recent mayor a little more than a month in office to take on the mostly-white City Hall media for his perception of their racial biases. Im a Black man thats the mayor, but my story is being interpreted by people that dont look like me, he said Feb. 15, 2022. How many Blacks are on editorial boards? How many Blacks determine how these stories are being written? The combativeness didnt stop there with Adams administration limiting the medias open questioning of him to a single press conference each week. That press conference usually kicked off with a time-consuming announcement touting the administrations latest self-identified accomplishment. Savino said the overall strategy of taking on the citys media class was something that never made much sense to her. You cannot get into a pissing match with people who buy ink by the barrel or bandwidth by the megabyte and expect to win, she said. It just got worse and worse with each passing month, so when the people whose responsibility it is to tell your story hate your guts, well your storys not going to come out too well. Staying above the fray The future retelling of Adams time as the citys mayor will also have to account for the scandal, chaos and general oddities that consumed much of the ink and megabytes Savino referenced. At least publicly, the former state senators time in the administration saw her stay largely above the issues that led to Adams undoing. She credits the work needed to keep city government running, and borrowed a phrase from her former boss. Stay focused, no distractions, and grind. You stay out of it, she said. I learned early on, when I got there, that there was so much work that needed to be done. I just stayed...away from people. Likewise, former Borough President Oddo, who did not respond to a request for comment for this article, stayed largely out of the chaos that led to the first one-term mayoralty in decades. In a New Years Eve post on X, Oddo thanked the staff at the Buildings Department for their hard work during his time as commissioner. Its not clear whats next for the longtime public servant, but his time in the Adams administration caps off a decades-long career in public service that saw him work his way up from City Council staffer to councilmember for the Mid-Island to the whole Islands borough president. Savino said she plans to enjoy her retirement from public service but left the door open to future consulting opportunities. She said that as a new mayoral administration takes the reins of city government, everyone across the five boroughs should be rooting for its success. I just hope that we all recognize that its not in anyones interest for this guy to fail, she said. You may not agree with him, but we shouldnt be wishing for each other to fail, because that just impacts all of us who are staying here, who are homeowners, who have kids in school, or, rely on government services. Failure is not helpful to those of us who depend on government to be functional." Prediction markets on the 2028 race for the White House are showing a major omen for Vice President JD Vance, Newsweek reports. CNN polling analyst Harry Enten said that prediction markets show that Vance has a robust 48% chance of snagging the Republican Party nomination for president in 2028. Enten pointed out that Vances nearest 2028 rival, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has just a 12% chance of being the GOP nominee for the White House. Even more strongly for Vance, prediction markets show that no other candidate has even a 5% chance of winning the Republican presidential nod. Vance is increasingly being seen as the heir to President Donald Trump. The influential Turning Point USA group, founded by Charlie Kirk, recently declared its support for Vance. Enten also pointed out that a recent New Hampshire presidential primary poll showed Vance at 51% support. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was a distant second in that survey, at 9%, while Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard had 8%. Newsweek reported that Vance is the first non-sitting president running for the GOP nomination to garner 50% or higher support in early New Hampshire polling since at least 1980. A poll by Saint Anselm College Survey Center at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics in September showed Vance with 56% support in the Granite State. If you win the GOP primary in New Hampshire, chances are youre going to be the Republican nominee for president, Enten said. J.D. Vance is pulling off something historic at this time, the analyst continued. And that is the key reason why at this point he is the far and away favorite for the Republican nomination, hes just way out ahead of the pack. Artwork: Don Troiani We normally think of the British attempt to disarm the American colonists as beginning in 1775, when "the shot heard 'round the world" was fired. That impression is understandable, as this was the first time American militiamen and British regulars actually did battle. Against all odds, the militia routed the Redcoats all the way back to Boston. But that was hardly the beginning of the irreconcilable conflict between George III and the patriots in regard to what was considered the right of Englishmen to be armed. That conflict started in 1768, when ships with British forces were approaching Boston to put down resistance to taxation without representation, searches without warrants and the coercive acts imposed on the Americans. According to The Boston Gazette (Sept. 26, 1768): "It is reported that the Governor has said, that he has Three Things in Command from the Ministry, more grievous to the People, than any Thing hitherto made known. It is conjectured 1st, that the Inhabitants of this Province are to be disarmed. 2d. The Province to be governed by Martial Law. And 3d, that a Number of Gentlemen who have exerted themselves in the Cause of their Country, are to be seized and sent to Great-Britain." When it was leaked that Massachusetts Colonial Gov. Francis Bernard had requested the troops, James Otis, Samuel Adams and other patriots orchestrated a stormy meeting of the townsmen at Faneuil Hall (which is still there today). A resolution was adopted recalling that the English Declaration of Rights of 1689 declared that "the Subjects being Protestants, may have arms for their Defence," and admonishing every inhabitant to "always be provided with a well fix'd Firelock, Musket, Accouterments and Ammunition," as the militia law required. President Donald Trump has backtracked in a big way about a recent revelation regarding his health, the Wall Street Journal reported. In an exclusive interview with the paper, Trump and his doctor said that that the president received a CT scan during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October. Thats at odds with Trumps previous statements, where he said that he had gotten an MRI scan during the hospital visit. It wasnt an MRI, Trump told the Journal. It was less than that. It was a scan. Speaking to reporters last month aboard Air Force One, the president said that he got an MRI and said that he would absolutely release the results. Trumps comments at that time came amid heightened speculation about the presidents health, driven by the appearance of bruising on his hands. ABC News said that the White House has not said why Trump received the scan. Trump in November said that the MRI was part of his yearly physical. Trumps physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, told the Journal that the president had received a CT scan, not an MRI. Barbabella said that Trumps doctors had told him they would perform either an MRI or a CT scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are used to examine organs and structures inside the body to help diagnose various conditions. An MRI scan uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce an image. A CT scan uses X-rays. Staten Island residents can expect a cold Saturday with temperatures remaining below freezing throughout the day. According to the National Weather Service, wind chills will rise out of the single digits and teens this morning into the 20s by the afternoon. A weak clipper system will move through the area late Saturday night, likely bringing a dusting of snow to Staten Island. The weather service indicates moisture is extremely limited, so only flurries or a light dusting is expected. A clipper storm, as defined by the weather service, is a fast-moving storm that drops into the U.S. over the Great Lakes from Alberta, Canada. Snow will pass offshore by Sunday morning, with decreasing clouds by afternoon. Northwest winds will increase late Sunday, and temperatures will remain below freezing for most areas. Some areas of Staten Island and New York City could experience brief and localized minor coastal flooding for the Sunday morning high tide, particularly in typically vulnerable south shore bays. This flooding risk is in response to elevated astronomical tides from Saturday mornings full moon. Looking ahead to next week, temperatures will begin to moderate by mid to late week. Monday brings another chance of light snow during the evening and overnight. Tuesday night presents a risk of freezing rain as warmer temperatures aloft move into the region, though overall precipitation amounts should remain low. More significant rainfall is possible toward the end of next week into the weekend as a stronger frontal system approaches the area with deeper moisture. This pattern shift will likely bring warmer conditions to Staten Island and surrounding areas. A draft of this story was generated using AI. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff. Kylie Moore-Gilberts insightful analysis of both the history of antisemitism and its sources in contemporary Australia, as well as the need for specific solutions rather than a one size fits all approach, is very enlightening (Tackling three kinds of antisemitism, December 28). In particular, it is the dangers posed by neo-Nazi ideology that I find especially troubling, given that this ideology is not only dangerous to our Jewish community, but also to migrant communities and other groups including Indigenous and queer Australians. The protests of those ominous black-cladded figures on the steps of both the Victorian and NSW parliaments was outrageous and extremely concerning at the time, but the reasons these displays of hatred were allowed to happen in the first place, including any systemic or procedural failures by police, must be examined and investigated much more thoroughly now. Surely, after all the acts of violence that are still being committed against Australian Jews, any talk of a neo-Nazi political party running at the next election must be silenced by changes in existing laws that would allow this to happen. Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown Pro-Palestine agitators cause police to push back those gathered to pay respects at Bondi Beach after the terror attack. Oscar Colman I would suggest there is a fourth type of antisemitism. The fourth type of person is appalled by what happens in Gaza but has no intention of killing anyone. They are disgusted with the illegal West Bank settlements but will not bomb a synagogue. They are reviled by Netanyahu and his right-wing Zionist supporters but do not harass Jews. Call them Designated Antisemites. They are designated antisemitic to allow Netanyahu to put them into the same category as prison camp commandants or the shooters at Bondi. This fourth type makes up the vast majority of Australians who are opposed to Israel. Their problem is what Israel is doing today, not some lingering hatred from the past. Neville Turbit, Russell Lea Moore-Gilberts op-ed contains some glaring omissions. She is as guilty of theological selectivity as those extreme minority Islamists she accuses. The Australian National Imams Council issued a statement declaring ISIS an evil and dangerous terrorist organisation with no connection to Islam. They affirmed that ISIS does not represent Islam or the Muslim world. Groups such as ISIS hate Hamas, they oppose Palestinian statehood, they are ignorant of Islam and have no similarities with those protesting against the sadistic genocide. There is an extremely simple cure for antisemitism: remove the blue and white flag (end the cleansing of Palestine by Zionists) and it would magically disappear. Shayne Chester, Waterloo Traffic snarls at safety Advertisement NationalNSWDevelopment Next door to the new Sydney airport is a village residents fear will soon cease to exist Ellie Busby January 3, 2026 1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Outside the Luddenham News and Post, next to the newspapers and the chicken feed, owner Yogeshkumar Methaniya known as Yogi by locals talks about his love for the small village in western Sydney where he works. The community is really helpful, and you can rely on them all the time, he said. Behind him, its impossible to ignore the sleek new runway at the soon-to-be-completed Western Sydney International Airport. Its a stark contrast to the semi-rural village that residents say is dying a slow death. In the almost four years Yogi Methaniya has owned the Luddenham News and Post, hes seen the village change significantly. Sitthixay Ditthavong Located one kilometre from the airport, also known as the Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, Luddenham Village is one of the oldest settlements in NSW. Its history dates back to the early 1800s. But in recent years the village, population 456, has struggled to stay alive. Only 40 students attend Luddenham Public School, businesses have been forced to close, and long-term locals have decided to move away from the village, which is split between Penrith and Liverpool councils. Advertisement All the small businesses are struggling. Rent [goes up] every year, electricity going up, our insurance, everything going up and eventually, if it doesnt work well, in a year or two we will have to close the door. Thats the last choice, Methaniya said. For Methaniya and many Luddenham locals, the solution to save their village is simple: more housing. But with the state government yet to sign off on a strategy that residents say would allow for more residential development, Luddenham Village remains in limbo. Luddenham Village will die without new housing, says Wayne Willmington, president of the Luddenham Progress Association. Sitthixay Ditthavong Luddenham Progress Association president Wayne Willmington has seen firsthand Luddenhams decline over the past 10 years. When he talks about how Luddenham Village has changed, its with sadness. The schools levels have plummeted, the amount of kids its just everything, he said. Its as if the state government wants to get rid of us. Advertisement Years of waiting In 2021, the Luddenham Village Discussion Paper was released by the state government. It issued a dire warning. To sustain Luddenham Village within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, it would need almost 4000sqm of retail floorspace by 2026, the discussion paper said. An additional 540 dwellings (compared to the 2016 dwelling count) would be needed to support this growth. The report detailed four growth scenarios for Luddenham Village, including an expanded area to the north that could provide 1200 homes. The proposed housing would fall outside the Australian Noise Exposure Concept 20 anticipated forecasts of future noise exposure patterns based on indicative flight paths around an airport. Advertisement In 2022, the NSW government released the finalised rezoning plans for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. Luddenham Village was the only area that was excluded. The same year, the NSW government unveiled the Luddenham Village Interim Strategy, which revealed the next steps to create a sustainable future for the town. But it also said residential development would be delayed until the flight paths, airspace design and noise assessments had been finalised. Wayne Willmington at the resident-owned Luddenham Progress Hall. Sitthixay Ditthavong Three years after it was released, and with the airport due to open next year, the state government is yet to sign the strategy off. Willmington said the only thing holding it up was excuses. [The state government] should do what the state government said and just allow the new housing to go ahead, or give us a valid reason why [it hasnt progressed], he said. Advertisement On the other side of the airport, its a different story: the new Bradfield city is progressing quickly. The Bradfield Superlot 1 has been released for 1400 new homes. Its being developed by the Bradfield Development Authority, a NSW government agency. Related Article Exclusive Development It was meant to be Sydneys Silicon Valley. Almost a decade later, it remains a paddock Planning Minister Paul Scully said the state government would progress with the most sustainable strategy for Luddenhams future once we understand the full impacts of the new airport, but he did not confirm when that will be. While Luddenham isnt under the flightpath for Runway 1 as it is shown in the Australian governments Preliminary Draft Master Plan 2025-45, the full extent of the contours for noise exposure from the airport are still to be finalised by the Australian government, he said. The Minns Labor government is working with the community to achieve the best outcomes for Luddenham Village. Advertisement But those living and working in Luddenham Village believe the community cant survive much longer without additional housing. Arthur Okoye, pharmacist at Luddenhams HealthSAVE Pharmacy, said once construction finishes on the new airport in 2026, workers will stop coming to the village. The reduction in customers make it harder for local businesses to stay afloat. Luddenham pharmacist Arthur Okoye believes Luddenham needs new housing now. Sitthixay Ditthavong You cant wait. [The village] might die even before there is a lot of growth here, Okoye said. We need the government to really encourage development, especially residential development and accommodation, so that the businesses around here will be sustained until the airport takes off fully. The Sydney Morning Herald has a bureau in the heart of Parramatta. Email parramatta@smh.com.au with news tips. Advertisement NationalNSWPublic transport Year-long wait for ferries to Sydneys new fish market revealed Matt O'Sullivan January 4, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The new Sydney Fish Market will open on January 19. The Herald has charted the sometimes rocky path to this milestone. See all stories . Sydneysiders and tourists will have to wait at least a year before ferry services to the new $836 million fish market begin because a wharf has yet to be built, placing pressure on existing transport services and limited car parking. While two wharves were built at a cost of $78 million near the entrance to Botany Bay without the prospect of ferry services, plans for a pontoon wharf at what is set to become a major tourist attraction in central Sydney remain in the design phase. That is despite years of forewarning about the new fish market, which will open on January 19. The new Sydney Fish Market will have about 400 parking spots. Steven Siewert The new fish market will have about 400 car park spots, requiring many visitors to catch buses or light rail services while lugging their seafood home. Plans for a $30 million wharf are still in the design stage, which means that ferry services are not expected to start until 2027 at least a year after the fish market opens to the public. Advertisement Under the plans, a pontoon wharf is proposed for the fish markets eastern side. A floating pontoon that rises and falls with the tide makes it easier for passengers to alight and board vessels. When ferries eventually start on the new route they are expected to provide a shuttle service between Barangaroo and the fish market for at least the first two years, part of which is to test demand. The new Sydney Fish Market is expected to become a major tourist attraction. James Brickwood Parramatta-class vessels, which have room for up to 200 passengers, or older First Fleet ferries are considered most likely to be used on the new route. The use of those vessels will place further pressure on the government-owned ferry fleet to service existing harbour and river routes. The plans for a wharf are also complicated by the concerns of Glebe rowers, who fear a greater risk of collisions in Blackwattle Bay. The added challenge for transport authorities is sailing ferries into the bay, which is likely to require the removal of some maritime infrastructure. Advertisement Action for Public Transport spokesman Graeme Taylor said it could take at least a year before a new wharf was opened at the fish market. They could be six months talking to affected parties just to ascertain that they can get a ferry into the wharf. Then it has to go to tender, and then it has to be built, he said. They are going to have some difficult discussions with surrounding users. Taylor said the absence of ferries when the fish market opens could turn into a nightmare for the government due to limited car spaces and the pressure on the nearby light rail line and two bus routes that service the precinct. Advertisement Its going to be so embarrassing everyone will be asking where the new ferry services are when the fish market opens, he said. This is poor planning. The ferry service should have been there from day one. They have known for years. Taylor said the wharf would need to be built to accommodate a ferry up to 45 metres in length so that larger Emerald-class vessels, which can carry about 400 passengers, would eventually be able to use it. Plans for a pontoon ferry wharf at the new Sydney Fish Market are still in the design phase. Steven Siewert Transport for NSW confirmed it expected the new wharf to be completed in 2027 and was working with Infrastructure NSW the agency responsible for the new Sydney Fish Market to plan and deliver the project, which would consider vessel size and capacity. Transport for NSW will monitor demand to determine the optimal vessel class and frequency to service the new wharf, it said in a statement. The new wharf will include integrated commercial and recreational berthing. Advertisement The long-vaunted fish market promises to become a landmark destination. The government forecasts more than 6 million people will visit the new attraction each year double the number heading to the old market next door. Related Article City life Big beautiful shed: Touring the new $836 million Sydney Fish Market with its designers Ahead of the markets opening, the government has added an extra 150 weekly services to the L1 light rail line between Dulwich Hill and Central Station in the evenings, on weekends and public holidays. A light rail stop at Wentworth Park, which is close to the new fish market, is also undergoing a $40 million upgrade to improve accessibility. Transport for NSW said it was taking a holistic approach to planning and had already rolled out service improvements for people wanting to access the fish market, citing the increase in light rail capacity. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalPrisons Opinion When I was behind bars, time stopped. But you could never hide from the new year Kylie Moore-Gilbert Political scientist and writer January 4, 2026 5:00am January 4, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A When youre a prisoner time passes differently to life outside. Individual days drag by, but the relentless monotony of it all dulls your ability to keep track of the months and years. That is, until holiday season arrives. When I was first arrested in Iran and thrown into a solitary confinement cell in Evin prison I would carve a line for each day into the soft plaster of the wall and try to work backwards to figure out the date. Many months later, letting go of this habit was strangely empowering. Not knowing the day of the week or the month of the year represented a kind of surrender to the perpetual tedium of prison life, but there was also strength in no longer giving a damn. Some prisoners would mark the days off with scratches on the wall. Matt Davidson Perhaps letting go of time was a survival instinct, too. I had received a 10-year prison sentence under wholly unsubstantiated charges, with no guarantee that the Australian government would come to my rescue (spoiler alert: they did). The only way to digest this was to numb myself to the days, months and years and dampen any thoughts of the life that I could have been leading outside. The holidays were the greatest challenge to this cultivated indifference. Even in a country as insular as Iran, both my captors and my fellow prisoners were aware of Christmas. Nowruz, the Iranian new year, falls in March yet everyone knew when 2018 became 2019, and somehow too quickly afterwards, became 2020. Advertisement Was I imagining the sarcasm when the prison guards wished me a Merry Christmas? I spent my first in Evin listening to the shrieks of a prisoner in a neighbouring cell and imagining the worst forms of torture (I later found out she was simply angry about being transferred from elsewhere, and screaming the place down was her form of protest). I was on hunger strike during my second Christmas, a joint effort with another prisoner who was also a foreign academic. We made grandiose statements about our innocence and the right to academic freedom. The pain in my body dulled the heart-pain of being kept apart from my loved ones for yet another set of holidays. Kylie Moore-Gilbert is the author of the 2022 memoir The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison. Related Article China relations Let freedom ring: Jailed writer Yang Hengjun pens letter from inside Beijing jail Now that Im free and staring down the barrel of another new year, I cant help but think of the other Australians wrongfully detained abroad under similar conditions. There is Dr Yang Hengjun, who formerly worked for Chinas Ministry of State Security before getting disillusioned, migrating to Australia and becoming a successful blogger, author and democracy enthusiast. Yang has spent more than seven years in a Beijing prison on vague charges of espionage and in 2024 received a suspended death sentence. Advertisement Spare a thought too for former Sydneysider Gordon Ng, who has served five years of a seven-year sentence under Hong Kongs controversial National Security Law for the crime of advocating for democracy. Then theres Oscar Jenkins, the Australian teacher who was captured by Russian forces after volunteering to fight for Ukraine. His family was subjected to the trauma of news reports of his death before clips appeared on Russian social media showing Jenkins weak, injured but alive. Jenkins was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment following what Foreign Minister Penny Wong has referred to as a sham trial and is thought to be being held in a gulag somewhere in Russia. Related Article Updated Russia-Ukraine war Wong, Albanese attack sham 13-year Russian prison sentence for Oscar Jenkins For many prisoners, the new year is a bitter reminder that no matter how successful you may have been at ignoring time, another year has passed and you are still not free. Australian mining executive Mo Munshi spent seven years behind bars in Mongolia after falling afoul of powerful Mongolian business partners, and remains trapped in the country on an indefinite travel ban. According to Mo, the worst part of missing the holidays is not to be able to share the joy, laughter and happiness of ones loved ones to see them enjoying themselves can at times be very hard, when you know that you should be there, sharing those precious moments. Advertisement Another Australian, engineer Robert Pether, is similarly banned from leaving Iraq, where he spent four years in a Baghdad prison. Pether told me of his devastation at missing out on seeing his kids grow up. For him, being incarcerated during the holidays was like being erased from your own life while everyone elses carries on. In time of hardship, however, as always, we are reminded of the power of the human spirit. During my Christmas Day hunger strike I took strength from the solidarity of my friends and cellmates, some of whom nursed me back to health afterwards. My friend Sean Turnell, an Australian economist who was wrongfully imprisoned in Myanmar following the countrys 2021 military coup, speaks movingly of the Buddhist inmates at Naypyidaw prison who alerted him that it was Christmas Day. Let out of his cell for exercise time, a group of them had gone to considerable effort to co-ordinate a joint rendition of Happy Christmas to you, sung to the tune of Happy Birthday, as they didnt know any actual Christmas carols. In Seans words, It was a moment, a day, that reflected the event it was commemorating. Of purest love and goodness. Related Article Opinion Iran sanctions Five years on, Australia is calling out the thugs who jailed me for what they are Kylie Moore-Gilbert Political scientist and writer In Yang Hengjuns letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, written to mark the new year in 2025, Yang spoke of his profound gratitude at this moment of seeing out the old year and bringing in the new. Optimistic that he would be able to contribute to peaceful coexistence, seeking common ground and reserving differences, Yang was hopeful that he would one day be free to sit side-by-side with my readers sharing laughter, tears and dreams. Advertisement Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist imprisoned for more than three years in China, told me that for her the holidays are about making up for the years of nothingness, a time in which she deliberately seeks out new destinations and creating unique memories, adventure and colour. There is nothing like being able to celebrate the holidays and other family milestones as a free person, having had this taken away from you. This year, I hope that time speeds up just a little bit more for those Australians wrongfully imprisoned overseas. And that the new year will bring with it much longed-for freedom for them all. Kylie Moore-Gilbert is a research fellow at Macquarie University and is the author of memoir The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Prisons Opinion For subscribers Iran Kylie Moore-Gilbert is an academic in Middle Eastern political science at Macquarie University, the author of memoir The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison and a regular columnist for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalInnovation Most researchers miss out on innovation grants while medical fund sits on $25b Natassia Chrysanthos January 4, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A More than nine in 10 Australian medical researchers who applied for government-funded innovation grants last year were rejected at the same time that Australias medical investment fund sits on almost $25 billion in unspent money $5 billion more than it was designed to hold. About half of applicants who were deemed to have an outstanding application for the National Health and Medical Research Councils annual ideas grants scoring six out of seven points were denied grants. It is a sign that projects of merit in Australia are missing out as a larger number of researchers compete each year for a relatively static amount of money. More Australian researchers are applying for grants each year, but the amount of money available has stayed relatively static. The research council gives out about $250 million each year to support innovative and creative health and medical research. Data for 2025 shows that 91.9 per cent of applications for the ideas grants were unsuccessful: there were just 190 funded projects from 2347 applicants. The 8.1 per cent success rate last year represented a decline from the 10.1 per cent success rate for ideas grants in 2024, and the 11.1 per cent success rate in 2023. Advertisement The diminishing success rate is leading crossbenchers, science bodies and medical associations to demand the Albanese government unleash extra money from its Medical Research Future Fund to support more domestic projects, particularly as the Trump administrations cuts to scientific and medical organisations disrupts research funding around the world. The original plan was for the Medical Research Future Fund, established by the former Coalition government, to disburse about $1 billion annually once it reached maturity at $20 billion. But that has not happened, and the government is instead releasing $650 million a year. Related Article Exclusive Research Billions going unspent from Australias $24b medical research fund Parliamentary Budget Office costings commissioned by independent MP Monique Ryan in September last year show the fund could lift its annual disbursements to Australian researchers to as much as $1.4 billion annually, without making a dent to a base level of $24.5 billion over the next 10 years. It has since grown to $24.8 billion. Australias leading researchers are missing out on government support for world-class proposals, leaving exceptional talent uncertain about their future. The government cannot claim medical research is a priority while failing to treat it as one, Ryan said. Advertisement Theres precedent for using the Medical Research Future Fund to supplement [research council] allocations. We have hundreds of millions of unspent dollars in the MRFF, while researchers are unable to secure their careers, cement their futures, and improve Australians health. Preparing a grant application takes months of work, but I understand that more than half the projects rated outstanding in the most recent grant round were unsuccessful they received no funding. What are we telling our researchers when we say their work is outstanding, but we dont value it enough to support it? Professor Steve Wesselingh, the chief executive of the NHMRC, said the drop came from higher demand for grants, combined with applications for larger sums of money. Advertisement That amount that we give out [$250 million per year] has essentially stayed static over time apart from some minor indexation, he told Senate estimates last month, under questioning from independent senator David Pocock. But what we have seen is an increase in numbers of applications, and we have also seen an increase in the size of applications, so the amount of money that people are asking for in the grants has gone up significantly over the last few years, as has the number of applications. Wesselingh said the rejection rate for the outstanding applications did not necessarily mean the researchers never received funding, because they may have been successful in other processes. But he acknowledged the sector wanted more money dispersed. We are in the process right now with the department, chaired by Rosemary Huxtable, of developing a medical health and research strategy, he said. As that strategy is developed... we should be looking at the strategic goals of health and medical research and the resources required to achieve those goals. Advertisement Its likely that you would see, within that strategy, that more resource given to health and medical research would increase innovation and increase health productivity in the country. Related Article Editorial Science Australias answer to the Trump anti-science crusade is already in the bank The Herald's View Editorial Pocock said it was important Australia retained world-class researchers who spent their time doing life-changing study, rather than filling out endless forms or spending hours on grant applications that are ultimately unsuccessful despite being assessed as meritorious. He is pushing for the government to lift its annual disbursements from the medical fund alongside Ryan and independent MPs Helen Haines, Kate Chaney, Sophie Scamps, Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall and Nicolette Boele. It comes as the Trump administration hollows out US research and medical institutions, including the Centre for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health, which is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement WorldEuropeFire A flashover probably occurred during the Swiss nightclub fire. Heres what that means John Yoon January 3, 2026 1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The cause of the fire that left dozens dead at a bar in Switzerland in the early hours of Thursday is still under investigation. But Swiss authorities have said its likely that the explosion reported from the site was caused by a flashover. A flashover is a common and deadly phenomenon in which a fire in an enclosed space rapidly spreads, igniting nearly everything in the room almost simultaneously, according to fire experts. Social media footage showed the early stages of the fire as it spread across the ceiling. X Authorities said this probably happened at Le Constellation, the bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, where flames ripped through the building, causing at least one explosion and killing about 40 people. Beatrice Pilloud, the local attorney-general, said at a news conference on Friday that initial evidence suggested that the fire started from sparklers attached to bottles of champagne that were held too close to the ceiling. Advertisement When a flame in a room is not quickly put out, hot gases rise to the ceiling and spread heat throughout the space, fire experts say. Temperatures can rise quickly to as high as 1000 degrees, a point at which everything in the room can start burning at once, according to the US National Fire Protection Association. Related Article Switzerland It could have been me: Australian teens narrow miss as Swiss nightclub burned All the wood, all the seats, all of the decorations and everything else in the room would be heated to the ignition temperature, said Steve Kerber, executive director of the Fire Safety Research Institute in Maryland. If you have very combustible materials, like plastics, it happens very fast. In a flashover, a flame can spread from a candle to a sofa, then to the carpet and the rest of the room in three to five minutes, depending on the types of materials involved, Kerber said. It would burn the people inside, too. Advertisement Even a firefighter in full protective gear would be unlikely to survive a flashover, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island in 2003 was caused by a bands pyrotechnics. WPRI-TV Those are temperatures well beyond what you could get away with breathing, Kerber said. Flashovers occur frequently in fires. There are flashovers that happen every single day all around the world, Kerber said. Every major fire has a room or multiple rooms that transition through flashover. A flashover was involved in the 2003 Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island that killed 100 people a disaster that Kerber said the blaze in Switzerland appeared to resemble. In that case, pyrotechnics set off by a band playing at the club set the soundproofing foam lining the walls and ceiling ablaze. Advertisement But flashovers are preventable. Sprinklers can stop fires from reaching that point, Kerber said, as can adherence to fire codes, including not having flammable material on ceilings in enclosed spaces. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Fire Switzerland Tragedy Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrump's White House Opinion Art of the deal: Melania is the first of White House ladies to milk it for millions Nia-Malika Henderson January 3, 2026 1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A First lady Melania Trumps official White House portrait says it all. Pictured in a black pantsuit and white collared shirt, she stands at the head of a table, as if in a boardroom ready to make a deal. And sure enough, even before she moved back into the (RIP) East Wing, she had inked a $US40 million ($59.71 million) deal for a documentary about her life. What Im [doing], what kind of responsibilities I have people, they dont really know, she said on Fox News early in 2025, describing the documentary. Its day to day, from transition team to moving to the White House, packing, establishing my team, the First Lady Office, moving into the White House, what it takes to make the residence your home, to hire the people that you need. First lady Melania Trump at her Mar-a-Lago club on Christmas Eve. AP Photo/Alex Brandon Somehow, most first ladies were able to do all of the above without needing to make millions of dollars and a having a film crew in tow. But Trump, like her husband, has shattered the norms and ethics of the White House, transforming the role like no other first lady before her and not for the better. When Melania Trump left the White House in January 2021, she had an approval rating of 42 per cent, the lowest on record for any first lady. And a 2020 Siena College study of all first ladies ranked her dead last on every metric, including value to the country, value to the president and stewardship of the White House. Now, at the end of 2025, only 36 per cent of those surveyed by YouGov have a positive impression of her. Advertisement Nothing captures the emptiness of her second turn as FLOTUS more than the demolition of the First Lady Office that Trump spoke about in previewing her documentary, which debuts this month. The East Wing, which Eleanor Roosevelt built up as a place and an idea, is now just a pile of rubble, slated to become a massive ballroom bankrolled by corporate and private donors. While, privately, the first lady reportedly raised concerns about the demolition, her input wasnt enough to halt the erasure of the space occupied by modern first ladies. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for a New Years Eve celebration at their Mar-a-Lago club. AP Photo/Alex Brandon She loved her tiny little office, President Donald Trump told Laura Ingraham on Fox News, confirming his wifes concerns about levelling the East Wing. But you know what? She is very smart. In about one day if you would ask her now, she says its great. Well, its not great. But the first lady saunters on, often seeming more like a content creator than anything else. Advertisement In October, that content included a speech where she seemingly tried to cover for Russian President Vladimir Putin by downplaying one of the worst atrocities of his invasion of Ukraine: the abduction of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. Trump announced that she had been in communication with Putin about the Ukrainian children residing in Russia. What she failed to mention is that Russia has kidnapped an estimated 35,000 children in an attempt to re-educate, forcibly adopt them or even conscript them. Related Article Billionaires Billionaires boom: Worlds richest got $3.3 trillion richer in 2025 Yet, in the first ladys telling, this Russian campaign is simply the incidental byproduct of the fog of war. Each child has lived in turmoil because of the war in Ukraine, she said in her speech announcing the return of eight children. Three were separated from their parents and displaced to the Russian Federation because of frontline fighting. The other five were separated from family members across borders because of the conflict, including one young girl who has now been reunited from Ukraine to Russia. I have learnt a lot about this matter during the past three months. Russia has demonstrated a willingness to disclose objective and detailed information reflective for the current situation. (Russia doesnt disclose objective information.) Domestically, Trump has revived her oddly named Be Best campaign, which aims to combat online bullying. (Yes, irony abounds.) She also backed the Take It Down Act, bipartisan legislation signed by her husband in May, aimed at enacting stricter penalties for so-called revenge porn. Last month, she sat next to her husband as he signed an executive order called Fostering the Future for American Children and Families, which aims to improve the lives of children in and transitioning out of foster care. Such appearances are likely to be content for future money-making ventures as part of Trumps production company, which she announced in November. Advertisement At the start of her second term, Trump suggested people dont really know what she does; yet over the past 11 months, she hasnt bothered to fill in many details. She is hardly a consistent presence over the first 108 days of her second tenure, she spent fewer than 14 days at the White House. Notable exceptions include her presence during Septembers state visit to the United Kingdom and during Novembers visit from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Her customary appearance to greet the White House Christmas tree this month was perfunctory. Related Article Trump's White House Melania Trump conducts most of her business in the shadows. This film puts her in the spotlight Her documentary, Melania, comes to theatres on January 30 and covers the 20 days leading up to the inauguration. (It will be followed by a three-part documentary on Amazon.) Its a fitting title. While most first ladies focused on being good stewards of the White House, wielding soft power and leaving behind a lasting legacy, Trump seems to be mostly focused on increasing her wealth and her celebrity, whether through movies or memecoins. History will judge her harshly. Nia-Malika Henderson is a politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg opinion. A former senior political reporter for CNN and The Washington Post, she has covered politics and campaigns for almost two decades. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. The brazen military mission into the heart of the Venezuelas capital was months in the planning. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Follow our live coverage of the unfolding situation in Venezuela here. Under the cover of darkness, United States aircraft unleashed airstrikes on Venezuela while a squad of elite soldiers ambushed its authoritarian president in his bedroom and flew him to New York, where Donald Trumps administration plans to put him on trial. After months of pressure on Venezuelas President, Nicolas Maduro, Trump ordered the brazen military mission into the heart of the South American country in the most forceful American act of regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. US forces reportedly spent months preparing for the mission, learning Maduros habits. They tracked his movements, studied what he ate, where he travelled, what clothes he wore and details of his pets. Here is how the night unfolded. Airstrikes shake Caracas Advertisement About 2am on Saturday (Venezuelan time), US aircraft swept across the skies of northern Venezuela, firing at least seven strikes on key military sites. Social media footage showed rockets raining down on parts of the city, Higuerote Airport and the port of La Guaira, lighting up the night sky. A local media outlet allied with the ruling Socialist Party said explosions had taken place near the Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota military bases. State TV images of La Carlota showed what appeared to be a destroyed tank and buses. In another social media clip, a procession of American helicopters was seen moving across the Caracas skyline, as gunfire and explosions echoed below. Advertisement The strikes were foreshadowed by a cyberattack that cut power to large parts of Caracas, allowing US forces to approach from the shadows, according to US sources cited by the New York Times. The sources told the paper that American spy agencies had monitored Maduros movements with a fleet of stealth drones, which provided near constant monitoring, in addition to the direct information provided by informants within Maduros regime. General Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that Trump gave the order to capture Maduro late on Friday. A vast array of US forces then began their mission, which lasted into early Saturday, Caine said. The operation involved 150 aircraft, he said, working to dismantle Venezuelan air defences so that military helicopters could deliver troops into Caracas. The entire mission lasted 2 hours, 20 minutes, the general said. The strikes killed civilians and soldiers, Venezuelan authorities said. Theres no official death toll, but The New York Times reported that at least 40 people had been killed, citing an unnamed Venezuelan official. Advertisement Trump, speaking on Fox News on Saturday, said that no American personnel had been killed, but suggested that some troops were injured. Maduro snatched from safe house The airstrikes were a distraction that allowed a fleet of Black Hawk helicopters carrying the US Armys elite Delta Force squad to fly towards Maduros safe house. According to the Venezuelan ruling party leader, Nahum Fernandez, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured at their residence within the Fuerte Tiuna military base outside the capital. The Delta Force squad broke into Maduros home a house that was more like a fortress as Trump later described it to Fox News at 2.01am Venezuelan time and entered his bedroom. A photo posted by US President Donald Trump to Truth Social shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima after he was captured by US forces. Donald Trump / Truth Social The president and his wife, Cilia Flores, were jolted awake and dashed towards a safe room, but were grabbed by soldiers just as they were reaching the door. Advertisement Trump said the mission team was equipped with massive blowtorches, which they would have used to cut through steel walls had Maduro locked himself in the room. It had what they call a safety space, where its solid steel all around, Trump told Fox. He didnt get that space closed. He was trying to get into it, but he got bum-rushed right so fast that he didnt get into that. We were prepared. While Trump told reporters that US forces encountered significant resistance during the mission, General Caine said Maduro and Flores gave up and were taken into custody. They were flown via helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault vessel waiting in the Caribbean and transferred to the US base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, before being flown to Stewart International Airport in New York. According to Trump, Delta Force soldiers rehearsed the operation using an exact replica of Maduros residence. They actually built a house which was identical to the one they went into with all the same, all that steel all over the place, Trump told Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement Analysis WorldSouth AmericaVenezuela crisis In claiming American strength, Trump also highlights weakness David Crowe January 4, 2026 8:32am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Follow our live coverage of the unfolding situation in Venezuela here. Geneva: Nobody should be shedding any tears for Nicolas Maduro now that the Venezuelan leader is set to stand trial in New York after being seized on the orders of Donald Trump. Maduro persecuted his opponents, stole elections and governed corruptly. He faces charges of conspiracy to import cocaine after years of concern that he ruled his country like a drug lord. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima after he was captured by US forces. @realDonaldTrump/ Truth Social Trump claims this is a show of American strength in bringing a criminal to justice. But this military mission to capture a foreign leader will deepen the doubts about the US president and his judgment. Advertisement It is challenging, but not impossible, for American forces to bombard a small neighbour and send special forces into its capital. It is much harder for an American president to control what happens in the aftermath. This explains why global leaders are so cautious about this operation. No major European leaders have endorsed the use of force to bring down the Venezuelan government. Contrary to the bombast, this operation is not a radical change in American strategy under Trump. In some ways, he is merely doing what previous presidents did to preserve US power in what it regards as its hemisphere. President Ronald Reagan sent troops into Grenada in 1983 to remove leaders backed by Cuba, while president George Bush snr sent them into Panama in 1989 to seize a military dictator who was complicit in cocaine exports. That leader, Manuel Noriega, served 17 years in prison and died while facing further charges. The invasion did not stop the drug trade. Maduros capture has hallmarks of the 1989 arrest of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. BETTMANN ARCHIVE The success of Trumps operation is important. Another White House predecessor, Jimmy Carter, ordered a military operation against Iran in early 1980 to retrieve American hostages, but this ended in failure when a helicopter crashed into a transport aircraft, killing eight servicemen. Carter lost the presidential election later that year. Advertisement Trump took the risk of wielding force, and his decision paid off in military terms. Like Barack Obama, who ordered the Navy SEAL strike in Pakistan in 2011 that killed Osama Bin Laden, he gained the outcome he wanted. One sign of this success is the way US officials are briefing the media on how they ran the operation so well for instance, by disclosing that a CIA source was helping from within the Venezuelan government. There is no doubt that the success highlights the US military capacity, with 150 aircraft and thousands of personnel deployed. And some of the criticism of Trump is grimly laughable. The Kremlin condemned the unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state as if Russia had merely sent its tourists into Ukraine over the past dozen years. Trump claimed the US operation was unlike anything seen since World War II. AP With Trump, however, it always pays to look past the hype. His opening claim to a press conference on Saturday in Washington (about 3.30am on Sunday, AEDT) was that the Venezuelan assault was unlike anything seen since the Second World War. The supporters behind him nodded proudly as he glossed over the wars in South Korea and Vietnam. Advertisement The real test for Trump is what comes next. He has been rightly critical of the US invasion of Iraq, and his MAGA movement favours America First rather than regime change overseas, but now he pursues a regime change of his own, with only a vague assurance that he and his lieutenants will run Venezuela for an unspecified time. The objective has a strategic element, in trying to slow the flow of drugs into America, but most of it is nakedly commercial. While other presidents might not have said this out loud, Trump is direct: he wants US control of the Venezuelan oil fields, with US oil companies investing and making money, so that oil production will increase. Related Article Explainer Venezuela crisis Why is the US attacking Venezuela? It sounded easy at his press conference. But what if some of the Maduro forces do not want to play along? Rebel leftist groups lasted for five decades in regional Colombia, partly financed by drug money. How often is Trump willing to send troops into Venezuela to assert US power? This undertaking is bigger and riskier than Grenada or Panama. The Trump administration pitches this as a law enforcement operation, but several Latin American leaders are calling it a breach of international law. There is no such criticism from NATO allies; leaders will probably dance around this question to avoid offending Trump. Advertisement The broader problem is in the use of American force to control a neighbour. Why should Russian President Vladimir Putin pay any heed to Western complaints about his invasion of Ukraine? Why should Chinese President Xi Jinping listen to criticism of his policy of leaving military options on the table in a takeover of Taiwan. Related Article Venezuela crisis Stealth drones and massive blowtorches: How the US mission to capture Maduro unfolded Trump looks like he has signed up to the Xi and Putin view of the world: that might is right. Some of the spin about the Venezuelan operation suggests it will act as a warning to China and Russia that Trump is showing he is a man of action and is willing to use overwhelming force that others cannot match. That might even be a good outcome in deterring Xi if it worked. But why should China shrink at the idea that an American president requires 150 aircraft, several ships and thousands of personnel to extract an unpopular dictator from a poor country next door? Advertisement If anything, the lesson for China will be to ignore American rhetoric about sovereignty and increase military capacity so it can be on guard against the use of US force. This is not an argument for interpreting the military operation in Caracas as a sign that Trump is willing to heighten friction with Beijing or Moscow. In fact, everything Trump does suggests he wants to avoid those tensions. While he complains about Putin, he cannot find a way to curb the Russian attacks on Ukraine. While he has a tariff war with Xi, he has yet to show he can reverse years of decline in US industrial capacity. Nothing, so far, changes the trajectories of a rising China and a fading America. To be fair, these challenges are so daunting that they might confound any US president. In his most recent foreign policy forays, Trump has fired missiles into Nigeria and sent special forces into Venezuela. He cannot wield enough influence to get his way with major powers, so he targets smaller ones. The White House spins this as a demonstration of American strength, but those who rule in Moscow and Beijing will not be fooled. Nor should anyone else. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldSouth AmericaVenezuela crisis US plans to run Venezuela and tap its oil reserves, Trump says, after operation to oust Maduro Michael Koziol Updated January 4, 2026 5:31pm ,first published January 4, 2026 6:51am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Key points The US has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Donald Trump says the US will run Venezuela until a safe, proper and judicious transition. Maduro arrived in the US on Saturday evening (Sunday morning AEDT). Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has made a defiant speech on state television. Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro spent the night in a New York prison cell after he was captured by US special forces in a brazen military raid that killed at least 40 people, after which Donald Trump said he would now run the South American nation and harvest its bountiful oil supplies. The US president accompanied the stunning display of American power with an explicit reassertion of the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine declaring US dominance in the western hemisphere, in a clear warning to China and Russia over their influence in the region and a bold statement to adversaries elsewhere. Loading Maduro, a socialist dictator who served as president of Venezuela since 2013, but was not recognised by the US and many other nations, said good night, happy new year as he was walked through the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn on Saturday night (US time) in footage broadcast by the White House. Hours earlier, the 63-year-old and his wife, Cilia Flores, were snatched from their compound in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas in an overnight military operation involving more than 150 aircraft launched from about 20 land and sea bases. Trump said the pair were caught as they tried to enter a secure bunker. Advertisement Trump provided few details about US plans for Venezuelas future, saying he would designate members of his team to run Venezuela, but also suggesting they might work with Maduros deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, who was declared acting president by Venezuelas Supreme Court. Related Article Venezuela crisis Stealth drones and massive blowtorches: How the US mission to capture Maduro unfolded He also dismissed the idea of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado the winner of this years Nobel Peace Prize running the country, claiming she did not have the support or respect of the people. We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he ordered and oversaw the operation. Its going to be run very judiciously. Its going to make a lot of money Were going to take care of everybody. Trump left the door open to a second and much larger attack on Venezuela if it were required, and put other South American leaders on notice, warning that Colombian President Gustavo Petro ought to watch his ass. Advertisement Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, outlined a daring military operation preceded by months of CIA-led intelligence gathering on Maduros life and movements, including his pets that was initially green-lit in early December but was delayed until the most opportune time. Trump ordered the operation at 10.46pm on Friday night (Washington time), telling the military: Good luck, and Godspeed. As helicopters flew at low altitude towards Caracas, the US Air Force began disabling Venezuelas air defence systems, while Trump said the capitals lights were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have. Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro arrives at the Westside Heliport in New York on Saturday (US time). Bloomberg The apprehension force descended into Maduros compound at 2.01am local time, Caine said, and came under fire. One aircraft was hit but remained flyable, and all US assets returned home safely. No American personnel were killed, though Trump said a few suffered minor injuries. Maduro and his wife were flown by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima, where Maduro was photographed wearing a grey sweater, blindfolded and handcuffed. They were later flown to New York, where Maduro was filmed being walked through prison on Saturday night. Advertisement The pair face cocaine trafficking charges under an updated, 25-page indictment filed in the Southern District of New York by Trump-appointed attorney Jay Clayton. The indictment does not mention fentanyl, the synthetic opioid responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans each year. Maduro could appear in court as soon as Monday. Related Article Analysis Venezuela crisis In claiming American strength, Trump also highlights weakness At his Mar-a-Lago news conference, Trump said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken to Rodriguez and that shes essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again, implying the US might work with the Maduro loyalist and oil minister to run the country. Hours later, Rodriguez appeared on Venezuelan state television and repudiated that claim, declared Maduros ousting an illegal kidnapping and demanded his immediate release. There is only one president in Venezuela, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros, she said. It was not immediately clear how Venezuelas military loyal to Maduro to this point would respond to his removal. Reporters on the ground in Caracas on Saturday said the streets were quiet and stores were largely closed, though state TV showed some people protesting in the streets. The country, one of the most violent in the world, is also besieged by criminal gangs, including the notorious Tren de Aragua. Advertisement Trump said American oil companies whose assets in Venezuela were seized and nationalised would invest billions of dollars to upgrade the countrys crumbling oil infrastructure, from which the US would harvest and sell vast quantities of oil. Were going to take a lot of money out so that we can take care of the country, Trump said. Were in the oil business Well be selling large amounts of oil to other countries. Trump said he would prefer the US presence in Venezuela to be limited, but these things took time. He gave no indication on how long the US might run the country, and said he was not afraid to put boots on the ground. Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, said it was reckless for Trump to launch military action against another country without congressional approval and with no clear plan for what comes next. The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans, Schumer said. The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price. Advertisement When reporters asked Trump about the USs past failed attempts at regime change, he said those occurred under different presidents. He also argued the Venezuelan intervention was America First, saying it was important to defend US energy interests. A screengrab from X video showing Maduro being perp walked by Drug Enforcement Administration officers in New York. Credit X@PaulDMauro Rubio said the US had given Maduro plenty of opportunities to negotiate a peaceful exit from power, but he tried to play games. [Trump] is not a president who just talks and does letters and press conferences. If he says hes serious about something, then he means it, Rubio said. I dont understand yet how they havent figured this out. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth put it more bluntly. [Maduro] effed around, and he found out, Hegseth said. This is America First. This is peace through strength. Advertisement International reaction Allies of Maduro, which include Russia, China, Iran and Cuba, denounced the US action, with Beijing saying it was deeply shocked and strongly condemns the USs blatant use of force against a sovereign state. Russia, which itself invaded Ukraine four years ago, condemned the act of armed aggression against Venezuela, while Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel described the attack as criminal. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said it recalled the worst moments of interference in the politics of the region, and Colombias Gustavo Petro said he rejected the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America. European leaders appeared wary of criticising the US intervention, although they largely appeared to back the end of Maduros rule. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke for many world leaders when he said the Venezuelan people would rejoice at Maduros removal, and called for a peaceful, democratic transition of power. Advertisement Macron said Edmundo Gonzalez, who won the 2024 presidential election as a replacement candidate for the disqualified Machado, was the duly elected candidate and should ensure a swift transition. Though she would be snubbed by Trump, Machado applauded the US operation to remove Maduro, and said Gonzalez should now assume his constitutional mandate as Venezuelan president and commander-in-chief. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for dialogue and diplomacy to prevent escalation, and said Australia had long harboured concerns about the situation in Venezuela. Supporters of Nicolas Maduro burn a United States flag during a gathering near Miraflores palace in Caracas. Getty Images Opposition Leader Sussan Ley welcomed Maduros arrest, citing his illegitimacy as president and saying dictators and despots should always face justice for their crimes. Advertisement The US operation in Venezuela took place 36 years to the day after the 1990 US invasion of Panama that led to the surrender and seizure of the countrys then leader, Manuel Antonio Noriega. Venezuelas ruling party has held power since 1999, when Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, took office, promising to uplift poor people and later to implement a self-described socialist revolution. Maduro took over when Chavez died in 2013. His 2018 re-election was widely considered a sham because the main opposition parties were banned from participating. During the 2024 election, electoral authorities loyal to the ruling party declared him the winner hours after polls closed, but the opposition gathered overwhelming evidence that he lost by a more than 2-to-1 margin. In a demonstration of how polarising a figure Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to protest his capture and celebrate it. The mood on the streets of Caracas Advertisement At a protest in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, Mayor Carmen Melendez joined a crowd demanding Maduros return. Maduro, hold on, the people are rising up! the crowd chanted. We are here, Nicolas Maduro. If you can hear us, we are here! Earlier, armed people and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighbourhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. In other parts of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack, as residents absorbed events. Some areas remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. Smoke rises at La Carlota airport after at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas. AP How do I feel? Scared, like everyone, said Caracas resident Noris Prada, who sat on an empty avenue looking down at his phone. Venezuelans woke up scared, many families couldnt sleep. Advertisement In the Chilean capital of Santiago, people waved Venezuelan flags and banged pots and pans as vehicles passed by honking at them. In Doral, Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan community in the US, people wrapped themselves in Venezuelan flags, ate fried snacks and cheered as music played. At one point, the crowd chanted Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! Questions of legality Some legal experts raised immediate concerns about the operations legality. The United Nations Security Council, acting on an emergency request from Colombia, planned to hold a meeting on US operations in Venezuela on Monday, according to a council diplomat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a meeting not yet made public. Advertisement Lawmakers from both political parties in the US Congress have raised reservations and flat-out objections to the Trump administrations attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling near the Venezuelan coast. Congress has not specifically approved an authorisation for the use of military force for such operations in the region. Congressman Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, said he had seen no evidence that would justify Trump striking Venezuela without approval from Congress and demanded an immediate briefing by the administration on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision. With AP, Reuters Get a note direct from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. Russia: This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable. The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideological animosity has prevailed over business pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability. Chinese Foreign Ministry: China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the U.S. against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved ... and I always say and believe we should all uphold international law. UK Reform Party leader Nigel Farage: The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice. I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers. Brazilian President Lula Da Silva: The bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line. These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuelas sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha: Ukraine has consistently defended the right of nations to live freely, free of dictatorship, oppression, and human rights violations. The Maduro regime has violated all such principles in every respect. French President Emmanuel Macron: The transition to come must be peaceful, democratic, and respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people. We hope that President Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, elected in 2024, will be able to ensure this transition as quickly as possible. VENEZUELA/ PHILIPSBURG:--- In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured by US forces during a large-scale military operation early Saturday morning. The operation, announced by US President Donald Trump, involved airstrikes across Caracas and surrounding regions, leaving the Venezuelan capital reeling from explosions and widespread power outages. The Operation The strikes, which began around 2 a.m. local time, targeted key military installations, including Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex. Eyewitnesses reported hearing low-flying aircraft and multiple explosions that shook the ground. Plumes of smoke and fire were seen rising from several locations, including La Carlota airport. President Trump hailed the mission as a "brilliant operation," emphasizing the precision and planning involved. Maduro and Flores were reportedly flown to the United States, where Maduro is expected to face charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The US Department of Justice had previously placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro, accusing him of leading a criminal organization involved in cocaine smuggling. Venezuelan Response Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is constitutionally next in line for leadership, stated that the government is unaware of Maduro's whereabouts and demanded proof of life. Rodriguez condemned the US operation, calling it an act of aggression and a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez vowed to resist what he described as an "invasion," while the government declared a state of emergency and urged citizens to defend the nation. Regional and Global Reactions The operation has drawn mixed reactions globally. Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations and the Organization of American States, describing the strikes as an attack on Venezuela's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denounced the operation as "state terrorism." European leaders, including those from the European Union, have expressed concern over the escalation, calling for de-escalation and adherence to international law. Russia and China, key allies of Venezuela, have condemned the strikes, with Russia demanding immediate clarification and labeling the operation a violation of international norms. Impact on the Region The strikes have disrupted air travel across the Caribbean, with Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten reporting delays and cancellations due to the active NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) affecting the region. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates. Whats Next? The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. While the opposition sees this as an opportunity for democratic transition, the government insists on its resilience. The US has stated that no further military action is planned, but the situation on the ground remains tense. As the world watches, the capture of Nicolas Maduro marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela's history, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations. PHILIPSBURG:--- In light of the recent capture of Venezuelas President and First Lady, Member of Parliament Lacroes has issued an urgent statement highlighting the potential national security and humanitarian challenges facing the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Caribbean territories. The geopolitical instability stemming from this development has raised concerns about the safety of Venezuelan nationals residing in the region and the strategic risks to territories such as Sint Maarten, Curacao, and the BES islands. Humanitarian Concerns for Venezuelan Nationals MP Lacroes emphasized the importance of safeguarding the dignity and well-being of Venezuelan nationals within the Kingdoms borders, including those with unresolved immigration statuses or pending deportation cases. In times of instability, humanitarian principles must guide our actions, Lacroes stated, urging the government to reaffirm its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals during this volatile period. Security Risks to Caribbean Territories The MP also warned of potential threats to the Kingdoms Caribbean territories due to their proximity to Venezuela and the Netherlands alliance with the United States. In any regional conflict, weak links become immediate targets, Lacroes cautioned, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance in Sint Maarten, Curacao, and the BES islands. Call for Immediate Action To address these pressing concerns, MP Lacroes has called for an emergency parliamentary session within the next 24 hours. The proposed meeting would include key officials such as the Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice, the Police Commissioner, and the Commander of the VKS. The sessions agenda will focus on assessing security risks, reviewing immigration protocols, and formulating a coordinated response plan to ensure the safety and stability of the Kingdoms territories. The time to act is now, Lacroes declared, urging decisive leadership to navigate the challenges posed by the unfolding crisis. ~ The US will run Venezuela until a judicious transfer.~ USA:--- In a dramatic escalation of U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump announced a large-scale military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, which involved U.S. special forces and the FBI, targeted key locations in Caracas, including military installations and government sites, leaving the city shaken by explosions and low-flying aircraft. The Operation. The strike, described by Trump as a "brilliant operation," was executed with precision and speed. U.S. Army Delta Force operatives, supported by helicopters and advanced air assets, infiltrated Caracas under the cover of darkness. Maduro and Flores were reportedly taken from their residence and transported out of the country aboard a U.S. Navy vessel. The couple is now en route to New York, where they will face charges in federal court, including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons possession. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the indictments, stating, "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil." The charges stem from years of alleged criminal activity, including Maduro's leadership of the Cartel de los Soles, a group accused of facilitating drug trafficking into the United States. Impact on Caracas The operation left a visible mark on Venezuela's capital. Explosions rocked key sites, including the La Carlota airbase and Fort Tiuna, the country's largest military complex. Videos and images from the scene showed burning vehicles, damaged infrastructure, and plumes of smoke rising over the city. Residents reported being awakened by loud detonations and the sight of helicopters overhead. Many streets remained eerily quiet in the aftermath, as citizens stayed indoors, uncertain of what would come next. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez condemned the attack, calling it "the greatest outrage the country has suffered." He vowed to resist any foreign military presence, while Vice President Delcy Rodriguez decried the loss of civilian and military lives, demanding proof of life for Maduro and Flores. International Reactions The operation has drawn mixed reactions globally. Supporters, including U.S. allies in Florida, praised the move as a decisive step toward ending Maduro's regime. Florida Representative Carlos Gimenez likened the event to "the Fall of the Berlin Wall." At the same time, Vice President JD Vance emphasized the need to stop drug trafficking and recover stolen oil assets. However, critics have raised concerns about the legality and implications of the strike. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Jim Himes, questioned the lack of Congressional approval and the absence of a clear post-operation strategy. Internationally, Russia and Iran condemned the attack as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty, while European leaders called for de-escalation and adherence to international law. Whats Next for Venezuela? The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. The country's constitution requires Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume leadership and call for elections within 30 days. However, the opposition, led by exiled politician Edmundo Gonzalez and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado, sees this as an opportunity for a democratic transition. Machado, who has been preparing for an "orderly and peaceful" transition of power, could play a pivotal role in shaping Venezuela's future. Meanwhile, the U.S. faces mounting pressure to justify its actions and outline a plan for stabilizing the region. Trump defended the operation as a necessary measure to combat narco-terrorism, stating, "This was about justice and protecting American lives." A Turning Point in U.S.-Venezuela Relations The capture of Nicolas Maduro marks a significant moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with potential ripple effects across Latin America. As the world watches, the operation underscores the Trump administration's willingness to take bold, unilateral action on the global stage, raising questions about the balance between justice, diplomacy, and the rule of law. PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has expressed deep concern for St. Maarteners and visitors currently abroad, particularly those in the United States and Europe, as regional aviation disruptions continue to affect travel to and from the island. Special attention is being given to students expected to return home ahead of the resumption of school on Monday, as well as families and visitors impacted by widespread flight cancellations. My thoughts are with all St. Maarteners and visitors who are currently stranded or facing uncertainty abroad, Prime Minister Mercelina stated. My government is actively engaged with airport authorities, airlines, and Kingdom partners to provide support wherever possible and to ensure that clear, reliable information is shared with the public. Upon receiving confirmation of these developments, Prime Minister Mercelina immediately held two separate telephone conversations with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Dick Schoof, and the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. David van Weel, to ensure that St. Maarten remains fully informed and aligned within the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the situation continues to evolve. The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor international and regional developments impacting aviation operations across the Caribbean, following the issuance of a NOTAM affecting Caribbean airspace, with specific implications for U.S.-registered aircraft. Based on the latest confirmed information from Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), airline operators, and Kingdom partners, all flights involving U.S.-registered aircraft are cancelled at this time, with the notice remaining in effect for a minimum of 24 hours and subject to extension. This situation does not involve the closure of St. Maartens airspace, Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized. Our airspace remains open. However, due to international aviation safety protocols and the current NOTAM restrictions, U.S.-registered aircraft are unable to operate, and several airlines have taken precautionary operational decisions. In addition to the grounding of U.S.-registered aircraft, several non-U.S. airlines have independently scaled back or cancelled operations out of an abundance of caution. As of this morning, KLM (Amsterdam) and Air France (Paris) flights to St. Maarten have been cancelled, along with multiple flights operated by U.S. carriers including JetBlue, Delta, American Airlines, Spirit, and Frontier from various U.S. cities. Regional airlines, including WINAIR, St. Barth Commuter, Tradewind Aviation, and SXM Airways, are also expected to scale down or temporarily suspend certain services. In direct contact with WINAIR Chief Executive Officer Mr. Hans van Velde, the Prime Minister was informed that WINAIRs CuracaoArubaCuracao flights have been postponed for today only. WINAIR will operate an additional recovery flight once full operations resume to accommodate displaced passengers from these two destinations. All the remaining WINAIR routes are proceeding as per the normal schedule at this time. Passengers are strongly advised to contact their respective airlines directly for rebooking options and to rely solely on official airline and airport communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information. After careful assessment, the Prime Minister determined that activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is not required at this time. However, in anticipation of increased congestion around Princess Juliana International Airport, the Prime Minister engaged directly with Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM) Chief of Police Carl John to ensure adequate traffic management and public order in and around the airport area. We are taking measured, calm, and coordinated steps, the Prime Minister stated. Public safety, orderly traffic flow, and clear communication remain our focus. The Government of the Netherlands has reaffirmed that the safety of Dutch nationals remains the highest priority within the Kingdom. Dutch nationals currently in Venezuela are advised not to go out into the streets, to register with the Ministrys information service, and to inform family and friends of their well-being. At this moment, there is no indication of further escalation, Prime Minister Mercelina concluded. Nevertheless, we remain fully engaged, vigilant, and in constant communication with our Kingdom partners and local stakeholders. The people of St. Maarten will be kept informed as the situation continues to evolve. The Prime Minister also ensured that a letter was electronically sent today to the Parliament of St. Maarten, addressed to the Honorable President of Parliament MP Sarah Wescot-Williams, providing a status update on these developments. This step reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and keeping Parliament fully informed as we continue to address matters of national importance, the Prime Minister concluded. ~Flight disruptions to the French Antilles due to the Venezuela crisis. Learn about cancellations, DGAC safety measures, and travel advice.~ PHILIPSBURG:--- The ongoing geopolitical situation in Venezuela has sent ripples through international air travel, specifically affecting routes connecting mainland France to the French Antilles. Travelers planning trips to Guadeloupe, Martinique, or Saint Martin faced uncertainty this morning as disruptions hit major transatlantic lines. While initial cancellations sparked concern, authorities have moved quickly to clarify the situation and ensure that vital air bridges remain open. Here is everything you need to know about the current status of flights, the specific cancellations that occurred, and the safety measures implemented by aviation authorities. Understanding the Disruption Early this morning, the crisis in Venezuela forced immediate changes to flight paths and schedules. The instability in the region necessitated a review of safety protocols for aircraft operating near Venezuelan airspace. As a result, several flights scheduled to depart from Paris were unable to take off, leaving passengers stranded and schedules in disarray. This disruption highlights the delicate nature of international air travel, where geopolitical events thousands of miles away can have an immediate impact on holiday plans and business travel. Specific Flight Cancellations The immediate impact was felt across four major transatlantic connections departing from Paris Orly and Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airports. These cancellations affected both the outbound flights to the Caribbean and their corresponding return legs. Flights from Paris Orly: Fort-de-France: Flight AF 0840, expected to land at 14:50, was cancelled. Consequently, the return flight AF 0839, scheduled for 17:35, was also grounded. Flight AF 0840, expected to land at 14:50, was cancelled. Consequently, the return flight AF 0839, scheduled for 17:35, was also grounded. Pointe-a-Pitre: Flight AF 0750, expected at 15:25, did not depart. Its return leg, flight AF 0751 scheduled for 18:00, was cancelled. Flights from Paris Roissy (CDG): Sint Maarten: Flight AF 0498, expected at 15:00, was cancelled, along with the return flight AF 0499 (scheduled for 17:10). Flight AF 0498, expected at 15:00, was cancelled, along with the return flight AF 0499 (scheduled for 17:10). Sint Maarten: A second rotation, flight AF 0446 (expected 17:35) and its return flight AF 0441 (scheduled 19:45), were also cancelled. DGAC Measures: Keeping the Skies Open Despite these initial cancellations, the outlook for travel to the French Antilles remains positive thanks to swift regulatory action. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), France's civil aviation authority, has implemented specific protocols to manage risks while keeping traffic flowing. Limiting the No-Fly Zone Crucially, the DGAC has not issued a blanket ban on flights to the region. Instead, they have adopted a targeted approach. The "no-fly" zone for French aircraft has been strictly limited to Venezuelan airspace itself. This precision is vital. By isolating the danger zone to Venezuelan territory rather than the entire surrounding region, the DGAC allows airlines to navigate around the affected area. This decision ensures that the French Antilleswhich rely heavily on air links for tourism, commerce, and family connectionsdo not remain cut off from the mainland. New Safety Requirements for Airlines To support this strategy, the DGAC has mandated new operational requirements for airlines maintaining these routes. The primary measure involves fuel management. Airlines operating flights to and from the French Antilles are now required to plan for a "higher fuel intake." This extra fuel provides pilots with greater flexibility. It allows aircraft to take longer, circuitous routes to avoid Venezuelan airspace completely without compromising safety or risking fuel exhaustion. Because of these adjustments, French airlines have been cleared to resume and maintain both transatlantic flights and regional traffic between the islands. What This Means for Travelers If you are currently traveling or have a flight booked to Martinique, Guadeloupe, or Saint Martin in the coming days, the news is largely reassuring. The air bridge is active. However, the situation remains fluid. While the regulatory framework is in place to keep planes flying, operational adjustments take time. Rerouting flights around Venezuela adds flight time and logistical complexity, which could lead to delays even if flights are not cancelled. Actionable Advice To minimize stress and uncertainty during your journey, we recommend the following steps: Check Your Flight Status: Do not assume your flight is on time, even if you haven't received a cancellation notice. Check your flight status frequently on your airline's official website or mobile app. Update Contact Details: Ensure your airline has your current email and mobile number so they can reach you immediately with updates. Arrive Early: Given the potential for longer check-in queues as airlines re-accommodate passengers from cancelled flights, arrive at the airport earlier than usual. Contact Your Airline Directly: If your flight was among the four cancelled rotations mentioned above, contact your airline immediately to discuss rebooking options. The maintenance of air ties between France and its overseas territories is a priority. While the crisis in Venezuela presents a challenge, the implemented safety measures ensure that you can still reach your destination safely. Stay informed, stay patient, and safe travels. Strike blamed on DR Congo army kills six in M23-occupied east Goma, DR Congo, Jan 2 (AFP) Jan 02, 2026 A strike blamed on the Democratic Republic of Congo's army killed at least six people in territory controlled by Rwanda-backed M23 fighters in the east, a local source said on Friday. According to the source, the attack also wounded at least 41 people in Masisi, a key breadbasket for the North Kivu provincial capital Goma, which fell to the M23 at the beginning of 2025. "This Friday, a drone from the Congolese armed forces bombed civilian houses in central Masisi. There were six deaths and 41 wounded, some of them seriously," Masisi territory administrator Emmanuel Ndizeye told AFP. A resident reached by telephone said the situation was "traumatising", with the strike leading to "many wounded". M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka slammed the strike as an indiscriminate bombardment by the Congolese government in Kinshasa, which the armed group wants to overthrow. The regional DRC army spokesman had yet to reply to AFP's request for comment. Since taking up arms again in 2021, the M23 has seized swathes of the mineral-rich Congolese east with Rwanda's help, displacing hundreds of thousands in a region beset by conflict for more than three decades. After a months-long lull at the front, the armed group launched a fresh offensive in December, culminating in the capture on December 10 of Uvira, which gave it control of the DRC's land border with its ally Burundi. Under pressure from the United States, which has sought to broker an end to the long-running conflict, the M23 said on December 17 that it was withdrawing from the city of several thousand people. Both Washington and Kinshasa have cast doubt on the sincerity of the M23's announcement, and local sources told AFP on Thursday that plainclothes M23 officers had stayed behind in Uvira. Fighters allied with the Congolese government have been locked in clashes with the M23 across several axes in both North and South Kivu, according to local sources. Saudi calls Yemen's southern factions to 'dialogue' in Riyadh Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2026 Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry called on Saturday for Yemen's southern factions to attend a "dialogue" in Riyadh, after deadly airstrikes and a surprise independence bid. In a statement posted to social media, the Saudi ministry urged "a comprehensive conference in Riyadh to bring together all southern factions to discuss just solutions to the southern cause". Riyadh said the Yemeni government had issued the invitation for talks. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have for years supported various factions within Yemen's government-run territories, intervening in the neighbouring country's long-running civil war. One of those factions, the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), is now pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula's poorest state in two. The STC, which has seized large swaths of territory in recent weeks, has announced plans for a two-year transitional process to establish a state in the south. On Friday, airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition left 20 dead, according to the separatists. The Saudi-backed coalition was formed in 2015 in an attempt to dislodge the Houthi rebels from Yemen's north. But after a brutal, decade-long civil war, the Houthis remain in place while the Saudi and Emirati-backed factions attack each other in the south. Colombian president says troops deployed to Venezuela border after US attacks Bogota, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2026 Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Saturday he ordered the deployment of military forces to the Venezuelan border, following US strikes that, according to Donald Trump, ended with the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Petro described Washington's actions as an "assault on the sovereignty" of Latin America and said they would result in a humanitarian crisis While proposing that the situation could be resolved through "dialogue," the leftist president said on X that he had also ordered the "deployment of the security forces" to the Venezuelan border. Petro made no mention of Maduro's capture, despite the Venezuelan leader being one of his government's closest allies in the region. Earlier, the Colombian leader had requested an "immediate" meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the UN to "establish the international legality of the aggression" by the United States. Colombia holds a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council this year, which led to its call for the body to be convened. Petro has been a vocal critic of military deployments ordered by Trump in the Caribbean to fight alleged drug trafficking vessels. Petro added in other posts to social media that he had put measures in place to "preserve stability at the border." An AFP reporter observed normal conditions at the main crossing between the two countries. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said the security forces had activated "all capacities" to prevent "any attempted terrorist attack" at the border by illegal groups such as the National Liberation Army. As part of his anti-drug strategy, Trump recently said he would not rule out striking drug-production laboratories in Colombia, which Petro condemned as a threat of invasion at the time. das/mar/ane/mtp Turkey's Erdogan hails 2.6 bln euro jet deal with Spain Istanbul, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2026 President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday welcomed an agreement under which Spain will procure Turkish-made HURJET training aircraft, describing it as evidence of Turkey's "pioneering role" in defence and aviation industry. Under the deal, signed this week, the Spanish Air Force will acquire 30 HURJET aircraft from Turkey in a contract valued at around 2.6 billion euros, according to Turkish officials. Speaking at an event in Istanbul, Erdogan said Turkey had become a globally recognised player in the defence and aviation sectors. "Most recently, the agreement we concluded with Spain has confirmed our country's pioneering role in this field," Erdogan said. He added that the inclusion of HURJET in the inventory of a European Union and NATO member state would further expand Turkey's opportunities in the coming years. On Tuesday, Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkey's defence industry agency, described the agreement as more than a simple aircraft sale. "This is not merely a training aircraft deal," Gorgun said. "It is a comprehensive package that includes ground systems, simulation systems, maintenance and sustainment services, as well as a cooperation model." He added that the agreement underscored the deepening of defence industry and high-technology cooperation between Turkey and Spain, noting that the aircraft configuration would be updated over time to meet Spain's specific operational requirements. Turkey has steadily expanded its defence exports in recent years, including drones that have been sold to multiple countries. Erdogan said Turkey's defence exports, which stood at $248 million in 2002, had increased nearly 40 fold to reach $9.8 billion in 2025. US-Venezuela: from sanctions to military action Paris, France, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2026 The US military attack on Caracas on Saturday -- and reported capture of President Nicolas Maduro -- caps years of tensions between Washington and Venezuela, which started in 2006 with US sanctions. - 2006: first sanctions - Relations between Washington and Venezuela plummet following the 1999 arrival in power of President Hugo Chavez, Latin America's leftist firebrand. In 2006, the United States under President George W. Bush bans the sale of weapons and US-made military equipment to Venezuela, citing a lack of cooperation in the fight against terrorism. By 2010, the two countries no longer have ambassadors in each other's capital. - 2014: accusations of human rights violations - After Chavez dies in 2013 following a battle with cancer and his handpicked successor Nicolas Maduro takes over, the US administration of Barack Obama imposes in late 2014 and early 2015 sanctions on several top Venezuelan officials, freezing their US assets and banning visas. Washington accuses Venezuela of rights breaches in its violent crackdown on demonstrations against Maduro. - 2017: Trump raises 'military option' - The first adminstration of Donald Trump in 2017 slaps financial sanctions on several top officials, including members of the supreme court, for having undermined the powers of parliament. The legislative body had been under the control of the opposition since late 2015. After Maduro created a Constituent Assembly to override parliament, Washington imposes sanctions on him, freezing his assets in the United States. Trump for the first time speaks of a "military option" in Venezuela, a threat he would go on to repeat over the coming years. Washington bans the purchase of bonds issued by the Venezuelan government and by national oil company PDVSA. - 2019: Sanctions toughened - After Maduro's re-election, which Washington and other capitals consider a sham, Trump in 2019 toughens economic sanctions with the aim of strangling the country and ousting Maduro. Caracas severs diplomatic relations after the United States, followed by dozens of other countries, recognises opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president. Guaido's self-proclaimed government is dissolved in 2023. Washington also imposes sanctions on oil company PDVSA and Venezuela's central bank. - 2019: oil embargo - On April 28, 2019, Washington slaps an oil embargo on Venezuela. It then freezes all Venezuelan government assets in the United States. The oil embargo is slightly eased in 2023 to compensate for a shortfall of Russian crude after the invasion of Ukraine. It is reinstated when Washington says that Maduro is not meeting his commitment to hold a fair presidential election in 2024, with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado -- a future Nobel Peace laureate -- declared ineligible. At the beginning of his second term in early 2025, Trump puts a stop to the oil licences which allowed oil and gas multinationals to operate in Venezuela despite the sanctions. US company Chevron is allowed to operate anew in July, but is no longer allowed to give money to the Venezuelan government. - 2020: $50 million bounty for Maduro - In 2020 Maduro, and several of his entourage are charged in the United States with "narco-terrorism" with Washington offering a reward of $15 million for any information leading to his arrest. In August 2025, it raises the reward to $50 million. Washington accuses Maduro of leading the so-called "Cartel of the Suns", whose existence remains to be proved, according to experts. - 2025: airstrikes - August 2025 signals the start of a massive US military build-up in the Caribbean, where Washington has since September been carrying out deadly airstrikes on boats it alleges are used by drug traffickers, accusing Caracas of being behind drugs flooding into the United States. On Wednesday, December 10 the United States says it had seized an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast. Caracas accuses Washington of international piracy. Trump on December 29 says his forces hit and destroyed a docking area on Venezuela's coast which he alleged was used by drug boats -- the first known land strike in the US military campaign. - 2026: Caracas attacked, Maduro grabbed - On January 3, the US conducts a wave of airstrikes on and around Caracas and Trump declares that his military captured Maduro and his wife and flew them out of Venezuela. The Venezuelan government accuses the United States of an "extremely serious military aggression" and calls for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. burs-paj/pgf/rmb/cw Zelensky proposes moving defence minister to energy in cabinet overhaul Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2026 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday proposed moving his current defence minister Denys Shmygal into the role of energy minister, the latest in a widening reshuffle of cabinet positions. The Ukrainian leader did not explain why he was making the changes, which come at a critical juncture in the nearly four-year war with Russia. Shmygal had only started working in the defence role last July. Zelensky hopes to replace him with 34-year-old digital transformation minister Mikhailo Fedorov -- a relative political novice who is little-known to the Ukrainian public. The appointments require approval from parliament, though it has largely coalesced around Zelensky since Russia's invasion and is unlikely to torpedo his decisions. Announcing Saturday's decision in a post on X, Zelensky said he hoped Shmygal would use his "systematic" approach to the defence role in the energy portfolio. "I am counting on parliamentary support," he said. Zelensky separately on Friday announced a new chief of staff, after his previous top aide resigned in November over a corruption scandal. bur-cad/cw 17 arrested in Iraq over NYE video of men harrassing woman Baghdad, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2026 Authorities in Iraq have arrested 17 people after a video of men pushing a screaming woman into a car during New Year's Eve celebrations sparked widespread condemnation in the conservative country. Violence against women, including through so-called "honour killings", has long plagued Iraq's deeply patriarchal society, though there are no official statistics available. The New Year's Eve video, which has gone viral on social media, shows dozens of men jostling a screaming woman before lifting her up as people gathered outside. Authorities said the footage was shot in the southern city of Basra. Separate footage from another angle shows some of the men trying to force the woman into the vehicle by pressing their hands on her head. Basra governor Asaad al-Eidani said Friday that "17 people were arrested in connection with the harassment incident that took place in Basra during New Year's Eve celebrations". "The local government will not tolerate any behaviour that violates public decency or disrupts community security," he added. The Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), which provides protection to women victims of violence, condemned the incident. "Mass harassment of girls and women is becoming increasingly common at public events," it said in a statement. "Streets, squares and gathering places are turning into unsafe spaces where women's dignity and their right to exist freely and participate without fear or threat are being violated," it added. The organisation said the incident was "a direct result of a profound deterioration in the social and political structure of society, fuelled by a culture of impunity and legitimised by entrenched traditional systems". According to the United Nations, more than one million women and girls across Iraq are at risk of gender-based violence. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue Sharing his story to mark the charitys 70th year, John said: It was important to do the Duke of Edinburghs Award because it gave young people like myself the opportunity to do something that we werent encouraged to do at home or school. No one can imagine what life was like then. Police have identified the first four victims of the blaze, as two females aged 16 and 21 and two males aged 16 and 18. Further details of the four people have yet to be revealed, but Valais canton police said their bodies have been returned to their families. In his early 20s, he worked as a bodyguard for left-wing candidate Jose Vicente Rangel during his unsuccessful 1983 presidential campaign. In the mid 1980s, Maduro spent a year in Cuba where he attended a one-year education course organised by the Union of Young Communists. Maduro was personally taught by Pedro Miret Prieto, a high-ranking member of Cuba's Communist Party Politburo and a henchman of dictator Fidel Castro. "David and Victoria will never give up trying to secure a reconciliation between them and their son. Nothing will change that, and they live in hope. He will always be their son, and they are not going to stop putting on record their feelings." Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. Matias Delacroix/AP President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. Alex Brandon/AP Men watch smoke rising from a dock after explosions were heard at La Guaira port, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. Matias Delacroix/AP Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro embrace in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. Cristian Hernandez/AP This satellite image provided by Vantor shows from left, the Fuerte Tiuna neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela on Dec. 22, 2025 and Fuerte Tiuna neighborhood after U.S. strikes on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (2026 Vantor via AP) AP WASHINGTON (AP) In a lightning military strike, the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and spirited them out of the country to face justice in the United States. Now President Donald Trump says the U.S. is going to run Venezuela until a transition of power can take place, but it's not clear what that will mean on the ground in the South American country. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The overnight operation left Venezuela reeling, with its leadership uncertain and details of casualties and the impact on its military still to emerge. Much is still unknown about how the U.S. ouster of Maduro will ricochet across the country and the region. Heres what we know and what we dont. Rising US pressure, then an overnight attack Explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through Venezuelas capital, Caracas, early Saturday. At least seven blasts were heard in an attack that lasted less than 30 minutes. The targets appeared to include military infrastructure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez said Maduro and Flores were captured at their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation outside Caracas. Venezuelan officials said people had been killed, but the scale of casualties was unclear. The attack followed months of escalating pressure by the Trump administration, which has built up naval forces in the waters off South America and since early September has carried out deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean. Late last month, the CIA carried out a drone strike at a docking area alleged to have been used by drug cartels. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump says the US will run Venezuela, but how is unclear Trump said during a news conference Saturday the U.S. would run the country and gestured to officials arrayed behind him, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and said theyd be the ones doing it for a period of time. Trump claimed the American presence was already in place, although across Venezuela's capital there were no signs that the U.S. had taken control of the government or military forces. Trump claimed that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez had been sworn in as president shortly before he spoke to reporters and added she had spoken with Rubio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple, Trump said. But during a televised address after Trump's news conference, Rodriguez made no mention of talking to Rubio, of taking over the presidency or of cooperating with the U.S. State television has not shown a swearing-in ceremony and during her address, a ticker at the bottom of the screen identified her as the vice president. Instead, she demanded the U.S. free Maduro, called him the countrys rightful leader and said what was happening to Venezuela is an atrocity that violates international law. Rodriguez left open the door for dialogue with the U.S., while seeking to calm ruling party supporters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here, we have a government with clarity, and I repeat and repeat again we are willing to have respectful relations, she said, referring to the Trump administration. It is the only thing we will accept for a type of relationship after having attacked (Venezuela). Armed individuals and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighborhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. But in other areas of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack. Parts of the city remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. Trump offered no details on what U.S. leadership in Venezuela would mean or specify whether it would involve more military involvement. The State Department did not immediately respond to questions about how the U.S. would run Venezuela, what authority it would use to administer it or whether it would involve any American personnel either civilian or military on the ground in Caracas or other areas of Venezuela. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The future of Venezuela's oil infrastructure Trump mentioned the country's oil infrastructure repeatedly during the news conference. He suggested there would be a substantial U.S. role in Venezuela's oil industry, saying that U.S. oil companies would go in and fix the broken infrastructure. And Trump said the U.S. would use revenues from oil sales to pay for running the country. Were going to get reimbursed for everything that we spend, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The US charges against Maduro According to an indictment made public Saturday, Maduro is charged alongside his wife, his son and three others. Maduro is indicted on four counts: narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. Authorities allege powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Tren de Aragua gang, worked directly with the Venezuelan government and then sent profits to high-ranking officials who helped and protected them in exchange. Maduro and his wife were initially taken to a U.S. warship and then flown by plane to New York on Saturday afternoon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was not immediately clear when they would make their first court appearance or where they would be detained. How the US operation played out Trump gave some details of the operation during a Saturday morning interview on Fox and Friends," and he and Caine went into more depth during the news conference. Trump said a few U.S. members of the operation were injured but he believed no one was killed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He said Maduro was highly guarded in a presidential palace akin to a fortress and he tried to get to a safe room but wasnt able to get there in time. Trump said U.S. forces practiced the operation ahead of time on a replica building, and the U.S. turned off almost all of the lights in Caracas, although he didnt detail how they accomplished that. Caine said the mission had been meticulously planned for months, relying on work by the U.S. intelligence community to find Maduro and detail how he moved, lived, ate and what he wore. The mission involved more than 150 aircraft launched across the Western Hemisphere, Caine said. Helicopters came under fire as they approached the target area, he said, and responded with overwhelming force. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Questions over legality The U.S. does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, and the legal implications of the strike under U.S. law were not immediately clear. The Trump administration maintains that Maduro is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela and claims he has effectively turned Venezuela into a criminal enterprise at the service of drug traffickers and terrorist groups. Mike Lee, a U.S. senator from Utah, said on X that the action likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But some Democrats were more critical. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, said in a statement, President Trumps unauthorized military attack on Venezuela to arrest Maduro however terrible he is is a sickening return to a day when the United States asserted the right to dominate the internal political affairs of all nations in the Western Hemisphere. How opposition leader Machado figures in Trump's plans Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado had intended to run against Maduro in the 2024 presidential election, but the government barred her from running for office. She went into hiding and wasn't seen for nearly a year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump said Saturday that he hadn't been in touch with Machado and said it would be very tough for her to lead Venezuela. She doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country. Shes a very nice woman, but she doesnt have the respect, Trump said. ___ Advertisement Article continues below this ad Julianna Duennes Russ is a breaking and trending news reporter at the Austin American-Statesman. She covered business as a Dow Jones intern for the San Antonio Express-News and has bylines with the Associated Press and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She holds Bachelors degrees in journalism, international affairs and comparative literature from the University of Georgia, where she also earned a certificate in sports media. When shes not writing, you can find Julianna strolling Zilker Park or cuddling with her orange cat, Colby. Reach out to her at julianna.russ@statesman.com with news or notes. Austin Police Department American-Statesman file An 18-year-old victim was identified in what police are calling Austin's first homicide of 2026, and his suspected killer is still at large, police said. Officers responded to the 7800 block of North Lamar Boulevard around 1:28 a.m. on Jan. 1, where they found 18-year-old Isaiah Atkinson with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:45 a.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Atkinson had been attending a New Year's Eve party at an event center in the strip mall where police responded. Police said a disturbance at the party led to Atkinson being shot inside the venue. Police believe the unknown suspect is still at large. Authorities are requesting more information from people who attended the party and are asking attendees to review photo and video they may have taken that night for clues about the suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Austin Police Department at 512-974-8477. People may also submit an anonymous tip by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest. Opal June Ixchel Cruz arrived unexpectedly on New Year's Day, the first baby born at St. David's HealthCare hospitals. Provided by St. David's Healthcare Sara and Nickolas Cruz knew that New Year's Day was going to be special, they just didn't know how special. The day before, the Austin couple closed on their new home and picked up the keys. They were planning on packing and bringing items over to the new home over the New Year's weekend. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But daughter Opal June Ixchel Cruz and Sara Cruz's maternal fetal medicine doctor had different ideas. At 12:05 a.m. on Jan. 1, Opal June made her entrance at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, the first baby born in 2026 in the St. David's HealthCare system. At five weeks early, she weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces and was 19 inches long. Despite her prematurity, she is healthy and has not had to be in the neonatal care intensive care unit. "It's been a little overwhelming so far," Sara Cruz said, but she loves holding her new daughter. "She's so cute. We love her." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source "I see all the potential she has." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Around Austin's other hospital systems, more New Year's babies made their entrance. Derek Sanchez with his mother Maria Sanchez Diaz was the first baby born in Austin in 2026 at Ascension Seton Medical Center. Provided by Ascension Seton Medical Center Derek Sanchez was the first baby born in Austin in 2026 at Ascension Seton Medical Center. Provided by Ascension Seton Medical Center At Ascension Seton Medical Center, Derek Sanchez came into the world at 12:02 a.m. to mother Maria Sanchez Diaz. He was 5 pounds, 5 ounces. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At Texas Children's Hospital in North Austin, Hilani Henderson was born at 6 a.m. to parents Destiny and Marcus. She weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce. Hilani Henderson was the first baby born in 2026 at Texas Children's Hospital in North Austin. Provided by Texas Children's Hospital At Christus Santa Rosa Hospital - San Marcos, Maverick Ryder arrived at 7:47 a.m., to parents Melissa and Jeremy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Government supporters rip an American flag in half during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. Ariana Cubillos/AP A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stands on a median strip waving a national flag in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. Ariana Cubillos/AP Protesters rally outside the White House Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Washington, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a military operation. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP A woman cries during a rally of supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. Cristian Hernandez/AP Federal law enforcement personnel stand watch outside the Metropolitan Detention Center as they await the arrival of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in New York. Yuki Iwamura/AP CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Hours after an audacious military operation that plucked leader Nicolas Maduro from power and removed him from the country, President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States would run Venezuela at least temporarily and tap its vast oil reserves to sell to other nations. The dramatic action capped an intensive Trump administration pressure campaign on the South American nation and its autocratic leader and months of secret planning resulting in the most assertive American action to achieve regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Legal experts immediately raised questions about whether the operation was lawful. Venezuelas vice president Delcy Rodriguez demanded in a speech that the U.S. free Maduro and called him the countrys rightful leader, before Venezuelas high court ordered her to assume the role of interim president. Speaking to reporters hours after Maduro's capture, Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership void to fix the countrys oil infrastructure and sell large amounts of oil to other countries. Maduro and his wife, seized overnight from their home on a military base, were first taken aboard a U.S. warship on their way to face prosecution for a Justice Department indictment accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source A plane carrying the deposed leader landed around 4:30 p.m. Saturday at an airport in New York City's northern suburbs. Maduro was escorted off the jet, gingerly making his way down a stairway before being led across the tarmac surrounded by federal agents. Several agents filmed him on their phones as he walked. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He was then flown by helicopter to Manhattan, where a convoy of law enforcement vehicles, including an armored car, was waiting to whisk him to a nearby U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office. A video posted on social media by a White House account showed Maduro, smiling, as he was escorted through that office by two DEA agents grasping his arms. He was expected to be detained while awaiting trial at a federal jail in Brooklyn. U.S. officials didn't immediately confirm Maduro was at the jail, but the same motorcade of vehicles that brought him to the DEA office from the heliport was seen arriving at the detention center Saturday evening. Move lacks congressional approval The legal authority for the incursion, done without congressional approval, was not immediately clear, but the Trump administration promoted the ouster as a step toward reducing the flow of dangerous drugs into the U.S. The president touted what he saw as other potential benefits, including a leadership stake in the country and greater control of oil. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump claimed the U.S. government would help run the country and was already doing so, though there were no immediate signs of that. Venezuelan state TV continued to air pro-Maduro propaganda, broadcasting live images of supporters taking to the streets in Caracas in protest. We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference where he boasted that this extremely successful operation should serve as warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but the Justice Department released a new indictment Saturday of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, that painted the regime as a corrupt, illegitimate government fueled by a drug trafficking operation that flooded the U.S with cocaine. The U.S. government does not recognize Maduro as the country's leader. Trump posted a photo on social media showing Maduro wearing a sweatsuit and a blindfold on board the USS Iwo Jima. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Early morning attack The operation followed a monthslong Trump administration effort to exert pressure on the Venezuelan leader, including a major buildup of American forces in the waters off South America and attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean accused of carrying drugs. Last week, the CIA was behind a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes in September. Maduro had decried prior military operations as a thinly veiled effort to topple him from power. Taking place 36 years to the day after the 1990 surrender and seizure of Panama leader Manuel Antonio Noriega following a U.S. invasion, the Venezuela operation unfolded under the cover of darkness early Saturday as Trump said the U.S. turned off almost all of the lights" in the capital city of Caracas while forces moved in to extract Maduro and his wife. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces had rehearsed their maneuvers for months, learning everything about Maduro where he was and what he ate, as well as details of his pets and his clothes. We think, we develop, we train, we rehearse, we debrief, we rehearse again and again, Caine said. Not to get it right, but to ensure we cannot get it wrong. Early Saturday, multiple explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through Caracas. Maduro's government accused the U.S. of hitting civilian and military installations, calling it an imperialist attack and urging citizens to take to the streets. The assault lasted less than 30 minutes, and the explosions at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report what they saw and heard. Some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed, said Rodriguez, the country's vice president, without giving a number. Trump said some U.S. forces were injured but none were killed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Video obtained from Caracas and an unidentified coastal city showed tracers and smoke clouding the landscape as repeated muted explosions illuminated the night sky. Other footage showed cars passing on a highway as blasts illuminated the hills behind them. The videos were verified by The Associated Press. Smoke was seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas, while another military installation in the capital was without electricity. Under Venezuelan law, Rodriguez would take over from Maduro. Rodriguez, however, stressed during a Saturday appearance on state television that she did not plan to assume power, before Venezuela's high court ordered that she assume the interim role. There is only one president in Venezuela, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros," Rodriguez said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some streets in Caracas fill up Venezuelas ruling party has held power since 1999, when Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, took office, promising to uplift poor people and later to implement a self-described socialist revolution. Maduro took over when Chavez died in 2013. His 2018 reelection was widely considered a sham because the main opposition parties were banned from participating. During the 2024 election, electoral authorities loyal to the ruling party declared him the winner hours after polls closed, but the opposition gathered overwhelming evidence that he lost by a more than 2-to-1 margin. In a demonstration of how polarizing a figure Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to protest his capture and celebrate it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At a protest in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas Mayor Carmen Melendez joined a crowd demanding Maduros return. Maduro, hold on, the people are rising up! the crowd chanted. We are here, Nicolas Maduro. If you can hear us, we are here! Earlier, armed people and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighborhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. In other parts of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack. Some areas remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How do I feel? Scared, like everyone, said Caracas resident Noris Prada, who sat on an empty avenue looking down at his phone. Venezuelans woke up scared, many families couldnt sleep. In Doral, Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S, people wrapped themselves in Venezuelan flags, ate fried snacks and cheered as music played. At one point, the crowd chanted Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! Questions of legality Some legal experts raised immediate concerns about the operation's legality. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The U.N. Security Council, acting on an emergency request from Colombia, planned to hold a meeting on U.S. operations in Venezuela on Monday morning, according to a council diplomat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a meeting not yet made public. Lawmakers from both political parties in Congress have raised reservations and flat-out objections to the U.S. attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling near the Venezuelan coast. Congress has not specifically approved an authorization for the use of military force for such operations in the region. Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence that would justify Trump striking Venezuela without approval from Congress and demanded an immediate briefing by the administration on "its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ___ Electric scooters of the kind shown here are common on the streets of Japan. (Pixabay) A U.S. Marine was hospitalized with a head injury early Friday after crashing an electric kickboard scooter on a street in Naha, Okinawas capital city, according to the Marine Corps and Japanese police. The unidentified Marine private first class, age 19, is assigned to Camp Hansen, a spokesman for the Okinawa Prefectural Police said by phone Saturday. The Marine was riding the kickboard northbound at 6:14 a.m. in the Tsuji district of Naha, the spokesman said. The Marine hit a tree on an unnamed road from the Meijibashi intersection of Routes 58 and 329 toward the Wakasa district, the spokesman said. The Marine suffered brain hemorrhaging and was taken to an unnamed hospital in southern Okinawa, the police spokesman said. The accident is under investigation. Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. The Marine collided with a concrete wall and was flung into a tree, resulting in serious injuries that required hospitalization, Capt. Brett Vannier, a spokesman for the 3d Marine Logistics Group at Camp Kinser, said by email Saturday. Vannier said the Marines are working with local police as the investigation continues. Lt. Col. Eric Lopez, front, and Capt. Andrew Sullivan with Task Force Duke get ready to have tea and dinner with the Afghan National Army Kandak (Battalion) commander now in charge of the base called Shinkay, formerly Forward Operating Base Sweeney in Southern Afghanistan's Zabul Province in September 2013. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes) This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes Global edition, Oct. 14, 2013. It is republished unedited in its original form. ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan The great Prussian military thinker Carl von Clausewitz is credited by some with the theory loosely interpreted that victory over an insurgency relies on linking the people, their army and the government. Scholars still debate the ideas put forward in Clausewitzs 19th-century master work, On War, but in Zabul province, Afghanistan, U.S. military commanders see ties among the Afghan government, security forces and the people as the key to success in a 12-year-old battle against the Taliban. A triangle, representing the goal of bringing the three into harmony, was scrawled on a whiteboard at the Task Force Duke 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division headquarters in Zabul last month. Task force commander Col. Bill Ostlund rates Afghan security forces in Zabul the third poorest of Afghanistans 34 provinces as firmly on top in their battle against the Taliban. Its the Afghan government corner of the triangle that has him concerned. Probably, the greatest threat to security is the lack of development of government, Ostlund said. Therefore, in addition to our security responsibility, we put a lot of energy into all things government in Zabul. Spc. Stephen Hamby lights up a cigarette before moving out in Zabul Province, Sept. 17, 2013. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes) Fifteen months from the date set for the pullout of U.S. combat forces, only 15 percent to 20 percent on average of the officials responsible for things such as education, health, justice and agriculture are in place in Zabuls 11 districts, Ostlund estimates. In a reversal of the way U.S. forces departed Iraq, some of the first Americans to leave the province were members of the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team, or PRT U.S. diplomats, civilians and servicemembers whose job it was to advise, mentor and assist local government. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said PRTs conduits for billions in foreign aid for projects such as roads and schools undermine efforts to build state institutions. ISAF reports that only two U.S. PRTs, one of which is a combined U.S.-Polish operation, remain in Afghanistan although partner nation PRTs are still active in six other provinces. The Zabul team went home shortly before Task Force Duke arrived in June. It had been devastated in April when suicide bombers killed diplomat Anne Smedinghoff and several soldiers and injured four other State Department employees who were on their way to a local school for a book handout. That just hastened the withdrawal, Ostlund said. The team was so damaged. It was already planned to be withdrawn in June, but they were gone before we showed up. Without civilians helping to mentor Afghan government officials, the task has fallen on the U.S. military. Ostlund has ordered Special Forces and civil affairs troops to take on the job and focus on three key terrain districts Shajoy, Qalat and Tarnek Wa Jaldak that are home to 80 percent of Zabuls population and border a highway that links Kabul to the north with Kandahar to the south. Afghan government and security officials meet with Task Force Duke commander Col. Bill Ostlund, right, before a shura in Atghar district center, Zabul Province Sep. 19, 2013. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) Focus on government A veteran of multiple combat deployments, Ostlund knows better than most the value of gaining the trust of the Afghan people. In 2008, when he commanded 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Nuristan Province, an estimated 200 Taliban attacked one of his units Chosen Company in an action known as The Battle of Wanat. The company sustained nine killed in action and 27 wounded in one of the bloodiest battles of the Afghan war. An investigation recommended Ostlund, along with others, be punished for having too few troops at the remote outpost, for not planning sufficiently and for not supervising the action closely enough. He was later exonerated by a follow-up investigation that found that his soldiers deaths did not occur as a result of deficient decisions, planning, and actions of the chain of command. A detailed account of the battle by a military historian at the Army Combat Studies Institute in Kansas states that there was a growing hostility toward the Americans in Wanat and a failure by higher-level commanders to recognize the tension when they ordered the unit to the village just a few weeks before the attack. Afghan National Army troops stand in formation in Atghar district center in Zabul Province. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) Back in country as a brigade commander, wiser after what happened in 2008, Ostlund said hes focusing much of his time on getting justice, health, education and agriculture officials in place at district centers in Zabul. Task Force Duke recently sent 150 soldiers, from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment to support a larger Afghan National Army drive into Naw Bahar District, a remote part of Zabul with a heavy Taliban presence. Only about a quarter of government officials there were in place, and security forces movement was limited by Taliban harassment before the operation, said 2nd Battalion commander Lt. Col. Eric Lopez, 39, of New Haven, Conn. During the weeklong push, the U.S. and Afghan troops found 28 improvised explosive devices and detained 14 suspected insurgents. There were no friendly casualties, despite several IED strikes and small-arms attacks, he said. At the tail end of the operation, Lopez and his troops found themselves sleeping on the ground at what used to be an American outpost Forward Operating Base Sweeney in Shinkay District. Lopez referenced Clausewitzs trinity pointing to the Afghan National Army patch he wears on his shoulder to signal that hes supporting an Afghan officer. A village elder talks to government officials during a shura in Atghar district center, Zabul Province in September 2013. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) Who is wearing that patch for the governor? he said. Who is helping them get the representatives of the line ministries out there health, justice, education, agriculture? Lopez said he was in Iraq toward the end of the U.S. presence there. In Iraq, at this stage, we were totally focused on supporting the PRT and their efforts, he said. Col. Zadu Mohammud Doest, the Afghan National Army commander at Shinkay, said the Taliban attacks his men about twice a month these days, down sharply from the daily attacks that were happening when he arrived there five years ago. Doest said he complains regularly to his superiors that theres no government in his district. There is no education department guy, prosecutor or medical staff or public works people in this area, he said. If there are disputes between the tribes, there is no court to go to. They go to the Taliban for justice. Ostlund heard similar complaints from locals during a recent visit to another outlying district Atghar to attend a shura, a meeting, that brought together Afghan soldiers, police, village elders and political leaders. Pfc. Miguel Bernal, left, and Sgt. 1st Class Justin Steeves with Task Force Duke pack up after sleeping under the stars on the landing zone of what used to be Forward Operating Base Sweeney in a remote corner of Southern Afghanistan's Zabul Province on Sept. 17, 2013. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes) Haji Abdullah, a gray-haired Atghar elder, told the politicians and soldiers about floods that had damaged fields and orchards in the area. He lamented the poor state of roads in the district with no improvement in the past 12 years. The government is busy with security, but locals want classrooms and schools, Abdullah said, noting that the Taliban opposes education. When there is no education, the people will listen to anything, he said. Sometimes the Taliban are the only source of information. Deputy Zabul provincial governor Mohammad Jan Rassoulyar, on his first visit to Atghar, told the elders he was glad to see the local bazaar open and people in the streets. The government wants to help you, he said. The blood of the soldiers and government officials shed here shows we care. Rassoulyar asked the locals not to complain if he brought people from other parts of the country to Atghar to fill government jobs. This person will be literate and can help with the government, he said. The Atghar meeting took place in a mud-and-brick compound that resembled a medieval farmyard. Task Force Duke Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles drive by an Afghan National Army checkpoint in September 2013 on the last leg of an eight-day convoy supporting a mission conducted by Afghan troops through Southern Afghanistan's Zabul Province. (Joshua L. DeMotts/Stars and Stripes) Infrastructure is lacking in the more isolated areas of Zabul, despite billions invested in building projects by the international community. Ostlund said hed like to see multipurpose facilities in district centers, some of which still lack schools. In our [Americas] small communities as we expanded west, we had a community hall that served as a school during the day, meeting hall at night, church on Sunday, and a place of refuge during natural disasters, he said. Ostlund said he hopes to have three-quarters of the provinces officials on the job in key terrain districts by the time Task Force Duke leaves next year. However, he said that getting educated, literate Afghans to move to a dangerous and impoverished region of the country will be a challenge. From left, Task Force Duke soldiers Staff Sgt. John Casselberry, Maj. Laura Wence, Maj. Kyle Goodridge and Col. Bill Ostlund visit Atghar district center in Zabul Province on Sept. 19, 2013. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) Some officials assigned to district centers dont bother to visit them and spend much of their time in Kabul. They might be working hard to get funding for the regions they serve, but all locals see is a lack of government officials in their area, Ostlund said. Task Force Duke is encouraging the Afghan government to offer the sort of incentives that U.S. soldiers receive to serve in hardship duty stations such as dislocation, housing and food allowances and hazardous duty pay. It might be possible to donate portable buildings from U.S. bases that are closing to serve as free housing for college students who take government jobs in Zabul, Ostlund said. Zabul has great potential, Ostlund said. The farmers there have access to State Highway 1, allowing them to move crops south to Kandahar, Afghanistans second-largest city, but its still not as easy to attract talent there as it is in other parts of the country, Ostlund said. When an educated person can get a pretty good job in Kandahar, why go to a district center in [Zabul] that may have power only six hours a day and is challenged with funding? A destroyed armored vehicle sits at La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after explosions were reported at the site. (Ariana Cubillos/AP) WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States will control Venezuela for an unspecified period and is not afraid to have military forces on the ground after a nighttime operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. It was an assault like people have not seen since World War II, Trump said during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla. Were going to run the country until such a time we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. And we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack, if we need to do so. The president was asked several times about having U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela. Were not afraid of boots on the ground, Trump said. Trump, during an interview with Fox News before the news conference, said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were placed on the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, to be taken to New York, and they were removed from Venezuela by helicopter. The U.S. had for months built a large force of Navy and special operations forces off Venezuelas coast. The force includes the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and strike group, the Iwo Jima and thousands of Marines. Trump said the U.S. wanted to conduct the operation four days ago but waited until they had the perfect weather. No U.S. forces were killed but one aircraft was hit as well as a couple of guys. It was just the right time to do it. We had to do it, the president said. CBS News reported the Armys elite Delta Force was involved in the operation. The helicopter assault was conducted by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. U.S. Special Operations Command, which coordinates U.S. special operations around the world, and U.S. Southern Command, responsible for defense of American interests in Central and South America, did not respond to requests for comment Saturday. The legal authority for the attack was not immediately clear. The stunning American military action, which plucked a nations sitting leader from office, echoed the U.S. invasion of Panama that led to the surrender and seizure of its leader, Manuel Noriega, in 1990 exactly 36 years ago. Trump was joined at the news conference by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. When asked who would be running Venezuela, Trump said it would largely be run by people standing behind me. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. (Alex Brandon/AP) What we witnessed last night was sheer guts and grit, gallantry and glory of the American warrior, Hegseth said. Nicolas Maduro had his chance until he didnt. He fed around and found out. Operation Absolute Resolve began in the darkest hours of Friday and extended into the early hours of Saturday after months of planning, Caine said. More than 150 aircraft including B-1 bombers, F-22, F-18, E/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets, E-2 surveillance planes, rotary aviation and numerous remotely piloted drones were launched from 20 U.S. bases. The youngest crew member was 20, and the oldest was 49. This was an audacious operation that only the United States could do, Caine said. During the operation, the U.S. helicopters came under fire, Caine said. U.S. forces responded with overwhelming force and self-defense, he said. Theres simply no match for American military might, Caine said. U.S. special forces arrived at Maduros compound at 1:01 a.m. EST. The force began to withdraw out of Venezuela and was over the water at 3:29 a.m. EST, the chairman added. One U.S. aircraft was hit during the operation but remained flyable throughout the mission and returned home safely, Caine said. Venezuelas vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, told the Associated Press that some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed. Maduro attempted to escape during the operation, Trump added, but could not because U.S. forces moved too quickly. Maduro made it to the door, which he described as a very heavy door, but could not close the door, the president added. Rubio said members of Congress were informed of the operation following its conclusion. Republican Sens. Mike Lee, of Utah, and Tom Cotton, of Arkansas, posted on X before the press conference that they had conversations with Rubio about the operation. The Administrations actions in Venezuela prove that this has never been about a war on drugs or protecting Americans. This is about regime change and a personal feud with President Maduro, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, of Virginia, the top Democrat of the Military and Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee, said in a statement. President Maduro was a violent ruler who oppressed democracy in his country, but his capture in this manner will not stop the flow of drugs or promise anything other than more instability in Venezuela, and potentially another forever war started under false pretenses. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired Air Force general and member of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement the operations last night are great for the future of Venezuelans and the region. My main concern now is that Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan. Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives, Bacon added. Vice President JD Vance said that Trump offered Maduro multiple off ramps before the operation in Venezuela. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says, Vance said in a post on X. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation. A photo of Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2025. (U.S. President Donald Trump via Truth Social) Vance also said that he did not believe the operation was illegal. Maduro has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism, Vance wrote. Maduro was indicted by federal prosecutors in 2020. You dont get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife were indicted in New York. Bondi vowed in a social media post that the couple would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. For over 25 years, leaders of Venezuela have abused their positions of public trust and corrupted once-legitimate institutions to import tons of cocaine into the United States, the 25-page indictment says. The indictment was filed in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan. In addition to Maduro and his wife, the indictment also charges Maduros son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, Minister of the Popular Power for Interior, Justice and Peace Diosdado Cabello Rondon, former Minister of the Interior and Justice Ramon Rodriguez Chacin, and leader of Tren de Aragua, Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores. Maduro, 63, has been the president of Venezuela since 2013. He was the hand-picked successor of the countrys former leader, Hugo Chavez, and was narrowly elected president following Chavezs death. Maduro was sworn in for a third term in January 2025 following a 2024 election widely condemned by international observers and the opposition as fraudulent. Trump this year designated several drug cartels as terrorist organizations, including Venezuelas Tren de Aragua. His administration has asserted that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with cartels and will treat their members as combatants. Since early Sept. 2, the U.S. has conducted 35 known strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats and killed at least 115 people. President Trump is deadly serious about stopping the flow of gangs and violence to our country, deadly serious about stopping the flow of drugs and poison to our people. Deadly serious about getting back the oil that was stolen from us and deadly serious about reestablishing American deterrence and dominance in the Western Hemisphere, Hegseth said. Stars and Stripes reporter Corey Dickstein contributed to this report. Venezulans celebrate outside of El Arepazo in Doral, Florida, after the United States attacked Venezuela and captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. (Al Diaz/The Miami Herald via TNS) (Tribune News Service) The overnight attacks in Venezuela and the subsequent capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a U.S. military operation on Saturday triggered sharp international reactions, ranging from European Union calls for de-escalation to condemnations from some of Latin Americas leaders, who described the use of force as unacceptable. The Government of Mexico condemns and strongly rejects the military actions unilaterally carried out in recent hours by the armed forces of the United States of America against targets in the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a statement posted by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said. The statement called for an end to any act of aggression against the Venezuelan government and people and said the actions were in clear violation of Article 2 of the United Nations charter. The charter, among other things, calls for disputes among nations to be settled peacefully. Latin America and the Caribbean is a zone of peace, built on the foundation of mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the prohibition of the use and threat of force. Therefore, any military action seriously jeopardizes regional stability, the Mexican government said, urging the U.N. to act immediately to help de-escalate tensions. The spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the U.N. chief is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, which has potential worrisome implications for the region. Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respectby all of international law, including the U.N. Charter. Hes deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected. The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law. On Saturday, President Donald Trump said U.S. forces had entered Venezuela and removed Maduro, who is the subject of a U.S. indictment since 2020. Maduro was captured by U.S. forces and taken onboard the USS Iwo Jima. While most U.S. allies remained mute, Argentina President Javier Milei celebrated the capture of Maduro as a decisive advance against narcoterrorism in the region. In a nationwide address, Trump described the raid as an extraordinary success overnight with breathtaking speed, power, precision and confidence. If you would have seen what I saw last night, you would have been very impressed, he said describing the operation as the U.S. military acting to support the Justice Department. It was an incredible thing to see. Not a single American service member was killed, and not a single piece of American equipment was lost, that many helicopters, many planes, many people involved in that fight. He also announced that following the extraction that involved more than 150 U.S. aircraft launched from 20 different bases across the Western hemisphere, we are going to run the country and stay until such time as the proper transition can take place. Caribbean leaders react After the attacks, concerns engulfed Venezuelas closest Caribbean neighbors, where Trumps ramped-up campaign has been fueling tensions and public disagreements among regional leaders. In Guyana, which shares a land border with Venezula and has been in a decades-long dispute, President Irfaan Ali said his nation has activated its security architecture. The Guyana Defense Force and the security forces are monitoring the situation and Guyanese should be reassured that the government is working to ensure the safety and security of our citizens, Ali said. In Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar moved quickly to distance her twin-island nation from the operation. She is one of Trumps closest allies in the region, where ongoing U.S. boat strikes off the Venezuelan coast in the southern Caribbean had been sparking tensions for months. Addressing citizens in an early morning post on X, Persad-Bissessar said: Trinidad and Tobago is Not a participant in any of these ongoing military operations. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela. The countrys Peoples National Movement leader, Penny Beckles, said that while some information remains unclear and unconfirmed, any such development in our immediate geographic space is a matter of serious concern and deeply troubling. Beckles echoed the calls for de-escalation, which were also made by Spains prime minister and European Union leaders. Condemnations Some South American leaders offered some of the strongest and swiftest denunciations, alongside Iran and Russia. The first regional leader to denounce the operation was Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who took to X as the night sky lit up and explosions could be heard over Caracas. Colombias government, he said, was alarmed by reports of explosions and unusual aerial activity in Venezuela and reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter, including respect for sovereignty, the prohibition of the use of force and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The Colombian government rejects any unilateral military action that could aggravate the situation or put the civilian population at risk, Petro said, urging all parties to de-escalate and prioritize diplomatic channels. Ahead of Saturdays extraction of Maduro, Trump warned that Petro should watch his back. On Saturday, he repeated the warning following comments by Petro that he was not concerned about anything happening to him in the aftermath of the Venezuela operation. The two leaders have been involved in public disputes on social media since Trump began his second term, and Petro has since had his U.S. visa revoked. He has cocaine bills, yes, factories where he makes cocaine, Trump said about Petro. I stick by my first statement. Hes making cocaine. Theyre sending it into the United States. So he does have to watch his ass. As the region and the world woke up to the news, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also announced his displeasure. These acts represent a most serious affront to Venezuelas sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community, he said. Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism. Lula said the Trump administrations action recalls the worst moments of interference in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean and threatens the preservation of the region as a zone of peace. He called on the international community, through the U.N., to respond forcefully and said Brazil stood ready to promote dialogue and cooperation. Other world leaders Iran called the U.S. military action a blatant violation of regional and international peace and security. Moscow, another ally of Maduro, said the U.S. action caused deep concern. Elsewhere in Europe, where Spain has welcomed tens of thousands of asylum-seeking Venezuelans, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for restraint and for all parties to respect international law and the principles of the U.N. Charter. He also offered up his nations good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis. Sanchez noted that his government had not recognized the results of the July 28, 2024, elections, which the opposition said it had won, and has always supported initiatives to achieve a democratic solution for Venezuela. Former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin said the U.S. military operation against Venezuela represents a major geopolitical shift. He accused the U.S. of deliberately and indisputably placing itself outside international law by violating the charter and the spirit of the United Nations. This is an act with heavy consequences for the international order established after World War II. This legitimizes regime changes by force. No matter how detestable the overthrown governments may be, precedents show that regime changes lead neither to democracy nor to peace, but to chaos, civil war and dictatorship. One need only refer to the situations in Iraq or Libya, said Villepin, who served from 2005-07. He also mentioned the ongoing U.S. pressure campaign involving 15,000 U.S. military personnel in the Caribbean who have been overseeing dozens of boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers. The strikes have a barely veiled objective of gunboat diplomacy, Villepin said. The Trump administration has said there have been 35 strikes in the Caribbean Sea and in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 115 people since early September. Once the United States frees itself from legality, what will we say to China if it overthrows a regime it dislikes in Korea, Vietnam, or even more so in Taiwan? What arguments will we have to counter Russia if it overthrows a government it dislikes in Moldova, or even in the Baltic States? Villepin said. France and Europe must clearly reaffirm, alongside the countries of the Global South, their commitment to the principles of international lawfirst and foremost the sovereignty of states and collective securityand defend the legal order of nation-states against the brutal collision of empires. 2026 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Juan Soto Malaga Saturday, 3 January 2026, 13:19 Share Spain's national weather agency Aemet has raised its weather warning for heavy rainfall for this Sunday from yellow to amber. It warns of significant risk in the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce areas from midnight this Saturday until 6pm on Sunday, when accumulated rainfall of up to 80 millimetres in twelve hours is forecast. In the rest of the province, there is a yellow warning in place in the Ronda area, where accumulated rainfall of up to 25mm in one hour is expected. This first weekend of the year will be marked in the province by storm Francis, which will bring showers from Saturday evening This Saturday there is a risk of heavy downpours which could affect parts of the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce Valley and Ronda. In fact, at 6pm a yellow warning is expected to be activated in these areas with a forecast of up to 15mm in one hour and 60 in twelve. Storm Francis is expected to bring heavy rain to the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce Valley and Ronda For this Saturday, Aemet forecasts a 100 per cent chance of rain in Malaga city. The chance of showers is also 100 per cent for Sunday and Monday, although exact times have not been determined. Temperatures will remain stable, with highs of 18 degrees Celsius and lows of 10 degrees Celsius. Due to the rain warning for this weekend, Malaga city council has decided to bring forward and reschedule some of the Three Wise Men parades that will run through the city until next Monday. The parades planned for Puerto de la Torre, Cruz de Humilladero and Carretera de Cadiz are due to be held this Saturday unless there are last minute changes, while Monday's parade through the streets of the city centre remains unchanged. From Epiphany (6 January) onwards, the most likely scenario is that rainfall will decrease in intensity and extent in southern areas, although it could still be locally heavy in the Strait of Gibraltar and Melilla, while snowfall will be restricted to mountain areas, especially in the northern third of the peninsula. PARIS Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney were granted French citizenship because they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to Frances international influence and cultural outreach, the French government said Wednesday, defending their naturalization that was questioned by a junior French minister. The naturalizations of the Kentucky-born star of the Oceans series of heist movies, his wife and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and their twins Ella and Alexander were announced in late December in the Journal Officiel, where French government decrees are published. Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior minister at the Interior Ministry, expressed misgivings Wednesday that some of the Clooneys new French compatriots may think that the star couple was granted special treatment. The actor speaks only what he himself says is horrible, horrible French. The message being sent is not good, Vedrenne said in an interview with broadcaster France Info. There is an issue of fairness that, in my eyes, is absolutely essential. The couple purchased an estate in France in 2021 and Clooney has said that its their primary residence. Non-French residents of France have multiple possible routes to becoming naturalized. It wasnt clear whether the 64-year-old actor retained his American citizenship. His 47-year-old wife was born in Lebanon and raised in the U.K and naturalized by France under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The 8-year-old twins were born in London. The Foreign Ministry said the Clooneys were eligible for citizenship under a French law that allows for the naturalization of foreign nationals who contribute to Frances international influence and economic well-being. It argued that Frances cinema industry will benefit from the actors clout as a global movie star and said that as a lawyer, Amal Clooney regularly works with academic institutions and international organizations in France. They maintain strong personal, professional and family ties with our country, the ministry said. Like many French citizens, we are delighted to welcome Georges and Amal Clooney into the national community, it concluded, giving the actors first name a French twist by adding the s at the end. The decision was also defended by Vedrennes superior at the Interior Ministry, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who said he signed the naturalization decree. Its a big chance for our country, he said. In recent media interviews when he was promoting Jay Kelly, Clooney said that he is trying to teach himself French using a language-learning app. He said that his wife and children speak the language perfectly. They speak French in front of me so that they can say terrible things about me to my face and I dont know, he joked, speaking to French broadcaster Canal+. French media have reported that the Clooneys live part-time in their luxury 18th-century villa outside the town of Brignoles in southern France, where they can keep a lower profile and their children are protected from unauthorized photographs by French privacy laws. In an interview with Esquire in October, Clooney said: I was worried about raising our kids in L.A., in the culture of Hollywood. I dont want them to be walking around worried about paparazzi. I dont want them being compared to somebody elses famous kids, he said. Growing up away from the spotlight in France, they have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in. They have a much better life. Waterloo, N.Y. - A former Seneca County Sheriffs Office corrections officer is facing child pornography and gun charges, troopers said. Robert T. Williams, 32, of Waterloo, was arrested on Dec. 23, according to a State Police news release. He was charged with criminal possession of a sexual performance by a child and criminal possession of a firearm, both felonies. Williams was in possession of an unregistered handgun when police executed a search warrant, said Lynnea Crane, a State Police spokesperson. Troopers started the investigation after receiving a tip in September from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children involving suspected sexual exploitation, troopers said. Search warrants and forensic analysis conducted led to the arrest, they said. Williams resigned from his job on the day of his arrest, Seneca County Sheriff Tim Thompson said. The sheriff said he was told the alleged pornography was found on Williams phone. Thompson said State Police told him there is no evidence Williams was doing anything illegal on the job. Thompson said Williams was hired and promoted under the previous administration. The investigation remains ongoing, troopers said. Chad Ollinger, best known for his role on Discoverys Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch, is facing an open murder charge after allegedly killing his cellmate. In a statement released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Ollingers cellmate, Christopher Kelly, was found lying motionless inside of a cell, on Dec. 26. Kelly, 42, was suffering from apparent blunt force injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives discovered that a physical altercation occurred between Kelly and Ollinger, 41, inside their cell. Ollinger has since been rebooked for Open Murder. Additional details shared in an arrest report obtained by 3 News Las Vegas, noted that Ollinger claimed to have supernatural abilities that led him to believe Kelly was a pedophile. He was quoted, saying, If I know something about somebody thats bad, I take care of it. Ollinger has been in custody since October. Per NBC News, Clark County Detention Center records show that he was arrested on Oct. 27, 2025 as a fugitive from another state, though the records did not specify which state issued the warrant. The reality television personality also faces a third-degree felony charge of evading arrest in Potter County, Texas, stemming from an incident in late 2024, per the San Antonio Express News. Amarillo police alleged he led officers on a chase involving both a motorcycle and on foot. Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch follows Ollinger and his father, Duane, as they explore the property in hopes of finding a fortune in gold. The series premiered in 2021, and its fifth season aired in August 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery has yet to publicly comment on Ollingers latest charge. Syracuse, N.Y. If anyone expected a political honeymoon as Democrats exercise their newfound control over the Onondaga County Legislature, they were likely disappointed Friday. During the first legislative session of the year, Republicans now in the minority for the first time in nearly 50 years voted against each new staff member hired by the Democrats and complained that Republican staffers were let go unfairly. On top of that, former Legislature Chairman Tim Burtis, R-Brewerton, issued a politically charged statement earlier Friday warning that the appointment of certain Democratic legislators to chair committees signals far-left chaos. In an interview after Fridays session, Nicole Watts, D-Syracuse, the newly elected chairwoman, said she hopes for a more unified legislature in the months ahead. I hope that we can continue to build consensus in a stronger way as we continue to move forward together, she said. But politics is likely to infect much of the legislatures business this year, because all 17 legislative seats will be up for election again in November, even though the current members were just elected two months ago. New York state is transitioning to even-year elections, so legislators must run again this year. And because of a charter change approved by county voters, the next legislative terms will be four years instead of two. Both parties are expected to make all-out efforts to take control. Onondaga County legislators meet Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, the first session in decades where Democrats were in the majority. Tim Knauss For now, Democrats have a 10-7 majority. They flexed that power Friday by appointing six new staff members and a new law firm to serve as legislative counsel. Republicans voted against each hire. Watts also has appointed Democrats to chair the legislative committees formerly headed by Republicans: Legislator Maurice Mo Brown will chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Legislator Chad Ryan will chair the Facilities Committee. Legislator Gregg Eriksen will chair the Environmental Protection Committee. Legislator Dan Romeo will chair the Health and Human Services Committee. Legislator Elaine Denton will chair the Planning and Economic Development Committee. Legislator Charles Garland will chair the Public Safety Committee. Burtis, speaking on behalf of the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee, said the appointments set the legislature on a dangerous path. The leadership slate reflects a shift toward far-left, city-centered priorities that are out of step with the moderate voters many Democratic legislators represent, Burtis said in a news release. He took particular aim at Brown, who will oversee Ways and Means, the committee with jurisdiction over county spending. Brown said Burtiss attack amounted to fear mongering. He said Democrats will exercise greater care over spending than Republicans have. Theyre fear mongering, as Republicans do, but were going to be fair, Brown said. Were going to be diligent. Were going to do our homework in a way that I dont feel homework has been done in the past. During Fridays session, the traditionally routine appointment of legislative staff members was spiced with political rancor. Democrats approved hiring six new staff members to replace employees who have long served under Republican leadership. Each of the new hires was approved by a straight party-line vote of 10-7. The new staff includes: Hassina Adams will take over as legislature clerk. She returns to Syracuse from New York City, where she had worked for the past year as a paralegal. Before that, she worked for several years as a paralegal in Syracuse, including for the city corporation counsels office. Adams is a 2021 graduate of Syracuse University. Spencer Berg will take over as deputy clerk. Berg previously worked as an aide to state Sen. Chris Ryan and, before that, to state Sen. Rachel May. He is a graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. John DeSantis, a longtime aide to the Democratic legislators, was promoted to assistant clerk. DeSantis, the only member of the new staff with previous experience at the legislature, has been a staffer since 2019. Before that he was the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Believe in Syracuse. Kyle Madden, the former Syracuse deputy auditor, has been appointed legislative budget director. Madden spent the past year working for City Auditor Alexander Marion. Before that, he was a development project manager for Housing Visions Consultants. Ruthnie Angrand, a former communications director for Mayor Ben Walsh, will move into the newly created job of director of legislative communications. She had worked at City Hall since 2018. Jamea Johnson will be a legislative aide. She formerly worked for the Salvation Army at the Ethel Chamberlain Womens Residence. She holds a bachelors degree from Syracuse University and is pursuing a masters in public health. The legislature also approved engaging the Bousquet Holstein law firm to provide legal counsel. Eriksen, an attorney at Bousquet Holstein, recused himself so the vote was 9-7 in favor. Staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached at:email|Twitter| 315-470-3023. Congressional representatives from Upstate New York responded to an overnight raid in Venezuela with mixed praise and alarm Saturday morning. U.S. troops launched an operation in Caracas and captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife early Saturday. Maduro is being transported to New York and will be charged in the U.S. justice system, according to federal officials. President Donald Trump said Saturday morning that he did not brief Congress before the operation. He accused Congress of leaking information. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this was not the kind of operation that Congress should be briefed on. Trump was vague on details about what happens next in Venezuela, but said the United States -- including himself and Rubio -- will be in charge in Venezuela for now. He also said he will invite U.S. oil companies to take over the nations oil production infrastructure. Rep. John Mannion, D-Geddes, commended the troops involved in the raid, but raised some alarm about what comes next. He called on the government for transparency and accountability. The United States has a checkered history with foreign interventions and regime change. I will work to ensure Congress fulfills its constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight openly and responsibly, on behalf of the American people, Mannion said. Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-Cleveland, described the attack as decisive and definitive action against a dictator. This operation sends a clear message that the United States will stand firmly against tyranny and corruption that threaten US security in our hemisphere, she said. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, said on social media that Trumps takeover of Venezuela should worry Americans. The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price, Schumer said. Rep. Josh Riley, D-Ithaca, called for an end to foreign wars. We are done paying the price in American tax dollars and American lives, he said. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-Buffalo, praised the move and President Trump. He likened the operation to George H.W. Bushs administration removal of Manuel Noriega in Panama. This is what peace through strength looks like, Langworthy said. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Saratoga Springs, also commended the troops. She did not mention Trump. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been killed by Maduros terrorist cartels trafficking deadly drugs into our country. Justice must be served, she said. Heres Mannions full statement: I commend the men and women of the United States military for carrying out a brave, highly complex, and precision operation in Venezuela. What comes next is just as important as understanding how we got here. The American people deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear assessment of U.S. interests. With President Trump saying that the U.S. is going to run Venezuela, we also need a serious discussion about the post-Maduro path forward for Venezuela, for the region, and for Americas long-term relationship with the Venezuelan people. Stability, democratic governance, and humanitarian considerations should guide what happens next. The United States has a checkered history with foreign interventions and regime change. I will work to ensure Congress fulfills its constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight openly and responsibly, on behalf of the American people." Heres Tenneys full statement: Last night, under the leadership of President Trump, Secretary Marco Rubio and Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. conducted a decisive and successful action against Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his illegitimate regime. This operation sends a clear message that the United States will stand firmly against tyranny and corruption that threaten US security in our hemisphere. I also want to recognize the brave men and women of the United States Military for carrying out a flawless operation with professionalism, precision, and strength. Their service continues to protect freedom and uphold American leadership on the world stage. Nicolas Maduro was not only a brutal dictator, but an indicted drug trafficker. The people in Venezuela now have the opportunity to pursue freedom and prosperity. Heres Rileys full statement: Putting Upstate First means no more foreign regime-change wars. done paying the price in American tax dollars and American lives. I voted to restore Congresss constitutional authority over war because we can and must keep our communities safe from drug trafficking without taking over foreign countries and putting more American lives at risk. Heres Langworthys full statement: Early this morning, American servicemembers carried out a decisive operation with far-reaching implications for our hemisphere. The capture of Nicolas Maduro marks an important step toward dismantling the narco-terror networks that have fueled violence, corruption, and the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. Maduro is not merely an authoritarian figure--he is a murderous criminal who has overseen the repression, imprisonment, and killing of his own people. On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice formally indicted him on charges of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption. Today, those charges are met with real accountability. This outcome is the result of decisive action by President Trump, who has made clear that the United States will confront criminal regimes that threaten our security and destabilize our region. This is what peace through strength looks like--clear resolve backed by action. The message to dictators, terrorists and transnational organizations is unmistakable: there is no safe harbor for those who seek to harm the United States or the American people. Nicolas Maduro was never a legitimate leader--he was the head of a criminal cartel masquerading as a government. History shows that when narco-states threaten regional stability and American security, the United States has acted before. President George. H.W. Bushs decision to remove Manuel Noriega established that criminal regimes will not be tolerated. Todays action follows that same principle--accountability, the rule of law, and the defense of peace through strength. With Maduro now facing justice, the Venezuelan people have a real opportunity to move toward a more table, democratic future." Heres Stefaniks full statement: As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, l am grateful for our brave troops, intelligence officers, and law enforcement who ensured a successful military operation in Venezuela leading to the arrest and indictment of the illegitimate narco terrorist Nicolas Maduro. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been killed by Maduros terrorist cartels trafficking deadly drugs into our country. Justice must be served. CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) The United States hit Venezuela with a large-scale strike early Saturday and said its president, Nicolas Maduro, had been captured and flown out of the country after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington an extraordinary nighttime operation announced by President Donald Trump on social media hours after the attack. Multiple explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through Caracas, the capital, as Maduros government immediately accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations. The Venezuelan government called it an imperialist attack and urged citizens to take to the streets. It was not immediately clear who was running the country, and Maduros whereabouts were not immediately known. Trump announced the developments on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET. Under Venezuelan law the vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, would take power. There was no confirmation that had happened, though she did issue a statement after the strike. We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Rodriguez said. We demand proof of life. Maduro, Trump said, has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. He set a news conference for later Saturday morning. The legal implications of the strike under U.S. law were not immediately clear. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted on X that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who briefed him on the strike. Rubio told Lee that Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. The White House did not immediately respond to queries on where Maduro and his wife were being flown to. Maduro was indicted in March 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in the Southern District of New York. Maduro last appeared on state television Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas. The explosions in Caracas, Venezuelas capital, early on the third day of 2026 at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report hearing and seeing the explosions. It was not immediately clear if there were casualties on either side. The attack itself lasted less than 30 minutes and it was unclear if more actions lay ahead, though Trump said in his post that the strikes were carried out successfully. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace because of ongoing military activity ahead of the explosions. The strike came after the Trump administration spent months escalating pressure on Maduro. The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes in September. For months, Trump had threatened that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land following months of attacks on boats accused of carrying drugs. Maduro has decried the U.S. military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. Some streets in Caracas fill up Armed individuals and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighborhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. But in other areas of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack. Parts of the city remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. Video obtained from Caracas and an unidentified coastal city showed tracers and smoke clouding the landscape sky as repeated muted explosions illuminated the night sky. Other footage showed an urban landscape with cars passing on a highway as blasts illuminated the hills behind them. Unintelligible conversation could be heard in the background. The videos were verified by The Associated Press. Smoke was seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas, while another military installation in the capital was without power. The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes, said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling. She was walking briskly with two relatives, returning from a birthday party. We felt like the air was hitting us. Venezuelas government responded to the attack with a call to action. People to the streets! it said in a statement. The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack. The statement added that Maduro had ordered all national defense plans to be implemented and declared a state of external disturbance. That state of emergency gives him the power to suspend peoples rights and expand the role of the armed forces. The website of the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, a post that has been closed since 2019, issued a warning to American citizens in the country, saying it was aware of reports of explosions in and around Caracas. U.S. citizens in Venezuela should shelter in place, the warning said. Reaction begins to emerge Inquiries to the Pentagon and U.S. Southern Command since Trumps social media post went unanswered. The FAA warned all commercial and private U.S. pilots that the airspace over Venezuela and the small island nation of Curacao, just off the coast of the country to the north, was off limits due to safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity. Lee posted his potential concerns, reflecting a view from the right flank in the Congress. I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force, Lee said on X. It was not clear if the U.S. Congress had been officially notified of the strikes. The Armed Services committees in both houses of Congress, which have jurisdiction over military matters, have not been notified by the administration of any actions, according to a person familiar with the matter and granted anonymity to discuss it. Lawmakers from both political parties in Congress have raised deep reservations and flat out objections to the U.S. attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling on boats near the Venezuelan coast and the Congress has not specifically approved an authorization for the use of military force for such operations in the region. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the military action and seizure of Maduro marks a new dawn for Venezuela, saying that the tyrant is gone. He posted on X hours after the strike. His boss, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reposted a post from July that said Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government. Cuba, a supporter of the Maduro government and a longtime adversary of the United States, called for the international community to respond to what president Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez called the criminal attack. Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted, he said on X. Irans Foreign Ministry also condemned the strikes. President Javier Milei of Argentina praised the claim by his close ally, Trump, that Maduro had been captured with a political slogan he often deploys to celebrate right-wing advances: Long live freedom, dammit! The U.S. military has been attacking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean since early September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes is 35 and the number of people killed is at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. They followed a major buildup of American forces in the waters off South America, including the arrival in November of the nations most advanced aircraft carrier, which added thousands more troops to what was already the largest military presence in the region in generations. Trump has justified the boat strikes as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S. and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Internal medicine and pulmonary physician Bharat Desai discusses his article How Acthar Gel became a $250,000 drug. Bharat shares the shocking moment he realized an obsolete pituitary extract from 1952 was being sold for the price of a house. He explains how pharmaceutical companies exploited regulatory loopholes to reclassify a cheap animal derivative as a specialty biologic and effectively monopolize the market despite the existence of superior synthetic alternatives like prednisone. The conversation exposes the deep rot within the medical profession where key opinion leaders and institutions accepted industry funding to promote a physiological absurdity over evidence-based care. We must question how intellectual surrender allows corporate greed to exploit the very patients doctors are sworn to protect. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Lets work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi. Welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome Bharat Desai. He is an internal medicine and pulmonary physician. Todays KevinMD article is How Acthar Gel became a $250,000 drug. Bharat, welcome to the show. Bharat Desai: Thank you, Kevin, for inviting me. I am really grateful for a chance to share a few perspectives that I think medicine badly needs right now. The article, even though it is cost-related, has a lot of deep meaning. Kevin Pho: Why dont we talk about the article. It is How Acthar Gel became a $250,000 drug. Just before you talk about the article, give us some context. Tell us what Acthar Gel is, how it is used today, and why it is relevant. Bharat Desai: Acthar Gel is adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, which is an old hormone discovered in 1950. It was a crude pituitary extract. It basically stimulates your adrenal gland to produce more steroids. In the 1980s, when synthetic steroids arrived, this drug was almost dead. There was no market because no one would use ACTH if they had steroids. What happened is that the company who had that original patent could still use it through some FDA loophole. They sold that for $400,000 to a California biotech company, and they labeled it as a biologic. With a biologic, you can charge whatever you want. There is no competition. So now it is the same old drug. There is no difference. It is called Acthar Gel, but it is basically ACTH in an injectable form used for multiple sclerosis, sometimes nephrotic syndrome, or in rheumatology as a steroid-sparing agent. Really, it is absurd that this medication should cost 10 dollars and now it costs $250,000 and is still being used. The company filed for bankruptcy a few times because of bribes and other issues. However, in spite of two bankruptcies, they are still alive and charging this much money. ADVERTISEMENT Kevin Pho: All right. Your article talks about the story of how Acthar Gel became a $250,000 drug. How did it get from there to where we are today? Bharat Desai: All they do is use that original loophole that it is still indicated. Then they hired some key opinion leaders and started spreading the word, and people are using it. Still, many physicians are not aware of it or even the cost. Kevin Pho: You mentioned that it is being used in conditions like multiple sclerosis. How common is this drug being used today? Bharat Desai: It is not that common. But as you see in multiple sclerosis and also in rheumatologic conditions (any inflammatory autoimmune disease, basically), if a patient does not want to take steroids or if they have side effects, this is kind of what they give you as a steroid substitute. It is not even a substitute because all it does is increase the steroids. That is how it works. Kevin Pho: How did this story get your attention? Why did you decide to write about it? Bharat Desai: What happened was we came to a point where I cant even see the cost. One of my CEOs called me back and said: Do you know this doctor? I said: Why? She said: He wrote this prescription which costs $250,000. I said: You must be mistaken. It cannot be that unless it is a lifesaving, one-in-a-million drug. Then she told me: Acthar Gel. I looked up ACTH, and it blew my mind that this is absurdity. How can this happen? So then I dug deeper and deeper. The worse it looked, it wasnt just corporate greed. It was really corruption dressed as science and woven into the culture of medicine. It is about how these few key opinion leaders got bought and then everybody else followed. The theme of my article was distilled into two sentences: The shepherds were bought and the flocks followed them into the ditch. Basically, as physicians with a herd mentality, we never really question. This is just one example. This happens on many different occasions, and I have found it. Kevin Pho: Despite the loophole that this particular biotech company used to raise the price of Acthar Gel, did they do anything illegal according to the letter of the law? Bharat Desai: No. They didnt do anything illegal. But morally, they took a drug that cost 10 dollars and charged $250,000. Kevin Pho: What does that mean for the patients who need this drug? Is this having an impact on payers and on patients? Just tell us some of the practical impacts. Bharat Desai: It is really a big problem because Medicaid is paying so much money. A lot of the Medicaid budget is being drained into this. I dont have personal experience of using this drug, so I cant tell you about that. But basically, it is used without any specific indication. People are writing the prescription. That is the sad part: Physicians, without understanding or knowing, are writing the prescription. That was the theme of my article: Corporations are going to make money because this is their business. They did something legal, but they did a couple of things illegal, like buying out the only synthetic competition for ACTH. It was a monopoly where you control the market. They paid fees for that too, and it is still going on. Kevin Pho: When you said that this company recruited key opinion leaders in their efforts to monopolize this drug, do you know the story behind that? Do you know some of the doctors that they recruited? Because you did mention the word corruption. So tell me how that was corrupt. Bharat Desai: What happens is many times, lets say in neurology (that was the main market), they had a few elite school neurologists. They give them the research money or grant money. They produce CME or pay speaking fees. They talk and go to the conferences. That is how it happens with all the pharmaceuticals. Because we physicians dont have a lot of time to investigate, we follow the leaders. All they have to do is buy out a few leaders. Kevin Pho: In your article, you use the term intellectual surrender when it comes to the doctors who prescribe this drug. Tell us more about why you have labeled that prescribing as intellectual surrender. Bharat Desai: Basically, when we prescribe (and that is very common) without really truly understanding not only the cost but the mechanism and side effects, what we do is rely on the pharmaceutical company rep. They come on, give a little 10-minute presentation, and give you a couple of studies. Or you go to CME, and there is also financing by the companies. Intellectual surrender happens because we never really questioned: Hey, this should not be there. That is what I meant. And that is one example. There are a lot of osteoporosis drugs, and I wrote an article about those drugs and the dangers and benefits. We either dont question because of whatever reason, or we dont have time or expertise. So that is what I meant by intellectual surrender. That is a big problem with current medicine. Kevin Pho: I have to admit, even as an internal medicine physician, it has been a while since I have studied Acthar Gel. Are there really no substitutes for Acthar Gel for the conditions it treats? Bharat Desai: No. All it does is give Solu-Medrol, and that will do the same thing. Kevin Pho: Then why do doctors continue to prescribe Acthar Gel if there is such a cheap alternative? Bharat Desai: That is what my question was. Because they have been told: Oh, this is supposed to be more biological or supposed to spare the steroids. You dont get side effects. So what I am telling you is this is what they are telling, and people are believing the physicians. That is what I meant. As soon as my CEO told me ACTH, the first thing I said, even to the neurologist friend I called, was: What about this? He said: Oh yeah, you use Solu-Medrol and you will do the same thing. Kevin Pho: Do we have an idea of the sales of Acthar Gel today and about how many prescriptions still prescribe this drug? Bharat Desai: No, I didnt get into all those other details, but I dont think it is prescribed that much because the indications are only for neurologists, rheumatologists, and nephrotic syndrome. I dont know whether any nephrologist prescribes it or not, but rheumatologists do. One of my colleague friends told me after I talked to him about this: All these drug guys keep pushing me to prescribe this for whatever. So I said: Dont do that. So this is going on. Kevin Pho: So that rheumatologist friend that you said, he is still having pharmaceutical representatives come to his office and pushing Acthar Gel, right? Bharat Desai: Yeah, they say: Oh, why dont you write it? They will never tell you the cost. The neurologist who had prescribed it is a friend of mine, so I called him: Hey, you prescribed this. Do you know how much this cost is? He said: No. I thought it should be cheaper because it is old generic. I told him $250,000. He could not believe it. He said that drug rep never would tell. They will never say; it will say a zero copay or 20 dollar copay. They will never say the cost. Kevin Pho: Now, does this happen with other drugs? I think in the primary care setting, yes. I know that there are other drugs where pharmaceutical companies will take the patent of expiring or old drugs and then they would be the only one that could be able to produce that medication. Bharat Desai: I havent looked into all the other drug details, but this one was unique because it was such an old law that they used. They did not conduct any trial. Not a single trial before. They just labeled Acthar Gel as a patented drug. All they did was use a few of their case studies and that original loophole. They used to do it with the FDA. Once the indication is approved, it was set in stone. Not anymore, but it used to be like that. Kevin Pho: Now, do the third-party payers and Medicare and Medicaid cover this drug, or do they push back after the cost? Bharat Desai: This is what happens. So I say: How come Medicare is bound? This problem is that Medicare is bound by the rule that if it is approved and if the physician writes an indication, then they have to pay for it. Some of the private insurers might complain, but it is difficult because then they have a liability and legal problems. This is exactly what I asked. I said: How come insurance companies are bound by it? They cannot even bargain because Medicare cannot even bargain for the drugs cost. Kevin Pho: So whats the answer here? What do you propose in terms of preventing something like this from happening again in the future? Bharat Desai: The best thing is, and as physicians we are responsible, that those leaders who were bought and who tried to pursue this should be held accountable. Second, we cannot just take whatever somebody tells us and go for it. We have to do our own research. We have to claim our power of signature. The drug company can charge a million dollars, but without a physicians signature, this medication will be dead. My take-home message and philosophy is: Nothing in medicine moves without a physicians signature. It is a sacred signature. It should reflect judgment, care, responsibility, and not just obedience or compliance. I think we have forgotten that power of our signature. Kevin Pho: We are talking to Bharat Desai. He is an internal medicine and pulmonary physician. Todays KevinMD article is How Acthar Gel became a $250,000 drug. Bharat, you gave us some take-home messages earlier. Anything you want to add before we close? Bharat Desai: As I said, critical thinking is very important. Another thing which I have noticed in modern medicine is we have to return to physiology and pathophysiology and understand the real mechanism behind all these drugs. I know it takes time, but we need to do it because otherwise there are a lot of misguided misconceptions and dogmas in medicine. I am going to be writing and doing a lot of presentations. I think it is about time we need to challenge some of these mainstream drugs, no matter how widespread they are. We have to stand up and claim our power. Kevin Pho: Bharat, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming on the show. Bharat Desai: Thank you, Kevin. 6.5-magnitude quake shakes Mexico City and beach resort, killing two San Marcos, Mexico, Jan 2 (AFP) Jan 02, 2026 A 6.5-magnitude earthquake rattled Mexico's capital and a tourist hotspot on the Pacific coast on Friday, killing at least two people and causing moderate damage in a small town near the epicenter. The US Geological Survey said the quake struck shortly before 8:00 am near Acapulco, a major port and beach resort. It was felt around 400 kilometers (250 miles) away to the north in Mexico City, where alarms sent people rushing into the street for safety, disrupting a holiday weekend. A 60-year-old man died after falling while evacuating his second-floor apartment in the capital, local authorities said. Twelve others were injured, city Mayor Clara Brugada wrote on social media, but there were no reports of major damage in the country's largest city. President Claudia Sheinbaum was forced to evacuate the presidential palace during her regular morning press conference. Mexico's National Seismological Service said that the earthquake's epicenter was situated 14 kilometers southwest of the town of San Marcos in the state of Guerrero. Sheinbaum said there were no immediate reports of major damage, but in San Marcos, the effects were visible. A woman in her fifties "lost her life when her house collapsed on top of her," said Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado. San Marcos Mayor Misael Lorenzo Castillo said around 50 houses were destroyed and "all the houses have cracks." Residents showed an AFP journalist the cracks in the walls of their homes and sections of collapsed walls. "San Marcos has been badly affected, devastated," lamented Rogelio Moreno, a resident, standing in front of his damaged home. - 'Woke in terror' - Mexico is situated between five tectonic plates and as such is one of the world's most seismically active countries. Karen Gomez, a 47-year-old office worker living on the 13th floor of an apartment building in Mexico City, told AFP she was roused from her sleep by a street siren. "I woke up in terror. My cellphone alert said it was a powerful earthquake." Norma Ortega, a 57-year-old kindergarten director, living in a 10th-floor apartment, said she could feel her building shake. In Acapulco, Ricardo, a tourist from the central Mexican state of Morelos, fled his hotel shirtless after sirens sounded. The center of Mexico City is built on the muddy subsoil of what was once the bed of a lake, making it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. - Loudspeakers on lampposts - The quakes most strongly felt usually originate off Guerrero state on the Pacific coast. On September 19, 1985, an 8.1-magnitude earthquake devastated a vast swathe of Mexico City, leaving nearly 13,000 dead, mostly in the city, according to official figures. In 2017, also on September 19, a 7.1-magnitude quake killed 369 people, also mostly in Mexico City. Early warning systems, including smartphone apps, have been developed to warn citizens strong quakes and urge them to reach safety. Mexico City has also installed loudspeakers on lampposts to broadcast the alerts. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tommy Lee Jones has spoken out for the first time since the loss of his only daughter. The Oscar-winners 34-year-old daughter, Victoria, was found dead at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on New Years Day. In a statement shared Friday with E! News, Jones and his family said: We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Jones shares his daughter with his second wife, Kimberlea Cloughley, to whom he was married from 1981 to 1996. They also have a son, Austin, who is 43. Victoria was discovered unresponsive in the early hours of New Years Day at the iconic hotel. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department confirmed the news to media outlets, stating that paramedics had been dispatched to the Fairmont Hotel at 2:52am. open image in gallery Tommy Lee Jones and daughter Victoria at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival ( Getty Images ) Our units responded to the scene, performed an assessment and declared one person deceased, the spokesperson said, adding that the local police department and medical examiners office then took over. In 911 dispatch audio obtained by People magazine, the call for the incident was classified as a code 3 for the overdose, color change. In overdose cases, color change typically refers to cyanosis a condition caused by low oxygen levels in the blood, often associated with heart or lung problems which can result in a blue or purple discoloration of the skin, lips and nails, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A cause of death has not yet been released, though local outlet NBC Bay Area reported that no foul play is suspected. open image in gallery Victoria is the second child of Jones and his second wife, Kimberlea Cloughley, to whom he was married from 1981 to 1996 ( Getty ) Court records seen by several outlets show that months before her death, Victoria had been arrested on charges of drug possession. In April 2025, she was apprehended by police in Napa County, California, and charged with three misdemeanors, including being under the influence of a controlled substance without a valid prescription and possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription.She pleaded not guilty. As a child, Victoria had minor roles in several of her fathers films, appearing in Men in Black II, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, plus the TV series One Tree Hill. She did not work as an actor as an adult, but frequently appeared alongside her father on red carpets around the world. While promoting The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, in 2006, Jones praised Victorias talents, saying: Shes a good actress, has her SAG [Screen Actors Guild] card, speaks impeccable Spanish. When she was a baby, I told Leticia, her nurse, to speak to her in Spanish. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Netflixs hit sci-fi series Stranger Things has come to an end after nearly a decade but the finale has drawn wildly polarised reactions from fans. The final episode of the show, titled Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up, debuted on the streaming service during the early hours of New Years Day (in the UK), a week after the previous batch of episodes dropped. Spoilers follow for the Stranger Things finale... you have been warned! In the final episode of the show, the heroes from Hawkins, Indiana, ultimately manage to defeat Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), thanks to the supernatural abilities of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). After Joyce (Winona Ryder) cuts off the villains head, Hopper (David Harbour) and Murray (Brett Gelman) rig bombs on the interdimensional bridge to the Upside Down, with Eleven seemingly staying behind in the nether world to sacrifice herself. With a large chunk of the episode still remaining, there is then a time jump to the year 1989, and we are shown what has happened to the remaining characters the crew has started to move on from the traumatic events of the series, and Joyce and Hopper get engaged. open image in gallery Stranger Things ended with a feature-length finale on New Years Day ( Netflix ) In one of the final scenes of the show, Mike (Finn Wolfhard) claims that Eleven had actually faked her own death, and had managed to make it out of the Upside Down. As he speaks, we see an older Eleven wandering through a faraway place, before reaching a town. Its unclear whether Eleven really survived or not, with series co-creator Ross Duffer stating that she lives on in their hearts, whether thats real or not. Many viewers were critical of the finale, with the decision to eliminate Vecna so early in the episode frequently criticised on social media. Main villain killed halfway in, nobody important died, no explanation on henry creel origin story, & only 18 month time jump. Stranger Things finale was the stupidest f***ing ending ive seen right up there with The Umbrella Academy, read one widely shared post on X/Twitter. open image in gallery Eleven in the finale of Stranger Things ( Netflix ) The biggest mistake they made was a whole 50 minutes of the episode just being the epilogue, couldve used at least 30 of those 50 minutes to make the fighting scenes better, another fan wrote. Am much disappointed to that extent that I dont even want to talk about Stranger Things, someone else remarked. Others, however, were more positive on the conclusion, with one person writing: Am i the only one who enjoyed that stranger things ending? Me being happy with the stranger things finale and coming on twitter to see everyone complaining, someone else joked. Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The attraction of prison, as a setting for a TV drama, is obvious. It allows viewers to reflect on the nature of good and evil, realise a sympathy for perpetrators as well as victims, and extend forgiveness, experiencing the pleasure of mercy without its concomitant distress. It is, in short, a perfect moral petri dish, not unlike the cultures examined under the microscope of philosophers like Rene Descartes, John Locke and Plato. All of this collides in BBC Ones new six-part drama from Dennis Kelly, Waiting for the Out. Dan (Josh Finan) is a sensitive academic who has begun teaching a beginner class in philosophy at a British prison. With his assembled convicts, he discusses the nature of being, but it is clear that Dan, himself, is searching for something. At home, hes struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder, which manifests in lengthy checks of his gas hob. At work, the prisoners begin to chip away at repressed memories of his father himself, an abusive former prisoner and elder brother Lee (Stephen Wight), who is in recovery from his own addiction issues. Every generation gets its chance to change, Lee tells Dan. Me and you, were ours. But can Dan ever fully escape the psychological confines of his upbringing? His Majestys prisons carry a certain weight in British telly. From the hard knocks of Bad Girls to the gritty realism of Jimmy McGoverns Time, the focus has been on the toughness of life while incarcerated. But in recent years there have been some projects that buck this trend: the 2012 documentary, Caesar Must Die, about a prison production of Shakespeares Julius Caesar; Netflixs Orange is the New Black, which showed a micro-society of writing, business, theatre and education groups; and the Oscar-nominated Sing Sing, which starred Colman Domingo and a cast of actors from a real rehabilitation-through-drama programme. In this same way, Waiting for the Out adds some colour to its austere backdrop. Prisoners debate the problem of Odysseus and the sirens, their experiences of feminism, and whether Slavoj Zizek is the Billy Connolly of philosophers. Its an interesting idea, and, adapted from Andy Wests 2021 memoir The Life Inside, has the ring of truth. The central questions of philosophy bleed into the corridors of the prison, which is populated by men who are trapped in their own existential limbo. Im just biding my time, waiting for the out, Dris (Francis Lovehall) tells Dan. Later, Dan is asked to go through the time log of an inmate on suicide watch, which includes the observation that he appeared to be alive. When Dan is later informed that the prisoner supposedly died, he panics and asks for more details. He didnt kill himself, but he tried, Dris confesses to Dan. Hes dead, though, only a matter of time. Throughout, the ghost of Erwin Schrodinger watches on approvingly. These scenes in the prison are balanced against Dans memories of a childhood with his tinderbox, misogynistic father, played by Gerard Kearns. The baggage that Dan is carrying is clear to see. Im not trying to save anyone, he explodes at a bourgeois dinner party. The time to save them is long gone. We all missed the boat on that one, we were too busy pontificating over chateauneuf-du-pape. Yet the flashback sequences battle with cliche, slipping at times into a gawking, unsubtle depiction of childhood trauma. Finan is a very delicate actor, moving neatly between inscrutability and distress thats etched across his face, yet some of these scenes feel less finessed. The depiction, too, of Dans OCD (what West himself calls the executioner; the residual voice of his father) flirts with a broadness that the complexity of the issue Dans conflicted feelings about the absence of his dad disavows. Finan in 'Waiting for the Out' ( BBC Studios/Sister Pictures ) All the same, in its slowest, most conversational moments, Kellys sensitive adaptation of Wests book achieves a bleak poignancy. It stares, dead on, at the fraught question of patrimony, the troubled reality of modern masculinity. These are men, a hallucination of Dans father growls at him on his first day in the joint. These are f***ing men. Dan, who feels he doesnt know how to be a man, is there to instruct others in how to think about being human. The show exists at the tender intersection of these two propositions: a study on self-reflection, realisation and forgiveness. In July, I wrote about the importance of end-of-life planning (EOL). Shortly after, I read a study that examined physicians EOL plans with advanced cancer and Alzheimers disease (stage unspecified). The study encompassed nations with different forms of aid in dying, from the U.S., where a terminal coma is the only option most states allow, to Belgium, where physician-assisted dying (PAD) and euthanasia are available. Although the term suicide has been used for PAD, it is incorrect, as no one who chooses these options desires to die; they just want a choice in how and when they do so. A terminal coma is a form of palliation for those whose pain cannot otherwise be controlled. Once a patient is placed in a coma, they remain there until they pass. With euthanasia, a physician administers a lethal injection that suppresses respiration; the patient falls asleep, then stops breathing. PAD is available in several states and in other nations. In these instances, the physician provides a prescription for an oral medication, like an opiate, which the patient has to self-administer. Having this control appears to be sufficient for the majority of patients who choose this option, as approximately 80 percent never use it, instead letting the disease take its course. It is inequitable for disabled people and those whose disease has sufficiently advanced that they cannot self-administer, however. One would assume, as the researchers did, that physicians would utilize all available medical technology. However, they found that end-of-life choices were nuanced decisions. The majority of doctors eschewed technology for the options discussed above. For cancer, only 0.5 percent chose to have CPR, and for Alzheimers disease, only 0.2 percent. The percentage for mechanical ventilation was under 1 percent, and for tube feeding was 3 percent and 4 percent, respectively. It was not specified whether the feeding tube was a nasal-gastric one inserted through the nose and down the throat, or a PEG tube surgically placed through the abdomen into the stomach. The type of tube could have been influential, as the PEG is more invasive and more likely to become infected. These doctors chose euthanasia, which, as noted, meant having a lethal dose of a medication to suppress breathing administered by over 50 percent for both conditions as a good to very good option. Similarly, PAD was considered a good to very good option by over 50 percent for both conditions. Palliative sedation in this study was considered an option without uncontrollable pain. Fifty-nine percent of the doctors chose it for cancer, and 50 percent for Alzheimers disease. Several factors, internal and external, influenced decision-making. External factors included state legislation and regulations, general society beliefs, and professional beliefs where clinicians worked, the number of terminal patients they encountered, and their medical specialty. These were shaped through educational and religious institutions, parents, and other significant adults, and contributed to the development of inner values, including personal religiosity, secular moral principles, personality, and beliefs formed through life and professional experiences. In the U.S., the general ethical belief is that medicine should aim to cure or, at a minimum, prolong life. Other nations do not necessarily have the same belief. In the present study, neither a doctors sex nor age was influential. The authors raised several ethical concerns, primarily regarding patient-provider interactions, the information provided to patients, and the maintenance of patient autonomy. One point was that patients will often ask physicians what choice they would make given a specific diagnosis, and the influence doctors have as experts on the extent to which their personal beliefs influenced their responses to this question. Also, whether physicians beliefs affected the information they provided to patients in general, and whether they could separate their personal and professional personas, and if not, did this represent undue influence? Other research has concluded that physicians provided biased information that reflected their own preferences, which influenced patient choices. From this, the authors suggested that discussing EOL planning with a patient should occur in an illnesss earliest stages to minimize coercive pressure that can occur with later discussion. I used to do disease counseling and had no difficulty providing balanced information. Patients, however, may not be ready to discuss EOL planning until later in the disease process. It may be useful to preface this discussion with My choice is based on factors relevant to me, and your choice must be based on factors relevant to you. Modern medical care, unfortunately, does not provide sufficient time for physicians and patients to have the lengthy conversations necessary to develop meaningful plans. Medicare allows for a single session, which is insufficient, and I cannot speak for the different non-Medicare policies. Similarly, having EOL conversations with family while one is healthy or in a diseases early stage was recommended to reduce family coercion and support individual autonomy. Early discussions will still have coercive elements, as family members generally perceive maintaining life as long as possible, to allow them to love the dying person longer, as the only option. They cannot visualize the dying process through the patients perspective and how their views can be based on their wants rather than the patients needs. M. Bennet Broner is a medical ethicist. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police have found the body of a four-year-old Alabama boy who went missing with his dog on New Years Eve. Johnathan Everett Boley, who went by the nickname John John, was last seen Wednesday around 11:30 a.m. in Jasper, Alabama, a small town about 40 miles northwest of Birmingham, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. His body was found Friday afternoon about two miles from his home, following a two-day search, Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith said at a press conference. Johnathans dog, a black Labrador retriever named Buck, was found alive near his body. The community is devastated by this news, Smith said. Its with great sadness that Im here to announce that we have located Johnathan, and Johnathan is deceased, Smith said. Johnathan was an adventurous boy, and he loved the outdoors, he later added. Smith provided few other details and declined to take questions. Johnathan Everett Boley, 4, disappeared with his dog on New Years Eve ( Alabama Law Enforcement Agency ) The Walker County Sheriffs Office first received a call about the childs disappearance around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Smith said at a Thursday press conference. Investigators were told Johnathan was playing outside with his six-year-old brother and his dog before he vanished, Smith told WBRC 6 News Thursday. The brother told his father Johnathan and the dog had gone past the fence line, Smith added. When police arrived at the scene, they searched the home to make sure the missing boy wasnt hiding, then deployed drones to continue the search by air, Smith told reporters Thursday. Police used helicopters, thermal detection and K-9 units to search for the child. Investigators found evidence of explosive devices on the property during the search, and at least eight other potential explosive devices across the street, Smith said at the time. Investigators then determined the eight devices were not explosives, Smith said later Thursday. The house was also cleared, he said. The FBI has been processing the house, trying to get the explosive devices contained and out of the residence, Smith said. Smith said Thursday that Johnathans father was charged, but it had nothing to do with the connection of the missing child, its something totally separate. Smith did not identify the father or the specific charges at the Thursday press conference. WVTM 13 reports the father, Jameson Kyle Boley, was charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of a child and one count of unlawful manufacture of a destructive device or bacteriological weapon. Neighbors told investigators they have been hearing explosions for weeks, according to Smith. They didn't really know where it was coming from. The morning before the report came in, one of the neighbors reported that they heard an explosion about 4 a.m. that morning. They just didn't know where they came from. Can't say that that's in any kind of connection to the missing child, Smith said Thursday. The boys parents are separated, and his mother moved to Florida about a year ago, Smith told reporters. His father had five days of custody a year, he noted. The family, including the dad, has helped, trying to do everything they can to help provide information, Smith said Friday. The Independent has contacted the Walker County Sheriffs Office for more information. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Florida authorities have released disturbing new details about the kidnapping and alleged abuse of an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing and later found alive with a registered sex offender. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said Friday that the boy had been missing from St. Johns County for at least three days. According to investigators, the child was kidnapped by Darnell Hairston, a 60-year-old sex offender from Hastings. The boy told deputies that Hairston lured him to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates, where he was held for "multiple days." The child said Hairston choked him until he lost consciousness. When he woke up, the boy said Hairston threatened him with a knife, tied him up with shoelaces and an extension cord, and placed duct tape over his mouth, Staly said. Detectives searched Hairstons truck, home and campsite, recovering duct tape, weapons, and surveillance equipment matching the childs account. Sheriff Staly said investigators believe the kidnapping may be connected to a separate alleged sex crime involving Hairston and another minor in St. Johns County, which the 11-year-old may have known about or even witnessed. open image in gallery Darnell Hairston, 60, of Hastings, Florida, now faces six charges, including kidnapping, child abuse, strangulation, robbery, and assaulting an officer after being stopped with two minors in his truck ( Flagler County Sheriff's Office ) The sheriff said the child feared Hairston and believed he would be killed. The boy told deputies that when Hairston traveled anywhere, he was forced to hide under a blanket on the floorboard of the truck. On New Years Eve, authorities stopped Hairsons Ford F-150, finding the preteen, as well as a 15-year-old boy. Officials placed the 11-year-old in a patrol car while Hairston tried to flee on foot, but deputies quickly tackled him. Hairston is accused of trying to grab a deputys gun during the struggle. At the same time, the 15-year-old got back into Hairstons truck and drove off, nearly running over the foot of a deputy who was holding Hairston on the ground, Staly said. The teen crashed the truck into a deputys vehicle, went off the road, and flipped the truck, but the deputy was unharmed. open image in gallery Investigators believe Hairston may have kidnapped the 11-year-old boy because the child may have known about or witnessed another alleged sex crime by Hairston against a minor ( Flagler County Sheriff's Office ) Authorities said the 15-year-old with Hairston may be a co-conspirator in the 11-year-olds kidnapping. He faces grand theft charges for taking Hairstons truck and had prior charges, including fleeing, battery on an officer, reckless driving, driving without a license, and resisting an officer. Hairston now faces four additional charges kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation and robbery with a deadly weapon on top of resisting an officer with violence and attempting to take a law enforcement officers firearm charges from the traffic stop. Hairston is being held in jail, now without bond. This case remains under investigation. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The widow of a beloved Las Vegas pastor who was fatally shot outside his home over two years ago is suing the local homeowners association and a property management company, alleging they failed to address a longrunning neighborhood dispute that ended in deadly violence. Sarah Davi filed a complaint this week in Clark County District Court, alleging that the Court at Aliante Homeowners Association and FirstService Nevada failed to take sufficient action to ease tensions between her late husband, 46-year-old Rev. Nick Davi, their family, and their neighbor, Joe Junio, 36. According to the lawsuit, the association was aware of repeated complaints the family made about Junios behavior, but did little to prevent the situation from getting worse. In the weeks before the shooting, Junio allegedly showed "escalating threatening behavior after the Davi family reported her to the HOA over chickens and dogs, a police report said, per 8NewsNow. The dispute came to a tragic head in the driveway of their gated Court at Aliante community home on December 29, 2023. On that day, Junio allegedly drove past the family, then parked beside them, staring them down as one family member asked, Why dont you leave us alone? Weve had enough. The family's neighbor, Joe Junio, 36, was arrested following the shooting and faces charges, including murder, attempted murder and child abuse ( NLVPD ) The couples children, ages 12 and 15, were inside the vehicle, and one began recording the interaction. Whats your problem with us? Nick Davi allegedly asked Junio, who suddenly exited her vehicle and shot at the adults, according to the lawsuit, quoted in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. One of the victims reportedly fought over the gun with Junio before she ran to her apartment. Nick Davi died of his injuries at a hospital, while Sarah Davi survived but suffered serious wounds. Nick Davi was a pastor at Grace Point Church in North Las Vegas. He moved to Vegas in 2005 after leaving the South after Hurricane Katrina, documents said. A GoFundMe created for the familys expenses related to the incident has raised over $105,700 of its $250,000 goal as of Saturday morning. Court records show the Davises had reported numerous incidents involving Junio, including threats and harassment related to complaints about her keeping chickens and dogs. In the weeks before the shooting, police say Junio had allegedly thrown rocks, dumped dog waste on the couples property and made threatening gestures, prompting multiple calls to law enforcement. In the lawsuit, Sarah Davis attorneys argue the homeowners' association and property manager failed to implement appropriate safety measures despite knowledge of the escalating hostility. They were were aware of prior incidents, disputes, and/or communications involving Joe that indicated or should have indicated she posed an unreasonable risk of harm to her neighbors, the lawsuit, quoted in 8NewsNow, reads. They add that association officials even communicated the couples complaints to Junio in a way that increased tensions rather than resolving them. The Independent has contacted representatives for the homeowners association and FirstService Nevada for comment. Junio was arrested following the shooting and faces charges including murder, attempted murder and child abuse. Her trial in the criminal case is set for May. Sarah Davi also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Junio in January 2024, seeking damages to cover medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income and other damages. That trial is set for July. As of Friday, no court date has been set for the newly filed lawsuit. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 15-year-old boy has been charged after an Uber driver was found dead on New Years Day in what Georgia police are calling a senseless murder. Christian Simmons was charged as an adult in the murder of Cesar Tejada, a 58-year-old husband and father of two. He was just out trying to make extra money for his family, Lawrenceville Police Captain Dena Pauly said in a news conference. Its a senseless act, and not the way any family would want to start a new year. Tejada, a Grayson resident, picked up Simmons in Lilburn at around 4:13 a.m. ET on Thursday, police said. After dropping him off in Lawrence, Simmons moved from the back seat of the car to the front drivers side door, shot Tejada and left him in the road, according to authorities. Pauly said it doesnt appear that there was any sort of argument between the two before the shooting, adding that it appears to be just a carjacking. open image in gallery Christian Simmons, 15, has been charged after an Uber driver, 58-year-old Cesar Tejada, was found dead on New Years Day in what Georgia police are calling a senseless murder ( Getty/iStock ) One Lawrenceville resident was disturbed by the crime scene, telling Atlanta News First, I was shivering. It was terrifying seeing a lifeless body, Hieu Le said. At around 5:20 a.m., police were called to the area and found Tejada, who was pronounced dead. Investigators used surveillance cameras in the area to identify a Black SUV as a vehicle of interest, which turned out to be Tejadas car, Pauly said. Authorities discovered Tejadas car in the same area where he had picked up Simmons. Police identified Simmons as a possible suspect and waited outside his home in Lilburn. When Simmons left his house, the cops arrested him. Pauly told reporters, We do not have any other motive other than Mr. Simmons wanted the vehicle. open image in gallery Uber shared its condolences with Tejadas family during this incredibly difficult time ( AFP/Getty ) When asked if Simmons had been in trouble with the law before, Pauly said, Multiple jurisdictions have had encounters with Mr. Simmons. Authorities did not disclose how Simmons got access to a weapon. Pauly shared her condolences with Tejadas family and said the shooting was quite a surprise to us, citing the citys low crime rate. Uber said in a statement shared by Atlanta News First, Were saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the drivers family during this incredibly difficult time. The rideshare company said it has banned Simmons account. It was not immediately clear whether Simmons has an attorney. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In December 2021, a digital record linked to a computer-generated picture of a robot samurai sold at auction for an amount of cryptocurrency then worth over $1.8 million. These were the heady final months of the worldwide craze for "non-fungible tokens" or NFTs to you and me. NFTs, on its most basic level, is the ownership of a digital piece of work, such as art or music. They could include memes or even actual pieces of art. Advocates promised that they would revolutionize art patronage while making millions of ordinary people filthy rich in a matter of months. Sotheby's and Christies sold NFTs for millions of dollars apiece. Jimmy Fallon hyped Bored Apes on The Tonight Show. Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, Louis Vuitton, YouTube, and the University of California-Berkeley all got stuck in. Exactly what NFTs were, or how they worked, was often lost in the mania. Yet within a year, the NFT market had dramatically collapsed, taking many people's money and hopes with it. Estimated trading volumes dropped from $4 billion to around $800 million, and research suggests that 95 percent of NFTs are now worthless. Today, the highest price anyone has offered for that $1.8 million robot samurai NFT in the past 12 months is just 0.0554 Ether, equivalent to $2,852 as of December 17. Even after all that, however, some advocates insist that the underlying technology still has important uses, and dream that it may yet rise from the ashes. So what the hell happened to NFTs? And could they ever make a comeback? open image in gallery British artist Damien Hirst burns an art piece at London's Newport Street Gallery in October 2022 as part of his exhibition 'The Currency'. The concept: after selling NFTs for thousands of his paintings, he then methodically burned the originals. ( ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images ) It started with good intentions On March 11, 2021, the venerable British auction house Christies announced that it had sold its first ever NFT for a staggering $69 million. The associated artwork was titled Everydays: the First 5000 Days, by the online artist known as Beeple (aka Michael Winkelmann). In theory, he was now one of the three most valuable living artists on Earth. You'll notice, though, that I didn't say anything about Beeple actually selling an artwork. That's because he didn't. And this distinction is key to understanding why NFTs went so wrong. For centuries, the art world has struggled to maintain reliable records of ownership in the face of war, disaster and forgery. And in May 2014, two men at a New York City hackathon artist Kevin McCoy and tech entrepreneur Anil Dash attempted to make their own modest contribution by harnessing a nascent digital technology called blockchains. open image in gallery People wait in line at the grand opening of a Bored Ape NFT themed burger restaurant in Long Beach, California, in April 2022 ( Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ) A blockchain is basically a way to create and maintain permanent transaction logs without relying on centralized institutions. Each new entry is verified by a network of computers that check each other's work, wielding unbreakable encryption to resist tampering. That's how cryptocurrencies, such as Ether and Bitcoin, can operate without any input from banks or governments. It's also how NFTs were meant to help verify art ownership. "The idea behind NFTs was, and is, profound," wrote Anil Dash in 2021. "Technology should be enabling artists to exercise control over their work, to more easily sell it, to more strongly protect against others appropriating it without permission. open image in gallery Australian performers pose for a project called ZED RUN, involving "a digital horse racing game built on the blockchain and creates unique crypto assets" (that is, NFTs). Many such strange projects briefly flared into existence during 2021 and 2022 ( Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images ) The idea was to create a unique digital certificate of art ownership that could always be traced back all the way to its original creator. Selling these certificates could give digital artists a new way to fund their art, and collectors a new way to buy in. Others quickly expanded the idea, coining the term "non-fungible token" in 2017 to distinguish these certificates from, say, a Bitcoin (which is interchangeable with any other Bitcoin). But the new NFT industry which Dash was not part of, and has repeatedly denounced never solved some basic problems with the concept. A tidal wave of scams, fraud, and cyber-theft Who owns the Mona Lisa? Back in 2018, the blockchain start-up Verisart briefly listed the answer as a British coder named Terence Eden. Eden's stunt was simple and easy to fix. Still, it raised the question: how do you know that the original seller of an NFT was actually representing the real artist? Wouldn't you need some kind of trusted institution to make and maintain that link? As Eden pointed out at the time: There's no way to permanently attach a digital certificate to a physical work of art... it's almost as if we can't just throw technology at the social problem of trust. open image in gallery A paper record of an NFT for Raphael's 'Madonna del Cardellino (Madonna of the Goldfinch', created for the 'Eternalising Art History' exhibition at the Unit London gallery in February 2022 ( JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images ) Another question: Does buying an NFT actually come with any rights over the artwork itself? If not, what is the buyer even getting? Also, who's going to police fraud and impersonation? Who will protect consumers from account hacks, given that blockchain transactions (unlike bank transfers) are irreversible? As money and enthusiasm began to pour into NFTs in the wake of Covid-19, major marketplaces largely just shrugged and fell back on "buyer beware." Artist verification remained weak; many NFTs conferred no rights; and all too many NFT advocates chose relentless hype over caution. Digital trading cards! Merchandise and collectibles! Rapidly rising art prices! You too could ride this rocket to the moon if only you get in right now! The result was an unprecedented wave of scams, fraud and outright cyber-theft, affecting both artists and buyers. Many NFTs never even contained a copy of the artwork they were meant to be tied to. They just had hyperlinks, which often went dead within a year or two. All too often, the art itself was also dire, replicating the modern AI slop aesthetic years or months before the release of ChatGPT. "Nothing went the way it was supposed to," wrote Dash in 2021, likening the whole affair to an exploitative "gold rush." Meanwhile, famed (and famously expensive) British conceptual artist Damien Hirst created NFTs for thousands of his paintings, then burned the originals. Im not burning my art, he declared. Im transforming it into NFTs. The big losers of the NFT crash In 2022, as predicted by so many critics, the NFT market began to crash. In April, an NFT of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's first ever tweet which had fetched $2.9 million the previous March went on sale again, but the highest bid was $280. By July, daily NFT sales had plummeted by more than 90 percent. Among the biggest losers were celebrities who had bought in late in the hype cycle. Justin Bieber's 'Bored Ape' NFT cost around $1.3 millions in Ether; Eminem's version cost just under $460,000. As of Dec. 17, 2025, the highest recent offer for either is around $2,800. Then there's Logan Paul, who promised that his forthcoming NFT-based video game CryptoZoo would let you earn money just by playing it. That never happened, leading to a class action lawsuit and Paul offering to partially refund customers. Most victims were less famous. "I still hold the vast majority of [my NFTs] I couldnt sell most even if I wanted to," collector Joseph Skewes told Vice News in 2023. "From the peak, the loss is upwards of $50,000." Another collector in Florida, who asked to be anonymous, said he'd come out of the first crash unscathed but then managed to lose up to $400,000 trying to recapture the magic afterwards. Some of the biggest NFT "whales" often crypto entrepreneurs seem to be doing fine, as are those that merely rode the dragon while it was in flight. "We were very much about getting in and getting out within 24 hours," prolific NFT trader Collin Li told The Australian Financial Review in July. In September, Christies admitted defeat and closed its digital art department. Bitcoin prices have rebounded since the crash of '22, and Ether prices partially rebounded; NFTs never did. As for Anil Dash, he never took a financial stake in NFTs, but the mess still follows him. My son mockingly calls me NFT guy because he knows it's the most horrible epithet I could ever be saddled with, he said on Bluesky in 2023: The fall and rise of NFTs? Even so, there are people who still carry a torch. Jane Rolls and G.T. Sewell of Melbourne, Australia, told the Review that they remain about $250,000 down, but continue to make and buy NFTs because they believe the long-term future is bright. According to Fast Company, while many NFT companies perished, other firms continue to find ways to integrate NFTs, including Louis Vuitton and various video game developers. Disney's official tie-in NFTs sell at respectable prices, as do the NBA's. Notably, many of the ongoing projects rely on the heft of a big institution to guarantee authenticity. That suggests NFTs can have their uses, as long as someone is actually policing them although its a fair cry from the futuristic vision of decentralized digital items free from corporate control that some NFT boosters promised. "I think everythings working out the right way, longtime NFT magnate Roham Gharegozlou told Fast Company. "There were speculative excesses within the industry, but I think that also was a stress test for everything to come." Advertisement BusinessConsumer affairsAppliances Why your parents appliances lasted decades and yours dont Benedict J Smith January 4, 2026 9:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Joost Veldhuizens mother has two possessions she is especially fond of: her Philips food processor and her Miele vacuum cleaner. Neither does anything beyond their standard functions, nor are they particularly impressive to look at. Their joy stems from the fact that after 40 years of use, both appliances remain in full working order. In todays fast-paced consumer culture, this is a rarity. Its not your imagination: they dont make appliances like they used to The average lifespan of a new cordless vacuum cleaner is less than five years, while small household appliances such as food processors cannot be expected to last more than nine, according to the European Environment Agency. Advertisement This has driven the rise of a throwaway culture worldwide. The United Nations estimates that the global volume of discarded electronic goods known as e-waste will rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030, up from 62 million in 2022. Veldhuizen who as a board member of Repair Cafe International, a global network of DIY workshops, has seen his fair share of broken appliances says we are not just imagining the declining durability of everyday goods. Quality everywhere appears to be dropping, he says. The difficulty these days is when you buy an expensive product, its not automatically a guarantee that it will last you a lifetime. Pointless gimmicks Veldhuizen first points the finger at the growing intensity of rivalries between companies, particularly since the advent of e-commerce. Advertisement As competition hots up, it can trigger a race to the bottom, with manufacturers engaging in aggressive price-cutting to boost profits and keep shareholders happy. Related Article Opinion Shopping The 40-year-old dishwasher and other kitchen miracles Jenna Price Columnist The theory goes that as corners are cut to keep down costs, quality inevitably suffers. British shoemaker Dr Martens, for example, faced a flood of accusations about the falling durability of its famously hardy footwear since it outsourced 98 per cent of its production to Asia, where labour is much cheaper than in the UK. But is the standard of workmanship abroad to blame? Veldhuizen thinks not. Advertisement China makes what you ask them to make. If you ask them for a high-quality product, you will get a high-quality product. If you ask them for a cheap, low-quality product, thats what you will get. Instead, he believes that competition between companies has pushed them into making straightforward goods overly complex. Manufacturers, he says, have started adding bells and whistles to appeal to gadget-loving consumers. These ultimately make products more susceptible to breakage and difficult to fix. On vacuum cleaners, for instance, it is an electrical add-on, such as suction control, that fails after a couple of years of use in the vast majority of cases. But you dont need electronic suction control its a gimmick that companies use to differentiate themselves. Fixing electronic components demands a level of expertise beyond most ordinary appliance users. Advertisement But even getting into the device in the first place is harder than it used to be. Whereas in the good old days parts were readily available and there were a couple of regular screws that you could open up to fix the appliance, clean it and close it up again, its becoming a lot more difficult. Planned obsolescence Because many goods are produced in countries where labour is relatively cheap, the cost of repairing it domestically is often more expensive than buying new and therefore the product is thrown out and replaced. Advertisement Cynics are quick to suggest this is all done on purpose as part of a grand plan by manufacturers to encourage us to replace products more frequently a theory known as planned obsolescence. One of the earliest known examples involved lightbulb makers in the mid-1920s. After technological advancements improved the lifespan of the bulb to 2,500 hours, manufacturers realised they lasted too long. In response, the worlds leading makers, including Germanys Osram, the UKs Associated Electrical Industries and General Electric in America, colluded to intentionally reduce the lifespan of bulbs by 50 per cent and thereby stimulate repeat purchases. However, Kamila Krych, a researcher at the Institute of Environmental Engineering in Zurich, who studied the lifetime of common household appliances for her PhD, is sceptical of arguments around planned obsolescence. If it was the case that producers were scheming against us to make things less durable, I would expect all products to go down in lifetime at a more or less similar rate. And this is not what we see, she says. Advertisement Rising living standards In her study, Krych investigated how the sales and ownership of large household appliances in Norway had evolved since the 1940s. Although the lifespans of fridges, freezers and dishwashers have remained relatively constant, she found that the longevity of ovens and washing machines plummeted in the 1990s and early 2000s. The lifespan of washing machines has plummeted. Is it bedcause we use them more these days? Washing machines dropped from 19.2 to 10.6 years, while ovens fell from 23.6 to 14.3 years. Advertisement Krych acknowledges that a flood of cheaper products around the turn of the century undoubtedly had a bearing on the quality of household appliances. But her conclusion also stressed the impact of consumer behaviour. Related Article Shopping Commbank, Temu and HCF under fire in Choices Shonky awards There is a social component to it, not just technical. For example, with washing machines there is clear evidence pointing towards people doing laundry more often. If you run more cycles per year, your washing machine will last fewer years. The average Norwegian family, for example, ran two washing cycles per week in 1960 compared with eight in 2000 a symptom of rising living standards, Krych adds. Most consumers are also notoriously lazy when it comes to essential maintenance of products, which only accelerates products decline. Advertisement For cars, regular maintenance is very common and normal for most people, Veldhuizen says. But for household appliances, people expect them to run forever without any maintenance. I have a friend who has a coffee machine with an LED that indicates when it needs descaling thats been flashing for four months. Informed consumers How, then, can we pull ourselves out of this rut of throwaway culture? Wayne Hubbard, of ReLondon, a waste reduction initiative, wants to see more consumers taking an interest in not only the quality of the products they are buying but how to repair them. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way, he says. It also makes us savvier shoppers in the long run. Advertisement Top-down legislation that gives consumers the ability to make more informed purchasing decisions is also a popular solution. Related Article Shopping We want to know how long itll last: Should appliances have lifespan labels? France has led the way with its Repair Index, added to electrical products since 2021, which scores them on their repairability. The idea is twofold: to encourage consumers to choose goods they can repair and for manufacturers to make them easier to fix. Its a measure Veldhuizen supports but he says we cannot ignore the fact that fundamental cultural shifts have changed the dynamic between people and products, possibly for good. In the 1950s and 60s, everything was scarce, everything was in short supply and expensive. You had to make do with your things for as long as possible. Advertisement Now, things have become cheap. We have more money than our parents. For better or worse, he concedes, the days of sewing up holes in socks are probably over. The Telegraph, London Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Appliances Consumer rights Advertisement Rescue teams have scaled back their search on Saturday morning for a Nepalese man swept out to sea at Coogee Beach on New Years Day, while colleagues praised the missing man as a top guy. For two days, helicopters, several boats, a drone and surf lifesavers assisted divers in scouring nearby waters for Sushan Khadka, a student and bartender at the Coogee Pavilion in his 20s, who arrived in Australia about four years ago from Nepal. The search continues for a swimmer missing after being swept out to sea at Coogee on New Years morning. Sitthixay Ditthavong Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce said on Friday the significant show of force at Coogee was focused on finding Khadka alive. Investigators dropped green dye marker at the southern end of Coogee about 10am, as several divers tracked the currents while lifesavers on jet-skis crisscrossed the ocean. Advertisement But the search was scaled back on Saturday morning to foot patrols along the shoreline. A staff member at Coogee Pavilion, who asked not to be named, said Khadka was a top guy. Its really hard to process, with the search still going on. Awful. He was dedicated, a top guy. Khadka was among three people caught in a powerful rip after 6am on Thursday. The other two were rescued by off-duty lifesavers, while a police constable ran into the water fully clothed to try to save the submerged man as nearby swimmers attempted to keep him afloat. A police officer and another rescuer dive into the ocean at Coogee Beach. Nine News Rescuers were unable to bring him to shore, triggering a large search that continued into Thursday evening and was complicated by extreme surf conditions. Advertisement The rescue shocked hundreds of onlookers gathered by the Coogee foreshore to welcome the new year, as some swimmers were treated for shock after returning to the sand. The Nepalese consulate confirmed it had been in contact with Khadkas family after he went missing, and said it was monitoring the situation. It came as a 45-year-old woman drowned on a NSW Mid North Coast beach on Thursday afternoon, while a 25-year-old woman was found dead after being pulled into the water near Maroubra Beach in the early hours of the new year. Melissa Austin, 45, was pulled from the water at Dunbogan Beach, south of Port Macquarie, shortly before 3pm on Thursday. She could not be revived despite treatment from paramedics and police. Advertisement The body of the 25-year-old woman, who is believed to be a Chinese national, was discovered about 5am on Thursday, about an hour after she was struck by a wave and knocked into the Mahon rock pool before being pulled into the ocean. The death in Maroubra came one day after a man died at Palm Beach after his small boat flipped in large swell and landed on nearby rocks shortly after midday. A 14-year-old boy who was a passenger on the boat remains missing and a search for him continued on Thursday afternoon. Police scaled back search efforts for the teenager on Friday morning, with maritime and police sweep searches the sole response on Palm Beach. Another man who was on the boat was hospitalised after he was discovered on a nearby rock platform with significant injuries to his left leg. He was winched from the rocks by a rescue helicopter. Mahon Pool, Maroubra, on New Years morning. Sitthixay Ditthavong Advertisement Authorities believe there were three people in the boat at the time of the accident, but were unable to confirm any relationship between the trio. Pearce said surf lifesavers were monitoring two serious incidents in the Wollongong area on Friday afternoon, as he urged people to exercise caution in the surf over the New Year period. NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib thanked agencies and volunteers who responded to the spate of incidents. Many have already been working long hours in very challenging and unpredictable conditions, Dib said. I cannot stress enough that people should follow advice of emergency services and stay out of the water when beaches are closed. Advertisement Waves on the Sydney coastline were reaching over three metres on Thursday, according to meteorologist Jiwon Park, who forecast the swell to ease on Friday. Sydney is currently reporting the highest waves [but] these conditions can hit all over the coast, Park said. Pearce was concerned that NSW had entered a horrific period as he lamented what appeared to be four separate drowning deaths on Wednesday and Thursday. We were hoping to start the year [with] a fantastic, fresh start; 2025 was extremely tumultuous for all the emergency services, he said. Advertisement A man died and a teenager is missing after a boat flipped near Palm Beach on Wednesday. Today I cant stand here and say happy new year because there are families whose lives are irreparably damaged from the last 24 hours. The conditions continued to pose a threat to beachgoers on Thursday, including four people who got in trouble in the water at Narrawallee Inlet on the states South Coast about noon. A woman in her 50s was taken to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital in Nowra, with other patients taken to the smaller Milton Hospital, a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said. A man in his 40s who jumped off a jetty at Shoal Bay in the Hunter region about 12.30pm was flown to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious condition with back and spine injuries. Advertisement Surf lifesavers have performed 85 rescues since Christmas Day, a spike that Pearce said had caught everyone off guard. Fire and Rescue NSW was undertaking a separate rescue on Friday afternoon after a man, thought to be in his 80s, fell off a cliff next to Parriwi Road in Mosman. The man was conscious and clinging to a steep slope while emergency crews arrived around 5pm. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. Advertisement NationalVictoriaProperty development Residents push for rethink of proposed 500-home estate Rachael Ward January 3, 2026 4:35pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A housing development in Melbournes west set to be built within walking distance of two pokie pubs and not much else has prompted a furious backlash from nearby residents. More than 2100 people have signed a petition urging the state government to reconsider plans for a pocket of vacant land on the corner of the Western Ring Road and Ballarat Road in Cairnlea. More than 2000 people have signed a petition calling for a rethink of a 500 dwelling development in Cairnlea. Justin McManus It was meant to be a business precinct, but now about 500 homes, including land lots and townhouses, are set to be built on the 41-hectare site. Development Victoria, the owner and developer of the land, has promoted a new playground, green open spaces and some affordable housing choices. Advertisement A pub open 18 hours a day with restaurant and pokies is located next to the western section of the land. There is another less than a kilometre away. Related Article Go west Marelen wastes thousands of hours commuting to work. She wants two things to change There are already houses nearby, but locals worry there wont be enough other places for people to go once more residents move into the area. You cant just put homes into an estate and call it an estate, community advocate Graeme Blore said. You have to provide meaningful parks, social, recreational and community facilities; otherwise, its simply another dormitory suburb with 500 doors. Advertisement A draft plan for the first stage of the development is under consideration by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny. Land could go up for sale as soon as this year, with construction to begin from 2027-28, according to the developments website. Campaigners have raised concerns over the sites proximity to pokie pubs. Jason South Petitioners want an indoor multipurpose recreational facility with a pool, parks and sporting fields to be built alongside a diverse range of housing options. The closest public swimming pools in Keilor Downs and Sunshine are about 45 and 25 minutes away by bus. Residents say the pools are often busy and the bus timetable can be unreliable. Advertisement Blore, who lives near the site, said he was not opposed to houses being built there but wanted sporting facilities built in the western section, which could act as a buffer zone between houses and pubs. He called for more details about the layout of houses to be made public and a guarantee that parks would be more than tokenistic. My great concern is in the absence of basically anything else for the community, that people actually look at the pokies and go, Might as well go there and have some fun well just have a flutter, he said. Brimbank has Victorias highest electronic gaming machine losses. Council figures show more than $98,000 a day is lost at the two pubs near the site. Advertisement Cairnlea resident Sara Roca, who lives a few streets from the proposed development, said she was surprised by a lack of places to go when she moved into the area with her family. Land in Cairnlea set to become home to 500 dwellings. Justin McManus She said she was concerned about an increase in traffic if 500 more houses were built, saying it already took her more than 20 minutes to drive out of the area during the morning rush. Im not saying a [community] facility is going to fix all the issues that we have, but at least thats a start, she said. Cairnlea used to be home to the Albion explosives factory. About 3100 homes, a shopping centre with a supermarket and open spaces have been created since the area was first remediated. The proposal for the new homes is on the last parcel of vacant land in the suburb, and furthest from amenities. Advertisement Swinburne University senior lecturer Dr Weijie Hu, who specialises in affordable housing research, said there was a strong need for more of it in Melbournes west. He said developments needed adequate facilities and access to public transport and open spaces, but the critical issue for this neighbourhood was how close the development was to pokies. The thing is, we cannot just build houses; we also need to provide enough infrastructure and social facilities to make that neighbourhood more livable, he said. If there is not enough open space or social infrastructures, many people will have to go to those gambling venues that becomes their social venues. Related Article Go west This western suburb could be our second CBD, but residents fear the dream is under threat Advertisement The land is within four kilometres of two train stations, but Hu questioned how well they connected in with buses. The planning minister became the responsible authority for the development in June 2025 in what Development Victoria said was a way to streamline housing approvals. That concerned Brimbank Council, which wants to re-establish control over the area. Mayor Virginia Tachos said the council was best placed to make sure development met community needs and expectations. She called for more community consultation before any further decisions about the site were locked in. Advertisement Its very clear that there are significant gaps in the Cairnlea Estate Master Plan, and these are of major concern to the community and council, she said. The development, which will be built in stages, has already been changed after community feedback, with the number of homes reduced from more than 800. The planning strategy is being finalised to comply with council rules, and Development Victoria must make financial contributions to fund local infrastructure. The campaign highlighting various concerns with the development has been running for years, and Blore said Paul Hopper, founder of the West Party, had become involved and paid for advertising. He has also joined the party. Advertisement Development Victoria acting executive general manager Nemesia Kennett said the community would be updated as the site was remediated, and the agency would work with the council to build more homes alongside a network of open spaces in the west. A Victorian government spokesperson echoed the comments. The delivery of more housing within the established suburb of Cairnlea will give more Victorians the opportunity to live closer to jobs, schools, transport and essential services, the spokesperson said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalVictoriaVictorian budget Victorias alpine resorts on taxpayer life support amid privatisation bid Daniella White January 3, 2026 7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Victorias alpine resorts are being propped up by millions of dollars in emergency taxpayer funding as the state government prepares to privatise the operations of two loss-making mountains. Despite the sector contributing $2.14 billion to the state economy annually, the managing body of Victorias six snow resorts, Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV), is on financial life support and reliant on a Treasury letter of comfort to stay afloat. The Victorian government wants to sell the operating rights to its Mount Baw Baw and Lake Mountain alpine resort Nine In a bid to stem the losses, the authority is moving to privatise operations at Mount Baw Baw and Lake Mountain after decades of operating in the red. According to the Alpine Resorts Victoria annual report, tabled to state parliament weeks late on Friday, a $13 million taxpayer subsidy helped the authority post a modest technical surplus of $4.39 million. Without the governments intervention, the authority would have faced a multimillion-dollar deficit. Advertisement Related Article Childcare This resort town is losing its only childcare centre. Families say they cant live here without one The ability of ARV to continue as a going concern and discharge its liabilities in the ordinary course of business is dependent upon the continuing financial support of the Victorian State Government, the report states. This funding, provided via a Letter of Comfort, recognises the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on our cash reserves, the increased cost of resort operations, the ongoing need to subsidise operations at Lake Mountain and Mt Baw Baw, and the revenue loss associated with a limited winter 2024 season. Alpine Resorts Victoria was established in 2022, combining four separate resort management boards, to increase the sustainability of the six resorts: Mount Buller, Falls Creek, Mount Stirling, Mount Baw Baw, Lake Mountain and Mount Hotham. A formal expression-of-interest process was launched in December 2024 to offload the management of Mount Baw Baw and Lake Mountain to the private sector. Advertisement While the land would remain state owned, the government is seeking suitably qualified entities to take over the commercial and essential services of the resorts in their entirety. Alpine Resorts Victoria, which manages mountains including Falls Creek, is reliant on government funding to remain solvent. Toby Royce Skifields and snow activities on Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham are already operated by private companies, but Baw Baw and Lake Mountain have remained a significant drain on public funds. Both have operated in deficit for more than 20 years, and Alpine Resorts Victoria said that despite significant changes to increase revenue and reduce costs, they continued to need propping up from the government. Alpine Resorts Victoria said that commercial entities might be better positioned to run the resorts efficiently and had the capital to invest in a vibrant and sustainable future. Advertisement The financial strain has forced a reduction in public access. During the 2024 winter season, Lake Mountain abandoned its seven-day-a-week schedule, closing every Tuesday and Wednesday outside of school holidays to reduce costs. In November, Alpine Resorts Victoria said it would cease operating the only childcare centre in Falls Creek, which services the towns permanent population of about 320 people, due to financial pressures. The organisation said the economic shortfall from the childcare centre was expected to reach $177,000 by the end of the year. Related Article Water Taxpayers offer life raft after water giants $200 million IT disaster The annual report said the organisations ability to remain operating as a going concern an accounting term meaning it can meet its financial obligations without the threat of liquidation was dependent on continuing financial support from the state government and its letter of comfort. Advertisement Opposition Leader and shadow treasurer Jess Wilson accused the Allan government of badly mismanaging the six alpine resorts. Under Labor, Victorias alpine resorts are on financial life support and significant uncertainty surrounds their future, she said. Alpine Resorts Victoria is yet another in a growing list of state government agencies under Labor that are reliant on emergency financial support to pay the bills and remain solvent. Labor cannot manage money, and Victorians are paying the price. The government bailout for the alpine resorts comes after it was revealed Greater Western Water had also been granted a letter of support from the government to remain operating as a going concern. Advertisement A state government spokeswoman said the search for a private operator was to help draw more visitors to Lake Mountain and Mount Baw Baw. She said the government continued to work with Alpine Resorts Victoria on its financial sustainability, including consideration of further funding and letters of comfort if required. The current letter of financial support is due to expire in April. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement WorldEuropeSwitzerland It could have been me: Australian teens narrow miss as Swiss nightclub burned David Crowe January 3, 2026 9:59am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Crans-Montana: The teenagers who come to lay flowers know they are the lucky ones who were spared the blaze that brought death in the night to their friends. One girl doubles over in grief as she lights a candle at the mound of flowers on the street corner near Le Constellation nightclub, where at least 40 people perished in the flames. Yaron Lavy knows local teenagers who are yet to be accounted for. Fairfax Here, in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana, parents walk with their weeping children to place flowers at the memorial to those who died in the early hours of New Years Day. Yaron Lavy, 17, knows he could have been inside the club when the fire spread about 1.30am on Thursday, trapping young revellers in the basement bar. Advertisement I was lucky because of a glass of water, he tells me. Related Article Updated Fire We followed all safety rules, say Swiss bar owners after deadly inferno Lavy, whose family is from Melbourne and is now based in Crans-Montana, was on his way to Le Constellation with his friends but chose to stop at a nearby hotel for a glass of water. That decision may have saved his life. Divided on where to go and whether to stay out, his crew never made it to the popular nightclub, where he had been drinking just two nights earlier. When Lavy saw a message telling him of the fire at Le Constellation, he tried to call friends he knew were at the club. None replied. He headed to the club. Straight away, I came here as fast as I could, even if I couldnt do anything, he says. Advertisement I got to the front, and I just saw all these people, all the ambulances, all the fire trucks, and I was just traumatised. How could this happen on one of the best days of the year? There are conflicting accounts of the start of the fire, but most suggest it began at 1.30am and that emergency services were at the scene quickly. But it took hours for ambulance workers to help all of those on the street outside the club, and some witnesses report hearing screams until 4.30am. Social media footage shows the Le Constellation nightclub ablaze. X/@tyroneking36852 One witness described using curtains to wrap the victims to keep them warm after they emerged into the shivering cold in their burnt clothing some of them so burnt they had no clothing left. Lavy, who was raised in Melbourne but studies in the nearby city of Lausanne and comes to Crans-Montana for Christmas most years, knows local teenagers who were involved. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Tragedy It happened in seconds: How a night of youthful joy turned into tragedy One is a young man who is listed as missing, another is a young girl who is in hospital awaiting treatment. He mentions two sisters who are both missing, and another young girl in hospital. He is surprised, however, when I tell him that an Australian is among the injured and their family is receiving consular help. He is not aware of any Australians caught in the fire. Lavy arrived too late to help people out of the burning club, but he met one young man who dragged four or five people out of the building. One local man, Paolo Campolo, a financial analyst, is being hailed a hero for racing to the club when his teenage daughter called him to tell him of the fire. Advertisement Campolo, 55, is recovering from smoke inhalation. Speaking to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero from hospital, he said he heard victims begging for help in several languages. I pulled kids out with my bare hands, he told the newspaper. One after the other. They were alive but injured, many of them seriously. Flavio Casella, 18, arrived at the club after the fire to witness victims emerging in a cloud of smoke and gas. There were people on the ground screaming for help, he tells me on the street outside the club, now cordoned off by police. There were people helping before the ambulance and the firefighters and the police came, but you couldnt go too close because of the gas. Advertisement We were shocked we never thought something like this could happen. Casella, a student from Rome on a short visit to the ski resort with Italian friends, could have been in Le Constellation that night. He was on his way there when his group met Swiss friends and chose to go to a different bar. By the time they returned to Le Constellation, it was ablaze. The Swiss authorities know that local volunteers made all the difference in helping people get out of the fire. Mathias Reynard, the head of the Valais regional government, which includes Crans-Montana, told Swiss radio station RTS on Friday that the heroic actions showed the solidarity of the community. Advertisement In the first minutes, it was citizens and in large part young people who saved lives with their courage, he said. As the hours pass, however, families are painfully aware of the lives that could not be saved. Some parents are posting photographs of their teenage children on social media in the hope that others can tell them what happened to their family members that night. Mourners gather to leave flowers for the victims of the fire. Getty Images Adding to the pain is the fact that Swiss police expect to take several days to identify some victims because the burns are so severe. Advertisement Some of the survivors have been placed into induced comas, and many have third-degree burns. One mother, Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, has been searching hospitals for her son, Arthur. The 16-year-old sent her a message from Le Constellation to wish her a happy New Year, but she has not heard from him since. I dont know how severe his burns are, I dont know if hes recognisable, she told Reuters. All I want is to find my child. All I want is to find my son. Standing at the flower memorial on Friday, Lavy says he wishes he could have done more to help. He also feels that he escaped the fate that has devastated others. Advertisement It could have been me, he says. All because of a glass of water. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldSouth AmericaVenezuela crisis Trump claims US carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured president Updated January 3, 2026 8:58pm ,first published 5:53pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Follow our live coverage of the unfolding situation in Venezuela here. Caracas: US President Donald Trump has posted on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States has carried out strikes on Venezuela on Saturday, and taken Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife into US custody. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. Details to follow ... Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas. AP Venezuelas government earlier accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states after at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in the capital, Caracas, about 2am local time on Saturday. Advertisement Related Article Venezuela crisis Venezuela strikes as it happened: Nicolas Maduro indicted in New York after being captured by US; Trump says US will run Venezuela US officials told CBS that President Donald Trump had ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela. Venezuelas government issued a statement blaming the US and saying the goal of the US attack was to take possession of Venezuelan oil and minerals. Attacks took place in the capital, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the statement said, prompting Maduro to declare a national emergency and call on social and political forces to activate mobilisation plans. The Pentagon and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement The Federal Aviation Administration banned US commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace over ongoing military activity. People in various neighbourhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas, according to the Associated Press. Loading The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes, said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling. She was walking briskly with two relatives, returning from a birthday party. We felt like the air was hitting us. Advertisement Smoke could be seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas. Another military installation in the capital was without power. This comes as the US military has in recent days been targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats. Loading On Friday, Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. Maduro also said the US wanted to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through the months-long pressure campaign that began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August. Advertisement Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism in the US. The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels in what was the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US began strikes on boats in September. Trump has for months threatened to launch strikes on targets on Venezuelan land. The US military has been attacking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean since early September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes was 35 and the number of people killed was at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. Advertisement They followed a major build-up of American forces in the waters off South America, including the arrival in November of the nations most advanced aircraft carrier, which added thousands more troops to what was already the largest military presence in the region in generations. Pedestrians are seen running after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas. AP Trump has justified the boat strikes as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted that the US is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels. The US president has accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund an array of criminal activities, including drug trafficking and terrorism. As part of Trumps pressure campaign, the US has also seized two oil tankers and sanctioned Maduros relatives, as well as Chinese companies trading with Venezuela. Advertisement The country has denied the allegations and called the US actions illegal. Related Article Venezuela crisis Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers into Venezuela At least seven oil tankers bound for Venezuela turned back on Friday, according to ship movements tracked on Friday by Bloomberg, as tensions between the US and Venezuela increased. That adds to four that halted journeys to Venezuela in the immediate aftermath of US forces boarding the vessel Skipper in mid-December. Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported on the explosions in Caracas on Saturday, showing images of the Venezuelan capital. Iran has been close to Venezuela for years, in part due to their shared enmity of the US. Soldiers have been seen guarding the presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela. AP Advertisement AP, Bloomberg, Reuters Get a note direct from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX Unveiled At San Diego International Car Show - Special To The Auto Channel From Maynard's Garage Special To The Auto ChannelMaynard's Garage.com< Ram Truck made a major world debut of the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX at the 2026 San Diego International Auto Show on Jan. 1, 2026. This relaunched TRX is a significant throwdown for the brand as the most powerful production, street-legal gas half-ton pickup ever. Designed and engineered in the United States, the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX arrives in the second half of 2026 at a starting price of $102,590, including the $2,595 freight charge. The Ram SRT TRX is built in the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Mich. Sign up for 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX updates here. Ram positioned the TRX as the apex predator hunting the Ford Raptor R. The company officially states that TRX is not an acronym for the dinosaur, but it leaned into the comparison. In tribute, Ram sneaked in a few Easter eggs in the truck, such as a size comparison graphic of a T. rex next to a Raptor under the hood. Lets Fing Go! For the re-engineered and redesigned 2026 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, Stellantis boss of American Brands came up with this battle cry: The Last Tenth and LFG. The Last Tenth : This refers to an obsession with squeezing out the final 10 percent of performance that others might leave on the table. For the new TRX, this meant pushing the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 (Hellcat) to a segment-shattering 777 horsepower and 680 lb.-ft. of torque. : This refers to an obsession with squeezing out the final 10 percent of performance that others might leave on the table. For the new TRX, this meant pushing the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 (Hellcat) to a segment-shattering 777 horsepower and 680 lb.-ft. of torque. LFG: In this context, LFG stands for Lets Fing Go! It was Kuniskis stance to bring back high-displacement V-8 power and to reignite the SRT Performance Division. Said Kuniskis in a release: But bringing back the nameplate isnt enough. Ram set the bar five years ago with 702 horsepower, and that benchmark has been challenged [by the Ford Raptor R]. SRT doesnt limbo; we high-jumpand 721 wasnt going to cut it. 777 horsepower? Thats the mark. And it represents more than powerit signals an awakening and a new path forward. TRX Bloodshot Night Edition The Bloodshot Night Edition is a flaming-hot tribute to the return of the apex pickup. Equipment includes a first-ever two-tone design for TRX, featuring a painted Blacktop upper and a bold, painted Flame Red center hood stripe. A hand-painted Blacktop exterior upper in Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat with a custom-painted Flame Red center stripe Bodyside splash graphic, running from the front door through the bedside, and integrated with the recognizable TRX graphic Red outline interior TRX badging Glass-encased TRX center console badge Carbon fiber with red anodized thread integrated into the weave pattern Standard simulated beadlock-capable wheels, finished in Satin Black with Satin Titanium beadlock rings. Standard 2027 TRX Equipment Every TRX features a Flame Red R-A-M grille badge with a flow-through design, with Flame Red front and rear tow hooks. Red SRT badges [a first on a Ram, at least since the Ram Viper V-10] on the grille and tailgate. A new TRX tailgate logo depicts the apex predator that ruled the dinosaur age. Inside, TRX packs high luxury with such features as: Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats; Heated, ventilated, and class-exclusive reclining rear seats; An extended package of leather and suede detailing throughout the cabin, including a full suede headliner and visors. 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 center touchscreen; Dual wireless charging pads; 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system; Leather-wrapped air-bag cover with red stitching and The TRX Auto Show Walkaround Ram Truck media relations rep Nick Cappa led journalists on a TRX walkaround, pointing out the following bullet points: The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX is the first off-road product to emerge from the relaunched SRT Performance Division and the first SRT Ram in two decades. The Crew Cab body style has a 5-foot, 7-inch box bed; The SRT TRX is the most powerful production street legal gas half-ton pickup ever, delivering 777 horsepower with peak torque of 680 foot-pounds at 4,800 rpm. Premium 91 octane fuel is required, and it has a 33-gallon fuel tank; Its Hellcat 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 (376 cubic inches) can launch TRX from 060 mph in 3.5 seconds and onto 118 mph top speed; High-torque-capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active transfer case for full-time four-wheel-drive. There are six TRX-unique selectable modes: Sport, Snow, Tow, Mud, Baja, and Auto (with features of performance shifting and gear holding); BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case. Modifications to the transfer case for TRX duty include a 2.64:1 low range for precise crawling maneuvers. With standard Launch Control engaged, TRX catapults from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph; Sport tuned true dual exhaust system with X crossover pipe, full stainless-steel construction, and 5-inch double-walled black tips for a sinister tone; 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires; Wheelbase and length: 145.1/233.7 inches; 48.3-foot turning circle; Width/height: 89/81.9 inches; Dana 60 rear axle with full floating axle shafts and a rear electronic locking differential with an axle hop damper. Rams five-link coil system was modified for TRX to give up to 14 inches of rear axle travel; Steel front bumper integrated with a functional skid plate; 11.8 inches of ground clearance, riding two inches higher and six inches wider than the Ram 1500 Rebel off-road pickup; 18-inch Satin Black wheels with an option for beadlock capable wheels finished in Satin Black with Satin Titanium beadlock rings; Second-gen Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks. Dual Electronic Proportional Valves with nitrogen-charged remote reservoirs connected via stainless-steel braided high-pressure hose. The adaptive shocks continuously adjust damping forces to control compression and rebound damping. When the TRX is in an airborne leap, the shock will automatically adjust for a safe landing; For the first time, TRX has Hands-Free Active Drive Assist (L2+) as standard hands-free capability on a high-performance off-road gas pickup. 7 paint colors, including the featured Serrano Green TRX, Spitfire Orange, Silver Zynith, Forged Blue, Bright White, and Molten Red. TRX Roots The 2027 Ram 1500 TRX returns to the lineup as the top-line model. It was shelved for 2025 and replaced by the Ram 1500 RHO, another high-performance off-road truck. While the 1500 RHO retained the aggressive wide-body styling and hardcore off-road hardware of the TRX, it swapped the supercharged 702-hp 6.2-liter V-8 for a more efficient, high-output twin-turbo Hurricane 6-cylinder. But even with 540-hp and 521 lb.-ft. torque, buyers were not swayed by an inline-six-cylinder in a Ram 1500. The TRX nameplate was not created specifically for the (then) 702-horsepower supercharged truck. Early Use: The TRX and TRX4 names were originally used as off-road trim packages for the Dodge Dakota and Ram 1500 in the mid-2000s. Revival: Ram chose to revive the name for the 2016 Rebel TRX Concept because they already owned the rights to it and it sounded simple and memorable. Return of the Hemi V-8 Stellantis cancelled its 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi e-torque engine for the Ram 1500 last year, but reversed course midyear to bring it back. The company learned a valuable lesson, said Ram rep Cappa: You cant tell people what they want. After announcing in June the return of the legendary HEMI for the Ram, it received 10,000 orders in the first 24 hours. Proof positive that it was the right decision to bring back this iconic engine for this truck. In tribute, each HEMI-powered 2026 Ram 1500 includes a new fender-mounted Symbol of Protest badge, created by the Ram design team. The badge depicts the Rams head pushing forward, powered by a HEMI V-8. The engine is available in the 2026-model-year Ram 1500 Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel (late availability), Limited, and Longhorn as part of the brands aggressive product cadence over the next 18 months. The Easter Egg Hunt Ram positioned the TRX as the apex predator hunting the Ford Raptor R. The company officially states that TRX is not an acronym for the dinosaur, but it leaned into the comparison. In tribute, Ram sneaked in a few Easter eggs into the truck, such as a size-comparison graphic of a T. rex next to a Raptor under the hood. Other Easter eggs around the TRX include: On the floor of the expansive center console storage bin, there is a 1:60 scale graphic showing a size comparison between: A human A Ram TRX A Tyrannosaurus Rex A tiny Velociraptor (with a note that says correct scale) On the underside of the center console lid is a collection of mathematical tools, including: A protractor and a 12-inch ruler. The Pythagorean theorem and various fraction-to-decimal conversion tables. Hidden Rulers: The Crew Cab model has hidden rulers molded into the floor of the rear footwell, in the floor storage bins. One side features a 15-inch ruler, while the other has a 26-centimeter ruler, intended to be a functional tool for owners on a job site. TRX Features Lets Fing Go! TRX Bloodshot Night Edition Standard 2027 TRX Equipment TRX Roots The Ram Hemi Is Back The Easter Egg Hunt Final bullet train tunnel breakthrough NEW DELHI : 1.5-km-long mountain tunnel is located between Virar and Boisar bullet train stations in Palghar RAILWAY Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday virtually witnessed the final breakthrough of a 1.5-km-long mountain tunnel of the bullet train project in Maharashtras Palghar district from Rail Bhavan in New Delhi. A big milestone has been achieved today. This achievement is the breakthrough of the mountain tunnel 5, Vaishnaw said, while speaking to mediapersons. This 1.5-km-long mountain tunnel is among the longest in Palghar district and is located between the Virar and Boisar bullet train stations. It is the second tunnel breakthrough in Maharashtra, as the first 5-km-long underground tunnel between Thane and BKC was completed in September 2025, a Railway Ministry said. The 508-km railway project connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which passes through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, is Indias only high-speed rail project designed to operate bullet trains at a speed of 320 kmph. Once completed, the project will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just 1 hour and 58 minutes, connecting and integrating the economies of major commercial centres, according to Vaishnaw. The project is being executed with technical and financial assistance from Japanese Government. Officials said it includes eight mountain tunnels, with 7 tunnels in Maharashtra having a combined length of about 6.05 km, and one tunnel of 350 metres located in Gujarat. The project has a total length of 508 km, with an overall tunnel length of 27.4 km, of which 21 km comprise underground tunnels and 6.4 km surface tunnels, the Ministry said. The corridor will connect major cities, including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in Indias transportation infrastructure, it added. Vaishnaw said the bullet train project is generating significant employment and will provide additional opportunities during operation. Responding to a question on whether the E10 Shinkansen, Japans next-generation high-speed bullet train, can operate on the 508-km MumbaiAhmedabad corridor, he said it can support the speed of E10 trains as well. The E10 is capable of running at a speed of 360 kmph. Vaishnaw reiterated on Thursday that the first phase of the project will be completed in August 2027. NMCs garbage transfer station at Ambazari stokes health controversy NMCs garbage transfer station in Ambazari. Staff Reporter : A growing environmental and administrative storm is brewing in the heart of the city as the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) faces sharp criticism for converting a prime plot near Ambazari Lake into a makeshift garbage transfer station. The site, which reportedly belongs to Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University, has become a central dumping point for the Dharampeth Zone, leading to severe health concerns for residents in the area. According to local reports and environmental activists, the NMC has been using this centrally located land to consolidate waste collected from across the zone. Heavy vehicles and door-to-door collection vans dump massive quantities of refuse at this center spot before it is eventually shifted to the main city dumping yard at Bhandewadi. However, sometimes the slow removal process has turned the area into a permanent eyesore, with stinking mounds of rotting waste attracting stray cattle and creating a foul odour that blankets nearby residential pockets. The most contentious aspect of this operation is the ownership of the land. While residents and university advocates claim the NMC is encroaching on university property, the civic body has historically struggled with land management in the Ambazari area. Initially, Prakash Gajbhiye, a political leader, had constructed a skating rink on that land but after the project turned into failure, NMC slowly encroached upon the place and used it as a small garbage station and now they have installed a shed to cover the area, swapping the open place into a massive dumping and transfer station. This situation mirrors previous disputes where the NMC attempted to use heritage agriculture land on North Ambazari Road for city bus parking and other civic utilities without proper sanctions. The current unauthorised dumping yard is viewed by many as a breach of administrative rules, as officials are reportedly using low-lying city spots to dump debris and waste under the guise of filling dips. The Dharampeth Zone has recently been identified as having one of the highest numbers of garbage vulnerable points in the city. Residents living nearby the dump station report unbearable stench and an increase in mosquito-borne diseases. Political leaders and citizen groups have staged protests at the NMC headquarters, demanding the immediate closure of such mini-dumping yards. With the High Court recently directing the NMC to shift its primary dumping operations outside city limits, the presence of such a massive waste hub in a prime educational and recreational zone like Ambazari has become a focal point of public anger. Real-life digital arrest switcheroo inspires Nana Patekar-led short awareness film by UP Police LUCKNOW : A REAL-LIFE episode from Kanpur, where a vigilant citizen turned the tables on cyber fraudsters attempting a so-called digital arrest and instead made them pay money to him, has inspired the Uttar Pradesh Police to produce a short film. The awareness film, starring veteran actor Nana Patekar, has been released as part of the sustained public outreach on cyber safety. It draws directly from the Kanpur incident in which imposters, posing as law enforcement officials, tried to intimidate a man into transferring money, officials said. Sensing the fraud, the man outsmarted the conmen, exposing the bluff and reversing the scam, an episode that underscored how awareness and presence of mind can defeat cyber criminals. Mirroring this incident, the short film shows Patekar portraying a common and alert citizen who refuses to panic when confronted with a threatening call. Instead, he engages the fraudster, calmly explains that there is no such thing as a digital arrest, and drives home the message that fear is the biggest weapon used by cyber criminals, officials said. The initiative follows directions by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to strengthen cyber crime prevention across the State. Acting on these instructions, DGP Rajeev Krishna has made cyber crime awareness and prevention a key priority of the Uttar Pradesh Police, officials said. Produced under the DGPs guidance, the film aims to familiarise citizens with emerging cyber fraud techniques, particularly scams involving fake police officers, video calls, intimidation and demands for online payments. Along with Patekar, the film features actress Leena Sharma as his wife, actor Kishore Soni as a fake cyber inspector, and actor Adil Irani as a real police officer. It has been directed by noted filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa, best known for popular Hindi films such as Dream Girl and Dream Girl 2. Scripted by Rahul Srivastava, Additional Superintendent of Police and PRO to the DGP, the short film has been released across all official social media platforms of the Uttar Pradesh Police to ensure wide reach. Officials said the film clearly conveys that digital arrest has no legal basis and that any call or video interaction that seeks to frighten citizens into transferring money or sharing personal details should immediately raise an alarm. Beyond films, the Uttar Pradesh Police have been investing heavily in direct public engagement. The DGP has personally participated online in 11 zonal-level cyber awareness workshops, connecting with people from over 25 districts. More than one lakh citizens -- including students, traders, public representatives and professionals -- have been sensitised about cyber crime patterns, preventive measures and the importance of quick reporting. Highlighting the continuity of such efforts, DGP Krishna said, Uttar Pradesh Police has earlier also produced impactful short films on various occasions to promote public awareness. During the Maha Kumbh 2025, a short film featuring actor Shashi Verma was broadcast to alert people about hotel accommodation scams. Similarly, short films starring actor Sanjay Mishra to raise awareness about online frauds, actor Rajkummar Rao and actress Triptii Dimri on the dangers of sharing OTPs, and actor Ajay Devgn and actress Taapsee Pannu on the ill-effects of Internet addiction have already been produced, he said. Officials said these campaigns are designed to build confidence among citizens and encourage them not to panic when faced with cyber threats, but to verify information and immediately report suspicious activity. Sombre mood in Cong camp Staff Reporter : Congress rebels Bhutto, Babhre, Chaudhari to contest n 150, including over 10 ex-Corporators, withdraw Except three candidates, the Congress party did not witness too many rebels for the Nagpur Municipal elections. On the day of withdrawal, its three candidates, who were denied tickets, decided to remain in fray as independents. It shows that the party, which used to get torrent of applications from the workers, now is not in demand. Nearly 5,000 aspirants applied for 151 seats from BJP but Congress did not witness such an overwhelming response from its party workers. Zulfakar Bhutto, a close confidant of former Minister Anees Ahmed; Kamlesh Chaudhari, son of former corporator Dilip Chaudhari was dismissed from the party for the anti-party activity in 2024 Assembly polls and Vijay Babhre were denied tickets by Congress in Nagpur Municipal polls. They have now decided to contest as independents. Zulfakar Bhutto, who had won from Prabhag 8 in 2017 as an official party candidate, did not get ticket this time. According to the party leaders, this is for the first time that Congress remained united and could prevent the rebellion except in case of these three candidates. But some experts said that Congress gave tickets in a haphazard manner with little calculations. It is evident from the fact that though the party claimed that there were a lot of aspirants, the reality was different. Bhutto and Babhre are the experienced leaders in Congress as far as corporation politics is concerned. Denying tickets to them may come back to haunt Congress, which is aiming to increase its tally from 29 seats which it had won in 2017. Lack of response from the party workers also shows that Congress is contesting polls without a winning instinct. Hazare withdraws, Congress claims no rebellion To achieve the target of Mission 100 Nagarsevak with the support of people, all leaders and workers of Congress are united, and no rebels remained in the fray, Congress claimed. Around 150 Congress leaders, including over 10 former corporators, withdrew their nomination papers on Friday and resolved to bring Congress back to power after 19 years. Former corporators who withdrew include Purushottam Hazare from Prabhag-25, Rashmi Uikey from Prabhag-10, Arun Dawre from Prabhag-12, Amar Bagde from Prabhag-13, Asha Uikey from Prabhag-8, Jishan Mumtaz Mohammed Irfan Ansari from Prabhag-8, and Farhan Khan Kurban Khan from Prabhag-19. Taking a party first stand, popular Congress leaders such as Owais Kadri, Pooja Manmode, Rajesh Tiwari, Munna Verma, Sudhakar Todase, Maya Wankhede, Fardin Ganni Khan, and others also withdrew their nominations. President of Nagpur City (District) Congress Committee, Vikas Thakre, along with other Congress leaders including North Nagpur MLA Nitin Raut, MLC Abhijeet Wanjari, Girish Pandav, Atul Kotecha, Praful Gudadhe, Bunty Shelke, thanked all those who withdrew their nomination papers. Three students booked for womans ragging, professor for sexual harassment in HP SHIMLA/DHARAMSHALA : THREE students of a government college in Himachal Pradeshs Dharamshala have been booked for ragging and voluntarily causing hurt while a professor has been booked for sexual harassment of a 19-year-old woman who died on December 26, police said on Friday. The woman student died during treatment at a Ludhiana hospital on December 26 and the case was registered on Thursday following a complaint by the father of the victim. In his complaint, the deceased students father alleged that his daughter was beaten by three seniors, Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika, on September 18, 2025, while a college professor, Ashok Kumar, indulged in obscene acts with her. Due to the beating and harassment, the student was hospitalised and she died during treatment, the complaint said. The father of the deceased woman alleged that following these incidents, his daughter went into severe mental stress and fear, leading to a rapid deterioration in her health. He said that a police complaint could not be lodged earlier as his daughter was traumatised and had to be hospitalised. A case under sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act 2009 has been registered and investigations are on, the police said. Confirming that a case has been registered, Kangra Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashok Ratan said that all the allegations are being thoroughly investigated. Medical records, video evidence and statements of all concerned are being examined, he said. The case gained momentum after a video of the victim on her deathbed went viral on social media. In the video, the victim accused the professor of indecent acts, mental harassment and intimidation when she protested against his behaviour. The police said that a complaint was initially received through the Chief Ministers Sankalp Seva Helpline and an investigation team but the students statement could not be recorded as she was unwell at the time. The police later recorded the statement of the victims father. Preliminary investigations by the police pointed out that the deceased student was enrolled in the college in 2024. She allegedly faced ragging by some students and failed her BA first-year examination. She subsequently stopped attending college after the results were declared in July 2025. Her name was struck off the college rolls on August 21, 2025. The student is believed to have visited the college again in September seeking admission, where she was informed that she would be admitted to the second year only if she cleared the re-evaluation, failing which she would have to re-enrol in the first year. Meanwhile, the accused professor has denied all allegations levelled against him. Some teachers have come in support of the professor. The professor said that the student had studied under him in a previous academic session and was not his student in the current session. ABVP State Secretary Nancy Atal said that the accused should be brought to book to ensure that such incidents do not occur in future. A delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) led by former mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Sanjay Chauhan, on Friday submitted a memorandum to the director general of police here demanding an impartial inquiry into the case by a senior police officer. Chauhan said that as the woman belonged to the Dalit community, the case should be probed from relevant aspects. A social activist, Ravi Kumar Dalit, sat on a dharna at the Ridge here demanding a judicial inquiry into the case. Talking to reporters, he said that the law and order situation has deteriorated in the state. Himachal Scheduled Caste Commission Chairperson Kuldeep Kumar told PTI that a report in this regard has been sought from Kangra SP. Questioning the role of the police in the case and the delay in the investigation, he warned to sit on a dharna outside the Chief Ministers official residence if a judicial probe was not ordered in the case. Abercrombie & Fitch Company (NYSE:ANF Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twelve ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $110.10. A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Abercrombie & Fitch from $78.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Wall Street Zen lowered Abercrombie & Fitch from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, December 27th. Telsey Advisory Group restated an outperform rating and set a $125.00 target price on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, BTIG Research dropped their price target on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $120.00 to $118.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Get Abercrombie & Fitch alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Abercrombie & Fitch Abercrombie & Fitch Trading Down 1.8% Shares of NYSE ANF opened at $123.63 on Wednesday. Abercrombie & Fitch has a 1-year low of $65.40 and a 1-year high of $164.80. The company has a 50-day moving average of $94.65 and a two-hundred day moving average of $90.35. The company has a market cap of $5.67 billion, a PE ratio of 11.85 and a beta of 1.17. Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The apparel retailer reported $2.36 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.14 by $0.22. Abercrombie & Fitch had a net margin of 10.07% and a return on equity of 38.01%. The business had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.28 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.50 earnings per share. Abercrombie & Fitchs revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Abercrombie & Fitch will post 10.62 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ANF. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Abercrombie & Fitch by 181.6% in the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 352 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 227 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Abercrombie & Fitch during the second quarter worth about $38,000. Blue Trust Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the 3rd quarter worth about $38,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 108.2% in the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 481 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 268.0% in the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 666 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $56,000 after acquiring an additional 485 shares during the period. Abercrombie & Fitch Company Profile (Get Free Report) Abercrombie & Fitch Co (NYSE: ANF) is an American specialty retailer that designs, markets and sells casual apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Founded in 1892 by David T. Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch, the company evolved from an outdoor gear outfitter to a global lifestyle brand renowned for its relaxed, preppy aesthetic. Its product assortment includes tops, bottoms, outerwear, intimates, swimwear, fragrances and personal care items. The company operates under multiple brand names, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each targeting distinct consumer segments from teens to young adults. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Annovis Bio, Inc. (NYSE:ANVS Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Hold by the five analysts that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $13.50. A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (e+) rating on shares of Annovis Bio in a report on Monday. Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $17.00 target price on shares of Annovis Bio in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Get Annovis Bio alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Annovis Bio Insider Transactions at Annovis Bio Institutional Investors Weigh In On Annovis Bio In other news, CEO Maria-Luisa Maccecchini acquired 97,561 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were bought at an average price of $2.05 per share, with a total value of $200,000.05. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 1,212,020 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,484,641. This trade represents a 8.75% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, Director Michael B. Hoffman acquired 45,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 8th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $4.31 per share, for a total transaction of $193,950.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 2,574,739 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,097,125.09. This trade represents a 1.78% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure . Over the last three months, insiders have purchased 1,192,371 shares of company stock worth $2,655,537. 20.80% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ANVS. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Annovis Bio by 69.3% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 14,900 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 6,100 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new position in Annovis Bio in the second quarter worth about $52,000. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Annovis Bio by 20.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 183,287 shares of the companys stock worth $398,000 after purchasing an additional 30,674 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Annovis Bio by 5.9% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 738,003 shares of the companys stock worth $1,528,000 after purchasing an additional 41,239 shares during the period. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new stake in Annovis Bio during the second quarter valued at approximately $197,000. Institutional investors own 15.83% of the companys stock. Annovis Bio Price Performance NYSE ANVS opened at $3.63 on Friday. Annovis Bio has a fifty-two week low of $1.11 and a fifty-two week high of $5.60. The stocks 50-day moving average is $3.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.77. The firm has a market cap of $96.22 million, a P/E ratio of -2.52 and a beta of 1.46. Annovis Bio (NYSE:ANVS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.37) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.36) by ($0.01). On average, equities analysts expect that Annovis Bio will post -2.19 EPS for the current year. Annovis Bio Company Profile (Get Free Report) Annovis Bio, Inc (NYSE: ANVS) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Tampa, Florida, focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders. Leveraging a proprietary platform that targets protein trafficking and translational dysregulation, Annovis aims to restore cellular homeostasis by modulating the production and clearance of disease-related proteins. The companys pipeline is designed to address critical pathways implicated in Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system conditions. The companys lead asset, ANVS401 (Posiphen), is an oral small molecule that has been evaluated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials to reduce levels of amyloid precursor protein and its toxic fragments in Alzheimers patients. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Annovis Bio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Annovis Bio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited (NYSE:ASA Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 6,892 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 30th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $60.34 per share, for a total transaction of $415,863.28. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 5,382,601 shares in the company, valued at $324,786,144.34. This represents a 0.13% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s): Get ASA Gold and Precious Metals alerts: On Wednesday, December 31st, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 9,112 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of $59.99 per share, with a total value of $546,628.88. On Monday, December 29th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 10,111 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $58.81 per share, for a total transaction of $594,627.91. On Friday, December 26th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 714 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $61.92 per share, for a total transaction of $44,210.88. On Wednesday, December 24th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 467 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of $60.76 per share, with a total value of $28,374.92. On Tuesday, December 23rd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 2,524 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $61.75 per share, with a total value of $155,857.00. On Monday, December 22nd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 2,760 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of $60.85 per share, for a total transaction of $167,946.00. On Thursday, December 18th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 3,881 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $57.52 per share, with a total value of $223,235.12. On Wednesday, December 17th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 12,649 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $57.49 per share, with a total value of $727,191.01. On Tuesday, December 16th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 5,846 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $57.02 per share, for a total transaction of $333,338.92. On Monday, December 15th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 7,866 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of $58.10 per share, for a total transaction of $457,014.60. ASA Gold and Precious Metals Stock Down 2.5% NYSE ASA traded down $1.49 during trading on Friday, reaching $58.18. 196,978 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 95,625. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $52.23 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $42.87. ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited has a 1 year low of $20.63 and a 1 year high of $63.02. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals in a report on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ASA Institutional Trading of ASA Gold and Precious Metals Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals by 64.7% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,199 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $147,000 after purchasing an additional 1,257 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new position in ASA Gold and Precious Metals during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $55,000. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC increased its position in ASA Gold and Precious Metals by 4.4% during the third quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 16,110 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $738,000 after buying an additional 681 shares during the period. Almitas Capital LLC acquired a new position in ASA Gold and Precious Metals during the third quarter worth approximately $15,359,000. Finally, Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. purchased a new stake in ASA Gold and Precious Metals in the third quarter valued at approximately $6,411,000. ASA Gold and Precious Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) ASA Gold & Precious Metals Limited, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker ASA, is a closed-end investment company dedicated to providing shareholders with targeted exposure to the precious metals sector. Established in 1959 and domiciled in Guernsey, the company aims to combine dividend income with the potential for long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified suite of gold, silver, platinum and palladium assets. The firms core activities involve constructing and managing a portfolio that blends equity positions in precious metals mining companies with direct holdings of physical bullion. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for ASA Gold and Precious Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASA Gold and Precious Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barratt Redrow (OTCMKTS:BTDPY Get Free Report) and Arcosa (NYSE:ACA Get Free Report) are both mid-cap construction companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk, dividends and valuation. Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.1% of Barratt Redrow shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 90.7% of Arcosa shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.0% of Arcosa shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Barratt Redrow alerts: Dividends Barratt Redrow pays an annual dividend of $0.51 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.9%. Arcosa pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.2%. Arcosa pays out 6.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Barratt Redrow N/A N/A N/A Arcosa 5.25% 7.46% 3.74% Valuation & Earnings This table compares Barratt Redrow and Arcosas net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This table compares Barratt Redrow and Arcosas revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Barratt Redrow $7.22 billion 1.02 $241.22 million N/A N/A Arcosa $2.57 billion 2.04 $93.70 million $3.02 35.34 Barratt Redrow has higher revenue and earnings than Arcosa. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Barratt Redrow and Arcosa, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Barratt Redrow 0 3 2 2 2.86 Arcosa 0 1 4 0 2.80 Arcosa has a consensus target price of $115.00, suggesting a potential upside of 7.74%. Given Arcosas higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Arcosa is more favorable than Barratt Redrow. Risk & Volatility Barratt Redrow has a beta of 1.22, meaning that its stock price is 22% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Arcosa has a beta of 0.99, meaning that its stock price is 1% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Arcosa beats Barratt Redrow on 8 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Barratt Redrow (Get Free Report) Barratt Redrow plc engages in the housebuilding business in the United Kingdom. The company acquires and develops land; plans, designs, and constructs homes, apartments, penthouses, and communities, as well as undertakes mixed-use regeneration schemes; and develops retail, leisure, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. It is also involved in the commercial development business under the Wilson Bowden Developments brand name. The company offers its homes under the Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Barratt London brands. The company was formerly known as Barratt Developments plc and changed its name Barratt Redrow plc in October 2024. Barratt Redrow plc was incorporated in 1958 and is headquartered in Coalville, the United Kingdom. About Arcosa (Get Free Report) Arcosa, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides infrastructure-related products and solutions for the construction, engineered structures, and transportation markets in the United States. It operates through three segments: Construction Products, Engineered Structures, and Transportation Products. The Construction Products segment offers natural and recycled aggregates; specialty materials; and construction site support equipment, including trench shields and shoring products for residential and non-residential construction, and specialty/other products, as well as for infrastructure construction. The Engineered Structures segment offers utility structures, wind towers, traffic structures, and telecommunication structures for electricity transmission and distribution, wind power generation, highway road construction, and wireless communication markets. The Transportation Products segment offers inland barges, fiberglass barge covers, winches, marine hardware, and steel components for railcars and transportation equipment; cast components for industrial and mining sectors; and axles, circular forgings, and coupling devices for freight, tank, locomotive, and passenger rail transportation equipment, as well as other industrial uses. Arcosa, Inc. was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Barratt Redrow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barratt Redrow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE:NUVB Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eleven research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, nine have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $10.5556. Several brokerages have issued reports on NUVB. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $6.00 price target on shares of Nuvation Bio in a report on Monday, October 13th. HC Wainwright upped their target price on Nuvation Bio from $10.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on Nuvation Bio in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. They set a buy rating and a $10.00 target price on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on Nuvation Bio from $7.00 to $8.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, JMP Securities set a $10.00 price objective on Nuvation Bio in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Get Nuvation Bio alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Nuvation Bio Insider Transactions at Nuvation Bio Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nuvation Bio In other Nuvation Bio news, insider Gary Hattersley sold 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.02, for a total transaction of $502,000.00. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, insider Dongfang Liu sold 150,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.82, for a total transaction of $1,173,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 18,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $140,760. This represents a 89.29% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing . Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 320,000 shares of company stock worth $2,050,800. 29.93% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in Nuvation Bio by 472.8% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 675,600 shares of the companys stock worth $2,500,000 after buying an additional 557,656 shares during the period. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd purchased a new stake in Nuvation Bio in the 3rd quarter valued at about $39,000. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Nuvation Bio during the 3rd quarter valued at about $98,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Nuvation Bio by 811.7% during the 3rd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 39,950 shares of the companys stock worth $148,000 after acquiring an additional 35,568 shares during the period. Finally, Connective Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Nuvation Bio in the third quarter worth approximately $369,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.67% of the companys stock. Nuvation Bio Trading Down 4.2% Shares of NUVB stock opened at $8.59 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $2.94 billion, a P/E ratio of -13.41 and a beta of 1.54. The company has a quick ratio of 8.39, a current ratio of 8.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Nuvation Bio has a fifty-two week low of $1.54 and a fifty-two week high of $9.75. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $7.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.37. Nuvation Bio (NYSE:NUVB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported ($0.16) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.17) by $0.01. Nuvation Bio had a negative net margin of 813.07% and a negative return on equity of 54.99%. The business had revenue of $13.12 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.48 million. On average, analysts forecast that Nuvation Bio will post -0.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Nuvation Bio Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nuvation Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing small-molecule therapies for patients with cancer. The company employs an integrated research and development platform that spans target identification, preclinical evaluation, process chemistry, and early-stage clinical trials. By centralizing these capabilities, Nuvation Bio aims to accelerate the translation of promising drug candidates from laboratory research to first-in-human studies. The companys pipeline comprises multiple oncology programs, with small-molecule kinase inhibitors and targeted agents in Phase 1 development for both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nuvation Bio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuvation Bio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dunelm Group (OTCMKTS:DNLMY Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 1.1% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $14.40 and last traded at $14.40. 300 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $14.5539. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Dunelm Group from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, Dunelm Group currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Dunelm Group alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Dunelm Group Dunelm Group Stock Performance About Dunelm Group The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.73. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.31. (Get Free Report) Dunelm Group plc is a UKbased home furnishings retailer known for its extensive network of stores and growing online presence. Founded in 1979 in Leicester by Ron and David Garlick, the company has grown from a single market stall to become one of Britains leading specialists in home accessories, textiles and furniture. Headquartered in Syston, Leicestershire, Dunelm operates over 170 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, serving a broad customer base with a focus on value, quality and design. The companys product range spans soft furnishings such as bedding, curtains, blinds and cushions, as well as furniture items for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Dunelm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dunelm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc. lifted its position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report) by 32.3% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 70,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 17,100 shares during the period. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF were worth $5,615,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 60.6% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 2,677,275 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $200,715,000 after acquiring an additional 1,010,345 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 44.9% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,261,058 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $94,540,000 after purchasing an additional 390,526 shares in the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp lifted its stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 57.6% during the second quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 1,037,186 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $77,758,000 after purchasing an additional 378,947 shares during the period. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 0.5% during the second quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 787,562 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $59,044,000 after purchasing an additional 4,252 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Johns Hopkins University bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $57,761,000. Institutional investors own 64.60% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Japan ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Japan ETF Trading Up 0.7% Shares of EWJ opened at $81.33 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $15.15 billion, a PE ratio of 14.63 and a beta of 0.68. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 1 year low of $59.84 and a 1 year high of $85.31. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $82.37 and a 200-day simple moving average of $79.30. iShares MSCI Japan ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the sixteen ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $26.4615. Several analysts have recently weighed in on FMC shares. Mizuho decreased their price objective on FMC from $30.00 to $24.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 15th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of FMC from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price target on shares of FMC from $43.00 to $19.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 3rd. KeyCorp reaffirmed a sector weight rating on shares of FMC in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of FMC from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $37.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Get FMC alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on FMC FMC Stock Performance NYSE FMC opened at $14.32 on Monday. The companys fifty day moving average is $14.58 and its two-hundred day moving average is $29.70. FMC has a 52-week low of $12.17 and a 52-week high of $57.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.38, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.65. FMC (NYSE:FMC Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The basic materials company reported $0.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.85 by $0.04. FMC had a negative net margin of 14.81% and a positive return on equity of 10.40%. The business had revenue of $542.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.08 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.69 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 49.1% on a year-over-year basis. FMC has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.140-1.360 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 2.920-3.140 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that FMC will post 3.48 EPS for the current year. FMC Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. FMCs dividend payout ratio is currently -7.55%. Insider Activity In related news, Director John Mitchell Raines bought 7,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 13th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $13.77 per share, for a total transaction of $96,390.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 13,784 shares of the companys stock, valued at $189,805.68. This represents a 103.18% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV grew its holdings in shares of FMC by 180.1% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 815 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 524 shares during the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC acquired a new position in FMC in the first quarter valued at about $74,000. Armistice Capital LLC bought a new stake in FMC during the third quarter worth about $204,000. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of FMC by 16.7% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 4,956 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $207,000 after buying an additional 711 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of FMC by 201.2% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,076 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $212,000 after buying an additional 3,391 shares in the last quarter. 91.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. FMC Company Profile (Get Free Report) FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company specializing in the development, manufacture and marketing of crop protection products. Its portfolio includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and plant nutrition solutions designed to enhance crop yield, quality and sustainability. In addition to core crop protection, FMC delivers solutions for turf management and pest control in urban and industrial environments. Founded in 1883 as the Bean Spray Pump Company and later known as Food Machinery Corporation, the business adopted the FMC name in 1948 and has since evolved through strategic acquisitions and divestitures. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for FMC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FMC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fulton Bank N.A. decreased its holdings in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 10.3% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 113,627 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 13,013 shares during the quarter. Fulton Bank N.A.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $5,862,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in BAC. Synergy Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Bank of America by 260.7% during the 3rd quarter. Synergy Asset Management LLC now owns 122,429 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,171,000 after purchasing an additional 88,490 shares during the last quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Bank of America by 5.0% in the third quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC now owns 10,266 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $530,000 after purchasing an additional 490 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 13.1% during the 3rd quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 653,321 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,705,000 after buying an additional 75,756 shares during the last quarter. Brave Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 160.2% during the 3rd quarter. Brave Asset Management Inc. now owns 26,999 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,393,000 after buying an additional 16,624 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GAM Holding AG boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 46.6% during the 3rd quarter. GAM Holding AG now owns 40,029 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,065,000 after buying an additional 12,728 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of America alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have issued reports on BAC shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. HSBC boosted their price target on Bank of America from $51.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Wall Street Zen upgraded Bank of America from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, December 28th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on Bank of America from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Bank of America from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Twenty-three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $58.59. Bank of America Stock Performance BAC opened at $55.94 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 0.79. Bank of America Corporation has a 52-week low of $33.06 and a 52-week high of $56.54. The firm has a market cap of $408.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.24 and a beta of 1.29. The businesss fifty day moving average is $53.80 and its 200-day moving average is $50.59. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.06 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.13. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.76% and a net margin of 15.70%.The business had revenue of $5.35 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.05 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.81 earnings per share. Bank of Americas revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of America Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were issued a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is 30.52%. Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Choosing the right moving company is one of the most important parts of the relocation process. You want to be sure the estimate fits your budget and that the team you hire is capable of handling the job. Fortunately, weve taken care of much of the research for you by evaluating and rating several of the top movers serving the Bentonville area. We considered customer reviews, proper licensing, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and other key factors to compile our list of standout companies. We also contacted our top two picks to request estimates and get a sense of how they interact with potential customers. Heres what we learned. Top Bentonville movers The best moving company in Bentonville for YOU We understand that selecting the right moving company can be challenging. While we stand behind all the movers listed here, the best choice for you will be the one that aligns with both your needs and your budget. If you anticipate needing storage, prioritize companies that provide the storage options you require. If you have bulky or heavy items that require extra effort, look for movers equipped to manage oversized loads. And if saving money is your main concern, compare multiple estimates to find the most competitive offer. We recommend contacting at least three movers before making your final decision. The Two Men and a Truck location in Bentonville scored at the top of our list for the best local mover in the area. The location offers moving, packing, storage and labor-only services. To get an accurate quote, you'll need to provide a full inventory of all the furniture and boxes that need to be moved. The estimate we received to move a three-bedroom house locally in Bentonville came out to be between $995 and $1,395. This price range includes the hourly rate for three movers ($199 per hour), one truck, a $20 fuel charge, the deposit fee (first hour of labor) and all the packing material and tools needed for the job. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is another great option for a local mover servicing Bentonville. Located in Springdale, this College Hunks location offers moving, packing, storage, junk removal and much more. For our move from a three-bedroom house, we were quoted $1,391. Just like with Two Men and a Truck, you'll need to provide a full household inventory in order to receive a quote. The estimate we were given covers the cost of three movers (priced at $192 per hour), one truck, a $208 travel fee, the deposit fee ($99) and the tools and supplies necessary for the move. Table of contents Best moving companies in Bentonville, Ark. Two Men and a Truck is the best overall Bentonville moving company The Two Men and a Truck (Bentonville) crew in a group picture (Two Men and a Truck) The Two Men and a Truck location in Bentonville has been in the moving business for more than 30 years, offering moving, packing, storage and labor-only services. We called the business for a quote to move a three-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot house locally in Bentonville. The person we connected with over the phone was Hannah, a sales representative with the company. Hannah was friendly, polite and happy to help us out with our move. In order to receive a quote, you'll need to provide a full inventory of all the furniture and boxes that need to be moved. You can either provide the inventory over the phone with a representative or fill out a form online. Our move was estimated to be between $995 and $1,393. This estimate includes the hourly rate for three movers ($199 per hour), a one-time fuel charge ($20), the deposit fee and the cost of supplies and tools. When moving day rolls around, the movers will arrive with shrink wrap and blankets to protect your furniture, as well as dollies and moving straps to transport heavier items. They'll also disassemble and reassemble any pieces of furniture as needed. Services offered Local and long-distance moving Packing Storage Labor-only services Student moves Commercial moves The company has a two-hour minimum, after which everything is billed in 15-minute increments. You'll need to pay the first hour of labor upfront as a deposit to lock in your move date. Bear in mind that it's non-refundable. The rest of the payment is due after the move is complete and can be made with cash, card or check, and there aren't any processing or convenience fees to worry about when paying with a card. We were also told that all the movers are full-time employees who must pass a background check prior to starting. Two Men and a Truck (Bentonville) is a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating and three filed complaints. It has a 4.6-star rating on Google (450 reviews) and a 3.3-star rating on Yelp (seven reviews). The business is located at 1500 Phyllis St., Bentonville, Ark., 72712. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday. It's closed on Sundays. To get your quote started, you can call 479-202-4498 or visit its website. Customer testimonial They did a great job packing everything and making sure everything got put into the right spot in new house. Secured everything so no damages. 5th time using them and recommend them for any move. - John G., Google reviews () * See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews Two Men and a Truck Best overall mover in Bentonville Two Men and a Truck The Two Men and a Truck location in Bentonville offers moving, packing, storage and labor-only services within the city and surrounding areas. They prefer to charge a flat rate for moving services. Just know that you'll need to provide an inventory of all the items you need to move. You'll also pay a $20 fuel fee (for local moves), and the deposit is non-refundable. Pros Local and long-distance moving Packing and storage No hidden fees when paying with a credit or debit card Movers are full-time, background-checked staff Cons Deposit is non-refundable Closed on Sundays Get estimate College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is our top alternative Bentonville mover The College Hunks (Springdale) crew in a group picture (College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving) Founded in 2021, the College Hunks location in Springdale is relatively young. However, they offer a wide range of services, like moving, packing, storage, junk removal and labor-only services. We called the company to get an idea of how much it might cost to move a three-bedroom house locally in Bentonville. The quote process with College Hunks can be a bit time-consuming. When you call their number, you'll be directed to a corporate call center, where a representative will take down some information about your move and pass your contact information to a local College Hunks branch in your area. From there, a local representative will ask you to provide a full inventory of the furniture and boxes that need to be moved. Once that's done, you'll receive an email with an estimate to review and sign. The estimate for our move came out to $1,391. This includes the hourly rate for three movers ($192 per hour), a $208 travel fee, the deposit charge and all the packing supplies necessary for the job. The movers will show up with everything needed to properly handle your stuff (plastic wrap, blankets, dollies, straps and tools). They'll also disassemble and reassemble your furniture and move it to the room of your choice. Any TVs you have will need to be boxed up, and mattresses will be bagged. You can either purchase your own supplies or have the supplies added to your estimate. College Hunks offers TV boxes for $30 and mattress bags for $15. Services offered Local and long-distance moves Packing Storage Junk removal Labor-only services Commercial moves The company has a two-hour minimum for moving jobs, and you'll be asked to pay a $99 deposit fee to secure your move date. This deposit is fully refundable as long as you cancel at least seven days in advance. Payments can be made with cash, card or check. There aren't any processing fees when paying with a credit or debit card. Additionally, all the movers are full-time employees who have undergone background checks. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (Springdale) is not a BBB-accredited business, but it does have an A+ rating and no filed complaints. It has a 4.9-star rating on Google (630 reviews) and a 4.3-star rating on Yelp (six reviews). The business is located at 460 W. Randall Wobbe Ln. A, Springdale, Ark., 72764. It is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. To start a quote, call 479-239-8553 or visit the company's website. Customer testimonial We were so pleased with College Hunks of Springdale. They were prompt, efficient, friendly, thoughtful and careful with our possessions. Lots of transparency when we set up the move and on the day of. Tim and Eric were exceptional. I would use them again in a heartbeat! - Elise M., Google reviews () * See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews College Hunk Hauling Junk & Moving Top alternative Bentonville moving company College Hunk Hauling Junk & Moving The College Hunk Hauling Junk and Moving location in Springdale offers assistance with moving, packing, storage, junk removal and more. To receive a flat rate estimate, you'll be asked to provide a household inventory list. Keep in mind that you'll be asked to pay a $99 deposit fee to schedule your move, and the travel fees are based on distance from their office in Springdale. Pros Local and long-distance moving Packing and storage Junk removal No hidden fees on card payments Staff is full-time and background-checked Cons Deposit required Expensive travel fee Extremely young business Get estimate BLVD Moving is the best national moving company The BLVD Moving crew poses for a group photo (BLVD Moving) At Yahoo Local, were committed to spotlighting outstanding local businesses, but we also recognize that national moving companies can sometimes be the better fit, particularly for long-distance moves. After reviewing several nationwide providers, we selected BLVD Moving as our top recommendation on our list of the best national movers. If youre weighing the pros and cons of local vs. national companies, our full comparison guide offers helpful insights. BLVD Moving is led by a team of experienced professionals with decades of relocation expertise. Although the company currently operates four offices in California, it offers both local and long-distance moving services across the country. As a family-owned and independently run business, BLVD manages its own trucks and staff, though its terms specify that subcontractors or agents may occasionally be used during peak demand. This is a standard industry practice, but it's worth noting. To gauge pricing, we requested a quote for a 500-mile move involving around 1,340 cubic feet of belongings, which is roughly comparable to what youd find in an average three-bedroom home without major appliances. The estimate came out to about $6,700, which aligns with typical rates from other national movers. To secure a reservation, BLVD requires a 33% deposit, with half of the remaining balance due at pickup and the final payment due upon delivery. Services offered Local and long-distance moves Residential, office and commercial moves Packing services Storage Financing If your plans change, BLVD allows cancellations with a full deposit refund as long as you provide at least two business days notice before pickup. Delivery windows span from two to 21 business days, depending on distance. This timeframe begins on the delivery date you select, meaning long-distance shipments can sometimes take just over a month. To ensure availability, especially during busy months like summer or at the beginning and end of each month, the company recommends booking at least 30 days ahead. The quote process is straightforward: you can schedule a virtual walkthrough or complete an online inventory form for a quicker estimate. Financing is also available, with qualified customers eligible for introductory rates starting at 0%. BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB with a B rating and has 99 complaints on record, which is typical for a moving company of its size. It holds an average rating of 4.4 stars on Google (from 1,437 reviews) and 2.4 stars on Yelp (393 reviews). All movers are direct employees who undergo background checks rather than independent contractors. BLVDs headquarters are located at 21622 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. The company operates daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. To request a quote, call 844-274-0500 or submit an online inquiry. Customer testimonial Kevin & his crew were incredible! Very helpful with detaching appliances like washing machine & dryer that had been there for many years. We were also really impressed with how quickly they worked especially when they picking up the furniture amid the chaos in our house. We were dreading moving day and they definitely made the day better than expected. Thank you, Kevin & Crew! - Gene K., Google reviews () * See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews BLVD Moving Best national mover BLVD Moving BLVD Moving is our top pick for a national mover due to its combination of experience, flexibility and relatively strong Google reviews. It has background-checked crews, but it also reserves the right in its terms and conditions to subcontract your move or assign it to agents. The quote process is smooth, in our experience, requiring a simple online inventory, and BLVD's cancellation policy is relatively good. Pros Has its own movers and fleet Background-checked crews Local and long-distance moves Offers virtual estimates Cons Can subcontract jobs to other movers Relatively high deposit No GPS tracking Mixed Yelp reviews Get estimate More best Bentonville movers Little Guys Movers Good long-distance option Little Guys Movers Little Guys Movers can help you out with both residential and commercial moving, packing, storage, junk removal and specialty item moving. The crew shows up with the truck and all the tools for the job, ready to go. You don't need to pay a deposit fee to book your move, but there is a $45 travel fee to be aware of, and card payments will cost 3% extra. Pros Local and long-distance moving Packing and storage No deposit required Movers are background-checked Cons 3% processing fee for card payments Travel fees Get estimate JB's Precision Moving Best for packing and unpacking JB's Precision Moving Located in Springdale, JB's Precision Moving offers both residential and commercial moving services in the area. Along with moving services, they'll also help with packing and unpacking your belongings. Pros Local moving Packing and unpacking Licensed and insured Cons No storage options Website could use an update Get estimate B-2 Movers Best for storage B-2 Movers B-2 Moving is located in Rogers and offers moving, packing, storage and labor-only services. In addition to offering a climate-controlled storage facility, the company lists all its hourly rates online and what they include. Pros Local and long-distance moves Packing and storage Price transparency Licensed and insured Cons Higher hourly rates Get estimate You can count on Yahoo Local moving advice, and this is why We've spent a long time providing accurate information about local businesses at Yahoo (decades, in fact). Our Yahoo Local guides continue that tradition, aiming to give you the most accurate information possible about which local businesses are worth your time and hard-earned money. We don't just want you to trust our word on that, though we show you by providing all the details behind our methodology and what goes into our picks. Using a custom ranking system built by our team, we've created what we think is the most objective way to highlight the very best local companies in your area. We never accept payment to be included in our lists, and you won't find us using sponsored picks. Want more details? Visit our full methodology page. Below is everything that went into the rankings for our list of the best moving companies in Bentonville: 62 movers evaluated 6,634 customer reviews and ratings from five sources 14 ranking criteria incorporated Interviewed or connected with all three featured movers Independent price quotes sought from all three featured moving companies Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly Arkansas moving FAQs What info should you have when requesting an estimate? The information required for a moving estimate can vary significantly from one company to another, depending on how detailed their pricing system is. Some movers request only the basicsyour homes square footage, number of bedrooms and the pickup and drop-off addresses. Others wont provide a firm quote until theyve reviewed a full inventory of all the items you plan to move. At the very least, you should be prepared to share the size of both your current and new homes, the complete addresses and details about any large or specialty items that will require extra care. Many movers charge additional fees for items that exceed certain weight limits, so providing this information early can help you avoid unexpected charges. You should also mention whether there are stairs or elevators at either location, as these often come with added fees. What should you know about packing and storage in Arkansas? Arkansas experiences all four seasons. In Bentonville, temperatures typically vary from 28F to 90F and are rarely below 12F or above 98F, according to Weather Spark. Belongings such as electronics, art supplies, synthetic fabrics, cosmetics and medications can be damaged by high temperatures. These items are best transported in a climate-controlled vehicle. If youll need storage, its wise to invest a bit more in an indoor or climate-regulated facility to keep them safe. What's different about condo and apartment moving in Arkansas? Relocating to or from an apartment or condo often involves navigating stairs. Many movers apply extra fees for carrying belongings up several flights, and some also charge for elevator use. While a single flight may not result in an added cost, units situated on the third floor or higher typically come with an additional fee. Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in Arkansas? Yes, any for-hire moving company that transports household goods within Arkansas is required to obtain an Intrastate Operating Authority. Specifically, they need a Household Goods Carrier Permit before performing moves. This licensing process is administered by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), with the agencys Legal Division overseeing Intrastate Motor Carrier Authority. For more information, check out our guide on Arkansas's moving licensing and regulations. How much should you tip movers in Arkansas? A typical recommendation for tipping movers is to give between 10% and 20% of your total moving cost. This applies to both local and long-distance moves. However, tipping is entirely optional its simply a gesture to show appreciation for quality service. If the movers dont meet your expectations, theres no obligation to leave a tip. More Yahoo Local-approved Arkansas providers Best Arkansas movers Bentonville / Little Rock Best Arkansas roofers Little Rock Gold Standard Ventures Corp. (CVE:GSV Get Free Report)s share price rose 1.3% on Friday . The company traded as high as C$2.05 and last traded at C$2.02. Approximately 102,208 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 49% from the average daily volume of 200,636 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.99. Gold Standard Ventures Price Performance The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$2.02 and a 200 day moving average price of C$2.01. Gold Standard Ventures Company Profile (Get Free Report) Gold Standard Ventures Corp. is focused on the acquisition and exploration of district-scale and other gold-bearing mineral resource properties completely in the State of Nevada, the United States. The Company operates through the acquisition and exploration of exploration and evaluation assets segment. Its Railroad-Pinion Project is an early to intermediate stage gold exploration project situated at the southeast end of the Carlin Trend of north-central Nevada. The Railroad-Pinion Project straddles the Pinon Range in the Railroad Mining District of northeastern Nevada and consists of a contiguous land position totaling approximately 30,404 gross acres and over 28,721 net acres of land in Elko County, Nevada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Gold Standard Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gold Standard Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico, S.A. de C.V. (NYSE:PAC Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the seven analysts that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $210.00. A number of research firms recently weighed in on PAC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup reissued a hold rating on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. Bank of America upgraded Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico from an underperform rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Get Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico alerts: View Our Latest Report on Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico Institutional Trading of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico Price Performance Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Dorsey Wright & Associates bought a new stake in Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico in the third quarter worth about $1,353,000. Morningstar Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,305,000. Laurion Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $223,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co lifted its stake in Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico by 4.3% in the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 32,685 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $7,937,000 after purchasing an additional 1,333 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Voleon Capital Management LP bought a new position in Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico during the third quarter valued at $549,000. Institutional investors own 11.73% of the companys stock. Shares of PAC opened at $261.26 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $237.66 and its 200 day moving average is $235.90. Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico has a 12-month low of $168.62 and a 12-month high of $273.40. The company has a quick ratio of 2.01, a current ratio of 2.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.21. The stock has a market cap of $13.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.07, a P/E/G ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 1.02. Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico (NYSE:PAC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The transportation company reported $2.86 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.96 by ($0.10). Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico had a net margin of 25.27% and a return on equity of 42.07%. The business had revenue of $522.83 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.04 billion. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico will post 10 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, SAB. de C.V. (NYSE:PAC), commonly known as GAP, is a leading airport operator in Mexico. Established in 1998 as part of the federal governments airport privatization program, GAP holds longterm concession agreementstypically 50 yearsto manage, develop and operate airports under a publicprivate partnership model. Through these concessions, the company undertakes terminal expansions, runway maintenance and the modernization of navigation and security systems. The companys portfolio comprises 12 airports across Mexicos Pacific and western regions, including major hubs such as Guadalajara, Tijuana, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, as well as regional facilities in Aguascalientes, Morelia and La Paz. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the six ratings firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, two have issued a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $16.00. Several brokerages have recently weighed in on HMY. Hsbc Global Res upgraded Harmony Gold Mining from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Investec raised Harmony Gold Mining to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Harmony Gold Mining in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Harmony Gold Mining from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 20th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Harmony Gold Mining from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Get Harmony Gold Mining alerts: View Our Latest Report on Harmony Gold Mining Harmony Gold Mining Stock Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Harmony Gold Mining Shares of NYSE HMY opened at $19.55 on Monday. Harmony Gold Mining has a 1 year low of $8.23 and a 1 year high of $22.25. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $18.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $16.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 1.72 and a quick ratio of 1.41. A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Colonial Trust Advisors purchased a new position in Harmony Gold Mining during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Assetmark Inc. raised its position in Harmony Gold Mining by 907.5% during the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,753 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,579 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its position in Harmony Gold Mining by 181.8% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 2,773 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 1,789 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 2nd quarter worth $55,000. 31.79% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Harmony Gold Mining Company Profile (Get Free Report) Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited is a South Africabased precious metals producer primarily engaged in the exploration, mining and processing of gold. The company operates a portfolio of underground and surface mining operations, targeting both reef-hosted and alluvial deposits. In addition to gold, Harmonys activities encompass the extraction of copper as a byproduct at its Papua New Guinea operations. In South Africa, Harmonys mining footprint includes deep-level underground operations in the Witwatersrand Basin, where it employs a combination of conventional and mechanized mining methods. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Harmony Gold Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harmony Gold Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swedbank (OTCMKTS:SWDBY Get Free Report) and Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, institutional ownership, risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, profitability and earnings. Profitability This table compares Swedbank and Bank Hapoalims net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Swedbank alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Swedbank 26.30% 15.55% 1.06% Bank Hapoalim 21.60% 14.60% 1.20% Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations for Swedbank and Bank Hapoalim, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Swedbank 3 3 0 1 1.86 Bank Hapoalim 0 1 0 0 2.00 Dividends Risk & Volatility Swedbank pays an annual dividend of SEK 2.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.7%. Bank Hapoalim pays an annual dividend of $3.82 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. Swedbank pays out 69.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Bank Hapoalim pays out 38.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Swedbank has a beta of 0.65, indicating that its share price is 35% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Bank Hapoalim has a beta of 1.16, indicating that its share price is 16% more volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Swedbank and Bank Hapoalims top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Swedbank $17.47 billion 2.27 $3.30 billion SEK 2.89 12.22 Bank Hapoalim $10.95 billion 2.86 $2.08 billion $9.89 12.04 Swedbank has higher revenue and earnings than Bank Hapoalim. Bank Hapoalim is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Swedbank, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Swedbank beats Bank Hapoalim on 7 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Swedbank (Get Free Report) Swedbank AB (publ) provides various banking products and services to private and corporate customers in Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the United States, Finland, Denmark, Luxembourg, and China. The company operates through three business areas: Swedish Banking, Baltic Banking, and Corporates and Institutions. It offers savings accounts, mutual funds and insurance savings, pension savings, institutional asset management, and other savings and investment products; private residential lending, consumer financing, corporate lending, leasing, and other financing products, as well as trade finance and factoring services; and current accounts, cash handling, debit and credit cards, and card acquiring, as well as domestic, international, mobile, document, and other payment products. The company also provides equity trading, structured products, corporate finance, custody services, fixed income and currency trading, and other capital market products; and administrative services, treasury operations, real estate brokerage and management services, legal services, safe deposit boxes, and other services. In addition, it offers pension insurance and plan, life, endowment insurance, and personal insurance products; investment management, investment banking, and mortgage lending services; and transaction banking services comprising cash management, securities, account, and clearing and settlement services, as well as Internet and mobile banking services. The company was formerly known as ForeningsSparbanken AB and changed its name to Swedbank AB (publ) in September 2006. Swedbank AB (publ) was founded in 1820 and is headquartered in Sundbyberg, Sweden. About Bank Hapoalim (Get Free Report) Bank Hapoalim B.M., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial products and services in Israel and internationally. It operates through Household, Private Banking, Small businesses and micro businesses, Mid-sized businesses, Large businesses, Institutional entities, and Financial management segments. The company offers account-management services, lending for various purposes, deposits, and savings plans, and capital-market service; housing loans; research and advisory services; and pension advisory and retirement planning services. It also provides products and services for the expansion of a business, advanced digital services, and a service center specializing in businesses; credit for routine operations and investment financing, guarantees, letters of credit, foreign trade, and transactions in financial and derivative instruments, as well as investment services in various channels, such as foreign currency, shekels, and securities. In addition, the company offers financial services, including foreign-trade financing, financing of working capital, financing of assets overseas, complex financing transactions, syndication, and credit-risk transfers; and financing of construction projects, granting credit to customers, and issuing guarantees to buyers of homes. Further, it provides managers of mutual funds, managers of investment portfolios, and managers of provident funds, study funds, and pension funds; trading activities; underwriting services; and brokerage and custody services. The company serves households, private-banking customers, foreign residents, small businesses, financial-asset managers, middle-market business clients, and large corporations. Bank Hapoalim B.M. was founded in 1921 and is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Receive News & Ratings for Swedbank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Swedbank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zacks Research cut shares of Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Free Report) from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note released on Thursday morning,Zacks.com reports. HPP has been the subject of a number of other research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $16.50 price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $2.60 price target on Hudson Pacific Properties in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Hudson Pacific Properties to $14.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in a report on Monday. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $21.00 to $17.50 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $18.46. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: View Our Latest Report on HPP Hudson Pacific Properties Stock Up 3.7% HPP opened at $11.23 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $608.89 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.66 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 1.78. The business has a 50-day moving average of $13.37 and a two-hundred day moving average of $16.94. Hudson Pacific Properties has a 12 month low of $9.96 and a 12 month high of $24.01. Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.02. Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative net margin of 59.61% and a negative return on equity of 16.24%. The firm had revenue of $186.62 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $186.05 million. Hudson Pacific Properties has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.010-0.050 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Hudson Pacific Properties will post 0.45 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Abel Hall LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Ethic Inc. acquired a new stake in Hudson Pacific Properties in the third quarter valued at $28,000. Evergreen Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties during the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties during the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.58% of the companys stock. Hudson Pacific Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a self-managed real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition, development and management of high-quality office and studio properties. The companys portfolio spans strategic West Coast markets in the United States and key markets in Canada, providing space for technology, media and creative companies as well as major film and television producers. As an owner and operator of both traditional office buildings and specialized production facilities, Hudson Pacific seeks to deliver stable income through long-term leases and strategic property enhancements. In its office segment, Hudson Pacific targets markets with strong job growth and limited supply, including Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, San Diego and Seattle, as well as Vancouver, British Columbia. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd decreased its holdings in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Free Report) by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 346,536 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 9,809 shares during the quarter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Sherwin-Williams were worth $119,992,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. MTM Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams in the second quarter valued at about $26,000. Valley National Advisers Inc. lifted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 68.0% in the 2nd quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 84 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 104.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 86 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams during the second quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Sherwin-Williams in the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. 77.67% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: Sherwin-Williams Trading Up 1.2% NYSE SHW opened at $327.96 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $81.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.00, a PEG ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.82. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a one year low of $308.84 and a one year high of $379.65. The companys 50 day moving average price is $333.78 and its 200 day moving average price is $343.07. Sherwin-Williams Dividend Announcement Sherwin-Williams ( NYSE:SHW Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.44 by $0.15. Sherwin-Williams had a net margin of 11.05% and a return on equity of 66.75%. The company had revenue of $6.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.21 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.37 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Sherwin-Williams has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.250-11.450 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 12 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $0.79 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $3.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. Sherwin-Williamss payout ratio is currently 30.83%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently issued reports on SHW. Citigroup upgraded shares of Sherwin-Williams from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $392.00 to $390.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $375.00 to $368.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $422.00 target price (up from $400.00) on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $405.00 price target on Sherwin-Williams and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $378.00 to $385.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $390.07. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Sherwin-Williams About Sherwin-Williams (Free Report) Sherwin-Williams (NYSE: SHW) is a global manufacturer and distributor of paints, coatings and related products. Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company supplies a broad range of coatings for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Its product offering includes architectural paints and stains, industrial and protective coatings, automotive finishes, and a variety of sundry products such as primers, sealants and specialty treatments used by professionals and consumers. The company sells through multiple channels, including a large network of company-operated retail paint stores that serve professional contractors and do-it-yourself consumers, as well as through distributors and mass retailers. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Haleon PLC Sponsored ADR (NYSE:HLN Free Report) by 12.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 821,006 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 90,904 shares during the quarter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Haleon were worth $7,364,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of HLN. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in shares of Haleon by 116.7% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 12,384,135 shares of the companys stock valued at $128,423,000 after purchasing an additional 6,669,923 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in Haleon by 15.5% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 8,776,686 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,014,000 after purchasing an additional 1,174,813 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Haleon by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,857,196 shares of the companys stock worth $81,479,000 after buying an additional 476,823 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Haleon by 3,031.5% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 5,384,661 shares of the companys stock worth $55,813,000 after buying an additional 5,212,711 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of Haleon by 0.7% during the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 4,315,180 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,748,000 after buying an additional 29,287 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 6.67% of the companys stock. Get Haleon alerts: Haleon Trading Down 0.9% NYSE HLN opened at $10.02 on Friday. Haleon PLC Sponsored ADR has a 52 week low of $8.71 and a 52 week high of $11.42. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $9.67 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The firm has a market cap of $44.60 billion, a PE ratio of 25.68 and a beta of 0.19. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have issued reports on HLN shares. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Haleon in a report on Monday, December 15th. Barclays cut shares of Haleon from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Haleon from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Haleon in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $12.33. Get Our Latest Analysis on HLN Haleon Company Profile (Free Report) Haleon plc (NYSE:HLN) is a global consumer healthcare company formed through the separation of a large pharmaceutical groups consumer health business in 2022. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Haleon develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of overthecounter medicines, oral health products, vitamins, minerals and supplements, and other consumer health goods designed for daily selfcare and symptom relief. The companys product mix spans categories such as oral care (toothpastes and sensitivity treatments), pain relief and analgesics, respiratory remedies, digestive health products, topical treatments and nutritional supplements. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Haleon PLC Sponsored ADR (NYSE:HLN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Haleon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Haleon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd trimmed its position in CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE) by 3.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 20,943,262 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 805,474 shares during the period. CAE makes up approximately 3.4% of JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd owned 0.07% of CAE worth $620,290,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. State of Wyoming boosted its holdings in CAE by 39.4% in the first quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 8,431 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $207,000 after acquiring an additional 2,385 shares in the last quarter. Amundi boosted its stake in CAE by 9.3% in the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 293,606 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $6,917,000 after purchasing an additional 24,985 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC acquired a new stake in CAE in the 1st quarter worth approximately $4,170,000. Select Equity Group L.P. grew its holdings in shares of CAE by 16.7% during the first quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. now owns 7,863,984 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $193,314,000 after buying an additional 1,122,470 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in shares of CAE by 142.6% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,709,480 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $42,036,000 after acquiring an additional 1,004,820 shares during the period. 67.36% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get CAE alerts: CAE Stock Performance NYSE CAE opened at $30.92 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $28.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $28.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.87, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 1.15. CAE Inc has a fifty-two week low of $20.36 and a fifty-two week high of $31.68. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CAE ( NYSE:CAE Get Free Report ) (TSE:CAE) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 11th. The aerospace company reported $0.17 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.03. CAE had a return on equity of 7.60% and a net margin of 8.98%.The business had revenue of $897.99 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.24 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that CAE Inc will post 0.83 earnings per share for the current year. A number of brokerages have commented on CAE. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of CAE in a research report on Monday. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price objective on CAE from $41.00 to $40.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded CAE from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, CAE currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $34.33. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CAE CAE Company Profile (Free Report) CAE Inc is a global leader in training and simulation technologies, headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of high-fidelity flight simulators and training systems for civil aviation, defense and security, and healthcare markets. Leveraging advanced software and hardware integration, CAE delivers comprehensive training solutions that address pilot proficiency, mission readiness and patient safety across a wide range of platforms. In civil aviation, CAE partners with major airlines, aircraft manufacturers and flight schools to provide pilot training services, courseware development and crew scheduling solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE). Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd lowered its stake in shares of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,192,794 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 76,179 shares during the quarter. Boston Scientific comprises approximately 1.2% of JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest holding. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $214,082,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BSX. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 1.9% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 137,134,110 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $14,729,575,000 after purchasing an additional 2,545,381 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its position in Boston Scientific by 1.1% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 65,191,864 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $7,002,258,000 after buying an additional 713,379 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Boston Scientific by 2.0% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 32,424,982 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $3,466,320,000 after acquiring an additional 622,602 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Boston Scientific in the 2nd quarter valued at $2,089,937,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 1.4% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 16,851,518 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $1,810,022,000 after purchasing an additional 226,578 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.07% of the companys stock. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Boston Scientific Stock Down 0.7% Boston Scientific stock opened at $94.72 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.51. Boston Scientific Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $85.98 and a fifty-two week high of $109.50. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $97.92 and a 200-day simple moving average of $100.92. The company has a market capitalization of $140.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.65, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.67. Insider Activity Boston Scientific ( NYSE:BSX Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. Boston Scientific had a net margin of 14.43% and a return on equity of 19.46%. The business had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.63 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 20.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Boston Scientific has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.770-0.790 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Boston Scientific Corporation will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current year. In other Boston Scientific news, Director Ellen M. Zane sold 12,891 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.28, for a total value of $1,266,927.48. Following the sale, the director owned 24,134 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,371,889.52. The trade was a 34.82% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 17,313 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.55, for a total value of $1,758,135.15. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 23,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,396,580. This trade represents a 42.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 93,095 shares of company stock valued at $9,305,450. Company insiders own 0.50% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Boston Scientific from $130.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on Boston Scientific from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $124.85. Read Our Latest Report on BSX About Boston Scientific (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) is a global medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of products used in less-invasive medical procedures. Founded in 1979 by John Abele and Peter Nicholas, the company is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and focuses on technologies that enable physicians to treat a wide range of cardiovascular, digestive, urologic, pulmonary and chronic pain conditions without open surgery. Boston Scientifics activities span product development, clinical research, regulatory affairs and commercial sales. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd lowered its position in Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 2.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 11,728,785 shares of the banks stock after selling 267,746 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Bank accounts for approximately 5.2% of JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Toronto Dominion Bank were worth $938,033,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of TD. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in the second quarter worth about $1,543,639,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its position in Toronto Dominion Bank by 93.9% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 12,216,411 shares of the banks stock worth $732,252,000 after buying an additional 5,917,078 shares in the last quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management purchased a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank during the second quarter worth approximately $267,475,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Toronto Dominion Bank by 3.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 77,187,442 shares of the banks stock worth $5,677,291,000 after buying an additional 2,552,603 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Public Sector Pension Investment Board grew its holdings in Toronto Dominion Bank by 1,477.7% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 2,666,729 shares of the banks stock valued at $195,749,000 after buying an additional 2,497,700 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 52.37% of the companys stock. Get Toronto Dominion Bank alerts: Toronto Dominion Bank Price Performance TD opened at $94.49 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $86.58 and its 200 day moving average price is $79.46. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Toronto Dominion Bank has a 12-month low of $53.03 and a 12-month high of $95.05. The firm has a market cap of $159.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.21, a PEG ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.67. Toronto Dominion Bank Increases Dividend Toronto Dominion Bank ( NYSE:TD Get Free Report ) (TSE:TD) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.46 by $0.10. Toronto Dominion Bank had a net margin of 16.52% and a return on equity of 13.90%. The firm had revenue of $11.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.10 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.72 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $1.08 per share. This represents a $4.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This is a positive change from Toronto Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. Toronto Dominion Banks payout ratio is presently 36.65%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have commented on TD shares. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Natl Bk Canada upgraded Toronto Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Raymond James Financial upgraded Toronto Dominion Bank to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Toronto Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, December 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $93.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Toronto Dominion Bank Toronto Dominion Bank Profile (Free Report) Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is a Canadian multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Formed through the 1955 merger of the Bank of Toronto (founded 1855) and the Dominion Bank (founded 1869), TD is one of Canadas largest banks and offers a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial and institutional clients. TDs core businesses include Canadian and U.S. personal and commercial banking, wealth management, wholesale banking and insurance. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD). Receive News & Ratings for Toronto Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Wood Group PLC (OTCMKTS:WDGJF Get Free Report) rose 0.3% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $0.3249 and last traded at $0.3249. Approximately 2,595 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 88% from the average daily volume of 22,120 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.3238. John Wood Group Stock Up 0.3% The business has a fifty day moving average of $0.35 and a 200 day moving average of $0.35. Get John Wood Group alerts: About John Wood Group (Get Free Report) John Wood Group plc (OTCMKTS: WDGJF) is a global engineering and professional services company serving energy, industrial and infrastructure markets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of servicesranging from conceptual design, engineering, procurement and construction, to project management and operations & maintenancefor clients in oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining, clean energy and power generation. Wood Groups technical expertise supports projects at every stage of the asset lifecycle. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, Wood Group has developed its operations through steady organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including the 2017 acquisition of Amec Foster Wheeler. See Also Receive News & Ratings for John Wood Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Wood Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lifelong Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 7.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 116,084 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,876 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF accounts for 2.3% of Lifelong Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Lifelong Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $7,874,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Brave Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 2.6% during the third quarter. Brave Asset Management Inc. now owns 696,832 shares of the companys stock worth $47,255,000 after purchasing an additional 17,823 shares during the period. Unique Wealth LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 20.1% in the 3rd quarter. Unique Wealth LLC now owns 167,919 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,390,000 after buying an additional 28,090 shares during the period. C2P Capital Advisory Group LLC d.b.a. Prosperity Capital Advisors acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $3,032,000. Riverbend Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter. Riverbend Wealth Management LLC now owns 17,292 shares of the companys stock worth $1,173,000 after acquiring an additional 437 shares during the period. Finally, Discipline Wealth Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 39.1% during the 3rd quarter. Discipline Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 26,559 shares of the companys stock worth $1,802,000 after acquiring an additional 7,468 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Price Performance Shares of BATS:EFV opened at $72.16 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $70.16 and its 200 day simple moving average is $67.39. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 1 year low of $51.05 and a 1 year high of $66.83. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as financials, energy, healthcare, telecommunication services, industrials, utilities, consumer discretionary, materials, information technology and consumer staples. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Malvern International Plc (LON:MLVN Get Free Report) traded down 2% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as GBX 25 and last traded at GBX 25. 6,751 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 90% from the average session volume of 69,844 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 25.50. Malvern International Stock Down 2.0% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of -69.48, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The firms 50-day moving average price is GBX 25.58 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 20.52. The firm has a market capitalization of 6.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 65.79 and a beta of 0.64. Get Malvern International alerts: Malvern International (LON:MLVN Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, September 30th. The company reported GBX 1.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Malvern International had a positive return on equity of 6.64% and a negative net margin of 1.81%. Insider Buying and Selling at Malvern International About Malvern International In other news, insider Richard Christopher Mace sold 102,508 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 20, for a total value of 20,501.60. 2.57% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. (Get Free Report) Malvern International Plc provides educational services in the United Kingdom. The company operates Malvern House London; Malvern House Brighton; Communicate School in Manchester; Language in Action; and International Study Centres. It also offers English language schools, juniors and summer camps programmes; business and management, accounting and finance, humanities and social sciences, and engineering and science; in-sessional and pre-sessional English programs; and international foundation year and programme, international year one, and international graduate diploma. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Malvern International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Malvern International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd lessened its stake in Manulife Financial Corp (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC) by 3.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,273,476 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 107,491 shares during the period. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Manulife Financial were worth $102,011,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in MFC. Caldwell Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of Manulife Financial in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Eastern Bank lifted its stake in Manulife Financial by 156.1% in the second quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 968 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 590 shares during the last quarter. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Manulife Financial in the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Goodman Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Manulife Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $39,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Manulife Financial during the third quarter worth about $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 52.56% of the companys stock. Get Manulife Financial alerts: Manulife Financial Trading Down 0.1% Shares of MFC opened at $36.25 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $34.82 and a two-hundred day moving average of $32.40. The stock has a market cap of $60.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.11 and a beta of 0.83. Manulife Financial Corp has a 12-month low of $25.92 and a 12-month high of $36.93. Manulife Financial Increases Dividend Manulife Financial ( NYSE:MFC Get Free Report ) (TSE:MFC) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $12.90 billion for the quarter. Manulife Financial had a net margin of 9.81% and a return on equity of 16.11%. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.00 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Manulife Financial Corp will post 2.87 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th were given a dividend of $0.44 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $1.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.9%. This is an increase from Manulife Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.32. Manulife Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 55.56%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently weighed in on MFC shares. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a report on Friday, November 14th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a research note on Monday. Morgan Stanley set a $51.00 price target on shares of Manulife Financial in a report on Monday, December 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Manulife Financial from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, UBS Group started coverage on shares of Manulife Financial in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Manulife Financial presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $51.50. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Manulife Financial About Manulife Financial (Free Report) Manulife Financial Corporation is a multinational insurance and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in the late 19th century as The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, Manulife provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual and institutional clients. Its core businesses include life and health insurance, retirement and pension solutions, wealth and asset management, and group benefits. In wealth and asset management, Manulife operates through Manulife Investment Management and offers mutual funds, segregated funds, institutional asset management, and retirement plan solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Manulife Financial Corp (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC). Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MN Wealth Advisors LLC cut its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 82.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,062 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,881 shares during the period. MN Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $201,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Nova Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Uniplan Investment Counsel Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada purchased a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Tompkins Financial Corp acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Howe & Rusling Inc. grew its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 190.8% in the 1st quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 189 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 124 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.18% of the companys stock. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA:RSP opened at $192.86 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $74.60 billion, a PE ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a fifty-two week low of $150.35 and a fifty-two week high of $195.46. The company has a fifty day moving average of $190.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $187.55. About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). The Index utilizes quarterly rebalancing to maintain its equal-weight stance. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 90% of its net assets, plus any borrowing for investment purposes, in the equity securities (and derivatives thereof) included in the Index. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moodys Corporation (NYSE:MCO Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nineteen analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $543.40. Several research firms have weighed in on MCO. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on Moodys from $526.00 to $471.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Moodys from $597.00 to $620.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on Moodys from $534.00 to $507.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Seaport Res Ptn raised Moodys to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $520.00 target price on Moodys in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Get Moody's alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MCO Moodys Stock Performance Shares of MCO stock opened at $498.45 on Monday. Moodys has a 12 month low of $378.71 and a 12 month high of $531.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $88.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.07, a PEG ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. The firms 50 day moving average is $491.47 and its 200 day moving average is $495.26. Moodys (NYSE:MCO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The business services provider reported $3.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.70 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $2.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.92 billion. Moodys had a return on equity of 63.58% and a net margin of 29.92%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.21 EPS. Moodys has set its FY 2025 guidance at 14.500-14.750 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Moodys will post 13.95 earnings per share for the current year. Moodys Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st were issued a dividend of $0.94 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.8%. Moodyss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 30.23%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Moodys news, CEO Robert Fauber sold 1,167 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $478.95, for a total value of $558,934.65. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 61,082 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,255,223.90. The trade was a 1.87% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 2,154 shares of company stock valued at $1,041,098. 0.14% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Insight Wealth Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in Moodys by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. Insight Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 10,475 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $5,351,000 after acquiring an additional 416 shares during the period. CTC Alternative Strategies Ltd. bought a new stake in Moodys in the third quarter valued at approximately $572,000. Allworth Financial LP boosted its stake in shares of Moodys by 10.0% during the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,415 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $674,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares during the period. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Moodys by 14.7% in the third quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 41,816 shares of the business services providers stock worth $19,924,000 after purchasing an additional 5,362 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Groupama Asset Managment increased its stake in shares of Moodys by 12.5% in the third quarter. Groupama Asset Managment now owns 9,497 shares of the business services providers stock worth $4,525,000 after buying an additional 1,058 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.11% of the companys stock. About Moodys (Get Free Report) Moodys Corporation is a global provider of credit ratings, research, data and analytics that support financial decision-making and transparency in capital markets. The company traces its origins to the early 20th century when financial analyst John Moody began publishing credit information; today Moodys is headquartered in New York and serves a broad set of market participants including investors, issuers, financial institutions, corporations, governments and regulators. Moodys operates primarily through two complementary businesses. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Moody's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Moody's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Panasonic Holdings Co. (OTCMKTS:PCRFY Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 1.3% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $9.2150 and last traded at $9.36. Approximately 100 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 100% from the average daily volume of 248,305 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.48. Panasonic Stock Down 1.3% The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. The firm has a market cap of $21.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.08, a P/E/G ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 1.03. The business has a fifty day moving average of $9.36 and a 200 day moving average of $9.36. Get Panasonic alerts: About Panasonic (Get Free Report) Panasonic Corporation is a Japanese multinational electronics company founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita and headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Originally incorporated as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co, Ltd., the company adopted the Panasonic brand globally and has a long history in consumer electronics and electrical goods. Panasonic operates worldwide with a presence across Asia, Europe, the Americas and other regions, serving both retail consumers and a broad range of business customers. The companys core activities span consumer and professional electronics, home appliances, audio-visual products, and personal-care items, as well as a substantial industrial and B2B portfolio. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Panasonic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Panasonic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc. reduced its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 5.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 405,129 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 22,061 shares during the period. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $10,323,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in PFE. Curio Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Pfizer by 36,600.0% in the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 1,101 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 1,098 shares in the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd acquired a new stake in Pfizer during the first quarter worth about $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new position in Pfizer during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute acquired a new position in Pfizer in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 302.5% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 1,296 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 974 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Stock Performance NYSE:PFE opened at $25.17 on Friday. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $20.92 and a 52 week high of $27.69. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.18 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The company has a market cap of $143.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.64 and a beta of 0.47. Pfizer Announces Dividend Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.17% and a net margin of 15.65%.The firm had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.8%. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 100.00%. Analysts Set New Price Targets PFE has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Scotiabank assumed coverage on Pfizer in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $30.00 price objective on the stock. Bank of America lowered their price target on Pfizer from $29.00 to $28.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 15th. Guggenheim reissued a buy rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. HSBC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $29.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.06. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on PFE Key Pfizer News Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week: Positive Sentiment: BMO Capital reaffirmed an Outperform rating and a $30 price target, citing Pfizers cost controls and a cautious-but-manageable 2026 outlook a clear vote of confidence for investors focused on valuation and income. BMO reaffirmation BMO Capital reaffirmed an Outperform rating and a $30 price target, citing Pfizers cost controls and a cautious-but-manageable 2026 outlook a clear vote of confidence for investors focused on valuation and income. Positive Sentiment: Multiple bullish analyst/publication pieces argue Pfizer is undervalued and that its pipeline plus deal-making (Seagen, recent obesity-related buys) position it to recover over time supporting a value-oriented rally. See Fools take on medium-term upside. 2 Predictions for Pfizer in 2026 Multiple bullish analyst/publication pieces argue Pfizer is undervalued and that its pipeline plus deal-making (Seagen, recent obesity-related buys) position it to recover over time supporting a value-oriented rally. See Fools take on medium-term upside. Positive Sentiment: Analysts at Zacks raised certain near-term quarterly EPS estimates (Q2 2026/Q2 2027), which can help sentiment around upcoming reports and show some upside to consensus in select periods. Analysts at Zacks raised certain near-term quarterly EPS estimates (Q2 2026/Q2 2027), which can help sentiment around upcoming reports and show some upside to consensus in select periods. Neutral Sentiment: In-depth pieces (Seeking Alpha, Yahoo Finance) frame 2026 as a reset year: higher R&D and acquisition-driven repositioning (notably the Metsera deal) should strengthen Pfizers obesity and oncology lineup, but benefits may take time to show. Pfizer 2026: The Reset Year Why Wall Street Gave Up on Pfizer In-depth pieces (Seeking Alpha, Yahoo Finance) frame 2026 as a reset year: higher R&D and acquisition-driven repositioning (notably the Metsera deal) should strengthen Pfizers obesity and oncology lineup, but benefits may take time to show. Neutral Sentiment: Market commentary reiterates Pfizers cheap forward valuation versus peers and highlights that recent M&A (Seagen, Metsera) is beginning to add revenue and latestage assets a longerterm positive but not immediate earnings relief. Market commentary reiterates Pfizers cheap forward valuation versus peers and highlights that recent M&A (Seagen, Metsera) is beginning to add revenue and latestage assets a longerterm positive but not immediate earnings relief. Negative Sentiment: Pfizer disclosed a death in a longterm Hympavzi study after a thrombotic stroke a safety event that could weigh on that programs outlook and nearterm sentiment. Hympavzi study death Pfizer disclosed a death in a longterm Hympavzi study after a thrombotic stroke a safety event that could weigh on that programs outlook and nearterm sentiment. Negative Sentiment: Analyst estimate trims and management comments point to earnings pressure from the postCOVID revenue decline and dilution from acquisitions; Zacks trimmed a Q4 EPS estimate reinforcing nearterm earnings uncertainty. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd trimmed its holdings in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 4.2% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 404,384 shares of the companys stock after selling 17,538 shares during the period. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $62,134,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in PG. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 655,209.0% in the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 76,028,952 shares of the companys stock worth $11,832,680,000 after buying an additional 76,017,350 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth about $5,099,644,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Procter & Gamble by 15,971.7% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,012,744 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,117,270,000 after acquiring an additional 6,969,110 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.4% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 233,211,283 shares of the companys stock worth $37,155,222,000 after purchasing an additional 3,189,111 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 21.4% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 16,374,499 shares of the companys stock worth $2,608,785,000 after purchasing an additional 2,880,895 shares during the period. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on PG shares. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, October 27th. BNP Paribas Exane cut their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $172.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the company from $156.00 to $179.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Bank of America reduced their price target on Procter & Gamble from $180.00 to $174.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $171.38. Procter & Gamble Stock Down 1.1% Procter & Gamble stock opened at $141.77 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $331.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.70, a PEG ratio of 4.83 and a beta of 0.39. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $145.94 and its 200 day simple moving average is $152.21. Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $138.14 and a fifty-two week high of $179.99. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.90 by $0.09. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.74% and a return on equity of 32.63%. The business had revenue of $22.39 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.23 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.93 EPS. Procter & Gambles revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 24th were issued a dividend of $1.0568 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 24th. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 61.75%. Insider Buying and Selling at Procter & Gamble In related news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 725 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.57, for a total transaction of $108,438.25. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 979 shares in the company, valued at $146,429.03. This represents a 42.55% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Procter & Gamble (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (OTCMKTS:RBGLY Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $15.76 and traded as high as $16.26. Reckitt Benckiser Group shares last traded at $16.24, with a volume of 118,665 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Barclays upgraded shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group in a report on Monday, October 27th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Reckitt Benckiser Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on RBGLY Reckitt Benckiser Group Price Performance About Reckitt Benckiser Group The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $15.77 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $15.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 0.56 and a quick ratio of 0.37. (Get Free Report) Reckitt Benckiser Group plc is a multinational consumer goods company that develops, manufactures and markets health, hygiene and home products. Its portfolio spans over-the-counter medicines and health products, personal and sexual wellness, surface and laundry cleaning, and household care. The company owns a number of well-known global brands across these categories, including Lysol and Dettol in disinfectants and hygiene, Durex in sexual wellness, Nurofen in analgesics, and Finish in dishwashing products. The firm has its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and sells products in markets around the world, serving consumers across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Reckitt Benckiser Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reckitt Benckiser Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report) by 12.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 33,087 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,682 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLCs holdings in Emerson Electric were worth $4,340,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Emerson Electric by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 54,129,898 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,217,139,000 after purchasing an additional 695,105 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Emerson Electric by 3.0% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,053,019 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,606,979,000 after buying an additional 784,987 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Emerson Electric by 75.0% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 12,538,402 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,671,762,000 after acquiring an additional 5,371,585 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Emerson Electric by 0.7% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,143,357 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,610,958,000 after acquiring an additional 89,192 shares during the period. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB boosted its stake in Emerson Electric by 19.5% in the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 9,195,005 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,223,947,000 after purchasing an additional 1,499,000 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.30% of the companys stock. Get Emerson Electric alerts: Insider Activity at Emerson Electric In other news, CEO Surendralal Lanca Karsanbhai sold 7,263 shares of Emerson Electric stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.00, for a total transaction of $965,979.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 196,292 shares in the company, valued at approximately $26,106,836. The trade was a 3.57% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have issued reports on EMR shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Emerson Electric in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays boosted their target price on Emerson Electric from $127.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Emerson Electric in a research note on Monday, December 15th. They set an outperform rating and a $170.00 price target for the company. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and set a $145.00 target price on shares of Emerson Electric in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Emerson Electric from $155.00 to $153.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $149.06. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on EMR Emerson Electric Price Performance Shares of EMR opened at $135.83 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $133.35 and its 200 day simple moving average is $134.19. Emerson Electric Co. has a 1-year low of $90.06 and a 1-year high of $150.27. The company has a market cap of $76.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.62, a PEG ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 1.26. Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 6th. The industrial products company reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $3.16 billion during the quarter. Emerson Electric had a net margin of 12.73% and a return on equity of 15.87%. On average, research analysts forecast that Emerson Electric Co. will post 5.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Emerson Electric declared that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Wednesday, November 5th that authorizes the company to repurchase $0.00 in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the industrial products company to purchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Emerson Electric Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $0.555 dividend. This is a positive change from Emerson Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.53. This represents a $2.22 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Emerson Electrics dividend payout ratio is currently 54.95%. Emerson Electric Company Profile (Free Report) Emerson Electric Co is a global technology and engineering company that designs and manufactures products and provides services for industrial, commercial and consumer markets. Founded in 1890, the company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and has built a long-standing presence in automation, control and climate-related technologies. Emersons offerings are aimed at improving productivity, energy efficiency and reliability for a wide range of end markets. Emerson operates through two principal platformsAutomation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutionsproviding process automation systems, measurement and analytical instrumentation, valves and actuators, control software, and related aftermarket services, alongside products for heating, ventilation and refrigeration, residential and commercial climate controls, tools and storage solutions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EMR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Emerson Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Emerson Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Synergy Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 159.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 17,381 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 10,683 shares during the period. Synergy Asset Management LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $6,178,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of GLD. American National Bank & Trust boosted its stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 52.4% in the second quarter. American National Bank & Trust now owns 291 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $89,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. StrongBox Wealth LLC increased its stake in SPDR Gold Shares by 10.1% during the 2nd quarter. StrongBox Wealth LLC now owns 1,487 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $453,000 after buying an additional 136 shares during the period. Beaumont Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in SPDR Gold Shares by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter. Beaumont Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,509 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,070,000 after buying an additional 215 shares in the last quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in SPDR Gold Shares by 14.6% during the 2nd quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 51,235 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $15,618,000 after buying an additional 6,540 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ST Germain D J Co. Inc. boosted its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 151.5% in the 2nd quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. now owns 1,386 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $422,000 after buying an additional 835 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.19% of the companys stock. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: More SPDR Gold Shares News Here are the key news stories impacting SPDR Gold Shares this week: SPDR Gold Shares Trading Up 0.5% SPDR Gold Shares Company Profile SPDR Gold Shares stock opened at $398.28 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $144.14 billion, a P/E ratio of -32.43 and a beta of 0.09. SPDR Gold Shares has a twelve month low of $242.05 and a twelve month high of $418.45. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $385.59 and its 200-day simple moving average is $348.13. (Free Report) SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to certain authorized participants (Authorized Participants) on an ongoing basis. The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of gold and any cash represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which will be based on the combined net asset value of various Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stellar AfricaGold Inc. (CVE:SPX Get Free Report) shares shot up 20% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as C$0.15 and last traded at C$0.15. 271,321 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 111% from the average session volume of 128,661 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.13. Stellar AfricaGold Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 201.45, a quick ratio of 2.95 and a current ratio of 0.38. The company has a market capitalization of C$8.43 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.15 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.15. About Stellar AfricaGold (Get Free Report) Stellar AfricaGold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties in Canada, Republic of Mali, and the Kingdom of Morocco. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Stellar AfricaGold Inc was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Stellar AfricaGold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stellar AfricaGold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Synergy Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Invesco China Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:CQQQ Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 41,980 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,477,000. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in CQQQ. CWM LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco China Technology ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Invesco China Technology ETF by 331.6% during the second quarter. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 1,187 shares of the companys stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 912 shares during the last quarter. Optimum Investment Advisors grew its holdings in Invesco China Technology ETF by 40.3% in the 2nd quarter. Optimum Investment Advisors now owns 2,525 shares of the companys stock valued at $112,000 after buying an additional 725 shares in the last quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco China Technology ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $120,000. Finally, Comerica Bank increased its stake in shares of Invesco China Technology ETF by 12.0% in the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 2,884 shares of the companys stock worth $128,000 after acquiring an additional 308 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco China Technology ETF alerts: Invesco China Technology ETF Stock Up 4.5% NYSEARCA CQQQ opened at $54.33 on Friday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $53.29 and its 200-day simple moving average is $51.52. The firm has a market cap of $3.00 billion, a PE ratio of 20.61 and a beta of 0.43. Invesco China Technology ETF has a 52 week low of $35.62 and a 52 week high of $61.20. Invesco China Technology ETF Company Profile Guggenheim China Technology ETF (the Fund), formerly Claymore China Technology ETF, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the Funds fees and expenses, of an equity index called the AlphaShares China Technology Index (the Index). The Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stock, American depositary receipts (ADRs), American depositary shares (ADSs), global depositary receipts (GDRs) and international depositary receipts (IDRs) that comprise the Index and depositary receipts or shares representing common stocks included in the Index (or underlying securities representing ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and IDRs included in the Index). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CQQQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco China Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:CQQQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco China Technology ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco China Technology ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Synergy Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:LHX Free Report) by 216.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 15,344 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 10,488 shares during the quarter. Synergy Asset Management LLCs holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $4,686,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,396 shares of the companys stock worth $350,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. Twin Lakes Capital Management LLC boosted its position in L3Harris Technologies by 0.3% in the third quarter. Twin Lakes Capital Management LLC now owns 14,340 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,380,000 after buying an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in L3Harris Technologies by 2.2% in the second quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,781 shares of the companys stock valued at $493,000 after buying an additional 39 shares in the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky grew its stake in L3Harris Technologies by 44.4% during the second quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 130 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. increased its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 3.8% during the second quarter. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. now owns 1,095 shares of the companys stock worth $280,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. 84.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other L3Harris Technologies news, CEO Christopher E. Kubasik sold 14,171 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $301.05, for a total value of $4,266,179.55. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 144,426 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,479,447.30. This trade represents a 8.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.72% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. L3Harris Technologies Trading Up 3.7% Shares of LHX opened at $304.29 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $287.32 and its 200-day simple moving average is $279.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $56.92 billion, a PE ratio of 32.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.65. L3Harris Technologies Inc has a 12-month low of $193.09 and a 12-month high of $308.12. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.70 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by $0.10. L3Harris Technologies had a return on equity of 11.08% and a net margin of 8.09%.The firm had revenue of $5.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.51 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.34 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. L3Harris Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.500-10.700 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that L3Harris Technologies Inc will post 11.12 earnings per share for the current year. L3Harris Technologies Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a $1.20 dividend. This represents a $4.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. L3Harris Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 51.56%. Analyst Ratings Changes LHX has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised L3Harris Technologies from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday. BNP Paribas Exane assumed coverage on L3Harris Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued a neutral rating and a $290.00 price objective for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on L3Harris Technologies from $250.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $325.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $299.93. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on LHX L3Harris Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) is an American aerospace and defense company formed in 2019 through the combination of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of technology solutions for government and commercial customers, with a particular emphasis on defense, intelligence and public safety applications. The companys offerings span communications systems, avionics, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, space systems and mission integration. Read More Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grey Ledge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Free Report) by 365.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 4,918 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after buying an additional 3,861 shares during the quarter. Grey Ledge Advisors LLCs holdings in Sherwin-Williams were worth $1,703,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC grew its holdings in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC now owns 1,885 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $647,000 after acquiring an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Valley Brook Capital Group Inc. increased its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Valley Brook Capital Group Inc. now owns 1,311 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $450,000 after purchasing an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. 17 Capital Partners LLC raised its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. 17 Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,340 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,147,000 after buying an additional 31 shares during the period. Jessup Wealth Management Inc lifted its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 1.4% during the second quarter. Jessup Wealth Management Inc now owns 2,341 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $804,000 after buying an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 1.9% during the second quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 1,680 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $577,000 after buying an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.67% of the companys stock. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on SHW shares. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $375.00 to $368.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and set a $422.00 target price (up from $400.00) on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $405.00 target price on Sherwin-Williams and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup upgraded Sherwin-Williams from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lowered their price target for the company from $392.00 to $390.00 in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $400.00 to $390.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $390.07. Sherwin-Williams Stock Up 1.2% Shares of Sherwin-Williams stock opened at $327.96 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $81.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.00, a P/E/G ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 1.26. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $333.78 and a 200-day simple moving average of $343.07. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a 52-week low of $308.84 and a 52-week high of $379.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.52. Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.59 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.44 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $6.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.21 billion. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 66.75% and a net margin of 11.05%.The firms revenue was up 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.37 earnings per share. Sherwin-Williams has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.250-11.450 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Sherwin-Williams Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $0.79 dividend. This represents a $3.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Sherwin-Williamss payout ratio is presently 30.83%. Sherwin-Williams Profile (Free Report) Sherwin-Williams (NYSE: SHW) is a global manufacturer and distributor of paints, coatings and related products. Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company supplies a broad range of coatings for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Its product offering includes architectural paints and stains, industrial and protective coatings, automotive finishes, and a variety of sundry products such as primers, sealants and specialty treatments used by professionals and consumers. The company sells through multiple channels, including a large network of company-operated retail paint stores that serve professional contractors and do-it-yourself consumers, as well as through distributors and mass retailers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tempus AI, Hut 8, and BigBear.ai are the three Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of companies whose primary business or significant operations involve developing, selling, or using AI technologies including AI software and algorithms, cloud-based AI services, semiconductor chips and other hardware optimized for AI, and firms embedding AI into their products. To investors, these stocks are treated as a thematic bet on AI-driven growth and typically carry higher growth expectations, along with increased volatility and exposure to technological, regulatory, and competitive risks specific to the AI industry. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Tempus AI (TEM) Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. Hut 8 (HUT) Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other. Read Our Latest Research Report on HUT BigBear.ai (BBAI) BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services. Read Our Latest Research Report on BBAI Featured Stories Boeing, Rocket Lab, GE Aerospace, RTX, and Sidus Space are the five Defense stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Defense stocks are shares of companies that design, manufacture, or provide services for military, aerospace, homeland security, and related government-defense programs. Investors view them as relatively defensive because they often generate steady revenue from government contracts and can outperform or hold up better than cyclicals during economic slowdowns or geopolitical uncertainty. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Defense stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Boeing (BA) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments. Rocket Lab (RKLB) Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a space company, provides launch services and space systems solutions for the space and defense industries. The company provides launch services, spacecraft design services, spacecraft components, spacecraft manufacturing, and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions; and constellation management services, as well as designs and manufactures small and medium-class rockets. Read Our Latest Research Report on RKLB GE Aerospace (GE) GE Aerospace (also known as General Electric) is a company that specializes in providing aerospace products and services. It operates through two reportable segments: Commercial Engines and Services and Defense and Propulsion Technologies. It offers jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. Read Our Latest Research Report on GE RTX (RTX) RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for civil and military aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation, defense, and commercial space operations. Read Our Latest Research Report on RTX Sidus Space (SIDU) Sidus Space, Inc., a space-as-a-service company, engages in the design, manufacture, launch, and data collection of commercial satellite worldwide. Its space services include satellite/space hardware manufacturing; Low Earth Orbit (LEO) launch and deployment services; and space-based geospatial intel, imagery, and data analytics. Read Our Latest Research Report on SIDU Read More Two Harbors Investments Corp (NYSE:TWO Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 5th will be given a dividend of 0.34 per share by the real estate investment trust on Thursday, January 29th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 12.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 5th. Two Harbors Investments has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 0.2%per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 1 years. Two Harbors Investments has a payout ratio of 90.7% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the companys earnings fall. Get Two Harbors Investments alerts: Two Harbors Investments Trading Up 0.7% Shares of TWO stock opened at $10.58 on Friday. Two Harbors Investments has a 12-month low of $9.30 and a 12-month high of $14.28. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $10.12 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $10.09. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. The company has a market capitalization of $1.10 billion, a PE ratio of -4.23 and a beta of 1.19. About Two Harbors Investments Two Harbors Investments ( NYSE:TWO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, March 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of ($18.67) million for the quarter. Two Harbors Investments had a positive return on equity of 11.92% and a negative net margin of 44.10%. As a group, analysts predict that Two Harbors Investments will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current year. (Get Free Report) Two Harbors Investments Corp. is a mortgage real estate investment trust (mREIT) that primarily invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, as well as non-agency residential mortgage loans, mortgage servicing rights and credit risk transfer securities. The company seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its shareholders by employing leverage to enhance net interest income derived from its portfolio of high-quality fixed-income assets. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Two Harbors operates through a self-managed platform that combines portfolio management, risk-management and securitization expertise. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Two Harbors Investments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Two Harbors Investments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Verity & Verity LLC lifted its stake in shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report) by 3.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 135,195 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,606 shares during the quarter. Dell Technologies accounts for about 1.5% of Verity & Verity LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest position. Verity & Verity LLCs holdings in Dell Technologies were worth $19,167,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Carnegie Investment Counsel grew its holdings in Dell Technologies by 904.0% during the third quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsel now owns 18,484 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,620,000 after acquiring an additional 16,643 shares during the period. Shikiar Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth $5,417,000. William Allan Corp grew its stake in shares of Dell Technologies by 47.6% during the 2nd quarter. William Allan Corp now owns 25,901 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,175,000 after purchasing an additional 8,355 shares during the period. Modera Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dell Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $241,000. Finally, WASHINGTON TRUST Co boosted its holdings in Dell Technologies by 11,037.8% during the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 88,100 shares of the technology companys stock worth $10,801,000 after buying an additional 87,309 shares in the last quarter. 76.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Dell Technologies Trading Up 1.5% Dell Technologies stock opened at $127.73 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $84.64 billion, a PE ratio of 17.03, a P/E/G ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $136.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $133.88. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 52 week low of $66.25 and a 52 week high of $168.08. Dell Technologies Announces Dividend Dell Technologies ( NYSE:DELL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology company reported $2.59 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.47 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $27.01 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.26 billion. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 5.01% and a negative return on equity of 234.84%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.15 earnings per share. Dell Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.920-9.920 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.500-3.500 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a dividend of $0.525 per share. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 20th. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 28.00%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have issued reports on DELL shares. Evercore ISI set a $180.00 target price on shares of Dell Technologies and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Dell Technologies from $175.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Susquehanna upped their target price on Dell Technologies from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho lifted their price target on Dell Technologies from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $151.00 to $148.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $162.84. Read Our Latest Research Report on Dell Technologies Insider Buying and Selling at Dell Technologies In other Dell Technologies news, Director Iv (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 499,999 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $161.48, for a total value of $80,739,838.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Egon Durban sold 71,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.12, for a total transaction of $9,806,520.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 1,172,428 shares in the company, valued at approximately $161,935,755.36. The trade was a 5.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 1,710,159 shares of company stock valued at $260,506,809. 42.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Dell Technologies Profile (Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of information technology products, solutions and services. Its offerings span client computing devices (consumer and commercial laptops and desktops), enterprise infrastructure (servers, storage systems and networking equipment), software and cloud infrastructure, and a variety of professional services such as IT consulting, deployment, managed services and financing solutions. The company serves organizations of all sizes as well as individual consumers, with products and services aimed at enabling digital transformation and modern IT environments. Founded by Michael Dell in 1984, the company grew from a direct-to-consumer PC business into a diversified IT provider through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DELL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. W.R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB Get Free Report) major shareholder Sumitomo Insurance Co Mitsui acquired 230,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 31st. The stock was purchased at an average price of $70.27 per share, with a total value of $16,162,100.00. Following the purchase, the insider owned 50,526,511 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,550,497,927.97. The trade was a 0.46% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. W.R. Berkley Stock Performance Shares of NYSE WRB traded down $0.76 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $69.36. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,113,780 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,641,395. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.57, a PEG ratio of 2.68 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.37 and a quick ratio of 0.37. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $72.81 and a 200-day moving average price of $72.48. W.R. Berkley Corporation has a 12-month low of $55.97 and a 12-month high of $78.96. Get W.R. Berkley alerts: W.R. Berkley (NYSE:WRB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 20th. The insurance provider reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.03. W.R. Berkley had a return on equity of 18.86% and a net margin of 13.01%.The company had revenue of $3.77 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.16 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.93 earnings per share. W.R. Berkleys revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that W.R. Berkley Corporation will post 4.33 earnings per share for the current year. W.R. Berkley Announces Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $0.09 per share. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. W.R. Berkleys payout ratio is presently 7.56%. A number of analysts recently issued reports on WRB shares. Morgan Stanley set a $75.00 price objective on shares of W.R. Berkley in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Mizuho set a $67.00 price target on shares of W.R. Berkley and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $66.00 price target on shares of W.R. Berkley and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Barclays reissued an underweight rating and set a $73.00 price objective on shares of W.R. Berkley in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $87.00 target price on shares of W.R. Berkley in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $73.93. View Our Latest Research Report on W.R. Berkley Institutional Investors Weigh In On W.R. Berkley Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Compass Financial Services Inc bought a new stake in shares of W.R. Berkley during the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Hilltop National Bank purchased a new stake in W.R. Berkley in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in W.R. Berkley during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in W.R. Berkley in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, Triumph Capital Management bought a new position in shares of W.R. Berkley in the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.82% of the companys stock. About W.R. Berkley (Get Free Report) W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) is a publicly traded insurance holding company that underwrites and sells commercial property and casualty insurance, specialty insurance products, and reinsurance. Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, the company operates a portfolio of underwriting businesses that focus on niche and specialty commercial risks, offering coverage tailored to industries such as transportation, construction, professional services and other commercial lines. The companys product mix includes primary and excess casualty, property, professional liability, environmental and other specialty lines, together with treaty and facultative reinsurance solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for W.R. Berkley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.R. Berkley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the nine research firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $256.3750. A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on WESCO International from $225.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, September 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of WESCO International from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $262.00 to $302.00 in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of WESCO International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of WESCO International from $225.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of WESCO International in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Get WESCO International alerts: Read Our Latest Report on WCC Insider Activity at WESCO International Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other WESCO International news, EVP Christine Ann Wolf sold 4,685 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $259.52, for a total transaction of $1,215,851.20. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 30,195 shares in the company, valued at $7,836,206.40. This trade represents a 13.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, CAO Matthew S. Kulasa sold 790 shares of WESCO International stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $253.18, for a total transaction of $200,012.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 3,320 shares in the company, valued at approximately $840,557.60. This represents a 19.22% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing . In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 17,036 shares of company stock valued at $4,385,254. Corporate insiders own 3.30% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Third Avenue Management LLC increased its stake in WESCO International by 35.6% during the second quarter. Third Avenue Management LLC now owns 20,093 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $3,721,000 after acquiring an additional 5,271 shares during the period. Norman Fields Gottscho Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 112.7% during the 3rd quarter. Norman Fields Gottscho Capital Management LLC now owns 13,785 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,916,000 after purchasing an additional 7,303 shares in the last quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC grew its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 51.1% during the 2nd quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 16,390 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,035,000 after purchasing an additional 5,540 shares in the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC bought a new stake in shares of WESCO International during the second quarter valued at approximately $211,000. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its stake in shares of WESCO International by 2.2% in the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 122,030 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $22,600,000 after purchasing an additional 2,665 shares in the last quarter. 93.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. WESCO International Price Performance Shares of NYSE:WCC opened at $251.99 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $12.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 1.45. WESCO International has a 1 year low of $125.21 and a 1 year high of $279.04. The company has a current ratio of 2.09, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $256.06 and a 200 day simple moving average of $224.90. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The technology company reported $3.92 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.75 by $0.17. WESCO International had a return on equity of 13.12% and a net margin of 2.81%.The firm had revenue of $6.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.91 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.58 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 12.9% compared to the same quarter last year. WESCO International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 13.100-13.600 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that WESCO International will post 13.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. WESCO International Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th were paid a dividend of $0.4538 per share. This represents a $1.82 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 12th. WESCO Internationals dividend payout ratio is 14.27%. WESCO International Company Profile (Get Free Report) WESCO International, Inc is a leading global distributor of electrical, industrial, communications and utility products, serving a diverse customer base across maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and construction markets. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products ranging from power distribution and automation solutions to data communications, security systems and lighting controls. Through an extensive branch network, WESCO provides critical components and valueadded services that help organizations streamline operations and improve reliability in their facilities and infrastructure. In addition to its broad product offering, WESCO delivers advanced supply chain management and logistics solutions designed to optimize inventory levels, reduce downtime and lower overall procurement costs. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code MLA calls for peace | KAKCHING, Jan 2: With the arrival of New Year, National People's Party (NPP) Legislature leader and Kakching Assembly Constituency MLA Mayanglambam Rameshwar, extended greetings to the people of Manipur calling for peace, harmony and collective effort towards development in the State. Speaking to the media at his residence at Kakching Makhalou, Irum Ningthou Pareng, on Thursday, Rameshwar urged the people to work together for the development of both the State and Nation. He emphasised the need to improve the economic condition of the youth and guide them towards a positive path so as to ensure better growth and overall development. The MLA stated that the New Year should inspire renewed commitment to work collectively for development, not only in Kakching AC but across Manipur. Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 24F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Variably cloudy with snow showers. Low 18F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. The media and public relations wing for the armed forces of Pakistan, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted the flight test of Taimoor weapon system, in what it claims is a "significant milestone" for the country's aerospace and defence capabilities. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India The announcement of the test comes days after India has been carrying out some key trials, including the user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile system, test of the nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile, first flight test of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket and test-firing two Pralay missiles in quick succession. According to ISPR, the Taimoor air-launched cruise missile is capable of engaging land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 kilometres, carrying a conventional warhead. ALSO READ: Did the 'Year of Reforms' make India's armed forces more combat ready? Designed to fly at very low altitudes to evade air and missile defence systems of the adversary, it is equipped with a highly advanced navigation and guidance system. The precision-strike capability system, according to ISPR, boosts the conventional deterrence and operational flexibility of the Pakistan Air Force. The successful flight test of the indigenously developed 'Taimoor' weapon system underscores the technical maturity, innovation and self-reliance achieved by Pakistans defence industry, ISPR claimed. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said the test has further strengthened national defence and bolstered Pakistans responsible defence policy for ensuring stability in the region." Two people were arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly posting vulgar posts targeting actor Darshan Thogudeepa's wife Vijayalakshmi. The Kannada actor's wife lodged a complaint on December 24 at the Cyber Crime Police Station in December, following which an investigation was launched. Vijayalakshmi alleged that several users were posting "low-level obscene and derogatory" content targeting her and her family on various social media sites. She then sought legal action against at least 18 users for circulating these abusive posts. The latest arrests come after police identified two of the culprits. One of them was identified as Nithin, 31, a techie from Davanagere while the other was Chandrashekar B, 45, an autorickshaw driver from Chikkabanavara. They send the derogatory posts on Instagram and Facebook. Police said that efforts are on to nab the remaining accused as the probe is ongoing. Actor Darshan was arrested in June 2024 over alleged murder of his fan, Renukaswamy, who allegedly sent obscene messages to his friend Pavithra Gowda. Pavithra is the prime accused as she instigated the other accused and took part in the crime. Raghavendra, who is part of Darshan's fan club in Chitradurga, convinced Renukaswamy to come to RR Nagar, Bengaluru, to meet the actor. They brought him to a shed where they allegedly tortured and murdered him. There are 17 accused in the case, including Darshan and Pavithra. They are jailed at the Parappana Agrahara central prison in Bengaluru. Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved beyond a niche technology to become a dominant, transformative force across numerous fields today. AI is used in several fields, including modern medicine. It is said that with AI, there is a doctor in every home. A recent Mumbai-based study revealed that there is widespread use of AI chatbots among MBBS students. #WATCH | Delhi: Dr Abhijat Sheth, Chairperson NMC and President NBEMS says, "Clinical research is an important subject and we realise that it should be integrated into the mainstream part of the clinical medicine rather than optional or side subjects. Hence, the National Medical pic.twitter.com/JFlNztd0Ax ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2026 The study highlighted that though the chatbots are mainly used for exam preparation, research support, and content summarisation, only 35.6 per cent knew prompt engineering, highlighting limited advanced use. It points out the need for AI literacy and ethical guidance in medical education. Not just among students, even doctors are getting dependent on AI. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH In a recent interview with ANI, the National Medical Commission (NMC) Chairperson and president of NBEMS, Dr Abhijat Sheth, cautioned against over-dependency on AI. He also said that the use of AI should not impact the doctors' values. We must make sure that AI practices in healthcare do not compromise the ethical and clinical values, he said. With AI playing a significant role in several sectors, including IT, there is a technophobia of AI replacing humans. Sheth emphasised that AI should not replace doctors. A free AI course for doctors were launched by NBEMS in December to equip doctors with essential AI skills for improved diagnostics and personalised treatment. "The NMC has decided that clinical research will be an integral part of clinical medicine, where not only the curriculum, but also curriculum assessment and training will be a part of the medical curriculum," said Dr Sheth. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday came in defence of Karnataka governments demolition drive in Bengaluru, saying notices had been issued to the residence before eviction and alternate arrangements had been made. Speaking to reporters in Thriuvananthapuram, Tharoor listed two reasons why the state government went ahead with the demolition drive. First, the land belonged to the government, and people were living there illegally. Second, it was a garbage dump and toxic waste had contaminated the water, so it was not a fit place for people to live, he said. The Lok Sabha MP stated that the residents had been issued proper notices and that he did not see justice in politically projecting the issue only on the basis that the affected people were poor. He noted that the government had taken a decision to provide temporary accommodation and has promised permanent housing within five to six months. There may be flaws in the shifting process and there can be differences of opinion on how it was done. But a promise has been given to find a solution, he said. VIDEO | Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "It is not fair to say that the Karnataka government demolished illegally constructed houses at Kogilu in Bengaluru because the occupants belonged to minority communities." (Full video available on PTI Videos pic.twitter.com/wwOM0LppCE Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 2, 2026 The MPs remarks came amid a political controversy over bulldozing of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout, where Muslim families had been living for many years. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the move and alleged that the incident reflected a form of minority-targeting politics seen earlier in North India. His remarks drew sharp reaction from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar who asked the Kerala CM not to interfere in the matter "without knowing the facts" on the ground. Vijayans social media post, however, prompted the Congress high command to intervene, with general secretary K.C. Venugopal expressing the party leaderships serious concern over the eviction drive. Venugopal said the party believed such actions should have been carried out with more caution, sensitivity, and compassion, keeping the human impact at the forefront. About 67 candidates, all from the BJP-Shiv Sena led Mahayuti alliance, won unopposed in the Maharashtra municipal elections. The State Election Commission has ordered an enquiry into the matter after opposition candidates in several muncipalities alleged being threatened and intimidated to withdraw their applications. The Election Commission has said that the unopposed candidates will not be declared as official winners until the probe report is submitted. A thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure that no candidate won by pressuring or forcing the opposition to withdraw nominations. Out of the 67 seats won without an election. 45 seats went to BJP candidates, followed by Shiv Sena with 19 posts. The NCP Ajit Pawar party won two seats, and an independent candidate won one. The BJP won the largest number of seats unopposed in the Kalyan-Dombivalli Municipal Corporation with 15 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 6 making up a total of 21 unoppposed candidates. In Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune, two BJP candidates each won unopposed. Across four muncipalities in North Maharashtra, 17 people were elected unopposed, with 10 from BJP, six from the Shiv Sena (Shinde) and one person from the local Islam Party in Melagaon In Thane, seven Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidates were elected unopposed. All seven candidates were considered close to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In Panvel, all eight unopposed candidates were from the BJP. Candidates from the Colaba area of Mumbai alleged that the Mahayuti alliance pressured them into withdrawing nominations. In Solapur city, MNS leader Prashant Ingle levelled serious allegations against BJP MLA Vijay Deshmukh and his son Kiran Deshmukh of exerting pressure on the opposition candidate to contest unopposed. Ingle alleged that the Blasahed Sarvade, the city president of the student wing of the Navnirman Sena party, was murdered so that his cousin's wife, who had a ticket to contest the election, would withdraw, Loksatta reported. The municipal elections will be held on January 15, and the results will be announced on January 16. The investigation into the alleged ricin poison terror plot was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), a senior Gujarat ATS official reportedly confirmed on Saturday. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) had arrested Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, Azad Suleman Sheikh, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem on 9 November last year for their alleged role in a plan to carry out a major terrorist attack using hazardous chemicals alongside other weapons. Ricin is extremely toxic and is often cited as being more poisonous by weight than cyanide. If inhaled, injected, or ingested in purified form, it can cause death. "The arrested individuals were also in contact with foreign operatives and were communicating with one Abu Khadija through Telegram. Dr Saiyed was responsible for collecting funds and planning the attack. Investigation is ongoing into the source and movement of the funds," the Sandesh report read. The agency had booked the three under the stringent UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act), besides invoking the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. The MHA has ordered the transfer of the UAPA case concerning the ricin chemical plot to the NIA, Superintendent of Police (ATS) K. Siddharth told PTI. The Gujarat ATS, which was probing the case, arrested Dr Saiyed, originally from Hyderabad, near Adalaj in Gandhinagar on 7 November with two Glock pistols, a Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges, and four litres of castor oil, officials had earlier said. The other accused, Sheikh and Saleem, both hailing from Uttar Pradesh, were arrested in the Banaskantha district for allegedly supplying weapons to Dr Saiyed. The officials had then confirmed that Saiyed's handler, Abu Khadija, was from Afghanistan and associated with the ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province), and he had also been in contact with several individuals from Pakistan. According to officials, Dr Saiyed, who earned his MBBS degree in China, had been preparing ricin to execute a major terrorist attack. He had already begun the necessary research, procured the equipment and raw materials, and initiated the initial chemical processing. Abdul Qadir Jilani was attacked inside Gujarats Sabarmati Central Jail by three fellow inmates in mid-November. In a bid to put an end to the growing demands of the government employees in the state, chief minister M.K. Stalin announced the implementation of Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS). The announcement comes as a major relief to lakhs of government employees and teachers who have been protesting for the past 20 years since 2004, demanding the implementation of the old pension scheme. According to an official release from the government the new scheme called as TAPS, the employees will have to contribute 10 per cent of their basic pay to the pension fund, while the additional fund requirement needed to provide the assured pension will be borne by the state government. The new scheme ends a two-decade-long demand by the employees who have been under the Contributory Pension Scheme since 2003. While the official release did not mention on the timeline of the implementation of TAPS, the employees say that the chief minister assured that it will be implemented from the current financial year. Through the scheme the pensioners will be given Dearness Allowance (DA) hike twice a year on par with government employees. In the event of the death of a pensioner, 60 per cent of the pension that was being received by the pensioner will be paid as family pension to the nominated beneficiary. At the time of retirement, or in the event of death during service, government employees, through TAPS, are eligible to receive a gratuity not exceeding Rs 25 lakh, based on the tenure of their service. Apart from this, the employees who retire without completing the qualifying service period, which is required to receive pension, are also eligible to receive a minimum pension. This will come into effect after the implementation of the TAPS. The employees who joined service under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and retired in the intervening period before the implementation of TAPS are eligible for a special compassionate pension. With the introduction of TAPS, the Tamil Nadu government will incur an additional expenditure of Rs 13,000 crore for the pension fund and the government will additionally have to contribute approximately Rs 11,000 crore every year as its annual contribution, which will increase year on year. In the four-page release Stalin described the employees as the wheels of administration who deliver the welfare scheme to the last mile. Emphasising on the DMK governments commitment to welfare, chief minister in the statement said this government, following the path of Kalaignar Karunanidhi, has always prioritised the well-being of government employees and teachers. Giving out the details on DMKs pro-government employee initiatives since 2021, he listed out the various schemes announced by his government in the past four years including restoring DA hikes on par with the Centre, reintroducing earned leave encashment from October 2025, unique insurance, which includes Rs 1 crore for death in accident, and Rs 10 lakh for natural death, enhanced educational and marriage advances, higher house-building advance up to Rs 50 lakh, increased retirement gratuity to Rs 25 lakh and medical insurance to Rs 10 lakh for pensioners and maternity leave to 12 months. The umbrella organisation of the government employees and teachers (JACTTO -GEO) had called for an indefinite strike from January 6, a move that could disrupt the functioning of the government. The employees had called for the strike with a charter of 10 demands, including the withdrawal of the Contributory Pension Scheme and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. The government constituted a three-member committee comprising ministers E.V. Velu, Thangam Thennarasu and Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi to hold discussions with the unions. The indefinite strike call by the employees has now been withdrawn after the chief minister announced the assured pension scheme for the government employees. The announcement will benefit all the employees over 6.2 lakh employees and those who retired. With TAPS, the government has done a fine balancing act by opting for a pension scheme that assures 50 per cent of the last drawn salary as pension and also retains the contributory component. In the wake of speculations of the Congress in Tamil Nadu aligning with actor-politician Vijays fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with a section of the party leaders favouring such a tie-up, Girish Chodankar, AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, on Saturday, categorically said his party continues to be in alliance with the DMK. Dismissing all negotiations with Vijay and his TVK as mere rumours, Chodankar said the seat-sharing talks with DMK will begin soon. Who said we are aligning with the TVK? We continue to be in alliance with the DMK. The seat-sharing talks with the DMK will begin soon, and we will decide on the number of seats. I met the chief minister a month ago, and we discussed the alliance prospects, Chodankar said in a press conference at party headquarters Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Chennai. The clarification from Chodankar comes at a time when Rahul Gandhis aide, Praveen Chakravarty, has been raking up controversies. His off-the-record meeting with actor Vijay and later his social media post comparing Tamil Nadus debt with that of Uttar Pradesh set the tone for talks about the Congress quitting the DMK alliance. Following Chakravartys meeting with Vijay, a few of the Congress office bearers took part in a Christmas celebration event at Arumanai in Kanyakumari district, adding strength to the talks about a growing rift in the DMK-Congress alliance. And then came Chakravartys tweet saying the Tamil Nadu government is debt-ridden Tamil Nadu has the highest outstanding debt of all states, calling the situation alarming. While Uttar Pradesh had more than double the debt of Tamil Nadu in 2010, TN now had higher debt than UP. TNs interest burden (%) is 3rd highest after PB & HR TNs debt/gdp is still much higher than pre-covid levels, he said in a tweet. This post raised questions over the DMK-Congress alliance, with several Congress MPs and leaders coming out to explain that Chakravartys was an unwarranted post and it lacks the basic math. However, this turned into an ideological and internal rift within the Congress, which has been struggling to define its future in Tamil Nadu, where it lost power five decades ago. In the meantime, former union minister P. Chidambaram called on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently. After the meeting, Chidambaram asserted that the Congress will continue to be in the DMK alliance. In a statement, he extended his wishes to Vijays political plunge but said the actors goal of coming to power in Tamil Nadu in next years elections wont come true. On December 26, at least eight people, who were part of the Friday congregation prayers, were killed and 18 were injured in a bombing at a mosque in Alawite-dominated Wadi al-Dhahab in the Syrian city of Homs. The attack was claimed by the Sunni jihadist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna. The attack on the Alawite Mosque, while being sectarian in nature, is an organisational signalling more concerned with delegitimising and undermining the Syrian regimes efforts and narratives of new Syria, which groups like Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (SAS) see as abandoning ideas for an Islamic state. Mohammed Shoaib Raza Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (SAS) first emerged as a distinct threat following its schism from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in early 2025. This fracture was rooted in a fundamental rejection of the current leaderships transition from an insurgency group into a governing body, with accusations that President Ahmed al-Shara was diluting their foundational Islamist mission. The SAS framed Damascus for going soft on the Nusairi and Rafidite, which primarily refers to the Alawites and Shia community in the country. However, SASs first major attack came against the Christians in June last year when a bomb attack in a Greek Orthodox Church in Damascuss outskirts claimed 25 lives while injuring 63 individuals. The attack on the congregation in both cases resembles the modus operandi of ISIS, seeking maximum casualties at the worship spots. This apparent divergence underscores a strategic logic consistent with the Islamic States playbook: prioritising violence against religious congregations to maximise fear, polarisation, and visibility rather than adhering narrowly to sectarian hierarchies. By moving from a church in Damascus to a mosque in Homs, SAS is executing a deliberate strategy to dismantle the "New Syria" from the inside out. The targeting of that particular mosque, named Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, is a telltale in itself. This mosque, in the predominantly Alawite enclave Wadi al-Dhahab, represents a grey zone where sectarian lines were blurring. The imam (one who leads prayers) mentioned that Sunni neighbours, though in small numbers, regularly attended Friday prayers at this mosque and that it was open to Muslims of other sects as well. Jihadist strategy (often called "Eliminating the Gray Zone") relies on forced polarisation. If Sunnis and Alawites pray together, the jihadi groups like SAS lose their narrative that they are irreconcilable enemies. Broadly, the attack on the Alawite Mosque also signals an attempt to jeopardise the efforts of the religious leaders of the minority community to become aligned with Twelver Shiism, which in turn brings Alawites inside the mainstream Islamic denomination. In the conventional understanding, Alawite doctrine is secretive and historically esoteric, with core rituals only revealed to a chosen few initiates. Traditionally, Alawites prayed at home or visited sacred shrines, which served as central markers of their community identity, rather than gathering in mosques for regular public prayers as is common in orthodox Sunni or Shii Islam. However, the contemporary unfolding of the Alawite revivalist movement stresses the Islamic religious knowledge and obligations that seek to create Alawite identity rooted not in ethno-cultural grounds but in a religious one. In a similar vein, the move towards building mosques has largely been a modern political and social development aimed at integrating the community into a broader Islamic identity and countering accusations of heresy. The official statement released by SAS on the mosque attack refers to the latter as temple, which in a way exhibits SASs hardline, telling Alawites that they cannot assimilate; they are either with the old regime or they are targets. One of the potential fallouts of this incident is the reaction that it provokes not only among the Alawites but also from the Syrian regime. Just two days after the bombing in Homs, violence erupted during protests in Latakia on 28 December. Demonstrators demanding political federalism and international protection clashed with authorities, leaving four dead and over 100 injured. This is the strategic spark and retaliatory cycle that organisations like SAS look forward to inducing, thereby increasing the risk of sectarian strife. If a similar situation persists or worsens, the formation of Alawite militia groups or the resurfacing of old groups should not come as a surprise. President al-Sharaa, who has already turned down demands for political federalism, citing it would risk Balkanisation of the country, is well aware of these dangers. His uneasiness over these issues is evident when one sees the latest reconciliation initiative, which seeks to win Alawite cooperation by offering amnesty, jobs, medical services, and modest financial aid to those who had suffered during a violent crackdown by government-affiliated forces in March that resulted in over 1,500 deaths and thousands of displacements. For SAS and like-minded militant groups, the current domestic instability provides the ideal vacuum to advance their core ideological objective. Most telling, however, was the groups official claim of responsibility for the Homs bombing, which boasted of cooperation with mujahidin from other groups. This indicates that SAS is not merely a lone actor, but is actively forging a tactical alliance of disparate radical cells, unifying them under a shared rejection of the Damascus administrations perceived moderation. The bottom line is that these groups remain the primary spoilers of Syrian reconstruction. Mohammed Shoaib Raza is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi From a strategic perspective, internal unrest in Iran is rarely viewed in isolation. It is assessed not only as a domestic security challenge but as a stress test of the states ability to sustain its regional posture. The current wave of protests, driven primarily by economic degradation and public disillusionment, represents such a test, one whose implications extend well beyond Irans borders and into the core dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Internal pressure, external consequences Irans regional influence architecture is built on a simple premise: internal control enables external projection. When that control comes under sustained pressure, the effects cascade outward. The Iranian system has proven resilient over decades, but resilience does not equate to immunity from strategic distraction. Security resources redirected inward; whether intelligence, paramilitary, or political capital, reduce the regimes operational flexibility abroad. This does not immediately dismantle Irans regional networks, but it alters their responsiveness, funding reliability, and strategic coherence. In intelligence terms, this is not a collapse scenario; it is a degradation scenario, and degradation, over time, shifts balances. A slower, more cautious Iran One of the immediate geopolitical effects of Irans unrest is a reduction in strategic tempo. Decision-making becomes more risk-averse, messaging more defensive, and regional initiatives more selective. Tehran remains committed to its forward defence doctrine, but its margin for error narrows when domestic legitimacy is under strain. For regional adversaries, this creates a window, not an invitation. A pressured Iran may avoid escalation, yet it may also react disproportionately to perceived threats. Historically, regimes facing internal challenges oscillate between restraint and sudden assertion. This ambiguity complicates deterrence calculations across the region. Pressure on the proxy ecosystem Irans regional partners, particularly non-state actors, are often assessed as force multipliers. However, they are also resource-dependent. Sustained economic pressure and domestic instability inside Iran place stress on these relationships, particularly where financial support, advanced capabilities, or political backing are involved. Over time, this may lead to greater autonomy among these actors, internal competition, or shifts in local priorities. Such changes subtly reshape conflict environments in places like, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, less through dramatic reversals and more through gradual recalibration. Regional responses: Containment, not confrontation Arab states and regional stakeholders are approaching Irans unrest with caution. The prevailing strategic preference is stability, however imperfect, over systemic collapse. A weakened but functioning Iranian state is considered more manageable than a fragmented one with unclear succession dynamics and competing power centres. At the same time, Irans internal struggles weaken its narrative claim to regional leadership and ideological coherence. The contrast between projection abroad and dissatisfaction at home is increasingly visible, eroding soft power even where hard power remains intact. A strategic variable, not yet a turning oint From an analytical standpoint, Irans unrest should be treated as a strategic variable rather than a decisive shift. The system has absorbed similar shocks before. What distinguishes the current moment is the convergence of economic exhaustion, societal fatigue, and regional overstretch. The Middle East is therefore in an observation phase. Regional actors are not repositioning fundamentally, but they are adjusting assumptions. Contingency planning, intelligence monitoring, and diplomatic hedging are all intensifying. Conclusion Irans internal unrest does not yet herald a transformation of the Middle Eastern order. But it does introduce friction into one of its central pillars. Power balances rarely change overnight; they shift incrementally, through distraction, degradation, and delay. For now, Iran remains a consequential regional actor, but one operating under increasing internal constraint. In geopolitics, constraint matters. It shapes behaviour, limits ambition, and over time, redraws the strategic map S. Abudalhoum is a security analyst with decades of on-ground experience in the Middle East Israel has implemented new regulations that will prevent 37 international aid groups from continuing their operations in Gaza and the West Bank, as their licences have ended on December 31. Under the new rules, which will take effect on March 1, such groups will have to register with Israeli authorities, and furnish detailed personal information about their staff. It has led to a fresh controversy as the move could disrupt vital humanitarian services, especially in Gaza. Israel says the new regulations are meant to safeguard national security and prevent Palestinian groups from infiltrating humanitarian operations. The diaspora affairs ministry, which oversees the registration process, says that the move is aimed at ensuring that aid frameworks are not exploited by terrorist organisations. The message is clear: Humanitarian assistance is welcome; but the exploitation of humanitarian frameworks for terrorist purposes is unacceptable, said Minister Amichai Chikli. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East However, international humanitarian organisations, including prominent NGOs such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Oxfam, CARE International, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Action Aid, have strongly opposed the new regulations. The crux of the controversy lies in the new requirements that foreign NGOs must submit a list of all staff members, including their passports and personal identification numbers, to the Israeli government. This also includes personal details of the workers families. Israeli authorities said their security agencies have found that some workers from international NGOs had links to Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the past. This has forced them to implement new security guidelines. However, the NGOs argue that the new rules are excessive, claiming that they violate their legal obligations under data protection laws in their home countries, which prevent them from sharing sensitive staff information with an occupying power. Humanitarian groups also warn that such demands could put their employees, particularly local Palestinian staff, at grave risk. Gaza has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for aid workers, with over 500 humanitarian workers killed in the last two years. The NGOs say that their staff could face reprisals if their personal data is handed over to Israeli authorities and that they already follow compliance frameworks designed to prevent terrorist financing. For example, organisations like CARE and Oxfam say they have extensive vetting systems in place and are already subject to donor-mandated compliance measures. The Norwegian Refugee Council reportedly offered a compromise, suggesting third-party vetting to address Israels concerns, but this was rejected by Israeli authorities. Israel says the groups account for only 1 per cent of the total aid entering Gaza. However, humanitarian agencies note that the quality of their services far outweighs the physical volume. Medecins Sans Frontieres, for instance, provides 20 per cent of the hospital beds in Gaza and is responsible for a third of all births. The Norwegian Refugee Council offers clean drinking water to over a lakh people daily. Oxfam and other organisations play a crucial role in repairing vital infrastructure, including water systems, and managing malnutrition treatment points. It may not be easy to replace such services. Equally disastrous is the timing, as Gaza faces one of its harshest winters. Heavy rains have flooded tents, and cold winds have made life even more unbearable, leading to multiple deaths. The expulsion of aid groups at this point could lead to even more disastrous consequences. The international community has been critical of the new regulations. Foreign ministers from ten countries, including the UK, France, Canada, Switzerland and Japan, called Israels actions "unacceptable," highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis. Israel, however, remains firm, insisting that the aid groups had enough time to comply with the new rules. It also assured that delivery of aid would not be hampered in the long run. If Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, Iran holds the third largest after Saudi Arabia. It is definitely no coincidence that the US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Friday that it was locked and loaded to act if Tehran clamped down on protestors. While the action was not clearly defined, it could mean anything, including military action. But the US did walk the talk on Saturday when President Trump ordered a strike against Venezuela. The attacks took place in Venezuela's capital city of Caracas. For quite some time, the US military had been on the offensiveseizing oil tankers and conducting an airstrike on landon charges that drugs were being shipped to the US mainland. After the strike, Trump took to social media with a stunning post: The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. However, Venezuela demanded 'proof of life'. On his part, President Maduro has vehemently rejected any links to criminal activity, instead pointing out that the US covets Venezuelas large oil reserves and rare earth mineral resources. It is clear that the US has energy interests in mind when it takes positions against Venezuela and Iran. While Venezuelan oil is very heavy with hydrocarbons, it is the prime source for diesel, on which the world economy runs. The American aim is clearto establish its oil monopoly in Venezuela. Politically, the American influence in Venezuela had waned after the Bolivarian Revolution of 1999. Clearly, Trump wants the US influence back. The Bolivarian Revolution is named after the former President Simon Bolivar. Secondly, the Trump-led US strategy is to carve out its own sphere of influence in the western hemisphere as part of the Monroe Doctrine, which declared the Western Hemisphere as off-limits for any other power. Any act otherwise would be seen as hostile. Articulated and espoused by US President James Monroe in 1823, it became a cornerstone of US foreign policy. This Doctrine has become more relevant for Trump than ever before, with Russia and China increasing their footprints in Latin America. Mexico, Paraguay and Nicaragua are already positioned against the US in the South American continent. Thirdly, it is interesting to see that Trump has been vacillating on the Ukraine question. Seemingly, there is a strategy at work here again. If one goes by his recent statements, Trump may be trying to work out a compromise with Russia. It may be indicating to Russia that Washington may recognise the Caucasus and Ukraine to be areas under the Russian sphere of influence if Moscow recognises the western hemisphere as part of the American sphere of influence. Again, the Monroe Doctrine is at work. First Mymensingh, then Rajbari, and now Shariatpur. Khokon Chandra Das, a Hindu businessman in Bangladesh, passed away on Saturday, days after being brutally injured by a mob. Das is the third Hindu man to be killed in a series of recent mob attacks against minorities in Bangladesh after Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, and Amrit Mondal, who was allegedly the head of a criminal gang in Bangladesh. "The horrific attacks on Bengali Hindus continue unabated in Bangladesh and West Bengal!" the West Bengal wing of the BJP wrote in an X post. Indeed, these recent mob killings have also received quite a bit of flak from various countries, including India. After Dipu Chandra Das, now Khokon Das had been attacked and set on fire by an Islamist mob. He has passed away due to his injuries early today morning. This reminds us of the grim situation in West Bengal where last year, Haragobinda Das and Chandan Das were brutally hacked to pic.twitter.com/KgBA1agXYV BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) January 3, 2026 The incident took place on the night of New Year's Eve, when 50-year-old Khokon, who had a medicine and phone shop in the Damudya area of Bangladesh's Shariatpur (about 150km away from Dhaka), was attacked by a mob on his way home. Das was allegedly first beaten with sharp weapons, after which some petrol-like substance was poured on him and he was set on fire. After somehow managing to escape from the unruly mob, he reportedly jumped into a nearby pond. He was then rescued by local residents and taken to the Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. Later that night, he was transferred to the Dhaka Medical College, where he was admitted to the Burn and Plastic Surgery Department. However, a few days later, he succumbed to his injuries. Notably, his wife, Seema Das, had told Prothom Alo earlier that the miscreants might have tried to kill him as he "recognised two of the attackers". With just weeks left before the highly anticipated elections in Bangladesh, the country lies in a state of turmoil after the December 12 murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, the leader of the radical party, Inquilab Mancha. In the aftermath of the December 29 fatal accident in Bhandup, in which a BEST-operated electric bus ran over pedestrians, killing four, the undertaking has planned a comprehensive safety audit to prevent similar incidents. The vehicle involved was an Olectra Greentech electric midi bus wet-leased to BEST. Following the tragedy, the civic transport body has proposed a citywide audit to identify traffic bottlenecks and high-risk zones across Mumbai. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, a BEST official said the undertaking plans to assess areas where road conditions, congestion and pedestrian movement pose heightened risks. We are planning to identify bottlenecks and high-risk zones across the city to avoid such tragic incidents. We have already called for a review of service records of all drivers both BEST-owned and wet-leased across our 27 depots, the official said. BEST has also made refresher courses and skill-upgradation training mandatory for all drivers operating electric buses. Mobile driver-training vehicles will be deployed to ensure uniform access to training across depots. Electric buses have different handling characteristics, and it is essential that drivers are fully comfortable operating them, the official added. However, the proposed road-safety audit will begin only after the municipal elections conclude. Post elections, we will write to the BMC seeking its support for the audit, the official said. Highlighting infrastructural challenges, the official pointed to narrow city roads, many further constricted by hawkers. Mumbais roads are already narrow, and encroachments make them more challenging. This affects last-mile connectivity for BEST buses. With BMCs support, we plan to identify such stretches and explore feasible solutions, he said. BEST ruled out any mechanical failure in the Bhandup bus, stating that the vehicle was technically sound at the time of the accident. The bus is currently in police custody, and the Regional Transport Office has clarified that there were no mechanical issues. Preliminary findings suggest the incident occurred due to human error, the official said. Addressing speculation that the previous driver may have left the bus in drive mode, the official said standard operating procedures require drivers to fully power down the vehicle before stepping away. The system remains inactive until restarted. It is possible the driver accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, as the pedals are positioned close to each other. This may have caused the bus to surge forward, first hitting a pole and then pedestrians, he said. Referring to a similar incident in Kurla last year, the official said BEST is intensifying communication and reskilling efforts. After the Kurla and Bhandup incidents, we are strengthening training so drivers are confident and fully understand operational protocols, especially for electric buses, he said. BEST General Manager Sonia Sethi has directed officials to conduct a detailed probe and has constituted an internal committee to investigate the incident. Both the bus and the driver are currently in police custody. Once the driver is granted bail, BEST will initiate an internal enquiry, an official said. As per protocol, the committee will interact with victims, witnesses, officials from Olectra Greentech and RTO. The enquiry is expected to take three to four weeks, though we will try to complete it at the earliest, the official added. Air siren raids were heard in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, reportedly similar to those of aeroplanes flying over the area at around 2:00 am local time on Saturday. AFP journalists in the city confirmed the occurrence of the loud noises. Full-scale military operations appear to be underway against Venezuela, with dozens of helicopters with the U.S. Army spotted over the capital of Caracas. pic.twitter.com/kIqfbGjOK4 OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 3, 2026 Multiple unverified images surfaced on social media showing a massive fire with plumes of smoke appearing to be in the south and east of Caracas. At 2:38 am, a new explosion was felt, and an aircraft continued to fly over the city. Power outages were reported in many areas. Witnesses also reported hearing gunshots. #AHORA Vista hacia La Carlota, donde se ubica la base aerea de la Fuerza Armada venezolana en Caracas, luego de escucharse varias detonaciones pic.twitter.com/iJPuJReO5s NTN24 Venezuela (@NTN24ve) January 3, 2026 In the southern part of Caracas, a military base was left without electricity, Reuters reported. A total of seven explosions were reported, and planes were seen flying overhead. The exact causes of the explosions have not been verified. Three loud bangs were heard form the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, accompanied by brief flashes of light. Explosions were also heard from the El Helicoide, used by the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), according to local reports. Colombian President Gustavoo Petro was one of the first to react to the attacks via social media. In a post on X he said,"They are currently bombing Caracas. Alert the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles. The OAS and the UN must meet immediately. The US had carried out a drone strike in Venezuela targeting port facilities earlier this week in Maracaibo. Trump claimed that the docking area, used by vessels participating in drug trafficking, was destroyed, making it the first US ground attack on Venezuelan soil. On December 16, U.S. President Donald Trump had declared that the leader of the country, Nicolas Maduro, was a terrorist and that he would impose a blockade of sanctioned tankers carrying Venezuelan oil." The US had deployed a fleet of warships to the Caribbean and mentioned a possibility of attacks on the Venezuelan territory, and with Trump stating that Maduros days were "numbered". Trump accused Maduro of leading a vast drug trafficking network, which Maduro denied. The Venezuelan dictator claimed that Washington has its eyes set on seizing the country's oil reserves which are one of the largest on the planet. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on Friday that it had thwarted an alleged plan for an ISIS-inspired attack using knives and hammers on the eve of the New Year and arrested an 18-year-old man. Christian Sturdivant of Mint Hill, North Carolina, has been charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation. According to investigators, the plot targeted a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant in North Carolina. FBI Disrupts Alleged New Years Eve Attack, Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS https://t.co/AjolJrgdxd pic.twitter.com/uzdGzHHH7B FBI (@FBI) January 2, 2026 The FBI had placed Sturdivant under constant surveillance for several days, including on Christmas, as stated by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina. "Agents were prepared to arrest him earlier if he left his home with weapons," Ferguson said at a news conference. "At no point was the public in harm's way," he added. Sturdivant had been planning the attack for nearly a year, and in December, he communicated online with two undercover agents from the FBI and the New York Police Department, whom he believed to be connected to ISIS. FBI Special Agent in Charge James Barnacle said that during a search of Sturdivant's home, investigators found a handwritten document titled "New Year's Attack 2026," which allegedly outlined plans to stab as many as 20 victims and target responding police officers. If convicted, Sturdivant faces up to 20 years in prison, according to court documents. According to an Associated Press report, the investigation began last month after authorities linked Sturdivant to a social media account that posted content supportive of ISIS. The account's display name referenced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former leader of the extremist group. Historical accounts of leaders in developing democracies often favour one-dimensional narratives over messy realities. This is especially true for Begum Khaleda Zia; following her passing on Tuesday at age 80, she remains one of Bangladeshs most oversimplified and misunderstood political icons. Too often she is reduced to a rival, a widow, a partisan combatant in a bitter duopoly with her arch nemesis Sheikh Hasina who was ousted from power last year through a mass uprising. Yet such shorthand obscures a larger truth: Khaleda Zia was a class apart because she stood, repeatedly and at great personal cost, against the consolidation of authoritarian power, and because she helped steer Bangladesh through one of the most consequential transitions in its political and economic life. She did not arrive in politics through pedigree or technocratic grooming. Thrust into public life after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, she could easily have remained a ceremonial figure. Instead, she became a decisive political actor at a moment when Bangladesh stood at the edge of democratic collapse. The country had endured years of military rule, power consolidation, institutional decay and political intimidation. When Khaleda Zia [along with Hasina] led the movement that helped bring down General Hussain Muhammad Ershad in 1990, she was essentially restoring the principle that power must answer to the people. Her victory in the 1991 election, widely regarded as free and competitive, marked a turning point. One of her governments first acts was to reverse the presidential system that had concentrated authority in the executive and restore parliamentary democracy. In doing so, she weakened the structural foundations of authoritarianism rather than strengthening them. In South Asia, where leaders often use democratic transitions to entrench personal power, that choice alone set her apart. Khaleda Zias democratic credentials were rooted in restraint. She governed amid intense polarization, military shadow play and donor pressure, yet she never attempted to extinguish political opposition or suspend electoral competition permanently. Power changed hands during her career, sometimes painfully, but it did change hands. Bangladesh did not slide into one-party rule on her watch. That, in a region crowded with strongmen, is no small achievement. Her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined an era and deeply scarred the political culture. Street confrontations and mutual delegitimization weakened institutions and eroded public trust. Khaleda Zia bears responsibility for contributing to this zero-sum politics. Yet even at the height of that rivalry, she did not dismantle the electoral system or rule by decree. The democratic arena remained bruised, but it remained open. Behind the relentless political conflict, a quieter transformation was taking place. When Khaleda Zia first assumed office, Bangladesh was still overwhelmingly agrarian, poor and vulnerable to famine. Her governments pursued pragmatic economic policies that lacked ideological flourish but delivered structural change. Export-led growth became the centerpiece of modernization. Under her leadership, ready-made garments replaced jute as the countrys economic spine, integrating Bangladesh into global supply chains and creating employment for millions, particularly women. Garment exports expanded rapidly, even surviving the end of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement, which many analysts believed would cripple the industry. Instead, Bangladesh emerged more competitive, not less. Labor migration followed a similar logic. Under Khaleda Zia, overseas employment expanded dramatically, particularly in the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Remittances, once a marginal factor, became a central pillar of the economy. They financed rural consumption, housing, education and small enterprise, functioning as an informal welfare system long before the term became fashionable. The financial lifeline that would later stabilize Bangladesh during periods of political upheaval was built during these years, deliberately and without fanfare. Economic growth under her watch did not come at the cost of food security. Rice production increased steadily through expanded irrigation, high-yield varieties and the rise of Boro cultivation. Cropping intensity improved. Bangladesh moved closer to self-sufficiency in rice, loosening its historical dependence on food aid. The balance she presided overindustrial growth without agrarian collapsereflected an instinctive understanding that development must be broad-based to endure. Her social policies, particularly toward women, were equally consequential. Nationwide stipend programs for girls secondary education transformed enrollment patterns and altered the countrys long-term human capital trajectory. These interventions were not framed as feminist manifestos, but their impact was unmistakable. Millions of women entered schools, factories and labor markets, reshaping family structures and economic expectations in ways that outlasted her governments. And yet, Khaleda Zias record is not without serious flaws. Her alliances with Islamist parties, often forged for tactical advantage, raised legitimate concerns about the boundaries between state and religion. The creation of elite security forces like the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) during her tenure, later implicated in grave human rights abuses, revealed the dangers of prioritizing order without sufficient accountability. These decisions complicate her democratic legacy and demand honest reckoning. Her later years exposed the fragility of the very democracy she helped restore. The legal cases that led to her imprisonment were widely viewed as politically motivated, part of a broader strategy to neutralize opposition through the courts. Whether or not every charge was unfounded, the spectacle of a former prime minister confined for years underscored how far the state had drifted from democratic norms. In that sense, her suffering became symbolic of a deeper crisis: a state willing to sacrifice justice to secure power. Khaleda Zias endurance in the face of that repression transformed her into something more than a politician. She became a quiet symbol of resistance, not through speeches or mobilization, but through refusal. She did not bend. She did not seek absolution from power. Her silence, forced and frail, carried moral weight. It helped nourish the political consciousness that eventually erupted in mass protest and upheaval. She leaves behind no perfect blueprint and no unblemished record. What she leaves instead is something rarer. A proof that democratic restraint is possible, that power can be contested without being monopolized, and that economic transformation does not require authoritarian discipline. Khaleda Zia did not make Bangladesh a flawless democracy. But she helped prevent it from becoming a closed one. The author is the Minister (Press) of Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. US President Donald Trump has claimed that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured after the large-scale strike in Caracas on Saturday. In an announcement posted to Truth Social Trump said, "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement." He also said that there will be a news conference at "11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago." The capture was confirmed by the US army's Delta Force who spoke to the BBC. The attack targetted several locations across the capital city. Right before Trump announced that Maduro was captured, Venezuela had annouced a state of national emergency and rejected the "military agression" by the United States. It called on the population to mobilise to "defeat this imperialist aggression" by the US. Interior and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello was reported dead during the attack by some local media outlets. El Gobierno de la Republica de Colombia observa con profunda preocupacion los reportes sobre explosiones y actividad aerea inusual registrados en las ultimas horas en la Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela, asi como la consecuente escalada de tension en la region. Colombia Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 3, 2026 #Cuba denuncia y demanda URGENTE reaccion de la comunidad internacional contra criminal ataque de E.U a #Venezuela. Nuestra #ZonaDePaz esta siendo brutalmente asaltada. Terrorismo de Estado contra el bravo pueblo venezolano y contra Nuestra America. Patria o Muerte Venceremos! Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez (@DiazCanelB) January 3, 2026 Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Colombian President Gustavo Petro both condemned the overnight strikes on Venezuela. While Colombia does not recognise Maduro's government it is opposed to US military intervention. Colombia also shares a border with Venezuela. Cuba, meanwhile, is one of the few countries allied with Caracas. Strikes on Caracas was to happen on Christmas but was postponed US military officials say that Trump approved the strikes on Venezuela a few days ago. "President Trump gave the US military the green light to launch ground strikes on Venezuela a few days before the operation itself began," the officials were quoted as saying by CBS News. Sources also say that military officials discussed the possibility of conducting a mission in Caracas on Christmas. However the it was postponed to prioritise the US airstrike in Nigeria on ISIS targets. Opportunities had arrived in the days after Christmas, but the operation was postponed again due to adverse weather conditions. On Christmas, ever trump had cautioned that if Maduro "plays tough, it'll be the last time he'll ever be able to play tough." Officials said the US military needed favourable weather conditions for the operation to succeed. The US military had months of build-up in the region with the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and numerous other warships positioned in the Caribbean. The country had also seized two oil tankers off Venezuela and launched attacks on more than 30 boats, which the government said carried drugs. Venezuela's air defences are working over the city, and military equipment has been deployed on the streets. BREAKING: The US has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and flown him out of the country, says Donald Trump in a post on Truth Social. Follow live https://t.co/D40FIyT5hP Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/IuE3xKPP7S Sky News (@SkyNews) January 3, 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the United States had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and flown them out of the country. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country, Trump said in a Truth Social post. READ HERE | Trump says US captured Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro after large-scale strikes in Caracas At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2 a.m. local time on Saturday in the capital, Caracas. Venezuelas government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states. The Federal Aviation Authority has banned U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity following the explosions in Caracas. The development comes amid the U.S. military having targeted, in recent days, alleged drug-smuggling boats. On Friday, Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an agreement with the U.S. to combat drug trafficking. READ HERE | Explosions shake Caracas, capital of Venezuela after Trump warning of possible attacks THE WEEK spoke with R. Viswanathan, a distinguished retired Indian diplomat and a leading expert on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Indias Ambassador to Venezuela from 2000 to 2003, he said Nicolas Maduro is a puppet being handled by a bigger group, and even his death cannot ensure Maria Corina Machado getting to lead the country. Caracas powerful men will fight to the death before letting a pro-U.S. government take charge, he said. While the Venezuelan people deserve a change, it should happen internally and not through U.S. war machinery. Excerpts from a brief telephonic interaction: Did you see this coming? He had been threatening for so long. Im surprised it took so much time, and when he realised, he was in no position to stop this or have any deterrents against Trump. If it was North Korea, he wouldnt do it. If it was China or Russia, he wouldnt do it. But the U.S. did it with Saddam Hussein because he didnt have a nuclear bomb. He did it with Gaddafi, and they did it in Afghanistan. So they think that Venezuela is a low-hanging fruit. They can hit and get away with it. There is no surprise that he really did it. Is a land invasion really on the horizon? Americans have got Venezuela in a difficult position. A full-scale invasion is not necessary. They can squeeze and make life further miserable for the Venezuelan people. They have stopped oil shipments, blocked ports, and do not allow airlines to fly. What else is needed? They would be squeezed and they would suffer. How do you think South America is going to react? The U.S. doesnt really care about South American nations. They will do whatever they want to do, and they have already been doing so for long, since the Cold War and even before that. They have always changed regimes, invaded, occupied, supported dictatorships, and created whatever mess they wanted. Here also they would do whatever they want and get away with it. No one can stop it. Brazil, Mexico and Colombia have been making some noises, but they wont go all out in support of Maduro. Trump can retaliate and cause more problems for them. They need the U.S., so they will not go beyond a point to confront the United States. What is going to happen to Maduro now? Hugo Chavez had joined UNASUR and Mercosur, and thus an attack of this magnitude back then would have become an issue for the whole group. But the foolish Maduro alienated President Lula da Silva of Brazil and Colombian President Gustavo Petro both leftists because they were not supportive of his election rigging. Verbally attacking these leaders was unwise, foolish and feeble from Maduros side. So now they dont have great sympathy for him. Also, this is not a one-man dictatorship. This is a collective dictatorship. Maduro is only a front man with no charisma or grassroots support. He is not like Chavez. So killing Maduro or removing him from power is not going to bring Maria Corina Machado into power. The collective behind Maduro wont let her, because if she comes to power, the first thing she would do is hand over the top generals, cabinet ministers, oil company chiefs and everyone else to the United States. They all have lots of trumped-up cases against them. So the Venezuelan leadership cannot afford a transfer of power to the pro-American opposition, which would be suicidal. They would die fighting. Like Saudi Arabia and China, Trump has no problem dealing with them, right? So he could have done something to not get into this mess. But when Lula said they knew it was a disputed election, this guy went and attacked Lula, and even Petro of Colombia. That was very unwise, foolish and feeble. Is this the USAs shadow war for Venezuelas oil reserves? After the shale revolution, the United States has become the biggest producer of oil and gas, and they can afford to knock off Venezuela, Iran or Russia. If Iranian, Russian and Venezuelan oil flowed freely, oil prices would have gone down. So he is helping his oil tycoons from Texas. He doesnt need Venezuelas oil. China and India are among the countries that would be affected, and Trump doesnt care about us. Domestically, do you think the attack is going to help Maduro? Maduro doesnt care about what the people feel. In fact, if he holds an election, he would lose power. People are suffering, and it is total misery the shortage of foreign exchange. Without oil, they are dead. They need a change, but not through American warships or the White House. They need to sort it out internally. You had big military dictatorships in Brazil, Argentina and Chile, all supported by the Americans, and they transitioned to democracy through local struggle, guerrilla warfare and political agitation. But Machado doesnt want to do that. She just runs to Uncle Sam and the CIA and wants them to hand power to her. Do you think Russia and China making any noises will make a difference? I dont think so. They havent invested so much in this country, and its not a great ally. In any case, this is the American hemisphere. They wouldnt like to confront America here. If it is Ukraine, they would. If it is Taiwan, they would. But not in the U.S. backyard. They might offer some advice or help, but it would be insignificant. So what do you think Trump is going to say as justification for the attack? He can say anything he wants. The world has been living with American lies, fake news, insults and disrespect. Here is one more addition to the list, and the world will live with that. It doesnt care, but what can anyone do? When Trump attacked in 2018, during his earlier tenure, he squeezed Venezuela. He called for regime change and tried everything, but he didnt go this far. At that time, he had the support of Colombia, which was run by a right-wing government. That was useful because they share a land border close to oil fields. But now Colombia would not collaborate with the United States. They have a left government. However, the Americans dont need it now, because from ships they can send missiles and destroy the presidential palace or anything they want. No one can do anything about it. It is a pity. (R. Viswanathan also served as Joint Secretary (Head) of the Latin America and Caribbean Division in the Ministry of External Affairs (20042007) and later as Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay from 2007 to 2012, based in Buenos Aires.) Over a month before the US launched a nighttime operation and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, the US had designated Cartel de los Soles or Cartel of the Suns, allegedly headed by Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organisation (FTO). "The Department of State intends to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), effective November 24, 2025. Based in Venezuela, the Cartel de los Soles is headed by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuelas military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary. Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuelas legitimate government," a statement from the US Department of State said on November 16. "Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe. The United States will continue using all available tools to protect our national security interests and deny funding and resources to narco-terrorists," it added. This was part of the US administration's efforts to combat drug trafficking into the country, as the US alleges that the organisation is responsible for drug trafficking to the US and Europe. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had accused Cartel de los Soles of being responsible for terrorist violence in the Western Hemisphere. In the 1990s, Venezuelans started using the term Cartel de los Soles to refer to high-ranking military officers who had become wealthy through drug trafficking. As corruption later spread across the countryfirst during the presidency of the late Hugo Chavez and then under Nicolas Madurothe term came to be used more broadly to include police and government officials, as well as illicit activities such as illegal mining and fuel smuggling. The suns in the name refer to the insignia worn on the epaulettes of high-ranking military uniforms. The term gained greater prominence in 2020, when the US Justice Department, during Donald Trumps first term, accused President Maduro and members of his inner circle of leading a drug-trafficking network, announcing indictments on narcoterrorism and related charges. It is not a group, said Adam Isaacson, director for defence oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America. Its not like a group that people would ever identify themselves as members of. They dont have regular meetings. They dont have a hierarchy. The US has reportedly captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to stand trial inside the country, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Venezuelan government has asked for proof of life and the whereabouts of Maduro and his First Lady, Cilia Flores. The countrys vice president said that the large-scale military attacks on the capital, Caracas have killed officials, military personnel, and civilians in the country. Maduro has been called a narco-terrorist and a criminal by the Trump administration. The government has looked to prosecute him through the US legal system. He also had a $50 million bounty on his head as of August 2025 after Trump took office for the second term. In 2020, during Trump's first term, Madura was charged in the Southern District of New York for narco-terrorism and for trying to import cocaine, and on related charges. Last month, Marco Rubio said that the the Maduro regime being a narco-terrorist organisation is not on the basis of political talk or speculation. Trump said in a social media post early Saturday that Maduro had been captured in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement and promised more details later in the day. Republican US Senator Mike Lee of Utah said he spoke with Rubio on Saturday morning. Rubio reportedly told him that Nicolas Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant, reported CNN. Nicolas Maduro shouldve studied history before waving a sword at President Trump. January 3, 1990 we captured Panamas narcotrafficking dictator Manuel Noriega. January 3, 2026 we captured #Venezuelas narcoterrorist dictator Nicolas Maduro. pic.twitter.com/rjUTTRs8xw Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) January 3, 2026 The capture of Maduro is similar to that of the arrest of late Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega in 1990, exactly 35 years ago. President George H.W. Bush had ordered his arrest and the US military to invade Panama in 1989. He was convicted in the US and spent 20 years in an American prison before he was sent to France to serve a money laundering sentence. He was then sent to Panama again, where he was imprisoned for murder and other charges. Noriega died in Panama in 2017. As for Venezuela, the government is currently in doubt. According to the constitution, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is in line to power. The opposition government, however, says that the exiled politician Edmundo Gonzalez is the rightful leader. The country could also be subject to a military takeover by the current Defence minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who has spoken after the US strikes and called for the country to resist the US invasion and the the greatest outrage the country has suffered. Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted in the Southern District of New York, revealed US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Taking to social media, Bondi said they will "soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts". Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, Possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States. "On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers," Bondi added. The US targeted Venezuela with a large-scale strike on Saturday, following which it was confirmed that Maduro and his wife were flown out of the country. The nighttime operation was announced by President Donald Trump on social media hours after the attack. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government urged citizens to rise up against the military action. "The entire country must mobilise to defeat this imperialist aggression," it added. Venezuela also accused the US of trying to Venezuela has accused the US of "seize control" of its oil and minerals. On the other hand, the US prosecutors argued that Maduro was running a cocaine cartel and flooding the US with drugs to "undermine the health" of the American people. Bondi claimed that around seven tonnes of cocaine was linked directly to Maduro. The indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores by the US on Saturday has raised questions of who could succeed his decade-long reign as president. Apart from 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner and activist Maria Corina Machado, the answer is also likely to be 75-year-old Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who was once poised to be president. Maduro's capture and indictment comes after the Donald Trump administration carried out airstrikes overnight into Saturday morning, which rocked many parts of the country, including Caracas, its capital. Trump: His house had steel doors and a safety space with solid steel all around. He tried to get into it, but was bum-rushed so fast he didnt make it. We were prepared with massive blowtorches to get through the steel, but we didnt need them. pic.twitter.com/Jov7gYyX3t Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2026 During the chaos, Maduro and his wife were captured by the US Delta Force, and were then flown into the US to be tried. Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 3, 2026 "Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States," said US Attorney General Pamela Bondi in an X post. Why is Gonzalez a possible successor to Maduro? Edmundo Gonzalez had been a part of the opposition candidacy that had reportedly won the presidential elections held on July 28, 2024. Notably, the career diplomat and political analystoften described as a centristhad not been the original pick to lead the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), Venezuela's opposition coalition, as per a Buenos Aires Herald report. However, he rose to the position after both right-wing politician and presidential hopeful Machado and her replacement, Corina Yoris, were both banned from participating in the elections. Yet, four days after the July 2024 elections, the National Electoral Council (CNE), said to be backed by the ruling party, declared Maduro as the winner, claiming that he had 51.2 per cent of the vote, as compared to 44.2 per cent for Gonzalez, as per an El Pais report. However, the opposition's voter tallies showed a different picturethat Gonzalez had won 67 per cent of the vote, while Maduro had only garnered 30 per cent. This discrepancyfollowed by a number of countries, including the USrecognising Gonzalez as the winner, led to political pressure on the career diplomat, who had risen to the ranks from his experience as an ambassador to Argentina under Hugo Chavezs first presidency (1998-2002). Gonzalez was forced to take refuge in two embassies in Caracasfirst that of the Netherlands, and then Spain. He was then forced to leave the country altogether, and escaped to Madrid, from where he has continued to advocate that Venezuela uphold the results of the 2024 polls. Digital initiatives, including artificial intelligence, are beginning to change how legislatures work. It is becoming easier to research archives, and many legislatures are moving toward becoming paper-free. Real-time AI translation tools allow MPs to speak in their own languages and be understood instantly. This could make Parliament more accessible and inclusive. But technology does not solve the main problem. Despite the speed with which technology is shaping public interactions, Parliaments core function does not change. It exists to debate laws, question policies, discuss crucial issues, and represent public opinion. These tasks require time and decorum. AI can support Parliament, but it cannot replace sitting days. In 2023, Parliament functioned for just 62 days. The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) averaged only 55 days a yearthe lowest among all full-term Lok Sabhas. Over the decades, the Lok Sabha has been meeting less and less. In the early years after Independence, Parliament sat frequently: the first Lok Sabha averaged 135 sitting days a year. In 1950 and 1956, it had over 150 sittings. The second and third Lok Sabhas averaged 116 and 117 days. From the 1980s onward, the number fell below 100 and never recovered. By the 10th Lok Sabha, the average was 93 days a year. The 14th and 15th Lok Sabhas averaged 66 and 71 days. The 16th Lok Sabha averaged 66 days. State legislatures show the same pattern: on average, Assemblies meet for just 26 days a year, limiting oversight and strengthening executive control. Fewer sittings mean fewer hours to debate laws, scrutinise decisions, and raise issues of public concern. The last session had scheduled time to debate air pollution, yet it could not be taken up due to fewer sittings and frequent disruptions. Over the years, disruptions as a form of parliamentary statement have further impacted the business transacted and productivity. Another major casualty of fewer sittings and frequent disruptions is the Question Hourone of the strongest tools to hold the government accountable and get answers. Opposition parties often demand the suspension of Question Hour to discuss issues they deem important. Once lost, the Question Hour cannot be recovered, even if one devotes more time later to boost productivity percentages. During the 17th Lok Sabha, Question Hour functioned for 60 per cent of scheduled time in Lok Sabha and a mere 52 per cent in Rajya Sabha, according to PRS Legislative Research. Standing committees, comprising MPs, discuss key bills and issues away from public glare and scrutiny. They serve an important function, but the time taken by them cannot compensate for the number of sittings. Other democracies have not reduced sittings despite using modern technology. Parliaments in the UK, Canada, and Australia sit between 100 and 150 days a year. The unspoken argument for fewer sittings is frequent disruptions in the House. Disruptions and protests are not limited to any one party, but being in Opposition gives them a tool to create a louder impact than the spoken, recorded word inside the House. In 2008, when the UPA was in power, Parliament had only 46 sittingsthe lowest, barring 2020 when Covid-19 reduced it to 33 days. Experts have repeatedly warned against this decline. Committees and constitutional bodies have recommended fixing a minimum number of sitting days. The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution suggested at least 120 sitting days for the Lok Sabha and 100 for the Rajya Sabha. Similar recommendations have come from conferences of presiding officers and private members' bills, but these have not gone beyond the discussion stage. As India completes 75 years as a Republic and marks the Constitution's enforcement, there is a strong case for retaining the relevance of parliamentary functions and debate. Mandating a minimum of 100 sitting days each calendar year would reduce executive discretion and strengthen Parliaments role as the primary forum for debate and accountability. But that would require a consensus from both the treasury benches and the Opposition. Elections are a spectacle to watch, where crores flow and MPs get elected. But they have little to showcase to the public in terms of parliamentary debates. There is a strong case for rescuing the relevance of Parliament in the age of AI and social media. Good debates shape public opinion; leaders are made when they present cogent arguments. Good speeches make it to the history booksthe shouting brigades fade away without a trace. Parliament remains a living institution; it needs more than a new building. Democratic traditions cannot be automated. They must be practised, more often, on the floor of the House. For thousands of aspiring judicial officers, cracking the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examinations is a lifelong goal. For many, however, the hurdles are immense. Candidates often struggle to secure basic cooperation from the commission over complaints of identical or unexpectedly low marks, mechanical evaluation, and outright denial of access to evaluated answer sheets. A recent slate of petitions before the Bombay High Court has highlighted concerns over transparency, fairness and accountability in an exam that can make or break careers. Three cases, in particular, reveal just how steep the hurdles can be. Shruti Hemant Wade Shruti Hemant Wade, an advocate, scored 56 marks each in Paper I and Paper II of the mains written exam. She secured 34 out of 50 in the interview, taking her total to 146 marks just one mark short of the 147 cutoff in the final merit list. She was awarded identical and unexpectedly low marks in both written papers. Wade applied under the Right to Information Act, seeking copies and inspection of her evaluated answer sheets. However, the MPSC rejected her request without providing any reasons, despite Supreme Court rulings mandating disclosure of evaluated answer sheets and earlier directions from the Bombay HC requiring the MPSC to permit inspection. She approached the high court, seeking judicial intervention to enforce transparency, gain access to her answer sheets, and secure re-evaluation. Patil Naresh Dongar Patil Naresh Dongar, a candidate for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Competitive Main Examination 2022, also approached the court alleging unfair treatment by the commission. Despite performing well in the preliminary exam, mains and interview, he received low marks of 56 and 57 in two written papers. Dongar filed an RTI application last May seeking copies and inspection of his evaluated answer sheets. He alleged that the MPSC refused the request without explanation. Dongar pointed out that in a similar examination in 2020, his marks increased from 71 to 78 after re-evaluation, demonstrating that initial assessments can be flawed. He contended that his current evaluation was perfunctory and violated his rights to transparency, fairness and livelihood under Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution. Kartiki Awantika Kartiki Awantika, a young advocate from Madhya Pradesh, devoted months to preparing for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Judicial Magistrate First Class Competitive Main Examination-2022. Despite her efforts and high expectations, she received unexpectedly low marks in Paper I, leaving her career prospects uncertain. Seeking clarity, she too filed RTI applications requesting copies of her evaluated answer sheets, only to be denied by the public information officer on vague grounds of confidentiality. Her first appeal was dismissed without relief, even though similarly placed candidates had been permitted inspection following a prior high court order. Awantika approached the high court under Article 226, asserting that the denial violated her fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21. During the hearing, the candidates were represented by advocates Abhijeet A Desai, Mohini Rehpade, Daksha Punghera and Vijay Singh. MPSCs response and court ruling The state and the MPSC opposed the petitions, warning the court that allowing routine re-evaluation would open the floodgates and undermine the finality of competitive examinations. They argued that there is no legal right to demand re-checking unless expressly provided for by law. The HC, while hearing the petitions from candidates who narrowly missed selection in the Civil Judge and JMFC examination, reiterated that courts cannot lightly interfere in competitive examinations. Judicial precedents, the court said, must be read in context, and earlier orders permitting answer-sheet inspection do not constitute binding precedents. The court clarified that intervention is warranted only in rare cases such as when a correct answer is demonstrably marked incorrect to prevent manifest injustice. While allowing the petitioners limited inspection of their answer sheets, the court refused to order routine re-evaluation or alterations to the merit list and disposed of all three petitions. American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Friday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be paid a dividend of 0.88 per share by the insurance provider on Tuesday, January 27th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 15th. American Financial Group has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 19 years. American Financial Group has a dividend payout ratio of 29.8% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect American Financial Group to earn $11.68 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $3.52 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 30.1%. Get American Financial Group alerts: American Financial Group Trading Down 1.3% Shares of NYSE:AFG traded down $1.80 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $134.89. 439,308 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 482,114. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.17 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a current ratio of 0.55. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $136.42 and its 200 day moving average price is $134.10. American Financial Group has a 12 month low of $114.73 and a 12 month high of $150.02. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades American Financial Group ( NYSE:AFG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The insurance provider reported $2.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.35 by $0.34. American Financial Group had a net margin of 9.66% and a return on equity of 18.05%. The business had revenue of $2.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.02 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.31 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 13.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that American Financial Group will post 10.5 earnings per share for the current year. Several analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating and issued a $142.00 price objective on shares of American Financial Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on American Financial Group from $130.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of American Financial Group in a research note on Monday. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded American Financial Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, September 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $135.00. View Our Latest Report on AFG American Financial Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) American Financial Group, Inc (NYSE: AFG) is a diversified holding company primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. Through its flagship subsidiary, Great American Insurance Company, the firm underwrites a broad range of specialty insurance products for commercial and industrial clients, including inland marine, excess and surplus lines, executive liability, and environmental liability coverage. In addition, American Financial Group offers supplemental accident and health insurance and assumes reinsurance risks from other insurers, helping to diversify its underwriting portfolio. The company traces its roots to 1946, when it was founded by Carl Lindner, Sr. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (TSE:ITH Get Free Report) (NYSE:THM) shares shot up 1.6% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$2.70 and last traded at C$2.57. 34,227 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 8% from the average session volume of 37,156 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.53. International Tower Hill Mines Price Performance The business has a 50-day moving average of C$2.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$2.12. The company has a market cap of C$534.26 million, a P/E ratio of -85.67 and a beta of 1.46. Get International Tower Hill Mines alerts: International Tower Hill Mines (TSE:ITH Get Free Report) (NYSE:THM) last announced its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The mining company reported C$0.00 EPS for the quarter. Equities analysts anticipate that International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. will post -0.02 EPS for the current fiscal year. About International Tower Hill Mines International Tower Hill Mines Ltd is a mining company. It is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The company holds interests in an advanced stage exploration project namely the Livengood Gold Project. It is located approximately 70 miles northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska in the Tolovana mining district within the Tintina gold belt. The project property consists of land leased from the Alaska mental health trust, a number of smaller private mineral leases, Alaska state mining claims purchased or located by the company and patented ground held by the company. Read More Receive News & Ratings for International Tower Hill Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Tower Hill Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. H. Lundbeck A/S (OTCMKTS:HLUYY Get Free Report) fell 0% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $22.00 and last traded at $22.00. 7,500 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 327% from the average session volume of 1,758 shares. The stock had previously closed at $22.0050. H. Lundbeck A/S Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The company has a market capitalization of $21.91 billion, a PE ratio of 25.00 and a beta of 0.68. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $22.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $22.00. Get H. Lundbeck A/S alerts: H. Lundbeck A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) H. Lundbeck A/S (OTCMKTS:HLUYY) is a Danish pharmaceutical company headquartered in Copenhagen that specializes in the research, development and commercialization of medicines for disorders of the central nervous system. Founded in 1915 by Hans Lundbeck, the company has built a long-standing focus on neuroscience, concentrating on therapies for psychiatric and neurological conditions rather than broader therapeutic areas. Lundbecks primary activities include discovery and clinical development of novel compounds, regulatory filings, manufacturing and global commercialization of prescription medicines aimed at brain health. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for H. Lundbeck A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for H. Lundbeck A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Global Multifactor ETF (NYSEARCA:ACWF Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.4% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $52.73 and last traded at $52.7817. 5,403 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 31% from the average session volume of 7,867 shares. The stock had previously closed at $52.98. iShares MSCI Global Multifactor ETF Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $190.01 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.81 and a beta of 0.93. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $52.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is $50.71. iShares MSCI Global Multifactor ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) The iShares MSCI Global Multifactor ETF (ACWF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap global equities. Stocks are selected and weighted to increase exposure to 4 factors (quality, value, momentum and small size) while maintaining similar characteristics to the MSCI ACWI Index. ACWF was launched on Apr 28, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Global Multifactor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Global Multifactor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of discoverIE Group plc (LON:DSCV Get Free Report) fell 1.5% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as GBX 591 and last traded at GBX 591. 971,962 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 165% from the average session volume of 366,724 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 600. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently weighed in on DSCV shares. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 950 price objective on shares of discoverIE Group in a research note on Friday, December 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,000 target price on shares of discoverIE Group in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 750 target price on shares of discoverIE Group in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of discoverIE Group to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from GBX 735 to GBX 850 in a report on Monday, December 1st. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 830. Get discoverIE Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on DSCV discoverIE Group Stock Down 1.5% The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 588.38 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 622.57. The company has a market capitalization of 568.08 million, a P/E ratio of 22.47 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 77.88. discoverIE Group (LON:DSCV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, December 2nd. The company reported GBX 19.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. discoverIE Group had a net margin of 3.55% and a return on equity of 5.10%. Equities research analysts anticipate that discoverIE Group plc will post 37.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at discoverIE Group In related news, insider Bruce Thompson acquired 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 605 per share, for a total transaction of 90,750. 3.73% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About discoverIE Group (Get Free Report) discoverIE Group plc is an international group of businesses that design and manufacture innovative electronic components for industrial use. The Group provides application-specific components to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) internationally, with a focus on key markets driven by structural growth and increasing electronic content, namely renewable energy, medical, transportation, security, and industrial & connectivity. The Group employs c.4,500 people across 20 countries. Its principal operating units are located in Continental Europe, the UK, China, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Mexico and the USA. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for discoverIE Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for discoverIE Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE:HGTY Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the nine analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $14.00. Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Hagerty from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of Hagerty in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $13.00 price objective for the company. BMO Capital Markets began coverage on shares of Hagerty in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. They set a market perform rating and a $13.00 target price on the stock. Citizens Jmp started coverage on shares of Hagerty in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a mkt outperform rating and a $15.00 target price for the company. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Hagerty in a research note on Monday. Get Hagerty alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hagerty Insider Transactions at Hagerty Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hagerty In other Hagerty news, Director Robert I. Kauffman sold 55,524 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.16, for a total transaction of $675,171.84. Following the sale, the director directly owned 1,023,525 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,446,064. The trade was a 5.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Insiders sold 213,466 shares of company stock worth $2,489,998 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 16.70% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. IFP Advisors Inc acquired a new stake in Hagerty in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Hagerty by 2,374.5% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 4,949 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 4,749 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its position in shares of Hagerty by 165.3% in the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 5,131 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 3,197 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in shares of Hagerty by 46.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 8,571 shares of the companys stock worth $87,000 after purchasing an additional 2,726 shares in the last quarter. Finally, KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS increased its stake in shares of Hagerty by 228.1% during the 2nd quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 10,500 shares of the companys stock worth $106,000 after purchasing an additional 7,300 shares in the last quarter. 20.51% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Hagerty Stock Performance Shares of HGTY stock opened at $13.14 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $12.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $11.68. The company has a market cap of $4.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.94 and a beta of 0.89. Hagerty has a 12-month low of $8.03 and a 12-month high of $14.00. Hagerty (NYSE:HGTY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $359.01 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $354.36 million. Hagerty had a return on equity of 16.85% and a net margin of 5.85%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Hagerty will post 0.22 EPS for the current year. About Hagerty (Get Free Report) Hagerty is a specialized automotive lifestyle and insurance company that caters primarily to collectible car enthusiasts. Its core business centers on offering classic vehicle insurance policies designed to protect antique, vintage and specialty automobiles, motorcycles and boats. These policies typically feature agreed-value coverage, flexible usage options and access to restoration services, aligning with the unique needs of collectors and hobbyists. Beyond insurance, Hagerty operates a comprehensive suite of community and content services under its automotive lifestyle brand. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hagerty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hagerty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (NYSE:MTD Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the thirteen brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $1,441.6667. A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on MTD. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Mettler-Toledo International in a research report on Monday. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Mettler-Toledo International in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. They set a neutral rating and a $1,475.00 price target for the company. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Mettler-Toledo International in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $1,550.00 price objective on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,450.00 to $1,600.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,600.00 to $1,550.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Get Mettler-Toledo International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Mettler-Toledo International Mettler-Toledo International Price Performance MTD stock opened at $1,411.83 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.84 billion, a PE ratio of 35.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.15 and a beta of 1.41. The companys 50-day moving average is $1,420.77 and its 200-day moving average is $1,316.31. Mettler-Toledo International has a 1 year low of $946.69 and a 1 year high of $1,525.17. Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The medical instruments supplier reported $11.15 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $10.62 by $0.53. Mettler-Toledo International had a negative return on equity of 426.96% and a net margin of 21.20%.The business had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $997.36 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $10.21 EPS. The firms revenue was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Mettler-Toledo International has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 12.680-12.880 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 42.050-42.250 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Mettler-Toledo International will post 42.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, insider Gerry Keller sold 236 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,418.58, for a total transaction of $334,784.88. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 159 shares in the company, valued at approximately $225,554.22. This represents a 59.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider La Guerroniere Marc De sold 6,055 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,488.18, for a total value of $9,010,929.90. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 187 shares of the companys stock, valued at $278,289.66. The trade was a 97.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last three months, insiders sold 19,565 shares of company stock worth $28,683,737. Company insiders own 1.94% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Mettler-Toledo International Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 42.1% in the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 27 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. boosted its position in Mettler-Toledo International by 2,700.0% in the third quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 28 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new position in Mettler-Toledo International in the 3rd quarter valued at $43,000. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International during the 3rd quarter valued at $42,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 94.4% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 35 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.07% of the companys stock. About Mettler-Toledo International (Get Free Report) Mettler-Toledo International Inc is a global manufacturer and distributor of precision instruments and services for laboratory, industrial and food retail applications. The companys product portfolio includes laboratory balances and analytical instruments, industrial weighing systems, process analytics and sensors, metal detection and x-ray inspection equipment, checkweighers, and a range of automated inspection and data-management solutions. Mettler-Toledo also provides software, calibration and lifecycle services intended to support compliance, quality control and operational efficiency across customer facilities. The company serves a broad set of end markets including pharmaceutical and biotech laboratories, chemical and food processors, logistics and manufacturing operations, and retail environments where accurate weighing and inspection are critical. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mettler-Toledo International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mettler-Toledo International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the thirty-one brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating, sixteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $298.92. Several equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of FedEx from $265.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Barclays raised their price target on FedEx from $320.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Raymond James Financial increased their price objective on shares of FedEx from $255.00 to $305.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Citigroup lifted their price target on FedEx from $310.00 to $327.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded FedEx from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, October 12th. Get FedEx alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on FDX Institutional Trading of FedEx FedEx Stock Up 1.5% Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates raised its position in FedEx by 250.0% during the 4th quarter. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates now owns 140 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. RIA Advisory Group LLC increased its holdings in FedEx by 4.2% during the third quarter. RIA Advisory Group LLC now owns 10,316 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $2,433,000 after buying an additional 417 shares during the period. AIA Group Ltd lifted its holdings in FedEx by 151.7% during the third quarter. AIA Group Ltd now owns 5,733 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $1,352,000 after buying an additional 3,455 shares during the period. Saranac Partners Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of FedEx during the 3rd quarter worth $183,000. Finally, Severin Investments LLC bought a new position in FedEx in the third quarter worth about $354,000. 84.47% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. NYSE FDX opened at $293.17 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $273.41 and its 200-day moving average price is $246.14. The company has a market capitalization of $68.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 1.35. FedEx has a 52 week low of $194.29 and a 52 week high of $297.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. FedEx (NYSE:FDX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The shipping service provider reported $4.82 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.02 by $0.80. FedEx had a net margin of 4.81% and a return on equity of 16.63%. The business had revenue of $23.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.79 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $4.05 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. FedEx has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.800-19.000 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that FedEx will post 19.14 earnings per share for the current year. FedEx Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.45 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $5.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. FedExs dividend payout ratio is currently 31.97%. FedEx Company Profile (Get Free Report) FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) is a global logistics and courier company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded by Frederick W. Smith in 1971 and beginning operations in the early 1970s, the company pioneered overnight express shipping and has since expanded into a diversified portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain services. FedEx operates an integrated air-and-ground network that moves parcels, freight and documents for businesses and consumers worldwide. FedExs core operating segments include express parcel delivery via its FedEx Express division, domestic and residential parcel delivery through FedEx Ground, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services, and logistics and supply-chain management solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for FedEx Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FedEx and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the thirty-six analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, twenty-two have given a buy recommendation and two have issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $49.8710. Several brokerages have issued reports on CMG. Evercore ISI reissued an outperform rating and issued a $45.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Friday, December 19th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $58.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and set a $40.00 target price (down previously from $52.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Stephens cut their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $48.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Monday. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CMG Key Stores Impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill Positive Sentiment: Company operational update Chipotle is rolling out its high?efficiency equipment package (HEAP) to speed throughput, improve labor efficiency and consistency; early gains were reported in ~175 restaurants, which could lift same?store throughput and margins if rollout scales. CMGs Throughput Push Accelerates Company operational update Chipotle is rolling out its high?efficiency equipment package (HEAP) to speed throughput, improve labor efficiency and consistency; early gains were reported in ~175 restaurants, which could lift same?store throughput and margins if rollout scales. Positive Sentiment: Near?term market momentum recent coverage noted that CMG closed higher in the latest session, reflecting short?term buying interest that likely ties to the operational news and media attention. Chipotle Exceeds Market Returns Near?term market momentum recent coverage noted that CMG closed higher in the latest session, reflecting short?term buying interest that likely ties to the operational news and media attention. Positive Sentiment: Prominent coverage / investor attention Jim Cramer and other commentators continue to spotlight the CEOs actions and the chains strategy, which can attract short?term buyers and liquidity into the stock. Jim Cramer Coverage Prominent coverage / investor attention Jim Cramer and other commentators continue to spotlight the CEOs actions and the chains strategy, which can attract short?term buyers and liquidity into the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Long?term reflection pieces retrospectives on 10?year returns and 5?year outlooks highlight Chipotles historical compounding and managements long?range goals (7,000 restaurants target). These frame the long run case but dont immediately change fundamentals. 10?Year Retrospective 5?Year Outlook Long?term reflection pieces retrospectives on 10?year returns and 5?year outlooks highlight Chipotles historical compounding and managements long?range goals (7,000 restaurants target). These frame the long run case but dont immediately change fundamentals. Negative Sentiment: Analyst target implies limited upside Mizuho raised its price target to $36 but kept a neutral rating; that target sits below the current market level, which can temper upside expectations and introduce selling pressure if other analysts follow. Mizuho Rating Analyst target implies limited upside Mizuho raised its price target to $36 but kept a neutral rating; that target sits below the current market level, which can temper upside expectations and introduce selling pressure if other analysts follow. Negative Sentiment: Investor skepticism on growth trajectory commentary from a U.S. large?cap growth manager (SGA) highlights underperformance versus benchmarks and raises questions about sustainable growth and returns; such skepticism can weigh on sentiment and valuation multiple. SGA Investor Letter Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance Here are the key news stories impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill this week: NYSE CMG opened at $37.46 on Wednesday. Chipotle Mexican Grill has a twelve month low of $29.75 and a twelve month high of $60.20. The stock has a market cap of $49.54 billion, a PE ratio of 33.15, a PEG ratio of 3.61 and a beta of 0.97. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $34.37 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.52. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.29. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 45.39% and a net margin of 13.04%.The firm had revenue of $3 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.06 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.27 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chipotle Mexican Grill Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Operose Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Financial Life Planners acquired a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Wealth Watch Advisors INC bought a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the third quarter valued at about $25,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Finally, 1248 Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. 91.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Get Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. XPENG Inc. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:XPEV Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the seventeen analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have given a hold recommendation, seven have issued a buy recommendation and three have issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $25.3667. XPEV has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of XPENG in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. CLSA upgraded shares of XPENG to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Morgan Stanley reiterated a reduce rating on shares of XPENG in a research note on Monday. Daiwa Capital Markets raised XPENG from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $29.00 target price for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Daiwa America raised XPENG from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Get XPENG alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on XPENG Institutional Investors Weigh In On XPENG XPENG Price Performance Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bayforest Capital Ltd increased its position in shares of XPENG by 145.5% during the 1st quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 2,283 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 1,353 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of XPENG by 16.9% during the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,694 shares of the companys stock worth $63,000 after buying an additional 389 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of XPENG by 11.0% during the third quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 9,709 shares of the companys stock worth $227,000 after buying an additional 964 shares in the last quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC raised its stake in shares of XPENG by 18,967.9% in the second quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC now owns 10,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $178,000 after acquiring an additional 10,053 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Venturi Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of XPENG in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $249,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 21.09% of the companys stock. Shares of XPEV stock opened at $20.40 on Monday. XPENG has a 12 month low of $11.40 and a 12 month high of $28.24. The company has a market capitalization of $19.36 billion, a P/E ratio of -48.56, a P/E/G ratio of 31.40 and a beta of 1.13. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $21.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of $20.70. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. XPENG (NYSE:XPEV Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The company reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.47) by $0.41. XPENG had a negative return on equity of 9.25% and a negative net margin of 4.02%.The business had revenue of $1.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.48 billion. As a group, equities analysts expect that XPENG will post -0.96 EPS for the current year. About XPENG (Get Free Report) XPENG Inc (NYSE: XPEV) is a China-based developer and manufacturer of smart electric vehicles. The company designs, engineers and sells battery-electric sedans and sport-utility vehicles along with related software and services. Founded in 2014, XPENG positions itself as a technology-driven automaker with a focus on vehicle connectivity, software-defined features and advanced driver assistance systems. Product offerings center on passenger EVs spanning compact crossovers and midsize sedans, supported by in-house software platforms and over-the-air update capabilities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for XPENG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for XPENG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the thirteen ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $79.00. Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Citigroup reiterated a hold rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Argus lifted their price objective on Rio Tinto from $70.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Rio Tinto from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. Get Rio Tinto alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on RIO Rio Tinto Stock Up 1.7% Institutional Investors Weigh In On Rio Tinto Shares of Rio Tinto stock opened at $81.41 on Monday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $73.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $66.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.03. Rio Tinto has a 12-month low of $51.67 and a 12-month high of $82.36. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Salomon & Ludwin LLC raised its position in shares of Rio Tinto by 62.2% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 472 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 181 shares in the last quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in Rio Tinto in the third quarter valued at $36,000. Triumph Capital Management bought a new position in Rio Tinto in the third quarter valued at $38,000. Pinpoint Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto during the second quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, Strategic Advocates LLC bought a new stake in Rio Tinto during the third quarter worth about $44,000. 19.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Rio Tinto (Get Free Report) Rio Tinto is a global mining and metals company that explores for, mines, processes and markets a wide range of commodities. Its principal products include iron ore, aluminum, copper, diamonds and various other minerals and industrial materials. The companys activities span the full value chain from exploration and project development to mining, processing, smelting and refining, supplying raw materials to industries such as steelmaking, automotive, packaging, electronics and construction. The origins of Rio Tinto date back to mining operations in the Rio Tinto region of Spain in the 19th century, and the group has since grown into a multinational enterprise. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) have been assigned an average rating of Buy from the fourteen research firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $43.00. A number of brokerages recently weighed in on AGI. Desjardins assumed coverage on shares of Alamos Gold in a research note on Friday, November 28th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Alamos Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, October 25th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (a) rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a report on Monday. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Bank of America lifted their target price on Alamos Gold from $40.00 to $43.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Get Alamos Gold alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Alamos Gold Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alamos Gold Alamos Gold Stock Performance A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in AGI. Van ECK Associates Corp raised its position in Alamos Gold by 35.3% in the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 45,544,137 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,587,666,000 after buying an additional 11,876,324 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Alamos Gold by 3.1% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,233,606 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $600,712,000 after acquiring an additional 524,263 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in Alamos Gold by 29.3% in the 2nd quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 11,132,337 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $296,623,000 after purchasing an additional 2,521,347 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its position in shares of Alamos Gold by 6.3% in the third quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 9,547,541 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $332,724,000 after acquiring an additional 567,926 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Alamos Gold during the 2nd quarter valued at $144,808,000. Institutional investors own 64.33% of the companys stock. AGI stock opened at $38.32 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $16.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 0.63. Alamos Gold has a twelve month low of $18.65 and a twelve month high of $40.98. The businesss fifty day moving average is $35.47 and its 200-day moving average is $31.50. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The basic materials company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.37. The firm had revenue of $462.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $490.96 million. Alamos Gold had a net margin of 33.46% and a return on equity of 12.36%. The businesss revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.19 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Alamos Gold will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. Alamos Gold Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 4th were given a dividend of $0.025 per share. This represents a $0.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 4th. Alamos Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.81%. About Alamos Gold (Get Free Report) Alamos Gold Inc is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer engaged in the exploration, development and operation of mining projects in North America. Its principal activities include the acquisition, exploration and development of gold-bearing properties, and the management of operating mines. The company focuses on sustainable production practices and maintains a portfolio that spans both producing assets and advanced-stage development projects. Alamos Gold operates multiple open pit and underground mines, including the Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in Ontario, Canada, and the Mulatos mine in Sonora, Mexico. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Alamos Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamos Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 14.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 116,921 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 14,511 shares during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson accounts for 1.2% of Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest holding. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $21,679,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Marietta Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 2.9% during the third quarter. Marietta Wealth Management LLC now owns 34,730 shares of the companys stock worth $6,440,000 after acquiring an additional 966 shares during the period. Calamos Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 6.5% in the 3rd quarter. Calamos Wealth Management LLC now owns 127,974 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,729,000 after purchasing an additional 7,843 shares in the last quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC increased its position in Johnson & Johnson by 11.9% during the 3rd quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC now owns 638,656 shares of the companys stock worth $118,420,000 after purchasing an additional 67,894 shares during the period. Brendel Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. Brendel Financial Advisors LLC now owns 26,396 shares of the companys stock worth $4,894,000 after buying an additional 905 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 12.3% in the 3rd quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al now owns 1,158,903 shares of the companys stock valued at $214,884,000 after buying an additional 127,100 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have issued reports on JNJ shares. UBS Group increased their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $190.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Scotiabank started coverage on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They set a sector outperform rating and a $230.00 price target on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $212.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $165.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $240.00 price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $211.25. Johnson & Johnson Stock Performance Shares of JNJ opened at $207.26 on Friday. Johnson & Johnson has a 12-month low of $140.68 and a 12-month high of $215.18. The stock has a market cap of $499.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.01, a PEG ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The company has a 50-day moving average of $201.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $182.64. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 30th. The company reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 27.26% and a return on equity of 32.73%. The business had revenue of $24.02 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be given a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 24th. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio is currently 50.19%. About Johnson & Johnson (Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world. The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Generali Asset Management SPA SGR lifted its stake in General Motors Company (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) by 59.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 96,974 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after purchasing an additional 36,155 shares during the period. Generali Asset Management SPA SGRs holdings in General Motors were worth $5,913,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. CWM LLC raised its holdings in shares of General Motors by 50.8% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 340,858 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $20,782,000 after acquiring an additional 114,756 shares during the period. Corient Private Wealth LLC increased its holdings in General Motors by 6.2% during the 2nd quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 341,426 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $16,802,000 after purchasing an additional 20,017 shares in the last quarter. Burney Co. raised its stake in shares of General Motors by 18.7% in the 3rd quarter. Burney Co. now owns 82,037 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $5,002,000 after purchasing an additional 12,913 shares during the period. Permanent Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of General Motors in the third quarter valued at about $1,102,000. Finally, Engineers Gate Manager LP boosted its position in shares of General Motors by 200.3% during the second quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP now owns 1,282,075 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $63,091,000 after buying an additional 855,137 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.67% of the companys stock. Get General Motors alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Benchmark reissued a buy rating on shares of General Motors in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on shares of General Motors from $92.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Piper Sandler set a $66.00 price objective on shares of General Motors and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of General Motors from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of General Motors in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, General Motors presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $75.76. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, President Mark L. Reuss sold 260,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.45, for a total transaction of $17,316,870.00. Following the transaction, the president directly owned 98,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,512,498.70. The trade was a 72.67% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Christopher Hatto sold 15,697 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total value of $1,098,790.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 12,007 shares in the company, valued at approximately $840,490. This trade represents a 56.66% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders have sold 284,021 shares of company stock worth $18,971,788. Company insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. General Motors Price Performance Shares of GM opened at $80.95 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $75.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $62.47. General Motors Company has a 1-year low of $41.60 and a 1-year high of $83.68. The company has a market cap of $75.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.29, a PEG ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 1.31. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The auto manufacturer reported $2.80 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.32 by $0.48. The firm had revenue of $48.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $44.60 billion. General Motors had a net margin of 1.62% and a return on equity of 12.29%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.96 earnings per share. General Motors has set its FY 2025 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that General Motors Company will post 11.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. General Motors Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. General Motorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 12.07%. About General Motors (Free Report) General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that designs, builds and sells cars, trucks, crossovers and electric vehicles, and provides related parts and services. Founded in 1908, GM has long been one of the worlds largest automakers and has evolved into a multi-brand company whose primary marques include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Buick. Beyond vehicle manufacturing, GMs operations encompass vehicle financing, connected services and advanced mobility initiatives. GM develops and markets a broad portfolio of products and technologies, including internal-combustion and battery-electric vehicles, vehicle components and on-board connectivity services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Motors Company (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U). Receive News & Ratings for General Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Generali Asset Management SPA SGR cut its position in shares of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Free Report) by 39.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 19,737 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 12,786 shares during the period. Generali Asset Management SPA SGRs holdings in Allstate were worth $4,237,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arlington Trust Co LLC boosted its stake in shares of Allstate by 261.8% during the 2nd quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC now owns 123 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Allstate by 79.7% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 124 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC raised its holdings in Allstate by 3,800.0% in the 2nd quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 156 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 152 shares during the period. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its holdings in Allstate by 315.0% in the 2nd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 166 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares during the period. Finally, Hilltop National Bank purchased a new position in Allstate during the second quarter worth approximately $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.47% of the companys stock. Get Allstate alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Allstate news, insider Suren Gupta sold 3,786 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $215.13, for a total value of $814,482.18. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 100,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,651,973.98. This trade represents a 3.63% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In the last three months, insiders have sold 28,807 shares of company stock valued at $6,198,726. 1.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Allstate Stock Down 2.2% NYSE ALL opened at $203.62 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $205.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $202.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 0.43. The company has a market cap of $53.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.59, a P/E/G ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 0.24. The Allstate Corporation has a one year low of $176.00 and a one year high of $215.89. Allstate (NYSE:ALL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The insurance provider reported $11.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.48 by $5.69. The business had revenue of $17.26 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.59 billion. Allstate had a net margin of 12.53% and a return on equity of 35.42%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.91 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that The Allstate Corporation will post 18.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Allstate Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. Allstates dividend payout ratio is currently 12.95%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently commented on ALL shares. Wall Street Zen cut Allstate from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on shares of Allstate from $235.00 to $244.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on shares of Allstate from $246.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Evercore ISI set a $233.00 price objective on shares of Allstate and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Allstate from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Allstate has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $236.93. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Allstate Allstate Company Profile (Free Report) Allstate Corporation is a publicly traded insurance company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, and is one of the largest personal lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Founded in 1931 as a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Co, Allstate has grown into a diversified insurer that serves millions of consumers and businesses through a mix of distribution channels and product offerings. The company underwrites a broad range of insurance products, with primary emphasis on auto and homeowners coverage. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Allstate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allstate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Generali Asset Management SPA SGR increased its holdings in Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU Free Report) by 22.6% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 34,077 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 6,279 shares during the period. Generali Asset Management SPA SGRs holdings in Prudential Financial were worth $3,535,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. AlphaQuest LLC grew its stake in shares of Prudential Financial by 12,250.0% during the first quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 247 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Prudential Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at about $36,000. AlphaCore Capital LLC bought a new position in Prudential Financial during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Prudential Financial by 4,600.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 376 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 368 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in Prudential Financial in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $51,000. 56.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Prudential Financial alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP Caroline Feeney sold 6,555 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $116.28, for a total value of $762,215.40. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 22,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,618,974.44. This represents a 22.54% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Charles F. Lowrey sold 48,164 shares of Prudential Financial stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.39, for a total transaction of $5,172,331.96. Following the transaction, the chairman directly owned 165,564 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,779,917.96. This trade represents a 22.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 62,719 shares of company stock valued at $6,796,067 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets PRU has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Prudential Financial in a research note on Monday. Evercore ISI increased their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $120.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Prudential Financial in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Prudential Financial from $117.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their price target on Prudential Financial from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $118.00. View Our Latest Report on PRU Prudential Financial Trading Up 0.8% NYSE:PRU opened at $113.84 on Friday. Prudential Financial, Inc. has a 12 month low of $90.38 and a 12 month high of $123.88. The company has a current ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $109.46 and a 200-day moving average price of $106.43. The stock has a market cap of $39.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.64, a P/E/G ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.97. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 15th. The financial services provider reported $3.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $8.35 billion during the quarter. Prudential Financial had a net margin of 4.65% and a return on equity of 16.60%. Equities analysts predict that Prudential Financial, Inc. will post 14.36 EPS for the current year. Prudential Financial Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 18th were given a dividend of $1.35 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Prudential Financials payout ratio is currently 74.18%. About Prudential Financial (Free Report) Prudential Financial, Inc, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, is a diversified financial services company with roots dating to 1875. The firm provides a range of insurance, retirement and investment products aimed at helping individual and institutional clients manage risk, accumulate and protect wealth, and plan for retirement. Prudentials long history in life insurance and related financial services has positioned it as a major participant in the U.S. insurance market and a provider of services to a broad client base. Prudentials core business activities include individual life insurance, annuities, retirement solutions and group insurance products for employers. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PRU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Prudential Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prudential Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pictet North America Advisors SA raised its position in S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI Free Report) by 9.8% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 29,277 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 2,606 shares during the period. S&P Global comprises approximately 1.3% of Pictet North America Advisors SAs investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. Pictet North America Advisors SAs holdings in S&P Global were worth $14,249,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of SPGI. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of S&P Global during the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,188,945,000. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of S&P Global by 70,734.1% in the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,168,411 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,670,671,000 after buying an additional 3,163,938 shares during the last quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main grew its position in S&P Global by 3,430.6% during the second quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 1,554,571 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $819,699,000 after buying an additional 1,510,540 shares during the period. TCI Fund Management Ltd. increased its holdings in S&P Global by 7.0% during the second quarter. TCI Fund Management Ltd. now owns 11,091,623 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $5,848,502,000 after buying an additional 730,354 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. purchased a new position in shares of S&P Global during the 2nd quarter worth $310,348,000. 87.17% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get S&P Global alerts: S&P Global Stock Performance Shares of NYSE SPGI opened at $512.69 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 0.97. The company has a market cap of $155.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.29, a P/E/G ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 1.21. S&P Global Inc. has a 52-week low of $427.14 and a 52-week high of $579.05. The firms fifty day moving average is $501.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $515.25. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In S&P Global ( NYSE:SPGI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 28th. The business services provider reported $2.33 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $1.87 billion during the quarter. S&P Global had a return on equity of 15.90% and a net margin of 28.10%. As a group, analysts anticipate that S&P Global Inc. will post 17.11 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Mizuho raised their target price on S&P Global from $637.00 to $643.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on S&P Global from $660.00 to $661.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on S&P Global from $615.00 to $620.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on S&P Global from $625.00 to $599.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of S&P Global from $619.00 to $629.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and sixteen have assigned a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $614.93. Read Our Latest Report on S&P Global S&P Global Profile (Free Report) S&P Global is a leading provider of financial information, analytics and benchmark indices that serve investors, issuers, corporations and public institutions worldwide. The company operates through well-known businesses that include credit ratings, market intelligence and index licensing, as well as commodity and energy information services. Its products and services are used to assess creditworthiness, inform investment decisions, construct and track benchmark portfolios, and support risk and commodity market analysis. S&P Global Ratings provides independent credit ratings, research and data used by fixed income investors and capital market participants to evaluate issuer and transaction risk. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPGI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for S&P Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for S&P Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GAM Holding AG boosted its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 46.5% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 18,377 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 5,830 shares during the quarter. GAM Holding AGs holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $5,692,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AJG. J.Safra Asset Management Corp lifted its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 209.1% in the second quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 102 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC acquired a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Rakuten Securities Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 650.0% in the 2nd quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 105 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Steph & Co. acquired a new stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the second quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Central Pacific Bank Trust Division raised its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 40.6% during the third quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division now owns 135 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.53% of the companys stock. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Price Performance Shares of AJG opened at $255.68 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $253.00 and its 200 day moving average is $285.23. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 12-month low of $236.34 and a 12-month high of $351.23. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market cap of $65.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.22 and a beta of 0.67. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ( NYSE:AJG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.51 by ($0.19). The business had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.34 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 11.98% and a net margin of 13.58%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.26 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th were given a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 38.86%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Mizuho began coverage on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Monday, December 15th. They set a neutral rating and a $276.00 price target for the company. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $344.00 to $328.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $275.00 to $272.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Morgan Stanley set a $300.00 price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research note on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $302.22. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on AJG Insider Activity In other news, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.05, for a total value of $1,290,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 95,777 shares of the companys stock, valued at $24,715,254.85. This represents a 4.96% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, General Counsel Walter D. Bay sold 15,850 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $255.00, for a total value of $4,041,750.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 79,549 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,284,995. The trade was a 16.61% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 32,100 shares of company stock worth $8,243,865. Company insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Profile (Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co is a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Founded in 1927 by Arthur J. Gallagher, the company has grown from a regional broker into an international professional services organization that arranges insurance, provides consulting and designs risk-transfer solutions for commercial, industrial, public sector and individual clients. The companys core activities include property and casualty insurance brokerage, employee benefits consulting and administration, and a range of risk management services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AJG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd decreased its stake in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Free Report) (TSE:RY) by 17.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,645,780 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 337,524 shares during the quarter. Royal Bank Of Canada comprises approximately 1.3% of JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd owned about 0.12% of Royal Bank Of Canada worth $242,620,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Signaturefd LLC grew its holdings in Royal Bank Of Canada by 3.6% in the third quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 29,340 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,322,000 after purchasing an additional 1,021 shares during the period. GAM Holding AG bought a new position in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada during the 3rd quarter worth about $457,000. PDS Planning Inc grew its stake in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada by 7.3% in the 3rd quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 5,580 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $822,000 after buying an additional 381 shares during the period. Physicians Financial Services Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in the 3rd quarter valued at about $203,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC bought a new stake in Royal Bank Of Canada in the 3rd quarter valued at about $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.31% of the companys stock. Get Royal Bank Of Canada alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. Erste Group Bank upgraded Royal Bank Of Canada from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 22nd. Cibc World Mkts cut Royal Bank Of Canada from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 5th. Raymond James Financial initiated coverage on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They issued a moderate buy rating for the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Royal Bank Of Canada from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $162.00. Royal Bank Of Canada Stock Performance NYSE RY opened at $170.66 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $157.27 and a 200-day moving average price of $145.00. The firm has a market cap of $239.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.02, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.81. Royal Bank Of Canada has a 1 year low of $106.10 and a 1 year high of $172.38. Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Get Free Report) (TSE:RY) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.51 by $0.25. The business had revenue of $12.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.12 billion. Royal Bank Of Canada had a net margin of 14.83% and a return on equity of 16.83%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.07 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Royal Bank Of Canada will post 9.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. Royal Bank Of Canada Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 24th. Investors of record on Monday, January 26th will be given a dividend of $1.64 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 26th. This is a positive change from Royal Bank Of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.54. This represents a $6.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. Royal Bank Of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.76%. About Royal Bank Of Canada (Free Report) Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE: RY) is a diversified financial services company and one of Canadas largest banks. Founded in 1864 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the firm is now headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. It provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients through a network of branches, digital platforms and international offices. RBC operates across several principal business segments including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor and treasury services, capital markets, and global asset management. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Royal Bank Of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Bank Of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. An Atmospheric River event will bring moderate to heavy rain to the region. The prolonged period of rain will bring the risk of flooding. A Flood Watch has been issued for the Mother Lode, Mariposa County, the Yosemite National Park Valley floor, and the northern Sierra Nevada below 4,000 feet, from this evening through Monday afternoon. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is forecast. Excessive runoff will result in rises along area rivers, creeks streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Small streams and creeks may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage, and urban areas. Mudslides and rockslides may occur in mountain and foothill areas. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. The National Weather Service has also issued a Winter Storm Warning for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada, from 10 PM this evening until 4 PM Monday afternoon. Additionally, a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Yosemite National Park, above the Valley floor, from 1 AM Saturday until 10 AM Monday. Heavy snow is forecast above 5,000 feet. The heaviest snow is expected on Sunday. The snow levels will range from 6,500 to 7,500 feet tonight into Saturday morning. That will lower down to 5,000 to 6,000 feet from Saturday afternoon into Sunday. before finally dropping down to around 4,500 to 5,500 feet by early Monday morning. Total snow accumulations above the 5,000 foot elevation, will range from one to two feet. Two to five feet of total snow accumulation, is likely above 6,000 feet. The higher you go, the more the snow. Winds may gust as high as forty-five to fifty-five mph. Such strong winds could cause tree damage and bring down tree branches. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. If you must travel above 5,000 feet, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Try to delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and is in good working order. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd lessened its holdings in Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV Free Report) (TSE:FNV) by 12.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,462,713 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 334,297 shares during the quarter. Franco-Nevada makes up approximately 3.0% of JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest position. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd owned 1.28% of Franco-Nevada worth $548,279,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 210.4% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 18,235 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,989,000 after purchasing an additional 12,360 shares during the last quarter. Markel Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Franco-Nevada by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter. Markel Group Inc. now owns 569,500 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $93,352,000 after buying an additional 44,250 shares during the period. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. grew its position in shares of Franco-Nevada by 24.0% in the 1st quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 22,758 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,586,000 after buying an additional 4,408 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Franco-Nevada by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC now owns 1,043,546 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $171,058,000 after buying an additional 26,772 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Euro Pacific Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 2.4% in the third quarter. Euro Pacific Asset Management LLC now owns 234,129 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $48,829,000 after buying an additional 5,501 shares during the period. 77.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Franco-Nevada alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Franco-Nevada from $211.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from $184.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a $228.00 target price on shares of Franco-Nevada in a report on Sunday, December 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Franco-Nevada from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $225.00 to $250.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their target price on Franco-Nevada from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Franco-Nevada currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $232.75. Franco-Nevada Stock Up 0.5% NYSE FNV opened at $208.24 on Friday. Franco-Nevada Corporation has a 52 week low of $120.67 and a 52 week high of $225.63. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $201.54 and a 200-day moving average price of $190.02. The company has a market cap of $40.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.66, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.48. Franco-Nevada (NYSE:FNV Get Free Report) (TSE:FNV) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The basic materials company reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $487.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $448.51 million. Franco-Nevada had a net margin of 59.48% and a return on equity of 13.94%. Franco-Nevadas revenue was up 76.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.80 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Franco-Nevada Corporation will post 3.09 earnings per share for the current year. Franco-Nevada Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 4th were issued a dividend of $0.38 per share. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 4th. Franco-Nevadas payout ratio is currently 31.87%. About Franco-Nevada (Free Report) Franco-Nevada Corporation is a Toronto-based royalty and streaming company that specializes in securing and managing long-term interests in mining properties. The firm focuses primarily on precious metals, particularly gold, while also holding interests related to silver, copper, platinum-group metals and select base metals. Rather than operating mines directly, Franco-Nevada acquires royalty and streaming agreements that entitle it to a percentage of production or revenue from producing and developing assets in exchange for upfront or staged financing. The companys business model centers on providing capital to mining companies in return for a sustained share of production or metal revenue, which can reduce exposure to operating and capital cost risks typical of mine operators. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FNV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV Free Report) (TSE:FNV). Receive News & Ratings for Franco-Nevada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franco-Nevada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Davidson Investment Advisors raised its position in FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX Free Report) by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 87,558 shares of the shipping service providers stock after purchasing an additional 3,493 shares during the period. Davidson Investment Advisors holdings in FedEx were worth $20,647,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in FedEx during the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of FedEx by 121.8% in the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 122 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of FedEx by 21.0% during the first quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 340 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $83,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares during the period. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new position in shares of FedEx during the 2nd quarter valued at about $91,000. Finally, OFI Invest Asset Management grew its position in shares of FedEx by 67.2% in the 2nd quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management now owns 423 shares of the shipping service providers stock valued at $96,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.47% of the companys stock. Get FedEx alerts: FedEx Stock Performance Shares of NYSE FDX opened at $293.17 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.27. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $273.41 and a 200 day moving average price of $246.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $68.93 billion, a PE ratio of 16.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 1.32. FedEx Corporation has a 52 week low of $194.29 and a 52 week high of $297.00. FedEx Dividend Announcement FedEx ( NYSE:FDX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The shipping service provider reported $4.82 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.02 by $0.80. The firm had revenue of $23.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.79 billion. FedEx had a return on equity of 16.63% and a net margin of 4.81%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $4.05 EPS. FedEx has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.800-19.000 EPS. Analysts predict that FedEx Corporation will post 19.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $1.45 per share. This represents a $5.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. FedExs dividend payout ratio is 31.97%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently weighed in on FDX shares. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of FedEx from $315.00 to $326.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of FedEx from $310.00 to $327.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Daiwa Capital Markets increased their target price on FedEx from $232.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 22nd. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on FedEx from $275.00 to $288.00 in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on FedEx from $320.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, FedEx has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $298.92. Read Our Latest Report on FedEx FedEx Profile (Free Report) FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) is a global logistics and courier company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded by Frederick W. Smith in 1971 and beginning operations in the early 1970s, the company pioneered overnight express shipping and has since expanded into a diversified portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain services. FedEx operates an integrated air-and-ground network that moves parcels, freight and documents for businesses and consumers worldwide. FedExs core operating segments include express parcel delivery via its FedEx Express division, domestic and residential parcel delivery through FedEx Ground, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services, and logistics and supply-chain management solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for FedEx Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FedEx and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Davidson Investment Advisors lessened its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ Free Report) by 5.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 114,161 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,912 shares during the period. Davidson Investment Advisors owned approximately 0.07% of Constellation Brands worth $15,374,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Berkshire Hathaway Inc raised its holdings in Constellation Brands by 11.6% during the 2nd quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc now owns 13,400,000 shares of the companys stock worth $2,179,912,000 after buying an additional 1,391,000 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 13.6% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,737,860 shares of the companys stock worth $605,293,000 after acquiring an additional 448,259 shares during the period. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC lifted its position in Constellation Brands by 39.6% in the 2nd quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 3,675,855 shares of the companys stock valued at $597,988,000 after acquiring an additional 1,042,904 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in Constellation Brands by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,969,081 shares of the companys stock valued at $320,329,000 after acquiring an additional 46,959 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its stake in Constellation Brands by 650.6% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,769,741 shares of the companys stock worth $287,889,000 after purchasing an additional 1,533,961 shares during the period. 77.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have issued reports on STZ shares. Zacks Research raised Constellation Brands from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Constellation Brands from $170.00 to $155.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their target price on Constellation Brands from $196.00 to $168.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. UBS Group set a $160.00 price target on shares of Constellation Brands in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $176.00 to $160.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $181.96. Constellation Brands Stock Up 2.3% STZ stock opened at $141.11 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $136.06 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $149.09. The company has a market cap of $24.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.60, a P/E/G ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 0.45. Constellation Brands Inc has a twelve month low of $126.45 and a twelve month high of $228.89. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 23rd. The company reported $3.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.32 billion for the quarter. Constellation Brands had a return on equity of 29.82% and a net margin of 11.88%. Analysts anticipate that Constellation Brands Inc will post 13.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Constellation Brands (Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc is a leading producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits, with operations spanning production, importation, marketing and distribution. The companys beverage portfolio includes a range of premium and mainstream wines and spirits alongside major imported beer brands; in the U.S. market Constellation is widely known for its role in bringing Mexican imports such as Corona and Modelo to American consumers. Constellation supplies retail, on?premise and foodservice channels and supports its brands with national sales and marketing platforms and supply?chain capabilities. The company traces its roots to the Canandaigua Wine Company, founded by Marvin Sands in 1945, and evolved through organic growth and acquisition into a diversified beverage company. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Resources Power (OTCMKTS:CRPJY Get Free Report) and Centuri (NYSE:CTRI Get Free Report) are both utilities companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, risk, institutional ownership, dividends and valuation. Valuation & Earnings This table compares China Resources Power and Centuris top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get China Resources Power alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Resources Power $13.49 billion 0.92 $1.84 billion N/A N/A Centuri $2.84 billion 0.90 -$6.72 million $0.03 860.53 Analyst Ratings China Resources Power has higher revenue and earnings than Centuri. This is a summary of current ratings for China Resources Power and Centuri, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Resources Power 0 0 1 0 3.00 Centuri 2 1 2 0 2.00 Centuri has a consensus price target of $23.25, indicating a potential downside of 9.94%. Given Centuris higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Centuri is more favorable than China Resources Power. Risk & Volatility China Resources Power has a beta of 0.69, indicating that its share price is 31% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Centuri has a beta of 0.95, indicating that its share price is 5% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares China Resources Power and Centuris net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Resources Power N/A N/A N/A Centuri 0.09% 6.37% 1.71% Summary Centuri beats China Resources Power on 6 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About China Resources Power (Get Free Report) China Resources Power Holdings Company Limited, an investment holding company, invests in, develops, operates, and manages power plants and coal mines in the People's Republic of China. The company operates in two segments, Thermal Power and Renewable Energy. It operates and manages coal- and gas-fired power plants, wind farms, photovoltaic power plants, hydro-electric power plants, and other clean and renewable energy projects. As of December 31, 2022, the company had 42 coal-fired power plants, 159 wind farms, 38 photovoltaic power plants, 2 hydroelectric plants, and 5 gas-fired plants with total attributable operational generation capacity of 52,581 MW. It also engages in coal mining and marketing activities; and undertakes combined generation of heat and power, coal-electricity integration, and other projects. In addition, the company is involved in the distribution of energy, power sale, intelligent energy, coal mining, and other areas; and distribution network construction and operation, distributed energy resource, and other businesses. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is based in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. China Resources Power Holdings Company Limited operates as a subsidiary of CRH (Power) Limited. About Centuri (Get Free Report) Centuri Holdings, Inc. operates as a utility infrastructure services company in North America. It offers gas utility services, including maintenance, repair, installation, and replacement services for natural gas local distribution utility companies with focus on the modernization of infrastructure. The company also provides electric utility services comprising design, maintenance and repair, upgrade, and expansion services for transmission and distribution infrastructure. Its customers include electric, gas, and combination utility companies, as well as serves end markets, such as renewable energy and 5G datacom. The company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Centuri Holdings, Inc. is a subsidiary of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Receive News & Ratings for China Resources Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Resources Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc. increased its holdings in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 88.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 15,335 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 7,215 shares during the quarter. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc.s holdings in Mastercard were worth $8,723,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. LGT Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in Mastercard during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Mastercard in the second quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Mastercard in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. 97.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Mastercard alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have issued reports on MA. Compass Point set a $620.00 price target on shares of Mastercard and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $690.00 to $700.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen cut Mastercard from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, December 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on shares of Mastercard from $645.00 to $654.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Mastercard from $669.00 to $660.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have assigned a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $657.48. Mastercard Stock Performance Shares of MA opened at $562.93 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $555.69 and a 200 day moving average price of $565.56. The company has a market capitalization of $505.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 0.86. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52-week low of $465.59 and a 52-week high of $601.77. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.31 by $0.07. Mastercard had a return on equity of 202.03% and a net margin of 45.28%.The firm had revenue of $8.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.53 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.89 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 16.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Mastercard Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a dividend of $0.87 per share. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. This is an increase from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. Mastercards payout ratio is presently 22.25%. Mastercard Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments. Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Get Free Report) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE:MUFG Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk and earnings. Risk and Volatility Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has a beta of 0.96, indicating that its share price is 4% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has a beta of 0.35, indicating that its share price is 65% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Groups gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft $31.58 billion 2.50 $4.70 billion $2.71 14.60 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group $6,764.54 billion 0.03 $8.36 billion $1.12 14.27 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has higher revenue and earnings than Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft pays an annual dividend of $0.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group pays an annual dividend of $0.37 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft pays out 7.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group pays out 33.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Institutional and Insider Ownership 27.9% of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 13.6% of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.0% of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft 1 5 4 1 2.45 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 0 2 0 0 2.00 Profitability This table compares Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft 7.99% 5.97% 0.35% Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 13.98% 9.39% 0.49% Summary Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft beats Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (Get Free Report) Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, a stock corporation, provides corporate and investment banking, and asset management products and services to private individuals, corporate entities, and institutional clients in Germany, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through Corporate Bank, Investment Bank, Private Bank, and Asset Management segments. The Corporate Bank segment offers cash management, trade finance and lending, trust and agency, and securities services, as well as risk management solutions. The Investment Bank segment provides debt origination, merger and acquisitions, foreign exchange, and equity advisory and origination platform services. The Private Bank segment offers payment and account services, and credit and deposit products, as well as investment advice products, such as environmental, social, and governance products. This segment also provides banking, wealth management, other financial, and postal and parcel services; and supports in planning, managing and investing wealth, financing personal and business interests, and servicing institutional and corporate needs. The Asset Management segment offers investment solutions, such as alternative investments, which include real estate, infrastructure, liquid real assets, and sustainable investments; and various other services, including insurance and pension solutions, asset liability management, portfolio management solutions, and asset allocation advisory to individuals and institutions. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1870 and is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. operates as the bank holding company, that engages in a range of financial businesses in Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Digital Service, Retail & Commercial Banking, Japanese Corporate & Investment Banking, Global Commercial Banking, Asset Management & Investor Services, Global Corporate & Investment Banking, and Global Markets. The company offers commercial banking, trust banking, and securities products and services to retail, and small and medium-sized enterprise customers. It also provides mergers and acquisition, debt and equity issuance, financial advice, and real estate-related services; digital-based financial services; credit cards; and trust banking and securities products and services, as well as engages in the lending, fund settlement, and foreign exchange businesses. In addition, the company offers corporate banking services, such as project export credit agency finance, and financing through asset-backed commercial paper; investment and transaction banking services for corporations, financial institutions, sovereign and multinational organizations, and institutional investors; and asset management and investor services, including pension fund management and administration, pension structure advisory, beneficiary payment, and investment trust services for retail customers. Further, it provides loans, deposits, fund transfers, hedging, and investments services for retail, small and medium-sized enterprise, as well as corporate customers; financing for automotive and consumer goods; sells and trades in fixed income instruments, currencies, equities, and equities; offers investment products comprising mutual funds, structured bonds, and notes; originates and distributes of financial products; and provides insurance and treasury services. The company was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rocket Companies, UP Fintech, Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, Society Pass, DeFi Development, IDT, and LexinFintech are the seven Fintech stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Fintech stocks are shares of companies whose primary business is using software, mobile apps, and digital platforms to provide financial servicessuch as payments, digital banking, online lending, wealthtech, insurtech, and blockchain-based servicesor of traditional financial firms that derive significant revenue from technology-driven products. For investors, fintech stocks are often viewed as growth-oriented but can be more volatile and sensitive to adoption trends, competition, and regulatory or interest-rate changes, so evaluation typically focuses on user growth, unit economics, and regulatory exposure. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Fintech stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Rocket Companies (RKT) Rocket Companies, Inc., a fintech holding company, provides mortgage lending, title and settlement services, and other financial technology services in the United States and Canada. It operates through two segments, Direct to Consumer and Partner Network. The companys solutions include Rocket Mortgage, a mortgage lender; Amrock that provides title insurance, property valuation, and settlement services; Rocket Homes, a home search platform and real estate agent referral network, which offers technology-enabled services to support the home buying and selling experience; and Rocket Loans, an online-based personal loans business. UP Fintech (TIGR) UP Fintech Holding Limited provides online brokerage services focusing on Chinese investors. The company has developed a brokerage platform, which allows investor to trade stocks, options, warrants, and other financial instruments that can be accessed through its APP and website. It offers brokerage and value-added services, including investor education, community engagement, and IR platform services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TIGR Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz (KSPI) Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, together with its subsidiaries, provides payments, marketplace, and fintech solutions for consumers and merchants in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It operates through three segments: Payments Platform, Marketplace Platform, and Fintech Platform. The Payments Platform segment facilities transactions between customers and merchants. Read Our Latest Research Report on KSPI Society Pass (SOPA) Society Pass Incorporated acquires and operates fintech and e-commerce platforms and mobile applications for consumers and merchants in Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, the United States, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Thailand. It operates through Online Grocery and Food and Groceries Deliveries, Digital marketing, Online ticketing and reservation, Telecommunications Reseller, e-Commerce, and Merchant Point of Sale segments. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOPA DeFi Development (DFDV) We are a B2B fintech marketplace connecting commercial property borrowers and lenders with a human touch. We seek to revolutionize the commercial real estate lending market by making it hyper-efficient, transparent, and accessible to all rather than the few. Through our online platform, we provide technology that connects commercial mortgage borrowers looking for capital to refinance, build, or purchase commercial property, including, but not limited to, apartment buildings, to commercial property lenders. Read Our Latest Research Report on DFDV IDT (IDT) IDT Corporation provides communications and payment services in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through Fintech, National Retail Solutions, net2phone, and Traditional Communications segments. The company operates point of sale, a terminal-based platform which provides independent retailers store management software, electronic payment processing, and other ancillary merchant services; and provides marketers with digital out-of-home advertising and transaction data. Read Our Latest Research Report on IDT LexinFintech (LX) LexinFintech Holdings Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides online consumer finance services in the People's Republic of China. The company operates Fenqile.com, an online consumption and consumer finance platform that offers installment purchase and personal installment loans, as well as online direct sales with installment payment terms; and Le Hua Card, a scenario-based lending. Read Our Latest Research Report on LX Recommended Stories Ener-Core (OTCMKTS:ENCR Get Free Report) and Brookfield Renewable (NYSE:BEPC Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, dividends, risk, valuation, profitability and analyst recommendations. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Ener-Core and Brookfield Renewables gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Ener-Core alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ener-Core N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Brookfield Renewable $3.78 billion 1.53 $236.00 million ($0.89) -44.80 Risk & Volatility Brookfield Renewable has higher revenue and earnings than Ener-Core. Ener-Core has a beta of 47.57, meaning that its stock price is 4,657% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Brookfield Renewable has a beta of 1.23, meaning that its stock price is 23% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Ener-Core and Brookfield Renewable, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ener-Core 0 0 0 0 0.00 Brookfield Renewable 1 1 3 0 2.40 Brookfield Renewable has a consensus target price of $39.75, suggesting a potential downside of 0.31%. Given Ener-Cores higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Ener-Core is more favorable than Brookfield Renewable. Institutional and Insider Ownership 75.1% of Brookfield Renewable shares are held by institutional investors. 3.8% of Ener-Core shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Ener-Core and Brookfield Renewables net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ener-Core N/A N/A N/A Brookfield Renewable -34.58% -12.74% -3.20% Summary Ener-Core beats Brookfield Renewable on 6 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Ener-Core (Get Free Report) Ener-Core, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, license, and market its products that are based on Power Oxidizer technologies. The company's Power Oxidizer technology generates industrial levels of usable heat in a pressure vessel using various organic gases as fuel for an oxidation reaction. Its products include Ener-Core PowerStation EC250 and Ener-Core Powerstation KG2-3GEF/PO, which have applications in landfills, distilleries, and various industrial processes. The company sells its products directly, as well as through distributors in the United States and the Netherlands. Ener-Core, Inc. was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. About Brookfield Renewable (Get Free Report) Brookfield Renewable Corporation owns and operates a portfolio of renewable power and sustainable solution assets primarily in the United States, Europe, Colombia, and Brazil. It operates hydroelectric, wind, solar, and distributed energy and sustainable solutions with an installed capacity of approximately 19,161 megawatts. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Brookfield Renewable Corporation operates as a subsidiary of Brookfield BRP Holdings (Canada) Inc. Receive News & Ratings for Ener-Core Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ener-Core and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sonora, CA Tuolumne County Public Health is praising two local healthcare providers for supporting its Childhood Safety Program. Adventist Health Sonora (AHS) has donated thousands to support the program. Public Health officials report the gift will go towards purchasing car seats for low-income and underserved children in the county. We are incredibly grateful to Adventist Health Sonora for their generous $5,000 donation to our Childhood Safety Program! shared county health officials, adding, Thank you for helping keep our communitys children safe. The funding ensures that families have access to critical safety tools. Health officials have already begun ordering the approved car seats. Additionally, health officials thanked the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Center for holding four car seat safety check events in 2025. Those events show parents the correct way to install and use safety seats, along with which ones are approved and rated the best to protect kids. For more information about our program, call Tuolumne County Public Health at 209-533-7401. Tonight we're inspired to keep up with our billionaire betters by way of Insta hottie Gracie news and another peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Local Foodie Reheat . . . Over 240 restaurants participating in KC Restaurant Week 2026 Kansas City Restaurant Week (KCRW) is returning for its 17th year, bringing delicious meals and exclusive deals to the metro for one great cause. Untangling Environmentalism Thousands of pounds of Christmas lights recycled each year Metro hardware stores and the Kansas City Zoo are collecting thousands of pounds of old holiday lights, keeping harmful materials out of landfills. Cowtown Cash Out . . . 2026 New Year's Resolution? Kansas City Economist says consider finances a priority Former UMKC professor, who said given today's economic uncertainty, making money a priority in your 2026 New Year's resolutions is more important than ever. Weekend Starts With Tragedy Death investigation underway by KCPD after unresponsive man discovered A death investigation is underway after a man was found unresponsive in the 1200 block of McGee Street. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact KCPD. Starting Hipster Options What's new in Kansas City food and drink: January 2026 Here's what's new in Kansas City Food News in January 2026 from restaurant openings and closings to new ventures and expansions. Smootchies & Riches Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt locks lips with BF Derek Green as couple welcomes New Year 2026 in style Gracie Hunt shared a romantic picture with her boyfriend, Derek Green, on her Instagram story on Thursday. The couple welcomed the New Year together and had a fun-filled celebration. Iran From MAGA Divided Trump's Iran threat angers 'America First' wing; Tehran hawks question tactics President Trump is seizing on protests in Iran to threaten U.S. military intervention against the Islamic regime, angering leaders of the GOP's "America First" wing, which has been increasingly cri... Future Is Communal?!? Mamdani's inauguration fuels debate over Gen Z shift toward socialism, away from free markets The rise of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a socialist, inauguration highlights a generational shift as Gen Z voters show growing openness to socialism and government-led solutions. Left Coast Oversteps . . . California's open carry gun ban unconstitutional, federal court rules The court ruled that openly carrying guns is "part of this Nation's history and tradition." Debating Dox & Redactions Slow Epstein files release not as concerning as docs DOJ has withheld, says Ro Khanna Rep. Ro Khanna of California says the Justice Department should've started preparing Epstein files for release months ago. Now, he tells NPR how Congress could intervene to speed up the process. South Of Border Compromise?!? Maduro says Venezuela is 'ready' to make deal with US on drugs and oil after military strikes Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Venezuela is open to discussing a drug trafficking agreement with the U.S. after months of American military pressure targeting narco networks. Vlad Fights Drone War Russia downs 4,300 Ukrainian drones in December, setting new record, Moscow claims December saw a new record number of Ukrainian long-range drones shot down by Russian forces, according to statistics published by the Russian Defense Ministry. Celeb Solves History . . . Sorta Angelina Jolie visits Rafah Crossing as Gaza aid groups face Israeli suspension | CNN Angelina Jolie, the actress and former special envoy to the United Nations Refugee Agency, visited the Rafah Crossing on Friday as part of a humanitarian trip to Egypt, according to a statement from Jolie's representatives. Rocketman Succession Underway Kim Jong-un's daughter visits state mausoleum, fuelling speculation she will be next North Korean ruler Kim Ju-ae has been making increasingly prominent appearances in state media over the past three years New Year Boogie Advice 8 Ways to Have Better Sex in 2026 Make your horniest resolutions a reality with these simple tips for how to have better sex in the new year and beyond. Show-Me Winning On Parade WATCH: B-2 bomber from Missouri air base provides Rose Bowl flyover A Northrop B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri provided fans with a celebratory flyover at Thursday's Rose Bowl. January Bounce Begins Kansas City weather: Light wintry mix possible overnight before warming trend begins A light wintry mix is possible late Friday evening into the night with lows near 30. HUGEL x Topic x Arash feat. Daecolm - I Adore You is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Today we notice the newspaper NOT PLAYING FAIR with local law enforcement. Here are the basics of the story reported by a more responsible outlet . . . "A teenager was killed after he allegedly ran from police across several lanes of traffic before he was struck by a vehicle, the Independence Police Department said." Now . . . Check the newspaper's accusatory take that seems to blame law enforcement first . . . "The chase, which began Wednesday evening near Blue Ridge Boulevard and Wilson Road in Independence and led to a fatal crash four miles west at East Ninth Street and Benton Boulevard in Kansas City, started when officers chased a truck because of traffic charges, said Officer Bryan Conley, a spokesman for the Independence Police Department, in an email to The Star. "But Conley did not respond to questions Friday about what those traffic charges were, only saying the chase fit within department policy and placing responsibility on the driver of the fleeing truck." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Why did Independence cops start chase that killed bystander? So far, no details Wednesday's crash mirrors the circumstances of two other crashes in recent memory in which bystanders were killed as Independence police chased vehicles into Kansas City. 17-year-old killed after allegedly fleeing from traffic stop on I-70 A teenager was killed after he allegedly ran from police across several lanes of traffic before he was struck by a vehicle, the Independence Police Department said.Kansas. Developing . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. The Caucasus Muslims Board has called on Azerbaijani citizens intending to perform Hajj to complete their registration as soon as possible, said Vusal Jahangiri, head of the Foreign Relations Department of the board and head of the Hajj electronic system, Trend reports. "Saudi Arabia has urged the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to finalize the global registration process without delay. This will allow visa issuance to begin from the first day of Ramadan and continue over the next six weeks," he said. Jahangiri emphasized that all prospective pilgrims should register promptly. "Regardless of whether the quota is filled or not, the submission of documents will close on February 15, 2026," he added. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 3. Kyrgyz authorities have outlined a series of strategic measures aimed at stabilizing the Mailuu-Suu Lamp Plant, including addressing wage arrears, discontinuing obsolete production lines, and implementing plans to diversify the plants operations, Trend reports via the Press Service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan. An on-site meeting regarding the situation at the Mailuu-Suu Lamp Plant was convened in the Jalal-Abad region, chaired by Bakyt Torobaev, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Processing Industry. The meeting was attended by representatives from relevant government agencies, as well as the plants management and workforce. During the session, participants examined the plants current operational status, production levels, wage issues, social concerns and discussed further actions necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the enterprise. It was announced that the Cabinet of Ministers had prepared a draft order to resolve the wage arrears accumulated over the past three months, while efforts to attract potential investors were also ongoing. Bakyt Torobaev stated that all outstanding salaries are expected to be fully paid by the end of January 2026. Until full-scale production is resumed, employees will be placed on unpaid leave. Those who choose to voluntarily resign will receive compensation in accordance with Kyrgyz labor laws. Torobaev further revealed that a specialized working group would be formed to assess options for diversifying production and developing new business lines. He also confirmed that the manufacture of incandescent lamps would be phased out, given the decreasing global demand for such products. Additionally, the Accounts Chamber of Kyrgyzstan will conduct a thorough review of the plants financial and managerial operations to enhance governance and improve overall efficiency. At present, the Mayluu-Suu Lamp Plant produces several types of glass packaging, including bottles and jars, as well as LED lamps. The Mayluu-Suu Lamp Plant, located in the city of Mayluu-Suu in the Jalal-Abad region, was established in 1964 and has undergone several organizational and legal transformations over the course of its history. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 3. The Chairman of the Management Board of Uzbekneftegaz JSC held talks with representatives of a number of leading companies in the oil and gas industry of the People's Republic of China, including GR Xibu Buling Engineering Company, China 3 National Logging, Great Wall Drilling Company, and the New Silk Road Oil and Gas joint venture, Trend reports. The current state of cooperation and prospects for its further development in the field of geological exploration, as well as hydrocarbon exploration and production in 2026, were discussed during the meeting. The parties paid special attention to the implementation of modern technological solutions aimed at increasing the efficiency of geological exploration and drilling operations, as well as the possibilities of implementing investment and production projects with the participation of Chinese service companies within the Uzbekneftegaz JSC system. The Chairman of the Management Board noted the company's openness to cooperation with qualified contractors, emphasizing that collaboration will be based on the presentation of competitive technical and economic proposals that meet established requirements and international standards. Following the talks, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening business contacts, continuing constructive dialogue, and gradually developing cooperation in priority areas. WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administrations capture of Venezuelas president and claims that it will run the country are raising stark new questions about the legality of the U.S. actions and its future operations in the South American nation. The middle-of-the-night seizure of Nicolas Maduro, who was transported with his wife on a U.S. warship to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in New York, is beyond even the most high-profile historical examples of aggressive American actions toward autocratic governments in Panama, Iraq and elsewhere, legal experts said. It came after a surprise U.S. incursion that rocked the Venezuelan capital with overnight explosions. This is clearly a blatant, illegal and criminal act, said Jimmy Gurule, a Notre Dame Law School professor and former assistant U.S. attorney. The stunning development caps months of aggressive U.S. military action in the region, including the bombing of boats accused of trafficking drugs and seizures of oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela. The Trump administration has conducted 35 known boat strikes against vessels, killing more than 115 people since September, and positioned an armada of warships in nearby waters. The bigger debate than legality is yet to come, said John Yoo, an early architect of the George W. Bush administrations policy in Iraq and now a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Its easier to remove a dictator, he said, based on his experience in the Iraq War. But ensuring the transition to a stable democratic government is the harder part. Maduros arrest on anniversary of Noriegas surrender Maduros arrest came 36 years to the date of the surrender of Panamas strongman Manuel Noriega, a notable milestone in American involvement in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. invaded Panama in 1989 to arrest Noriega on drug trafficking charges. In Panama, however, U.S. national security interests were directly at stake in the form of the Panama Canal as well as the safety of American citizens and U.S. military installations in the country. By contrast, Congress has not authorized any American military strike or law enforcement move against Venezuela. The President will claim that this fits within a vast body of precedent supporting broad executive power to defend the United States, its citizens, and its interests, Matthew Waxman, a Columbia University law professor who was a national security official in the Bush administration, said by email. Critics will charge that this exceeds the bounds of presidential power without congressional authorization. While U.S. agents have a long history of snatching defendants abroad to execute arrest warrants without authorization, federal courts have long deferred to the White House in foreign policy and national security matters. For example, U.S. bounty hunters, working under the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration, in 1990 abducted in Mexico a doctor accused of killing DEA agent Enrique Kiki Camarena. Courts give great deference to the president on issues related to national security, said Gurule, who led the prosecution against Camarenas killers. But great deference does not mean absolute deference and unfettered authority to do anything. Congress has yet to authorize or ban US actions Trumps administration has declared the drug cartels operating from Venezuela to be unlawful combatants and has said the United States is now in an armed conflict with them, according to an administration memo obtained in October by The Associated Press. The memo appears to represent an extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers, with Trump effectively declaring that trafficking of drugs into the U.S. amounts to armed conflict requiring the use of military force. That is a new rationale for past and future actions. Congress, which has broad authority to approve or prohibit the presidents war powers, has failed to do either, even as lawmakers from both political parties grow increasingly uneasy with the military actions in the region, particularly after it was revealed that U.S. forces killed two survivors of a boat attack with a follow-up strike. Congress Democratic leaders, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, demanded immediate briefings for the gang of eight leaders on Capitol Hill, which includes top members of the Intelligence committees, as well as for other lawmakers. Congressional leaders were not notified of the actions until after the operation was underway. The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans, Schumer said. The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price. Michael Schmitt, a former Air Force lawyer and professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, said the entire operation the boat strikes as well as the apprehension of Maduro clearly violates international law. Lawyers call it international armed conflict, Schmitt said. Lay people call it war. So as a matter of law, we are now at war with Venezuela because the use of hostilities between two states clearly triggers an internal armed conflict. War powers vote ahead House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said the administration is working to schedule briefings for lawmakers next week. Republican lawmakers in Congress largely welcomed the capture of Maduro as ridding the region of a leader they say is responsible for drug trafficking, but Democratic lawmakers warned that in veering from the rule of law, the administration is potentially greenlighting other countries such as China or Russia to do the same. Beyond the legality, what kind of precedent does it send? asked Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. He said in an interview that the rebuilding plan ahead has echoes of the Iraq War as the Trump administration promises to use Venezuelas oil revenue to pay the costs. Waxman, the Columbia University law professor, said seizing control of Venezuelas resources opens up additional legal issues: For example, a big issue will be who really owns Venezuelas oil? The Senate is expected to try again next week to curtail Trumps actions, with a vote expected on a bipartisan war powers resolution that would block using U.S. forces against Venezuela unless authorized by Congress. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he is grateful for the armed forces who carried out this necessary action. He said he spoke to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and wants more information. I look forward to receiving further briefings from the administration on this operation as part of its comprehensive counternarcotics strategy when the Senate returns to Washington next week, Thune said. Rubio said at a briefing Saturday with Trump that because of the nature of the surprise operation, it was not something that could be shared beforehand with the lawmakers. ___ Goodman reported from Miami. By LISA MASCARO, JOSHUA GOODMAN and BEN FINLEY Associated Press BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Venezuelas Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has called on citizens not to panic or allow anarchy in the wake of US attacks, Trend reports. In a video message, Lopez emphasized, "They attacked us, but they will not break us The army, together with the people, will form an unshakable wall of resistance." Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that US forces struck Venezuela on January 3 and claimed that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and flown out of the country. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. As a member of the United Nations (UN), we will take steps to convene the Security Council in response to the situation at the Venezuela border, Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote on X account, Trend reports. He added that following discussions earlier in the day, security forces have been deployed along the Colombia-Venezuela border, and all available humanitarian aid resources have been mobilized to address a potential mass refugee flow. The Colombian embassy in Venezuela has activated full operations to respond to citizens requests and provide assistance amid the crisis. President Gustavo Petro also stressed that, as a member of the UN Security Council, Colombia will take the lead in calling a council meeting to address the situation. In addition, Petro shared a list of areas reportedly bombed in Venezuela on his official X page, though the information has yet to be confirmed by the Venezuelan government. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Iran has strongly condemned the United States (US) attack on Venezuela, describing it as a gross violation of national sovereignty, the statement from Iran's MFA said, Trend reports. According to the ministry, the attack represents a serious breach of international norms. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the US military attack on Venezuela and the blatant violation of that countrys national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This action constitutes a grave violation of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, the statement emphasized. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been arrested and flown out of the country. He noted that the U.S. had successfully carried out a large-scale operation against Venezuela and its leader, President Maduro. This operation was done in conjunction with US law enforcement. The details to follow. There will be a news conference today at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! the post reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Ankara is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. We are closely following the latest developments in Venezuela. Turkiye attaches importance to the stability of Venezuela and the well-being of the Venezuelan people, the statement said. The ministry called on all sides to exercise restraint so that the current situation does not lead to negative consequences for regional and international security. We are ready to provide any constructive assistance in resolving the crisis in Venezuela within the framework of international law. Our Embassy in Caracas is maintaining continuous contact and the necessary coordination with Turkish citizens in Venezuela, the ministry added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about the sharp escalation of the situation in Venezuela, Trend reports. "Regardless of the situation in Venezuela, these events create a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General reiterates the importance of strict adherence by all parties to international law, including the UN Charter. He is deeply concerned that international law has not been respected," Antonio Guterres's spokesperson stated. The UN also called on all parties to the conflict in Venezuela to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with full respect for human rights and the rule of law. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. United States oil companies will spend billions of dollars to fix the oil infrastructure in Venezuela, said U.S. President Donald Trump during today's press conference, Trend reports. "As everyone knows, the oil business in Venezuela has been a bust, a total bust for a long period of time. They were pumping almost nothing by comparison to what they could have been pumping and what could have taken place. We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country," he said. Trump added that the U.S. is ready to stage a second and much larger attack if needed. "The first attack was so successful, we probably don't have to do a second, but we're prepared to do a second wave," added President Trump. He stated that the partnership of Venezuela with the United States of America, a country that everybody wants to be involved with because of what the US is able to do and accomplish, will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent, and safe. "It will also make many people from Venezuela that are living in the United States extremely happy. They suffered for a long time. So much was taken from them. They're not going to suffer anymore. The illegitimate dictator Maduro was the kingpin of a vast criminal network responsible for trafficking colossal amounts of deadly and illicit drugs into the United States," said Trump. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 4. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in Venezuela will be held on January 5, Trend reports. The meeting will be held at Colombia's request. The emergency meeting is scheduled for 10:00 AM New York time. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Venezuelan authorities have ordered the deployment of a comprehensive defense system throughout the country, Trend reports via the country's Foreign Ministry. "An order has also been given for the immediate deployment of the National Integrated Defense Command and integrated defense management bodies in all states and municipalities of the country. In strict accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Venezuela reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defense to protect its people, territory, and independence. We call on the peoples and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the entire world to show active solidarity in the face of this imperialist aggression," the statement reads. In the early hours of Saturday, residents of the Venezuelan capital Caracas reported loud explosions, the sound of planes flying overhead, and at least one column of smoke. According to eyewitnesses, there were power outages in the southern part of the city, near a large military base. In a statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry accused the United States of carrying out the attacks. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela has issued a statement addressing the current situation in the country, Trend reports. Early Saturday, residents of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, reported loud explosions, the sounds of low-flying aircraft, and at least one column of smoke. Eyewitnesses said power outages were observed in the southern part of the city, near a major military base. "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects, condemns, and denounces before the international community the extremely grave military aggression carried out by the current Government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and population, targeting civilian and military locations in the city of Caracas, the capital of the Republic, and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. This act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, particularly Articles 1 and 2, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force. Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, and places the lives of millions of people at serious risk," the statement said. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry stated that the objective of this attack is none other than to seize Venezuelas strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, in an attempt to forcibly break the Nations political independence. "They will not succeed. After more than two hundred years of independence, the people and their legitimate Government remain steadfast in defense of sovereignty and of the inalienable right to decide their own destiny. The attempt to impose a colonial war to destroy the republican form of government and force a 'regime change,' in alliance with the fascist oligarchy, will fail as all previous attempts have failed. The Bolivarian Government calls upon all social and political forces of the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack. The people of Venezuela and their Bolivarian National Armed Force, in perfect popularmilitarypolice fusion, are deployed to guarantee sovereignty and peace," the ministry said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York, the U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi wrote on her X account, Trend reports. "Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States," Bondi said. "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," she added. Bondi also expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and the U.S. military. "On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers," Bondi emphasized. Earlier U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country. He noted that the United States successfully carried out a large-scale operation against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. The details to follow. There will be a news conference today at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! he added. The war between Russia and Ukraine has increasingly threatened trade in the Black Sea in recent months, and bringing the conflict to a peaceful end as soon as possible remains a sincere aspiration, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has said, Azernews reports, citing Turkish media. Erdo?an made the remarks during a speech at the Istanbul Congress Center while presenting Turkiyes 2025 export statistics. He stressed that Turkiye is ready to assume any responsibility necessary to help open the path to peace. We have no intention of gaining roles, putting on a show, or profiting from blood and tears, Erdo?an said. The foundation of our foreign policy is to make friends, not enemies. We have never had a concept of benefiting from conflicts. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump invited Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a phone call Friday to visit the United States this year, the Japanese foreign ministry said, in what would be the ultraconservative leaders first trip to the U.S. since taking office in October. The White House is yet to confirm the call and the invitation. It comes as ties between Japan and China have been strained, ramping up tensions in the region. The U.S., a close ally of Japan, is seeking to strengthen its ties with Tokyo but also stabilize its relationship with Beijing ahead of a likely trip by Trump to China in April. Beijing staged two-day military exercises in the waters off Taiwan this week. Takaichi, Japans first female prime minister, infuriated China late last year when she said Chinese military action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response, breaking away from former Japanese leaders strategic ambiguity on the highly sensitive matter. In a statement Friday, the Japanese foreign ministry said Takaichi and Trump agreed to coordinate for the visit to happen this spring. Kyodo News, Japans news agency, suggested that Takaichis trip could coincide with the annual cherry blossom festival in Washington. The foreign ministry said the two leaders affirmed that they would carve out a new chapter in the history of the Japan-U.S. alliance in a year when the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding and that they would further deepen the friendly relations between the two nations, including economic and security cooperation. Takaichi and Trump also agreed on their commitment to promoting cooperation among like-minded partners, including the Japan-U.S.-South Korea partnership, and to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the foreign ministry statement said. The two exchanged views mainly on the Indo-Pacific region, the ministry said, but it did not provide details, including whether the two discussed recent actions by Beijing in the region. Chinas military drills off Taiwan also came after the Trump administration announced a package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $11 billion. If approved by Congress, it would represent the largest such aid to the island ever a move criticized sharply by China. Beijing claims sovereignty over the self-governed island and vows to seize it by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by a domestic law to provide Taiwan with sufficient hardware to deter any attack from the mainland. Trump on Monday said he was not informed of the exercises in advance but still touted his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump met Takaichi in Tokyo in October, shortly after she took office. The two exchanged warm words, and Trump took her with him when he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier in Japan. After Takaichis Taiwan comments angered Beijing, Trump called her and said they were extremely good friends and that she should call him any time, according to the Japanese leader, without disclosing if the two talked about her remarks. By DIDI TANG Associated Press BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (MFA) has issued a statement regarding the U.S. operation in Venezuela, Trend reports. Earlier today, the U.S. carried out an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This causes deep concern and condemnation. The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideological hostility has prevailed over pragmatic cooperation and the willingness to build relations based on trust and predictability, the statement said. The MFA emphasized that under the current circumstances, it is crucial to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue. We proceed from the understanding that all partners who may have claims against each other should seek solutions through dialogue. We are ready to support such efforts. Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself in 2014. Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, especially military, external interference. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course of its Bolivarian leadership aimed at protecting national interests and the countrys sovereignty. We also support the statement by the Venezuelan authorities and the leadership of Latin American countries on the urgent convening of a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the statement reads. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been arrested and flown out of the country. He noted that the U.S. had successfully carried out a large-scale operation against Venezuela and its leader, President Maduro. This operation was done in conjunction with US law enforcement. The details to follow. There will be a news conference today at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! the post reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. An agreement has been reached on analyzing the flight recorder (black box) of the aircraft carrying Libyan Chief of General Staff Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad in the United Kingdom, said Libyan Transport Minister Mohamed Al-Shahoubi. The minister noted that earlier, it was proposed to conduct an investigation of the flight recorder in Germany with the participation of French specialists. However, according to the Chicago Convention, the analysis of the flight recorder must be carried out on the territory of a neutral state. Ten people, including General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, were dead in the plane crash in Ankara last month. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been arrested, US President Donald Trump wrote on his social media account, Trend reports. Trump announced that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country. This operation was done in conjunction with US law enforcement. The details to follow. There will be a news conference today at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! the post reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Following very closely the situation in Venezuela, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on her X account, Trend reports. "We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition," von der Leyen said. She emphasized that any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter. "With HRVP Kaja Kallas and in coordination with EU Member States, we are making sure that EU citizens in the country can count on our full support," she councluded. Active operations by Ukrainian units are ongoing in the Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad sectors, and the Defense Forces continue to control the northern part of Pokrovsk. According to Ukrinform, the Operational Command "East" stated this on Facebook. Units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine in the area of responsibility of the "East" Group of Forces are holding back the enemy's advance and, since the beginning of the day, have repelled 49 Russian assaults. Active operations by Ukrainian units continue in the PokrovskMyrnohrad sectors. The enemy is suffering significant losses. In the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy launched 16 attacks in the areas of Rodynske, Myrnohrad, Kotlyne, Udachne, Filiia, and toward Bilytske. One engagement is still ongoing. The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to control the northern part of Pokrovsk. In Myrnohrad, Ukrainian units are holding defensive lines and eliminating the enemy on the approaches to the city. Logistics remain complicated. Measures are being taken to expand logistical corridors to Myrnohrad in order to strengthen supply capabilities for the Defense Forces. As Ukrinform previously reported, the Russian army is attempting to increase pressure on the northern outskirts of Pokrovsk and subsequently carry out an assault on Hryshyne. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Outrage as US strikes Venezuela, takes President into custody The United States military early in the morning Saturday (January 03, 2026) conducted airstrikes on various locations in Venezuela and took into custody President Nicolas Maduro sparking a global outrage Caracas/Washington: The United States military early in the morning Saturday (January 03, 2026) conducted airstrikes on various locations in Venezuela and took into custody President Nicolas Maduro sparking a global outrage. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the airstrikes on stratigically important locations in the capital Caracas and other places in the country in a post on Truth Social. Trump also said Nicolas Maduro has been captured along with his wife Cilia Flores. Trump said Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been "captured" and "flown out of the country" in a joint operation with US law enforcement agencies. The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement, Trump wrote. Military Aggression Earlier, Venezuela confirmed that several parts of the country, including the capital and three surrounding states, came under attack, as it accused the United States of carrying out what it described as a military aggression. In a statement, the Venezuelan government said it rejects, repudiates and denounces before the international community what it called an attack by the US on Venezuelan territory and population in civilian and military locations in Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. The statement follows reports that at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas at about 02:00 AM local time Saturday, accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft. Outrage, Condemnations A number of countries including Russia, Columbia and Cuba, has condemned the U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela with international experts describing the latest development as end of international law. The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against Venezuelas sovereignty and against Latin America, Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote in a social media post. He added that Colombia, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, was already contacting partners to support convening the council meet. Russias Foreign Ministry, while condemning the US airstrikes as an act of armed aggression against Venezuela, called for restraint, and warned against further escalation. The pretexts cited to justify these actions are untenable. Ideologically driven hostility has prevailed over practical pragmatism and a willingness to build relations based on trust and predictability, the statement said. Trump had accused Venezuela of indulging in drug trafficking, illegal immigrants among other things. Maduro has denied any role as a cartel leader and accused Washington of seeking to depose him to gain access to Venezuela's oil. Criminal Attack Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel issued a sharply worded condemnation on social media, accusing Washington of carrying out a criminal attack against Venezuela and calling for an urgent international response. In a post on X, Diaz-Canel said Cubas so-called zone of peace was being brutally assaulted, describing the US action as state terrorism directed not only at the Venezuelan people but at Our America more broadly. He ended the statement with the revolutionary slogan: Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome. Sultan Barakat, professor of public policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, told Al Jazeera that the USs actions in Venezuela signal an end to respect for international law and that it has also given international rivals an excuse to do the same thing. This is probably a nail in the coffin of any international agreement. The very principle of state sovereignty now has been taken apart, Barakat said. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic A 52-year-old man from Ugunja Subcounty is set to receive government compensation after a harrowing encounter with a python that left his domestic dog dead. Charles Osore, a resident of Luoka village in Madungu sub-location, made headlines earlier this week after he killed the massive snake within his homestead and courageously carried the carcass to a local police station to report the incident. On Saturday, officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) visited Osores home to formally initiate the compensation process and assess the impact of the human-wildlife conflict. The team was led by Grace Kariuki, the Senior Warden for Kisumu and Siaya counties. We have carried a form with us; he will fill it well and wait for that time when compensation will be done, Kariuki stated during the visit. She commended Osore for following the correct legal procedures by reporting the matter to the authorities rather than disposing of the animal privately. The incident has served as a catalyst for educational outreach in the region. KWS officials used the visit to sensitize Luoka residents on wildlife conflict regulations, emphasizing that compensation is available for livestock and property damage under specific conditions outlined in the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act. Osore expressed his relief at the governments intervention, noting that the encounter had been both frightening and a significant loss. I am happy that the KWS team visited us, and from the visit, we got to learn so many things and even how to handle such cases, he said. Local residents, led by Alfred Onyango, noted that the KWS visit helped demystify the process of reporting conflicts involving other animals, such as monkeys, which frequently disturb local farms. I didnt know that these monkeys that have been disturbing us almost every day, their matter can be sorted out just by reporting, Onyango remarked. While welcoming the KWS visit, Osore urged the service to improve their response times to distress calls. He recalled the anger and fear he felt when the python attacked his dog, fearing for his own life and that of his family. KWS has pledged to conduct further community awareness sessions in Ugunja to ensure residents know how to safely respond to wildlife encounters without putting themselves at risk. Under Kenyan law, the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act provides for compensation for personal injury, death, or damage to property (including livestock) caused by specific wildlife species, provided the incident is reported promptly and verified by a compensation committee. Would you like me to research the current compensation rates for livestock in Kenya or look into other recent human-wildlife conflict cases in the Nyanza region? Cultural & Historical Significance Andeana holds profound cultural significance in Spanish-speaking communities, particularly those with connections to the Andes mountain range that stretches through seven South American countries. The name embodies the spirit of movement and transition that characterizes both the geological formation of the mountains and the human migrations that have occurred throughout the region's history. In many indigenous Andean cultures, journey and movement are central to cosmological understanding, making Andeana a name that resonates with ancient spiritual concepts of continuous transformation. The name has become increasingly popular among families who wish to honor their geographical heritage while embracing modern values of progress and adaptability. It represents a bridge between traditional rural life and contemporary urban existence, symbolizing the journey many Latin American families have undertaken from countryside to city, or from their home countries to new lands. This dual significance makes Andeana a powerful choice that acknowledges both roots and wings - the stability of heritage and the freedom of movement that defines the human experience in the modern globalized world. Women named Annjeanette are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of traditional values and compassionate strength. The 'Ann' component suggests grace, patience, and nurturing qualities, while the 'Jeanette' aspect contributes determination, intelligence, and spiritual depth. This combination typically results in individuals who are both gentle and resilient, able to provide comfort while also standing firm in their convictions. They often exhibit strong intuitive abilities and emotional intelligence, making them excellent mediators and caregivers. Their dual-nature name seems to manifest in balanced personalities that can adapt to various situations while maintaining core values. Many Annjeanettes display remarkable perseverance in challenging circumstances, drawing on both the gentle strength of Ann and the faithful endurance of Jeanette. They tend to be deeply connected to their families and communities, often serving as pillars of support and sources of wisdom for those around them. The name's compound nature appears to influence a personality that can navigate both traditional and modern contexts with equal grace, making them effective in roles that require both compassion and leadership. Individuals named Archambault are typically perceived as possessing natural leadership qualities, confidence, and a commanding presence that draws respect from others. They often exhibit strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, reflecting the name's historical association with rulers and military leaders. There's an inherent boldness and courage in their character, enabling them to tackle challenges head-on and take calculated risks when necessary. Their aristocratic heritage lends them a sense of dignity and tradition, often making them guardians of family legacy and cultural values. While they can be authoritative, they typically balance this with a strong sense of responsibility toward those under their care or leadership. Their persistence and determination are notable traits, allowing them to pursue long-term goals with unwavering focus. The combination of these qualities often positions Archambaults as natural leaders in professional, community, or family contexts who value honor and tradition. Illinois is starting 2026 with a new law to help guide the use of artificial intelligence in schools, but lawmakers believe this is just the first step to address the evolving technology. The Living City Initiative (LCI), a government scheme launched in 2015 to tackle urban dereliction, has been used just 30 times in Waterford since its inception. The scheme initially offered up to 200,000 of tax relief to cover costs in converting or refurbishing residential or commercial properties built before 1915. The scheme is currently in operation across special regeneration areas in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Kilkenny. Waterfords special regeneration area refers to its historic city centre that spans from Ballybricken to the beginning of the Dunmore Road. Waterfords residential vacancy and derelict property rates stand at 2.1% and 1.4% of total housing stock, according to GeoDirectorys 2025 Q2 Residential Buildings Report. While Waterford is below the national average for vacancy and dereliction rates, an analysis of the countys derelict sites register shows that 44 derelict properties still remain in Waterfords special regenerative area. Take-up hasnt been as good as Id hoped, said Finn Brophy, a member of Waterford City and County Councils Economic Development team. Mr Brophy certifies the qualifying spend for LCI applications. Often the odd visitor will jump on it, but given the historic heart of the city, the age profile of Ballybricken, its quite old, a lot of fixed incomes, they cant really afford to finance it. Because it is a tax relief, and if youre on a pension, its of no use to you, it would be minimum. Waterford's 'special regenerative area' highlighted in blue Information released to the Waterford News & Star through the Freedom of Information Act shows 5,132,405.72 worth of renovation and conversion work was claimed under the LCI. The highest amount claimed per property was 1,182,212. The lowest was 7,000. The average claimed amount was 171,080. There were 89 successful applications to the scheme, though the majority did not follow the scheme through to completion. The averages for the big houses on Johns Hill, that's where you get the 150, 200, 250,000 euros worth of work, said Mr Brophy. The bread-and-butter ones are Doyle Street, Ballybricken, Grace Dieu and those houses, they're averaging between [7,000] and 20,000, because you've got a lot of people on fixed income up there, so its not very appealing. The Governments newest housing plan has extended the LCI until 2030 with properties built before 1975 now eligible for the scheme. The maximum amount of tax relief that can be claimed on a property has risen to 300,000, with five new regional centres (Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, Letterkenny and Sligo) falling under the LCI. Waterford Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning John Cummins welcomed the changes to the scheme. Minister for Housing James Browne said changes to government housing schemes like the LCI will play a vital role in delivering homes across the country. Minister Cummins previously said the Governments plethora of housing schemes needs to be matched with an appropriate threat to ensure uptake. Speaking in the Dail in October 2025, Minister Cummins said the Vacant Home tax would provide an appropriate counterbalance to schemes like the LCI seeking to curb dereliction. We have such a broad range of schemes providing the carrot to bring those vacant and derelict properties back into productive use for housing purposes, and if people are not going to use those carrots, the stick of the derelict property tax is coming, Minister Cummins said. I encourage people to work with local authorities to use those schemes and bring those properties back into productive use, because what frustrates people most is seeing vacant and derelict properties across this country during a time of such need. On a rainy July afternoon this summer we called to our friend Damien for a catch-up. Before him on the table was Ian Hannigans recently published book, Timeless Colours Waterford, a beautiful and well-crafted colourisation of 19th and early 20th-century Waterford images. As it happens it was a Christmas present we had given him. But Damien had a question. The book was opened at a specific image that I knew quite well. It is a Poole photograph taken from the deck of a ship, looking quay-wards towards the now demolished Adelphi Hotel. Its a perspective known to countless generations of sea travellers of the city. In this view the quayside, the ferry terminal and the gangway to the London Hulk are festooned with Waterford folk in their finery. Taken by the renowned local photographer, AH Poole, I had always considered this photo depicting a group waiting for a special event trip on the Waterford Steamship Company paddle steamers. However, Damien had spotted something very curious with a magnifying glass. On the ferry pontoon, where patrons alighted or boarded the row boat ferry to the Ferrybank side, was a tall crate of Bovril tins. What were they doing there, he wanted to knowthe question I have to admit baffled me. For the ferry hadnt taken freight across the Suir here since the opening of Timbertoes Bridge over 100 years earlier. The answer, however, has nothing to do with freight or any special event trips. It is something much more peculiar, and the Bovril cans were the key that unlocked it. In 1903, a man by the name of Tom Barton was travelling the country exhibiting a very unique commercial activity. Some say he was from Putney, London; others that he had Irish blood, while others said he was a Canadian lumberjack. All or none might be true. Tom Barton appears in a local paper of the day. However, Tom had one unique talent he was a log roller a man who balanced on logs in Canadian rivers as they were steered down rivers or into sawmills. Toms time in Canada was now being put to use with a commercial gimmick Toms log was now made of Bovril tins, soldered together to about 10 feet in length, one foot wide and upon which Tom would perform an entertaining act. Bovril was invented by a Scotsman, John Lawson Johnston, developed from beef extract and originally known as Johnston's Fluid Beef. This was in an era when fridges were just a dream, and keeping meat fresh was a challenge. In one of his early successes, he won a contract to supply one million cans of his beef extract to the French army. With clever advertising Bovril was identified with strength and stamina. These were further amplified by medical-backed marketing, which vouched for its immune-boosting qualities. By 1888, over 3,000 pubs and grocers were serving it and it reached its peak in popularity in the 1930s. The product has evolved down the years. I still drink it occasionally, I got the habit from my father, especially when fishing herring in the winter months of my youth. In Barton, the makers of the Bovril product saw a real win/win. Barton was a wily, outdoorsman with a vigour and bravado that linked perfectly with their product. As Barton performed, the company sales people and executives promoted their product. The act was showcased around Ireland in 1903 from North to South and, according to the papers of the time, included exhibitions in Belfast, Derry, Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Waterford. Dublin, it was claimed, hosted the largest crowd in June of that year 10,000 were claimed to have lined the Liffey. His act required the elements to co-operate, including weather and tide and involved him setting off from point A, drifting to point B, and doing a series of tricks as he balanced on his Bovril can log! From different reports a full picture emerges. It was almost 10 feet long. It weighed 19 pounds. It was 12 inches in diameter, composed of nine Bovril tins soldered together. Barton would balance mid-river on his log, sit on it and lie down prostrate. He could balance while sitting in a chair, he would call for a table to be added, and there he would sit, while reading a paper and smoking a cigar all supplied from a support boat being rowed alongside. As he drifted along on the tide his performance drew gasps, applause and the adoration of the spectators. Of course it was all about the Bovril, so to seal the deal he would pour a large mug of the beefy beverage for himself and replenish his energy. The act finished with some flag waving, as he stood on the chair, on the log, in the middle of a river. Tom Barton with his Bovril log as depicted in Poole's photo. So Ians colourised image then is the awaiting crowd for Tom Bartons performance on the Suir. But when? Well, here it gets a bit tricky. That year local papers were advertising the event scheduled to take place on the evening tide of Tuesday, June 23, 1903, at 6pm. On Monday, June 22, the Evening News featured a sketch of Barton, floating on his log and stated that the Champion log roller of the World will give his unique and marvellous aquatic display. The plan was that he would start from Merchants Quay and float down under Timbertoes bridge and down along the quays. Two days later, it was reported that the act never went ahead, however. Tom Barton got ill, and the event was postponed at very short notice. Apart from the obvious disappointment for the Deise public, it must have also been a blow for the commercial association of the health-yielding benefits of Bovril! Returning to the photo, however, the location is all wrong for the advertised spectacle in Juneand not just thatthe June event would require an ebb tide. The photo we have shows the river at flood the tide is flowing up-river and rising. So our image is a different occasion entirely, it was taken later that year. Thursday, October 8, 1903 between 2 and 3pm in fact. Reportage afterwards in the Cork Examiner states the following: LOG ROLLING THE SUIR Mr Tom Barton, the famous log roller, gave his long-promised exhibition on the River Suir this afternoon. Three oclock was the hour advertised for the exhibition, but long before that time the riverside was crowded with spectators, while others, more favoured, got aboard some of the vessels, from which they were afforded a splendid view of the exhibition. Mr Barton started from the Boat Club shortly after the advertised hour. The log was made of a number of tins soldered together, the idea being to advertise Bovril. The journey to the bridge was successfully negotiated, and was watched throughout with the most intense interest. The last appearance that I could find in the newspaper archive was October 1907 when he appeared at a charity swim event in London. He entertained the crowd in his usual fashion, but offered another gimmick a gold medal for anyone who could stand on his log for two minutes. Despite several attempts, no one succeeded. He may have retired thereafter, the uncontested champion of the Bovril log. He certainly seems to have faded from public view. Ian Hannigans colourised enhancement of the Poole photo of the day certainly captures the excitement that he created and the appeal of his act. Seeing all the people in their finery and the expectation on their faces brings to mind other events in Waterford, particularly Spraoi. Perhaps one of these years someone might consider a reprise of the Tom Barton act. Women named Baraka are often perceived as nurturing, spiritually inclined individuals who bring positive energy to their surroundings. They tend to be compassionate, generous, and deeply connected to their faith, often serving as pillars of strength within their families and communities. Their presence is frequently described as calming and uplifting, with an innate ability to find blessings in challenging situations. Barakas typically exhibit strong intuition and emotional intelligence, making them excellent mediators and counselors. They value meaningful relationships and often prioritize community welfare over personal gain. While gentle in nature, they possess inner resilience and determination when standing up for their beliefs or protecting loved ones. Their name often shapes their self-perception, encouraging them to live up to its meaning by being sources of blessing and positivity in the lives of others. Individuals bearing the name Cymbelline are often characterized by a unique blend of traditional authority and creative sensitivity. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a deep appreciation for art, history, and cultural heritage. This combination makes them natural preservers of tradition who nevertheless understand the importance of adaptation and evolution. Their personality often includes a certain gravitas and dignity, balanced by an imaginative and sometimes mystical outlook that allows them to see possibilities others might miss. Cymbellines tend to be deeply principled individuals with a strong sense of justice and historical continuity. They often feel a connection to larger historical narratives and may see themselves as links in a chain of tradition. This doesn't make them conservative in the conventional senserather, they understand that true preservation requires thoughtful adaptation. Their complex personality reflects the name's own historical journey through different cultural contexts, resulting in individuals who can navigate both established institutions and innovative ideas with equal facility. They are often perceived as somewhat enigmatic figures who command respect through both their competence and their unique perspective on the world. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Enkoodabooaoo carries profound cultural significance within Algonquin tradition, where names are not merely labels but reflections of identity, destiny, and spiritual purpose. In Algonquin cosmology, the concept of 'living alone' represents a sacred path of self-discovery and spiritual independence. This name was traditionally given to individuals who demonstrated early signs of introspection, spiritual depth, or who were destined for roles requiring solitary contemplation and independent judgment. Such individuals often became spiritual leaders, scouts, or mediators who needed to maintain objectivity and personal integrity. The name embodies core Algonquin values of self-reliance, inner strength, and the ability to maintain cultural identity even when physically separated from the community. It represents the understanding that true strength comes from within and that solitude can be a source of wisdom rather than loneliness. Historically, bearers of this name were respected for their ability to provide counsel and guidance drawn from their deep self-knowledge and independent perspective. Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo is a community development co-operative (comharchumann) based in the Seanscoil in Ceathru Thaidhg in the north Mayo Gaeltacht. Its mission is to work in a proactive way to promote the linguistic/cultural, infrastructural, educational and social development of the parish of Cill Chomain. Working in conjunction with local development groups and state agencies, numerous projects have been undertaken for the benefit of the community. The promotion of the Irish language in every aspect of community life is one of the main objectives of Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo. Irish language courses and Irish translation services are organised in Ionad Seirbhisi Teanga na Seanscoile (Language Centre) in Ceathru Thaidhg where a library of learning resource materials is available. There is ongoing cooperation with Coiste Gaeilge Iorrais (the lead language planning organisation in the North Mayo Gaeltacht region) to implement the Irish language plan, and during the year guided walks were organised with Uinsionn Mac Graith, a presentation on the place-names of Dun Chaochain was given at Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast, as well as various events as part of the international festival Seachtain na Gaeilge. Naionra Dhun Chaochain in Ceathru Thaidhg and Naionra Ghleann na Muaidhe in Glenamoy play a central role in providing Irish-medium preschool services for children and parents in the area. These childcare projects receive funding from the National Childcare Investment Programme, which is administered by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), Mayo County Childcare Committee, and Comhar Naionrai na Gaeltachta Teo provide ongoing support and guidance. There are seven people currently employed in this sector, and the services have gone from strength to strength over the years. At the end of June, summer camps were organised for children aged three to six years in Ceathru Thaidhg and Gleann na Muaidhe in partnership with Muintearas Teo, under Sceim na gCampai Samhraidh dAos Og na Gaeltachta, which is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The aim of the camps is to encourage children to speak Irish in an enjoyable environment through activities such as arts, crafts, singing, and a variety of games. Art classes for primary school children were also organised in the Seanscoil during the year, in co-operation with Gaeilge Iorrais, under the guidance of Maire Ni Fhalliun. The Ceathru Thaidhg loop walks (Lub Chlann Lir, Lub an Chlai Dhuibh and Lub na Binne Bui) continue to attract visitors to the area with a notable increase in visitor numbers in recent years. Starting and finishing at the Seanscoil community centre, each loop is waymarked and colour-coded according to its level of difficulty. A bi-lingual information board and brochure provide details on trail directions and points of interest en route. These walks are maintained by participants on the Rural Social Scheme with the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Community Trail Management Organisation scheme, Sport Ireland and Mayo County Council. A dedicated website has been designed under the project Na Comhluadair Bheo (www.gaeltacht.info), the aim of which is to raise the profile of the area as a tourist destination, where a range of holiday packages is available to cater for visiting groups. At the official launch of the Tain Bo Fliodhaise Cattle Raid of Mayo Heritage Trail were Denis Strong (NPWS), Uinsionn Mac Graith, Micheal O Seighin, Minister Dara Calleary, Treasa Ni Ghearraigh, Carmel Hughes and Pearl King (seated) (photo: Maire Ni Fhalliun) In July, in the beautiful setting of Enniscoe House, Minister Dara Calleary officially launched the 'Tain Bo Fliodhaise Cattle Raid of Mayo' Heritage Trail and Guidebook. Tain Bo Fliodhaise is a prequel to the famous epic Tain Bo Cuailnge and is deeply rooted in the Iorras area in the north-west of the county. It describes the route taken by Queen Maeves army, travelling from Rathcroghan in County Roscommon into Mayo on a cattle-raiding expedition as far as Rath Morgain near Gleann a Chaisil in Iorras. Fourteen information signs have been erected at specific locations along the route, beginning at Cruachan Ai in Tulsk, Roscommon, and continuing through Beal Atha hAmhnais, Achadh Mor, Bo Fhionnain, Leath-ardan, Inis Chua, Beal an Atha, Maigh Ghamhna, Gleann Chalraidhe, Beal an Atha Bui, Droichead Muinchinn, Rath Morgain, Gleann a Chaisil, Barr na Tra, and Ceathru Thaidhg. A map in the guidebook shows the locations of the signs and provides a detailed account of the story itself. At the Gradaim na Gaeltachta 2025 Awards ceremony, organised by Udaras na Gaeltachta at the Conamara Coast Hotel on November 27th, chief executive Tomas O Siochain and chairperson Siobhan Ni Ghadhra recognised a wide range of projects that contribute to the economic, social and cultural vitality of Gaeltacht areas. Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo achieved second place in the Tourism Project category in recognition of the development of the Tain Bo Fliodhaise Cattle Raid of Mayo Heritage Trail. A special and memorable Eigse (cultural gathering) was held at the Erris Coast Hotel, Gaoth Saile, in May in honour of Caitlin and Micheal O Seighin, in recognition of the achievements of these dedicated community activists who have worked for many years to preserve and promote the Irish language in the Dun Chaochain area of Iorras. The Eigse showcased the areas song, music, folklore, heritage and culture under the guidance of bean a ti, Aine Ni Chiarain, with Dr Seamus Mac Conghamhna as guest speaker. The event was organised by Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo, in collaboration with Gaeilge Iorrais and others, with support from Conradh na Gaeilge through the Ciste Spreagtha Fund. The celebration of the Ocean Hero Event of the Year Award at Rinn Rua Beach with An Taisce Clean Coasts, Circus250, Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo and Scoil Cholmcille. The co-operatives environmental work plan, including litter management and awareness, is being implemented by the Cill Chomain Rural Social Scheme under the auspices of Udaras na Gaeltachta. Tra na Rinne Rua and Tra Phort a Chloidh were awarded the Green Coast Award. Litter is collected from these beaches on a regular basis and it was a great honour for Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo, in partnership with Ceathru Thaidhg National School and Circus250, to win a national award in the Event of the Year category in the Clean Coasts campaign. The award was presented at a special ceremony organised by An Taisce in Dublin in November 2024. In April 2025, Olivia Jones from An Taisce, along with Circus250, revisited Tra na Rinne Rua for a special celebratory event and a Clean Coasts Roadshow, which included circus fun with local schoolchildren. Olivia acknowledged the communitys efforts to promote and protect this beautiful coastline. Meetings were organised with representatives of Mayo County Council regarding the extension of Teampall Chill Ghallagain graveyard, as there is no longer sufficient space available for burials. The co-operative is working in collaboration with Mayo County Council, representatives of the local community, and the landowner, and significant progress was made on the project during the year. The Ceathru Thaidhg Community Biodiversity Action Plan 20242029 was launched at Scoil Naisiunta Cholmcille, Ceathru Thaidhg, in May, when ecologist Karina Dingerkus gave a presentation on the plans key objectives. A guided nature walk was organised, and an outdoor mural was designed under the direction of Maire Ni Fhalliun, depicting local habitats, plants, and animals. The plan and the various events were developed with a grant approved by The Community Foundation for Ireland. The Oweninny Community Benefit Fund approved 2,500 for the purchase of fruit trees and wildflower seeds for the Pairc Spraoi Caochan Playground (Multi Use Games Area) to encourage greater biodiversity on the site. The committee is working in collaboration with Mayo County Council, the TUS scheme, participants on the Rural Social Scheme, ecologist Karina Dingerkus, and Scoil Naisiunta Cholmcille on this project. The Department of Rural and Community Development approved 18,701.70 under the Community Centres Investment Fund to carry out refurbishment works at An tSeanscoil Community Centre, and a further 1,000 was approved under the National Lottery to purchase furniture for the centre. Mayo County Council submitted an application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage seeking funding for capital projects under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 20242026. In July it was announced that funding of 2,138,906 was approved to provide a new community water connection for the villages of Ceathru Thaidhg, Ceathru na gCloch, Port a Chloidh, Port Durlainn, and Sraith a tSeagail. At the application preparation stage, David Nevin of Mayo County Council met with local residents at the Seanscoil Community Centre to explain the process. Signatures were subsequently collected from every household interested in availing of the water connection. This project is expected to have a very positive impact on water supply in the area. Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo provides information and assistance to voluntary groups in relation to developing and managing projects, identifying funding sources, etc. Information and application forms are available for various schemes such as training opportunities and enterprise development, as well as services including photocopying, laminating, and faxing. The co-operative organises training courses (funded by the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board) depending on demand. Nuachtlitir Chill Chomain, a community newsletter, is published quarterly providing a voice for the local community and an update on development issues. Further information is available by contacting 097-88082 or 087-1251642 or e-mail dunchaochain1@gmail.com. A Westport councillor is calling for funding to be obtained to develop an outer relief road to Louisburgh. Fianna Fail Cllr Brendan Mulroy told the December meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District that a knock-on benefit of the new road would be the pedestrianisation of Westport town centre. We badly need a southern relief road around Westport," he told Mayo County Council's Head of Roads Conrad Harley, who attended the meeting. "I know in our development plan there is a corridor on the northern side of town left open for roads, but that is still in place since I was elected 26 years ago. We need the funding, so I ask for the bypass to go to Louisburgh on the southern relief road and that then opens the conversation for pedestrianisation in Westport, which cant be done at the moment with emergency services and ambulances having to go through town." Independent Ireland Cllr Chris Maxwell supported the call, saying that trucks and vans going from Louisburgh and Leenane to Ballinrobe Mart have to travel via the Ballinrobe Road in Westport where they have difficulty navigating the notorious railway bridge underpass. If that road is progressed, it would be a gamechanger for the whole south Clew Bay area," Cllr Maxwell predicted. Independent Cllr John OMalley said the proposed road would be a great asset to everybody, because even when you come in the N5 on a Friday evening traffic is backed [up]". He added that the new N5 relief road to Newport on the northern side of Westport has been very successful and has taken a lot of traffic out of the town centre. Mr Harley agreed that a southern relief road to Louisburgh would be "a gamechanger for Westport". "We can certainly look at it, but it would only be at the very first stage in the process, and at county level, every municipal district is looking for their own project and we have to look at the priority list to see where funding will go. The Westport Local Area Plan 2024-2030 seeks to progress the southern N5/N59 by-pass of the town, noting that it would "greatly reduce traffic congestion in the town centre, [rebalance] the town centre road space and provide for improvements to the public realm and enable greater enhancement of the town centre environment in terms of placemaking and free up road space for more sustainable forms of transport". Individuals named Faven are often perceived as radiant personalities who naturally illuminate the spaces they inhabit. They typically possess an innate warmth and optimism that draws others toward them, much like moths to a flame. These individuals tend to be natural leaders and guides, offering clarity and perspective in confusing situations. Their presence often brings comfort and inspiration to those around them, and they have a remarkable ability to see the positive aspects in challenging circumstances. Favens are frequently characterized by their intellectual curiosity and desire for knowledge, constantly seeking to understand the world around them more deeply. They exhibit strong communication skills and emotional intelligence, making them excellent mediators and counselors. While they can be idealistic at times, their practical wisdom usually grounds their aspirations in reality. The combination of their illuminating presence and thoughtful nature makes them valued friends, family members, and community contributors who leave lasting positive impacts on everyone they encounter. Allentown, PA (18103) Today A mix of clouds and sunshine; the closest to freezing (32) we've been in a week and a half. . Tonight Increasing clouds. There is a slight chance for a little snow late, mainly south of I-78. Individuals named Hiolair are typically characterized by their cheerful disposition and optimistic outlook on life. They possess a natural ability to uplift others with their positive energy and often serve as the emotional anchor in their social circles. Hiolairs tend to be emotionally resilient, able to maintain their cheerful nature even during challenging circumstances. They are known for their warm, approachable demeanor and genuine interest in the well-being of others. Their happiness is not superficial but stems from a deep-seated appreciation for life's simple pleasures and a philosophical acceptance of life's ups and downs. Hiolairs often excel in careers that involve helping others or creative expression, as their joyful nature inspires creativity and cooperation. They are typically good listeners and natural peacemakers, using their positive energy to diffuse tension and bring people together. While generally easy-going, they can be surprisingly determined when pursuing goals that align with their values of happiness and harmony. Saudi Arabias Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has strongly urged all Hajj missions worldwide to complete Hajj registration procedures at an earlier stage, as preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season intensify. According to Azernews, the announcement was made by Vusal Jahangiri, Head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) and supervisor of the Hajj electronic system. Jahangiri said that the visa issuance process will begin on the first day of Ramadan and is expected to be completed within one and a half months. He also called on Azerbaijani citizens intending to perform Hajj to register without delay, stressing the importance of timely applications. Regardless of whether the quota is filled or not, the acceptance of documents will end on February 15, 2026, Jahangiri said. The statement underscores the stricter timeline set by Saudi authorities as part of efforts to streamline Hajj organization and ensure smoother logistical planning. People named Imogen are typically associated with a blend of creativity, intelligence, and quiet confidence. They often possess artistic sensibilities and a deep appreciation for beauty in various forms, whether in art, nature, or human relationships. There's an inherent elegance and refinement to Imogens, who tend to be thoughtful observers rather than loud participants. They're known for their perceptive nature, often understanding subtle emotional currents that others miss. This emotional intelligence combines with strong moral principles, creating individuals who are both compassionate and principled. The Shakespearean heritage of the name contributes to associations with loyalty, virtue, and resilience. Imogens are frequently seen as people who maintain their integrity under pressure and who value authenticity above social conformity. They tend to be independent thinkers who approach life with both intellectual curiosity and emotional depth. While they may appear reserved at first, Imogens often reveal surprising strength and determination when pursuing their passions or defending their values. This combination of gentle exterior with inner fortitude makes them particularly compelling individuals who can navigate complex situations with both sensitivity and strength. Their creative nature often manifests in unique forms of self-expression, whether through traditional arts, innovative problem-solving, or distinctive personal style. Individuals named Ivantie are often perceived as possessing a strong sense of tradition and family values, combined with a quiet determination that reflects the name's meaning of 'glorious gift.' They tend to be reliable, steadfast individuals who value loyalty and consistency in their relationships. Their personality often blends practical wisdom with deep emotional intelligence, making them excellent mediators and trusted advisors in both personal and professional contexts. Many Ivanties exhibit a balanced character that combines introspection with action-oriented thinking. They are typically patient and methodical in their approach to challenges, preferring to build solid foundations rather than seeking quick solutions. This thoughtful nature is often complemented by a strong work ethic and dedication to their chosen path. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their depth of character, dry wit, and unwavering support during difficult times. The name suggests someone who carries themselves with dignity and purpose, often becoming pillars of their communities. They tend to be deeply connected to their roots while simultaneously forward-looking, embodying the Romanian ideal of 'pasoptism' respect for tradition coupled with progressive thinking. Their strength lies in their ability to honor the past while navigating the present with wisdom and grace. Individuals named Jaimi are often perceived as approachable and adaptable, combining traditional values with modern perspectives. They typically exhibit a warm, friendly demeanor that makes others feel comfortable, while maintaining a strong sense of independence and self-assurance. This balance of warmth and strength often makes Jaimis natural mediators and trusted friends who can navigate diverse social situations with grace. Many Jaimis demonstrate creative problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence, allowing them to connect with people from various backgrounds. They tend to be resourceful and determined, characteristics that serve them well in both personal and professional pursuits. While they value their Scottish heritage and family traditions, they also embrace innovation and change, creating a unique blend of stability and adaptability that defines their character. Cultural & Historical Significance Kaori is a name deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetic traditions, where fragrance and scent hold profound cultural significance beyond mere olfactory pleasure. In Japanese culture, the concept of 'kaori' extends to encompass the essence or spirit of something - whether it be a person, place, or moment in time. Historically, the appreciation of subtle fragrances was considered a mark of refinement and sophistication among the aristocratic classes. For males bearing this name, it suggests a person of refined strength, one whose character leaves a lasting impression much like a memorable fragrance. The name embodies the Japanese aesthetic principle of 'mono no aware' - the awareness of the transience of things and a gentle sadness at their passing, combined with a quiet, dignified beauty that persists in memory. When used for males, Kaori represents a departure from traditional masculine naming conventions, reflecting evolving attitudes toward gender and strength in modern Japanese society. It suggests a man who possesses both sensitivity and fortitude, someone who appreciates beauty while maintaining inner resilience. This combination of traits aligns with contemporary ideals of masculinity that value emotional intelligence alongside traditional strength. The name carries with it centuries of cultural appreciation for subtlety and nuance, applied to a modern understanding of what constitutes true character and influence. Brooks Nader recently set social media ablaze with a high-octane fashion moment in a Gucci bodysuit. She attended Kate Hudsons star-studded New Years Eve party in Aspen. Swapping traditional NYE sequins for a vintage aesthetic, the model wore a deep burgundy bodysuit. Surrounded by a glamorous crowd, Naders look captured the luxury of the mountains. She clearly celebrated the start of 2026 with a bold, nostalgic twist. Brooks Nader pairs Gucci bodysuit with cozy fur coat for Kate Hudsons NYE party The festivities appeared in a vibrant carousel on Brooks Naders Instagram account. The caption read, And the category is 80s apres ski 2026, we are SO READY FOR YOU!!!! The photos reveal an elite guest list embracing the retro theme. Standing alongside Nader were her sisters, Mary Margaret, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane, all sporting coordinated ski chic styles. The group also included friends like Bettina Anderson, who wore a sleek white bodysuit, and Sasha Benz in a striking blue ensemble. Even the guys joined in, with guests like Marco Brambilla and Prince Robert of Luxembourg spotted in the mountain-ready crowd. Advertisement Advertisement An analysis of Naders ensemble reveals a masterclass in textures. The centerpiece is a sleek, low-cut Gucci bodysuit in a rich wine hue. She cinched her waist with a delicate gold chain belt. To battle the Aspen chill, she draped a voluminous cream fur coat over her shoulders. The coat was floor-length and added drama to the overall look. Nader completed the look with shimmery bronze tights. She also wore oversized, fluffy cream moon boots for a functional touch. Her accessories included oversized brown-tinted sunglasses. This was a definitive nod to 1980s glamor. Whether posing on a grand staircase or by a bonfire, Nader owned the night. She ensured all eyes were on her for the first big fashion moment of the year. The post Brooks Nader Attends Kate Hudsons NYE Party in Gucci Bodysuit appeared first on theFashionSpot. NEED TO KNOW Dove Cameron and Damiano David are engaged The couple announced their engagement through an Instagram post on Jan. 3 Cameron and David were first linked in September 2023, and they made their red carpet debut as a couple in February 2024 Dove Cameron and Damiano David are getting married! The musicians announced their engagement through an Instagram post on Saturday, Jan. 3. "My favourite part of being alive happy new year," Cameron, 29, captioned a series of photos of herself and the Maneskin frontman, 26, posing at a party, as the Descendants alum showed off her engagement ring. DOVE/Instagram Dove Cameron (left) and Damiano David (right). Dove Cameron (left) and Damiano David (right). The couple's announcement comes after they first sparked engagement rumors in October, when they were photographed in Sydney, Australia, in matching black outfits, with Cameron wearing a sparkler on her ring finger. Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for Cameron and David did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment at the time. Cameron marked her dating anniversary with David in October, sharing a carousel of photos on Instagram. "The best two years of my life," the star wrote in her caption. "I am brought to tears at least once a week because life has become so beautiful with you in i. i love you in a way no words could ever express, but i will never stop trying. buon anniversario amore mio." Phillip Faraone/VF25/Getty Dove Cameron and Damiano David in Beverly Hills in March 2025 Dove Cameron and Damiano David in Beverly Hills in March 2025 Cameron and David were first linked in September 2023, when the Disney Channel alum was seen in attendance at one of the musician's performances. The couple officially made their red carpet debut in February 2024 at Clive Davis' annual Pre-Grammy Gala. Advertisement Advertisement During a conversation with PEOPLE in February, Cameron explained why she decided to go public with her relationship. "We had a conversation early on, because it's a weird thing that you have to talk about," she said of the decision at the time. "He was like, 'If someone in high school, or who's a lawyer, nurse or working at a coffee shop can post a picture of their partner and share the normal, beautiful parts of their lives, why should it be different for us?' " Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Dove Cameron and Damiano David in Paris in September 2024 Dove Cameron and Damiano David in Paris in September 2024 Cameron further noted that she has consistently felt "so much anxiety" throughout her life with regard to the notion of opening her relationships up to the public eye. "I've been public in the past," she said, adding, "and I've had some not-so-public relationships that I was a little bit less inclined to share. Not because of the people I was seeing, but because it just felt like a scary thing to be really open about. It's like I got scared." Advertisement Advertisement For his part, David has gushed about the peace that his relationship with Cameron brings him, telling PEOPLE, Im so in love. We play each others music, and I would say that we are very lucky because she loves music and I love her music. I really vibe with it. So its very fun. Read the original article on People The French government is not backing down from their decision to grant George and Amal Clooney citizenship despite criticism from French leadership and President Donald Trump. The Clooneys were granted French citizenship Dec. 26, according to French public records. The Foreign Ministry said the couple and their twins were eligible for citizenship under a French law that allows for the naturalization of foreign nationals who contribute to Frances international influence and economic well-being. They maintain strong personal, professional and family ties with our country, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement The Clooneys have bought a farm in the French countryside and George is filming a cameo in the Call My Agent! movie spinoff, which is produced by Mediawan for Netflix. The ministry argued that Frances cinema industry will benefit from the actors clout as a global movie star and said that as an international human rights lawyer, Amal regularly works with academic institutions and international organizations in France. They contribute, through their distinguished actions, to Frances international influence and cultural outreach, the French government said Wednesday, defending their naturalization after it was publicly questioned by a junior French minister. Like many French citizens, we are delighted to welcome Georges and Amal Clooney into the national community, the statement concluded, putting a French flair on the actors first name by adding the s at the end. Advertisement Advertisement Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior minister at the Interior Ministry, balked at the couples citizenship. The message being sent is not good, she said in an interview with broadcaster France Info. There is an issue of fairness that, in my eyes, is absolutely essential. President Donald Trump also mocked the couples decision to move, calling them two of the worst political prognosticators of all time. George has been outspoken about his opposition to the president and a prominent supporter and donor to the Democratic Party. Clooney responded to Trump Thursday. I totally agree with the current president, he said. We have to make America great again. Well start in November. Advertisement Advertisement The Clooneys move to France comes after months of the Jay Kelly star praising the country and the lifestyle it offers his family. In an interview with the French broadcaster RTL earlier this month, Clooney said that he planned to raise his kids on a farmhouse in France that they loved. The post French Government Defends George and Amal Clooney Citizenship, Cites Their Distinguished Actions appeared first on TheWrap. By now, youve probably seen the controversy over Rama Duwajis boots. The New York Post spotted them first. Hours after Duwaji stood beside her husband Zohran Mamdani as he was sworn in as New York Citys 112th mayor, the tabloid zeroed in on her feet. The boots she wore to the midnight ceremonyblack leather Miista Shelleys with a lace-up back and sculpted block heelretail for $630. Socialist Zohran Mamdanis wife appears to wear luxury $630 boots to swearing-in ceremony, the headline read. Socialist Zohran Mamdanis wife Rama Duwaji appears to wear luxury $630 boots to swearing in ceremony https://t.co/ohy0HVeByC pic.twitter.com/W9GuciHdhS New York Post (@nypost) January 1, 2026 The Post called the look more socialite than socialist. The subtext was clear: the new mayor preaches affordability, but his wife parades in designer footwear. Advertisement Advertisement Critics piled on. Socialism for thee, but not for me, one user wrote on X. Then the White House weighed in. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted about Duwajis boots on her Instagram, calling the couple classic Communists and writing: They want New Yorkers to hand over more than half their income to the governmentwhile she wears designer boots worth your weekly paycheck. Karoline Leavitt amplifies a tabloid headline focusing on the cost of the boots worn at New York Citys mayoral swearing-in. Image Credit: @karolineleavitt/Instagram Except Duwaji didnt buy the boots. Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, the stylist who dressed Duwaji for her first public appearances as First Lady, clarified on her website that the entire outfit was borrowed or rented. The Miista boots were on loan from the brand. The vintage Balenciaga coat came from Albright Fashion Library. Even the archival earrings were rented from New York Vintage. Advertisement Advertisement Im just going to have to get comfortable with the fact that people on the internet do not understand what being lent a sample means, Karefa-Johnson wrote. Suddenly, the story changed. What was framed as hypocrisy turned out to be the oppositean outfit assembled without a single purchase. But Leavitts attack invited scrutiny of her own. Users on X were quick to point out the press secretarys wardrobe Karoline Leavitt speaking about Rama Dujawi's $630 boots is funny because Leavitt is likely wearing double that amount in her lips alone. Covie (@covie_93) January 2, 2026 Leavitt is no stranger to designer labels herself. Shes been photographed in Jimmy Choo pumps that retail for $1,125, carrying a Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag worth over $2,000, and wearing a Gucci watch priced at $1,580. Her Dior Lady D-Lite bag costs $5,300. One expert estimated her diamond cross necklace at $50,000 Advertisement Advertisement Most of Leavitts go-to brands arent even AmericanLouis Vuitton is French, Jimmy Choo is British, Gucci is Italian. This from a press secretary for an administration that has made Made in USA a rallying cry. Others flooded the Posts replies with images of Melania Trumps inauguration looks, including custom pieces by Herve Pierre and Ralph Lauren. Several asked why the tabloid had never run a similar price check on the former First Lady. The hypocrisy of maga to idolize an actual whore dressing in designer clothing while trashing a mayors wife for wearing 600 dollar boots https://t.co/yFNFoN69am Angela (@AngelaLark66613) January 2, 2026 The story was supposed to be about hypocrisy. It became a story about borrowed clothesand whos really wearing designer. NEED TO KNOW Prince Harry will not return to Sentebale, the HIV/AIDS charity he co-founded in 2006, amid ongoing fallout from a leadership dispute A spokesperson says Harry raised governance concerns with regulators before stepping away, urging continued oversight to protect beneficiaries The charity has faced financial strain, staff cuts and board resignations as regulators criticized both sides for the public dispute Prince Harry will not be returning to Sentebale, the HIV/AIDS charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago, amid ongoing fallout from a bitter leadership dispute, PEOPLE understands. Sources close to the charity told The Times that any prospect of the Duke of Sussex, 41, re-engaging with Sentebale has now been completely extinguished, describing the organization as too tarnished following months of public infighting, resignations and staff cuts. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to PEOPLE on Jan 2, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said Harry raised concerns through formal channels before stepping away from the charity. The Duke has made multiple representations to the Charity Commission, setting out his concerns regarding Sentebales governance and, in the interests of its beneficiary community, has urged the appropriate regulatory bodies to maintain close oversight of the charitys activities, the spokesperson said. PEOPLE has reached out to Sentebale for comment. Brian Otieno/Getty Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at Sentebale's Mamohato Children's Centre on October 1, 2024 in Maseru, Lesotho. Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at Sentebale's Mamohato Children's Centre on October 1, 2024 in Maseru, Lesotho. Sentebale, which Harry co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honor of his mother Princess Diana, has reportedly been grappling with a funding crisis since Harry and his co-founder stepped down as patrons in March. Their departures followed a highly public dispute with Sentebale chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who accused Harry of bullying, racism and misogyny allegations he has denied. Advertisement Advertisement The dispute spilled into the public domain and was later criticized by the Charity Commission, which said the dispute had severely impacted the charitys reputation. Trustees resigned en masse during the fallout. The Charity Commission ultimately faulted both sides for allowing the dispute to play out publicly, further compounding reputational damage at a time when the charitys finances were already under pressure. According to published accounts cited by The Times, Sentebales reserves dropped sharply in 2024, with just $278,000 in the bank by December after liabilities were taken into account down from $2 million roughly 16 months earlier. The charity acknowledged that the figure was close to its minimum reserve level and warned that programs could shrink by the end of 2026 without new funding. Jason Koerner/Getty Prince Harry Duke of Sussex and and Dr. Sophie Chandauka peak during the Sentebale Potential is Waiting on April 11, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. Prince Harry Duke of Sussex and and Dr. Sophie Chandauka peak during the Sentebale Potential is Waiting on April 11, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. Redundancies have followed across multiple countries. Reports indicate that roughly one in five employees in Botswana were laid off, including the country director, while nearly all London-based staff were dismissed in August. Local reports in Lesotho have suggested the charitys headquarters has been effectively mothballed, a claim Sentebale disputes, maintaining that the center remains fully operational. Advertisement Advertisement The organization has said the cuts were part of a cost-saving plan aimed at reducing expenses by $1.3 million and that redundancies in Botswana had been planned as early as 2023, prior to the leadership dispute. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Despite the turmoil, Sentebale has insisted it remains financially stable and on track to serve at least 78,000 children and young people across Lesotho and Botswana in 2025, matching or exceeding its impact the previous year. Still, sources close to the charity told The Times that the damage done during the feud has effectively closed the door on Harrys return bringing an end to one of the Duke of Sussexs longest-running charitable affiliations. Read the original article on People Flip that house. Just a year after snapping up a mansion in Manalapan, a small beach town just south of Palm Beach, Sean Hannity is looking to get rid of it for a tidy profit. The waterfront estate cost the Fox anchor just about $23.5 million. The eight bedroom beauty can be yours for almost double that amount, a whopping $44.9 million. Did we mention it comes furnished? Crafted for discerning buyers seeking privacy, acreage, and generational quality, this is a rare opportunity to secure a world-class Manalapan estate with scale, infrastructure, and dual-waterfront living that cannot be replicated today, the listing notes. Vince Spadea Jr. of Douglas Elliman has the listing. Advertisement Advertisement No worries, Hannitys hardly homeless and most definitely not returning to New York due to his hatred of high taxes, a point hes hammered home endlessly. The Long Island native still owns property in Palm Beach, just a stones throw from President Donald Trumps winter White House, Mar-a-Lago. In early 2025, Hannity paid $14.9 million for a two-bedroom townhouse in the gated community of Sloans Curve, next door to another bachelor pad he bought for $5.3 million in 2021. The conservative personality was apparently not living in the stunning manse, Realtor.com notes, instead renting it out for $139,000 a month. Its unclear if Hannity originally saw this place as an investment, but the 64-year-olds plans now are reportedly to combine his two townhomes into one styling crib. So how much does room does Hannity need anyway? Though both of his kids from his previous marriage are grown, his fiancee, fellow Fox reporter Ainsley Earhardt, 49, co-parents a 10-year-old daughter with her ex. The conservative couple spent the holidays with their blended brood in Paris, as per Earhardts Instagram. "Wicked" composer Stephen Schwartz has no plans to host a gala at the historic institution formerly known as the John F. Kennedy Center, following its renaming in honor of President Donald Trump. The musical theater composer and lyricist told Newsday he was invited last February to participate in the Washington National Opera's 2026 gala at the Trump-Kennedy Center. But "it no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be," Schwartz said in a statement to Newsday. "Theres no way I would set foot in it now." Stephen Schwartz attends the 54th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame induction and awards gala in New York on June 12, 2025. In his statement, Schwartz said that Francesca Zambello, the opera's artistic director, had invited him to be part of the May 16 event before President Trump purged and replaced members of the Kennedy Centers board. The new board of trustees unanimously voted to change the name on Dec. 18, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY has reached out to Schwartz and Zambello for details. The Trump-Kennedy Center denies Stephen Schwartz was ever involved with gala Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. John F. Kennedy Memorial Center adds Trump to name. See the change 1 of 8 Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." The center's spokesperson, Roma Daravi, said in a statement that Schwartz was "never discussed nor confirmed and never had a contract by current Trump Kennedy Center leadership." Trump-Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell echoed this on X Jan. 2, adding that "the Stephen Schwartz reports are totally bogus." "Shame on the woke high school reporters repeating it. He was never signed and Ive never had a single conversation on him since arriving," Grenell wrote. A brochure promoting the Washington National Opera's 2025-2026 season stated that Schwartz would curate and host the gala, the New York Times reported. The Trump-Kennedy Center threatens legal action against Chuck Redd over cancellation Following backlash to its name change, the Trump-Kennedy Center threatened legal action against vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd after he canceled a Christmas Eve performance in protest. Advertisement Advertisement In a Dec. 26 letter addressed to Redd and obtained by USA TODAY, Grenell threatened to "seek $1 million in damages" from Redd for what he called a "political stunt" that "has cost us considerably." The jazz musician told The Associated Press and CNN on Dec. 24 that he'd canceled his appearance in the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam "when I saw the name change." "Your decision to withdraw at the last moment explicitly in response to the Centers recent renaming, which honors President Trump's extraordinary efforts to save this national treasure is classic intolerance and very costly to a non-profit Arts institution," Grenell's letter read. In a Dec. 29 statement to USA TODAY, Daravi doubled down on its criticism of Redd: "Any artist cancelling their show at the Trump-Kennedy Center over political differences isn't courageous or principled they are selfish, intolerant." Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stephen Schwartz won't host Kennedy Center gala after name change A short video. A few words. And suddenly, the internet is on fire. A Somali TikToker is facing intense backlash after commenting what many interpreted as a threat against Elon Musk. The remark spread fast, pulled Musk into the conversation, and triggered a wave of reactions that raised serious questions about online speech and real-world consequences. The Comment That Started It All In the now-viral clip, the TikToker appeared dismissive when Musks name came up. Her response stopped people cold. Advertisement Advertisement I wouldnt worry too much about him, she said. He about to die. The statement didnt include context, jokes, or qualifiers. Viewers immediately flagged it as disturbing, especially given Musks global profile and the climate around public figures and security concerns. The clip moved across X, TikTok, and Reddit within hours. BOOM! Elon Musk FIRES BACK at the Somali woman threatening his life Then IT IS WAR. When fraud is exposed its always the fraudsters who yell and complain the loudest. Their THEFT will come to an end. pic.twitter.com/K0sfl3DFl1 Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 2, 2026 Elon Musks Response: Then It Is War Elon Musk didnt ignore it. Instead, he responded directly on X with a blunt message that escalated the situation instantly. Then it is war. The response fueled speculation. Some saw it as sarcasm. Others read it as a warning. Either way, it ensured the exchange wouldnt fade quietly. Advertisement Advertisement Once Musk replied, the clip went from niche content to headline material. Online Reactions Turn Dark Fast As the clip circulated, comment sections exploded. Many users expressed shock at how casually the statement was delivered. Others went further, predicting severe consequences for the TikToker. Shes about to spend some years behind bars, one comment read. Another user wrote, She about to be mysteriously missing. I dont think anyone will care. Those comments sparked a second wave of criticism, with users arguing that the backlash itself was becoming dangerous. Why People Are Calling It a Threat Several legal-minded users pointed out why the comment raised alarms. Saying that a healthy, relatively young person will die soon can be interpreted as more than opinion. Advertisement Advertisement When you say that a person who is healthy and not old will die naturally soon, this looks like a threat, one widely shared post argued. In many countries, language that implies harm toward a specific individual can trigger investigation, even without explicit details. That distinction matters more when the subject is a high-profile figure. Free Speech vs Real Consequences The situation reopened a familiar debate. Where does free expression end, and where does accountability begin? Some defended the TikToker, claiming the statement was careless but not criminal. Others argued that public figures face constant danger and that language like this cannot be brushed aside. Advertisement Advertisement Platforms also came under scrutiny for how quickly content spreads before moderation steps in. Once again, the internet moved faster than clarity. A Pattern in Musk-Related Controversies This isnt the first time Musk has become the center of an online firestorm triggered by a single sentence. His presence alone tends to magnify conflicts. One comment becomes a movement. One reply becomes a signal. And millions rush to interpret intent. That dynamic keeps repeating, and each time the stakes feel higher. Somali Tiktoker, Fardowsa, Clears the Air JUST IN: Somali woman Fardowsa Muhumed is FRANTIC after threatening Elon Musks life, to which Elon replied, then IT IS WAR Shes retracting her threat, and says [I am] truly in fear for my future! She said: He about to die. Cowards.pic.twitter.com/aG1pRqYplt https://t.co/mMkGcIMu7u Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 2, 2026 In a video released a few hours ago, the Somali woman has apologized for her comments and claimed the video was taken out of context. Let me make myself clear, I never intended or aimed to threaten the life of Elon Musk. I am not a person who carries around hate; the media has taken my words out of context, and its been deeply hurtful to watch how thats turned into me being dehumanized and painted as a villain. What do you think? Tommy Lee Jones late daughter, Victoria Jones, had several run-ins with the law prior to her death in January 2026. After following in her fathers footsteps as a child actress and teen star, Victoria walked away from Hollywood in 2014. A decade later, she was arrested twice for obstructing a peace officer and being under the influence of a controlled substance among other charges. (A hearing was set for late January 2026.) On New Years Day in 2026, Victoria was found unresponsive at a hotel in San Francisco following a call of a medical emergency to the San Francisco Fire Department. She was pronounced dead at the scene at the age of 34. Advertisement Advertisement Scroll down to see Victorias ups and downs over the years: Tommy Lee Jones Late Daughter Victoria Suffered Suspected Overdose, 911 Call Reveals September 1991 Tommy Lee Jones and second wife Kimerlea Cloughley welcomed their first child, son Austin Jones, in November 1982. They expanded their family in September 1991 with the birth of daughter Victoria Jones. Tommy Lee and Cloughley divorced in 1996 after 15 years of marriage. Early 2000s Victoria made her acting debut in 2002s Men in Black II alongside her father. She played Neuralyzed Daughter while Tommy Lee portrayed one of the two leads, Kay. (Will Smith was his counterpart playing Jay.) Advertisement Advertisement In 2005, Victoria appeared in The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada and Sorry, Haters as well as an episode of One Tree Hill. 2006 After working together on The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, Tommy Lee called his daughter a good actress who speaks impeccable Spanish. While Tommy Lee was impressed with how Victoria portrayed the character of a young Mexican girl, he confessed to The New Yorker that she didnt have the best work ethic as a teenager. She had to get up at 5 a.m. for her part, he recalled in 2006. One morning, she wouldnt get out of bed. I said, Honey, this is work. But she wouldnt budge. So I fired her. Then, without telling me, the production staff went over and woke her and rushed her out to the set just in time. Advertisement Advertisement Tommy Lee Jones Family Guide: Meet the Actors Wife Dawn Laurel-Jones and 2 Children Despite Victorias brief firing, Tommy Lee looked back on the movie fondly as it also included his third wife, Dawn Laurel-Jones, whom he wed in 2001, working as the stills photographer. Weve built a world-class polo field and a practice field there, so my team and the kids teams can play, Tommy Lee added of the set. My daughter has been playing polo since she was 6, and now shes entirely fearless. She sometimes plays six chukkers. June 2011 Victorias troubles with the law date back to June 2011 when she was arrested for theft in San Antonio, Texas. According to Page Six, she was accused of stealing in the amount of $50 to $500 but the charge was later dismissed. May 2014 Victoria stepped away from acting after her role in 2014s The Homesman, directed by Tommy Lee. Her father also wrote the film and was one of the stars alongside Hilary Swank. The father-daughter duo attended the Cannes Film Festival that May in support of the movies release before it hit theaters in the U.S. in November 2014. October 2017 Victoria stepped out in support of her father in October 2017 for the opening ceremony of the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan. It was the last time she was photographed on a red carpet with Tommy Lee, who served as the president of the jury that year. Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images April 2025 Victoria was arrested twice in 2025; the first was in Napa County, California, on April 28. At the time, she was taken into custody and charged with three misdemeanors: Obstructing a peace officer, being under the influence of a controlled substance without a valid prescription and possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Advertisement Advertisement The former actress pleaded not guilty, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly. A hearing was set for January 20, 2026. June 2025 Victoria was arrested again in Napa County in June and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. She posted bail on June 13, according to docs obtained by Us and pleaded not guilty in July 2025. A hearing was set for January 20, 2026, per the filing, which appears to have combined both of Victorias 2025 arrests. Who Was Victoria Jones? Tommy Lee Jones Daughter Starred With Him in Movies and Was Found Dead at Age 34 January 2026 Victoria was found unresponsive at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel on January 1. Paramedics later declared her dead on scene following a call for a code 3 for the overdose, color change, according to dispatch audio obtained by TMZ. She was 34. Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, paramedics from the fire department performed an assessment. The person was declared deceased, the San Francisco Fire Department told Us in a statement at the time. SFPD and the medical examiners office were called to the scene. Scene turned over to SFPD and SF Medical Examiners. NBC Bay Area has since reported that foul play is not suspected. Cultural & Historical Significance Kenn originated as a shortened form of Kenneth, which has deep roots in Scottish history and Gaelic culture. The name Kenneth comes from the Gaelic 'Cinaed' or 'Coinneach', meaning 'handsome' or 'born of fire'. Several early Scottish kings bore this name, including Kenneth MacAlpin who unified the Picts and Scots in the 9th century, establishing the Kingdom of Alba. This royal association gave the name significant cultural weight in Scottish heritage. In Christian contexts, the name gained popularity through Saint Kenneth (also known as Saint Canice), a 6th-century Irish missionary who founded monasteries in Scotland and Ireland. His missionary work and establishment of religious communities made the name particularly meaningful in Christian families. The abbreviated form 'Kenn' emerged in the 20th century as part of the trend toward shorter, more modern-sounding names while maintaining connection to traditional Scottish heritage and Christian history. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji were dressed for inauguration day by controversial celebrity stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson a former Vogue contributing editor-at-large who resigned after unleashing a virulent anti-Israel rant. Karefa-Johnson, 34, wrote in a Substack post that Hizzoner wore a handwoven silk tie made by the New Delhibased designer Kartik Kumra to his swearing-in ceremony while Duwaji sported $630 leather boots on loan from Miista along with a rented vintage Balenciaga coat. This look is honest. Real. Regal in the punkest way, wrote Karefa-Johnson, adding that the Big Apples first lady also rocked rented earrings from New York Vintage. Karefa-Johnson who in 2021 became the first black woman to style a Vogue cover resigned from Vogue in October 2023. Getty Images Karefa-Johnson, who resigned after a fiery clash with the magazine in 2023, added that the mayors look was more, shall we say simple. Advertisement Advertisement He wears suits from Suit Supply and the same two pairs of boots. Hes got work to do, and fashion isnt exactly top of mind, she wrote. But tea on the tie? Thats something special. You see it in the loomwork, the embroidery, the weave itself. This tie reflects the old-world craftsmanship, she wrote. Mamdani wore a handwoven silk tie made by the New Delhibased designer Kartik Kumra at his swearing-in ceremony while Duwaji sported $630 leather boots on loan from Miista. via REUTERS The couple later changed clothes for the public inauguration ceremony outside City Hall Thursday afternoon, with Duwaji sporting a full-length coat made by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej, the stylist said. Karefa-Johnson sparked outrage when she went on a rant that compared Israel to an apartheid state committing genocide and likened the Israeli Defense Forces to a terrorist organization in October 2023. Mamdani wore a handwoven silk tie made by the New Delhibased designer Kartik Kumra while Duwaji sported $630 leather boots on loan from Miista along with a rented vintage Balenciaga coat. Jaysun Silver/Shutterstock I cannot believe that the world is watching in silence as a GENOCIDE a mass Palestinian extinction plan is happening before our very eyes, she wrote on Instagram after the bombing of Gaza, following the Hamas attack on Israel. Advertisement Advertisement These are WAR CRIMES, Karefa-Johnson added. IDF is a torture agency sponsored by the Israeli apartheid state. It came after another diatribe she posted on Oct. 8 one day after Hamas terrorists massacred at least 1,300 people in Israel, and captured roughly 200 hostages. Its so disappointing to see the utter lack of understanding of the basic tenets and tactics of colonization, and ones willingness to justify and defend those systems which have only ever oppressed, she wrote on Instagram. Damn. I hate when Instagram shows me what I hope I never know about the people I follow and their horrifying belief systems. Zohran Mamdani keeps his fashion simple, the stylist said. Getty Images Karefa-Johnson who in 2021 became the first black woman to style a Vogue cover then quietly wiped her job title from her Instagram account before resigning later that month. Advertisement Advertisement She later fumed that, Working in a place where this kind of vitriolic white supremacy goes unchecked is untenable Karefa-Johnson posted an anti-Israel rant in October 2023. Instagram/@gabriellak_j Survival in these spaces is a violent and deeply damaging exercise and I wasnt willing to pay the price any longer, she wrote on Threads in September 2025. In 2022, Karefa-Johnson also made headlines for an online beef with Kanye West over the rappers White Lives Matter T-shirt. New York Citys first couple reportedly began working with Karefa-Johnson after previously using stylist Bailey Moon on their election-day threads. Moons list of star-studded clients has included the Bidens, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Pamela Anderson. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Tri-Star Pictures The Amazing Spider-Man comic book author Dan Slott has hobnobbed with some well-known people over the years. Sometimes this means sitting down to dinner with famous people he may not initially know are famous people, as happened during a dinner with Rambo creator David Morrell, who penned First Blood. Years later, Slott admitted he still thinks about this meeting quite a lot. Heres why. In a rundown on threads, Dan Slott opened up about a night he went to dinner with some heavy hitters in the writing industry. Among them were fellow Marvel comics writers Peter David, Brian Reed, Mike Carey, and First Bloods Morrell. He said Morrell told the story about Rambo going from book to the big screen, and how his agent really went to bat for him despite the author really try to fight him every step of the way. Heres how it went down, per his story on Threads : Morrell wanted to write the screenplay for FIRST BLOOD. The studio wanted their guys. Morrell's agent capitulated, but said he wanted it put into the contract that David would get first crack at writing the screenplay for a sequel. Morrell was confused. He said, Sequel? But Rambo dies at the end. His agent said, Shut up. I know what I'm doing. Obviously, we know now that Rambo became a giant five-movie franchise for Sylvester Stallone, and also for the many people who collaborated or became a part of the franchise. But Morrell may never have really gotten a cut of what would come later if he hadnt had an agent that was super bullish about possible later opportunities. Slott explained: The agent fought for a cut of any Rambo action figures. Morrell said, But he's a crazed Vietnam Vet who dies at the end. His agent said, Shut up. I know what I'm doing. The agent fought for a cut of any Saturday morning cartoon about Rambo. Morrell said, But he's a crazed Vietnam Vet who dies at the end. His agent said, Shut up. I know what I'm doing. You can pretty much guess where the rest of the story went. Morrell said he was so glad he had THAT agent. I think about this a LOT. Dan Slott's known for sharing opinions on Spider-Man, but in this case I'm glad he went a little off topic to tell this Rambo story. Certain people come into your life for an age or a season, and this agent obviously made a huge difference in terms of monetary add value for his Hollywood client. Advertisement Advertisement If his manager hadnt fought for things like action figures and sequels, he likely would have been cut out of that process, and it could have been another instance of a creative screwed out of the almighty dollar. (A fact that often happens in the comic book industry.) But his agent looked after him, and it made all the difference. 2025 saw an explosive kick-off to the new year on General Hospital with Sonnys penthouse getting blown to pieces. Joss found a new calling in life, Carly found and lost love, and Faison was back in a big way! Plus, Drew became the most hated man in Port Charles and almost got what he deserved. As the year wound down, we said a sad goodbye to Monica Quartermaine, but the family also welcomed its newest member, Brook Lynn and Dantes son, Gio. As we ring in the New Year, we still dont know who shot Drew, nor who Sidwells secret partner is, and what Faisons final plan really is. Finally, join us for a sneak peek into what 2026 is bound to bring! 2025 Began With a Bang The year started with a bang as a bomb sent Sonnys penthouse up in flames, but it was his son, Michael, who was almost taken out in the explosion. After suffering severe burns all over his body, Michael was shipped off to a top-notch clinic in Germany, setting up a battle over the custody of his kids between Carly, the Quartermaines, and his cheating wife, Willow! Of course, we still havent gotten a clear answer on who bombed the penthouse, but all signs point to Sidwell or his mysterious partner in crime. More from Soaps.com Michael is in pain GH Special Agent Joss Jacks One mystery solved this year was who the General Hospital digitalis killer was. It was Cyrus who took out Sam and others on a self-appointed mission from God to save their souls from pain and suffering. After he killed Dex Heller, who was onto him, Joss took the law into her own hands, with help from WSB Agent Jack Brennan. Once she took Cyrus out, Brennan had the crime scene cleaned, and he persuaded Joss that she was just the type of agent the WSB needed. Joss shoots Cyrus GH After she went through training with Agent Vaughn, whom she fell hard for, he and Joss were assigned their first case: The mystery of Professor Henry Dalton and what hes doing in his secret PCU lab! Oh, we also got an actor swap, as Charles Mesure left the role and Chris L. Mckenna stepped in as the new Jack Brennan. Lulu Took a Wrecking Ball to 2025! Lulu spent much of the year burning bridges. She all but abandoned her son, Rocco, early on to chase after Valentin and Charlotte. Then, when she learned her old nemesis, Brook Lynn, had a baby in high school whom she had given up for adoption, she was determined to find out the truth, given that Dante was the father. Oh yeah, Dante didnt know about any of this! Lulu meets GIO GH The truth was closer than anyone knew! Brook Lynns mother, Lois, and her grandmother, Gloira, who were the ones to help her secretly put her child up for adoption, wanted to keep the child close, so they gave her son to a family friend, Camilla Palmieri. Yes, Gio was her son, who had been living under the same roof as her for almost a year! The truth came out at the worst possible time, right before Gios big final performance at The Nurses Ball. Gio smashed his violin and exposed the truth, and the parents he felt never wanted him. A Renewed Feud and a Truce Gio spent months in anger trying to deal with the truth. He felt Brook Lynn had just given him up, and even though Dante never knew about him, their relationship had become strained as Dante blamed Gio for letting Rocco get dangerously drunk at a PCU party. Of course, this was not Gios doing at all, but Dante needed someone to blame. Advertisement Advertisement Brook Lynn set out to hurt Lulu using her son, Rocco, and planned to reveal to the boy the truth about his conception and Britts part in it all, which he had no clue about. Even though she opted not to go through with it, Danny and Rocco discovered her evidence folder, and the truth devastated Rocco. He began distancing himself from his parents and reached out to Dr Obrecht, who returned to Port Charles to tell Rocco about her beloved, but imperfect, Britta. Of course, things were about to get much worse for Lulu when The Britch herself returned from the dead! Lulu and Brook Lynn say goodbuye to Maxie GH But then tragedy struck when Maxie suffered a heart attack that sent her into a coma. The cause remained a mystery, but it was Sidwell who was, in fact, behind it, having poisoned a face cream product Maxie was showcasing for Deception on the Home & Heart channel. Natalia Ramirez discovered that some of Sonnys investments in the company werent as clean as they appeared. Maxie was the one who wanted to go to the police, which Sidwell couldnt allow, as it might destroy the company he was using as a front to ship all sorts of unknown materials. Maxie was sent to a special hospital in Boston, and Lulu and Brook Lynn put aside their differences to help Spinelli and Felicia care for Maxies children. Affairs of the Heart Sonny had developed a serious heart condition, which he was keeping secret so his enemies couldnt use it against him. One person privy to his condition was Natalia, whom he had become close to. Unfortunately for him, Natalia had a secret: Sidwell. Sonnys newest nemesis was her ex-husband. They also shared a son, Marco, who had happened to meet and fall in love with Lucas Jones. Marco was estranged from his notoriously homophobic mother because, like his half-sister Blaze, she didnt approve of his lifestyle. Natalia passes out GH Sidwell forced Natalia to tell him all about Sonnys condition. Things went from bad to worse for Sonny when the new Acting D.A., Justine Turner, set her sights on bringing down the coffee importer, and she wanted to use the bookkeeper and the Deception CFO to expose his dirty investments. Sonny arranged for Natalia to relocate to Costa Rica with a new life and identity. Unfortunately, when she realized Sonny wasnt coming with her, a bottle of pills and booze led to an accidental overdose. An enraged Marco has blamed Sonny for his mothers death and still wants to see him dead to this very day. Willows World Implodes Willow was hopeful that, with Michael recovering from his burns in Germany, shed get custody of their children and could live happily ever after with Drew. That wasnt to be when Michael returned, fully healed, right at the conclusion of 2025s Nurses Ball. Young & Restless vet Rory Gibson took over the role from Chad Duell, and he and Willow faced off in court. Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to Sidwell bribing the judge, whom he planned to frame Sonny for doing, Michael won custody, and Willows increasingly disturbing antics cost her the right to see her children pending the next custody hearing. That got delayed when Sidwell had to dispose of the panicking judge, who wanted to come forward about the bribe. Thats yet another murder that has gone unsolved in Port Charles Willow demands the truth GH Drew then convinced Willow that their only shot was for her to marry him and show the world they could provide a loving, stable home for her and Michaels kids. Desperate to stop the wedding, Nina teamed up with Carly for a hot minute, and later worked with Portia, whom Drew was blackmailing over her tampering with Heather Webers cobalt poisoning test results. Nina and the doctor hired an escort, Jacinda, to drug Drew with Ketamine and be discovered together in bed by Willow. Needless to say, their plan blew up in their faces, and Willow believed Drew was set up. On her wedding day to Drew, determined to pay back the congressman for blackmailing his wife, Curtis informed Willow moments before she was to say I do that Drew had an affair with Nina at the same time the congressman was seducing Willow away from Michael. The wedding did not happen, as Willow confronted Drew at the altar and spiraled further out of control. So Long Sasha Sasha was desperate to hide the fact that the baby she was carrying was Michaels, as she didnt want the dangers of being a Quartermaine and a Cortinthos heaped upon her child. Michael, too, realized that the fact that he cheated on his wife (who cheated on him first) could hurt his chances in his custody battle with Willow, so Jason stepped up to pretend to be the father of the baby. The truth, however, was exposed in court during the custody battle, and Sasha also went into labor due to the stress, but safely gave birth to baby Daisy. The real shocker was that Willow helped deliver the baby! Michael Sasha and Daisy's goodbye GH Thats when Willow really began to lose touch with reality. Deciding if she couldnt see her kids, Michael and Sasha, shouldnt be able to be happy with Daisy. Willow began gaslighting Sasha, moving Daisy around the Quartermaine mansion, and changing her clothing. Eventually, Obrecht, Nina, and Michael realized what Willow was doing, but had no real proof. To keep Sasha and Daisy safe, it was decided that they would move in with her parents, Robert and Emma, who had settled in Australia. Perhaps one day, Sasha will return? Kristina Goes Crazy! After Ric Lansing, who was back in town, got Ava acquitted of the charges brought against her in the wrongful death of Kristina and Mollys unborn child, Kristina was out for revenge. She thought she had cut the brakes on Avas SUV, only to have tampered with the brakes on Rics car. Ric and Elizabeth were almost killed in the subsequent accident, and when Ava and Ric figured out it was Kristinas doing, they blackmailed Alexis to keep her daughter out of prison. Alexis was forced to embezzle from Ace Cassadines trust fund to pay them. Ric gagged GH However, Ava and Rics greed eventually led them to turn on one another, and after Ava bludgeoned Ric in Alexis living room, she, Alexis and Kristina were forced to work together. They kept Ric ball-gagged and strapped to a gurney in Alexiss basement, while also drugging him. They worked to return all the money, save for Avas divorce settlement, to Aces estate. When Ric finally managed to free himself, they all struck a deal to forget everything, as if one of them went down, theyd all go down! Oh, as for how Rics month-long disappearance was explained? He went on a digital detox retreat, only to find out he had been sucked into an Ayahuasca cult! Still Un-Lucky In Love Even though Lucky and Elizabeth tried to give their relationship another shot, Elizabeth realized it would never work out, as Lucky was a wanderer. She didnt want him to come to resent her for making him settle down again. Lucky was able to reconnect with his mother and sister in Port Charles and eventually left in the summer of 2025 to backpack across Europe with his son, Aiden. The boy is still in Europe with his father, who we can only assume is homeschooling him, seeing as school is back in session. And even though Luckys return and storyline were a bust, it still earned portrayer Jonathan Jackson another Daytime Emmy. Luckly and Aiden airport GH Advertisement Advertisement Everyone Hates Drew Drew became Port Charles most hated resident this year, racking up an impressive list of dastardly deeds. To name a few, he tried to tear down the Quartermaine crypt, he framed Tracy for drugging him with Ketamine, he manipulated little Wiley into thinking his dad didnt want him and Amelia anymore now that he had new baby Daisy, and he teamed up with Sidwell and Ezra Boyle to try and take Sonnys piers away from him using a public vote, but also to get Ezra elected mayor over Laura. He, of course, failed in all of these. Drew is finally shot GH As previously mentioned he was blackmailing Portia to force Curtis to use Aurora to give him good publicity, when that failed, he tried to have Curtis Aunt Stella jailed for insurance fraud. He also stole the Quartermaine family heirlooms, and after a confrontation with Ned, walked away from the Quartermaine patriarch as he suffered a heart attack and almost died. So, is it any surprise someone finally had enough and tried to kill Drew by shooting him in the back, not once, but twice? Heres Ronnie! The very beginning of 2025 saw the death of beloved General Hospital actress Leslie Charleson, who played Dr. Monica Quartermaine since 1977. The show finally addressed the characters death in the fall, which also saw One Life to Live veteran actress Erika Slezak joining the soap as Ronnie Bard, Monicas long-lost sister. Tracy immediately accused her of being a fraud or out for a cash grab, but that wasnt the case. However, Tracys treatment of Ronnie led her to join Martin Greys plan for revenge on Tracy. Ronnie makes a confession GH Martin created a fraudulent will for Monica, which left the house and estate to Ronnie! And while the other Quartermaines welcomed Ronnie into the family, Tracy remained rightly skeptical. In the end, Monicas will was found, leaving the house to Tracy, and Ronnie blew the whistle on Martins scheme. Ronnie and Tracy managed to part on good terms, with Ronnie departing for a new home that Monica had left her the money to purchase. Of course, the door is always open for Ronnie to return, assuming Tracy will let her into her house, which Monica left her. Someone Call the ASPCA! Emma Scorpio-Drake returned to Port Charles on a mission. Having been expelled from her previous university in California for trying to expose animal testing on campus, she followed Professor Henry Dalton (played by Young & Restless vet Daniel Goddard) to PCU in hopes of exposing him once and for all. Her mission hit several snags, especially when Joss Jacks thwarted her attempt at becoming Daltons lab assistant, taking the job for herself as part of her WSB mission to find out what Dalton was up to. Still not giving up, Emma and Gio grew close at this time, and she also helped him gradually come to terms with the revelation that Brook Lynn and Dante were his parents. In the process, the two fell in love. Gio Emma and the dogs GH Unfortunately, when Emma and Gio pulled in Danny, Rocco, and Charlotte to help them expose Daltons secret lab, everything fell apart, and Rocco was caught in the lab by Dalton. Dalton later attempted to frame Rocco not just for breaking into his lab but also for destroying his research, leading Rocco to face serious felony charges. However, Daltons lies were exposed, and he disappeared (more on that coming up), leaving Rocco to be let off with probation and community service. Sadly, the stunt only created further distance between Gio and Dante, who again blamed Gio for getting his brother in trouble. Dante and Gios strained relationship, however, opened the door for Gio and Brook Lynn to begin connecting. Willow On Trial While there was a long list of suspects who could have shot Drew, the PCPD landed on Willow as the one who had means, motive, and opportunity. Especially damning was the fact that the murder weapon was found in the room she was staying at at Elizabeths house, which likely was planted by Michael or Carly. Further evidence from traffic cameras put her in the vicinity of Drews house when the shooting took place. Drew secured Alexis as her attorney, threatening the lawyer that if she lost the case, hed move to D.C. with Scout and none of Sams family would ever see the girl again. Willow on trial Alexis defend GH Advertisement Advertisement Drew even managed to convince Willow to marry him to show the court that the victim did not believe she shot him, and was standing by her. And while Willow went through with the marriage, she also mended fences with Nina and admitted this was not for love, but to get her children back! After some significant setbacks in court, the trial was adjourned for the holidays and will resume in the New Year. The Ashfords Very Bad Year Between Portia getting herself blackmailed first by Brad, then by Drew, and keeping Curtis in the dark, the once-happy couples marriage began to crumble. Curtis resented Portia for lying to him again, and she was not fond of Curtis constant leaning on his ex, Jordan. Once they decided to call it quits, Portia learned she was pregnant. The problem is that the night Drew was shot, she slept with Dr. Isaiah Gannon! Portia cries on the stand GH So the baby could be either Isaiahs or Curtis, and this little tidbit, along with Drews blackmail, was revealed in court when Alexis put Portia on the stand as a potential suspect in Drews shooting. While she solidified her alibi, she destroyed her family for good in the process, leaving her daughter Trina feeling betrayed, and Curtis and Isaiah still wondering which one of them was the daddy. Faisons Final Project Jack Brennan sent Agents Joss and Vaughn to a resort in Croatia, The Five Poppies, to pose as a married couple and gather intel. It had been revealed that Daltons research was being delivered to someone at the resort, and the PCU professors work was on cold fusion. He was developing a weapon of some kind, and all of this was tied to Faisons final, mysterious project. Joss and Vaugn arrive GH At the same time, Anna had finally deduced that Jack had pulled Joss into the WSB and sent her on a dangerous mission. Jason, meanwhile, caught a fleeting glimpse of a woman who looked oddly like Britt in the Paris airport and began to suspect she was still alive, which led him to The Five Poppies resort. Anna pushed Jason to go after Britt, but really, she wanted him to find and help Joss. Advertisement Advertisement Jason and Joss were both stunned when they found Britt Westborn, very much alive, and being forced by a twisted Frenchman named Pascal to work on Faisons project in return for an experimental serum that was keeping her Huntingtons Disease in remission. Pascal reported to none other than Sidwell, who was working with a mysterious partner in bringing Faisons final project to fruition. They had faked Britts death and were keeping her alive to finish out her fathers work. Pascal and BRitt warning GH Faisons Children Return Jason managed to help rescue Joss, Vaughn and Britt from the resort, and they returned to Port Charles. Jason was sworn to secrecy about Joss new job, but he eventually broke and told Carly everything. Carly then turned to the one and only Valentin Cassadine, who was still in Stienmauer, to help her bring Jack down. Britt had a tense reunion with her mother, who was furious that she had let her believe she had died. Britt also reconnected with Rocco, which naturally didnt sit well with Lulu. Finally, she and Jason have been hot and cold, as the doctor still hasnt told Jason the entire truth about what is going on. Then things got even more bizarre when Britts brother, Nathan West, was found unconscious in a car accident by the side of the road. Nathan seems happy GH Nathan claimed he has no memory of the past seven years hes been gone. With both Faisons children back and the WSB looking into his final works, Anna began to wonder: was Faison alive and calling the shots? Thats when someone abducted Anna and let everyone believe the WSB had called her in on a top-secret mission. It was eventually revealed that Pascal, and we can assume Sidwell, have been holding her hostage in some make-shift apartment-cell. Sidwell Scores a Win Things were not looking up for Sidwell as the year wound down. Laura won the mayoral election, Measure C failed, Sonny got to keep his piers, and Dalton had become a liability, conspiring to steal and sell Faisons projects highest bidder. So what was Sidwell to do? He shot Dalton dead, right in front of Britt, and then had his body placed in the trunk of Lauras car to frame the mayor for murdering the man who put her grandson Rocco on trial. It was Sidwells good fortune that after she found the body, Laura contacted Sonny, who disposed of Dalton. Unfortunately for them, Sidwell had photos of all of this and used them to blackmail Sonny to hand over his piers and Laura to do, well, whatever he wanted her to do! Dalton's dead body GH Whats Coming in 2026 As we ring in 2026, there are still many questions we need answered. At the top of that list, who actually shot Drew? If our theory is correct, the person on trial for shooting him is his shooter: Willow! Could Willow have psychologically blocked out shooting Drew? If so, and Willow is found not guilty, she just got away with the crime of the century! Plus, might it be Kai and Trina, who were there that night, who solve the crime? We know the PCPD wont! Advertisement Advertisement Our second-biggest question is: who is Sidwells partner? Is Faison really back? Is it Faisons other estranged son, Peter? Or is Nathan, who has seven years he cant account for, somehow embracing his fathers legacy and is working with Sidwell? Sidwell shoots Dalton GH Other storylines we can look forward to are Maxie finally waking up. By the time that happens, we cant help but wonder if Nathan and Lulu will have found love with one another, as they sure have been spending a lot of time together. Another big question that should be answered shortly is who the father of Portias baby is. Here is hoping she does not use General Hospital to run that paternity test! Also, will she be barred from practicing medicine after all her secrets came out in court? Then there is Curtis and Jordan, who decided to give their relationship another try, but will they work out? Gio plays GH While Gio has made great strides in a relationship with Brook Lynn, can he and Dante form one, too? And after his Christmas performance at the Quartmaines, on his new violin, will Gio embrace music again? Valentin warns Carly GH Of course, romance is a big part of why we tune into any soap, and there are several couples in the making. Cody and Molly finally got their relationship on track by the end of the year. Still, Cody also knows the truth about Kristina, Ava, and Alexis holding Ric hostage, which Molly is in the dark about. That secret could put an end to their romance for good. Advertisement Advertisement Lucas fell hard for Marco and moved in with him and his father at Wyndemere. But now that his ex-husband Brad is back, can Brad save him from Marco, who is almost as dangerous as his father? Then there is Carly, who has been hiding the escaped Valentin out in her attic. Might she find love with the Cassadine? And after learning Joss and Vaughn had disobeyed orders and become romantically involved, Jack sent Vaughn to, well, nobody knows where! Will he make his way home, and will Anna ever escape Pascal and her apartment cell from hell? Thats a wrap! Check out the newly expanded photo gallery below to see if you agree with our picks for the best and worst of 2025 on all five soaps. Coffee packs an astounding degree of diversity. The plant grows in over 70 countries, with thousands of varieties categorized into well over a hundred species new types continue to be discovered to this day. Yet while information like the roast, origin, and flavor notes is what typically ends up on a coffee label, not much attention is drawn to the bean species (except, of course, for arabica beans). Largely, this comes down to the limited range of commercially cultivated coffee types, with only four species comprising the bulk of global production. Among these arabica, robusta, liberica, and excelsa even fewer typically end up in a coffee cup. Today, arabica constitutes approximately 65% of global production, with robusta occupying the bulk of the remainder, and liberica and excelsa only tiny proportions. Such a skew towards a single species occurred by way of arabica's 20th century global dominance, fueled by marketing, taste preferences, and processing expertise. Nevertheless, with intrigue in specialty coffee higher than ever, coffee producers, roasters, and consumers are all piqued in sampling a greater breadth of coffee types. Matched by new cultivation practices and accommodations for changing environmental conditions, expertise in coffee species is gaining a newfound gravity. All four produce flavorful cups, with distinct, intricate qualities worthy of appreciation. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Top 6 Canned Tuna Brands To Buy And The 6 Worst Flavorful arabica coffee leads worldwide coffee production person harvesting arabica coffee - NewJadsada/Shutterstock Long the star of the coffee industry, arabica beans require demanding growing conditions, but produce flavorful cups with wide-ranging tasting notes. Originating in Ethiopia, varieties of arabica were the first cultivated and later transported coffee plants, forming a centuries-long growing tradition. Today, arabica production occurs worldwide countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Honduras are all famed for this specific bean type. Arabica delivers a smaller caffeine kick than robusta and other coffee species. Furthermore, the arabica tree has fussy growing conditions, requiring elevation over 2,000 feet, particular levels of rainfall, and nutritious soil and it's all underlaid by predisposition to disease. Worryingly, modern climatic pressures only further diminish arabica's production, increasing its price and lowering availability. Despite such hardships, arabica produces a wide-ranging, flavorful palate beloved by coffee enthusiasts, establishing the beans as the industry's go-to. Typically, such coffees come with complex fruit, chocolate, and earthy flavors, often punctuated by a pleasant tartness. Arabica's sugar and fat content improve drinkability, making it easier to produce a tasty cup as opposed to other species. Not to mention, the coffee translates its terroir into a wide array of flavor notes and shines under varying roast levels, further aligning it with coffee lovers. This translates to the generally higher intrigue of arabica over other species; varieties like geisha are among the world's most coveted coffees. Nevertheless, consumers are starting to shift away from arabica's perceived supremacy. Robusta is a resilient and caffeinating coffee type photographed robusta coffee plant - Culinaryphotography/Getty Images Robusta, the colloquial name for the coffea canephora plant, is the second most popular coffee species. Originating in sub-Saharan Africa, the bean type is valued for its hardiness. The plant is less restrictive with soil and elevation conditions and offers better resilience against disease and drought major threats to coffee species. Such sturdy qualities come by way of robusta's increased caffeine content, which is significantly higher than other bean types. Advertisement Advertisement Although its cultivation certainly comes with advantages, a major difference between canephora and arabica coffee species is the typical flavor profile. Especially when grown for quantity over quality, robusta translates to a coffee with bitter, rubbery, and woodsy flavors, often with less underlying acidity. The bean's bold palate and caffeinating nature have made it historically employed for espresso consumption, whether standalone or in a blend with arabica. Upheld by the coffee's lower price, robusta is also often grown for instant coffee. Nevertheless, coffee professionals have recently spurred a newfound appreciation for the bean type. When properly roasted and aged, the coffee type can deliver complex sweetness and a pleasant, rich palate that melds well with other flavors. Robusta is widely utilized for brewing in Vietnam the world's leading producer of the species crafting richly flavored drinks with condensed milk. The coffee's also widely grown in Central Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia, cementing it as the globe's second most popular type. Complemented by the bean's resilience, robusta production is steadily increasing, catapulting the coffee type into the spotlight. Infrequently cultivated liberica is gearing up for a resurgence liberica coffee beans held in someone's hand, dried but not yet roasted - Halim1992/Shutterstock Liberica exists as one of the rarest types of coffee, occupying a tiny percentage of worldwide production. The bean type originated in Western Africa, but today is most often grown in Southeast Asia, with the greatest prevalence in the Philippines. The variety's known for its large resulting cherry, which translates to a prominent sweetness once brewed some cite the bean tastes even fruitier than arabica. The flavor is often likened to jackfruit, with woody notes, accompanied by a full-bodied consistency that can taste syrupy or even boozy. Liberica's caffeine content is approximately halfway between robusta and arabica. Liberica once comprised a prominent part of coffee cultivation for part of the 19th century, when coffee rust infection affected arabica plants. However, difficulty in quality control and an off-putting flavor led to a production decline, with cultivation now limited to a few countries. Furthermore, the plant's fruit produces a smaller yield of beans compared to other types. Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, interest surrounding liberica has reignited in coffee circles, by way of the bean's useful environmental advantages. The Liberia plants are better predisposed to handling climatic troubles, difficult soil conditions, pests, and disease. The thicker skin of the large coffee cherries poses a harsher barrier to pests, and the plant can grow at lower altitudes. Matched with new roasting, processing, and brewing techniques, look out for more liberica coffee on packaging. Rare excelsa coffee delivers unique flavors at a labor-intensive cost People working to sort and dry excelsa beans - AP Archive / YouTube Another seldom-consumed coffee type, excelsa is often categorized as a subvariety of liberica, although new genetic research in a 2025 Nature Plants study suggests it's a standalone species. This coffee originated in Central Africa, before transplanting to South East Asia, where it's now predominantly grown in Vietnam and the Philippines. Excelsa coffee produces complex fruitiness, underpinned by acidity and distinct woody notes. Common flavor notes involve comparison to plums, berries, and tropical fruit, accompanied by an intricate complexity reminiscent of tea or whiskey. The bean responds well to both medium and dark roasting techniques, and comes with moderate caffeine content similar to liberica's. Such unique qualities have led to increased interest in excelsa among niche coffee roasters, Furthermore, excelsa comes with intriguing botanical qualities. Opposed to widely cultivated arabica and robusta which sprout as shrubs excelsa instead grows from a tree. The plant's pinned down by a fast-growing root system, which some coffee makers even graft onto other species. And although the plant looks visually similar to liberica, excelsa yields smaller-sized fruit. Advertisement Advertisement Excelsa offers hardy qualities similar to robusta and liberica, with a propensity to grow at a lower elevation, at hotter temperatures, and with extra pest resistance. Nevertheless, the species poses tricky cultivation challenges. The tall trees necessitate recurring pruning, are harder to harvest, and result in a smaller yield. So, combined with a lack of awareness, excelsa remains a rare and expensive coffee type. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Food Republic. Air fryers are the modern miracle that fried food lovers, health enthusiasts, and hurried home cooks can all get behind. Imparting a deep-fried texture to everything from french fries to chicken fingers without the mess or the grease, an air fryer will come in handy for any otherwise fried meal you have in mind. And the classic Mexican dish that would benefit from the air fryer is chiles rellenos. A dish we'd usually leave to Mexican food restaurants, chiles rellenos are a labor of love that traditionally require multiple cooking methods including use of the stove and deep drying. The dish consists of chiles that are roasted over the stove or in the oven, stuffed with cheese or meat, and then breaded and fried. Our homemade recipe skips the deep fryer and opts for the oven, which may save you the greasy mess but takes even longer. An air fryer will cut down on cooking times, simplify food prep, and achieve an irresistible texture and flavor without cooking oil. Consequently, the chile relleno will be significantly lower in saturated and trans fats than a deep-fried version. The air fryer not only crisps up the breading of chiles, but also eliminates the need to roast them in the oven to blister their skin. The device is, after all, essentially a highly efficient convection oven. Plus, as the chiles fry, you'll have plenty of time to heat up your desired type of salsa to pour over them. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 17 Tips For The Fluffiest Scrambled Eggs How to air fry chiles rellenos homemade fried chile relleno over red salsa - Bhofack2/Getty Images To roast the chiles and "fry" them once you've breaded them, you'll need to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It'll take around 10 minutes to blister the peppers in the air fryer, flipping them halfway through. Once they've cooled, remove the blistered layer of skin, make a slit lengthwise, and remove the seeds before stuffing them with the filling of your choice. Then, dredge the stuffed chiles through corn starch, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs. Place them in the air fryer for another 10 minutes to crisp up and cook or melt their stuffing. Chiles are a Mexican crop and a staple in most recipes, but chiles rellenos are one of the purest ways to showcase them. Poblanos are traditionally used, but if you want to fit more into the air fryer in one sitting you can use thinner Anaheim peppers. Since you'll be saving time in the air fryer, you could dedicate more time to the filling if you want something especially elaborate. You can draw inspiration from chiles en nogada by stuffing the peppers rellenos with ground beef picadillo. Seafood lovers can stuff them with shrimp, crab, or lobster mixed with cream cheese, and seasonings. You can make a vegan chile relleno with an umami-rich filling of diced mushrooms, walnuts, and lentils sauteed with aromatics, cumin, and chili powder. Cheese chile rellenos are another delicious option. For a traditional Mexican version, you could use queso panela. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Tasting Table. A home in many U.S. cities now requires a household income far above the national average. In some metros, six-figure salaries barely cover mortgage payments on a typical property. In others, housing costs still line up with more realistic earnings. The cities below reflect places where average home prices and monthly payments stay closer to what many households actually make. Together, they offer a clearer view of where homeownership feels reachable and what income levels support a stable, comfortable lifestyle. 1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Around $65,200 Image Credit: Shutterstock. Data from Realtor.com shows that Pittsburgh stands out as one of the most approachable large metro areas for homebuyers. Median home prices remain relatively modest, keeping monthly mortgage payments manageable on an income just above $65,000. Advertisement Advertisement The citys lower overall cost of living helps stretch paychecks further, leaving room for utilities, transportation, and savings. Buyers often find a mix of older homes with character and updated properties in walkable neighborhoods, which keeps options open across different budgets. 2. Cleveland, Ohio Around $66,500 Image Credit: artaxerxes_photo / Shutterstock. Cleveland offers a rare balance of city amenities and restrained housing costs. Home prices hover in a range that allows a mid-$60,000 income to cover mortgage payments without overwhelming a household budget. Healthcare, education, and manufacturing continue to anchor local employment, which adds stability for buyers planning to stay long term. Neighborhood research matters here, since prices and property taxes can vary widely within the metro area. 3. Detroit, Michigan Around $67,900 Image Credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock. Detroits housing market spans a broad range, which keeps entry costs lower than in many similarly sized cities. A household income under $70,000 can support homeownership while still leaving financial breathing room. Advertisement Advertisement Many buyers use the affordability to invest in renovations or build savings alongside their mortgage. Careful inspection is important, especially with older housing stock, but the lower upfront cost often offsets future repairs. 4. Buffalo, New York Around $69,200 Image Credit: CEW / Shutterstock. Buffalo combines reasonable home prices with steady reinvestment across the city. An income in the high-$60,000s typically supports monthly housing costs without pushing finances to the edge. The city appeals to buyers who want access to cultural institutions and a slower pace without paying premium housing prices. Ongoing utility and heating costs deserve attention here, especially in older homes and colder months. 5. St. Louis, Missouri Around $77,700 Image Credit: Sabrina Janelle Gordon / Shutterstock. St. Louis edges higher on the income scale, yet still falls well below many coastal markets. With median home prices under $300,000 in many neighborhoods, an income in the upper-$70,000 range can comfortably support ownership. Advertisement Advertisement The metro offers a wide spread of housing types, from historic brick homes to newer suburban builds. Buyers benefit from taking time to compare neighborhoods, school districts, and long-term resale patterns. 6. Birmingham, Alabama Around $79,400 Image Credit: Shutterstock. Birmingham remains accessible for buyers earning around $80,000 a year, thanks to moderate home prices and living costs that align well with local wages. Housing payments tend to leave room for other priorities, such as retirement contributions or emergency savings. Job availability and career growth vary by industry, so income stability should be weighed alongside housing affordability when planning a move. Where the Numbers Meet Real Life Image Credit: Deposit Photos. After reviewing these income benchmarks, compare them with your current earnings, job flexibility, and longer-term plans. Can you afford a home where you live? Or would you consider moving somewhere for lower housing costs? If you feel like you're drowning in debt or can't afford to live the way you want, it's good to know there are still affordable pockets in the U.S. Looking for your next foodie destination? One Alabama eatery has caught the attention of diners nationwide, landing a spot on USA Todays 10BEST new restaurants list. The honor goes to a waterfront hotspot that is beloved for its fresh seafood and stunning views. What is Alabamas best new restaurant? The Barometer Waterfront Grille in Orange Beach serves up everything from fresh Gulf seafood to hearty pastas and juicy steaks. Diners rave about the shrimp and crab dip, shrimp scampi and grouper. For those seeking something casual, sandwiches, salads and fish baskets keep everyone happy. Advertisement Advertisement Add live music and special events to the mix, and its easy to see why this waterfront spot earned a spot on USA Todays 10BEST new restaurants list. Barometer is open Wednesday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday 4-9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at 27842 Canal Rd in Orange Beach. Early weekend hours brings brunch to the dock, where the brunch menu highlights include Banana Foster French Toast and Crab Cake Benedict. What is USA Today 10BEST? The USA Today 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food + drink, and lifestyle. Every week, USA Today 10BEST invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. Advertisement Advertisement 10BEST editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks. USA Today's 10BEST new restaurants Koast (Wailea, Hawaii) Carmelos (Covington, Kentucky) Squares & Fare (Somers Point, New Jersey) Via Cassia (Hudson, New York) The Frybread Lounge (Scottsdale, Arizona) Coco Deck Chicken + Bar Lahaina (Lahaina, Hawaii) Dogwood Southern Table and Bar (Charlotte, North Carolina) Uncle Rays Chicken Rice (New York City, New York) Barometer Waterfront Grille (Orange Beach, Alabama) 855-ALOHA (Honolulu, Hawaii) Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: ALs best new restaurant? USA Today 10Best readers share their vote Boating's Boat of the Year (BOTY) ranks as the most prestigious honor a recreational boatbuilder can be awarded. BOTY is announced annually during an event at February's Miami International Boat Show, and in our March issue. From the 100 or so boats tested by each year's end, we select those that stand out the most in their category. Ongoing debate and discussion keep the contenders list fluid. The boats presented here are the results of all that on-water testing and all that team deliberation. From this select group, Boat of the Year 2025 will be chosen. Congratulations, Boat of the Year category winners! The CrossWave delivers impressive capabilities for a nice price. Courtesy Yamaha Fishing-Small: Yamaha CrossWave With the CrossWave, Yamaha just may have created a new category of boat. The CrossWave combines the shallow draft, capacity and speed of a fishing skiff while delivering the maneuverability, handling and sporty fun of a personal watercraft such as its WaveRunner cousins. Our team applauded this plunge into new territory, the feature set and also couldn't ignore the ability to deliver a boat that can do so much for a low price. Advertisement Advertisement Read Our Boat Test The Ultre 23ZX combines top-notch wakes and waves with luxurious appointments. Courtesy Tige Watersports: Tige Ultre 23ZX Pronounced "Ultra," this boat is just that according to Boating's Tech Team. Features such as its FastFlip co-captain's chair, which deploys to face forward or aft, and the built-in UltreChill upholstered electric cooler raise the luxury bar. Its cockpit is deeper than most tow boats, adding comfort and storage. The wakes and waves? We were blown away. Kudos to Tige for edging-out other boats in a category known for implementing high luxury and top technology. Read Our Boat Test The 43 SAV is a versatile boat with an impressive build quality. Courtesy Regal Boats Adventure Boat: Regal 43 SAV Many boats claim to be the "Swiss Army Knife of the water," but Regal's 43 SAV has an edge on all the others. You can safely wakesurf behind this boat: It's fitted with the first-ever Twin Forward Drive by Volvo Penta. It is also equipped to fish, offers a great cabin for weekend cruising and its deck expands like that of a superyacht. The "Garm-Rests" (personal MFDs) at the helm impressed us, too, as did the fit, finish and build quality. Advertisement Advertisement Read Our Boat Test The 670 LXS offers a layout that is as versatile as it is luxurious. Courtesy Scout Boats Sport Yacht: Scout 670 LXS Scout pushed the envelope on the 670 LXS, melding the latest in systems, propulsion and design to achieve the world's largest outboard-powered sport yacht. This boat impresses with features such as screens at multiple seating locations throughout, a retractable rocket launcher, and a layout that is as versatile as it is luxurious. Three staterooms, five mega outboards and 100 reasons to say "wow! Read Our Boat Test The Arc Sport produces great wakes and waves and provides comfortable amenities at the highest quality. Tom King Electric: Arc Sport A boat must do more than simply utilize electric propulsion to earn top honors in this category. It must also stand-out in the growing category of boats it competes against. It happens that the Arc Sport is one of the best watersports boats we tested this year. It delivered excellent wakes and waves-as we recorded on video-utilizes two huge screens for boat and systems control, and it looks great and provides comfortable amenities at the highest quality. Advertisement Advertisement Read Our Boat Test The 38 T-Top mixes a solid build with a plush ride. Courtesy Wellcraft Center-Console: Wellcraft 38 T-Top The 38 T-Top is a boat we had discussed as a team long before we saw it. "When," we pondered, "will a center-console builder leave behind its fishing roots, keeping the bluewater-capable hull and build, and then fully embracing the comforts and features of a dayboat?" Wellcraft answered our question with the 38 T-Top, the aft cockpit of which could be dropped into a luxury bowrider. With an overnighting cabin below, multiple outboards, and Nordic lines, it is hot. Read Our Boat Test The 367CX is built to fish and entertain with ease. Courtesy Everglades Boats Dayboat: Everglades 367CX This boat caused a stir at its Palm Beach Boat Show debut in March 2025, drawing such a crowd that shooting our preliminary video proved hard to arrange. With its rotating cockpit module, the 367CX goes from all-out angling to all-out socializing without missing a beat. Head belowdecks and the comforts rival a cruiser. Head to the bow, via a unique portside door, and the sun lounge rivals a sport yacht. Throughout Everglades' first-ever crossover model, excellence is evident. Advertisement Advertisement Read Our Boat Test The 2500 ULW is an all-around performer with a comfortable ride. Courtesy Godfrey Marine Pontoon: Godfrey Sanpan 2500 ULW This Sanpan's unique design delivers demonstrably better response to engine trim than other pontoons we've tested, enhancing comfort, efficiency and the driving experience. Also, the outboard tilts clear of the water, an advantage for coastal boaters most pontoons do not provide. It boasts a special outer rail to which SUP boards, BBQ grills, flags and more can be carried. Its windshield and UltraLounge are so much icing on this pontoon's cake. Why Boating Awards the Boat of the Year Boating's Boat of the Year (BOTY) honors the most remarkable new vessel introduced to the market. This boat excels in design, innovation, performance, and value, chosen from all models tested by Boating's Tech Team in a calendar year. The guiding principle for selecting Boat of the Year-indeed an important element of every boat test-is the comparison to other boats with the same mission. A flats boat cant compare to a wakeboat and a cruiser has little in common with a PWC. For this reason, Boat of the Year is the boat that excels in its category more than any other boat excels in any other category. Advertisement Advertisement This judgement is made by our editorial staff who are boat owners with over 200 years of combined boating experience, plus nearly 100 combined years professionally employed in evaluating boats of all types. Read Next: Boat of the Year Category Winners 2024 First and foremost, the award celebrates excellence in marine design by acknowledging builders who push design, engineering, and construction-quality boundaries. These vessels are not just products; they are advancements in safety, handling, efficiency, and user experience. The BOTY award also serves as a valuable guide for consumers, particularly boat buyers, by highlighting boats that genuinely deliver on their promises. Rigorous testing ensures that each winner has been objectively assessed and verified for real-world performance, providing an authoritative signal to the market. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the award seeks to foster innovation within the industry. It encourages boatbuilders to refine their boats and embrace new technologies. This progress spans propulsion, materials, ergonomics, and environmental efficiency-helping, we believe, to drive the industry forward. Editorial integrity and leadership are cornerstones of BOTY. As a respected authority in marine journalism, Boating leverages the award to cement its role as an independent leader and consumer advocate, one committed to expert testing backed by honest, data-driven evaluations. Finally, the award announcement itself is a catalyst for public interest and engagement. It sparks excitement and conversation while showcasing the best of the best. Boating's Boat of the Year celebrates excellence, guiding buyers, and spurring boatbuilding innovation. These are things worth championing and we are honored to bestow this eminent award. The post Boat of the Year Category Winners 2025 appeared first on Boating Mag. From the Andes to the Amazon to the seafood-rich coast, Peru is home to one of the most delicious and biodiverse culinary landscapes in the world. With 89 microclimates, including high-altitude mountainous regions, tropical rainforests and coastal deserts, Peru supports an extraordinary variety of ingredients and cooking traditions. These microclimates mean youll find everything from Andean potatoes (in fact, Peru has more than 4,000 native potato varieties) and quinoa to Amazonian fruits and Pacific-coast seafood, all contributing to a cuisine thats layered, colorful and surprising. Peru's culinary tradition is shaped by centuries of melding Indigenous customs with Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese influences. Because of this rich culinary history and wide variety of ingredients and flavors, Peruvian cuisine and restaurants have continued to rise in popularity around the globe, including here in America. Advertisement Advertisement One of those restaurants is La Mar Cebicheria Peruana. Founded in Lima in 2005 by acclaimed chef Gaston Acurio, there are now locations in eight countries and 10 cities, including San Francisco, Miami and Bellevue, WA. At these restaurants, diners encounter classic Peruvian dishes like cebiche (fresh seafood cured in a citrus-based marinade), alongside bright sauces and anticuchos, Perus iconic skewered meats. Menus often include traditional Peruvian ingredients, like aji amarillo peppers and maiz morado (purple corn), as well as hyper-local seafood, like Dungeness crab. Now that the new year is here, you might be looking for ways to freshen up your home cooking, so we tapped Victoriano Lopez, the executive chef of La Mar Cebicheria Peruana in San Francisco, to get his tips on Peruvian ingredients, techniques and seasonings that you should add to your culinary repertoire. An Andean-born cook who has spent decades sharing Peruvian cuisine internationally, Lopez brings both tradition and practicality to the kitchen. He shares how Peruvian ingredients, cooking techniques and culinary sensibilities can help home cooks incorporate the vibrant, layered flavors of this cuisine into their everyday meals. Related: How 'Third Culture' Cooking Can Make Your Dinner More Memorable, According to Chef Jon Kung SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Parade Eats newsletter. The Peruvian Ingredient You Should Add to Your Cooking in 2026 Which Peruvian ingredient has the greatest power to transform everyday cooking? According to Chef Lopez, it's aji amarillo. He explains that this golden-hued pepper, which is available as a paste or frozen, can be used to wake up sauces, marinades or stews. MirceaDobre via Getty Images (MirceaDobre via Getty Images) "It adds both color and a subtle heat that builds depth without overpowering other ingredients," he tells Parade. "For example, classic Peruvian dishes, like aji de gallina or papa a la huancaina, rely on aji amarillo to balance richness (from cheese, milk and nuts) with brightness and warmth." Advertisement Advertisement Aji de gallina is a creamy chicken stew thickened with bread and nuts, while papa a la huancaina features boiled potatoes topped with a smooth, spicy cheese sauce. Both are staples of Peruvian home cooking that showcase how aji amarillo enhances richness without overwhelming a dish. How To Cook With Aji Amarillo, According to a Peruvian Chef To use aji amarillo in your kitchen, you could stir a spoonful into a cream sauce (maybe for mac and cheese), mashed potatoes or eggs, or blend it with garlic and a splash of lime juice to create a vibrant condiment for grilled or roasted vegetables or seafood. "Its the heart and soul of Peruvian flavor," Lopez shares. "Aji amarillo isnt just spicy; its bright, fruity and florallike a mix between a chili and a tropical fruit. That complexity brings warmth and depth to simple dishes, even something as basic as roasted chicken, mashed potatoes or a vinaigrette." For cooks who are new to aji amarillo, Lopez suggests starting small and tasting as you go. The versatile pepper works across cuisines, he explains, adding a fun way to add a fresh new dimension to your cooking. Advertisement Advertisement You can find aji amarillo at some supermarkets and you can also order it online. If you cant find it, Lopez recommends blending mild yellow and orange mini sweet peppers with a bit of habanero or serrano chiles to mimic the color and flavor profile. And always include a bright acid, like lime juice, to cut through the richness. Related: 18 Overflowing Seafood Platter and Tower Recipes for the Frutti di Mare Fans The Tiradito Criollo at La Mar Bellevue is a riot of color, flavor and texture. It includes hamachi (yellowtail), aji amarillo sauce, chalaca, choclo (large Peruvian corn) and crispy sweet potato.Courtesy La Mar Bellevue (Courtesy La Mar Bellevue) 3 More Ways To Bring Peruvian Cooking to Your Home Kitchen There are many ways to bring a Peruvian flair to your home cooking, and they're not as complicated as you may think. 1. Think about balance and freshness Peruvian dishes are layered so that richness is offset with acidity, heat with freshness, color with texture. Its not about overpowering flavors. To bring that same feeling to your cooking, finish your dishes with freshness by sprinkling on some fresh cilantro, red onion, citrus slices or crunchy herbs. Advertisement Advertisement Peruvian cuisine is built around balance. You don't just make it spicy but strive to make it layered, bright, textured, Lopez explains. A little freshness goes a long way, especially in the depths of winter. 2. Be willing to experiment If you're a home cook who is looking to inject Peruvian inspiration into your meals, you need to be willing to try new things. "While Peruvian cooks hold strong pride in their culinary heritage, they remain receptive to external influences. This ethos enables the seamless blending of Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese traditions, resulting in a dynamic cuisine that evolves with curiosity and innovation while remaining grounded in tradition," Lopez shares. A great example of how Chef Lopez balances locally sourced foods with layered cooking is a post he shared on Instagram, where he made a meal of American Wagyu "harmoniously paired with Black Pepper sauce, crispy Idaho fried potatoes and a zesty watercress salad." All of these ingredients have their own distinct flavor, but they work together to create a meal that feels luxurious and varied. Advertisement Advertisement While this may be too advanced for the average home cook, the principle still applies: use a variety of different foods and sauces to build a meal filled with intentional layers of flavor. 3. Cook up community For Lopez, cooking Peruvian style isnt just about ingredientsits also a philosophy. For him, the principles of generosity and sharing must be at the heart of your meals. "The act of cooking in Peru is characterized by communal spirit and shared expertise," Lopez explains. "Meals are designed to be enjoyed collectively, whether at street food stalls, family gatherings or fine dining establishments." When you're cooking Peruvian food, plan on bringing those you love around your table to share in the experienceit makes all the difference! Up Next: Related: 20 Hottest Hot Sauces in the World for the Spiciest of Tastebuds Source: Courtesy La Mar (Courtesy La Mar) Victoriano Lopez, executive chef of La Mar Cebicheria Peruana in San Francisco This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." While 2025 saw plenty of gorgeous hotels fling open their doors, 2026 is shaping up to rival its offerings in a major way. On the docket are luxe stays across the globe, from the new Bulgari Resort Ranfushi in the Maldives to the latest Airelles property, the brands first outside of France, set on Venices Giudecca Island. There will also be plenty of properties across the United States cutting the ribbon, with major debuts in Miami, San Francisco, and Charleston. Were ready to check-in. Bulgari Resort Ranfushi | Maldives Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi The new Bulgari Resort Ranfushi is set to make a splash in the Maldives on Raa Atoll, just 45 minutes by seaplane from Male, the South Asian countrys main airport. Milan-based ACPV Architects designed all 54 villas, including the super-luxe Bulgari Villawhich occupies its own private island. The firm also handled the amenity spaces, such as the Bulgari Spa, fitness center, and quartet of restaurants. The Delano | Miami Beach, FL After shuttering six years ago, Miami Beachs historic Delano hotel is set to make a comeback in March courtesy of hospitality company Ennismore and Elastic Architects. Just beyond the landmarks crisp white Art Deco facade are interiors defined by soft-edge furnishings and a minimalist color paletteas well as a revival of the sceney Rose Bar, once a celebrity hot spot. Pendry Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico Mexico Citys new Pendry Hotel will make its debut in late 2026 in the citys Art Decofilled Roma Norte neighborhood. Featuring interiors by AvroKO, the 114-room property will showcase local artists alongside the firms statement decor. The Huntington Hotel | San Francisco In the spring, ELLE Decor A-List designer Ken Fulk will unveil his update to San Franciscos legendary Huntington Hotel, which first opened in 1924. Expect Fulk to infuse all 143 guest rooms and suites with his signature exuberant style. Airelles Venice | Venice, Italy Airelles Palladio, Venezia French hotel group Airelles operates a handful of spectacular boutique properties, including the Le Grand Controle on the grounds of Versailles. Their first foray outside France will debut April 1 with Airelles Venice, which occupies a trio of restored buildings on the Italian citys Giudecca Island that together hold 45 accommodations. As with all Airelles hotels, architect and designer Christophe Tollemer is overseeing the interiors, which elegantly balance French opulence with a Venetian flair. Amanvari | Baja California, Mexico Calling all Aman fans: Mexico is slated to welcome its first property operated by the much-adored hotel group. Amanvari will open one of its most exclusive locations on a beachfront parcel near Los Cabos with just 18 villas and a series of branded residencesplus its signature spa with sweat lodge and yoga pavilion. Four Seasons Yacht The Four Seasons Yacht is setting sail for its inaugural year with a slate of Mediterranean voyages and a dazzling design by Tillberg Design and Martin Brudnizki. Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch | London Commissioned by King Edward VII and completed in 1912, Admiralty Arch is one of Londons most elegant landmarks, notable for its triumphal arch and prime setting across from Buckingham Palace. The longtime office building will be reborn in the spring as the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, featuring 100 luxe hotel rooms and suites. Michelin-starred chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud are set to helm the food and beverage options. The Cooper | Charleston, SC The Cooper Set along Charlestons historic waterfront, The Cooper is a newly built hotel crafted by ELLE Decor A-List designer Alexandra Champalimauds firm, Champalimaud Design. The 191-room property is brimming with luxuries, such as a heated infinity-edge pool overlooking the harbor. Lake Como Edition | Cadenabbia, Italy Debuting in March, the latest Edition hotel will occupy a historic 19th-century palazzo right on the Lake Como waterfront. Shanghai design studio Neri & Hu collaborated on the interiors, which include 148 rooms and a lakeside restaurant. Knox Hotel, Auberge Collection | Dallas, TX The Knox, Auberge Collection Advertisement Advertisement ELLE Decor A-List designer Martin Brudnizki is bringing his signature brand of maximalism to Dallas with the opening of The Knox Hotel, part of the Auberge Collection. With 140 rooms and 48 private residences (designer Chad Dorsey is handling those), the vibrant property was designed to evoke a private members club. White Elephant | Aspen, Colorado Its first two locations are in Nantucket and Palm Beach, and now White Elephant is bringing its sophisticated brand of hospitality to Aspen on February 3. The propertys 54 chicly appointed rooms include the Ajax Penthouse, which clocks in at more than 1,500 square feet and comes with three bedrooms plus a giant terrace with alpine vistas. Its perfect for not only skiers but art lovers, too: More than 50 original works punctuate the interiors, curated from the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. La Reserve Seychelles | Seychelles It will be hard to find a more luxurious and intimate stay than the new La Reserve Seychelles, set on the island of Praslin in Seychelles, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar. The property comprises just six villas set directly on a white-sand beach, with dedicated Maitre de Maison and private chefs catering to your every need. Belmond Villa Timeo | Taormina, Italy Courtesy of Belmond Belmonds Grand Hotel Timeo is one of Sicilys most sought-after destinationsand its due to get a sibling property in May with the debut of nearby Villa Timeo, revamped by ELLE Decor A-List designer Laura Gonzalez. Inside are 21 irresistibly chic rooms that can be rented individually or as a total buyout, the latter of which comes with private access to its Clementina Bar, indoor lounge, and infinity-edge pool overlooking the Ionian Sea. The Selvedge, A SingleThread Inn | Healdsburg, CA Opened by Kyle and Katina Connaughton in 2016, SingleThread Restaurant and Inn in Healdsburg is celebrated for its innovative farm-to-table cooking that has earned it a trio of Michelin stars (and the five lavish hotel rooms above the restaurant recently got their own Michelin keys). Now, the SingeThread vision will take over a nearby historic hotel overlooking the Russian River in a venture called The Selvedge, set to open at the end of 2026. Axia Architects and AvroKO are handling the design of the ten-room property, which will be infused with a distinctly English sensibility inspired by the Connaughtons time in England. Six Senses Milan | Milan, Italy Designed by hospitality experts Tara Bernerd & Partners, the new Six Senses in Milans design district, Brera, will open in late 2026. While the 68-key hotel will be too late for this years Salone del Mobile in April, its guaranteed to be a popular spot for the 2027 edition, especially considering it offers suites equipped with private plunge pools. You Might Also Like Cultural & Historical Significance In Arthurian legend, Maris appears as a knight of considerable renown, though his stories are less prominent than those of Lancelot or Gawain. He is typically portrayed as a loyal supporter of Arthur's court, often mentioned in the context of quests and battles that demonstrate the chivalric ideals of the Round Table. His character embodies the medieval virtues of courage, loyalty, and martial prowess that defined the Arthurian knightly code. The name Maris gained cultural significance through its inclusion in various medieval romances and later Arthurian adaptations. While not one of the central figures, his presence contributes to the rich tapestry of Arthur's court, representing the many noble knights who formed the backbone of Camelot's military and political strength. The name carries echoes of maritime connections, possibly reflecting the importance of naval power in defending Britain during the Arthurian period, and serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds and regional loyalties that characterized Arthur's united kingdom. When you hear the term "retirement community," what comes to mind? Shuffleboard and overcooked vegetables in soup? What about an abundant organic farm that provides its seniors with nutritious, wholesome food? Because that's exactly what Cornwall Manor, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, is offering up to its residents. The Trailside Organic Farm is the product of a partnership between the living facility and the Rodale Institute, a nonprofit founded in the late 1940s, which supports the research of, and education around, organic farming. The Trailside Organic Farm is fairly new, with the project commencing in 2021. It spans two-and-a-half acres and is USDA-certified organic, meaning that the vegetables grown from it are not treated with anything artificial or synthetic, only naturally occurring fertilizers and pest treatments; in the same token, organic milk comes from cows that only eat feed grown this way. The produce from this farm then find their way to the seniors' tables, making an appearance in each of the two dining rooms, the cafe, and even meal delivery and catering services. The farm grows everything from peppers to watermelon, and even nutrient-rich sweet potatoes (which you can actually grow in your home). Further, aside from the two-and-a-half acres of land adjacent to Cornwall Manor, the assisted living facility also purchased a whopping 55 acres of land north of the Manor in October 2025, which it's leasing to a local farmer. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Best And Worst Quality Of Chicken You'll Find At Fast Food Restaurants How Trailside Organic Farm benefits Cornwall Manor seniors and the community An aerial view shows multi-colored patches of farm land - Rodale Institute / Facebook An organic farm might not seem the most likely addition to a senior living community, but the benefits of having this gem near its campus are manifold. For starters, there's the fact that the farm is providing the inhabitants of Cornwall Manor with a diverse array of fresh, organic produce, the very peak of nutrition, which is vital as we age. But it can also spark an interest in the food itself, getting the residents excited about eating fresh fruit and veg that was picked so close to where they live. The Trailside Farm also provides the seniors at Cornwall Manor an opportunity to explore the grounds, see where the food is actually grown, and interact with farmers, an opportunity that enables them to learn about the growing processes. There is also something magical about walking among living, growing things; it feeds our souls, in the same way vegetables feed our bodies, which is something we all could benefit from. Outside of the residents of Cornwall Manor, the Trailside Farm also serves as a classroom for Rodale Institute students who want to learn the ways of organic farming. When they're not receiving book instruction, the students are literally in the field, getting their hands dirty. Advertisement Advertisement Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Food Republic. Old Route 66 crosses eight states, three time zones, and more than 2,400 miles as it winds its way from Santa Monica to Chicago. Youll find charming cafes, restored gas stations, and even a row of Cadillacs, buried nose deep in the ground, along the 178-mile stretch of the Mother Road that cuts across the Texas Panhandle. Getty Images/DenisTangneyJr The highway, decommissioned in 1985, will mark its 100th anniversary next year, and small towns and cities along the route are already planning festivities. The Texas Route 66 Festival is set for June in Amarillo, and will include a classic car show, live music, bus tours, and parades. In the meantime, get your kicks at these legendary Texas stops on Route 66. Advertisement Advertisement 01 of 09 Glenrio Getty Images/Melissa Kopka The abandoned sign for the former First Last Motel in Glenrio, TX. The abandoned sign for the former First Last Motel in Glenrio, TX. Glenrio straddles the New Mexico-Texas border and is home to a famous 1968 Pontiac Catalina. The abandoned white car once belonged to Larry Lee Travis, who was shot to death in 1976 at a service station where he worked in nearby Adrian. His car remains parked in front of an abandoned Texaco gas station along Old Route 66 in Glenrio, next to the home where his wife still lives. 02 of 09 Adrian Photo: Pam LeBlanc Halfway point between Illinois and California in Adrian, Texas. Halfway point between Illinois and California in Adrian, Texas. The motto in Oldham County is When youre here, youre halfway there, which explains the white line painted across the highway in front of the Midpoint Cafe. The stripe marks the halfway point between Illinois and California. Advertisement Advertisement Fran Houser, who once owned the cafe, inspired the character Flo in the Pixar movie Cars. Today you can drop by for a burger and a slice of pie, or pick up a souvenir at the Dream Station, housed inside an old gas station next door. The Bent Door Cafe down the road operated 24 hours a day in the 1930s but has long been closed. Its still worth a stop to see the front door, bent to match the angle of the old air traffic control tower incorporated into the buildings design. 03 of 09 Vega Photo: Pam LeBlanc Mama Joe's Pies & Sweets in Vega, TX. Mama Joe's Pies & Sweets in Vega, TX. The historic Magnolia gas station in Vega, which opened on Route 66 in 1924, has been restored, and you can still see the gravity operated gas pump out front. Check the guest book, signed by visitors from Iceland, Spain, Australia, and Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Across the street, youll find the worlds largest branding iron, which measures a whopping 22 feet. The Milburn-Price Culture Museum, once a lumber and hardware store, now houses an eclectic collection that includes an old printing press, the Ford Model T that inspired Lizzie in Cars, and a couple of frozen rattlesnakes (kept in the freezer) that the staff is eager to show off. Outside, you can walk into the blade of a deconstructed wind turbine. A few blocks away, Dots Mini Museum includes a collection of Barbie dolls, old typewriters, Avon perfume bottles, and cowboy boots, many of which hang on a tree outside the door. Dont miss Mama Jos Pies & Sweets, where owner Joann Harwell serves the best coconut cream pie this side of the Mississippi. 04 of 09 Cadillac Ranch Photo: Pam LeBlanc Cadillac Ranch, located outside of Amarillo, TX. Cadillac Ranch, located outside of Amarillo, TX. As you approach Amarillo, stop at the Cadillac Ranch on the north side of Interstate 40 (the frontage road is the old Route 66 in this stretch), where an art collective called Ant Farm buried 10 Cadillacs nose first in the ground. Visitors can bring spray paint to add their own touch to the display, originally planted on a plot owned by rancher Stanley Marsh in 1974 but moved 3 miles west to the current site in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement 05 of 09 Amarillo Photo: Pam LeBlanc The Big Texan Steak Ranch opened on Route 66 in 1960. The Big Texan Steak Ranch opened on Route 66 in 1960. Car lots, mechanic shops, and cafes line a forlorn stretch of Route 66 in central Amarillo, but vibrant art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, a bookstore, and record shop are concentrated in a lively 13-block strip of the famed highway west of the central business district. You can get your fix on Route 66 with a cup of coffee at the Coffee Fixx, or grab a burger and a mountain of fries at the GoldenLight Cafe and Cantina, which has been serving customers since 1946. At the Texas Route 66 Visitor Center, housed in the historic Meyers Fried Chicken building, pick up brochures about roadside attractions, watch a short documentary titled Two for the Road, and buy a souvenir. Advertisement Advertisement Part restaurant, part gift shop, and all kitsch, the Big Texan Steak Ranch opened on Route 66 in 1960. Nine years later it moved to its current location on I-40. Anyone who can down a 72-ounce steak plus all the sides in an hour gets the meal free. On average, six people try each day; about one in 10 finishes. Not up to the challenge? You can still shop for souvenirs, buy fudge or ice cream, take aim in the indoor shooting gallery, toss back a cold one in the brewery, or stay overnight in the adjacent hotel. 06 of 09 Groom Photo: Pam LeBlanc The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Groom, TX. The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Groom, TX. Youll see the biggest attraction in Groom long before you get there: a 190-foot cross, built in 1995 using 2.5 million pounds of steel. The brainchild of retired oilfield engineer Steve Thomas, the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the focal point of a complex that includes bronze sculptures depicting the stations of the cross, a gift shop, theater, and fountain. Advertisement Advertisement On the north side of I-40, the Britten Tower stands at a distinct tilt, like the Texas version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Unlike the Italian version, this water tank was deliberately built to look like it was about to tip over. The gimmick lured motorists off the highway to a truck stop, where they could buy gas or enjoy a cup of coffee. The station burned in 1988, but the tower still attracts passersby. 07 of 09 Jericho Getty Images/Antoine Rouleau Jericho, TX, along Route 66, a former ghost town being revamped with unique events. Jericho, TX, along Route 66, a former ghost town being revamped with unique events. The tiny town of Jericho earned its reputation as the muddiest stretch of Route 66 back in the 1930s. When it rained, motorists got stuck on the unpaved road and paid locals to pull them out. A gas station and four-room hotel did good business until 1942, when Route 66 was diverted a mile to the north. Jericho shriveled on the vine. In 2020, Blair and Blanca Schaffer bought 80 acres in the ghost town. The crumbling ruins of the old motor court are still there, and a Ford Super Deluxe from the 1940s rusts in a field. The Schaffers host stargazing parties, 5K and 10K races, and occasional metal detecting events on the property, and have plans to reroof the old hotel. Advertisement Advertisement 08 of 09 McLean Getty Images/Melissa Kopka An old-fashioned Phillips 66 gas station and Studebaker classic car in McLean, TX. An old-fashioned Phillips 66 gas station and Studebaker classic car in McLean, TX. Who knew barbed wire could be so interesting? The Devils Rope Museum, housed inside what was once a brassiere factory, holds miles of the prickly wire, plus a section devoted to Route 66. Check out Burma Shave signs, a diner display, and more. Just down the road, the cottage style Phillips 66 gas station, circa 1929, seems tiny by todays standards. The Tudor-Revival style building, with a gabled roof, was one of the first service stations along the highway. The McLean-Alanreed Area Museum features a room outfitted as an old barber shop, another as a newspaper office and one as a dentist office. Advertisement Advertisement 09 of 09 Shamrock Getty Images/StockPhotoAstur The Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, TX. The Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, TX. Fifteen miles from the Oklahoma border, youll reach Shamrock, the last stop on the Texas tour of Old Route 66. The Pioneer West Museum is located in what was once the Reynolds Hotel, which opened in 1929. The 25-room museum features Native American artifacts, antique medical equipment, and an astronaut suit worn by Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon. The museum also maintains a renovated Magnolia Gas Station next door. The crown jewel of the Route 66 tourthe Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Innstands at the corner of U.S. Highway 83 and Historic Route 66. The art deco building, adorned with green glazed tile and brick, served as the inspiration for Ramones Body Shop in Cars. Grab lunch or an ice cream soda in the cafe, and stop by the Shamrock Visitor Information Center, housed in the same building, to learn more about the city, which hosts a St. Patricks Day festival each year. Read the original article on Southern Living Sharing a bed with your partner can be sweet and cozy. But if youre not compatible bedmates, its more frustrating than anything else. Your sleep suffers and resentment toward your partner can build. A simple change to the way we make our beds inspired by a common Scandinavian practice could be the key to a better nights sleep. Many folks in countries like Sweden, Denmark and Norway and in other parts of Europe use a two-duvet system. So instead of sharing one big duvet, each partner has their own separate, smaller comforter. Health: ChatGPT Health Wants You To Upload Your Medical Records Cybersecurity Experts Are Begging You Not To Do That This is also known as The Scandinavian method as it is standard procedure in the Scandinavian countries, Li Aslund, a Swedish clinical psychologist and sleep expert at Sleep Cycle, told HuffPost. In fact, it is much harder to find duvet covers for double-size duvets in this part of the world. Advertisement Advertisement A large majority of households has never even reflected on the fact that people in other countries might find this practice surprising or even weird, she added. The Scandinavian method got some buzz recently when photographer and content creator Cecilia Blomdahl, who is originally from Sweden but lives on the Arctic island of Svalbard, posted about it on her TikTok. The video has since amassed more than 1.1 million views and almost 700 comments. Yes, we have two duvets here and I could never live with one, Blomdahl says in the video as she makes her bed. Health: Sitting Like This Can Bring Major Health Benefits As You Age One of the main benefits of using two duvets? Temperature regulation. Each partner can adjust their side to suit their individual preferences, Aslund said. So if you run hot but your partner runs cold, you can choose a lightweight comforter and your partner can use a heavier one. Advertisement Advertisement Another plus of the Scandinavian method: fewer sleep disturbances. Thats good news if you share a bed with someone who steals the covers. Each partners movements will be less disruptive to the others, reducing the number of unnecessary awakenings, including the ones people dont remember but may nevertheless decrease sleep quality, Jade Wu a behavioral sleep medicine specialist and sleep researcher at Duke University School of Medicine told HuffPost. Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay, says he recommends doubling up on duvets for just that reason. I would recommend it to anyone who shares a bed with someone and who lives in a cooler climate, he told HuffPost. If the duvet slips off or one person hogs it by accident, this can cause disturbance to your sleep and you may find you are waking up more often due to becoming cold in the night. Adopting the Scandinavian method might mean better sleep for you and your partner. Pia Ulin via Getty Images Getting quality sleep is associated with a number of health benefits: improved immune system and cognitive function, better mood, and decreased stress and risk for chronic disease. It can also be a boon to your relationship. Advertisement Advertisement When were sleeping better, we are better at regulating emotions and making sound decisions both very important for having a good relationship, Wu said. When we feel and function better, we have more emotional resources to devote to our partners. But when we are exhausted, foggy, or irritable, its easy to butt heads over little things or miscommunicate; its also harder for us to be attentive and supportive. Health: What Is The 4-2-3k Workout Method? There are a couple of potential drawbacks to the Scandinavian method. One concern is that two duvets dont always have the cohesive, aesthetically pleasing look of one. With this approach, each duvet is typically folded in half length-wise, then you lay them next to each other (though you can also try laying them flat and overlapping them a bit). To unify the look, you can put a bedspread over top of both (like Blomdahl did) or lay a throw across the bottom of the bed. Adding a long bolster pillow along with your other decorative pillows can also help bring it all together. Advertisement Advertisement The individuality of the Scandinavian method could be a downside for some couples, Aslund said. They might find it less romantic or feel less connected not being under the same blanket at night. The Scandinavian countries are known for their pragmatic view on family life and their individuality, and the separate duvets can be considered a manifestation of these values, she said. For people in other countries, choosing personal comfort over physical closeness can feel uncomfortable and bringing up the subject in a relationship could be a potential source of conflict. Health: Yes, 'Whiskey ****' Is Real (And Here's What To Do If It Happens To You) At the end of the day, its up to you and your partner to find a system that works for you. Advertisement Advertisement Even though the practice entails many individual benefits when it comes to sleep quality, its worth noting that separate duvets might not be for all couples and its a matter of personal preference, Aslund said. The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Some people prefer to spend the holidays in a winter wonderland, while others, like Alvin the guinea pig and his family, like to travel somewhere warmer instead. Alvin's 'big sister,' @iheartshopping23, loved seeing her mom's spoiled guinea pig living his best life by the pool in Cabo for Christmas, but not even she expected what a stir her video would cause online. With nearly half a million likes and over 800 comments, Alvin and his family are setting an impressive example for pet parents everywhere. Guinea pigs don't need much more than love, care, and enrichment to be happy, but it's sure fun to watch Alvin lying in the lap of luxury. Alvin is such a prince! He looks so happy to soak in the sunshine and float around the pool with Mom, but then again, who wouldn't be on Cloud 9 on a tropical Christmas vacation? Advertisement Advertisement "Why is the guinea pig on vacation and Im not?" asked @artistbernadettehoward. It's hard to admit feeling jealous of a family pet, but in this case, it's completely valid. Everyone deserves a break like this family is getting, but for now, we can live vicariously through Alvin instead. Related: Shih-Tzu's Excited Tail Wags Over Meeting a Guinea Pig Are Everything Even other animals are envious! Commenter @living_d3adgirl shared, "My guinea pigs just asked if we're poor. Not everyone can take an entire vacation for Christmas, but anyone can include their pet on vacation or in a fun weekend activity. Just be sure to research your pet's needs to make sure they're having fun, too! Can Guinea Pigs Travel? Traveling is stressful enough as it is, but bringing pets along can further complicate things. Luckily, you can set your own rules if you're traveling by car, but when a plane or train is involved, you may need to do some research. Advertisement Advertisement Some airlines limit furry travel companions to dogs and cats, while others only allow them to ride in the cargo hold at the bottom of the plane. Frontier Airlines, however, allows a number of small pets in the cabin, including: dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and small birds. The planning and extra fees can make traveling with pets more complicated, but it's so worth it to see them living their best lives on vacationjust ask Alvin! SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. This year has been a bumper year for overtourism, especially in popular southern European destinations such as Barcelona, Mykonos and Venice. Soaring hotel prices, irate locals, searing heat and an increasing number of anti-tourism protests added to this scenario, sometimes making holidays feel like far more trouble than theyre worth. Several cities, such as Barcelona and Venice, had to implement measures to handle overtourism, such as limiting tourist accommodation in an attempt to phase out Airbnb, as well as restricting cruises and group sizes. This has led to a shift in travel trends, with more visitors now wanting niche destinations, with fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere- leading to the emergence of dupes for a number of popular European destinations. Advertisement Advertisement But which are the best European destination dupes you need to add to your travel bucket list? Girona: All the Catalan charm, none of the cruise ship chaos Located just an hour away from Barcelona, Girona has emerged as a great dupe for the Spanish beach favourite in recent years. It offers similar Catalan charm and picturesque medieval architecture, with hardly any crowds. Not only is Gironas pace of life much more relaxed than Barcelona's, but it is also much cheaper, which is a significant consideration for travellers going into 2026. Girona also offers rich history and authentic, regional Spanish flair, making it a less-overwhelming experience than Barcelonas hordes of cruise tourists. Apartment buildings near Onyar river - Evgeniya Kuzmina/Pexels Wander around narrow, cobbled streets admiring beautiful, historic buildings, which include a well-preserved Jewish Quarter (The Call) and a huge cathedral. Advertisement Advertisement Travellers can walk on the Passeig de la Muralla, Gironas ancient medieval city walls, for panoramic views, before heading to the Onyar River for the iconic colourful riverside houses. Related The Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Old Fish Market Bridge) also has excellent photo opportunities. Head to the Arab Baths, a charming 12th-century Romanesque bath complex or head to the Art Museum or Cinema Museum for a dose of culture. Advertisement Advertisement Tuck into xuixos, a local sweet pastry, or try tapas at places like Zanpanzar. Follow up with unique ice cream flavours like oven-baked apple and coconut and violet sorbet at the Rocambolesc Gelateria. Stay in the Barri Vell (Old Quarter) area for walkability and medieval charm, or Montilivi for a quieter and greener time. If youre looking to be near beaches, try Calella de Palafrugell, or Baix Emporda for a countryside vibe. Ljubljana: Canals, cafes and old-world beauty without the sinking feeling Slovenias capital Ljubljana, has increasingly been hailed as a dupe to Venice, with similar river vibes and waterways, pastel buildings, charming bridges and cafe culture. However, it is far cheaper and has fewer crowds, offering a more laid-back, pedestrian-friendly environment. Wander around the car-free Old Towns cobblestone streets, with Baroque and Renaissance architecture, hidden gems such as Locksmith Street and colourful houses. Advertisement Advertisement Travellers can take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic city views and a deeper glimpse into the towns history, or visit the Museum of Modern Art and the quirky House of Illusions. A view of the Triple Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia - Jude Mitchell-Hedges/Pexels Head to the riverbanks for a variety of outdoor dining options, the famous Triple Bridge and cruises. The whole of Ljubljana also has plenty of green spaces. Dig into local dishes such as potica (nut rolls) and struklji (dumplings), followed by trdelnik (sweet pastry). Stay near the river or the Old Town for easy walking access and great dining options. Tinos: Whitewashed villages and wild beaches As more popular Greek islands get overrun by tourists, travellers are turning to lesser-known islands to catch a breather and enjoy natural beauty at its best. Advertisement Advertisement One such island, Tinos, is the perfect dupe for Mykonos. Just a short ferry ride away from the far better-known island, it has traditional villages, stunning beaches and consistently gorgeous sunny weather- only with much fewer people. Related Tinos is also cheaper than Mykonos and offers a more authentic Greek vibe and classic Cyclades experience, while being less commercialised. It is also great for those who want to escape Mykonos expensive party scene. Advertisement Advertisement It is also a major pilgrimage site due to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, and has a quiet spiritual feel, with a rich artisanal and marble sculpting tradition. Explore villages like Ktikados, wandering the marble streets, or head to the mountain village of Kardiani. Agios Nikolaos Church, Pyrgos, Tinos, Greece - Stephane Tendon/Pexels Beach lovers can relax at Agios Sostis or Agios Fokas, while enjoying a surf and boho vibe at Kolimbithra. Visit the unique 13th-century Pigeon Houses, as well as the Archaeological Museum, or head to local wineries like T-OINOS. Nature lovers can also hike to Exomvourgo for panoramic island views. Try local cheeses like kopanisti and artichokes, as well as fresh seafood and fourtalia (potato omelette) at tavernas like O Ntinos or choose To Perivoli tis Kardianis for amazing views. Stay in Tinos Town (Chora) for convenience, easy ferry access and great food, or Kardiani Village for spectacular sea views and a feel of village life. Salerno: Dramatic coastlines and authentic Italian charm Tired of the expensive Amalfi Coasts crowds, but dont want to miss the natural beauty and stunning landscapes? Head to Salerno, a hidden Italian gem and historic port city just up the coast to Amalfi, but offering very similar stunning views, medieval architecture and genuine Italian charm. Advertisement Advertisement Food and drink, as well as accommodation is much cheaper in Salerno than the Amalfi Coast towns overrun with tourists. Being a lively working port city, it also allows visitors to immerse themselves deeper into local life, even in peak season, while having excellent bus, train and ferry connections to Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii and Capri. Aerial view of Salerno, Italy - Ensar*/ Pexels Explore the Centro Storicos medieval alleys and artisan shops selling leather and pottery goods, then head to the grand Salerno Cathedral with its awe-inspiring crypt. Travellers can visit the ancient medical schools Giardino della Minerva, as well as the Arechi Castle and the Municipal Villa. Stroll around the Lungomare Trieste promenade of head to nearby Vietri sul Mare for beach clubs. Dont miss the street art and museums like the Museo Diocesano and the Archeological Museum. Tuck into Salernos famous fresh seafood at spots like Mama Rosa and Cicirinella, or try a great Neapolitan-style pizza at Gli Esposito or Pizza de Michele, followed by a sweet treat like Dolce Pantaleone. Advertisement Advertisement Stay in the Old Town (Centro Storico) for history and shopping or Lungomare or modern hotels, sea views and easy access to the promenade. Related Rovinj: Medieval streets and Adriatic views, no Game of Thrones fans Dubrovnik has been overwhelmed by Game of Thrones fans, among other tourists, in recent years, as well as party tourists, causing soaring prices and severe overtourism. However, if you swap the Dalmatian region for the Istrian peninsula, youll find Rovinj, a small and relatively unknown town, offering a similar historic walled-city and fairytale vibe as Dubrovnik. Advertisement Advertisement With Venetian architecture, beautiful Adriatic waterfronts and cobbled streets, Rovinj has far fewer tourists and is perfect for a romantic Croatian escape without Dubrovniks intense peak-season crush. Enjoy turquoise waters and rocky swimming spots, as well as pastel-coloured houses and a charming hilltop church. Docked watercrafts near buildings in Rovinj, Croatia - Rachel Claire/Pexels Wander the Old Town, with its art studios and galleries and visit the Church of St. Euphemia to climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the town. Explore hidden coves or stroll along the waterfront promenade. Nature lovers can walk or cycle in the beautiful Golden Cape Forest Park, or take a boat trip for some dolphin watching. Feeling adventurous? Take a day trip to nearby Venice for an added dose of romance and culture. Dig into fresh seafood at La Puntulina, right on the water in the old town, or head to Croatias first Michelin-starred restaurant, Monte for a more luxurious fine dining experience. Dont miss local delicacies like truffles! Choose Valbruna for family-friendly options, or the Old Town for a car-free, atmospheric stay, while Lone Bay offers relaxation and beaches. Toulouse: French elegance, food and space Love French culture and Paris, but hate its Disneyfication in recent years? You dont have to look much further than Toulouse for an amazing Paris dupe with similar romance, charm and culture in a more relaxed and affordable environment. Toulouse also has unique terracotta architecture and is sometimes called The Pink City as a result. With a sunny southern French vibe, art and a walkable city centre, visitors can enjoy authentic French life here without the Parisian sticker shock. Like Paris Seine, Toulouse has the Garonne River, complete with waterfronts and romantic bridges, perfect for long strolls. It also has the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi for picturesque canal-side walks. View of Garonne River and the Pont Saint-Pierre bridge at dusk - Nafis Naim/Pexels Wander through the Old Town to get up close and personal with the stunning pink brick architecture, especially around Place du Capitole or visit historic sites like the Romanesque Basilique Saint-Sernin and the Gothic Couvent des Jacobins. Cite de lespace offers a fun, educational space experience, while outdoor lovers can enjoy a bike ride along the Garonne River. Try local dishes like Lalicuit de canard (duck) and Cassoulet (a rich bean stew) along with regional sausages and sweet treats like croustade aux pommes (apple pastry). Stay in the Capitole or Carmelite in the city centre if its your first time visiting, for easy access to key sights, dining and shopping or choose Saint-Etienne for historic charm and proximity to the river. Saint-Cyprien also offers a more local and vibrant feel with great food options. Two Little Caesars employees have been airlifted to the hospital following a drive-by shooting in Merced. Police say the shooting happened just after 9 p.m. Friday on West 16th and G streets. Investigators say the two employees, both of whom are men, were taking out the trash in the back alley when a sedan pulled up and opened fire. Both men were seriously injured but were able to run back to the store to call 911. Advertisement Advertisement Their current condition is unknown at this time. Detectives are speaking with several witnesses at the scene and are looking for surveillance video. Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to contact Detective Shaw at (209) 385-6912 Stay with ABC30 for the latest details on this developing story. A gunman shot two women Friday night near an indoor swap meet in Westlake, leaving one of the victims dead and another hospitalized, authorities said. The shooting was reported shortly after 6 p.m. near the intersection of Sixth and Bonnie Brae streets, just east of MacArthur Park, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department said. The women were standing in front of the swap meet when they were shot. Only one of the victims was conscious and breathing when officers and firefighters arrived at the scene, the LAPD said. The women were transported to a hospital, where one died and the other was listed in stable condition, the police spokesperson said. They were identified only as being about 35 years old. The suspect remained at large after fleeing on foot. A description was not immediately available. The motive for the shooting was unknown. It has been just over a year since a Hartsgrove Township man died and left hundreds of animals caged with no one to care for them. Ashtabula County Sheriffs Department deputies arrived on the scene Dec. 23, 2024, and found more than 400 animals caged in awful conditions, according to reports at the time. The facility was used as a fur and urine farm, and also for exotic pet breeding. The animals found included foxes, skunks, opossum, wolf-dogs and a boar. Advertisement Advertisement In the immediate aftermath of the situation, the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners reached out for assistance to state and national organizations. The Ashtabula County dog wardens and Ohio Department of Natural Resources put a lot of effort into the situation during the first several weeks. Dr. Dolittles House Wildlife Rehabilitation Executive Director Alyssa Shumac said she was called out to the Hartsgrove rescue operation within the first week to help on-site animals. Coming up on the property, you noticed there are bear traps, many of them containing dead animals, that presumably escaped their cage, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Shumac said law enforcement had to secure the property so people were not caught in traps, and many animals were found living in filthy conditions in small cages. After the rescue operation, she said her operation took in 11 of the propertys animals, and still takes care of eight. The biggest piece of the puzzle, however, was filled by the Humane Society of the United States, which coordinated transportation of the surviving animals to appropriate locations across the country. Officials at the time estimated the Humane Society spent more than $1 million on the operation. Ohio 65th Rep. David Thomas was about to take office at the time. He said he visited the site several days after the original incident, and was disgusted by what he found. Advertisement Advertisement Upon taking office in January, he vowed to put together legislation that would bridge the legislative gap and place regulatory review in the right hands. I have learned a lot, Thomas said of his research and initial draft proposals to deal with the unique kind of animals that were found at the property. Ashtabula County officials spent about $12,000 on expenses related to the rescue, and were unable to recoup that money. Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said the Ashtabula County Prosecutors Office indicated there were no legal remedies to recoup the costs. Kozlowski said he hopes proposed legislation being created by Thomas will provide a mechanism for local governments to be reimbursed by an estate or existing operation if a similar incident occurs again. Advertisement Advertisement Shumac said she would like to see legislation to limit how many exotic animals breeders can have to prevent conditions like those in Hartsgrove from happening again. She said she would like to see more inspections required for facilities with exotic animals. Its a very long walk back from where the road is to where they kept the animals, Shumac said. I think thats how they were able to keep it under wraps for so long. Legislation addressing the situation should require first responders have formal training for wildlife emergencies, she said. If first responders were better trained, they would know Okay, we just go up, we get a blanket, we throw it over it and we get the animal down, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Animals often die because first responders are unequipped to deal with wildlife emergencies, Shumac said. Sometimes, fawns will be found hit next to their mom hit on the side of the road, and officers will just shoot and humanely euthanize the deer so that they dont suffer, not realizing that I take them for rehabilitation, and I couldve saved that animal, she said. With more training, emergency services that first arrived at Hartsgrove following the owners death could have helped animals sooner, Shumac said. Thomas said he plans to continue talking with county officials as he develops the proposed legislation. He said it is a balancing act to meet the needs of hunters presently following the rules and the unique circumstances that created such a bad situation. He said he believes legislation is possible to positively address the challenges but not infringe on others rights. If all goes well, Thomas hopes to introduce legislation in the spring. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The four astronauts slated to go to the moon on NASA's upcoming Artemis 2 mission. . | Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani Astronauts haven't visited our nearest celestial neighbor since 1972. That's when NASA astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison "Jack" Schmitt spent three days on the moon before rejoining Apollo 17 crewmate NASA astronaut Ron Evans aboard their command module in lunar orbit. After two more days circling the moon , the trio ignited their engine on a return trajectory back to Earth . As they flew away, theirs became the last sets of eyes to see the moon up close. Now, after decades of ever-elongating timelines, evolving mission frameworks and years of delays, NASA is ready to go back. The U.S. space agency's Artemis program faces its second mission in 2026, and it will be the first to carry a crew of astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft . The Artemis 2 mission is designed to fly its crew once around the moon before returning them to Earth over the course of about 10 days, during which the astronauts will become the first in a generation to see the moon up close. Advertisement Advertisement Artemis 2 follows the November 2022 launch of an uncrewed Orion on NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Artemis 1 . At the time , NASA had hoped to fly Artemis 2 in 2023, but damage to Orion's heatshield during atmospheric reentry pushed that goalpost by a year, and then another year. Through its series of planned Artemis missions, NASA plans to establish a permanent outpost on the moon. From there, the agency hopes to develop and mature the technologies needed to expand deeper into the solar system to places like Mars . A lot of U.S. spaceflight discourse this past year has focused on when NASA will get boots on the lunar surface, and whether U.S. astronauts will land on the moon's southern polar region before a group of Chinese taikonauts plants their flag there first. When President Trump's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal was released, the administration put a stronger emphasis on NASA's human exploration of space despite cutting NASA's funding by nearly a quarter and its science programs virtually in half. That emphasis, though, put a spotlight on the Artemis program and invited deeper scrutiny of NASA's launch system and lunar lander development. Under NASA's current plan, Artemis 2 and 3 rely on the agency's SLS rocket to launch its Orion spacecraft to cislunar space, where it will dock with the Gateway space station, for transfer to a lunar lander for the last leg down to the surface. NASA's Human Landing Services (HLS) contract for that vehicle was awarded to SpaceX for a version of their Starship vehicle currently being developed to transport Artemis 3 astronauts down to the moon's surface a controversial decision which elicited industry pushback and, more recently, one that NASA has begun backpedalling on . Advertisement Advertisement Criticisms of both SLS and Starship have called the program's architecture and timeline into question. Before its first launch in 2022, SLS spent more than a decade in development at a cost of nearly $50 billion since 2006 . In the time it took to turn the SLS design schematics to a fully realized and assembled rocket, SpaceX introduced the world to reliable rocket reusability not something SLS was designed for. And, with the successful recovery and relaunch of SpaceX's newest Super Heavy booster this year, some have questioned whether SLS's $4 billion-per-launch price tag is the most cost-effective way to send Orion to orbit. NASAs Space Launch System rocket is prepped for the upcoming launched. | Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky Starship is another story. SpaceX seems to have worked out much of the kinks developing the Super Heavy booster responsible for launching Starship though a recent mishap of the booster's latest version did rupture during a pressurization test. The company has successfully caught three Super Heavy boosters using the giant "Mechazilla" chopstick-like arms attached to the rocket's launch tower, and managed to refly one of those boosters during one of Starship's 2025 test flights. Starship, however, did not have as good a year. Of its five launches in 2025, Starship only completed its mission objectives on the final two. The development delays have raised concerns about the vehicle's readiness for Artemis 3, which NASA had hoped to launch in 2027, but internal SpaceX documents obtained by Politico in November indicate the company doesn't expect Starship to be ready for that mission until 2028. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. lawmakers, space industry leaders and even former NASA administrators have spoken out publicl y in criticism of Starship's delayed development, and are raising red flags that such delays could hand control of the moon to China. During testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee in September, former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine cautioned against positioning the Artemis program to become completely reliant on SpaceX for mission success. "Unless something changes, it is highly unlikely the United States will beat China's projected timeline," he said. Artist's illustration of SpaceX's Starship vehicle on the moon during an Artemis astronaut mission for NASA. | Credit: SpaceX That's a problem, experts say. The U.S. and China are both eyeing the moon's southern polar region to set up camp, where scientists believe there is an abundance of water ice a valuable resource that can be used to provide astronauts with everything from suitable drinking water to rocket fuel . It's also a matter of national security. "If our adversaries achieve dominant space capabilities, it would pose a profound risk to America," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said during the Commerce Committee hearing at which Bridenstine testified. NASA, too, is feeling the pressure. Unsatisfied with SpaceX's progress, acting agency administrator Sean Duffy announced in October that NASA was considering reopening the HLS contract to other bidders, including Blue Origin, who objected to Starship's selection over their Blue Moon lander , which is originally slated for Artemis 5. Now, NASA may decide to go with whichever lander is ready first, but SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has voiced skepticism over the competing company's ability to qualify their lander before SpaceX does so with Starship. Blue Origin's large, crew-carrying Mark 2 moon lander can deliver up to 22 tons (20 metric tons) to the lunar surface in a reusable configuration or up to 33 tons (30 metric tons) in a one-way configuration. | Credit: Blue Origin For its part, China's lunar ambitions and timeline to achieve them are about on par with the U.S., only the speed at which they're developing the technologies to accomplish those goals is quickly worrying those in the U.S. space industry who see stalls in Artemis' evolution. Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, China has continued to close key technical gaps , advancing work on its Long March 10 lunar rocket, next-generation crewed spacecraft (named Mengzhou ) and a crewed lunar lander. Beijing has also pressed ahead with reusable launch vehicle tests (though its most recent landing attempts were unsuccessful) reinforcing a development cadence that looks increasingly steady as Artemis faces schedule pressure. The question still remains which country will successfully land astronauts (or taikonauts) back on the moon first, but there's no denying which nation will be the first to fly a crew to lunar space in the new millennium. After Artemis 1, NASA named the crew of the upcoming Artemis 2 flight. The mission will be flown by NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman as Artemis 2 commander, Victor Glover as pilot, and Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen as mission specialists. The quartet has spent the last three years training for every aspect of their flight around the moon, with a major ramp-up over the past year that has included NASA's broader Artemis team. The four Artemis 2 astronauts address a crowd. | Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani "The consolidation and momentum that's building in the wider team the flight control team, the launch control team we are firing on all cylinders with those guys doing problem solving, answering questions that no one knows the real answer to," Koch told Space.com in an interview. "Every person that walks into every room is just ready to contribute the most that they can and to get to the right answer as a team," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Koch and the other members of the Artemis 2 crew are eager to launch on their mission, and if NASA's current schedule holds, they may get that opportunity as early as February 2026. NASA is targeting no earlier than Feb. 5 for the first Artemis 2 launch window, and may roll the mission's completed SLS rocket from the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center , to Launch Complex-39B as early as January. If they run into another delay, the space agency has determined additional launch windows in the months to follow, through April. Once the day of their launch does arrive, the Artemis 2 crew will board the Orion spacecraft and ride SLS into Earth's orbit for a mission that will last roughly ten days. Should the launch go smoothly and checkouts of Orion's systems while in orbit come back nominal, a translunar injection burn of SLS's upper stage will propel Orion into a free-return trajectory around the moon, slingshotting the spacecraft around the moon and back to Earth on a course in the shape of a figure-eight. The trajectory doesn't fully place Orion in lunar orbit, but it guarantees the spacecraft and crew's return to Earth regardless of any anomalies they might encounter around the moon. NASAs Artemis II Orion spacecraft with its launch abort system is stacked atop the agencys SLS (Space Launch System) rocket | Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett While the main objective of Artemis 2 is to put Orion through its paces on its first mission carrying astronauts, the crew will also conduct a series of science experiments. Some of that research involves the astronauts themselves , who will become their own biomedical subjects to gather in-flight data on the effects the human body experiences beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since Apollo, including investigations into things like radiation exposure and the immune system. In addition to humanity's long-awaited return to the moon, Artemis 2 is breaking ground in other historical ways as well. Depending on when it launches, Orion's flight around the moon may take the Artemis 2 crew further from Earth than any previous crewed mission potentially breaking the record set during Apollo 13 . Advertisement Advertisement Koch and Glover will also be making history in their own right, as the first woman and first person of color to fly to the moon. Thus, for all the uncertainty surrounding Artemis' long-term architecture, Artemis 2 represents something far simpler. It will send humans beyond low Earth orbit for the first time in more than half a century, reestablishing a capability the U.S. at one time may have taken for granted. Whether Artemis ultimately fulfills its promise of sustained lunar exploration, or is reshaped by politics, budgets and competition with China, the program's first crewed flight around the moon will mark a definitive turning point. In 2026, humanity isn't just planning to return to lunar space it's actually going. Critics are calling out President Donald Trump and his Homeland Security Department for a social media post threatening to deport millions of people including, by implication, millions of American citizens. The agency posted an image of a vintage car on a beach with America After 100 Million Deportations written across it. The peace of a nation no longer besieged by the third world, the agency added as it shared the image, which is a detail of the painting Impender Beach, by Japanese pop artist Hiroshi Nagai. Advertisement Advertisement There is no indication that Nagai approved of the use of his work, nor is even aware of the social media message, which the agency posted on Wednesday afternoon, then reposted a few hours later. Trump during the 2024 campaign repeatedly promised to deport millions. However, deporting 100 million people would mean far more than the undocumented. The Pew Research Center said there were 14 million undocumented migrants in the country in 2023, along with nearly 38 million who have legal status, including naturalized citizens. Politics: Trump Talks U.S. Involvement In Venezuela's Oil Industry Following Strike: 'What Can I Say?' Thats a total of roughly 52 million foreign-born residents, still 48 million short of the number in the DHS social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Critics fired back on X: Its absolutely insane that the DHS Twitter feed consistently and unabashedly puts out racist and white supremacist content. Leaves no doubt at all that the motivation of Trumps mass deportation is to rid the country of non-white people https://t.co/6aK5QkNoYX Michael A. Cohen (NOT TRUMPS FORMER FIXER) (@speechboy71) December 31, 2025 The extent to which this administration fantasizes about "deporting" US citizens is genuinely sickening There aren't even close to 100M immigrants total in the US, you can only get this number if you're "deporting" every legal immigrant & ~50M million people born in the US https://t.co/D6L6irxHaE Joey Politano (@JosephPolitano) December 31, 2025 This means they would want to deport all illegal immigrants, all legal immigrants, and ~50 million native-born Americans. https://t.co/QcA1hqnklz The Alex Nowrasteh (@AlexNowrasteh) December 31, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement 100 million deportations means basically kicking out every nonwhite person. Citizen or not https://t.co/CalVEj972F Daniel Aguilar (@daanielaaguilar) December 31, 2025 Basic math tells us that either: (1) they plan on deporting tens of millions of natural-born citizens or (2) this administration is so focused on shitposting and triggering the libs because theyre just hoping to distract from the fact that their immigration policy (including https://t.co/AyJtA1ww3A Austin Baird (@ASBaird) December 31, 2025 An official U.S. government account putting this out is objectively nuts. https://t.co/aOvtnjLLJb Devin Driscoll (@short_pants) December 31, 2025 The regime wants to deport all legal immigrants, 50 plus million native born Americans (presumably the non whites) and just under a third of the population overall. Hiding behind memes and irony doesn't change what this is. https://t.co/zTguEIuzX7 Andre Infante (@AndreTI) January 1, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement This is just blatant Nazi propaganda at this point. https://t.co/KLSuiUCChd SK Media (@SpaghettiKozak) December 31, 2025 The entire U.S. foreign-born population is only 45 million people, so this ridiculous edge-lord post by taxpayer-funded trolls is suggesting deporting 55 million native-born citizens. https://t.co/ufWkoaOIZK Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) December 31, 2025 They have said so many terrible things but this is probably top 5 easy. This basically accounts for every non-white in the country foreign born or not. https://t.co/WwC8BnQbjW Jake Hausdorf (@J_Hausdorf) December 31, 2025 In order to deport 100 million people, tens of millions of U.S. Citizens would need to be deported. Is the social media team filled with idiots or white supremacists? My guess is both. Shame on Secretary Noem. https://t.co/w81J8ulP0J Charles Blanchard (@FmrAirForceGC) January 1, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement 100 million deportations? How is this not Nazi rhetoric from a taxpayer funded account? https://t.co/xILwM8CHXl DJ Quinlan (@djquinlan) January 1, 2026 Read Next Read the original on HuffPost Women named Nelda are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of strength and gentleness, reflecting the name's dual meanings of 'champion' and 'cloud'. They typically demonstrate remarkable resilience in facing challenges, coupled with a compassionate and nurturing nature. Neldas are known for their quiet determination and ability to persevere through adversity without losing their essential kindness. They often exhibit strong intuitive abilities and emotional intelligence, making them excellent mediators and trusted confidantes. Their leadership style tends to be collaborative rather than authoritarian, and they excel in situations requiring both strength and sensitivity. Many Neldas display creative talents, particularly in artistic or literary pursuits, and have a deep appreciation for nature and beauty. They value authenticity in relationships and are often described as having 'old souls' with wisdom beyond their years. This combination of practical capability and spiritual depth makes Neldas particularly effective in caregiving professions, education, and community leadership roles where both empathy and fortitude are required. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. After President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, Arkansas leaders have begun to react. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders took to social media on Saturday, saying, Some politicians talk. President Trump acts. This is a huge win in the war on drugs here at home and in the fight for freedom worldwide. Trump says Venezuela president Maduro captured, flown out as US military conducts large scale strike Advertisement Advertisement Among Arkansas delegation, Sen. Tom Cotton made an appearance on Fox & Friends Saturday morning to discuss the arrest of Nicolas Maduro. Its important to remember that Maduro is not just an illegitimate dictator, hes indicted in US courts for drug trafficking and narcoterrorism and now hes going to face justice, and parents across the state of Arkansas this morning are glad that their children are no longer endangered by that drug trafficker, Cotton said. The question that the interim government in Venezuela faces is whether they want to continue down the path that Maduro took them, trafficking drugs, colluding with adversaries like Cuba and Iran, or whether they want to come in from the cold and become a normal nation, rejoin the civilized world and work with the United States to build more prosperity and stability in the Western Hemisphere. Thats really the ultimate question that matters most to America, Cotton continued. Regardless, who it is that ultimately emerges in the next few days, weeks, and months to govern Venezuela, we want them to be a government that works with us to build stability and prosperity in our backyard. Rep. French Hill was also favorable of President Trumps actions. Advertisement Advertisement I support President Trumps decisive action to return democracy to Venezuela and end the illegitimate narco-state, Hill said. The extraction of drug kingpin Nicolas Maduro and his wife will save American lives and end repression of the Venezuelan people. The Venezuelan indicted and illegitimate leader and strongman, Nicolas Maduro, and his spouse will stand trial in the United States for their crimes so justice can be served. After decades of ambivalence, President Trump is reasserting American leadership in the Western Hemisphere and our long-standing principal foreign policy tenet of the Monroe Doctrine, Hill continued. He is also protecting global energy markets and drawing a line to defend the United States from an avalanche of human trafficking and mass murder driven by illegal drug trafficking. Trump says US will run Venezuela, control oil production Rep. John Boozman stated on social media that he was watching from the sidelines and was applauding the U.S. military efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Im monitoring the developments from the successful U.S. military and law enforcement operation in Venezuela, which Pres. Trump authorized to advance Americas national security and interests, and look forward to learning more details from the administration, Boozman said. We applaud our brave, highly skilled servicemembers who carried out the mission to hold Maduro accountable. Rep. Steve Womack supported the efforts of President Trump and backed the strike. I commend our military, law enforcement, and President Trump for the strikes in Venezuela and capture of the criminal Maduro, Womack said. Maduros illegitimate regime has destroyed countless American lives through drug trafficking and support for violent narco-terrorist organizations all while aligning with sworn enemies of the United States. Actions in our hemisphere have a direct impact on Arkansans daily lives and President Trumps actions today make America safer. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A 64-year-old man has been arrested after he intentionally sicced his dog on a Waukesha County sheriff's deputy, prompting the deputy to shoot and kill the dog, according to authorities. The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office said the incident took place Jan. 1 at 7:21 p.m. on Oakwood Road in the village of Lisbon after the deputy responded for a domestic violence incident. The dog bit the deputy before the deputy used deadly force against the animal to stop the attack, according to the sheriff's office. Advertisement Advertisement The dogs owner was arrested and faces a felony charge of battery on a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon, authorities said. The deputy suffered non-fatal injuries and was treated at a hospital. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dog attacks Waukesha County deputy; owner arrested for commanding dog to harm Welcome to 2026. The smoke is still clearing over Venezuelas Base Aerea Capitan Manuel Rios, and the global internet is aflame. Many in the know are already asking the same uncomfortable question: I thought the S-300 was supposed to be the Gladiatorhow could it have failed so spectacularly? Related: How the US deleted Venezuelas air defenses so quickly (and why the real war might be starting) For the last decade, the Kremlins sales reps have been pitching the S-300VM Antey-2500 as the ultimate shield. It was sold as a system capable of swatting hypersonic missiles, tracking twenty-four targets simultaneously, and turning the Caribbean into a no-fly zone for the U.S. Navy. Other countries bought into the hype of the S-300 family as well, including China, India, Vietnam, and even some NATO countries. Venezuela did too. It purchased two full battalions of the S-300VM, spending enough oil money to pave the barrios in gold, all on the promise that this hardware was an invulnerable umbrella against the wicked West. At 0400 on January 3, 2026, the U.S. Navy turned that umbrella into recyclables, and they did it in under 20 minutes. So, did the Russians lie to their clients? Nah, couldnt be that. Or did kleptocracy just finally catch up with the marketing brochures? We dug into the supposedly classified specs to perform a post-mortem on this modern-day failure. The S-300VM doing what it does best: getting blown up by Ukrainians with drones. (Security Service of Ukraine) Designed to Fail The first fatal wound was self-inflicted by the systems own design, specifically the massive 9S32ME engagement radar that NATO calls Grill Pan, and fans call Saurons Eye. This piece of technology, on paper, is a little bit scary: its a high-power Phased Array radar designed to burn through American jamming with sheer brute force. But in modern electronic warfare, brute force is a quick jaunt into disaster. For example, to track a stealthy F-35C or a low-flying Tomahawk, the Grill Pan has to blast massive amounts of energy into the sky, effectively becoming the brightest object in the electromagnetic spectrum. At the very second that Venezuelan S-300VM operators panicked and flipped the switch to ON, they werent only searching for targets; they announced their exact GPS coordinates to every anti-radiation missile in the hemisphere. A radar that shines the worlds brightest spotlight on you and your mates is a radar that takes AGM-88E to the face. That is precisely what happened on an early morning in January 2026. Venezuela tried to win a sniper duel by waving a road flare at a T. Rex. Geography is a Honeybadger Even if the radars had survived the initial electronic suppression, they were defeated by simple geography. Geography doesnt care; it just does what it wants. The S-300VM has a maximum target detection range of up to 250 km, with aerodynamic target engagement envelope of up to 200 km and altitude from 250 m to 30 km. (ArmyRecognition.com) The S-300 was designed as a mobile system to protect Russias widely dispersed locations, from military bases to villages, across varied terrain and climate. But Russia is a place where the horizon can be flat for two hundred miles, and you can see a bomber climbing to altitude from three area codes away. Venezuela is a little different; it is a rugged mess of coastal mountains and deep valleys that make line-of-sight targeting near impossible. The U.S. Navy flight planners arent idiots; these are the best of the best, so they routed the Tomahawk swarms through the valleys, using the mountains as a physical shield in a tactic known as Nap of the Earth flight. By the time Venezuelas S-300VM batteries at La Carlota detected the inbound wave, the missiles were most likely popping up over the tree line less than ten seconds from impact. You simply cannot intercept a Mach 0.8 telephone pole when you only have six seconds to lock, launch, and poo, no matter how much your budget says. The Meat in the Seat Nicolas Maduro convened military maneuvers mandatory for all military members and civilian militia in September 2025. (Humberto Matheus) We can talk about terrain masking all day, but the biggest failure point wasnt the machines and inanimate objects being hurled; it was the shaking and sweating body sitting in the control van. The S-300VM is impressive, to put it mildly. It requires highly trained humans who understand spectrum management, complex geometry, and the subtle nuance of filtering false targets. Venezuela is manning a lot of its military hardware assets with conscripts, who may (conceivably) have not been paid in three months, and more than likely received training via a handout translated from Russian. When their screens filled up with hundreds of ghost targets created by good ol U.S. ingenuity or enemy radar started throwing error codes, we guarantee those poor guys didnt troubleshoot the system. They might have frozen, then panicked; or more likely (hopefully), beat it as far away from that S-300VM as fast as possible. But remember, folks: there is no rage-quitting in modern war. There is only quality training, and you cant download that from a server in Moscow. The Great Tech Heist This brings us to the part the evening news wont cover: the wreck of Battery Alpha isnt just a trash heap. It could be the sweetest intelligence windfall of the past decade. With the air defense batteries neutralized and U.S. Special Operations Forces operating in their favorite element (read: chaos), there is a near 100% chance that we are currently securing the vital guts of the S-300. In all likelihood, we now own the guidance chips, the source code for how Russia tracks targets, and the specific waveforms their jets use to talk to their missiles. For the next 20 years, every Russian ally using the S-300, from Iran to North Korea, is now fighting naked because we know their system better than they do. The S-300VM is a terrifying weapon system if you are fighting the war it was designed for: defending Moscow from high-altitude bombers in 1985. But against a networked, terrain-hugging, jamming-heavy U.S. Navy strike in 2026, it is just expensive target practice. The shield is down, the loot is secured, and the price of Russian military hardware is about to hit rock bottom. Dont let the air superiority fool you, though. We only kicked in their metaphorical door (and maybe their teeth) But capturing and securing anothers home turf? With the half the population potentially waiting in the bush and barrios? Whats the endgame? For now, the reality is that the Giant died in its sleep because it was fighting the wrong war. We should all hope regime change is quick and painless, with the people of Venezuela prospering. Its this hope that should be coveted as much as the guts of an S-300. Dont Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty army-navy game army uniform 1775 Advertisement Advertisement Sports Army and Nike unveil Army-Navy Game uniform honoring 250 years of service and sacrifice By Matt Ward Naval Base San Diego Commanding Officer Capt. Robert A. Heely trains with a ballistic shield during a tactical training exercise. 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The creator of the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-47, soviet and russian designer of small arms History Myths and facts about the rifle that never quits: the AK-47 By Adam Gramegna academy football navy wins celebration navy football X Advertisement Advertisement Sports Navy wins statement victory as Air Force is downed in New England By Matt Ward Four people arrested in December are now charged with crimes related to human trafficking linked to On The Border Gentlemens Club in Franklin. One said hes not guilty and the other three tried to have some or all of their charges dropped. The Dec. 18 arrests came after a multi-year investigation that started in 2020 when someone told law enforcement that employers at On The Border were benefiting from commercial sexual acts in the club, according to a criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Allegations include victims performing sex acts in VIP lounges at On The Border. One of those charged, Brian Hopkins, 50, of Oak Creek, has entered a not guilty plea to a felony count of keeping a place of prostitution, according to online court records. Hopkins was the only one of the four individuals arrested who worked for On The Border, according to a statement released Jan. 1 by one of the business founders, Jerry Hay, and his wife, Mary, along with On The Border management. The statement further stated Hopkins was terminated on Dec. 22. The other three charged in relation to the investigation include Jimmy L. Durant Jr. III, Dantavia Vernard Rule and Maurice Russell. They are all 31-year-olds and from Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Durant Jr. faces four felony counts of human trafficking while Russell faces two felony counts of receiving compensation for human trafficking. Rule faces the most charges including two counts of felony human trafficking, two counts of battery, two counts of disorderly conduct, one felony count of false imprisonment, one felony count of strangulation/suffocation, one felony count of intimidating a victim of domestic abuse and one felony count of receiving compensation for human trafficking. All three defendants attempted to have all or some of their charged dismissed. The court denied the motions. Durant Jr., Russell and Rule have a status conference scheduled for Jan. 28 while Hopkins has a scheduling conference set for Jan. 29, according to online court records. On The Border pledges to support investigation; Franklin may review business licenses The business posted a statement Dec. 21 denouncing the charges and offering its full support to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement The company said it has been collaborating with a specialized industrial and organizational psychology business with the goal to facilitate improved training and recruitment and assist with achieving desired professional standards, according to the Jan. 1 statement. Our most immediate goal is to select a trafficking awareness and prevention program from those available, the statement said. We are committed to safeguarding our patrons, staff and our community. The City of Franklin issued a Dec. 22 statement following the arrests noting the city may review licenses related to On The Border Gentlemens Club. The FBI has partnered with the Milwaukee, Franklin and Oak Creek police departments, and the IRS, for the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former On The Border employee pleads not guilty to human trafficking charges NEED TO KNOW A wealthy heiress disappeared on February 17, 1977 and still has not been found Helen Brach's disappearance involved "burned diaries, psychic phenomena, an empty grave, forged checks, a meat grinder and a pink Cadillac" A number of characters piqued the interest of investigators over the years The disappearance of a Chicago candy heiress continues to confound investigators, decades later. Helen Brach disappeared on February 17, 1977 in a story that would, as PEOPLE detailed in May 1984, grow to involve "burned diaries, psychic phenomena, an empty grave, forged checks, a meat grinder and a pink Cadillac." Advertisement Advertisement But for the mystery and intrigue surrounding the eccentric heiress' disappearance, there remains one thing the story does not include: a body. Brach had married into the Brach candy dynasty. By all accounts a quiet woman who kept largely to herself, she was eccentric and known for her cadre of luxury cars painted in the Brach's Candy signature brand colors; pink and lavender. Brach was 65 years old when she went to a doctor's appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. on that February day. Investigators at the time said she then got into a taxi and went to the local airport, with her housekeeper Jack Matlick saying he picked her up at Chicago's O'Hare airport later that day. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Bettmann/Getty Helen Brach Helen Brach Matlick would later tell investigators he spent much of the remaining weekend with Brach at her 18-room mansion in Chicago's pricey Glenview suburb, and that the last time he saw her was when he drove her back to O'Hare airport to catch a Monday morning flight to her Florida condo. Advertisement Advertisement Brach would seemingly never make it to Florida. Friends who called her Glenview home that weekend told investigators Brach never came to the phone and that they instead got a variety of conflicting stories from Matlick. Those weren't Matlick's only strange behaviors. Per a PEOPLE story in 1984, "Matlick scrubbed down the maid's room in Brach's mansion, had one of her Cadillacs washed inside and out, and ordered a meat-grinder attachment from one of Chicago's Marshall Field's department stores. Matlick also cashed six checks supposedly written by Brach; they totaled $13,000. Later Brach's accountant noticed that the signature on the checks wasn't hers. Matlick claimed they looked odd because the lid of a large trunk had hurt Brach's wrist. Experts determined that the signatures were not Matlick's, further confusing the issue." Matlick had begun working for Brach and her late husband Frank, whose family co-founded the eponymous candy company, some 20 years prior to her disappearance. When Frank died in 1970, it was Matlick who became Brach's "right-hand man," per PEOPLE's earlier reporting. Advertisement Advertisement But it would be nearly two weeks before Matlick reported his boss missing to authorities. And while Matlick reportedly failed at least two lie detector tests, he wasn't the only one to come under suspicion throughout the course of the investigation. PEOPLE reported that Brach's own brother, Charles Vorhees, admitted that he and Matlick together burned his sister's diaries and her "automatic writings," notes she had made by holding a pencil tightly and letting "psychic forces" guide her hand. As Vorhees (who PEOPLE reported stood to gain the income from $500,000 of his sister's estate) said of the lost evidence, "I don't think Helen would have wanted anyone to see them." And then there was horse dealer Richard Bailey, from whom Brach had once purchased $300,000 worth of thoroughbred horses that authorities later said were worth far less. Advertisement Advertisement Per a federal case later filed against Bailey in the 1990s, he and his associates were allegedly engaged in a pattern of racketeering schemes, in which they used "Chicago-area stables to defraud wealthy customers with little knowledge of the horse business." According to the U.S. government: "Advertisements lured potential customers to the stables; once there, the conspirators evaluated which prospects were most likely to be wealthy, going so far as to obtain confidential credit and financial information. These persons were then persuaded to invest large sums in relatively worthless, or at least significantly overvalued, horses." But also mentioned in the indictment accusing Bailey and others with defrauding wealthy widows, was a charge that he had solicited Brachs murder as part of a sprawling conspiracy, authorities claimed, that saw dozens of horses killed as part of an insurance scheme. Bailey was convicted of defrauding Brach as part of a larger conspiracy, fraud and racketeering case. In 1994, a judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison. Though not convicted for her murder, the judge said the lengthy sentence in the fraud case reflected Bailey's alleged involvement in the conspiracy to kill Brach. Bailey was released in 2019 and died in 2023 at age 93. Brach's Brach's Candy Corn Brach's Candy Corn Brach was declared legally dead in May 1984. Advertisement Advertisement Her fortune, by then grown to more than $40 million, was reportedly dispersed according to her will: the $500,000 trust fund to Charles Vorhees, and a $50,000 annuity to Jack Matlick (who later ended his legal claim to that portion of the state) with much of the rest going to animal welfare charities. Matlick died at age 79 on February 14, 2011, in a Pennsylvania nursing home. While never charged in her death or disappearance, some law enforcement officials believed he was responsible, saying as much publicly after his death. When asked by ABC7, ex-ATF agent Jim DeLorto said of the secrets Matlick took to his grave: "He probably takes the most important part, which is what happened to her and what happened to her body after she died. He knew." Advertisement Advertisement As Helen's body was never found, her own official gravesite in a private family plot, next to her late husband and dogs still remains empty. In 1990, authorities did exhume a body they thought might have been hers though it was later determined not to be, with the case still unsolved, decades later. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger's sister, Mel Kohberger, broke her silence in a new interview published in The New York Times on Jan. 3 Mel said her family had no clue that Bryan was the killer, and even recalled reaching out to tell him to be careful after learning of the Nov. 13, 2022, killings Mel also revealed she had to leave her job in the wake of the killings after her employer received an influx of inquiries In the three years since Bryan Kohberger killed four University of Idaho students, his family has stayed largely silent. Now, one of his sisters is speaking out. Mel Kohberger, one of his two sisters, broke her silence on Bryan who was sentenced to four lifetimes in prison without parole in 2025 after confessing to the 2022 killings in an interview published in The New York Times on Jan. 3. While Mel did not discuss the crime, she spoke about her childhood with Bryan, her family's lives since his confession and more. Advertisement Advertisement After first learning of the Nov. 13, 2022, killings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, when a then-unknown suspect broke into their off-campus home, Mel said she reached out to tell her brother to be careful. Bryan, you are running outside and this psycho killer is on the loose, she recalled telling him. In response, she said he told her he would stay safe, and thanked her for her worry. KYLE GREEN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock ( Bryan Kohberger at his sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025 Bryan Kohberger at his sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025 Mel described Bryan to The New York Times as socially awkward, occasionally abrasive and prone to arguments with her, but said she never saw him be violent, citing an instance in which he held her hands back to de-escalate a fight between them. Her parents, Maryann and Michael, taught herself, Bryan and their sister Amanda Kohberger to be loyal, self-reliant and put others needs ahead of their own, she told the outlet. When police broke into her parents Pennsylvania home in the night to apprehend Bryan following the killings, Mel learned of the arrest through Amanda. She thought it may be a prank at first, and then became nauseated, she recalled. Advertisement Advertisement "She was like, Im with the F.B.I., Bryans been arrested, Mel told the The New York Times. I was like, For what? Mel also focused on the impact that being thrust into a national spotlight, particularly given the true crime culture of today, had on her family. At the time of Bryans arrest, Mel was in the training stage of a position as a mental health counselor, which she agreed to leave after the employer received an influx of inquiries. People on the internet also found and dissected footage of Amanda acting in a 2011 horror movie that featured stabbings. Someone has even used the author name Melissa J. Kohberger to publish a book about the case, seemingly trying to capitalize on the killings using Mels likeness, according to The New York Times. Mel described this as confusing and painful." Advertisement Advertisement Its like being victimized but not really being a victim," she said. Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Bryan Kohberger in a courtroom in May 2023 Bryan Kohberger in a courtroom in May 2023 Others theorized that the Kohbergers had long known that Bryan had killed the students, which Mel shut down in the new interview. "I have always been a person who has spoken up for what was right, she told The New York Times. If I ever had a reason to believe my brother did anything, I would have turned him in. Mel also said that, prior to the killings, she and her family had pride in Bryan for becoming a doctoral candidate in the criminology program at Washington State University in the wake of the adversity he faced. He had dealt with bullying growing up, as well as heroin addiction, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement We were all so proud of him, Mel said, because he had overcome so much." She also offered insight into the Kohberger family now, explaining that they feel grief that Bryan cannot be with them during the holidays. But this line of thinking would quickly turn to thinking instead of the families of his victims, and their pain, she told The New York Times. The idea is making me so emotional that I can barely speak to you about it, she told the outlet through tears. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Mel also shared regret about her own past as a true crime fan herself, since being thrust into one of the biggest crime news stories in recent memory. Advertisement Advertisement Its human nature to be curious about darker things, she told the outlet. Thats how we keep ourselves safe. But I think we should try and come together for a true crime culture that is way more protective and empathetic to the families of the victims, she added. Read the original article on People Power was cut to 50,000 households and 2,000 businesses in the south-west of Berlin on Saturday following a fire affecting a grid cable link, the Stromnetz Berlin provider said. "It is not yet clear when power will be restored," company spokesman Henrik Beuster told dpa. This would happen in stages, he said. A cable link over the Teltow Canal carrying a number of cables to the nearby Lichterfelde power station had been damaged by the fire, he said. The fire was now out, Beuster said. The cause of the blaze remained unknown. Advertisement Advertisement A fire services spokesman said the alarm had gone out shortly after 6 am (0500 GMT). Among the facilities needing help were a home for the elderly, he said. Stromnetz Berlin said the outage was comparable with one in September in the south-east of the German capital. In that case the outage persisted for several days. It was caused by a politically motivated attack on two power pylons. In this case, police initially provided no information on the cause. A US appeals court on Friday ruled that Californias ban on openly carrying firearms in most parts of the state was unconstitutional. A panel of the San Francisco-based ninth US circuit court of appeals sided 2-1 with a gun owner in ruling that the states prohibition against open carry in counties with more than 200,000 people violated the US constitutions second amendment right to keep and bear arms. About 95% of the population in California, which has had some of the nations strictest gun-control laws, live in counties of that size. Advertisement Advertisement US circuit judge Lawrence VanDyke, who was appointed by Donald Trump, said the Democratic-led states law could not stand under the US supreme courts 2022 landmark gun rights ruling. That decision, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v Bruen, was issued by the courts 6-3 conservative super-majority and established a new legal test for firearm restrictions. The test said guns must be consistent with this nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. Related: Its our turn: gun-safety advocates are riding a seismic wave to US legislatures VanDyke, whose opinion on Friday was joined by another Trump appointee, said the latest case unquestionably involves a historical practice open carry that predates ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791. Advertisement Advertisement The state first banned the right to carry firearms in public with the Mulford Act of 1967, in part as a reaction to armed patrols by the Black Panther party, whose members went to the state capitol holding pistols, rifles and revolvers to protest the legislation. VanDyke cites this law as an example of the racial animus that the states current approach to open carry is born from. He noted that more than 30 states generally allow open carry. California itself allowed citizens to carry unloaded handguns openly and holstered for self-defense without penalty until 2012, when the state outlawed carrying unloaded handguns, he said. The historical record makes unmistakably plain that open carry is part of this nations history and tradition, VanDyke said. The ruling partially reversed a 2023 decision by a lower-court judge who had rejected a 2019 challenge to the law by gun owner Mark Baird. Advertisement Advertisement While the appeals court largely sided with Baird, it rejected his related challenge to Californias licensing requirements in counties with fewer than 200,000 residents, which may issue open-carry permits. Senior US circuit judge N Randy Smith, who was appointed by George W Bush, dissented, saying his colleagues got this case half right as all of Californias restrictions complied with the supreme courts ruling. Bairds lawyer had no immediate comment. Spokespeople for the California attorney general, Rob Bonta, whose office defended the states ban, did not respond to a request for comment. The 2022 supreme court ruling has prompted court cases nationwide challenging modern firearm restrictions, including in California. In March, the US supreme court will hear arguments in United States v Hemani, a case that will determine whether a federal law that prohibits gun possession by marijuana users violates the second amendment. A ninth circuit panel in September 2024 upheld a California law that prohibits people with concealed-carry permits from carrying firearms at several categories of sensitive places such as bars, parks, zoos, stadiums and museums. Jan 2 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court ruled on Friday that Californias ban on openly carrying firearms in most parts of the state was unconstitutional. A panel of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided 2-1 with a gun owner in ruling that the states prohibition against open carry in counties with more than 200,000 people violated the U.S. Constitutions Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. News: Nicolas Maduro Pleads Not Guilty, Says He Was Captured At Home About 95% of the population in California, which has had some of the nations strictest gun-control laws, live in counties of that size. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Circuit Judge Lawrence VanDyke, who was appointed by Republican President Donald Trump, said the Democratic-led states law could not stand under the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 landmark gun rights ruling. That decision, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v Bruen, was issued by the courts 6-3 conservative super majority and established a new legal test for firearms restrictions. The test said they must be consistent with this nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. VanDyke, whose opinion on Friday was joined by another Trump appointee, said the latest case unquestionably involves a historical practice open carry that predates ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791. News: Tommy Lee Jones' Daughter Found Dead In San Francisco Hotel: Reports He noted that more than 30 states generally allow open carry. California itself allowed citizens to carry handguns openly and holstered for self-defense without penalty until 2012, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The historical record makes unmistakably plain that open carry is part of this Nations history and tradition, VanDyke said. The ruling partially reversed a 2023 decision by a lower-court judge who had rejected a 2019 challenge to the law by gun owner Mark Baird. California Attorney General Rob Bonta comments on the Supreme Court's ruling overturning a federal judge's limits on "roving patrols" and enforcement stops by ICE agents in Southern California, during a news conference on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) via Associated Press While the appeals court largely sided with Baird, it rejected his related challenge to Californias licensing requirements in counties with fewer than 200,000 residents, which may issue open-carry permits. Senior U.S. Circuit Judge N. Randy Smith, who was appointed by Republican former President George W. Bush, dissented, saying his colleagues got this case half right as all of Californias restrictions complied with the Supreme Courts ruling. News: Chuck Schumer Vows To Hold Trump Admin 'Accountable' For 'Reckless' Venezuela Attack A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat who defended the states ban, in a statement said his office is considering its options. We are committed to defending Californias common sense gun laws, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement The 2022 Supreme Court ruling has prompted court cases nationwide challenging modern firearm restrictions, including in California. A 9th Circuit panel in September 2024 upheld a California law that prohibits people with concealed-carry permits from carrying firearms at several categories of sensitive places like bars, parks, zoos, stadiums and museums. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Cynthia Osterman) U.S. Updates Read the original on HuffPost Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. It was around noon when I stepped off the train, surfacing into Lower Manhattans particular brand of winter blightwhen the cold is amplified by tall buildings that block out direct sun and funnel air directly onto your face. It was about 25 degrees, though the temperature felt theoretical once the wind got involved. Within minutes my ears had gone brittle, aching in that sharp kind of way that makes you briefly resent your parents for ever leaving the Middle East. I followed a small group of South Asian aunties in industrial-grade puffers and bright yellow Zohran campaign beanies, which smartly functioned equally as political statements and survival gear. They led me toward the official public block party, a kenneled-off stretch of Broadway that I had optimistically imagined would involve warmth-adjacent amenities: food carts, coffee in little paper cups that burn your fingers just a bit, maybe even porta-potties. Instead, it was a wide, empty street hemmed in by police barricades and a few enormous screens. Music blasted. People stood around. That was it. Advertisement Advertisement The aunties seemed genuinely delighted, bopping along to Bruno Mars as if this were the triumph of civic joy they had been waiting for since Election Day. I, meanwhile, realized that joy without circulation was not sustainable for me. I lasted maybe five minutes. I cut north toward City Hall Plaza, where the actual inauguration was scheduled to take place. I was expecting a spectacle. Zohran Mamdani is a New York mayor of many firsts: the first Muslim, the first South Asian, the first African-born, the first millennial. In the middle of the Trump erawhich has been particularly hostile to every one of those identitiesI wanted to see how that collision landed in person. I was curious how ordinary New Yorkers, from the people who powered his rise to City Hall to those who opposed it and everyone in between, would experience a moment that already felt larger than a single election. What I found instead was something messier and more revealing. New York was working through its feelings in real time. Pride and paranoia crossed paths on the sidewalk. Joy and cynicism hovered in the frozen air. As always, the city was a layered collage best understood through the small encounters and fleeting scenes unfolding at street level as history happened in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Along the barricades, I passed a small group of protesters waving Israeli flags. I approached one woman for a quote. She immediately bristled, waving her hand in my face and telling me to leave, then threatening to call the policean escalation that felt unnecessary given that we were already surrounded by officers. Another protester, who declined to provide her name, apologized quietly for the interaction. She told me that some of the others were kind of crazy. She stood a few feet away from them, holding her flag politely, not chanting or yelling. She said she was worried about Mamdanis background and wanted to show support for Israel in defiance of a mayor who had broken with New Yorks long tradition of unyielding support for the Israeli government. She sounded less angry than anxious, fixated on Mamdanis outspokenness on what experts have called a genocide, and her nervousness for the future of Zionist New Yorkers. By the time I reached the security entrance, the program was supposed to start in less than an hour. Volunteers urged attendees to take their seats, but they milled around, greeting old friends, hugging, shouting names across rows of white folding chairs. Unlike the public block party, this felt like a gathering of the campaigns engineorganizers, supporters, donors, artists, electedsthe people who had powered what many still described as the biggest political upset since Donald Trumps 2016 win. Just inside the checkpoint, a woman smiled and said, Hi, Im Marisa. Another chimed in: Hi, Im Natasha. It took me a second to register that they were Marisa Tomei and Natasha Lyonne. Neither was surrounded by handlers or slated to speak. They were simply there, guests like everyone else, bundled up and waiting for things to begin. Both were warm and unfussy, radiating the kind of ease that comes from being completely at home in a crowd like this. The inauguration hadnt even started, and already it was a vibe. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds filled the seats. There was music, chatter, the low buzz of anticipation. And yet, nothing about this place was warm. I was uncontrollably shivering. I started mentally cataloging everything I hadnt brought with me: a fluffy scarf, a hat that actually covered my ears, maybe even a balaclava, though I doubted that would play well for an Arab at an inauguration, even with the mayor being a Muslim. Everywhere I looked were red Democratic Socialists of America beanies, pulled low, doing the quiet but essential work of insulation. I considered asking for one, though I want to be clear: I wanted one because my head was so cold I could feel my thoughts slowing down. Still, there was something remarkable about the destigmatization of a previously dirty word in politics out in force on the lawn of City Hall. Aymann Ismail Then I saw him. A Sikh man a few rows from the front unfurled a blanket with the calm confidence of someone who had planned for this exact scenario. He wrapped himself completely and settled into his chair. At regular intervals, he poured himself a cup of steaming hot chai from his thermos. I watched with envy the way the steam rose into the air. Id have traded my camera for a sip. Advertisement Advertisement The crowd itself felt carefully curated: actors, activists, organizers, journalists, all packed together. Walton Goggins, of HBOs The White Lotus, hovered nearby, visibly delighted to see Lyonne. Model Waris Ahluwalia looked impeccable, as expected. Kareem Rahma, of Subway Takes fame, fresh off the best year of his career, filmed the scene on his caseless iPhone. Mustafa the Poet was there too, unmistakable and stylish. Then came the faces I knew from my reporting in 2025: Mohsen Mahdawi and Mahmoud Khalil, Palestinian students of Columbia University with green cards who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their activism. Linda Sarsour, a Brooklyn-born activist, sat near the front in a striking purple hijab. Simone Zimmerman, a Zeteo contributor and a central focus of the film Israelism. Writer Suzy Hansen and I exchanged smiles as we took it all in. It was brutally cold. Sitting felt impossible. I kept moving, using my camera as an excuse. If I sit, Ill miss the moment, I kept telling people. I ran into familiar facesAsad Dandia, Husein Yatabarry, Dr. Debbie AlmontaserMuslim New Yorkers I know as part of the civic ecosystem that helped propel Mamdani to success. As I continued to circle the crowd, ducking between rows of folding chairs, I caught the same refrains over and over. Visitors chatted as they tried to process what they were watching unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Ive never seen this much negative coverage of any New York mayor. Fearmongering and what ifs count as journalism now? one said. Another agreed. Even if he cant accomplish everythingbecause, lets be honest, theyre going to make his life hellat least hes given us a vision of what different could look like, they noted. Anyone who has to contort themselves this hard to hate the most likable political figure imaginable clearly has a persecution fetish. A Muslim woman in hijab said, If the Democratic Party had half Mamdanis integrity, the fascists wouldnt be winning. An excited fan waving a handmade Mamdani sign exclaimed, Zohran delivered Bernie clapping in a beaniealready the best mayor! Another reveler asked: Wait. Is that Susan Sarandon? Thats definitely Susan Sarandon. And John Turturro. Right? I also overheard some fierce debates between visitors in DSA hats. This feels like Obama all over again, and that scares me. Theyre going to sabotage him at every turn and then blame him when things dont magically work, said one. Can we stop saying free transit? We pay for it. Libraries, schools, buses, thats what taxes are for. Said another: Socialists used to hold office in this country. They helped win labor rights we take for granted, They added: MAGA keeps saying they hate corrupt billionaire elitesbut theyre terrified of a guy who wants to tax the rich? What did you think an everyman mayor was supposed to do? (At one point, people around me began whispering excitedly about outgoing Mayor Eric Adams. Apparently, he looked miserable. Someone said, Hes having a terrible time. Someone else replied, Good. I had snapped a photo earlier in which he appeared to be pouting. I showed it to them. They leaped with joy. It was petty. It was human.) Aymann Ismail The program began with a speech delivered by an excited Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. New York City has chosen the ambitious pursuit of universal child care, affordable rents and housing, and clean and dignified public transit for all. We have chosen that over the distractions of bigotry and the barbarism of extreme income inequality. Advertisement Advertisement She and other speakers made several references to the fact that the city was now officially in the care of its first Muslim leader. Imam Khalid Latif was the New York Police Departments first Muslim chaplain and executive director and chaplain (imam) for the Islamic Center at New York University; he left the latter post last summer to become the co-founder and executive director of the Islamic Center of New York City. As with the many sermons hes given for Friday prayer, he delivered a moving speech that explicitly tied Mamdanis faith to his politics. I came expecting a political coronation. But as I worked my way through the crowd, it felt closer to a collective recalibrationa moment to take stock of how ideas once dismissed as fringe, like openly taxing wealthy citizens, were now being voiced from the steps of City Hall without apology, and to wonder how much further the shift could go. Aymann Ismail Bernie Sanders delivered an impassioned speech in which he demanded our government put a stop to growing income inequality. The audience collectively broke out into a loud chant: Tax the rich! A person next to me remarked, Lets start with everyone up there!, pointing to Mamdanis political allies who had joined him onstage. There was still plenty of starry-eyed enthusiasm for the handsome young mayor and the hope he represented. But beneath that was something more measured: a curiosity about how far the boundaries of the possible had moved in just a year. Advertisement Advertisement For Muslim New Yorkers, however, the moment carried an undeniable added weight. It marked a break from the post-9/11 norms of suspicion and overpolicing many had grown accustomed to, even if no one pretended a finish line had been crossed. If the election signaled anything, it was that the city was willing, at least for now, to test what happens when the old guardrails of governance are loosened and we head in a new direction. When Mamdani finally took the stage, the energy spiked. At 34, he is the citys youngest mayor in over a century and, as its first Muslim mayor, the first to take the oath of office on a Quran. Sanders administered the oath, a detail that might have seemed odd given that the senator represents Vermont, but Mamdani cut his political teeth working on Sanders campaign, borrowed much of his democratic socialist vocabulary from him, and describes the senator as a political role model. In that sense, it appeared more like an anointing than a procedural formality: the veteran of the American left passing the baton to a younger standard-bearer. But that raises an obvious question, one that has hovered over Mamdanis rise from the start: Is he controversial more for his politics or for his religion? The honest answer is that the two are often deliberately collapsed into each other by critics who want to scare Americans with labels, a tactic that would be funny were they not so malignant: think Islamo-Marxism and Islamo-Communism. Both are shorthand for something foreign. This is where I should stop and define what democratic socialism is, as its been at the center of much of the misinformation about Mamdani. Democratic socialism, as practiced by Zohran Mamdani, is not about abolishing markets or nationalizing everything in sight. Its about using democratic government to make sure basic needshousing, transit, health care, educationarent treated like luxury goods. New York already runs on plenty of these ideas: public schools, public hospitals, rent regulation, the subway. No one panics when the fire department shows up. Weve just decided, over time, that some things work better when profit isnt the point. Advertisement Advertisement Theres also the religionone that Mamdani and I share. He ran openly as a Muslim in a city still shaped by 9/11, where the backlash that followed turned Muslims in New York and New Jersey into targets of NYPD surveillance and, at times, convenient scapegoats for elected officials. Mamdani made efforts to reassure skeptics, but he didnt shrink himself to avoid the familiar panic. Claims of divided loyalties will echo, along with other decades-old tropes. Instead, he adopted a posture many of us learned long ago: smiling, appealing to shared humanity and civil rights, refusing to let bad-faith attacks dictate his mood. When youre held up by a community, the panic stays external. Then, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani delivered his speech. It was measured, full of gratitude, hope, and defiance, which was the opposite of how Mamdanis rise has been framed in much of the country. For months, the panic had been building, growing louder and more unhinged the closer he got to actually winning. After he defeated Andrew Cuomo, parts of the right responded with something less like political critique than demographic hallucination. In November, Sen. Tommy Tuberville warned that New York was already lost. We just saw what happened in New York, he said. We lost New York. It will be completely Muslim in three or four years. In the senators framing, Mamdani is an appendage of a nefarious global force seeking to destroy America. Mamdanis speech showed he understands New York, and America, possibly better than anyone else, definitely more than Tuberville. Tuberville, who has described Islam as a cult and suggested that Muslims are here to conquer, is not fringe. His comments circulated widely, echoed by conservative commentators and algorithmically rewarded for their certainty. He was just sworn in on the Quran, wrote right-wing influencer Benny Johnson. New York, we tried to warn you. Advertisement Advertisement Warned us of what, exactly? Its not clear. That a Muslim might govern openly as himself? That a holy book might briefly appear on a municipal stage? That the city where nearly every language and religion on earth already exists in public would somehow collapse under the weight of its own plurality? Throughout, Zionist protesters across the barricades tried to break the moment with air horns, their blare faint but audible on the official recording. No one onstage flinched. Mamdani didnt pause. The crowd didnt turn. The speech carried on, uninterrupted. When the new mayor turned to the question of who this city is for, he was blunt. They will be Russian Jewish immigrants in Brighton Beach, he said. They will be Palestinian New Yorkers in Bay Ridge who will no longer have to contend with a politics that speaks of universalism and then makes them the exception. I interpreted it as a rebuke of a Democratic culture long comfortable invoking unity while carving out exclusions. Standing there in the cold, watching Mamdani rest his hand on the Quran while Sanders administered the oath, I found the disconnect impossible to ignore. There was no takeover, no creeping caliphate. Just a bundled-up mayor promising to govern audaciously, speaking to a crowd that looked exactly like New York at its best. What struck me most was how unremarkable it all was, in a good way. He didnt brandish it as a symbol or treat the moment like a breakthrough to be celebrated. He took the oath. He finished. The ceremony moved on. It was quiet, almost defiant in its normality. It was a welcome change. And yet I felt something else toosomething I hadnt quite expected. A flicker of satisfaction. A guilty, bracing thrill. For years, Muslim Americans have been instructed explicitly to keep our heads down. To soften ourselves. To reassure the anxious who are deeply misinformed about the content of the Quran and the nature of its followers. I saw it in my family too. My father, who worked in New York as a taxicab and black car driver for 30 years, told me to be grateful, to be quiet, and to avoid bringing any extra attention to ourselves or our community. That we had enough problems to deal with and didnt need to give anyone an excuse to train their Islamophobia on us. My mom took a slightly different approach, noting that it was up to us to gently prove we are not the nightmare someone else keeps insisting we are by being nice, being charitable at every opportunity, and making sure everyone knows were Muslim if only just to offer them another glimpse of what we are to contrast with what they might assume. Watching the panic unfold, I realized that part of what felt so electric about this moment was that, for once, the discomfort and uncertainty had shifted off my shoulders and onto those who hate American Muslims the most. For just a moment, it wasnt Muslims being asked to stomach their fear for what the future might hold. It was the people who hate us tryingand failingto make Mamdani into some Muslim ideologue who moonlights as a jihadist with dual allegiance to a nonexistent global Muslim cabal. In his speech, Mamdani directly addressed his skeptics, those who view this administration with distrust or disdain, and told them plainly: If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor. He invoked what he loved about growing up in the city, the languages, foods, and neighborhoods, the fact that he, a Muslim, can have bagel and lox as one of his weekly rituals. He described a place that looked and sounded exactly like the crowd shivering in front of him. Its hopeful to see oneself in the top seat. Its a new experience for us, something others get to experience. Cant we just have that? I was cold and extremely ready to go home, more than confident I had seen enough for my story and eager to be out of the cold. And then, outside, like a glitch in the city, I ran into Curtis Sliwathe 2025 Republican candidate for New York mayor. He was alone, wandering. He told me he had RSVPd and was in line with all the peeps waiting to get in but had never made it inside. He didnt even catch Mamdanis speech. The line was too long. I asked why he hadnt gone to the front, that surely someone would have recognized him and ushered him inside. He laughed and said he preferred it this way: Come on. Im no VIP. Im just one of the regular people out of the subway into the streets. He said he had no regrets about his campaign. He smiled when he recalled Mamdani saying hed rather be trapped in an elevator with Sliwa than Cuomo. He told me he planned to support Mamdani. He won fair and square. He should be given a chance to put his agenda into place. Even if you disagree with him politically, you got to say: If he is successful, then the city is successful, the state, the country, everyone is successful. But you have haters out there, and thats what life is about. Aymann Ismail He admitted he felt wanted by neither Republicans nor Democrats. Im an outlier, he said. Id rather be with the people. Then he vanished into the afternoon just as quickly as hed appeared. What stayed with me wasnt just pride, though there was plenty of that. It was relief. Relief that, for once, a side selling hope instead of fear had won. And it was clear this wasnt some narrow Muslim celebration. Muslims largely supported Mamdani, but they werent automatic votes. They were earned. He campaigned for them, chasing them around at one of the public celebrations that make New York such an exciting place to live. Thats the complexity of it. The pride of watching a Muslim achieve something historic, paired with the humility of knowing that this victory doesnt belong to Muslims alone. Zohran Mamdani isnt a Muslim mayor the way his critics insist. Hes the mayor of New York City. Individuals named Paien are typically characterized by their strong connection to tradition, practical wisdom, and steadfast reliability. They possess an earthy pragmatism combined with deep loyalty to their principles and communities. These are individuals who value substance over appearance, often displaying remarkable patience and perseverance in pursuing their goals. Their strength lies in their consistency and ability to maintain stability in turbulent times. Paien personalities often exhibit a quiet confidence born from self-knowledge rather than external validation. They tend to be observant, thoughtful decision-makers who consider long-term consequences rather than seeking immediate gratification. While sometimes perceived as conservative or resistant to change, this stems from their profound respect for established systems that have proven effective over time. Their leadership style is typically characterized by quiet authority rather than flamboyant displays of power, earning respect through demonstrated competence and unwavering integrity in both personal and professional relationships. Towering at five and a half feet tall, sprinting up to 31 miles per hour, and leaping up to seven feet off the ground, cassowaries are the stuff of legends. They are the third largest bird in the world, weighing up to 175 pounds with sharp talons that grow up to five inches long. Their powerful kick, which defends them from predators, can break bones, damage internal organs, and even be lethal. These birds look like an intimidating cross between a velociraptor, an emu, and a giant turkey, says childrens book author Beverley McWilliams, who wrote the book Cassowary Dad. The two recorded human deaths related to this creature have earned it the title of worlds most dangerous bird in the Guinness Book of World Records. Advertisement Advertisement But scientists say these striking birds are misunderstood, and focusing on their potential to be aggressive overshadows how important they are to science, history, and ecosystems. For one, cassowaries, like most modern birds, are direct descendants of theropod dinosaurs. The helmet-like casque on a cassowarys head is one of its most dinosaur-like features. Observing these birds can work like a time machine, helping paleontologists imagine how extinct dinosaurs might have behaved, says Todd Green, paleontologist at the New York Institute of Technology. The majestic cassowary has long been important to indigenous communities, found in up to nine-thousand-year-old artifacts. And these birds keep their entire forest ecosystems across Oceania running by dispersing seeds. Cassowaries arent naturally aggressive, experts say, regardless of how their anatomy might make them seem scary. Advertisement Advertisement Heres how cassowaries got such a bad reputation, and why conservationists are worried it may affect the species future. A male cassowary feasts on blue quandongs, a favorite fruit of the species. CHRISTIAN ZIEGLER, Nat Geo Image Collection How cassowaries got a bad rap Allen Sheather of Rainforest Rescues Cassowary Recovery Team has had plenty of run-ins with cassowaries, and after over 30 years working with the enormous birds, he thinks weve got them all wrong. A cassowary once approached Sheather while he was crouched down, working on his house in Australia. I only noticed her when her feet were directly in front of me, recounts Sheather. It is quite daunting to see a cassowary looking up from low down. But the bird just watched him, picked up some fruits near him, and walked away. Theyre very curious birds, says Sheather, which can be misinterpreted as aggression. During World War II, reportedly American and Australian troops stationed in New Guinea were warned to steer clear of the large birds. Advertisement Advertisement So why did these curious birds come to be named the most dangerous in the world? Cassowaries have killed two people in recorded history: an Australian teenager was killed in 1926 after hitting a cassowary with a bat, and a man in Florida was killed in 2019 by a cassowary he kept in captivity, bringing the worlds attention to the formidable birds. A study of 150 reported cassowary attacks on humans in Queensland, Australia, found in most cases the birds attacked while defending food, their chicks, or eggs, or when cornered. In 75 percent of cases people had previously fed the birds. These cassowaries associate people with food, and this can change their naturally shy behavior, explains McWilliams, resulting in them chasing people and cars or approaching houses with the expectation of being fed. Crocodiles kill about a thousand people a year, and hippos kill about 500 people a year, compared to cassowaries two recorded fatalities since 1926. They have the equipment to cause a lot of damage, says Green, but if youre respecting them and respecting their space, its very unlikely to be an issue. Advertisement Advertisement In fact, these birds also have a unique family dynamic, as fathers are often involved in raising offspring. The relationship between cassowary males and their chicks inspired McWilliams childrens book Cassowary Dad. Among these birds, its the father who incubates the eggs, and is frequently the only parent caring for chicks. McWilliams explains that during egg incubation the father will barely leave the nest, and after hatching he spends up to 18 months with the chicks. Cassowaries are protective and proactive fathers, says McWilliams. They are arguably natures most devoted dads. A southern cassowary at White Oak Conservation Center in Nassau County, Florida. The casquea helmet-like structure sitting on top of the cassowary's headacts as a thermal radiator to cool the bird in hot rainforests. Fans Lanting, Nat Geo Image collection This close up shot shows the feet of a southern cassowary. Roland Seitre, Nature Picture Library Cassowaries as the heroes of their ecosystems Cassowaries havent always been so maligned. Their otherworldly presence is featured extensively in mythology from indigenous groups of New Guinea, often as the hero of the story. As birds that walk on two feet rather than fly, they are described as creatures halfway between the human and animal worlds: in one creation myth cassowaries even transformed into the worlds first humans. The cassowary is part of traditional songs and ceremonies, and they have been a treasured source of meat, bones, and feathers for ritual ornaments. Along with their cultural significance, cassowaries are also vital to rainforest ecosystems. They are considered a keystone species, eating fruit whole and spreading seeds through their droppings over long distances, encouraging new plants to grow in their path. ( Why some animals are more important to ecosystems than others .) Advertisement Advertisement Some plants practically rely on the birds for fertilization. Ryparosa kurrangii, a rare tree in Queensland tropical rainforests, has a symbiotic relationship with cassowaries, only sprouting about four percent of the time when planted without the help of the bird. However when the seeds first passed through a cassowary's gut, they germinated 92 percent of the time allowing this tree to survive. Cassowaries also give researchers a look into the Mesozoic Era. Cassowaries serve as living models for dinosaur features, offering paleontologists clues to dinosaur senses, feather structure, and mobility. A cassowary chick runs to find a fruit it heard dropping to the ground. Cassowary chicks eat a mix of fallen fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. CHRISTIAN ZIEGLER, Nat Geo Image collection Conservation and coexistence Despite their image, humans are a bigger threat to cassowaries than they are to us. Southern cassowaries are now endangered in Australia, with less than 5,000 left in the wild, threatened by habitat loss, car strikes, and dog attacks. Since cassowaries are slow to reach breeding age, and can live up to 50 years, each cassowary lost has a major impact on the population. Portraying cassowaries as simply dangerous and aggressive is unfair and potentially harmful to an animal that needs our protection, says McWilliams. Advertisement Advertisement The Queensland government has implemented better road signage to avoid collisions with cassowaries, and education programs for dog owners. Meanwhile, nonprofits like Rainforest Rescue are working to restore and reconnect rainforest fragments to improve habitat. (Read how this bird plays a central role in shaping the rain forest.) A southern cassowary stands in the foliage of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. UNESCO's World Heritage Convention recognizes this area for its extensive and varied array of plants, as well as rare and endangered animals and plant species. CHRISTIAN ZIEGLER, Nat Geo Image collection One thing I am particularly proud of is that through the work of the Cassowary Recovery Team we have been able to stabilize the existing population, says Sheather. Other Australian environmental groups like the Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation and Kuranda Conservation focus on local education, land restoration like tree planting, and rehabilitating injured cassowaries. You might be intimidated to be face-to-face with one of these impressive birds, but conserving them is crucialand they command respect. Although Green has spent years in the presence of cassowaries in captivity and in the wild, he says their curiosity, intelligence, and striking presence never gets old. Its something I will never get used to, and I will never stop appreciating, says Green. These birds are just absolutely magnificent. A man accused of punching several women in Chicago's Loop appeared in court Friday, where he was indicted. Marlon Miller is facing three counts of aggravated battery. Some have argued the 40-year-old suspect should have never been on the streets. A judge ordered he remain in custody lats month. Previously, Miller was ordered to have a health evaluation while in custody. Miller was also accused of throwing a milkshake at a woman near the Chicago Theatre last month and punching two women in the face on Lake Street in October. After that incident, a judge placed him on electronic monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE | Alleged serial Loop puncher ordered detained; victim speaks out: 'It was really bad for me' Investigators say he attacked at least three women in December. He was on an ankle monitor at the time of the attacks for several other attacks, officials said. CHICOPEE The Cabotville Mill property might land in the hands of the city because of unpaid taxes, according to Hampden County Registry of Deeds documents. Chicopee officials were hopeful that the sprawling 700,000-square-foot property in the citys center would be redeveloped to help revitalize the downtown. Instead, John Vieau, the citys mayor, said Friday, We were forced to take (tax) title. Advertisement Advertisement The citys liens go unpaid, it could force a foreclosure. Recouping the lost taxes which is about $750,000, with interest might result in Cabotville being put on the auction block, said Vieau. Documents show that 4 Perkins LLC, managed by Aaron Papowitz, bought the massive mill property in 2018 for $7.8 million. After purchasing the building on Front Street, 4 Perkins received a $25.5 million construction mortgage from the Easthampton Savings Bank but did little to improve or renovate the property, according to a lawsuit filed by the city against the property owner last year over a lien for the citys expenses in keeping the building secure. That cost the city $88,000. Advertisement Advertisement The mortgage was discharged in 2021, according to the complaint. In March 2022, the city brought code enforcement violations against 4 Perkins after it failed to comply with state building and fire safety requirements. The buildings tenants had to evacuate under court order after a judge deemed it unsafe. Vieau said Friday that no one is occupying the building. Papowitz, according to deed documents, did not keep the buildings fire alarm panel and fire sprinkler system up to code, incurring thousands of dollars that he owes to the city. The building is condemned, Vieau said. We gave him many chances to right these violations, but he did not. Advertisement Advertisement Vieau said it was in the best interests of the community to take back the mill property but noted that the city is not a landlord. We dont want to own other peoples real estate, he said. Were not in the business of taking titles or redeveloping properties. Vieau said he has not recently spoken with Papowitz, who did not return a request for comment Friday afternoon. Last spring, Mark Yunger, a New York entrepreneur, filed a new special permit application with the City Council, renewing an interest in purchasing the mill property for redevelopment. Vieau said the deal between Yunger and Papowitz had fallen through in the fall after a disagreement over the purchasing costs. Advertisement Advertisement However, another prospective buyer might be in the wings, the mayor said. The small town feel Ive been working towards is still in the works, he said. The former mill building, which was condemned in 2022, has been the subject of cautious optimism for many years, as interested parties have filed redevelopment proposals. Older special permit proposals have been approved by the City Council to convert the building into about 600 units of housing, a continued vision of the mayor. While it is not in Vieaus purview to determine what comes of the property, he said he is well-aware of the shortage of housing units in Western Massachusetts, and how a repurposed Cabotville could have an effect on the region. Advertisement Advertisement I strongly believe this property is a key component of revitalizing our downtown, said Vieau. There are potentially 600 units of workforce housing that will offer a place for people to live near where they work. Vieau encourages potential buyers to reach out to the city if they are interested in redeveloping the property. This story has been corrected to reflect that the Cabotville Mill building owner owes about $750,000 in back taxes, that $88,000 was the cost to secure the building, and that the process is beginning for the potential taking of the building by the city. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. (NewsNation) China has launched the worlds first drone mothership, a 35,000-pound unmanned aircraft that can deploy more than 100 smaller drones. Jiutian (High Sky in Chinese) is the name of Chinas massive jet-powered aircraft, known as an unmanned aerial vehicle, that took its first flight in the Pucheng region of Shaanxi province on Dec. 11. Having a drone mothership would allow China to boost its aerial military capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Trump and top Iranian officials exchange threats over protests roiling Iran A key mission for the design is expected to be acting as a mothership for swarms of smaller uncrewed aerial systems, TWZ reported. It could also take on a supportive role in other areas, like transporting heavy cargo or providing support during natural disasters. The state-run Aviation Industry Corporation of China unveiled the drone mothership a year ago at the Zhuhai Airshow in late 2024. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. For months, US spies had been monitoring Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's every move. A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government, had been observing where the 63-year-old slept, what he ate, what he wore and even, according to top military officials, "his pets". Then, in early December, a planned mission dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve" was finalised. It was the result of months of meticulous planning and rehearsals, which even included elite US troops creating an exact full-size replica of Maduro's Caracas safe house to practise their entry routes. Advertisement Advertisement The plan - which amounted to an extraordinary US military intervention in Latin America not seen since the Cold War - was closely guarded. Congress was not informed or consulted ahead of time. With the precise details set, top military officials simply had to wait for the optimal conditions to launch. They wanted to maximise the element of surprise, officials said on Saturday. There was a false start four days earlier when US President Donald Trump gave approval, but they opted to wait for better weather and less cloud cover. "Over the weeks through Christmas and New Year, the men and women of the United States military sat ready, patiently waiting for the right triggers to be met and the president to order us into action," General Dan Caine, the nation's highest-ranking military officer, told a news conference on Saturday morning. 'Good luck and godspeed' The order from the president to begin the mission finally came at 22:46 EST on Friday (03:46 GMT on Saturday). Advertisement Advertisement "We were going to do this four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, and then all of a sudden it opened up. And we said: go," Trump himself told Fox & Friends on Saturday, hours after the overnight raid. "He said to us, and we appreciate it... good luck and godspeed," Gen Caine said. Trump's order came shortly before midnight in Caracas, giving the military most of the night to operate in darkness. What followed was a two-hour-and-twenty-minute mission by air, land and sea that stunned many in Washington and around the world. In terms of scale and precision, it was virtually unprecedented. And it drew immediate condemnation from several regional powers, with Brazil's President Lula da Silva saying the violent capture of Venezuela's leader set "yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community". Advertisement Advertisement Trump did not follow the mission from the White House situation room. Instead, he was surrounded by his advisers at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he watched a live stream of the operation flanked by CIA Director John Ratcliffe and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "It was an incredible thing to see," Trump said on Saturday. "If you would have seen what happened, I mean, I watched it literally like I was watching a television show. And if you would've seen the speed, the violence... it's just, it was an amazing thing, an amazing job that these people did." Trump watched a live stream of the operation from his Florida estate [Donald Trump / TruthSocial] From left to right: Defence secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA director John Ratcliffe, Rubio and Trump infront of a screen showing posts from X [Donald Trump / TruthSocial] Gen Caine (left) was also in the room [Donald Trump / TruthSocial] In recent months, thousands of US troops have deployed to the region, joining an aircraft carrier and dozens of warships in the largest military build-up in decades as Trump has accused Maduro of drug-trafficking and narco-terrorism, and blown up dozens of small boats accused of ferrying drugs through the region. Advertisement Advertisement But the first signs of Operation Absolute Resolve were in the skies. More than 150 aircraft - including bombers, fighter jets and reconnaissance planes - were ultimately deployed through the course of the night, according to US officials. "It was very complex, extremely complex, the whole manoeuvre, the landings, the number of aircraft," Trump told Fox News. "We had a fighter jet for every possible situation." Loud explosions were heard in Caracas at about 02:00 local time (06:00 GMT), and plumes of smoke were seen rising over the city. "I heard a huge sound, a loud bang," reporter Ana Vanessa Herrero told the BBC. "It moved all the windows. Immediately after I saw a huge cloud of smoke that almost blocked the entire view." She added: "Planes and helicopters were flying all over the city." Advertisement Advertisement Soon, videos showing numerous aircraft in the skies - and others showing the apparent aftermath of explosions - began to circulate widely on social media. One showed a convoy of helicopters flying at low altitude over Caracas as smoke rose from apparent detonations. "We woke up at around 01:55 to the roar of explosions and the hum of planes flying over Caracas," one witness, Daniela, told the BBC. "Everything was plunged into absolute darkness, illuminated only by the flashes of nearby detonations." She added: "Neighbours were messaging in the condominium group chat, all confused and unaware of what was happening [and] frightened by the blasts." BBC Verify has examined a number of videos showing explosions, fire and smoke in locations around Caracas to identify exactly which sites were targeted. Advertisement Advertisement So far, it has confirmed five locations including Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, an airfield known as La Carlota and Port La Guaira, Caracas' main conduit to the Caribbean Sea. [BBC] Some of the US strikes targeted air defence systems and other military targets, officials said. Trump also suggested the US cut the power in Caracas before the mission began, though he did not specify how. "The lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have," he said. "It was dark and it was deadly." 'They knew we were coming' As strikes rang out around Caracas, US forces made their way into the city. They included members of the elite Delta Force, the US military's top special mission unit, sources told the BBC's US news partner CBS. They were heavily armed - and carried a blowtorch in case they had to cut through the metal doors of Maduro's safe house. Advertisement Advertisement The troops arrived at Maduro's location shortly after the strikes began at 02:01 local time, according to Gen Caine. Trump described the safe house as a military "fortress" in the heart of Caracas, saying: "They were in a ready position waiting for us. They knew we were coming." The troops took fire when they arrived, and one of the US helicopters was hit but was still able to fly. "The apprehension force descended into Maduro's compound and moved with speed, precision and discipline," Gen Caine said. "They just broke in, and they broke into places that were not really able to be broken into, you know, steel doors that were put there for just this reason," Trump remarked. It was only as the operation - which also saw Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, seized - was unfolding that Rubio began notifying lawmakers about the action, a decision which has since prompted anger from some in the US Congress. Advertisement Advertisement "Let me be clear: Nicolas Maduro is an illegitimate dictator. But launching military action without congressional authorisation and without a credible plan for what comes next is reckless," said top Democrat Chuck Schumer, the party's leader in the Senate. Briefing Congress ahead of time would have endangered the mission, Rubio told reporters during the news conference on Saturday. "Congress has a tendency to leak," Trump added. "This would not be good." The US struck several locations around Caracas, including Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex [Getty Images] In Maduro's compound, as elite US troops flooded in, Trump said the Venezuelan president - who has reportedly increased his reliance on Cuban bodyguards in recent months - attempted to flee to a safe room. "He was trying to get to a safe place, which wasn't safe, because we would have had the door blown up in about 47 seconds," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement "He made it to the door. He was unable to close it. He got bum rushed so fast that he didn't get into that [room]." When asked if the US could have killed Maduro, an authoritarian leader who took over the presidency in 2013, if he had resisted arrest, Trump said: "It could have happened." On the US side, "a couple of guys were hit", he said, but no US service members were killed. In a statement on Sunday, Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said a "large part" of Maduro's security team and "soldiers and innocent civilians" were killed in the US operation. The US had previously offered a $50m (37m) reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest. But by 04:20 local time on Saturday, helicopters were leaving Venezuelan territory with Maduro and his wife on board, in custody of the US Department of Justice and en route ultimately to New York, where they are expected to face criminal charges. Almost exactly an hour later Trump announced the news of his capture to the world. "Maduro and his wife will soon face the full might of American justice," he said. Additional reporting by Cristobal Vasquez More on this story When the United States conducted an overnight military strike on Venezuela on Saturday morning, Jan. 3, not only was the nation's leader, Nicolas Maduro, captured, but so was his wife, Cilia Flores. Flores, 69, and her husband have been indicted in the Southern District of New York; however, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi did not initially share the charges against the Venezuelan former first lady. According to an X post shared by Bondi, Maduro is facing charges of "Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States." Maduro and Flores arrived at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Orange County, New York, about 80 minutes north of Manhattan, on Saturday, Jan. 3. The couple was captured in Caracas, Venezuela, and flown by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima, which is an amphibious assault ship. President Donald Trump posted an image of Maduro aboard the warship on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said during a news conference on Saturday following the strike. With all eyes on Venezuela, here's what to know about the nation's former first lady. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. See Maduro's years of leadership in photos, beginning here after he was sworn in for a third six-year term, in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan. 10, 2025. Nicolas Maduro, deputy for Venezuela's ruling party, addresses a crowd of supporters of President Hugo Chavez in March 2004 in Caracas. The President of Venezuela's National Assembly, Nicolas Maduro, delivers a speech during a massive May Day demonstration at Havana's Plaza de la Revolucion (Revolution Square), May 1, 2005. More than one million people, according to official estimates, gathered to commemorate International Labor Day, as Cuban leader Fidel Castro honored the common worker and condemned "Yankee Imperialism" by the United States. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (L) speaks with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro during the signing of an agreement with Chinese businessmen on Oct. 17, 2006, in the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas. Foreign Minister of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro Moros speaks to the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly, Oct.2, 2007 at the United Nations in New York. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro delivers a speech before supporters gathering outside the presidential palace in Caracas on Mar. 12, 2015. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro takes part in a military drill in Charallave, Venezuela, on Jan. 14, 2017. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro (L) speaks during a gathering in support of him and his proposal for the National Constituent Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 27, 2017. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro greets supporters during his closing campaign rally in Caracas, Venezuela, on May 17, 2018. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro (R), flanked by his wife Cilia Flores (C), holds a Venezuelan flag while speaking from a balcony at Miraflores Presidential Palace to a crowd of supporters to announce he was breaking off diplomatic ties with the United States, during a gathering in Caracas on Jan. 23, 2019. Maduro announced he was breaking off diplomatic ties with the United States, after his counterpart, President Donald Trump, acknowledged opposition leader Juan Guaido as the South American country's "interim president." Nicolas Maduro gestures during a meeting with soldiers at a military base in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 30, 2019. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (L) and his wife Cilia Flores attend a May Day rally in Caracas on May 1, 2019. Opposition supporters demonstrated for a second consecutive day in support of their country's self-proclaimed leader Juan Guaido, as he bids to overthrow Maduro. Maduro and his government have vowed to put down what they see as an attempted coup by the US-backed opposition leader. Venezuelan President and presidential candidate Nicolas Maduro reacts following the presidential election results in Caracas on July 29, 2024. Maduro won reelection with 51.2 percent of the votes cast Sunday, the electoral council announced, after a campaign tainted by claims of opposition intimidation and fears of fraud. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures next to first lady Cilia Flores during an event marking the 165th anniversary of the Battle of Santa Ines in Caracas on Dec. 10, 2024. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro walks with his wife Cilia Flores while leaving the Capitolio, home of the National Assembly, after taking the oath during the presidential inauguration in Caracas on Jan. 10, 2025. Maduro, in power since 2013, took the oath of office for a third term despite a global outcry that brought thousands out in protest on the ceremony's eve. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a rally to mark the anniversary of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's initial coup attempt in 1992, in Caracas, Venezuela, on Feb. 4, 2025. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro dances during a rally in Caracas on Dec. 1, 2025. Venezuela does not want "a slave's peace," Maduro told thousands of supporters during a rally, referring to a U.S. military deployment he said has been "testing" his country for 22 weeks. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro kisses the national flag during a rally in Caracas on Dec. 1, 2025. See moments from Nicolas Maduro's years of leadership in Venezuela 1 of 18 The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. See Maduro's years of leadership in photos, beginning here after he was sworn in for a third six-year term, in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan. 10, 2025. Who is Cilia Flores? Flores is a Venezuelan lawyer and politician. Since 2015, she has served as a deputy in the National Assembly of Venezuela, of which she was president from 2006 to 2011, for her home state of Cojedes. She also previously served as Venezuela's attorney general from 2012 to 2013. Throughout her legal career, Flores gained a reputation as a tough attorney, particularly after she led the defense team of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and helped secure his release from prison in 1994, following an unsuccessful coup in 1992, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Flores became Venezuela's first lady when Maduro won the 2013 presidential election over Henrique Capriles. "She has a fiery character. What you saw of her in parliament, that's exactly what she is like at home," Maduro said about his wife during a rally on his campaign trail, per Reuters. Cilia Flores, wife of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, speaks as she carries Gloryannys Machado, who arrived on a deportation flight carrying children of Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States, at Simon Bolivar International Airport, in Maiquetia, Venezuela July 18, 2025. How did Cilia Flores gain prominence in Venezuela? Being Maduro's wife did not solely propel Flores to prominence in Venezuela, as the law graduate from Caracas' Santa Maria University gained attention in 1994 when she defended Chavez and helped secure his release from prison, according to Reuters. Four years after Chavez's release, Flores assisted him in winning the 1998 presidential election in Venezuela. Chavez served as Venezuela's president for 14 years until his death in March 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Flores became "the most powerful woman in Venezuelan politics" following Chavez's presidential win, per Reuters. The former president was the one to name Flores his attorney general in 2012. As Chavez died from cancer, Flores became a defender of the nation's government at key moments, including defending it against opposition accusations about a possible power vacuum. "She has been an excellent official who completed the president's instructions to the letter," a senior National Assembly official who worked closely with Flores told Reuters in 2013. The same official predicted that Flores would be her newly elected husband's "strong arm." "She has authority, the ability to command, and she is a woman who moves quietly," the official added. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures next to his wife Cilia Flores during his arrival for a special session of the National Constituent Assembly to present his annual state of the nation in Caracas, Venezuela, January 14, 2019. Why was Cilia Flores captured? The charges Flores will face in the United States were initially unclear; however, in Bondi's X post, she wrote that Maduro and his wife will "soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts." Advertisement Advertisement In her social media post, Bondi also called Maduro and Flores "two alleged international narco traffickers." The allegations against Flores came to light in the unsealed indictment shared by Bondi, in which the U.S. government said: "That massive-scale drug trafficking has also concentrated power and wealth in the hands of MADURO MOROS's family, including his wife, the purported First Lady of Venezuela." Maduro's son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, is also named in the indictment as a defendant. According to the indictment, Flores, who married Maduro "in or about 2013," is being charged with cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machineguns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices. Contributing: Reuters Advertisement Advertisement This story was updated to add new information. Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Cilia Flores? Nicolas Maduros wife named in US indictment BLITZER: Also happening now, a U.S. official tells CNN that Venezuelan security forces have detained at least five Americans in recent months. This comes as tensions between the two nations keep building and building. The official said the Trump administration believes the Maduro regime is detaining Americans to help build leverage against the United States. Here with me now in The Situation Room is CNN cybersecurity reporter Sean Lyngaas. Sean, what do we know first of all about these detentions and what is Venezuela saying? LYNGAAS: Yeah Wolf, theres been a series of detentions over the last several months. Were reporting at least five Americans, and the problem here is that the U.S. officials are very concerned that Maduros government could use this as leverage in the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Weve seen that with Russia, where the Russian government had wrongfully detained many Americans and then use that to try to free Russian prisoners here in the U.S.. And Nicolas Maduro may be using this as a bargaining chip as these tensions rise, as the U.S. officials continue to try to pressure Venezuela. Lets take a listen to what President Maduro said regarding this this week about his willingness to talk. MADURO: We must start to speak seriously with the facts in hand. The U.S. Government knows that because we have said it a lot to their interlocutors, that if they want to speak about an agreement to battle drug trafficking, we are ready to do that. If they want Venezuelas oil, Venezuela is ready to accept U.S. investments like those of Chevron, when, where, and how they want make them. LYNGAAS: So its interesting timing, Wolf, that Maduro said this this week after, you know, another series of U.S. strikes in the Caribbean, outside of Venezuela, but also after a CIA drone strike against a facility in Venezuela. The U.S. pressure is seeming to push Maduro to be willing to talk to the U.S. officials. BLITZER: What do we know about these five Americans who have been detained, held by the Venezuelans? LYNGAAS: Were working on getting more reporting on that, Wolf, but what we know right now is at least one of them, he is the son of a musician, a former musician in the U.S.. Hes from around the New York area and he was traveling in the region and had intended to come back to see his family right before the holidays, so really unfortunate situation there. The State Department is being quiet on this right now. I think theyre behind the scenes trying to scramble to figure out whats going on and try to contact the families. But we should have more on that. Medellin, Colombia The shock removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by the United States military has triggered alarm in bordering Colombia, where analysts warn of the possibility of far-reaching repercussions. The Colombian government condemned Washingtons early Saturday morning attacks on Venezuela which included strikes on military targets and Maduros capture and announced plans to fortify its 2,219-kilometre (1,378-mile) eastern land border, a historic hotbed of rebellion and cocaine production. Security analysts also say Maduros deposition could aggravate an already deteriorating security situation in Colombia, while refugee advocacy groups warn the country would bear the brunt of possible migration waves triggered by the fallout from the intervention. Advertisement Advertisement The Colombian government held an emergency national security meeting at 3am (09:00GMT), according to President Gustavo Petro. The Colombian government condemns the attack on the sovereignty of Venezuela and Latin America, wrote the president in an X post, announcing the mobilisation of state forces to secure the border. The ELN factor The National Liberation Army (ELN), a left-wing group and the largest remaining rebel force in the country, have been vocal as recently as December in its preparations to defend the country against imperialist intervention. Security analysts say the primary national security risk to Colombia following the attacks stems from ELN, which controls nearly the entire border with Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement I think there is a high risk now that the ELN will consider retaliation, including here in Colombia, against Western targets, said Elizabeth Dickinson, deputy director for Latin America at Crisis Group International. The rebel group is heavily involved in cocaine trafficking and operates on both sides of the border; it has benefited from ties with the Maduro government, and US intervention threatens the groups transnational operations, according to analysts. The ELN, which positions itself as a bastion against US imperialism in the region, had already stepped up violence in response to the White Houses threats against Colombia and Venezuela. In December, it ordered Colombians to stay home and bombed state installations across the country, an action it described as a response to US aggression. The Colombian government has ramped up security measures in anticipation of possible retaliatory action by the ELN following Maduros removal. Advertisement Advertisement All capabilities of the security forces have been activated to protect the population, strategic assets, embassies, military and police units, among others, as well as to prevent any attempted terrorist action by transnational criminal organisations, such as the ELN cartel, read a statement on Saturday morning issued by Colombias Ministry of Defence. Mass influx of refugees In addition to fears of increased violence, Colombia also stands to bear the brunt of any migration crisis initiated by a conflict in Venezuela. In an X post on Saturday morning, Petro said the government had bolstered humanitarian provisions on its eastern border, writing, all the assistance resources at our disposal have been deployed in case of a mass influx of refugees. Advertisement Advertisement To date, Colombia has received the highest number of Venezuelan refugees worldwide, with nearly 3 million of the approximately 8 million people who have left the country settling in Colombia. The previous wave of mass migration in 2019 which followed opposition leader Juan Guaidos failed attempt to overthrow Maduro required a massive humanitarian operation to house, feed, and provide medical attention to refugees. Such an operation is likely to prove even more challenging now, with Colombia losing roughly 70 percent of all humanitarian funds after the Trump administration shuttered its USAID programmes in the country last year. There is a real possibility of short-term population movement, both precautionary and forced, especially if instability, reprisals, or power vacuums emerge, said Juan Carlos Viloria, a leader of the Venezuelan diaspora in Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement Colombia must prepare proactively by activating protection mechanisms, humanitarian corridors, and asylum systems, not only to respond to potential arrivals, but to prevent chaos and human rights violations at the border, added Viloria. A further collapse in US-Colombia relations Analysts say Maduros removal raises difficult questions for Petro, who has been engaged in a war of words with Trump since the US president assumed office last year. The Colombian leader drew Trumps ire in recent months when he condemned Washingtons military buildup in the Caribbean and alleged a Colombian fisherman had been killed in territorial waters. In response, the White House sanctioned Petro, with Trump calling him a thug and an illegal drug dealer. Petro is irascible at the moment because he sees Trump and his threats no longer as empty, but as real possibilities, said Sergio Guzman, Director at Colombia Risk Analysis, a Bogota-based security consultancy. Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, Trump has on multiple occasions floated military strikes against drug production sites in Colombia. However, experts say it is unlikely the White House would take unilateral action given their historic cooperation with Colombian security forces. Despite Petro condemning Washingtons intervention in Venezuela, he previously called Maduro a dictator and joined the US and other nations in refusing to recognise the strongmans fraudulent re-election as president in 2024. Rather than supporting Maduro, the Colombian leader has positioned himself as a defender of national sovereignty and international law. On Saturday, Petro called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, which Colombia joined as a temporary member just days ago. Advertisement Advertisement Colombia reaffirms its unconditional commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, wrote the president in an X post. This story has been published in conjunction with Latin America Reports. Community members and organizations will come together to honor Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook, a 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police who was killed while working overtime at a DMV near Wilmington. Action News spoke with Blue Line Network, the latest nonprofit working to support Snook's family during this difficult time. "We ordered 3,500 stickers to go on cars. I would not be surprised if we run out around 4 o'clock," said Darren McCarnan, co-founder of Blue Line Network. Cpl. Matthew "Ty" Snook Delaware State Police On Saturday morning, the organization is hosting a Back the Blue event for Corporal Snook at William B. Keene Elementary School in Glasgow. Advertisement Advertisement Memorial stickers will be available at no charge, and organizers are asking the community to donate respectfully. "We want to emphasize to the community: all the money they donate goes directly to the family at the end of this event," said Robert Quirk, also a co-founder of Blue Line Network. Authorities say Snook was working overtime at the DMV in Minquadale when he was killed. After being shot, Snook pushed a DMV employee out of harm's way and told them to run as the suspect fired again. RELATED: Fallen trooper's widow, brother speak out at candlelight vigil honoring Cpl. Matthew "Ty" Snook Hundreds gather in Del. to honor fallen Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook Advertisement Advertisement "Be there and support the family, the Snook family, during this tragic time. And also the brothers and sisters of the Delaware State Police - they are mourning the loss of their own," said Quirk. Saturday's fundraiser will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organizers expect a large turnout and offered advice for those attending. "Be patient, there's a lot of people that want to support and give back. Second, very important - when cars get here, turn their rear defroster on. Warmer rear window, the better the stickers are going to stick," McCarnan said. Funeral services will take place Monday. Public visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center. All Christiana schools will move to remote learning that day, and the DMV in Minquadale will remain closed for all of next week. Cultural & Historical Significance Slaine (often spelled Slaine in Irish) holds deep roots in Irish mythology and history. The name is most famously associated with Slaine mac Dela, one of the legendary early High Kings of Ireland who was said to have cleared the plains and established the first drinking feast. In mythological tradition, he was one of the five sons of Dela who led the Fir Bolg to Ireland and divided the island into five provinces. The name carries connotations of sovereignty and kingship in ancient Irish culture, representing leadership and the establishment of order. The historical significance extends to the River Slaney in southeastern Ireland, which derives from the same root and flows through counties Wicklow, Carlow, and Wexford, connecting the name to the very geography and landscape of Ireland. This connection to land and water in Celtic tradition symbolizes life, nourishment, and the flow of destiny. The name's persistence through centuries demonstrates its enduring cultural importance in Irish identity, serving as a bridge between ancient mythology and contemporary cultural preservation. An emotional but resilient crowd gathered in Brackenridge to remember fallen Police Chief Justin McIntire, marking three years since he was killed in the line of duty. Family members told Channel 11 the pain has not faded, but the communitys support continues to carry them forward. He liked his life, he liked his job, he loved his family, one speaker told the crowd. McIntires brother-in-law, Matt, said serving Brackenridge was more than a career for him. Advertisement Advertisement Thats what he loved to do is protect the community he grew up in and tragically, his life was taken for doing so, he said. On this day in 2023, police say McIntire was chasing a suspect through the borough when the man ambushed and killed him. During the ceremony, family members emphasized McIntires legacy as both a police chief and a father of three. Its very heartbreaking, but you realize that tragedy sometimes comes with something good that can happen, said family friend Melissa Kelley. Kelley said McIntires dedication to service inspired her daughter, who was just three years old at the time of his death. Advertisement Advertisement I get to say because of this tragic event, my child wants to be a cop because she wants to protect them, Kelley said. She doesnt want this to happen anymore. Family members said the support they have received over the past three years has helped them through their lowest moments. Its helped us through very big lows, Matt said. It just shows how much people do care. Looking ahead, the family says they plan to honor McIntires life this June with a fishing tournament known as the Chiefs Challenge on June 27, 2026 at the Bonniebrook in Butler. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Jan. 2Improvements to the intersection of Alabama 67 and Country Club Road Southeast should begin in the next few months ahead of two major residential-commercial developments breaking ground. At a Decatur City Council work session this week, City Engineer Carl Prewitt presented a right-of-way work agreement for Mayor Kent Lawrence to sign with Pugh Wright McAnally Inc. to move the intersection project forward. Pending council and Alabama Department of Transportation approval, the company can secure a permit to bid out the work, according to Pugh Wright Vice President Nathan Tomberlin. Tomberlin said he anticipates starting the project in the first quarter of 2026, with a timeline of approximately 140 to 200 days for completion. Prewitt said the project was estimated to cost around $1.8 million, but the city won't know for sure until Pugh Wright bids it out. Advertisement Advertisement Improvements will include adding a second left turn lane from County Club Road Southeast onto Point Mallard Parkway/Alabama 67; adding a through lane from Country Club Road across 67 to the south side, where the city has plans to construct an access road connecting to The Crossings of Decatur shopping plaza; and adding a right turn lane from northbound 67 onto Country Club Road. Prewitt said multiple projects have contributed to the planned 67-Country club intersection improvements. The $400 million South Brook redevelopment of the former Decatur Country Club property is expected to break ground in spring 2026, said developer Land Innovations' President David Horwath in October. The development will house more than 1,250 people and employ approximately 450 people, Horwath said then. In addition to housing, South Brook will include businesses, restaurants and office spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Bryan Construction also has plans to break ground on a town home development south of 67 in late spring or early summer, co-owner Sam Bryan said on Tuesday. The group previously said it would build up to 120 town homes. State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, also allocated $1 million in state funding for fiscal 2026 for a trail on the south side of 67 from the Country Club Road intersection to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center. The changes will also mitigate existing traffic issues, according to Prewitt. "Currently on Country Club, during rush hour traffic, there's some back-up from Country Club trying to turn left onto 67, so that's why the new left-hand turn," Prewitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Developers presented a master plan for South Brook to the City Council in April. At the meeting, residents voiced concerns about how the development will affect traffic at the intersection. The city still plans to move forward with the access road project, as well. "We are still waiting for ALDOT approval, and as soon as we get that, the project can be bid out," said city spokesman Carter Watkins. "In a perfect world, we would like to see it moving forward by the end of summer." A right turn lane would also be constructed from southbound 67 onto the access road. The City Council will vote on the resolution regarding the Alabama 67-Country Club Road Southeast work at its Monday meeting. GraciAnn.Goodin@DecaturDaily.com or 256-340-2437 Jan. 3A hearing is scheduled Monday for two Decatur men charged with capital murder in 2021 after authorities say they fatally shot a man during an attempted robbery in Southwest Decatur. Jail records show Mashaud Tyliek Lewis, 26, was additionally charged with second-degree robbery. He was booked into the Morgan County Jail on May 13, 2021, and since then has been held without bond on the capital murder charge. Antone Lamar Yarbrough, 32, was booked into the Morgan County Jail on July 14, 2021, after being arrested by U.S. marshals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in June. He is also being held without bond on the capital murder charge. Advertisement Advertisement No trial has been scheduled for either defendant. Monday's hearing is a status conference, which typically includes scheduling a trial date. According to a detective's affidavit, Lewis and Yarbrough "did intentionally cause the death of Chester Jordan by shooting him with a firearm." On May 9, 2021, Decatur police responded to a shooting call at 1220 Second Ave. S.W. Officers found Jordan, 59, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Decatur Morgan Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police spoke with a witness who said Jordan had recently left a known drug house near the intersection of Sixth Avenue Northwest and First Street Northwest around 9:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement "Detectives received an anonymous tip that Jordan was at a convenience store shortly after leaving the known drug house," the affidavit said. After Jordan arrived at the store, a sedan was seen pulling into the rear parking lot. As Jordan walked inside, a man later identified as Yarbrough walked from the rear parking lot and entered the store. "It appears Yarbrough looked at Jordan holding a large amount of money," the affidavit said. "Audio and video recording from the store showed Yarbrough asking Jordan for a ride. Jordan agreed and the two of them got into the victim's vehicle." As Jordan and Yarbrough pulled out of the parking lot, Lewis approached the front of the store, the affidavit states. Lewis looked inside for Yarbrough, realized he was no longer there, saw Jordan's vehicle leaving and returned to his own vehicle, following Jordan at approximately 9:36 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Cameras from Decatur Youth Services captured Jordan's vehicle traveling on Eighth Street Southwest at 9:39 p.m. A witness told police they attempted to call Jordan multiple times beginning at 9:46 p.m. but received no answer. On May 13, 2021, Lewis gave a statement to Decatur police and said the initial plan was to rob Jordan. Lewis told detectives that a man known as "Fat Morris" was driving the vehicle, with Lewis in the front passenger seat and Yarbrough in the rear passenger seat. The group followed Jordan from the drug house to the store, with plans for Yarbrough to make contact with Jordan inside. "Lewis said he had a change of heart at the store and attempted to get Yarbrough to stop but it was too late," the affidavit said. After returning to the vehicle, Lewis asked to be dropped off on Fifth Avenue Southwest. Police said Lewis made no attempt to warn Jordan or notify law enforcement of the planned robbery. Advertisement Advertisement "Video surveillance showed Jordan possessing a large amount of cash at the store, but when he was located it was not recovered," the affidavit said. After Lewis and Yarbrough were arrested, Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson said the death penalty "was still on the table." Yarbrough had previously been charged with second-degree assault for an alleged shooting in May 2016 at Alabama 67 and Country Club Road. That case was dismissed in 2018 after prosecutors said they were unable to proceed because the victim was not present, according to an order from Morgan County Circuit Judge Jennifer Howell. Lewis is also under indictment in an unrelated 2019 case in which police say he and two others used force to rob a man attempting to buy drugs at a Glenn Street Southwest apartment. Police said the victim's cellphone, wallet and clothing were taken and that one suspect recorded the incident and streamed it live on Facebook. Lewis posted a $20,000 bond to get out of jail in that case in November 2020, but his bond was revoked on May 19, 2021, due to the capital murder charge. wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) A judge has denied an appeal from the City of Greenback attempting to block the development of a proposed quarry in the city over zoning concerns. In November 2025, a Chancery Court judge ruled that the property owners, M&M Stone Farm, proposed use of the land in question as a quarry was not illegal because the land was not zoned. A ruling filed on December 30 in response to an appeal upheld that ruling. Man charged with evading arrest in Blount County deputys fatal crash Advertisement Advertisement The case began in May 2024, when the Greenback and Loudon County Regional Planning Commission filed a lawsuit against M&M Stone Farms and Tri-County Crushed Stone over their plan to build a rock quarry on a 236 acre piece of land along Hutton Road. The lawsuit argues that the land was in a light industrial district, which would mean that mining and quarrying would not be permitted, but the companies filed a countersuit arguing that the land within the town limits of Greenback was never subjected to any zoning regulations. The countersuit also said the companies were not given a chance to be heard when the Loudon County Regional Planning Commission created an ordinance to zone the land in early 2024. The initial lawsuit claimed the land was zoned through an amendment no later than 2001, but the November ruling stated that the municipality was not able to provide a validly enacted zoning ordinance for the land. According to that ruling, that 2024 ordinance was voided, meaning the land is not zoned. Wrongful death lawsuit filed by parents of 18-year-old killed in Knox County SWAT raid Advertisement Advertisement The land where a quarry has been proposed is owned by M&M Stone Farms. Tri-County Crushed Stone entered into a lease agreement for a 76-acre portion of the property in June 2023 to being commercial operations in the area. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. A sea of people gathered on Jan. 3 outside of El Arepazo Doral restaurant in Doral, Florida, to celebrate the news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros capture and ouster from the country. Many in the crowd wore hats with the yellow, blue and red colors of the Venezuelan flag; others draped the flag on their backs; some held posters saying Freedom for Venezuela and Until the end. Some put their hands on their chest as they sang the Venezuelan national anthem in unison. Advertisement Advertisement They finished chanting USA, USA, USA. Two women held a poster of Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader. Edgar Rodriguez, an events coordinator for Machados political party Vente Venezuela, said he woke up startled around 1 a.m. by the news of the U.S. military operation in Caracas. Rodriguez said the news of Maduros capture overwhelmed him with hope that he will return home. Its 26 years of a nightmare, Rodriguez said. So many innocent people have died. There are so many tortured political prisoners and families separated by people being forced to flee the country. Today is the day of freedom, Rodriguez added. Today that nightmare finally comes to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez added ousting Maduro out of power to restore democracy in Venezuela would have been impossible without the U.S. intervention. It was totally necessary, Rodriguez said. We needed help of the U.S., a brother nation helping us in our quest for freedom. Lisbeth Garcia stood outside of El Arepazo Doral holding a banner of Machado that read Venezuela is our only option. Garcia said she wanted to join other fellow Venezuelans in celebrating the removal of Maduro from power. We are all in jubilee here in Doral, Garcia said. We have renewed hope that we will have a prosperous Venezuela that will welcome all of us who left home. With Maduro gone, Venezuela can move forward, Garcia added. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Crowds celebrate in Florida after Venezuelan president is removed Dallas County is expected to move forward in 2026 with purchasing land for a new jail facility, according to Clay Jenkins, who cited overcrowding and the age of the current jail as driving factors. Jenkins said the existing Dallas County jail is nearly 50 years old and no longer meets the countys needs. Speaking on Inside Texas Politics, he said consultants are already evaluating how a new facility would be designed and built, but emphasized the project would take years to complete. I think well have the land bought in 26, Jenkins said. Its a multi-year, closer to a decade project to get it all done and approved and built. Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins said the new jail is expected to be extremely costly, with estimates reaching as high as $5 billion. While a location has not been finalized, Jenkins said the new jail will not be built between Dallas two Calatrava bridges, where the current jail is located. He said the facility would still need to be located within a few miles of the county courthouse. Jenkins also said the jail would be designed with an increased focus on mental health treatment, arguing that outcomes related to rehabilitation and public safety should guide the project. Youve got to build a jail that can get you good outcomes, Jenkins said. If all we do is cycle criminals through the jail over and over again and they go back out and commit crimes again, thats not the way to handle public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Moving the jail from Dallas west side could open the area for future redevelopment. During the interview, Jenkins also addressed the ongoing dispute involving Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), as several member cities consider whether to leave the system. Voters in Plano, Irving, Farmers Branch, and Highland Park are scheduled to decide in 2026 whether to exit DART, though the cities have until March 18 to cancel the votes. Jenkins said he supports bringing in a mediator and warned that significant changes to the regional transit system could have economic consequences for North Texas. Dallas County, buoyed by a recent Harris County court win, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration over the clawback of $70 million in public health funds. Dallas Countys lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5, claims the demand last spring that $11.4 billion in unspent pandemic-era funding be returned to federal coffers was an illegal one. The argument mirrors one made in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of 23 states all led by Democratic governors and the District of Columbia, that the rescinding of the unspent money awarded under one president cannot be seized under a different one. The states court battle is ongoing. Texas did not join the states lawsuit, despite losing an estimated $700 million. Advertisement Advertisement In Dallas Countys case, the public health department lost $70 million in federal funding funneled through the Texas Department of State Health Services and as a result, the county had to lay off nearly two dozen employees. The sudden loss in funding will cause significant harm to Dallas County, the lawsuit states. The funding, which Dallas County received through new grant programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, was not limited to the duration of the pandemic and was generally expected to address the effects of the pandemic and prepare Dallas County for future public health crises, Dallas Countys lawsuit states. The federal governments reasoning for the clawback that the grants are no longer needed because the pandemic had ended is based on factors that Congress did not intend Defendants to consider and improperly assumes without support that the funds were only intended for pandemic-related use, Dallas Countys lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Dallas Countys case is now before U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, the same judge who last summer ordered the return of $20 million in slashed federal public health funds to Harris County. The action from both Dallas and Harris counties indicates that the states two largest public health departments are done waiting on state officials to represent their interests in recapturing funds appropriated under a Democratic president but clawed back by a Republican one. Last spring, the Trump administration shocked public health departments across the country by announcing $11 billion in unused pandemic-era public health funds to states must now be returned to federal coffers. Although much of the pandemic-era funding was due to expire a few months after the Trump administrations announcement, local public health departments had in some cases until 2026 to spend the money. In Texas, some of those funds that were cut had helped pay for testing, staffing and vaccinations during the West Texas measles outbreak. The Texas Tribune has reached out to the state health department, Texas Attorney Generals office and attorneys representing the federal government for comment, but questions were not immediately answered Friday evening. NEW YORK New York City is bracing for another massive federal trial as deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro made his way to the city Saturday to be booked, locked up and eventually arraigned on narcotic trafficking and terrorism charges, officials said. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, earlier Saturday were on the U.S.S. Iwo Jima heading to New York after they were grabbed from their presidential palace in Caracas, the South American countrys capital during a precision military operation, President Donald Trump announced at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Sources said he was expected to arrive in the city late in the afternoon for processing at DEA headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement After being booked, Maduro will likley head to the Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn where UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione is currently in custody and rapper Sean Diddy Combs and degenerate billionaire and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epsteins longtime girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell were once held. Sources said they will be housed there until their arraignment, which is likley to take place Monday in lower Manhattan. Trump wouldnt divulge where Maduro and his wife will be held on Saturday, saying simply that the Federal Bureau of Prisons will make the decision. He also hinted the case could be moved from New York to Florida after the indictment. Maduro and his wife are expected to be at Manhattan Federal Court as early as Monday to be arraigned on a narco-terrorism indictment that accuses Maduro and his co-conspirators of transporting thousands of tons of cocaine to the United States. Since his early days in Venezuelan government, (Maduro) has tarnished every public office he has held, the indictment reads. As a member of Venezuelas National Assembly, (hes) moved loads of cocaine under the protection of Venezuelan law enforcement. As Venezuelas Minister of Foreign Affairs, (he) provided Venezuelan diplomatic passports to drug traffickers and facilitated diplomatic cover for planes used by money launderers to repatriate drug proceeds from Mexico to Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a Clinton appointee, will be handling Maduros case when hes arraigned on the indictment. Last spring, Hallerstein barred the Trump administration from removing Venezuelans from the U.S. under the Alien Enemies Act, which he said had been applied unlawfully. These people are being thrown out of the country because of tattoos, he said at the time. The Trump administrations actions drew sharp criticism from a range of New York elected officials. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a statement, called Trumps capture of Maduro and declared takeover of the Latin American nation reckless plus a distraction from the economy and the cover-up of the Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement Let me be clear: Nicolas Maduro is an illegitimate dictator, Schumer said. But launching a military action without congressional authorization and without a credible plan for what comes next is reckless. The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price To distract from skyrocketing costs Americans face and the historic coverup of the Epstein files, Donald Trump is attempting to throw Americans into more international chaos and uncertainty, Schumer added. Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, pulling no punches against Trump, who he had a chummy sit down with after being elected mayor. This blatant pursuit of regime change doesnt just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kathy Hochul called Trumps move a flagrant abuse of power by acting without congressional approval. New York is home to a vibrant Venezuelan community, and I stand with families here and abroad in their hopes for a better, more stable future, she wrote on X, adding that there are no credible threats to New York in light of the invasion and Maduro being brought to the city. Manhattan Rep. Mike Lawler called Maduros arrest a step towards ending the deadly flow of drugs into the United States and ensuring peace and prosperity for all Venezuelans. Its also a stark reminder to terrorists, dictators, and drug lords across the world that there is no safe harbor, he said on social media. This is what the doctrine of peace through strength looks like. Advertisement Advertisement Protesters were expected to head to Times Square Saturday afternoon to protest Trumps military action, which the website answercoalition.org called an all-out war with Venezuela. Trump said at his press conference that the U.S. will be running Venezuela until there is a safe, proper and judicious transition and U.S. oil companies will be brought in to work the countrys oil fields. While voted out of office, Maduro remained in power, where he became the countrys now-de facto ruler who now sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking, the indictment reads. Venezuelans living in New York were stunned to learn about the military action. Advertisement Advertisement Ivo Diaz, owner of Casa Ora and Lullas Bakery in East Williamsburg found himself facing mixed emotions. Im just so excited to hear the news were finally reaching that point of freedom where we can hopefully return back home, said Ivo, who hasnt been back to Venezuela in more than two decades. Some are going to take longer than others, but thats pretty much what the sentiment that we have here. Ivo, 39, has heard from family and friends in Venezuela after the raid on the presidential palace. Many are sheltering in their homes, he was told. Everybody is just keeping themselves in their houses, but everything seems pretty calm right now, he said. Everybodys just waiting and expecting to see whats the next move. Advertisement Advertisement The moment we get (some of the other leaders) thats the moment when were pretty much going to celebrate, he said. We want to rebuild our country. When he heard that the U.S. was bombarding Caracas, Casa Ora sous chef Diego Farias reached out to his father, who lives in the countrys capital near Maduros home. He felt it, Farias, 28, said about the bombardment. He saw it as well. He woke up because of the boom. The bombs fell and it was so loud that he said he doesnt know how the windows didnt shatter. Every window in the house was trembling. Still, his father was calm as he told Farias what happened. Advertisement Advertisement I feel the vibe, the sous chef said. Theres happiness in the area but theres (also) now a void in power and sadly theres still some corrupt people in the government that are still there. A lot of people dont know whats happening. People are trying to go to supermarkets, get some food in case something else happens. Hopefully they surrender or they capture them or something happens thats a peaceful resolution, he said. Im not going to yell that Venezuela is free until they are totally gone. Im happy in the sense that I know people are relived, he added. Theres still much to do. (With Rocco Parascandola.) Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. LAYTON, Utah (ABC4) An employee at a Layton junior high school was briefly jailed for allegedly kissing a 17-year-old boy on multiple occasions. Hali Lunt, 44, was arrested on Friday for unlawful kissing of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. According to the Davis County School District, Lunt was placed on leave before winter break started in December. The school districts website lists Lunt as an office assistant at Shoreline Junior High School. Hali Lunts staff photo from the Davis County School Districts website. READ NEXT: 10-year-old victim walks three miles home after alleged sexual assault by uncle Advertisement Advertisement The alleged conduct is not affiliated with the Davis School District. The district appreciates its ongoing working relationship with law enforcement, a spokesperson with the district shared in a statement to ABC4. According to the arrest statement, the Layton Police Department began investigating a report that Lunt unlawfully kissed a 17-year-old male on Dec. 15, 2025. The following day, the teen was interviewed at the Childrens Justice Center. The 17-year-old disclosed to police that Lunt had kissed him on multiple occasions. He described several of those incidents to the police. Witnesses spoke with law enforcement and corroborated the teens recounting of what occurred. Police brought Lunt in for questioning. She allegedly admitted to kissing the teenager and stated that she was aware he was under the age of 18. Lunt told police she had used tongue when kissing him, and it occurred roughly one week prior. Advertisement Advertisement Lunt was arrested and booked into jail, but was later released with conditions. Her connection to the 17-year-old victim was not disclosed by police. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available. Latest headlines: Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Somerville carries significant cultural weight rooted in Norman French aristocracy and Scottish nobility. Originating from the town of Somerville in Normandy, the name was brought to Britain following the Norman Conquest and became established among the land-owning classes. The Somerville family played important roles in Scottish history, with members serving as knights, diplomats, and administrators. This aristocratic heritage gives the name connotations of refinement, education, and social standing. The scientific legacy of Mary Somerville in the 19th century added a layer of intellectual prestige, making the name synonymous with academic achievement and the popularization of knowledge. Throughout British cultural history, the name has maintained its association with the educated upper classes while also representing the ideal of the cultivated gentleman who balances tradition with progressive thinking. The name's evolution reflects broader social changes in Britain, from feudal aristocracy to modern intellectualism. As a given name, Somerville represents a connection to this rich historical tapestry while adapting to contemporary values. The establishment of Somerville College at Oxford in 1879, one of the first women's colleges at the university, further cemented the name's association with educational advancement and gender equality. Today, the name continues to evoke images of summer estates, intellectual salons, and the intersection of heritage with innovation that has characterized British society's most progressive elements. Last week, Rep. Andy Biggs touted that he was the only Republican candidate in Arizonas gubernatorial race who has President Donald Trumps endorsement as well as support from Turning Point USAs late founder, Charlie Kirk, and his wife, Erika Kirk. Biggs was speaking to a crowd of 30,000 people gathered at the Phoenix Convention Center for TPUSAs AmericaFest, a conservative conference. Charlie Kirk was assassinated on a Utah college campus in September 2025. TPUSA has not only endorsed Biggs but also helped organize his campaign launch rally in May, nearly 1 years ahead of the election. Advertisement Advertisement Erika Kirk has taken the reins of TPUSA, and the conservative conference was her first major outing as the new leader of the organization. The states gubernatorial and congressional races are heating up with significant endorsements, shifting political alliances, and the strategic influence of groups like TPUSA. In the gubernatorial race, Biggs has positioned himself prominently by securing endorsements, proving to be a robust challenge in the 2026 election. Meanwhile, races in key districts such as the open 1st Congressional District signify high stakes, with candidates like Dr. Amish Shah and Gina Swoboda vying for seats as national and local forces converge to shape the future political landscape. These elections promise to be a litmus test for both parties appeal to Arizonas electorate. What are Arizonans looking for? Last week, Biggs, a Latter-day Saint and Brigham Young University grad, also told the audience he is pushing for Congress to install a statue of Charlie Kirk in Washington, D.C. He even asked attendees to ask House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., scheduled to speak later in the day, to make the statue a reality. Johnson later promised he would try, earning loud cheers from the crowd. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., speaks during a stop on the This Is The Turning Point tour held by Turning Point USA at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on the campus of Utah State University in Logan on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News TPUSA wants to not only turn Arizona red in the 2026 election but also get its slate of candidates elected to office. This was made clear after a recent local election. Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks Charlie Kirks death, TPUSA poured its resources into a Mesa city council race, successfully ousting councilwoman Julie Spilsbury. While Spilsbury, a Latter-day Saint, is a Republican, she supported Democratic former Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Ruben Gallego in the 2024 election. TPUSA is ramping up its efforts. Last week, it launched a new Arizona-based political action committee. Arizona doesnt vote ideologically, said Adin Lenchner, the founder and principal at Carroll Street Campaigns, based in New York. These voters are deeply concerned about a select few issues, like immigration and the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Trump won in Arizona in 2024, flipping the state back red after losing there in 2020. But Republicans victory was split, as voters also chose Gallego over Kari Lake in the Senate race. Biden and Kamala paid a price for insisting things were improving while families felt squeezed and youre now seeing the same dynamic emerge for Trump, said Lenchner. Hes calling the economy a plus plus plus, at the exact same moment that parents are paying more for breakfast. Gifts cost more than last year while health care costs are rising ... and people are scraping by month to month just to stay afloat. The previous cycle, especially with the win of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor, indicates that working families are looking for candidates who understand their lived experience, the political strategist noted. In the Republican primary, Biggs is up against his colleague Rep. David Schweikert and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs is running for reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Hobbs, who previously served as Arizonas secretary of state, touts delivering the largest investment in child care since the Great Recession, providing rebates to 750,000 families, and repealing the total abortion ban of 1884. Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers her inaugural address at the state Capitol in Phoenix, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. | Ross D. Franklin She also holds the title for the most number of bills vetoed, breaking her own record each year and bypassing the Republican-controlled Legislature. This year, she vetoed at least 174 bills. Schweikert has branded himself as the Math Guy in Congress, advocating to reduce federal spending. He was a part of the House Freedom Caucus but eventually distanced himself from the group. Where Biggs, Hobbs and Schweikert have had careers in politics, Robson wants to come across as the political outsider to the voters, according to an ad from Building A Better Arizona, a PAC backed by establishment-aligned and business-oriented Republicans. Arizona 1st District Since Schweikert is not running for reelection, the 1st District is wide open. Schweikert won this seat in a close race against Democratic nominee Dr. Amish Shah by roughly 4%. Advertisement Advertisement Shah, a Hindu who served in the Arizona state House of Representatives for three terms, is in the race for the congressional seat again in 2026. Among Republicans, Gina Swoboda, the Trump-endorsed Arizona Republican Party chairwoman, is in the running. Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely is the latest addition to the race. He originally launched a campaign for Rep. Andy Biggs congressional seat but decided to instead run for the 1st District seat. Its worth noting TPUSA allies also encouraged Feely to run. Trump encouraged Feely to run in a different district, or for a different office in a November social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Its not uncommon for Trump to have multiple endorsements for a competitive district. Two other additions to the race are John Trobough, a businessman, who entered the race in early December, and Arizona state Rep. Joe Chaplik, a member of the Legislatures Freedom Caucus, followed two weeks later. As the race continues to shape up, the Cook Political Reports ratings categorize it as an open seat, with Republicans holding a slight advantage. This isnt surprising since Schweikert won within tight margins in 2022 and 2024. Other competitive races in Arizona The race for the 2nd District is also shaping up to be competitive between Republican incumbent Eli Crane and former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement This could be their second matchup after Crane won against Nez by a little less than 10 percentage points. According to the Cook Political Report, this race leans likely Republican in favor of Crane. Another Democrat, former Arizona state Rep. Eric Descheenie, is also in the running. Arizona 6th District Democratic candidate JoAnna Mendoza is working hard to defeat Republican incumbent Juan Ciscomani, outraising him in the third quarter of 2025. This district is one of 26 that the national Democratic Party hopes to win next year. The United States says it has carried out a large scale military strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro in a major escalation after months of US threats to use military force against Caracas. US President Donald Trump announced the strike on social media early on Saturday, saying Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the Country. In an interview with Fox News later in the day, Trump said the operation could not have been better. He also said the US government would be very much involved in deciding what happens next in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Were making that decision now. We cant take a chance on letting somebody else run it and just take over where he left off, Trump said. The US strikes come amid a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuela that saw the Trump administration deploy military assets to the Caribbean and carry out several deadly attacks on alleged drug-trafficking boats. Washington, which has accused Maduro without evidence of being linked to drug cartels, had said its push aimed to curb drug smuggling into the US. Maduro had denied any involvement in drug trafficking, accusing Trump of seeking to depose him and gain access to Venezuelas vast oil reserves. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Trumps Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife had been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, among other charges, Bondi said. It was unclear if his wife is facing the same charges, but Bondi referred to the couple as alleged international narco traffickers. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts, she added. Remain united The Trump administrations actions drew fierce condemnation from Venezuela, with Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez saying the Nation will prevail. Advertisement Advertisement We will not negotiate; we will not give up. We will remain one united people behind one purpose: victory, Lopez said in a statement on Saturday morning, stressing that Venezuelas independence is not up for negotiations. He said the total mobilisation of the Venezuelan armed forces had been ordered. We must maintain calm and [be] united in order to prevail in these dire moments. We must not plunge into panic, as our enemy aims to achieve, he added. The exact whereabouts of Maduro and his wife were not immediately known, as Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez had earlier called on the US to issue proof of life of Maduro. Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez told The Associated Press news agency that the couple were captured at their home at the Fort Tiuna military installation in Caracas. Advertisement Advertisement Thats where they bombed, he said. And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country. Maduros government had declared a national state of emergency in response to the US bombings, which it described as a military aggression. Venezuela said the attacks occurred in the capital, Caracas where explosions had been heard and plumes of smoke were seen rising as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The South American country also accused Washington of staging the assault in an attempt to seize Venezuelas oil and mineral resources, pledging that such efforts will not succeed. Attacks against international law: Experts Tensions between Caracas and Washington have been steadily rising amid the Trump administrations attacks on boats in the Caribbean that it said were transporting illegal drugs. Advertisement Advertisement The US president had also threatened to carry out attacks in Venezuelan territory over its unsubstantiated allegations that Maduro was linked to drug cartels. Trump, who is expected to hold a news conference later on Saturday morning to address the capture of Maduro, has justified his administrations actions as part of an effort to combat international drug trafficking. In a statement on X, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Venezuela was experiencing a new dawn after Maduros capture. The tyrant is gone. He will now finally face justice for his crimes, Landau said. But legal experts have condemned the US boat strikes as amounting to extrajudicial killings. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Ben Saul, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, also slammed what he called Washingtons illegal aggression against Venezuela and the illegal abduction of its president. Every Venezuelan life lost is a violation of the right to life. President Trump should be impeached & investigated for the alleged killings, Saul wrote on social media. Phil Gunson, an analyst with the International Crisis Group based in Caracas, compared the capture of Maduro to the fall of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega on January 3, 1990, which was also orchestrated by the US. Its not legal, Gunson said of Maduros capture. Advertisement Advertisement Several leaders in Latin America also raised serious concerns about the US actions on Saturday, with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva saying the US bombings and capture of Maduro crossed an unacceptable line. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also condemned the attacks, noting in a social media post that Article 2 of the UN Charter says member states must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Residents stand in front of their homes in the Gramoven neighbourhood in Caracas after the US launched a military attack on the Venezuelan capital [Maxwell Briceno/Reuters] Maduro had offered talks Maduro, who declared victory in a 2024 election that was widely believed to be fraudulent, had indicated earlier this week that he was open to negotiating a deal with the US to combat drug trafficking. Wherever they want and whenever they want, Maduro told Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet of the idea of dialogue with the US on drug trafficking, oil and migration, in an interview on state TV on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement He stressed that it is time for both nations to start talking seriously, with data in hand. The US government knows, because weve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, were ready, he said. His comments came after Trump said the US had carried out a strike on a docking area for alleged Venezuelan drug boats last week, in the first known attack on Venezuelan territory of the US campaign. Donald Trump has said the US captured Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flew them out of the South American country during a pre-dawn assault on Caracas and the surrounding region. It was a brilliant operation, actually, the US president told the New York Times after witnesses in Venezuela reported a series of explosions. A lot of good planning and [a] lot of great, great troops and great people. The US attorney general, Pam Bondi, said the couple would face criminal charges and trial in the US based on a 2020 New York indictment. In a social media post, she said they would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear what the legal and constitutional authority was for the military operation and the capture and trial of a sovereign head of state. Nor was it clear whether Trump consulted Congress beforehand; it is supposed to be notified by the presidency before any declaration of war. Writing on social media, Trump confirmed US troops had launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela and said more details would be announced at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. CBS News reported US officials as saying that Maduro had been captured by members of the elite army unit Delta Force, which was responsible for the 2019 killing of the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The bombardment of Venezuela by the US and its kidnapping of a foreign head of state shocked the international community, which reacted with alarm. Neighbouring Colombia condemned the attack, called for an immediate emergency session of the UN security council, and said it was preparing to receive a massive influx of refugees. The UN special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Ben Saul, said Trump should be investigated for the operation. Advertisement Advertisement I condemn the USs illegal aggression against Venezuela and the illegal abduction of its leader and his wife. Every Venezuelan life lost is a violation of the right to life, Saul said. Speaking on Venezuelas state-run television channel, the vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez, appeared to confirm the capture of Maduro and Flores, admitting that she did not know where they were. Rodriguez, who is one of Maduros closest allies, demanded immediate proof of life for the couple and accused the US of murdering humble and innocent Venezuelan men and women. At this moment Venezuela is calm, absorbing the significance of a military aggression of this nature, she added in the brief telephone interview. It remains unclear who is in charge of Venezuela in the presidents absence. The interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, appeared in a video on state TV flanked by police officers assuring citizens the situation was stable. Advertisement Advertisement The military forces, the police forces and the people are prepared for any situation, and prepared for any attempt to go further than the cowardly attacks that were carried out against the military forces and our people, Cabello said, wearing a bulletproof vest and tactical helmet. Earlier, Venezuelas government accused the US of launching a series of attacks against civilian and military targets in the country after explosions rocked its capital before dawn on Saturday. In a statement, Venezuelas government urged citizens to rise up against the assault and said Washington risked plunging Latin America into chaos with an extremely serious act of military aggression. The entire country must mobilise to defeat this imperialist aggression, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Crowds of Maduro supporters gathered in downtown Caracas, some carrying pictures of the captured president, others embracing tearfully. In a defiant online video, Venezuelas defense minister, Gen Vladimir Padrino Lopez, accused the US of launching a deplorable and criminal regime change operation and said the barbaric invading forces had desecrated our sacred land. This invasion represents the greatest outrage the country has ever suffered, Padrino Lopez declared, adding that Venezuelan authorities were still trying to calculate how many civilians had been killed or injured during helicopter attacks on urban areas. He called on citizens and soldiers to unite in resistance. They have attacked us but they will not vanquish us we will form an indestructible wall of resistance. Our vocation is peace, but our heritage is the fight for freedom, he said. Advertisement Advertisement In its statement, Venezuelas government confirmed three other states had come under attack: Miranda, La Guaira and Aragua. The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuelas strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals, it said, calling on the international community to denounce what it called a flagrant violation of international law that put millions of lives at risk. At least seven explosions were heard at about 2am and people in various neighbourhoods rushed to the street, the Associated Press reported. The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance, said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker. Witnesses reported seeing smoke pouring from two key military installations in Caracas: La Carlota military airfield in the heart of the city and the Fuerte Tiuna military base where Maduro has long been thought to live. Another important airport to the east of Caracas, Higuerote, also appeared to come under attack. Advertisement Advertisement The US has run a five-month pressure campaign against Maduro, which many analysts believe has been aimed at toppling thepresident. Since August, Trump has ordered a massive military buildup off Venezuelas northern coast and conducted a series of deadly airstrikes on supposed narco boats. Trump has repeatedly threatened to launch land operations in Venezuela, amid other efforts to pressure Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions, an increased US military presence in the region and more than two dozen strikes on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Legal experts have said that some of the US strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels could amount to war crimes. At least 110 people have been killed by the strikes so far. Advertisement Advertisement The US has also seized sanctioned oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela, and Trump ordered a blockade of others in a move that seemed designed to put a tighter chokehold on the countrys economy. Colombias president, Gustavo Petro, published what he claimed was a partial list of the bombed installations in Venezuela, including the 19th-century national assembly building in Caracas; La Carlota, the most important airbase within the capital; and an air force base in the city of Barquisimeto. Other reputedly targeted sites included the Cuartel de la Montana barracks in Caracas, a military base that is home to the mausoleum of Maduros mentor, Hugo Chavez. The mausoleum is one of the most sacred locations for their political movement, Chavismo, which has governed Venezuela in an increasingly authoritarian fashion since Chavez first came to power in 1999. Chavezs remains were taken to the barracks and put on public display after he died of cancer in 2013. The president of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, denounced the USs criminal attack and said the region was being brutally assaulted. [This is] state terrorism against the gallant people of Venezuela and against Our America, wrote Diaz-Canel who is Maduros main regional ally. Videos and images are emerging on social media showing what appears to be a large U.S. military operation now underway around the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, which includes multiple large explosions and the presence of American special operations helicopters. While there has been no official announcement of such an operation kicking off, this comes after months of U.S. military buildup in the region aimed at pressuring cartels and Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. See all the latest updates at the bottom of the post. We have reached out to the White House, Pentagon, and U.S. Southern Command for comment and will update this story with any pertinent information provided. Advertisement Advertisement Videos show explosions and the resulting clouds of smoke across the skyline. Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base home to the Army Aviation also seems to have got hit in Caracas.pic.twitter.com/3D09lCzwGs SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) January 3, 2026 Footage from a vantage point over the city, showing multiple explosions across the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. pic.twitter.com/yzymxK6kib OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 3, 2026 Other videos show 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) MH-47 Chinook helicopters (and what appear to likely be MH-60s) flying over Caracas as several explosions erupt in the background. BREAKING: Strong explosions heard in Caracas, Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/zEalYr2dVp Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Full-scale military operations appear to be underway against Venezuela, with dozens of helicopters with the U.S. Army spotted over the capital of Caracas. pic.twitter.com/kIqfbGjOK4 OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 3, 2026 Based on what we are seeing, which still has not been confirmed by the U.S. government at this time, it seems that large-scale kinetic actions inside Venezuela have begun as a new phase of Operation Southern Spear. We will be updating this post with additional analysis and information. Stand by. Update: 2:45AM EST The Pentagon and SOUTHCOM responded to our inquiry about what was going on and they told us to contact the White House without further comment. We havent gotten a response yet. CBS News reports that Trump ordered the strikes, including on military facilities. BREAKING via @CBSNews: President Trump ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela including military facilities, U.S. officials said, as the administration early Saturday ratcheted up its campaign against the regime of President Nicolas Maduro. via @JimLaPorta and me Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 3, 2026 Some thoughts on the timing of this operation. Flying special operations helicopter missions deep inside contested territory during nearly a full moon is far from ideal. It isnt clear if something may have pushed-up a timeline for such an operation. Venezuelas air defenses are not advanced, but they do pose a threat, which you can read all about here. Beyond larger SAM systems, the country also has many man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) that are especially problematic for helicopters, as well as anti-aircraft artillery. Regardless, either the threat was deemed low enough to move forward with helicopter operations or the risk was worth the potential reward of whatever target or targets they were after. Advertisement Advertisement Its also worth noting that air strikes likely wiped out known air defenses that could put the helicopters at risk, but Venezuelas MANPADS (if they were widely deployed) and road-mobile SAMs are far harder, and in many cases impossible, to mitigate with pre-planned strikes. We would also expect that either the U.S. had assurances that Venezuelas fighter force would not fly, and contingencies in place to make sure they didnt, or they were (more likely) preemptively destroyed on the ground. Beyond a fighter suppression of enemy air defenses and counter-air package, electronic and cyber warfare would have played a major role in this operation in regard to blunting Venezuelas air defenses, as well. Timing is interesting here. Moon is nearly full, far from optimal for this kind of thing, especially using SOF helicopters deep into a metro area like this. Strikes likely helped clear air defenses for them, but that is unclear at this time. Target may have dictated the timeline Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) January 3, 2026 A video showing a helicopter firing rockets at targets on the ground is said to have come from tonights operation, although we cannot confirm it. This looks like a common MH-60 Direct Action Penetrator or MH-6 Little Bird rocket attack run. BREAKING: U.S. helicopters are POUNDING the Venezuelan military complex Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas pic.twitter.com/l9jblj2O5a Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) January 3, 2026 One strike appeared to have hit a harbor warehouse: Update: 3:20 AM EST Venezuelas government has put out a statement decrying the attacks and saying that they are about seizing the countrys oil and mineral resources. Venezuelan Government statement released by TeleSUR following the strikes just minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/50p0BkiAvn SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) January 3, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement With what appears to be a very large contingent of 160th SOAR helicopters spearheading this operation, it seems likely that the USS Iwo Jima would be used to support them, especially as much of this ships air wing has been moved ashore. The special operations mothership M/V Ocean Trader is also a critical part of this effort as it has been in the region for months and sailing with the Iwo Jima, but its ability to support many helicopters is much more limited than an amphibious assault ship. Would imagine that USS Iwo Jima is also acting as special operations mothership for this. Much of its air wing has been redeployed ashore. Ocean Trader of course is in the mix as well. Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) January 3, 2026 Caribbean Sea The @USNavy ( ) Iwo Jima ARG is conducting fleet maneuvers in the Caribbean Sea, notably with a special guest, the MV Ocean Trader Special Warfare Support vessel. Geolocation: 13.35894, -66.28738 pic.twitter.com/GFtUVUbSdn SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) December 24, 2025 Here is another video showing what appears to be an MH-60 Direct Action Penetrator doing another run: Footage of a US helicopter (possible USMC AH-1Z Viper) engaging ground targets with gun and rocket fire in Caracas, Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/mT5h1lnFkl OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) January 3, 2026 Early reports said Fort Tiuna was a major focus of the action. This military installation is a center of gravity for the Venezuelan military and it has some very unique features, including bunkers/tunnels built into the side of the mountain it butts up against. Fort Tiuna not looking so good https://t.co/qv5Sw2RcSX pic.twitter.com/K0Dil0YSqY SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) January 3, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Man there is some very 'interesting' features at this base pertaining to what is built into the hillside. Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) January 3, 2026 Update: 4am EST There have been reports that the presidential palace was targeted in some way this evening, although we cannot confirm that. There are armored vehicles now in position protecting the roads nearby: A V-150 Commando Armored Wheeled-Gun with the Venezuelan Army spotted near Miraflores Presidential Palace in the capital of Caracas. pic.twitter.com/ToYWjTRlMn OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 3, 2026 Apparently Hugo Chavezs mausoleum was struck: BREAKING: The Mausoleum of Hugo Chavez has been struck. It housed his remains. pic.twitter.com/6nJuAliT7d Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) January 3, 2026 Airfields were extensively targeted, with some major secondary explosions: Major secondary explosions after a U.S. airstrike in the vicinity of Higuerote Airport in Venezuela tonight. pic.twitter.com/NrFOVj9IfM OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) January 3, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base home to the Army Aviation also seems to have got hit in Caracas.pic.twitter.com/3D09lCzwGs SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) January 3, 2026 This is what Colombian President @petrogustavo reports is "accurate" for the result of the strikes. https://t.co/EJbXlRzUpD pic.twitter.com/0KhDBxWZ7Q SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) January 3, 2026 It looks like there were some flight diversions heading to Puerto Rico: Major diversions of civil flights away from San Juan in Puerto Rico, as U.S. forces likely use the island to stage strikes on Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/rBWwkbMYjC OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) January 3, 2026 Its also worth noting that all this went down within hours of Chinas envoy arriving in Caracas, in part to show support for the Maduro regime during the crisis with the United States. The diplomatic party may still be in the capital. Just a few hours ago, Maduro held a three-hour meeting in Caracas with Xis Special Envoy from China, underscoring how Beijing is quietly deepening its role in the escalating U.S.Venezuela crisis. pic.twitter.com/LWEBygUtNg Gandalv (@Microinteracti1) January 3, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government has issued a shelter-in-place order for any Americans who remain in Venezuela: The U.S. Embassy in Colombia has issued a shelter-in-place order for Americans currently in Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/8diERxvfpl OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 3, 2026 Update: 4:31 am EST President Trump has put out a statement saying the U.S. has captured Maduro and his wife and has flown them out of the country. This matches exactly with our suspicion that this operation was peculiar in its timing and how odd it was pushing the 160th SOAR over Caracas so early in the operation during nearly a full moon. Now this makes total sense. As our editor stated earlier in the evening when this began: Timing is interesting here. Moon is nearly full, far from optimal for this kind of thing, especially using SOF helicopters deep into a metro area like this. Strikes likely helped clear air defenses for them, but that is unclear at this time. Target may have dictated the timeline here. Use your imagination with that one. Timing is interesting here. Moon is nearly full, far from optimal for this kind of thing, especially using SOF helicopters deep into a metro area like this. Strikes likely helped clear air defenses for them, but that is unclear at this time. Target may have dictated the timeline Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) January 3, 2026 Trumps post on Truth Social also said there would be a presser at 11am. Update: 5:24 am EST Was Maduro in on his own exit or was this a true snatch and grab? Weird indicators point to both possibilities. This is a glaring question that we will hopefully get an answer to in the coming hours. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelas defense minister is alive and is putting up a defiant front: Venezuelan Defense Minister is alive and speaks: We will not negotiate, we will not surrender, and we will ultimately triumph. NOTE: Maduro has been captured by U.S. forces. pic.twitter.com/7Dgk2JOauI Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2026 CBS News reports that the U.S. Armys Delta Force captured Maduro. They were very likely at the center of the operation, but its possible, if not probable, that other elements, including those from the FBI, were also directly present during the operation. SCOOP from @CBSNews: Venezuela's Maduro was captured by Delta Force, the US military's elite special mission unit, sources tell me. Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 3, 2026 Update: 8:40 am EST Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has now written in a post on X. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 3, 2026 Senator Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, says he has spoken with Secretary of State and acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio about the overnight operation, confirming that Maduro is now in U.S. custody. Advertisement Advertisement This action likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack, Lee wrote in a post on X. He [Rubio] anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody. He anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) January 3, 2026 Pictures and videos have now emerged showing at least one of Venezuelas Russian-made Buk-M2E surface-to-air missile systems that was destroyed by U.S. strikes. The Buk-M2E is among the Venezuelan militarys most modern air defense capabilities, as you can read more about here. The BUK launchers at La Carlota airbase in Caracas were destroyed by US strikes overnight #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/RDGdqwr4o4 CNW (@ConflictsW) January 3, 2026 A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria pic.twitter.com/dFE3aOY4L3 Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) January 3, 2026 Venezuelas Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello Rondon, another key figure in Maduros regime, has also now made a public appearance following the U.S. operation in Venezuela. Cabello, as well as Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, are also under indictment in the United States on charges related to drug trafficking. Venezuelan Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello: Trust the leadership and remain calm. Do not fall into despair or aid the enemy. This is not our first strugglewe have faced attacks before and endured. Beyond any individual, there is an organized people who know what must pic.twitter.com/GqJZaUSk7F Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2026 Updates to this story have ended. You can find our continuing coverage of the U.S. operation in Venezuela here. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Claim: On Jan. 2, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump made a post to Truth Social that said, "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution A claim that U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. might intervene in ongoing protests in Iran circulated on social media in early January 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Social media users, particularly on X (archived, archived, archived), shared purported screenshots of a post in which Trump allegedly proclaimed, "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." Screenshots of the alleged post included the typo "shots" instead of "shoots." Some of Trump's supporters shared the claim with approving comments, while detractors criticized what they saw as overreach into a foreign country's politics. U.S. President Donald Trump: "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go." Contributed by @AZ_Intel_. pic.twitter.com/MeOHORic7l Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 2, 2026 The social media post shared in the claim was correctly attributed to Trump. Trump made the post to his Truth Social account at 2:58 a.m. ET Jan. 2, 2026. The post also appeared on Trump's Truth, an archive of all of Trump's posts on the platform. Advertisement Advertisement The full post read: If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP Trump was commenting on protests in Iran that began on Dec. 29, 2025, following the country's currency hitting a record low. The Associated Press reported that the currency's depreciation was increasing prices for food and other household items and that a reported gasoline price increase could worsen tensions in the country. On Jan. 1, the AP reported at least seven deaths in the protests but noted that "state-run media did not fully acknowledge the violence," leading to uncertainty about the numbers and identities of the dead. The reported deaths of protesters appeared to have inspired Trump's post. Advertisement Advertisement Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, responded to Trump's comment with a post on X (archived, translated from Arabic by X) reading, "Trump must realize that U.S. intervention in this internal matter will lead to destabilizing the entire region and destroying American interests. The American people must know that Trump is the one who started this adventure, and they should pay attention to the safety of their soldiers." In June 2025, the U.S. got involved in Israel's conflict with Iran when it attacked three Iranian nuclear sites. At the time, the AP reported that Trump, who did not have congressional authorization for his actions, said there would be further strikes if Iran retaliated against the U.S. For further reading on Trump's social media posts, Snopes previously confirmed that Trump's Christmas message on Truth Social highlighted the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sources: "Donald J. Trump: "If Iran Shots and Violently Kills Peaceful Protesters, Which Is Their Custom..." Trump's Truth, https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/34403. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement "Protests Erupt in Iran over Currency's Plunge to Record Low." AP News, 29 Dec. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/iran-traders-protest-rial-currency-ddc955739fb412b642251dee10638f03. "Trump and Top Iranian Officials Exchange Threats over Protests Roiling Iran." AP News, 2 Jan. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-trump-4e2232877bd1fff11cd80a33db47353d. "US Inserts Itself into Israel's War with Iran, Striking 3 Iranian Nuclear Sites." AP News, 21 June 2025, https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-talks-geneva-news-06-21-2025-a7b0cdaba28b5817467ccf712d214579. NEW YORK (AP) Sprinkles Cupcakes, a company famous for selling sweet treats in vending machines known as cupcake ATMs, has shut down after 20 years of operation around the United States, according to its former owner. Even though I sold the company over a decade ago, I still have such a personal connection to it, and this isnt how I thought the story would go, said Candace Nelson, who started the company after she lost her job in 2005. The closure was announced Dec. 30. Nelson started Sprinkles Cupcakes in her own kitchen, and the first location was in a small Beverly Hills storefront that had previously been a sandwich shop. The brand would go on to ascend to national fame, and fans took to social media following the company's announcement to lament the closure. Advertisement Advertisement The company's cupcake-dispensing machines in malls and airports briefly went viral on TikTok for the not-so-subtle I love Sprinkles jingle that played repeatedly while a mechanical arm delivered the dessert. The company no longer has any products for sale on its website, which also has removed all operational locations across the country. Nelson sold her business to private equity firm KarpReilly LLC in 2012 after the company had expanded to 10 locations across the country. The firm owns dozens of other companies for products including a health food home delivery service, kombucha and protein wellness shakes. KarpReilly did not respond to an emailed request for comment Friday evening. Neither the firm nor Nelson provided a reason for the cupcake company's closure. Advertisement Advertisement Private equity has dramatically expanded its influence in restaurants over the last decade, investing $94.5 billion between 2014 and 2024, according to data from capital market company PitchBook. Some outraged Sprinkles Cupcakes fans said on social media that the closures were part of a larger trend where private equity firms purchase restaurants and retail brands like Red Lobster or TGI Fridays that later file for bankruptcy or close altogether. Farmers in Western Australia have issued a warning about the drastic increase in rabbit populations and the damage they are causing. What's happening? According to ABC News, the head of the Invasive Species Council is warning the Australian government that the recent explosion of rabbit populations in Western Australia is creating havoc for farmers and landowners. Landowners in agricultural areas have been reporting numbers of rabbits not seen before, with at least one farmer reporting that these animals are wiping out grain crops. Advertisement Advertisement This year, the chief executive of the Invasive Species Council, Jack Gough, sent a written warning to the federal government about the influx of rabbits. "This is a national problem," he said, per ABC News. "WA is not the only place where I'm hearing farmers, land managers screaming about the numbers of rabbits that they're seeing." Gough also urged investment and action to develop new biological controls to reduce the rabbit population and the environmental and economic damage they are causing. Why is this increase in rabbits concerning? These invasive rabbits, like other invasive species, are spreading rapidly and taking over the agricultural areas where they reside. Besides the damage they've already done to crops, Gough also pointed out that at least 300 already endangered native species are at risk due to the rabbits. Invasive animal species outcompete native ones for local resources, introduce new diseases that can wipe native species out, and can destroy a region's biodiversity and ecosystem in the blink of an eye. Advertisement Advertisement In this case, the invasive species also affects human communities by destroying crops. A reduced crop yield means farmers will see reduced incomes, which could affect how much they're able to grow the following year. Fewer crops also means fewer options at the grocery store, and if the problem persists, reduced food security for those in Western Australia. Eradicating invasive species, like these rabbits, is vital, but so too is prioritizing and protecting native animal and plant species. Doing this will help limit the spread of invasive species, protect food supplies, and conserve natural resources. What's being done about the rabbits? In the past, the rabbit population was controlled via the calicivirus, but that method no longer seems to work. In response, the federal agriculture minister, Julie Collins, per ABC News, said: "The government, under the Supporting Communities Manage Pest Animals and Weeds Program, is investing $1.2 million toward rabbit control projects to improve control tools, capacity building, and coordinated management." Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Federal subsidies for child care payments are frozen while the Trump administration hunts for alleged fraud in the program. The funding pause was a response to conservative influencer Nick Shirley's viral video on purportedly fraudulent day care centers in the Twin Cities raised concerns - and disbelief - online. Even though Shirley's video claimed fraud only in Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Administration for Children and Families will withhold funding to all 50 states that is used to help families offset the cost of care, HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill announced on X. Freezes could be lifted if states provide "justification and a receipt or photo evidence" before funds are redistributed. O'Neill also said the department has launched a hotline to field reports of fraud. Vice President JD Vance applauded the move on X, saying: "Many more to come." We have frozen all child care payments to the state of Minnesota. You have probably read the serious allegations that the state of Minnesota has funneled millions of taxpayer dollars to fraudulent daycares across Minnesota over the past decade. Today we have taken three actions pic.twitter.com/VYbyf3WGop - Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill (@HHS_Jim) December 30, 2025 "Turning off payments and forcing verification before taxpayer money flows out the door is one of the most important steps we can take to end the fraud in Minnesota," Vance wrote. Advertisement Advertisement The funding freeze follows President Donald Trump's attacks on Somali Americans living in Minnesota, particularly Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia. Trump has amplified claims of widespread fraud by Somali Americans who operate day care centers and other safety net programs. But problems in those programs have been public knowledge for more than a decade and have been the subject of extensive local and national news coverage. State officials have tried to rein in fraud and abuse, and since 2021, a federal investigation has resulted in charges against at least 92 people. About 60 have been convicted or have pleaded guilty, while most of the rest are awaiting trial. Many of the defendants are Somali Americans. "This isn't fraud prevention," wrote St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, "it's retaliatory disruption for over 12,000 Minnesota families who rely on these payments, many of whom live far below the state median income. Child care is a lifeline. It is not a bargaining chip." Funding delays could have widespread effects The nationwide funding pause could raise costs for families as the federal program provides funding to states and territories for low-income families, according to ChildCare.gov. According to HHS, families spend anywhere between $100 and $500 a week for full-time care for an infant in a center for subsidized care. Advertisement Advertisement The freeze also threatens the viability of many day care centers, Cindy Lehnhoff, director of the National Child Care Association, an industry group, told NPR. "Providers are extremely concerned, as they should be, that they are not going to be able to remain open if there are any delays in receiving their subsidized payments for the children they care for," Lehnhoff said. "And this will not just affect the 1.4 million children that are on subsidized care," she added, "but it's very common for centers to serve subsidized care and working parents that are paying for care. So if these centers are closed, you're going to affect millions of children and families that rely on this essential service to work." Freeze initially targeted Minnesota Trump administration officials reacted quickly to Shirley's Christmas Eve video, even as news organizations raised questions about its veracity. Officials used the allegations from the video to criticize Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat who was his party's vice presidential nominee in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement "We believe the state of Minnesota has allowed scammers and fake day care to siphon millions of taxpayer dollars over the past decade," O'Neill said in a video he posted on X. He also requested Walz to furnish attendance records, licenses, complaints, investigations and inspections of all centers operating in Minnesota. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison threatened legal action against the Trump administration, saying the action was prompted by a single social media video and was a "scorched earth-attack." He added that his office has prosecuted more than 300 Medicaid fraud cases and won more than $80 million in judgments and restitution. "What I will not do, if it is at all within my power, is let the Trump administration devastate funding for services that Minnesota families depend on to afford their lives," Ellison said in a statement. Payments help families afford care The federal subsidies are a form of assistance offered to eligible families so their children can receive care in preschool, day care or other child care facilities. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Administration for Children and Families, states are limited from setting copayments of about 7% of a family's income, regardless of how many children get care. Twenty-nine states waive copayments for families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level for a family of their size. For instance, if a family of four has a combined annual income of $24,112.50, and they seek assistance in Kansas, the state would waive their costs. But copayments are much higher in some states. In Vermont, for instance, the cost to families can run as high as $1,075 a month. Child care burdensome for some families Child Care Aware of America said in its annual report for 2024 that there were 84,592 licensed centers across the nation, an increase of 1.5% from 2023. The nonprofit counted 99,958 licensed family child care homes, an increase of 4.3%. On average, families paid $13,128 for the year. The nonprofit calculated that in some states, paying for child care could take up as much as 62.2% of the median income for a single-parent family and 17.9% for a married-couple family. Advertisement Advertisement "Child care prices remain high for families," the organization said. "According to CCAoA's analysis, the price of child care continued to rise in 2024. The five-year increase in child care prices from 2020 to 2024 is 29%. Over the same five-year period, overall prices rose by 22%, meaning child care prices grew by 7% more." ChildCare.gov acknowledged that for some families, the cost could be the biggest part of a family's budget and can often exceed housing, food or a college tuition expenses. The post Federal assistance for child care is frozen after influencer's viral video alleges fraud in Minnesota appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links The post How Bison Engineered Oklahomas PrairieAnd Nearly Lost It All appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take By the 1880s and 1890s, fewer than 1,000 bison remained in the wild, a stark warning about unchecked exploitation. Wallows create seasonal pools that trap rainwater, support amphibians and insects, and reshape prairie biodiversity. Despite common usage, the official label buffalo (Bison bison) clashes with biology, which reserves buffalo for other species. Read on to discover how a transfer of fifteen bison from the Bronx Zoo seeded conservation that grew into a 2,000-plus herd at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Oklahoma did not choose the American buffalo as its state mammal simply because it looked good on souvenirs and roadside signs. In 1972, state lawmakers chose the bison for this role because it tied together Native traditions, frontier history, and the natural systems of the Great Plains more than any other animal in the area. Long before statehood, vast herds shaped the land that later became Oklahoma and sustained many of the tribes who still live there. Legislators wanted a symbol that honored the land itself, as well as the people who depended on it for generations. Today, bison still roam protected prairies in Oklahoma, reminding residents that endurance, survival, and care for grasslands sit at the center of the states identity. A stark warning about unchecked exploitation: America's bison population plummeted to fewer than 1,000. Discover how just 15 animals sparked a remarkable return, reshaping prairies and culture. A-Z Animals Whats In a Name? Oklahomas resolution refers to the state mammal as the buffalo (Bison bison), keeping the familiar name used by most residents while also identifying the animal by its scientific classification. In strict biological terms, the name buffalo applies to animals such as the African Cape buffalo and the Asian water buffalo. In North America, however, the word has long been used as a nickname for the plains bison. So, the Oklahoma law chose to include both the animals colloquial name and its scientific name for clarity. A Prairie Species with Deep Roots Long before borders, flags, or highways, massive herds of American bison moved across the Great Plains, including the grasslands and mixed prairies that now fall within Oklahoma. Indigenous nations such as the Cheyenne, Pawnee, Kiowa, and Comanche relied on bison for far more than food. The animals provided hides for shelter and clothing, bones for tools, and materials used in everyday life. Bison also held an important place in stories, ceremonies, and spiritual teachings that explained the relationship between people and the land. As they moved and grazed, bison helped create the diverse grasslands that define Oklahomas landscape. YegoroV/Shutterstock.com (YegoroV/Shutterstock.com) As these herds moved, grazed, and wallowed, they reshaped the prairie itself. Their constant motion helped prevent any single plant from taking over, creating a varied landscape of grasses and flowering plants. When lawmakers later searched for a state animal that truly belonged to Oklahoma, they focused on a species that had shaped the land in lasting and visible ways. Collapse of the Great Herds By the late nineteenth century, bison numbers across North America fell at a shocking pace. Commercial hunting, railroad expansion, and federal policies aimed at undermining tribal food sources all played a role. Herds that once numbered in the tens of millions were reduced to scattered groups. By the 1880s and 1890s, fewer than a thousand bison remained in the wild. Advertisement Advertisement In what is now Oklahoma, the last wild southern Plains bison disappeared during this period. The loss affected Native communities first and hardest, stripping away a central resource and cultural anchor. The near disappearance of the species also served as an early warning about the consequences of unchecked exploitation. The bisons decline became one of the clearest examples of how quickly human activity could erase a species that once seemed endless. Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison were driven to near extinction by the late 1800s. Tim Evanson from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0 Original / License (Tim Evanson from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0) Early Efforts to Save the Buffalo The American bison survived because a small number of people recognized the value of this animal and acted before it was too late. Ranchers, conservationists, and zoological institutions began gathering surviving animals into private herds and protected areas. One of the most important moments for Oklahoma came in 1907, when the federal government transported fifteen bison from the Bronx Zoo in New York to the newly created Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. That small herd became the foundation for bison conservation in the southern Plains. Protected from hunting and given room to roam, the animals began to reproduce. Their presence also helped restore grazing patterns that benefited native grasses and other wildlife. The Wichita Mountains herd stood as proof that deliberate protection could reverse even severe ecological damage. The Road to an Official State Mammal When Oklahoma lawmakers considered state symbols in the early 1970s, the bison already held a strong place in public memory. Herds at the Wichita Mountains and other locations had become familiar sights, drawing visitors and serving as living reminders of the regions past. In 1972, the legislature passed a concurrent resolution naming the buffalo (Bison bison) as the official state mammal. Named Oklahomas state mammal in 1972, the bison reflects the land, history, and cultures that shaped the state. Tim Malek/Shutterstock.com (Tim Malek/Shutterstock.com) The resolution emphasized that the species was native to Oklahoma and deeply important to many tribes whose histories shaped the state. Choosing the bison allowed lawmakers to recognize Indigenous heritage, frontier history, and the land itself in a single symbol. The decision also reflected growing public interest in conservation during that era, as Americans began to reconsider how natural resources were used and protected. How States Use Animal Symbols Across the United States, official animals are chosen to express shared identity and values rather than decoration alone. These symbols often highlight species that are native to a region or closely tied to its landscape, history, or economy. In many states, the selection process includes schools, civic groups, or student-led efforts, turning the decision into a public lesson in history, science, and government. Once adopted, the animal becomes a recognizable marker that appears in classrooms, tourism materials, and public conversations. Advertisement Advertisement State animal designations can also lead to practical outcomes. Official recognition tends to raise awareness and support for conservation programs, research, and habitat protection. For the species itself, this attention can encourage science-based management and long-term planning. For residents, the symbol reinforces pride in local wildlife and strengthens the connection between people and the ecosystems they depend on. Meaning Behind the Choice The bison was never meant to represent ranching alone or modern meat production. Instead, lawmakers pointed to the animals endurance and recovery as its most important traits. After being pushed close to extinction, bison survived through protection and care, making them a strong emblem for a state that had endured droughts, economic hardship, and social change. Because bison once supported tribal economies and continue to be raised on Native lands and private ranches, the animal also serves as a link between past and present. It reflects continuity rather than nostalgia, showing how traditions can adapt while staying rooted in place. In this way, the bison stands for shared history rather than a single chapter of Oklahomas story. A cow and calf reflect how protection allowed bison to survive and remain part of Oklahomas living story. DallasPenner / CC BY-SA 4.0 Original / License (DallasPenner / CC BY-SA 4.0) Bison in Oklahoma Today Modern Oklahoma still provides space for bison to live much as they once did. At the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the herd has grown from the original fifteen animals to roughly 650. These bison roam freely, grazing and moving across the refuge in patterns that support native plants and wildlife. Managers carefully monitor herd size to protect the land from overuse. Advertisement Advertisement Farther north, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Osage County hosts one of the largest bison herds in the country. Beginning with a group of donated animals in the 1990s, the herd has expanded to more than 2,000 bison. Visitors can observe the animals from designated roads while learning how grazing shapes tallgrass prairie systems that have nearly vanished elsewhere. How Buffalo Shape the Prairie Ecologists often describe bison as a keystone species because their actions influence many other forms of life. Their grazing habits create a patchwork of short and tall vegetation, which supports a wider range of insects, birds, and small mammals. Without bison, grasses can grow dense and uniform, reducing habitat diversity. By grazing unevenly across the prairie, bison create diverse habitats that support many other species. Daniel Mayer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Original / License (Daniel Mayer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Bison also create shallow depressions when they roll in the dirt. These wallows collect rainwater and form small seasonal pools. Over time, these pools support amphibians, insects, and plants that require wet conditions. In this way, a single animals behavior can affect water flow, soil structure, and plant growth across large areas of prairie. A Symbol Shared Across the Plains Oklahoma is not alone in honoring the buffalo as a state symbol. Kansas and Wyoming have also named the American bison as a state animal, reflecting the species importance throughout the Great Plains. In 2016, the United States designated the American bison as the national mammal, recognizing its role in the countrys environmental and cultural history. Advertisement Advertisement For Oklahomans, this shared recognition places local herds within a broader national effort to protect and restore prairie ecosystems. It also reinforces the idea that conservation does not stop at state borders. The bisons recovery depends on cooperation among tribes, states, federal agencies, and private landowners across the region. Tribal Leadership and Living Culture Many Native nations connected to Oklahoma are leading modern efforts to return bison to tribal lands. These programs focus on more than herd numbers. They emphasize education, community involvement, and the restoration of cultural relationships with the animal. For many tribes, caring for bison is an expression of sovereignty and responsibility rather than commerce alone. Tribal herds support language programs, youth education, and traditional practices tied to the buffalo. By blending modern wildlife management with inherited knowledge, these efforts show how conservation and culture can move forward together. The presence of bison on tribal lands represents survival after displacement and a renewed connection to ancestral landscapes. Tribal-led bison restoration combines wildlife management with cultural responsibility on ancestral lands. Steve Creek/Shutterstock.com (Steve Creek/Shutterstock.com) Conservation Challenges and Responsibilities Although bison numbers are far higher than they were a century ago, the species still requires careful management. Maintaining genetic diversity remains a concern, since many herds descend from small founding groups. Agencies and conservation groups coordinate animal transfers between herds to reduce inbreeding and improve long-term health. Advertisement Advertisement Land management also matters. Bison need space to move, graze, and interact naturally with their environment. Visitors play a role as well. Following refuge rules, keeping distance from animals, and respecting closures help protect people and wildlife alike. The bisons presence in Oklahoma depends on ongoing attention rather than past success alone. Modern bison herds depend on careful land use, genetic planning, and long-term oversight. iStock.com/Karel Stipek (iStock.com/Karel Stipek) An Enduring Legacy Oklahoma chose the bison as its state animal because no other species so clearly connects the land, its first peoples, and its ongoing story. As herds continue to thrive on protected prairies, the meaning behind that choice grows clearer. The bison stands as a reminder that loss is not always final and that recovery is possible when care replaces neglect. The post How Bison Engineered Oklahomas PrairieAnd Nearly Lost It All appeared first on A-Z Animals. CHICAGO (WGN) Chicago police are investigating an incident in Lakeview as a possible hate crime. The incident happened at around 2 a.m. on New Years Day. Surveillance video from The Bagel Restaurant & Deli, a Jewish kosher-style deli located in the 3100 block of North Broadway, captured what appeared to be a fight involving three people. Man charged with attempted murder after violent attack on clerk at Woodstock gas station Advertisement Advertisement One of the three people involved, a 27-year-old man, ended up being pushed through the window of the restaurant, cutting his hand in the process. It was two in the morning and I didnt even know about it. Somebody called the police. They came because we have film of them going through the restaurant, making sure nobody else was here, and then finally we were notified at about five in the morning and able to get an enclosure company to board us up, owner Marvin Barsky said. Hopefully with the video we have and help from the police, because there is a police report, well be bale to find these people because this is just wrong. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The person who was pushed through the window was taken to the hospital in good condition. Advertisement Advertisement The suspects, meanwhile, ran off northbound on North Broadway, according to police. No arrests have been made and Area Three Detectives are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, though police did not elaborate further. Part of the restaurant is now boarded up, but Barsky said theyre still open for business. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. The National Hydrometeorology Service has issued a yellow alert for strong winds expected on January 4 in Baku, the Absheron Peninsula, and several other regions, Azernews reports. According to the Service, westerly winds will blow in Baku, the Absheron Peninsula, and the districts of Dashkasan, Ganja, Samukh, Goranboy, Naftalan, Neftchala, Khizi, Mingachevir, Oghuz, Shaki, Shamakhi, and Gobustan. Wind speeds are expected to reach 13.920.7 meters per second. Residents are advised to exercise caution, especially in exposed areas, and secure any loose objects that could be affected by the strong winds. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Talon has its roots in Old French, derived from the word 'talon' meaning 'heel' or later evolving to mean 'claw.' In French heraldry and medieval symbolism, the talon represented strength, precision, and hunting prowess, often associated with nobility and warriors who employed falconry. The name gained particular significance during the Middle Ages when falconry was a popular sport among European aristocracy, symbolizing both the bird's sharp talons and the hunter's skill. In modern times, Talon has evolved beyond its French origins to become an international name that carries connotations of strength, precision, and predatory excellence. The name's association with birds of prey gives it a powerful, natural symbolism that resonates across cultures, particularly in contexts where strength, focus, and hunting ability are valued. This cross-cultural appeal has allowed Talon to maintain relevance while retaining its distinctive French heritage. Jan 2 (Reuters) - A large fire broke out in an apartment complex under construction in southeast Denver near the Glendale area on Friday evening, causing significant power outages in the community, according to Glendale's police department. Flames tore through the building's frame as thick smoke rose into the night sky, while fire trucks and flashing lights filled the street, in images posted by Denver's fire department on X. One firefighter was injured and was taken to Denver Health, a local hospital, the fire department said in the post. Advertisement Advertisement More than 100 firefighters were at the scene of the fire, Robert Murphy, division chief of operations for Denver Fire told ABC affiliate KMGH TV. "This fire is still not out. Our firefighters are still dumping water on it. It's, you know, deep-seated now within this building so we're trying to reach those deep-seated locations and we're going to be here a while and with us here, they're going to keep Leetsdale (Drive) closed for sure," Murphy said. Authorities have set up a temporary shelter at an event center in nearby Glendale, the police said. (Reporting by Ruchika Khanna and Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Susan Fenton) Florida State University law professor Dan Markel's last day alive began like many others. He dropped off his two young sons at preschool and went to the gym, authorities said. But things took a dark turn. After pulling into his driveway on the morning of July 18, 2014, Markel was shot in the head multiple times and rushed to a hospital where he died the next day, authorities said. Markel had been having custody issues with his ex-wife Wendi Adelson. Advertisement Advertisement Over the next 11 years, two members of Adelson's family, including most recently her mother Donna Adelson, would be revealed as the center of a stunning murder-for-hire plot against him that would span several criminal trials. A new "20/20" episode, "Meddler or Murderer?," airing Friday, Jan. 2, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu, examines the case. You can also get more behind-the-scenes of each week's episode by listening to "20/20: The After Show" weekly series right on your 20/20 podcast feed on Mondays, hosted by "20/20" co-anchor Deborah Roberts. Wendi Adelson came from a prominent dentistry family in South Florida. Wendi's father, Harvey Adelson, and brother Charlie Adelson, were lead dentists at the practice, called the Adelson Institute, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Wendi married Markel in 2006 after previously connecting on a Jewish dating service. However, a controlling figure emerged in their relationship -- her mother, Donna. Ruth and Phil Markel - PHOTO: Florida State University law professor Dan Markel was murdered in Tallahassee in the summer of 2014. Sarah Katherine Dugan, who prosecuted Donna Adelson, said in court that the family matriarch was very involved in all aspects of Wendi's life and relationship with Markel. "She was extremely controlling. She had very strong opinions about all the decisions in Wendi Adelson's life, whether it be about her career, her relationships, or even purchasing a home," she said. Wendi Adelson and Dan Markel eventually moved to Tallahassee, where they both got jobs at Florida State University's law school. However, their marriage deteriorated. Advertisement Advertisement "Our marriage dissolved after the children arrived, as the loneliness of being married to someone that didnt view me as an equal crept in," Wendi Adelson said in a 2015 podcast. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat, Pool - PHOTO: Wendi Adelson testifies during Charlie Adelsons trial. The couple went through a bitter divorce, and at the center of both of their lives post-separation was the issue of where their two children would live. Donna Adelson began a fierce campaign against Markel to relocate the children and Wendi down to South Florida with her, but Markel remained insistent on keeping the kids in Tallahassee, 500 miles away, according to authorities. Markel became increasingly distrustful of Donna Adelson due to her desire to move the children away from him, even filing a motion to prevent her from having unsupervised visits with the children in 2014. However, it would be the last motion he would ever file before he was shot to death. Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' director James Cameron talks about Pandora's origins Some two years after the killing, investigators arrested two individuals named Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera in 2016, charging them with first-degree murder. The duo was alleged to be hired hitmen who were paid to take out Markel, per prosecutors. In exchange for a lesser sentence of second-degree murder and 19 years in prison, Rivera gave investigators the name of the woman he claimed hired them to carry out the hit on Markel -- Katie Magbanua, the mother of Garcia's child and the ex-girlfriend of Adelson's brother, Charlie. Police then arrested Magbanua in 2016 and later Charlie Adelson in 2022, charging them with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder for Markel's death. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors alleged that Donna and Charlie orchestrated the hit on Dan Markel due to his custody issues with Wendi, and they used Magbanua, Garcia and Rivera to execute their plot. Magbanua and Charlie Adelson both pleaded not guilty but were ultimately convicted of all charges in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and sentenced to life in prison with an additional 60 years for their conspiracy and solicitation convictions. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat, Pool - PHOTO: Charlie Adelson was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder. Garcia was also convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2019. He had pleaded not guilty. After Charlie's conviction, investigators learned that Donna Adelson was planning to leave the country with a one-way ticket to Vietnam -- a country that has no extradition agreement with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested her at the Miami International Airport in 2023, also charging her with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder in Dan Markel's killing. READ MORE: How a Florida mom's disappearance led to arrest of woman with 18 aliases Donna Adelson pleaded not guilty, with her defense claiming that she was not involved in the murder plot. Adelson, 75, was convicted of all counts against her in 2025 and sentenced to life in prison with an extra 30 years for the solicitation and conspiracy charges to be served consecutively. Advertisement Advertisement "Never in a million years would I have wanted Danny to be harmed or killed, nor could I ever do something that would leave these two small boys to grow up without him," she said at her sentencing. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat, Pool - PHOTO: Donna Adelson is sentenced to life in prison. In an exclusive new interview with "20/20," Evan Higginbotham, a juror at Donna Adelson's trial, spoke out. ABC News - PHOTO: Juror #6 in Donna Adelsons trail, Evan Higginbotham, sits down with ABC News for an interview. "The prosecution had a long list of evidence," he said. "I think it was how they presented that evidence in the trial that laid out everything to finally land me a guilty verdict at the end of it." Dan Markel's mother, Ruth Markel, told "20/20" that she was most proud of her son for being a good dad. ABC News - PHOTO: Ruth and Phil Markel, Dans parents, sit down with ABC News for an interview. "Danny was a great father," she said. "With all his accomplishments, to me I'm the proudest of him as a father." Donna and Charlie Adelson have filed appeals for their convictions. Magbanua and Garcia's appeals were both denied in 2025. The mayor of Calumet City has been accused of extortion in a federal lawsuit. Mayor Thaddeus Jones issued a response Friday evening. A former city employee sued Jones and Calumet City, alleging extortion. Kenneth Jones, who was the director of the city's Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, claims the mayor started asking him for monthly payments to keep his job, then illegally fired him. The mayor is denying those allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Jones attorney released the following statement Friday night: "Mayor Jones is disappointed to read these false allegations. Mayor Jones anticipates the quick dismissal of this frivolous lawsuit in court. The Mayor will continue to focus his efforts where they have always been and that is serving the people of Calumet City and improving the lives of all of his constituents." No further information was available. Gaza City Over the past two years, we stopped counting seasons, days, and the passage of time. Days are no longer days; the life we knew before the outbreak of Israels genocidal war is gone. Instead, days merge as we taste every shade of suffering and drink from every bitter cup except the one that will give us our lives back. We watch the world writing about the end of 2025, celebrating achievements and opening a blank page to welcome the coming year. Advertisement Advertisement But a new year in Gaza means we are entering the third year of the war and its aftermath. Its as if Gaza has its own calendar since the genocide began. Carrying tears and disbelief Whoever emerged from this year alive survived with their body, but their soul has been eroded you can see it on the face of any woman or man who has been displaced for two years. We were hopeful at the beginning of 2025 as we returned, carrying our tears and disbelief, to northern Gaza, to our destroyed homes where we had lived our entire lives. In that ceasefire in January 2025, we thought the war had ended and that we could start anew. But we were wrong. Only six weeks later, as people were still trying to absorb life in post-war northern Gaza, the war returned, even more brutal. In mid-March, we were woken to the sound of bombs a sound that had never really left us. This time, Israel added the weapon of starvation, blocking the entry of everything, even aid. Advertisement Advertisement And so it went: War, bombardment, blood, hunger, and the constant race to secure a single meal. Seasons of abundance passed us by, Eid and feast days, while tables were bare. No holiday cookies, no coffee, no chocolate. Nothing. People made do by offering water, and some stopped receiving visitors, hiding their poverty. This years Eid, supermarket shelves had been bare for months. A vendor set out a table with thin fingers of sweets his wife had made at home from sugar, sesame, and flour. One little piece sold for 10 shekels (about $3). I wasnt surprised. Sugar and flour were priceless, sold by the gramme, like gold. Advertisement Advertisement That day, I went from place to place with my children, trying to find any sign of celebration. I was surprised at myself for hoping, even subconsciously, that it being Eid might change things, that perhaps food would enter. But I told myself: What would it being Eid matter in Gaza? Nothing changes. Its just another day, the same reality. A day in Gaza means bombs in the sky, and hunger and deprivation of joy on the ground. I decided not to go see my family in the north for Eid and turned back home. Maram Humaids son Iyas has lived most of his life in war [Maram Humaid/Al Jazeera] Not only because I stood at a street corner for more than an hour and a half looking for a car or even an animal-drawn cart to take us north, but also because I felt joy was dead, no matter how hard I tried. So I returned, broken, my children trailing behind me. Advertisement Advertisement I had enough money to buy them new clothes, but all my money couldnt buy them a cookie. I collapsed onto a couch at home, wondering at the wrath that seemed to have been unleashed on us in Gaza while the rest of the planet carried on, celebrating Eid as famine consumed us. The passing of days As the days passed, they drained us. Day after day, I began to lose my desire to work, to write, to keep listening to peoples stories. Whats the point of listening to the stories of the hungry when the world has grown accustomed to our protruding bones? Whats the point of covering a massacre that isnt ending? I had no energy left. I would think of a story, but my mind would tell me to conserve what energy remained. Advertisement Advertisement My days narrowed to counting how much flour, rice, and sugar we had left. I cooked lentils over an open, smoking fire for my children. I worried about the last of the yeast, worried about how to find more firewood, craved a cup of coffee as if it were a dream, and scrolled through photos of once-abundant tables. We were seeing people die for a bag of flour or a food parcel, and crowds gathering at night to go to aid distribution points. I had never stopped thinking about leaving Gaza throughout the war, but my motivation changed as the thoughts got sharper. I was dreaming of taking my children somewhere they could eat whatever they wanted. Advertisement Advertisement I want to title all this humiliation and suffering in my memory as: So we do not forget. How could I forget, when even now, whenever I pass a stall full of fruits and vegetables, I gasp and stare, my heart pounding with prayers that this blessing will not disappear again? How could I forget, when I still remember my shock and emotion in late September when I entered a supermarket and saw shelves of food? I went into a buying frenzy. I took a bit of everything: Canned goods, chocolate, chips, cream cheese, flour, legumes. I felt like I was carrying treasures, even at double the price. Since then, whenever I enter a grocery shop, anxiety, fear, and exhaustion overwhelm me. I buy what I need and what I dont need. Advertisement Advertisement Food is more available, yet my mind tells me that this abundance will not last. We are conditioned to deprivation, empty shelves and severed supply lines. Hunger, the weapon we never expected in Gaza [Maram Humaid/Al Jazeera] It is a deep trauma, a constant feeling that food will disappear. I cant say I hate food, but I hate the terror and fear around it. The same feeling returns with every door slam, every rug shaken out, every sound of a passing truck, or gunfire. All of it throws us into a state of emergency, waiting for the sound of a missile. Achievements The other night, just before the end of the year, I was joking with my father and my siblings, who have been sheltering with us since September, when Israel forced people out of the north. Advertisement Advertisement We wanted to imitate the social media achievements trend, where friends and families gather around a cake, and each person lights a candle and details an achievement for the year. We began without a cake under dim LED lights, because electricity had been cut for months. When my turn came, I said my greatest achievement this year was retaining my mental and psychological faculties. I hadnt even finished my sentence before everyone burst into laughter. Who told you that you still have your mental and psychological faculties? my sister choked out around her laughter. I fell silent, stunned by their reaction, then laughed along with them when I realised the weight of what I had said. Advertisement Advertisement What is this, you fool? What psyche, what sanity? God forgive you, Maram. After what you mentioned above, and what you didnt mention, and everything you will never mention, is there still room to speak of mental and emotional stability? It was the most honest ending to this year. An ending where I fully understood the limits of my strength and that I had reached the end of it, yet somehow I managed to keep going. This is not defiance, nor strength. Prolonged survival in this state eats away at souls and minds. Day after day, our humanity erodes further until we are no longer fit for life, no matter how many years pass. The conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) party in Germany is calling for "comprehensive" surveillance of the entire Baltic Sea in response to what it describes as growing threats, according to a policy paper seen by dpa. The draft paper says that increasing attacks on subsea cables in the Baltic Sea, some allegedly carried out by Russia's so-called shadow fleet, are unacceptable. It calls for improved real-time monitoring and proposes creating a "transparent Baltic Sea" through the use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. Unmanned underwater drones would patrol along critical infrastructure, supported by extensive sensor networks, the document says. Advertisement Advertisement The paper is due to be adopted next week at a retreat of CSU members of parliament in Bavaria. The CSU, which only runs for election in the southern state of Bavaria and is the largest force there, is also part of the nationally governing coalition together with its sister party, the Christian Democratic Union, and the centre-left Social Democratic Party. Lawmaker calls for Europe's strongest conventional army "Germany must take responsibility and provide the strongest conventional army in Europe so that, together with our alliance partners, we are ready for defence and capable of deterrence," CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann told the Sunday edition of the Welt newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement The path to achieving that goal does not lie in the creation of a European army, Hoffmann said, but in closer integration of Europe's national armed forces. "To do that, we must massively invest in our Bundeswehr, close capability gaps and gain technological sovereignty," he said. Police in Gelsenkirchen have published images taken by security cameras of the masked burglars who broke into a savings bank in the western German city and raided thousands of safety deposit boxes. The images were taken in the parking garage adjacent to the bank, from where the perpetrators gained access to the building, a police spokesman said. They show a number of people wearing black balaclavas. One person is wearing red gloves, while another is wearing green gloves. A black car and a white delivery van are also shown. Police believe they were used for the getaway. Advertisement Advertisement Almost all 3,250 safety deposit boxes at the bank in the Buer part of the city were broken into after the burglars entered from the garage into an archive room and then drilled a hole into the bank's vault. The break-in was discovered early on Monday after a fire alarm went off. The crime could have been carried out over days, as witnesses later reported seeing men with large bags in a stairwell in the garage last weekend. Insured damage has been put at around 30 million ($35 million), although the total could be much higher. A bank spokesman said the bank could not comment on the contents of the boxes. The branch remains closed. On Tuesday, police reported that a high-powered car with masked men could be seen on the video recordings. It bore false Hanover licence plates. Police said a "flood" of leads had come in, but none were conclusive. "We have a lot of leads from many sources," the spokesman said. No arrests have as yet been made. More than half a million migrant women could make a big contribution to reducing the skills shortage in Germany, according to a new study from the German Economic Institute (IW), a pro-business think tank. The approximately 530,000 women in this category should be rapidly integrated into the labour market, said Lydia Malin, the author of the study by the IW's skills unit (Kofa). The unit reported that a total of 1.3 million women in Germany were unemployed in 2024. Malin highlighted potential for sectors with severe shortages, including the care and education sectors. Advertisement Advertisement According to the study, in 2024, more than 40% of all working women in Germany were employed in jobs affected by a skills shortage. The study recommends that companies should target foreign women when recruiting. Flexible working hours, childcare support and part-time working should be offered, it said, noting that around a third of unemployed women expressed a wish for reduced working hours for family reasons. It found that many foreign women looked for jobs that they were overqualified for and that many had completed a professional or academic course. The reasons included unrecognized certificates and difficulties in finding a job in their field where they could combine their family responsibilities. Malin believes that many migrant women could work in jobs with a shortage of workers, such as sales, bookkeeping and medical assistants. The study calls on employers to check whether women can be employed without formal qualification, possibly with in-service training. "In a number of sectors, the skills gaps can be completely closed on at least considerably reduced," Malin says. Republican businessman and former Paulding County Commissioner Brian Stover launched his first ad on Thursday in the crowded race to replace outgoing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) in Georgias 14th Congressional District. Like President Trump, Im a businessman, not a politician. And like him, I have the same mission: to take out the trash, Stover, who owns a waste management company, said in the 30-second ad, which was first shared with The Hill. And Im running for Congress to help President Trump. Ill bring our values to D.C. Defend ICE agents thats keeping us safe, and fight tooth and nail to bring costs down, he continued, adding, Lets get to work. Advertisement Advertisement Christian. Conservative. Pro-Trump Republican and trash destroyer. Brian Stover for Congress, a narrator ends the ad saying. Multiple Republicans and at least one Democrat have launched bids to replace Greene, a President Trump loyalist-turned-critic who is set to resign Monday. Other candidates pursuing Greenes seat include Jim Tully, who served as chair for the Georgias 14th GOP District Committee and was a former staffer to Greene; state Sen. Colton Moore; former Federal Emergency Management Administration official Star Black; and Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Clayton Fuller. Greene surprised many when she announced in November she would be leaving Congress early, opening up her House seat in northwest Georgia that includes Dalton and Rome. Her announcement came shortly after Trump unendorsed her amid an increasingly public falling out between the two. Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) is required to call a special election within 10 days of Greenes resignation. Once Kemp announces the special election, it must take place at least 30 days afterward. All candidates running for Greenes seat will be listed under one ballot regardless of party, with the top two vote-getters advancing to a runoff if no one candidate notches more than half the vote outright. Greenes seat went for Trump by close to 37 points in 2024, according to The Downballot, meaning its all but certain to remain in GOP hands. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Individuals named Towley are typically characterized by their grounded, practical nature and strong community orientation. They often exhibit a calm, steady demeanor reminiscent of the peaceful meadows from which the name derives, showing patience in decision-making and reliability in relationships. Their connection to 'town meadow' symbolism frequently manifests as a nurturing personality, with many Towleys demonstrating natural abilities in caretaking roles, whether in family, professional, or community settings. These individuals tend to value stability and tradition while maintaining adaptability to changing circumstances. Their Christian background often informs a moral compass centered on service, humility, and environmental stewardship. Towleys typically excel in roles requiring mediation and consensus-building, drawing on their inherent connection to communal spaces and shared resources. While not typically flamboyant or attention-seeking, they possess quiet strength and resilience that makes them pillars in their communities. The combination of 'town' and 'meadow' in the name's meaning often results in personalities that balance social engagement with contemplative qualities, making Towleys effective at building bridges between different groups while maintaining their own centered perspective. Their approach to life tends to be methodical and thoughtful, with a deep appreciation for both natural beauty and human connection. A new analysis of voter data found that the God gap between Republicans and Democrats has never been bigger, even as religious attendance drops among GOP voters. A majority of those who voted for President Donald Trump in 2024 attended a house of worship at least yearly, with 35% attending every week, according to Cooperative Election Study data analyzed by political scientist Ryan Burge. Meanwhile, just 35% of those who voted for Kamala Harris attended a religious service at least once a year, with only 17% attending weekly. This means on a given week, Harris voters are less than half as likely to go to church. Advertisement Advertisement A shocking two-thirds of Harris voters report rarely attending church if ever. This is driven by a 20-percentage-point increase in the share of Democratic voters who never go to a religious service, rising from 24% in 2008 to 44% in 2024. This trend may only be speeding up. Not only are 57% of Democrats under 35 not religious a 7-point increase from 2008 but Democrats over 65 experienced the single largest shift of any group, as the share with no religious affiliation increased from 22% in 2008 to 36% in 2024. This confirms that religion is likely to become even more of an identity signal in the nations polarized partisan divide, Burge told the Deseret News. For Democrats, secularism increasingly structures worldview and issue positions," he said. Advertisement Advertisement As the Democratic Party reels from its 2024 loss, some are pointing a finger at this anti-religion reputation. In a recent speech, Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia, a Baptist pastor, lamented that Democrats are not as vocal about their faith as Republicans. We have ceded too much of that space to them, and I dont know why, Warnock said in an interview with the Washington Post. Religious makeup of the parties The Republican Party is unequivocally the party of Christians, Burge concludes in his analysis. The religious composition of the 2024 Republican coalition was 80% Christian: 42% Evangelical, 21% Catholic, 14% mainline protestant and 2% members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An identical share, 2%, were Jewish. Advertisement Advertisement Only 5% of Trumps voters were atheist or agnostic. Another 12% did not identify with any religious affiliation a 4% increase in nones from 2008, but nothing compared to the share of Democratic nones, who form the core Democratic constituency. Nearly half of Democrats 2024 voters had no religious affiliation: 20% identified with nothing in particular, 14% were atheists and 11% were agnostic. The share of non-religious Democrats, 45%, is nearly triple the share among Republicans, 17%. Whereas 80% of Republican voters are Christian, and 70% are white Christians, just 38% of Democratic voters are Christian, and 30% are white Christians. So, it is not just Christianity, the GOP is the party of white Christianity, Burge writes. During highly anticipated remarks at Turning Point USAs AmericaFest in December, Vice President JD Vance extolled Christian values and the Christian moral order as forming what he called the Christian foundation of this country. Advertisement Advertisement Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, said that Christianity is also the solution to fiery debates happening within the Republican Party about American identity and figuring out what it is that unites us. The only thing that has truly served as an anchor of the United States of America is that we have been, and by the grace of God, we always will be, a Christian nation, Vance said, then adding: Christianity is Americas creed. Religious attendance However, consistent religious affiliation among Republicans has been accompanied by a dramatic change in religious behavior. Since 2008, the share of GOP voters who never attend church has doubled from 10% to 21%. For Republicans, Christian identity often operates independently of personal religiosity but still powerfully shapes partisan alignment, rhetoric, and coalition-building, Burge told the Deseret News. Advertisement Advertisement The GOP may be less religious in terms of behavior, even as religion becomes more tightly fused with Republican identity. That tension is probably not going away anytime soon. For decades, religious affiliation has fallen sharply in America. Over the past 20 years, the share of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated has climbed from 16% of the population to over 28%. The percentage of white Christian Americans has also continually declined from 57% of the country in 2006 to 40% in 2024, according to the Public Religion Research Institutes Census of American Religion. However, this trend has not impacted Utah, or Latter-day Saints in the same way. Advertisement Advertisement A working paper by researchers at Brigham Young University recently highlighted how Latter-day Saints have the highest rate of church attendance, and one of the highest retention rates, of any church in the U.S. Previous studies found that three-fourths of Utahns belong to a church, the most of any state in the country, and that Utah has the highest weekly church attendance, at 41%, of anywhere in the U.S. or Europe besides Poland. We do need, I believe, a religious revival, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told the Deseret News in May. The truth is, were the most religious state in the country, and that absolutely matters. AP Photo/Alex Brandon President Donald Trump was ridiculed by leftwing users on X for posting an AI-generated photo of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) on Friday. The president has a long track record of posting AI-generated images and videos, many of which have poked fun at his political rivals. He continued the trend on Friday, posting a cartoon of Governor Pritzker holding a cheeseburger. Advertisement Advertisement Standing on a city street engulfed with flames, Pritzker is holding a hamburger in one hand and in the other, a sign (also on fire) that reads: Chicago doesnt need help. We have everything under control. The president has previously gone to blows with Pritzker. In October, he wrote on Truth Social that the governor should be in jail, a sentiment echoed later that month by Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Pritzker, for his part, compared Trumps immigration crackdown to authoritarian regimes and challenged the administrations threats of arrest directly daring Trump to come and get me hours after the presidents post. Despite the history of conflict between the two lawmakers, the internet was unimpressed with Trumps post. Many adopted a tone of exasperation, with a few posters choosing to refer to the president as grandpa. Advertisement Advertisement Grandpa is posting AI slop again, wrote independent journalist Aaron Rupar. The popular commentary account Republicans Against Trump echoed that sentiment, reposting the image with the caption, Someone take grandpas phone away. grandpa is posting AI slop again pic.twitter.com/DIM37qSjAG Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 2, 2026 Someone take grandpas phone away pic.twitter.com/S1pG5rqzTP Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 2, 2026 Odd flex for Mr Big Mac/Quarter Pounder/Filet-O-Fish to post an image of a guy holding just ONE burger, wrote former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann. Odd flex for Mr Big Mac/Quarter Pounder/Filet-O-Fish to post an image of a guy holding just ONE burger Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) January 2, 2026 Its embarrassing that he occupies the Oval Office, wrote left-wing monitoring account Patriot Takes. Trump posted this AI image depicting Illinois Governor Pritzker holding a cheeseburger. Its embarrassing that he occupies the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/XS8R8WDAfj PatriotTakes (@patriottakes) January 2, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Below are some more reactions: Once upon a time, our society expected an American president to represent us with dignity, and reacted quite unfavorably when they didnt. I only hope we see a return to that in my lifetime. https://t.co/9EHnuu5y79 Jennifer Erin Valent (@JenniferEValent) January 2, 2026 it would be scary if Trump actually believed his lies about Chicago, Portland, DC etc. https://t.co/hq6Xesd2jo Dean Baker (@DeanBaker13) January 2, 2026 Looks like hes projecting his burger eating disorder on Gov. Pritzker. That breaking news few days ago about him eating five burgers meals at a single serving. Evaristus Odinikaeze (@odinikaeze) January 2, 2026 The post Grandpa Is Posting AI Slop Again: Trump Slammed For Latest AI-Generated Post first appeared on Mediaite. Jan. 2Students taking agriculture classes at Waynesville Middle will soon have a new and improved greenhouse to work in, thanks to grant funding and a lot of legwork from their teacher. The nearly 3,000-square-foot greenhouse will join one such structure already on campus, providing students with fresh learning opportunities. The previous greenhouse wasn't big enough to meet the expanding needs of an agriculture program that has grown to the point of having a waiting list. "Our agriculture program at WMS is bursting at the seams," said Neal Castater. "When I started 16 years ago, I had classes with as few as four students. We've grown the program to the point where classes are now maxed out at the 25-student cap, and we even have a waiting list. This new facility will allow us to better serve the needs of our growing student body." Advertisement Advertisement Castater was able to secure $150,000 in grant funding from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Committee for the project. It was a team effort, as staff around central office and at Waynesville Middle were wrangled up documents covering everything from financial data to curriculum records in support of the grant proposal. "I'd like to give a special thanks to Dr. Trevor Putnam, Jill Barker, Graham Haynes, my principal, Maggie King, and the Director of Maintenance, Zach Shoaf, for their invaluable support," Castater said. That process also allowed the teacher to take an inventory of the program, all the better to find ways to grow it. But it was a shot in the dark, the teacher said. "To be honest, after I submitted it, I wasn't sure we stood a chance given the size of the grant," Castater said. "However, when the NCTTFC called to schedule a site visit, I knew we were in the running. The meeting went great, and a few weeks later, we received the news that we were selected." Advertisement Advertisement The greenhouse will offer plenty of space for students to work in. "At over 2,950 square feet, this will be a true 'teaching greenhouse' with ample room for both large-scale growing and hands-on classroom lessons," Castater said. It will still be a few months until students will be able to take advantage of the new greenhouse. Unfortunately, they'll miss the spring growing season, but Castater hopes students are in the structure by the end of the school year. "Once we receive the construction permit, we'll start the ball rolling," he said. "The structure takes about eight weeks to fabricate, two weeks to ship, and another two weeks for construction. During that time, we will focus on site work, including leveling the area and running utilities." The National Weather Serv ice has issued a flood watch for Hawaii island beginning late this evening and continuing through Monday afternoon, as a Kona low is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible flash flooding across the state this weekend and into next week. A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding, though flooding is not guaranteed. Kauai County officials also urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that the developing Kona low north of the island tonight is forecast to pass northwest of the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday before drifting westward on Monday. During that period, moist and unstable southeast to south winds are expected to produce heavy, persistent showers and thunderstorms statewide, with lingering moisture likely keeping conditions showery into early next week. Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the weather system could lead to flash flooding, road closures and potential disruptions to utilities and other services. On Kauai, Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a flash flood warning is issued. Hawaii County Civil Defense advised residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flooding and cautioned that road closures could occur without notice. Officials urged the public not to cross flowing water in vehicles or on foot, reminding residents to turn around, dont drown, and to seek shelter indoors if lightning threatens. County, state and federal agencies said they are monitoring the situation and coordinating in preparation for the potential event. Officials reminded the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies, noting that calls for weather updates or road conditions can delay emergency response. On Kauai, residents can call 808-241-1725 for road conditions, 808-241-1711 for non-emergency road hazards, and the National Weather Service automated line at 808-245-6001 for weather information. Advertisement Advertisement Kauai officials also advised residents to prepare for possible power outages, recommending the use of surge protectors, unplugging unnecessary appliances, keeping battery-powered radios and flashlights on hand, and staying away from downed power lines. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative customers can call 808-246-4300 to update contact information and receive alerts. The public is urged to check conditions before hiking, swimming or crossing streams, as rivers, trails and recreational areas can become hazardous quickly during heavy rain. Officials warned that emergency rescues may not be possible during severe weather and advised ocean users to check with lifeguards before entering the water. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local media and official county and National Weather Service channels for the latest updates as conditions evolve. HONOLULU (KHON) Honolulu Fire Department was busy battling a string of separate fires over New Years Eve and Day this year. On Jan. 1, police and firefighters were seen responding to a car fire near Waimalu that occurred on the H-1 heading westbound. Maui structure fire that displaced 7 people may have been intentionally set: MFD Residents on social media expressed their concern for the fiery blaze. Advertisement Advertisement [T]hank God for our first responders, one user wrote in a Facebook post. [H]ope the people are safe. Around 5:35 p.m., HFD received a 911 call for a car fire near the Pearl City exit. A unit responded to the scene and arrived at 5:43 p.m., officials said. Building fire in Nanakuli Another fire on Jan. 1 occurred around 5:30 p.m. in Nanakuli. HFD arrived to the building fire in the Nanakuli Avenue and Mano Avenue area within minutes of the 911 call. The fire was fully extinguished at 6:06 p.m., officials said. Firefighters confirmed there was nobody inside the house at the time of the blaze. The HFD Fire Investigator will determine the origin and cause of the building fire. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. NEED TO KNOW Cynthia Diekema, 61, was canoeing with her husband last year when they crashed into an alligator in their canoe and both fell into the water, according to a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently obtained by PEOPLE Throughout the attack, he said that his wife seemed alert, but unable to speak and had a "puzzled look on her face" Her cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries from an alligator," according to the report. New details have emerged about an alligator attack that claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman as her husband fought to save her life. On May 6, around 4:02 p.m. local time, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to an alligator encounter near the mouth of Tiger Creek in Polk County. Advertisement Advertisement The woman, later identified as Cynthia Diekema, was canoeing with her husband when they encountered the reptile and both fell into the water, the FWC later shared. The 11-foot, 4-inch alligator then bit Cynthia and pulled her into the water before she was "later found deceased." Nearly eight months after the attack, an incident summary report from the FWC, which was obtained by PEOPLE via a public records request, revealed additional information about what happened on that horrifying day. In a sworn statement to authorities, David Diekema, Cynthias husband, said that he and his wife were traveling on an 11-foot plastic canoe that departed earlier that day from Lake Kissimmee State Park. Advertisement Advertisement Once they entered the shallow waters of Tiger Creek, David says that they observed numerous alligators and right before the attack, his wife commented on how they were "about to go right over top of one," according to the report. As the canoe crashed into the animal, which was resting on the bottom of the creek, the startled animal began to thrash, according to the report, which caused the canoe to capsize and sent the couple into the water. When he was able to stand up, David said he saw Cynthias torso in the alligators mouth. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission A canoe that was involved in a fatal alligator attack on May 6, 2025, in Florida's Tiger Creek A canoe that was involved in a fatal alligator attack on May 6, 2025, in Florida's Tiger Creek According to officials, he said he "attempted to free her from the alligator's mouth for several minutes," but was unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the ordeal, he said that his wife seemed alert, but unable to speak and had a "puzzled look on her face." At one point, the alligator whipped its tail, knocking David off of his feet, according to the report. During that time, he also said the alligator "momentarily released" his wife before biting her again on the shoulder. After regaining his balance, he tried once again to free his wife from the alligator's mouth, however the alligator then "conducted a death roll and immediately swam away with Mrs. Diekema in its mouth." Knowing that time was of the essence, David who lost his phone during the ordeal bailed as much water as he could from the canoe and paddled north of Tiger Creek until he reached Lake Kissimmee, per the report. There he was rescued by a good Samaritan in an airboat. Advertisement Advertisement About 20 minutes into their search, the FWC recovered Cynthia's body and EMS pronounced her dead at the scene. The alligator was captured and euthanized around 7:30 p.m. local time that same day. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission An alligator killed a woman who was canoeing with her husband in Florida on May 6, 2025 An alligator killed a woman who was canoeing with her husband in Florida on May 6, 2025 A coroner later performed an autopsy and shared their findings with the FWC, detailing numerous injuries, including the amputation of her right arm below the shoulder. They stated that the preliminary cause of Cynthias death was multiple blunt force injuries from an alligator and the manner of death was ruled as an accident," according to the report. The day after the incident, investigators returned to the scene to find any other alligators that were involved in the attack and to capture those that are potentially dangerous in the Tiger Creek area. One alligator was dispatched by an officer and moved onto an airboat bound for Kissimmee Park. No other gators were located. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time, the department said in a previous statement. Advertisement Advertisement Cynthia was from Paw Paw, Mich., and is survived by her husband David, two children and two grandchildren, per her obituary. "She radiated her inner and outer beauty in all she did and had unconditional love for everyone," the obituary read. "She cherished her family and every moment and adventure they spent together." Read the original article on People When Bryan Kohberger murdered four University of Idaho students in 2022, he changed the lives of their families forever. But his crimes have also had a profound impact on his own familyand now, his sister Mel Kohberger is talking about it. In a new interview with The New York Times, the 34-year-old details spending Christmas in Pennsylvania with her parents, MaryAnn Kohberger and Michael Kohberger, brother Bryan and sister Amanda Kohberger in 2022, hugging her brother tightly and playing games together as a family. Days later, on December 30, 2022, Bryan was arrested for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, which took place in November of that year. Mel maintains that the family had no clue at the time that 31-year-old Bryan could have been capable of such a heinous crime. I have always been a person who has spoken up for what was right, she told the newspaper. If I ever had a reason to believe my brother did anything, I would have turned him in. Advertisement Advertisement She even recalled warning Bryan after hearing about the murders on the Moscow, Idaho college campus located a 15 minute drive from where he lived in Pullman, Washington. Bryan, you are running outside and this psycho killer is on the loose. Be careful, she told him. The scrutiny on her family has been difficult to contend with for Mel, who was forced to leave a mental health counselor job she was training for because of it. Its confusing, she said. Its painful. Its like being victimized but not really being a victim. Mel revealed that the family keeps in contact with Bryan, who pleaded guilty to the crimes, via regular phone calls, but that they are also heartbroken for the loved ones of the victims. The idea [of their pain] is making me so emotional that I can barely speak to you about it, she said. Read More From National Enquirer This story Idaho Murderer Bryan Kohbergers Sister Says She Would Have Turned Him In If She Knew of His Crime first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The military slammed the terror organization for breaching the ceasefire, noting that loading the launcher is a violation of the US-brokered agreement. The IDF struck and destroyed a Hamas tunnel shaft in northern Gaza that contained a rocket launcher that was loaded and ready to fire at the southern Israeli city of Sderot, the military announced on Saturday evening. The shaft was used by Hamas to conceal a rocket launcher that was ready to fire toward southern Israel and posed an immediate threat to Israeli civilians, the IDF stated. Advertisement Advertisement The military went on to slam the terror organization for breaching the ceasefire, noting that loading the launcher was a violation of the US-brokered agreement. The IDF also asserted that it had employed measures ahead of striking the Hamas target to reduce harm to civilians in the area through the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence. Palestinian Hamas terrorists gather at the site of the handing over of the bodies of four Israeli hostages in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza on February 20, 2025. (credit: EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images) Some 13,500 rockets fired from Gaza throughout Israel-Hamas War Prior to the implementation of the ceasefire in October of last year, Hamas's capacity to fire rockets was decimated throughout the course of the war. Still, since the outbreak of the fighting on October 7, 2023, Gazan terrorists fired some 13,500 rockets at Israeli territory, according to the Institute for National Security Studies. It went on to note that Israeli troops would continue to operate in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and would continue to work to confront additional immediate threats. IDF strikes terrorist in Lebanon, cites Hezbollah ceasefire violations Hamass violation of the ceasefire was the second ceasefire violation of the day that the IDF said it responded to. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, the military noted that it had struck a Hezbollah terrorist in the Al-Khiyam area of southern Lebanon. The IDF stated the strike was a response to Hezbollahs continued violations of the ceasefire understandings, but did not provide any details on the identity of the terrorist or the activities the individual was engaging in at the time of the strike. The following statement was released by the Indian Gaming Association on the passing of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who walked on Tuesday, December 30, 2025: The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) joins tribal nations across the country in mourning the passing of U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Northern Cheyenne tribal citizen, United States Air Force Veteran, Olympic athlete, artist, rancher, and a true warrior for Indian Country. His passing is a tremendous loss for Indian Country and for the tribal gaming industry, where his advocacy protected sovereignty, regulatory independence, and economic opportunity for generations. Advertisement Advertisement Campbell, 92, passed on December 30, surrounded by family, due to natural causes. Senator Campbell, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, served in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2005, after representing Colorado in the U.S. House from 1987 to 1993. He remains the only Native American in modern history to serve multiple full terms in the Senate. He brought the same discipline that carried him through Olympic judo competition and Air Force service to his work in Congress, where he was steady, principled, and unshakably committed to Indian Country. IGA Chairman David Z. Bean reflected on the magnitude of Campbells contributions, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell was a giant for Indian Country. He carried himself with honor, he led with integrity, and he fought for tribes in every room he entered. When others misunderstood Indian gaming, he defended it. When others tried to limit tribes, he pushed back. He knew the people, he knew the struggle, and he knew the promise of Native nations. We have lost a great Senator, a great Cheyenne leader, and a true friend of Indian gaming. His voice protected our nations and our economies, and his legacy will continue to guide us. Advertisement Advertisement Campbell became one of the strongest voices for tribal self-determination and rural economic development in Indian Country. He believed tribes deserved the right to build their own institutions, run their own governments, and grow their own economies. To him, Indian gaming was proof of what happens when sovereignty is respected and opportunity is restored. From the earliest days of tribal gamings national expansion, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell was among the most effective defenders of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). He understood that IGRA was not merely legislation; it was a hard-won, necessary protection for tribal governments, safeguarding their right to regulate, operate, and benefit from gaming on their own lands. Advertisement Advertisement Campbell did not merely support Indian gaming; he fought for it when political pressure threatened to restrict it through federal overreach or state interference. Throughout his Senate career, bills repeatedly surfaced that sought to weaken IGRA by shifting authority away from tribes and into the hands of industry and state outsiders. Campbell pushed back every time, making it clear that IGRA's success stems from tribes regulating themselves, with tribal gaming serving as a source of revenue that benefits tribal citizens. It is essential that tribal commissions and regulators, rather than outside interests, maintain ultimate authority. Tribes are sovereign governments fully capable of managing their own industries. As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (2001-2005), Campbell used his position to reinforce IGRAs original intent: tribal control, tribal regulation, and tribal benefit. Under his leadership, the Committee held oversight hearings that protected the framework for tribal gaming, affirmed tribal regulatory authority, and rejected proposals that sought to strip tribes of their governing rights. Advertisement Advertisement Campbell consistently reminded policymakers that tribal gaming revenues fund essential government services, including roads, water infrastructure, emergency response, schools, health clinics, language preservation, housing, and elder care. These funds also support scholarships and leadership pipelines for Native youth, promote economic diversification supporting Indigenous women and small business owners, and fund cultural programs that sustain tribal identity. His voice ensured that Indian gaming remained what IGRA intended it to be, a tribal-led, tribally regulated industry that strengthens tribal governments and tribal families. Chairman Bean added, Senator Campbell understood IGRA was not just a law, it was a promise. A promise that tribes could finally build our own economies, regulate our own industries, and protect our own future. When Indian gaming faced threats, Senator Campbell defended tribal regulatory independence like a man protecting his home. His leadership preserved tribal authority over one of the most regulated industries in the country, and that is a legacy we will carry forward. Advertisement Advertisement Bean continued, Because of Senator Campbells voice, IGRA remained intact, tribal gaming remained tribal-led, and tribal governments kept the authority to regulate their own markets. By protecting sovereignty, he protected opportunity for Native families, Native youth, and Native governments not yet born. We owe so much of our foundation to his leadership. Senator Campbell is survived by his wife, Linda Campbell, his lifelong partner and the steady heart of the Campbell family. Linda stood beside him throughout his long Congressional service, ranch life, artistic pursuits, and every chapter of his post-congressional career, including his work with the Indian Gaming Association, where they were a constant presence at IGAs Annual Tradeshow and Convention. While he served the nation, she carried the responsibilities of a full-time schoolteacher in Ignacio, Colorado, family caretaker, and community service member on the Southern Ute Reservation with grace and strength. Advertisement Advertisement Ben and Linda built a family rooted in love, resilience, service, and cultural responsibility. He often credited Linda and their children for keeping their family grounded while he fought for Native nations. Linda and the Campbell family reflect the same values he carried into public service: loyalty to people, responsibility to community, and devotion to future generations. Bean also shared, Linda and the Campbell family are part of Senator Campbells legacy just as much as his work in Congress. His leadership was powerful because it was personal. He fought for sovereignty like a man protecting his own family. Today, we honor Linda for standing beside a great leader, and we honor their children and grandchildren who continue that strength. Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of IGA, its member tribes, and its associate partners, Chairman Bean closed, Senator Campbell reminded all of us that sovereignty must be lived, not just spoken. He walked that truth every day. On behalf of the Indian Gaming Association, we send our prayers to Linda, their children, grandchildren, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and all of Indian Country. We will continue the work he stood for: protecting tribal rights, defending tribal gaming, and strengthening tribal governments for the generations to come. IGA extends its deepest condolences to the Campbell family, the Northern Cheyenne people, and all who were impacted by his leadership, friendship, and service. Advertisement Advertisement Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell lived sovereignty. He lived in service. And he lived with love for our Native people. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office on New Year's Day was busy helping three distressed hikers, including a rescue involving a Black Hawk military helicopter. Shortly before 6 p.m. Jan. 1, a 55-year-old man suffered a serious leg injury after falling from a ledge while hiking off Bumble Road, according to the Sheriff's Office. The hiker and search and rescue team members began to experience hypothermia symptoms brought on by dropping temperatures and consistent rain, the Sheriff's Office said. A fire provided warmth through the night. Flooding prevented first responders from taking the hiker to safety by ground, and multiple rescue attempts were delayed by unsafe flying conditions because of the weather, according to the Sheriff's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Deputies worked with the Arizona Department of Military Affairs in requesting a military Black Hawk, the agency said. About 7:45 a.m. Jan. 2, a Black Hawk crew successfully rescued the injured hiker and took him to medical personnel, the Sheriff's Office said. About 6:20 p.m. Jan. 1 in Wickenburg, deputies and a forest patrol deputy located a lost female hiker and escorted her to her vehicle, according to the Sheriff's Office. And about 6:30 p.m. Jan. 1, a deputy found a lost male hiker on a Sedona trail and brought him to safety, the Sheriff's Office said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Black Hawk crew rescues injured hiker in Yavapai County Cultural & Historical Significance Waelfwulf represents a significant Anglo-Saxon naming tradition that combined animal symbolism with martial attributes. The name emerged during the Migration Period when Germanic tribes, including the Angles and Saxons, were establishing kingdoms in Britain. It reflects the warrior culture of early medieval England where wolf imagery symbolized both ferocity in battle and loyalty to one's kin-group. The 'wulf' element was particularly common in aristocratic names, indicating the importance of wolf symbolism in Germanic warrior societies. Names like Waelfwulf were typically borne by individuals of noble or warrior status, serving as both personal identifier and social marker within the hierarchical structure of Anglo-Saxon society. The combination of 'wael' (slaughter) with 'wulf' (wolf) created a powerful compound name that embodied the ideal warrior virtues of courage, strength, and effectiveness in combat. This naming practice connected individuals to both their immediate family lineage and the broader cultural values of their society, where martial prowess and loyalty were highly prized. Democrats are furious over President Donald Trumps plans for Venezuela. The presidents latest show of force on the world stage, which Trump says saw the U.S. military capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, quickly united both party leaders and rank-and-file lawmakers behind one message: The White House illegally bypassed Congress and appears woefully underprepared for the aftermath of the surprise military operation. The top Democratic congressional leaders each released statements lambasting Trump after he revealed at a Mar-a-Lago news conference Saturday that the administration plans to run Venezuela for an undetermined amount of time. Advertisement Advertisement The administration has assured me three separate times that it was not pursuing regime change or taking military action in Venezuela," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. "Clearly, they are not being straight with Americans. The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was even more explicit in drawing parallels to recent U.S. efforts at regime change that were costly in both taxpayer dollars and American lives. "The promotion of security and stability in a region requires more than just military force as we painfully discovered in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. Trump announced the strike in an early morning post on Truth Social Saturday, touching off a wave of praise from ideologically aligned members of his party. But while Democrats were largely careful not to defend Maduro, they had quick criticism for how Trump had secretly orchestrated the strike. Advertisement Advertisement The Gang of Eight, which includes senior congressional leaders and top members of the House and Senate Intelligence committees, was notified of the operation only after it had been launched, according to a person with direct knowledge granted anonymity to discuss private outreach. While several Republican lawmakers said Saturday they had been personally briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, few if any Democrats appear to have gotten that courtesy. Schumer told reporters Saturday afternoon he still had not been briefed by the administration. In a separate joint statement, Schumer and Jeffries requested a Gang of Eight briefing as soon as Saturday, as well as a briefing for a wider group of lawmakers early next week. Trump defended the administration's tight lips in his news conference, telling reporters that "Congress has a tendency to leak." Advertisement Advertisement "This would not be good," he added. "If they leaked I think this would be a very different result." But Schumer called that an excuse for secrecy that is outrageous and dangerous. Schumer said Saturday that he is already strategizing with top committee Democrats about what steps they could take to hold the administration accountable. House Democrats are scheduled to hold an emergency caucus meeting Sunday, according to an invitation sent to members. Some of the Republican chairs, at least privately on the phone have expressed a lot of troublesome comments about what Trump is doing and the way he is doing it, and those discussions will continue, Schumer said, relaying private conversations between Democrats he had spoken to and the GOP chairs. Well before the top Democratic congressional leaders spoke out, rank-and-file lawmakers took the lead in angrily denouncing Trumps decision to topple a foreign leader by military force without asking lawmakers for authorization first. Advertisement Advertisement Congress did not authorize this war, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) wrote on X. Venezuela posed no imminent threat to the United States. This is reckless, elective regime change risking American lives (Iraq 2.0) with no plan for the day after. Wars cost more than trophies. Congress has not authorized military action against Venezuela, and lawmakers have been split for months on the legality of the Trump administrations strikes against suspected drug smuggling vessels in the waters off Latin America and a potential move to oust Maduro. Republicans have fended off several Democratic-led efforts to require Trump to seek approval from Congress before attacking Venezuela. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced Saturday he would again force the chamber to vote on his effort to constrain Trumps war powers next week. "Its time for Congress to get its ass off the couch and do what the Constitution mandates that we do, Kaine told reporters during a call Saturday. What we've seen is members of Congress who, frankly, lack the guts, lack the backbone, lack the courage to have that debate, and they've been willing to allow an increasingly declining and erratic president to make these decisions without them. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the war powers vote, Kaine raised the possibility that an upcoming government funding deadline could offer further leverage. Democrats, he said, would press for a vote to prohibit expenditures on military actions concerning Venezuela without congressional approval. Schumer, however, didnt draw a red line on the spending fight, saying the immediate focus was on getting briefings and a war powers vote: Lets first get all the facts out, he said. In addition to criticizing the murky legal justification for the operation, several Democrats said the move is an about-face for administration officials who they said argued regime change wasnt the end goal of the administrations aggressive military campaign in Latin America. Secretaries Rubio and [Pete] Hegseth looked every Senator in the eye a few weeks ago and said this wasnt about regime change. I didnt trust them then and we see now that they blatantly lied to Congress, Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said on X. Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a combat veteran who deployed to Iraq as an infantryman in 2005, wrote on X Saturday that the American people did not ask for this. And he wondered aloud about what comes next for the South American country, asking on X, so who is in charge of Venezuela now? A December Quinnipiac poll found that Americans overwhelmingly oppose military action against Venezuela, with just 25 percent of respondents saying they supported an intervention inside the country. Even the White Houses strategy of targeting boats with alleged drug traffickers proved broadly unpopular. I fought in some of the hardest battles of the Iraq War, Gallego wrote. Saw my brothers die, saw civilians being caught in the crossfire all for an unjustified war. No matter the outcome we are in the wrong for starting this war in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), who is a co-chair of the Congressional Venezuela Democracy Caucus and represents a significant population of Venezuelan immigrants in South Florida, signaled agreement with the move to oust Maduro. She called his capture "welcome news" for Venezuela but argued Trump should have involved Congress before conducting the attack. "The absence of congressional involvement prior to this action risks the continuation of the illegitimate Venezuelan regime," Wasserman Schultz said in a statement. Other Democrats voiced stronger opposition to the administrations military moves. Millions of Americans voted in the last Presidential election to end frivolous conflicts and unnecessary foreign wars, said Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), an Armed Services Committee member, in a statement. This escalation of hostilities against Venezuela and the capture of a foreign leader without congressional authorization goes against the will of the Americans who put the president in power. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who found himself accused of sedition by Trump in November after encouraging American troops to disregard unlawful orders, urged Congress to reassert its war powers in this week's vote. I want the people of Venezuela to be free to choose their own future, but if we learned anything from the Iraq war, its that dropping bombs or toppling a leader doesnt guarantee democracy, stability, or make Americans safer, he wrote in a statement. More often, it leads to chaos or drags the U.S. into a war and lengthy occupation. I dont trust that this administration has a plan, timeline, or price tag for what comes next. But hawkish GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina offered a rejoinder on X to critics of the operation who are "focus[ed] on absurd 'legal' theories" and "virtually AWOL for the cause of freedom." "To the pathetically weak and hand wringing liberal Democrats who seem to be okay with a perpetual drug caliphate in our backyard, the centerpiece of which is Venezuela," he wrote, "Get a grip." Jordain Carney contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump invited Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a phone call Friday to visit the United States this year, the Japanese foreign ministry said, in what would be the ultraconservative leader's first trip to the U.S. since taking office in October. The White House is yet to confirm the call and the invitation. It comes as ties between Japan and China have been strained, ramping up tensions in the region. The U.S., a close ally of Japan, is seeking to strengthen its ties with Tokyo but also stabilize its relationship with Beijing ahead of a likely trip by Trump to China in April. Beijing staged two-day military exercises in the waters off Taiwan this week. Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, infuriated China late last year when she said Chinese military action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response, breaking away from former Japanese leaders strategic ambiguity on the highly sensitive matter. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Friday, the Japanese foreign ministry said Takaichi and Trump agreed to coordinate for the visit to happen this spring. Kyodo News, Japan's news agency, suggested that Takaichi's trip could coincide with the annual cherry blossom festival in Washington. The foreign ministry said the two leaders affirmed that they would carve out a new chapter in the history of the Japan-U.S. alliance in a year when the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding and that they would further deepen the friendly relations between the two nations, including economic and security cooperation. Takaichi and Trump also agreed on their commitment to promoting cooperation among like-minded partners, including the Japan-U.S.-South Korea partnership, and to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the foreign ministry statement said. The two exchanged views mainly on the Indo-Pacific region," the ministry said, but it did not provide details, including whether the two discussed recent actions by Beijing in the region. Advertisement Advertisement China's military drills off Taiwan also came after the Trump administration announced a package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $11 billion. If approved by Congress, it would represent the largest such aid to the island ever a move criticized sharply by China. Beijing claims sovereignty over the self-governed island and vows to seize it by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by a domestic law to provide Taiwan with sufficient hardware to deter any attack from the mainland. Trump on Monday said he was not informed of the exercises in advance but still touted his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump met Takaichi in Tokyo in October, shortly after she took office. The two exchanged warm words, and Trump took her with him when he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier in Japan. After Takaichi's Taiwan comments angered Beijing, Trump called her and said they were extremely good friends and that she should call him any time, according to the Japanese leader, without disclosing if the two talked about her remarks. This page reflects the news from Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture on Saturday, Jan. 3. For the latest updates read USA TODAY's live coverage for Sunday, Jan. 4. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife arrived in New York on Saturday evening to face several criminal charges after the United States conducted a large-scale operation in Caracas that captured the couple. Following the operation, President Donald Trump said the United States will run Venezuela but did not provide details on how his administration plans to do that. Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said at a press conference from his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. It has to be judicious, because that's what we are all about. Although Trump said that his administration is determining who will be in charge of the country, the Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered on Jan. 3 that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assume the role of acting president of the country in the absence of Nicolas Maduro. A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Picture showing damages to a building in the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A military personnel member walks past debris at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. Civilians who were living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex leave the compound, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. A Colombian soldier stands guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Colombian police and military personnel stand guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A man walks next to military vehicles as Colombian soldiers patrol the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets sit parked on the tarmac at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. Colombian soldiers in a military vehicle at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A car drives on an empty street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. A cyclist stops to check their phone, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. F-22, C-130 and F-35 aircraft are seen at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on an empty street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured President Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A person wears a Venezuelan flag, as they and others react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. People react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, on the streets of Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A person wearing a hat that reads "America first" reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A man holds a flag reading "Make Venezuela Great Again", as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro block the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Picture showing damages to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. An armed supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocks the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raises his clenched fist as he leaves the vice-presidency building in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro leaves the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. A helicopter carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro comes in to land at the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 39 A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. The United States carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela overnight, Trump announced in a Truth Social post in the early hours of Saturday. Congress was not notified ahead of the strikes due to concerns that lawmakers would leak, the president said. Some Democrats have criticized the presidents actions, with some calling it an unjustified war. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken to New York, where they have been indicted on federal drug and weapons charges and "will soon face the full wrath of American justice," Attorney General Pam Bondi said. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela's government declared a state of emergency and denounced what it called "extremely serious military aggression" by the U.S. Watch full video: Trump hosts news conference after US captures Maduro Follow along for the latest updates below. Maduro perp walked in New York In the first clear video of the Venezuelan leader since he arrived on U.S. soil Saturday evening, Maduro is shown being walked down a hallway by federal agents. The 12-second clip was posted to X by Fox News Contributor Paul Mauro and shared by the White House. In the post, which said "perp walked," Maduro is clutching a bottle of water and dressed in black pants, a black hoodie and hat. Advertisement Advertisement His hands appear to be restrained, while three agents walk him down a hallway with a carpet that reads DEA. He is overheard saying, goodnight and happy New Year before walking out of the video frame. -Kathryn Palmer Attack on Venezuela disrupts air traffic over Caribbean U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Saturday the restrictions around the Caribbean airspace would expire at midnight ET and flights could resume. Airlines were informed and will update their schedules quickly, Duffy posted on X. The post comes after major airlines had canceled hundreds of flights on Jan. 3 following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife. Advertisement Advertisement American Airlines, Delta, United AirLines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways had begun cancelling flights early on Saturday morning in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration airspace closures in the Caribbean. Several European and South American airlines had also canceled flights. The FAA closed the airspace to U.S. carriers "due to safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity," the agency said in a notice to airmen. Over 300 flights originating and arriving to Puerto Rico were canceled as of midday on Jan. 3, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. Several U.S. airlines rolled out fee waivers and flexible rebooking options as airspace restrictions disrupted flights to and from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean destinations. Josh Rivera, USA TODAY; Reuters Venezuelans in South Florida celebrate Maduros capture Venezuelan American Miriam Hidalgo, 66, woke up at 3 a.m. to a phone call shes waited decades to receive. Advertisement Advertisement Her brother, calling from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, told her that President Nicolas Maduro had been taken into custody, according to reports circulating in the country amid overnight explosions in the country's capital, Caracas. Ive been waiting for this for so many years, Hidalgo told The Palm Beach Post near Mar-a-Lago, where she joined other supporters celebrating what they believe is a turning point for Venezuela. After 30 years living in this country, to see the government doing something so wonderful, it makes me so happy. Edgar Rodriguez got his call about the operation in Caracas two hours before Hildago. He stood in a sea of Venezuela's colors red, blue and yellow outside the El Arepazo restaurant in Doral, Florida. Its 26 years of a nightmare, Rodriguez, a coordinator for Vente Venezuela, the political party many say ousted Maduro from the presidency in the 2024 election. So many innocent people have died. There are so many tortured political prisoners and families separated by people being forced to flee the country. Advertisement Advertisement Today is the day of freedom, Rodriguez added. Today, that nightmare finally comes to an end. Valentina Palm, Antonio Fins and Hannah Phillips, USA TODAY Network Maduro lands in New York where he faces federal charges Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed in the United States on Saturday to face federal drug and weapons charges, hours after a dramatic raid on the couple's Caracas home by U.S. special forces and transportation over sea and air to New York, according to reports. A plane carrying Maduro landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York, according to CNN and MS NOW. Maduro faces charges of "Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States," Attorney General Pam Bondi said. Advertisement Advertisement Kathryn Palmer Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife landed in New York on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 to face several criminal charges after the United States conducted a large-scale operation in Caracas that captured the couple. Stairs lead to a U.S. federal airplane before Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led out in custody ahead of his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S., January 3, 2026. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A person demonstrates against US military action in Venezuela outside Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, on January 3. 2026. US President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States will "run" Venezuela and tap its huge oil reserves after snatching leftist leader Nicolas Maduro out of the country during a bombing raid on Caracas. Trump's announcement came hours after a lightning attack in which special forces grabbed Maduro and his wife, while airstrikes pounded multiple sites, stunning the capital city. A United States government plane believed to be carrying Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro taxis after landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y., Jan. 3, 2026. People demonstrate against US military action in Venezuela outside Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, on January 3. 2026. US President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States will "run" Venezuela and tap its huge oil reserves after snatching leftist leader Nicolas Maduro out of the country during a bombing raid on Caracas. Trump's announcement came hours after a lightning attack in which special forces grabbed Maduro and his wife, while airstrikes pounded multiple sites, stunning the capital city. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 9 Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife landed in New York on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 to face several criminal charges after the United States conducted a large-scale operation in Caracas that captured the couple. Anti-war demonstrators protest at Maduro's arrival in NY About 30 protesters were standing in the frigid cold outside Stewart Air National Guard, holding signs and chanting as they awaited Maduros arrival. Many were members of the Mid-Hudson chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, and they had started their rally around 1 p.m. ET. They were still there when the plane carrying Maduro passed over their heads at roughly 4:30 p.m. ET and landed within sight on a Stewart runway. No war on Venezuela, No more bombs, and No illegal war were some of the messages they displayed to a steady steam of passing drivers, as speakers took turn leading protest chants with a bullhorn. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela is a country with over 30 million people, Daniel Atonna, a Poughkeepsie city councilman and DSA member who took part in the protest, told the USA TODAY network. Trump has unilaterally declared war on them by bombing their capital and kidnapping their president. He's done this without the consent of Congress or the American people. Some drivers honked and waved in support as they passed in the slow-moving traffic One man flashed his middle finger. A lone counter-protester stood across the busy road from the protest, heckling and taking pictures. Chris McKenna, USA TODAY Network America First? What Trump's startling arrest of Maduro tells us. Senate Republican says Congress should have been informed earlier GOP Sen. Susan Collins, the head of the Appropriations Committee, said Congress should have been notified about the military operation in Venezuela earlier and should be involved as this situation evolves. Advertisement Advertisement Collins of Maine said Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed her Saturday morning. She said the mission appears to have been a limited scope operation in conjunction with law enforcement to apprehend an alleged narco-terrorist and international drug trafficker. Congress should have been informed about the operation earlier and needs to be involved as this situation evolves, Collins said in a statement. The long-term success of todays operation will depend on our ability to work with international and private sector partners. Bart Jansen Venezuela VP condemns Maduro kidnapping, but open to dialogue with US Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez launched a national defense council with all of the current members of the country's cabinet after Maduro's capture on Saturday. Although Rodriguez denounced the Trump administration's "kidnapping" of Maduro saying Venezuela will never be a colony of any nation, Rodriguez signaled an openness to dialogue with the United States. "There is a government here with a clear vision," Rodriguez said on state television from Caracas. "I repeat and reiterate our president's words: We are ready for respectful relations. We are ready for relations within the framework of international law and the laws of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela." Trump during his press conference earlier Saturday said Rubio had a conversation with Rodriguez, who Maduro picked as his vice president in 2018. Shes essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again, Trump said. Reactions to the United States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolas Maduro ranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026. A child holds a placard saying "I will meet my grandparents" as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. A woman reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gather near the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. A Venezuelan man living in Chile celebrates with a national flag and his car reading "Free Venezuela" in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. The Trump administration said on December 3 that Venezuela's captured Maduro and his wife will face "the full wrath of American justice" under drug and terrorism charges. A man holds up a portrait of late Venezuela's leader (1999-2013) Hugo Chavez in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Activists of Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) burn an effigy of US President Donald Trump during a rally in Kolkata on January 3, 2026, to protest against the recent US attack on Venezuela. A supporter of Nicolas Maduro holds a portrait of the Venezuelan President during a gathering near the Palacio de Miraflores in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. Demonstrators hold up a banner with the lettering reading 'Stop Trump - Free Venezuela' during a rally organised by left-wing 'Anti-Imperialist Coordination' (Antiimperialistische Koordination - AIK) under the motto 'Hands off Venezuela' at Vienna's Votive Park on January 3, 2026. The EU called for "restraint" and respect for international law in Venezuela on January 3 after US President Trump announced US forces had captured leader Nicolas Maduro in a large-scale assault. Demonstrators march with a banner with the lettering reading 'Hands off Venezuela' during a rally organised by left-wing 'Anti-Imperialist Coordination' (Antiimperialistische Koordination - AIK) in Vienna on January 3, 2026. The EU called for "restraint" and respect for international law in Venezuela on January 3 after US President Trump announced US forces had captured leader Nicolas Maduro in a large-scale assault. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and Venezuelan. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and Venezuelan. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelans living in Peru dance to celebrate at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. A Venezuelan woman living in Peru celebrates with a national flag at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Activists of Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) protest against the recent US attack on Venezuela, in Kolkata on January 3, 2026. Members of the Communist Party of Britain (CPB) group hold banners outside the U.S. Embassy in London calling for "Hands off Venezuela!", after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in London, Britain, January 3, 2026. People embrace next to a Venezuelan flag, as they react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. See reactions after US explosions in Venezuela, Maduro capture 1 of 21 Reactions to the United States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolas Maduro ranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026. Democratic congressional leaders call US running Venezuela unacceptable Democratic leaders of the Senate and House called Trumps plan to run Venezuela unacceptable and said the administration should brief congressional leaders about the military action in Venezuela immediately and the rest of Congress next week. President Trumps announced plan to run Venezuela is unacceptable, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, said in a joint statement. It is critical that the Trump administration provide an immediate Gang of Eight briefing, followed by briefings for all Members of the House and Senate early next week. Bart Jansen House GOP member worries about Venezuelas implications for Ukraine, Taiwan Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican who has announced he wont seek reelection this year, said he worried the U.S. attack on Venezuela will be used to defend Russias invasion of Ukraine or a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Bacon, a former brigadier general in the Air Force, said the military action was great for Venezuela, after Maduros rule. My main concern now is that Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan, Bacon said on social media. Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives. Bart Jansen 'A lot of gunfire': Here's how the US raid to capture Maduro unfolded Trump administration indictment includes Maduros son Nicolas Maduros son Nicolas Maduro (Jr.) Guerra, 35, is listed in the indictment charging the Venezuelan leader with narco-terrorism. A member of Venezuela's National Assembly, Guerra is also known as "Nicolasito" or "The Prince," according to the court filing. Born to his father's first wife, Adriana Guerra Angulo in 1990, Guerra began assisting in drug operations as early as 2014, according to the indictment. A deputy in his father's government, Guerra has been seen by many as a successor of the Chavismo movement, the socialistic ideology established by Venezuelan Pres. Hugo Chavez. Nicolas Maduro Guerra, son of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and candidate for the National Assembly for the ruling party, at a political rally, in Caracas, Venezuela May 21, 2025. The indictment, signed by Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, describes Guerras involvement in a drug operation starting in 2014 during which his plane "would be loaded, sometimes with the assistance of armed sergeants, with large packages wrapped in tape that the captain understood were drugs. Guerra helped ship hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Venezuela to Miami in 2017, the court filing says. About 2020, Guerra met with two representatives of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) in Medellin, Colombia to discuss "arrangements to move large quantities of cocaine and weapons through Colombia and into the United States over the course of the next six years," the filing says. Mike Snider Two House Republicans criticize Trumps action in Venezuela A couple of House Republicans who have become vocal critics of Trump objected to the military operation. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, questioned on social media the constitutionality of the military action. He also noted the indictment against Maduro didnt mention fentanyl or stolen oil that Trump has previously cited in complaints against Venezuela. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, who earlier resigned effective Jan. 5, said if Trump were interested prosecuting narco-terrorists, he wouldnt have pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was serving a 45-year prison term for cocaine trafficking. Greene suggested controlling Venezuelas oil could be a step toward pursuing regime change in Iran. The next obvious observation is that by removing Maduro this is a clear move for control over Venezuelan oil supplies that will ensure stability for the next obvious regime change war in Iran, Greene said on social media. Trump said while justifying the attack on Venezuela that Hernandez was prosecuted "very unfairly." Bart Jansen NYC Mayor Mamdani condemns US actions in Venezuela New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the American military actions in Venezuela as "regime change" violating international and federal law. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who took office Jan. 1, said he was briefed on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and their transfer to federal custody in New York. Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law, Mamdani said in a statement. This blatant pursuit of regime change doesnt just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. Mamdani previously stopped short of calling Maduro a dictator, saying he hadnt thought about the issue, but said his government was repressive. Later, Mamdani reportedly called Maduro and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel dictators, and also said punitive U.S. policies had worsened conditions in their countries. New York received large numbers of Venezuelan migrants seeking asylum during the Biden administration. Mamdani later told reporters he had called Trump and spoke with him directly to express his opposition to American military actions in Venezuela. Eduardo Cuevas What we know: Key details about US strike on Venezuela, Maduro's capture Maduro raid took less than 5 hours after Trumps order, general says Gen. Dan Caine, an Air Force general who serves as Trumps chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recounted a timeline of the raid. Although the military assets for the mission were in place in December, according to the four-star general, the attack was delayed until the weather broke just enough and in order to minimize the potential for civilian harm and maximize the element of surprise and minimize the harm to Maduro. Trump gave the go-ahead order at 10:46 p.m. ET, Caine said. (Caracas is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.) The raid involved aircraft and troops from 20 different bases across the Western Hemisphere, according to Caine. Satellite imagery shows a closer view of destroyed areas after the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela. See the damage, beginning here with vehicles and equipment at Fort Tiuna after the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A satellite image shows a closer view of military buildings and equipment at Fort Tiuna before the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, December 22, 2025. A satellite image shows damage to military buildings and equipment at Fort Tiuna after the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A satellite image shows a destroyed gate security building at Fort Tiuna after the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A satellite image shows gate security buildings at Fort Tiuna before the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, December 22, 2025. A satellite image shows an overview of Fort Tiuna before the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, December 22, 2025. A satellite image shows military buildings and equipment at Fort Tiuna before the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, December 22, 2025. A satellite image shows a closer view of destroyed military buildings at Fort Tiuna after the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A satellite image shows military buildings and equipment at Fort Tiuna before the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, December 22, 2025. A satellite image shows the Miraflores Palace before the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 1, 2026. Satellite photos shows Venezuela before and after US strikes 1 of 10 Satellite imagery shows a closer view of destroyed areas after the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela. See the damage, beginning here with vehicles and equipment at Fort Tiuna after the U.S. strikes, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Caine indicated that intelligence and cyber forces helped deactivate Venezuelas air defenses, some of which were also targeted by airstrikes. The assault force, which CBS News reported was led by the Armys elite Delta Force and included law enforcement personnel, landed at Maduros compound via helicopter at 1:01 a.m. ET. The missions helicopters came under fire from Venezuelan defenders, Caine said, and attack helicopters accompanying the force returned fire and destroyed targets in the area. The raid force captured Maduro and his wife while they were trying to flee to a safe room in the compound, Trump said in a phone interview with "Fox & Friends" earlier Saturday morning. Caine indicated that U.S. forces were also shot at while leaving Venezuelan airspace. An unknown number of U.S. troops were injured during the mission, Reuters previously reported. Davis Winkie Cuba a 'failing nation' similar to Venezuela, Trump says Trump called Cuba a failing nation and similar to Venezuela because the U.S. wants to help the people in Cuba, but we want to also help the people that were forced out of Cuba and living in this country." Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Cuba a disaster and said it took over Venezuela. Venezuelans have to declare independence from Cuba, Rubio said. Venezuelan oil plays a major role in economically supporting Cuba, which has been economically hobbled by decades of heavy U.S. sanctions. Cybele Mayes-Osterman More: Trump says Cuba 'something we'll be talking about' after Maduro ouster Trump: Congress wasnt notified because they would 'leak' Trump said he didnt notify Congress of the military actions in Venezuela because lawmakers will leak, and we dont want leakers. Congress has a tendency to leak, Trump said. This would not be good. Trump said there was danger of any advanced warning of military strikes, but added Venezuelan officials knew the American military was coming. Moments earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration didnt tell Congress because it was a trigger-based mission in which conditions had to be met each night. Its just not the mission you can pre-notify because it endangers the mission, Rubio said. Rubio also pointed to the indictment against Maduro by the Department of Justice, and the military supported the Justice Department in his arrest. On Jan. 3, Democratic and Republican lawmakers both said they weren't notified in advance. Eduardo Cuevas Trump declines to endorse opposition leader Machado to rule Venezuela Trump indicated that the administration had not spoken to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado about leading the country and argued that she does not have the internal support. Trump said it would be very tough for Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, to lead the country. She doesnt have the support within or the respect within the county, Trump said at a news conference. Francesca Chambers President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. The U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Venezuelan citizens living in Spain use their smartphones to follow US' President Donald Trump's press conference as they gather at Puerta del Sol square in Madrid on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. President Donald Trump said on January 3, 2026, that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and his Venezuelan arch-foe. (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrive to speak to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. President Trump addresses the nation after military action in Venezuela 1 of 5 President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. The U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The U.S. will 'take a lot of money out' to 'take care' of Venezuela, Trump says President Donald Trump said Venezuelas oil infrastructure is old and rotted. Much of it is stuff we put there 20 years ago, he said, apparently referencing Venezuelas nationalization of its oil industry in 1976. Were going to be replacing it, and were going to take a lot of money out so we can take care of the country, Trump said. Cybele Mayes-Osterman Trumps message to Venezuelans after capture of Maduro Trump said his message to Venezuelans is that they are going to have potentially a great country after the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro and strikes around the country. Youre going to have peace, justice, youre going to have some of the riches that you shouldve had for a long period of time that was stolen from you, Trump said. Jeanine Santucci Trump says he's 'not afraid of boots on the ground' in Venezuela Asked whether U.S. military troops will remain in Venezuela as part of the United States running the country, President Donald Trump said were not afraid of boots on the ground. Were going to make sure that country is run properly. Were not doing this in vain, Trump said. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces remain in the region at a high state of readiness. Jeanine Santucci Rubio says Maduro could have fled but chose to stay Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the president's news conference, said Maduro had plenty of warnings, and could have left the county. "But instead he wanted to play big boy," Rubio said. Francesca Chambers (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. One aircraft hit but 'remained flyable,' Caine says During the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, one U.S. aircraft was hit but remained flyable for the rest of the mission, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a Jan. 3 news conference at Mar-a-Lago. U.S. troops faced multiple self-defense engagements as the force began to withdraw from Venezuela, Caine said. President Donald Trump said that not a single U.S. servicemember was killed, and not a single piece of equipment was lost during the operation. Cybele Mayes-Osterman Joint Chiefs chair: Mission discreet, precise Gen. Dan Razin Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the complex raid, characterizing it as an audacious operation that only the United States could do. The Air Force general emphasized the amount of planning that went into the mission to capture Maduro, noting that it required coordination between all branches of the military and intelligence agencies including the CIA, National Security Agency and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency The word integration does not explain the sheer complexity of such a mission, an extraction so precise it involved more than 150 aircraft launching across the Western Hemisphere in close coordination, Caine said. Failure of one component of this well-oiled machine would have endangered the entire mission, and failure is never an option for Americas joint force. Davis Winkie American oil giants to 'spend billions' in oil-rich Venezuela, Trump says President Donald Trump said in a news conference after he ordered U.S. forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro that very large oil companies will spend billions of dollars in Venezuela, which has the largest oil reserves of any nation worldwide. The oil business has been a total bust, Trump said of Venezuelas oil, which is produced and controlled by a government-run company. They were pumping almost nothing in. Very large US oil companies will go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, and start making money for the country, Trump said. Chevron is the only American company that currently has access to Venezuelan oil, through a joint venture with the state-run company. Cybele Mayes-Osterman President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. The U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Venezuelan citizens living in Spain use their smartphones to follow US' President Donald Trump's press conference as they gather at Puerta del Sol square in Madrid on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. President Donald Trump said on January 3, 2026, that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and his Venezuelan arch-foe. (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrive to speak to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. President Trump addresses the nation after military action in Venezuela 1 of 5 President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. The U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump: 'We are going to run' Venezuela until transition Hours after his administration struck Venezuela and deposed its president, President Donald Trump said at a Saturday news conference that the U.S. plans to run the country until a transition in leadership can take place. "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said. Trump said, "It has to be judicious, because that's what we are all about. The president did not immediately provide additional details on how the U.S. planned to manage the sovereign nation. During an interview on Fox News' "Fox & Friends" earlier in the day, Trump declined to say whether he would back Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, for the presidency. Francesca Chambers Trump posts photo of blindfolded Maduro aboard Navy ship Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. President Donald Trump posted a photo of Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship, where he was being held with his wife. The photo shows Maduro in a gray sweatsuit, holding a water bottle and wearing what appeared to be noise-suppressing earmuffs and a dark covering over his eyes. Maduro and his wife will be taken to New York to face charges of drug trafficking in an indictment, Trump has said. Jeanine Santucci Mixed reactions from Latin American leaders Several Latin American leaders condemned the American military actions in Venezuela. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the left-wing leader whose country borders Venezuela, said in an X post that the strike crossed an unacceptable line that set another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community. In a statement, the government of Mexico said it strongly condemns and rejects the military actions unilaterally carried out by American armed forces. Conservative allies of President Donald Trump in the region celebrated the actions. FREEDOM ADVANCES Argentinian President Javier Milei said on X. Chilean President-elect Jose Antonio Kast Rist called Maduros arrest great news for the region. In an urgent call for de-escalation, Gustavo Petro, the left-wing president of Colombia who has frequently feuded with Trump, said his country would move to "preserve stability" along its border with Venezuela and address eventual humanitarian or migratory needs. Eduardo Cuevas Maduro charged with narco-terrorism, cocaine conspiracy Maduro's federal indictment charges him with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and two illegal weapons counts. The indictment also sought the seizure of any belongings that resulted from the alleged criminal conspiracy. Maduro sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking, the indictment said. Other defendants include Diosdado Cabello Rondon, Venezuela's minister of interior, justice and peace; Ramon Rodriguez Chacin, the former minister of interior and justice; first lady Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro; the presidents son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, a member of the countrys national assembly; and the alleged leader of the crime gang Tren de Aragua, Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores. Bart Jansen Vance: Maduro capture legitimate because of indictments Vice President JD Vance argued that Maduros capture was legitimate because he faces multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism. You don't get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas, Vance said on social media. Vance said Trump had offered Maduro several options to avoid a military attack but that U.S. demands were clear that drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says, Vance said. Bart Jansen Trump: Maduro and wife held on ship, will face charges in NYC The Venezuelan leader and his wife were being held on the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, in the Caribbean, Trump told Fox news. Personnel are seen next to a U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter sited on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) while the vessel is docked in Ponce amid ongoing military movements in Puerto Rico, December 17, 2025. "They're on a ship, but they'll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out," Trump said. "A nice flight, I'm sure they loved it. They've killed a lot of people." "Even people in their own country, they killed a lot of people to maintain power," Trump added. "He's a very vicious person." Francesca Chambers US forces mostly unharmed, Trump says President Trump told Fox news in a phone interview that, as far as he knows, no U.S. forces were killed and no American aircraft were lost during the overnight strike on Venezuela. I think we had nobody killed, Trump said. A couple of guys were hit, but they came back, and theyre supposed to be in pretty good shape. One U.S. helicopter was hit hard, Trump added, but the U.S. was able to recover it. Francesca Chambers Democrats rip Trump over Venezuela Democratic lawmakers accused the Trump administration of conducting an illegal war with Venezuela and misleading Congress about the purpose of its strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean after the U.S. bombed the country and captured its leader overnight. Sen. Ruben Gallego, an Iraq war veteran who represents Arizona, called the strike the second unjustified war in my life time in a social media post. This war is illegal, its embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year, Gallego said." Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz said the U.S. has no vital national interests in Venezuela to justify war and the nation should have learned not to stumble into another stupid adventure by now. Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey, said on X that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators during a December briefing that the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers and strikes on alleged drug boats were not about regime change. Police officers are seen along a street in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. I didnt trust them then and we see now that they blatantly lied to Congress. Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war, Kim said. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California, called Maduro a thug and an illegitimate leader of Venezuela, but said terrorizing and oppressing his people didnt justify Trump trampling the Constitution. Acting without Congressional approval or the buy-in of the public, Trump risks plunging a hemisphere into chaos and has broken his promise to end wars instead of starting them, Schiff said in a statement. Francesca Chambers and Bart Jansen Maduro grab comes after Trump pardoned drug trafficking former Honduran leader The U.S. capture of Maduro comes just weeks after President Trump gave a full pardon to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted and serving a 45-year sentence in federal prison for cocaine distribution. Trump announced he planned to pardon Hernandez on Nov. 28, 2025, and White House officials confirmed the pardon by Dec. 2. More: What we know about the US strike on Venezuela, Maduro's capture Hernandez was convicted in March 2024 of conspiring with drug kingpins to bring more than 400 tons of cocaine into the United States in what then-Attorney General Merrick Garland called one of the largest and most violent drug-trafficking conspiracies in the world. In a social media post, Trump said the former Honduran president had been treated very harshly and unfairly. Jeanine Santucci Russia blasts US attack, Argentina's president celebrates Russia's foreign ministry said the U.S. strikes on Venezueala were "deeply concerning and condemnable." "The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded," the ministry said in a statement. "Ideological animosity has prevailed over business pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability." "In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue." Russia has been an ally of Venezuela's even as the U.S. turned against its socialist government. Maduro and Russian President Vladimir Putin last met in Moscow in May. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva said the "bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line," one of many condemnations from Latin American leaders, while Argentinian President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, posted in all caps: "FREEDOM MOVES FORWARD. LONG LIVE FREEDOM DAMMIT." Why did the US capture Maduro? Government supporters hold photographs of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez and President Nicolas Maduro, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will face trial on U.S. soil on charges of "Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post to X. "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," Bondi wrote. Bondi's post appeared to reference charges Maduro and his top officials have already faced since 2020, when they were indicted by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Flores was not charged in those indictments. Cybele Mayes-Osterman Maduro capture echoes arrest of Noriega in Panama three decades ago Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega Noriega was arrested after the United States invaded Panama to remove him in 1989 and is shown in this file photo taken during his arrest by U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agents in 1990. Exactly 36 years before the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an early morning military operation in Venezuela, U.S. forces seized Panamanian General Manuel Noriega on Jan. 3, 1990. The arrest of Noriega shares more similarities with the Trump administration's alleged capture of Maduro than just a date on the calendar. Noriega was first a CIA asset before he rose to power as Panama's military strongman leader. The U.S. indicted him on drug trafficking charges, and in late 1989, then-President George H.W. Bush dispatched tens of thousands of troops to Panama to capture Noriega and bring him to face trial in the U.S. The Trump administration's effort to oust Maduro also centered on his alleged ties to drug trafficking, for which he was charged by a U.S. court in 2020. Experts have said that, while Maduro's regime profits from drug trafficking, he does not lead a vast drug smuggling network like the role Noriega played. Cybele Mayes-Osterman Exactly 36 years before the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an early morning military operation in Venezuela, U.S. forces took Panamanian General Manuel Noriega on Jan. 3, 1990. The arrest of Noriega shares more similarities with the Trump administration's alleged capture of Maduro than just a date on the calendar. See the impact of the U.S. operation in Panama. Thousands of Panamanians marched towards the Vatican Embassy where Manuel Noriega has been seeking asylum on January 3, 1990. Noriega was first a CIA asset before he rose to power as Panama's military strongman leader. The U.S. indicted him on drug trafficking charges, and in late 1989, then-President George H.W. Bush dispatched tens of thousands of troops to Panama to capture Noriega and bring him to face trial in the U.S. Telephone technicians tap into telephone box as US troops look on outside the Vatican Embassy, where Manuel Noriega has taken refuge, December 27, 1989. Helicopter used to take Manuel Noriega into United States custody flies over anti-Noriega demonstration, hours before his surrender, January 3, 1990. Felicidad Noriega, wife of deposed Panamanian leader General Manuel Noriega, walks to the Federal Courthouse September 13, 1991 as the jury selection process in Noriega's trial continues. Frank Ruino(C), attorney for Panamanian strong-man Manuel Noriega, speaks April 9, 1992 outside Miami's Federal Courthouse with his assistant Jon May(L). A twelve member federal jury found Manuel Noriega guilty on eight of ten counts. Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega leans through barred window in HQ to wave to supporters celebrating his crushing of an attempted coup, October 5, 1989. This is the scene overlooking the Chorillo district of downtown Panama City near the command of Manuel Noriega, December 26, 1989. The area was heavily damaged. President George Bush announces that deposed Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega had turned himself over to the US marshalls in Panama. January 3, 1990 US soldier Gerarde Walyun walks past an advertisement for Panama beer, as he patrols Panama City, January 15, 1990. A soldier from the US army surveys an area in Panama after the US invasion from the window of a Shinook helicopter, December 20, 1990 6 soldiers patrol the Curundu neighborhood, Panama City, January 15, 1990. See photos of the US invasion of Panama, capture of Manuel Noriega 1 of 12 Exactly 36 years before the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an early morning military operation in Venezuela, U.S. forces took Panamanian General Manuel Noriega on Jan. 3, 1990. The arrest of Noriega shares more similarities with the Trump administration's alleged capture of Maduro than just a date on the calendar. See the impact of the U.S. operation in Panama. Shocked Venezuelans hunker down Venezuelan security forces patrolled largely empty streets at dawn in the capital, Caracas, hours after loud explosions woke residents to the news that U.S. commandos had bombed the country and captured President Maduro. Streets close to the Miraflores presidential palace were deserted except for checkpoints manned by uniformed gunmen, as residents were left guessing who was now in charge of the oil-rich nation. Smoke streaked the sky, with a dark plume still billowing from the direction of the Port of La Guaira to the north, while another was visible near an air base in the capital. A man sweeps the street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. For supporters of the opposition, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, excitement was also in the air. "My sister, who is in the United States, woke me up with the news; she was crying. We cried together out of happiness," said Jairo Chacin, 39, a mechanic and workshop owner in oil hub Maracaibo, as he waited in a long line to stock up on groceries. Reuters Senate Intel chairman confirms Maduro will face charges In Miami, people hold a Venezuelan and U.S. flag, as they react to the news after President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, January 3, 2026. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton said Saturday morning that hed spoken to Marco Rubio and the Trump official confirmed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in U.S. custody and will face criminal charges. Nicolas Maduro wasnt just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation. Thats why he was indicted in U.S. court nearly six years ago for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, Cotton said in a post on X. The Arkansas Republican said, The interim government in Venezuela must now decide whether to continue the drug trafficking and colluding with adversaries like Iran and Cuba or whether to act like a normal nation and return to the civilized world. I urge them to choose wisely. It was not immediately clear if the Trump administration notified Cotton, one of the top congressional leaders on intelligence matters, before the strike took place. Francesca Chambers Venezuela calls for urgent United Nations meeting Venezuela called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting after President Trump announced the U.S. had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an early morning military operation on Jan. 3. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on a street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. In a letter dated that day, Venezuela's representative to the U.N. denounced the U.S. "armed aggression" and its "grave implications" for peace and security. The letter was addressed to Abukar Dahir Osman, Somalia's U.N. ambassador, who took over the rotating presidency of the Security Council on Jan. 1, and was posted to X by Yvan Gil, Venezuela's foreign minister. U.S. military forces had carried out "brutal, unjustified and unilateral" attacks in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, and other cities in the country, the letter said. The statement called on governments of Latin America to mobilize in solidarity with Venezuela in response to what the letter called an attack on regional independence. Cybele Mayes-Osterman Maduro will 'stand trial' in U.S., senator says Republican Sen. Mike Lee said in a post on X that Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will "stand trial on criminal charges in the United States." Who is Nicolas Maduro? Trump says Venezuelan president 'captured' by U.S. forces Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores greet supporters during his closing campaign rally in Caracas, Venezuela May 17, 2018. "Just got off the phone" with Rubio, Lee wrote on Jan. 3. "He informed me that Nicolas Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant." In a second post, Lee said Rubio "anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody." Cybele Mayes-Osterman Venezuela's vice president demands 'proof of life' for Maduro Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's vice president, said the Venezuelan government does not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro or his wife, Cilia Flores, after President Trump announced that the U.S. had captured Maduro and flown him out of the country. "We demand immediate proof of life of President Nicolas Maduro and the first lady Cilia Flores," Rodriguez said on Venezuelan state TV. Residents are outside of their homes in the Gramoven neighborhood, as PREUTERS/Maxwell Briceno "Proof of life" is a term associated with kidnappings, in which captors provide confirmation that the victim they are ransoming is still alive. Cybele Mayes-Osterman Delta Force troops captured Maduro: report President Donald Trump says U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a large-scale strike, according to a post on his social media account on Jan. 3, 2026. Members of the Army's secretive Delta Force led the raid to capture Maduro and his wife, according to CBS News. Delta Force, considered the Army's equivalent to the Navy's SEAL Team 6, is trained in counterterrorism and raids against important targets. The unit carried out the 2019 raid that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the head of ISIS. Videos from Caracas circulating on social media showed several helicopters flying over the city and firing at targets. The Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment routinely supports Delta Force and other U.S. special operations forces on high-stakes missions. Davis Winkie Opposition says multiple military targets hit A vehicle burns at La Carlota air base in Caracas after a series of explosions on Jan. 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am. The explosions come as President Donald Trump, who has deployed a navy task force to the Caribbean, raised the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela. David Smolansky, a spokesperson for Maria Corina Machado, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, told USA TODAY that strikes carried out by the U.S. targeted several critical infrastructure and military facilities. Those include Fuerte Tiuna, the main military base in Caracas, La Carlota, a military airbase, a site for signal antennae and communications infrastructure on a peak overlooking Caracas called El Volcan, and a port on the Caribbean coast called La Guaira. Cybele Mayes-Osteman Trump has for years pushed to oust Maduro President Trump has had his sights set on toppling Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's strongman leader, since his first term in the White House. More: What the US labeling Venezuelan 'Cartel de los Soles' terrorists means In 2019, the Trump administration threw its weight behind Juan Guaido, an opposition politician who attempted to unseat Maduro in a failed coup. Maduro and some high-level Venezuelan officials were indicted the next year in a U.S. court on drug trafficking and corruption charges. A former bus driver, Maduro rose through the ranks of Hugo Chavez' socialist party and took over as his handpicked successor after an election held after Chavez' death in 2013. Maduro has been widely accused by election monitoring organizations and the Venezuelan opposition of rigging the next two elections to stay in power. Cybele Mayes-Osterman More: Trump says Venezuela sends US lethal drugs, but data tells different story US citizens in Venezuela should 'shelter in place,' leave: embassy Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. The State Department acknowledged "reports of explosions in and around Caracas, Venezuela," in a post to the U.S. Embassy Venezuela website. "U.S. citizens in Venezuela should shelter in place and depart immediately when it is safe to do so," said the post by the U.S. Embassy Colombia. (The American embassy in Caracas closed in 2019.) The alert reiterated earlier travel guidance from Dec. 3 warning "all U.S. citizens in Venezuela ... to depart immediately." Davis Winkie Venezuela defense minister condemns 'criminal military aggression' Gen. Vladimir Padrino Lopez, Venezuela's defense minister, called the U.S. operation "the most criminal military aggression" in a statement shared by state media outlet teleSUR TV. Padrino Lopez, who has held his position for more than a decade, is under U.S. sanctions and was indicted on U.S. drug trafficking charges in 2019. Davis Winkie Attacks follow large US military buildup The overnight explosions follow a series of attacks by the U.S. military on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific that began in early September. The campaign escalated to include the seizure of oil tankers coming and going from Venezuelan ports in late December. A sizeable American flotilla has amassed in the southern Caribbean Sea, including multiple guided missile destroyers, a missile cruiser, and a Marine Corps amphibious ready group aboard Navy landing ships. The U.S. publicly moved the USS Gerald R. Ford the world's largest aircraft carrier into the region in recent months as well. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Just days before the apparent attack, President Donald Trump confirmed that the CIA conducted a land strike against a dock facility in the country. More: Trump publicly touts CIA-led strikes that are normally kept quiet. Why? A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. The administration has attacked at least 35 boats traversing international waters, killing at least 115 people many of them Venezuelans. Trump and other officials have defended the boat strikes as an attempt to stop illegal narcotics, specifically fentanyl, from flooding into the country. "The Biden administration preferred the kid gloves approach, allowing millions of people including dangerous cartels and unvetted Afghans to flood our communities with drugs and violence," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a Nov. 29 post on X, when he lashed out at a report that he ordered U.S. military officials to leave no survivors during one of the Caribbean sea strikes. Senator calls attacks a 'stupid adventure' Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the Trump administration's military attacks for providing no intelligence briefings or other evidence about what the vessels are carrying. Some members of Congress, former military officials and legal analysts have said the strikes are illegal and amount to extrajudicial killings that violate international human rights law. Some of those lawmakers also criticized Saturday's strikes and the administration's silence in their immediate wake. "We have no vital national interests in Venezuela to justify war," said Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, on X. "We should have learned not to stumble into another stupid adventure by now. And hes not even bothering to tell the American public what the hell is going on." Trump has described Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 after the death of populist Hugo Chavez, as running Venezuela like a "narco-terrorist" drug cartel that is directly responsible for American deaths. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice banning commercial aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace around 1 a.m. ET on Jan. 3. Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard and Philip Bailey, USA TODAY; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, wife in New York after US strikes The US has attacked Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, with Donald Trump vowing to "run the country" until there is a "proper" transition of power. Venezuela's left-wing leader and his wife were captured at their compound and flown to the US, as part of a dramatic overnight special forces operation that also saw strikes on military bases. Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have since been charged with weapon and drug offences in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also promised US oil companies would move into the country and warned the US would stage a second attack if needed. Venezuela's Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez said the government was ready "to defend", while the attack has prompted international criticism. Here is what we know so far. What do we know about the operation? The US military stormed Maduro's home at 02:01 local time (06:01 GMT). Trump said US forces were able to cut the power in the capital, Caracas, but it is unclear how they did this. The US president said Maduro tried to enter a steel-fortified safe room and made it past the door, but was unable to close it. Advertisement Advertisement Maduro was captured by the US army's Delta Force, the military's top counter-terrorism unit, after a CIA source in Venezuelan government helped the US track his location. More than 150 aircraft were used to get the extraction team into the capital. Trump added that no US forces were killed and there were "few" injuries. Maduro and his wife were taken on board the USS Iwo Jima and then a plane, which later landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York state. The pair were then transported to Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility in Brooklyn. US officials have indicated that air strikes around Caracas were used as cover for the extraction operation. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said on state television that a "large part" of Maduro's security team along with soldiers and "innocent civilians" were killed, without giving a number or providing more details. The Venezuelan government earlier accused the US of hitting some civilian areas and had said it was collating figures of casualties and deaths, but has not released any official figures yet. [BBC] BBC Verify has confirmed five locations that were targeted: Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, an airfield known as La Carlota Fuerte Tiuna, a key military facility in Caracas Port La Guaira, Caracas' main conduit to the Caribbean Sea Higuerote Airport, just east of Caracas Antenas El Volcan, a telecomms towers Advertisement Advertisement Who's now in charge in Venezuela? Venezuela's Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, who was part of Maduro's inner circle, is now the interim president after being sworn in by the nation's Supreme Court. On Saturday, she demanded Maduro's release, saying he was the "only president". Despite Trump's claims the US would run Venezuela until "a safe and proper and judicious transition" was possible, Maduro's allies remain in charge. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear exactly how the US plans to run Venezuela or who will be involved, but the US president said it would be a "group" effort. He added that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been talking to Rodriguez, who had expressed her willingness to do "whatever the US asks". This is at odds with Rodriguez publicly refusing that Venezuela would become "a colony of an empire". Rubio, when asked on CBS News Face the Nation on Sunday whether the US could work with Maduro's number two, said: "We're going to make an assessment on the basis of what they do, not what they say publicly in the interim." Advertisement Advertisement He added that "if they don't make the right decisions, the United States will retain multiple levers of leverage to ensure that our interests are protected". Trump said on Saturday that Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado had neither the support nor the respect within Venezuela to become its leader. Machado had earlier called for Edmundo Gonzalez to assume power. She had rallied support for Gonzalez in the 2024 presidential election and vote tallies released by her party suggest he won by a landslide. Fuerte Tiuna, one of Venezuela's largest military bases was hit in Caracas [AFP via Getty Images] What next for Venezuela? While US officials have indicated it was not planning any further military intervention in Venezuela, Trump said "we're not afraid of boots on the ground" in response to a question about deploying US troops there. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also said US oil companies would move in to fix infrastructure "and start making money for the country". He said "we're going to be taking a tremendous amount of wealth from the ground" which would go to people in Venezuela and to the US, adding "we're going to get reimbursed for everything we've spent". He also said the US would sell oil to other countries. Venezuela's government described the attack as an attempt to seize "Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals" in an attempt to "forcibly break the political independence of the nation". Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, but it is so-called "heavy, sour" oil. This is harder to refine but useful for making diesel and asphalt, while the US typically produces "light, sweet" oil used to make petrol. What has Maduro been charged with? US attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife were indicted in the Southern District of New York. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the US. "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," Bondi wrote on X. Who is Maduro and why has he been captured? Maduro rose to prominence under the leadership of left-wing President Hugo Chavez, succeeding him as president in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Maduro has been at odds with Trump over the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants in the US and the movement of drugs into the US, in particular fentanyl and cocaine. But counter-narcotic experts say Venezuela mainly acts as a country through which drugs produced elsewhere are smuggled, while fentanyl is mainly produced in Mexico and typically enters the US via their shared land border. Trump has designated two Venezuelan drug gangs, Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) and has alleged that the latter was led by Maduro himself. Maduro has vehemently denied being a cartel leader and has accused the US of using its "war on drugs" as an excuse to try to depose him and get its hands on Venezuela's oil. In recent months, US forces carried out more than two dozen strikes in international waters on boats they allege were used to traffic drugs, killing more than 100 people. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have been captured [Reuters] How has the world reacted? The initial news of the strikes prompted the strongest reaction from Venezuela's long-term allies. Russia accused the US of committing "an act of armed aggression" that was "deeply concerning and condemnable". China's foreign ministry called on the US to release Maduro and his wife "at once" and to "stop toppling the government of Venezuela". Iran's foreign ministry called the strikes a "flagrant violation of the country's national sovereignty". Many Latin American countries, including Venezuela's neighbours, Colombia and Brazil, also condemned the actions. Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel described them as a "criminal attack", while Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the strikes an "assault on the sovereignty". Meanwhile, Trump's ally in Argentina, Javier Milei, wrote "freedom moves forward" and "long live freedom" on social media. On the international stage, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' spokesman said he was "deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected". UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government would "shed no tears" about the end of Maduro's regime and would discuss the "evolving situation" in Venezuela with US counterparts. The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas reiterated the bloc's position that Maduro lacks legitimacy and that there should be a peaceful transition of power, but said the principles of international law must be respected. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said it did not recognise Maduro's regime but would neither recognise an intervention that "violates international law and pushes the region toward... uncertainty". If it is safe to do so, you can get in touch by following this link The Large Hadron Collider is going to be shut down not permanently, but for a pretty long time and the famous atom smashers eventual final retirement is also something that top scientists are now considering. A 16-mile ring-shaped tunnel near the Swiss-French border, the underground particle accelerator is designed to replicate the cosmoss extreme conditions shortly after the big bang by whipping up particles to near light speed, at which point physics begins to become extremely weird and counterintuitive. In 2012, scientists used the LHC to discover the existence of the Higgs boson, an elementary particle that, through incredibly esoteric quantum properties, is essentially responsible for giving all other particles their mass. Even something responsible for one of the most important scientific discoveries in history needs a facelift, however. Beginning in June, engineers will start upgrading the device so that it can carry out ten times the number of particle collisions it currently can do, something that will allow for far more experiments to be conducted, yielding still more troves of data. The project, dubbed the high-luminosity LHC, will take some five years to complete and while surely worth it in the long run, thats an immense amount of down time. Advertisement Advertisement Rest assured, the LHC wont be going dark without leaving physicists quite a bit of homework to complete before its return, according to Mark Thomson, the new director general of CERN, the intergovernmental organization and physics lab that oversees the particle accelerator. The machine is running brilliantly and were recording huge amounts of data, Thomson, a professor of experimental particle physics at the University of Cambridge, told The Guardian. Theres going to be plenty to analyze over the period. The physics results will keep on coming. The LHC will be offline during almost all of Thomsons term, which started on New Years Day. In fact, CERN doesnt expect the high-luminosity LHC to be operational again until mid-2030. But while it may sound like Thomson is taking the reins at a less exciting period in the devices history, he says hes thrilled to be giving it a makeover. Its an incredibly exciting project, Thomson told the newspaper. Its more interesting than just sitting here with the machine hammering away. Advertisement Advertisement Thomson is also taking charge as CERN is planning the LHCs successor. The leading candidate to replace it, per The Guardian, is the gargantuan Future Circular Collider, which at a proposed 56 miles in circumference would make the Hadron look like the kiddie pool. The first stage, designed to smash together electrons and positrons the latter are the formers anti-matter counterpart would be built in the late 2040s, with another stage taking its place in the 2070s to accelerate protons to even higher speeds. The FCCs fate, though, is anything but certain. Its slated cost of nearly $19 billion is too much for CERN to pay on its own, according to The Guardian, and theres also questions swirling over whether huge particle accelerators represent the best way to probe some of the biggest questions in science, such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Thomson, though, is still a believer in the big atom smasher. Weve not got to the point where we have stopped making discoveries and the FCC is the natural progression. Our goal is to understand the universe at its most fundamental level, he told The Guardian. And this is absolutely not the time to give up. More on physics: Giant Chinese Orb Detects Ghost Particles While Buried Under Mountain Hours after a dramatic military operation ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power and removed him from the country Saturday, President Donald Trump said the United States would run Venezuela at least temporarily and tap its vast oil reserves to sell to other nations. U.S. operations on Saturday represented Americas most assertive action to achieve regime change in a country since the nations 2003 invasion of Iraq. The actions raise stark new questions about the legality of the U.S. moves under a broader campaign against the South American nation. The middle-of-the-night seizure of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were being transported on a U.S. warship to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in New York, is beyond even the most high-profile historical examples of aggressive American actions toward autocratic governments in Panama, Iraq and beyond, legal experts said. It came after a surprise U.S. incursion into the Venezuelan capital, rocked with overnight explosions early Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration described the operation and earlier deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea as necessary to stem the flow of dangerous drugs. Here's the latest: Protesters gather in Los Angeles, elsewhere to protest US military action Hundreds gathered in the rain in downtown Los Angeles to protest the U.S. military action in Venezuela. People donning raincoats and holding umbrellas carried signs saying Stop bombing Venezuela now! and No blood for oil as they listened to speakers. One person held a handwritten sign saying No War! No Trump! A smaller group of about 50 people protested in Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Aftermath of US military operation in Venezuela disrupts Caribbean travel The U.S. military operation that captured Maduro and flew him out of the country has also disrupted Caribbean travel at a busy travel time for the region. Elisia Cohen had planned to return from her family vacation in Puerto Rico on Friday but a mechanical issue grounded their Delta flight back to Minneapolis. Then, the University of Minnesota professor woke up before dawn Saturday to the news of the strikes on Venezuela and the delay, then cancellations of all flights. I hope this will not become a nightmare of airspace not opening up, she said. Advertisement Advertisement She spent most of Saturday trying to rebook a flight back to anywhere in the continental United States, and even though she succeeded, she said she wont truly stop worrying until the airspace reopens and flights start taking off again. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a social media post that the FAA restricted the airspace in the Caribbean and Venezuela to ensure the SAFETY of the flying public. When appropriate, these airspace restrictions will be lifted, he said. Please work with your airlines directly if your flight has been impacted. Read more about travel disruptions here Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelans wonder whos in charge as Trump claims contact with Maduros deputy Rodriguez Uncertainty gripped Venezuela on Saturday as people scrambled to understand who was in charge of the South American country. Trump delivered a shocking pick for who would take control: The United States, perhaps in coordination with one of Maduros most trusted aides. Delcy Rodriguez has served as Maduros vice president since 2018, overseeing much of Venezuelas oil-dependent economy as well as its feared intelligence service. But she is someone the Trump administration apparently is willing to work with, at least for now. Advertisement Advertisement Shes essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again, Trump told reporters of Rodriguez, who faced U.S. sanctions during Trumps first administration for her role in undermining Venezuelan democracy. Trump indicated that Rodriguez had been sworn in already as president of Venezuela, per the transfer of power outlined in the constitution. However, state television has not broadcast any swearing-in ceremony. In her televised address, Rodriguez did not declare herself acting president or mention a political transition. A ticker at the bottom of the screen identified her as the vice president. She gave no sign that she would be cooperating with the U.S. What is being done to Venezuela is an atrocity that violates international law, she said. History and justice will make the extremists who promoted this armed aggression pay. Advertisement Advertisement Read more about the reaction within Venezuela Maduros ouster sparks celebrations among Venezuelans in South Florida Revelers chanted liberty and draped Venezuelan flags over their shoulders in South Florida to celebrate Maduros capture and removal from the country. For some Venezuelan natives, the military action culminating months of stepped-up U.S. pressure brought their dreams of reuniting with loved ones closer to reality after years of heartbreaking separations. People gathered for a rally in Doral, the Miami suburb where Trump has a golf resort and where roughly half the population is of Venezuelan descent. Advertisement Advertisement Outside El Arepazo restaurant, a hub of the Venezuelan culture of Doral, one man held a piece of cardboard with Libertad scrawled with a black marker. It was a sentiment expressed by others hoping for a new beginning for their home country as they chanted Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! Were like everybody its a combination of feelings, of course, said Alejandra Arrieta, who came to the U.S. in 1997. Theres fears. Theres excitement. Theres so many years that weve been waiting for this. Something had to happen in Venezuela. We all need the freedom. Black lawmakers in Congress condemn illegal US actions in Venezuela The Congressional Black Caucus is blasting Trump over U.S. actions against Maduro, calling the operation a grave and illegal abuse of power. Advertisement Advertisement While Nicolas Maduro is, in fact, an illegitimate leader, the deployment of U.S. military power to impose political change in a sovereign nation without the consent of Congress or a clear and defined plan of action threatens to draw the United States into an indefinite conflict in Venezuela, the caucus said in statement. We cannot understate the severity of the consequences that could follow from such reckless actions, which threaten regional stability and weaken our standing on the world stage, the lawmakers said. Person in custody seen gingerly leaving plane believed to be carrying Maduro At around 5:25 p.m., a person in custody was escorted out of the plane believed to be carrying Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement The person gingerly made his way down a stairway one step at a time, then was led across the tarmac surrounded by a crowd of at least three dozen federal agents. Several agents in the crowd appeared to film the person on their phones. Canadian PM stands by Venezuelan peoples sovereign right to build future Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says his government welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. Carney notes in a post on a social media that Canada has not recognized the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. He says Canada has long supported a Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. Carney is calling on all parties to respect international law and says Canada stands by the Venezuelan peoples sovereign right to decide and build their own future. Seizing control of Venezuelas oil presents legal issues for US, law professor says Matthew Waxman, a Columbia University law professor who was a national security official in the George W. Bush administration, said seizing control of Venezuelas resources opens up additional legal issues. For example, a big issue will be who really owns Venezuelas oil? Waxman wrote in an email. An occupying military power cant enrich itself by taking another states resources, but the Trump administration will probably claim that the Venezuelan government never rightfully held them. But Waxman, who served in the State and Defense departments and on the National Security Council under Bush, noted that weve seen the administration talk very dismissively about international law when it comes to Venezuela. JUST IN: Plane carrying deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro arrives in New York following his capture by US, AP source says German leader calls for stability in Venezuela Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a statement Saturday that Nicolas Maduro led Venezuela to disaster and noted that Germany, like many other countries, didnt recognize his presidency after the South American nations last election. Merz said that a legal classification of the U.S. intervention is complex and we will take time on the matter. He said that political instability must not arise in Venezuela now and that its important to ensure an orderly transition to a government legitimized by elections. Schumer says Trump actions in Venezuela reckless The Senate Democratic leader said, The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York said the Trump administration had assured him multiple times it was not pursuing regime change or taking military action in Venezuela. Clearly, they are not being straight with Americans, he said. Rubio hints Cuba could be next after Trump takes Maduro out of Venezuela Secretary of State Marco Rubio is hinting that Cuba could be the next target of the Trump administrations push to restore American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Rubio said he would be a bit concerned if he were a Cuban government official following the overnight U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, Id be concerned at least a little bit, said Rubio, who has had a long preoccupation with both Venezuela and Cuba. The U.S. has had a long history of military interventions in Latin America, including its tacit support for the unsuccessful 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion led by Cuban exiles aimed at toppling Fidel Castro. Venezuela's UN ambassador says his country has right to self defense In a letter sent to the U.N. Security Council on Saturday, the Venezuelan ambassador to the U.N. warned that in light of the U.S. strikes, the country reserves the inherent right to self defense. The letter from Ambassador Samuel Reinaldo Moncada Acosta, obtained by AP, goes on to request an urgent meeting of the 15-member council and condemnation and cessation of U.S. actions. What began more than four months ago as a police fantasy is now showing its true face: this is a colonial war aimed at destroying our republican form of government, freely chosen by our people, and at imposing a puppet government that allows the plundering of our natural resources, including the worlds largest oil reserves, Acosta wrote. Trump says Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as president U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez had been sworn in as president shortly before he spoke to reporters and added she had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple, Trump said. Earlier, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said that the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez should assume power, saying that he rightfully won the 2024 presidential election. Trump shares photo of captured Maduro The president posted a photo on social media showing Maduro wearing a sweatsuit and a blindfold with the caption: Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. Maduro appeared to be wearing a flotation device around his neck. Next to him was someone wearing a jacket that had a DEA logo. Maduro also had protective headphones on his ears and appeared to be lifting a water bottle with both arms to drink. Trumps action against Maduro contrasts with clemency granted to ex-Honduras leader Trumps dramatic action against Maduro is the polar opposite of the clemency he granted to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez. Trump in December pardoned Hernandez though he was sentenced to 45 years in U.S. prison for helping drug traffickers to safely move hundreds of tons of cocaine north through his country to the U.S. Hernandez, who enjoyed support from officials in the first Trump administration, was convicted by a U.S. jury in New York which Maduro is now set to face. When asked in an interview with Politico about the pardon, Trump said, I dont know him and I know very little about him, but added that he was told that Hernandez was set up. The country, uh, deals in drugs, like probably you could say that about every country, and because he was the president, they gave him like 45 years in prison, he said. Justice Department released a new indictment of Maduro and wife The indictment accuses Maduro of leading a a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking. It alleges that the drug trafficking efforts enriched and entrenched Venezuelas political and military elite. U.S. authorities allege that Maduro partnered with some of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers and narco-terrorists in the world to bring tons of cocaine into the U.S., according to the indictment. Authorities estimate that as much as 250 tons of cocaine were trafficked through Venezuela by 2020, according to the indictment. The drugs were moved on go-fast vessels, fishing boats and container ships or via planes from clandestine airstrips, authorities allege. UN is deeply alarmed by the US strike The United Nations said it was deeply alarmed by the U.S. strikes and reported detention of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. It expressed concern that the escalation was a violation of international law. These developments constitute a dangerous precedent, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, said in a statement. Dujarric said the U.N. worried about the larger implications for Latin America and the Caribbean and called on all actors in Venezuela to respect human rights and the rule of law. China slams US strike in Venezuela China strongly condemned the U.S. strike in Venezuela and the action against its president, the Foreign Ministry said, adding the Beijing government was deeply shocked and firmly opposed to the operation. Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuelas sovereignty and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region, it said. It called on the U.S. to comply with international law and the principles of the U.N. Charter, urging it to stop violating the sovereignty and security of other nations. Trump says a helicopter was hit and a few US members were injured in Venezuela Trump said a helicopter was hit during the operation in Venezuela and a few U.S. members were injured, but he believed none were killed. A couple of guys were hit, but they came back and theyre supposed to be in pretty good shape, he said. He said the U.S. lost no aircraft in the operation. We got it all back. One of them was hit pretty hard buta helicopterbut we got it back. We had to do it because its a war, he added a few moments later. Trump dismisses criticism he did not seek congressional permission for Venezuela strike Trump brushed off criticism from U.S. Democratic lawmakers that he did not seek permission from Congress ahead of time and that the strike was illegal. He called his Democratic critics weak, stupid people and blaming his political opponents for inflation in the U.S. He said the operation in Venezuela was really genius. All they do is complain, he said of the Democrats. They should say, Great job. They shouldnt say, Oh Gee, maybe its not constitutional. You know, the same old stuff that weve been hearing for years and years and years, Trump said. Trump says he proposed to the Mexican president that US take out cartels Trump said the operation in Venezuela wasnt meant to be a message to Mexico, but then he has proposed to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that the U.S. take out cartels in her country and suggested the U.S. might take action. Were very friendly with her, shes a good woman. But the cartels are running Mexico. Shes not running Mexico. The cartels are running Mexico, Trump said. He said hes asked Sheinbaum numerous times, Would you like us to take out the cartels? but she has said no. Somethings going to have to be done with Mexico, Trump said. Trump says US will decide on whats next for Venezuela President Donald Trump said in an interview Saturday morning that the United States will be making decisions on what is next for Venezuela after capturing the Latin American countrys president and flying him out of the country. Well be involved in it very much as to who will govern the country, Trump said. We cant take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left, or left off, Trump said in an interview with Fox News hours after the capture. Maduro was at his home when he was seized in US operation, party leader tells AP Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez told The Associated Press that Nicolas Maduro and his wife were at their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation when they were captured. Thats where they bombed, he said. And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country. European leaders react to Maduros capture by the US EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X that she had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU ambassador in Caracas. The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for de-escalation and responsibility. International Law and the principles of the United Nations Charter must be respected, Sanchez wrote on X. Russias Foreign Ministry said it is extremely alarmed and called for immediate clarification, according to a statement posted Saturday on the ministrys Telegram channel. The ministry said such actions, if confirmed, would constitute an unacceptable infringement on the sovereignty of an independent state. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the U.K. was not involved in the U.S. operation in Venezuela and that he would seek more information from Trump. Without condemning the U.S. action, Starmer said he always believes that international law should be upheld. But I think at this stage, fast moving situation, lets establish the facts and take it from there, he said. US indicted Maduro on narcoterrorism charges in 2020 The Justice Department during Trumps first term in office charged in the several indictments that Maduro had effectively converted Venezuela into a criminal enterprise at the service of drug traffickers and terrorist groups as he and his allies stole billions from the South American country. The coordinated unsealing of indictments against 14 officials and government-connected individuals, and rewards of $55 million for Maduro and four others, attacked all the key planks of what then-Attorney General William Barr called the corrupt Venezuelan regime, including the Maduro-dominated judiciary and the powerful armed forces. One indictment by prosecutors in New York accused Maduro and socialist party boss Diosdado Cabello, head of the rubber-stamping constitutional assembly, of conspiring with Colombian rebels and members of the military to flood the United States with cocaine and use the drug trade as a weapon against America. Read our news report from 2020 on the charges Russia calls US action an act of armed aggression Russias Foreign Ministry condemned what it called a U.S. act of armed aggression against Venezuela in a statement posted on its Telegram channel Saturday. Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, outside intervention, the statement said. The ministry called for dialogue to prevent further escalation and said it reaffirmed its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and government, adding that Russia supports calls for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting. CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Hours after an audacious military operation that plucked leader Nicolas Maduro from power and removed him from the country, President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States would run Venezuela at least temporarily and tap its vast oil reserves to sell to other nations. The dramatic action capped an intensive Trump administration pressure campaign on the South American nation and its autocratic leader and months of secret planning resulting in the most assertive American action to achieve regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Legal experts immediately raised questions about whether the operation was lawful. Venezuelas vice president Delcy Rodriguez demanded in a speech that the U.S. free Maduro and called him the countrys rightful leader, before Venezuelas high court ordered her to assume the role of interim president. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters hours after Maduro's capture, Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership void to fix the countrys oil infrastructure and sell large amounts of oil to other countries. Maduro and his wife, seized overnight from their home on a military base, were first taken aboard a U.S. warship on their way to face prosecution for a Justice Department indictment accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. A plane carrying the deposed leader landed around 4:30 p.m. Saturday at an airport in New York City's northern suburbs. Maduro was escorted off the jet, gingerly making his way down a stairway before being led across the tarmac surrounded by federal agents. Several agents filmed him on their phones as he walked. He was then flown by helicopter to Manhattan, where a convoy of law enforcement vehicles, including an armored car, was waiting to whisk him to a nearby U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office. Advertisement Advertisement A video posted on social media by a White House account showed Maduro, smiling, as he was escorted through that office by two DEA agents grasping his arms. He was expected to be detained while awaiting trial at a federal jail in Brooklyn. U.S. officials didn't immediately confirm Maduro was at the jail, but the same motorcade of vehicles that brought him to the DEA office from the heliport was seen arriving at the detention center Saturday evening. Move lacks congressional approval The legal authority for the incursion, done without congressional approval, was not immediately clear, but the Trump administration promoted the ouster as a step toward reducing the flow of dangerous drugs into the U.S. The president touted what he saw as other potential benefits, including a leadership stake in the country and greater control of oil. Advertisement Advertisement Trump claimed the U.S. government would help run the country and was already doing so, though there were no immediate signs of that. Venezuelan state TV continued to air pro-Maduro propaganda, broadcasting live images of supporters taking to the streets in Caracas in protest. We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference where he boasted that this extremely successful operation should serve as warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but the Justice Department released a new indictment Saturday of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, that painted the regime as a corrupt, illegitimate government fueled by a drug trafficking operation that flooded the U.S with cocaine. The U.S. government does not recognize Maduro as the country's leader. Trump posted a photo on social media showing Maduro wearing a sweatsuit and a blindfold on board the USS Iwo Jima. Advertisement Advertisement Early morning attack The operation followed a monthslong Trump administration effort to exert pressure on the Venezuelan leader, including a major buildup of American forces in the waters off South America and attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean accused of carrying drugs. Last week, the CIA was behind a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes in September. Maduro had decried prior military operations as a thinly veiled effort to topple him from power. Taking place 36 years to the day after the 1990 surrender and seizure of Panama leader Manuel Antonio Noriega following a U.S. invasion, the Venezuela operation unfolded under the cover of darkness early Saturday as Trump said the U.S. turned off almost all of the lights" in the capital city of Caracas while forces moved in to extract Maduro and his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces had rehearsed their maneuvers for months, learning everything about Maduro where he was and what he ate, as well as details of his pets and his clothes. We think, we develop, we train, we rehearse, we debrief, we rehearse again and again, Caine said. Not to get it right, but to ensure we cannot get it wrong. Early Saturday, multiple explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through Caracas. Maduro's government accused the U.S. of hitting civilian and military installations, calling it an imperialist attack and urging citizens to take to the streets. The assault lasted less than 30 minutes, and the explosions at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report what they saw and heard. Some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed, said Rodriguez, the country's vice president, without giving a number. Trump said some U.S. forces were injured but none were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Video obtained from Caracas and an unidentified coastal city showed tracers and smoke clouding the landscape as repeated muted explosions illuminated the night sky. Other footage showed cars passing on a highway as blasts illuminated the hills behind them. The videos were verified by The Associated Press. Smoke was seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas, while another military installation in the capital was without electricity. Under Venezuelan law, Rodriguez would take over from Maduro. Rodriguez, however, stressed during a Saturday appearance on state television that she did not plan to assume power, before Venezuela's high court ordered that she assume the interim role. There is only one president in Venezuela, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros," Rodriguez said. Advertisement Advertisement Some streets in Caracas fill up Venezuelas ruling party has held power since 1999, when Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, took office, promising to uplift poor people and later to implement a self-described socialist revolution. Maduro took over when Chavez died in 2013. His 2018 reelection was widely considered a sham because the main opposition parties were banned from participating. During the 2024 election, electoral authorities loyal to the ruling party declared him the winner hours after polls closed, but the opposition gathered overwhelming evidence that he lost by a more than 2-to-1 margin. In a demonstration of how polarizing a figure Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to protest his capture and celebrate it. Advertisement Advertisement At a protest in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas Mayor Carmen Melendez joined a crowd demanding Maduros return. Maduro, hold on, the people are rising up! the crowd chanted. We are here, Nicolas Maduro. If you can hear us, we are here! Earlier, armed people and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighborhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. In other parts of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack. Some areas remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. How do I feel? Scared, like everyone, said Caracas resident Noris Prada, who sat on an empty avenue looking down at his phone. Venezuelans woke up scared, many families couldnt sleep. Advertisement Advertisement In Doral, Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S, people wrapped themselves in Venezuelan flags, ate fried snacks and cheered as music played. At one point, the crowd chanted Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! Questions of legality Some legal experts raised immediate concerns about the operation's legality. The U.N. Security Council, acting on an emergency request from Colombia, planned to hold a meeting on U.S. operations in Venezuela on Monday morning, according to a council diplomat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a meeting not yet made public. Lawmakers from both political parties in Congress have raised reservations and flat-out objections to the U.S. attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling near the Venezuelan coast. Congress has not specifically approved an authorization for the use of military force for such operations in the region. Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence that would justify Trump striking Venezuela without approval from Congress and demanded an immediate briefing by the administration on "its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision. ___ Toropin and Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Jorge Rueda in Caracas, Venezuela, Lisa Mascaro, Michelle L. Price, Seung Min Kim and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, Farnoush Amiri in New York and Larry Neumeister in South Amboy, New Jersey, contributed to this report. President Donald Trump said the U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela" and said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the Country." The announcement on Trump's social media platform came shortly before 4:30 a.m. Saturday a few hours after several explosions were heard in Venezuela's capital city of Caracas, witnesses said, and photos and videos showed plumes of smoke and a large fireball in the night sky. In a move that alarmed some observers, Trump, who campaigned on "America First" and against foreign entanglements, said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago the U.S. would "run" Venezuela for an unspecified "period of time." Advertisement Advertisement He said a team comprised of some of his Cabinet officials along with a local team in Venezuela would be "running the country" because there is "nobody to take over." "We'll run it properly. We'll run it professionally. We'll have the greatest oil companies in the world go in and invest billions and billions of dollars and take out money, use that money in Venezuela, and the biggest beneficiary are going to be the people of Venezuela," Trump said. The president suggested that U.S. troops could be involved in the effort. "We're not afraid of boots on the ground," he said. And he said that the U.S. stood ready to carry out a "much bigger" second wave of attacks if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, slammed Trump's announcement. "The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans," he said in a press release. "The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price." Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters, FILE - PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Venezuela's President Maduro hosts a swearing-in ceremony for community-based organizations at Miraflores Palace in Caracas Trump said the operation was carried out in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. Members of Congress said the military, which sources said included the elite Delta Force, was in place to support that law enforcement operation. There were no immediate reports of U.S. military deaths during the operation. However Trump and Sen. Tom Cotton, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said some Americans were injured and that a helicopter was hit. Advertisement Advertisement "I spoke with Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio this morning. He did share that we did have wounded personnel, but no killed, but that is never guaranteed in advance," Cotton said on Fox News. The operation came amid escalating tensions with Maduro and the Venezuelan regime, and questions about the impetus behind a series of boat strikes targeting alleged drug shipping vessels. 'Speed and violence' The president went into more detail about the operation later in an interview with Fox News, saying the attack was something nobody else could have done, and "extremely complex" executed with "speed and violence." Advertisement Advertisement "The whole maneuver, the landings, the number of aircraft which were massive number, the number of helicopters, the different type of helicopters, different type of fighter jets, we had a fighter jet for every possible situation," he said in the phone interview. "And really they just broke in, and they broke into places that were not really able to be, broke into, you know, steel doors that was were put there for just this reason, and they got taken out in a matter of seconds," he added. The president said Maduro tried to escape, but was "bum rushed" by U.S. forces, according to the interview. He said he had given Maduro off-ramps recently. @realDonaldTrump - PHOTO: In this photo posted to social media by President Donald Trump, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is shown in U.S. custody, on Jan. 3, 2026. "Well, basically, I said, you have to give up. You have to surrender," Trump said in the interview. Alleged 'narco-terrorism conspiracy' Attorney General Pam Bondi said that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, "will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts" on a slew of charges in New York, including "narco-terrorism conspiracy" and "cocaine importation conspiracy" as well as weapons charges. Maduro has faced the charges in New York for years. Advertisement Advertisement A federal indictment against Maduro, and his family was unsealed Saturday, saying he was "at the forefront" of a narco-terrorism conspiracy that imported tons of cocaine into the United States. The indictment, handed up last month by a federal grand jury in New York, accused Maduro of allowing "cocaine-fueled corruption to flourish for his own benefit, the benefit of members of his ruling regime, and for the benefit of his family members." The indictment named two of those family members, Maduro's wife Cilia and his son Nicolas, as part of the alleged conspiracy and, in total, charged six defendants with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons offenses. Sources familiar with the matter told ABC News a plane carrying Maduro touched down in New York Saturday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Maduro was expected to take a helicopter to New York City, accompanied by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration. He was then expected to head by motorcade to a location in the city for processing before being held in jail. While the sources did not specify where Maduro will be held, defendants awaiting trial in federal court in Manhattan are customarily held at MDC-Brooklyn. The operation that led to Maduro's capture was carried out by the Army's Delta Force after the CIA had identified the leader's precise location, according to two people familiar with the operation. Delta Force is an elite special operations group of soldiers trained in secret counterterrorism operations and hostage rescues. A source said the CIA had a small team clandestinely on the ground starting in August that was able to provide extraordinary insight into Maduros pattern of life that made grabbing him seamless. Advertisement Advertisement And that source said CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Rubio, top aide Stephen Miller and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth "formed a core team working this issue for months with consistent meetings and phone calls, sometimes even daily often meeting both with the president and separately." Trump told Fox News that he watched every aspect of the operation from Florida. "He was in a, in a house that was more like a fortress than a house. It had steel doors. It had what they call a safety space," Trump said, adding that Maduro did not make it into the space before being captured. The president said in preparation, the U.S. military built a replica house to train for the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Maduro was taken by helicopter to the US Iwo Jima and would be transported to New York, according to Trump. "The helicopters took 'em out, and they went by helicopter in a nice flight. I'm sure they loved it," he said. One person told ABC News that Trump had given the green light to capture Maduro several days ago and troops were ready to strike on Christmas Day, but were delayed due to military airstrikes in Nigeria against ISIS. Subsequent opportunities were postponed partly due to weather, the person said. CBS first reported the details on the operation. In a brief phone interview with The New York Times, President Trump celebrated what he called the success of the mission to capture Maduro, who the U.S. has considered the head of a foreign terrorist organization since a November designation. Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people," Trump told The New York Times. "It was a brilliant operation, actually." When asked whether he had sought congressional authorization for the operation or what would come next for Venezuela, Trump said he would address those matters during his news conference at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday morning. 'No further action' anticipated Republican Sen. Mike Lee, of Utah, said in a post on X that he spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the phone about the actions being taken in Venezuela after initially asking "what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force." According to Lee, Rubio said that Maduro had been "arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States," and that the "kinetic action" was taken to protect those executing the warrant. He also said that Rubio told him he anticipates "no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody." "This was an incredibly dangerous operation to conduct," said ABC Contributor Mick Mulroy, a former CIA officer and senior Pentagon official. "It required precise intelligence, detailed planning and flawless execution by these Delta operators and all the support, especially the [Joint Special Operations Command] air component, to pull it off in the manner that they did." Senate and House Republicans praised Trump's actions, with Sen. Rick Scott, of Florida saying "a new day is here for Venezuela and Latin America" in a post on X and Sen. Tom Cotton, of Arkansas saying Maduro "wasn't just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation." But the action was criticized by Democrats. Sen. Ruben Gallego, of Arizona, blasted Trump's move, calling it the "second unjustified war in my life time" in a post on X. "This war is illegal, it's embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year. There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela." The latest events come amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela including a build-up of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean and the targeting of alleged drug-smuggling boats. Some 15,000 U.S. military personnel were in the area as well as the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier. The operation also comes a short time after the first-known land strike carried out against a dock where Trump said drugs were being loaded onto boats. Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: VENEZUELA-US-CONFLICT-CRISIS International reaction The Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning what it called "the grave military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America" in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Jim Watson, Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: FILES-COMBO-US-VENEZUELA-POLITICS-EXPLOSIONS In addition, President Nicolas Maduro ordered the implementation of national defense plans, and declared a "state of External Disturbance throughout the national territory," according to the statement. Russia condemned the action as "an act of armed aggression against Venezuela" and said it wanted to prevent "further escalation," according to the country's Foreign Ministry. And Colombian President Gustavo Petro said "Alert the world: Venezuela has been attacked!" in a post on X. But Trump ally and Argentinian president Javier Milei praised the move. The U.S. has long considered Maduro the head of a corrupt dictatorial regime. In 2024, Maduro declared victory after a widely disputed presidential election for a third term. Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: FILES-VENEZUELA-US-CONFLICT-CRISIS US recently declares Maduro head of terror organization In an unprecedented move in November, the Trump administration declared Maduro the head of a foreign terrorist organization, citing alleged links to drug cartels, which Maduro denied. The designation put the Venezuelan leader on the same list as terror networks like al-Qaeda and the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. In August, Rubio announced the U.S. had increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest from $25 million to $50 million. Maduro has faced charges in the United States of narcotics-terrorism since 2020, when federal prosecutors in New York accused him of partnering with a Colombian rebel group to "flood the United States with cocaine in order to undermine the health and wellbeing" of the nation. Luis Jaimes/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: VENEZUELA-US-CONFLICT-CRISIS The charges include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons possession conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that Maduro and 14 current or former officials ran a vast criminal enterprise for the last 20 years, using state resources to fuel the international drug trade, including in the U.S. Underneath a full moon in Caracas, the might of the U.S. military was on full display during the early morning hours of Jan. 3. Special operations helicopters thudded through the sky at low altitude, exchanging fire with Venezuelan air defenses on their way to and from the compound where Army Delta Force operators captured the countrys leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Fighter and bomber jets supported the raid force, striking air defenses and other targets in Caracas and three coastal states. Advertisement Advertisement And the moonlight was all that much of Venezuelas capital had to go by, since U.S. cyber warfare operators and intelligence agencies disrupted the citys power supply. A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Picture showing damages to a building in the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A military personnel member walks past debris at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. Civilians who were living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex leave the compound, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. A Colombian soldier stands guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Colombian police and military personnel stand guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A man walks next to military vehicles as Colombian soldiers patrol the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets sit parked on the tarmac at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. Colombian soldiers in a military vehicle at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A car drives on an empty street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. A cyclist stops to check their phone, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. F-22, C-130 and F-35 aircraft are seen at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on an empty street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured President Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A person wears a Venezuelan flag, as they and others react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. People react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, on the streets of Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A person wearing a hat that reads "America first" reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A man holds a flag reading "Make Venezuela Great Again", as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro block the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Picture showing damages to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. An armed supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocks the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raises his clenched fist as he leaves the vice-presidency building in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro leaves the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. A helicopter carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro comes in to land at the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 39 A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Heres how the raid to capture Maduro Operation Absolute Resolve went down, according to public comments from President Donald Trumps administration and media reports. The preparation for the raid took months, explained Air Force Gen. Dan Razin Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A group of CIA officers began working clandestinely in August to track Maduro. Other segments of the intelligence community also turned their lenses onto the Venezuelan leader: the electronic intercept capabilities of the National Security Agency, the imagery analysts of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and others. Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon gradually built up U.S. troops in the region, first by deploying missile-carrying ships and a floating Marine Corps task force, then fighter jets, then an aircraft carrier, then more fighter jets, and so forth, until a massive armada was in place. U.S. F-35 Lightning II aircraft taxi at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Jan. 3, 2026 The Army special operators tasked with the mission built a replica of Maduros compound just as was done for the 2011 raid that killed Osama Bin Laden in Abbotabad, Pakistan and practiced meticulously. We rehearse again and again not to get it right, but to ensure that we cant get it wrong, said Caine. The pieces were in place in early December, Caine said. But choosing the right day for the mission proved tricky. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shake hands during a press conference following a U.S. strike on Venezuela where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Caine said the military wanted good weather for the risky helicopter flights. Maduro also needed to be in a location where U.S. troops could snatch him with minimal risk, including to civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Conditions proved favorable on the night of Jan. 2. Trump gave the "go" order at 10:46 p.m. Eastern. The raid force, which included law enforcement personnel, entered Venezuela on at least seven helicopters, flying roughly 100 feet above the Caribbean Sea. The pilots of the Armys elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment whose Nightstalkers Dont Quit motto Caine partially uttered in a thinly veiled shoutout during the press conference navigated mountains, low cloud ceilings and enemy fire on their way to Maduros compound. The Venezuelan military was in a very ready position, Trump said. But the timing of the American mission was a surprise, and Maduros forces were completely overwhelmed and very quickly incapacitated. Advertisement Advertisement An eyewitness captured video of the helicopters streaming across the Caracas sky as explosions lit up the mountains in the distance. More than 150 aircraft, including fighter and bomber jets from the Marine Corps, Navy, active duty Air Force and Air National Guard, participated in the operation. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Another member of the public caught a U.S. helicopter unleashing rockets at an unknown ground target. The strike force touched down at Maduros compound at 1:01 a.m. Eastern. The raid unfolded quickly in the dark. The compound was more like a fortress than a house, Trump said. Maduro and Flores made a run for a reinforced steel safe room. They likely hoped that, once they were holed up there, crisis response troops would come to their rescue. Advertisement Advertisement But the U.S. operators knew about the room and were prepared to breach it with blow torches and other tools Trump claimed that the special operators could breach the door in an average time of 47 seconds during their practice runs for the raid. The U.S. raiders were fiercely opposed, with a lot of gunfire, the president said. A handful of U.S. troops suffered gunshot and shrapnel wounds, though officials said none of the injuries were life-threatening. One helicopter was hit by Venezuelan fire but remained flyable, Caine said. President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. The U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Venezuelan citizens living in Spain use their smartphones to follow US' President Donald Trump's press conference as they gather at Puerta del Sol square in Madrid on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. President Donald Trump said on January 3, 2026, that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and his Venezuelan arch-foe. (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrive to speak to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. President Trump addresses the nation after military action in Venezuela 1 of 5 President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. The U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The Venezuelan strongman didnt make it to his safe room in time. Maduro was unable to close the door. Advertisement Advertisement He got bum rushed, declared an ebullient Trump in a Saturday morning Fox & Friends interview. After capturing Maduro and Flores, the raid force had to fight its way out of Venezuelan airspace, Caine said. By 3:29 a.m. eastern, the helicopters were back over the Caribbean Sea. Maduro and Flores were taken via helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship that acts as a floating base for Marines. After hours of initial silence from the Pentagon and White House, Trump announced Maduros capture via a Truth Social post at 4:21 a.m. Eastern. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. He later shared a photo of the Venezuelan leader, blindfolded and clutching a water bottle aboard the ship, donning a gray Nike sweatsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Maduro, long perceived as a savvy survivor of domestic political crises, is next slated to appear at his upcoming arraignment in a New York federal court. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here's how the US attacked Venezuela, captured Nicolas Maduro Inside his home on a military base, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro bolted for a safe room as U.S. troops swooped into the compound and explosions lit up the nighttime sky over Caracas. Maduro made it as far as the door but couldnt get it to shut. Members of the Armys secretive Delta Force grabbed the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, whisked them out of the compound and took them to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship waiting off the South American coast. Officials said both would travel to the United States, where they are under indictment on drug-trafficking charges. Maduro and Flores landed in New York on Saturday evening. Reactions to the United States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolas Maduro ranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026. A child holds a placard saying "I will meet my grandparents" as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. A woman reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gather near the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. A Venezuelan man living in Chile celebrates with a national flag and his car reading "Free Venezuela" in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. The Trump administration said on December 3 that Venezuela's captured Maduro and his wife will face "the full wrath of American justice" under drug and terrorism charges. A man holds up a portrait of late Venezuela's leader (1999-2013) Hugo Chavez in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Activists of Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) burn an effigy of US President Donald Trump during a rally in Kolkata on January 3, 2026, to protest against the recent US attack on Venezuela. A supporter of Nicolas Maduro holds a portrait of the Venezuelan President during a gathering near the Palacio de Miraflores in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. Demonstrators hold up a banner with the lettering reading 'Stop Trump - Free Venezuela' during a rally organised by left-wing 'Anti-Imperialist Coordination' (Antiimperialistische Koordination - AIK) under the motto 'Hands off Venezuela' at Vienna's Votive Park on January 3, 2026. The EU called for "restraint" and respect for international law in Venezuela on January 3 after US President Trump announced US forces had captured leader Nicolas Maduro in a large-scale assault. Demonstrators march with a banner with the lettering reading 'Hands off Venezuela' during a rally organised by left-wing 'Anti-Imperialist Coordination' (Antiimperialistische Koordination - AIK) in Vienna on January 3, 2026. The EU called for "restraint" and respect for international law in Venezuela on January 3 after US President Trump announced US forces had captured leader Nicolas Maduro in a large-scale assault. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and Venezuelan. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and Venezuelan. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelans living in Peru dance to celebrate at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. A Venezuelan woman living in Peru celebrates with a national flag at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Activists of Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) protest against the recent US attack on Venezuela, in Kolkata on January 3, 2026. Members of the Communist Party of Britain (CPB) group hold banners outside the U.S. Embassy in London calling for "Hands off Venezuela!", after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in London, Britain, January 3, 2026. People embrace next to a Venezuelan flag, as they react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. See reactions after US explosions in Venezuela, Maduro capture 1 of 21 Reactions to the United States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolas Maduro ranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026. The attack in Venezuelas capital during the early morning hours of Jan. 3 was a swift and stunning show of military force. Images and video showed explosions, burning vehicles, plumes of smoke rising over the capital city of Caracas, and a swarm of low-flying helicopters. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump, who announced the military operation, called it one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history. The military operation on Jan. 3 was one of the most significant incursions into a foreign country since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, raising questions about the U.S. role in the Caribbean nation of more than 28 million people. With Maduro no longer in charge, Trump said the United States would run Venezuela until there can be a safe, proper and judicious transition. He signaled Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be in charge alongside Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Picture showing damages to a building in the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A military personnel member walks past debris at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. Civilians who were living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex leave the compound, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. A Colombian soldier stands guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Colombian police and military personnel stand guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A man walks next to military vehicles as Colombian soldiers patrol the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets sit parked on the tarmac at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. Colombian soldiers in a military vehicle at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A car drives on an empty street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. A cyclist stops to check their phone, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. F-22, C-130 and F-35 aircraft are seen at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on an empty street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured President Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A person wears a Venezuelan flag, as they and others react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. People react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, on the streets of Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A person wearing a hat that reads "America first" reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A man holds a flag reading "Make Venezuela Great Again", as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro block the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Picture showing damages to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. An armed supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocks the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raises his clenched fist as he leaves the vice-presidency building in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro leaves the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. A helicopter carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro comes in to land at the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 39 A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Maduro, 63, a former bus driver and union leader, has ruled the county for more than a decade. The hand-picked successor of the country's former leader, he was narrowly elected president following Hugo Chavezs death in 2013. Maduro was sworn in for a third term last January following an election that was widely condemned by international observers, the Biden administration and the opposition as fraudulent. Advertisement Advertisement Maduros reign has severely strained relations with several U.S. presidents, who have accused him of allowing the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. Trump has had his sights set on toppling Maduro since his first term in the White House. He has described Maduro as running Venezuela like a "narco-terrorist" drug cartel that is directly responsible for American deaths. The federal grand jury in New York that indicted Maduro on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and two illegal weapons counts said he sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking. A 'meticulously planned' operation The U.S. attack and capture of Maduro had been in the works for months. This mission was meticulously planned, drawing lessons from decades of missions over the last many years, Gen. Dan Caine, an Air Force general who serves as Trumps chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a news conference at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Intelligence teams monitored Maduro to understand how he moved, where he lived, where he traveled, what he ate, what he wore and even what kind of pets he had, Caine said. Meanwhile, starting in early September, U.S. troops mounted a series of attacks on drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. The campaign escalated to include the seizure of oil tankers coming and going from Venezuelan ports in late December. By December, U.S. forces were ready for the attack but waited until the right day to minimize the potential for civilian harm and to maximize the element of surprise, Caine said. Through Christmas and New Year's, troops waited for Trump to issue the order. Trump gave that order on Jan. 2 at 10:46 p.m. ET, Caine said. President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. The U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Venezuelan citizens living in Spain use their smartphones to follow US' President Donald Trump's press conference as they gather at Puerta del Sol square in Madrid on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. President Donald Trump said on January 3, 2026, that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and his Venezuelan arch-foe. (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrive to speak to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. (L/R) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. President Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. President Trump addresses the nation after military action in Venezuela 1 of 5 President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. The U.S. "successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. More: US will 'run' Venezuela after capturing Maduro, Trump says: Live updates Advertisement Advertisement Within hours, aircraft began launching from 20 different bases on land and sea. More than 150 teams including aircraft, bombers, fighters, intelligence, reconnaissance and law-enforcement were involved. Helicopters began their flight into Venezuela at 100 feet above the water. As they approached Caracas, Caine said, troops began to disable Venezuelas air defense systems to make sure the helicopters could safely reach their target. Helicopters came under fire as they approached the target. One was hit but was still able to fly. The troops arrived at Maduros compound at 1:01 a.m. ET. Maduro and his wife, both inside, gave up and were taken into custody by the U.S. Department of Justice, with assistance from the military. No U.S. forces were killed, and no American aircraft were lost during the strike, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Trump later posted a photo on social media showing Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima, dressed in a gray sweatsuit and holding a water bottle. On his head were what appeared to be noise-suppressing earmuffs. A dark blindfold covered his eyes. More: What we know about the US strike on Venezuela, Maduro's capture Republicans, Democrats divided over attack In Washington, reaction to the military operation divided predictably along party lines, with Republicans supporting it and Democrats accusing the Trump administration of conducting an illegal war. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, said in a post on X that Maduro wasnt just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation. Thats why he was indicted in U.S. court nearly six years ago for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, described the military action as a decisive and justified operation that will protect American lives. Nicolas Maduro is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans after years of trafficking illegal drugs and violent cartel members into our country crimes for which hes been properly indicted in U.S. courts and an arrest warrant duly issued and today he learned what accountability looks like, Johnson said in a statement. But Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, an Iraq war veteran, called the strike the second unjustified war in my lifetime in a social media post. This war is illegal, Gallego said. Its embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year. Advertisement Advertisement More: America First? What Trump's startling arrest of Maduro tells us. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, who has pushed for consultation between the White House and Congress before military action, raised concerns about the administrations actions. Where will this go next? Kaine asked. Will the president deploy our troops to protect Iranian protesters? To enforce the fragile ceasefire in Gaza? To battle terrorists in Nigeria? To seize Greenland or the Panama Canal? To suppress Americans peacefully assembling to protest his policies? Trump has threatened to do all this and more and sees no need to seek legal authorization from peoples elected legislature before putting servicemembers at risk. The Trump administration has insisted it does not need congressional authorization for its military operations in and around Venezuela. Nicolas Maduro Guerra, son of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and candidate for the National Assembly for the ruling party, gestures during a political rally ahead of the upcoming legislative and gubernatorial elections, in Caracas, Venezuela May 21, 2025. Criticism from abroad Other countries were also critical of the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Russia's foreign ministry said the strikes were "deeply concerning and condemnable." "The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded," the ministry said in a statement. "Ideological animosity has prevailed over business pragmatism and the willingness to build relationships based on trust and predictability." In one of many condemnations from Latin leaders, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the "bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line. More: Trump releases first picture of Nicolas Maduro in US custody For many, Maduros capture evoked memories of a similar raid against Panamanian Gen. Manuel Noriega that took place on the same date more than three decades earlier. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 3, 1990, U.S. forces captured Noriega and took him to the United States, where he was convicted of drug-trafficking, racketeering and money-laundering charges and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Back in Venezuela, the streets of Caracas were mostly silent hours after the attack. Security forces patrolled the city and, later in the day, supporters of Maduros government gathered to protest his capture. Most residents, however, stayed inside their homes as the country and the world wondered what came next. Contributing: Francesca Chambers, Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Jeanine Santucci and Davis Winkie Michael Collins writes about the intersection of politics and culture. A veteran reporter, he has covered the White House and Congress. Follow him on X: @mcollinsNEWS This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US stuns the world with attack on Venezuela, capture of Nicolas Maduro Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, face cocaine importation conspiracy charges and other counts in an indictment newly unsealed Saturday after their capture. The four-count superseding indictment, which also charges other Venezuelan government officials and allies, alleges Maduro leveraged government power to protect and promote vast criminal conduct from drug trafficking to terrorism for the benefit of himself and his allies. This cycle of narcotics-based corruption lines the pockets of Venezuelan officials and their families while also benefiting violent narco-terrorists who operate with impunity on Venezuelan soil and who help produce, protect, and transport tons of cocaine to the United States, the indictment reads. Advertisement Advertisement While the indictment accuses Maduro of involvement with six different terrorism and drug trafficking groups, in some cases it offers few details about those connections or makes only passing references to the organizations. Heres what we know about the case. DOJ alleges vast criminal conspiracy The charges are narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machineguns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on the same four counts, but the indictment unsealed Saturday in the Southern District of New York makes new allegations against the Venezuelan president and adds his wife as a defendant. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors assert that, for more than 25 years, Venezuelan leaders abused their positions of public trust and power to corrupt government institutions and import tons of cocaine into the U.S. The corrupt, illegitimate government overseen by Maduro has for decades promoted illegal activity like drug trafficking to enrich Venezuelas political and military elite and concentrated power and wealth in the hands of the Maduro family, the indictment alleges. Charged alongside Maduro and his wife are Diosdado Cabello Rondon, Venezuelas minister of Interior, Justice and Peace; Ramon Rodriguez Chacin, who formerly held the same role; and Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, leader of the transnational gang Tren de Aragua. Nicolas Maduro Guerra, Maduros son and a member of the Venezuelan National Assembly, the nations sole legislative body, is also charged. Advertisement Advertisement But Maduro was at the forefront of that corruption, the government claims. The State Department estimated that between 200 and 250 tons of cocaine were trafficked through Venezuela annually by 2020, according to the indictment. The drugs were shipped from the nations coastline using go-fast vessels, fishing boats and container ships or by air, sometimes from commercial airports allegedly controlled by corrupt officials. If convicted, Maduro could spend the rest of his life in prison based on federal sentencing guidelines. The narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy charges carry maximum sentences of life in prison, with minimums of 20 and 10 years in prison, respectively. The firearms charges carry a 30-year minimum prison term. Advertisement Advertisement Judges have ultimate discretion over sentencing. Maduros case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, an appointee of former President Clinton who oversaw several lawsuits after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in New York and has presided over Trumps efforts to move his state criminal conviction in Manhattan to federal court. New details against Maduro, wife explained The indictment lays out new allegations against Maduro centered on how he used positions of power to facilitate corruption. As Venezuelas President and now-de facto ruler, Maduro Moros allows cocaine-fueled corruption to flourish for his own benefit, for the benefit of members of his ruling regime, and for the benefit of his family members, the indictment reads, using his both of his last names. Major new details center on past Venezuelan government positions Maduro held and how he allegedly abused them. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors claim that, while acting as the nations minister of foreign affairs between 2006 and 2008, Maduro provided Venezuelan diplomatic passports to known drug traffickers to help them move proceeds from Mexico to Venezuela. He also is accused of enabling diplomatic cover for planes carrying laundered money to ensure the flights werent scrutinized by law enforcement or the military. To help the drug traffickers repatriate their proceeds, Maduro would call the Venezuelan embassy in Mexico and notify officials that a diplomatic mission would arrive by private plane, the indictment alleges. While drug traffickers met with the Venezuelan ambassador to Mexico under the guise of diplomacy, their plane was loaded with the drug proceeds. Prosecutors also claim that Maduro moved loads of cocaine under Venezuelan law enforcement protection while a member of the nations National Assembly, between 2000 and 2006. Flores, his wife, allegedly helped traffic cocaine as they maintained their own groups of colectivos, or state sponsored gangs, to protect their drug trafficking operation. Advertisement Advertisement She is also accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to broker a meeting between a large-scale drug trafficker and the director of Venezuelas anti-drug office, which resulted in subsequent bribes to look the other way on cocaine transport accepted by the director and split with Flores. The director, Reverol Torres, faces narcotics charges in New York and is a fugitive. And spanning the decade between 2004 and 2015, Maduro and his wife ordered kidnappings, beatings and murders against people who owed them drug money or undermined their operation, the indictment says. Prosecutors pointed to the murder of a local drug boss in Caracas, Venezuela, as having been ordered by the couple. Whos who of terror, drug trafficking groups The indictment accuses Maduro of coordinating among terror and narco-trafficking groups in Venezuela, as well as neighboring Colombia and groups operating within Mexico. However, details on Maduros alleged coordination with the groups are slim and, in some cases, include only passing references to the groups. Advertisement Advertisement While the Trump administration has for years accused Maduro of having ties to the Tren de Aragua gang as well as Cartel de los Soles, the indictment does not offer any specific details about his connection to those groups. The allegations regarding Tren de Aragua are focused on its leader, Guerrero Flores. The most substantial allegations in the indictment focus on Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, known as FARC. The indictment details meetings Maduro had with leaders of the group, meetings that were organized in 2018 or 2019 by Rodriguez Chacin. Around that same time, Maduro is accused of making a videotaped press conference welcoming FARC leaders who were expelled by Colombia. However, other allegations regarding FARC connect the group to Maduros son, saying he was responsible for dealings with the group and making arrangements to traffic drugs and guns through the country. But the indictment is also slim in its assertion that Maduro had ties to another Colombian group, Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN). The indictment alleges Maduro ordered Rodriguez Chacin to relay his support for the group and says Venezuelan entities otherwise used the groups airstrips to traffic drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, while the indictment alleges Maduro has ties to two major Mexican cartels, it says little about the Sinaloa Cartel or the Zetas. The indictment accuses the Sinaloa Cartel of bringing drugs into Venezuela, saying it did so with the help of a Maduro ally. The allegations of Zeta drug trafficking in Venezuela reference only alleged protection by unnamed military officials. Legal authority in question A key question on the periphery of the case is whether Trump had the authority to remove the Venezuelan leader. Even as multiple lawmakers called Maduro an illegitimate leader, they argued Trump needed to have consulted Congress, as topping an adversary is considered an act of war. Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement, adding that Secretary of State Marco Rubio repeatedly denied to Congress the administration intended to force regime change in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Rubio waved off those concerns, calling it a trigger based mission that had to be conducted when the right conditions were present. Its just simply not the kind of mission you can call people and say, Hey, we may do this at some point in the next 15 days, but its largely a law enforcement function. Remember, at the end of day, at its core, this was an arrest of two indicted fugitives of American justice, and the Department of War supported the Department of Justice in that job. Now there are broader policy implications here, but its just not the kind of mission that you can pre-notify because it endangers the mission, he said in a Saturday press conference from Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) will force a vote in the Senate next week on war powers resolution to block Trump from continuing military action in Venezuela. Trump said Saturday he doubted there would be continued military action in the country but said U.S. leaders would be running the country and overseeing its affairs for some time. The U.S. has previously invaded a country to capture its leader as part of a so-called law enforcement mission. In 1989, the U.S. invaded Panama to capture General Manuel Noriega also on drug trafficking charges. Operation Just Cause lasted for over a month, as the leader evaded capture for several days before hiding in the Vaticans diplomatic mission. After their capture, Maduro and his wife were being held on the USS Iwo Jima, a matter that may also raise legal questions, and Trump has said they will be brought to New York. Echoes of pardoned Honduran presidents case Critics of Trump have been quick to point out that the charges against Maduro are similar to those faced by Hondurass former president, whom Trump pardoned in November. Juan Orlando Hernandez faced charges of conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S., in addition to conspiring to use and carry and using and carrying machine guns and destructive devices and possessing them in furtherance of the cocaine importation conspiracy. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison for teaming up with traffickers who bribed him to help ensure more than 400 tons of cocaine made it to the U.S., after being convicted by a jury in Manhattan federal court. Trump said he pardoned him because he was treated very harshly and unfairly. Democratic lawmakers on Saturday said the fact that the charges against Maduro are so similar to Hernandezs undercuts Trumps justification for military action in Venezuela without congressional notification. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on X the pardon makes Trumps reasoning entirely hypocritical, claiming the president wishes to effectively abolish the Congress and the strike is another example of that pattern. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said, you cannot credibly argue that drug trafficking charges demand invasion in one case, while issuing a pardon in another. Asked by reporters about the comparisons, Trump reiterated his belief that Hernandez was unfairly prosecuted and said he studied the situation in great detail. He was treated like the Biden administration treated a man named Trump, the president said. That didnt work out too well for them. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country early Saturday also disrupted Caribbean travel at a busy travel time for the region. No airline flights were crossing over Venezuela that day, according to FlightRadar24.com. And major airlines canceled hundreds of flights across the eastern Caribbean region and warned passengers that disruptions could continue for days after the Federal Aviation Administration imposed restrictions. Flights were canceled to and from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba and more than a dozen other destinations in the Lesser Antilles island group north of Venezuela. Airlines waived change fees for passengers who had to reschedule flights. Advertisement Advertisement But U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Saturday night that the restrictions would end at midnight EST and airlines would be able to resume normal operations Sunday. Southwest Airlines said in a statement that it added six extra round-trip flights to Puerto Rico on Sunday's schedule and another eight round-trips on Monday to help get travelers home from their vacations. It also added two additional Sunday flights to Aruba. At the Queen Beatrix airport in Aruba, a popular holiday destination for U.S. vacationers just 15 miles (24 kilometers) off Venezuelas coast, officials said they expected a return to normal Sunday after a day of canceled flights that stranded travelers or blocked them from flying to the island. In Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said at a news conference that the consequences of the conflict have been exceedingly disruptive to both of our ports of entry, an airport as well as a seaport from which cruise ships sail. Advertisement Advertisement In Puerto Rico, Lou Levine, his wife and their three children were due to return to the Washington, D.C., area Saturday morning, but he woke up to his wife saying their flight was canceled. He found out why when he checked his phone. They first tried calling JetBlue to reschedule. The airline called back about two hours later, but the agent was not able to help them. Levine and his wife saw others messaging JetBlue on social media and did the same. The airline responded and booked them on a flight Saturday, turning their weeklong New Years holiday into a two-week sojourn. Levine, a manager at a software company, said he is fortunate to have a flexible and understanding employer. But his daughter will be missing a week of high school. And then there are the unexpected expenses. I love it here. But we have dog-sitting and cat-sitting and car rental. Its fine. Its just really painful on the wallet, Levine said. Advertisement Advertisement The Levines hoped to book an earlier trip back if possible. This weekend was already past the peak 13-day holiday period when AAA projected that 122.4 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles (80 kilometers) from home, but there were plenty of travelers still trying to squeeze in some more time on tropical beaches before heading back to colder temperatures. The Caribbean is a top destination this time of the year, AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. We do have a lot of people who are trying to get back home this weekend ahead of work and school on Monday. Diaz said its understandable we want to unplug, but travelers should keep track of what's going on and allow airlines to send them phone alerts. Advertisement Advertisement An announcement by Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that was posted on the social platform X said restrictions were put in place because of the security situation related to military activity in Venezuela. As a result, nearly 60% of all flights to and from that airport were canceled Saturday, according to FlightAware.com. Foreign airlines and military aircraft were not included in the restriction, the statement said. Air Canada said its flights to the Caribbean were operating normally, though it gave travelers an option to rebook. Another Canadian airline, WestJet, said it canceled Aruba flights out of an abundance of caution. All major U.S. airlines cancelled flights across the Eastern Caribbean Saturday because of the restrictions and adjusted their schedules. Advertisement Advertisement Nearly two dozen island destinations were affected by the cancellations, including Anguilla, Antigua, Curacao, St. Lucia and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. But destinations farther to the west like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were generally not affected. New York-based JetBlue said it canceled about 215 flights due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity. Dutch airline KLM said it too canceled flights affecting thousands of passengers but planned to resume service Sunday to and from Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire and other islands. The flight disruptions also affected some travelers booked for Caribbean cruises. Cruise operator Virgin Voyages said airline travelers unable to make it to San Juan in time for an upcoming cruise departure would be able to get a full credit for a future trip. The U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him and his wife out of the country early Saturday has also disrupted Caribbean travel at a busy travel time for the region. No airline flights were crossing over Venezuela on Saturday, according to FlightRadar24.com. And major airlines canceled hundreds of flights across the eastern Caribbean region and warned passengers that the disruptions could continue for days after the Federal Aviation Administration imposed restrictions. "When appropriate, these airspace restrictions will be lifted," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on social media. "Please work with your airlines directly if your flight has been impacted." Advertisement Advertisement Flights to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba and other destinations near Venezuela were canceled. The airlines are waiving change fees for passengers who have to reschedule their flights this weekend. The FAA had earlier said it imposed a temporary airspace restriction on Puerto Rico's international airport and surrounding regions. An announcement by Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan posted on the social media site X said restrictions were put in place because of the "security situation related to military activity" in Venezuela. As a result, most commercial airlines to and from the airport that are operated by U.S. airlines have been suspended or may be canceled. Foreign airlines and military aircraft are not included in this restriction, the statement said. Air Canada said its flights were operating normally. Advertisement Advertisement "We continue to monitor the situation closely and we will update as required if the situation changes," the airline said. JetBlue said it canceled about 215 flights "due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity." It also noted that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were not affected by the government's restrictions. Customers could rebook their travel or request a refund if the flights were canceled, the company said. United said it was adjusting its schedule to account for airspace closures in the Venezuela region. It said customers could change their travel plans in the region for free as it continued to monitor the situation and worked with U.S. aviation authorities. Southwest said it canceled all Aruba flights for Saturday and suspended Puerto Rico flights for the rest of the day, but flights to the Dominican Republic were unaffected. Advertisement Advertisement American said it was waiving change fees for flights to and from about 20 island destinations, including Anguilla, Antigua, Curacao, Saint Lucia and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Delta said it has issued a travel waiver for customers traveling to or from 13 impacted airports through Tuesday. Maduro and his wife are expected to land at New York Stewart International Airport later today, two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. Maduro is expected to be turned over to federal authorities when he lands. The airport is located in the Hudson Valley, about 60 miles north of Manhattan. Nicolas Maduro captured, flown out of Venezuela, Trump says | Special Report Venezuela's Maduro and wife captured, flown out of country in U.S. operation, Trump says ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve terror attack in North Carolina was prevented, officials say Philadelphia police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who was found unresponsive in an Ogontz home with three dogs that had been shot. Officers were called to the 1900 block of Medary Avenue just after 6:30 p.m. Friday. "His wife returned from work and found him laying in front of the house unconscious," said Capt. Christopher Bradshaw. The man had a bite mark on his ankle, authorities said. Paramedics rushed him to a hospital, where he later died. Advertisement Advertisement The cause of death of the 53-year-old homeowner remains under investigation. There were a total of four pit bulls inside the home, police said. While three of them had been shot to death, a fourth dog was apparently unharmed in a cage in the bathroom. Animal control officers carried the dog out of the home to safety. A gun was found at the home, but police said it's unclear if that was the weapon used to shoot the three dogs. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) serving out her final days before stepping down from Congress ripped President Donald Trumps decision to strike Venezuela. In a post to X on Saturday, Greene lashed out at the administration justifying the move on the grounds that they were looking to combat narco-terrorism. Ive served on the Homeland Security Committee for the past three years, Greene wrote. Im 100% for strong safe secure borders and stopping narco terrorists and cartels from trafficking deadly drugs and human trafficking into America. Fentanyl is responsible for over 70% of U.S. drug overdose deaths and fentanyl comes from Mexican cartels made with chemical precursors from China and trafficked across the U.S. Mexico border. Mexican cartels are primarily and overwhelmingly responsible for killing Americans with deadly drugs. If U.S. military action and regime change in Venezuela was really about saving American lives from deadly drugs then why hasnt the Trump admin taken action against Mexican cartels? And if prosecuting narco terrorists is a high priority then why did President Trump pardon the former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez who was convicted and sentenced for 45 years for trafficking hundreds of tons of cocaine into America? Ironically cocaine is the same drug that Venezuela primarily traffics into the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement The next obvious observation is that by removing Maduro this is a clear move for control over Venezuelan oil supplies that will ensure stability for the next obvious regime change war in Iran. And of course why is it ok for America to militarily invade, bomb, and arrest a foreign leader but Russia is evil for invading Ukraine and China is bad for aggression against Taiwan? Is it only ok if we do it? (Im not endorsing Russia or China) The congresswoman, in a subsequent post went on to blast the idea of ousting the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro, through a military action. Regime change, funding foreign wars, and Americans (sic) tax dollars being consistently funneled to foreign causes, foreigners both home and abroad, and foreign governments while Americans are consistently facing increasing cost of living, housing, healthcare, and learn about scams and fraud of their tax dollars is what has most Americans enraged, Greene wrote. Especially the younger generations. Boomers and half of Gen X will cheer on neocon wars and talking points, but the other half of Gen X and majority on down see through it and hate it. Americans (sic) disgust with our own governments never ending military aggression and support of foreign wars is justified because we are forced to pay for it and both parties, Republicans and Democrats, always keep the Washington military machine funded and going. Advertisement Advertisement Greene added, This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end. Boy were we wrong. And in a subsequent post following Trumps announcement that the U.S. will run Venezuela, Greene expressed her disgust with a facepalm emoji. https://x.com/mtgreenee/status/2007505789108543761?s=20 The post Marjorie Taylor Greene Rips Trumps Strike on Venezuela: MAGA Thought They Voted to End This Boy Were We Wrong first appeared on Mediaite. Apparently, the real healthcare fantasy isn't free Band-Aids or shorter ER waits it's paying doctors what they actually deserve. Mark Cuban stirred things up last month by proposing a hypothetical so simple it left no room to hide behind politics. In a post on X, he asked: If, thanks to new tech and scale, the cost of caring for every person in the U.S. dropped to just $10 a year and every doctor, nurse, and provider earned double what they make now, "would you be ok with taxpayers covering the cost of care for everyone?" Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.85/Share GM-Backed EnergyX Is Solving the Lithium Supply Crisis Invest Before They Scale Global Production Advertisement Advertisement That's it. No disclaimers. Just one sharp question: If money and compensation were no longer the issue, would people finally support universal healthcare or would they still find a reason not to? Cuban's never been subtle about his frustration with the system. He's called it rigged, inefficient, and stacked with middlemen who get rich while doctors burn out and patients go broke. Through Cost Plus Drugs his online pharmacy that sells medications at wholesale prices plus a 15% markup he's been working to prove that prices can drop when the profit games stop. But this post wasn't about drugs. It was about incentives. He wasn't just asking if people would support a $10-a-year system. He was making the case that doctors aren't the problem they're underpaid, overworked, and deserve more. The real cost explosion, he implies, comes from somewhere else. The responses? A mix of defensiveness, economic pushback, and quiet agreement. Trending: An EA Co-Founder Shapes This VC Backed MarketplaceNow You Can Invest in Gaming's Next Big Platform One person replied, "Why couldn't each person just pay their own $10?" implying that if care really cost that little, government wouldn't need to be involved at all. Others said doubling provider salaries would defeat the purpose. "Can you show me a single industry where doubling wages led to lower costs?" one asked. Advertisement Advertisement Some saw it as a clever setup with no real-world application. "Mark got rich because he's a good salesman this post shows." But not everyone missed the point. "Outstanding question," one commenter wrote, adding that letting markets lower prices through transparency and scale could expand access and reward the professionals doing the work. That vision low cost, high compensation, no middlemen tracks closely with what Cuban's been trying to build in the pharmaceutical space. See Also: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? He's said before there are two "healthcare hellholes": one where you're too broke to get help, and one where you're rich enough to pay out of pocket but still stuck in a broken system. In both, patients lose. So do doctors. Advertisement Advertisement This wasn't a solution. It was a test. If the numbers made sense, if doctors finally got paid, and if care was affordable for everyone would people say yes? Or would ideology still win? That's the conversation Cuban wanted to spark. And judging by the reactions, it hit exactly where it was meant to. Read Next: Wall Street's $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Advertisement Advertisement Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article Mark Cuban Asks If You'd Support Universal Healthcare If It Only Cost $10 A Year And Every Doctor Got Paid Twice As Much As They Do Now originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Jan. 3The janitor at Pullman elementary schools who is accused of child rape and molestation has been placed on leave while the case against him is pending, according to the school district. Pullman Public Schools Superintendent Bob Maxwell released a statement Friday morning to district families and staff in regard to 51-year-old Eric Robins, who was arrested by Pullman police officers Tuesday night. Maxwell clarified that Robins is a night janitor at Jefferson and Sunnyside elementary schools in Pullman. Both Maxwell and court documents stressed that the sexual assault allegations are not related to Robins' employment, Pullman schools students or district operations in any way. Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell's statement noted that student safety remains the school district's highest priority. He said Robins had completed all required background checks and screenings before his employment. Maxwell said there was nothing at that time that would have prevented him from working for the school district. Robins' criminal history was revealed by prosecutors Wednesday afternoon in Colfax's Whitman County Superior Court. His most recent conviction was a misdemeanor plea in 2019 in Moscow for failing to remain at the scene of a crime, assault and reckless driving. Other older convictions include aggravated assault with a firearm under a different alias in 2002 in Louisiana, and a military authority fugitive arrest warrant in 1997 in California. Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM Maxwell stated that the school district is taking the situation seriously and will continue to follow district policy. Robins is not permitted on school property or at school/district activities while the matter is under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Robins remains at the Whitman County Jail on a $200,000 cash surety or $20,000 cash bail. He will appear in court Monday afternoon to be informed whether or not the prosecutor's office has formally charged him. Robins faces life in prison if he is convicted of the felony crimes. Advertisement Maxwell recognized in his statement that news like this can be unsettling by nature. "While we must respect personnel privacy and legal restrictions, we want to be as helpful as possible," he wrote. "If you have questions specific to this situation, please contact the district office." Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com. WORCESTER Dozens of protesters Saturday, Jan. 3, held signs and collectively chanted phrases in Lincoln Square like "Money for the peoples' needs, not for the war machine" to voice opposition to the Trump administration's use of the military to enter Venezuela, arrest President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and bring them to the United States to face charges. Gary Hunter of Worcester held a sign that read "No Blood For Oil," signaling his belief that President Trump's decision to send in the military was largely about the administration's desire to take over Venezuelan oil fields. Trump has repeatedly claimed Venezuela illegally took over fields that once belonged to U.S. oil companies. "I'm totally disgusted," said Hunter, who feels it's time for massive nonviolent disobedience similar to what happened during the Vietnam War era in order to effect change and derail illegal actions by the Trump administration. That could mean, said Hunter, taking over buildings and organizing work stoppages to get the public's attention that now is the time to act peacefully on a wider scale. Advertisement Advertisement Trump stated the United States would run the Venezuelan government until a new regime is in place that ensures the peace and safety of Venezuelan residents. As for how that will be done, Trump didn't offer details and said profits from the sale of Venezuelan oil would fund that work. Antiwar activist Claire Schaeffer-Duffy called the attack "very alarming" and said it was about illegally taking over a country to control its oil, not the administration's previously stated declarations that it was focused on removing Maduro due to his alleged association with drug cartels responsible for killing Americans. "What the Trump administration has done will destabilize the region. It's completely illegal," said Schaeffer-Duffy, adding Trump's illegal use of the military internationally aligns with sending military and National Guard troops into American cities. "What's happening internationally is happening domestically," she said. "Due process is being ignored." Advertisement Advertisement "Abhorrent" is the word Clark University student Henry Broadston used to describe the administration's intervention in South America as he joined the protesters. "They're illegally taking oil. It's disgusting." The Worcester protest was organized by Saint Francis and Therese Catholic Workers, Center for Nonviolent Solutions, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Laura Gagnon of Brookfield led those assembled in chants that denounced the attack. "Once again the U.S. has violated the sovereignty of another country for profit," said Gagnon, who represented the Party for Socialism and Liberation. "Oil companies will profit while many are struggling to pay for the basic necessities of life." The Lincoln Square protest happened in conjunction with others in Massachusetts, a sign of solidarity, said Gagnon, that she believes will fuel others to have the courage to demonstrate against the administration. Advertisement Advertisement "Ultimately, with more courage comes more solidarity and power of the people, which is the greatest force for change," she said. Central MA congressional delegation condemns strike Throughout the day, congressional representatives whose districts include Central Massachusetts, issued statements criticizing the administration's decision to strike Venezuela. In an early morning post on the social media platform X, prior to the announcement that U.S. forces had captured Maduro, U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, said: "Without authorization from Congress, and with the vast majority of Americans opposed to military action, Trump just launched an unjustified, illegal strike on Venezuela. "He says we dont have enough money for health care for Americans but somehow we have unlimited funds for war??" Advertisement Advertisement Later in the day, McGovern released a fuller statement, which said, in part: Nicolas Maduro is a brutal dictator with a horrific human rights record who used force to cling to power after losing an election. It is entirely possible to hate Maduro and also to strongly condemn the decision to remove him by force. President Trump did not seek congressional authorization for this use of force, and Congress did not grant it. Under our Constitution and the law, that makes this action illegal." McGovern said U.S. policy toward Venezuela should be centered on human rights and the well-being of the people of that country. He then compared the Trump administration's actions to those of President George W. Bush's administration in Iraq. Like Bush and Cheney a quarter century ago, President Trump has based this action on oil. He has spoken of Venezuelas oil reserves as 'our oil' which is the opposite of putting the Venezuelan people first." Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Westford, whose district includes Fitchburg and 10 other Worcester County towns, echoed the notion that Maduro is a brutal dictator, but characterized the Trump administration's strike as a distraction to problems at home. No amount of conjecture from the Trump administration excuses ignoring the most pressing challenges facing hardworking families here at home," Trahan said. "While this administration diverts immense resources into another foreign conflict, Americans continue to struggle with the skyrocketing cost of health care, groceries, and utilities. That is where our focus should be. Congress must be briefed immediately on the legal justification for this attack, the cost to American taxpayers and the administrations strategy and path forward in Venezuela and across the region. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, whose district includes 13 communities in Central Massachusetts, called the Venezuela strike "one of the most blatant disregards of congressional war power" that he had seen in his nearly 40 years in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement "Venezuela poses no imminent threat against the United States, yet President Trump is putting the lives of our service members on the line without any clear military objective," Neal said. "A deeply flawed regime and corrupt leader does not justify unilateral military action when no imminent threat to the United States exists and Congress has not authorized the use of force." He called on Republicans to "exercise their role as a coequal branch of government and fulfill their constitutional obligation to serve as a check on the president." U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren also weighed in, in a press release: "President Trumps unilateral military action to attack another country and seize Maduro no matter how terrible a dictator he is is unconstitutional and threatens to drag the U.S. into further conflicts in the region. What does it mean that the U.S. will run Venezuela, and what will Trump do next around the world? The American people voted for lower costs, not for Trumps dangerous military adventurism overseas that wont make the American people safer. U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, in his statement, referred to the arrest of Maduro as a "kidnapping." Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has been lying to Congress and the American people while carrying out illegal attacks on dozens of Venezuelan boats, seizing oil tankers, and now, conducting a large-scale land strike," Markey said. "This is what dictators do. Make no mistake: this is an unconstitutional and reckless act of war. Trump had no approval from Congress. This attack is unjustified and unauthorized." Markey also sought to portray the decision to strike Venezuela as a distraction from economic issues at home. Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com. Follow him on X: @henrytelegram This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester protesters blast strike on Venezuela at Lincoln Square rally The Mexican state of Guerrero in the southern part of the country was struck by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake Friday Jan. 2, according to the United States Geological Survey. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum was in the middle of her first press conference of 2026 when sirens began to sound and video shows her calmly leading an evacuation. The earthquake saw a depth of 21.75 miles, USGS said, but Sheinbaum said no serious damage has been reported. Advertisement Advertisement "A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of San Marcos, Guerrero at 7:58 a.m. Protocols and patrols have been activated in the area," she told a room of reporters in Spanish. "So far, no damage or deaths have been reported. As of 9 a.m., only small aftershocks have been recorded, the largest being magnitude 4.2." Con calma, por favor Asi fue como la presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum percibio el sismo durante la mananera y pidio desalojar sin panico a los asistentes #Sismo #CDMX #AlertaSismica pic.twitter.com/RYF92NMmxu POSTA CDMX (@POSTACDMX) January 2, 2026 Over here on the other side of the Gulf, we get hurricanes, but at least we can see them coming. We're not used to earthquakes. That's why the 4.0 magnitude quake that rattled parts of Florida's Space Coast nearly a year ago was such a surprise. The earthquake rumbled about 100 miles east of Cape Canaveral about 10:48 p.m. Feb. 8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, with a shallow depth of about six miles. Residents from Merritt Island to Palm Bay reported a feeling of shaking. Advertisement Advertisement Earthquakes happen somewhere in the world every day, experts say. In January 2024, the USGS released the latest National Seismic Hazard Model which showed that nearly 75% of the United States including parts of Florida could be impacted by a damaging earthquake. So should Floridians be more concerned the ground will start moving? Answer: Probably not too much. But it's happened before. Does Florida get earthquakes? Yes, but very rarely. Florida ties North Dakota as the state with the fewest earthquakes per year. Between 1975 and 1995, the state was one of only four that recorded no earthquakes at all. (The others were Iowa, Wisconsin and North Dakota.) Advertisement Advertisement Earthquakes are caused by sudden movement by tectonic plates that release energy in waves that travel through the earth's crust and cause shaking in the surface. However, Florida is not located near any tectonic plate boundaries. (Neither is New Jersey, although there are minor fault lines in the area.) The closest fault line to Florida runs through the Caribbean Sea, just north of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and south of Cuba toward Guatemala. The state does get shook, though, usually from earthquakes that are strong enough to affect us even if they're not close by. In September 2020, Santa Rosa residents were rattled by a 3.8 magnitude earthquake on the Florida/Alabama line just northwest of Mount Carmel. People in Jay, East Milton and even Navarre reported feeling the ground shake. Shaking the Sunshine State: Does Florida, known for its storm threats, ever shake from earthquakes? How likely is an earthquake in Florida? The U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard Model, released Jan. 16, 2024, shows that nearly 75% of the United States could experience impacts from an earthquake. It's not a high percentage of risk in Florida, but in the USGS' National Seismic Hazard Model map it's not zero. Advertisement Advertisement In the 2025 update, based on a "massive collaborative effort" from more than 50 scientists and engineers and federal, state and local governments, most of Florida was found to have a 5% chance or lower of experiencing a damaging earthquake in the next 100 years. But the Panhandle and an area of North Florida down to a line stretching from Jacksonville southwest to south of Cape Coral has a 5% to 25% chance, the agency said. Don't start pulling your breakables off the shelves yet. The Sunshine State is still at the low end of the threat spectrum. In the detailed USGS report, "Florida" was not mentioned once. Shaking the coast: How many earthquakes have been felt on the Treasure Coast? More than one What was Florida's largest earthquake? In 1879, the largest recorded earthquake in Florida measured in at a 4.4 magnitude, possibly centered in the Palatka area on the border of Putnam and Marion counties in North Central Florida. The tremors were felt as far away as Tallahassee and Cedar Key. Advertisement Advertisement "Plaster was shaken down and articles were thrown from shelves at St. Augustine and, to the south, at Daytona Beach," according to USGS records. The largest earthquake to affect Florida was in 2006, a 5.9 earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico rocked Southwest Florida and reportedly shook some buildings in Cape Coral, but caused no serious damage. What other earthquakes have hit Florida? Most earthquakes in our area are minor ones, magnitude 3 and under. "Magnitude" is the relative size of an earthquake, on the Richter scale that residents might notice as a little shaking. Some notable Florida quakes: What does magnitude mean in an earthquake? Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake. Officially it's called the Moment Magnitude Scale. It's a logarithmic scale, meaning each number is 10 times stronger than the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate while a 6.2 is strong. Magnitude Effect Below 2.5 Generally not felt. 2.5 to 5.4 Minor or no damage. 5.5 to 6.0 Slight damage to buildings 6.1 to 6.9 Serious damage 8.0 or greater Massive damage, can totally destroy communities. Source: Michigan Technological University. Advertisement Advertisement Previously, people referred to the Richter Scale to describe earthquakes, but that is no longer commonly used as it was only valid in certain circumstances. Did the US Navy cause an earthquake off the Daytona Beach, Florida, coast? A magnitude 3.7 earthquake was recorded off the Florida coast, about 100 miles east-northeast of Daytona Beach Shores, in July 2016. But it was found to have been triggered by a manmade explosion designed to test the seaworthiness of a new U.S. Navy vessel, so it doesn't really count. A similar "quake" was reported by the Geological Survey on June 10, 156 nautical miles east-northeast of Ormond-by-the-Sea, the same day Navy reported conducting a shock trial on the USS Jackson. Contributors: Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press; Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Jeanine Santucci, Zach Wichter, Kate Perez, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Southern Mexico rocked by 6.5 earthquake. Does Florida get earthquakes? JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Mississippi Senate lawmakers are interested in passing legislation that would reorganize state government in order to save some money. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann (R-Miss.) said theyre looking at the states organizational chart for opportunities to potentially cut some boards and commissions within state agencies. Its been a priority before, but weve had tax issues. Weve had all kinds of other issues weve addressed, Hosemann said. Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Tyler McCaughn (R-District 31), who chairs the Senates Government Structure Committee, said theyre looking for ways that lawmakers can help streamline how state government functions. Reduce any administrative burdens and increase efficiency within state government. But we want to maintain the accountability and the effectiveness of public service. Going in there and stripping everything away is not what were after, McCaughn stated. Theyre interested in looking at shrinking some boards and commissions within state agencies. According to Hosemann, there are about 200 of those boards and commissions. When I looked at that, there are many of these agencies that probably do not need to exist. Some of them dont even meet, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Hosemann said the effort could save money and be beneficial to taxpayers. He said it would be an opportunity to reduce duplicative work. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. American Chinook aircraft and Apache gunship escorts clattered through the night sky over Caracas, which was splashed orange with explosions as missiles attacked military sites across the country. A few hours later, Donald Trump announced that Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife had been captured and flown out of their country. High fives, no doubt, in the Oval Office and more praise poems for Trump from his henchpeople, like Peter Hegseth, the secretary for defence/war, who puts more effort into public pull-ups than he does operational security, let alone strategic thought. Advertisement Advertisement What no one in the White House can see is that this invasion, this apparent political decapitation, this violation of international law, is strategically mad. Outside the White House and Magaland, the only cheering will be in the Kremlin and in Beijing. In Nato there will be horror. But one can be sure that the supine grovelling that has characterised the behaviour of Natos leadership towards Trump and Hegseth will continue. (via REUTERS) Doing otherwise would be to acknowledge that Donald Trump has swung America first from being a friend, then to being an unreliable ally, and now, in the dawn of 2026, Trumps America is a threat. He said he would attack Venezuelas mainland, and he has. Advertisement Advertisement His claim to be knocking over a narco-terrorist state that has exported vast quantities of opiates to the US, and killed hundreds of thousands of its citizens, is nonsense. Opiates get into the US from Mexico, not Venezuela. Captured Venezuelan president Maduro in New York (X account of Rapid Response 47/A) As a premise for regime change and invasion, it is as false as the claims that Saddam Hussein was making a nuclear weapon. The invasion of that nation set off decades of pain and murder, terror and mayhem, and gave birth to Isis. It also tore at the fabric of Western democracies, as some ripped up ethics and their own laws to hunt down alleged terrorists. Now, Trump has attacked a neighbour without any international support. He has aped the behaviour of his great hero and friend, Vladimir Putin. He has also, like Putin, politicised the military and intelligence services, tried to shatter judicial independence and feathered the nests of select oligarchs. Advertisement Advertisement The Russian president invaded Ukraine in 2014. He falsely claimed that Russian speakers were being oppressed in that country. The Kremlin wants to take over all of its neighbour, and Trump is supporting its efforts to carve out the 20 per cent it has already captured. In his new years speech, Chinas leader Xi Jinping renewed threats against Taiwan, saying: The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable. And China held massive war games off the coast of Taiwan at the same time. In the age of Trump, the trend of the times is that might is always right. He has repeatedly said that Canada should be annexed. He has not ruled out the use of force to take over Greenland, for its mineral riches. He has insisted that sooner or later it will be part of the US. Advertisement Advertisement These are Nato countries (Greenland is part of Denmark). His weird threats against his neighbours and allies could have been dismissed as the ramblings of a demented man-child or sarcastic asides from a diplomatic disruptor. But they are no joke. For all his lies and bluster, Trump makes good on his threats and ambitions. His fantasy of turning Gaza into a Gaz-a-Lago seaside resort may yet be manifest. Donald Trump holding press conference after Venezuelan attack (AP) His National Security Strategy says that four Nato nations are soon to be overwhelmed by non-Europeans. Aside from being a racist trope from Great Replacement conspiracy theorists (latter-day Nazis), it is also flat wrong. Advertisement Advertisement But he now sees the world in three spheres: the western hemisphere is his to control; Russia can have Europe; and China the rest. This is the moment when it is now clear that, as Yeats wrote in The Second Coming, the centre cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. And the leaders of the West should heed what happens when a blood-dimmed tide is loosed it happens when the best lack all conviction. This is the moment that Europe needs to stand up but it will stay sitting down as the bloody tide rises around its ankles. President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats don't agree on much. But as Washington barrels toward another government funding deadline on Jan. 30, they are in rare alignment: Neither is eager for another shutdown. Democrats havent finalized their strategy but are signaling they will not demand a health care deal in exchange for funding the government, a shift from their October approach that led to the longest shutdown in history. Meanwhile, the White House is privately encouraging congressional Republicans to advance appropriations bills and giving them space to negotiate with Democrats, notably different from the administrations pre-October shutdown threats . A shutdown is still a possibility, given how unpredictable a month can be in the Trump era and Congress struggle to pass funding bills. Plus both sides have plenty of time to ratchet up the tension. But the consensus-driven rhetoric is a 180-degree shift from the weeks of brinksmanship and escalating verbal barbs that preceded the governments longest shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement I dont think either side wants to see that happen, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said of a shutdown next month. I think thats toxic for both parties. Publicly, Trump hasnt weighed in on the next government funding deadline, but he also hasnt used his bully pulpit to scuttle negotiations as he did ahead of the last shutdown , when he warned Republicans not to negotiate. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, said in mid-December he and Thune agree on passing the remaining funding bills before the Jan. 30 deadline. I dont want to see another government shutdown, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Schumers No. 2, said about leveraging that deadline to get a health care concession. Ive had enough of them. The White House has privately supported efforts by GOP leaders to try to move funding bills, while largely staying on the sidelines of the congressional negotiations, according to two people with knowledge of the private outreach and granted anonymity to discuss it. Advertisement Advertisement The White House is always involved in the conversation, but there's nothing to massage yet, because we don't have final products yet, said Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, one of Trumps closest Senate allies. I think Congress needs to work its will here. Let's try to get our appropriation bills done, Mullin said. We don't need the president getting involved just yet. One of the people added that the White House has not been super engaged, which House Republican leadership views as a good thing since Republicans and Democrats are working constructively to avoid another shutdown. When asked if talks are ongoing between the White House and lawmakers from both parties at this point about avoiding a shutdown, a White House official responded, The White House is talking to everyone all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is retiring in 2026, said hes spoken about the funding deadline broadly with White House staff and feels confident that everyone is on the same page: No doubt, the administration wants to avoid a shutdown, and they're clearly sending the message that we need to get regular order appropriations moving, Tillis said. I think the president and the staff that I've spoken to get it, and they're supportive of it, and I believe that they're working the way that we should, member to member, to try and clear all the hurdles that we need to get it done, Tillis said of the appropriations process. Republicans are confident the White House learned its lesson about the political blowback of a shutdown earlier this year. In early November, Trump told GOP senators that he believed the shutdown was negative for Republicans" and that it played a big factor in Democrats victories in Virginia and New Jersey The president, I think, was the first one to say that he felt that the election results back in November were in large part due to the shutdown and how bad it was for Republicans, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said. He's astute, so I can't imagine he'd want to shut down. I'm sure he's totally opposed to it, but that'll be up to them. Advertisement Advertisement Still, there are signs Trump hasnt dropped his interest in eliminating the Senate filibuster, a crusade he renewed during the last shutdown because it would allow Republicans to pass bills without any Democratic votes. Trump told POLITICO late last month that the filibuster is hurting the Republican Party and if GOP senators got rid of it they could do everything we want.If you get rid of the filibuster, youre not going to have a shutdown, he added. The idea does not have support among most GOP senators, however, and has long been controversial because it would eventually allow the same benefit to the other party when theyre in power. The other way the White House made its presence known was through quiet negotiations last month to help Thune win over a trio of conservative senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee and Ron Johnson who were holding up a five-bill funding package, a sign of the White Houses interest in avoiding a stopgap spending bill. Trump got directly involved with Johnson, with the Wisconsin Republican getting a pledge to advance his bill to ensure some federal workers are paid during government shutdowns. But an administration move was also at the center of a holdup that ultimately scuttled the Senates ability to pass the funding bill before the holidays. Democratic Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper announced they would slow-walk the funding agreement over White House budget director Russ Voughts decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in their home state of Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said senators tried to work it out with the White House, but we werent able to do that. When you lose a couple of weeks and were this close to the deadline, you dont need to be Euclid to figure out that this is a setback, Kennedy added about the Senate failing to pass a spending package before leaving town. Top Republicans announced a deal shortly after the Senate setback for topline totals for the rest of the funding bills Congress still needs to enact, adding a boost to the bicameral conversations ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline. Schumer, meanwhile, put the onus on Republicans to work out the Colorado funding issue, with conversations expected to continue over the two-week break. The public pressure comes as Democrats are privately debating if they should demand a policy concession, on health care or something else, as part of the funding deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who has been a frequent no vote on funding bills this year, said Democrats will need guardrails in an eventual government funding agreement against Trump's corruption and his ability to deny money to our states. Democrats also believe the language Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) secured in the November funding dea l that limits Trumps ability to carry out mass layoffs during a shutdown will automatically be included in the next funding bill. So far, Democrats view the ongoing bipartisan health care negotiations as separate from the government funding talks, though they are likely to get pressure from progressive groups to link them as the deadline gets closer. A major reason its no longer the center of the fight like it was in October: Enhanced subsidies for Obamacare premiums have already expired. After Jan. 1 the toothpaste is out of the tube, Schumer said when asked repeatedly in mid-December if Democrats would make health care demands on the funding vote. You cant do it after Jan. 1. Its expired already. Its not the same as it was before. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are already planning to use the expiration of the enhanced Obamacare tax credits as a cudgel against Republicans in the midterms. And Republicans have taken to heart Trumps own stark warning about the political pain their party felt during the last shutdown as they try to avoid a repeat at the end of this month. Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said, with the midterms looming next year, the GOP Senate doesnt need incentives to get the appropriations bills passed. Even when its the Democrats' fault, if we have the White House and majority in both houses, then we typically get blamed, which is unfair, but that's the reality, he said. So I think we need to do everything we can to avoid it. In 2020, COVID-19 caused travel restrictions and other changes to how people get around. Avoiding getting sick while traveling is tricky, as COVID-19, flu, and common colds easily spread when dozens of people sit shoulder to shoulder inside planes, trains, or buses. However, another disease has added itself to the list. Measles is on the rise, and health officials have detected it in airports. The New Jersey Department of Health sent a press release stating that it detected measles in a traveler who was at the Newark Liberty International Airport on December 12, 2025. The department has undertaken contact tracing efforts in case the passenger infected others. Another case appeared in a passenger who flew to and from Boston Logan International Airport (one of the busiest in the country) on December 11 and 12. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health sent a press release of its own. The press release emphasized that measles is preventable through vaccines, making the nationwide rise in cases all the more surprising. Per the Centers for Disease Control, over 2,000 people in the U.S. tested positive for measles in 2025, numbers not seen since 1992. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Airport Security Secrets You Need To Know Why the measles resurgence is occurring Man in hazmat suit spraying an empty plane - David Silverman/Getty Images Gavi, an organization working to increase medical vaccine access worldwide, explained that measles is the most contagious virus based on how many others just one person can infect, a measurement called R0. Like COVID-19 and the flu, measles spreads through particles in the air after someone carrying the disease coughs or sneezes. Its particles also linger in the air for up to two hours, meaning you can catch measles even without direct contact. After around two centuries of documented measles existence, researchers created a vaccine in the 1960s. Vaccine skeptics have long existed around the world, but recent years have seen a higher percentage of parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. Gavi attributes this to vaccine misinformation, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and other global crises. Multiple health officials have publicly tried to ease people's minds by stating that vaccines are safe and effective as long as enough members of a population receive them. Getting measles despite being vaccinated is incredibly uncommon, but all travelers can take solace in the fact that cases are still fairly low nationwide. If you think you might be sick, wearing a mask can prevent you from spreading anything. Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE, Mo. (News-Press NOW) Country Club Village authorities reported a mountain lion was struck by a vehicle Friday evening in the area of 71 Highway and Miller Road. The department confirmed multiple earlier sightings of the cougar by residents after the collision occurred around 5:20 p.m. Friday in Country Club Village. Agents with the Missouri Department of Conservation were able to locate the feline, which had serious injuries likely as a result of the collision and had to be euthanized according to reporting from KQ2. Advertisement Advertisement Im sure everyone is concerned about the mountain lion that was seen in Country Club Village earlier this evening. We would like to thank the Missouri Department of Conservation and Andrew County Sheriffs Department for their quick response and handling the situation, a Facebook post from the Country Club Village Police Department reads. The incident marks the second confirmed sighting by MDC of a mountain lion in Northwest Missouri in the last four months following a confirmed sighting in October in DeKalb County. The lion was reportedly seen in multiple locations near Amazonia and later by Clarksdale, Missouri. As of late 2024, the Missouri Department of Conservation had confirmed roughly 120 mountain lion sightings and reports since 1996. More than a dozen official sightings have occurred statewide in 2025. Measuring up to 8 feet long and weighing between 64 and 265 pounds, depending on whether it's male or female, mountain lions are solitary animals and attacks on humans are rare. Advertisement Advertisement According to MDC, a majority of sightings statewide have been single male mountain lions likely grown up and traveling along the Missouri River corridor in search of their own territory. Genetic samples in the past from cougars found traveling through Missouri suggest many are coming from western states, according to the department's website. Missouri does not have an established breeding population, and no evidence has been recorded of reproduction in the state. This trail camera screenshot from Sept. 22 shows a confirmed sighting of mountain lion walking west of Clarksdale, Missouri, just before 10 p.m., roughly 15 miles northeast of St. Joseph. For nearly a month, NASA has been scrambling to make contact with a spacecraft in orbit around Mars that abruptly fell silent. The space agency lost communication with the MAVEN probe (short for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) on Dec. 6, and efforts to re-establish a connection have been futile. Based on bits of data received that day, mission controllers think the probe was spinning unexpectedly. NASA now has to wait until Jan. 16 before it can again try to revive MAVEN, because Mars and Earth have been on opposite sides of the sun since Monday, resulting in a prolonged communications blackout. Advertisement Advertisement Overall, its not looking promising for one of NASAs workhorse missions. Since the MAVEN spacecraft entered orbit around Mars in 2014, it has been studying the red planets upper atmosphere, including a plasma layer known as the ionosphere, and investigating how and why Mars has been losing its atmosphere over billions of years. The spacecraft has also been instrumental in relaying communications between two rovers on the surface of Mars, Curiosity and Perseverance, and Earth. NASA hasnt been able to reach MAVEN since it experienced what the agency called a loss of signal with ground stations on Earth on Dec. 6. At the time, the spacecraft was orbiting behind Mars, so the signal loss was routine and expected, as Mars always blocks MAVEN from phoning home during the maneuver. This time, however, when the probe re-emerged from behind the red planet, NASA could not pick up any signals from it. NASA said it was investigating the anomaly in a statement on Dec. 9 but provided few details. Mission controllers reported that all of MAVENs subsystems had been working normally before it passed behind Mars. Advertisement Advertisement In an update about a week later, NASA said no transmissions had been received from MAVEN since Dec. 4, but that engineers had recovered a brief fragment of tracking data from Dec. 6. What they found was troubling: Analysis of that signal suggests that the MAVEN spacecraft was rotating in an unexpected manner when it emerged from behind Mars, NASA officials said in a statement. The space agency has been using a global array of giant radio antennas, known as the Deep Space Network, to send commands to MAVEN and monitor for any incoming signals. On Dec. 16 and 20, NASA tried snapping photos of MAVEN in orbit from the surface of Mars, using an instrument aboard the agencys Curiosity rover. At the same time, mission controllers are closely analyzing the last fragments of tracking data recovered. NASA said on Dec. 23 that it was attempting to piece together a timeline of events to figure out what went wrong. NASA did not provide additional details in a request for comment and referred NBC News to the agencys update on Dec. 23. Advertisement Advertisement The MAVEN mission was originally designed to last just two years, but it has been operating continuously for more than a decade. In 2024, NASA celebrated the probes 10th anniversary orbiting Mars. By studying the process of atmospheric loss on Mars, MAVEN was helping scientists get a clearer picture of the planets past and present climate and how it transformed from a potentially habitable world with liquid water on its surface to the cold and barren planet that it is today. The spacecraft is one of three that NASA currently has in orbit around Mars. The space agency also operates the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which launched in 2005, and Mars Odyssey, which lifted off in 2001. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Gaston County Public Health have been informed of a measles case in a person who traveled through Gaston County while infectious. Officials say anyone who was at Constantines Restaurant on New Hope Road in Gastonia after 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 may have been exposed. Child reported positive for measles in North Carolina Advertisement Advertisement The person, whose identity will not be released due to privacy reasons, was also at Christmas Town USA from 5:30-8 p.m. on Dec. 26. The person reportedly did not visit any indoor location while there, so the risk of measles spreading to others who were there is low. NCDHHS says anyone who may have been exposed should monitor symptoms until Jan. 16. If symptoms develop, please contact your local health department right away and stay at home unless seeking medical care. Call ahead before visiting the doctor or emergency room so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to others. 20 new measles cases confirmed in Upstate, three hospitalized Public health officials recommend that anyone who is unvaccinated and over the age of one receive a vaccine to protect themselves and others. Advertisement Advertisement According to NCDHHS, as of December 30, the CDC has reported 2,065 people from 44 states as confirmed measles cases this year. For more information about measles, visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. (FOX40.COM) A Northern California police department is celebrating a murder-free city for the first time in nearly 40 years. Video Above: Most commonly reported crimes in the U.S. On Friday, the Modesto Police Department announced that Modesto did not have a single homicide in 2025. DMV says 325,000 Californians have to replace their REAL ID amid software issue That doesnt happen by accident, said MPD Chief Brandon Gillespie. It happens because of the clear message that we have sent together. Violent crime is not welcome here. Advertisement Advertisement Gillespie credited investments in technology, such as expanded cameras, license plate readers, and airplanes, to the decrease in murder within Modesto. He also paid tribute to the involved community members and officers within MPD. This is a new era for Modesto. This is not the same city it was 10 or 15 years ago, Gillespie said. While zero homicides is absolutely worth celebrating, we are committed to keeping this momentum going in 2026 and beyond. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. The National Transportation Safety Board final report on the fatal crash of a Hawker 900XP over Westwater, Utah, in February notes the crew attempted to perform stall tests in icing conditions, even though they lacked experience performing the tests in the Hawker and were unfamiliar with the stall characteristics, which led to a loss of control and the death of both the pilot and copilot. According to the report, two AIRMETs were issued about two and a half hours before the accident flight for moderate icing throughout the airplane's climb and cruise altitude for the stall test. In addition, video showed that the departure airport was surrounded by obscuration and precipitation during takeoff. Investigators said evidence showed that the flight crew was aware of the presence of sleet and winter conditions before departure during their interactions with maintenance personnel. The presence of these conditions should have given the flight crew pause before they executed the stall test, which required visual meteorological conditions and no icing, according to the airplane's pilot's operating manual (POM). The Details On February 7, 2024, the airplane, owned by Vici Aviation and operated by Clay Lacy Aviation., was on a repositioning flight, heading from Grand Junction Regional Airport (KGJT) in Colorado, where it had just undergone maintenance, to its base at Tacoma Narrows Airport (KTIW) in Gig Harbor, Washington. Advertisement Advertisement According to the NTSB, the aircraft was at West Star Aviation at KGJT for routine maintenance, which included an inspection of the wing leading edges and TKS panels looking for cracks and corrosion. The flight crew, composed of the pilot in command (PIC) and second in command (SIC), was conducting a stall test in the airplane following the recent removal, inspection, and reinstallation of the wing leading edges and deice panels as part of routine maintenance. The airplane took off from KGJT and turned toward the northeast. Two AIRMETs were issued about two and a half hours before the accident flight for moderate icing throughout the airplane's climb and cruise altitude for the stall test. In addition, video of the departure airport at the time of the Hawkers takeoff showed the field was surrounded by obscuration and precipitation, and the flight crew was aware of the presence of sleet and "storm" conditions before departure during their interactions with maintenance personnel. The stall test conditions required by the POM include having an empty ventral tank, an operative stall identification system, and the autopilot off. Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft took off normally and climbed to an altitude of 20,000 feet msl, where the crew then began the stall tests. According to the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, the pilots did not follow the recommended cloud clearance and height limitations prescribed by the stall test procedure in the POM. The flight crew knowingly chose to execute the stall test above clouds, which put them 2,000 feet above the prescribed maximum altitude. The NTSB report also noted there was no evidence that the flight crew attempted to verify that the external surfaces were free of ice after flying through icing conditions despite the airplane being equipped with an ice detection spotlight system that could have been used to illuminate the wing fairings. It was noted that the airplane was also equipped with an ice detector that had to be manually activated by the flight crew as it was not directly connected to the airframe ice protection system. The presence of these conditions should have given the flight crew pause before they executed the stall test, which required visual meteorological conditions and no icing according to the airplane's pilot's operating manual (POM), the NTSB report noted. The flight data showed no anomalies with the flight controls or engines, as the flight control surface movements were consistent with the flight control inputs and engine performance matched the power lever movement. Advertisement Advertisement The airplane decelerated and its pitch attitude increased, consistent with the flight crew preparing to perform their planned post-maintenance stall warning and identification system checks. The airspeed then slowed further, with flaps retracted for the first system check," the report noted. "Performance calculations showed that the stick shaker activated about 117.5 [knots], 1 knot below the activation speed for the stick shaker at flaps zero. The stick pusher then activated at 113.5 [knots], 3 [knots] above the stick pusher activation speed. Given the airplane's weight and load factor, the shaker and pusher both activated at appropriate speeds; however, the airplane entered the stall at the same time the stick shaker activated, which provided no warning to the flight crew. According to the NTSB, the correct stall warning sequence should be stick shaker, stick pusher, then, if the pilot does not attempt a stall recovery, stall entry. Advertisement Advertisement The report continued: "After the airplane entered the stall, the flight crew attempted to break the stall by inputting full left-wing-down aileron when the airplane abruptly banked right and applied full power and full aft control column, which aggravated the aerodynamic stall/spin." The incorrect response on the part of the flight crew suggests they were insufficiently trained for the flight, and the brief guidance from the POM provided no clear instructions for the possible consequences of "unacceptable stall characteristics" referenced as a cautionary note or a proper recovery. The stall section of the POM states that "pilots conducting stall checks should have prior experience in performing stalls in the Hawker and must be prepared for unacceptable stall behavior at any point leading up to and throughout the maneuver." A review of the crew's training records revealed in the previous year they had attended simulator training at a commercial facility for the SIC's initial training and the PIC's recurrent training. These courses cover the operation of the stall warning and identification system consisting of the shaker and pusher, and the training focuses on recognizing and avoiding stalls, as the simulator is not designed to teach full stalls, and cannot prepare the crew for an uncommanded roll, although the POM warns of this. Advertisement Advertisement It was noted the PIC had participated in a stall test flight four years earlier, but the SIC had not participated in a stall test. The NTSB noted, given this information, it is unlikely that the flight crewmembers' simulator training on the stall warning and identification system and the PIC's previous participation in a stall test flight adequately prepared them to safely conduct a stall flight test or address any unacceptable stall behavior. Investigators stated that the stall warning sequence for the accident flight, with the stall occurring at the same time the stick shaker activated, was likely due to a degradation in the relationship between lift and angle of attack (AOA) from wing contamination, either by icing or the airplane's recent maintenance. Based on the weather at the time of the accident and the fact the aircraft had to climb from 5,000 feet to 16,700 feet msl through clouds and precipitation to get to altitude, it is possible the Hawker accreted up to 1 millimeter of ice on the wings during the climb. As pilots learn in private ground school, even a thin layer of ice can reduce lift by up to 40 percent. Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft entered a flat spin from which it did not recover. It hit the ground and fragmented, then caught fire. This prevented a complete and thorough wreckage examination of the airframe and engines. The Timeline 10:36:41: The SIC reported to the PIC that anti-ice was off while the airplane was on the ground before departure. 10:37: ADS-B and flight data recorder (FDR) data indicated that the airplane takes off from KGJT and begins a climb to the southeast. 10:38:45: The flight crew requests a block altitude from ATC in the "mid-teens for about 10 minutes, and the SIC reports the anti-ice is off. Advertisement Advertisement 10:39:54: The PIC tells the SIC, "We'll request an altitude once we get above in VMC-C."The aircraft makes a turn to the northwest and continues to climb. 10:42:25: The SIC asks Denver Center for a block of altitude from FL 180 to FL 200. Center approves the altitude block. The Hawker climbs and levels off at 20,000 feet msl. 10:44:00: The FDR shows airspeed decreasing from 219 knots as the airplane's pitch attitude and AOA (angle of attack) begin to increase. 10:44:41: The flight crew begins to discuss the stall test, then the SIC asks, "So we're taking indicated, right?" to which the PIC responds, "Ah, yeah, indicated. We're lookin' for shaker, pusher. I'll call mark on pusher if you can't see it for some reason." Advertisement Advertisement 10:45:01: The autopilot is disconnected. 10:45:51: A sound consistent with the gear warning horn is heard, followed by an acknowledgment from the PIC. 10:46:33: The cockpit area microphone records a sound consistent with the stick shaker, and the SIC reports one nineteen as the airplane's pitch attitude continues to increase while airspeed simultaneously decreases. 10:46:37: While decelerating from 118 knots, at an AOA of 0.91 percent and 0.93 percent for the right and left, respectively, and a pitch attitude of 15.12 degrees for both the right and left, Stall Valve A opened. The CVR records a rattling sound that was accompanied by the sound of the stick shaker. Advertisement Advertisement 1046:47: The flight track data show the airplane began a rapid descent in a pattern resembling the shape of a corkscrew. The airplane makes multiple circular rotations before ending at 10:47:44. The NTSB found the probable cause of the accident was the flight crew's decision to conduct a post-maintenance stall test in an area of icing conditions, which resulted in wing contamination that significantly degraded the airplane's critical angle of attack. The completed NTSB final report can be found below: Report_WPR24FA083_193761_12_30_2025 4_19_20 PMDownload Under fire from an array of Jewish and pro-Israel groups, Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday defended his decision to revoke an executive order issued by his predecessor under which New York City adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition of antisemitism. Eric Adams, whose term ended at midnight Wednesday, issued the order recognizing the IHRA definition in June, saying it would help the city crack down on antisemitic propaganda that far too often masquerades as activism. The definition has been panned by progressives, including some left-leaning Jewish groups, who allege the IHRA description draws a line between criticism of the Israeli government and antisemitism. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, made it one of his first official acts as mayor on Thursday to rescind Adams IHRA order as part of a broader revocation of executive actions from the former mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Leading Jewish organizations have immense concerns around this definition, Mamdani, reading from prepared notes, said Friday afternoon when asked why he scrapped the IHRA order as well as a second Adams action also related to Israel. Many Jewish organizations, though, have lobbied in favor of the definition, which states that some critiques of Israel as a Jewish state may cross a line into antisemitism, such as denying the Jewish peoples right to self-determination or claiming the existence of Israel is a racist endeavor. Mamdani has drawn fire for his position that Israel does not have the right to exist as a Jewish state. Mamdani, the citys first Muslim mayor and a longtime critic of Israels treatment of Palestinians, didnt provide a direct answer on why he undid the second order. That action, issued by Adams last month, sought to prohibit the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions movement from taking root in city government by making it illegal for senior city officials to make any contract decisions or engage in any policies that discriminate against the state of Israel, Israeli citizens based on their national origin, or individuals or entities based on their association with Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has in the past voiced support for BDS, which urges countries around the globe to put economic pressure on Israels government and Israeli companies in protest of its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. He has said, though, that he does not plan to use city government resources to engage in BDS actions. Earlier Friday, several pro-Israel groups, including the UJA-Federation of New York, the Anti-Defamation Leagues New York/New Jersey chapter and the New York Board of Rabbis, issued a statement voicing concern that Mamdani had reversed two significant protections against antisemitism by rolling back the Adams orders. Our community will be looking for clear and sustained leadership that demonstrates a serious commitment to confronting antisemitism and ensures that the powers of the mayors office are used to promote safety and unity, not to advance divisive efforts such as BDS, their statement said. Singling out Israel for sanctions is not the way to make Jewish New Yorkers feel included and safe, and will undermine any words to that effect. Advertisement Advertisement While dodging the BDS question at his Friday press conference, Mamdani did say his administration will actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers by actually funding hate crime prevention, by celebrating our neighbors and by practicing a politics of universality. Mamdani has pledged to increase funding for the Mayors Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, which faced cuts under Adams as antisemitic hate crimes were on the rise in the city amid the war in Gaza that Israel launched in response to Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack. Adams did launch an Office to Combat Antisemitism earlier this year, citing a need to combat that particular form of hate amid an uptick in crimes against Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani has opted to keep that office, though he said Thursday hes making modifications to it. He did not specify what those might be. _____ WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) Police records obtained by News 4 Investigates state that the off-duty Cheektowaga officer who fatally struck a teenager walking home on Dec. 18 told investigators he turned toward the backseat of his truck to check on his whimpering dog moments before the crash and had no time to react when he noticed something about five feet in front of his truck. He pulled over and realized that it was a person in the roadway who he had struck, according to the accident report. The crash happened at around 9:30 p.m. on Clinton Street in West Seneca. Police records obtained through a Freedom of Information law request state that the 27-year-old off-duty Cheektowaga officer instructed a bystander to call 911, while he rendered aid to 16-year-old Paul Alvarez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 is not naming the officer because he has not been charged with a crime. The off-duty officer submitted to drug and sobriety tests, including a breath test that showed no alcohol, according to the police reports. The incident report states that an on-duty Cheektowaga police lieutenant was present at the crash scene. He later accompanied a detective to the West Seneca Police Department for the off-duty Cheetowaga officers deposition. In addition, the state Attorney Generals Office, which is investigating the incident, sent a detective to the scene. According to the police records, an Erie County assistant district attorney concluded, based on the evidence available at the time, that criminal charges were not warranted. The investigation by the state Attorney Generals Office remains active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The off-duty Cheektowaga returned home with family members and the on-duty Cheektowaga lieutenant. West Seneca police interviewed at least eight witnesses, whose accounts varied on where Alvarez was walking before the black 2016 Chevrolet Silverado struck him, according to the accident report. One witness said she saw Alvarez walking down the middle of the westbound lane and she observed the truck strike him. She stated it was difficult to see the pedestrian, and it appeared they were walking in the lane of traffic, one witness told police, according to the police report. The pedestrian had on all dark clothing and she described the roadway as dark in that area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators noted in the police report that the point of impact was approximately halfway between the two closest streetlights, in what police described as the darkest area of the roadway. A second witness told investigators he was driving east on Clinton Street when he observed a pedestrian in the westbound lane of traffic prior to the crash. A third witness said he was driving west on Clinton Street when he saw a pedestrian in all dark clothing walking east in the westbound lane of traffic, and had to swerve to avoid a collision. A fourth witness said she was driving in the same direction when she observed a pedestrian walking along the fog line on the north side of the street, and also swerved to avoid striking the person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fifth witness said she noticed a person in dark clothing walking east on the north side of Clinton Street along the white fog line. She also told investigators she had to swerve to avoid striking the person, according to the police report. Investigators reviewed a video that showed Alvarez walking east on Clington Street on the north side of the shoulder, according to the police report. Alvarez was pronounced dead at ECMC. News 4 interviewed the teenagers mother, Alba Torres-Hernandez, who said her family was touched by the outpouring of support from the community He was the most important person in my life, she said. He was an amazing kid with a wonderful heart that was just giving, loving and caring, and I had the privilege to enjoy it. Latest Local News Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. With the city of Waterbury back on its feet, officials pledged Friday to fight for millions of dollars in federal funding to pay for the damage from a recent water main break and then upgrade the system so that it is strengthened for the future. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal warned that other communities with aging infrastructure could run into the same problems that cut off water in Waterbury for nearly a week and wreaked havoc by closing schools and restaurants. It could happen anywhere, Blumenthal said Friday at the citys water headquarters. We have aging infrastructure all across the state of Connecticut. What happened in Waterbury is a warning to every municipality that the weaknesses in that infrastructure need to be anticipated and assessed before they cause this kind of perfect storm. Advertisement Advertisement He added, Every municipality across the state ought to be aware: it could happen to you. In the coming months, Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes of Wolcott, and other members of the Connecticut delegation will be fighting in Washington, D.C. for federal money as part of a revolving fund for drinking water. One of the problems is that President Donald J. Trump and Republicans have called for cutting water funds, but Democrats vowed to try to restore the funding. Theres no free water, just like there is no free lunch, Blumenthal told reporters. In the short term, city officials are preparing to pay an estimated $2.5 million for the problems of the past three weeks, including work by contractors, police officers, and other officials involved in restoring service to the city. The work involved replacing huge concrete pipes that are 36 inches wide and replacing three large valves that can cost as much as $200,000 each. Advertisement Advertisement The city has water today. Everyone has water, said Bradley Malay, the citys water superintendent. There is nothing inexpensive about this. While saying that exact totals are difficult to quantify, about 10% of the citys water infrastructure is from 1920 or earlier, Malay said. Various pipes have been replaced at times through the years across the city in a patchwork system of solving immediate problems. Statewide, some of the oldest pipes go back as far as the 1800s. Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. said the city has bond funds that may be available to get the repairs started in the short term. Looking ahead, the city needs to replace 10 major valves and related piping at a cost of $5 million to $6 million, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Waterbury has three projects on the revolving fund list to obtain funding for the installation of storage tanks for $6.5 million, a pump project for $4.7 million, and water transmission upgrades for $12.3 million. I dont know how those projects are relevant to what has to be done immediately, but youre the better judge of how those applications should go forward, Blumenthal said to Waterbury officials seated at a table with him. Were here as a delegation to say were going to be behind you. Hayes, who represents parts of Waterbury as U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro represents other sections of the city, said the process can be slow-moving but officials would be willing to accept $100,000 here or $1 million there as the money comes in. Federal dollars move at a glacial place, said Hayes, who joined the meeting via a remote video connection. Advertisement Advertisement Hayes noted that many residents do not think often about infrastructure because it is often out of sight and out of mind. Underground, you cant see the pipes, she said. You dont really know whats going on, and its not something you typically think about. The problems in Waterbury were so extensive that some residents could not brush their teeth or take a shower. It remained unclear Friday whether residents might be reimbursed for the bottled water that they used during the water crisis. The problem started in a small way and then got progressively worse because of the aging infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Malay told reporters that the issue began with a problem on Dec. 11 with a 12-inch pipe, but then two 36-inch pipes caved in on themselves. The city experiences as many as 30 to 40 breaks in water mains every year, officials said, but the cascading and interconnected problems recently were unprecedented. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com Police are investigating after a husband and wife were found dead inside a Columbus home on Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Columbus Division of Police was called to the home of Spencer and Monique Tepe, in the citys Weinland Park neighborhood, after friends and co-workers reported they hadnt heard from them, our news partners at WBNS reported. Spencer was a dentist who practiced at a clinic in Athens. Several of his co-workers called the police when he failed to show up for work and could not be contacted. Advertisement Advertisement The couple was later found dead inside the home. TRENDING STORIES: Two children, a 1-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, were also found in the home. WBNS reported they were unharmed. Investigators say there were no signs of forced entry. There was no weapon found in the home, but detectives found spent 9mm shell casings. WBNS received the following statement from the couples family: Advertisement Advertisement Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique. They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others. Spencer was a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met. He was intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming. A graduate of The Ohio State University and a member of the American Dental Association, Spencer was fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to serving others. He gave back through Big Brothers Big Sisters, a huge Bengals and Buckeyes fan, and lived life with energy, laughter, and generosity. Monique was a loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her. With a background in childhood education, she brought care and intention into everything she did. She was an excellent baker, a thoughtful planner, and someone who found joy in bringing people together. Her kindness made people feel instantly at home. Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love. They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives are continuing their investigation into what happened. They've also asked anyone in the area who may have videos, photos, or any other digital evidence from Dec. 30 between midnight and 9 a.m. to share it with investigators. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Ohio police are on the hunt for the shooter who killed a Columbus-area dentist and his wife earlier this week, leaving their two young children orphaned and their loved ones shocked. The bodies of Spencer and Monique Tepe were found Tuesday morning after several concerned friends and co-workers called police worried that Spencer had not shown up to work and that Monique was not answering her phone. They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others, the Tepe family said in a statement to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love. They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection, the statement read in part. Police received at least four calls from colleagues and loved ones starting around 9 a.m. Tuesday. In the first one, the owner of Spencers dental practice is heard telling an operator that Spencer is never late for work and always checks in before missing a day. An hour later, a second person called 911 from outside the couples home. The caller, an unidentified male, said he could hear children in the house but had no way of getting inside. At 10 a.m., a friend of Spencers reported seeing a body inside before breaking down into sobs. Advertisement Advertisement Theres blood. Hes laying next to his bed, off of his bed, and there's blood. I cant get closer to see more than that, the friend said, according to 911 logs. Three 9-millimeter casings were found inside the home, according to the police report. The couples two children were safe in a different room from their parents bodies. Columbus police have ruled out a murder-suicide and are treating the case as a homicide, officials have said. Investigators have not publicly named any suspects and said no additional updates would be provided as of Friday. Flowers outside the home where police found Monique and Spencer Tepe dead in Columbus, Ohio. (Doral Chenoweth / Columbus Dispatch / USA Today) (Doral Chenoweth) Spencer and Monique had married inside the home where they were killed, family members said, and were a month shy of celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. Advertisement Advertisement Relatives described Spencer as a devoted and proud father. He was fluent in Spanish and practiced at Athens Dental Depot. The owner of the business, Dr. Mark Valrose, was the first person to contact police Tuesday. In a post to social media, Valrose said Spencer would be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time, Valrose wrote. On Dec. 9, the dental office posted birthday wishes to Spencer and two photos showing the late dentist smiling in his medical uniform and holding nearly a dozen balloons. Advertisement Advertisement Monique had a background in childhood education, according to relatives, and loved baking. Monique was a loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her, the Tepe family said in a statement. Her kindness made people feel instantly at home. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com NEED TO KNOW A 16-year-old from Ohio died from the flu in late December Ryleigh Spurlock's heartbroken family reacted to the teen's death, saying, "It doesn't make any sense" Ryleigh had not received her flu shot before her death An Ohio teenager has died from the flu. Ryleigh Spurlock, 16, went to the doctor with ordinary flu symptoms" on Dec. 23, but her condition quickly worsened, and she died in the hospital on Dec. 28, Cleveland 19 News reported, citing Greene County officials. Advertisement Advertisement She went from a 98.5 temperature to a 105, she went septic, she had double pneumonia, all within 24 hours, all from the flu, and it doesnt make sense, Ryleighs stepmother, Brittney, said to the outlet. Ryleigh Spurlock/Facebook Ryleigh Spurlock. Ryleigh Spurlock. Within hours of arriving at the hospital, Ryleigh was declared brain dead, her family told Cleveland 19 News. She hadnt had a pulse for 50 minutes. They were doing chest compressions, but she was brain dead, Brittany said of Ryleigh. The 16-year-old had not received her flu shot before her death, according to Cleveland 19 News. Ryleighs sister, Kyleigh, recalled the teen's symptoms to Cleveland 19 News, stating that she had been coughing and choking on her own blood." Advertisement Advertisement When Ryleigh arrived at the hospital, Kyleigh told the outlet that doctors said "she was going to get worse before she got better. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that there have been over seven million cases of the flu this season, resulting in an estimated 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths. PEOPLE has contacted Greene County officials for comment. Read the original article on People If a massive wildfire were to spark in Orange County, will there now be less of a firefight from the air? That's the question 7 On Your Side had after a crucial contract expired yesterday. Now, the outgoing Orange County Fire Authority Chief and members of the Fire Authority Board are squabbling, with you the County residents, stuck in the middle. The Quick Reaction Force, or QRF, is a joint helicopter firefighting program between Southern California Edison, LA.. and Ventura County Fire Departments, and the Orange County Fire Authority. Advertisement Advertisement The three QRF helitankers can fly with three thousand gallons of water, allowing the team to douse fires, fast. But outgoing Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy told 7 On Your Side: "I am extremely disappointed that the Quick Reaction Force ... ended on January 1, 2026." The chief says the OCFA board of directors, which is made up of 25 leaders from across the OC where the department serves, never voted to approve a new QRF contract. Fennessy's last day as OCFA chief was Friday, before he joins the U.S. Department of the Interior "OCFA staff and I worked to educate all new OCFA Board Directors on the program's value in protecting life and property before an anticipated December Special Meeting," Fennessy told 7 On Your Side. Advertisement Advertisement "OCFA's Board was unable to reach a quorum to hold the meeting." But Orange County Supervisor Donald Wagner, who is on the OCFA Board, has a completely different take. "They never came to us and said, hey, how about you guys send in days that are available to you over this Christmas holiday, and we'll pick the one that works for a majority," said Supervisor Wagner. "They never did any of that. The chief merely wrote memos saying, it's all your fault as I walk out the door." Wagner told ABC7 that for months it hasn't been clear what the Board's financial responsibilities are yet for a new contract to keep operating the fire fighting Chinooks. Advertisement Advertisement "It is absolute government ineptitude," said Wagner. "The chief has known about this thing for ages, and it is the chief who is looking to jam the board up. It is the chief who failed to ask us which days are available. It is Chief who allowed this to expire." Meanwhile, Edison says the QRF helicopters will still fly to Orange County to put out fires, adding that the choppers just won't be operated anymore by Orange County Fire Authority firefighters. Veteran firefighter T-J McGovern is now the OCFA's acting chief. Commercial air travel to and from Puerto Rico was disrupted on Saturday, Jan. 3 after federal authorities temporarily restricted U.S. airline operations at several Caribbean airports, citing security concerns related to escalating military activity in Venezuela. There are worse places to be stranded: Caribbean travelers face flight cancellations The pause includes flights at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), the Caribbeans busiest hub, as well as airports in Ceiba, Aguadilla, Ponce, Isla Grande, Vieques and Culebra, according to Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Norberto Negron Diaz. Advertisement Advertisement Acting under orders from the Federal Aviation Administration, commercial passenger and cargo operations were suspended through 1 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, with the potential for extensions. How many flights to, from Puerto Rico have been canceled? Over 300 flights originating and arriving to the island were canceled as of midday Jan. 3, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Picture showing damages to a building in the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A military personnel member walks past debris at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. Civilians who were living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex leave the compound, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. A Colombian soldier stands guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Colombian police and military personnel stand guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A man walks next to military vehicles as Colombian soldiers patrol the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets sit parked on the tarmac at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. Colombian soldiers in a military vehicle at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A car drives on an empty street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. A cyclist stops to check their phone, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. F-22, C-130 and F-35 aircraft are seen at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on an empty street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured President Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A person wears a Venezuelan flag, as they and others react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. People react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, on the streets of Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A person wearing a hat that reads "America first" reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A man holds a flag reading "Make Venezuela Great Again", as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro block the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Picture showing damages to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. An armed supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocks the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raises his clenched fist as he leaves the vice-presidency building in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro leaves the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. A helicopter carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro comes in to land at the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 39 A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Aerostar Airport Holdings, which manages SJU, said the temporary airspace restriction stems from "a security situation related to military activity in Venezuela." The operator warned that most flights operated by U.S. airlines to and from San Juan were suspended or subject to cancellation, while flights by foreign airlines and military aircraft were not affected. The company urged travelers to check flight status directly with their airlines before heading to the airport. Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez described the closure as a national security measure during a radio interview, as reported by local news outlet El Nuevo Dia. She added that local agencies were coordinating with federal partners to manage airport and cargo operations. Travel waivers Several U.S. airlines rolled out fee waivers and flexible rebooking options as airspace restrictions disrupted flights to and from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean destinations. Heres what travelers need to know: Advertisement Advertisement American Airlines : Change fees are waived for customers booked by Jan. 2 and scheduled to travel Jan. 3-4, 2026, to or from affected destinations including San Juan (SJU), Aruba (AUA), Antigua (ANU), St. Thomas (STT), St. Maarten (SXM) and more. Travel can be rebooked through Jan. 9, provided the origin and destination remain the same and the ticket is reissued by Jan. 4. JetBlue : Customers traveling Jan. 3-4 to or from impacted airports including San Juan (SJU), Aguadilla (BQN), Ponce (PSE), Aruba (AUA), Curacao (CUR) and St. Lucia (UVF) can change or cancel flights without fees or fare differences. Rebooking is allowed through Jan. 10, and refunds are available for canceled flights if booked before Jan. 3. Southwest Airlines : Flights scheduled Saturday, Jan. 3, to Aruba (AUA), Punta Cana (PUJ) and San Juan (SJU) may be disrupted. Customers can rebook or travel standby within 14 days without paying a fare difference. Refunds may be available for canceled or significantly delayed flights. United Airlines : United is waiving change fees and fare differences for eligible tickets purchased by Jan. 2 and scheduled for travel Jan. 4-6, 2026, to or from destinations including San Juan (SJU), Antigua (ANU), Aruba (AUA) and St. Thomas (STT). New travel must depart between Jan. 6 and Jan. 13. Frontier Airlines : Change and cancellation fees are waived for flights Jan. 3-4 to or from San Juan (SJU), Ponce (PSE), Aguadilla (BQN), Aruba (AUA) and St. Maarten (SXM). Fare differences may still apply, and canceled trips convert to travel credit. Spirit Airlines: Modification charges and fare differences are waived for flights Jan. 3-4 to or from San Juan (SJU), Aruba (AUA), St. Croix (STX), St. Thomas (STT) and St. Maarten (SXM), with rebooking allowed through Jan. 11. Airlines advise travelers to monitor flight status closely and manage changes directly through their carrier. Contributing: Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why flights to and from Puerto Rico were suddenly grounded Palatkas only overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness shut down last fall, leaving dozens without a place to sleep. Months later, questions remain about when a new shelter might open and where people without housing are supposed to go in the meantime. Since the shelters closure in November, there has been no alternative overnight facility available in the area. The Putnam County Caring Coalition, the nonprofit that operated the shelter, said it is actively searching for a new location but has faced significant challenges. According to the coalitions executive director, Georgia Mitchell, reopening an overnight shelter would require substantial time and money. It would cost us, well over 50 to 100,000, and would take at least 12 months. Advertisement Advertisement For more than 20 years, the Putnam County Caring Coalition has provided emergency shelter services in Palatka, expanding its efforts as the communitys needs increased. We started out providing a cold-weather shelter in conjunction with the 1st Presbyterian Church in Palatka in 2003, and that was just an emergency space. And then, as we saw the need for something more consistent. We expanded in 2025. That expansion ended abruptly last November when the City of Palatka determined the church-based shelter could no longer operate due to code violations. We received notice from the city that we werent able to do that because of code restrictions and the fire marshal told us that there were issues with fire codes that prohibited us doing that. Advertisement Advertisement The closure comes at a particularly difficult time, as a new Florida law now prohibits people from sleeping on sidewalks and other public spaces. City leaders previously acknowledged that shutting down the shelter would create a significant gap in services, but months later, it remains unclear how many people were displaced or where they sought shelter afterward. Mitchell says while the community has shown support, securing a suitable property has proven difficult. We have a very generous community. There are a lot of people that see the need and want to step forward. Weve had several people approach us about a property. We havent seen that come to fruition yet. Advocates warn that the longer the shelter remains closed, the more severe the impact will be on people experiencing homelessness in Putnam County. Advertisement Advertisement If you would like to help support this organizations mission, you can donate by visiting here. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Democrats spent the early part of last year struggling to redefine themselves after devastating losses in the 2024 election. Now, with 2025 closed out, the party has regained some of its lost momentum, aided by a string of recent special election victories and President Trumps rocky approval ratings. And as the party prepares for the midterms, many leading Democrats are asserting themselves on the national stage, looking beyond this year to the 2028 presidential race. Advertisement Advertisement Some, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), have succeeded in growing their national profile as they openly weigh a White House bid. Others, such as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), have seen their stock fall at least for now. With that in mind, here is The Hills first ranking of the year for the top 2028 Democratic presidential hopefuls: Gavin Newsom Newsom has emerged as the front-runner in the nascent 2028 primary field, at least according to many strategists. Surveys generally put him and former Vice President Kamala Harris neck and neck. An average of 15 recent polls tracked by Race to the WH, from political forecaster Logan Phillips, has him right behind her by a single point. Advertisement Advertisement But the fact that hes almost tied with 2024s Democratic presidential nominee underscores how much his profile has risen over the past year. Its a notable development for the California governor, who generated some heat from members of his own party when he started off the year by seeking to build bridges with MAGA figures with a new podcast. But he quickly changed tack by taking a more aggressive posture against Trump even mocking the commander in chief by impersonating his style of social media posts. He also clinched a major political victory in November when Californians voted to approve his plan to redraw the states congressional lines to favor Democrats in the midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, he has fielded a string of calls begging him to run in 2028, The Hill reported earlier this month. He has also garnered more than 100,000 contributors who hadnt previously given to his campaigns. Most recently, a CNN poll looking toward 2028 found him leading the Democratic field. However, many voters remain open to someone else, showing that the race to the Democratic nomination is still anyones game. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez The progressive, who burst onto the national scene as part of 2018s blue wave, has seen her star continue to rise as the party searches for new leaders. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) remains a popular figure among young people in particular, drawing huge crowds this year as part of her Fighting Oligarchy Tour alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Advertisement Advertisement The Yale Youth Poll last fall found Ocasio-Cortez with a double-digit lead over Harris, Newsom and others. And a poll last month put her up 2 points over Vice President Vance, the GOP heir apparent, in a hypothetical 2028 match-up. The congresswoman shared the poll on the social platform X, fueling new questions about her future plans. Ocasio-Cortez has otherwise dodged questions about a White House bid, or whether she plans to instead challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). But her growing national profile and big fundraising numbers have established her as one of the partys leading figures and a clear 2028 front-runner. Kamala Harris The partys 2024 standard-bearer fueled chatter about another try for the White House as she toured the country to promote her new memoir last year. Advertisement Advertisement Despite her defeat in 2024, Harris has topped early 2028 polling, though some experts guess thats more because of name ID than an actual appetite for a third Harris campaign. In December, she expanded her book tour to include the critical early primary state of South Carolina and appeared before the Democratic National Committee (DNC) at its meetings in California, where she described her party as very much stuck in the past. The DNC notably decided afterward not to release an analysis of 2024 losses. The continued 2028 speculation comes after Harris, a former California attorney general and senator, gave a serious look last year at the race to replace term-limited Newsom as governor of the Golden State. Advertisement Advertisement She decided against the governors race in July, but she has made it clear she isnt finished with public service, saying this past fall that she could possibly still be president one day. Josh Shapiro Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) has frequently been mentioned in the same breath as Newsom as one of the top potential contenders for the White House in 2028. His supporters point to his success in a swing state that has proven critical to Democrats chances of winning the White House. The party lost the Keystone State in 2024 by less than 2 points. Shapiro won his 2022 campaign for governor by double digits and has a 60 percent job approval among Pennsylvania voters, according to an October Quinnipiac poll, compared with a 43 percent approval for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement That poll also found Shapiro leading Vance in a hypothetical 2028 race by 10 points. The governor has been coy, though, about any presidential plans. First, hes up for reelection as governor in the midterms, which could make for a critical test of his popularity and political power heading into the next cycle. Andy Beshear Buzz is building about Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a moderate Democrat who has been able to win statewide in deep-red Kentucky. Beshear flipped the Kentucky governorship back in 2019, then beat back a Trump-backed challenger to win reelection and remains one of the countrys most popular governors. He became a top attack dog for Harris and was rumored to be in the veepstakes given his repeat success in a state that voted overwhelmingly for Trump in the last three elections. Advertisement Advertisement Like Newsom, he has also taken steps to build his national profile by starting his own podcast. This year, he will be leading the Democratic Governors Association as the party faces 36 gubernatorial races in the midterms, which means hell be traveling the country and meeting with key party operatives that could help boost his national profile. JB Pritzker JB Pritzker, the billionaire leader of Illinois, is another governor who has been taking it to Trump and stoking 2028 chatter in the process. Like Newsom and Shapiro, Pritzker was also on Harriss vice presidential shortlist, and he has yet to rule out more national ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement His state took in Democratic legislators who fled Texas over redistricting last summer, and he pushed back against Trumps attempts to federalize the state National Guard. After Trump called for the governor to be jailed this past fall, Pritzker made headlines with his response: Come and get me. He has emphasized a focus on 2026, when hes up for reelection for a third gubernatorial term. But some observers have even noted Pritzkers recent weight loss as a sign that he could be readying for a White House run. Pete Buttigieg Pete Buttigieg, who ran for president in 2020 before notching a spot in then-President Bidens Cabinet, decided against running for Senate in Michigan after much speculation, leaving the door open for a possible presidential run. Unlike some of his fellow Democrats, Buttigieg doesnt have a role that keeps him in the national conversation with Trump. But the former Transportation secretary has carved out a spot for himself as a strong party communicator and has often come in third in early 2028 polling. In her campaign memoir, Harris wrote that Buttigieg would have been an ideal running mate in 2024 but suggested that a ticket with a Black woman and an openly gay man wouldnt have been able to win. Buttigieg has said that Americans should be given more credit at the ballot box. Gretchen Whitmer Whitmer has long been floated as a likely 2028 contender, though she has receded from the spotlight over the past year. After laughing off a viral photo last year that caught her hiding from cameras in the Oval Office by holding a blue folder over her face, she has stressed that her focus is on her last few years as term-limited governor. I dont know if I need to be the main character in the next chapter, but I want to have a hand in writing it, and I think Ive got an important vantage point as the governor of an important swing state, Whitmer told the Michigan Advance in October. Some observers have also questioned whether Democrats have the appetite to nominate another woman for the White House after 2024, a factor that could prove a hurdle to Harris and Whitmer alike. Cory Booker Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), whose 2020 presidential campaign struggled with lower name ID, made headlines last year when he set an all-time record for the longest floor speech in Senate history as he protested against Trump and GOP spending cuts. During a stop in the key early state of New Hampshire in November, Booker said 2028 is on the table. Though he has yet to make a big splash in early 2028 polling, recent results have shown him in the mix: For example, a November YouGov poll put him behind Harris, Newsom, Buttigieg and Ocasio-Cortez as Democrats top pick, but ahead of Shapiro, Pritzker and Whitmer. And though he didnt make the top five of Democrats 2028 picks in last falls Yale Youth Poll, Booker came in among the top five candidates seen as most electable. Booker is new on The Hills ranking list since Septembers update, in a sign of how swiftly the field is shifting as 2028 approaches. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. AS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION INCREASES military pressure on the Maduro regime in Venezuela, a debate has emerged about whether the administrations goal is regime changeand whether it should be. The term regime change is fraught, for good reason. It is associated with Americas long, frustrating wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the phrase doesnt specify the details of a goal or desired end state, much less a plan to get there. From a military perspective, the inherent vagueness of the term is a major problem. The U.S. military trains for and is prepared to conduct a variety of missions: deterring adversaries, defending allies, attacking an objective or striking a target, enforcing blockades, and providing humanitarian relief, to name a few. These missions are defined in doctrine, authorized by law, resourced through budgets, and trained for over decades. Regime change is none of those, because it is not a military mission. The military can defend things, attack things, destroy things, and move lots of stuff around the world, but it cant, by itself, change the political organization of a country. Advertisement Advertisement Regime change is a political act of extraordinary consequenceone of the most complex, costly, and uncertain undertakings a nation can attempt. When the United States treats regime change as a discrete military option rather than a whole-of-government, generational commitment, it repeats mistakes we have made very recently and ignores lessons we have paid dearly in blood, treasure, and reputation to learn. I know this not just from theory, but from experience. 2026 is going to be a busy year. To get the best reporting, commentary, and analysis The Bulwark has to offer, join Bulwark+. As a young director on the Joint Staff during the run-up to the 2003 war in Iraq, I remember the internal discussions when regime change became the stated objective handed to us by Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. The phrase was simple; the reality was not. It took sustained persuasion by many senior officers to convince senior civilian leaders that overthrowing a government and being solely responsible for the aftermath was not something the Department of Defense couldor shouldown alone. Advertisement Advertisement As events demonstrated, the American militarywith the support of our allies and partnerswas able to destroy Saddam Husseins military and government quickly, just as we and select Afghan partners had toppled the Taliban two years earlier. But its one thing to remove a regime; its another to replace it. From a profession-of-arms perspective, replacing a regime requires far more than military excellence. It requires alliance management, post-conflict security and civil affairs forces, economic stabilization, political legitimacy for the new government, planning for thousands of issues the military doesnt understand, and time measured not in weeks but in years. Yet the language used in 2002 and 2003 suggested otherwise. To argue that the military could accomplish regime change, civilian proponents inside and outside the Pentagon cited precision strikes, large-scale invasions, logistics flows, and covert actions as evidence of our militarys readiness for the mission. These proclamations were all beside the point because those capabilities indicated preparedness for tactical battles and major military operations, not the missions political consequences. That distinctionbetween what is militarily possible and what is politically survivablehad faded from the public discourse. And it is fading again. One reason regime change is so easily discussed is that it is so rarely defined. Does it mean removing a single leader? Dismantling an entire governing apparatus? Installing a new political order? Each of those implies a radically different level of responsibility, risk, and duration. Removing a leader does not necessarily replace a regime. And even dismantling an entire regime does not, by itself, confer legitimacy on whoever and whatever comes after it. Advertisement Advertisement Who governs the day after the old system collapses? Who provides security when police forces, militaries, and internal security services fracture, disappear, or form an insurgency? Who pays to stabilize the economy, restore basic services, and rebuild institutions when key members of the old regimes bureaucracy flee? And for how long does the intervening power remain responsible for outcomes it can influence, but not fully control? The United States has repeatedly demonstrated an extraordinary ability to plan for the defeat of enemy forces, but what it has failed to doand appears to be doing againis plan with equal seriousness for the political, social, and economic vacuum that will inevitably follow. Recent reporting makes clear how casually these issues are being treated. On December 27, after more boat strikes and an alleged attack on an implementation area for drug traffickers on Venezuelan soil, the New York Times reported that the administration has coalesced around three objectives: limiting Nicolas Maduros power, using military force against drug cartels, and securing access to Venezuelas vast oil reserves. Each of those goals, standing alone, would represent a complex national undertaking. Together, they constitute a sweeping agenda with regional and global implications. The most revealing of these objectives is the first. Limiting Maduros power sounds restrained, even cautious. But that goal is vague. As the administration orders American military personnel to extend their tours and place themselves in harms wayand as it implicitly asks the American people to support an expensive military buildup in the Caribbean and an armed conflict against Venezuelait hasnt yet explained if its goal is to prevent Maduro from causing problems in neighboring countries or in the United States, to try to scare or pressure the people around Maduro into replacing him with someone else, or to topple the authoritarian government of Venezuela outright. This is how nations drift into commitments they have not fully examinedwhat the military calls mission creep. Pressure becomes intervention. Narrow objectives become expansive responsibilities. What began as an option on paper becomes unavoidable once things start blowing up. Share THE U.S. MILITARY LEARNED A LOT of important lessons from the Iraq Warones that our civilian leaders would be well advised to ask about, and our military leaders ought to reinforce with their civilian counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement The first is that military victory does not equal political success. Toppling a regime can be fast; stabilizing a country never is. The most successful cases of American regime change took years: The American military occupied part of Germany for four years after the end of World War II. In Japan, the occupation lasted seven yearsand American forces remain stationed in both countries to this day. The second lesson is that dismantling or hollowing out state institutions creates chaos by design. Police and military forces do not simply vanish without consequence. Neither do bureaucracies and economic systems. Left behind are armed men, unpaid officials, and populations desperate for order. Another lesson is that external actors always rush into the vacuum. Iran, militias, criminal networks, and proxy forces did not wait politely in 2003. Likewise, Venezuela has friends in Cuba, China, Russia, and Iran, and the region is chock full of organized, sophisticated criminal groups, as the administration well knows. We should have also learned from our time in Iraq that legitimacy cannot be imported. Governments derive legitimacy from their own people, not from foreign flags, friendly ex-pats, or external timetables. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, time horizons stretch. What is brief in planning becomes prolonged in practice. Months turn into years, years turn into decades. The United States eventually adapted in Iraq, learning painful lessons about counterinsurgency, governance, oil economies, and coalition warfare. But that learning came at enormous costin lives, credibility, and strategic position. The tragedy is not that Iraq was hard. The tragedy is that we acted as though it would not be. If regime change is being seriously considered, we have learned that the military will have to plan for a significant, sustained force presence and a draining long-term internal security mission. The military and our countrys civilian leaders will have to accept that casualties will occur and continue long after any combat operations end. If regime change is the goal, it cannot be treated as a project for the Defense Department alone, with interagency support added later. Diplomacy must precede intervention, not follow it. Governance planning, political transition frameworks, and coalition maintenance are not after-action tasks. They are prerequisites. Regional dynamics matter deeply. Iraq sat in a tough neighborhood. Venezuela sits among neighbors that are currently friendly to the United Statesbut history suggests that regional sentiment can shift rapidly when a neighbors sovereignty is violated or instability spreads. Advertisement Advertisement Economic stabilization is equally critical. The current sanctions imposed on Venezuela will not unwind on their own. Currencies do not stabilize without confidence. Corruption does not recede without enforcement and institutions. Humanitarian relief and long-term institution-building are not charitable add-ons; they are essential to preventing collapse. Intelligence support must go beyond targeting to provide a deep societal understanding and continuous, candid assessments of stability and legitimacyassessments that policymakers may not want to hear, but must. The administration may consider rebuilding Venezuela after regime change as a kind of philanthropy, but if they do topple Maduro, they will find instead that its a necessary condition of removing U.S. forces and stemming the inevitable bleeding that will affect our hemisphere. So far, Congress appears to have been sidelined in this operation. That cannot continue. Authorization, funding, and sustained political legitimacy depend on having the legislative branch on board. For all its faults, mistakes, and failures, the Bush administration put a lot of energy into amassing public support for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraqand even then, that support proved soft when the public and Congress lost faith in the mission and those leading it. This administration appears to be doing even less to explain itself to the country, which could have dire consequences. ONE OF THE MOST CONSISTENT FAILURES in regime-change planning is the absence of honest red-teaming, i.e., calculations of the enemys options to respond. Regimes facing existential threats do not capitulate quietly. They repress harder. They mobilize nationalism. They seek external patrons. They sabotage infrastructure. They create humanitarian crises that complicate intervention and fracture international support. Dense urban populations, of which Venezuela has plenty, increase civilian risk. Long coastlines enable smuggling and external interference, and Venezuelas is 1,700 miles long, the same distance between Boston and Key West. Criminal networks embed themselves in political and economic life, and thrive when the government is dysfunctional. Armed paramilitary groups enforce loyalty through fear. Foreign intelligence services exploit chaos. None of these issues is hypothetical. These are predictable dynamics. Ignoring them does not make them disappear. It ensures surprise. Advertisement Advertisement American leaders owe the public clarity about the risks they are willing to accept with any actions against Venezuela. Not precise numbers, but honest ranges. Not promises of gratitude by the Venezuelans, but acknowledgment of resistance. Not assurances of quick exits, but recognition of long commitments. History offers little support for claims that populations universally greet external regime change with enthusiasmparticularly in Latin America, where memories of U.S. intervention run deep. Anyone advocating regime change in Venezuela is implicitly advocating for a long, bloody, expensive commitmentwhether they acknowledge it or not. If the United States justifies regime change because it dislikes a government or covets resources, it erodes every argument it makes against aggression by others, such as Russia attacking Ukraine or the potential of China attacking Taiwan. Norms do not survive selective application. The most important question is not whether regime change is desirable in the abstract. It is whether the United States is preparedpolitically, militarily, morally, and financiallyto own another countrys future for years. Clausewitz warned that war is a continuation of politics by other means. Regime change is the transformation of another countrys politics by all the means at our disposal. If ends are unclear, ways improvised, and means insufficient, the outcome is not strategy. It is a gamble. In 2003, the surprise was not that Iraq proved difficult. The surprise was how little seriousness accompanied a decision that demanded extraordinary seriousness for over a decade, with the loss of life of our nations sons and daughters. If we are again unwilling to speak honestly about what regime change entails, then the responsible course is not to proceed cautiouslybut perhaps to change course, or not proceed at all. Share South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivers his budget address to lawmakers at the Capitol in Pierre on Dec. 2, 2025. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) There was nothing under the tree this Christmas for South Dakotas schools, state employees and health care providers. Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed no funding increase for them in the next state budget. Because our revenues havent grown much, we have to keep them flat this year, Rhoden said during his annual December budget address. Advertisement Advertisement Hearing that news so close to the holidays, I was reminded of the climactic movie scene in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, when a wife takes her husband to task for eliminating his companys Christmas bonuses. You didnt! she exclaims. Well, of all the cheap, lousy ways to save a buck! Rhodens plan looks even cheaper and lousier in light of the revenue our state government has surrendered, the money its wasted, and the questions that have arisen about its spending on economic development. Three years ago, lawmakers and then-Gov. Kristi Noem decided to reduce the state sales tax rate from 4.5% to 4.2% until 2027. It was an ill-considered attempt to distract homeowners from their property tax complaints by giving them a sales tax holiday they didnt ask for, and it cost the state more than $100 million in annual revenue. Most consumers, meanwhile, arent noticing the penny theyre saving every time they spend $3.33. Advertisement Advertisement Noems administration also squandered $20 million developing a prison site that ultimately had to be abandoned. That fiasco began four years ago. The state was flush with cash from federal COVID-19 relief and stimulus funding, so Noem and legislators started stuffing money into a prison construction account. They wanted to replace the oldest parts of the Sioux Falls penitentiary, which dates to 1881. Noems Department of Corrections selected a site in rural Lincoln County, and a lawsuit quickly arose from landowners who hadnt been told that a prison might pop up in their neighborhood. Years of contention boiled over last winter after Noem bolted to run the federal Department of Homeland Security. An insurgent group of legislators led a revolt against the Lincoln County location, and Rhoden who was elevated from lieutenant governor upon Noems departure surrendered to reality. He pushed the reset button and appointed a task force that selected a different site in Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement By that time, the state had already spent an unrecoverable $20 million on the abandoned land, for myriad expenses including design work, sewer pipes, herbicide application and geothermal test wells. More recently, questions have arisen about the combined $69 million of grants, loans and tax rebates that the administrations of Noem and Rhoden have showered on CJ Schwans. The money is helping the company build a $550 million frozen food production plant in northern Sioux Falls that will employ 650 people (the math works out to about $106,000 of state aid per employee, for jobs that will pay an average of $40,000 per year). Let us know what you think... CJ Schwans employs Noems former state economic development commissioner, Steve Westra, who pledged the first state grant to the company five years ago before leaving his state job. The company also has the chairman of the states Board of Economic Development, Jeff Erickson, on its corporate board, while Erickson is involved with a corporation that rents space to CJ Schwans in a downtown Sioux Falls office building. CJ Schwans is part of CJ Group, a South Korean conglomerate that had $30 billion in revenue in 2024. Thats an amount four times larger than South Dakotas annual state budget. Advertisement Advertisement Now, after flushing so many dollars, Rhoden wants lawmakers to pinch pennies. Hes offering schools, state employees and Medicaid-funded health care providers the equivalent of the jelly-of-the-month subscription that Clark Griswolds boss substituted for bonuses in Christmas Vacation. Clark called that the biggest bag-over-the-head, punch-in-the-face I ever got. South Dakotans might feel the same way if lawmakers adopt Rhodens budget plan. Russia is offering stark criticism of the U.S. military attack on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In response, Russia called for a full meeting of the United Nations Security Council. This morning, the United States carried out an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This causes deep concern and condemnation, Russia said in a statement from its Foreign Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement The pretexts cited to justify such actions are unfounded. Ideologized hostility has prevailed over practical pragmatism and over a willingness to build relations based on trust and predictability, Russian officials wrote, nearly five years into the nations own war in Ukraine. Russia, a key ally of the Maduro regime, said it was crucial to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out through dialogue. We proceed from the understanding that all parties who may have claims against one another should seek solutions through dialogue-based approaches. We are ready to support them in this, the ministry said. Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself in 2014. Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, especially military, interference from outside, it wrote. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course of its Bolivarian leadership aimed at defending the countrys national interests and sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Russia said its embassy in Caracas, Venezuelas capital city, was operating normally and that it had no information about Russian citizens having been injured. Attorney General Pam Bondi says Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machine guns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machine guns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts, Bondi added in a post on the social platform X. Maduro had been in power in Venezuela since 2013. The Venezuelan communications ministry said in a statement that he had signed a declaration of emergency urging all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate the attack from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement The capture of Maduro came just days after the Venezuelan strongman said he was open to conducting negotiations with the U.S. regarding drug trafficking and oil. Maduro and President Trump spoke over the phone in November. The attack will almost certainly heighten tensions between the U.S. and Russia, two parties that have been working to find an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. It has been taking place for more than a decade after Russia took over the Crimea and then launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Just last week, Trump held a meeting in Mar-a-Lago with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss a 20-point peace plan. He also spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has widely been seen as an obstacle to settling the war. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A lawsuit filed by an online news outlet against the Oklahoma State Department of Education over the refusal to release of public records has been resolved. A court document posted online on Tuesday, Dec. 30, noted Oklahoma Watch and one of its reporters, Jennifer Palmer, and the state agency had made a joint motion to enter an agreed judgment in the court record. The motion was signed by Oklahoma Watchs attorney, Leslie Briggs of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and the state agencys interim general counsel, Jacquelyne Phelps. The motion asked Oklahoma County District Judge Don Andrews to set a hearing for entry of the agreed judgment. The court document gave no indication as to what the agreement between the parties is. Briggs said the exhibits had somehow been removed from the document during the electronic filing process and that she could not share its contents until the situation was resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Spokeswomen for the state Department of Education didnt immediately return emails sent Friday asking about the resolution of the lawsuit, which comes about three months after new state schools Superintendent Lindel Fields replaced Ryan Walters, who resigned Sept. 30. Under Walters, the agency developed a poor reputation for its handling of open-records requests and was publicly chastised by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond for its slow response to such requests. Fields has said there were 88 outstanding records requests when he began on Oct. 2, a number that didnt include multiple requests from The Oklahoman that remain outstanding but had been marked as completed by agency employees during Walters tenure. Fields told state Board of Education members that as of Friday, Dec. 18, 19 outstanding open records requests remained, with hope of reducing that number to single digits by the end of 2025. Its not immediately clear if that goal was met. A lawsuit filed against the Oklahoma State Department of Education during the tenure of former state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has been resolved. Oklahoma Watch and Palmer filed the lawsuit May 22 after the state Department of Education refused an open records request seeking the resignation letter of Kourtney Heard, who worked as the state agencys chief compliance officer from April 2024 to April 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma Watch said in the agencys denial of the request, an unsigned email from the department claimed the record was exempt under a section of the Oklahoma Open Records Act that allows for the discretionary release of certain documents when they are part of an internal personnel investigation. However, there was no known investigation that involved Heard. Resignation letters routinely are released by state agencies upon request. Before the agency denied the request for Heards letter, it had filled requests for other such letters from multiple media outlets. Another online news outlet, Oklahoma Voice, did obtain Heards letter from a source other than the agency, after the agency denied its open records request. Oklahoma Voice reported the letter alleged the agency was manipulating the process of school accreditation and deleting employee review processes. The challenges faced by the agency are significant, and despite best efforts, I believe that without addressing fundamental operational issues and senior leadership attitudes, the agency will not be able to achieve the outcomes that Oklahoma students deserve, Heard wrote, according to Oklahoma Voice. Advertisement Advertisement Ted Streuli, the executive director of Oklahoma Watch, told The Oklahoman on Friday that Oklahoma Watch had received a copy of Heard's letter from the state Department of Education. "It's worth noting this was an agreed judgment, not just a settlement," Streuli said. "It's great to see the new administration taking responsibility and doing the necessary clean-up." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters-era OSDE lawsuit over open records is being resolved Yemens separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) has welcomed an offer of dialogue from Saudi Arabia, days after Riyadh launched a series of deadly strikes against STC positions in southern Yemen. The STC said in a statement on Saturday that the Saudi Arabian initiative was a genuine opportunity for serious dialogue that could safeguard the aspirations of the southern people. The statement came just hours after the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on southern Yemeni factions to participate in a forum in Riyadh to formulate a comprehensive vision for fair solutions to the southern cause. Advertisement Advertisement Fighting in southern Yemen erupted in recent days after the STC launched a major offensive last month in the countrys Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces, which make up nearly half of Yemeni territory. This prompted Saudi Arabia, which borders the Hadramout province, to launch strikes against the STC in border areas as part of what it said was an effort to protect its national security. The recent escalation has spurred tensions between Saudi Arabia and its Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both of which are part of a coalition that has backed Yemeni factions fighting the countrys Houthi rebels. Riyadh accuses Abu Dhabi of arming the STC a claim the UAE has denied, insisting that it supports Saudi Arabias security. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Saturday, the UAE expressed its deep concern over the ongoing escalation and called on Yemenis to prioritise wisdom and exercise restraint to ensure security and stability in the country. Saudi-backed government says in control of Mukalla Meanwhile, Yemens Saudi-backed government said on Saturday that its forces had retaken control of Mukalla, the key eastern port and capital of Hadramout. Rashad al-Alimi, the head of the Presidential Leadership Council, said in a statement that the Saudi-backed National Shield Forces achieved record success in retaking all military and security positions in the province bordering Saudi Arabia in an operation launched on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Two government military officials also told the AFP news agency that the neighbouring Mahra province and its armed forces, which had also fallen in with the STC during its recent advance, had switched their loyalty to Saudi-backed forces without any resistance. One of the two officials said the Mahra forces had lowered the separatist flag and raised the Yemeni flag, AFP reported. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen was formed in 2015 after Iran-aligned Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and other parts of the country. But after a brutal, decade-long civil war, the Houthis have remained in place, while the Saudi-backed forces and other factions have been attacking each other in the south. Advertisement Advertisement The Saudi-led coalition has launched repeated warnings and air strikes over the past week, including one on an alleged Emirati arms shipment to the STC. On Friday, a strike on the al-Khasha military camp in Hadramout killed 20 people, according to the STC. Proxy war within proxy war Amid mounting tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Abu Dhabi, late on Friday, announced the return of all Emirati armed forces personnel from Yemen, signalling a possible detente with Riyadh. The UAEs Ministry of Defence said the withdrawal was in accordance with its decision to conclude the remaining missions of counterterrorism units. Advertisement Advertisement The process has been conducted in a manner that ensured the safety of all personnel and carried out in coordination with all relevant partners, the ministry said in a statement published on the Emirates News Agency website. The STC had also unilaterally declared that it aims to hold a referendum on independence from northern Yemen in two years. In an interview with Al Jazeera, former Yemeni diplomat and parliament member Ali Ahmed al-Amrani dismissed the idea of secession as a solution to the Yemeni crisis, however, saying it does not reflect a national consensus. Hisham Al-Omeisy, a political and conflict analyst focusing on Yemen with the European Institute of Peace, also warned that the latest violence could mark the start of a dangerous new phase in the war, with rival forces seeking to reshape control on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to be basically seeing a bloody conflict, at least in the coming few days, to draw a new map in the south, Al-Omeisy told Al Jazeera. This is prolonged fighting, said Al-Omeisy, explaining that warring factions are trying to gain territory and secure the upper hand in the south. This is a proxy war within a proxy war, he said, adding that the consequences could extend far beyond Yemens borders. Lets start with this: Nicolas Maduro isnt a good guy. The Venezuelan leader abducted from his country overnight by American forces on the orders of President Donald Trump, amidst shock and awe attacks all over Caracas stole an election, jailed dissenters and oversaw the ruin of his countrys economy. You would like to think Venezuela will be better off without him. But. Iraqs Saddam Hussein was a bad guy. Advertisement Advertisement Libyas Moammar Gadhafi was a bad guy. The United States toppled both of those dictators though a full-scale invasion in the former case, less directly in the latter. You would have thought those countries would have been better off without their strongmen rulers. Thats not what happened. American meddling produced disastrous eras of deadly chaos in both countries. And American voters seemingly decided they had had their fill of foreign adventurism. Trump even claimed falsely that he opposed the invasion of Iraq from the start. Adventurism? It was over. My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier, Trump said during his second inaugural address, less than a year ago. Thats what I want to be: a peacemaker and a unifier. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri one of Trumps most vigorous advocates in Congress also seemed to learn the lesson. Under Trump, he said at a Politico conference in May, the days of us looking into the souls of foreign leaders and deciding if youre a good person or a bad person and then trying to bomb the hell out of that country and the nation-build, those days are over. And, well, so much for all of that. I watched it literally like I was watching a television show, Trump said Saturday morning on Fox News. If you would have seen the speed, the violence they say that, the speed, the violence, they use that term it was an amazing thing, an amazing job that these people did. They took our oil rights There are three reasons to oppose the attack on Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement First, the rationale is hazy. Trump justified the recent deadly attacks on boats coming out of the country by citing fentanyl deaths in America. And Maduro will apparently stand trial on drug charges in America. But experts say the drug trade in Venezuela mainly involved shipping cocaine to Europe, not fentanyl to the United States. Trump probably got a little closer to the heart of the matter when he complained about Venezuelas nationalization of its oil industry, to the disadvantage of American companies that had operated there. They took our oil rights we had a lot of oil there, he told reporters last month. As you know they threw our companies out, and we want it back. Do Americans really want to start wars for overseas oil rights? Advertisement Advertisement The second reason: The Constitution gives Congress not the president the exclusive power to declare war. That clearly didnt happen in this case, and you can argue that provision in our countrys founding documents has long been a dead letter thanks both to the power grabs of previous presidents and the long-term fecklessness of the legislative branch. But its worth noting that President George W. Bush sought and received authorizations for the use of military force before invading Afghanistan and Iraq. Trump who so clearly disdains Bush apparently decided he had the right to make that decision on his own. Thats not great news for American democracy, or our system of checks and balances. Finally: We cant really know what the fallout will be at this moment. We do know Americas wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were deadlier than we expected, longer-lasting than we expected and produced a flood of refugees. Advertisement Advertisement Even if the overnight operation in Venezuela proves to be a simple in-and-out operation by American forces, the act of forcefully removing the countrys leader will of course be destabilizing. The United States in its recent history does not have a great record of restabilizing countries it has invaded, and Trump has not shown much patience for those kinds of tasks. Venezuela is a lot closer to the United States than Iraq ever was. We are more likely to feel the consequences close at home. The return of gunboat diplomacy On Friday night, before the first reports of explosions in Venezuela, Schmitt went on Fox News to praise Trumps increasing pressure on Maduro as a raw expression of American power. The days of narco-terrorist thugs and tinpot third-world dictators down south pushing us around is over, Schmitt posted on X. We are a superpower. This is our hemisphere. And were going to start acting like it again. Advertisement Advertisement Thats silly: Maduro wasnt pushing us around. Taken together, though, Schmitts then-and-now comments on Trumpist foreign policy amount to a pivot away from the United States 21st century role as a global cop and back to ugly old-school 19th century gunboat diplomacy imperialism in which America gives itself the right to rule Latin America. Our hemisphere, indeed. Only thats not entirely true, either. Trump bombed Nigeria on Christmas Day, supposedly on behalf of that countrys persecuted Christians. This week he threatened military action against Irans government for its crackdown on domestic protesters. Maybe Mexico is next. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is a good woman, but the cartels are running Mexico, Trump said Saturday morning on Fox News. He added: Somethings going to have to be done with Mexico. There is no pivot. Were a global cop and also, again, an aspiring hemispheric hegemon. The lessons of American history? Ignored once more. Military adventurism is alive and well. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has voiced concerns over an impending health care crisis, blaming Republican inaction and obstruction for the situation. What Happened: In a post on X on Wednesday, Schumer warned that starting from the next day, Americans would face a health care crisis. He stated that millions would lose their health care, and costs would increase by thousands for many. Families, small business owners, older Americans, and farmers and ranchers would face tough decisions. Don't Miss: Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy' Investors Can Still Get In at $0.85/Share Missed Tesla? EnergyX Is Tackling the Next $200 Billion Opportunity Lithium Starting tomorrow, Americans will face a health care crisis caused by Republican obstruction and total inaction. Millions will lose their health care. Millions will see costs spike by thousands. Millions of families, small business owners, older Americans, and farmers and Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 31, 2025 According to Schumer, Senate Republicans had multiple opportunities to collaborate to prevent premiums from skyrocketing but chose to block action each time. Advertisement Advertisement While Republicans chose to do nothing, Democrats are fighting to lower costs, protect coverage, and make life more affordable, Schumer said in his tweet. See Also: 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform Why It Matters: The Senators tweet underscores the deep divide between Democrats and Republicans over health care policy. Schumers comments highlight the Democrats efforts to lower costs and protect coverage, contrasting it with what he describes as Republican inaction and obstruction. With no immediate solution in sight, the health care situation in the U.S. remains a pressing concern. Advertisement Advertisement The impact of this crisis could be far-reaching, affecting millions of Americans across various demographics. Read Next: UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article Schumer: 'Millions Will Lose Health Care, Millions Will See Costs Spike, Millions Will Face Impossible Choices' originally appeared on Benzinga.com Trail cameras in the rainforest of northern Ecuador are surprising experts with incredible footage of the ecosystem's rich biodiversity. Mongabay reported that a series of cameras was installed by the local Indigenous community that oversees an ecotourist venture, the Sani Lodge, in Yasuni National Park. The cameras came courtesy of the Florida-based fStop Foundation, and the combination of tech and local expertise is revealing the forest's wonderful natural secrets. The Sani Lodge is run by the Indigenous Kichwa community. First opened in 2002, it acts as a vital buffer to protect against oil exploitation and other developments that threaten the rainforest. Cameras pick up what the human eye misses, as even the expert gazes of the locals seldom catch the elusive big cats that get surprisingly close to settlements without detection. "The footage shows that the animals are watching and listening to us," Javier Hualinga, a naturalist guide and former manager of the Sani Isla Kichwa tourism project, told Mongabay. Advertisement Advertisement Of the many marvels, the stars of the show are the park's jaguars. Six individuals have been identified. Distinguishing jaguars is surprisingly easy because they all have uniquely patterned rosettes. They are fearsome hunters with the strongest bite of any large cat on a pound-for-pound basis, but as the cameras found, underneath it all, they're still cats. Just like your own little house panther, they sleep often, groom fastidiously, and love to play with the cameras. A thriving jaguar population is a good sign of a healthy ecosystem, and the cameras have picked up dozens of prey species and other predators. Pumas (the local name for cougars) are also present. Neither are short of grub, as there are peccaries and tapirs aplenty. The stunning images form a core part of fStop Foundation's goal to harness the power of photography to raise awareness and support for conservation work worldwide. Trail cameras are an ideal way to survey an area's wildlife without overtly disturbing their habitats. They provide valuable information about the sometimes surprising residents of a particular area and add to the research of rare and elusive species. Moreover, in this instance, the project is supporting opportunities for the community through eco-tourism. Leaders are also looking to add more cameras to bolster local conservation efforts. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. When talking about dream states to live in, Delaware might not be at the top of the publics list. But a new study revealed that the First State was one of the top places to move to in 2025. Delaware ranks as one of 2025s top moving destinations Skyline shot of Wilmington United Van Lines, a moving company, released its annual National Movers Study to reveal Americans overall migration patterns in 2025. For nearly 50 years, the company has tracked state data to explore where people are moving each year and what factors influence relocation. Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 study is based on household moves handled by the UniGroup Network (parent company of United Van Lines) within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., ranking each state based on the inbound and outbound percentages of total moves. A state is classified as high inbound if 55% or more of the moves are going into the state, high outbound if 55% or more moves are coming out of a state or balanced if the difference between inbound and outbound is negligible. Note that Vermont was excluded in the inbound and outbound rankings because United Van Lines moved fewer than 250 families in and out of the state, and the study only reflects states with 250 moves or more. The 2025 National Movers Study ranks Delaware at No. 4 on the list of top moving destinations. About 60% of Delaware moves were inbound, with the Small Wonder among the top three states with the highest percentage of people moving in due to retirement (ranking No. 2 at 28% inbound). Selfies on a snowy beach in Lewes Dec. 5, 2025. Inbound moves in Delaware were also driven by: Advertisement Advertisement Family reasons for 34.90% of moves Cost reasons for 9.30% of moves Health reasons for 7% of moves Job reasons for 4.70% of moves Lifestyle reasons for 2.30% of moves Most of Delawares inbound moves, 62.10%, were among those aged 65 or older, followed by those between 55 and 64. The income of those moving into Delaware was primarily $150,000 or more, at 28.60%, followed by an income range of $75,000 to $99,999 for 25% of those who moved. Nationwide, inbound migration patterns were concentrated across southern regions. Overall, the study found a pattern of American shifting away from major metros toward smaller cities and towns. Advertisement Advertisement The top inbound metropolitan statistical areas include Eugene-Springfield, Oregon (85%); Wilmington, North Carolina (83%); and Dover, Delawares state capital (79%). In 2019, 18,288,314 vehicles drove through the southbound toll plaza of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, cruising past the 2016 record of 17.8 million, according to the Delaware River and Bay Authority. The rest of the top 10 inbound states of 2025 are: Oregon, at No. 1 West Virginia, at No. 2 South Carolina, at No. 3 Minnesota, at No. 5 Idaho, at No. 6 North Carolina, at No. 7 Arkansas, at No. 8 Alabama, at No. 9 Nevada, at No. 10 States new to the list are Nevada, Idaho and Minnesota. South Carolina and Alabama have been included in the top inbound states over the past six years. Advertisement Advertisement The top outbound states for 2025 are: New Jersey, at No. 1 New York, at No. 2 California, at No. 3 North Dakota, at No. 4 Colorado, at No. 5 Mississippi, at No. 6 Massachusetts, at No. 7 What's on the legislatve to-do list?: Which Delaware bills could make a comeback in 2026? Here's our list Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Moving patterns highlight Delaware, capital city as top areas in 2025 Senior German politicians are not ruling out the deployment of troops to Ukraine provided that this follows a ceasefire and is part of a multinational force. Roderich Kiesewetter, a veteran member of parliament for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a member of the Foreign Affairs committee, told Der Spiegel news magazine on Saturday the question would arise only after a ceasefire. But he added: "Germany as a self-appointed lead nation should not rule out anything here, at least in public communication." Advertisement Advertisement The "coalition of the willing" supporting Ukraine, of which Germany is a lead member, should be open to contributions from outside countries that support NATO and EU policies, he said. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the pro-business opposition FDP and head of the European Parliament's Defence Committee, told Der Spiegel: "Germany must of course be there in the event of a possible peacekeeping operation. That should be clear to everyone." The generals of the states involved would have to decide on the capabilities that the German military would provide, she said. Nothing should be ruled out, she said. A registered sex offender is facing more charges after Flagler County detectives say he strangled an 11-year-old boy, tied him up, and forced him to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana for three days at a campsite. Flagler County deputies found the missing 11-year-old from St. Johns County when they pulled over 60-year-old Darnell Hairston off U.S. 1 on New Years Eve. Authorities received a tip that Hairston, a known sex offender, was seen with two teens. Advertisement Advertisement During the traffic stop, the 11-year-old told deputies he had been kidnapped, and he believed Hairston was going to kill him. As deputies tried to arrest Hairston, body camera video shows Hairston running and trying to grab a deputys gun, later being tackled by deputies. While deputies were making the arrest, deputies say 15-year-old Junior Bishop took off in Hairstons truck, nearly hitting a deputy. Bishop later crashed with a deputy cruiser. A newly released arrest affidavit says the 11-year-old victim was in a Snapchat group chat with Junior Bishop. The report says the victim told Bishop of a sexual assault on his friend that Sheriff Rick Staly says may have involved Darnell Hairston. Hairston thought this individual had information that could put him away in prison. And that resulted in him and Junior Bishop, the 15-year-old, concocting a plot to lure this 11-year-old into a rural area of Flagler County, Staly told Channel 9. Advertisement Advertisement The report says the victim met with Bishop near Fredrick Street and East Deep Creek Boulevard and later went to a nearby wooded area. There, the victim said he saw blankets, pillows, beers, camping chairs, and a large kitchen knife.The report states Darnell [Hairston] then came up behind the victim and choked him out to the point where he couldnt make a sound nor breathe and quickly blacked out. The victim said when he woke up, they put tape over his mouth and tied him with shoelaces and extension cords. The report says he was fed alcohol and marijuana. The victim told investigators, when they left the campsite, he was forced to travel with a blanket over him the entire time. The report says Hairston told investigators he knew the 11-year-old was missing from St. Johns County but couldnt tell investigators a reason why he never told the victims parents. Hairston claimed to investigators he only wanted to fish with the victim. Advertisement Advertisement The report says Hairston knew the victim because he fixed ATVs in the St. Johns County area.Deputies are now thanking the caller who reported that they saw Hairston, a known sex offender, with two children. He potentially saved this kids life, and thats pretty amazing. It just goes to show you if you see something, I mean literally call it in, say something, said Chief Deputy Joe Barile. My detectives, and from what I have been briefed on this case, I think we all believed he was going to die that night. And our victim felt that way also. He was truly frightened, said Sheriff Rick Staly. Friday, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Hairston for kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation, and robbery with a deadly weapon. Detectives served the warrant at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where Hairston was already being held on a $125,000 bond for the prior arrest. He is now being held without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Bishop is currently in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Sheriff Staly says Bishop could be facing additional charges but that he is not cooperating with their investigation. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A San Luis Obispo pastor recently resigned after old rumors came to light that he was caught taking inappropriate pictures of young women at Trader Joes five years ago. The incident was apparently worrisome enough that it prompted a strongly worded warning from the board at the time and then recently, a public church FAQ webpage to address the situation. The Tribune spoke to the person who initially reported the incident to the church which has not been publicly acknowledged until now. Advertisement Advertisement Taylor Berns was an employee at Trader Joes in San Luis Obispo on Oct. 9, 2020, when lead Pastor Rick Olmstead at the Arise Vineyard church known as Mountainbrook Church at the time was caught taking nonconsensual pictures of college-aged womens backsides and following the women around the store, she told The Tribune. Berns, who was also an intern at Mountainbrook at the time and said she had experienced what she felt was inappropriate behavior from Olmstead once in her role at the church, immediately reported the Trader Joes incident to the board but with no noticeable result. The current board told The Tribune the situation was dealt with internally when it happened and did not meet the threshold for law enforcement involvement. Nevertheless, the incident did spur the board to write a memo that included an unusually pointed admonition. Advertisement Advertisement The 2020 memo from the church board, obtained by The Tribune, confirmed there was an incident involving Olmstead at Trader Joes that prompted a counseling plan, an apology to the store and a requirement that Olmstead not be alone with teens or young women associated with the church. In addition to serving as pastor, Olmstead was also the global leader of the 4/14 Movement and president of Generation Now at the time, two religious nonprofits focused on kids and teens. The incident came on the heels of the resignation of former Mountainbrook Pastor Thom OLeary, whom Olmstead replaced, due to inappropriate behavior toward women and excessive drinking in 2020, which Berns thought was why the church swept Olmsteads indiscretion under the rug. We just lost a pastor, and it was incredibly public and incredibly damaging, where a lot of people switched churches, and now were bringing in this pastor, and hes supposed to be saving everything, and if we bring this out, our church is going to crumble, Berns said. Instead of doing the right thing, they wanted to save face over it. Former lead Pastor Rick Olmstead resigned from his volunteer position at Arise Vineyard church during Christmas week 2025 due to resurfaced rumors of him nonconsensually and inappropriately photographing womens backsides at the San Luis Obispo Trader Joes store in 2020. As of Dec. 29, 2025, after the board announcement his immediate resignation, he was still listed as the lead pastor on the homepage of the Arise church website. How did pastors incident resurface? Arise Vineyard is a member of Vineyard USA, an evangelical Christian movement of nearly 500 congregations. A former church member, who asked to remain anonymous, characterized Vineyard as a charismatic denomination. Advertisement Advertisement The Arise board did not ever notify Vineyard leadership or its congregation members of the Trader Joes incident. Future board members were informed to varying levels of detail, mostly having just been told that the situation had been fully addressed at the time. The current board of Arise only became aware of the incident in 2025 after the former church member anonymously reported it to Vineyard USAs Guidepost Solutions hotline, a third-party oversight firm, in August even though one current board member also sat on the board that previously reviewed the incident in 2021. In response, Rick Olmstead and his wife Becky, who was the Arise kids director, resigned from the church on the Saturday before Christmas, though he did give a short sermon on Christmas Eve. The Tribune first reached out to Arise about the incident in November. Advertisement Advertisement The day after Christmas, Arise church published a Frequently Asked Questions webpage about Olmsteads resignation and the 2020 incident. While the response was deemed sufficient at the time by the board, in hindsight, this lack of broader disclosure contributed to the current situation, and responsibility for that has been acknowledged, the FAQ page says. But for Berns and the other former church member, this acknowledgement is too little, too late. The incident was kept from the congregation for five years, the anonymous reporter said. It is reasonable to question the boards safety assurances now. Mountainbrook Church in San Luis Obispo, seen here in 2019, changed its name to Arise Vineyard church. (David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com) What happened at Trader Joes? Berns worked at the Trader Joes in San Luis Obispo from 2017 to 2021, at which time she was also a member of Mountainbrook Church and for a short period, an intern with the childrens ministry. Advertisement Advertisement When she came into work at Trader Joes on Oct. 10, 2020, she said, her boss told her what had happened the day before. According to Berns manager, one of her co-workers had been monitoring the line outside the store which was a social distancing protocol during the Covid shutdown when she noticed an older man standing there with his phone out. He was wearing a Mountainbrook T-shirt. Trader Joes customers line up socially distanced outside the San Luis Obispo store during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. (Joe Tarica/jtarica@thetribunenews.com) He was zoomed in on the butts of the girls in front of him and snapping pictures, Berns said she was told. The women looked to be on the younger side of college-aged, maybe 18 to 20 years old, Berns was told. Advertisement Advertisement Her coworker confronted the man out of pure reaction, and asked him what he was doing, causing him to quickly put his phone away, Berns said. The employee alerted the situation to her manager. The man was allowed into the store, but Berns said everyone was watching him to keep an eye on what he was doing. Berns was told he seemed to be lurking and following different girls around the store, and appeared to possibly be intoxicated, according to the store manager and employees on shift. He was in the liquor aisle which is near the managers desk picking out a bottle of tequila when he realized that the manager and other employees were watching him, Berns said her manager told her. Advertisement Advertisement He put the bottle back and left without purchasing anything, then got into his car and drove off, but not before employees wrote down his license plate number, Berns said. Berns said her managers had called the police, but the man left before they arrived, so no police report was taken. A San Luis Obispo Police Department call log obtained by The Tribune showed Trader Joes called the police on Oct. 9, 2020, to report suspicious activity, but the call log does not mention Rick Olmstead because staff was not yet aware it was him. At first, the Trader Joes employees thought the man mightve been from out of town because he had Colorado license plates, but Berns had a hunch it couldve been Olmstead. At the end of her shift, she drove to the church and took a picture of the pastors car. The license plate was a match to the one the Trader Joes staff had written down. Advertisement Advertisement Suddenly, Berns said she was sure Olmstead was the man in Trader Joes, because she had recently had her own uncomfortable experience with him. Just days before, on Oct. 4, Berns said Olmstead put his hand incredibly low on her back while she was setting up a coffee bar for the Sunday morning service. He leaned in and told her, Thanks for being here, she said. I remember thinking in my head, Theres no way that he or anyone around us can peg this as normal, she said. Theres no way that everybody can look at that and think this is appropriate. Like, is everybody in denial? Berns did not report that incident to the church, saying instead she just turned inward and felt very uncomfortable. She was 25 at the time. Advertisement Advertisement When asked for comment, the church board said it never received a report about the claim. Soon after, Berns asked her co-worker at Trader Joes who witnessed the incident to write her a letter of the first-hand experience. Berns hand-delivered a physical copy of the letter to Greg Jeffery, another Mountainbrook pastor at the time, at his home. She said it was a brief and quiet interaction and Jeffery seemed very sad and kind of disappointed. But nothing happened. I reported it to the board under my name, and they did nothing, Berns said. They did absolutely nothing about it. Arise Vineyard church is located at the top of the hill on Calle Joaquin in San Luis Obispo, seen here on Dec. 29, 2025. (David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com) After some time, Berns asked the board for an update. They told her he had admitted to the allegations and that he needed help. Because he said those words, they brushed it under the rug, she said. They didnt make it public. They allowed him to keep his position. They allowed him to do everything he was still doing. At that point, she left her internship and the church. I was at a place where I really needed an honest church, and that, to me, just, I couldnt go and create connections, create community, Berns said. I couldnt serve to people feeling like it was a dishonest place. Olmstead eventually stepped down, and new pastors took over in July 2021, in a move seemingly unrelated to the incident. But based on Guidepost Solutions report, it did not appear the information was passed down to all future board members, and the current Arise board invited him back as pastor in the summer of 2024. I think when stuff like this happens, people get especially Christians get apprehensive about shedding light on things that are not right, and it comes with a fear that its going to push people away from God, Berns said. And what actually happens is when youre covering up somebodys dishonesty ... youre actually pushing people away from God, ultimately, because it all comes out in the wash. And when it does come out, and people look back and realize that there were a handful of other Christians who covered it up, thats going to make them not want to go to church or not want to have a relationship with God. The Tribune repeatedly asked to speak with Olmstead about the incident. The board initially said he was open to a meeting and offered a date for a call, but ultimately never followed up. Additional requests for a meeting with the pastor went unanswered. Trader Joes corporate did not immediately respond to The Tribunes official request for comment. Trader Joes wrote messages to its customers in chalk on the sidewalk to mark its socially distanced line outside the San Luis Obispo store during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. (Joe Tarica/jtarica@thetribunenews.com) What was the churchs response? The board of Arise confirmed to The Tribune that in 2020 it addressed a lapse in judgment by Olmstead, but it did not say anything more specific about the incident. On the FAQ page, the church shared that five years ago, Rick exercised poor judgment when he took unsolicited photographs of young women while waiting in line outside a local store. The conduct did not meet our leadership standards, and the board acted immediately according to church guidelines, the church board said in a statement to The Tribune. The matter required an internal response but did not meet the threshold for law enforcement involvement, the church board said. Rick was temporarily removed from leadership and evaluated by an independent counselor, along with clear expectations to avoid any appearance of impropriety. The incident was reviewed a total of three times by three iterations of the church board since 2020. Arise Vineyard church is located at the top of the hill on Calle Joaquin in San Luis Obispo, seen here on Dec. 29, 2025. (David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com) The Arise church board memo from October 2020 obtained by The Tribune describes a response plan to the actions at Trader Joes, which included an apology to Trader Joes on behalf of the church, individual and couples counseling for emotional support and healing for Olmstead and his wife, a reduction in his amount of preaching, and the stipulation that Olmstead not be alone with teens or young women associated with the church. Berns nor the former church members recall any pause in his preaching, however. Olmstead continued to be featured on the churchs Instagram leading prayer. He didnt change positions or pause preaching at all, Berns said. Everything was exactly the same. The former church members said he was still considered the main pastor until mid-2021. In August 2021, a new board consisting of some new and some previous members met with Olmstead and his counselor, who assured the board that his time with Rick was healing and transformative and that Rick should feel free to continue ministry and leadership within the church, according to a board memo from the time. In an Aug. 22, 2021, letter to Olmstead, the board wrote: It was overwhelmingly and unanimously clear to the entire board that you have moved through a time of focus and healing that has been transformative and strengthening to you. We unanimously and joyfully affirm that you fulfilled all that was asked of you with humility and sincerity and that the matters that began this process are in the past and no longer have any bearing on your life and leadership. The FAQ page shared that while the Arise board was informed of the incident shortly after it occurred and responded appropriately and within its scope of responsibility, broader leadership, including Vineyard USA, was not made aware of the situation at the time. The congregation and church members were also not informed, nor, it appears, were all future board members after 2021. One of the board members who reviewed the incident in 2021, Michael McCreary, also sits on the current Arise Vineyard board. The current Arise Vineyard board met once more with Olmstead on Oct. 8 to review the incident after being made aware of it through the Guidepost Solutions report. It again affirmed that the documentation and response of the prior board was sufficient to address the severity of the incident, according to a board memo. The board is fully satisfied with the work that Rick has done and the fruits of his repentance, the memo reads. Each board member has forgiven Rick. The official statement of Arise is that this matter is now closed. The church said it has not received any other negative reports related to Olmsteads behavior either prior to the incident or in the years since. The FAQ page also states that Olmstead was never paid by Arise for his volunteer pastoral role and that he and his wife are expected to rejoin Arise as congregants once they return from some traveling over the next month or so. They have made this decision to attend to their well-being, the page says. The church asked that questions or concerns be directed to the Arise board via email at board@arisevineyard.com rather than discussed publicly or through speculation. The FAQ page does not appear to be linked directly to the church website and cannot obviously be navigated to from the website. The only way to view it is by using the direct URL to arisevineyard.com/olmstead-faq, which Arise emailed to The Tribune and its congregation members the day after Christmas. As of Wednesday, Rick Olmstead was still listed as the lead pastor on the homepage of the Arise church website. Arise Vineyard church is located at the top of the hill on Calle Joaquin in San Luis Obispo, seen here on Dec. 29, 2025. (David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com) Former church members outraged by lack of transparency When the two former church members heard the rumor about Rick Olmstead at Trader Joes, they werent sure what to believe. We kind of sat on it for a while and were like, Theres just no way this is true, right? the first former church member said. Theres no way that a pastor was caught taking pictures of girls butts at Trader Joes, and is still a pastor. For them, keeping the congregation in the dark for all these years was the churchs greatest mistake. As far as Christianity goes, this does not feel biblical in any way, said the second former church member who made the anonymous report. Every example of a failure of a leader from the Bible from King David to Peter in the New Testament was public. They said that the information shouldve been made public so that congregation members could decide for themselves if they forgave Olmstead and wanted to move on under his leadership. The second former church member also took issue with the board only addressing the issue publicly now after hearing from the media. A church board exists to protect its people, not shield its royalty, they said. Forgiveness is central to Christianity, but it is never a license to put young people at risk. Even when the issue was first revived in 2025 through the second former church members Guidepost Solutions report, the church again attempted to deal with it internally. In a recent email exchange between the second former church member and the church, obtained by The Tribune, McCreary who sits on the board requested a private, face-to-face meeting on behalf of the board to discuss the situation. Scripture has very strong warnings against bearing false witness (Ex. 20:16) and sowing discord in the church (Prov. 6:16,19), A Dec. 1 email from McCreary reads. ... If you do not respond to this request we can only assume your intentions are not sincere and that you are wanting to discredit and defame Gods church. The second former church member said this language felt threatening and spiritually coercive, rather than taking responsibility or responding sufficiently. They did not respond to the churchs email. Our goal has always been to fully understand and address all concerns regarding our church with integrity, the Arise board told The Tribune about the email exchange. When this matter was initially reported a few months ago, the board treated it with the utmost seriousness. The board said that because initial communications from the anonymous Guidepost reporter used spiritual language, the board assumed the person was a member of the faith community and quoted scripture in its response. Our intent in using scriptural warnings in that final communication was not to threaten, but to underscore the gravity of the situation and to achieve finality in what had become a stalled process, the board said. We recognize now that using such language added an unintended weight to the communication and we regret any distress it caused. The board said it repeatedly requested a face-to-face meeting with an outside, neutral mediator to fully understand the reporters perspective and review factual inaccuracies and misrepresentations in the allegations. The board said it remains open to meeting with them. The first former church member, who is a woman, said the whole thing sounds like a broken record to her. For me, having grown up my whole life in and around the church, Ive seen this happen over and over, where a few men do everything in their power to keep another man in power, she said. If thats not the definition of the patriarchy, I dont know what is. The lack of accountability makes her blood boil, she said. Who are they protecting? she asked. Who does the church the larger church have an obligation to protect, if not the most vulnerable among us? Chloe Jones contributed to this story. In May 2024, part of the Sun exploded. The Sun is an immense ball of superheated gas called plasma. Because the plasma is conductive, magnetic fields loop out of the solar surface. Since different parts of the surface rotate at different speeds, the fields get tangled. Eventually, like rubber bands pulled too tight, they can snap and that is what they did last year. These titanic plasma explosions, also known as solar flares, each unleashed the energy of a million hydrogen bombs. Parts of the Suns magnetic field also broke free as magnetic bubbles loaded with billions of tons of plasma. Advertisement Advertisement These bubbles, called coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, crashed through space at around 6,000 times the speed of a commercial jetliner. After a few days, they smashed one after another into the magnetic field that envelops Earth. The plasma in each CME surged toward us, creating brilliant auroras and powerful electrical currents that rippled through Earths crust. You might not have noticed. Just like the opposite poles of fridge magnets have to align for them to snap together, the poles of the magnetic field of Earth and the incoming CMEs have to line up just right for the plasma in the CMEs to reach Earth. This time they didnt, so most of the plasma sailed off into deep space. Humans have not always been so lucky. Im an environmental historian and author of the new book Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean: An Environmental History of Our Place in the Solar System. While writing the book, I learned that a series of technological breakthroughs from telegraphs to satellites have left modern societies increasingly vulnerable to the influence of solar storms, meaning flares and CMEs. Advertisement Advertisement Since the 19th century, these storms have repeatedly upended life on Earth. Today, there are hints that they threaten the very survival of civilization as we know it. The telegraph: A first warning On the morning of Sept. 1, 1859, two young astronomers, Richard Carrington and Richard Hodgson, became the first humans to see a solar flare. To their astonishment, it was so powerful that, for two minutes, it far outshone the rest of the Sun. About 18 hours later, brilliant, blood-red auroras flickered across the night sky as far south as the equator, while newly built telegraph lines shorted out across Europe and the Americas. The Carrington Event, as it was later called, revealed that the Suns environment could violently change. It also suggested that emerging technologies, such as the electrical telegraph, were beginning to link modern life to the extraordinary violence of the Suns most explosive changes. Advertisement Advertisement For more than a century, these connections amounted to little more than inconveniences, like occasional telegraph outages, partly because no solar storm rivaled the power of the Carrington Event. But another part of the reason was that the worlds economies and militaries were only gradually coming to rely more and more on technologies that turned out to be profoundly vulnerable to the Suns changes. A brush with Armageddon Then came May 1967. Soviet and American warships collided in the Sea of Japan, American troops crossed into North Vietnam and the Middle East teetered on the brink of the Six-Day War. It was only a frightening combination of new technologies that kept the United States and Soviet Union from all-out war; nuclear missiles could now destroy a country within minutes, but radar could detect their approach in time for retaliation. A direct attack on either superpower would be suicidal. An aurora an event created by a solar storm over Pituffik Space Base, formerly Thule Air Base, in Greenland in 2017. In 1967, nuclear-armed bombers prepared to take off from this base. Air Force Space Command Suddenly, on May 23, a series of violent solar flares blasted the Earth with powerful radio waves, knocking out American radar stations in Alaska, Greenland and England. Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters had warned officers at the North American Air Defense Command, or NORAD, to expect a solar storm. But the scale of the radar blackout convinced Air Force officers that the Soviets were responsible. It was exactly the sort of thing the USSR would do before launching a nuclear attack. American bombers, loaded with nuclear weapons, prepared to retaliate. The solar storm had so scrambled their wireless communications that it might have been impossible to call them back once they took off. In the nick of time, forecasters used observations of the Sun to convince NORAD officers that a solar storm had jammed their radar. We may be alive today because they succeeded. Blackouts, transformers and collapse With that brush with nuclear war, solar storms had become a source of existential risk, meaning a potential threat to humanitys existence. Yet the magnitude of that risk only came into focus in March 1989, when 11 powerful flares preceded the arrival of back-to-back coronal mass ejections. For more than two decades, North American utility companies had constructed a sprawling transmission system that relayed electricity from power plants to consumers. In 1989, this system turned out to be vulnerable to the currents that coronal mass ejections channeled through Earths crust. In Quebec, crystalline bedrock under the city does not easily conduct electricity. Rather than flow through the rock, currents instead surged into the worlds biggest hydroelectric transmission system. It collapsed, leaving millions without power in subzero weather. Advertisement Advertisement Repairs revealed something disturbing: The currents had damaged multiple transformers, which are enormous customized devices that transfer electricity between circuits. Transformers can take many months to replace. Had the 1989 storm been as powerful as the Carrington Event, hundreds of transformers might have been destroyed. It could have taken years to restore electricity across North America. Solar storms: An existential risk But was the Carrington Event really the worst storm that the Sun can unleash? Scientists assumed that it was until, in 2012, a team of Japanese scientists found evidence of an extraordinary burst of high-energy particles in the growth rings of trees dated to the eighth century CE. The leading explanation for them: huge solar storms dwarfing the Carrington Event. Scientists now estimate that these Miyake Events happen once every few centuries. Advertisement Advertisement Astronomers have also discovered that, every century, Sun-like stars can explode in super flares up to 10,000 times more powerful than the strongest solar flares ever observed. Because the Sun is older and rotates more slowly than many of these stars, its super flares may be much rarer, occurring perhaps once every 3,000 years. Nevertheless, the implications are alarming. Powerful solar storms once influenced humanity only by creating brilliant auroras. Today, civilization depends on electrical networks that allow commodities, information and people to move across our world, from sewer systems to satellite constellations. What would happen if these systems suddenly collapsed on a continental scale for months, even years? Would millions die? And could a single solar storm bring that about? Researchers are working on answering these questions. For now, one thing is certain: to protect these networks, scientists must monitor the Sun in real time. That way, operators can reduce or reroute the electricity flowing through grids when a CME approaches. A little preparation may prevent a collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, satellites and telescopes on Earth today keep the Sun under constant observation. Yet in the United States, recent efforts to reduce NASAs science budget have cast doubt on plans to replace aging Sun-monitoring satellites. Even the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the worlds premier solar observatory, may soon shut down. These potential cuts are a reminder of our tendency to discount existential risks until its too late. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Dagomar Degroot, Georgetown University Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Dagomar Degroot has received funding from NASA. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 44-year-old man was arrested on two outstanding warrants after a traffic stop in Horizon City, according to the Horizon City Police Department. Christopher Carlos Martinez, 44, was arrested on a DWI warrant and a failure to maintain financial responsibility. He was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with an $8,330 bond. Christopher Carlos Martinez. Photo courtesy of the Horizon City Police Department. Shortly before noon on Wednesday, Dec. 31, an officer conducted a traffic stop along the 14000 block of Horizon Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement According to the police department, the officer saw the vehicle travel at a speed exceeding the posted limit. The vehicle was traveling at about 78 miles per hour in a posted 55-mile-per-hour speed zone. During the traffic stop, the officer identified the driver to be Martinez. A record check revealed Martinez had active warrants issued by the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. Martinez was taken into custody and transported to the El Paso County Detention Facility. The Horizon City Police Department remains committed to proactive traffic enforcement and the safety of the motoring public. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. People on the streets of Venezuela experienced fear, confusion and relief after the surprise US attack on the country overnight; However, with the news that President Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces, many also dared to express hope. A 56-year-old woman from the east of the capital Caracas described to dpa how she experienced the night: "It started after midnight. "We heard explosions in the distance and saw lights in the sky: At first, I thought they were firecrackers or fireworks. Advertisement Advertisement "We also heard planes and helicopters, then it suddenly went completely quiet. "Only when we heard that Maduro had been captured were there shouts of joy." "We are happy, but also very afraid, because we don't know what will happen now, especially since other heads of the government are still there," the woman continued. "Now [9 am/1300 GMT] the streets here are deserted, like on a holiday. "Everything is closed, only the pharmacy on the corner is open, but only as an emergency service through a small window." Reports: Metro not working - many stock up on food According to reports from other residents of the capital, the metro is out of service, and there also seems to be no bus service. Advertisement Advertisement The Colombian broadcaster Caracol reported from an open supermarket in Caracas, where many were stocking up on non-perishable food, canned goods and water. Only groups of 25 people were allowed in at a time. Residents from the Venezuelan Andean city of Merida also reported almost deserted streets. There were only queues in front of some supermarkets - but armed government supporters on motorcycles could also be seen. A young Venezuelan woman at the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela near Cucuta told the broadcaster RCN: "We hope that everything will get better now and that all those who fled Venezuela can return. "I will now try to reach my family in Caracas as quickly as possible." Advertisement Advertisement Colombian media speculated that Venezuela might close its borders with the neighbouring country. A 58-year-old man currently on the island of Margarita, popular with Venezuelan tourists, said: "I'm opening the bottle of whisky I had set aside for this day." NEED TO KNOW Teacher Sierra Allen and student Landin Williamson were attacked by dogs outside Collins Rhodes Elementary School in Prichard, Ala., on Dec. 16 Allen says she "probably wouldnt be here today" if parents at the school didn't intervene to rescue her from the attack The owner of the dogs allegedly told Allen, they dont know where the dogs are," following the "vicious" incident A student and teacher are recovering from injuries sustained in a dog attack outside an elementary school in Alabama. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Landin Williamson was running towards Collins-Rhodes Elementary School in Prichard after being dropped off by his mom when he was attacked by two dogs, Fox 10 News reported. Advertisement Advertisement I guess it triggered the dog and grabbed him and brought him down to the ground, the nine-year-old student's mom, Alexis Ware, told the outlet. Williamson suffered multiple bites requiring eight stitches. Third-grade teacher Sierra Allen had just parked her car outside the elementary school when the two dogs also "suddenly charged" at her. They were biting and snapping and jumping over me, Allen told Fox 10 News. They bit through my UGG boots, they bit through my pants. I have scars on my legs and thighs. Its awful to look at its a constant reminder of what happened to me one week ago today. Allen was bitten on her legs before a group of parents, who were dropping their kids off at the school, stepped in to save her from the dogs, per Fox 10 News. Advertisement Advertisement They were snapping at my face and at my neck. I want to say thank you to the parents I probably wouldnt be here today if it werent for them, said Allen. Police officers and animal control arrived at the scene after Allen and Landin had been transported to the hospital, Fox 10 News reported. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. FOX10 News/YouTube/Google Maps Sierra Allen Sierra Allen The elementary school initially sent an email to parents stating that dogs attacked two students and a teacher. However, the City of Prichard later clarified that it was just one student and one teacher, adding that the victims sustained minor injuries, a claim Allen disputes. Advertisement Advertisement I cannot walk for extended periods of time without my left knee swelling, Allen told Fox 10 News. Ive never had that problem before. The bite marks on my right thigh where the teeth went through theyre still knotted and bruised. The two dogs belonged to the same owner, according to Fox 10 News. They were issued a mandatory 10-day quarantine notice following the incident. Allen alleges that the dog owner said they dont know where the dogs are, following the attacks, per Fox 10 News. Those dogs were not trained to be around people. Theyre vicious, and they need to be captured, she added. The Mobile County Health Departments Rabies Division is reportedly investigating the incidents. Advertisement Advertisement The attacks have left Allen considering leaving her job, while Landin is now terrified of dogs, his mother told KOLD. He is terrified. He wakes up out of his sleep at night just hollering, she said. PEOPLE has contacted the City of Prichard and the Mobile County Health Departments Rabies Division for comment. Read the original article on People Naples boaters and shoreline watchers were treated Jan. 2 to quite a site. The mega yacht M&EM made its way south from Lee County into Gulf waters near Gordon Pass, and people again took to Facebook to share photos and discuss the 242-foot vessel. Some on Facebook said they spotted it as early as 6:30 a.m. Jan. 2 off the Naples coast. Naples resident Bob Peck was shared a few photos he captured at dusk, as the yacht passed Collier County and was headed to its next destination. Advertisement Advertisement Southwest Florida was abuzz earlier in the week, as people began commenting Dec. 29 when a Facebook post asked readers if they knew more about the mega yacht off North Captiva Island. After Captiva, the M&EM was docked at Burnt Store Marina in Lee County, said marinetraffic.com. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Mega yacht passes by Naples Florida at dusk to start 2026 The Sudanese military has captured South Sudanese fighting alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in battles that broke out in a central region of the country this week, according to sources in the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The sources told Al Jazeera that the army and its allied forces captured more than 10 members on Thursday in the towns of Kazqil and al-Rayash in the North Kordofan State in central Sudan. They also said that Sudan is about to address the government of South Sudan and provide official evidence proving the participation of these elements in the ranks of the RSF. In a separate development, Hamid Ali Abubakar, security adviser to RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, was killed along with several aides in a drone attack carried out by SAF near the city of Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur state, RSF security adviser al-Basha Tabiq said on Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Tabiq announced the death in a post on Facebook, mourning Commander Adviser Hamid Ali Abubakar, who also led the RSFs al-Saif al-Battar military unit, which operates mainly in northern, central and western parts of the Darfur region. Tabiq accused the SAF of assassinating Abubakar and warned it would pay a heavy price for this crime. The three Kordofan states North, West, and South have seen weeks of fierce fighting between the army and the RSF, prompting tens of thousands of people to flee. Worsening humanitarian crisis Thousands of families fleeing renewed fighting in Kordofan and Darfur have arrived in the city of Kosti, only to find overcrowded camps and dwindling international support. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the North Darfur Emergency Chambers Council warned of the worsening humanitarian disaster in the Umbro locality of North Darfur State, where heavy clashes are ongoing amid an RSF offensive. The council said the region is experiencing tragic conditions that have led to the forced displacement of more than 6,500 families. Of Sudans 18 states, the RSF controls all five states of the Darfur region in the west, except for some northern parts of North Darfur that remain under army control. The army, meanwhile, holds most areas of the remaining 13 states in the south, north, east, and centre, including the capital Khartoum. Sudans humanitarian crisis has sharply worsened since the war between the army and the RSF erupted in April 2023 over a dispute on unifying the military establishment, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions. CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team has found long delays in Cleveland sending an ambulance to some of the most serious medical emergencies even as the city says it is getting close to full staffing. A recent call for help led us to take a closer look at Cleveland EMS response time. A woman called to get help for her 78-year-old mother choking on food. Why Ohio law could change around holiday celebration gunfire: I-Team Advertisement Advertisement And, the I-Team found, records show a Cleveland ambulance did not get there for 19 minutes. Now, look at the delays we found over an entire month. For the month of November, we looked at calls that did not even get dispatched for at least 20 minutes. Just in that month, we found more than three dozen serious and even life-threatening calls not dispatched for a very long time. Records show an hour and 9 minutes passed before a Cleveland ambulance was sent for someone with chest pain/not alert. Thirty-six minutes passed before an ambulance was sent for a traffic high velocity incident. Twenty-seven minutes for a traffic incident labelled major. Fifty-seven minutes for a sick person/not alert and more. Advertisement Advertisement The I-Team has exposed short staffing in EMS as a chronic problem. And, on the day of the delay with the woman choking, EMS was operating far short of its targeted number of ambulances rolling. Mom recovering after being shot in the face during Cleveland carjacking Last month, Mayor Justin Bibb held a news conference talking about investing in public safety. In fact, the city has pointed out, Cleveland EMS pay has gone up sharply. And, when a new class of cadets graduates, EMS will be up to full staff. But, the records show, some callers, still, face significant delays in critical emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Barrett, President of the Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees (CARE), the EMS union, issued a statement. He said, CARE members with Cleveland EMS answer over 100,000 emergency calls annually and provide excellent patient care to Clevelanders . We look forward to continuing to work with the Bibb Administration to implement proactive solutions to address our extremely high call volume by either adding more response units or working to connect people with other healthcare resources and free up ambulances. The woman whod waited a long time for an ambulance after her mother had choked on food told dispatch, I dont know what is going on. It takes 20 minutes to dispatch EMS. And, she told the I TEAM, To me, it felt like 60 minutes. Thats totally unacceptable. I would hope they would feel a bit of concern if this was their parent. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The US raid on Venezuela caused flight delays, especially in the Caribbean. Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines said they canceled flights to the Caribbean. Many travelers were left stranded as airlines reassess routes and waive change fees. The US raid on Venezuela that netted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Saturday has sent surprised travelers into a mild tailspin. Flightradar24 data shows Venezuela's airspace is empty following the strikes. While US airlines haven't flown there for years, the Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday formally barred operations in Venezuelan airspace, essentially codifying an already de facto no-fly zone. Advertisement Advertisement Late Saturday night, US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced through a post on X that the airspace restrictions around the region would expire at 12 a.m. ET on January 4, allowing commercial flights to resume. "Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly," Duffy wrote. "Please continue to work with your airline if your flight was affected by the restrictions." Delta, in a late Saturday statement, indicated that it would resume flights in the area starting early Sunday morning, but noted that the airline may experience schedule adjustments as its resources are "repositioned." The impact of the closures extended beyond Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Airlines were also avoiding nearby southern Caribbean airspace due to heightened security risks. Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines said they canceled flights to the Caribbean on Saturday morning following the US strike on Venezuela. The strikes have left students in the lurch The cancellations inconvenienced many travelers, particularly students returning for the start of the new semester. "I don't know what I'm doing right now," Catalina Rodriguez, a veterinary student at Ross University School of Medicine in St. Kitts and Nevis, said in a video she posted to TikTok. "One of my flights is good, my other flight is delayed, am I supposed to change my trip?" Rodriguez, 34, later told Business Insider in a call that she is supposed to start her third semester of veterinary school on Monday. She is scheduled to fly on American Airlines at noon on Sunday, but her flight is now delayed. She said she's also been in touch with several classmates who are stuck in airports due to cancellations and delays. Advertisement Advertisement "We're just waiting to see what's going to happen," she said. "It's a little stressful for sure." Another student, who goes by "dani la doctorcita" on TikTok, said in a video that her Delta flight to St. Kitts was canceled. "All US flights have been canceled," she said. "Delta won't fly even from Puerto Rico." The Wall Street Journal reported that aviation risk-intelligence firm Osprey Flight Solutions a widely used industry service that tracks safety and security hazards for airlines recently upgraded its risk assessment for the Southern Caribbean Sea from "moderate" to "high" amid escalating tensions. That higher-risk zone includes places like Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curacao, the British and US Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Thomas, Grenada, Barbados, and parts of Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana. Mass disruptions to and from these destinations have left thousands stranded as airlines reassess safety risks and insurance exposure. Travelers are scrambling to find a backup plan Stranded travelers have few options to depart Caribbean nations and little help from airlines while they wait. Advertisement Advertisement Because the disruptions stem from government action outside the airlines' control, carriers do not legally owe passengers compensation. That means meals, hotels, and ground transportation are not required under federal law, though airlines may offer assistance as a gesture of goodwill. One X user who goes by Nate_F_Thurmond posted a photo of a group of stranded travelers in St. John. "Passengers stranded in St John just learning that Caribbean Airspace is closed," they wrote. "American, JetBlue, and Delta canceled flights. People are scrambling to find places to stay. Being told 3-5 days by the airlines. All this because of Venezuela??" In most cases, the only guaranteed option is rebooking, and travelers may struggle to find alternative accommodations while waiting for the next available flight. Advertisement Advertisement Some flights are still operating, but they are taking significant detours to avoid the region. American Airlines Flight 1512 from Georgetown, Guyana, to Miami on Saturday, for example, ditched its usual route east of Venezuela through the southern Caribbean and instead flew west around the area, adding roughly an hour of flight time. American flew westward around Venezuela after the strikes instead of its usual path east. Flightradar24 For travelers who want to cancel or postpone their Caribbean holidays, most airlines including Delta, United, American, Southwest, and JetBlue are waiving change and cancellation fees as the situation continues. Some western Caribbean countries, such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, are not included on waiver lists. Read the original article on Business Insider President Donald Trumps habit of bragging about acing multiple cognitive tests may have accidentally confirmed everyones worst fears about the state of his health. Appearing on MS NOW, Dr. Vin Gupta discussed the presidents latest boast, the 79-year-old gloating yet again about scoring 100% on a third cognitive examination in a Friday Truth Social post. The White House Doctors have just reported that I am in PERFECT HEALTH, and that I ACED (Meaning, was correct on 100% of the questions asked!), for the third straight time, my Cognitive Examination, something which no other President, or previous Vice President, was willing to take, the president wrote. Donald Trump/Truth Social This is not the flex he thinks it is, Gupta, medical analyst for NBC News and former chief medical officer at Amazon Pharmacy, said. You dont do this every other day and use that as evidence that youre cognitively there. Advertisement Advertisement Those that tend to do Montreal [Cognitive Assessment Tool, or MOCA] tests with that level of frequency, usually were worried about the presence of early-stage dementia or cognitive impairment, so he might be ruling himself in to something that he doesnt want to rule himself into. The president has faced increasing speculation surrounding his cognitive health during his second term, with multiple medical experts and Trumps own niece suggesting that his decline is readily apparent. The president has repeatedly bragged about acing multiple cognitive tests, which are typically reserved for people in cognitive decline. / Joe Raedle/Getty Images Psychologist Dr. John Gartner has previously told The Daily Beast Podcast that undertaking the same cognitive assessment multiple times suggests that his doctors are not assessing dementia, but monitoring it. You could maybe justify giving someone the MoCA once, just on their age, just as part of a physical. If youre giving it to him three times, that means youre not assessing dementia. That means youre monitoring dementia, Gartner said. Advertisement Advertisement Gartner has previously pointed to the presidents increasingly erratic behavior as evidence of his cognitive decline. When people develop dementia, they become the worst versions of themselves, he told the Daily Beasts Joanna Coles in November. Whatever personality issues or problems [people with dementia] have begin to deteriorate and they become even more crude, disorganized, aggressive, confused versions of that personality disorder, Gartner added. Caginess from the White House has only exacerbated speculation about the presidents health, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt repeatedly declining to provide journalists or the American public with details of the presidents medical assessments. Advertisement Advertisement After the president himself blurted out in October that he had undergone an MRI during a physical examination, the White House initially declined to explain why. Eventually, in December, they claimed that it was a preventative measure due to his agea claim medical experts immediately began to question. There really is no preventative cardiac MRI, Dr. Jonathan Reiner told CNN in December. This is not a standard test for an 80-year-old man to undergo advanced imaging. Trump has also regularly been seen with bruises on his handsomething the White House has blamed on frequent handshakes plus a daily aspirin regimenand swollen ankles, likely the result of his chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis, both of which have added to concerns about his fitness for office, as has his seeming tendency to take naps during official meetings. In January 2025, Trumpwho regularly questioned his predecessor Joe Bidens fitness for officebecame the oldest president to take the oath of office. Donald Trump is often spotted with bruises on his hands. / Chip Somodevilla / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images In December, he posted a lengthy rant to Truth Social in which he argued that it was seditious, perhaps even treasonous to discuss his health. After all of the work I have done with Medical Exams, Cognitive Exams, and everything else, I actually believe its seditious, perhaps even treasonous, for The New York Times, and others, to consistently do FAKE reports in order to libel and demean THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, he wrote in response to a wave of fresh concern about his seemingly declining health. VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) An Air India pilot was arrested at Vancouver International Airport last week as he was preparing for a flight, with Canada's transportation agency warning the airline that it faced loss of its flight authorizations if it did not comply with rules about alcohol consumption. Transport Canada said in a statement Friday that the incident took place on Dec. 23, and it would engage with Air India and Indian aviation authorities to ensure appropriate followup actions were taken. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the arrest occurred after a report of concern involving an airline crew member. Advertisement Advertisement Police said an investigation is ongoing and no further information would be released. A spokeswoman for the airport said the pilot had been preparing for Air Indias scheduled daily flight from Vancouver to Delhi, which was delayed for several hours but later departed safely. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 shows that the Dec. 23 Air India flight from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna was scheduled to depart at 3 p.m. but did not leave YVR until 10:02 p.m. Air India did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Transport Canada said in its statement that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India had primary responsibility for regulatory oversight of Air India. Advertisement Advertisement The statement said Canadian aviation regulations prohibited pilots or any other crew members from acting within 12 hours of drinking alcohol or while under its influence. It said airlines could not assign crew who were unfit for duty. Non-compliance with these regulations may result in the suspension or cancellation of a Canadian Aviation Document under the Aeronautics Act, it said. Airlines could also face judicial and other penalties, the statement said. US President Donald Trump has accused Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum of having lost control over her country. In a telephone interview with the US television channel Fox News regarding the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the US military, Trump said that drug cartels were running Mexico, not the elected government. He claimed that Sheinbaum was frightened of the cartels and was unable to take decisive action against them. Advertisement Advertisement Trump further stated that he had repeatedly offered the Mexican president US help to combat the cartels, which she had declined. At the same time, he indicated to her that Washington might resort to tougher measures. "Something is going to have to be done with Mexico," said Trump. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Jan 2 (Reuters) - A campaign funding group aligned with Republican U.S. President Donald Trump, Make America Great Again Inc, entered 2026 with an almost $300 million stockpile ahead of this year's midterm elections, a filing showed on Friday. Between July 1 and December 22, MAGA Inc raised about $102 million, according to the filing with the Federal Election Commission. Nearly half of that amount came from three sources: OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman gave $25 million; Foris DAX Inc, operator of the Crypto.com exchange, gave $20 million; and private equity investor Konstantin Sokolov contributed $11 million. Advertisement Advertisement The super political action committee can use the stockpile for the November midterms, which will gauge the public's perception of Trump's policies in his second term. Trump cannot constitutionally run for a third term as president. Republicans hold narrow majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Major U.S. firms have sought to strengthen ties with Trump since he returned to office in January last year. Many prominent business leaders attended his inauguration, and some have been hosted by him at the White House. Many wealthy individuals and large U.S. tech, cryptocurrency, energy and defense corporations have donated to pay for the construction of a $300 million White House ballroom commissioned by Trump. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Donna Bryson and William Mallard) On November 2, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that land strikes in Venezuela would require the approval of Congress. She said that if Trump were to authorize some activity on land, then its war, then (wed need) Congress. Days later, Trump administration officials privately told members of Congress much the same thing that they lacked the legal justification to support attacks against any land targets in Venezuela. Just two months later, though, the Trump administration has done what it previously indicated it couldnt. Advertisement Advertisement It launched what Trump called a large scale strike against Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro, to face charges. And it launched this regime change effort without the approval of Congress. (Trump in November claimed he didnt need congressional authorization for land action, but it clearly wasnt the consensus view in the administration.) It appears the mission is, for now, limited to removing Maduro. But as Trump noted, it did involve striking inside the country the same circumstance some in the administration previously indicated required authorization that it didnt have. CNN reported back in early November that the administration was seeking a new legal opinion from the Justice Department for such strikes. And Trump in a news conference Saturday spoke repeatedly about not just arresting Maduro, but also running Venezuela and taking over its oil comments that could certainly be understood to suggest this was about more than arresting Maduro. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. The United States military was behind a series of strikes against the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday. - AFP/Getty Images Legally dubious strikes inside another country even ones narrowly tailored at removing a foreign leaders are hardly unheard of in recent American history. But even in that context, this one is remarkable. Shifting justifications Thats because the Trump administration has taken remarkably little care to offer a consistent set of justifications or a legal framework for the attack. And it doesnt even appear to have notified Congress ahead of time, which is generally the bare minimum in such circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement A full legal explanation of the claimed justification has yet to be issued, but the early signs were characteristically confusing. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said shortly after the strikes that Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him the attack was needed to, in Lees words, protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant against Maduro. This action likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack, said Lee, a frequent critic of unauthorized foreign military action. Hours later, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Rubio echoed that line. In Rubios words, this was a law enforcement function that involved a couple of hours of action. Advertisement Advertisement This was not an attack on Venezuela, he told NBCs Meet the Press when asked directly about Wiles comment that land strikes would require going to Congress. This was a law enforcement function to capture an indicted drug trafficker. Rubio added that the administration didnt need congressional approval because this was not an invasion. This was not an extended military operation. He noted the Pentagon was involved because Venezuela has anti-aircraft missiles that could shoot down those helicopters. But there are many people living in other countries that are under indictment in the United States; it is not the US governments usual course to launch strikes on foreign countries to bring them to justice. President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro participates in a civic-military rally in Caracas, Venezuela, on November 25, 2025. - Jesus Vargas/Getty Images/File The administration also hadnt previously indicated that military force could be legally used for this reason. Advertisement Advertisement Initially, Trump threatened land strikes inside Venezuela to target drug traffickers this despite Venezuela being an apparently somewhat small player in the drug-trafficking game. Later, the administration suggested strikes might be needed because Venezuela sent bad people into the United States. And then, after initially downplaying the role of oil in the US pressure campaign against Venezuela and Maduro, Trump said he aimed to reclaim the oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us. The signals were confusing enough that even the hawkish Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina in mid-December indicated the administration lacked clarity in its messaging. Advertisement Advertisement I want clarity right here, Graham said. President Trump is saying his days are numbered. That seems to me that hes gotta go. If its the goal of taking him out because hes a threat to our country, then say it. And what happens next? Dont you think most people want to know that? Despite the focus on the law enforcement operation on Saturday, Trump at the news conference said the United States would now participate in running Venezuela, at least temporarily. And he repeatedly spoke about its oil. Were going to rebuild the oil infrastructure, Trump said, adding at another point: Were going to run the country right. And even if the administration had offered a more consistent justification, that doesnt mean it would be an appropriate one. A controversial 1989 memo The most recent major example of using the US military for regime change is, of course, the war in Iraq. That war was authorized by Congress in 2002. The broader war on terror was authorized by Congress in 2001, after the 9/11 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, administrations have sought to justify several military actions in the Middle East using those authorizations sometimes dubiously. But Venezuela is in an entirely different theater. While many have compared the effort in Venezuela to Iraq, the better comparison and one the administration apparently intends to make is Panama in 1989. Like in Venezuela, Panamas leader at the time, Manuel Noriega, was under US indictment, including for drug-trafficking. And like in Venezuela, the operation was less a large-scale war than a narrowly tailored effort to remove the leader from power. The Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel in 1980 had concluded that the FBI didnt have the authority to apprehend and abduct a foreign national to face justice. But George H.W. Bush administrations OLC quietly reversed that in the summer of 1989. Advertisement Advertisement A memo written by William P. Barr, who would later become attorney general in that Bush administration and Trumps first administration, said a president had inherent constitutional authority to order the FBI to take people into custody in foreign countries, even if it violated international law to do so. That memo was soon used to justify the operation to remove Noriega. (As it happens, Noriega was captured the same day Maduro was: January 3,1990.) But that memo remains controversial to this day. Its also an extraordinarily broad grant of authority, potentially allowing US military force anywhere Pedestrians walk past destroyed containers lay at La Guaira port after explosions were heard in Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. - Matias Delacroix/AP And the situation in Venezuela could differ in that its a larger country that could prove tougher to control with its leader in foreign custody. It also has significant oil wealth, meaning other countries could take an interest in what happens there next. (China has called the attack a blatant use of force against a sovereign state.) Advertisement Advertisement In both the news conference and an interview with Fox News on Saturday morning, Trump invoked the possibility of further military option, reinforcing that this could be about more than just arresting Maduro. That also means the questions about Trumps legal authorities could again be tested just as hes already tested them with his legally dubious strikes on alleged drug boats and other actions in the region. Whats clear is that Trump is seeking to yet again test the limits of his authority as president and Americans tolerance for it. But this time hes doing it on one of the biggest stages yet. And the story of his stretching of the law certainly isnt over. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By JONATHAN BACH, MAXINE BERNSTEIN oregonlive.com President Donald Trump on Wednesday abandoned his push to deploy the National Guard to three U.S. cities, including Portland. In a social media post that railed against Democratic mayors and governors of left-leaning cities, Trump left the door open to future federal intervention. We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Advertisement Advertisement We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again Only a question of time! Trump continued. Trump on Sept. 27 authorized sending federal troops to Oregon to protect what he described as War ravaged Portland. The presidents declaration touched off months of loud but largely nonviolent protests between demonstrators and federal officers tasked with protecting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland. Although the president said Wednesday he was removing the National Guard from Portland and attributed a drop in crime in the city to their presence, the only reported instance of members of the Oregon National Guard at the Portland ICE facility occurred on one day in October. In that episode, Oregon National Guard troops were on the ground at the South Portland building on Oct. 4 hours after a federal judge had issued a temporary restraining order that barred the federal deployment of state troops to the city, as was revealed over the course of a court case to determine the legality of National Guard mobilizations to Portland. Advertisement Advertisement In June, the Trump administration deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell unrest as protesters clashed with federal immigration officials. As of Dec. 15, 100 California National Guard troops remained in the Los Angeles area, according to the the U.S. Northern Command. In Chicago, as in Portland, an immigration crackdown and the threat of a National Guard deployment prompted protests and legal action to bar the troops from mobilizing. Trumps Wednesday announcement comes a week after the U.S. Supreme Court barred the president from deploying National Guard troops to Chicago to support the administrations immigration crackdown. The ruling put the legality of the administrations National Guard deployment in other U.S. cities in question. Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, a federal judge in November issued a permanent injunction barring the president from deploying National Guard troops from any state to Oregon, finding Trump had exceeded his authority by attempting to send troops to Portland. Advertisement Advertisement In Portland, nighttime demonstrations remained mostly nonviolent. Local and federal police arrested dozens on allegations of assaulting officers and destroying government property, many of them at the outset of the protests in early summer. But the timbre of protests shifted in response to Trumps September mobilization order, with demonstrators largely hewing to the adage Dont take the bait a byword meant to show national onlookers that Portland didnt need federal troops to keep the peace. Portland protesters donned inflatable animal costumes after footage went viral in early October of a federal agent deploying chemical spray into the air vent of a protester in a frog costume. Later that month, more than a thousand cyclists protested efforts to send in the National Guard by participating in an emergency Naked Bike Ride in the rain. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson memorably responded that the bike ride was the most threatening thing Ive seen yet. Levity outside the ICE facility belied impacts to nearby apartment residents affected by secondhand tear gas exposure, as well as the ripple effects of Trumps immigration crackdown in the Portland area, which The Oregonian/OregonLive documented extensively. Advertisement Advertisement Protests outside the ICE facility have dissipated as rainy winter weather has set in. On Wednesday evening, all was just as quiet outside the facility. A sole protester held a sign that read Hatred only divides. Cars drove by without honking. Another man held a phone, apparently live-streaming the stillness. Gov. Tina Kotek and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said state officials had yet to see formal orders to send members of the National Guard home. They were never lawfully deployed to Portland and there was no need for their presence, Kotek said in a statement. If President Trump has finally chosen to follow court orders and demobilize our troops, thats a big win for Oregonians and for the rule of law. While some uncertainty remains, Rayfield sounded an optimistic tone Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement This outcome shows that standing up for the Constitution works, Rayfield said in a statement. Its unclear if the federal governments appeal of U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immerguts injunction blocking federal deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, which is before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, will be halted or not. The Oregon attorney generals office is treating the case as moving forward, said Jenny Hansson, Rayfields spokesperson. Im told that as of right now yes, our case is still a go, Hansson said Wednesday. But an outside legal expert said the federal government could dismiss its appeal, considering the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Illinois case. Advertisement Advertisement I expect (the federal) DOJ will suggest to judges that it is moot, and the judges may be happy to agree, said Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law. Carlos Fuentes, Zane Sparling and Fedor Zarkhin contributed to this article Donald Trump has revealed he kept his Venezuela strike secret from the U.S. Congress because he was worried leaky lawmakers would wreck the raid. The president insisted that it was the reason he didnt ask for permission for the attack at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago on Saturday. His comments came as a growing number of lawmakers from both parties were sounding the alarms on the U.S. carrying out strikes on Venezuela without authorization from Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced the strikes and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a post on Truth Social just after 4 am ET. In his press conference, the president claimed the U.S. would run Venezuela until a transition can take place. He also suggested the U.S. was prepared for larger strikes. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted that the couple had been indicted on gun and drug charges. Republican Trump critic Rep. Thomas Massie was among the first GOP lawmakers to sound the alarm about the U.S. attack. If this action were constitutionally sound, the Attorney General wouldnt be tweeting that theyve arrested the President of a sovereign country and his wife for possessing guns in violation of a 1934 U.S. firearm law, Massie wrote on X. If this action were constitutionally sound, the Attorney General wouldnt be tweeting that theyve arrested the President of a sovereign country and his wife for possessing guns in violation of a 1934 U.S. firearm law. Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2026 He also pointed out that the unsealed indictment had no mention of fentanyl or stolen oil. Advertisement Advertisement Retiring Republican Rep. Don Bacon said the operation was great for the future of Venezuelans and the region, but he also had a warning. My main concern is now Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan. Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives, he warned in a statement. Trump ally-turned-fierce critic Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also raised scathing questions. If U.S. military action and regime change in Venezuela was really about saving American lives from deadly drugs then why hasnt the Trump admin taken action against Mexican cartels? she wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement And if prosecuting narco terrorists is a high priority then why did President Trump pardon the former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez who was convicted and sentenced for 45 years for trafficking hundreds of tons of cocaine into America? Ironically cocaine is the same drug that Venezuela primarily traffics into the U.S. Greene claimed it was a clear move for control over Venezuelan oil supplies that will ensure stability for the next obvious regime change war in Iran. Moments later, the president himself confirmed the U.S. oil companies would go into Venezuela. Trump focused largely on the oil companies, but he did not rule out U.S. boots on the ground and remained largely vague over what comes next. Americans disgust with our own governments never ending military aggression and support of foreign wars is justified because we are forced to pay for it and both parties, Republicans and Democrats, always keep the Washington military machine funded and going, Greene wrote. This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end. Boy were we wrong. Ive served on the Homeland Security Committee for the past three years. Im 100% for strong safe secure borders and stopping narco terrorists and cartels from trafficking deadly drugs and human trafficking into America. Fentanyl is responsible for over 70% of U.S. drug Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) January 3, 2026 GOP Senator Mike Lee first wrote that he was looking forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force. Advertisement Advertisement Lee later followed up that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told him Maduro was arrested to stand trial in the U.S. and the strikes were taken to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant. This action likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack, Lee posted on X. He said there is no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody. Democrats were fierce with their criticism of the presidents actions early on Saturday, even as they also slammed Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps unauthorized military attack on Venezuela to arrest Madurohowever terrible he isis a sickening return to a day when the United States asserted the right to dominate the internal political affairs of all nations in the Western Hemisphere," said Virginia Senator Tim Kaine in a statement. That history is replete with failures, and doubling down on it makes it difficult to make the claim with a straight face that other countries should respect the United States sovereignty when we do not do the same. Kaine questioned what Trump would do next, as the president himself even hinted on Fox & Friends after the strikes that there could be other action. Will the President deploy our troops to protect Iranian protesters? To enforce the fragile ceasefire in Gaza? To battle terrorists in Nigeria? To seize Greenland or the Panama Canal? To suppress Americans peacefully assembling to protest his policies? Kaine asked. He called on Congress to reassert its role with his resolution that the U.S. not go to war with Venezuela without congressional authorization, which will be up for a vote when Congress returns next week. Advertisement Advertisement Ranking member on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner issued his own blistering statement that using military force to enact regime change demands the closest scrutiny, precisely because the consequences do not end with the initial strike. Warner blasted Maduro as corrupt, but he questioned the U.S. using the military to capture a foreign leader accused of crimes, and asked what was to stop China from doing the same thing against the leadership of Taiwan or Russia against the Ukrainian president. Once this line is crossed, the rules that restrain global chaos begin to collapse, and authoritarian regimes will be the first to exploit it, Warner warned. Warner also pointed out that Trump recently pardoned the former president of Honduras, who was convicted in the U.S. of drug trafficking. But pointed out the same administration is now using similar allegations to justify military action against Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Without authorization from Congress, and with the vast majority of Americans opposed to military action, Trump just launched an unjustified, illegal strike on Venezuela, wrote Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern. He says we dont have enough money for healthcare for Americansbut somehow we have unlimited funds for war??" Trump responded to the early backlash from Democrats, saying that he launched an unjustified attack without congressional authorization. These are weak, stupid people, Trump fired back on Fox & Friends. Theyre trying to save themselves from almost destroying our country. The president went on to rant about winning the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement They should say great job. They shouldnt say, Oh gee, maybe its not constitutional, Trump complained. You know, the same old stuff that weve been hearing for years and years and years. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3 before President Donald Trump posted about ground strikes against Venezuela on Truth Social. / Luis Jaimes/AFP via Getty Images But the presidents press conference comments did little to reassure lawmakers. The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement after the presidents public remarks. While Trump dismissed concerns about the constitutionality of the U.S. strikes on Venezuela, he has had the early backing of Republican congressional leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he spoke with Rubio Saturday morning in a statement and said he looked forward to receiving further briefings when the Senate returns to Washington. President Trumps decisive action to disrupt the unacceptable status quo and apprehend Maduro, through the execution of a valid Department of Justice warrant, is an important first step to bring him to justice for the drug crimes for which he has been indicted in the United States, Thune said. House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed the strike in Venezuela was a decisive and justified operation that will protect American lives. He noted that the administration was working to schedule briefings with Congress when it returned next week. It was George Bernard Shaw who said We learn from experience that men never learn anything from experience". Based on the events of the past 24 hours and President Trumps comments that is spot on. High on the toppling of President Maduro, the United States is apparently going to start running Venezuela. An astonishing statement, without legal grounding and from a leader who claims hes pro-peace and anti regime change. Advertisement Advertisement As if Iraq never happened, the next thing out of President Trumps mouth was chat about oil and money, without any sense of discomfort or irony. Donald Trump, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine at a conference on Saturday. Credit: AP Under international law it is illegal to seize a sovereign country but international law is starting to feel like some quaint old tradition cast out like a troublesome tradition of old. When he talks of running Venezuela, President Trump appears to have forgotten that military success is not necessarily replicated by political success and toppling a regime can be fast but delivering stability can be slow. Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Panama, Guatemala stand as reminders of the dangers of failing to prepare for the day after. Advertisement Advertisement Regime change, imposed forcibly by a foreign power, is illegal. It needs to be authorised by the UN or can be carried out as a last resort in self defence. This was neither. Nicolas Maduro flown to New York after Trump says US will 'run Venezuela' Who is Nicolas Maduro and why was he captured by the US? Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. Maduro is no example of great governance, he may well be all the dreadful things he is accused of, but thats not the point. Dont fall for the use of the phrase regime change, theres no protection in that. Advertisement Advertisement Unilateral gangster style governance leaves every nation at risk. Its just a matter of falling out of favour or having something someone else might want. The concept of joint rule book just got lost somewhere between the golden ballrooms of Mar A Lago and the burning skies of Caracas. So did the concept of sovereignty or security. From Westminster to Washington DC - our political experts are across all the latest key talking points. Listen to the latest episode below... President Donald Trump on Jan. 3 released the first photo of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima after his capture in an overnight U.S. military operation. The photo, posted to Trump's social media network Truth Social, shows Maduro in a gray sweatsuit, holding a water bottle and wearing what appeared to be sound-suppressing earmuffs and a dark covering over his eyes. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were both captured in the operation that also included strikes on targets in Venezuela, he said. Both are named in a federal indictment accusing them of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and two illegal weapons counts. Maduro and Flores were taken to New York to face the charges, Trump said. The couple landed in New York on Saturday evening. Advertisement Advertisement In a news conference, Trump said the United States will "run the country" until a "proper" transition of leadership can take place, without further detailing what U.S. involvement would look like. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Maduro was pictured on the USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship, where he was being held with his wife, Trump said. They were removed from Venezuela by helicopter, he said on Fox News. "They're on a ship, but they'll be heading into New York," he said in a morning appearance on the network. A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Picture showing damages to a building in the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A military personnel member walks past debris at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. Civilians who were living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex leave the compound, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. A Colombian soldier stands guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Colombian police and military personnel stand guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A man walks next to military vehicles as Colombian soldiers patrol the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets sit parked on the tarmac at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. Colombian soldiers in a military vehicle at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A car drives on an empty street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. A cyclist stops to check their phone, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. F-22, C-130 and F-35 aircraft are seen at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on an empty street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured President Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A person wears a Venezuelan flag, as they and others react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. People react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, on the streets of Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A person wearing a hat that reads "America first" reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A man holds a flag reading "Make Venezuela Great Again", as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro block the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Picture showing damages to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. An armed supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocks the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raises his clenched fist as he leaves the vice-presidency building in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro leaves the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. A helicopter carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro comes in to land at the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 39 A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Explosions rocked Venezuela's capital of Caracas early on Jan. 3 and other targets around the country. Videos circulating on social media showed helicopters flying over Caracas and firing at targets. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Picture of Nicolas Maduro in US custody posted by President Trump Donald Trumps fixation on the big lie of the 2020 election is the organizing principle of his political life. After the Jan. 6 insurrection, he campaigned against Republicans who dared to hold him accountable. Since returning to office, he has set out on a revenge tour so obsessive and self-defeating that it is now consuming the very people who carried him back to power. From the start of his second term, the president has used the levers of government to reward loyalty and punish perceived betrayal. Universities that failed his ideological loyalty tests were threatened with investigations or funding cuts. Media companies were sued and harassed. Law firms that represented his opponents were singled out for retribution. As Salons Brian Karem recently observed, there is no indication that Trump plans to slow down in 2026. Instead, the president has turned his weapons of revenge on deep-red communities and MAGA diehards who believed despite mountains of evidence to the contrary that their loyalty would shield them. With the first veto of his second term, he is gleefully punishing tens of thousands of his own voters now that he doesnt need them anymore for personal gain. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Trump rejected bipartisan legislation to complete the Arkansas Valley Conduit, a 130-mile pipeline designed to bring clean drinking water to farms and homes across southeastern Colorado an area that voted overwhelmingly for Trump in 2024. Groundwater in these communities is contaminated with salt and naturally occurring radioactive elements. The bill would have shifted more of the cost of completing the project which has been in the works since the 1960s onto the federal government, relieving the regions poor, rural communities of a crushing financial burden. It passed Congress unanimously, but Trump killed it anyway. In a message posted to Truth Social the same day, the president made clear that the veto was not about policy, as the White Houses official statement about massive cost of taxpayer handouts suggested, but a personal vendetta on behalf of Tina Peters, who is now, for two years out of nine, sitting in a Colorado Maximum Security Prison, at the age of 73, and sick, for the crime of trying to stop the massive voter fraud that goes on in her State. Peters, a Republican election official from a deep-red county, was charged by a Republican district attorney and convicted by a jury in 2024 that almost certainly included Republicans of tampering with voting machines in an effort to support Trumps claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Her crime was not courageously catching Democrats cheating, as Trump insists, but orchestrating a breach of her countys election system and handing access to votes and voter data to an associate of election conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell. At her sentencing, Peters repeatedly insulted the judge and never showed an ounce of contrition. Trump, for his part, begged Colorado to move her to a federal jail. The state said no. He issued a full and unconditional pardon that, because her crimes were at the state level, had no legal effect, and so he threatened harsh measures if she was not released. Advertisement Advertisement The week before his veto, Trump denied Colorados request for federal disaster funding to help rural counties in southwestern Colorado recover from recent wildfires and record-breaking flooding. Rio Blanco County, which voted 81% for Trump in 2024, was left scrambling to rebuild power lines after more than $20 million in damage. Now one of Trumps loudest loyalists is pushing back. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Rep. Lauren Boebert shrugged as Trumps administration went after Colorado in other ways, including dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research in liberal Boulder, telling reporters that if he wants to go after Boulder and some climate activists, sure. But since the congresswoman sponsored the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, the presidents latest dose of vengeance is a problem. I must have missed the rally where he stood in Colorado and promised to personally derail critical water infrastructure projects, Boebert said after Trumps veto. I sincerely hope this veto has nothing to do with political retribution. Advertisement Advertisement Boebert, who is infamous for engaging in a lewd act in a theater full of children, was one of four initial Republican rebels who joined Democrats in forcing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. (The group also included Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, whom Trump has called a lunatic and a traitor.) As the president worked to bully the rebels into submission, his top aides even called Boebert into the White House Situation Room. But Trumps strong-arm tactics reportedly caused Boebert to dig in. Now her constituents are paying the price. This isnt over, she vowed. MAGA has always promised its followers protection in exchange for obedience. What Trump is demonstrating now is that the protection was an illusion. Loyalty to him is a leash, and he will not hesitate to choke off even his most devoted supporters. Republicans in Congress now face a test they have spent nearly a decade avoiding. Since the Arkansas Valley Conduit bill passed the House and Senate unanimously, overriding the presidents veto should be easy. The question is whether Republicans will be willing to risk Trumps wrath to deliver clean water to their own voters. History suggests they will hesitate before eventually caving to his will. Fear has become the GOPs driving ideology. What this means is that MAGA voters are learning, in real time, what the rest of the country has known for over a decade. There are only two kinds of people in Trumps orbit: those who have been burned, and those who will be. What makes this moment different is that the consequences are no longer confined to the political careers of Republicans. The presidents revenge now looks like burned power lines left unrepaired, flood damage left unaddressed and clean water denied to his own voters. Advertisement Advertisement For years, Trumps supporters told themselves they would be the exception. They excused his cruelty as a solid strategy, his corruption as shrewdness and his lies as necessary to combat imagined enemies. Now the leopard is licking their faces, and they are bewildered. The post Trumps revenge tour leaves MAGA collateral damage appeared first on Salon.com. The US will "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" can be ensured, Donald Trump has said, after US strikes led to the capture of country's President Nicolas Maduro. US oil companies would also fix Venezuela's "broken infrastructure" and "start making money for the country", the US president said. The US launched strikes on Venezuela on Saturday morning in which Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces and removed from the country. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela announced a state of national emergency and denounced the "military aggression", with the country's vice president saying Maduro is its only leader. Maduro and Flores were flown out of the capital, Caracas, on a US helicopter in the early hours of Saturday morning and taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima at an unknown location in the Caribbean Sea. They were later flown to the Guantanamo Bay US Naval Base in Cuba before being transferred to another plane to head to New York state, and then flown by helicopter into New York City's Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and Flores had been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Advertisement Advertisement The pair have been charged with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the US. "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," Bondi wrote on X. Previously, Maduro has vehemently denied being a cartel leader and has accused the US of using its "war on drugs" as an excuse to try to depose him and get its hands on Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Advertisement Advertisement Trump told a news conference ahead of Maduro's arrival in New York: "The oil business in Venezuela has been a bust, a total bust for a long period of time. "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country." The South American country has approximately 303 billion barrels' worth of crude, accounting for about 20% of the world's oil resources, according to the US Energy Information Administration. It is unclear exactly how the US plans to "run" Venezuela, but the president said it will be a "group" of people leading the charge. Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to be running it with a group, and we're going to make sure it's run properly," Trump said. When pressed by reporters as to who inside Venezuela would form part of that group, Trump said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been talking to Delcy Rodriguez, the country's vice-president. Trump said Rodriguez - who has since been sworn in as interim president by Venezuela's Supreme Court - had expressed her willingness to do "whatever the US asks". However, speaking on state TV after Trump's remarks, Rodriguez called Maduro the "only one president in Venezuela", adding that the government was ready to defend itself. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also said he had not spoken to Venezuela's opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, who was barred from the 2024 presidential election but was instrumental in galvanising support for a rival candidate to Maduro believed to have won the poll. The US president said Machado "doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country" needed to run Venezuela. Explosions were heard around Caracas early on Saturday morning as military bases were targeted by US forces. Over the following two hours and twenty minutes, dozens of US aircraft were seen in the skies as special forces penetrated Maduro's safe house to retrieve him. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela's long-term allies strongly condemned the US actions. Russia accused the US of committing "an act of armed aggression" that was "deeply concerning and condemnable". China's foreign ministry said it was "deeply shocked and strongly condemns" the use of force against a sovereign country and its president. Many Latin American countries, including Venezuela's neighbours, Colombia and Brazil, also condemned the actions. Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel described them as a "criminal attack", while Trump's ally in Argentina, Javier Milei, wrote "freedom moves forward" on social media. US allies were more reserved in their responses, urging a peaceful transition of power. Sir Keir Starmer said the UK "regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president" and "shed no tears about the end of his regime", but called for a "safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government". The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas and France's president Emmanuel Macron offered similar sentiments. A new government must be "respectful of the will of the Venezuelan people", Macron wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the legality of the US operation was "complex" and warned that "political instability must not be allowed to arise in Venezuela". The taking of Maduro is the culmination of an escalating pressure campaign against his government by the Trump administration over the past 12 months that has included sanctions and placing a large naval force in the region. Since September, the US has launched more than 30 strikes on what it says are boats being used for drug trafficking in the Pacific and the Caribbean, killing more than 100 people. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has described the strikes as attacks against terrorists attempting to bring fentanyl and cocaine to the US, however it has provided no evidence for this claim. With the exception of two survivors - a Colombian and an Ecuadorean national - none of the identities of those aboard have been made public. Earlier this week, the conflict escalated further when the US carried out a strike on a "dock area" linked to alleged Venezuelan drug boats. Fentanyl is produced mainly in Mexico and reaches the US almost exclusively via land through its southern border. Counter-narcotic experts have also described Venezuela as a relatively minor player in global drug trafficking, mainly acting as a country through which drugs produced elsewhere are smuggled. TUPELO With the holidays come and gone, Tupelo and Lee County officials are setting their priorities for the new year alongside their short lists for state funding assistance ahead of the coming legislative session. Tupelo Mayor Todd Jordan said there are some specific items for which the city hopes to secure state and federal appropriations: building a new fire station downtown, an expansive train system upgrade, and new lighting at Mississippi Department of Transportation interchanges in town. This administrations focus is on safety and infrastructure, Jordan said, adding that the citys biggest ask will be for funding to replace Fire Station No. 1. Advertisement Advertisement We desperately need a signature fire station, the mayor said. Since the prior term, the city has made great pains to replace its aging fire stations. The city is in the process of replacing Fire Station No. 5 on the south end of town. The project will be completed next year. To replace Fire Station No. 1, the now oldest station in the city, the state provided $1.25 million during the previous legislative session. Jordan said the city will request an additional $3 million for the project. This year, the city plans to take a different approach to its lobbying and legislative wish list. Rather than build a laundry list of overarching projects, officials plan to zero in on the fire station in hopes of securing more funding for it rather than smaller allocations alongside the major project. Advertisement Advertisement City officials want to build a large fire station near the Tupelo Police Department, creating a centralized area for emergency response when emergencies necessitate a command center. Federally, Jordan hinted at a continued push for federal funding for the train project. This includes the construction of an overpass along Eason Boulevard's crossing, upgrades to over a dozen crossings in town to establish three quiet zones effectively turning the entire city into a quiet zone, save for Crosstown and moving the switching operation further south to clear congestion at Crosstown. The city received $1.5 million from a 2022 federal grant last year that is meant to help pay the engineering costs for the projects. This year, the city hopes to work with the feds to secure the engineering. On top of that funding, the city received $7.7 million from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant and $4.6 million from state allocations. As for the lighting, Jordan said the city has a $250,000 project to provide lighting at interchanges along Highway 45, noting that he believes it will attract more travelers into the city at night. Advertisement Advertisement County officials hope for assistance in emergency services, renovations Meanwhile, the county looks to replace seven fire trucks for its system of volunteer fire departments, as well as to replace the station in the Mooreville-Eggville district. The fire trucks, County Administrator Ronnie Bell said, will cost between $3.7 to $3.8 million, and the county hopes the state can help shoulder the burden. We do need some help with the seven fire trucks. Five of those seven are 2000 model trucks that the county purchased at that time that are timed out for the ratings bureau, he said, referring to the fact that the states rating bureau puts penalties on fire ratings when fire trucks in the district are more than 25 years old. It would be great to get some assistance with those. Advertisement Advertisement The county wants the trucks delivered by late 2026 or early 2027. Replacing the first station will cost about $1 million. The county received about $300,000 to install storm shelters in fire stations throughout the county and its municipalities. Each shelter costs about $6,100 and holds about 17 people. The project was completed late last year, Bell said, with 49 shelters now placed. Bell said the county, with the help of the local delegation and Sen. Chad McMahan, hopes to secure another chunk of funding to place more storm shelters around community centers in the county. For infrastructure, the county has two bridges that it says need to be replaced on County Road 231, which is a county-line road. The estimate is about $1.5 million for both, and the hope, Bell said, is to pull the Union County and Lee County Delegation together to request the funding. Advertisement Advertisement Otherwise, there are multiple county buildings in need of repairs or replacement, which the county wants to get state or federal funding for. Top of that list is the old courthouse, which houses the Tax Collector and Tax Assessors offices. The state previously gave the county $750,000 for the project, but the total cost of the first phase of the project is about $2 million. Phase I, Bell said, will be brought out to bid soon. The scope of the project is primarily stabilizing the exterior of the historic building, including repairing the roof, steps, windows, doors and entrances. That $2 million price tag is just the tip of the iceberg. Bell said the county estimates the interior work will be even more costly, about $5 to $6 million. It is going to take several million dollars to do what needs to be done over multiple phases, he said. Passed (the first allocation), it would be great for additional funding for future phases. Advertisement Advertisement While the county languishes over the $94 million project to replace the jail, officials hope to build a new juvenile detention education building, replacing the aging mobile classroom currently in use. Bell estimated the project at about $2.5. The goal, he added, is to mix local, state and federal funding to get the job done. When a youth is placed there, we have to provide for their education, he said. Were hoping to cobble together state, fed and local funds to do the project. Investing.com -- U.S. President Donald Trump in a post on Truth Social confirmed that the U.S. had carried out a strike on Venezuela. He also said U.S. forces had captured the countrys leader Nicolas Maduro and flown him out of the country. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago," Trump wrote. Strikes on multiple targets in Venezuela, including a military base, port, and airport near Caracas, took place early Saturday morning, according to media reports and eyewitness accounts on X. It was widely believed that the attacks were carried out by U.S. forces. Advertisement Advertisement Residents of Caracas reported hearing loud explosions and aircraft sounds beginning around 1:50 a.m. local time. The southern area of the Venezuelan capital, near a major military base, lost electricity following the strikes. CNN also reported on multiple strikes on the capital, with their crew witnessing several explosions. Military helicopters believed to belong to US forces were reportedly seen flying over Caracas. Venezuelan news outlets Efecto Cocuyo and Tal Cual Digital reported that explosions were also heard in La Guaira state north of Caracas and along the countrys coast, as well as in Higuerote, a coastal city in Miranda state. Some reports indicated strikes targeted an air base in Caracas and a Venezuelan naval base in Vargas state. Unconfirmed information also mentioned an explosion at an oil refinery in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement The Venezuelan government issued a statement rejecting what it described as "military aggression" by the United States. Venezuelan authorities claim the goal of the purported U.S. attack is to "take possession of Venezuelan oil and minerals." The United States "will not succeed," the statement said, adding that the government called on "all social and political forces to activate mobilization plans." CBS reported that Trump administration officials are aware of the reports of explosions and aircraft over Caracas. Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on X that Venezuelas capital Caracas is currently under missile attack. "At this moment they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world they have attacked Venezuela," Petro wrote on X. He added that missiles were being used in the attack and called for immediate meetings of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN). Related articles Trump: Maduro captured and flown out during strike on Venezuela 17 Undervalued Small-Cap Tech Stocks Primed to Outperform in Q4 The 5 Best Gold Mining Stocks to Buy Now WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said no American forces appear to have been killed and no aircraft was lost during an overnight strike on Venezuela, in which the U.S. seized the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife and bombed targets in the capital city of Caracas and elsewhere. Trump said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were in a "highly-guarded" compound that was "like a fortress" when they captured by the U.S. military and forcibly removed from the country. They were flown by helicopter to the Iwo Jima, a U.S. warship, and are on their way to New York, where the deposed Venezuelan leader and Flores will be prosecuted for alleged drug crimes. "They're on a ship, but they'll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out. A nice flight, I'm sure they loved it. They've killed a lot of people," Trump said during a phone interview with Fox & Friends "Even people in their own country, they killed a lot of people to maintain power. He's a very vicious person." Advertisement Advertisement Live updates: US seizes Venezuela's Maduro in 'large scale' attack, Trump says A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Picture showing damages to a building in the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A military personnel member walks past debris at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. Civilians who were living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex leave the compound, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. A Colombian soldier stands guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Colombian police and military personnel stand guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A man walks next to military vehicles as Colombian soldiers patrol the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets sit parked on the tarmac at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. Colombian soldiers in a military vehicle at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A car drives on an empty street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. A cyclist stops to check their phone, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. F-22, C-130 and F-35 aircraft are seen at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on an empty street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured President Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A person wears a Venezuelan flag, as they and others react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. People react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, on the streets of Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A person wearing a hat that reads "America first" reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A man holds a flag reading "Make Venezuela Great Again", as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro block the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Picture showing damages to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. An armed supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocks the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raises his clenched fist as he leaves the vice-presidency building in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro leaves the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. A helicopter carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro comes in to land at the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 39 A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. The assault came after months of U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean that have killed at least 115 people, the seizure of two oil tankers off of Venezuela's coast and repeated warnings from the president that land strikes on the Latin American country were on their way. Trump confirmed early on Jan. 3 that the U.S. had was behind a strike on Venezuela, several hours after explosions shook Caracas. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Reactions to the United States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolas Maduro ranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026. A child holds a placard saying "I will meet my grandparents" as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. A woman reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gather near the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. A Venezuelan man living in Chile celebrates with a national flag and his car reading "Free Venezuela" in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. The Trump administration said on December 3 that Venezuela's captured Maduro and his wife will face "the full wrath of American justice" under drug and terrorism charges. A man holds up a portrait of late Venezuela's leader (1999-2013) Hugo Chavez in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Activists of Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) burn an effigy of US President Donald Trump during a rally in Kolkata on January 3, 2026, to protest against the recent US attack on Venezuela. A supporter of Nicolas Maduro holds a portrait of the Venezuelan President during a gathering near the Palacio de Miraflores in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela. Demonstrators hold up a banner with the lettering reading 'Stop Trump - Free Venezuela' during a rally organised by left-wing 'Anti-Imperialist Coordination' (Antiimperialistische Koordination - AIK) under the motto 'Hands off Venezuela' at Vienna's Votive Park on January 3, 2026. The EU called for "restraint" and respect for international law in Venezuela on January 3 after US President Trump announced US forces had captured leader Nicolas Maduro in a large-scale assault. Demonstrators march with a banner with the lettering reading 'Hands off Venezuela' during a rally organised by left-wing 'Anti-Imperialist Coordination' (Antiimperialistische Koordination - AIK) in Vienna on January 3, 2026. The EU called for "restraint" and respect for international law in Venezuela on January 3 after US President Trump announced US forces had captured leader Nicolas Maduro in a large-scale assault. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and Venezuelan. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and Venezuelan. Venezuelans living in Peru celebrate at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelans living in Peru dance to celebrate at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. A Venezuelan woman living in Peru celebrates with a national flag at the Miguel de Cervantes park, near the Venezuelan Embassy in Lima on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Activists of Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) protest against the recent US attack on Venezuela, in Kolkata on January 3, 2026. Members of the Communist Party of Britain (CPB) group hold banners outside the U.S. Embassy in London calling for "Hands off Venezuela!", after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in London, Britain, January 3, 2026. People embrace next to a Venezuelan flag, as they react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Madrid, Spain, January 3, 2026. See reactions after US explosions in Venezuela, Maduro capture 1 of 21 Reactions to the United States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolas Maduro ranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026. Trump said later in the morning, on Fox News, that the U.S. intended to strike earlier in the week but cloudy weather delayed the covert operation. Advertisement Advertisement "We were going to do this four days ago, but the weather was not perfect; the weather has to be perfect," Trump said. One helicopter was hit hard during the operation, Trump added, but the U.S. was able to recover the aircraft. "I think we had nobody killed," Trump said. "A couple of guys were hit, but they came back, and theyre supposed to be in pretty good shape." The U.S. president said he would be providing additional details at a news conference at 11 am ET at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Trump spent the holidays at his private resort in Palm Beach and was scheduled to return to Washington on Sunday, Jan. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela's government had alleged that the U.S. was behind the military operation, which came days after Trump acknowledged that the U.S. had conducted a covert strike against a dock facility in the country. Trump's statement was the first public confirmation from the U.S. that it had carried out the strike. The military operation followed a months-long military buildup in the Caribbean by the Trump administration, as well as a series of attacks on alleged drug boats and the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers. This story has been updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says US conducted strike on Venezuela, captured Maduro The Russian Shield over Caracas, Venezuelas vaunted air defense, was supposed to be an iron dome, one that would put the United States to shame and sink their ships. But at 0400 EST on January 3, 2026, the U.S. Navy turned it into red-hot scrap metal. For a decade, the defense blogs and twittersphere have been doom-posting about the S-300VM Antey-2500. They told us the Caribbean was a kill zone. They exclaimed proudly that the Su-30s would sink the American fleet before it could reach operating range. But when the first wave of Tomahawks from the USS Gerald R. Ford crossed that coastline, those Russian radars were already absolutely worthless. Read Next: 7 Venezuelan bugs that can ruin your day (and maybe your life) We didnt just erase a grid square; we dismantled a talking point. The myth of near-peer air defense in the Western Hemisphere is dead. As we have said here before, you can watch other countries battle and say warfare has changed forever, but this is because you dont ever see what the American military can actually accomplish. But before you start popping champagne and waving your miniature American flag, check your ego. The easy part is over. We just knocked on their proverbial door; if you want to enter another mans home uninvited, its a whole other thing. Heres the After-Action Report on how we blinded the bear, and why the next phase is going to be a bloodletting. Phase 1: Blinding the Antey On paper, the S-300VM (NATO: SA-23 Gladiator) is a true nightmare. Its a tracked, mobile beast designed to swat cruise missiles out to 250km. It was the FAFO sign for the U.S. Navy. So how did Operation Southern Spear crack Venezuelas air defense in 20 minutes? Physics. The S-300 relies on the 9S32ME guidance radar, but the radar has a glitch to exploit: it has to scream to hear. The Fords air wing, Growlers, and F-35Cs didnt just jam those signals; they drowned them out. They forced the Venezuelan operators to crank up their power to see anything through the static. That was the bait. The second those radars lit up, they became beacons for our Anti-Radiation Missiles. The S-300 can track 24 targets, but it cant hit what it cant see, especially when its brain is having a digital seizure. Russian-built systems (corruption in their military complex notwithstanding) were designed for the flat open beauty of Eastern Europe, not the jagged teeth of the Venezuelan coast. Tomahawks hug the ground. By the time the batteries at La Carlota even kinda noticed the inbound wave, the missiles were already under the radar horizon, using the very mountains meant to protect the capital as cover. This is how the US military thinks and prepares: your greatest asset becomes a significant, often final, mistake. The result? The Russian Shield is scrap metal. We own the sky; everyone knows this; we also dominate the oceans. The Flankers Are Still Hunting The ground sites are smoking, but the Venezuelan Air Force (AMB) isnt helpless by any means. The real threat to the fleet was never the S-300; it was the Su-30MK2 Flanker carrying the Kh-31 Krypton. This is a nasty piece of hardware. The Kh-31 is a Mach 3+ anti-ship missile that skims the waves faster than you would imagine. Venezuela has 24 Flankers capable of launching them. While we were pounding the static sites, those jets likely dispersed to remote jungle strips. If they decide to sortie a suicide squad against the Ford, the Standard Missiles will have seconds to react. The air war isnt over; its just moved from suppression phase to hunting. Welcome to the Jungle And now its time for the bad stuff. We spent billions perfecting a way of war that relies on three luxuries: seeing everything from space, talking to anyone instantly, and evacuating the wounded immediately. The moment we push past the coastline, the jungle devours all. In the desert, if it flew, we either owned it, took photos of it, or destroyed it. In the Amazon, the triple-canopy foliage is a literal roof over the battlefield. A Reaper drone at 20,000 feet cant see through a hundred feet of mahogany and vine. The enemy knows this. They arent hiding in bunkers; they are maneuvering freely under that green roof. Related: Why traditional jungle warfare training needs an upgrade for 2026 Worse, that canopy clears the airspace for the poor mans air force: drone swarms. Not military-grade Predators, incredibly cheap, commercial quadcopters rigged with mortars. In the open desert, you hear them. In the jungle, the flora absorbs all the sound. You wont know a suicide drone is there until it breaks through the leaves fifteen feet above and aims for your head. Advertisement Advertisement Our doctrine uses data as a crutch. We assume we can call for fire instantly because we have foooor decades. But the jungle is natures Faraday cage. Moisture-dense vegetation sucks up VHF and UHF signals like a sponge. Any patrols humping into the bush will see their comms range drop by at least half; the Russian (and probably Chinese) advisors turn on their jammers. Squad leaders addicted to combat iPads will find themselves staring at blank screens. We are heading back to the days of map, compass, and a runner, skills we let rust during twenty years of desert warfare. The Death of the Golden Hour This is the grimmest reality check. For a generation, American warfighters have operated with the confidence that a MEDEVAC bird was always en route. In this theater, that timeline is a fantasy and could be devastating for ground troops. Now Read: How the US militarys Golden Hour obsession changed civilian medicine Helicopters cant land in a lush jungle. Hoist operations are slow, loud, and leave the bird hovering like a pinata for MANPADS. If a soldier is hit, they arent flying out; their mates are carrying them out. Imagine a fifty-million-dollar helicopter just hovering over a canopy for any length of time. There will be a control room filled with 20-year-olds flying plastic FPV drones at them within minutes, like its nothing more than a game. Evacuation becomes a grueling, multi-day hike through mud that rots skin. The Golden Hour becomes the Golden Day if youre not being bogged down by constant ambush. Every casualty anchors the unit further, turning a rescue mission into a tactical nightmare where help is a three-day hike away. Whats Next Operation Southern Spear was a technical masterpiece. We proved that Russian hardware cant handle American software. The S-300 is effectively dead, and the Ford is prowling the coast. Advertisement Advertisement But dont confuse air superiority with victory. We just kicked down the front door, but the house is a labyrinth, and the lights are out. The enemy isnt going to fight us in the sky anymore. They are going to wait in the green, where our sensors dont work, our comms fail, and our drones are blind. We bought the airspace for a billion dollars this morning; couch change to the U.S. government. However, if there are any further intentions, the cost could be unbearable. Dont Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty Naval Base San Diego Commanding Officer Capt. Robert A. Heely trains with a ballistic shield during a tactical training exercise. The training is designed to enhance law enforcements' ability to respond effectively to high-risk situations, ensuring readiness in operational environments. The ballistic shield provides added protection for personnel during potential threats, improving safety and mission success. (U.S. Navy photo by Aegis Fire Controlman 1st Class Bryce Cothran.) Firearms This compact ballistic shield was designed with and for special operators By Miguel Ortiz military weapons History These are 10 of the longest-serving weapons in the US combat arsenal By James Elphick myths and facts ak-47 Monument to the weapons developer Mikhail Kalashnikov on blue sky background. The creator of the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-47, soviet and russian designer of small arms History Myths and facts about the rifle that never quits: the AK-47 By Adam Gramegna academy football navy wins celebration navy football X Advertisement Advertisement Sports Navy wins statement victory as Air Force is downed in New England By Matt Ward propaganda world war II jobs owoi Mighty MilSpouse How military spouses were targeted by propaganda during World War II By Bethaney Phillips Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro will face "justice," US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on X on Saturday after the US announced Maduro had been captured as part of a military operation against the Venezuelan leadership. "A new dawn for Venezuela! The tyrant is gone," Landau posted on X. "He will now - finally - face justice for his crimes," Landau wrote. Advertisement Advertisement The Venezuelan government earlier accused the United States of "extremely serious military aggression" after explosions were reported in the capital Caracas. Images published by the Venezuelan television station NTN24 showed explosions and clouds of smoke. The US has ramped up its military campaign in recent months against alleged drug smuggling linked to Venezuela, including targeting a port. Maduro had previously accused the Trump administration of trying to force regime change in Caracas. Donald Trump tells The Atlantic that Rodriguez will "pay a big price" if she "does not do what is right". The president also told reporters aboard Air Force One that Venezuela was "our area" invoking the Monroe Doctrine Venezuelans living in exile in Spain celebrated the capture of the authoritarian Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Madrid. Spanish media estimated their number to be several hundred, as they sang songs of joy and prayed the Lord's Prayer together, as could be seen on television. Many people at the famous Puerta del Sol square wept with happiness and embraced each other. However, some of the Venezuelans expressed concern in interviews with the state-owned Spanish TV channel RTVE, as it was completely unclear how things might proceed in the South American country, they said. Advertisement Advertisement "Between euphoria and caution," one woman described her reaction. Many also expressed fear for relatives back home. According to RTVE, almost half a million Venezuelans live in Spain. Most have left their homeland due to the authoritarian leadership in Caracas and the precarious economic and social situation. On the Canary Island of Tenerife, however, there was a small demonstration by supporters of Maduro and his government. They held up a banner with the words "Yankees out of Venezuela and the Caribbean." A group of Venezuelans celebrate at Puerta del Sol in Madrid after the capture of Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro following this morning's military operation executed by the US Army on Venezuelan soil. Carlos Lujan/EUROPA PRESS/dpa The Walk for Peace on Saturday will go through the heart of Oconee County and into Oglethorpe County where the monks will stay the night. The monks continue their 2,300 mile journey from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C., on Day 70 of the trek. Here's what we know about their planned route. Where is the Walk for Peace Saturday? Walk for Peace social media posted Saturday that it will pass through Bishop and Watkinsville Saturday as its adventure continues across Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement It began its trek early Saturday out of Good Hope. The monks were supposed to pass through Athens, but a change in route had them go further south as they will head toward Columbia, South Carolina. The monks stopped for lunch Saturday Bishop Community Center for lunch. They will continue toward Watkinsville where they will arrive around 2:30. When will the Walk for Peace reach Watkinsville? Following lunch in Bishop, the monks' walk continues toward Watkinsville where it will arrive around 2:30 p.m., but it is noted that the march might be behind. "The City of Watkinsville is honored to share that the Walk for Peace is expected to pass through our community today - Saturday, January 3 - between approximately 2:30 PM and 5 PM, though the exact time and route may change," the city posted to social media. The updated route shows the monks walking north on Old Bishop Road until reaching South Main Street. It will take a right on McRee and Depot Streets until taking a right onto Barnett Shoals. It will walk along Barnett Shoals until it turns into Bob Godfrey and eventually Wolfskin Road. Where will the monks rest Saturday in Georgia? The monks will stay at the Oak Ridge Lodge in Arnoldsville for the night at 33 Oak Ridge Trail, Arnoldsville, GA 30619. Visiting hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement "We warmly invite everyone to visit us during the visiting hours!" the Walk for Peace Instagram reads. The planned route for the monks shows Sunday's march continuing through Oglethorpe County toward Lincolnton What is the Walk for Peace? A group of Buddhist monks have been traveling literally by foot across multiple states as a way of promoting peace, loving kindness, and compassion to all people. This initiative has generated a ton of good will and support, with many fans posting pictures and videos online or even bringing them gifts. How long is the Walk for Peace? The walk is 120 days, about 2,300 miles. Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email atmlegoas@gannett.com. Advertisement Advertisement Ryne Dennis is the Deep South Connect Team Editor for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X @RyneDennis and email at rdennis@onlineathens.com. This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Where will Walk for Peace stop Saturday in Georgia? See updated route Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Saturday delivered a series of bragging comments during a press conference about the overnight U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. This is about the safety, security, freedom and prosperity of the American people, said Hegseth at the Mar-a-Lago presser. This is America First. This is peace through strength. And the United States War Department is proud to help deliver it. Welcome to 2026. Politics: Man Who Broke Windows At Vance's Ohio Home Is Detained, Secret Service Says He continued, And under President Trump, America is back. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration had been accusing Maduro of trafficking deadly narcotics such as fentanyl into the U.S. and has bombed alleged drug boats in the Caribbean since September, which has led to dozens of fatalities. The Department of Justice has indicted Maduro on narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges. Captured during the overnight operation alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, he is expected to arrive in New York on Saturday. Hegseths claim that the conflict is about freedom and prosperity clashed starkly with Trumps own boast that Americas greatest oil companies will be very much involved in the future of Venezuelas oil reserves, which are the largest proven reserves on Earth. Politics: Trump Repeats Wild Bin Laden Claim That's Been Proven False The defense secretary also used Saturdays press conference as an opportunity to reiterate his seemingly favorite new phrase, stating, Nicolas Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance, until they didnt and until he didnt. He effed around, and he found out. Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth used a shorter version of the phrase during his address to Americas top military leaders in September, when he said directly into the camera, To our enemies, F-A-F-O. The quip fell flat at the time, spawning an almost entirely silent reaction in the room. Hegseth wasnt the only Trump administration official on Saturday to double down on that warning, however, as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a clip of Trump stating in October that Maduro does not want to **** around with the United States. Hegseth also glowingly championed Trump for his supposed humanitarian efforts in overthrowing Maduro to prevent U.S. drug deaths, noting a lot how deadly serious the president was. President Trump is deadly serious about stopping the flow of gangs, of violence to our country, deadly serious about stopping the flow of drugs and poison to our people, deadly serious about getting back the oil that was stolen from us and deadly serious re-establishing American deterrence and dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Related... Read the original on HuffPost WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said U.S. officials would administer Venezuela after the removal of its president and restore its oil infrastructure to repay U.S. companies whose property was confiscated decades ago and resume larger-scale selling aboard. "Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump told reporters of the country with a population comparable to Texas, the second-largest state. "We want peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela." His comments came at a news conference following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the country's former president, and his wife during a U.S. military raid. Maduro, his wife and top members of his administration have been indicted on federal charges of narcoterrorism and cocaine conspiracy. A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, President Donald Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am on January 3. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is led in custody from a U.S. federal airplane before his scheduled court appearance at Manhattan federal court, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, U.S. January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, January 3, 2026. Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Picture showing damages to a building in the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A military personnel member walks past debris at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. Civilians who were living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex leave the compound, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026. A firefighter walks past a destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Destroyed vehicles at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. A Colombian soldier stands guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Colombian police and military personnel stand guard at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A man walks next to military vehicles as Colombian soldiers patrol the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets sit parked on the tarmac at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. Colombian soldiers in a military vehicle at the border between Venezuela and Colombia, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Cucuta, Colombia, January 3, 2026. A car drives on an empty street, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. A cyclist stops to check their phone, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026. F-22, C-130 and F-35 aircraft are seen at the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 3, 2026. A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a flag of Venezuela on an empty street near Miraflores Palace, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured President Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. A person wears a Venezuelan flag, as they and others react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. People react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, on the streets of Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A person wearing a hat that reads "America first" reacts to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A man holds a flag reading "Make Venezuela Great Again", as people react to the news after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Doral, Miami, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, January 3, 2026. Armed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro block the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Picture showing damages to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, after a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, on January 3, 2026. An armed supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocks the entrace to the 23 de enero neighborhood in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raises his clenched fist as he leaves the vice-presidency building in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The airplane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura lands at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. at approximately 4:30pm Jan. 3, 2026. A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro leaves the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. A helicopter carrying ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro comes in to land at the Westside Heliport in New York on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived Saturday evening at a military base in the United States after his capture by US forces in Caracas. Maduro was seen surrounded by FBI agents as he descended the boarding stairs of a US government plane at a New York state National Guard facility, and was slowly escorted along the tarmac. US bombs targets in Venezuela and captures Nicolas Maduro 1 of 39 A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City on Jan. 3, 2026. Venezuela 'doesn't have a choice' about US administration: Trump Trump said the leaders who would administer the country are still being designated. But he said they would include those surrounding him at a news conference, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Advertisement Advertisement "Theyre going to be a team working with the people of Venezuela," Trump said. Trump didnt rule out having the military contribute to running the country. "Were not afraid of boots on the ground," Trump said. "Were not going to do this in vain." Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said Maduro remains the country's only president, despite Trump saying she had been sworn in to replace him. Trump said Rodriguez was gracious in speaking with Rubio. President Donald Trump, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, addresses reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on Jan. 3, 2026, after a U.S. strike on Venezuela where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured. The couple landed in New York on Saturday evening to face federal charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and two illegal weapons counts based on allegations that Maduro helped ship tons of cocaine to the United States over a period of decades. "She really doesnt have a choice," Trump said. "Were going to have this done right. Were not going to just do this with Maduro and leave and let it go to hell." Trump said administering Venezuela could take 'a period of time' Trump said his message to the people of Venezuela was that they would potentially be restored to being "a great country." Advertisement Advertisement "Youre going to have peace and justice," Trump said. "Youre going to have some of the riches that you should have had a long period of time that were stolen from you." Asked how long the administration could last, Trump said it could take time. He acknowledged it could take years. "Id like to do it quickly but it takes a period of time," Trump said. "Its not going to cost us anything," he added later, because of the anticipated oil revenues. Trump said oil companies would spend billions to rebuild Venezuelas oil industry and be reimbursed from the sale of oil, which he said had dropped off to a fraction of its potential. Advertisement Advertisement "Were going to get the oil flowing the way it should be," Trump said. "Were going to make sure the people of Venezuela are taken care of." Asked about Chinese, Russian and Iranian interests in the oil, Trump said Venezuela would sell to other countries as its industry is rebuilt. "Well be selling large amounts of oil to other countries, many of whom are using it now," Trump said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US will 'run' Venezuela temporarily, rebuild oil industry, Trump says DENVER (KDVR) Flags will be lowered to half-staff on Saturday to honor the passing of a former Colorado State Senator. From sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Gov. Jared Polis ordered Colorado flags to be lowered to honor former Colorado State Sen. Lewis H. Entz on the day of his memorial service. Entz died on Dec. 10, 2025, at the age of 94, according to Colorado Senate Republicans. Did you know? Denver sunrises are still getting later, even after the winter solstice Advertisement Advertisement Entz served in the Colorado House of Representatives for 16 years from 1983 to 1998, then served in the Colorado State Senate from 2001 to 2006, and represented his constituents with integrity and commitment, the Colorado Senate Republicans said. Entz focused on issues like agriculture, water resource management, rural economic development and infrastructure. He earned recognition for his efforts and was the recipient of the Colorado Water Congress Wayne Aspinall Water Leader of the Year award in 2007. Senator Entz spent his life serving the people of Colorado, and we are grateful for the many years he committed to our state, said House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell. We thank him for his service to Colorado and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Outside of the legislature, he served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Colorado Senate Republicans said he was an active member of the community, a licensed pilot, agricultural leader and advocate for water policy. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Colorado's flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Jan. 3 in honor of former state Sen. Lewis Entz. Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags lowered for Entz after services were announced. Entz died at 94. Entz represented the San Luis Valley in the Colorado Senate from 2001-2006 and the House from 1982-1998. His time in office was marked by his leadership efforts on water and agricultural issues, according to a remembrance from Colorado Senate Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Entz also served in the Marines during the Korean War and spent much of his life operating a potato farm near Hoover. Colorado has lowered flags to half-staff multiple times over the last four months. Its mandated Sept. 11 lowering was extended for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. That was followed by a lowering for much of November for Vice President Dick Cheney, 84, who died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to his family. Flags were lowered again for four consecutive days for three different observances in December 2025 for Army National Guard Member Sarah Beckstrom, who was slain in Washington, D.C.; for state Sen. Faith Winter, who was killed in a car crash; and for Colorados annual Pearl Harbor Day remembrance. Advertisement Advertisement Polis has also ordered flags will be at half-staff on the day of services for former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who died Dec. 30, 2025. That date has yet to be announced. When is it appropriate to lower the American flag? Colorado has three obligatory observances on which the flag is lowered to half-staff: Memorial Day (until noon) Sept. 11 Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 7) Is the flag flown at half-staff or half-mast? While often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference. Half-mast more precisely refers to flags flying on ships and at naval stations ashore. On land, flags are flown at half-staff. That is the precise term used in presidential proclamations and in the flag code. Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado-flags-half-staff-for-senator-Lewis-Entz The U.S. military launched a large-scale attack on Venezuela on Jan. 3, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, President Donald Trump said. In an 11 a.m. press conference, Trump said the U.S. would "run" Venezuela. It is unclear whether the United States military will occupy Venezuela or if a U.S. official would be placed in a government leadership position, but Trump said U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will work as a team to run the country alongside existing Venezuelan leaders. "We're going to be running it with a group, and we're gonna make sure that it's run properly," Trump said in Saturday's press conference. He added that his administration is "not afraid of boots on the ground," indicating a possible military occupation in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Rubio said members of Congress were not notified ahead of time, but officials were called after the attack concluded. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media that Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York for "Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machine guns and Destructive Devices against the United States." The military action has been condemned by Democrats and Trump critics. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat representing Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district, criticized Trump for continuing to "ignore the U.S. Constitution and lie to Congress and the American people," he said in a statement to the Journal Sentinel. "Bombing and occupying Venezuela is an illegal act of war against a sovereign nation." Advertisement Advertisement "Only Congress has the ability to declare war, but Speaker Johnson and the Republican majorities in the House and Senate have rolled over and gave up our Article One powers," Pocan said. "Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth told Members of Congress their illegal attacks on boats was not about regime change, but capturing a sitting leader is the literal definition of regime change. Trump and his band of misfits seem to have no endgame to this potential quagmire," he added. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said in a statement Saturday that while she is committed to stopping the flow of illegal drugs and standing up to illegitimate dictators, the unauthorized attack puts American troops at risk without clear next steps. Baldwin called Trump's ongoing attacks on Venezuela illegal and she called on Congress to reassert its authority to authorize military force and to hold President Trump accountable before the United States is engaged in another war the American people did not choose. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Gwen Moore also called on Congress to reassert its authority. In a statement posted on X, Moore questioned Trump's motives for the attack, calling it unconstitutional. "If he was truly concerned about drug trafficking, he wouldn't have pardoned a drug trafficker who helped bring thousands of pounds of cocaine into the United States," Moore said, referring to the pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orland Hernandez. Republican members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation responded to the military action with strong support for President Trump. "Nicolas Maduro is a narcoterrorist, indicted on drug trafficking charges. He contributed to the overdose deaths of thousands of Americans each year," said Congressman Bryan Steil in a post on X. "He will now face justice for his crimes and the suffering he caused so many American families." Advertisement Advertisement In a written statement to the Journal Sentinel, Rep. Derrick Van Orden detailed his experience as a U.S. Navy SEAL, conducting counternarcotics operations in Venezuela and amplified support for Trump's "decisive leadership." Van Orden serves on the House Armed Services Committees Special Operations Subcommittee. This operation sends a clear message to Americas adversaries: harming U.S. citizens carries consequences. Nicolas Maduro operated as a narco-terrorist under the false cover of political authority. His criminal network helped fuel the drug trafficking that has killed thousands of Americans. He is now detained and no longer in a position to threaten American lives," he said. Rep. Derrick Van Orden also posted a series of tweets on Saturday morning in response to the strike. In response to a post criticizing President Trump's administration for conducting the attack while "promising NO NEW WARS," Van Orden wrote, "Leave war to warriors, ShipWreck." The original tweet was written by Kyle Sweetser, a Democratic candidate running for Alabama's 2026 U.S. Senate seat, who left the Republican Party after becoming disillusioned by the Trump Administration. Advertisement Advertisement In another tweet, Van Orden said, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. secretary of war, is "running a tight ship." Rep. Tom Tiffany commended Trump's decision and the U.S. military officials who carried out the operation. "Nicolas [sic] Maduro was the leader of a designated terrorist narco-cartel responsible for the deaths of countless Americans, and he will now face justice for his crimes," Tiffany said in a written statement. Rep. Tony Wied, of Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District, said in a post on X.com, "President Trump successfully extradited an indicted dictator and accused narcoterrorist without a single American casualty. A decisive operation that made clear: if you traffic deadly drugs into our country, there will be consequences. Nicolas [sic] Maduro will now face justice for his crimes." Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, of Wisconsin's 5th District, commended the attack in a statement Saturday, calling it a "crucial step toward justice." Fitzgerald said the attack sends a "clear message to the world." "No individual, no matter how powerful, is above the law when Americans have been harmed by narco-terrorism," he said. This story will be updated. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin lawmakers respond to U.S. military strike on Venezuela CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Investigators are hoping the public can help in a search for a woman who was able to escape her traffickers but has left her Pennsylvania residence and has not been in contact with her family for more than a year. Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking to find Lauren Steele, who was living in a Carlisle hotel in August 2024, and has not contacted her family since, investigators said Friday. She was 36 years old when she was reported missing. Steele is originally from New York, but previously lived in Virginia before moving to Pennsylvania. State Police said it is possible she could have traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pennsylvania State Police are asking for the publics help in finding Lauren Steele. Photo from PSP. Pennsylvania State Police are asking for the publics help in finding Lauren Steele. Photo from PSP. Pennsylvania State Police are asking for the publics help in finding Lauren Steele. Photo from PSP. Steele is reportedly a survivor of human trafficking and left where she was living in Carlisle to head to Las Vegas for a program that would help give her rehabilitation care for what she went through, according to a report in June 2025 from Newsnation. Advertisement Advertisement The report says Steele was supposed to fly to Las Vegas from the Keystone State to get help, but her flight was delayed and she was put in a hotel. That was the last time her family heard from her. Three Mile Island restart will never happen, former Trump energy regulator says The family told Newsnation that after she got to the hotel, she contacted them, saying there was a man outside who was going to help her get on a plane. Since that, her family said they havent heard from her. Investigators described Steele to be 54, weigh 115 pounds, and have green eyes with strawberry blonde hair. There is a $5,000 reward that is offered for information that helps solve the case, investigators said. Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts If anyone has information, they can call PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477 or they can go online to submit a tip. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. United States President Donald Trump has said the US has carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and captured the countrys leader, President Nicolas Maduro. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country following the operation, which the US leader said was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement. Washington had carried out strikes inside Venezuela early on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that Venezuelans had feared for weeks. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on X, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Venezuela was experiencing a new dawn. The tyrant is gone. He will now finally face justice for his crimes, Landau said. In a statement shortly after the US bombings, Maduros government accused Washington of an extremely serious military aggression. Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people, the Venezuelan government said. Heres a look at how other countries are also reacting to the US attack and capture of Maduro. Colombia Alerting the whole world that they have attacked Venezuela, Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote in a series of statements posted on the social media platform X. Advertisement Advertisement The Republic of Colombia reiterates its conviction that peace, respect for international law, and the protection of life and human dignity must prevail over any form of armed confrontation, Petro said. In a separate post, he said Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America. Petro later announced the deployment of military forces to the Venezuelan border. Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel issued a sharply worded condemnation on social media, accusing Washington of carrying out a criminal attack against Venezuela and calling for an urgent international response. Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, Diaz-Canel said Cubas so-called zone of peace was being brutally assaulted, describing the US action as state terrorism directed not only at the Venezuelan people but at Our America more broadly. He ended the statement with the revolutionary slogan: Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome. In a statement posted by various Cuban embassies around the world, Havana said it denounces the US military attack against Venezuela. The statement also demands an urgent reaction from the international community, describing the attack as state terrorism. Chile In a statement posted on X, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font expressed his governments concern and condemnation of the US military actions in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement We call for seeking a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country, he said. Chile reaffirms its commitment to basic principles of International Law, such as the prohibition of the use of force, non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the territorial integrity of States. The Venezuelan crisis must be resolved through dialogue and the support of multilateralism, and not through violence or foreign interference. Mexico In a statement on X, President Claudia Sheinbaum said, Mexico condemns the military intervention in Venezuela. She also included in her post an article in the UN Charter which states: The Members of the Organization, in their international relations, shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations. Brazil Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the US bombings and capture of Maduro as crossing an unacceptable line. Advertisement Advertisement Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism, Lula wrote on X. He added that the US attacks recall the worst moments of interference in Latin American politics, threatening peace across the region. The international community, through the United Nations, needs to respond vigorously to this episode, he said. Bolivia Bolivias foreign ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook that the country expresses its firm and immediate support for the Venezuelan people in the ongoing process of restoring their democracy, reinstating constitutional order, and fully guaranteeing human rights. Bolivia reiterates its commitment to peace, democracy, and coordination with the international community for humanitarian assistance, the protection of the civilian population, and support for a credible and lasting process of institutional reconstruction, it said. Guyana The Guyana Defence Force and the security forces are monitoring the situation [in Venezuela] and Guyanese should be reassured that the government is working to ensure the safety and security of our citizens, Guyanese President Irfan Ali commented to local reporters, according to Guyanas independent news outlet News Room. Advertisement Advertisement The security architecture is fully active, Ali said. Trinidad and Tobago Earlier this morning, Saturday 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said in a statement. Ecuador Ecuador President Daniel Noboa Azin called on Venezuelan opposition leaders and the public to reclaim your country. The time is coming for all the narco-Chavista criminals. Their structure will finally collapse across the entire continent, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement To Corina Machado, Edmundo Gonzalez, and the Venezuelan people: it is time to reclaim your country. You have an ally in Ecuador. Uruguay Uruguays foreign ministry said the government is following with close attention and serious concern the events that have been reported from Venezuela in recent hours, including US air strikes against Venezuelan military installations and civilian infrastructure. Uruguay rejects, as it always has, military intervention by one country in the territory of another and reaffirms the importance of respecting international law and the UN Charter, in particular the basic principle that States must refrain from resorting to the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations, it said in a statement. Argentina Argentina President Javier Milei said in a media interview following the US attack on Venezuela that this is the collapse of the regime of a dictator that was rigging elections, that in the last election was badly defeated and, despite that, he clinged on to power. Advertisement Advertisement Thats why Id say that todays new is excellent news for the free world. [Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia] should assume power. He won the elections, he has a term to fulfil. The president-elect is Gonzalez Urrutia, Milei said. Panama Panamas President Jose Raul Mulino said, Respect for the popular will shall prevail over hatred and persecution. Venezuela must be free and democratic again. My government reiterates its support for the democratic process and for respecting the legitimate wishes of the Venezuelan people, expressed decisively at the ballot box, where Mr. Edmundo Gonzalez was elected, Mulino wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Panama will always stand in solidarity with peace and with an orderly and legitimate transition process. China Chinas foreign ministry said Beijing was deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country. China firmly opposes such hegemonic behaviour by the US, which seriously violates international law, violates Venezuelas sovereignty, and threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. We urge the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and stop violating the sovereignty and security of other countries, it said. Iran In a statement posted on X, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote, Whats important is when one realises an enemy wants to force something on ones govt. or nation with false claims, they must stand firmly against that enemy. We wont give in to them. With reliance on God & confidence in the peoples support, well bring the enemy to its knees, he added. In a separate statement, Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it strongly condemns the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Russia Moscow is deeply concerned and condemned an act of armed aggression against Venezuela committed by the US, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. In the current situation, it is important to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue, the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said, Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, military intervention from outside. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for its leaderships policy of defending the countrys national interests and sovereignty, it added. The ministry also said it was extremely concerned about the capture of Maduro and his wife, adding that if such actions took place constitute an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state. United States In a statement posted on X, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts, she said. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Mike Lee said the US has completed its military action in Venezuela after capturing its leader, Maduro. He anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody, Lee wrote on X after what he said was a telephone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. United Kingdom British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country was not involved in the United States strikes on Venezuela and that he wanted to speak with Trump and find out the full facts of what had happened. I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved and I always say and believe we should all uphold international law, he said in a statement to British broadcasters. Venezuelans leaving their country arrive at the border crossing in Cucuta, Colombia early on Saturday, after US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro following a large-scale strike in the country [Schneyder Mendoza/AFP] European Union EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said she has spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU ambassador in Caracas regarding the latest developments in Venezuela. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, Kallas said in a statement on X. The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority. Spain Madrid called for de-escalation, moderation and respect for international law in Venezuela, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. It also offered itself as a negotiator to help find a peaceful solution in Venezuela. Germany In a statement to the AFP news agency, Germanys foreign ministry said it is monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely and following the latest reports with great concern. The Foreign Ministry is in close contact with the embassy in Caracas, Berlin said adding that the governments crisis team was in session and is coordinating closely with our partners. Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, also with an aim of gathering information about our fellow citizens in the country. Meloni added she was in constant contact with Italys Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. About 160,000 Italians currently live in Venezuela, most of them with dual citizenship. France Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the US operation in Venezuela undermined international law. The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro violates the principle of not resorting to force, that underpins international law. France reiterates that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that only sovereign people themselves can decide their future, he wrote on X. Indonesia Indonesia is monitoring developments in Venezuela to ensure the safety of its citizens, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said. Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritize peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians. Indonesia emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Saudi Arabia vowed to provide a suitable environment for dialogue, calling upon all southern factions to participate in the conference to develop a comprehensive vision for just solutions." Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemens Saudi-backed presidential council, submitted a request for Saudi Arabia to host a peace conference in Riyadh for all factions involved in the recent flare-up of violence in southern Yemen, Yemeni state-owned outlet Saba News Agency reported early on Saturday. Saudi Arabia welcomed the request in an announcement released by the Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry, stating that the only way to resolve the conflict is through dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution in Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement The ministry emphasized the importance of building on the close relation between the two brotherly countries and continuing Saudi efforts to support and strengthen the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen. Saudi Arabia vowed to provide a suitable environment for dialogue, calling upon all southern factions to actively participate in the conference to develop a comprehensive vision for just solutions. Saudi-backed attempts to reclaim STC conquered areas Late on Friday, Saudi Arabia conducted a series of strikes on United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces in the Hadramout province in southern Yemen, Saba reported. The strikes targeted the 37th Division Camp, the report added. Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia also carried out strikes on other sites recently captured by STC forces that were previously controlled by the Saudi-backed Yemeni coalition, with Saudi-backed Yemeni forces additionally reclaiming a large military base on Friday. Hadramout's Saudi-backed governor, Salem Ahmed Saeed al-Khunbashi, announced the retaking of Hadramout's largest and most important military base, al-Khasha'a camp, after earlier stating that his forces were launching what he called a "peaceful" operation. On Tuesday, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces conducted strikes on two ships suspected of delivering weapons to STC troops in the Yemeni port city of Mukalla. The STC seized parts of southern Yemen in early December, pushing the Saudi-backed Yemeni government coalition out of parts of Hadramout and triggering renewed conflict in the region. Advertisement Advertisement The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday it was deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation in Yemen and called on Yemenis to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to safeguard security and stability. It was the UAE's first public comment since Yemen's southern separatist movement announced plans to hold an independence referendum within two years. Seth J. Frantzman and Reuters contributed to this report. President Trump on Saturday said the United States would temporarily "run" Venezuela after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in an overnight operation that he said was an assault like people have not seen since World War II. Trump said the U.S. was prepared to launch a second and significantly larger military operation in Venezuela if necessary, even as he suggested it may not be needed. The president also said he was not afraid of putting boots on the ground. We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so, Trump said. We probably do not need to do a second, but we are prepared for a second wave a much bigger wave, actually. Advertisement Advertisement Later Saturday, Maduro and his wife arrived by plane to Newburgh, New York. Maduro is expected to face drug and weapons charges in Manhattan federal court next week. Earlier, Trump posted a photo online of what he said was Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that Maduro and Flores are charged in a federal indictment unsealed in New York, accusing them of conspiring with drug trafficking organizations to ship cocaine into the U.S. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were first indicted on narco-terrorism charges in 2020, though he has repeatedly denied the allegations. Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, criticized the U.S. in a nationally televised address, calling the operation that captured Maduro an act of military aggression aimed at regime change. The comments appeared to contradict Trump's claims that the U.S. could work with her to oversee the countrys transition. Earlier Saturday, the Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and said said it would mobilize to "defeat this imperialist aggression." The legality of the U.S. operation was also questioned by Democrats. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence justifying military action without approval from Congress and warned of the risk of instability in Venezuela. Rosa Everts is radiant in a family photo provided by the Yakima County Sheriff's Office. She's wearing a sleeveless blue dress, holding a black purse under her left arm and looking directly at the camera with a smile. "Many people would tell her she looked like someone destined for the screen, and she dreamed of being on television one day," her younger sister, Cecilia Lopez Jimenez, wrote in an email. "Life didnt give her the opportunities she deserved, but her dreams were always alive in her heart." Cecilia was almost five years younger than Rosa, "but the moments we shared remain some of the most precious memories of my childhood," she added. "We walked together, cooked together, laughed together, and filled our days with music." Rosa's full name was Rosa Elia Vargas Jimenez Everts. She became a mother to her beloved son, Sergio, at a young age, Cecilia said. "She adored him deeply, and every moment she spent with him was filled with tenderness and joy." Rosa was 31 when a former roommate reported her missing to the Toppenish Police Department on Aug. 6, 1987. After an investigation that took almost four decades, the sheriff's office recently said remains found in 1988 were Rosa after confirmation with DNA from family members. The announcement was the culmination of efforts by many to identify a woman often called Parker Doe. On a sunny October morning in 2021, authorities exhumed her body from West Hills Memorial Park in order to extract her DNA. That crucial step spurred collaboration beyond the sheriff's office and the Yakima County coroner to include the Toppenish Police Department, the King County Medical Examiners Office, the state's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force, the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bode Technology, Othram and the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. Their collective efforts led to Salt Lake City, where relatives of a young mother born in Mexico never stopped believing they might find her. "Even after all these years, my heart still hurts," Cecilia said. "It feels like just yesterday that she left us, and the pain of her absence is still very real. 'She carried a beauty' Rosa was petite, an estimated 5 feet 1 inch tall and about 120 pounds. She had long dark hair with bleached light brown hair in front when found. She was wearing brown shoes, one with a white sole and one with a black sole; argyle socks with lavender tones; lavender pants; and a long-sleeved lavender shirt with a Spanish label. Her skeletal remains had been there for months, authorities said. Investigators thought the remains may be Latina or Indigenous and estimated she was in her late 20s or early 30s. The remains showed no obvious signs of trauma. When Rosa's former roommate reported her missing in August 1987, she told Toppenish police she hadn't seen Rosa since December 1986. The former roommate thought Rosa had returned to California until she was told by one of Rosa's relatives that Rosa hadn't moved back to California, where she lived before moving to Washington. She hadn't been in touch with family, either. Rosa was born in Mexico, the second of six children. She was married twice and was also known by the last names of Everts and Aparicio. Rosa's missing person case in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, commonly known as NamUs, had her name as Rosia Evers. It said she was last seen on Dec. 12, 1986, in Toppenish. Her sister Cecilia, who lives in Salt Lake City, shared some thoughts about Rosa. "There are so many memories but writing them down has been difficult," she said in her email. Their mother also lives in Salt Lake City, and other siblings live in Mexico. "There are people whose presence leaves a light that time can never dim. For our family, my sister, Rosa Elia Vargas Jimenez, is one of those lights," she added. "From the beginning she carried a beauty inside and out those others couldnt help but notice." Although she doesn't have much information about Rosa's two marriages, Cecilia remembers meeting Ernest Everts when they were living in California. She stayed with them for a few months, "and during that time I saw the everyday moments of her life moments that now feel even more precious. "Those memories are part of the picture I hold of her: a young woman trying to build a life, caring for her son, and navigating the challenges that came her way," she wrote. When Rosa later moved from California to Washington, she left Sergio in the care of Cecilia and their brother Alfonso. Rosa promised she would return for Sergio once she found work, Cecilia said. "From the moment we realized she wasnt coming back, our search for her began. We reached out to organizations, friends, and anyone who might know something," she wrote. "One of her closest friends, Carmen Osorio, shared our worry and had also reported her missing. "For years, we lived with hope hope that she would call, hope that she would walk through the door, hope that somehow she was safe," she added. "In those days, communication was limited, and every unanswered question felt heavier because of it. Still, we never stopped believing that we might find her." The investigation A horseback rider discovered skeletal remains near the unincorporated Lower Yakima Valley town of Parker on Feb. 16, 1988. Rod Shaw a sheriff's office detective, was the original investigator. He stood atop a car to take photos of the remains and tipped them over slightly to see if there was any dried blood or a weapon. There wasn't anything, Shaw recalled. "It appeared to me she had been killed elsewhere and placed there," he said in a 2021 interview as he stood with the Yakima County coroner, Jim Curtice, and then-Toppenish police Capt. Dave Johnson near where she was found. Shaw kept up with case developments and always hoped she would be identified. Rosa was found in brush about five feet from a dirt road that runs southeast from Parker Bridge Road to the Sunnyside Diversion Dam on the Yakima River. The land is under the jurisdiction of the Yakama Nation, and the scene included authorities from the Yakama Nation Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. They suspected someone pulled her from a vehicle by her arms or armpits because her head was farthest from the dirt road. And though they didn't know how she died, they believe she was murdered. Trying to make connections Doug Blair stood near a clay model of a woman's head during a news conference in late December 1988. Blair, the Yakima County sheriff, hoped sharing the likeness through the media would help identify the woman, an apparent murder victim. Rosa's skull was taken to Central Washington University in Ellensburg, where anthropology faculty and students reconstructed her face. They added a wig to resemble her long, dark hair, and covered her shoulders with a plain white blouse. In fact, the reconstruction didn't look like anyone in particular. Though considered an advanced investigative tool at the time, the blankly staring model, its mouth slightly open, resembled a mannequin. News coverage generated a few leads, including calls from Othello and Harrah. Investigators compared some dental and medical records, but weren't able to match her to known missing women. The reconstruction was among the first efforts to identify her. Investigators had already hosted members of the King County Green River Task Force, who came not because authorities suspected that then-unknown serial killer, but because of their skill at collecting information at older homicide scenes. A facial sketch years later gave her a little more detail and a digital forensic portrait by a nationally-known forensic artist gave her humanity. Still, no identification. Exhuming the body On the morning of Oct. 14, 2021, investigators gathered at a woman's grave at West Hills Memorial Park west of Yakima. They included Curtice and Marshall Slight, chief deputy coroner for Yakima County. Detective Sgt. Jason Pepper, head of detectives at the sheriffs office, attended and assisted with the exhumation. Shaw, the retired detective for the sheriff's office, stood by ready to help. Parker Doe was buried in early 1989 in a particle-board box placed within a concrete vault with a lid. After removing the cracked concrete lid, several people worked together to exhume her. Some slid long straps under the particle-board box so it could be lifted out. A West Hills employee brought a few more straps, and the men worked together to pick up the box and place it on the tarp. They then lifted it onto a gurney for transport to the coroner's office. Her remains were released to the King County Medical Examiner's Office, which already had her skull. The skull was moved there the previous summer after years of storage at Central Washington University, where it was taken for a clay reconstruction in the 1980s. DNA was first used in a criminal case in 1986, according to the National Institute of Justice. Using DNA profiles developed from biological evidence at crime scenes wouldn't become common in criminal cases for some time, though. And investigative genetic genealogy, which relies on public DNA databases, wouldn't become a widely used option until after genetic genealogy tests became available to the public in 2000. But with the advances, dedicated cold case investigators and investigative genetic genealogists began solving high-profile cases and identifying more unidentified. It became clear that getting Parker Doe's DNA was necessary. "We need the DNA to push it. You can't go much further at this point," Judd Towell said in a 2021 interview. By then Towell had retired as head of detectives at the sheriff's office. Curtice, the coroner, began working toward getting her exhumed. Once that happened, her skeleton was transported to the King County Medical Examiner's Office. Staff matched the skeleton to the skull that had been stored at Central Washington University for years after faculty and students created their clay model. Months later, experts extracted her DNA and created a genetic profile. DNA was key The sheriff's office had investigated the possibility that Rosa's disappearance could be related to the Parker Doe case. "However, no conclusive evidence was obtained," the sheriff's office said in its news release about Rosa. Even with investigative genetic genealogy and drastic advances in DNA technology, identifying the unidentified is neither easy nor fast. It takes focus and persistence. There are starts and stops over months and years. There are backlogs. Staff-strapped law enforcement agencies often can't spare a detective to only work time-consuming cold cases, and genetic profiling and other DNA-related expenses add up quickly. State funding for genetic genealogy and DNA testing of unidentified remains in Washington has helped. And the state's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Cold Case Unit is working with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to support investigative efforts in solving cold cases of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. Those cold case unit investigators work on cases at the request of the agencies that handle them. Investigators also work with relatives of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Washington is divided into four regions, and Yakima County is its own region. Carlos Trevino, a senior investigator and analyst with the cold case unit, is assigned to Yakima County. He is well-known in Central Washington, having worked as a Union Gap police officer and a Benton County sheriff's deputy. In August 2024, Detective Trevor Pottle of the Toppenish Police Department reviewed Rosa's missing person case and requested help from Trevino. Help from family Trevino found Everts' sister and mother in Utah, and obtained valuable information related to the case. He also determined Everts was not a member or descendant of any recognized tribe. With assistance from the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, authorities obtained DNA samples from Rosa's mother and sister. Pottle contacted Cecilia and said he would stay in touch as the investigation progressed. And Toppenish police got funding to analyze their DNA samples for comparison with the DNA of unidentified remains. Last September, J. Mark Keller, the cold case investigator for the sheriff's office, was working the Parker Doe case and contacted Pottle. He and Keller began working together to have Rosa's family DNA compared directly with Parker Doe's DNA. On Oct. 22, Toppenish police and the sheriff's office were notified by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety of the DNA results. The results showed that the DNA from Rosa Everts mother and Parker Doe matched. Pottle and Trevino contacted Rosas mother, sister and other family members, informing them that Parker Doe was Rosa. "We sincerely thank everyone involved in the investigation and identification of Rosa Elia Vargas Jimenez Everts," the sheriff's office said in its release. "We were able to help put a family at ease knowing their loved one was found and identified 38 years later." As the criminal investigation into Rosa's death continues, the sheriff's office has worked to return Rosa's remains to her family. Their mother prayed every day for a miracle, Cecilia wrote. "And in many ways, Rosa herself was the miracle someone whose love, beauty, and spirit continue to live in our memories and in the hearts of those who knew her," she said. Cecilia's words were a tribute for Rosa, she wrote. "For the sister we love. For the mother who adored her son. For the daughter my mother still prays for. For the light that remains, even in her absence." Ronald Brownstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. He is a CNN analyst and the author or editor of seven books. Singh urged MSMEs to invest more in R&D for defence The minister was speaking at the MSME conclave It was organised by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers A 50-year-old Hindu man, Khokon Das, was attacked and set on fire by a mob in Shariatpur, Bangladesh, on December 31, marking the fourth assault on Hindus in two weeks, amid rising violence against minorities and growing diplomatic concern from India. PRNewswire New Delhi [India] / Geneva [Switzerland], January 3: A groundbreaking economic analysis released today by quantum security firm Synergy Quantum warns that nations face an unprecedented sovereignty crisis as quantum computers approach encryption-breaking capability, potentially exposing $12.4 trillion in global digital assets by 2035. * New Synergy Quantum Economic Analysis Applies Nobel Prize-Winning Economic Principles to Explain Mass Inaction on Post-Quantum Cryptography -- as Late Adopters Face 'Crypto-Procrastination Penalty' and Economic Subjugation The report, co-authored by CEO & Co-Founder Jay Oberai, Co-Founder Dr. Vipin Rathi, and Strategic Advisor Sudhir Rao, reveals that adversaries are already conducting "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" attacks -- collecting encrypted data today for future decryption when quantum computers become sufficiently powerful, potentially as soon as 2028. "This is not a future threat -- it's a present reality with future consequences," warns Jay Oberai, Co-Founder and CEO of Synergy Quantum. "Every day without quantum-safe encryption is another day of accumulated sovereign risk. The data being stolen today includes military plans, infrastructure blueprints with 50-year lifecycles, and financial records that could destroy economies when exposed." The Clock Is Ticking Recent breakthroughs underscore the urgency. Google's Willow chip achieved below-threshold quantum error correction in December 2024, while IBM projects 100,000+ qubit systems by 2033. IonQ suggests cryptographically relevant quantum computers by 2028. "The achievement of below-threshold error correction was the holy grail," explains Dr. Vipin Rathi, Co-Founder. "What seemed like a 2040 threat in 2020 is now a 2028 reality." Meanwhile, regulatory pressure intensifies. The EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) already mandates cryptographic agility. The U.S. requires federal migration by 2035, while the UK demands high-priority system migration by 2031. "We're seeing a perfect storm," Oberai continues. "Quantum capabilities accelerating, regulations tightening, yet 86% of financial institutions lack expertise to even evaluate post-quantum cryptography solutions." The Ross Anderson Prophecy The report draws on Professor Ross Anderson's security economics framework, demonstrating the challenge isn't technical -- it's economic. Anderson showed that those who control protection (banks, governments) aren't those who suffer from failures (citizens, customers). "This 'liability dumping' creates catastrophic incentive structures," Oberai explains. "Telecommunications companies face 20-30 year equipment cycles. Infrastructure built in the 2010s will still be operational when quantum computers can break its encryption." $12.4 Billion Solution to Trillion-Dollar Problem The post-quantum cryptography market will grow from $1.9 billion (2025) to $12.4 billion (2035). Yet this pales against potential losses. "A successful quantum attack on SWIFT could freeze $5 trillion in daily transactions," notes Sudhir Rao, Strategic Advisor. "We're talking about 100-to-1 return on security investment, yet organizations hesitate." Global preparedness varies dramatically: * United States: $500 billion defense quantum initiatives* European Union: DORA creates immediate compliance pressure* China: Sovereign quantum programs with national standards* Singapore: Already deployed National Quantum-Safe Network* France: EUR1.8 billion sovereign quantum investmentSovereignty at Stake The report warns quantum-safe migration is becoming technological colonialism. Nations without sovereign post-quantum capabilities risk permanent dependence on foreign solutions. "We're witnessing quantum geopolitics," states Oberai. "Countries that navigate this transition maintain economic sovereignty and attract quantum-safe investment. Those that fail face 'quantum vassalage' -- permanent dependence on others for digital security." The Synergy Quantum Solution Synergy Quantum, with partnerships including Quantinuum, NVIDIA, Thales, Nokia, and Bosch, advocates "Sovereignty-as-a-Service" -- helping nations build indigenous quantum-safe capabilities. The company's Luna SecureOne Stack provides sovereign deployment frameworks across critical sectors. Its SynQ Threat Intelligence Platform quantifies economic impact, enabling informed investment decisions. "We begin with economic prioritization -- which systems generate revenue, protect sovereignty, ensure resilience," explains Dr. Rathi. "Technology follows strategy, not the other way around." Immediate Action Required Sector-specific recommendations share common urgency: * Government & Defense: Establish National Quantum Security Authorities by 2026* Banking: Meet DORA compliance, implement hybrid QKD for high-value transactions* Telecommunications: Integrate post-quantum security into 5G/6G networks* Critical Infrastructure: Prioritize industrial control systemsThe Price of Delay Organizations postponing migration face "crypto-procrastination penalty" -- compressed timelines increase costs 3-5x while reducing security effectiveness. "It's basic game theory," notes Oberai. "Early movers set standards and capture markets. The shift to post-quantum cryptography will determine which nations maintain sovereignty in the digital age." International coordination remains fragmented. The NSA recommends pure post-quantum signatures, while Germany requires hybrid signatures. Different countries endorse different algorithms. "Organizations navigating multiple standards gain competitive advantage," observes Rao. "Those waiting for single global standard will be paralyzed." The Quantum Dividend Early movers can: * Export quantum-safe technologies* Attract security-conscious investment* Establish favorable standards* Create new financial products"Post-quantum security isn't just defense -- it's competitive advantage," emphasizes Oberai. "The first quantum-safe financial center attracts trillions. The first quantum-safe telecom network becomes global commerce backbone." Looking Forward The window for cost-effective migration is closing. "The decisions made in the next 24 months determine digital sovereignty for 50 years," concludes Oberai. "History will judge harshly those who knew the quantum threat was coming but chose to do nothing." Dr. Rathi warns: "Every encrypted communication today is a future vulnerability." Rao provides the bottom line: "This is $12.4 billion to protect $12.4 trillion in assets. Few economic decisions have been clearer." About Synergy Quantum Synergy Quantum is a sovereign quantum security company enabling nations and critical infrastructure operators to maintain sovereignty in the quantum era. Synergy Quantum provides comprehensive post-quantum cryptography solutions. Report Authors: * Jay Oberai, Co-Founder & CEO* Dr. Vipin Rathi, Co-Founder* Sudhir Rao, Strategic Advisor & ShareholderPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2853889/New_Synergy_Quantum_Economic_Analysis.jpg-Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2853890/Synergy_Quantum_LOGO.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) In a formal representation to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the federation highlighted the strategic importance of rice exports to India's economy, rural employment, and global food security. "The rice sector faces ecological stress (notably groundwater depletion in major paddy belts), high fiscal costs of procurement and storage, and market/compliance volatility. Union Budget 2026 can strengthen competitiveness while improving sustainability and farmer outcomes through targeted fiscal and enabling measures," the federation said in its letter. IREF has outlined a set of priority demands aimed at strengthening sustainability, competitiveness, and farmer incomes across the rice value chain. It sought tax and investment incentives linked to verified water-saving and low-emission practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), laser land levelling, and energy-efficient milling to address environmental stress and improve long-term productivity. They also called for incentives to encourage farmers to move acreage towards premium basmati and GI-tagged, organic, and specialty non-basmati rice. This, they say, would enhance farmer realisation, promote market-led diversification, and reduce dependence on MSP-based procurement. Further, to improve export competitiveness, the sector has asked for interest subvention on export credit to ease working-capital pressures, along with targeted freight and port facilitation measures to lower logistics costs. It also urged the government to continue and appropriately calibrate the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for rice, ensuring embedded taxes are offset and export competitiveness is maintained. Stakeholders have also highlighted the need to reinforce export finance guarantees and upgrade compliance infrastructure, including testing, traceability, and quality assurance systems, to safeguard India's reputation in premium international markets. "These measures will directly lower exporters' costs, incentivize sustainability, and encourage scaling of value-added shipments. IREF requests that rice, as a key agri-export, be explicitly covered in relevant budgetary initiatives for export credit, logistics and trade facilitation," said Dr. Prem Garg National President, IREF in the letter. As per the data highlighted by the IREF, India accounts for roughly 40% of global rice trade an exceptional level of dominance that India does not hold in any other commodity. "Having met domestic food security requirements, India is structurally well placed to supply international markets at scale." In FY2024-25, India exported about 20.1 million tonnes of rice to more than 170 countries. (ANI) HT Syndication New Delhi [India], January 3: Collegedunia, India's largest student review platform, is all set to host the Mega Career Carnival 2026 at three major cities: New Delhi on 11-12 April 2026, Patna on 25-26 April 2026, and Bengaluru on 23-24 May 2026, after witnessing great response across its Delhi and Bengaluru editions in the last two years. The students have been assisted with free career counselling, psychometric tests and one-on-one counselling with college representatives from 100+ Universities/colleges. In the Delhi 2024 event, there were around 8,680 footfalls, out of which 2,990 students took the psychometric tests, 7,000+ counselling sessions were conducted, and there was participation from 86 leading exhibitors. This number grew further in Delhi 2025, attracting 8,981 students, 3,835+ psychometric assessments, 7,317 counselling sessions, and 70+ universities and institutions showcasing their programs. Bengaluru also had equally strong engagement. Bengaluru 2024 saw 3,680 attendees, out of which 2,505 took the psychometric tests, and conducted 3,240 counselling sessions, supported by 70 exhibitors. The Bengaluru 2025 event had a footfall of 4,112 students with 1,420 assessments, along with 2,465 counselling sessions, and 70+ top colleges participating. With good engagement and a successful event at Delhi and Bengaluru over the last two years, Collegedunia is expanding the Mega Career Carnival 2026 to Patna, where it expects the same number of footfall and student engagement similar to its previous editions. The Patna date and venue is now finalised and will take place on 25-26 April 2026 at Hotel The Panache, Gandhi Maidan, Patna. Regarding the fair, Sahil Chalana, Founder & CEO of Collegedunia, said, "Collegedunia consistently endeavours to assist students in making informed career choices by providing verified reviews from alumni. Encouraged by the positive feedback from both students and exhibiting institutes, Collegedunia is thrilled to announce the return of this annual event, promising a more enriching experience. Students and their families are invited to join us for an exciting day filled with learning, networking, and career exploration." Why Attend Collegedunia Mega Career Carnival 2026?The Collegedunia Mega Career Carnival 2026 will be the biggest and most glamorous of all. It provides detailed information in which students will be in a position to learn about various career paths. Scientific tests help students to realize their capabilities and adopt expert advice on selecting courses and colleges. Key Highlights of the Event The carnival also has a series of features that render it an irresistible event to both students and parents alike. * Free Career Counselling: Professional advisors are present throughout the event. Students can discuss with them about their dream career and goals which would benefit them in order to make decisions in the future. * Psychometric Testing: Students should understand their personality traits and interests before deciding on the right career choice. The carnival also offers professional psychometric tests so that students can determine what their strengths are by nature.* Scholarship opportunities: The event provides up to 100% scholarships. The scholarship opportunities in the event bring quality education to deserving students irrespective of their financial status. * On-the-Spot Admissions: A chance is given to the students to communicate with the representatives of leading institutions. They are able to earn instant admissions. This removes the long application procedures and eliminates the stress associated with admission.* Meet with 100+ Universities/Colleges: Students will be able to meet 7 Interact with 100+ colleges, universities, and explore all the courses in one platform. It saves time and effort, and gives detailed information to compare.* Expert Interactions: The carnival will include activities with industry experts, academicians and accomplished professionals. They exchange useful information on different career areas. This assists students in knowing how their education can be applied in the real world. Collegedunia Mega Career Carnival 2026 Upcoming Events Dates and Venues Collegedunia Mega Career Carnival 2026 will cover three highly selected locations. This will guarantee high coverage and accessibility for students across regions in India. * New Delhi: 11-12 April 2026 at Pragati Maidan, accessible to students across NCR and neighbouring states.* Patna: 25-26 April 2026 at Hotel The Panache, Gandhi Maidan, focused on empowering students from Bihar and Eastern India.* Bengaluru: 23-24 May 2026 at Gayatri Vihar Sagar, Palace Grounds, ideal for students aspiring toward technology, management, and modern disciplines. Who Should Attend? The Collegedunia Mega Career Carnival 2026 aims at students across different levels of education. This event can be beneficial to you, whether you are a high school student going to an undergraduate program or a graduate student considering a postgraduate program. Resourceful materials will be available to anyone wishing to change careers. The parents play an important role in the choice of education of their children. The carnival provides an atmosphere in which families are able to talk things over with specialists and make joint choices pertaining to the future. The Collegedunia Advantage Collegedunia is the leading educational portal and search engine in India that helps millions of students in making the right choices. It offers information on colleges, courses, exams, and admissions in India and abroad, offering details on rankings, fees, cutoffs, reviews, and application guidance to simplify higher education choices. The Mega Career Carnival will be a follow-up to this promise. It takes the online world to the real world, where learners can interact in person. Making the Most of Your Visit Students are advised to come prepared to enjoy the full benefits of attending the Mega Career Carnival 2026. Come with queries on what you find interesting, your school work, an open heart and mind to discuss any possibilities. It would be wise to read in advance about colleges and courses. This way, you have the opportunity to talk to exhibitors and counsellors more directly. Use the psychometric tests at the start of the event. Don't be afraid of visiting various college booths. Ask questions on curriculum, placement record, infrastructure, student life and research propositions. Bring original papers such as mark sheets, identification proof and passport-size photographs. These may be needed in on-site admissions. Most of all, involve your parents in the process of decision-making. Inspire them to visit sessions and talk to counsellors. A Step Toward Your Dreams The Mega Career Carnival 2026 is not just an event. It is a chance to make practical moves towards your dreams. The modern world has never been more competitive, and career choice keeps changing every day. You may require financial aid in the form of scholarships, or you may just want to know what is out there. The Mega Career Carnival 2026 is meant for you. Its track record, increasing attendance and successful performance by previous attendees qualify it as a reliable platform.Do not miss this opportunity to study and learn, and find a place in an institution of your choice. The Mega Career Carnival will be waiting for you at New Delhi, Patna and Bengaluru. For your dream career with Collegedunia Career Carnival. Visit the Website for more details- https://www.collegeduniacarnival.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) NewsVoir Chandigarh [India], January 3: Chandigarh University organised the 7th Annual Convocation of CU Online during which undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degrees were conferred on 719 students from across the country in the presence of their families. Dnyan Shah, SVP and Global Head (HR), Mphasis Limited, presided over the prestigious convovation ceremony as the Chief Guest along with Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof (Dr) SS Sehgal, Pro VC, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) Gurpreet Singh, Director, CU Online. Of the degrees awarded to the 2025 Batch of Online Learning during the Convocation, 597 were PG and 122 UG degrees. While 326 students received degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA), 175 students received degrees of Master of Computer Applications (MCA), 36 students received degree of Master of Psychology, 29 students received degree of Master of Science (Data Science), 13 students received degree of Master of English, seven students received degree of Master of Science (Mathematics) and six students received Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. PG degrees were also awarded to students of MA Economics and M.Com. The 122 students who were awarded UG degrees included 44 students from BBA, 48 students from BCA, 12 students from B Com, eight students from BA English, four students from BBA (ACCA) and four students from BA Journalism and Mass Communication. UG degrees were also awarded to students from other programs. Congratulating the graduating students at the convocation ceremony, the Chief Guest, Dnyan Shah, SVP and Global Head HR of Mphasis Limited, encouraged the students to learn according to their abilities and strengthen their digital impact. "The workplace is changing rapidly. Today's companies are giving more importance to professionals who prioritise continuous learning, communicate clearly and use technology to solve real-world problems. Therefore, it is essential for students to stay connected with the rapid advancements in technology for a better future. Online education is no longer just a learning tool, but a means to enhance practical and industry-relevant skills. Online platforms provide education aligned with industry requirements, preparing students to contribute directly to the workforce," she said. In his welcome address, Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, "For making India a developed nation by 2047, the youth will have to play a crucial role. Youth have to use their knowledge responsibly and contribute collectively to the progress, innovation and development of the country. Chandigarh University aims to provide high-quality education through online means to accelerate students' careers and contribute to the nation's development." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) NewsVoir Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], January 3: Following its historic achievement as the first Miscellaneous Non-Banking Company (MNBC) in India to cross the Rs. 1 Lakh Crore ($12 Billion+) business turnover mark, Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE) has started 2026 on a high note by securing top honors at the 7th Business World Emerging Business Awards. Recognized nationally for Excellence in MSME Financing and Leadership in Financial Inclusion, KSFE is now pivoting from a regional powerhouse to a national pillar of trusted finance. "The achievement of KSFE is not just a success for Kerala, but a resilient model for the entire country. At a time when many financial institutions have faltered due to policy flaws, KSFE has proven that a public sector entity, rooted in transparency and public trust, can become a national leader in the financial sector," stated Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal. The "Mission One Crore" Surge Entering 2026, KSFE has officially activated "Mission One Crore." With a current base of 6 million customers, the institution is aggressively expanding its digital footprint and physical presence to reach 10 million customers across India. Why KSFE is Winning the Trust War: * While the private NBFC sector faces volatility, KSFE's "State-Backed" model has become a safe haven for Non Resident Keralalits* Hyper-Growth: Business volume doubled from Rs. 50,000 Cr to Rs. 100,000 Cr in just 48 months.* Fiscal Strength: A net profit of Rs. 512 Crore (FY24-25) with Rs. 8,925 Crore in fixed deposits safely held in the state treasury.* Social Impact: Unlike private lenders, KSFE returned Rs. 504 Crore to the public through interest waivers and contributed Rs. 920 Crore to state development projects. Innovation for the New-Age Indian The 2026 strategy is anchored by two flagship initiatives: The Fraternity Fund: Rebranding the traditional "Chitty" for Gen Z and Millennials as a peer-to-peer savings-cum-credit tool for high-end education and home-building. Digital First: The KSFE Power App is now processing thousands of transactions daily from the Malayali diaspora and young professionals in metros like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi. "KSFE is no longer a Kerala-only secret. We are India's answer to sustainable, ethical finance. Our win at the BW Emerging Business Awards proves that our model of 'People over Profits' is what India wants in 2026," says Dr. S. K. Sanil, Managing Director, KSFE. KSFE is a 100% Kerala Government-owned financial institution. Since 1969, it has provided a transparent and secure alternative to private money lenders, now operating 683 branches with a business volume exceeding Rs. 1 Trillion. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) Around 3:15 a.m. Thursday, police were called to the hotel on Mason Street about reports of a deceased person. At the scene, officers met with medics who declared an adult woman dead at the scene, as per the outlet. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed on Friday that the deceased was identified as Victoria Jones and said her legal next of kin had been notified. Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding her death. In a statement to CBS News, the family of Jones said, "We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers." "Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you," the statement read, CBS News reported. Victoria Jones was the daughter of Tommy Lee Jones and his second wife, Kimberlea Cloughley. She had appeared in a few films as a child, including a role in Men in Black II, which starred her father, according to CBS News. While officials have not confirmed the cause of death, in dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE magazine, the call for the incident was classified as a "code 3 for the overdose, colour change." In overdose cases, "colour change" refers to cyanosis, low oxygen levels in the blood, often linked to heart or lung issues. An investigation into the case is ongoing. (ANI) Hollywood actor Will Smith has been sued by a former violinist from his 2025 music tour, who has alleged wrongful termination, retaliation and sexual harassment, claims that the actor's legal team has strongly denied, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Brian King Joseph, in a lawsuit filed on Monday in California state court, accuses the actor of "predatory behavior" and "deliberately grooming and priming" him for "sexual exploitation," though he doesn't cite a specific incident in which Smith was involved. He brings claims against for wrongful termination, retaliation and sexual harassment, among others, as per the outlet. Responding to the lawsuit, Smith's lawyer Allen Grodsky dismissed the allegations, calling them "false, baseless and reckless." In a statement, Grodsky said the claims are categorically denied and that Smith will use all available legal means to address them and ensure the truth is established. In a statement, Allen Grodsky, a lawyer for Smith, called the allegations "false, baseless and reckless." He added, "They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light." According to the complaint, Smith first invited Joseph to perform at a show in San Diego in 2024 and later included him in his global tour titled Based on a True Story, which was linked to Smith's upcoming album. Joseph alleges that Smith told him they shared a special connection that Smith did not have with others. The lawsuit further details an incident at a Las Vegas hotel in March 2025, where Joseph claims his bag containing his room key went missing for several hours before being returned by tour management. Later that night, King alleges he found a note in his room addressed to him that read, "Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F," as well as a bottle of HIV medication, an earring and hospital discharge paperwork. He says he feared that the person, who he suspects was a member of Smith's management team, would "return to his room to engage in sexual acts with him," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Joseph alleges that after reporting the incident, he was blamed for what he described as sexual harassment and was subsequently terminated. The lawsuit claims he was told, "I don't know, you tell me, because everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up." King, who finished third on a season of America's Got Talent, claims that the circumstances "all point to a pattern of predatory behaviour rather than an isolated incident." He says he suffers from PTSD and seeks unspecified damages, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday extended heartfelt condolences to the family of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shyam Bihari Lal of the Faridpur Assembly Constituency, after he passed away due to a heart attack while attending a meeting. In a post on 'X', Shah remembered Lal's dedication to public welfare and "organisation of the backward classes, deprived, and the poor". "The sudden demise of Shyam Bihari Lal, the MLA from Faridpur in Uttar Pradesh, is extremely heartbreaking. His life was dedicated to the welfare and organisation of the backward classes, the deprived, and the poor. The entire BJP family stands with their family members in this hour of grief. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," he said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences to the family of the late Shyam Bihari Lal. In a post on X, PM Modi called Lal's demise an "irreparable loss" to the party and recalled his commitment towards public welfare. "I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shyam Bihari Lal, the MLA from Faridpur in Uttar Pradesh. He was a dedicated BJP leader committed to public welfare, and his passing has caused an irreparable loss to the party. In this hour of grief, my deepest condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti!" he wrote. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aadityanath also paid tribute to the late BJP leader. "The sudden demise of the MLA Shyam Bihari Lal Ji from the Faridpur Assembly Constituency of Bareilly District is extremely heartbreaking. Humble tribute. My condolences are with the bereaved family. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed soul be granted a place at His divine feet and that the grieving family be bestowed with the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!" he wrote on X. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has constituted a six-member committee to visit Ballari and assess the situation on the ground following the suspension of Superintendent of Police (SP) Pavan Nejjur over the recent violent clash that broke out between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. The clash erupted between supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy on Thursday, which resulted in the death of Congress worker Rajashekhar. Janardhana Reddy founded the Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha (KRPP), which merged with the BJP last year. The team committee is chaired by HM Revanna, former MP, and comprises former MLA Jayaprakash Hegde, MLA T Raghu Murthy, MP Kumar Nayak, MLC Jakkappanavar, and MLC Basanagowda Badarali. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar spoke to the media about the Ballari clash, urging a wait for the inquiry report. Responding to Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka's allegation that the clash was a "pre-planned conspiracy", Shivkumar said, "We have suspended the SP. Let the inquiry come out. This was not preplanned." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has confirmed the suspension of SP Ballari Pavan Nejjur. Siddaramaiah, responding to the allegations made by the BJP, said, "I don't want to answer the BJP. I have suspended the SP because he was not present on the spot." Meanwhile, Karnataka Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Law and Order) R Hithendra told the media on Friday that five guns have been seized from five private gunmen at the site that were allegedly used during the violence. He said the police have registered a suo motu case and were conducting an internal inquiry. He added that the seized guns will be sent to forensics, and an investigation will be undertaken to find the weapon used to fire the bullet, ensuring action against the wrongdoers. Speaking to the media, he said, "There was an issue of putting up banners. Stone pelting took place from 9 am to 9:30 am. A group also opened fire. We have seized the private guns of 5 private gunmen. One of them died after being shot. The police have registered a suo motu case." "We are also conducting an internal inquiry. There should have been no death due to the banner issue. We will take action against those involved in this incident. We have seized a total of 5 guns. We will send it to forensics and investigate from which gun the bullet was fired," he added. The clash in Ballari broke out during the unveiling of the Valmiki Maharishi statue at SP Circle. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condemned the negligence of officials in the water contamination crisis in Bhaagirthpura, Indore. He announced strict action against those responsible and named two officials in the case. In a post on X, the CM clarified his stance on the water contamination crisis, saying, "The state government will not tolerate negligence in the incident that occurred in Bhaagirthpura, Indore, due to contaminated drinking water. Strict decisions are being taken in this regard." He stated that two individuals have been suspended following the incident. "The corporation's Additional Commissioner Rohit Sisonia and the in-charge Superintending Engineer of PHE Sanjeev Shrivastava have been suspended. Instructions have also been given to remove Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav," he said. According to Indore district Collector Shivam Verma, five deaths have been officially confirmed so far in the water contamination incident, and the total number of hospitalised patients has risen to 210. He also highlighted that a team of senior doctors was constituted to "analyse death figures" reported from various sources, and that, based on their findings, the official figure would be updated. "The administration issues the figures on the basis of medical confirmation, and so far, five deaths have occurred in the incident. We have also constituted a team of senior doctors who will analyse death figures, which were received from other sources, such as public representatives or the media, and we will update our official death figure report. Till yesterday, 201 people were admitted, today 9 more people have been admitted, and the number has risen to 210," Verma told ANI. The incident has sparked widespread criticism. Residents have said they "no longer trust" the municipal corporation. Speaking to ANI, one resident, Lashkari, said, "We had been complaining about dirty water for many days, but no one was listening. My daughter Kanak Lashkari is 15 years old and is admitted to the hospital. My mother is 93 years old. She fell ill on the 24th. She has been treated and is now fine." "Now we buy water to drink and for other uses. We take water from the government borewell. Municipal corporation tankers are supplying drinking water, but we are now scared to drink it. We no longer trust it. In the name of development, destruction is being done," he added. (ANI) The MoUs worth Rs 8,500 crore were signed with 334 MSME units during the district-level Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference that was held at Gandhidham in Kutch. Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia on Friday inaugurated the conference. Addressing the gathering at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Centre here, the Minister stated that despite natural calamities, the people of Kutch have transformed the region into a centre of development. Backed by the government's vision, Kutch has emerged as a central industrial hub and a model of transformation. According to the minister, once affected by water scarcity and unemployment, Kutch today generates employment for people from across the country and is leading in tourism, agriculture, industry, and renewable energy, while handling 40 per cent of India's cargo. In the programme, investors were invited to partner in Kutch's future growth across sectors, including electronic components, green hydrogen, data centres, and the blue economy. Speaking on the development of Dholera, he praised the Prime Minister's vision on turning challenges into opportunities. He noted that India became a vaccine hub by rapidly developing and delivering vaccines during the COVID period. Similarly, the country is preparing to overcome challenges in the semiconductor and electronics sectors to achieve self-reliance and global leadership. He said that achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat requires self-reliance across all industries. Highlighting Kutch's vast potential, he invited investors to partner in future-focused sectors. He noted that with emerging fields such as AI, quantum technology, and biotechnology, Gujarat has strengthened its readiness through advanced research centres and Excellence labs. Emphasising sustainable development, he also called for the creation of world-class nurseries and urged industries to support efforts to increase green cover in Kutch. Addressing the gathering, Minister of State (MoS) for Higher and Technical Education Trikam Chhanga said that Vibrant Gujarat was launched by the then Chief Minister and the present Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and has now expanded to a district-level organisation. He congratulated the Kutch district administration and local entrepreneurs on the initiative and noted that the Prime Minister had transformed development into a movement and revitalised Kutch. He said that Kutch continues to progress, with improved infrastructure, industrial and technological growth, and port development contributing to a reversal of migration. Recalling Kutch handicraft artisan Pabiben, he said that Kutch, once reliant on handicrafts and cottage industries, is now emerging as an industrial hub, with Vibrant initiatives attracting significant investment and creating employment opportunities. He urged citizens and industrialists to uphold ethical values while contributing to social and economic development. On this occasion, Kutch-Morbi MP Vinodbhai Chavda said that Vibrant Gujarat was launched under the Prime Minister's long-term vision and that Kutch has greatly benefited from it. He noted that thousands of industrial units are now active in sectors such as ports, minerals, and chemicals, creating ample employment and attracting people from other states, which is a matter of pride for Kutch. He added that Kutch is uniquely blessed with a desert, a sea, and hills, and, due to the Chief Minister's sustained efforts, has emerged as a leader in agriculture, industry, and tourism. He urged young entrepreneurs and investors to join the Vibrant programme in line with the Prime Minister's vision of Make in India and Local for Vocal. Chairman of Deendayal Port SK Singh said that Gujarat, especially Kutch, will play a key role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. Owing to its strategic location and strong connectivity, Kutch is attracting investor interest. He noted that the port and maritime sector will make an essential contribution to this vision, adding that Kandla Port is leading in green hydrogen and shipbuilding. As these sectors expand, he invited investors to participate in the green hydrogen park in Kutch. On this occasion, Kutch Collector Anand Patel said that Vibrant Gujarat, which started as a small initiative to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat, has today grown into a strong platform. He noted that district-level Vibrant programmes and regional conferences will give a new direction to industrial development. He stated that, under the Prime Minister's vision, Kutch has become a land of opportunity. Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce President Mahesh Punj, in his address, stated that under the Prime Minister's development vision, Kutch is emerging as a leader in key sectors, including renewable energy, green hydrogen, ports, chemicals and minerals, and tourism. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the significant opportunities that have come to Kutch as part of the development. Additionally, DP World Director Parag Kochhar highlighted the importance of the blue economy, noted immense opportunities for port development in Kutch, and provided information on India Mart. Manish Kiri of Kiri Industries stated that Kutch is emerging as Gujarat's economic powerhouse. With the development of green hydrogen, digital infrastructure, seawater-based industries, agriculture, and advanced marine chemical and mineral industries, Kutch's land is emerging as "industrial land" for investors. At the conclusion of the programme, Kutch Management Association President Tejabhai Kangad delivered the vote of thanks. In this programme, Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce participated as the event partner, while Deendayal Port Trust joined as the venue partner. Additionally, FOKIA and Kutch Management Association participated as knowledge partners. This event was attended by District Panchayat President Janaksinh Jadeja, MLAs Kesubhai Patel, Maltiben Maheshwari, Pradyumansingh Jadeja, Aniruddhabhai Dave, former Assembly Speaker Nimaben Acharya, senior leader Devjibhai Varchand, Dhavalbhai Acharya, East Kutch SP Sagar Bagmar, Gandhidham Commissioner Manish Gurwani, GRIT Joint CEO Stuti Charan, ARM Ashish Dhaniya, Joint Commissioner of IndustriesKanak Der, along with a large number of industrialists and students. (ANI) As Mahayuti candidates secure unopposed wins ahead of the Maharashtra local body polls, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that democracy was being undermined either through "threats" of central agencies like Enforcement Directorate (ED) or by "bribing" the opposition candidates. She accused the ruling Mahayuti of "trying to buy out their victories" and questioned the Election Commission of India's (ECI) silence on the matter. "The unopposed way of ending democracy where they settle with the opposition candidate, either by scaring him with the threats of ED, CBI, or by bribing him. They are trying to buy out their victories, and it is a shame that the Election Commission is staying quiet on this," she told reporters here. Speaking on the Raj Thakceray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)-UBT Sena alliance, Chaturvedi expressed confidence in the party's track record in civic governance. "We are confident because Shiv Sena (UBT) has been working with the people of the city and state for over 25 years. Mumbai's people continue to depose their faith in us. You are hearing what is happening in Indore, which is called the cleanest city, where over 10 people died due to contaminated water," she said. "Mumbai has seen the public transport system strengthen and the BMC thrive. While the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is in debt to the tune of over Rs 1,500 crores, we deposited over Rs 19,000 crore. Mumbai will again vote for us," she added. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders strongly criticised the ruling Mahayuti, alleging misuse of central agencies and money power in elections, while expressing confidence over the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance ahead of the upcoming municipal corporation polls in Maharashtra. UBT Sena MP Arvind Sawant also accused the ruling Mahayuti of exerting pressure on opposition candidates. "They are pressurising. A brother of the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker is contesting under the Ashok Patil banner. The person contesting currently has been absconding for 3 days out of fear of the Maharashtra Speaker. He has not even gone to his house. I request the police commissioner of Mumbai to grant protection to him," he said. On the MNS-UBT Sena alliance, Sawant added, "We are very confident about it, and we believe Mumbaikars know that the Thackeray brand is the only brand. Raj Thackeray has joined us, which has enhanced our power." Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey echoed similar sentiments, alleging misuse of state power by the ruling parties. "The party that has a government in the centre and the state, how can it not win elections? The way money is being used in elections in Maharashtra and criminals are being given tickets, we will not be surprised if they win. The people's mandate is with the party of Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray and Sharad Pawar," he said. Earlier, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said that a delegation of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) or [RPI(A)] met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and submitted a list of seat-sharing demands. "An RPI(A) delegation met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and they tried to address RPI(A)'s grievances. We gave them a list of 17 seats, and we told them that we should get 5-6 seats from that list." Athawale said. He further said that the party has also demanded one MLC seat and two chairman posts in the Maharashtra state corporations. Seven candidates from the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena were elected unopposed in the Thane Municipal polls on Friday. The seven Shiv Sena candidates were declared winners even before a single vote was cast, as opposition parties and other candidates either withdrew or had their nominations rejected. BJP candidates Manjusha Nagpure and Shrikant Jagtap were elected unopposed from the Suncity-Manikbaug ward in Pune. 15 BJP candidates were elected unopposed in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation of Thane district. Polling for elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with counting of votes scheduled for January 16. (ANI) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday wrote to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, seeking strict action against Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar and candidates allegedly supported by him for purported violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. In its complaint, the Congress alleged that Speaker Narvekar misused his constitutional position to influence the election process and pressured officials to prevent opposition candidates from filing nomination papers. The party claimed that such actions undermined free and fair elections and amounted to a "serious assault on democracy". According to the letter dated January 2, 2026, the Congress alleged that during the nomination process in Mumbai's Colaba Assembly constituency, specifically in wards 225, 226 and 227, opposition candidates were threatened and obstructed from filing their nominations. The MPCC claimed that these actions took place around 5 pm while nominations were being filed and that the alleged intimidation was carried out through the police at the behest of the Speaker. The Congress further pointed out that three close relatives of Rahul Narvekar -- his brother Makarand Narvekar and sisters Gauraki Shivtarkar and Harshada Narvekar -- have filed nomination papers as BJP candidates from the same wards. The party alleged that the Speaker himself was present during the filing of these nominations, raising concerns over conflict of interest and misuse of influence. In addition, the Congress accused approximately 70 officers and employees from the Speaker's office of actively participating in these candidates' election campaigns. It argued that the involvement of government staff in campaigning for candidates of a particular political party constitutes a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct and election laws. The MPCC demanded that a formal case be registered against Rahul Narvekar for alleged violations of the MCC and obstruction of the electoral process. It also sought immediate action against the officers and employees involved, including their removal from election-related duties and initiation of proceedings for code violations. Urging the State Election Commission to act decisively, the Congress said firm action was necessary to uphold the rule of law and demonstrate the independence and authority of the election machinery in Maharashtra. (ANI) Union Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale said that the next Mayor of Mumbai should be from the Mahayuti alliance, amid ongoing discussions on seat-sharing for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Speaking to ANI on Friday about the 2026 BMC elections, Athawale said his party would remain part of the Mahayuti alliance and support the formation of a Mahayuti-led civic body in Mumbai. "Mumbai's mayor should be from our mahayuti... We are contesting on 20 seats, on the remaining places our party will support BJP and Shiv Sena... We are contesting elections with the mahayuti, but on some seats we are contesting separately," Athawale said. He further asserted that the RPI has taken a firm decision to remain with the ruling alliance. "We will stay with the mahayuti in this election, and to make a mayor of the mahayuti, the Republican Party will stay with the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. My party has taken this decision," he added. Earlier, Athawale accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of sidelining his party during seat-sharing talks for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Highlighting the RPI's political strength in Mumbai, Athawale had said the reunion of the BJP and Shiv Sena had adversely affected his party's chances, adding that the RPI was not even included in seat-sharing discussions. He claimed that the party was informed very late that it had been allotted just six seats. "The coming together of the BJP and Shiv Sena created a problem in giving tickets to the RPI. The Republican Party is very strong in Mumbai... But the BJP has ignored us... We were not contacted at all during the discussions. If the RPI had been called to the BJP-Shiv Sena discussions, some seats could have been allocated to us... Last night at 2 am, we were told that six seats had been given to us," Athawale had told ANI on Tuesday. After expressing dissatisfaction with the seat-sharing arrangements within the Mahayuti ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar assured that Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale is "not upset" and remains with the Mahayuti alliance. Speaking to reporters after meeting Athawale on Tuesday (30th December), Darekar said that his participation in the government and his respect will be ensured in a "dignified manner". Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI) UDF convener and Congress MP Adoor Prakash on Saturday issued a clarification regarding his association with Unnikrishnan Potti and a visit to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's residence, reacting to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's statement. Adoor Prakash said the Chief Minister stated that he had accompanied Unnikrishnan Potti to Sonia Gandhi's residence. Clarifying the circumstances, the MP said Unnikrishnan Potti hails from his parliamentary constituency. UDF convener and MP Adoor Prakash said, ''Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan yesterday revealed that I had gone with Unnikrishnan Potti to Sonia Gandhi's residence. Unnikrishnan Potti is from my parliament constituency... In 2019, I became a Member of Parliament. At that time, he approached me and said he was conducting an Annadanam in Sabarimala and that I had to come and inaugurate that function. I had gone there. After the Anadhanam, I'm not sure what happened. I came back from Sabarimala... When I was in Delhi, he (Unnikrishnan Pogotti) came there and informed me that he had an appointment with Sonia ji. He asked me to come with him as an MP... " He maintained that there was nothing unusual or improper in the visit. He reiterated that his role was limited to accompanying a person from his constituency in his official capacity as an MP. The clarification comes amid political exchanges following the Chief Minister's remarks, which had triggered reactions from opposition leaders in the state. Earlier, on Tuesday, the Youth Congress staged a protest in the state capital, alleging a delay in the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case, prompting police to use water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. The Sabarimala gold controversy centres on allegations of irregularities in the gold plating at the Sabarimala temple. This situation arose from a 1998 donation of 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper by industrialist Vijay Mallya, intended for the cladding of the sanctum sanctorum and the wooden carvings of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala. On Monday, the Special Investigation Team probing the Sabarimala gold theft case made another arrest, taking former Travancore Devaswom Board member Vijayakumar into custody from Thiruvananthapuram. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to Savitribai Phule and Rani Velu Nachiyar on their birth anniversary, acknowledging their inspirational contributions to society. PM Modi highlighted Savitribai Phule's contribution to transforming Indian society through service and education. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, we remember a pioneer whose life was devoted to the transformation of society through service and education. She was committed to principles of equality, justice and compassion. She believed that education was the most powerful instrument of social change and focused on transforming lives through knowledge as well as learning. Her work in caring for the vulnerable is also noteworthy." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2007278639365402939?s=20 Savitribai Phule was an Indian social reformer, educationalist, and poet from Maharashtra. She is regarded as the first female teacher of India. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women's rights in India. She is regarded as the mother of Indian feminism. Phule and her husband founded one of the first Indian girls' school in Pune, at Bhide wada in 1848. She worked to abolish the discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender. She is regarded as an important figure of the social reform movement in Maharashtra. A philanthropist and an educationist, Phule was also a prolific Marathi writer. Paying tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar, PM Modi said that through her opposition to colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone. "On the birthday of Rani Velu Nachiyar, I pay my respects to her. Possessing courage and strategic acumen, she is remembered as one of India's most valiant heroines. Having risen against colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone. Her commitment to good governance and cultural pride is also commendable. Her sacrifices and visionary leadership will inspire many generations," he said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2007279758162395559?s=20 Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first woman from a royal family to have challenged the British Empire. Rani Velu Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by the combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot. Later, she escaped with her daughter, lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period, she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with the military assistance of her allies and won the battle. (ANI) Muzaffarpur Police arrested Pramod Kumar Raj, a resident of Bhagwanpur Bochaha, for creating and circulating AI-generated fake videos and audio clips of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. A man has been arrested in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district for allegedly creating and circulating AI-generated deepfake videos and audio clips using the name, likeness and voice of the President of India and the Prime Minister, police said on Friday. According to a press release issued by the Office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Muzaffarpur, information was received on January 2 regarding the circulation of edited videos and audio on social media platforms using artificial intelligence technology. The content was allegedly designed to mislead the public and harm the dignity, prestige and credibility of the country's highest constitutional offices. Police said the objective behind the AI-generated fake content appeared to be to spread confusion among the general public, create distrust in democratic institutions, and disturb social harmony and law and order. Authorities also noted that the possibility of such content being used to spread anti-national sentiments, rumours and social unrest could not be ruled out. Considering the sensitivity of the matter, a special investigation team was constituted under the direction of the SSP, Muzaffarpur, and led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Cyber). The team carried out a technical investigation and collected digital evidence related to the case. Following the probe, the accused, identified as Pramod Kumar Raj, son of Nagendra Sahni and a resident of Bhagwanpur Bochaha under Bochaha police station limits in Muzaffarpur district, was arrested. Police also recovered one mobile phone allegedly used in the commission of the crime. A case has been registered at the Cyber Police Station, Muzaffarpur, as Case No. 01/26, and further investigation is underway. Police said the criminal antecedents of the accused are being verified. Further details in the case are awaited. (ANI) Amid the water contamination issues in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has deployed water tankers to ensure the supply of safe drinking water to the residents. District Collector Shivam Verma visited the area on Saturday morning to take stock of the situation and inspect the water tanker arrangements. "A regular survey is being conducted in Bhagirathpura, and chlorine dosing and testing of the water supply lines is being done. Private and government bores in the area are being dosed with chlorine. People have stored water in tanks, which will also be cleaned and chlorinated. After that, water from it will be used. The people are being urged to use the water of the Municipal Corporation tankers only, and that too after boiling it properly," Indore Collector told ANI. Collector Verma also tasted the water to check its quality, which was being supplied to the residents through the tankers of the municipal corporation. He added, "We are urging them to avoid the use of private bores till they are chlorine dosed and tested... There is no odour and colour in the water of MCD tankers; it carry treated water and are also checked again before delivering. We urge everyone to use this water only and not to use the pipeline or bore water till it's being tested." Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condemned the negligence of officials in the water contamination issue in Bhagirthpura and announced the suspension of two officials following the incident. In a post on X, the CM clarified his stance on the water contamination crisis, saying, "The state government will not tolerate negligence in the incident that occurred in Bhaagirthpura, Indore, due to contaminated drinking water. Strict decisions are being taken in this regard." "The corporation's Additional Commissioner Rohit Sisonia and the in-charge Superintending Engineer of PHE, Sanjeev Shrivastava have been suspended. Instructions have also been given to remove Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav," he added. (ANI) Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, remembering her as one of the earliest Indians to challenge British colonial rule. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Humble tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu on her birth anniversary. She fought fiercely against the British and was among the first Indian queens to challenge British colonial rule. Her courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations." Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the warrior queen, highlighting her resistance to colonial oppression and her role in asserting India's right to self-rule. "On the birthday of Rani Velu Nachiyar, I pay my respects to her. Possessing courage and strategic acumen, she is remembered as one of India's most valiant heroines. Having risen against colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone," the Prime Minister said, adding that her commitment to good governance and cultural pride remained commendable. Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first woman from a royal family to have challenged the British Empire. Rani Velu Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by the combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot. Later, she escaped with her daughter and lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period, she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with the military assistance of her allies and won the battle. Thus, she became the first queen who successfully fight against the British in India. She ruled her regained kingdom for a decade. Subsequently, Queen Velu Nachiyar granted powers to the Marudu brothers to administer the country in 1780. She died a few years later. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday outlined three key demands of Congress' MGNREGA Bachao Sangram,' stressing that the scheme was "not a charity but a legal guarantee. Kharge said that Congress demand the central government withdraw the recently enacted Viksit Bharat -- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB--G RAM G) Act, restore MGNREGA as a rights-based law and restore the right to work and Panchayats' authority. "MGNREGA is not charity. It is a legal guarantee. Crores of poorest people got work in their own villages; MGNREGA reduced hunger and distress migration, raised rural wages, and strengthened women's economic dignity," Kharge said in a post on X. Kharge further alleged that VB-G Ram G Act threatens to dismantle the rights-based structure of MGNREGA by replacing guaranteed work with discretion, centralising control, and weakening Gram Sabhas and States. "VB GRAM G is designed to dismantle this right. Congress opposes it because work will no longer be a guaranteed right, only a permission in selected Panchayats. Budgets will be capped, so work ends when money ends even during crisis. Delhi will decide funds and works, pushing Gram Sabhas and Panchayats into irrelevance. 60-day work blackout will legalise denial of work during peak distress. Wages will become uncertain and suppressible instead of being a protected entitlement. States will be forced to fund 40 percent, weakening federalism and harming poor states. Technology will exclude workers through biometric and app based barriers. Village assets will be replaced by contractor style projects," Kharge said. https://x.com/kharge/status/2007361405184565277?s=20 "Attacking MGNREGA is attacking crores of workers and their Constitutional Rights. We will RESIST, peacefully and firmly, from every Panchayat to Parliament," Kharge added. This comes after Congress announced a nationwide three-phase agitation titled "MGNREGA Bachao" against the newly enacted VB-G Ram G bill. Addressing a press conference at the party's office in New Delhi, Congress General Secretaries KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh accused the Centre of attempting to centralise the employment guarantee scheme and acting arbitrarily. As per the party, Phase 1 will begin on January 8 with a full-day preparatory meeting at Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) offices in the presence of general secretaries and in-charges. District-level press conference will be held at District Congress Committee (DCC) offices on January 10, followed by a one-day fast at district headquarters on January 11 near the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar. Phase 2 of the campaign will run from January 12 to January 30. During this period, panchayat-level chaupals will be organised across all gram panchayats, along with the delivery of a letter from the Congress president. "Vidhan Sabha-level nukkad sabhas and pamphlet distribution are also planned. On January 30, Martyr's Day, the party will hold peaceful sit-ins at the ward level with MGNREGA workers," Venugopal said. "Phase 3 will begin on January 31 with district-level MNREGA Bachao dharnas at DC/DM offices till February 6. This will be followed by state-level gheraos of Vidha Sabha buildings from February 7 to February 15 and four zonal AICC rallies across the country between February 16 and February 25," he added. (ANI) Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is set to visit Sambalpur in Odisha today to raise concerns against alleged violence against migrant workers hailing from West Bengal. He will reach Sambalpur this evening, and on January 4, he will meet local Bengali migrant workers to take the initiative toward resolving their plight and the atrocities they are facing. He also conveyed that, if necessary, he would not hesitate to launch a movement in protest. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "In Odisha, lakhs of migrant workers from other states go to work. Many labourers from West Bengal go to work in Odisha. From the Murshidabad district, many migrant workers are working there. Since the last few days, atrocities are taking place against Bengal migrant workers, alleging that they are Bangladeshi infiltrators. A 20-year-old youth from Bengal Juyel Rana was beaten to death. The migrant workers are scared and running away. I wish to meet those people and inform their concerns to the local administration and government there." "I will demand the safety of the migrant workers there. I am going to Sambalpur for that purpose. My party leaders are saying that the local administration in Sambalpur is intimidating the labourers so that they do not meet me. Meeting the migrant workers is not an illegal activity. I don't know why the Sambalpur administration has a problem with my visit. I wish to appeal not to create any hindrance during my visit," he added. Earlier, the Congress leader wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, flagging the issue, and said the PM has assured him he will look into it. In the wake of the killing of a migrant worker in Sambalpur, Odisha, Chowdhury, in his letter, alleged that the administrative officers, including police, do not differentiate between 'Banglabhasi' (Bangla speaking) and 'Bangladeshi' people. Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader hinted that the Matua community, who are Bengali Dalit people, are being treated as infiltrators. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "All the state governments in our country should be sensitised to the plight of migrants. In Bengal, it has become a burning issue right now. I have flagged his attention, and he told me he will be looking after it. I don't know whether the BJP treats the Matua community as infiltrators. But they have been subjected to various kinds of religious persecution in Bangladesh and forced to migrate." "Over the years, they have voted for the BJP or the TMC. But since the SIR, their names may be deleted. They are living in apprehension. It is incumbent upon the government to look into this because all these persecuted Bangladeshis belong to the Dalit and Hindu communities," he added. Meanwhile, in his letter, Chowdhury alleged that migrant workers from West Bengal are facing discrimination mainly in precisely BJP-ruled states. "With a heavy heart, I am constrained to flag your attention that migrant workers from West Bengal who are spreading across the length and breadth of our country are confronting severe discrimination in various states (most precisely BJP BJP-ruled states) at a regular interval. Those migrant workers have been investing their sweat and skill in order to eke out livelihoods, and as a consequence of which, they should be recognised as cogs of our economic wheel of our country. However, they are being subjected to violence, hatred, abuse, and even beaten to death. Their only offence is that they speak in the Bengali language, which is often misunderstood by the concerned administration as persons belonging to neighbouring Bangladesh and treated as infiltrators," he wrote in the letter. "It is ironic to note that administrative officers, including police, do not differentiate between 'Banglabhasi' and 'Bangladeshi' people. And without committing any offence, they are lodged in jail or a detention centre, much to the injustice being meted out. I do also refer to a harrowing incident that took place in Orissa's Sambalpur, where a youth, Juel Sk., of my district, Murshidabad, has been bludgeoned to death on the same excuse of a Bangladeshi infiltrator," the letter added. Further, he asked PM Modi to sensitise the state government to stop the alleged discrimination. "Prime Minister on behalf of those poor & wretched migrant labors from my state West Bengal, I, would request you to sensitise all the state governments in the country so as to stop this kind of discrimination, violence, persecution against those concerned migrant labors who have every right enshrined in our constitution to reside, to work, to visit any part of India and it is incumbent upon the Government to ensure safety and security of those migrant labors of our country," the letter read. Earlier on December 24, a migrant worker from Murshidabad district was killed following an altercation in Sambalpur, Odisha. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sambalpur Srimanta Barik said on December 25, "Some labourers lived here, and they worked here as well. They had become friends with the locals. Some men, under the influence of alcohol, went to them to ask for cigarettes, and a fight broke out between the two groups. One group of men hit him (the victim) on the head, causing a head injury that led to his death. Six men have been arrested in connection with this incident, and the others will also be arrested soon." (ANI) Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday inspected the first Vande Bharat sleeper train in the national capital, which will run from Guwahati to Kolkata. Speaking to ANI, the Railway Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vande Bharat sleeper train after the CRS inspection and subsequent certification. Vaishnaw said, "Vande Bharat is ready for inauguration after the CRS inspection and subsequent certification. Two rakes are being shifted to Guwahati and Kolkata. Very soon, in the coming days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji will inaugurate this Vande Bharat sleeper train." Explaining about the features of the train, the Railways Minister stated, "If you look at the stairs, they are ergonomically designed for climbing. You will see many features; there are different features for holding the tray, and the shades are designed in such a way that you can easily control the amount of light and sunlight you want. Braille has been used everywhere. Even the seat numbers have Braille. Many things have been kept in mind to ensure a comfortable journey for the passengers. A lot of attention has been paid to the details." Following inspections, while speaking to reporters, Vaishnaw said that Prime Minister Modi has resolved to transform the railways completely, and Vande Bharat sleeper trains for overnight journeys are new efforts in this direction. He conveyed that Vande Bharat sleeper trains are fitted with the KAVACH system, which is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to prevent accidents by monitoring speeds, enforcing signals, and automatically applying brakes to stop collisions, overspeeding, and Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD). Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has a resolve, a vision, to transform the railways completely, and the Vande Sleeper train for overnight journeys is a new effort in that direction. The design of this train is completely new...Every aspect has been designed with passenger comfort and safety in mind. CCTV cameras are pre-fitted, and the Kavach system is also installed. The braking system has been programmed in a completely new way. For passenger comfort, the seats have been designed in a new way." The Railways Minister further conveyed that the fare of this train has been kept reasonable. He said, "Prime Minister has always inspired us to make the railways a mode of transport for the middle class and low-income families. Keeping this in mind, the fare has also been kept very reasonable. The Prime Minister will inaugurate it very soon, which will run between Guwahati and Kolkata. The train will depart from both sides in the evening and reach its destination the following morning." On December 31, Indian Railways successfully completed the final high-speed trial of the indigenously designed and manufactured Vande Bharat Sleeper Train under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The trial was conducted on the Kota-Nagda section, during which the train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards advanced and self-reliant rail technology. During the trial, comprehensive technical evaluations were carried out, including assessment of ride stability, oscillation, vibration behaviour, braking performance, emergency braking system, safety systems, and other critical parameters. The train's performance at high speed was found to be fully satisfactory, and the trial was declared successful by the CRS. (ANI) Chaitanya Baghel, son of the former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, has been released from Raipur Central Jail after bail was granted in connection with the alleged multi-crore liquor scam. Baghel walked out of jail with celebratory chants from the people and recieved a grand welcome after the Chhattisgarh High Court granted him bail on Friday. Amid the celebrations, Chaitanya Baghel spoke to the media about the case, saying, "The matter is in court, and it is not right for me to say anything." He expressed his gratitude for his bail and thanked the court for justice in the case. "I am very grateful to the court that I got justice." The ED arrested Chaitanya Baghel on July 18 following an investigation into alleged irregularities in the state's liquor trade. In March 2025, the agency had seized Rs 30 lakh in cash from the residence of Bhupesh Baghel and his son during searches at 14 locations across Chhattisgarh. The ED claims that Chaitanya Baghel was a "recipient of proceeds of crime" from the liquor scam, in which nearly Rs 2,161 crore was allegedly siphoned off through various schemes. ED initiated an investigation into a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Economic Offences Wing of Chhattisgarh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The former Chhattisgarh CM thanked the lawyers and Congress workers for their support throughout the matter, alleging that the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate had not left any stone unturned in trying to harass his family. "This is the victory of truth. This is a significant relief from the High Court. The Central and State governments did not leave any stone unturned in troubling us. I thank the Congress workers, supporters, and lawyers for supporting us," Bhupesh Baghel told reporters. Meanwhile, on December 19, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Saumya Chaurasia, former deputy secretary to ex-Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the alleged Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the agency said on Friday.ED's Raipur zonal office arrested Saumya on December 16, 2025. She was produced before the special PMLA court, Raipur, which granted ED custody for three days. ED investigation revealed that Saumya allegedly received proceeds of crime worth approximately Rs 115.5 crore. Furthermore, ED said, evidence collected in the form of digital records, seized material, and written statements establishes that Saumya was an active accomplice of the liquor syndicate. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) workers along with locals on Saturday staged a protest against the Congress delegation that came to meet people in Indore's Bhagirathpura area over the water contamination issue which claimed lives of several people and affected many families. The BJP protestors also showed black flag to the Congress delegation and raised slogans against them, accusing them of politicising the issue. Meanwhile, the police force reached the spot as the matter was getting escalated, pacified the uproar and guard the delegation to come out from the area. One of the protesters said, "The Congress delegation which came here in Bhagirathpura are politicising the issue. They don't have any empathy with the deceased people but are only trying to flag up their politics." When asked about connection with BJP, the protestors claimed that they were residents of Bhagirathpura and standing with the government, elaborating that the system and administration were doing wellenough to resolve this issue. Meanwhile, MP Mahila Congress President Reena Borasi said that they only came to meet people not to protest but were being removed from the spot under the pressure of the BJP leaders. "This is hooliganism. We are being removed from here under pressure from BJP leaders. We had not come to protest but to meet the people. Why are we not being allowed to meet them? You (referring to the government) should take cognisance of this matter. Not even a single tweet has come from Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he has not said anything so far. Do the lives of so many people not matter to him? Why are we being stopped when we only come to meet people? This clearly shows that people have lost their lives due to your (government) negligence," Reena Baurasi said. On the other hand, Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar accused that death of people due to water contamination was killing caused by the administration and the BJP. "The way BJP leaders are indulging in hooliganism here shows that the truth was about to come out. It is not a natural disaster (water containment issue), but a killing caused by the administration and the BJP. Where are the Mayor, the Minister, and the Chief Minister?" said Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar. The water contamination incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura has sparked widespread criticism as it claimed several lives and many families were affected from it. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced Rs 2 lakh financial assistance to the families of the deceased and free treatment to all the affected people. (ANI) Activists of the Indian National Students' Union (NSUI) on Saturday carried out a foot march protest from the Dehradun Municipal Corporation to the District Magistrate's office, Dehradun, where they submitted a memorandum to the City Magistrate against the murder of Tripura student Angel Chakma. The memorandum stated that the incident of Angel Chakma's murder has deeply shaken the student community. This incident not only raises serious questions about the law-and-order situation but also exposes the actual condition of student safety in the state. The absence of strict and effective action against the accused so far is extremely unfortunate and alarming. The NSUI on December 30 held a candle march at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on Tuesday to protest against the brutal killing of student Angel Chakma. NSUI President Varun Choudhary said, "Today we held a candle march here for Angel Chakma. This has now become common throughout the country, anywhere where the BJP is in power, lynching and violence have become common... While this murder was carried out by a few individuals, the ideology of the RSS and BJP is behind this lynching. No action was taken for 15 days, and only after he passed away did he make a phone call and create a drama. This shouldn't be happening at all in the country." Earlier, Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh on December 30 briefed on the killing of Angel Chakma, a student from Tripura who was killed in Uttarakhand's capital, asserting that five people have been arrested. At the same time, teams have been formed to locate the sixth accused, who is on the run. SSP Singh mentioned that a preliminary investigation was conducted, during which additional sections were added to the case, including sections related to attempted murder. "Along with that, a supplementary report was taken, in which the sections were increased. Sections of the attempt to murder (109) were added, on the basis of statements. In the meantime, a separate team was formed, and five people were arrested. The sixth accused was of Nepali origin. He left the place the next day after the incident. For this, a dedicated team has been set up. According to the information so far, the accused may be hiding in nearby bordering areas," he said. He also revealed that Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has also been briefed about the developments of the incident. Singh stated that the police have recorded statements from the victim's family. "We have also transferred the investigation to a senior gazette officer. The Chief Minister has been briefed, and the facts of this case are being monitored at the senior level and at the DGP level. We have also recorded the statements of the victim's family. If any statement has been left out or if there is any such thing that has not been expressed at that time, then definitely we will include those statements and that evidence in the investigation, and the outcome of that investigation will be sent to the final chargesheet," said SSP Ajay Singh. He added that the complaint regarding Angel Chakma's killing was filed 24 hours after the incident by the victim's brother and friends. "The complaint of the incident was filed after 24 hours of the incident. The complaint was filed by the victim's brother and some of his friends... After this, a team was set up to identify the accused. In the meantime, six people were identified. Because it was known that the victim was admitted to the hospital and was in a serious condition, the doctor's statement was recorded," he said. Chakma, an MBA student, was attacked by a group of miscreants with knives and other blunt objects in Dehradun on December 9 and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. (ANI) Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday expressed gratitude to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) after it issued a notice to social media platform X following her letter raising serious concerns over the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence tools on the platform. In a self-made video, Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also expressed her gratitude to the public and media platforms for raising and covering this issue, saying that she received "tremendous support" from the public and media. "When I wrote this letter, I received tremendous support from the public. I would like to thank the media for raising their voice and covering this issue. Most importantly, I would like to thank IT Ministry and IT Minister for prioritising this matter and sending a notice to X. With this, all other big tech firms will understand that when it comes to accountability and women's equality, we will continue to raise our voice and expect the government to take actions on it," Chaturvedi said. "72 hours have been given to them to take down all the images, list all the laws they have violated and they have also been asked for an audit report. It has also been said to bring changes in AI tools are necessary. I hope that X takes action on this and make it a safe space for women. Safe space for women is everyone's responsibility worldwide, and I am proud that today our country and government responded on this matter because we prioritised this issue and I raised this issue," she added. Condemning the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence tools, the Sena UBT MP termed it as "blatant violation" of women's rights and a "major attack" on their dignity. She said, "X platform has an AI tool called Grok. This is a helpful and informative tool that can be used for good purposes. However, it was being misused, fake accounts were created and women's photos were misused without their permission or consent. Grok was being given prompts to display these women's photos in a nude or semi-nude state, and Grok, instead of not responding to it or discouraging it, Grok was responding, displaying the women's photos in that manner. This is a blatant violation of women's rights, a major attack on their dignity, and many such photos have surfaced which were being misused." Priyanka Chaturvedi further said, "Women who were objecting to it, were asked to not to share their photos on this platform. First up of all, women can share their photos anywhere and anytime and if photos are misused, it will be considered a criminal act, and action will be taken. There will be consequences for this misuse. Women have the same rights as men, and wherever women have faced disadvantages, our efforts should be directed towards ensuring that such people, such ill-intentioned individuals, are held accountable." "Another important point is that the guardrails are missing in AI tools... The third important point is that if these platforms, whether it's Google, Meta, X, or Microsoft, are growing in AI sector and using these mechanisms, then they also have a responsibility to properly implement these safeguards," she added. Chaturvedi had written a letter to Union Minister Vaishnaw, raising concerns over the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence tools on social media platforms to post objectionable images of women using fake accounts. Following this, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) wrote to X over "failure to observe statutory due diligence obligations" under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and other relevant laws and sought an Action Taken Report towards immediate compliance for prevention of hosting, generation and uploading of obscene, nude, indecent and sexually explicit content "through the misuse of AI-based services like 'Grok' and xAI's other services". In a letter to the Chief Compliance Officer, X Corp, India Operations, MeitY advised the social media platform to strictly desist from the hosting, displaying, uploading, publication, transmission, storage, sharing of any content that is obscene, pornographic, vulgar, indecent, sexually explicit, paedophilic, or otherwise prohibited under any law for the time being in force in any manner whatsoever. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday assured that the government "will take strict action" against the alleged accused over the death of a 19-year-old second-year government college student in Dharamshala under suspicious circumstances, amid prolonged ragging and sexual harassment. The Chief Minister said he had "immediately suspended" the professor based on the victims' statement. Speaking to reporters, CM Sukhu said, "I have taken a decision based on the statement by the girl from Dharamshala. The professor she has alleged against will be immediately suspended, and I have also ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter. Our government will take strict action against whoever are involved in the matter." A 19-year-old second-year student of Government Degree College, Dharamshala, who died during treatment in Ludhiana in December. Her parents alleged that she was subjected to ragging, assault and sexual harassment at the college, which caused severe mental distress and deterioration of her health. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the death amid prolonged ragging and sexual harassment. In a post on X, NCW shared, "The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of an extremely serious incident related to ragging, physical harassment, and sexual harassment at the Government Degree College in Dharamshala, in which a 19-year-old female student died during treatment. The Commission strongly condemns this heinous, inhuman, and reprehensible act, which is a gross violation of the student's life, dignity, and rights, and highlights the serious failure of the security mechanism in educational campuses." Further, the Himachal Pradesh Women's Commission has also taken cognisance of the death amid prolonged ragging and sexual harassment. Speaking to ANI here, Vidya Negi said, "We have taken cognisance of the matter. We have called the SP and also requested a written report. We have urged them to investigate every aspect of the case. If anyone is found guilty, they should be punished. A thorough investigation should be conducted. The government is also sensitive to such incidents." Based on a complaint filed by the victim's father, police later registered an FIR against three fellow students and a college professor under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009. The police said the case was registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by the victim's father, who alleged that on September 18, 2025, three female students assaulted and intimidated his daughter, while a professor sexually harassed her. "Due to these reasons, his daughter was under severe stress, and her health deteriorated. She was treated at various hospitals and later died during treatment at DMC, Ludhiana, on December 26, 2025," police said. The incident has also drawn the attention of the University Grants Commission (UGC), which has taken serious cognisance of the student's death at Government Degree College in Dharamshala. Acting on media reports, the UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline registered a suo-motu complaint, even as the college administration has maintained that the case is a death and not a suicide. According to the UGC, a police enquiry into the incident is currently underway. In parallel, the higher education regulator has already constituted a Fact-Finding Committee to examine all aspects of the case, including the circumstances leading to the student's death. (ANI) Uttarakhand Police has issued a detailed clarification in the Ankita Bhandari murder case to present the factual position related to the entire case, as misleading information, half-truths, and baseless allegations regarding the case are continuously being circulated on social media and through certain platforms. Uttarakhand Police has categorically stated that there is no involvement of any VIP whatsoever in the Ankita Bhandari case. This fact has also been clearly acknowledged by the Court. Furthermore, taking seriously the viral audio allegedly involving a conversation between two individuals, the police immediately constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is currently conducting a detailed and impartial investigation into the matter. The police have stated that, based on the evidence presented before the court, the thorough investigation conducted by the SIT, and all available facts, the Court has convicted all three accused and awarded them punishment. It has also been clarified that no evidence in this case was either destroyed or concealed. The room repeatedly alleged to have been demolished to erase evidence was fully documented, including videography, and all related evidence was duly presented before all three courts in accordance with legal procedures. The police further informed that during the initial investigation itself, all the accused were arrested within a few hours, and they remain lodged in judicial custody to date. After the so-called VIP angle surfaced, the police thoroughly verified every individual who visited the resort/hotel. The detailed investigation clearly established that no VIP, as claimed in the rumours, was involved in this case. The SIT interrogated every employee working at the resort, recorded their statements in accordance with the law, and submitted them before the court. It is the result of this impartial, fact-based, and lawful investigation that all three accused remain in jail. During police remand, the accused confessed that they had pressured Ankita to provide "extra service." When Ankita refused to comply, the accused committed this heinous crime. Statements recorded from employees also confirmed that Ankita was mentally distressed and wanted to leave the resort, but the accused forcibly took her with them. No employee confirmed that Ankita returned safely. The recovery of the body was carried out strictly in accordance with legal procedures, based on the location identified by the accused during remand. Taking the allegations and statements made by Urmila Sanawar through Facebook Live and audio recordings against former MLA Suresh Rathore and others in connection with the Ankita Bhandari case seriously, the police have constituted a separate SIT to investigate the matter. It has been clarified that Urmila Sanawar has not been arrested so far; rather, she has been served a notice to cooperate with the investigation. No response has been received from her till date. Urmila Sanawar has sought police protection; however, the letter submitted by her does not mention any clear address. The police have appealed to her to appear before them and cooperate with the investigation. If any threat to her life or property is found, she will be provided with complete security. At present, no warrant has been issued against her. It has also been clarified that the recent summons issued to her pertains to an old case from March 2025 and has no connection whatsoever to the Ankita Bhandari case. Finally, the Uttarakhand Police has appealed to the media and the general public to come forward with any additional evidence or information related to this case so that the investigation can be further strengthened based on the truth. Uttarakhand Police reiterates that the investigation into the Ankita Bhandari case has been conducted in a completely impartial, factual, and lawful manner, in accordance with the directions of the Court, and that no attempt has been made to shield any individual. (ANI) Amid a political war of words ahead of the local body polls in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, while reacting to the remarks of Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol, said on Saturday, that the Constitution grants every individual the right to express their views, while urging the media to recall certain past issues. Speaking to reporters in Pune, Ajit Pawar said, "The Constitution has given him the right to speak. There is a person named Ghaywal (a Pune based gangster who is absconding he had been booked in multiple crime) look at how he went abroad. Also check the Jain Boarding land scam. I am not making any allegation, but I am reminding the media of this." Pawar's remarks come amid heightened political exchanges between the BJP and the NCP in the run-up to the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls, with leaders from both sides trading barbs over corruption allegations and past controversies. BJP leaders, including State President Ravindra Chavan and Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol, had made statements targeting the NCP leadership, prompting strong reactions from Ajit Pawar. Earlier, Murlidhar Mohol had questioned the NCP's stance on crime in Pune, particularly in the backdrop of repeated calls by Pawar to curb criminal activities in the city and accused him of accommodating candidates with family members of criminal backgrounds in the Pune civic polls. Mohol had said that, "Pune's Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar says crime in this city should end and that koyta gangs should be eliminated. But if you look at the list of candidates given by his side from East Pune to South and from there to North Pune it clearly shows what kind of elements they have accommodated. We do not know what criteria this fits into." The political temperature in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad has been rising as major parties prepare for a direct contest in the civic elections, despite being allies at the Centre and in the Maharashtra government. (ANI) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Saturday paid tribute to the legendary warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, calling her an "exemplar of social and religious harmony". The TVK chief garlanded the statue of the warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar at the party's headquarters in Chennai. In a post on X, the TVK chief said, "The first Indian woman warrior who took up arms against the British in the freedom struggle and reclaimed our motherland! The fiery spirit who shone as an exemplar of social and religious harmony! On the birth anniversary of our ideological leader, the brave warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar, I paid my respects by garlanding her statue at the DMK headquarters office in Chennai." https://x.com/TVKVijayHQ/status/2007373881364099347 He later wrote, "Following in the footsteps of the brave warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar, who brought glory to Tamil soil, we pledge to drive out the people-hating rulers and establish the people's democracy that the people desire!" Meanwhile, Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, remembering her as one of the earliest Indians to challenge British colonial rule. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Humble tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu on her birth anniversary. She fought fiercely against the British and was among the first Indian queens to challenge British colonial rule. Her courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations." Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the warrior queen, highlighting her resistance to colonial oppression and her role in asserting India's right to self-rule. "On the birthday of Rani Velu Nachiyar, I pay my respects to her. Possessing courage and strategic acumen, she is remembered as one of India's most valiant heroines. Having risen against colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone," the Prime Minister said, adding that her commitment to good governance and cultural pride remained commendable. Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first woman from a royal family to have challenged the British Empire. Rani Velu Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by the combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot. Later, she escaped with her daughter and lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period, she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with the military assistance of her allies and won the battle. Thus, she became the first queen who successfully fight against the British in India. She ruled her regained kingdom for a decade. Subsequently, Queen Velu Nachiyar granted powers to the Marudu brothers to administer the country in 1780. She died a few years later. (ANI) West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday flagged infiltration as a matter of "great concern" for national security, while expressing confidence in India's border forces and "intelligence agencies", and raised sharp concerns over the credibility of the police in West Bengal. Speaking to ANI in the national capital, Ananda Bose said, "As far as infiltration is concerned, it is a matter of great concern for any country. We are proud to say that our BSF and border security forces are guarding our borders very well. If there is any internal support for infiltration, that is a very serious matter. This is something that our intelligence agencies are handling very well." The Bengal Governor also made strong remarks on the law-and-order situation in the state, particularly public trust in the police. "People should feel that they will get justice when they go to the police station. Unfortunately, in Bengal, the public credibility of the police is not very good. A section of the police force is criminalised, some are corrupt, and some are politicised. This is not a good sign for any democratic society," he said. Commenting on his outreach to political parties, Bose said he remains open and accessible to all. "Recently, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury met me along with some party representatives. If he wants to have another meeting, he is welcome. I meet all political parties whenever they want to meet me. Anyone who wants to meet me, if I am at the headquarters, will get an appointment within 12 hours," the Governor said. On the issue related to Bangladesh, Bose underlined that it falls under the purview of the Centre and refrained from making further remarks. "This is a sensitive issue that the Ministry of External Affairs has to handle, and they are doing it very well. Since this is a matter concerning another country, as a state governor, I don't want to comment further on it," he said. Meanwhile, on Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks relating to Home Minister Amit Shah and alleged that there is "jungle raj" in the state. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said at a press conference that people are distressed that a Chief Minister, who takes an oath to uphold the Constitution, threatens the Home Minister of India. The BJP spokesperson also rejected Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's vote chori remarks. "Rahul Gandhi consistently loses elections in India and then throws out a baseless claim. He engages in politics of deception and says that votes were stolen. In West Bengal, we see how 'jungle raj' is flourishing throughout the state under the patronage of Mamata Banerjee. Everyone is distressed that a Chief Minister, who takes an oath to uphold the Constitution, threatens the Home Minister of India. That's why we say this is what jungle rule and gangster rule look like--exactly like Mamata Banerjee's rule," he said. (ANI) A high-level review meeting was held at Sardar Patel Bhawan on Saturday, chaired by Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth, with senior officers of the Police Headquarters to discuss the Uttarakhand Police's priorities for the coming year. During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on the steps needed to ensure efficiency, transparency, and timeliness across all branches of the Police Headquarters. The DGP issued directions stating that, in compliance with the instructions from the Union Home Minister at the Anti-Terror Conference-2025, special priority must be accorded to cyber surveillance and cyber intelligence from the perspective of the state's internal security. According to a release, the DGP emphasised the reorganisation of the ATS, ANTF, and Traffic Directorate. In line with the Union Home Minister's directions at the Anti-Terror Conference-2025 on uniformity in ATS structure, necessary action has been issued. To realise the Chief Minister's vision of a Drug-Free Uttarakhand, instructions have been issued to strengthen the ANTF further this year. The DGP informed that a high-level meeting of senior police officers from the state will soon be held during which the agenda points of the DGP-IGP Conference-2025 will be reviewed. The DGP stressed the need to make the 1930 cybercrime helpline more effective and to ensure better, technically robust integration with the 112 emergency system. He directed that all headquarters-level officers immediately submit concrete, time-bound action plans aligned with the proposals, priorities, and objectives for their respective sections. He also instructed that budgetary matters, procurement, and other financial issues be resolved expeditiously and to a high standard before the end of the financial year. Instructions were also issued to dispose of pending files from the previous year and proposals pending at the government level, to prevent unnecessary delays in administrative work. Highlighting the Chief Minister's vision of 'Simplification, Solution, and Disposal', the DGP directed the adoption of a time-bound decision-making process to eliminate unnecessary delays in file work. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring faster file movement and transparency across all sections through the exclusive use of the e-Office/e-File system. The DGP also said that the Uttarakhand Police Song should be widely promoted. He stated that the song beautifully reflects the state's cultural identity, dedication, and the police force's service spirit. (ANI) The Central government has decided to invest Rs 30,000 crore to establish a network of forensic labs across the country in the next five years and a forensic university or a Central Forensic Lab by 2029 in every state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday made the announcements while chairing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs at Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The subject of the meeting was the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). The Union Ministers of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee, Union Home Secretary, Vice Chancellor of NFSU, Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), and other senior officials were present in the meeting. Addressing the meeting, the Home Minister said that the "government of India and state governments are going to invest 30 thousand crore rupees over the next five years to build a network of forensic laboratories across the country." "Along with this, a scientific mechanism has been established to address the lack of nationwide standards," Shah pointed in the meeting. He mentioned that by sharing best practices and shortcomings, a nationwide standard will be determined. Informing that every police station in the country has been brought online on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) by November 2025, the Minister said that today every FIR is available on the central server. In the coming days, he announced, "A Modus Operandi Bureau will also be established for the mapping of crimes." "Approximately 36 crore legacy data along with the data of seven lakh FIRs is available online. 22 thousand courts have been connected to e-Courts. In e-Prisons, the data of 2 crore 20 lakh prisoners from jails across the country is available on the central server. In e-Prosecution, data of approximately two crore prosecution cases is available. In the new prosecution system, information of all cases is now being made available in e-Prosecution. Data of 30 lakh 54 thousand cases is available on e-Forensics so that the police can use it. On the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), 1 crore 21 lakh fingerprints are available, which is helping the police in investigation of cases. Data of 9 lakh 44 thousand Narco offenders is also available online. Data of 3 lakh 65 thousand criminals involved in human trafficking has been made online. He said that data of all terrorism cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is also being separately recorded in the NIA database," the MHA said quoting as Shah. Shah said that currently there are seven CFSLs (Central Forensic Science Laboratories) in the country, while eight new CFSLs are being established. He said that there will be no state or Union Territory left without either an NFSU or a CFSL. He said that to strengthen the states' FSLs, forensic vans, and regional laboratories, we have provided a grant of approximately Rs 1,000 crore. Shah said that guidelines have been issued for the standardisation of forensic science departments. "The IT platform for e-Forensics has also been launched, and 143 laboratories across the country, including CFSLs, have already been connected to it." The Minister said that by 2029, 35 thousand students will be studying forensics at NFSU, and within 3-4 years we will reach saturation level, and that NFSU has 100 per cent placement. The Home Minister said that so far, 14 campuses of NFSU have been established, and this university is currently running more than 100 training programmes. He mentioned that in the past four years, more than 16 thousand officers have been trained, and the target has been set to nearly triple this number in the next four years. Union Home Minister said that NFSU has so far registered 46 patents, out of which 30 were registered just in 2024. He said that 96 countries have signed 103 MoUs with NFSU. Additionally, 117 organisations from the central and state governments have also entered into agreements with NFSU. According to the Minister a long-term roadmap has been undertaken to create an integrated forensic structure, and the government is promoting innovation. "In the coming times, we will also do good work in forensic intelligence. Along with this, AI-based analysis of forensic results and the continuous updating of software will also be carried out," added the MHA, quoting the Minister. In the meeting, Shah also said that the MHA has held 12 meetings of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee from 2019 until now, which have yielded good results. Shah further said that we will create such a system by 2029 in which the entire judicial process--from FIR to the Supreme Court--can be completed within three years. He mentioned that the reforms undertaken since 2022 have been efforts in this very direction. The Home Minister said that to turn the vision of completing the entire process from FIR to Supreme Court justice within three years into reality, the Ministry of Home Affairs is doing 360-degree monitoring of these efforts and is working to address any shortcomings. (ANI) West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday said he has submitted a non-political "people's manifesto" titled 'Shanthi Shudhi Samridhi' to President Droupadi Murmu, describing it as a document rooted in grassroots feedback and open for adoption by any political party. Speaking to ANI in the national capital after meeting President Droupadi Murmu, the Governor said, "Based on my field studies, interactions with people in different places, and visits to villages, I have prepared a kind of people's manifesto, which I have presented to the President of India. It is non-political. It is essentially a compilation of people's needs, as expressed to me on various platforms. Its title is 'Shanthi Shudhi Samridhi'. "Any political party can incorporate into its manifesto if it so desires. I am also writing a book on the President of India. These are the two things I can share with you. The rest, of course, are constitutional matters, which, according to protocol, I cannot discuss publicly," Bose further said. Elaborating further on 'Shanthi Shudhi Samridhi', Governor Bose underlined that the document was not aligned to any political ideology and was instead an outcome of extensive public engagement across West Bengal. On the nature of the document, he said, "This is not a political manifesto. This is the people's plan. Based on the feedback I received from the people in the field, understanding their needs, I prepared a draft plan, an action plan, for the development of Viksit Bengal. This is a non-political document. Of course, if any political party wants to adopt it, they can. This is the people's manifesto. This is what they want." Commenting on the ongoing debate around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the West Bengal Governor said that differing political views were inevitable in a democratic and pluralistic society and stressed the need to address errors, if any, through corrective measures. On SIR, he said, "The controversy over SIR is built around political perceptions. In a democracy, in a pluralistic society, we cannot expect all political parties to have the same opinion. Naturally, there may be complaints. SIR is a complex and detailed process. There can be some mistakes here and there. What is important is to correct any mistakes, if there are any, and move forward. The common people of Bengal have accepted SIR." The Governor also spoke on the importance of placing the Comptroller and Auditor General's reports before the legislature, asserting that transparency and corrective action were integral to democratic governance. Stating his position on the CAG reports, Bose said, "The Indian CAG is considered one of the best in the world. Therefore, it is mandatory for any democratically elected government to place this report before the Assembly and take corrective action. That is my opinion on this." Flagging infiltration as a matter of "great concern" for national security, Bose expressed confidence in India's border forces and "intelligence agencies", and raised sharp concerns over the credibility of the police in West Bengal. "As far as infiltration is concerned, it is a matter of great concern for any country. We are proud to say that our BSF and border security forces are guarding our borders very well. If there is any internal support for infiltration, that is a very serious matter. This is something that our intelligence agencies are handling very well," Ananda Bose said. (ANI) Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi on Friday said that the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has failed to undertake any visionary plan beyond turning women and economically backward sections of society into mere beneficiaries in the name of welfare schemes. Addressing a press conference in Tinsukia, he said that the BJP will not be able to mislead the conscious people of Assam. He said that although the Himanta government has decided to provide 1,500 to temple attendants, no concrete steps have been taken to make the sattras economically self-reliant. Stating that the BJP may put up any show of strength it wants, Gogoi said the upcoming Assam Assembly elections will be highly engaging. "This time, the people of Assam will show the entire country that when a self-respecting populace unites, an arrogant and corruption-ridden government collapses easily. The BJP will not be able to mislead the conscious people of Assam," he asserted. Gogoi stated that there is nothing new about distributing schemes, as programmes like Arunodoi exist in almost every state of India. What Assam truly needs, he said, are schemes that can make ordinary people economically self-sufficient. "During the Congress government, emphasis was laid on economic empowerment. Even sattras were extended such support. As a result, many sattras are still able to sustain themselves independently, at least to some extent," Gogoi said. He further added that if the Congress comes to power, the party will study ways to ensure genuine empowerment of women and introduce new schemes accordingly. Real development, he said, can only be witnessed when schemes address the actual problems faced by the people. Gogoi criticised the Chief Minister and alleged that his government made only marginal increases in old-age pensions and women-oriented scheme benefits after much deliberation, while substantially inflating project budgets when works are handed over to four or five close contractors. "This is why a section of people in the state is becoming increasingly wealthy, while the poor remain confined to the status of beneficiaries," he remarked. The APCC President also claimed that the condition of higher education institutions in Assam under the BJP government have deteriorated. Citing recent unrest at Tezpur University, Gogoi said that during the Congress regime, the university was counted among the leading institutions not only in India but across Asia. "Today, while the government boasts of providing small monthly assistance to students, the education system itself has been crippled," he alleged. "Higher education institutions across Assam and the entire Northeast are sliding towards destruction. Everyone has seen the present condition of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. A similar atmosphere of chaos prevails even at NEHU in Shillong," Gogoi said. He claimed that handing over educational institutions to individuals close to the BJP without considering merit, and merely offering schemes to students, will not lead to any improvement in the country's education system. (ANI) Iran's former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi thanked US President Donald Trump for his support of the Iranian people, saying his message had given hope to those protesting against the country's leadership. He said Iranians are seeking an end to what he called "decades of repression" and are looking to rebuild ties with the United States for peace and stability in the region. In a post on X, Pahlavi said, "President Trump, thank you for your strong leadership and support of my compatriots. This warning you have issued to the criminal leaders of the Islamic Republic gives my people greater strength and hope--hope that, at last, a President of the United States is standing firmly by their side. As they risk their lives to end this regime's 46-year reign of chaos and terror, they send me with a responsibility and a message: to seek the relationship Iran once had with America that brought peace and prosperity to the Middle East." https://x.com/PahlaviReza/status/2007139691494084909?s=20 "I have the plan for stable transition for Iran and the support of my people to get it done. With your leadership of the free world, we can leave a legacy of lasting peace," he added. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that the United States is "locked and loaded" to respond if Iranian authorities use violence against peaceful protesters, as demonstrations over worsening economic conditions spread across multiple provinces in Iran. In a Truth Social Post, Trump wrote, "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" This comes as people in Iran continue to protest against rising prices and economic hardship pouring into the streets across several provinces in Iran, with some protests escalating into fatal confrontations with security forces, CNN reported. Protesters reportedly clashed with police, hurled stones at officers and torched vehicles, according to Fars News Agency. The outlet alleged that some armed "disturbers" exploited the gatherings. Without offering proof, Fars claimed authorities later seized firearms from several individuals. Meanwhile, Iranian officials sharply rebuked US President Donald Trump and the Israeli Foreign Ministry for their statements regarding the ongoing protests in the country, warning that any foreign intervention in its internal affairs would be met with a "regrettable response". They further asserted that the country's national security is a "red line" not subject to "adventurous tweets". Ali Shamkhani, Political Advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and representative of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the Defence Council, in a post on X, said that Iran's national security was a red line and not open to external interference. He further slammed the US President over his "rescue" call, noting that Iranian citizens were "well familiar" with Americans coming for rescue, citing previous US military actions in Iran and Afghanistan. The people of Iran are well familiar with the experience of "rescuing" Americans, from Iraq and Afghanistan to Gaza. Every hand of intervention that approaches Iranian Security with excuses will be cut off with a regrettable Response before it arrives. Iran's national security is a red line, not the subject of adventurous tweets, Shamkhani said. (ANI) Sparklers attached to champagne bottles and held too close to the ceiling likely sparked the deadly fire at the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, during a New Year's party, killing at least 40 people, CNN quoted officials as saying. The blaze reportedly spread rapidly due to a flashover, and Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible criminal responsibility. Earlier, at a press conference in Crans-Montana, Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler said authorities responded swiftly after a fire was reported at a bar in the area. According to Gisler, smoke was first seen coming from the bar in the centre of the Swiss ski resort at around 1:30 am. Moments later, a witness contacted the emergency call centre to report the incident. A red alert was immediately issued to mobilise firefighting services, he added. The first teams from the Crans-Montana intercommunal police and the gendarmerie reached the scene at 1:32 am, and were soon joined by additional emergency responders, CNN reported. "Their initial assignment was obviously to take care of the victims, to provide them emergency help," Gisler said. He noted that firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze quickly. "Following that, the initial investigations were able to start," he said. Reception centres were later set up to assist those affected by the incident, and a helpline was launched at 4:14 am to provide information and support to families. "All of the injured people had received care by shortly after 5 am, thanks to this widescale mobilisation," CNN quoted Gisler as saying. Families of those who lost their lives in the fire at Crans-Montana are facing a painful wait, as local authorities said it could take several days to identify all of the approximately 40 victims, CNN reported. "Currently and in the days to come, the priority will be identifying the people who have died so that their bodies can be returned quickly to their families," Gisler said in a press conference. (ANI) The number of civilians killed in a drone attack on a cafe and a hotel in the Kherson Region of Ukraine's Khorly has climbed to 28, Governor Vladimir Saldo said, as quoted by TASS. "Three people died in the hospital, so the number of those killed now stands at 28. More than 100 people were in the cafe at the time of the attack, and over 60 were affected," Saldo said. Saldo said the attack took place on January 1, when civilians had gathered to mark the New Year. He said 31 people, including five children, were hospitalised after the incident, TASS reported. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that two missiles from Moscow struck the city of Kharkiv. In a post on X, Zelenskyy condemned the strike by Russia, saying it targeted a residential area and caused significant damage. "A heinous Russian strike on Kharkiv. Preliminary reports indicate two missiles struck an ordinary residential area. One of the buildings has been severely damaged. A rescue operation is currently underway, with all necessary services on site," Zelenskyy said. He also noted that the exact number of casualties is yet "unknown". While Russia's Defence Ministry has denied reports of a strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, calling the claims false, Sputnik reported. "Information about the alleged strike on the city of Kharkov by the Russian Armed Forces on January 2 of this year is untrue," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said Russian armed forces neither planned nor carried out any missile or air strikes within the city on January 2, Sputnik reported. "The Kiev regime's claims about the alleged 'Russian strike on Kharkov' are intended to distract international attention from the brutal terrorist attack committed by the Ukrainian armed forces against civilians in the settlement of Khorly in the Kherson Region overnight into January 1," the statement read. (ANI) The MND said they responded according to the situation. In a post on X, the MND said, "(U) 4 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 4 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's central ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2007255590322520181/photo/2 Earlier on Friday, Taiwan detected six naval vessels, an official ship and two balloons around its territorial waters. In a post on X, the MND wrote, "6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Today. 2 PRC balloons were detected during this timeframe. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." China's recent large-scale military exercises around Taiwan have triggered widespread disruption to regional air travel, prompting renewed concern over China's growing use of coercive tactics to pressure the island. The drills, conducted on December 30, disrupted 941 flights and affected more than 100,000 passengers, underscoring the broader security implications of China's actions, as reported by Focus Taiwan. According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration confirmed that the exercises affected 857 international flights and 84 domestic routes, as live-fire activities forced aircraft to reroute or cancel operations. The disruption lasted nearly 10 hours, significantly impacting commercial aviation across the region. Experts argue that the scale and timing of the drills indicate deliberate planning rather than routine military training. Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow at the Institute for National Defence and Security Research (INDSR), described the operation as a "quasi-blockade" intended to simulate wartime conditions. (ANI) After US President Donald Trump warned of possible intervention if Iranian authorities target protesters, Iran's former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi thanked him for supporting the Iranian people. https://x.com/PahlaviReza/status/2007139691494084909 Pahlavi said Iranians are demanding an end to "this regime's 46-year reign of chaos and terror" and want to rebuild ties with the United States to bring peace and stability to the region. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "President Trump, thank you for your strong leadership and support of my compatriots. This warning you have issued to the criminal leaders of the Islamic Republic gives my people greater strength and hope--hope that, at last, a President of the United States is standing firmly by their side. As they risk their lives to end this regime's 46-year reign of chaos and terror, they send me with a responsibility and a message: to seek the relationship Iran once had with America that brought peace and prosperity to the Middle East." https://x.com/ShahbanouFarah/status/2007207272943104490?s=20 The former Iranian Queen, Farah Pahlavi also backed the protests calling on security forces to join the people in their struggle "We are a people with a proud history of culture, art, intellect and innovation. Iran was once a beacon of hope and progress and it will be again. The future belongs to those who dare to dream, who dare to fight for a better tomorrow. I have full faith that you will reclaim your land, your freedom and your dignity. To my fellow Iranians, hold onto your faith in each other. Stand together, with love in your hearts for this beautiful land and for the generations yet to come. Your struggle is not in vain. This moment is yours. This time will be remembered as the turning point, when the Iranian people took their future back into their hands. I call on the security forces to join the people in this movement," she posted on X. Meanwhile, Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. He said that all individuals must be able to protest peacefully and express their grievances. US President Donald Trump had earlier issued the warning on Tuesday (local time) through a social media post, threatening the current Iranian regime amid ongoing protests. He wrote, "If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The remarks came as people across Iran continued to protest against rising prices and economic hardship. Demonstrations have been reported in several provinces, with some turning violent and leading to deadly clashes with security forces, CNN reported. Meanwhile, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, urging them to condemn Trump's "unlawful threats" against Tehran. The letter was sent on Friday, just hours after Trump said that the US was "locked and loaded and ready to go" if protesters were killed during demonstrations triggered by rising living costs. In the letter, Iravani asked UN leaders to "unequivocally and firmly condemn" Trump's "reckless and provocative statements," saying they amounted to a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law. "Any attempt to incite, encourage or legitimise internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention is a gross violation of the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Iravani wrote. The letter was published in full by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. He added that Iran's government "reiterates its inherent right to defend its sovereignty" and would act in a "decisive and proportionate manner." "The United States of America bears full responsibility for any consequences arising from these illegal threats and any subsequent escalation of tensions," Iravani said. According to IRNA, protests continued on Friday in several Iranian cities, including Qom, Marvdasht, Yasuj, Mashhad and Hamedan. Demonstrations were also reported in parts of Tehran, including Tehranpars and Khak Sefid. The unrest spread nationwide after shopkeepers in Tehran went on strike on Sunday over soaring prices and prolonged economic stagnation. At least nine people have been killed and 44 arrested so far. The deputy governor of Qom province said another person died after a grenade exploded in his hand, calling it an attempt to provoke unrest, IRNA reported. (ANI) Transport Canada has issued a legal warning to Air India after one of its pilots was found unfit for duty during pre-flight preparations at Vancouver International Airport, raising serious aviation safety concerns, reported CBC. The incident occurred on December 23 and led to the pilot being arrested by local authorities According to Canadian officials, the pilot was preparing to operate Air India's scheduled daily flight from Vancouver to Delhi when concerns were raised about his fitness to fly. Following a "report of concern" involving a crew member, Richmond Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) intervened and arrested the pilot. An investigation into the matter is currently ongoing, and police have stated that no further details will be released at this stage. Transport Canada confirmed that it has formally engaged both Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India to ensure appropriate follow-up actions are taken. While the DGCA holds primary responsibility for regulatory oversight of the airline, Transport Canada emphasized that it remains committed to taking immediate and necessary action if any safety risks are identified, reported CBC. A spokesperson for Vancouver International Airport said the flight was delayed for several hours due to the incident but eventually departed safely after alternate arrangements were made. In a statement, Transport Canada reiterated that Canadian aviation regulations strictly prohibit pilots and other crew members from performing duties within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while under its influence. The agency also warned that airlines must not assign crew members who are unfit for duty. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in serious consequences, including suspension or cancellation of flight authorizations, as well as judicial and other penalties. Air India, responding to the incident, said Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure. The airline stated that Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot's fitness for duty, after which the crew member was taken for further inquiry. "In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities," an Air India spokesperson said. The airline added that the pilot has been taken off flying duties during the course of the enquiry. It further stated that any confirmed violation, pending the outcome of the investigation, would attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy. Transport Canada reaffirmed that ensuring aviation safety remains its top priority and that it will continue to closely monitor compliance with all applicable regulations.(ANI) India on Saturday flagged as fake social media posts claiming that the President of the Republic of Somaliland held official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that India was set to recognise Somaliland. Responding to the claims, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) FactCheck unit said in a post on X, "Fake news alert! The posts below are fake!" https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/2007308349034115137?s=20 The clarification came amid the circulation of viral posts suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held formal discussions with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and that recognition of Somaliland by "the world's largest democracy" was imminent. MEA FactCheck also rejected reports that Somalia had recalled its ambassador to India over the alleged recognition move, stating that the online content was false. Screenshots shared by the unit showed visuals and captions falsely portraying official-level engagement between India and Somaliland, which the government said had no basis. The clarification assumes importance given Somaliland's long-standing political status. The region declared independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, following the Somali Civil War, but has not been recognised internationally, except by Israel, which formally acknowledged Somaliland as a sovereign state on December 26, 2025. Amid the broader international debate, Somaliland has rejected allegations that it agreed to host Israeli military facilities or resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza in exchange for recognition. In a statement, Somaliland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its engagement with Israel was "purely diplomatic" and conducted "in full respect of international law", Al Jazeera reported. The denial followed remarks by Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who told Al Jazeera that Somaliland had accepted conditions including resettlement of Palestinians, establishment of a military base along the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords. Somaliland officials said no discussions had taken place on such proposals, though joining the Abraham Accords has been publicly acknowledged. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed earlier this week that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, saying Israel wanted to support "a democratic, moderate country" willing to participate in the agreement, according to US media outlet Newsmax. Somaliland President Abdurrahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Cirro, is expected to visit Israel in the coming weeks, during which he would formally join the Abraham Accords, Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported. Somalia's president warned that Israel's recognition was a cover for strategic objectives and could destabilise the Horn of Africa. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said Israel's recognition may be linked to Somaliland's strategic location near the Red Sea, opposite Yemen's Houthis. The recognition has triggered protests across Somalia, with demonstrations reported on December 30 in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dhusamareb and other cities. The African Union and the European Union reiterated that Somalia's territorial integrity should be respected, Al Jazeera reported. Somaliland's president has said more nations would soon recognise the region, which continues to be claimed by Somalia despite maintaining its own government, currency and military. (ANI) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump late Friday, during which the two leaders agreed to move forward with plans for her visit to the United States in the spring, underscoring the importance of the bilateral partnership. Speaking to reporters after the 25-minute call, Takaichi said she congratulated the United States on marking its 250th anniversary this year and described the discussion as wide-ranging, with a focus on the Japan-U.S. alliance. She noted that both leaders viewed the milestone year as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries, reported The Japan Times. "Given this historic anniversary, President Trump and I shared the view that this year should mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Japan-U.S. alliance," Takaichi said. "We agreed to deepen our friendship and expand cooperation across many fields, including the economy and security." The Japanese Prime Minister added that President Trump once again invited her to visit the United States, and both sides agreed to make concrete arrangements for the visit to take place in the spring. When asked whether China's recent large-scale military exercises around Taiwan were discussed, Takaichi declined to provide specifics. She said only that the two leaders exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific region and confirmed close coordination in light of the current international environment. Takaichi also said that Japan and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with like-minded partners, including through Japan-U.S.-South Korea trilateral cooperation, while promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, as reported by The Japan Times China concluded its "Justice Mission 2025" military drills earlier this week, during which dozens of rockets were fired toward Taiwan, with several landing in waters close to the island. The exercises marked Beijing's closest-ever live-fire activity near Taiwan, according to officials in Taipei. The drills were the first of their kind since Takaichi's comments in November suggesting Japan could consider military involvement in a potential Taiwan crisis. Those remarks prompted sharp reactions from Beijing, which views Taiwan as a core national issue and has demanded unification, by force if necessary. Despite rising tensions, Takaichi's government has maintained that its stance does not represent a policy shift and has emphasized that dialogue with China remains possible. Meanwhile, Washington has urged Beijing to reduce military pressure on Taiwan. The U.S. State Department called on China to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue, marking its first public response to the recent exercises. President Trump, however, has played down the drills, saying such military activities in the region are not new and expressing limited concern over the developments. (ANI) Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes against positions held by the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in southern Yemen, escalating tensions even as Riyadh called for dialogue to contain the latest round of violence near its border. Fighting intensified in Hadramout governorate, where STC forces clashed with Saudi-backed "Homeland Shield" units. The STC's military spokesperson, Mohamed al-Naqib, said battles were fierce as both sides sought control of strategic areas, including approaches to the city of Seiyun. Yemeni state television reported that STC fighters later withdrew from the al-Safaq checkpoint in Hadramout's Rakhyah district following the Saudi-led coalition's strikes. According to Yemen's state-run Saba News Agency, Saudi aircraft targeted multiple STC positions late Friday, including the 37th Division Camp on the outskirts of Seiyun. Additional strikes reportedly hit sites recently seized by the STC that had previously been under the control of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government coalition, reported The Jerusalem Post. Hadramout Governor Salem Ahmed Saeed al-Khunbashi announced that government-aligned forces had retaken al-Khasha'a camp, described as the province's largest and most important military base. He said the operation had been intended as a "peaceful" effort to restore state authority, though it unfolded amid heavy fighting, as reported by Al Jazeera. The clashes mark a sharp deterioration in relations between Saudi Arabia and the STC, a separatist movement that enjoys backing from the UAE and seeks an independent state in southern Yemen. The STC launched a major push in early December, seizing parts of Hadramout and forcing Saudi-backed government forces to retreat, reigniting conflict in a region that had been relatively stable. Earlier this week, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces also struck two ships in the port city of Mukalla, suspecting they were delivering weapons to STC units, according to Saba. The UAE confirmed that its last troops have left Yemen and urged de-escalation following the Saudi-led airstrikes, signaling concern over the renewed hostilities among former allies, The Jerusalem Post reported. Politically, STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi announced the start of a two-year transitional period to be followed by a referendum on southern independence, a move rejected by Yemen's internationally recognized government. In response to the violence, Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, formally requested that Saudi Arabia host a peace conference in Riyadh bringing together all factions involved in the southern clashes. Saudi Arabia welcomed the request, with the Foreign Ministry saying the crisis could only be resolved "through dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution in Yemen." Riyadh pledged to provide a "suitable environment for dialogue" and called on all southern factions to participate in talks aimed at developing "just solutions," underscoring its bid to stabilize Yemen while managing growing rifts within the anti-Houthi camp. (ANI) Balochistan [Pakistan], January 3 (ANI) Escalating incidents of kidnapping for ransom in Balochistan's Kech district have sparked renewed concerns over the breakdown of law and order, with political leaders warning that continued official inaction is eroding public safety and damaging the local economy. The situation has created a climate of fear among residents and traders alike, as reported by Dawn. According to Dawn, Abdul Malik Baloch, president of the National Party, raised the alarm during a press conference at the Turbat Press Club. The event was organised under the banner of All Parties Kech, a multi-party platform representing political and civil stakeholders in the district. Baloch warned that the worsening security environment was undermining public confidence and paralysing commercial activity. During the briefing, participants highlighted the recent abduction for ransom of two well-known businessmen from Kech Haseeb Yasin, son of Haji Yasin, and Shah Nawaz Gul Jan, son of Haji Gul Jan Rind. Their disappearance has triggered widespread anxiety across the district, particularly within the trading community, which already operates under difficult economic conditions. Baloch stated that sustained efforts over the past month to engage the provincial authorities, including the Balochistan chief minister and the inspector general of police, had failed to yield any concrete results. He added that the lack of progress had forced political leaders to raise the issue publicly through the media, hoping to draw serious attention to the gravity of the crisis. He stated that crimes such as kidnapping for ransom were not only criminal acts but also direct attacks on economic stability, discouraging investment and forcing businesses to scale back operations. Ensuring the safety of traders and citizens, he said, was a fundamental duty of the state, as highlighted by Dawn. Meanwhile, APK convener Nawab Khan Shambizai warned that if the abducted businessmen were not recovered promptly, a protest rally would be held in Kech on January 5, followed by a complete district-wide strike on January 7. The press conference concluded with a unanimous demand for immediate government intervention, the safe recovery of the abductees and concrete measures to restore law and order in Kech district, as reported by Dawn. (ANI) Utah Senator Mike Lee said on Saturday he was informed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. In a post on X on his personal account, Lee said that the action by the US, | likely falls within the president's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack". He said, "Just got off the phone with @SecRubio. He informed me that Nicolas Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant. This action likely falls within the president's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack. Thank you, @SecRubio, for keeping me apprised" https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/2007395531023352319?s=20 In another post, he added, "He anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody" https://x.com/BasedMikeLee/status/2007396201600258094?s=20 His remarks come as President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US President posted on Truth Social The "capture of Maduro" comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. The US had also imposed sanctions on vessels it claims are involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. At the same time, the US military stepped up actions against Venezuelan boats in the region, alleging their involvement in drug and narcotics smuggling. Trump had called upon Maduro to step down, accusing Venezuela of doing "terrible things" against the United States Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government on Saturday issued a statement rejecting and condemning what it described as a "military aggression" by the United States against Venezuelan territory, accusing Washington of violating the United Nations Charter and threatening regional peace and stability. In the official statement, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela alleged that the United States carried out attacks on civilian and military locations in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, calling the action a flagrant breach of international law, including Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Charter, which uphold state sovereignty and prohibit the use of force. The Venezuelan government said the alleged aggression was aimed at seizing the country's strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and undermining Venezuela's political independence. It rejected what it described as attempts to impose "regime change", stressing that Venezuela had defended its sovereignty for more than two centuries. It said the Bolivarian National Armed Forces were deployed nationwide to guarantee sovereignty and peace, while diplomatic channels would be activated to raise complaints before the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, CELAC and the Non-Aligned Movement. The statement said President Nicolas Maduro had ordered the implementation of national defence plans in line with the Constitution and relevant national security laws, and had signed a decree declaring a State of External Commotion across Venezuela. It added that comprehensive national defence command structures had been deployed across states and municipalities. Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Venezuelan government said it reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defence to protect its people, territory and independence, and called on governments and peoples worldwide to express solidarity. (ANI) Investigative Journalist Laura Loomer said on Saturday citing sources that Delcy Rodriguez, who is presently serving as the Vice-President of Venezuela, is going to be announced as the interim President of Venezuela. This comes after the President of the United States Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country. Laura Loomer said in a post on X, "NEW: Source tells me that @delcyrodriguezv Delcy Rodriguez, the Vice President of Venezuela is going to be announced as the interim President of Venezuela today following US airstrikes on Venezuela and the announcement by President Trump that @NicolasMaduro has been "captured" by US Special Forces and flown out of the country." https://x.com/LauraLoomer/status/2007383962260316445?s=20 The capture of Maduro, as confirmed by Trump, comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. Also on Saturday, Italian Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that he is following the developments taking place in Venezuela and that Italian PM Giorgia Meloni is being constantly informed. The US had also imposed sanctions on vessels it claims are involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. At the same time, the US military stepped up actions against Venezuelan boats in the region, alleging their involvement in drug and narcotics smuggling. Trump has called on Maduro to step down, accusing Venezuela of doing "terrible things" against the United States. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government on Saturday issued a statement rejecting and condemning what it described as a "military aggression" by the United States against Venezuelan territory, accusing Washington of violating the United Nations Charter and threatening regional peace and stability. In the official statement, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela alleged that the United States carried out attacks on civilian and military locations in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, calling the action a flagrant breach of international law, including Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Charter, which uphold state sovereignty and prohibit the use of force. The Venezuelan government said the alleged aggression was aimed at seizing the country's strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and undermining Venezuela's political independence. It rejected what it described as attempts to impose "regime change", stressing that Venezuela had defended its sovereignty for more than two centuries. Referring to historical precedents, the statement said the Venezuelan people would once again defend their independence, invoking the legacy of Simon Bolivar and other national leaders. Calling for mobilisation, the Venezuelan government urged all social and political forces to repudiate what it termed an "imperialist attack". It said the Bolivarian National Armed Forces were deployed nationwide to guarantee sovereignty and peace, while diplomatic channels would be activated to raise complaints before the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, CELAC and the Non-Aligned Movement. The statement said President Nicolas Maduro had ordered the implementation of national defence plans in line with the Constitution and relevant national security laws, and had signed a decree declaring a State of External Commotion across Venezuela. It added that comprehensive national defence command structures had been deployed across states and municipalities. Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Venezuelan government said it reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defence to protect its people, territory and independence, and called on governments and peoples worldwide to express solidarity. The statement was issued amid reports of loud explosions across Venezuela's capital Caracas early Saturday, which triggered power outages in several neighbourhoods, CNN reported. (ANI) Former MoS MEA (Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs) MJ Akbar has said that the current US attack on Venezuela's capital, with the claimed capture of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, was not about democracy or progress, but more about minerals and oil. Akbar referenced the 'Monroe Doctrine' for the current conflict. Just like President Monroe, in his message to Congress in December 1823, declared Latin America to be within the American Sphere of Influence. Similarly, this has been extended in the modern age. He said that, in the current context, we are seeing a hegemonic principle. He also claimed that not all the countries of Latin America have true democracy, and there are " questions and doubts about the legitimacy of votes" in Venezuela. Speaking with ANI, he said, "President Donald Trump's first war of his second term, which is the war in Venezuela, is, in historical terms, a return to what is famously known as the Monroe Doctrine, which was sent as a message to the Congress in December 1823. Uh, by President Monroe, in which he asserted that both the Americas, that means the southern half of the American Continent, known as Latin America, because it was under the power of Spain and Portugal, essentially. That, too, was within the American Sphere of Influence, and Europe would have to leave." He added, "America promised that it would not intervene in European affairs, but it established that now has now been extended in the modern age to a kind of principle. I think, in the current context, we are seeing a hegemonic principle: not all countries in Latin America have true democracy. And, there are questions and doubts about the legitimacy of votes in Venezuela." Akbar emphasised that the real conflict is not about democracy or progress, and the primary driver is President Trump's constant desire for America to be the world's leading producer of minerals and oil, whether in Ukraine or Africa. He cited the main reason for the conflict in Venezuela as the country's vast oil reserves: 300 billion barrels of proven reserves, larger than Saudi Arabia's 267 billion. He said, "But really, the conflict there, in my view, is not about democracy or about progress. The conflict there concerns something President Trump has outlined in many ways and across the world. It's about minerals and oil. People do not realise that Venezuela has the largest reserves of oil in the world, much bigger than Saudi Arabia." He added, "Venezuela now has over 300 billion barrels of proven reserves. Saudi Arabia has about 267 billion barrels, compared with Venezuela's 267 billion. Saudi Arabia is second, and the Trump Administration and President Trump want control over Venezuela. President Trump has shown a consistent desire to advance an America First agenda in the global control of minerals, whether in Ukraine or across Africa. Through repeated efforts and transactions, he has made this central to his interests. So, there is a certain logic that people may disagree with, but it is what it is." He also warned that more than the American intervention, there is a need for apprehension for the upcoming possible major conflict that may arise due to the involvement of Russia and China, who, according to him, will certainly not accept "American hegemony over Venezuela" He said, "What is the most important thing that we should be apprehensive about, worried about is not only the American intervention, maybe the use of air power without the use of infantry and troops. But the clear warning given by Russia and China that it would not accept American hegemony over Venezuela, and if that becomes a conflict point, then it will add to a very, very major conflict zone in 2026." (ANI) Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Saturday gave a call for peaceful resolution after American strikes in Venezuela where the US "captured" President Maduro and his wife. The Chilean President condemned the military action and said that the crisis must be resolved through dialogue and multilateralism. In a post on X he said, "As the Government of Chile, we express our concern and condemnation of the military actions by the United States taking place in Venezuela, and we call for seeking a peaceful solution to the serious crisis affecting the country. Chile reaffirms its commitment to basic principles of International Law, such as the prohibition of the use of force, non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the territorial integrity of States. The Venezuelan crisis must be resolved through dialogue and the support of multilateralism, and not through violence or foreign interference." https://x.com/GabrielBoric/status/2007408703922696253?s=20 Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". The Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. In a statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry said, "This morning, the US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This development gives rise to deep concern and warrants condemnation. The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Ideologized animosity has prevailed over pragmatic engagement, as well as over any readiness to build relations based on trust and predictability." "In the current situation, it is essential above all to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a solution through dialogue. We proceed from the understanding that all parties that may have grievances against one another must seek solutions through dialogue-based mechanisms. We stand ready to support such efforts. Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it proclaimed itself in 2014. Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny, free from any destructive, let alone military, external interference." The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. "We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership, aimed at safeguarding the country's national interests and sovereignty. We support the statements by the Venezuelan authorities and by the leaders of Latin American countries calling for the urgent convening of a meeting of the UN Security Council," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Meanwhile, in what can be seen as a sign of an increasingly polarised world on the US strike, Kaja Kallas the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs supported the US action saying Nicolas Maduro lacked legitimacy. "I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority," she said. Earlier, Utah Senator Mike Lee said on Saturday that he was informed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. In a post on X on his personal account, Lee said that the action by the US, likely falls within the president's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. (ANI) US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. In a post on X she said, "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers." The Attorney General's remarks come as US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US President posted on Truth Social. Meanwhile, in what can be seen as the polarisation the world is likely to see in the next few weeks, the Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. In a statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry said, "This morning, the US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This development gives rise to deep concern and warrants condemnation. The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Ideologized animosity has prevailed over pragmatic engagement, as well as over any readiness to build relations based on trust and predictability." The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. (ANI) The Russian Federation on Saturday issued an additional statement on its response to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The Russian side said if the reports were true, it was an unacceptable violation of Venezuela's sovereignty. In its statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said," We are extremely concerned by reports that the President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro and his spouse were forcibly taken out of the country during today's aggressive actions by the United States. We demand immediate clarification of these reports. If such actions did in fact take place, they represent an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state, the respect for which is a fundamental principle of international law." The Russian Foreign Ministry also called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. Earlier, Ukraine backed the US action alleging that Maduro had violated all principles of law. "Ukraine has consistently defended the right of nations to live freely, free of dictatorship, oppression, and human rights violations. The Maduro regime has violated all such principles in every respect...Ukraine has not recognised Maduro's legitimacy following rigged elections and violence against protestors, along with dozens of other countries in different parts of the world. The people of Venezuela must have a chance for a normal life, security, prosperity, and human dignity. We will continue to support their right to such normality, respect, and freedom," the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said. Meanwhile, US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. In a post on X she said, "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers." The Attorney General's remarks come as US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow." the US President posted on Truth Social. The US government is expected to further clarify its position in a news conference later on Saturday. (ANI) Iran's Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned the US military action against Venezuela, calling it not only a violation of the country's sovereignty but also a violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and the basic rules of international law. Iran called for condemnation of the US action by the United Nations and said it fully qualifies as an "act of aggression." "The US military attack on Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and the basic rules of international law, particularly Article 2(4) of the Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force, and fully qualifies as an act of aggression.' It must be explicitly and immediately condemned by the UN and by all states that are committed to the rule of law, as well as to international peace and security," Iranian Foreign Ministry said in statement on X. "The US military aggression against an independent state that is a member of the UN represents a grave breach of regional and international peace and security. Its consequences affect the entire international system and will further expose the UN Charter-based order to erosion and destruction," it added. Iran said that UN Security Council should halt "United States' unlawful aggression against Venezuela" "While recalling Venezuela's inherent right to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the legal and moral responsibility of all states and international organizations, particularly the UN and its Security Council, to immediately halt the United States' unlawful aggression against Venezuela," the statement added. Iran also stressed the necessity of taking appropriate measures to hold accountable the planners and perpetrators of crimes committed in the course of this military aggression. https://x.com/IRIMFA_EN/status/2007405391118770338?s=20 President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". The Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. President-elect of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said in a post on X that the events which unfurled on Saturday would bring "justice, freedom and rule of law" for Venezuela. "Today my heart is with the people of Venezuela. I hope recent events will bring justice, freedom, and the rule of law that Venezuelans have long deserved and bravely fought for. Dictators are not eternal -- and today, it seems Lukashenka has lost yet another illegitimate crony." https://x.com/Tsihanouskaya/status/2007424148335718892?s=20 Deep divisions have emerged in Latin America on Maduro's capture. Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azin said on X, "To all the narco chavista criminals, your time is coming. Your structure will completely collapse across the entire continent. To @MariaCorinaYA @EdmundoGU and the Venezuelan people: it's time to reclaim your country. You have an ally in Ecuador." https://x.com/DanielNoboaOk/status/2007421352719069620?s=20 Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Saturday gave a call for peaceful resolution after American action in Venezuela, where the US "captured" President Maduro and his wife. The Chilean President condemned the military action and said that the crisis must be resolved through dialogue and multilateralism. (ANI) In the wake of the American action in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Saturday said that the people of the South American nation must have a chance for a normal life, security, prosperity, and human dignity. He noted that Ukraine had not recognised "the Maduro regime". "Ukraine has consistently defended the right of nations to live freely, free of dictatorship, oppression, and human rights violations. The Maduro regime has violated all such principles in every respect. Democratic countries and human rights organizations across the globe have emphasized his regime's widespread crimes, violence, torture, oppression, abuse of all basic freedoms, stolen votes, and destruction of democracy and the rule of law," Sybiha said in a post on X. "Ukraine has not recognised Maduro's legitimacy following rigged elections and violence against protestors, along with dozens of other countries in different parts of the world. The people of Venezuela must have a chance for a normal life, security, prosperity, and human dignity. We will continue to support their right to such normality, respect, and freedom," he added. Sybiha said Ukraine stands for further developments in accordance with the principles of international law, prioritising democracy, human rights, and the interests of Venezuelans. "Thank you to everyone around the world who helps to protect life," he said. Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". The Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. Iran's Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned the US military action against Venezuela, calling it not only a violation of the country's national sovereignty but also in violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and the basic rules of international law. Divisions have emerged in Latin America on Maduro's capture. Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azin said on X, "To all the narco chavista criminals, your time is coming. Your structure will completely collapse across the entire continent. To @MariaCorinaYA @EdmundoGU and the Venezuelan people: it's time to reclaim your country. You have an ally in Ecuador." Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, supported the US action, saying Nicolas Maduro lacked legitimacy. Utah Senator Mike Lee said on Saturday that he was informed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. In a post on X on his personal account, Lee said that the action by the US, likely falls within the president's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. (ANI) After the US Strikes into Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday hailed the special operators who carried out the operation and defended the action saying that the Venezuelan president has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism. In a series of posts on X, he said that throughout the process it was clear that drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. "The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation." https://x.com/JDVance/status/2007447083909841398?s=20 To the people calling the American actions illegal, he added, "And PSA for everyone saying this was "illegal": Maduro has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism. You don't get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas." https://x.com/JDVance/status/2007447388697268441?s=20 US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured "Venezuelan dictator" Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. In a post on X she said, "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers. "The Attorney General's remarks come as US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow." the US President posted on Truth Social. (ANI) In his first remarks on US action in Venezuela that led to the capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump told Fox News that he had not seen anything like this, and was able to watch it in real time and watched every aspect of it. He also lauded the professionalism of the US armed forces. " I've never seen anything like this. I was able to watch it in real time, and I watched every aspect of it," Trump said. "It was amazing to see the professionalism -- the quality of leadership...amazing," he added. Trump also told Fox News that the team did an incredible job. "They rehearsed and practice like nobody has ever seen. I was told by military people there is no other country on earth that can do such a manoeuvre. I watched it like I was watching a television show. If you would have seen the speed, violence- it was an amazing thing, an amazing job that these people have done. Nobody else could have done anything like this," he said. The United States carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown out of the country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US President posted on Truth Social," he said. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. In a post on X she said, "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers." US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday hailed the special operators who carried out the operation and defended the action saying that the Venezuelan president has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism. In a series of posts on X, he said that throughout the process it was clear that drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. (ANI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the recent bombings by the US on various "strategic centres" of Venezuela. He labelled the bombings as an act of "terrorism", posing a threat to the "tranquillity "in Latin America, which he described as having a legacy of enduring such onslaught and anti-imperialist struggles. Labelling the bombings by the US as "imperialist aggression", he said that there is a need to rise against such actions for global peace. In an official X post on Saturday, he said, "Strongly condemn the blatant imperialist aggression by the US on Venezuela by bombing various strategic centres. This reveals the vicious operation of a rogue state, fuelling unmasked hostility in the Global South for imposing its devious schemes. It's also an act of terrorism, posing a threat to the tranquillity in Latin America, a continent with the legacy of enduring such onslaught and anti-imperialist struggles. All should rise in unity to call out this brazen assault on Venezuela and resist the imperialist moves against global peace." https://x.com/pinarayivijayan/status/2007438419698561024 Earlier, Iran's Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned the US military action against Venezuela, calling it not only a violation of the country's national sovereignty but also a violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and the basic rules of international law. In its message, it also stressed on the necessity of taking appropriate measures to hold accountable the planners and perpetrators of crimes committed in the course of this military aggression. https://x.com/IRIMFA_EN/status/2007405391118770338?s=20 Deep divisions have emerged in Latin America on Maduro's capture. Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azin said on X, "To all the narco chavista criminals, your time is coming. Your structure will completely collapse across the entire continent. To @MariaCorinaYA @EdmundoGU and the Venezuelan people: it's time to reclaim your country. You have an ally in Ecuador." https://x.com/DanielNoboaOk/status/2007421352719069620?s=20 Earlier, Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Saturday gave a call for peaceful resolution after American strikes in Venezuela where the US "captured" President Maduro and his wife. The Chilean President condemned the military action and said that the crisis must be resolved through dialogue and multilateralism. Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife "were captured and flown out of the country". The Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable. The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. (ANI) The US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of President Nicolas Maduro has sparked a debate in diplomatic circles. Former Indian envoys to Venezuela R. Viswanathan and Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha said the action was anticipated and even "unsurprising" in nature, claiming that the United States has always worked against Maduro's regime. Speaking to ANI, Former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela, R. Viswanathan, said that the attack was not a surprise and that President Trump had threatened Maduro from the first time he came to power. He claimed that there was also a failed attempt earlier to overthrow Maduro. But, this time, the envoy contended that "the President sent warships, and authorised the CIA". He said," It was not a surprise... this is not the first time he had threatened. When he was President for the first time, at that time also he had threatened Venezuela. He tried to change the regime through operations. There was even a mercenary attack aimed at overthrowing Maduro; it failed. But, this time he has sent the warships, and he has authorised the CIA; no one was expecting this, even Maduro, no surprise" When asked whether the ongoing situation in Venezuela would affect India, he said it would not, as India's trade with Venezuela is minimal, with only some investment by ONGC in its oil fields. He just warned to be apprehensive about the coming changes in Latin America, as the attack and capture will make the US even bolder. He said, "No, it will not affect India. We, at one time in 2013-14, were importing over 10 billion barrels of oil from Venezuela. At that time, it was accounting for 7-8 per cent of our imported oil. But now, because of the sanctions, it has stopped. We are not dependent on Venezuela for oil. Our trade is very little, and we have some investment by ONGC in their oil fields... So, this is not going to affect India in any big way. Just that if Americans get away with it, they will become bolder, and they will do more things in Latin America, and the world can do nothing about it." Meanwhile, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela, speaking to ANI, said, "It's not very surprising that this action has taken place because it was being anticipated in terms of the US wanting regime change in Venezuela, and we were aware of the military buildup in the Caribbean Sea, surrounding Venezuela." He claimed that it was one of the largest buildups by the United States. He said that it's time to wait and see what is upcoming in Venezuelan politics in the coming days. According to him, he doesn't see any possibility of the Venezuelan Military of getting him back. He said, "One of the largest buildup ny US. What happened during the night and early morning was a very precise, coordinated attack... This is obviously a very calculated move to extract President Maduro. how was that achieved we will get to know only as time goes by.There whereabouts are unknown, the Vice President, Delcy Rodrigue, has reportedely sought proof, that they are alive." He added, "But what is important is to see how the Venezuelan military reacts, because don't forget that the Venezuelan military backed Maduro's repressive regime and as long the military was with him, he was safe, he could even take elections away from the genuine winner Edmundo Gonzalez, in 2024 elections. I think once Maduro is removed from the scene, one will have to see how politics plays out in Venezuela... Though, I don't see any possibility of the Venezuelan Military of getting him back. But we will have to see how the politics and the internal situation in Venezuela turns out" US President Donald Trump told Fox News on Saturday that the United States had planned to conduct the military operations in Venezuela four days ago but had to delay it due to the weather conditions. "We were going to do it four days ago but the weather was not perfect. The weather has to be perfect... It was amazing. I'll tell you- it was highly guarded, like a fortress actually. We had nobody killed, we lost no aircraft," Trump said in his first remarks after the United States conducted strikes into Venezuela that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. "We had to do it. It is a war. We are losing three hundred thousand people a year. We don't lose that much in a war," he told Fox News. Trump said the US action, "sends a signal we're not going to be pushed around as a country anymore." He lauded the professionalism behind the action. "It was amazing to see the professionalism -- the quality of leadership...To have a few injuries but no deaths on our side is really amazing," Trump told Fox News. "We were surrounded by lots of people, including Generals and they knew everything that was happening. It was extremely complex- the whole manoeuvre-- the landing, number of aircraft, helicopters, different kinds of fighter jets. They just broke in, and into places which were not really able to broke into," he added. The United States carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown out of the country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. (ANI) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday condemned the US strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro. He called the attack a violation of international law and said that the action recalls the worst moments of interference in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean, threatening the preservation of the region as a zone of peace. In a post on X he said, "The bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line. These acts represent a most serious affront to Venezuela's sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community. Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism." He added, "The condemnation of the use of force is consistent with the position that Brazil has always adopted in recent situations in other countries and regions. The action recalls the worst moments of interference in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean and threatens the preservation of the region as a zone of peace. The international community, through the United Nations, needs to respond vigorously to this episode. Brazil condemns these actions and remains available to promote the path of dialogue and cooperation." https://x.com/LulaOficial/status/2007436536590012845?s=20 The United States carried out strikes on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown out of the country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement.US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice. "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," she said in a post on X. "On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers," she added. The "capture of Maduro" comes amid an increase in tensions between the United States and Venezuela. (ANI) Moroccan citizens abroad sent home record remittances totaling 111.53 billion dirhams ($12.07 billion) through November 2025, representing 1.6% annual growth from 109.8 billion dirhams during the corresponding 2024 period, according to Exchange Office data. The steady increase demonstrates continued diaspora support for Moroccos national economy despite ongoing global economic challenges. Tourism sector recovery proved particularly notable. Travel revenues jumped to approximately 124.1 billion dirhams ($13.43 billion) by Novembers end, compared with 104.5 billion dirhams in 2024s corresponding period, representing 18.7% annual increase. Travel expenditures also rose 12.7% to 30.1 billion dirhams ($3.26 billion), reflecting higher tourist activity and the sectors ongoing global market recovery. The Exchange Offices monthly foreign trade indicators report revealed Moroccos trade deficit widened 22.4% to 328.8 billion dirhams ($35.58 billion), driven by 9.2% import growth reaching 725.34 billion dirhams ($78.52 billion). Exports increased modestly by 1.8% to 423.5 billion dirhams ($45.86 billion), reflecting persistent external demand pressures and competitive challenges in key sectors. Contrasting with goods trade imbalances, Moroccos services balance demonstrated strong performance with surplus exceeding 147 billion dirhams ($15.91 billion) during the first eleven months of 2025, rising 15.1% compared to 2024s equivalent period. This improvement stemmed from 11.4% services export increases to 285.9 billion dirhams ($30.93 billion), outpacing 7.8% services import growth to 138.9 billion dirhams ($15.03 billion). Combined robust remittances and travel revenues bolstered Moroccos external accounts, helping cushion growing trade deficit impacts and rising import costs. These figures highlight key economic pillars resilience, reflecting Moroccos capacity to reinforce balance of payments while navigating external economic headwinds. The diasporas financial contributions remain critical for maintaining external equilibrium amid challenging global trade conditions. King Mohammed VI has voiced Moroccos resolve to consolidate partnership with Guinea and to work together to bolster shared African prosperity. This came in a message of congratulations the Monarch addressed to General Mamadi Doumbouya on his election as President of the Republic of Guinea. In this message, the King emphasized that Morocco attaches particular importance to strengthening the historic bonds of fraternal friendship and solidarity-based cooperation that unite it with Guinea, and voiced his readiness to act in concert with Doumbouya to consolidate the scope of Moroccan-Guinean partnership and to work towards shared African prosperity. The Monarch conveyed to General Mamadi Doumbouya his congratulations and his warmest wishes for success in his high office. The strike has been framed by the US as a blow against a "narco-state" and a strategic move to sever a critical Latin American artery for China, but it has drawn international backlash, with Russia and Cuba labeling it a violation of sovereignty. The removal of Maduro has immediately created a power vacuum in Venezuela, leading to massive market volatility in the energy sector as traders weigh the risk of civil war against a potential oil recovery. US special operations forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a nighttime operation to bring him to the United States to face a 2020 narco-terrorism indictment. The geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere shifted violently Saturday morning. In a nighttime operation that mirrors the 1989 capture of Manuel Noriega, U.S. special operations forcesreportedly including the Armys Delta Forcestruck Caracas and seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Donald Trump confirmed the capture on social media, describing it as a "large-scale strike" conducted alongside law enforcement. Maduro is currently being flown to the United States to face a 2020 indictment in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) for narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy. The sitting leader of the country with the world's largest proven oil reserves is now in American custody. For the energy markets, the immediate question isn't necessarily about justice, but about the flow of 800,000 to 900,000 barrels of oil per day. Early assessments from state-run Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) suggest that production and refining facilities remain intact, though the port of La Guaira has sustained "severe damage." Venezuela sits on roughly 300 billion barrels of oil... most of it trapped under a crumbling infrastructure that needs billions in Western capital to breathe again. The Trump administration has framed this as a blow against a "narco-state," but the underlying strategy leans heavily on the Monroe Doctrine. By removing Maduro, Washington effectively severs a critical Latin American artery for China, which has been the primary buyer of Venezuelan crude in exchange for debt repayment. Markets can expect a massive spike in volatility as traders price in the risk of a Venezuelan civil war versus the potential for a "Chevron-led" recovery of the Orinoco Belt. Legal Limbo and the Ghost of 1989 The legal authority for a direct strike on a sovereign head of state remains murky, echoing the controversial "Noriega Precedent" from exactly 36 years ago. While Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the criminal chargesspecifically narco-terrorism and the possession of "destructive devices"- the operation bypasses traditional diplomatic immunity. The U.S. position relies on a specific legal loophole: because Washington does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president following the disputed 2024 elections, it views him not as a protected head of state, but as an indicted fugitive leading a criminal enterprise. In the eyes of the Justice Department, this was the high-stakes execution of an arrest warrant. But the domestic political fallout is already mounting. Congress was notably left in the dark, and the administrations reliance on Article II "Commander in Chief" powers to justify a unilateral strike on a foreign capital has hit a bipartisan nerve. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) has already questioned the constitutional justification for the strike in the absence of a formal declaration of war or specific Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). "The Constitution does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasn't attacked the United States," Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) noted earlier this month, anticipating this exact escalation. The U.S. is essentially betting that the "shock and awe" of Maduros removal will cause the Venezuelan military to fracture rather than fight. It is a gamble on the "Ker-Frisbie" doctrinea legal principle suggesting that once a defendant is in a U.S. courtroom, the "shady" nature of how they got there doesn't invalidate the trial. If the military holds its loyalty to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello or Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, the U.S. hasn't just captured a "tyrant"... it has opened a theater of urban warfare on its own doorstep. The transition from "kidnapping" to "cooperative extradition" depends entirely on whether a new, U.S.-recognized government is installed quickly enough to retroactively "consent" to the raid. Global Markets Brace for the Aftershock The reaction from the international community has been split along predictable, yet dangerous, lines. Russia and Cuba have already labeled the move an "unacceptable violation" of sovereignty and "state terrorism." Moscows first official response, channeled through its embassy in Caracas, accused Washington of "armed aggression," while reports suggest Vladimir Putin has convened emergency closed-door meetings at the Kremlin to address the loss of its most significant strategic ally in the Americas. China, meanwhile, has been quieter but no less firm, previously criticizing the U.S. naval blockade as "illegal unilateral sanctions." For Beijing, Maduros removal isn't just a political loss; its a direct threat to the billions in debt-for-oil swaps that have fueled its energy security for a decade. Meanwhile, regional neighbors are panicking. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has deployed troops to the 2,000-kilometer border, describing the strike as an "assault on the sovereignty" of Latin America. Petro has activated contingency plans for what he expects to be a massive, chaotic influx of refugeesor worse, a spillover of military skirmishes as Venezuelan forces mobilized under "external disturbance" protocols. In sharp contrast, Argentinas Javier Milei celebrated the capture with his characteristic "Long live freedom" slogan, while Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado has praised the move as a blow against a "criminal structure." Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has long highlighted Venezuela as the "wildcard" of global supply. Even before todays raid, IEA forecasts for 2026 had been trimmed due to the U.S. blockade and sanctions hitting Russian and Venezuelan exports. If a transitional government friendly to Washington takes over, we could see the fastest return of "lost" barrels in history... assuming the power grid in Caracas doesn't collapse entirely first. The physical reality on the ground, however, is grim. Smoke is rising from the hangar of the La Carlota air base, and fire has been reported at Fuerte Tiuna, the country's largest military complex. The 11 a.m. press conference at Mar-a-Lago will likely dictate whether this is the end of a surgical strike or the beginning of a prolonged regional conflict that could keep 300 billion barrels of oil locked in the ground for years. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Surinames government, in the capital Paramaribo, has been hungrily eyeing neighboring Guyanas massive world-class oil boom since before the 2020 pandemic. Both impoverished South American nations of less than one million share the Guyana Suriname Basin. The offshore basin is delivering an oil boom that is exceeding all expectations, making Guyana, based on GDP per capita, one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Suriname, which is one of South Americas poorest countries and is experiencing a deep, long-running economic crisis, is hungering after the rapid economic growth such a hydrocarbon boom will deliver. In a stunning development, neighboring Guyana went from first discovery to first oil in a mere four years in an industry where that can take a decade or more. The former British colony is after a decade South Americas third largest oil producer pumping around 900,000 barrels per day. This along with Guyanas gross domestic product (GDP) soaring nearly nine-fold over the last decade caught the attention of Paramaribo. By 2021, President Chan Santokhi, who was under pressure from a deep economic crisis, was convinced a world class oil boom would lift Suriname out of poverty. This saw the president hopeful the Block 58 discoveries would be developed and operational by 2025. There was, however, a moment when Surinames much-anticipated oil boom wavered. During 2022, TotalEnergies, the operator of Block 58, and 50% partner APA Corporation chose to delay the final investment decision (FID) for developing the Sapakara and Krabdagu oil discoveries. The energy companies made this decision due to poor drilling success, the high gas-to-oil ratio of some discoveries, and a mismatch between seismic data and drilling results. This delayed the prospect of first oil, and consequently Surinames urgently needed world-class oil boom, by years. Nonetheless, by October 2024, TotalEnergies announced the $10.5 billion FID had been approved. The deepwater project, named GranMorgu, is targeting reservoirs containing nearly 760 million barrels of crude oil. The facility will be operated by an all-electric floating production, storage, and offloading unit (FPSO) with a capacity to lift 220,000 barrels per day. First oil from GranMorgu is expected in 2028. This is some years after 2025, which was the initial prediction, but the latest news from TotalEnergies confirms GranMorgu will be a groundbreaking energy project for Suriname. The project will be a model for low-carbon extraction of crude oil in an industry dogged by high emissions. You see, aside from the FPSO being all-electric, there will be no routine flaring with all associated gas produced injected into tanks on the vessel. As a result, less than 16 kilograms of carbon are produced per barrel of crude oil lifted. This is less than the global average of 60kg per barrel produced reported for 2015, with industry analysts claiming it has fallen to as low as 18 kg per barrel as big oil strives to become carbon neutral. For these reasons, GranMorgu is viewed with excitement by many in an industry under considerable pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The successful start-up of the TotalEnergies project will go a long way to boosting Surinames crisis-riven economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts the former Dutch colonys GDP will grow by a stunning 55% during 2028 when production starts. Nonetheless, there is a long way to go before the former Dutch colony experiences the rapid growth experienced by Guyana. Overall drilling results were not particularly positive despite the view that the oil potential of the Guyana Suriname Basin is far greater than the United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially believed. While APA reported the discovery of oil with the Baja wildcat well in Block 53 offshore Suriname during late 2022, there have been very few such announcements since. Malaysias state-controlled energy company Petronas made a series of hydrocarbon discoveries in offshore Block 52, which is contiguous to Block 58. These are the Sloanea, Roystonea, and Fusaea discoveries. Despite those discoveries, ExxonMobil, which was a 50% partner in Block 52, relinquished that interest, handing it over to Petronas in November 2024. Since then, only Sloanea, which is a natural gas discovery, has been declared commercially viable. The other two discoveries have yet to be fully appraised, with doubts existing as to whether they are commercially viable. Even if they are, it may take a decade or longer for them to be developed and brought online. The results of Petronas latest multi-well drilling campaign in Block 52 were not stellar. The Caiman-1 wildcat well, the first of four wells to be drilled in 2025 and 2026, was spudded on July 21, 2025, in the western portion of Block 52. The exploration well was plugged and abandoned on December 6, 2025. While Petronas described the results as encouraging, there were no announcements that the well found commercially viable hydrocarbon reservoirs for possible exploitation. Petronas will continue with its planned drilling campaign as it seeks to delineate resources in Block 52 and determine whether the Sloanea natural gas discovery can be developed and brought to production. This news comes on the back of APA and its partners in Block 53 relinquishing most of the petroleum acreage to Staatsolie, Surinames national oil company and industry regulator. That is despite the August 2022 Baja-1 discovery, where oil was discovered in the same depositional system of the Krabdagu discovery in Block 58, seven miles (11.5 kilometers) to the west. Indeed, the Krabdagu discovery forms part of the GranMorgu project. During June 2025, TotalEnergies acquired a 25% working interest in the remaining area of Block 53 around the Baja-1 discovery from Moeve, formerly known as CEPSA. The acreage relinquished by APA during February 2024 was repackaged by Staatsolie and offered as a new offshore oil block. During June 2025, Surinames petroleum regulator awarded that acreage to Petronas as Block 66. Malaysias national oil company signed a production sharing contract with Staatsolie, giving it an 80% working interest in the block, with Paradise Oil Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the national oil company, acquiring the remaining 20%. That deepwater oil acreage is contiguous to Petronas 80% controlled Block 52, where the company is the operator, and Paradise Oil is also a 20% partner. There are signs, as illustrated by recent drilling results, that the petroleum fairway passing through the prolific Stabroek Block in offshore Guyana does not extend as far into Surinames territorial waters as initially speculated. For some time, analysts reasoned that the hydrocarbon fairway extended through Block 58 into adjacent Blocks 52 and 53. Indeed, recent drilling results indicate the lions share of petroleum held in the Guyana Suriname Basin is primarily located in offshore Guyana rather than in the former Dutch colony. Offshore Suriname may be the hottest frontier oil and gas exploration in South America, but there are signs that time is running out for the country to explore that vast offshore petroleum potential. While the development of GranMorgu will deliver an economic windfall, the facilitys successful operation may not be sufficient to attract the tremendous capital needed to develop the vast oil potential thought to exist in Surinames territorial waters. A combination of uncertain drilling results, high development costs, and pressures to curb carbon emissions, coupled with the threat of peak oil, is weighing heavily on investment in offshore frontier oil basins. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Memorial for Assyrian Simmele Massacre to Be Erected in Iraq British Royal Air Force aerial photo of Assyrian village in Simmele. Under the patronage of President Masoud Barzani and His Holiness Patriarch Mar Awa III, head of the Assyrian Church of the East, the Kurdistan Region will lay the foundation stone for a memorial commemorating the Simmele Massacre. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. local time in the Directorate of Culture in Simmele town, Duhok province. The memorial, to be constructed on a 6,250-square-meter site, aims to honor the memory of Assyrian victims of the massacre and to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Assyrian community in the Kurdistan Region. Officials have emphasized that the project represents both a gesture of remembrance and a commitment to documenting and educating future generations about the atrocities faced by the Assyrian people. The Simmele Massacre, part of a series of violent attacks against Assyrian communities in the early 20th century, remains a defining tragedy in the history of Iraq's Christian minorities. Hundreds of civilians were killed during the attack, which left lasting scars on the local population and disrupted centuries-old Assyrian settlements in the Nineveh and Duhok provinces. President Barzani's involvement underscores the Kurdistan Region's commitment to acknowledging the sufferings of ethnic and religious minorities, while Patriarch Mar Awa III's participation highlights the enduring role of the Assyrian Church in preserving its cultural heritage. The project also reflects broader efforts in the Kurdistan Region to promote multiculturalism and protect historical memory, complementing ongoing initiatives to document minority histories, establish cultural centers, and educate the public about the region's diverse heritage. By establishing the Simmele Massacre Memorial, the Kurdistan Region is taking a tangible step toward honoring victims, strengthening community ties, and ensuring that the tragedies of the past are neither forgotten nor repeated. For years, energy experts have predicted that natural gas will be the only fossil fuel that will see significant growth in its share in the global primary energy mix in the coming years, thanks to its role as a "bridge fuel" due to a lower emission profile compared with coal and oil as well as flexibility for grid stability, especially with increasing demand in Asia and as a backup for renewables. Natural gas is poised to reshape Africas future, offering transformative pathways for countries to earn export revenues and achieve domestic industrialization. However, the continents traditional gas hubs, namely Egypt, Algeria, and Libya are expected to gradually take a backseat with sub-Saharan Africa--home to more than 70% of the continents recoverable resources--expected to drive much of the expected output growth. Africas new gas frontier will be dominated by Nigerias Decade of Gas, Senegal-Mauritanias cross-border hubs, Mozambiques FLNG buildout, and Tanzanias long-awaited LNG framework. Indeed, LNG exports from sub-Saharan Africa are forecast to surge by nearly 175% to hit 98 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year in 2034 from 35.7 bcm in 2024. Launched in 2021, Nigeria's Decade of Gas is a national initiative that aims to leverage the country's vast natural gas reserves (over 200 trillion cubic feet) to transform the economy, boost industrialization, reduce energy poverty, and increase exports by 2030. The initiative has triggered crucial reforms, most notably the passage of the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which aims to modernize the sector, attract investment, and provide a clearer regulatory framework. And, it appears to be working: the Nigerian government recently announced that over $8 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) for gas projects have been unlocked within the last 18 months, indicating growing investor confidence after recent executive orders and reforms. Related: Where are The World's Rare Earth Minerals Located? It has also facilitated the development of several important infrastructure projects, including the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Train 7 project, and the OML 53 Kwale Gas Gathering facility, which has been successfully commissioned. Under the initiative, Africas leading oil producer has witnessed significant growth in demand for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), thanks to government policies (like the autogas policy and National Gas Expansion Program) pushing for wider adoption in transportation and industry. Nigerias West African peers, Senegal and Mauritania, are jointly developing the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas field. GTA is a massive, cross-border offshore natural gas field on the maritime border of Mauritania and Senegal, developed by BP Plc (NYSE:BP) and partners Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS), PETROSEN and SMH to produce LNG. GTA holds significant gas reserves, estimated at over 15 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of potentially recoverable gas, with some estimates putting the total basin resource potential even higher. BP announced first gas in January 2025, followed by first LNG production and the first export cargo in April 2025, turning Mauritania and Senegal into LNG exporters. Phase 1 is expected to reach its full production potential of approximately 2.3 million tonnes of LNG per year (mtpa) once fully commissioned, which is currently on track. Phase 2 aims to add a further 2.5-3.0 mtpa of capacity, but the Final Investment Decision (FID) is still pending. Construction for Phase 2 is currently expected to start in January 2028. Meanwhile, Mozambique is well on its way to becoming one of Africas natural gas and LNG giants, with total recoverable gas reserves estimated at over 150 Tfc, enough to establish it as a global energy hub. French oil and gas giant, TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE), is getting ready to resume work on its giant LNG project in Mozambique, even as an Islamist insurgency in northern Mozambique continues with fresh attacks displacing tens of thousands of people in recent weeks. Total abandoned the project with a liquefaction capacity of 13.1 million metric tons per year four years ago due to insecurity. With a 26.5% stake, Total is the main operator of the $20B LNG project, making it Africas largest private investment. Indias Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) has secured rights to market LNG from the long-stalled project where it holds a 10% stake while three Indian public sector undertakings (PSUs) have a combined stake of 30%. Led by main operator Eni S.p.A. (NYSE:E) and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), the Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique is a massive onshore development to liquefy gas from the offshore Rovuma Basin (Area 4) for global export. The project is targeting 18 mtpa capacity, using 12 modular trains, each producing 1.5 mtpa of LNG. The Coral South LNG project--the first development in Mozambique's Rovuma Basin--is a pioneering offshore floating LNG (FLNG) facility in the Rovuma Basin, the first of its kind in Africa, producing 3.4 mtpa of LNG for global markets from the Coral field. Finally, Shell Plc (NYSE:SHEL) and Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) are still pursuing the $42 billion LNG deal in Tanzania, potentially Tanzania's largest-ever foreign investment. The project is nearing a major breakthrough with the finalization of the Host Government Agreement (HGA) expected soon, paving the way for construction to begin in the Likongo area of Lindi. Tanzania holds significant offshore natural gas potential, with estimated total reserves of 57 trillion cubic feet (tcf), of which approximately 49.5 tcf are located in deep-water fields. This potential is primarily centered around the planned Likong'o-Mchinga Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, which aims to position the country as a major global LNG exporter. The strategic project aims to transform Tanzania into a major energy exporter, utilizing vast offshore gas reserves to produce up to 10 million tonnes of LNG annually, with first production potentially by 2029. Disagreements over the HGA fiscal terms and government incentives have delayed the project for years, but a FID could now be reached in 2026. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Oregon independent journalist Andy Ngo shows a video of a recent Chase-bank protest in Portland that turned into a street fight. Please see the post below and then follow Andy Ngo and donate to his journalism. Portland (Dec. 31) Far-left extremists associated with Antifa gathered for a direct action outside Capital One bank in downtown. A man confronts them and punches them in the face. Police arrest the man and a violent leftist. pic.twitter.com/cuixrx3cBG Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 1, 2026 Reports from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children leads to human trafficking arrest Riviera Maya, Q.R. Reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has lead to an arrest. Miguel Francisco N remains in custody for human trafficking in the form of child pornography. The arrest was made in Cancun after a complaint was filed by the Scientific Directorate of the National Guard who reported that, with authorization from the Homeland Security Investigations Attache of the United States in Mexico, three reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children were forwarded. These reports indicate that, using a pseudonym, Miguel Francisco N used emails and telephone numbers to disseminate, distribute, store, produce, exchange and share images and videos of child pornography material from a Playa del Carmen Internet connection, police said Friday. After requesting and obtaining the corresponding arrest warrant, personnel from the State Attorney General (FGE) arrested Miguel Francisco N for his probable involvement in acts possibly constituting the crime of human trafficking, in its form of child pornography. Authorities say Miguel Francisco N is allegedly related to the material contained in the analyzed digital services, which are linked to an email used by the investigated party to upload and store child pornography material, from an Internet connection located in the municipality of Playa del Carmen. The opinion in the specialty of medicine on the Tanner scale concludes that, of the files of child pornography material, these correspond to female persons, they added. The report from the Forensic Psychology specialty concludes that, from the analysis of the aforementioned files, it is observed that people, both female and male, under 18 years of age, are performing acts of body exhibitionism and of a sexual nature, in addition to being seriously sexually assaulted, the FGE detailed. Riviera Maya News serving headline news for Riviera Maya since 2014 Your online newspaper Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Every year, Amicus co-hosts Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern invite listeners to nominate the Supreme Courts most egregious behavior, then choose their own worst of the worst to memorialize the most ignominious moments. In 2025, there was no shortage of contenders. In a preview of their conversation on this weeks Slate Plus bonus episode, Lithwick reveals the SCOTUS lowlight that still rankles her the most. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Mark Joseph Stern: We certainly had a bumper crop of bad decisions this year. Whats your nominee for worst of the worst? Dahlia Lithwick: There were a lot of decisions in 2025 that immiserated huge amounts of people and made the world materially worse. But my pick is not one of those. Instead, I need to talk about NIH v. American Public Health Association. Yes, it has to do with slashing research grants, which does materially harm a lot of people. But more profoundly for me, this case is emblematic of every single level of destruction and mayhem coming out of the Supreme Courtall the arrogance bundled into one. So let me take you back to August, when the justices handed down NIH. Its another unsigned, incoherent shadow-docket order pausing U.S. District Judge William Youngs decision to block the Trump administration from canceling thousands of National Institutes of Health grantsincluding those supporting research into suicide prevention, HIV transmission, Alzheimers, and cardiovascular disease. The NIH is the largest funder of medical research in the world, but Donald Trumps executive orders forced it to cancel all those grants because they allegedly promoted DEI, gender ideology, and COVID research. Young held a bench trial, then issued a 103-page opinion laying out extensive factual findings and holding that the agency must make good on the payments of these grants. A federal appeals court agreed. Then the Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court in an emergency posture. And the justices hand down a 54 decision thats totally inscrutable but says that Young contradicted a different 54 shadow-docket order from last April, Department of Education v. California. That decision halted another judges efforts to require the administration to reinstate canceled education grants. And the court asserted that it controlled this case. Right there, you have the perfect shadow-docket sandwich: perfunctory, bad decisionmaking, conclusory predictions about what constitutes an emergency and whos going to win, decided in a couple of days, wiping out extensive factual findings. And its rooted in a different shadow-docket order that, as Justice Elena Kagan said at the time, was at the least under-developed, and very possibly wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So likely wrong, in fact, that Chief Justice John Roberts actually dissented from California, and dissented again in NIH! It takes a lot of nonsense to make the chief jump ship. But the majority in both cases said that the plaintiffs had to seek reimbursement from the Court of Federal Claims rather than the district court through the Administrative Procedure Act. Which is both obviously wrong and, as a practical matter, impossible much of the time. This is why the court doesnt decide national emergencies with some back-of-the-cocktail-napkin, invisible-ink reasoning, then expect judges across the country to act as though it wrote a law-review article on the subject. Heres Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: Todays decision reveals Californias considerable wingspan: That cases ipse dixit now apparently governs all APA challenges to grant-funding determinations that the government asks us to address in the context of an emergency stay application. A half paragraph of reasoning (issued without full briefing or any oral argument) thus suffices here to partially sustain the governments abrupt cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to support life-saving biomedical research. Advertisement Related From Slate How Democrats Can Fix the Supreme Court in 2029 Read More I want to get to the ham in the shadow-docket sandwich. Famously, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote a snotty concurring opinion, joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, that went after Younga senior district judge with 47 years on the bench and a Ronald Reagan appointee. Gorsuch and Kavanaugh accused him of ignoring their shadow-docket ruling, claiming that it squarely controlled his case. And Gorsuch snippily noted: Lower court judges may sometimes disagree with this courts decisions, but they are never free to defy them. And he continued: This is now the third time in a matter of weeks this Court has had to intercede in a case squarely controlled by one of its precedents. All these interventions should have been unnecessary, but together they underscore a basic tenet of our judicial system: Whatever their own views, judges are duty-bound to respect the hierarchy of the federal court system created by the Constitution and Congress. Advertisement Advertisement That gets my vote for the single nastiest opinion of 2025. It even prompted Young to apologize to Gorsuch and Kavanaugh from the bench. I hate this on so many levels. One thing that floats to mind is: Can you imagine how horrible it must be to have to work with these people every single day? This is how they treat lower-court judgeshow do you think they treat colleagues like Jackson? No wonder she accused them of Calvinball in her NIH dissent. Maybe shes being informed by the fact that her colleagues evidently treat her like garbage on and off the page. Thats why one of my contenders for worst of the worst is Justice Amy Coney Barrett condescendingly dismissing Jackson in her CASA decision. It just drips with contempt for her. I cannot imagine having to be collegial with these people. The only thing I want to add to that is that judges are getting death threats and impeachment threats and being thrown under the bus by members of Congress and the president. And the justices on the Supreme Court themselves are like: Should I go after a senior district judge personally for not applying my inscrutable shadow-docket order? And do it in a way that makes it sound as if hes reckless and insubordinate and doesnt care about the law? Why, yes! Fantastic idea. Tommy Lee Jones family has released a statement following his daughters death. Tommy Lee Jones family breaks silence on daughter's death Victoria Jones, 34, was found dead in a San Francisco hotel room, on New Years Day (01.01.26) and her family have thanked people for their kind words, thoughts, and prayers. They told Us Weekly in a statement: We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Tommy, 79, had Victoria and her brother Austin Jones, 43, with his ex-wife, Kimberlea Cloughley. Victoria was found dead at the Fairmont San Francisco hotel in the early hours of Thursday morning after the San Francisco Fire Department responded to a report of a medical emergency. The San Francisco Fire Department told Us Weekly: Upon arrival, paramedics from the fire department performed an assessment. The person was declared deceased. SFPD and the medical examiners office were called to the scene. Scene turned over to SFPD and SF Medical Examiners. A 911 call revealed that San Francisco police officers received a call for code 3 for the overdose. NBC Bay Area reported on Victorias death, citing police sources with direct knowledge of the investigation and added that she was found in a hallway of the hotel early Thursday morning. Victoria appeared in some of her fathers movies at a young age, including Men in Black II, back in 2002 and 2005's The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, which Tommy directed. He revealed in 2006 that he actually fired her from Melquiades Estrada but later rehired her. He told The New Yorker: Shes a good actress, has her SAG card, speaks impeccable Spanish. When she was a baby, I told her nurse to speak to her in Spanish, but I fired my daughter [from the movie]. She had to get up at 5 a.m. for her part. One morning, she wouldnt get out of bed. I said, Honey, this is work. But she wouldnt budge, so I fired her. Then, without telling me, the production staff went over and woke her and rushed her out to the set just in time. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. In a lengthy press conference Saturday detailing the U.S. militarys capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump confirmed, with stunning frankness, the classic leftist critique of American foreign policy: that, at least for as long as hes in power, its all about the oil. Over the past few months, Trump and his aides had characterized their pressure campaign against Maduros regime as a war on narco-terrorism and a fight to restore democratic rule. But following Maduros extraction in a complex military and intelligence operation, the U.S. president was clear about its true motive. Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition, he said, adding, We cant take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesnt have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind. Then came the kicker: Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in and spend billions of dollars fixing the energy infrastructure that they developed decades ago, until socialist regimes nationalized their wells, then wrecked them. The wealth resulting from this grab-back will benefit the Venezuelan people, he said, but he noted that much of it will reimburse Americas oil companies. Finally, Trump said, U.S. troops will be sent to enforce Big Oils rule if necessary. They always say boots on the groundwere not afraid of boots on the ground, he said. We had boots on the ground last night, as part of the operation to extract Maduro. He said the military was poised to go in again if needed. Theres a lengthy history, starting in the Cold War, of the U.S. military and the CIA co-opting or overthrowing Central and South American governmentsincluding in Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Chile, as well as several attempts to do so in Cubato bolster the interests of U.S. corporations, including United Fruit, IT&T, and various oil companies. But rarely have the presidents who ordered these interventions been so blatant about the primary motive. Instead, at least in public, they spoke of fighting communism or upholding democracy, even when the enemies werent really communist and their allies werent at all democratic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump was up-front about his reasons, and repeatedly so. Several times during his press conference, he talked of bringing in big U.S. oil companies to regain their former assets. (In fact, though, American firms never owned the land where they drilled for Venezuelas oil riches, and, as in many other countries, the interplay between foreign exploiters and local nationalizers was more complex than Trumps narrative suggests.) And he also discussed restoring American dominance in the Western Hemispherea policy that his recently issued National Security Strategy called the Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. We are reasserting American power in a very powerful way in our home region, he saidnot to protect democracy but for its own sake. Maduro and his wife were captured, then indicted by the U.S. attorney in New York, on charges of drug trafficking. Trump, however, all but admitted that this wasnt the real purpose of the elaborate operation. Just a month ago, while officers were planning the attack on Venezuela, Trump pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who had been convicted of drug trafficking. Asked about this at Saturdays news conference, Trump said he had issued the pardon because Hernandez, who had supported Trump, had been treated unfairly by former President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement As for democracy, Trump was asked whether he would support Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Prizewinning leader of Venezuelas opposition movement, to lead a new governmentor even whether he had spoken with her. Trump answered no to both questions. It would be very tough for her to be the leader, he said in a dismissive tone. She doesnt have the respect in the country. Nor did he even mention Edmundo Gonzalez, who was elected Venezuelas president in 2024 and fled to safe exile in Spain after Maduro stole the election. Advertisement Earlier on Saturday, in an interview on Fox News, Trump acted as if hed barely thought about Machado or Gonzalez. I mean, I dont know about what kind of an election that was, he said, referring to the 2024 contest. Meanwhile, he said, they have a vice president, you know. Advertisement Later, during the press conference, Trump acknowledged that the Venezuelan vice president, Delcy Rodriguezwho, by law, has now been sworn in as presidenthad been handpicked by Maduro. He noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now working with Rodriguez, who is willing to do whats necessary to make Venezuela great again. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelan law requires an ascending vice president to call for new elections, but this doesnt seem in the offing. Asked who precisely is going to run Venezuela, Trump replied, Were designating various people. Its largely going to be the people standing right behind mereferring to Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine. Venezuela has a lot of bad people, Trump added. Were not going to take a chance that one of those people take over from Maduro. Advertisement Related From Slate I Know What Trumps New National Security Document Really Is Read More Asked how long this transition will take, Trump said he would like to do it quickly but that rebuilding the countrys oil infrastructure takes a period of time. Still, it remains unclear how America really will run Venezuela, a country of 28.5 million, roughly the size of Texas or California. Its military officers, most of whom were loyal to Maduro, are still in place, as are its Cabinet ministers and bureaucrats. Trump said that many of them will soon be switching sides. Maybe, maybe not. There are also more than 20,000 Cubans in Venezuela, many of them military and intelligence officers, many others health care workers, all of them providing services in exchange for Venezuelan oil. Will they be leaving? Will power struggles break out? Will the military simply adapt to Washingtons demands in exchange for guarantees to stay in power? Advertisement Then there are broader questions. The whole world is watching not just this operationan impressive tactical display of U.S. military powerbut what happens next. Trumps unabashedly imperial rationale for the action may inspire Russian President Vladimir Putin to double down on his claims of rightful dominance over Ukraineand Chinese President Xi Jinping to feel more confident in his claims over Taiwan. At the same time, antiregime activists in Iran may feel emboldened, especially since Trump said, just the other day, that he stands locked and loaded to punish Tehrans leaders if they killed protesters. Advertisement Finally, there is Cuba. In his press conference, Trump noted similarities between Cuba and Venezuela. Both countries have been wrecked by socialist dictators, and we want to help the people in Cuba. Rubio, a Cuban American who has avidly supported the anti-Castro movement in Florida (a state he once represented as a senator), added, If I lived in Havana and worked in the government, Id be concerned. Meanwhile, the U.S. aircraft carrier and its supporting armada, which had mobilized off Venezuelas shore before the operation, remain deployed and on high alert. Were ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so, Trump said. Are you ready for CES 2026? While the show floor doesn't open until Tuesday, things are effectively kicking off this evening with the first big press event of the show. Samsung is taking the stage to set the agenda for the new year and share an overview of its latest and greatest advances. Instead of its longtime midday Monday press conference, the Korean giant will take the lead of the show with a Sunday night presentation. Over the past few weeks, Samsung has been dropping press releases left and right, so we know at least some of what to expect in Vegas this year. Of course, we're holding out hope that we get to hear an update on the Ballie robot a star of previous CES presentations that ostensibly missed its previously promised 2025 release date. How to watch Samsung's "The First Look" presentation at CES 2026 The event will stream live from the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas tonight Sunday, January 4 at 10PM ET (7PM PT). There are several ways to tune in: you can watch via Samsung Electronic' official YouTube channel (which we've embedded below), Samsung Newsroom or via Samsung TV Plus. Engadget is on-site at the event, and we'll be running a Samsung CES 2026 liveblog as well. Tune in for real-time updates and commentary. What to expect from Samsung at CES 2026 Keynote speaker TM Roh, the CEO of Samsung's Device eXperience (DX) Division, will discuss the company's plans for the new year and beyond, which will (of course) include "new AI-driven customer experiences," the company said in a press release. In addition, we'll hear from the President and Head of the Visual Display Business, SW Yong and Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliances Business, Cheolgi Kim. Those two will "share their respective business directions for the upcoming year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if you're looking for more specifics, Samsung has been following its "Advent calendar" approach to early CES announcements, with new press releases dropping nearly every day in late December and early January. So far, we know that like competitors LG and Hisense the company will be offering details on a line of micro RGB TVs (replete with confirmed screen sizes of 55 to 115 inches). Also confirmed: a full line of appliances infused with what Samsung calls Bespoke AI. Samsung will also display its two newest speakers, Music Studio 5 and 7, at CES this year. Additionally, it'll debut its latest Freestyle+ portable projector. Just before the holidays, Samsung also unveiled a slew of new gaming monitors, but most impressive is the Odyssey gaming monitor. It boasts a 32-inch 6K screen and has glasses-free 3D. It's likely we could see this at CES, along with other models like the 27-inch Odyssey G6 and the Odyssey G8 models. It's possible that Samsung will share even more early CES announcements in the hours preceding its presentation. If that happens, we'll add them here! Update, January 4 2026, 11:15AM ET: This story has been updated to include the embedded YouTube viewer for the Samsung event. Update, January 4 2026, 7:25PM ET: This story has been updated to include a link to the Engadget liveblog of this event. With CES 2026 slated to officially start next week, the focus is understandably on all the new products that will be announced at this year's event. But before diving into whats new, we thought it was a good idea to revisit our best of show winners from last year to see where they're at. After all, CES is synonymous with vaporware. The good news is the Engadget team has a keen sense for BS. Of the ones we awarded at CES 2025 that havent been released, most are coming this year. For the remaining few, well be hunting them down this CES. ASUS Zenbook A14 An Asus Zenbook A14 sits out a patio table. (Devindra Hardawar for Engadget) When we saw the ASUS Zenbook A14 at CES 2025, it left us impressed with its lightweight but well-made chassis, beautiful OLED screen and excellent mix of ports. After spending more time with it, the A14's shortcomings became more apparent. In his review of the ultraportable, Engadget's Devindra Hardawar gave the laptop a score of 78, lamenting its poor performance and expensive price tag. In the end, it wasn't quite the Windows MacBook Air competitor he had hoped for initially. BioLite Backup The BioLite Backup powers a Galan2 fridge. (Amy Skorheim for Engadget) At CES 2025, BioLite was already taking pre-orders for its automatic home backup power supply. The BioLite Backup didn't arrive in 2025, but if you visit the company's website today, you can reserve one for $100, with final pricing expected to start at $2,000. BioLite says units will start shipping this year. Jackery Solar Roof A CES display shows the Jackery XBC solar panels in obsidian. (Jess Conditt for Engadget) Before CES 2025, Jackery was already an established player in the domestic solar power industry, and at the event, it impressed us with its XBC curved solar shingles. They look like regular roof shingles, but Jackery said they would deliver cell conversion efficiency of more than 25 percent. Advertisement Advertisement It's taken longer than anticipated, but Jackery says it now expects the shingles to go on sale in the US "very soon," with pricing likely to range between $1,100 and $1,300 per square meter depending on the customer's design requirements and how they purchase the product. When contacted by Engadget, Jackery also teased a handful of announcements for CES 2026, including updates on devices like the Solar Mars Robot it's been working on for the last little while. Lenovo Legion Go S The Lenovo Legion Go S sits on an opaque glass table with a comic book behind it. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget) Advertisement Advertisement With the Legion Go S, Lenovo promised two different versions of its new handheld: one running Windows 11, and the other Valve's Steam OS. Unfortunately, the Windows variant arrived first (shortly after CES), and was about as good as expected. However, the wait for the SteamOS model was well worth it. When Engadget's Sam Rutherford finally reviewed it over the summer, he praised it for fast performance, bright display and of course the ease of use offered by SteamOS. LG OLED evo M5 A man and his dalmatian gaze at a 77-inch LG OLED TV. (LG) LG's OLED TVs are a perennial CES favorite at Engadget, and the company's 2025 slate was no different. The flagship evo M5 model impressed with its 165Hz refresh rate for gaming, better image processing for lower resolution content and a wireless transmission system for video and audio. At $4,300, the set is expensive, but the good news is LG typically does a good job of trickling down features to its more affordable sets, and I'm sure the company will continue to improve on its OLED technology this year. Moonbird Moonbuddy A hand holds the Moonbird Moonbuddy. The device has the teddy sleeve on. (Moonbird) The Moonbuddy was one of two "cute" gadgets that made Engadget's best of CES 2025 list. We liked Moonbird's decision to make a screenless meditation and sleep aid for children. The good news is you can buy your kid a Moonbuddy right now, with the device currently discounted to $110.42 as part of Moonbird's end of year sale. Unfortunately, when Engadget contacted the company to ask about its CES 2026, all it sent us back was a response from "Luna," its automated AI agent. "I don't have specific information about our CES 2026 exhibition plans to share with you right now," the bot told me, adding I should email the address I just emailed to get a response from a human being. OhSnap MCON Engadget senior reporter Jessica Conditt holds the OhSnap MCON in her hand at CES 2025. The attached phone displays Minecraft. (Jess Conditt for Engadget) The OhSnap MCON won us over with its simple pitch: it basically had the ability to turn any smartphone into a Xperia Play. Actually accomplishing that feat was more complicated, with components like Hall effect joysticks for added durability increasing the time it took for OhSnap to get the product ready. For that reason, the MCON didn't make it out to consumers in 2025. However, you can preorder one now for about $210, with shipments slated to start this year. Roborock Saros Z70 The Roborock Saros Z70 uses its robotic arm to put a handful of socks into a basket. (Karissa Bell for Engadget) Advertisement Advertisement The Saros Z70 was one of a handful of robot vacuums that debuted at CES 2025 with a built-in extendable arm, but Roborock's flagship was the one that made the best impression. We didn't end up recommending it in our robot vacuum guide; there are more affordable options that will appeal to a greater number of people. But if you want the latest and greatest, the Saros Z70 is on sale right now for $2,000. Yukai Engineering Mirumi A Mirumi robot sticks to a pink purse. (Cheyenne MacDonald for Engadget) Of all the gadgets Engadget saw at CES 2025, it's fair to say the Mirumi robot from Yukai Engineering was the only one to steal our hearts. All this cute little charm does is stare at you and move its head around a little until youve been tricked into a few moments of happiness, and honestly that was more than enough for us to award it a best of CES award. Right now, you can find Yukai Engineering accepting pre-orders for Mirumi through Kickstarter. The project, which began at the start of December, easily surged past its modest $4,878 goal, raising $267,170 as of the writing of this article. The campaign ends on January 22, so you still have time to secure your Mirumi preorder. Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds A pair of Technics AZ100 earbuds sit on a wooden desk, with an iPhone and a pair of books next to them. (Billy Steele for Engadget) They might have only been a pair of earbuds, but a lot of us left CES really excited about the Technics EAH-AZ100. The reason for that was that they were the debut of the company's new magnetic fluid drivers technology, which promised to deliver even more clarity, detail and bass than the drivers in Technics' already excellent AZ80 earbuds. When Engadget's resident audio guru Billy Steele got a chance to review the EAH-AZ100 a couple of months later, he gave them a score of 85, saying they offered "some of the best sound quality in any of the hundreds of earbuds Ive tested over the years." Urtopia Titanium Zero The Titanium Zero sits at a CES display with other e-bikes nearby. (Daniel Cooper for Engadget) As a cyclist, the Urtopia Titanium Zero was the one product I left CES 2025 excited to see in the real world. If a titanium bike wasn't cool enough already, the Zero's Quark DM1.2 motor offered something actually innovative: a mid-drive motor with more power output than even the best hub motor. Unfortunately, while you can buy plenty of other e-bikes off of Urtopia's website, the Titanium Zero isn't on sale yet. That said, the company plans to showcase the bike, alongside the Quark DM1.2, at CES 2026. WeWalk Smart Cane 2 A person uses the Wewalk Smart Cane 2 to find their way through a CES booth. (Cheyenne MacDonald for Engadget) Advertisement Advertisement The WeWalk Smart Cane 2 won two awards from Engadget during CES 2025, including our coveted best in show nod. At an event where nearly every manufacturer found a way to add AI to their devices, the Smart Cane 2 appealed to us for its thoughtful use of the tech. It offers turn-by-turn navigation and obstacle detection, in addition to a GPT-powered voice assistant to give users a way to access information without also having to juggle their phone at the same time. If you visit WeWalk's website today, there's a "buy now" link for the Smart Cane 2 that leads to a dead end. When Engadget reached out to WeWalk, the company said it would be once again at CES demoing the Smart Cane 2. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: SpaceX SpaceX launched the first mission of 2026 tonight (Jan. 2). A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California tonight at 9:09 p.m. EST (6:09 p.m. local California time; 0209 GMT on Jan. 3), carrying an Italian Earth-observing satellite to orbit. The rocket's first stage landed back at Vandenberg as planned about 8.5 minutes after liftoff. It was the 21st flight for this particular booster, according to SpaceX . A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation mission for the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence from California on Jan. 2, 2026. | Credit: SpaceX About 4.5 minutes later, the Falcon 9's second stage deployed the payload a COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite into low Earth orbit for the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spacecraft will study Earth using synthetic aperture radar, gathering data at all times of day and in all weather conditions from an altitude of 385 miles (620 kilometers). COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation is a small network designed to "monitor the Earth for the sake of emergency prevention, strategy, scientific and commercial purposes, providing data on a global scale to support a variety of applications," according to a European Space Agency explainer . Among those applications are "risk management, cartography, forest & environment protection, natural resources exploration, land management, defense and security, maritime surveillance, food & agriculture management," the explainer adds. Three COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellites have now launched to date. The first one flew in December 2019 atop a Soyuz rocket, and the second lifted off in January 2022 on a Falcon 9 . The upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket deploys a COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite into low Earth orbit for the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence on Jan. 2, 2026. | Credit: SpaceX Tonight's liftoff was the first of 2026 not just for SpaceX but for the global launch community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's no surprise that SpaceX is breaking in the year. Elon Musk's company launched a whopping 165 orbital missions in 2025 far more than any other entity, either commercial or governmental. That was also a record for SpaceX, which the company may aim to break again this year. Editor's note: This story was updated at 9:25 p.m. ET on Jan. 2 with news of successful launch, rocket landing and satellite deployment. Are you searching for an ecomerce platform to help you build an online store and sell products? In this Sellfy review, we'll talk about how this eCommerce platform can let you sell digital products while keeping full control of your marketing. And the best part? Starting your business can be done in just five minutes. Let us then talk about the Sellfy platform and all the benefits it can bring to your business. What is Sellfy? Sellfy is an eCommerce solution that allows digital content creators, including writers, illustrators, designers, musicians, and filmmakers, to sell their products online. Sellfy provides a customizable storefront where users can display their digital products and embed "Buy Now" buttons on their website or blog. Sellfy product pages enable users to showcase their products from different angles with multiple images and previews from Soundcloud, Vimeo, and YouTube. Files of up to 2GB can be uploaded to Sellfy, and the company offers unlimited bandwidth and secure file storage. Users can also embed their entire store or individual project widgets in their site, with the ability to preview how widgets will appear before they are displayed. Features Sellfy includes: Online Store Sellfy is a powerful e-commerce platform that helps you personalize your online storefront. You can add your logo, change colors, revise navigation, and edit the layout of your store. Sellfy also allows you to create a full shopping cart so customers can purchase multiple items. And Sellfy gives you the ability to set your language or let customers see a translated version of your store based on their location. Sellfy gives you the option to host your store directly on its platform, add a custom domain to your store, and use it as an embedded storefront on your website. Sellfy also optimizes its store offerings for mobile devices, allowing for a seamless checkout experience. Product hosting Sellfy allows creators to host all their products and sell all of their digital products on one platform. Sellfy also does not place storage limits on your store but recommends that files be no larger than 5GB. Creators can sell both standard and subscription-based products in any file format that is supported by the online marketplace. Customers can purchase products instantly after making a purchase there is no waiting period. You can organize your store by creating your product categories, sorting by any characteristic you choose. Your title, description, and the image will be included on each product page. In this way, customers can immediately evaluate all of your products. You can offer different pricing options for all of your products, including "pay what you want," in which the price is entirely up to the customer. This option allows you to give customers control over the cost of individual items (without a minimum price) or to set pricing minimumsa good option if you're in a competitive market or when you have higher-end products. You can also offer set prices per product as well as free products to help build your store's popularity. Sellfy is ideal for selling digital content, such as ebooks. But it does not allow you to copyrighted material (that you don't have rights to distribute). Embed options Sellfy offers several ways to share your store, enabling you to promote your business on different platforms. Sellfy lets you integrate it with your existing website using "buy now" buttons, embed your entire storefront, or embed certain products so you can reach more people. Sellfy also enables you to connect with your Facebook page and YouTube channel, maximizing your visibility. Payments and security Sellfy is a simple online platform that allows customers to buy your products directly through your store. Sellfy has two payment processing options: PayPal and Stripe. You will receive instant payments with both of these processors, and your customer data is protected by Sellfy's secure (PCI-compliant) payment security measures. In addition to payment security, Sellfy provides anti-fraud tools to help protect your products including PDF stamping, unique download links, and limited download attempts. Marketing and analytics tools The Sellfy platform includes marketing and analytics tools to help you manage your online store. You can send email product updates and collect newsletter subscribers through the platform. With Sellfy, you can also offer discount codes and product upsells, as well as create and track Facebook and Twitter ads for your store. The software's analytics dashboard will help you track your best-performing products, generated revenue, traffic channels, top locations, and overall store performance. Integrations To expand functionality and make your e-commerce store run more efficiently, Sellfy offers several integrations. Google Analytics and Webhooks, as well as integrations with Patreon and Facebook Live Chat, are just a few of the options available. Sellfy allows you to connect to Zapier, which gives you access to hundreds of third-party apps, including tools like Mailchimp, Trello, Salesforce, and more. Pricing and Premium Plan Features Get Sellfy 14 day free trail from here Free Plan Price: $0 The free plan comes with: Up to 10 products Print-on-demand products Physical products Starter Plan Price: $19/month Starter plan comes with: Everything is Free, plus: Unlimited products Digital products Subscription products Connect your domain 2,000 email credits Business Plan Price: $49/month The business plan comes with: Everything in Starter, plus: Remove "Sellfy" branding Store design migration Cart abandonment Product upselling 10,000 email credits Premium Plan Price: $99/month The premium plan comes with: Everything in Business, plus: Product migration Priority support 50,000 email credits Sellfy Review: Pros and Cons Sellfy has its benefits and downsides, but fortunately, the pros outweigh the cons. Pros It takes only a few minutes to set up an online store and begin selling products. You can sell your products on a single storefront, even if you are selling multiple product types. Sellfy supports selling a variety of product types, including physical items, digital goods, subscriptions, and print-on-demand products. Sellfy offers a free plan for those who want to test out the features before committing to a paid plan. You get paid the same day you make a sale. Sellfy doesn't delay your funds as some other payment processors do. Print-on-demand services are available directly from your store, so you can sell merchandise to fans without setting up an integration. You can conduct all store-related activities via the mobile app and all online stores have mobile responsive designs. Everything you need to make your website is included, including a custom domain name hosting, security for your files, and the ability to customize your store The file security features can help you protect your digital property by allowing you to put PDF stamps, set download limits, and SSL encryption. Sellfy provides unlimited support. Sellfy provides simple and intuitive tax and VAT configuration settings. Marketing strategies include coupons, email marketing, upselling, tracking pixels, and cart abandonment. Cons Although the free plan is helpful, but it limits you to only 10 products. Payment plans often require an upgrade if you exceed a certain sales amount per year. The storefront designs are clean, but they're not unique templates for creating a completely different brand image. Sellfy's branding is removed from your hosted product when you upgrade to the $49 per month Business plan. The free plan does not allow for selling digital or subscription products. Conclusion In this article, we have taken a look at some of the biggest benefits associated with using sellfy for eCommerce. Once you compare these benefits to what you get with other platforms such as Shopify, you should find that it is worth your time to consider sellfy for your business. After reading this article all of your questions will be solved but if you have still some questions let me know in the comment section below, I will be happy to answer your questions. Note: This article contains affiliate links which means we make a small commission if you buy sellfy premium plan from our link. The marketing industry is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a way to save time and execute smarter, more personalized campaigns. 61% of marketers say AI software is the most important aspect of their data strategy. If youre late to the AI party, dont worry. Its easier than you think to start leveraging artificial intelligence tools in your marketing strategy. Here are 11 AI marketing tools every marketer should start using today. Jasper is a content writing and content generation tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify the best words and sentences for your writing style and medium in the most efficient, quick, and accessible way. Key Features It's trusted by 50,000+ marketers for creating engaging marketing campaigns, ad copy, blog posts, and articles within minutes which would traditionally take hours or days. Special Features: Blog posts have been optimized for search engines and rank high on Google and other search engines. This is a huge plus for online businesses that want to generate traffic to their website through content marketing. 99.9% Original Content and guarantees that all content it generates will be original, so businesses can focus on their online reputation rather than worrying about penalties from Google for duplicate content. Long-Form Article Writing Jasper.ai is also useful for long-form writing, allowing users to create articles of up to 10,000 words without any difficulty. This is ideal for businesses that want to produce in-depth content that will capture their audiences attention. Wait! I've got a pretty sweet deal for you. Sign up through the link below, and you'll get (10k Free Credits) 2. Personalize Personalize is an AI-powered technology that helps you identify and produce highly targeted sales and marketing campaigns by tracking the products and services your contacts are most interested in at any given time. The platform uses an algorithm to identify each contacts top three interests, which are updated in real-time based on recent site activity. Key Features Identifies top three interests based on metrics like time on page, recency, and frequency of each contact Works with every ESP and CRM Easy to get up and running in days Enterprise-grade technology at a low cost for SMBs 3. Seventh Sense Seventh Sense provides behavioral analytics that helps you win attention in your customers overcrowded email inboxes. Choosing the best day and time to send an email is always a gamble. And while some days of the week generally get higher open rates than others, youll never be able to nail down a time thats best for every customer. Seventh Sense eases your stress of having to figure out the perfect send-time and day for your email campaigns. The AI-based platform figures out the best timing and email frequency for each contact based on when theyre opening emails. The tool is primarily geared toward HubSpot and Marketo customers Key Features AI determines the best send-time and email frequency for each contact Connects with HubSpot and Marketo 4. Phrasee Phrasee uses artificial intelligence to help you write more effective subject lines. With its AI-based Natural Language Generation system, Phrasee uses data-driven insights to generate millions of natural-sounding copy variants that match your brand voice. The model is end-to-end, meaning when you feed the results back to Phrasee, the prediction model rebuilds so it can continuously learn from your audience. Key Features Instantly generates millions of human-sounding, brand-compliant copy variants Creates tailored language models for every customer Learns what your audience responds to and rebuilds the prediction model every time 5. Hubspot Seo HubSpot Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an integral tool for the Human Content team. It uses machine learning to determine how search engines understand and categorize your content. HubSpot SEO helps you improve your search engine rankings and outrank your competitors. Search engines reward websites that organize their content around core subjects, or topic clusters. HubSpot SEO helps you discover and rank for the topics that matter to your business and customers. Key Features Helps you discover and rank topics that people are searching for Provides suggestions for your topic clusters and related subjects Integrates with all other HubSpot content tools to help you create a well-rounded content strategy 6. Evolve AI When youre limited to testing two variables against each other at a time, it can take months to get the results youre looking for. Evolv AI lets you test all your ideas at once. It uses advanced algorithms to identify the top-performing concepts, combine them with each other, and repeat the process to achieve the best site experience. Key Features Figures out which content provides the best performance Lets you test multiple ideas in a single experiment instead of having to perform many individual tests over a long period Lets you try all your ideas across multiple pages for full-funnel optimization Offers visual and code editors 7. Acrolinx Acrolinx is a content alignment platform that helps brands scale and improves the quality of their content. Its geared toward enterprises its major customers include big brands like Google, Adobe, and Amazon - to help them scale their writing efforts. Instead of spending time chasing down and fixing typos in multiple places throughout an article or blog post, you can use Acrolinx to do it all right there in one place. You start by setting your preferences for style, grammar, tone of voice, and company-specific word usage. Then, Acrolinx checks and scores your existing content to find whats working and suggest areas for improvement. The platform provides real-time guidance and suggestions to make writing better and strengthen weak pages. Key features Reviews and scores existing content to ensure it meets your brand guidelines Finds opportunities to improve your content and use automation to shorten your editorial process. Integrates with more than 50 tools and platforms, including Google Docs, Microsoft Word, WordPress, and most web browsers. 8. MarketMuse MarketMuse uses an algorithm to help marketers build content strategies. The tool shows you where to target keywords to rank in specific topic categories, and recommends keywords you should go after if you want to own particular topics. It also identifies gaps and opportunities for new content and prioritizes them by their probable impact on your rankings. The algorithm compares your content with thousands of articles related to the same topic to uncover whats missing from your site. Key features: The built-in editor shows how in-depth your topic is covered and what needs improvement Finds gaps and opportunities for new content creation, prioritized by their probable impact and your chance of ranking 9. Copilot Copilot is a suite of tools that help eCommerce businesses maintain real-time communication with customers around the clock at every stage of the funnel. Promote products, recover shopping carts and send updates or reminders directly through Messenger. Key features: Integrate Facebook Messenger directly with your website, including chat history and recent interactions for a fluid customer service experience Run drip messenger campaigns to keep customers engaged with your brand Send abandoned carts, out-of-stock, restock, preorder, order status, and shipment notifications to contacts Send branded images, promotional content, or coupon codes to those who opt in Collect post-purchase feedback, reviews, and customer insight Demonstrate social proof on your website with a widget, or push automatic Facebook posts sharing recent purchases Display a promotional banner on your website to capture contacts instantly 10. Yotpo Yotpos deep learning technology evaluates your customers product reviews to help you make better business decisions. It identifies key topics that customers mention related to your productsand their feelings toward them. The AI engine extracts relevant reviews from past buyers and presents them in smart displays to convert new shoppers. Yotpo also saves you time moderating reviews. The AI-powered moderation tool automatically assigns a score to each review and flags reviews with negative sentiment so you can focus on quality control instead of manually reviewing every post. Key features: Makes it easy for shoppers to filter reviews and find the exact information theyre looking for Analyzes customer feedback and sentiments to help you improve your products Integrates with most leading eCommerce platforms, including BigCommerce, Magento, and Shopify. 11. Albert AI Albert is a self-learning software that automates the creation of marketing campaigns for your brand. It analyzes vast amounts of data to run optimized campaigns autonomously, allowing you to feed in your own creative content and target markets, and then use data from its database to determine key characteristics of a serious buyer. Albert identifies potential customers that match those traits, and runs trial campaigns on a small group of customerswith results refined by Albert himselfbefore launching it on a larger scale. Albert plugs into your existing marketing technology stack, so you still have access to your accounts, ads, search, social media, and more. Albert maps tracking and attribution to your source of truth so you can determine which channels are driving your business. Key features: Breaks down large amounts of data to help you customize campaigns Plugs into your marketing technology stack and can be used across diverse media outlets, including email, content, paid media, and mobile Final Saying There are many tools and companies out there that offer AI tools, but this is a small list of resources that we have found to be helpful. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below this article. As marketing evolves at such a rapid pace, new marketing strategies will be invented that we haven't even dreamed of yet. But for now, this list should give you a good starting point on your way to implementing AI into your marketing mix. Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission if you buy any premium plan from our link. NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have until January 26, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE: ARE), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between January 27, 2025 to October 27, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Alexandria and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-are/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 26, 2026 . About the Lawsuit Alexandria and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On October 27, 2025, post-market, the Company disclosed financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 that were below expectations, including cuts to its FFO guidance for the full-year 2025, due to lower occupancy rates, slower leasing activity and most notably, a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its LIC property. On this news, the price of Alexandria's shares fell from a closing market price of $77.87 per share on October 27, 2025 to $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025, a decline of about 19% in the span of just a single day. The case is Warren Hern v. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-11319. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg. TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action Services To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner [email protected] 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 960 New Orleans, LA 70163 CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedIn SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Marks the Next Chapter of a Long-Term Global Vision HONG KONG, Jan. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KCM Trade, a global leading CFD Broker, is pleased to announce its expansion into the African market effective 1 January 2026. This milestone marks a significant step in the group's global expansion strategy and reinforces its commitment to building enduring value in high-potential regions. Strategic Expansion into a High-Growth Market Supported by rising demand and investment, Africa's overall GDP is expected to exceed 4% annually, positioning the region as a strong long-term investment opportunity. Ryan T., CEO of KCM Trade, stated, "KCM Trade's expansion into Africa reflects a strategic assessment of a market that remains relatively green yet rich in long-term potential. By introducing internationally benchmarked standards and robust technology, the group aims to establish a leading presence in the region while further consolidating its position as a top global brokerage." KCM Trade's approach in Africa is founded on the belief that resilient trading ecosystems are built locally. The group aims to work closely with regional communities to foster a vibrant and responsible trading ecosystem that supports long-term participation and development. Through prioritising localisation and engagement, KCM Trade seeks to empower traders while contributing constructively to the region's evolving financial landscape. Empowering Traders Through Knowledge and Support Central to KCM Trade's expansion strategy is a strong commitment to education and trader enablement. The group aims to make financial knowledge more accessible, supporting traders at every stage of their journey, from beginners to more experienced participants seeking to deepen their understanding. This focus reflects KCM Trade's philosophy of enablementequipping traders with the tools and knowledge to build confidence and make informed decisions. In parallel, KCM Trade will emphasise professional, localised customer support designed to meet the needs of the market. By providing timely assistance and lowering barriers to entry, the group aims to build trust and establish long-term relationships with traders across Africa, reinforcing a foundation of transparency, reliability, and service. Future Built Through Partnership Ryan T., CEO of KCM Trade, added that the group's entry into Africa represents a commitment to shared growth and lasting partnership. "Africa holds immense potential, and our objective is to build a presence that lasts. We are entering the market with a long-term perspectiveinvesting in education, supporting local traders, and working closely with partners to develop a sustainable trading ecosystem that grows alongside the community." As KCM Trade continues its global expansion, its move into Africa underscores a strategic focus on long-term growth, community engagement, and sustainable development. By investing in local markets, supporting traders, and collaborating with regional partners, the group aims to cultivate a trading ecosystem that delivers fruitful results for both the communities it serves and its own business growth. About KCM Trade Founded in 2016, KCM Trade is dedicated to offering reliable, customised, and efficient trading services, connecting clients to top global financial markets. As a liquidity provider, we support institutional clients through a global network and offer diverse trading options to retail clients. Our operations span Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mauritius, and other regions. With our experienced and professional team, we can provide all-rounded and reliable support for client transactions. KCM Trade is part of the KCM Group, affiliated companies include KCM Group Holdings Limited, Kohle Capital Markets Pty Ltd, and Kohle Capital Markets Ltd. To start the new year, Starbucks has a new winter menu which may appeal to lovers of caramel, pistachio and Dubai Chocolate. The specialty coffee chain is replacing its holiday menu goodbye Creme Brulee Latte with a new winter menu starting Jan. 6. New drinks include a Caramel Protein Latte and Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha, plus the return of pistachio flavor with a Pistachio Latte and a new Pistachio Cortado. Collectors of seasonal tumblers, cold cups and coffee mugs can choose from limited edition Valentine's Day-themed products and those celebrating the Year of the Horse, which arrives on the Chinese lunar calendar in February. Here's what to know about Starbucks' new winter menu, which will be available starting Jan. 6. What drinks are on the Starbucks winter menu? Starbucks has two new caramel protein drinks debuting Jan. 6, which will join the year-round menu. Pistachio flavor will also be added to the year-round menu, but the four limited-time pistachio drinks will only be available on the winter menu. And after the overwhelming response to the Dubai Chocolate-inspired Matcha Latte recipe that dropped on Starbucks' "secret menu" in January 2025, two new limited-time drinks become official on the winter menu. Here's the full lineup: Caramel Protein Matcha: Protein-boosted milk, unsweetened matcha, and caramel syrup (available hot or iced, and with new sugar-free caramel syrup). Caramel Protein Latte: Starbucks Espresso Roast, protein milk, and caramel syrup (available hot or iced, and with new sugar-free caramel syrup). Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha: Unsweetened matcha is combined with pistachio sauce, milk and ice, then topped with chocolate cream cold foam and a salted brown-buttery topping. Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha: Starbucks Espresso Roast, chocolate mocha sauce and milk over ice, is topped with pistachio cream cold foam and a salted brown-buttery topping. Pistachio Cortado: Three Starbucks Blonde Espresso ristretto shots the Cortado drinks are made with ristretto shots, which are smaller and more concentrated than traditional espresso shots with pistachio flavor, steamed milk and a salted brown-buttery topping. Pistachio Cream Cold Brew: Cold brew, vanilla syrup, pistachio cream cold foam, and salted brown-buttery sprinkles on top. Pistachio Latte: Espresso, sweet pistachio sauce, milk, and salted brown-buttery topping (available hot and iced). Pistachio Frappuccino: Coffee, pistachio flavor, milk and ice, whipped cream and a salted brown-buttery topping (Can be ordered without coffee as a Pistachio Creme Frappuccino). What else is on the Starbucks winter menu? Starbucks winter menu also marks the return of some favorite snacks, including the timely Valentine Cake Pops and an upgrade for the year-round menu item, the Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich, which will now be made with new Cherrywood-smoked turkey bacon and more flavorful sharp white cheddar. More on the winter menu: Truffle, Mushroom & Brie Egg Bites: A new sous-vide cooked snack made with cage-free eggs, black truffles, brie, and mushrooms (available for a limited time). Valentine Cake Pop: A seasonal menu returnee, the pop is made with vanilla cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in red chocolaty icing, and decorated with a heart design. Khloud Protein Popcorn: Individual size bags of Khloud Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn Protein Popcorn (7 grams of protein per serving) will now be available year-round. Ellenos Greek Yogurt: Two flavors will be available year-round No Added Sugar Muesli yogurt and Strawberry Shortcake yogurt. New Starbucks cups for winter The arrival of the winter menu also means a new wave of Starbucks drinkware and merchandise, including a Year of the Horse keychain with a miniature bearista wearing a horse costume: Coffee for All collection: This includes a 16-ounce Cheers Tumbler ($24.95) with 12-ounce Coffee for All Mug ($14.95) Lunar New Year collection includes a 20-ounce Year of the Horse Cold Cup ($29.95) and Year of the Horse Plush Bearista Keychain ($14.95). Valentine's Day drinkware: A 16-ounce Valentine's Day Stainless Steel Tumbler ($24.95) and 14-ounce Valentine's Day Ceramic Mug ($16.95). Specials at Starbucks Reserve locations Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in Chicago and New York will also be offering several new coffee drinks, food items, and two new whole bean coffees: Whiskey Barrel-Aged Doughnut: A spice-caked doughnut, infused with cinnamon, orange, and lemon zest, topped with Whiskey Barrel-Aged Guatemala coffee glaze. Fennel and Leek Galette: A golden, flaky pastry is filled with Parmigiano-Reggiano and ricotta, roasted fennel, and butter-braised leeks. Salted Caramel Bianco Latte: Starbucks Reserve Espresso with steamed milk, caramel, and white chocolate, finished with a salted brown-buttery sprinkle. Tiramisu Latte: Espresso with mocha sauce and steamed milk, finished with tiramisu cold foam and a dusting of mocha powder. Salted Caramel Carajillo: A cocktail made with espresso, Spanish cordial liquor, and tequila. The glass rim is coated in caramel and finished with salted brown buttery topping. Costa Rica Hacienda Alsacia: A medium roast coffee with sweet notes of red apple and maple. CARACAS, Venezuela Hours after an brazen military operation that plucked leader Nicolas Maduro from power and removed him from the country, President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States would run Venezuela at least temporarily and tap its vast oil reserves to sell to other nations. The dramatic action capped an intensive Trump administration pressure campaign on the South American nation and its autocratic leader and months of secret planning resulting in the most assertive American action to achieve regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Speaking to reporters hours after Maduro's capture, Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership void to fix the countrys oil infrastructure and sell large amounts of oil to other countries. A plane believed to be carrying the deposed leader landed late Saturday afternoon in New York, where he was expected to face criminal charges. Earlier, Trump posted a photo of Maduro wearing a sweatsuit and blindfolded on the USS Iwo Jima. The legal authority for the operation was not immediately clear, though the Trump administration described it and earlier deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea as necessary to stem the flow of dangerous drugs. The Trump administration did not notify congressional leaders about the military action until after it was underway, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio said was necessary to preserve the operation's integrity. Trump also claimed the U.S. government would help run the country and was already doing so, though there were no immediate signs of that. Venezuelan state TV continued to air pro-Maduro propaganda, broadcasting live images of supporters taking to the streets in Caracas in protest. We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference where he boasted that this extremely successful operation should serve as warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but the Justice Department released a new indictment Saturday of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, that painted the regime as a corrupt, illegitimate government fueled by a drug trafficking operation that flooded the U.S. with cocaine. The U.S. government does not recognize Maduro as the country's leader. Vice president calls for Maduro's release Delcy Rodriguez has served as Maduro's vice president since 2018, overseeing much of Venezuela's oil-dependent economy as well as its feared intelligence service. Under Venezuelan law, she would take over from Maduro. She faced U.S. sanctions during Trumps first administration for her role in undermining Venezuelan democracy. Still, she is someone the Trump administration apparently is willing to work with, at least for now. Shes essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again, Trump told reporters. He said Rodriguez had a long conversation with Rubio, claiming she said, Well do whatever you need. In a major snub, Trump said opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was awarded last year's Nobel Peace Prize, didn't have the support to run the country. I think she was quite gracious, he added. We cant take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesnt have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind. Rodriguez tried to project strength and unity among the ruling party's many factions, downplaying any hint of betrayal. In remarks on state TV, she demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife and denounced the U.S. operation as a flagrant violation of the United Nations charter. There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro," Rodriguez said, surrounded by top civilian officials and military commanders. Early morning attack The operation followed a monthslong Trump administration effort to push the Venezuelan leader, including a major buildup of American forces in the waters off South America and attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean accused of carrying drugs. Last week, the CIA was behind a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes in September. Maduro had decried prior military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. Taking place 36 years to the day after the 1990 U.S. invasion of Panama that led to the surrender and seizure of leader Manuel Antonio Noriega, the Venezuela operation unfolded under the cover of darkness early Saturday as Trump said the U.S. turned off almost all of the lights" in the capital city of Caracas while forces moved in to extract Maduro and his wife. Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces rehearsed their maneuvers for months. Early Saturday, multiple explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through Caracas. Maduro's government accused the U.S. of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an imperialist attack and urging citizens to take to the streets. The attack lasted less than 30 minutes and the explosions at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report what they saw and heard. Some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed, said Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, without giving a number. Trump said some U.S. forces were injured but none were killed. Video obtained from Caracas and an unidentified coastal city showed tracers and smoke clouding the landscape as repeated muted explosions illuminated the night sky. Other footage showed cars passing on a highway as blasts illuminated the hills behind them. The videos were verified by The Associated Press. Smoke was seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas, while another military installation in the capital was without electricity. Some streets in Caracas fill up Venezuelas ruling party has held power since 1999, when Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, took office, promising to uplift poor people and later to implement a self-described socialist revolution. Maduro took over when Chavez died in 2013. His 2018 reelection was widely considered a sham because the main opposition parties were banned from participating. During the 2024 election, electoral authorities loyal to the ruling party declared him the winner hours after polls closed, but the opposition gathered overwhelming evidence that he lost by a more than 2-to-1 margin. In a demonstration of how polarizing a figure Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to protest his capture or celebrate it. At a protest in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas Mayor Carmen Melendez joined a crowd demanding Maduros return. Maduro, hold on, the people are rising up! the crowd chanted. We are here Nicolas Maduro. If you can hear us, we are here! Earlier, armed people and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighborhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. In other parts of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack, as residents absorbed events. Some areas remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. How do I feel? Scared, like everyone, said Caracas resident Noris Prada, who sat on an empty avenue looking down at his phone. Venezuelans woke up scared, many families couldnt sleep. In the Chilean capital of Santiago, people waved Venezuelan flags and banged pots and pans as vehicles passed by honking at them. In Doral, Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S, people wrapped themselves in Venezuelan flags, ate fried snacks and cheered as music played. At one point, the crowd chanted Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! Questions of legality Some legal experts raised immediate concerns about the operation's legality. Lawmakers from both political parties in Congress raised reservations and flat-out objections to the U.S. attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling near the Venezuelan coast. Congress has not specifically approved an authorization for the use of military force for such operations in the region. Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence that would justify Trump striking Venezuela without approval from Congress and demanded an immediate briefing by the administration on "its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, called it a decisive and justified operation that will protect American lives" and said the Trump administration was working to schedule briefings. ___ Toropin and Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Jorge Rueda in Caracas, Venezuela, Lisa Mascaro, Michelle L. Price, Seung Min Kim and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, and Larry Neumeister in South Amboy, New Jersey, contributed to this report. President Trump on Saturday said the United States would temporarily "run" Venezuela after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in an overnight operation that he said was an assault like people have not seen since World War II. Trump said the U.S. was prepared to launch a second and significantly larger military operation in Venezuela if necessary, even as he suggested it may not be needed. The president also said he was not afraid of putting boots on the ground. We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so, Trump said. We probably do not need to do a second, but we are prepared for a second wave a much bigger wave, actually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later Saturday, Maduro and his wife arrived by plane to Newburgh, New York. Maduro is expected to face drug and weapons charges in Manhattan federal court next week. Earlier, Trump posted a photo online of what he said was Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that Maduro and Flores are charged in a federal indictment unsealed in New York, accusing them of conspiring with drug trafficking organizations to ship cocaine into the U.S. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were first indicted on narco-terrorism charges in 2020, though he has repeatedly denied the allegations. Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, criticized the U.S. in a nationally televised address, calling the operation that captured Maduro an act of military aggression aimed at regime change. The comments appeared to contradict Trump's claims that the U.S. could work with her to oversee the countrys transition. Earlier Saturday, the Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and said said it would mobilize to "defeat this imperialist aggression." The legality of the U.S. operation was also questioned by Democrats. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence justifying military action without approval from Congress and warned of the risk of instability in Venezuela. 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Despite his advanced age and declining strength, A Gip remains deeply attached to the forge - a tradition passed down from his father when he was just a child. Though frail with age, artisan A Gip still tends the blacksmiths fire. (Photo: Ngoc Chi) Born in 1918 into a family of traditional blacksmiths, A Gip was personally trained by his father. For him, blacksmithing has never been just a trade - it is a destiny. Though he now requires assistance from his children and grandchildren to lift the hammer, A Gip insists on continuing his craft, if only occasionally, to preserve and pass it on. I'm old and weak now, so I need help when forging. My hands arent as strong as before. But without the forge, I feel restless, he said. Now and then, I fire it up again to keep the tradition alive and teach it to my grandchildren. Next to his humble wooden house stands the traditional Ba Na forge where he has spent most of his life. From that furnace, he has shaped thousands of knives, machetes, and hoes - tools essential to Ba Na daily life and agriculture. A Teo, head of Kon Tuc village, shared: In Dak Pui hamlet, where A Gips family lives, there are 54 households - 30 of them belong to his children and grandchildren. Currently, there are six forges in the hamlet, all run by people who learned from him. Mastering blacksmithing requires patience, diligence, and creativity. The tools made here are not only functional but also carry the imprint of Ba Na identity and artistry. Beyond the forge, A Gip also crafts drums, plays traditional musical instruments, and performs gong music. Though his voice has weakened over time, he continues to teach these arts to younger villagers. His grandson, A Thinh, recounted: With drum-making, Grandpa only allows those mature enough to learn. He always reminds us that crafting a good drum takes patience, passion, and deep knowledge of the forest. One must choose the right kind of wood - light, durable, and resonant. A Gip hopes future generations will continue to honor the unique culture of their Ba Na heritage. (Photo: Ngoc Chi) Even at his age, A Gip never misses a village festival. His deepest wish is that Ba Na traditional crafts and cultural rituals endure forever, so future generations can feel proud of their heritage. Within our community, A Gip is seen as a cultural icon, said A Teo. He lives simply, is highly skilled in traditional crafts, and deeply knowledgeable in our cultural practices. Thanks to him, our village has preserved many Ba Na traditions. Dak Rve commune has a population of nearly 9,000, with over 68% belonging to ethnic minorities. In recent years, the rise of industrial tools has caused traditional blacksmithing to decline. Modern steel tools, produced en masse with high quality and low cost, have largely replaced handmade ones. Still, thanks to encouragement from local authorities and community leaders, a few artisans like A Gip have continued to quietly preserve and revive traditional blacksmithing. Tran Van Hien, Vice Chairman of Dak Rve Commune People's Committee, said: Artisan A Gip has made invaluable contributions to preserving and passing on blacksmithing and gong music in the commune. Recently, we have created plans to conserve and promote traditional crafts in conjunction with tourism development and income generation, including blacksmithing, basket weaving, and brocade weaving. Ngoc Chi People lining up to buy gold in Hanoi. (Photo: D.A) Vietnams domestic gold market witnessed an unprecedented surge in 2025, with SJC gold bars gaining 68.6 million VND per tael (approximately USD 2,830), an increase of 81.5% year-on-year. Prices repeatedly shattered records, reaching nearly 160 million VND (about USD 6,600) per tael at their peak. Approaching the 160 million VND mark On January 1, 2025, SJC gold bars were listed at 82.284.2 million VND/tael (approx. USD 3,4003,500). Gold rings weighing 15 chi from SJC and DOJI were similarly priced around 82.284.2 million VND. By March 19, prices began to surge dramatically. Gold rings broke the 100 million VND threshold (approx. USD 4,150) on the selling side. DOJI listed round gold rings at 98.8100.3 million VND. SJC bars closely followed, nearing 100 million VND. On March 28, SJC raised its gold bar prices to 98.7100.7 million VND. Bao Tin Minh Chau listed plain gold rings at 98.8100.8 million VND. In April, the momentum continued, with prices surpassing 110120 million VND/tael. On April 16, SJC gold jumped by nearly 3 million VND in a single session, closing at 113115.5 million VND. Gold rings from SJC and DOJI followed at 110.5113.5 million VND. By April 18, SJC listed bars at 120 million VND/tael. Gold rings reached 114117 million VND. Despite brief corrections, the market trend remained bullish throughout the second half of the year. On August 30, SJC bars closed at 129.1130.6 million VND, while gold rings from both SJC and DOJI hovered around 122.5125.5 million VND. On October 6, SJC bars climbed again to 138.1140.1 million VND. Gold rings reached 134.3137.5 million VND. By November 10, SJC bars surpassed 150 million VND (approx. USD 6,200). On December 29, both DOJI and Bao Tin Minh Chau listed prices at 157.7159.7 million VND. However, the year ended with a strong correction. On December 31, SJC bars fell to 150.8152.8 million VND. SJC gold rings dropped to 145.9148.9 million VND. Over the year, SJC bars rose 68.6 million VND (81.5%), while 15 chi gold rings gained 64.9 million VND (77.3%). Public rush to buy gold Alongside rising prices, Vietnam witnessed widespread public enthusiasm for gold buying. During peak periods, long queues formed at major outlets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with customers arriving early to take queue numbers. Several gold retailers experienced overloads and even temporarily halted sales to manage limited supply. Some stores limited purchases to one chi per customer - primarily plain gold rings - to prevent hoarding and speculative buying. While demand surged, supply remained tight, as many consumers held onto gold, expecting further gains. This imbalance contributed to further price hikes and a wide buy-sell spread. Warnings from experts Despite golds traditional role as a safe haven, experts cautioned investors to be prudent, especially with prices at all-time highs. The domestic market showed high volatility and could experience sudden corrections based on investor sentiment. The buy-sell gap often exceeded 23 million VND per tael (approx. USD 85125), posing short-term loss risks for speculators. Herd behavior - particularly during queue-induced buying frenzies - might leave investors vulnerable to reversals or abrupt cool-downs. Experts advise individual investors to clarify their holding objectives, avoid leverage, and diversify their portfolios instead of concentrating all capital into gold. Duy Anh In 2025, Vietnamese youth gave rise to a series of heartfelt and creative trends that lit up social media and touched everyday life. Each trend reflected their unique perspectives, emotions, and identity - painting a vivid portrait of Vietnams young generation. Rediscovering memories through Google Maps A girl in An Giang province found an image of her late aunt thanks to Google Maps. In July 2025, a viral trend emerged: Vietnamese users began using the Google Maps street view archive to revisit memories of old homes, familiar street corners, and even deceased loved ones. A girl in An Giang province, for instance, was stunned to discover an image of her late aunt captured in a past street view. For many, the experience felt like an unexpected, miraculous reunion after years of separation. Tutorial videos explaining how to use the historical imagery function spread quickly, garnering millions of views and inspiring others to go on similar virtual memory trips. Inviting strangers to weddings A bride in Hanoi received unexpected wedding gifts from strangers she invited online. Toward the end of 2025, a quirky yet touching trend took off: couples planning their weddings began posting photos online with open invitations to strangers. While many assumed these were playful gestures, numerous couples genuinely welcomed unknown guests - and the results were surprising. In Hanoi, a bride preparing for her wedding on December 13 prepared ten banquet tables to host 60 complete strangers who responded to her online invite. In another case, a groom from Phuong Duc commune, Hanoi, received over 1,000 RSVPs after posting an open wedding invitation. On December 27, he greeted 50 strangers who attended, bringing a wave of excitement and warmth to the celebration. Growing ginger bonsai plants Ginger bonsai offered a calming, creative outlet for young people in 2025. In a more introspective trend, ginger bonsai - small ornamental ginger plants grown in minimalist pots - captured the imagination of young urban dwellers in 2025. Ginger roots with unique, sculptural forms, paired with carefully chosen pots and arrangements, gained popularity for their natural beauty and meditative quality. Photos of these miniature creations flooded plant enthusiast groups and social platforms. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, ginger bonsai became a symbol of tranquility - especially for office workers or those living in tight urban spaces. The act of nurturing something small and organic offered a break from the digital rush of modern life. The rise of AI-generated portraits Emotionally resonant and aesthetically stunning, AI-generated portraits became a trend among Vietnamese youth. Artificial intelligence also played a major role in 2025s youth trends. From AI wedding portraits to surreal childhood imaginings, young people embraced the creative possibilities of image generation tools. With just a few lines of input, users could produce portraits in a wide range of styles - from romantic fantasy to nostalgic realism. Many chose to meet their younger selves through AI or see themselves in fantastical scenarios. Popular themes included: reimagining childhood photos, simulating summer snowfall, transforming into mermaids, or creating dreamlike wedding scenes. These AI artworks werent just fun - they became a way to explore identity, emotion, and fantasy in an era shaped by technology. More than just fleeting moments online, these trends illustrated how Vietnams young people are rewriting the language of expression - combining nostalgia, spontaneity, and tech-driven creativity to make 2025 a year to remember. Thanh Minh After the chimes echoed into the night, fireworks displays lit up skies across the Land of the Rising Sun to mark the start of 2026. Countdown to New Year in Tokyo, Japan. Video: Inquirer Fireworks in Tokyo, Japan. Video: X Similar to Japan, South Korea welcomed the new year with its own bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion, along with countdown events and fireworks shows in major cities. New Years Eve in South Korea. Video: IG Fireworks in South Korea. Video: X In China, President Xi Jinping delivered a live address just before midnight. In his speech, he praised Chinas technological advancements and hailed the country's rising international profile throughout 2025. New Years drum performance in China. Video: BBC In Malaysia, fireworks lit up iconic landmarks as people gathered in a festive and jubilant atmosphere to usher in 2026. Fireworks in Malaysia and Taiwan (China) on New Year's Eve 2026. Video: Sky News Viet Dung A section of the Quang NgaiHoai Nhon expressway. Photo by Huong Le The completion of over 3,000km of expressways by 2025 marks a historic breakthrough in Vietnams development strategy, showcasing a bold shift in mindset and laying the groundwork for the next phase of sustainable, high-growth transformation ahead of the 14th National Party Congress. In just five years, Vietnam has matched the total length of expressways built over the previous decade, pushing the national network beyond 3,000km. This feat not only symbolizes a leap in infrastructure capacity but also reflects a deeper change in development thinking, establishing a crucial foundation for the country's continued growth. Driven by the 13th National Party Congress's resolutions, the 20212030 socio-economic development strategy, and National Assembly directives, Vietnams expressway target of 3,000km by 2025 has been realized ahead of schedule - surpassing prior forecasts. From 2001 to 2010, only 89km of expressways were operational. The following decade added 1,163km. But between 2021 and 2025, the length of new expressways equaled the previous 20 years combined. By the end of 2025, Vietnam is expected to have completed and opened roughly 3,513km of expressways. The North-South Expressway (Eastern section) will be largely finished, with all 23 sub-projects from the two investment phases entering operation. This marks the fastest pace of expressway development in Vietnams history, significantly advancing a national expressway network that is modern, coherent, and interconnected. The stress test of the term Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan described the 20212023 period as the most challenging stress test ever faced by national transport infrastructure projects. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, forcing construction sites to operate under three-on-the-spot models. Prolonged storms due to climate change, alongside material shortages and price fluctuations, further complicated construction. In such a context, the governments firm direction and strong public support in land clearance provided critical momentum. Many projects required 24/7 construction efforts, braving five to six rainy seasons to stay on schedule, Tuan emphasized. By late 2025, over 3,000km of expressways will be operational. Major strategic routes - such as the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City beltways, Trung LuongMy ThuanCan Tho, Khanh HoaBuon Ma Thuot, and Tuyen QuangHa Giang - will be opened, establishing a fully connected interregional network. According to Deputy Minister Tuan, the 3,000km milestone is more than just a number. It represents a transformative shift in infrastructure thinking - where speed, discipline, and efficiency have become new standards. Science and technology: The catalyst behind the miracle Science and technology help shorten construction times while ensuring expressway quality. Photo by Huong Le Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Chung, Chairman of the Vietnam Road Project Investors Association, believes the strong adoption of science and technology has been key to this extraordinary leap. Recognizing the opportunities, investors and contractors have invested in modern machinery and construction technologies - replacing outdated methods that had persisted for decades. In the past, there were concerns that accelerating progress would compromise quality. But recent experience shows that even under tight deadlines, project quality remains high - thanks to modern technologies and advanced project management, he emphasized. Science and technology have had a direct, powerful impact in turning the 3,000km expressway dream into reality - once thought to be out of reach. Bold decisions, strategic execution Pham Van Khoi, Chairman and CEO of Phuong Thanh Transport Investment and Construction JSC, highlighted that reaching the 3,000km milestone is not only due to contractors efforts, but also a result of visionary direction from the Party, close oversight by the National Assembly, and decisive leadership from the Prime Minister - backed by coordinated efforts from ministries, agencies, and localities. "Never before have expressways been completed in such a short time frame as in the past five years, especially the Eastern North-South Expressway, Khoi said. Unlike past practices, the government made a strategic decision to divide projects into large-scale packages - each worth up to USD 208 million - and select capable, experienced contractors. This was paired with well-structured construction planning, location-specific technologies, shift work, and a shift from manual labor to machine-powered execution. Thanks to close coordination among contractors, investors, ministries, and localities in resolving site clearance and material supply issues, project timelines were significantly shortened. These accomplishments in expressway development do more than modernize Vietnams infrastructure. They usher in a new era of national progress - where the country asserts its stature and ambitions, aiming for high, sustainable growth. The 3,000km milestone, achieved within the 13th Party Congress term, stands as a defining landmark - positioning the country for a new journey of transformation, with greater confidence and aspiration than ever before. Vu Diep Dr Nguyen Quan, President of the Vietnam Automation Association On December 27, the VAA held its 6th National Congress for the 20252030 term. The congress adopted the theme Continuity Development, reflecting VAAs role and determination in the countrys new development phase. Former Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan was elected VAAs President for the 6th term. Speaking at the congress, Prof Dr Huynh Thanh Dat, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Propaganda, Education and Mass Mobilization, emphasized that the Commission values the results achieved by the Vietnam Automation Association during the past term. Through scientific conferences, technology forums, policy consultancy and critique activities, and business networking, the Association has helped disseminate knowledge, promote automation in production, services, infrastructure, and social life, and support Vietnamese enterprises in accessing modern technical solutions, thereby enhancing competitiveness. He noted that the Associations image is increasingly associated with professionalism, responsibility, and creativity, becoming a trusted partner for state management agencies in policy consultation, as well as a bridge connecting scientists with businesses and bringing technology from research into real-world production. The Associations reputation has been affirmed not only domestically but also internationally through cooperation, integration, and expert exchange activities in the automation field. Dat also pointed out that Vietnam is entering a historic transformation period, strongly influenced by the 4.0 Industrial Revolution, with a focus on AI, big data, robotics, digital control systems, and cyber-physical systems. This new technology wave is fundamentally reshaping production, business, and social governance worldwide. He said large global economies are restructuring value chains toward smart manufacturing and high automation, gradually reducing reliance on low-cost labor while increasing scientific and technological content. In this context, automation is no longer merely a technical field but has become a foundational capability of a modern industrial nation, playing a decisive role in productivity, quality, competitiveness, and economic autonomy. Quan, VAAs President for the 5th term, said the country is implementing the Politburos Resolution No57-NQ/TW on the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. In this context, the role of VAA has become increasingly important, requiring the Association to carry out its mission of mobilizing scientists, research institutes, universities, and businesses to implement the breakthrough contents of Resolution 57. He said this is a challenging task, but Resolution 57 has created the necessary tools and conditions to achieve these important goals. This places high demands on unity, consensus, and the promotion of collective intelligence among VAA members, especially those from research institutes, universities, and the business community, which has promoted digital transformation and achieved significant successes in recent years. In the coming period, VAA will focus on key development directions such as enhancing the effectiveness of the Business and Trade Promotion Committee, with an emphasis on supporting enterprises, removing obstacles, and disseminating scientific research outcomes and new technologies to automation businesses. The Association will provide consultancy and support to enterprises in scientific research activities, project development, and the growth of science and technology enterprises. Resolution 57 has fostered a strong consensus and determination within the technology business community, opening up a strategic space for enterprises to engage more deeply in the advancement of science and technology. Earlier, at the workshop Robots and Intelligent Automation, one of five discussions in the Science for Life series held during VinFuture Science and Technology Week 2025 in early December 2025, international scientists all agreed that this is a rare opportunity for Vietnam to break through in the automation era. Despite many challenges, the new wave of technology is creating strong momentum for countries to innovate and adapt. Ho-Young Kim from Seoul National University said Vietnam has a flexible supply chain, large-scale laboratory infrastructure, and an increasingly high-quality workforce, an ideal context for translating physical AI research into practical applications. He noted that bringing together leading global experts in Hanoi would shorten the pathway from laboratory to factory, accelerate knowledge transfer, and enhance the capacity to deploy technology responsibly in fast-growing economies. The connective power of VinFuture can become a catalyst for building sustainable relationships among academia, industry, and policy, turning knowledge into real-world value that contributes to Vietnam and the wider world. Thai Khang New history textbooks under scrutiny. Illustrative photo: Thanh Hung The Ministry said a wave of baseless commentary has recently surfaced on social media, accusing the textbook of distorting historical facts - particularly regarding the representation of historical figures and events. According to MoET, these claims risk creating public anxiety and undermining confidence in the quality of textbooks, as well as jeopardizing the broader educational goals set by the Party and the State. A widely circulated allegation was that the Grade 5 textbook teaches only about Nguyen Anh (Emperor Gia Long) while omitting Quang Trung and the Tay Son movement - implying a deliberate revision of historical content. MoET has since conducted a full review and confirmed that content related to Quang Trung and the Tay Son movement is comprehensively integrated into the curriculum across multiple grade levels: Grade 4 (History-Geography), Grade 7 (History), and Grade 8 (History). The Nguyen Dynasty is also taught as a historical period in a balanced and objective manner. Nguyen Anh's appearance in the Grade 5 textbook, the Ministry explained, follows a logical historical sequence, and his role is covered appropriately in Grades 5, 7, and 8. MoET emphasized that the organization and progression of content in the Connecting Knowledge with Life series are aligned with the logic of historical development and the cognitive abilities of each age group. It follows the guidelines of the 2018 National General Education Program, which stresses presenting history without idolization or moral judgment, while maintaining scientific accuracy and objectivity. The Ministry strongly rejected claims that the textbook neglects or diminishes Quang Trungs historical role, describing such statements as deliberate distortion and slander. Teaching the lesson The founding of the Nguyen Dynasty in Grade 5, it said, is historically appropriate and consistent with the broader curriculum framework that spans earlier and later grades. In light of the issue, MoET has submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Public Security and other relevant agencies to investigate the individuals and motives behind the creation and spread of this misinformation. It also called for strict measures to address any violations that threaten political stability in the education sector. The Ministry urged the public not to share or comment on these unfounded claims and to avoid contributing to further confusion or misinformation. Thanh Hung Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are now permitted to appoint up to 10 additional deputy directors for provincial departments, beyond the general staffing limits set by a new government regulation. This is outlined in Decree No. 370/2025, issued by the government to restructure specialized agencies under provincial, municipal, and commune-level People's Committees. The decree officially takes effect from January 1, 2026. The regulation states that the number of deputies in any agency must not exceed the number of deputies at the immediately higher administrative level. Where agencies are at the same level, those without internal subdivisions must also keep their deputy count lower than those with internal divisions. During periods of administrative restructuring, a temporary surplus in the number of deputies may be allowed. However, within five years from the date such organizational changes take effect, the number of deputies must conform to the new limits. Increased allowances for Hanoi and HCMC Deputy directors of provincial departments are appointed by the chairpersons of provincial Peoples Committees, based on recommendations from department directors. These deputy directors support the directors in carrying out specific tasks. Under the new rules, each department is generally allowed three deputy directors. However, in cases where departments are formed by merging two provincial-level units, one additional deputy may be appointed. If three such units are merged, up to two additional deputies may be added. Similarly, if departments are merged under central-level directives or due to broader administrative restructuring, the same increases apply - one or two extra deputies depending on the number of merged entities. Special-case departments that do not undergo mergers are still limited to an average of three deputies per department. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are granted an exception: in addition to the general allowance, each city may appoint up to 10 more deputy directors, depending on local needs and administrative complexity. Deputy heads of departmental divisions For departmental divisions, the decree outlines staffing as follows: Divisions with fewer than 10 civil servants may have 1 deputy head Those with 10 to 14 civil servants may have up to 2 deputy heads Divisions with 15 or more civil servants may appoint up to 3 deputy heads Sub-departments with 1 to 3 internal divisions may appoint 1 deputy director. If there are 4 or more divisions, up to 2 deputy directors may be appointed. If the sub-department has no internal divisions, it may still have 1 deputy director. The decree also defines commune-level departments as specialized agencies under local Peoples Committees. These offices have their own seals and bank accounts, and are responsible for managing state functions at the commune level. Heads of these offices (department chiefs) are appointed by commune-level Peoples Committee chairpersons, and are accountable to the Peoples Committee, the chairperson, and the law. Their deputies assist with designated tasks and assume leadership duties when the department chief is absent. Each office is allowed an average of two deputies, with actual numbers determined by the number of departments established. Tran Thuong Located in the northwest of Da Nang City, the Golden Hills City Eco-Urban Area project spans more than 342 hectares across Hai Van and Lien Chieu wards. With an estimated investment of over VND 4,400 billion ($180 million), the project is developed by Trung Nam Group and was initially envisioned as a model residential hub, featuring hundreds of villas and townhouses. Golden Hills City sits along the Cu De River. Initially approved in 2008 under the name Thuy Tu Urban Area, the project was later renamed Quan Nam - Thuy Tu Eco-Urban Area, before officially adopting the name Golden Hills City in 2013. According to the master plan, the development includes a commercial-service area with towers ranging from 15 to 40 stories, 485 detached villas, 360 semi-detached villas, and high-end apartment buildings. However, as observed on December 29, hundreds of villas and townhouses remain unfinished and abandoned, many of them left at the bare concrete stage. The infrastructure has deteriorated significantly, and wild grass overtakes empty lots. Some areas have even been repurposed for livestock grazing or grass cultivation, while only a small portion of the development is currently inhabited. Unfinished and abandoned rows of villas and townhouses. On December 26, the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam released its audit findings for Golden Hills City. The report details numerous violations throughout the projects planning and implementation phases. No investor bidding process was conducted by Da Nangs Peoples Committee, despite the project involving public land use - violating regulations on urban development. At the time the investment certificate was issued in 2010, Trung Nam only reported VND 866 billion in capital - far below the minimum 20% equity requirement for the total investment. The licensing process bypassed mandatory consultations with relevant ministries and failed to properly assess the investors capacity. Concrete piles mark land that remains inactive, with no signs of progress. The detailed planning of the project required 16 revisions due to initial inconsistencies with Da Nangs master plan, lacking key technical indicators such as land use coefficients and construction density. The audit also found that approximately 45.91 hectares of land outside the approved project boundary were improperly allocated, and discrepancies of over 39 hectares were discovered between investment certificates and land allocation decisions. Moreover, 129.22 hectares of paddy land were not properly managed or used in accordance with land regulations, raising concerns over lost tax revenue and budget shortfalls. Some villas now serve as grazing grounds or wild plots. The Inspectorate has recommended that the Prime Minister instruct Da Nang authorities to: Conduct a full review and hold responsible individuals and organizations accountable across relevant periods. Take decisive action to remedy the identified violations. Refer any criminal indications to appropriate law enforcement. It also recommended: Revoking 45.91 hectares of land improperly granted beyond the projects boundary. Reviewing and collecting full land-use and lease payments, including overdue fees, related to the 129.22 hectares of paddy land. For Trung Nam Group, the audit urges: Full compliance with financial and legal obligations. Return of any misused or excess land. In response to the inspection, Trung Nam Group clarified that the 45.91 hectares beyond the projects boundary were never offered for sale or marketed, thus falling under the responsibility of local authorities. The company stated it had fulfilled all required financial obligations as stipulated. Trung Nam emphasized that the Government Inspectorates conclusions would serve as a foundation to resolve outstanding legal issues, helping to finalize documentation under Prime Ministers Decision 751, thereby avoiding land wastage and enabling the mobilization of development resources. Ho Giap Starting in 2026, a series of new road traffic laws will take effect across Vietnam, tightening controls on vehicle emissions, enforcing child safety measures in cars, adjusting rules for driver working hours, and introducing a broader regulatory framework to enhance public safety. The new policies reflect a significant shift toward international standards and aim to reduce traffic accidents, environmental pollution, and driver fatigue. Local authorities take over vehicle registration fees Under Decree 175/2025, from January 1, 2026, the calculation of vehicle registration fees for cars and motorcycles will be decentralized. Instead of using a standardized national fee schedule issued by the Ministry of Finance, provincial and municipal Peoples Committees will be responsible for establishing and publishing their own fee schedules. If a locality has not issued its new schedule by December 31, 2025, the previously issued national table may still be used. Mandatory vehicle emissions checks nationwide Emissions testing will be mandatory for all vehicles starting in 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed Decision No. 43 on November 28, 2025, outlining a roadmap to apply national technical standards on emissions for all vehicles on Vietnams roads, effective from March 1, 2026. Vehicles must comply with one of five emissions levels defined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment: Cars manufactured before 1999 must meet Level 1 (Euro 1). Vehicles from 1999 to 2016 must meet Level 2 (Euro 2). Vehicles from 2017 to 2021 must meet Level 3 (Euro 3). In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stricter rules apply: vehicles from 20172021 must meet Level 4 (Euro 4) by January 1, 2027. Vehicles produced from 2022 must meet Level 4 by March 1, 2026, and upgrade to Level 5 (Euro 5) by January 1, 2032. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Level 5 will apply from January 1, 2028. By 2029, all vehicles in the two cities must meet at least Level 2. Child safety seats required in personal vehicles From 2026, child safety devices will be mandatory in cars carrying young passengers. Under Law No. 118/2025/QH15, which amends 10 existing laws related to public order and safety, new provisions take effect from July 1, 2026. Children under 10 years old and shorter than 1.35 meters will not be allowed to sit in the same row as the driver (except in single-row vehicles). All vehicles carrying children must be equipped with appropriate safety gear - such as child seats or specialized seatbelts. Violations will be fined between 800,000 and 1,000,000 VND (approx. USD 3341). However, the rule does not apply to commercial passenger transport. Experts see this move as a major step toward aligning with global safety standards, especially as child-related accidents in private cars and school shuttles remain a concern in Vietnam. Cameras required inside passenger vehicles Vehicles with more than eight seats must have in-cabin cameras installed to monitor passengers. The new law also mandates real-time surveillance inside commercial vehicles. Vehicles transporting more than eight passengers (excluding the driver) must install in-cabin cameras to record the passenger area. Passenger vehicles with fewer than eight seats, cargo transport vehicles, and internal transport fleets must install driver-facing cameras. These regulations aim to improve supervision, identify safety violations, and prevent potential threats to passengers and traffic order. No more weekly driving limits, but 4-hour sessions remain Law No. 118/2025/QH15 also revises work-hour policies for drivers. From July 1, 2026, the cap of no more than 10 hours per day and 48 hours per week will be removed. Instead, driving sessions must not exceed 4 consecutive hours (except in force majeure circumstances). Daily and weekly work time must still comply with the Labor Code. This change eliminates the fixed weekly driving cap, giving more flexibility while preserving safeguards against driver fatigue. Easier upgrade path for container truck licenses A major improvement also comes in driver training and licensing. From July 1, 2026, drivers holding licenses in categories D1, D2, and D (mainly passenger vehicle drivers) may now apply to upgrade to class CE. Previously, only those with a class C license were eligible. CE licenses allow operation of heavy-duty vehicles like tractor-trailers, container trucks, and class C vehicles towing trailers over 750kg. This change is expected to shorten training times and allow bus drivers to transition into the logistics and freight transport industry - helping to ease workforce shortages in long-haul trucking. Y Nhuy In 2025, Vietnamese social media wasnt just captivated by the glamour and grandeur of extravagant weddings. What truly lingered in peoples hearts were the deeply emotional moments - intimate glimpses of love, family, and unbreakable bonds that transformed wedding celebrations into moving stories of the human spirit. Groom in Hung Yen breaks down remembering his late mother The groom sheds tears on his wedding day. On April 13, during his wedding, Tran Van Tien (born 1997, from Hung Yen) was seen choking back tears while lighting incense at the family altar before heading to the brides house. His mother had passed away from stomach cancer two years earlier. Her absence made the biggest day of his life feel incomplete. What broke him, however, was his sisters quiet whisper as she pinned a flower to his suit: It should have been Mom doing this for you. Tien shared that his mother had worked tirelessly all her life to raise him. She had always hoped to see her son build a home and get married, but illness claimed her before that dream came true. Overwhelmed with emotion, he cried for the mother who couldn't be there. With the support of loved ones, Tien pulled himself together and completed the ceremony. Videos capturing the moment quickly went viral, touching thousands. Tien had previously received attention for building a home to honor his parents. Born into a farming family, he had long dreamed of replacing their two-room, dilapidated house. In 2019, he went to Japan for work. By 2024, he had fulfilled that dream, completing a spacious two-story home worth approximately USD 75,000 for his 70-year-old father. Bride weeps as her brother with Down syndrome gifts her gold on her wedding day The bride moved to tears as her brother with Down syndrome presents a gold gift. In another touching wedding held on February 7, a heartwarming scene unfolded as the bride, My Tien (born 1999, from Binh Dinh, now living in Gia Lai), received a gold gift from her older brother Khoi (born 1993), who was born with Down syndrome. Due to speech and literacy challenges, Khoi had left school early. Despite this, he remained deeply devoted to his family. From a young age, he had helped raise pigs and cows and collected recyclables to earn money. Over time, he saved enough to buy gold. When he learned that his younger sister was getting married, he promised her he would gift her a gold ring - and he kept his promise. Trembling with emotion, Khoi walked onto the stage and handed her the ring, tears streaming down his face. The entire room was overcome with emotion. Throughout the ceremony, Khoi was a constant presence, gently guiding his sister along the stage. Even after the wedding, he continued to call her, reminding her to take care of herself. Single father in Nghe An weeps as daughter leaves for husbands home A single father in Nghe An weeps as he sends his daughter off to her husbands home. In September 2025, social media was moved by the image of a father crying as he sent his daughter off to her husbands home. Nguyen Van Lac (born 1971, from Nhan Hoa commune, Nghe An) had raised his four children alone for 20 years following his wifes tragic death in a traffic accident. As his second daughter departed to start her new life nearly 80 miles away, his emotions overwhelmed him. He was both happy for her new beginning and heartbroken to see her go. That day, he couldnt hold back his sobs. Over the years, Mr. Lac had worked countless jobs to support his children, shielding them from hardship so they could grow up carefree. I carried the financial burden alone. It was tough, but I rarely complained. I wanted my children to have a happy childhood and a strong foundation to be confident in themselves and their family, he shared with VietNamNet. The moment he whispered final words to his daughter and broke down in tears became one of the most poignant wedding images of 2025. Grooms brother with hearing impairment blesses couple in sign language A touching moment at the wedding of Quang Nhut as his brother offers a blessing in sign language. At the wedding of Nguyen Quang Nhut (born 1997, from Dong Nai) and Nguyen Minh Thu (born 1997, from Lam Dong), held on November 30, guests fell silent as the grooms older brother offered a blessing in sign language. Vu Thien (born 1994), who is deaf, took the stage and signed heartfelt memories of childhood and a moving message: I wish you both happiness, growing old together on the same path. As Thien signed, Nhut translated aloud for the guests. At times, he smiled. At others, his voice trembled. Minh Thu, the bride, wiped away her tears. The video of the scene quickly spread online, garnering over 1.2 million views. Nhut shared that his brother had always been a role model of perseverance and love. In order to better communicate with Thien, Nhut had learned sign language. Today, he proudly serves as his brothers interpreter. Thanh Minh Nguyen Anh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications, speaks at the panel discussion on December 29. Photo: Le Anh Dung This remarkable achievement was highlighted by Nguyen Anh Cuong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Science and Technology, during the panel discussion "How 5G commercialization is impacting Vietnams economy" hosted by the ICT Journalists Club recently. Nguyen Anh Cuong noted that most countries require an average of three years to reach 90% coverage, with the fastest taking at least two. In contrast, Vietnam managed this feat in just one year. This is truly a top-tier global accomplishment in 5G deployment speed, he said. A network-first strategy Leading the race is Viettel. According to Nguyen Ha Thanh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom, the company had installed 30,000 5G base stations as of December 2025, including 23,500 deployed in 2025 alone. Viettels outdoor 5G coverage has reached 90%, with indoor coverage at 70% - on par with its first-year 4G rollout. We view investment in 5G infrastructure as a strategic move to strengthen the national digital backbone. Thats why weve prioritized rapid and widespread deployment, Thanh explained. She added that in 2026, Viettel plans to build an additional 15,000 base stations to boost indoor coverage to 85%. Real-world benefits of this broad deployment are already becoming evident. At a recent live concert simultaneously hosted in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, 5Gs ultra-low latency allowed audiences to feel like both performers were on the same stage. From a business standpoint, data usage has increased by 1520% since the 5G launch, and service satisfaction rates are up 20%. Sharing more on Vietnams infrastructure-first philosophy, Cuong used the analogy of a train: You need the rails before you can run the train. If you build the train first without the tracks, it goes nowhere. Thats the real waste. Targeting key economic zones Unlike Viettels nationwide approach, VNPT and MobiFone have focused their 5G rollouts on strategic hotspots and enterprise customers. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Deputy Head of Technology at VNPT Group, shared that their strategy prioritizes coverage in urban areas, industrial parks, seaports, and airports - regions with dense populations and high economic demand. VNPT aims to cover 5560% of Vietnams population by 2026. Their focus also includes developing private 5G networks. In 2025, VNPT launched private network trials beyond higher education, exploring use cases in smart manufacturing. Pilot deployments are already underway in Tay Ninh and Hai Phong, with expansion opportunities being explored at airports and seaports. Meanwhile, Nguyen Tuan Huy, Head of Technology at MobiFone, emphasized that 5Gs true potential lies in machine-to-machine connections rather than human users. Humans dont really need ultra-low latency, he said. 5G delivers speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G, with latency as low as 130 milliseconds (compared to 3050 milliseconds on 4G), enabling massive Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. MobiFone is currently piloting 5G in selected industrial zones and cities, with a full-scale smart city rollout expected in 2026. One notable 5G application Huy cited is a hydroinformatics-based flood prevention system in Hanoi. To eliminate 108 known flood points, youd need tens of thousands of sensors. Thats where 5Gs capabilities shine, he explained. MobiFone is also developing a drone-based rescue model that can fly to fire sites, identify whether its a chemical or traditional blaze, and dispatch AI-directed fire engines accordingly. State-backed incentives for rapid deployment Beyond policy guidance and regulatory support, the Vietnamese government is offering direct financial incentives for telecom companies deploying 5G infrastructure quickly. Under Resolution 193, the government will subsidize up to 15% of 5G equipment costs for operators that build at least 20,000 base stations in 2025. Nguyen Anh Cuong explained that the subsidy aims to offset accelerated investment expenses such as loan interest and equipment price differences, as hardware prices tend to drop over time. If a company can compress a 23 year plan into one year, the government will provide financial support to bridge the gap, Cuong stated. As of now, Viettel is the only telecom provider registered for the incentive program. Du Lam According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong, the Vietnamese government will become the largest customer of digital transformation through state-backed procurement and assigned missions. Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong at the December 2025 press briefing. Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology On December 11, 2025, the National Assembly passed the Digital Transformation Law, with 433 out of 442 members voting in favor. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026. The law outlines the principles, policies, coordination mechanisms, and responsibilities of government agencies, organizations, and individuals in digital transformation. It also clearly defines the core areas of digital government, digital economy, and digital society. While fields such as data, electronic transactions, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence remain governed by their respective laws, all must conform to the overarching principles and requirements of this law. During a press conference on December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology emphasized that the law establishes a unified legal framework for building a digital nation. It aims to address the challenges of investing in unprecedented technological products, with the government now defined as the main customer driving digital development. Deputy Minister Phuong highlighted that although digital transformation has long been discussed, legal texts had yet to clearly define the concept. This law now provides clear legal definitions and a framework for digital transformation activities, enabling the government to develop supportive mechanisms and incentive programs. A framework law for a digital nation Tran Quoc Tuan, Head of Investment Management at the National Digital Transformation Department, described the law as a framework law or umbrella law. Vietnam already has sectoral laws such as the Electronic Transactions Law, Telecommunications Law, and Cybersecurity Law. The Digital Transformation Law serves to connect these scattered pieces into a cohesive whole, adding missing elements like digital government, digital economy, and digital society, and creating national-level coordination mechanisms. Spanning 8 chapters and 48 articles, the law avoids repeating specialized regulations. Instead, it focuses on principles, policies, and implementation guarantees. Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan discusses key elements of the new law. Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology Significantly, it introduces vital macro-coordination tools, including the National Digital Transformation Strategy, the National Digital Architecture Framework, and the Data Governance Framework. One major highlight is the financial commitment. The law mandates that no less than 1% of the annual state budget be allocated to digital transformation. This is a strong political commitment for the years ahead, said Mr. Tuan. The law also includes regulations on digital workforce development. Empowering SMEs to stand on the shoulders of giants The law brings sweeping changes to investment and market support mechanisms. One of its key directions is to facilitate digital transformation by positioning the state as the largest customer, through procurement and task assignment, said Deputy Minister Phuong. Importantly, the law removes a long-standing bottleneck in technology investment: the lack of a payment mechanism for experimental projects. Mr. Tuan added that the law allows for experimental development of systems or products not yet available on the market and without precedent - items that are hard to price or define in scope. From a technical perspective, the law mandates a shift in design thinking - from passive, one-way IT systems to smart, proactive digital systems that anticipate and support human needs. For the business community, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the law creates three major drivers: First, it reduces compliance costs by restructuring administrative procedures and adopting full-process digital governance and default data-sharing mechanisms. Second, the law introduces a regulatory sandbox, allowing for controlled testing of new models and solutions. Third, it provides infrastructure support, enabling businesses - especially SMEs - to connect with and utilize national digital platforms funded by the government. This mechanism lets SMEs stand on the shoulders of giants and leverage existing infrastructure, Mr. Tuan said. Collectively, these provisions aim to build a transparent digital governance framework and create an attractive investment environment for both domestic and international enterprises. Du Lam Vietnams National Assembly in 2025 marked a watershed year of legislative achievement, passing 89 laws and 91 resolutions, amending the Constitution, and pioneering first-ever national forums and digital innovations, setting records in both volume and substance. On June 16, 2025, during its 9th session, the 15th National Assembly passed a Resolution amending and supplementing several provisions of the Constitution, establishing a constitutional foundation for a stronger, reformed political system and two-tier local government structure - designed to meet the demands of a thriving, prosperous new era. The drafting process was methodical and inclusive. For the first time, public feedback was gathered via the VNeID digital platform, resulting in over 280 million contributions, with 99.75% consensus - a testament to national unity and democratic participation. The resolution received unanimous approval from all deputies present - a powerful endorsement of the Partys vision and the people's trust. The year also saw a record number of laws passed - 89 laws and 91 resolutions across three sessions, accounting for more than 40% of all legislation passed in the entire 15th term. Notably, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly organized, for the first time, the National Forum on Law-Making, under the theme Perfecting Institutions to Meet National Development Needs in the New Era. It also hosted the first Forum on Parliamentary Oversight, following the adoption of the revised Law on Oversight Activities, effective from March 2026. These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and development-oriented legislative oversight. During the historic 10th session, the National Assembly introduced bold mechanisms and strategic investments, including: National energy development policy for 20262030 Metro rail infrastructure expansion A special resolution to revive the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project Approval for the Gia Binh International Airport project Groundbreaking pilot mechanisms to develop Hanoi, foster innovation, promote AI, and establish a Vietnam International Financial Center For the first time, the Assembly approved two new National Target Programs on modernizing education and healthcare, with wide-ranging socio-economic and humanitarian implications. To mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnams National Assembly, on August 27, 2025, Party General Secretary To Lam met with nearly 2,000 current and former deputies in a gathering that symbolized continuity, unity, and gratitude across legislative generations. In 2025, the Assembly passed 38 laws and 37 accompanying legal documents to restructure Vietnams political-administrative apparatus, officially rolling out a comprehensive two-tier local government model. This institutional reform cut the number of parliamentary committees from 13 to 8, streamlining operations and enhancing clarity of functions. The Standing Committee also approved 34 resolutions to reorganize commune-level administrative units in 34 provinces and cities. On September 25, 2025, the first-ever Congress of the National Assembly Party Committee was held, launching the 20252030 term under the theme of building a modern, clean, and effective legislative body to lead the nation into a new era of prosperity and civilization. The Party Central Committee had earlier issued Decision No. 244-Q/TW to formally establish the National Assembly Party Committee, replacing the Party Delegation - a key step to consolidate leadership and boost effectiveness. Vietnams parliamentary diplomacy also made significant strides, contributing to national foreign policy objectives. Parliamentary leaders engaged in high-level talks with 15 parliamentary delegations, participated in IPU-150 in Uzbekistan, attended the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Switzerland, and led Vietnams delegation to AIPA-46 in Malaysia. Vietnams legislature actively deepened ties with strategic partners, promoted multilateral parliamentary engagement through IPU, AIPA, APF, and extended outreach to traditional allies. In a digital leap, the Assembly launched the initiative Binh dan hoc vu so Digital Parliament, standardizing 300+ traditional workflows into 25 digital processes. On September 13, 2025, Party and State leaders inaugurated this online knowledge platform, affirming Vietnams determination to digitize legislation and parliamentary operations through AI and digital tools. Another first was the successful National Assembly Patriotic Emulation Congress held on November 29, 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions and launching the 20252030 movement, aimed at strengthening solidarity, creativity, and excellence within legislative bodies. Tran Thuong The Vietnamese government has issued Decree 371/2025, amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm, officially setting regulations and penalties for the use and possession of electronic tobacco products. The new decree defines e-cigarettes as products composed of an electronic device, a container for e-liquid, and the e-liquid itself. Heated tobacco products, meanwhile, include electronic devices and specially formulated tobacco. These fall into categories such as devices that directly heat tobacco in cigarette-like form, devices with compartments for heating special tobacco, and devices that vaporize e-liquid before indirectly heating the tobacco. Electronic devices in this context refer to those used for e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, or similar personal vaporizing equipment. Specially formulated tobacco is defined as tobacco or other nicotine-based ingredients designed specifically for use in heated tobacco devices, whether shaped like traditional cigarettes or otherwise. Under the new regulations, using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco will incur fines ranging from 3 million to 5 million VND (approximately $120 to $200). In addition, violators will be required to surrender the devices for destruction. Those who harbor individuals using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco on premises under their ownership or management will face fines between 5 million and 10 million VND (approximately $200 to $400). These penalties apply to individuals. For the same administrative violations, organizations will be fined double the amount imposed on individuals. Furthermore, the revised Investment Law - effective from March 1 - adds the production and trade of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco to the list of prohibited business sectors. The National Assembly has authorized the government to establish regulations regarding previously registered or approved investment projects for the production of electronic tobacco devices intended solely for export, provided these were validated by competent authorities before January 1, 2025. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, considered next-generation nicotine delivery systems, operate by heating liquids containing nicotine or flavorings dissolved in propylene glycol or glycerin. According to the Ministry of Health, despite the absence of traditional tobacco components, these devices still carry a high risk of addiction due to elevated nicotine content. They are linked to serious health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, acute lung damage, and mental health effects. Tran Thuong More than 18,300 household businesses have voluntarily transitioned to a self-declaration tax model ahead of the official change on January 1, 2026. Voluntary shift from flat tax Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on private sector development sets a clear deadline to eliminate lump-sum taxation by 2026. Under the new system, household businesses must declare actual revenue and pay taxes accordingly. According to Mai Son, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Taxation (Ministry of Finance), this marks a pivotal reform in tax administration and a significant boost to the private sector. He emphasized that the change enhances transparency and fairness, allowing tax authorities to assess actual business capacity more accurately, while reinforcing the principle of self-reporting, self-payment, and self-responsibility. This transition also helps standardize the business environment, paving the way for household businesses to scale up into formal enterprises. To implement the Ministry of Finance's Proposal for Transitioning Household Business Taxation, the General Department of Taxation issued directives urging local leaders to coordinate the phase-out of the lump-sum tax and manage the transition. 60-day push and digital tools Local tax departments launched a 60-day transition campaign to encourage voluntary compliance. The effort included public awareness drives, 24/7 hotline support, and collaboration with tech firms to offer discounted or free accounting software. The Tax Department also rolled out a new user platform for household businesses to practice online declarations before full implementation. Thanks to these efforts, nearly 100% of household businesses have been informed and prepared for the upcoming transition. So far, over 18,300 lump-sum tax households have voluntarily switched to the self-declaration method, and more than 3,200 households have upgraded to formal enterprises. New tax calculation methods On December 10, the National Assembly passed the 2025 Law on Personal Income Tax, revising thresholds and procedures for small businesses. Key changes include: Tax-free income threshold raised from 200 million VND to 500 million VND per year (USD 20,600). Households below this threshold are exempt from VAT and personal income tax (PIT) but must report actual revenue annually, no later than January 31. For those earning above 500 million VND/year, tax obligations begin: VAT is calculated using a direct percentage on revenue, as per the new VAT Law (No. 48/2024/QH15). PIT is calculated based on net income (revenue minus costs), using tiered tax rates: 15% for income between 500 million and 3 billion VND/year 17% for income between 3 billion and 50 billion VND/year 20% for income over 50 billion VND/year For businesses earning 500 million3 billion VND/year, taxpayers may choose between two calculation methods: Net income tax rate Taxable revenue tax rate, where taxable revenue equals revenue exceeding 500 million VND If a household has multiple business locations or sectors, they may choose where to apply the 500 million VND deduction - but only once, across all operations. To avoid frequent changes in tax obligations, the chosen calculation method must remain unchanged for two years. If tax data shows actual revenue exceeds 3 billion VND for two consecutive years, the taxpayer must switch to the net income method. For real estate rental businesses (excluding lodging), PIT is set at 5% on revenue above 500 million VND/year. Transition steps for household businesses Step 1: Review 2025 revenue and project 2026 income to determine tax group. Choose an appropriate calculation method, accounting system, invoicing software, and tax filing tools. Step 2: Inventory unsold goods at the point of transition (if revenue exceeds threshold). Step 3: Register for e-invoices if projected revenue exceeds 1 billion VND ( USD 41,000). Step 4: Prepare accounting records (if applicable). Step 5: Update business registration and tax filing methods, either online or at the tax office. Step 6: Set up a separate business bank account (if not already in place). Step 7: File taxes using the appropriate e-declaration form via eTax Mobile. Nguyen Le Vietnams diplomacy in 2025 witnessed a remarkable surge in both scope and substance, aligning closely with strategic directives from the Communist Party of Vietnam. Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung. Photo by Pham Thang Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed that this years diplomatic efforts contributed significantly to sustaining peace, fostering rapid and sustainable development, and improving the peoples quality of life, echoing General Secretary To Lams guidance. Vietnam conducted 75 high-level diplomatic activities, a 1.5-fold increase over the previous year, providing a solid political framework and strategic orientation for bilateral ties. Vietnam also upgraded relations with 17 partners, bringing the total number of countries in comprehensive or higher partnerships to 42, including all five permanent UN Security Council members and 18 of the 21 G20 economies. Notably, nearly 350 cooperation agreements were signed - 2.5 times more than in 2024 - demonstrating the growing effectiveness and substance of Vietnams international engagements. Relations with neighboring countries stood out, fostering greater mutual understanding, political trust, and breakthroughs in defense, security, trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges. Vietnams economic diplomacy played a central role, helping to achieve national goals such as 8%+ growth and transitioning to a more sustainable and higher-quality development model. Total import-export turnover surpassed $900 billion, reinforcing Vietnams position among the top 15 trading economies worldwide. Vietnam also made strong inroads in technology diplomacy, prioritizing innovation, digital and green transitions, and advancing 11 strategic technologies under Party Resolution 57. Efforts were made to promote new free trade agreements (FTAs), expand Halal markets, and diversify supply chains, increasing Vietnams resilience and global economic footprint. In multilateral diplomacy, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to international law and multilateralism, actively participating in major global forums such as the UN, ASEAN, APEC, and sub-regional mechanisms. The country successfully hosted key events like the ASEAN Future Forum, the P4G Summit, and the UN Convention Signing Ceremony on Cybercrime, further solidifying its reputation and leadership capacity. The $16 billion in remittances sent by overseas Vietnamese marked a record high, underscoring the communitys deepening ties and contributions to the homeland. Citizen protection efforts were also enhanced, including timely evacuations from hotspots such as Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia, safely bringing thousands of Vietnamese nationals home. Vietnams cultural diplomacy strategy to 2030 was rolled out with diverse and impactful activities, including the UN Vesak celebration in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam Weeks abroad. Foreign information work proactively defended national interests and projected Vietnams image as a responsible and peaceful nation amid an increasingly complex media landscape. In a major structural reform, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reduced its departments by 42.5%, integrated several functions from Party and National Assembly diplomacy, and streamlined operations for greater unity and efficiency. Tran Thuong Rau mop, or thorny elephant ear, grows naturally along streams, riverbanks, ponds, and moist lowlands in Vietnams southeastern region. Once seen as a generous gift from nature that helped poor communities stave off hunger, this hardy vegetable is now enjoying a resurgence in demand. As consumers increasingly seek clean, organic produce, rau mop - once foraged for survival - is now being cultivated and sold as a specialty. More households in Ho Chi Minh City have started growing it for both personal use and commercial sale. Freshly harvested rau mop. Photo: YouTube Anh Kua The harvest focuses on 3040cm long tender tips. Photo: Hung Vo Despite its newfound fame, rau mop cultivation remains largely natural. Farmers dig wide trenches and channel water from nearby canals to create a humid, marsh-like environment. Young shoots are planted much like rice seedlings, then left to grow without much intervention. After more than a year, the plant begins yielding harvestable sprouts. Only the tender tops - about 30 to 40 cm in length - are collected. Harvesters carefully follow each row, as missing even a day can cause the shoots to toughen. The plants mature stems are lined with sharp spines, requiring workers to wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves for protection. Pickled rau mop is tangy and delightfully crisp. Photo: Do Thi Thuy Kieu Currently, rau mop is selling fast. Traders visit farms to buy it at around USD 0.801.00 per kilogram. The young shoots are used in dishes like salads, stir-fries, sour soups, and hot pots. Because the vegetable is hard to preserve and unsuitable for long-distance transport, vendors often pickle it. The pickled version is vacuum-sealed or jarred, allowing it to be sold across provinces. After harvest, the best curled tips are selected, trimmed of tiny thorns, and soaked in a saltwater solution. During fermentation, the rau mop turns a golden brown and develops its signature sour, crunchy texture. Stir-fried rau mop with beef - a local favorite. Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Tra Today, pickled rau mop is a sought-after rustic specialty in Ho Chi Minh City, retailing at around USD 2 per 1kg jar. Its a popular souvenir among visitors to rural Cu Chi. Many restaurants have added this once-humble ingredient to their menus. A standout dish is pickled rau mop stir-fried with garlic - a simple yet memorable combination of fermented shoots, fragrant garlic, crispy pork fat, Vietnamese coriander, and crushed roasted peanuts. Other creative preparations include stir-fried rau mop with pork intestines, sour soup, sauteed shrimp, or as a side dish to braised fish or fermented hotpot. Pickled rau mop makes a bright salad or a heartwarming soup. Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Tra Nguyen Ngoc Tra, 33, a food enthusiast in Ho Chi Minh City, praised the ingredients firm texture and distinct flavor. Pickled rau mop is crunchy, fragrant, and never gets boring, he said. Stir-fried with garlic, beef, or tossed into a shrimp or chicken salad, its easy to prepare and full of flavor. For my family, the most nostalgic dish is sour soup with pickled rau mop. Its incredibly comforting - just a few prawns or a piece of local fish, some herbs, and youve got a steaming, tangy, crunchy bowl that hits all the right notes, he added. Beyond taste, traditional medicine values rau mop for its cooling properties, helping detoxify the body and aid digestion. From overlooked wild plant to culinary treasure, rau mop has become a symbol of how Vietnams rural heritage continues to enrich its modern food culture. Linh Trang Nevada Donor Network reported another record-breaking year in 2025, honoring donors while saving and healing more lives than ever. The nonprofit, a federally designated organ procurement organization, earned Tier 1A status from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the highest performance designation for such groups. Last year, Nevada Donor Network facilitated donations from 262 organ donors, 1,090 tissue donors, 1,586 cornea donors, and 2,957 women who donated birth tissue. Those contributions led to 795 organs transplanted, more than 300,000 tissue grafts, and sight restoration for over 3,000 people across Nevada and beyond. Achieving Tier 1A status during a year of national decline underscores whats possible when commitment, collaboration, and compassion come together, said Joseph Ferreira, president and CEO of Nevada Donor Network. Every number represents a person, someone who represents the best in humanity by choosing to give the gift of life and healing to someone whose life was forever changed. NDN said its staff worked around the clock to ensure every donation was handled with care and dignity. Hospitals across Nevada partnered with the network to provide clinical support for donations and transplants. None of this would be possible without our hospital and community partners across the state and the countless supporters who believe in the power of donation, Ferreira said. Together, we are proving that even in challenging times, lives can be saved and hope can grow. Nevada Donor Network serves millions of people in the state and thousands nationwide. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, heal as many as 75 through tissue donation, and restore sight for up to two people through cornea donation. Nearly 700 Nevadans are currently waiting for an organ transplant. The organization encourages residents to register as donors and supports donor families through research, education, and advocacy. More information is available at nvdonor.org. The impacts are still being felt from the 83rd Nevada Legislative Session. 55 new laws from it are now in the Nevada Statutes. The only one from the 36th Nevada Special Session to ring in the New Year is the Governor's 'tough on crime' bill. Using A.I. in Political Advertisement The Silver State will see a general election in November, with some notable races including Governor and Attorney General. Artificial Intelligence is always top of mind, which brings us to Assembly Bill 73. If a campaign advertisement uses A.I. or any type of synthetic media, it must clearly state that the media has been manipulated. If it's a video, it must be shown throughout the whole thing. If it's audio, a disclosure must easily be heard at the beginning and end of it. If the audio clip is longer than two minutes, then it must be played at least every two minutes. If there's a violation, the person being depicted can sue. Reproductive Health Protections Another law, AB176, creates the Right to Contraception and Family Planning Services Act. It protects reproductive health care. The law says it includes medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services, which include pregnancy care, miscarriage, and in-vitro fertilization. The Act says it does not include abortion and anything associated with it. The law states it also protects any procedure or care found by a doctor that is based upon the wishes of the patient and in accordance with state laws. Abortion is protected in state law. In 2024, it passed on the ballot to enshrine it in the state's constitution. It will reappear on the 2026 ballot, where it needs to receive another vote to officially pass. More Language Assistance for Voting Materials and Elections Removing more language barriers is what AB367 is doing. It requires the Nevada Secretary of State to have voting materials and election information available in languages that are required by federal law. That partially includes Spanish, American Sign Language, Filipino, and Chinese. The Secretary of State must create a toll-free number for translation assistance. Stronger Regulations for Food Delivery Service AB116 says a platform such as Uber Eats or DoorDash must not allow a business to use its services unless it has obtained a proper business license from its local government. If a business lies to a food delivery service that it qualifies, it could face a penalty of up to $100 for each order. The food delivery app would have up to 10 days to remove the restaurant from the platform. If not, it could be fined up to $500 a day. Getting Homeless People Better Situated Another new law tackles one of our area's greatest challenges, homelessness. We've spoken with many advocacy groups, and one of the biggest hurdles is getting those in need identification. That's what AB220 is trying to tackle. The law does not require, but it allows the Department of Health and Human Services to create a program to issue IDs to homeless people. It states it only does if there is money available, and the law allows the department to get grants and donations for the program. If it's established, the IDs would be similar to the Department of Motor Vehicles, but the IDs would not give the authorization for people to drive. To get the card, people must be at least 10 years old, live in the state, and not have a driver's license from another state. The Department would not charge a fee for the IDs, and all personal information would be confidential. Prison Data for Redistricting Lastly, AB477 looks to combat prison gerrymandering, which distorts representation by counting those in jail or prison as living where they are confined rather than at their residential addresses. This new law requires the Department of Corrections to collect records of those in jail and prison, which includes their last known residence if they're an adult, as well as their race and ethnicity. The law requires that there be data for those being released after July 1, 2030. January 3, 2026: Shortly after World War II ended in 1945, the United States military, then the largest in the world, was told to create overseas commands to look after American interests and military forces. This system has expanded since the late 1940s, with a series of modifications including one this year that added a new command to handle the United States and all the other nations in the Western hemisphere. Because of the current trend for many Moslem nations to officially recognize or increase military and economic cooperation with Israel, in 2021 the U.S. reclassified Israel as part of CENTCOM/Central Command rather than EUCOM/European Command which includes nations in Europe, including Russia. CENTCOM covers the Middle East, Southwest Asia, northwest Africa and the Persian Gulf. Israel was part of EUCOM from the beginning in 1948 while CENTCOM was created in the 1980s because of where it was. Israel has always been more involved with nations in CENTCOM rather than EUCOM. Israel has been the most powerful and cooperative ally of the United States in CENTCOM and has become the most advanced military, economic and scientific nation in the region. During that time Israel was, for all practical matters, part of CENTCOM and regularly traded, trained, and shared intel with CENTCOM and nations in CENTCOM as well as NATO nations in EUCON. Most EUCOM nations had diplomatic and trading relationships with the Moslem nations in CENTCOM. Since the 1990s the major military threat to Europe in CENTCOM was Iran and in the last decade Iran has declared most Arab nations in the regions as enemies and become a military threat to all of them, along with Israel and the United States. This put Israel in a unique position as it has long seen EUCOM nations as allies and was treated as a peer by European countries. Moslem nations long agreed with that but now see that as an advantage, not a threat. The result is Israel officially becoming part of CENTCOM. This has made it easier for Israel and the United States to coordinate military operations, including joint naval patrols in the Eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea. It is easier to plan joint operations against Iran and any other threats in CENTCOM. Currently the United States military has eight unified geographic combatant commands in which a four-star general or admiral controls all American military units in a geographic area. The origins of the geographic commands began with the two global military commands the U.S. created during World War II to provide a unified command for all American forces in the Pacific and Europe. After the war, these two commands became regional unified combatant commands known as EUCOM for Europe, including the Soviet Union and PACCOM for the Pacific region, including Korea and China. In 1963 SOUTHCOM was created for Latin America. In 1983 CENTCOM was created for the Middle East and was followed in 2002 by NORTHCOM for North America. In 2007 AFRICOM was created for African nations not already part of CENTCOM. In 2019 SPACECOM was added to handle orbital forces and the earth-based units that put satellites and other structures into orbit. In 2025 Army Western Hemisphere Command/USAWHC was formed. This organization handles the defense of U.S. territory, supporting assistance and relief missions for natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes in both the continental U.S., its neighbors and countries in South America. For decades the four star-generals or admirals in charge of the regional commands were called CINCs/Commander in Chief. In 2002 that was changed because the president of the United States, who is, per the constitution, the commander in chief of the armed forces, would be the only one referred to as CINC. The old CINCs would be referred to by new titles, like Commander, US Central Command. Despite that the commanders of the regional commands continued to be known, unofficially, as CINCs. Over the years that term was used less and less as a new generation got used to using the term commander for the senior officers running the regional commands. In 2003, conservative political commentator Charles Krauthammer coined the term "Bush Derangement Syndrome" (BDS) to describe opponents' intense, often irrational reactions to George W. Bush's presidency, defining it as an acute paranoia in normal people towards the President. Krauthammer was a trained psychiatrist, so he knew the workings of the human mind. Advertisement The unhinged reaction to President Trump, dubbed "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (TDS), is a million times more irrational than that aimed at Bush. The premise of TDS is that President Trump is driving his rational critics to insanity. Back in 2019, I wrote an article titled "Decoding Trump Derangement Syndrome." The main thesis of that piece was that otherwise disturbed, unstable, and morally reprehensible individuals use President Trump as an excuse to engage in rage-filled behavior and feign righteous indignation. Even if President Trump weren't in politics, they would be behaving badly. Hence, President Trump has nothing to do with the derangement in "TDS"; it's just that some people are behaving badly, using it as an excuse. Advertisement A perfect example of such an individual is Alec Baldwin. Baldwin's record of physical and verbal abusive behavior is consistent. But when Trump entered politics and eventually won the Presidency, Baldwin noticed that he could continue his insanity but disguise it as the 'resistance' to Trump. Hence, he continued, often disguising his viciousness as comedy. It earned him approval and accolades within the liberal echo-chambers; perhaps he even gained employment. Advertisement Robert De Niro is another instance of this category; he was undoubtedly rude and mean-spirited long before Trump joined politics. He's now targeting Trump to give his insanity a righteous hue. But this theory didn't apply to Rob Reiner. Advertisement Based on the tributes Reiner received from his peers, he was an affable, kind, generous, and helpful individual. Usually, when a prominent but problematic individual passes away, peers restrict their tributes to the departed's talents or record. But that was not the case with Reiner. Advertisement Reiner championed many newcomers; Jerry Seinfeld said that without Reiner's backing, the Seinfeld series wouldn't have been possible. Many others have attested to Reiner's backing, helping their careers. Yet his kindness melted into thin air with respect to President Trump. Advertisement Reiner amplified all the Democrat misinformation campaigns against President Trump, such as the Trump-Russia collusion hoax. He called Trump and his supporters racist. He compared President Trump to Hitler. Reiner called the Trump presidency cancerous. He claimed that Trump was worse than serial sexual predator Harvey Weinstein. Reiner ridiculously claimed that Trump was directly tied to the assault on Nancy Pelosis (D-CA) husband, Paul Pelosi. He celebrated the sacking of Tucker Carlson from Fox News. He attacked Rush Limbaugh a day after his death. On 16th July 2024, Reiner claimed that if Trump won in November 2024, it would be the nation's last Independence Day. Ironically, this turned out to be true. He recently made unfounded claims that Trump will use the military to intimidate voters for the 2026 midterms. When Reiner appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher, Maher asked Reiner if spreading falsehoods was justified if the hoaxes helped defeat Trump. The context was the mainstream media's acceptance that the Hunter Biden laptop story was factual years after the 2020 elections. Reiner first feigned ignorance about the matter, then proceeded to deflect and filibuster, and eventually dodged the question. His attacks were incendiary, the kind that incite violence against Trump and his supporters. There was no record or even an allegation of abusive behavior on Reiner's part. Yet when it came to Trump, Reiner was, by his own admission, a hater. Does this prove that TDS exists, i.e, could President Trump cause regular individuals to be driven to anger, anxiety, and eventually insanity? We look at Reiner's life beyond the spotlight. We focus on his son Nick Reiner, who was arrested on suspicion of murder after the director and his wife were found dead. Nicks struggles with substance abuse began at 15, leading him into a cycle of dependency. He underwent multiple rehabilitation stays and experienced periods of homelessness as a result of his addiction and struggles with recovery. The NY Post reported that Nick's massive blow-up with his parents at Conan OBriens party left Reiner terrified for the future. Days later, Nick was charged with two counts of first-degree murder of his parents. An acquaintance who is a trained psychiatrist once told me that close relatives of psychiatric patients or recovering addicts are impacted much more by the disorder than the actual patient. The patient with the disorder is usually in a state of fugue and acts out with harsh words or even violence without comprehending the consequences of their words or actions. These close relatives of those who are mentally and psychologically sound are left to pick up the pieces and find it hard to distinguish between the patient's conduct and the conduct that is a consequence of the mental disorder. The words are often so vicious and personal, and the actions so harmful that they cause permanent damage to the relationship. It also results in psychological disorders of the once sound relatives or friends who were entrusted to take care of the patient. For parents, it's very irrevocably hurtful to witness a child they brought into the world engaging in verbal or physical violence against them. They also become bitter towards society and often display apathy. They often absolve themselves from any responsibility and find ways to distract. This is what Rob Reiner must have been going through for at least one and a half decades; in the end, the wealth, fame, accolades, love of peers, and awards mean nothing when their child was in such peril. Reiner conducted himself well with his peers, but there is a limit as to how much one can endure pain, anger, frustration, and disturbance. Unless these emotions are purged, a stable existence becomes impossible. For Reiner, it was Trump. Trump gave him an excuse to vent his rage; the anger against Trump probably replaced the pain regarding his son. It made him overlook his possible personal failure as a father. It won him admiration within Hollywood echo chambers. Tragically, he spent the last decade of his life fixated on Trump and being hateful, which is unpardonable. Once again, it appears that Trump had nothing to do with Reiner's rage; he was merely an excuse. He was merely filling the void caused by pain with hate, but disguising it as righteousness. Meryl Streep, too, hasn't had a record of bad behavior in the past. Yet in 2017, Streep surprised everyone with her angry speech targeting President Trump when she received her lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes. Her supporters will claim that she was so concerned about 'issues' that she used the platform to speak up, and hence, it was an act of selflessness. Much later, it was revealed that Meryl had separated from her husband during that time. Perhaps it was Streep's personal turmoil that made her vent at what should have been a joyous moment. In conclusion, there are two categories of people who display 'TDS,' and their excuses do not absolve them from the responsibility of their abhorrent conduct. There is the Alec Baldwin variety, who have been unhinged all their lives, and the second is the likes of Rob Reiner, who looks to vent to distract themselves from their despondency after insurmountable personal misfortunes have befallen them. Successful individuals with wholesome personal lives may occasionally be critical about certain issues or individuals, but they do not elevate their object of criticism to the focus of their existence. Image: AT via Magic Studio Jack Smith, the special prosecutor who attempted to put President Trump in prison for acknowledging that the 2020 election was tainted by fraud, testified before the House Judiciary Committee the week before Christmas. Here are the video and transcript of his deposition. Smiths testimony is disturbing because his argument in favor of prosecuting the president boils down to this: (1) Every sensible person knows that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. (2) For President Trump to pretend otherwise reveals that he is knowingly telling a lie. (3) By using this lie to undermine the 2020 election results, Trump committed fraud against the U.S. government and the American people. Advertisement Consider how dangerous this line of reasoning is. Essentially, Smith claims to believe that certain truths cannot be disputed. In the case of the 2020 election, if enough certified experts in the press claim that something is true, then anybody who claims to believe otherwise is maliciously spreading a lie. When it comes to the 2020 election, however, many things about Joe Bidens supposed victory never made sense. For starters, President Trump won almost every bellwether county areas whose voters routinely choose the winner across the nation. After the press officially called the election for Biden (four days after Americas putative Election Day), The Epoch Times pointed out an intriguing phenomenon: For forty years, 19 counties in the nation have always voted for the winner, be it Republican or Democrat. In 2020, eighteen of those nineteen counties voted for President Trump by an average margin of sixteen points! The one county that went for Biden is in Washington state, and Joes margin was a measly three points. Advertisement Furthermore, among fifty-eight bellwether counties that had correctly picked the president since 2000, fifty-one of them went for Trump by an average of fifteen points! Biden won the other seven by roughly four points. In Indianas Vigo County, a historic bellwether county that has picked every presidential winner correctly since 1888 save two, Trump won by fifteen points (even though an Emerson Poll conducted just before the election showed Trump and Biden tied)! As The Epoch Times reported in November 2020, Bellwethers arent a crystal ball. Their streaks inevitably end. But what is striking is for it to end so radically. Isnt it strange that corporate news publications never reported these facts to the American people? If a rational observer knew nothing else about the 2020 presidential election, the tale of the bellwether counties would be sufficient to give him pause about the election outcomes legitimacy. Advertisement Then consider this: Joe Biden supposedly won over eighty-one million votes in 2020 four million more than President Trump won in 2024 and over fifteen million more than Barack Obama won in 2012. Joe Biden has never had high national polling numbers. His previous attempts to win the presidency were disasters in which he drowned in single digits. Yet we are supposed to believe that he won more votes in 2020 than any candidate in American history? We are supposed to believe that uninspiring Joe Biden crushed Obamas vote totals, even though Democrats still hail Obama today as the most inspiring political candidate of all time? The idea that perennially unpopular Joe Biden is somehow the most popular political candidate in American history just doesnt pass the smell test. If we knew nothing else about the 2020 election except that President Trump won nearly every bellwether county by double-digits and that Joe Biden somehow won fifteen million more votes than Democrat rockstar Barack Obama, it would be entirely reasonable for us to wonder whether the election was on the up-and-up. Advertisement Yet we do know more. We know that Georgia and other battleground states ignored their own election laws to certify challenged votes. We know that Democrat-controlled jurisdictions in battleground states reported vote totals that not only exceeded the number of registered voters but also generated implausible 100% returns for Biden. We know that Democrat judges permitted the unlawful use of anonymous mail-in ballots in violation of statutory law, that Democrat secretaries of state permitted unverified ballots (many without signatures) to be counted in violation of statutory law, and that Democrat attorneys general refused to investigate allegations of election fraud even after witnesses signed affidavits attesting to their firsthand knowledge of crimes. We know that there were numerous allegations of straight-up election fraud during the extra four days of post-election vote-counting and that the very few allegations that managed to reach a courtroom were dismissed on procedural grounds before ever being adjudicated on the merits. We know that fifty-one Intelligence Community officials conspired to cover-up Hunter Bidens criminally damning laptop from Hell by lying to the American people and claiming that Hunters personal computer had all the hallmarks of Russian disinformation. We know that social media companies censored the laptop story and many other stories that were harmful to Joe Bidens campaign, while actively suppressing the reach of social media posts from Americans who supported President Trump. We know that the corporate news media ran stories throughout the election cycle that were nearly 100% positive for Joe Biden and 100% negative for President Trump. Advertisement The corporate news machine, in fact, was so proud of its efforts to manipulate the 2020 election in Joe Bidens favor that Molly Ball wrote a piece for Time the following February about the secret history of the 2020 election. In that article, she brags that Biden won because of a well-funded cabal of powerful people, ranging across industries and ideologies, working together behind the scenes to influence perceptions, change rules and laws, steer media coverage and control the flow of information. Although Mollys essay reads like an admission of guilt, she repeats the mantra of Deep State liars everywhere: They were not rigging the election; they were fortifying it. Sure, Molly. And when Somalis commit large-scale fraud and steal from American taxpayers, theyre not robbing our country but making it stronger. What I have briefly outlined here in a few hundred words is a puddle dropped in the ocean of words that have been written to describe the inexplicable vote totals and copious allegations of fraud that undermined the legitimacy of the 2020 election. A reasonable observer could not possibly look at all this and summarily dismiss the abundant evidence for electoral misconduct, violations of statutory law, and the unlawful certification of unsigned and unverified anonymous mail-in ballots. Advertisement Yet Jack Smith has told Congress that because he, The New York Times, CNN, Democrat secretaries of state, the presidents of every Ivy League university, Molly Ball, Norm Eisen, Andrew Weissmann, Marc Elias, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, The Bulwark, and other anti-Trump RINOs all swear the 2020 election was totally aboveboard, that makes it a fact! Do you see how dangerous this kind of demagoguery is? These are the same people who have told us for a century that man-made global cooling/warming/climate change/extreme weather was going to kill everyone on the planet in the next few years unless we allow communist government officials to control all economic activity and relinquish all modern conveniences for Paleolithic subsistence living. These are the same people who claim that men can magically become women. These are the same people who covered up COVIDs likely release from a Chinese bioweapons lab, insisted that experimental mRNA injections are safe and effective vaccines, bankrupted small businesses for no reason, locked people in their homes, and censored scientific debate. These institutional experts cant be trusted as arbiters of truth. They lie for a living. Yet Jack Smith believes that he and his ideological comrades should be entitled to prosecute any of us for rejecting their manufactured narratives. Such tyrannical arrogance will tear this nation apart. Hat tip to the indefatigable Mitch McTee. Image via Picryl. Public education has been undergoing a type of ideological and administrative mutilation for many decades. Under the guise of new educational paradigms that will supposedly both increasingly democratize education and improve learning, we see in the schools a collapse in student cooperation, an increase in violence and disruptive behaviors, a decline in academic achievement, and an increase in teacher turnover. Advertisement We have seen a shift away from individual work to cooperative learning where students work together in groups. Learning together is a mantra opposed to classical individual learning and individual responsibility. Other strategies intended to motivate students include having students write on the blackboards or whiteboards instead of the board being the exclusive domain of the teacher, the use of power point presentations projected on screens, and computer assignments completed in-class on computers. When this writer was teaching in the 1990s at the beginning of the era of computer engagement, my students in one of many low-performing NYC high schools would often try to shut down the computers by putting glue in the keyboards. In one case, this writer suggested to a girl student that she move her cursor a little to the left. She erupted and told me to get f*****, and then kicked over her chair and stomped out of the computer lab slamming the door behind her. It seemed my mild direction had touched some kind of raw nerve. Advertisement The decline in student competence and commitment continues. This writer has been teaching philosophy in a college context for about 12 years now. In my classes, I am covering approximately one-third less material than I did when I began. Some of that is due to the COVID disruptions in education, but some of it is owing to the decline in reading skills and zeal to learn of the students. One of my assignments is the reading of The Stranger, a novel by Albert Camus, to give students a glimpse into the anti-ethical attitudes of certain existentialists. A couple of students were delighted to tell me that they were listening to the book which was being read aloud online. There are also summaries of novels available online. Another gruesome innovation has been the idea of multiple intelligences advanced by a Harvard professor Howard Gardner. According to Prof. Gardner, the idea of an IQ-based intelligence expressed through an abstraction known as the Executive Function is too narrow an understanding of intelligence. Instead, he proposes that intelligence is not a single ability but a collection of distinct types. He identified eight intelligences, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. Gardners theory suggests that everyone has different strengths and learning styles across these areas. Advertisement Multiple intelligences is a concept often used to dispel the idea that someone who can write an essay about the causes of World War I or solve trigonometry problems is smarter than a student who can express various passions and relations through modern dance. They are simply manifesting two different types of intelligences. Clearly the dancer has a talent or gift, but to propose that it is an intelligence equivalent to that which can assess the causes of historical events or solve math or science problems is nonsense. This theory is to justify the frustration of many students who cannot cope with schoolwork. It is to shift their failures and the accompanying frustrations to the schools and the teachers who fail to communicate a full acceptance of their intelligence albeit they are unable to do the math, science, language arts, or reading and writing standards for their grade level. With the increasing number of single-parent households and, in some communities the absence of a father figure, the students who do not understand the work increasingly are inattentive and misbehaving. Advertisement Growing persons need intact families where the mom and dad give the growing person a sense of self-worth and reassurance of being loved despite lower grades or difficulties understanding material. Difficulties in learning need not mean an automatic increase in anti-social behavior, disruption inside or outside of schools, or juvenile criminality. Despite the pretense that there are multiple intelligences, with the disintegrating families the inability of increasing numbers of young people to grasp what is being taught is leading to increasing disorder. Its called social disintegration. In addition to the attempts to increase student feelings of accomplishment by working in groups where one or two students do most of the work, but the entire group gets the credit and the good grade, the moral tone of the public schools has also diminished significantly since the 1960s because of actions taken by the Supreme Court. Advertisement The father of Americas public education is generally accepted to be Horace Mann. In the early 19th century when he came to maturity, there was no systematic approach to public education. There were some schoolhouses with a limited elementary education, and students, especially in farming communities, would come and go often having to contribute to the farm work life. For better off families there were Christian schools and Catholic schools. Horace Mann did not care for his Calvinist upbringing but believed there was a place for some moral and Christian foundations in the schools. Did you catch Zohran Mamdanis inauguration ceremony? I did not see every speech, song, or dance, but did catch much of what the new mayor saidand he said a lot of things that are not true, especially about the rich not paying taxes. Why does Mr. Mayor think that they are leaving New York City? Lets catch a bit of what he said: Advertisement Together, we will tell a new story of our city, Zohran Mamdani said in his inauguration speech Thursday. This will not be a tale of one city, governed only by the 1 percent. Nor will it be a tale of two cities, the rich versus the poor. Advertisement And so Mamdani picks up right where former Mayor Bill de Blasio left off, demonizing the wealthy and sowing division. It wasnt true then, and it isnt true now. Advertisement When have the rich been versus the poor in New York City? The top 1% of earners pay 46% of the citys budget a budget, by the way, that at $116 billion equals that of the spending for the entire state of Florida. Advertisement Were the rich versus the poor when they funded billions in social services? When de Blasio wasted $1 billion on his wifes pointless Thrive mental-health program? Advertisement When Mayor Eric Adams sheltered and fed 210,000 migrants from President Joe Bidens open border? Thanks to Wall Street bankers, tech-company innovators and dreamers of all sorts who want to live in this city, Mamdani has a tax base of which most leaders can only dream. Advertisement To him, it is still not enough. And every problem is their fault. So the new mayor is angry that 1% paying 46% is not enough? What are they supposed to pay? The mayor does not say, but blames every shortcoming in the city on the people paying the bills. It sounds like a formula to drive these rich to a state where their efforts are more appreciated, i.e. Florida or South Carolina, or even Texas, all much further away. Mamdanis ceremony raises a lot of questions that Democrats need to answer. First, do they approve of all of those dances, hymns and flags? Second, do they think that the rich are really to blame for crowded classrooms and infrastructural decay? Third, every Democrat should answer the question about whether the era of big government is over, or do they agree that more collectivism is the way of the future? Is Mamdani out of touch, or are they all of one accord? So Mamdani had his day, and I saw about what I expected from a Democrat-socialist, or whatever that really means in dollars and cents. In the meantime, watch for the rich to shrink and for a few more police officers to look for a way of getting early retirement. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image generated by ChatGPT. Stand Your GroundSYG--laws are virtually universally misunderstood and/or lied about by Democrat politicians and particularly the Democrat media propaganda arm. Among the more common misrepresentations is the lie that such laws allow white people to kill innocent, unarmed black men without consequences. Now theres a new addition: they allow Somali day care fraudsters to shoot conservatives who come to their daycare asking questions. Advertisement Graphic: X Post Advertisement This novel interpretation of SYG laws is the apparent invention of Politico reporter Josh Gerstein in response to the video made by Nick Shirley who exposed rampant fraud when he visited several Minneapolis Somali daycares. Hes just the kind of person Gerstein thinks ought to be shot under SYG laws. Doubtless, because Gerstein is Politicos Senior Legal Affairs Reporter and therefore an expert on Legal Affairs, other journalists will pick up that narrativeor maybe not, which Ill shortly explain. Advertisement Just what are SYG laws, and does Minnesota have one? No, Minnesota does not have a SYG law, which means if youre confronted in public by an armed criminal who is putting you in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, youre expected to try to run away before you use any force against them. That exposes your back to gunfire, but hey, at least the criminal wont get hurt. In Minnesota, and some other blue states, the law is on the side of criminals. Surprise. All SYG laws do is remove that insane legal requirement. As long as youre legally present where youre accosted, you have no duty to run away. You can stand your ground and under the universal laws of deadly forceyoure in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death through no fault of your ownyou can defend yourself, including with deadly force. Advertisement Thats all. SYG laws dont wipe away the universal laws governing the use of deadly force. Kill someone without legal justification no matter where you are and youre facing serious consequences. And the best part is criminals must worry about whether their victims are armed, dont have to run away and might make them seriously dead. SYG laws are also entirely race and gender neutral, which many Democrats consider a crime worthy of the death sentence. They dont normally like the death sentence, but if Normal Americans, particularly white males, are involved their principles are flexible. Advertisement Its time for the quiz: would a reasonable person operating a business, like say a daycare center, believe a reporter wielding nothing more threatening than a camera and microphone knocking on their door and asking questions is an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death? If you answered yes, you may have a career opportunity at Politico or other Democrat media outlets. If you answered no, youre a reasonable and presumably sane person. Congratulations! Advertisement Fox News tells us Gerstein, who did not answer Foxs questions, has been getting some fierce social media blowback: Politico reporter Josh Gerstein faced blowback on social media after he suggested that, "at some point, the amateur effort to knock on doors" of home daycare centers in Minnesota would intersect with the state's "robust stand-your-ground laws." Hmmm. Apparently, Fox did the same research into Minnesotas "robust stand-your-ground laws" Gerstein did. Gersteins Monday night post on X appeared to reference an investigation by independent journalist Nick Shirley on alleged widespread fraud at Minnesota daycare centers, which went viral earlier this week. Viral meaning more than 100 million views on X and climbing. Heres one of those posts: Graphic: X Post And another: Graphic: X Post Thats an interesting observation. Democrats are the self-imagined eliteSIE--morally and intellectually superior to everyone else. Gerstein surely assumed SYG laws dont apply to him or the rest of the SIE just as they assume federal law punishing obstructing or assaulting immigration agents doesnt apply to them. Or laws about fraud, election fraud, insider trading and all the rest dont apply. Gerstein is also displaying standard SIE arrogance. Hes a real journalist and people like Shirley are amateurs. An amateur is someone who does it because they like it and consider it worthwhile and important. What Gerstein should have said was non-exalted beings like himself are neophytesbeginners. There are numerous others, but well restrict ourselves to this final linguistic shot at Gerstein: Graphic: X Post Sadly, we already reached that phase in the last few years. Whats most alarming is Gerstein is only saying, through a very thinly veiled implication, the quiet part out loud. Democrats really do want you dead, and if they succeed in establishing an eternal one-party state, making people who disagree with them seriously dead is at the top of their to-do list. Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Early Saturday, the U.S. military and CIA operatives completed a daring and difficult action to capture Nicolas Maduro and his wife while they were asleep. Advertisement Earlier in the week, political pundits on the left spent much time claiming that Trump was in decline physically and mentally. This media falsehood allowed these incorrect conversations to overwhelm the international signaling. Then, a world preoccupied with Ukraine/Russia discussions and Israeli/Mideast politics was blindsided by this operation. Trump is capable of handling multiple issues simultaneously, showcasing his multitasking skills, which have contributed to his success as a developer. He is a strategic thinker who plays multi-level chess. Advertisement Political opponents have already condemned this action, which was undertaken as a legal process. Maduro will be prosecuted under the indictment unsealed in New York in 2020. The evidence is overwhelming against Maduro, and the indictment included several others. In this action, there appear to be no casualties. Advertisement In 1989, the capture of Manuel Noriega from Panama resulted in 26 casualties among U.S. soldiers. This should prove that Pete Hegseth has been an outstanding War Secretary who has installed good leadership. Considering previous actions against Iran, this American power usage emphasizes achievable goals and conveys a message to the world about what can be accomplished when the right leaders are in control. Such an action could not be undertaken without advanced intelligence that convinced paramilitary forces to abandon Maduro, likely leaving him defenseless. With an overwhelming flotilla force in the area, the Venezuelan military decided to not challenge our military. Advertisement The video Maduro filmed while driving a day ago, stating he was open to a deal, was his last-ditch effort to maintain power. He missed his chance to leave the country, as Trump previously offered. Now that the CIA and military respond to the president, the world can see that the paper-tiger period is over. The implications for our enemies cannot be missed. Related: Venezuela is free! Advertisement The Cuban government relies on oil from Venezuela and must now be worried that it might be destabilized. Further, the Colombian government must contend with the loss of an ally. China and Russia have said little about this action, indicating that they see their influence in the Western Hemisphere declining. The Monroe Doctrine has been reinstituted by Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has decried this action and, as a socialist, must be worried about further actions against her country. Advertisement President Trump is aware that he has limited time to alter the course of American history from collectivism to rugged individualism that New York Mayor Mamdani blasted on Thursday. Hopefully, these types of actions will demonstrate to the independent voters in the mid-term elections that the Congress must remain under Republican control. If the people perceive economic improvements, then this possibility will become reality. This explains his reduction of some tariffs on pasta, furniture, cabinets, and wood products. Trumps first actions in his second term included purging swamp rats from the intelligence and military leadership. Further cleaning out the FBI and other law enforcement agencies allows them to perform their missions to capture criminals. Now the Justice Department must prosecute these criminals and make our streets safer. These changes will allow better messaging and overpower the leftist media. The left has sought to stop Trump at every turn. However, the second term has unleashed Trump to undertake actions he could not do so during his first term since he no longer needs to get elected. Now the Republicans must awaken to the reality that Trump has enforced. Will they take this opportunity to enact legislation making his executive orders law? The Republicans can use Reconciliation to enact some of these efforts. The lowered numbers of drug deaths should wake up the sleeping Americans from their slumber. As we enter 2026, can the USA recognize the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as a great moment in history, or will the socialists succeed in confusing our youth? Howard Warner is a practicing dentist. Oh, what a fine morning it was to wake up to pictures of little orange puffs over Caracas with the news that U.S. forces took out Hugo Chavez's tomb: Advertisement This is the Cuartel de la Montana (a military museum), a historic symbol of Chavismo, and it has just been destroyed. Hugo Chavezs remains were housed there and, due to the explosion, must have been vaporized. pic.twitter.com/w1bSe2Oh3K Emmanuel Rincon (@EmmaRincon) January 3, 2026 Venezuela, Caracas, just bombed by American planes. The criminal communist Maduro's hours are numbered. pic.twitter.com/O5qsPyh7HN RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) January 3, 2026 WE VENEZUELANS LOVE IT BECAUSE IT WAS THAT MOTHERFUCKER WHO UNLEASHED THE WORST TRAGEDY OUR HEMISPHERE HAS SEEN IN RECENT HISTORY!!!! WOOOOHOOOOO https://t.co/YIPiEFMIAK Advertisement January 3, 2026 Dishing out some rugged individualism to the warmth of collectivism. https://t.co/1t4EMr3co3 Antonio Garcia Martinez (agm.eth) (@antoniogm) January 3, 2026 | URGENTE Militares de la dictadura chavista evacuan como pueden en Fuerte Tiuna. Ahora ya no son tan malos. Esto es un sueno hecho realidad. pic.twitter.com/agyvAFbQ8X Agustin Antonetti (@agusantonetti) January 3, 2026 More footage of 160th SOAR (A) active in Venezuela. https://t.co/lPvlREaoKU pic.twitter.com/AgUVK1dO8c Advertisement January 3, 2026 Listen to this one with the sound on: Advertisement Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base home to the Army Aviation also seems to have got hit in Caracas.pic.twitter.com/3D09lCzwGs SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) January 3, 2026 Touche. Advertisement And this, hauled off by the DEA lawmen as the two-bit drug kingpin he is, along with his bank-robber wife. El criminal narco-terrorista Nicolas Maduro en manos de Estados Unidos. Asi quisieramos ver al dictador de Nicaragua y su mujer, Dios es fiel, veremos su justicia en nuestro pais tambien. VIVA VENEZUELA LIBRE! VIVA NICARAGUA PRONTO LIBRE! pic.twitter.com/PpD6KLSwd6 Roger Alfredo Martinez (@PsicologoNica) January 3, 2026 And every detail was already planned out: Advertisement BREAKING: The Venezuelan opposition has already mobilized to secure government buildings and work toward establishing a legitimate administration. pic.twitter.com/ovteJNse0q Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) January 3, 2026 As pundits fight over whether this is about drugs, oil, or regime change, I suspect this analysis is the right one: Two things are immediately obvious: 1) Trump has been patiently waiting for a chance to capture Maduro alive, and 2) Maduros capture is effectively doomsday for the far-Left. In the very near future, were going to see Maduro publicly admit to everything - election Matt Morse (@MattMorseTV) January 3, 2026 Drugs, election fraud, migrant warfare, a place for Venezuelans to return home to -- and above all, crushing the far left fountainhead itself. That is what this is about. For 27 years, Venezuela's Marxist regime has spread its errors throughout the hemisphere, terrorizing governments, propping up the far left, bankrolling insurgents and assassins, supporting drug dealers, supporting Hez'ballah and its drug and terror operations, and supporting China with oil, too, so it can have enough of it to take out Taiwan. Lots of pundits and military analysts are hailing back to Iraq, but this is not Iraq. This is about taking out a great plague of destabilization in the hemisphere, the ground zero of destabilization. Some of its greatest hits began with the prophetic warning of former Venezuelan central banker Ruth Krivoy in a New York investment house around 2000, that Venezuela would seek to destabilize the region. They were in the captured FARC computer of 2007, where Colombia's then-allied government learned that Venezuela was in way deeper than anyone realized in supporting these dangerous narcoterrorists who brought hell to Colombia. There was the assassination in Chile of a military dissident by Venezuelan goon squads, and the fomenting of unrest in the streets there, too, as well as in Peru and Brazil. There was the border surge against the U.S., including the emptying of Venezuela's prisons and the government involvement in the formation of its transnational gangs. There were the many, many, stolen elections, starting in 2004, which has led the trend towards stolen elections in many countries of the world, including quite possibly the U.S. Those days may be over. How foolish Maduro was, less than a week ago: Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Colombia's Gustavo Petro are going to lose a lot of sleep over this Just a few days ago Maduro was laughing at the notion that the U.S. would do anything in Venezuela The U.S. correctly designated Nicolas Maduro a narcoterrorist and that gave us pic.twitter.com/EODGhJ5N0b Ryan Saavedra (@RyanSaavedra) January 3, 2026 STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/nHDqtsqRFh Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 3, 2026 This is Trump's greatest achievement, one that is sure to have reverberations, none good, for the ruling claques in Cuba, Nicaragua and Iran. He truly is the new Liberator of the Americas. As naysayers carp and kvetch about this extraction operation and call it 'war' or illegal, or something, gawd they're boring as hell, Venezuelans are awed with joy that their long national nightmare is over, thrilled that their country will go back to being a normal country, proud and prosperous, the one it always was until the dark night of socialism smothered them into ruins. What a moment with my mommy 20 years after we had to flee our beloved Venezuela. VIVA VENEZUELA LIBRE EN ESTA MIERDA, CABALLERO!! VOLVEREMOS!!! pic.twitter.com/zIHCjRy361 Germania Rodriguez Poleo (@iamGermania) January 3, 2026 Im with some Cubans right now and theyre literally crying tears of joy. Venezuelans are celebrating all over the globe too. If anyone thinks this military operation was a bad idea you have NO idea how many votes we just gained for the midterms. Trump is now the absolute hero Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarino) January 3, 2026 Elated doesnt describe it fully!! Luis H Ball (@ball1_ball) January 3, 2026 Theres something especially bizarre in seeing people who have never lived under oppression and never had to fight for a single thing their entire life now lament the courageous actions of the Trump Administration. Meanwhile, exiled Venezuelans across the globe are celebrating Annika H Rothstein (@truthandfiction) January 3, 2026 BREAKING: This Venezuelan man is going viral for explaining to everyone why Maduro NEEDED to be toppled The Democrats are clueless. Venezuela has already been invaded. He knows his country. The people are ecstatic. pic.twitter.com/Xu8TrL7uKD Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 3, 2026 Sure, it will be a long road. There are holdouts, such as Diosdado Cabello, chief goon and the would-be assassin of now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying he is mobilizing to fight, and there is concern that Chavista elites such as him will be left in place as U.S. forces leave. But there is a transition plan, too, so there is reason to be hopeful. As soon as the transition occurs, Venezuela will have great leaders with great visions for transforming their country. And Trump will claim the title of the Liberator of the Americas. Image: X screen shot In the early morning hours of Saturday, Americas finest Special Ops forces did what they do best: precision insertion of the best fighting forces in the world into a nighttime hostile environment with the best intelligence, logistics, electronic support, tactics, along with narrowly defined achievable goals. Advertisement And it sent a signal to our friends, frenemies, and enemies that Americas backyard is sacrosanct and that anyone who challenges us will lose. A message was sent and delivered to other actors around the world as well that the U.S. possesses the ability and, under President Donald Trump, the will to use our muscle to ensure future peace. We no longer need to wait until issues have devolved into an utter mess. Instead, we can act with surgical precision, earlier, achieve our objectives, and then leave. No more forever wars. This is the new dichotomy that will save American lives. Advertisement As of yesterday, there were approximately 70 locations worldwide where significant fighting was underway, according to CrisisWatch. The vast majority, we can and do ignore. But for those who represent a threat, either directly or indirectly, to our countrys sovereignty, economic freedom of action, or our form of government, pre-Trump messaging has sent the wrong message to the world, creating an opening for adventurism and mayhem that we must eventually deal with, frequently on unfavorable terms. Related: Venezuela is free! Advertisement President Trump has become unscrutable to some of his base and only reinforces to Democrats that they dont have a clue or any power to restrain him at present. For some, Americas B-2 bombers destroying Iranian enrichment facilities is somehow provocative. Warning Mexico, Colombia, and China that the U.S. will no longer allow 90,000 Americans a year to die from the effects of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, even all those party drugs is not something were going to turn a blind eye to any longer. Trumps strike is a warning that wars of rhetoric are now over and that we are moving into a new period of kinetic action. Further up the escalation scale are attacks against the leaders of cartels, putanant leaders of narco states, and perhaps more broadly, even less bellicose leaders of places like Colombia and Mexico who are complicit in killing millions since the millennial and somehow believe their hands are clean. They cant any longer. Advertisement Donald Trump is sending a message that America wants peace, but if it takes breaking a few eggs to do so, we are willing to endure the blah, blah, people who are against anything decisive or who like things the way they are already. About 90% of the heavy crude Venezuela produces (almost all of it with foreign technical expertise) goes to China. In a single instant, America has upped its leverage vis-a-vis China, which has no compunction about using economic leverage against the U.S.; think rare-earth minerals. Advertisement There is much yet to shake out. With Muduro and his wife facing U.S. justice in an American criminal court, we can be assured of one thing: we are living in interesting times. Call it Trump Time! It has not been one year since Trump took office. Imagine the possibilities. Advertisement Imagine! God Bless America! Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com. Though it may not have topped the smartphone rankings and its models werent among the best-sellers worldwide, ASUS continued launching phones in the Zenfone and ROG lineup. The latter catered to gamers with unique gaming-focused features, while the Zenfone series is for casual users. It looks like ASUS is falling prey to the growing dark times, as a new report says that the company will pause phone launches in 2026. ASUS reportedly pauses new phone launches in 2026 Digitimes reports that ASUS has communicated to telecom channels that it isnt launching new Android phones in 2026. However, the maintenance, software upgrades, and warranty services for all existing products wont change. In 2025, the company only launched two smartphones, the Zenfone 12 Ultra and the ROG Phone 9 series. This somewhat made it apparent that things have been slowing down for the company. Besides limited launches, the Zenfone lineup, which was once known for its compact form factor, ditched this entirely. The Zenfone 11 and 12 Ultra shipped with larger displays. The core design of these also matched the ROG Phone, leaving behind their own core identity. This is not a complete exit ASUS reportedly also said that while its new hardware is on hold, its smartphone operations will continue, hinting that it isnt permanently closing doors on new devices. The statement comes after reports from Taiwanese distributors claiming that they could no longer order new ASUS phones through official local channels. This led to speculations that the companys smartphone operations would cease after December 31st, 2025. However, the statement from ASUS seemingly denies a full exit and reaffirms its commitment to after-sales service. The timing of this doesnt surprise, considering the rising costs of memory going into 2026. ASUS previously restructured its handset business in 2018, shifting its focus toward premium and gaming-focused models. Scientists have developed a groundbreaking AI-powered headset that can predict epilepsy seizures before they occur. Researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland said the first-of-its-kind wearable device could help transform the way the condition is managed by alerting patients of an impending seizure, giving them time to respond and allowing them to avoid any resulting injuries. It works by analysing brainwaves and heart functions to detect seizures, giving those with epilepsy more confidence about handling the condition, according to lead researcher Professor Hadi Larijani. A "unique" AI-powered headset that can predict epileptic seizures minutes before they occur has been developed by scientists in Scotland (Gibson Digital/Glasgow Caledonian University/PA Wire) Providing even a few minutes warning could be life changing, he said. Our goal is to empower patients and families with time to act to stay safe and live more independently. Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition that affects around 630,000 people in the UK. It can cause around 60 different types of seizures, which vary depending on where in the brain they are happening, according to charity Epilepsy Action. Professor Larijani said the headset is very unique and the team hope to one day release it as a wearable device similar to a cap. He said: We want it to be as discreet as possible, to be wireless, light its a lot of features that none of the other tools right now have. Researchers used thousands of hours of historical electroencephalography and electrocardiography recordings to train the system on a phantom head to simulate real use. The AI learned to identify the electrical and physiological patterns that precede a seizure. Once a pattern is identified, it can issue a timely alert, giving patients and families crucial minutes to prepare and stay safe. Professor Hadi Larijani said the team hope to make the device into a wearable cap (Neil Pooran/PA Wire) It has an accuracy of up to 95 per cent and the AI algorithm can also display its levels of confidence about the chances of an impending seizure, empowering patients to manage their condition. Prof Larijani added: For families affected by epilepsy, even a brief warning means they can prevent injuries and reduce fear. That is the true measure of success for us. The team are still working to refine the design for the headset, which they hope to eventually be suitable for children to wear. But while the headset has promising potential, it is likely to be several years before it becomes widely available due to the need for regulatory approvals. Prof Larijani said: The most regulated things are medical devices. It takes time to get through the hurdles. But I think weve done the initial feasibility testing both on the software and the hardware characteristics. Now were looking at a more commercial-ready product that hopefully will be going through the hurdles of the initial accreditation for medical devices. The research team has now secured fresh support from UK Research and Innovation through its 9m Proof of Concept programme. It comes after scientists developed an AI software that could help detect abnormalities in the brain linked to epilepsy that are sometimes missed by radiologists. The software, known as Meld Graph, was developed by scientists at Kings College London and University College London (UCL). Luke Littlers biggest obstacle in his bid for a second successive World Championship title was the return of the Ally Pally wasp. The flying insect was the pest of the first week of the tournament, but has been absent over recent days. However, it was back with a vengeance on Saturday night as it made a beeline for Littler during the fifth set of his final with Gian van Veen. THE ALLY PALLY WASP STRIKES The wasp just had to make it about them, didn't they Maybe we've found Luke Littler's weakness! https://t.co/59TualjgND #WCDarts | Final pic.twitter.com/fixhpmHQC2 PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2026 The teenager was flying towards back-to-back titles when it disrupted his throw. The wasp flew around both players and referee George Noble before eventually being wafted away. Littler was briefly distracted, but recovered his composure to seal a fourth set on the bounce and take a 4-1 lead. Littler wafts the wasp away (John Walton/PA) (John Walton) The wasps presence has been a big talking point throughout the tournament. Buzzing around the oche, it has been in the thick of the action. It got a little too close when it got hit by a dart, while Martin Lukeman appeared to be stung and Jurjen van der Velde arrived on stage with a can of insect spray. Kenyan vet David Munyua then tried to adopt it as a good luck charm, having earlier swatted it away from his face. A member of Israeli forces stands next to a security wall with Hebrew writing reading Path to Peace at the Kibbutz Netiv HaAsara, near the border with Gaza Strip, in November 2023 (AP) The BBC has paid 28,000 in compensation to an Israeli family after a film crew entered their destroyed home without permission following the October 7 attack. The Horenstein family, from the small village of Netiv HaAsara, received the payment after a BBC team, reportedly led by senior correspondent Jeremy Bowen, filmed inside their property. The crew captured personal photographs of their children at a time when many of the familys friends and relatives were uncertain of their survival. Tzeela Horenstein stated that Hamas terrorists attacked the village early in the morning, throwing a grenade at her husband, Simon. The compensation was first reported by Jewish News. The couple and their two young children only survived because their homes door twisted and jammed when the attackers tried to blow it out with explosives, she said. A crew led by Jeremy Bowen filmed inside the destroyed home of the Horenstein family (PA Archive) She told Jewish News: Not only did terrorists break into our home and try to murder us, but then the BBC crew entered again, this time with a camera as a weapon, without permission or consent. It was another intrusion into our lives. We felt that everything that was still under our control had been taken from us. Even in times of war, there are limits, and when a media outlet crosses them, it must be held responsible. BBC News issued a written apology to the family and paid them 28,000 in compensation after legal proceedings were started in Israel, the newspaper reported. A BBC spokesperson said: While we do not generally comment on specific legal issues, we are pleased to have reached an agreement in this case. Last year, Ofcom sanctioned the BBC for breaching the broadcasting code in its Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary after the corporation failed to disclose a narrators links to Hamas. Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians, in the October 7 2023 attack. Protesters rally in Trafalgar Square, London, after the US attack on Caracas and the removal of Maduro on 3 January. Photograph: Sinai Images/44 Frames/Shutterstock (Photograph: Sinai Images/44 Frames/Shutterstock) Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK was not involved in the US operation in Venezuela, in which the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife were captured by special forces and the capital, Caracas, hit with airstrikes. Speaking for the first time since Donald Trump launched his extraordinary attack, the prime minister said he had not spoken to the US president, and that the UK was keen to establish the facts of what had happened. Starmer said the government was working with the British embassy in Caracas to support the 500 Britons in Venezuela. Speaking to broadcasters, the PM said: Its obviously a fast-moving situation and we need to establish all of the facts. The UK was not involved in any way in this operation, and as you would expect we are focusing on British nationals in Venezuela and working very closely with our embassy, and so we want to talk to the president, I will want to talk to allies, but at the moment we need to establish the facts. He added that he was waiting for more details to emerge from a press conference to be held by Trump later on Saturday. Starmer said: I always say and believe we should all uphold international law, but I think at this stage, a fast-moving situation, lets establish the facts and take it from there. The prime minister has been urged to denounce the operation by US forces. The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, said the action was illegal and could embolden other world leaders. In a post on X, he said: Keir Starmer should condemn Trumps illegal action in Venezuela. Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe. Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity. The Green party leader, Zack Polanski, agreed, posting on the same platform that Starmer and Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, should oppose it. Polanski said: After years of arming a genocide and worshipping the special relationship, Trump now believes he can act with impunity. Related: Trump says US will be very strongly involved in Venezuelas oil industry after military attack Polanski later responded to Starmers comments and said: Starmer says he wants to establish facts by watching Donald Trumps press conference. People said giving [Trump] a second state visit was a genius move of strategy really seems to have paid off. Special relationship alive and kicking. The Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, called the operation unorthodox and acknowledged it had broken international law. However, he added: If [it] makes China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing. I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro. The shadow foreign secretary, Dame Priti Patel, said nobody will shed tears that Maduro has been removed. The Conservative frontbencher said: We have always strongly condemned Maduros brutal and repressive regime and the Conservative government did not consider Maduros administration as legitimate. Nobody will shed tears for him being removed. We await the full facts about the US operation which has removed Maduro and we want to see the Venezuelan people enjoy democratic norms and freedoms. This is clearly a very serious geopolitical moment. Donald Trump, in Mar-a-Lago with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, watches the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro - @realDonaldTrump/Reuters It was a made-for-Netflix moment, giving Donald Trump exactly the kind of attention-grabbing spectacle he craved. Few observers believed the United States could pull off the surgical operation that succeeded in capturing and exfiltrating Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelas president, and Cilia Flores, his wife. In 1989, it took a fortnight for US troops invading Panama to locate, besiege and capture its strongman ruler Manuel Noriega an operation that claimed 26 American lives and left hundreds of Panamanians dead. But Panama is a tiny country with a single large city, and the US already had a substantial military presence there. Any operation in Venezuela, which is vastly larger and defended by a large army and loyalist militias, seemed more likely to echo the US invasion of Iraq, where it took nine months to track down Saddam Hussein, and regime change triggered chaos and bloodshed, badly staining Washingtons global reputation. Yet, so far at least, Mr Trump has confounded his critics, pulling off presumably with the collusion of at least one member of Mr Maduros inner circle a spectacular operation more commonly associated with Mossad, Israels intelligence agency. Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan president, after he was seized by US troops in an operation that will have consequences around the world The US president, in his own inimitable way, will rightly hail the success of a mission that effected the swiftest regime change operation of its kind in more than a century. He will also seek to present it as a muscle-flexing moment proving that the American colossus still bestrides the globe. After all, only great imperial powers can engage in such gunboat diplomacy, toppling troublesome potentates with the same casualness the British Empire once rid itself of querulous Burmese kings or Punjabi maharajahs. It is even possible that the US operation in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, surpassed Britains 38-minute war to topple the Sultan of Zanzibar in 1896. By this reading, it is easy to imagine that the lightning raid in the Venezuelan capital has caused deep unease in Moscow and Beijing, Mr Maduros principal foreign backers. After all, the US has apparently just severed the chief South American tentacle of the global anti-US nexus with unexpected ease. Certainly, no autocrat likes to see one of their own seized, shackled and renditioned his fate left for a foreign court to decide. Vladimir Putin was reportedly so disturbed by the lynching of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 apparently imagining that the same fate could one day befall him that he watched video footage of the killing on loop. Donald Trumps latest move has major implications for Xi Jinping in China and Vladimir Putin in Russia - Reuters One can readily imagine the Russian leader, who has himself been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, feeling similarly disquieted by Maduros plight. Yet these misgivings may not run as deep as some might assume. There will certainly be those in Moscow and Beijing who conclude that the Caracas operation is further evidence that Mr Trump is more interested in projecting power regionally than globally that he is, in other words, a backyard bully but a centre-stage coward. So far, Mr Trump has shown himself willing to assert dominance in a widespread but limited fashion: launching sporadic, narrowly targeted air strikes against Isis affiliates in Nigeria, Houthi militants in Yemen, and mounting a spectacular but brief operation against Irans nuclear programme. Such missions, critics note, appear at least partially designed to deliver a showbiz moment of victory that plays well with the presidents base. Donald Trump is enjoying a muscle-flexing moment after the action in Venezuela - AP The seizure of Mr Maduro is clearly a triumph that will gratify many on the US Right and deliver a chilling message to any South American leader tempted to step out of line. But the further out one zooms, the less impressive it arguably looks. Mr Trump, advisers will be telling Putin and Xi Jinping, is clearly content to pick fights with weaker opponents. He has shown less appetite to stand up to Russia over Ukraine and has raised fears that he could abandon Taiwan in pursuit of a grand bargain with China. In early December, the Trump administration published its National Security Strategy, a startling document that formally articulated a shift in US foreign policy towards a world view based on spheres of influence and America First transactionalism. Should the Chinese and Russian leaders conclude that the seizure of Mr Maduro is part of the implementation of a strategy in which the US withdraws from a global role in pursuit of regional hegemony, they may feel emboldened rather than deterred with potentially catastrophic consequences for international stability. US officials would reject such an interpretation, arguing that only by re-establishing its pre-eminence in its own hemisphere can it reassert its global dominance. Healers and shamans in Peru hold images of Donald Trump, Nicolas Maduro, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in an end-of-year ritual - AFP Mauricio Claver-Carone, Mr Trumps former envoy to Latin America, told the New York Times in November: You cant be the pre-eminent global power if youre not the pre-eminent regional power. Whichever interpretation prevails, it is clear that the Western hemisphere has once again become Washingtons central theatre abroad even as traditional US adversaries have been given a freer hand elsewhere. Since returning to power, Mr Trump has sought to reassert the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, a warning to outside powers to stay out of the Western hemisphere that later evolved into a belief in US hegemony over the Americas. In fact, he has gone even further: laying claim to Canada as the 51st state, rebranding the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and demanding the handover of Greenland to the US. As his first year in office wore on, he fleshed out what wags came to call the Donroe Doctrine to encompass regime change in Venezuela. Celebrations in Miami, Florida, after locals hear about the strike on Venezuela - Marco Bello/Reuters Shortly after his inauguration, Mr Trump signed an executive order designating the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organisation as his administration laid the legal groundwork for a criminal indictment against Mr Maduro. US officials claimed the Venezuelan president was conspiring to smuggle drugs into the US. Over the summer, the US bounty on Mr Maduro, stemming from narco-terrorism charges, was doubled. The final piece of the legal case came in mid-November, when the administration announced it would designate the Cartel de los Soles, which it claimed Mr Maduro headed, a foreign terrorist organisation. Not only was he, by Washingtons reckoning, a usurper who had stolen power at the ballot box, he was also a fugitive from the law. The case for seizing him one that was questioned by critics inside and outside the US had been made. Analysts have long insisted that Mr Trumps Venezuela policy had little to do with drugs. Most of the fentanyl driving Americas narcotics epidemic does not originate from Venezuela. This was always about regime change an objective championed in some political circles in Washington for more than a decade. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, pressed a hawkish Venezuela policy all year, an argument that initially encountered resistance until it was embraced by Stephen Miller, Mr Trumps deputy chief of staff. Mr Maduro has engaged in sabre-rattling but the swiftness of his capture was an important demonstration of US military might - Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters Plenty of rationales were offered. Venezuela undoubtedly served as a South American beach head for Iran, Russia and especially China, allowing all three to expand their regional influence at Washingtons expense. Stepping up military action first through military strikes on vessels suspected of carrying narcotics and the seizure of shadow fleet oil tankers, and later with the operation that captured Mr Maduro offered a relatively low-cost way of projecting US power. But the most important motivations may have been domestic rather than foreign. A core constituency in South Florida, a vital Republican stronghold, has long demanded decisive US action against Mr Maduro, who has propped up the Leftist regime in Cuba, from which many Floridians fled. A robust Venezuela policy has also allowed Mr Trump to look tough on immigration, homeland security and narcotics smuggling all key issues for his base. If the Venezuela mission was therefore driven more by domestic than foreign considerations, it will nonetheless have profound consequences across South America, where many fear the return of an era of US military intervention and coup-mongering they hoped had ended with the Cold War. Friendly and neutral states will feel greater pressure to fall into line. Traditional foes such as Cuba and Nicaragua face a precarious future. If they lose access to subsidised Venezuelan oil, instability may follow. The potential loss of access to Venezuelan energy will also hurt Russia and China. Russian companies hold significant stakes in Venezuelas economy through joint ventures in the Orinoco Belt oil fields, while China is the countrys largest creditor. With Mr Trump clearly eyeing the possibility of the US replacing both countries as Venezuelas principal energy partner in the post-Maduro era, their ambitions in the Americas have suffered setbacks. But there are upsides, too. Resentment in South America and anger across the developing world may yet play into Russias hands. Moscow was quick to denounce an act of armed aggression and will be keen to portray the US as a threat to the international order, using the operation to justify its own aggression in Ukraine. Western moral arguments against Putins war will certainly be harder to sustain and will be likely to fall on deafer ears in the so-called Global South. For Beijing, the implications are as consequential. The US has now created a fresh precedent for the use of military force by any major power seeking regime change in its neighbourhood. Officials in Taipei are therefore likely to have viewed this weekends events in South America with particular alarm. Moscow and Beijing will hope they are glimpsing the contours of a new world order: one defined by regional spheres of influence dominated by regional powers. In their view, the US is gradually abandoning its role as global policeman and retreating behind the walls of a powerful regional fortress. The multi-polar era they have long yearned for may, at last, be dawning. A photograph posted by Donald Trump on Truth Social, which he said shows Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, on board the USS Iwo Jima. Photograph: @realDonaldTrump/Reuters (Photograph: @realDonaldTrump/Reuters) The US has been condemned for breaking international law after it launched airstrikes on the Venezuelan capital and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. France, Spain, Brazil, Russia, China and the European Commission were among those who said Donald Trump had broken international rules after US troops carried out the operation on Saturday morning. The move came amid six months of escalating tensions between Washington and the South American country. Related: Venezuela attack: what we know so far as US captures President Maduro There were also calls for the UN security council to urgently convene to discuss the matter. The US attorney general, Pam Bondi, said the deposed Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, would face criminal charges in New York, which the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said would relate to the drug trade. Trump said Maduro and Flores were taken to a ship after their kidnap by US forces. He told reporters they will be taken to New York. Russia has called for their release. The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, said the action by the US sets a dangerous precedent, a spokesperson said. The secretary general continues to emphasise the importance of full respect by all of international law, including the UN charter. Hes deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected, UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric said. Brazils president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said that the US actions crossed an unacceptable line, comparing them to the darkest moments of [US] interference in Latin America and the Caribbean an apparent reference to the dozens of US military interventions in the region over the past two centuries. Chinas foreign ministry hit out at hegemonic behaviour by the US, and said it threatened peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country, it said. It added: We urge the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN charter and stop violating the sovereignty and security of other countries. Related: Trump says US will be very strongly involved in Venezuelas oil industry after military attack The EU Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the Danish foreign minister said international law should be respected. The French foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, posted on social media: The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro violates the principle of not resorting to force that underpins international law. France reiterates that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that only sovereign people themselves can decide their future. Spains prime minister, Pedro Sanchez said: Spain did not recognise the Maduro regime. But neither will it recognise an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence. We call on all actors to think of the civilian population, to respect the United Nations Charter, and to articulate a fair and dialogued transition. Earlier on Saturday, Yolanda Diaz, one of Spains deputy prime ministers, said the US had violated both the UN charter and international legality. She added: We roundly condemn this imperialist attack on Venezuela. The world is less safe and less free since Trump and the international hate movement began acting with impunity. We will always be on the side of international law and peace. Reaction in South America was split. Argentinas president, Javier Milei, an ally of Trump, posted on social media in the early hours: Liberty advances! Long live Liberty! Ecuadors president, Daniel Noboa, said time was coming for all the narco-Chavista criminals. But Lula was joined by other leftwing leaders in the region, including Colombias Gustavo Petro, Mexicos Claudia Sheinbaum and Chiles Gabriel Boric, in denouncing the US intervention. Attacking countries, in blatant violation of international law, is the first step towards a world of violence, chaos and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism, Lula wrote. The Cuban president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, described the attacks as state terrorism against the Venezuelan people. Colombia has mobilised its armed forces in the aftermath of US strikes on neighbouring Venezuela. Petro said Colombia was concerned about a potential massive influx of refugees fleeing in the aftermath of the attacks. The Russian foreign ministry said it was an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state. But the condemnation outside South America was not unanimous. Italys far-right prime minister Giorgia Meloni said the USs actions were legitimate, despite previously stating that external military action is not the way to end totalitarian regimes. Related: Everything is silent: Caracas on edge in aftermath of US blitz Dr Carlos Solar, a senior research fellow on Latin America for the Rusi thinktank, said it was unclear whether the attack would lead to regime change in Venezuela. He said: The regime doesnt have Maduro, but the regime is proving to be alive. You have the vice-president, you have some other civilians who were part of the Maduro entourage. If you go back to when Hugo Chavez died, Maduro replaced him, and Chavismo didnt die. He just turned into Maduro and it was kept for another decade and a half. So Maduro will be gone, but we might have a new movement taking force in Venezuela which might succeed him, depending on what the US does next. Dr Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at the Chatham House thinktank, said the attacks were not a surprise and were almost inevitable after the last six months had failed to lead to Maduros removal. He said: According to surveys, US citizens are opposed to the use of its military in Venezuela. And any strikes inside Venezuela now will probably force a vote in Congress under the War Powers Act. But assuming even if there is regime change and its by no means clear even if it does happen that it will be democratic the USs military action will likely require sustained US engagement of some sort. Will the Trump White House have the stomach for that? Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in this picture released by the US justice department. Photograph: Pixel8000 (Photograph: Pixel8000) Over the course of two decades, Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly appeared on law enforcements radar for sexual misconduct involving teen girls and young women. And over this same period of time, Epstein avoided serious and meaningful punishment for his crimes. The US justice departments recent disclosure of long-secret investigative files related to Epstein has once again raised the question of why he wasnt interdicted sooner, despite numerous reports of misconduct. The issue has been the subject of many conspiracy theories, often focusing on the idea that Epstein who lived at the center of a network of powerful people enjoyed some form of protection. Some never-before-seen documents recently released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, as well as previously public filings tucked deep into prior civil litigation included in these disclosures, spell out numerous missed opportunities to stop Epstein before his 2019 arrest and subsequent suicide in prison. Longtime attorneys told the Guardian that there are multiple reasons why this might have occurred. The Epstein and Maxwell problem is twofold. First, law enforcement agencies, especially at the local level, do not communicate well with one another, Neama Rahmani, founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers and a former federal prosecutor, said. Second, prosecutors are risk-averse and do not want to prosecute difficult cases. More, authorities can see sexual abuse cases as risky propositions in terms of success. Sexual assault and sexual abuse prosecutions are often he said, she said cases where the defense argues consent, or that the sexual contact never happened, Rahmani said, explaining that prosecutors are expected to win every time. They may hesitate taking difficult cases to trial, especially against defendants with significant resources. Cynics may also argue that Epstein wasnt prosecuted because of his friendships with powerful elected officials. Some of this case has changed with #MeToo, more victims coming forward and being willing to testify, and more resources and changes in philosophy when it comes to prosecuting sex crimes, Rahmani said. But its still not enough and the victims were let down. Indeed, the chronology of Epsteins repeated mentions and investigations could suggest both an abject lack of communication as well as an overall lack of interest regarding complaints against him. There was Maria Farmers FBI report in 1996. Farmer, whose sister Annie was abused by Epstein, told authorities that Epstein stole photographs and film negatives of her sisters, and was believed to have sold the pictures to potential buyers. While the case type was listed as child pornography in this report, police did not act. Epstein, unencumbered by criminal investigation, went on to abuse numerous teen girls in the following years. Then came Alicia Ardens police report in 1997. Arden said Epstein groped her during what was supposed to be a modeling interview for Victorias Secret. Arden, who was 27 at the time, said Santa Monica police blamed her rather than take action. They said I went up to the hotel room willingly and that I intimidate men because of my appearance. I told police that I did not ask or give permission to be touched or to have Epstein start taking my clothes off. I thought I was going to a legitimate audition. In 2001, Ghislaine Maxwell who in 2021 was found guilty of aiding Epsteins abuse of teen girls drew police attention after accosting three Palm Beach college students. Maxwell said she needed young, beautiful, unmarried women to answer phones and do office work at her home on Palm Beach, the police report said. At least one of the students went to the house on several occasions and described the telephone calls as men call[ing] in saying when they were going to drop of[f] particular girls. Police investigated, including searching Epsteins trash for potential evidence, ultimately concluding that while there was unusual activity at his south Florida mansion, at this time, no illegal activity has been reported or detected. Then came 2004. In August of that year, a taxi driver flagged down a police officer. The cabbie dropped off two females, who seemed to be 15 and 17, at a house that investigators would determine was Epsteins. The taxi cab driver stated that he picked the females up in West Palm Beach and while traveling to Epsteins residence he overheard the females discussing how much money they would make dating in Palm Beach and possible drug use, a police report said. In 2005 and 2006, Palm Beach police interviewed numerous minor victims, and the FBI and US attorneys office ultimately investigated abuse claims. But Epsteins case was resolved with a cushy plea deal in 2008 that allowed him to avoid federal charges if he admitted to state-level prostitution charges. Epstein and Maxwell did not disappear. In 2011, a victim of Epstein and allegedly, also of Maxwell, contacted south Florida federal prosecutors. The woman, Virginia Giuffre, lived in Australia and was interviewed by an FBI agent there. Legal representatives for the late Giuffre, who had accused Epstein of trafficking her to high-profile men including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, met with a New York federal prosecutor to discuss Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor has vehemently denied all allegations of misconduct. The former Duke of York relinquished his royal title amid the Epstein controversy. That prosecutor did not open an investigation following that meeting. Epstein did not face serious charges until 2019, months after a Miami Herald investigation prompted controversy about his plum plea deal. Epstein killed himself in jail weeks after his July 2019 arrest and Maxwell was arrested the next year and convicted of luring teen girls into his abusive world. Advocates for Epsteins victims have repeatedly condemned local and federal law enforcement for failing to take victims claims seriously enabling his abuse to continue years after initial reports. Lindsay Richards, a criminal defense partner at Coffer and Connelly in Texas, pointed to communication issues, as well as attitudes about sex crimes that were pervasive in the 90s and 2000s. With reports to local law enforcement, theres a very good chance there was just no communication between agencies in any way, especially in the 90s. Federal agencies, on the other hand, have always had decent communication, especially within the agency, she said. So once it became federal, Im surprised there wasnt more being done. The state plea deal, she said, does seem to be kind of nefarious, in my opinion but in her experience as a prosecutor who long pursued sex crimes cases, I really do believe that there were a lot of agencies, and even ones that I worked with, [where] for decades, sexual assault was dismissed. The attitude with police agencies, she said, was: You can report it, but these are so hard to prove and theyre so difficult that were just not going to really put a lot of time and energy into it. John Day, founder of John Day Law and a former prosecutor in New Mexico, pointed to seeming intelligence failures when it came to pursuing cases. Maybe the best explanation is rooted in why all the signals about Bin Laden were ignored until 9/11 plenty of law enforcement [and] CIA analysts had him on their radar screens, but the information was never collated in a way that got understood until it was too late? Day said. Could this have been the equivalent for Epstein? Day said that investigative failures with Epstein were not equivalent to a 9/11 attack, but noted these timeframes were roughly parallel. I think you can make an argument that the failures of 9/11 to appreciate what information pointed to a pending attack were similar to the failures of law enforcement to understand what Epstein and Maxwell were up to. But, Day also said: This is separate from understanding why Epstein got such a sweetheart deal in Florida from US attorney Alexander Acosta. The US has carried out a "large-scale strike" against Venezuela, and its leader, Nicolas Maduro, has been flown out of the country with his wife. The raid marks a dramatic escalation after months of tension between the two countries and a US military build-up in the region. This is what we know so far. Where and when did the US strike? Several explosions rang out in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, early on Saturday, as low-flying aircraft swept over the city. Witnesses reported smoke rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas. Read more: US strikes Venezuela: Follow latest Why removal of Maduro is unprecedented How did we get here? The explosions sent people rushing into the streets, while others posted videos of the blasts on social media. The strikes, which lasted about 30 minutes, also hit the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, according to the Venezuelan government. Donald Trump told Fox News there were a few injuries to US forces, but no deaths. How was Maduro captured? Mr Trump said Maduro and his wife were flown by helicopter to a US warship and would go on to New York to face charges. Maduro was captured by elite special forces troops, a US official told the Reuters news agency. On Saturday morning, sources inside the opposition told Sky News they believe Maduro's capture was a "negotiated exit". An image shared on Truth Social by Mr Trump showed Maduro blindfolded, with the caption: "Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Imo Jima." According to the country's ruling party leader, Nahum Fernandez, the president and his wife were at their home within a military base when they were seized. "That's where they bombed," he told The Associated Press. "And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country." Venezuelan officials said people had been killed, but the scale of casualties was unclear. US broadcaster CNN reported the couple were "dragged from their bedroom". Citing two sources, they said they were "captured in the middle of the night as they were sleeping". Maduro to face charges US attorney general Pam Bondi said Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," Ms Bondi wrote on X. She said the Venezuelan president faces charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy; cocaine importation conspiracy; possession of machine guns and destructive devices; and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the US. Maduro was indicted in March 2020 on "narco-terrorism" charges in the Southern District of New York. We're going to run the country, says Trump Mr Trump said the US will run Venezuela until a "proper transition" is made. Meanwhile, vice president Delcy Rodriguez addressed the nation, saying Venezuela would "never be a colony" of any country. Ms Rodriguez reiterated her call for Maduro and his wife to be released. She said the captured leader was the "only" president of Venezuela. Mr Trump spoke to the media at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday about the assault on Venezuela. He told reporters "air, land and sea was used" for an assault "like people have not seen since World War Two". The US president said the goal of the attack on a "heavily fortified military fortress in the heart of Caracas" was "to bring outlaw dictator Nicolas Maduro to justice". "This was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history," he added. Mr Trump said the US was "ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so". The armed forces assumed that a second wave would be necessary, he added, but said the first attack "was so successful, we probably don't have to do a second". "But we're prepared to do a second wave, a much bigger wave, actually," he said. US oil firms will enter the country during the transition period, Mr Trump added. He said: "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country." What has Keir Starmer said about the strikes? The UK prime minister shared a statement about the US attack on Venezuela and capture of Maduro on Saturday. He said: "The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. "I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people." Earlier on Saturday, Sir Keir Starmer had said he "will want to talk" to the US president to "establish the facts" about the operation. He added the UK wasn't involved in the strikes. National emergency declared The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency "to protect the rights of the population, the full functioning of republican institutions, and to immediately transition to armed struggle", adding: "The entire country must mobilise to defeat this imperialist aggression." It accused the US of trying to "seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence". It said it "rejects, repudiates, and denounces" America's "military aggression". A statement added: "Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, and seriously endangers the lives of millions of people." Why now? Mr Trump has escalated a pressure campaign on Maduro, threatening to order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land following months of attacks on boats that the US administration accused of carrying drugs. Maduro repeatedly said the campaign was simply the US trying to oust him from power. The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of failing to cooperate with anti-drug efforts over domestic criminal groups. A significant recruitment drive has been launched across England and Wales to enlist thousands of new volunteer magistrates to accelerate justice for victims. The new year initiative follows government reforms aimed at tackling the persistent crown court backlog. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has noted that over 2,000 magistrates have been trained since 2022, with this latest push targeting another 2,000 volunteers within the next financial year. Deputy prime minister and justice secretary David Lammy underscored their importance, stating: Magistrates play a vital role in our court system hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice. They are everyday heroes and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer not just to deliver justice but to serve and represent their local communities. Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others thats why Im calling on the public to apply and play your part. David Lammy announced proposals to overhaul the court system in December (PA Wire) In December, Mr Lammy announced proposals to overhaul the court system, including increasing magistrates sentencing powers from 12 to 18 months imprisonment, so they will be able to deal with more serious cases. The powers could also be extended to 24 months if necessary. Other plans include scrapping jury trials for some cases and creating new swift courts within crown courts for a lone judge to hear cases instead. The Magistrates Association said the move was a big vote of confidence in magistrates, but more resources are needed for the courts, including recruiting enough trained, well-paid legal advisers, and repairing crumbling court buildings. All magistrates are expected to volunteer at least 13 days a year to hear cases. According to the MoJ, latest figures show 57 per cent of magistrates are female and 14 per cent come from an ethnic minority background, aside from London, which has the highest proportion at 31 per cent. Judiciary chiefs are looking for candidates with good communication skills, a sense of fairness and the ability to see an argument from different sides. Magistrates are wanted across criminal, youth, and civil and family proceedings, and have specialist legal advisers to support them to deal with a range of cases. Reacting to the move, shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan said: David Lammys record as justice secretary is calamitous. Court backlogs have soared under his watch. Now he is pushing plans to scrap jury trials, threatening one of the cornerstones of our legal system. This is reckless and risks undermining public confidence. Recruiting thousands of new magistrates is welcome but it cannot paper over the failings of a justice secretary and Labour government that has consistently failed to deliver meaningful reform. Just a day after his historic inauguration, Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist whose victory was hailed as a watershed moment for the progressive movement, began his first full day in office with a New York routine: a subway commute from his cramped Queens apartment. Bundled against the frigid temperatures and seemingly battling a cold, Mamdani departed his one-bedroom flat shared with his wife. Unlike most commuters, his journey was documented by a photo and video crew and frequently paused by well-wishing neighbors. Now tasked with running the nations largest city, his duties include signing orders, announcing key appointments, facing questions from the press and answering for actions taken in his initial hours. But first, a symbolism-laden first-day commute. After centering much of his campaign on making rent cheaper, Mamdani raced from his inauguration ceremony Thursday to a Brooklyn apartment building lobby, drawing boisterous cheers from the tenants union. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez) Flanked by security guards and a small clutch of aides on a Manhattan-bound train, he agreed to several selfies with wide-eyed riders, then moved to a corner seat of the train to review his briefing materials. When a pair of French tourists, confused by the hubbub, approached Mamdani, he introduced himself as the new mayor of New York. They seemed doubtful. He held up the mornings copy of the New York Daily News, featuring his smiling face, as proof. Mamdani, a Democrat, is hardly alone among city mayors in using the transit system to communicate relatability. His predecessor, Eric Adams, also rode the subway on his first day, and both Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg made a habit out of it, particularly when seeking to make a political point. Within minutes of Mamdani entering City Hall, the images of him riding public transit had lit up social media. If the ride served as a well-timed photo-op, it also seemed to reflect Mamdani's pledge, made in his inaugural speech, to ensure his government looks and lives like the people it represents. His other early actions have also seemed to underscore that priority. After centering much of his campaign on making rent cheaper for New Yorkers, Mamdani raced from his inauguration ceremony Thursday to a Brooklyn apartment building lobby, drawing boisterous cheers from the tenants union as he pledged that the city would ramp up an ongoing legal fight against the allegedly negligent landlord. Mamdanis next action, meanwhile, showed the unusual scrutiny faced by his nascent administration, particularly around his criticism of Israel and outspoken support for the Palestinian cause. In an effort to give his government a clean slate, he revoked a slate of executive orders issued by Adams late in his term, including two related to Israel: one that officially adopted a contentious definition of antisemitism that includes certain criticism of Israel, and another barring city agencies and employees from boycotting or divesting from the country. The move drew swift backlash from some Jewish groups, including allegations from the Israeli government posted to social media that Mamdani had poured antisemitic gasoline on an open fire. When a journalist on Friday asked about the revoked orders, Mamdani read from prepared remarks, promising his administration would be relentless in its effort to combat hate and division. He noted that he had left in place the Mayors Office to Combat Antisemitism. Mamdani also announced the creation of a mass engagement office, which he said would continue the work his campaigns field operation did to bring more New Yorkers into the political fold. Ringed by supporters and passersby who stood several rows deep, phones in the air, to catch a glimpse of the new mayor, Mamdani then acknowledged the weight of the current moment. We have an opportunity where New Yorkers are allowing themselves to believe in the possibility of city government once again, he said. That is not a belief that will sustain itself in the absence of action. Also on Mamdanis to-do list: Moving to the mayors official residence, a stately mansion in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, before the lease on his Queens apartment ends later this month. It's amazing the bonds animals can form, especially with other species. Even though they may be very different, somehow they find a way to connect, and that can bring about some beautiful moments. For example, a Mini Highland Cow and an Orange Cat recently shared a very tender moment. Bougie Cattle Company (@bougiecattle) gave TikTok viewers a look at the two snuggling up to each other, and the video is warming hearts all over the internet. They captioned the post, "I love experiencing all the love at bougie!!!" Once you hit play, you'll understand why viewers are so enamored with this pair. Don't be surprised if you find yourself hitting replay. Aren't these two the cutest? As shown in the clip, this Mini Highland and cat have the most precious cuddle session. From the way they act in the video, these two are on their way to becoming total besties if they aren't already. Related: Mother Horse Sweetly 'Talking' to Newborn Foal Has People Swooning SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends And people can't get enough of their interaction. Commenter @luvv1021 called the moment, "Love in its purest form," and they weren't the only one to acknowledge this gentle scene. @tnoldlady expressed, "That is so sweet and absolutely precious!" There were many cat lovers in the comments who had a few thing to say. @toryeharrison wrote, "Orange cats love like no other animal." Others agreed with that sentiment. @camelia.lungu added, "Love how cats can be friends with any species. I've never seen any other animal do this." Mini Highland Cows Are Very Friendly While some of the commenters spoke on feline temperaments, Mini Highlands are pretty easy to get along with. In fact, they're known for being social. Rancher explains, "Highland cattle are known for their docile and friendly nature." Along with that, they also highlight that Mini Highland Cow's height can also be a draw for other animals. According to Rancher, "Their smaller stature can make them less intimidating." Looking at this Mini Cow and cat, they seem like the perfect match! I hope we see more of this pair and their snuggle time in the future. This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. There will be no jumps action in Britain on Sunday after both Plumpton and Chepstow called off their cards due to frozen tracks. Frost covers were put down at Plumpton earlier in the week ahead of a card that was due to feature the Sussex National, but clerk of the course Marcus Waters called a precautionary inspection for Saturday lunchtime. That check showed an area of the course to be unraceable and with another cold night in prospect, Waters felt it best to make an early decision. He said: We got down to -2C at sunrise today and there are a few areas of frozen ground remain now. We are forecast -4C overnight and are not due to get up to freezing or 1C until 11 or 12pm tomorrow, so we have no chance of sufficient improvement before racing and felt it best to make a decision today. Chepstow faced a similar situation with a noon inspection ahead of a planned seven-race card. Clerk of the course Dai Jones said: The track is frozen in places and we are forecast -3C or -4C overnight, with longer periods at that kind of temperature and quite a slow morning tomorrow. We went down to -2.8C last night and its going to be colder tonight and tomorrow. We arent expected to get up above freezing until 10.30 or 11am so just with that shorter window, its not going to improve really. There will be Flat action at Southwell, with the British Horseracing Authority adding the all-weather fixture earlier in the week in light of the forecast weather, and that will be the only meeting in Britain or Ireland after Naas card was called off. The track was due to stage the Grade One Ballymore Novice Hurdle but the track is not fit for racing, with the meeting now rescheduled to take place on Friday. Mondays National Hunt cards at Lingfield and Ludlow will have to survive initial inspections on Sunday if they are to go ahead. Officials at Ludlow will inspect at 10am while Lingfield will assess conditions at noon. Tuesday will also be a blank jumps day as Musselburghs fixture has already been called off, with the track found to be frozen following an inspection with no prospect of sufficient improvement in the next few days. All-weather cards are due to take place at Southwell and Wolverhampton. Saturdays card at Wincanton was abandoned following a third inspection at 11.30am, but both Sandown and Cork passed their morning checks and racing went ahead as planned. Wincantons first race was scheduled for 12.27pm and a statement from the track, posted on X, said: The temperatures have not risen as quickly as forecast and as a result track conditions have not improved as we had hoped. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the late decision however we wanted to give the fixture every chance of taking place. We are all disappointed by this outcome, but the safety of our participants will always take priority. A Missouri police chiefs lit cigarette was the cause of a fire that destroyed a local nursing home over the summer, an official report has found. In the early morning hours of August 7, 2025, the Vienna Point residential care facility went up in flames. Photos taken by the Vienna Fire Protection District showed a bright orange blaze burning through the buildings roof as smoke billowed through the dark sky. Crews launched an offensive attack with heavy fire conditions, but with water supply issues, it was decided to go to a defensive mode and we requested mutual aid tankers and manpower, Vienna fire officials said. First responders were able to get everyone out of the building unharmed but could not save the structure. A Missouri police chiefs lit cigarette was the cause of a fire that destroyed a local nursing home over the summer, an official report has found (Vienna Fire Protection District) The Vienna Point residential care facility went up in flames on August 7, 2025, destroying the building (Vienna Fire Protection District) Although the loss of the facility is tragic, we didnt lose any life and had no injuries, the citys Fire Protection District said. Security video revealed the moments leading up to the fire, which was ruled an accident. The video, which the Missouri state fire marshal shared with ABC 17, reportedly showed Vienna Police Chief Shannon Thompson arriving at the nursing home shortly before midnight on August 6. Thompson was reportedly responding to an accidental 911 call. The person reported to be Thompson then smoked a cigarette and placed it in a planter outside the buildings entrance, stomping it inside the planter before leaving, the video appears to show. About 90 minutes later, a flame sparks in the planter, which erupts into a larger fire that engulfs the building. Investigators say the fire was caused by the unintended result of an individual placing a burning cigarette near combustible material, according to ABC 17, which obtained records from the fire marshal. Nursing home security video reportedly showed Vienna Police Chief Shannon Thompson smoking a cigarette and placing it in a planter outside the buildings entrance (Vienna Fire Protection District) Thompson confirmed to investigators that he placed a cigarette in the planter and tried to extinguish it, noting that the brand of cigarettes that he smoked is designed to self-extinguish, ABC 17 reports. Maries County Prosecutor Anthony Skouby is yet to decide whether to press charges against Thompson. A spokesperson for Skouby told the Daily Mail, The prosecuting attorney is still investigating and gathering evidence. A cigarette butt can was just 10 feet away, and he put his lit cigarette out in a plastic potted plant, Skouby said in a statement shared by the Maires County Advocate in November. I believe that listing the fire as accidental is insulting to my intelligence. The Independent has reached out to Thompson and Skoubys office for comment. Pep Guardiola declared his commitment to Manchester City while Crystal Palace completed the 35million signing of Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson on Friday. Arsenal are eyeing the end of an unflattering statistic as the Premier League title race enters 2026. Guardiola vows to stay amid Maresca talk Pep Guardiolas contract at Manchester City expires at the end of next season (Martin Rickett/PA) (Martin Rickett) Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to stay on at Manchester City amid fresh rumours surrounding Enzo Maresca. The long-serving City manager said last month he intended to see out his contract at the Etihad Stadium, which runs until the summer of 2027. That came following speculation City had identified Maresca, a former assistant of Guardiolas, as a potential successor to the Spaniard should he decide to step down this summer. Maresca has since parted company with Chelsea dramatically leaving Stamford Bridge on New Years Day and there have been claims the Italians exit came after he informed the club he had held talks with City. But Guardiola said: I have a contract. I said a thousand million times. Its 10 years here, I will leave one day but I have a contract. Im happy. I want to fight with my team. I have one more years contract. I like to be here, so we will see, you will see. Johnson completes Palace move Brennan Johnson has left Tottenham to join Crystal Palace (Mike Egerton/PA) (Mike Egerton) Brennan Johnson has completed his 35million move from Tottenham to Crystal Palace. The Wales international, 24, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park. Johnson, who fell out of favour under Thomas Frank at Spurs despite being the north London clubs top scorer last season, is set to make his debut for Palace in their Premier League match against Newcastle at St James Park on Sunday. Im really excited and Im really happy, Johnson said. Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that Ive always admired. Its a great time for me to be here and join the journey that this club is on. Arteta out to break Arsenals title hoodoo Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to end their New Years curse (John Walton/PA) (John Walton) Mikel Arteta insisted it is time for Arsenal to break their new year hoodoo by landing the clubs first Premier League title in more than two decades. The Gunners hold a four-point lead over Manchester City but on the previous five occasions across the last 23 years when they have ended the calendar year on top of the table, they have failed to win the title. Arsenal, who last won the league in 2004, have also finished runners-up for the past three campaigns. Speaking ahead of his sides match at Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta insisted he was not aware of the statistic, but added: Lets break it. Thats what the players transmit every single day when theyre with us, training, and in every match. You can see their desire. You can see the energy that they put in, and how much they want it. Whats on today? The Gunners teatime trip to Bournemouth is the last of four top-flight fixtures on Saturday, with third-placed Villa taking on Nottingham Forest while relegation rivals Wolves and West Ham clash at Molineux. Celtic host Rangers as the main event of a full Scottish schedule, while Africa Cup of Nations second favourites Senegal take on Sudan in the round of 16. Hazel McPhillips and Stephen Yorkstone , at Edinburgh Napier University, displaying a free online tool, called What Colour Is It?, which resembles a paint colour card (Nick Forbes/PA Wire) A new, straightforward online tool designed to standardise the description of bodily fluid colours could significantly enhance patient care, researchers have announced. Developed by a team at Edinburgh Napier University, the "What Colour Is It?" tool offers a consistent colour palette for clinicians and patients. This innovation is crucial for diagnosing, investigating, and prescribing treatments for a wide array of medical conditions. Resembling a paint colour chart, the free online resource provides either 13 or 15 clinically relevant shades for identifying the colour of sputum, urine, and faeces. Each colour on the palette has a unique hex code an international code for colour identification that can be entered into a patients notes, which other clinicians can then use to find the exact colour being referred to by the patient. The researchers said by reducing the level of subjectivity when describing different colours, the tool can help make diagnosis faster and more accurate, and so help improve patient outcomes. They also said having a chart to refer to can reduce the embarrassment that can make it difficult for patients to discuss bodily fluids with clinicians. Hazel McPhillips, an advanced nurse practitioner and a lecturer at Napier, said: We rely on our patients describing a colour and us assuming that were thinking the same colour. What Colour Is It?, which resembles a paint colour card, with palettes of either 13 or 15 clinically-relevant colours for identifying the colour of sputum, urine and faeces. (Nick Forbes/PA Wire) We prescribe, we diagnose, we investigate based on the description of that colour, and thats really subjective. In our documentation we then write, the patient says its greeny-brown or bluey-black, or whatever colour its described as, and the next person may have another interpretation of that colour in their head. This toolkit really standardises that. It takes the subjectivity out of it and makes sure everyones working from the same colour. She went on to describe the impact this could have on patient outcomes. We know in clinical practice that whenever we look at accidents, there are investigations, there are issues, its usually down to poor documentation or poor communication. Almost every fatal accident inquiry you ever look at ends with, communication could have been better, documentation could have been better. This is a very small thing, but if we can standardise that small part, that could have a huge impact on patient care and actually on safety as well. The team said the tool could help communicate accurately during remote appointments, such as over NHS24 or when dialling 111. They said a visual chart can also help overcome communication barriers due to factors like language, age, and certain medical conditions, which can make it difficult for patients to describe colours verbally. Business improvement consultant Stephen Yorkstone explained: There are so many reasons that its helpful to use. Kids, for example, might not have the same words for colours that we do, (likewise) people from different parts of the world, or with different language abilities. But also we know of one nurse whos using it with stroke patients who have something called aphasia, which means they can see, they can understand, they can think just fine, but getting words out is really hard. But this means that for them, a conversation that would be a struggle becomes much more seamless and much more easy. Mr Yorkstone added that the simplicity of the tool is key to its effectiveness. Its a dead simple website that you can load on your phone, because clinical folk use their phones all the time nowadays, and you just click a button and it opens a colour scale, he explained. You can pull it out of your pocket, point at a colour so that you can communicate about colours more clearly clinically. The team launched the tool four weeks ago and, so far, it is being used by about 225 people in a number of countries, in medical specialisms as wide-ranging as nursing, physiotherapy and dentistry. Mr Yorkstone said: We know theyre using it for about a minute at a time and, actually, it takes less than a minute to open it, point at the colour with the patient and do that. So, were pretty confident that its starting to be used. And weve got users from across the UK, America, Norway, Sweden and Australia already. The team said they hope the tool will become a normal part of our healthcare system used by all professions across all healthcare fields. Ms McPhillips said: Its going to make so many things so much safer and much more simple for patients as well as staff. The What Colour Is It tool can be found at blogs.napier.ac.uk/wcii. Starmer says UK sheds no tears at the end of Maduro regime in Venezuela Sir Keir Starmer has rejected calls to condemn Donald Trumps shock takeover of oil-rich Venezuela, saying the UK would shed no tears about the end of Nicolas Maduro's regime. His comments, which will be seen as effective support for Mr Trump, came after the US President stunned the world by announcing it had captured President Maduro and was temporarily taking over the running of the South American country. The prime minister had faced calls from Labour MPs and opposition politicians to oppose the US action, which included a large-scale military strike and explosions reported across the capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. But in a statement Sir Keir said: "The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. Sir Keir Starmer said the Government would shed no tears about the end of Nicolas Maduros regime (Isabel Infantes/PA) (PA Wire) He added: "I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. But in an interview recorded earlier on Saturday, with the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, the PM refused to say whether President Trump had broken international law, saying that he need to establish the full picture. Donald Trump shared this photo purporting to be Nicolas Maduro en route to New York aboard the USS Iwo Jima. (US President Donald Trump's TRUT) Sir Keir said Britain had not been involved "in any way" in the attack. The Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Venezuela. There are currently thought to be around 500 UK nationals in the country, Earlier Labour MPs had called on the PM to condemn the USs actions. Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, said: "Do we as a country still stand for international law and sovereignty?... This shameless attack is about seizing Venezuela's resources. We must always defend international law." Richard Burgon, the Labour MP for Leeds East, said: "The Prime Minister should respond to an illegal bombing and kidnapping by Trump in exactly the way he would if Putin had carried it out. "Either Keir Starmer believes in international law - or he doesn't. You can't pick and choose. Time to stand up to Trump's gangster politics." Supporters of Maduro burn a US flag (Getty Images) Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also said Sir Keir Starmer should condemn Trump's illegal action in Venezuela. Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe. Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity." Green Party leader Zack Polanski also accused the US president of believing he could "act with impunity". "The PM and Foreign Secretary should be condemning this illegal strike and breach of international human rights law," he said. But shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said "nobody will shed tears" over Nicolas Maduro being "removed". She said: "We have always strongly condemned Maduro's brutal and repressive regime and the Conservative government did not consider Maduro's administration as legitimate. Nobody will shed tears for him being removed. "We await the full facts about the US operation which has removed Maduro and we want to see the Venezuelan people enjoy democratic norms and freedoms. And Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed the US's "unorthodox" military operation in Venezuela could prove a deterrent to future Russian and Chinese aggression. In a post on X, he said: "The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law - but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing. "I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro." This is a developing story, more follows... The owners of the Swiss nightclub where dozens of people were killed in a blaze on New Year's Eve say they "can't sleep nor eat" after the tragedy, as investigators consider criminal charges. At least 40 people died after a fire broke out in the basement of "Le Constellation", an exclusive venue in Crans-Montana in the heart of the Swiss Alps, at around 1.30am on Thursday morning. Revellers from all over the world were caught up in the fire, which saw another 119 injured - many of them in their teens and 20s, with severe third degree burns. Victims include two Swiss females aged 21 and 16, and two Swiss males aged 18 and 16, whose bodies have been returned to their families, according to police. Dozens others remain unaccounted for, including British-educated teenager Charlotte Niddam, who attended immanuel College in Hertfordshire. The owners of Le Constellation are reported to be French couple Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, described as well-known figures in the Swiss hospitality industry. Mrs Moretti was present during the fire and suffered burns to her arms. Her husband, who was away from the bar at the time of the inferno, told Swiss news magazine 20 Minuten: "We can neither sleep nor eat, we are all very unwell. "We will do everything we can to help clarify the causes. We are doing everything in our power. Our lawyers are also involved. "Everything had been done according to regulation." Mr Moretti insisted the bar had been inspected three times in 10 years, after it emerged it was filled with wooden furnishings and acoustic foam on the ceiling, with a narrow stairway as the only exit route. Beatrice Pilloud, attorney general for the Valais region, revealed the couple have been questioned and could face manslaughter charges. Ms Pilloud said: "We assume that the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles. From there, the ceiling caught fire. "We are also looking at what materials were used. The issue of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and the bar's occupancy is also being investigated." She went on to say: "Our investigation also includes the foam on the ceiling. "It is still unclear whether any individuals will face criminal charges. However, it is possible that an investigation for negligent homicide will be initiated." Ms Pilloud said that an investigation is being carried out by a team of 30 officers, with identifying the remains of the deceased their number one priority. During the same press conference, Chief Inspector Pierre-Antoine Lengen said the identification process - using dental records and DNA - will take a significant length of time and he apologised to grieving families. Ms Pilloud said the number of injured people may rise even further, as many of those in Le Constellation checked themselves into hospital hours after the fire. It goes without saying that Donald Trumps regime change in Venezuela was reckless and unlawful. Yet condemning the vigilante intervention by the United States is almost beside the point. It has been done now, and it is possible that the oppressed and impoverished people of Venezuela will benefit. What matters now is that the international community acts to help Venezuelans restore democracy and the rule of law. There is an alternative ruler of the country in the form of Maria Corina Machado, the opposition leader and winner of last years Nobel Peace Prize but President Trump imperiously dismissed her claim, saying: She doesnt have the support inside the country or the respect. History offers little reason for optimism. The record of the US in seeking to install friendly leaders in Latin America is chequered at best. In the Middle East, a US intervention to depose the dictator of an oil-rich country resulted in a decade of sectarian strife. As Sam Kiley, our world affairs editor, writes, the premise for regime change and invasion in Venezuela was as false as the claims that Saddam Hussein was making a nuclear weapon. The idea that the capture of Nicolas Maduro is justified as a police action to prevent his narco-state from feeding Americas drug habit is preposterous. Of course, America does have an opioid problem, and Maduros Venezuela has been a gangster state run by drug barons. But most illegal drugs come into the US from Mexico, and the opioid crisis, which is at last abating, is primarily one of prescription drug abuse. It also goes without saying that President Trumps adventurism means the US has no claim to moral superiority over Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping. Putins nationalist-imperialist aggression in Ukraine differs only in degree and military effectiveness from Mr Trumps assertion of US power in Caracas. Mr Trump is a peculiar imperialist. He said: We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, judicious transition, as if this were a mere administrative detail. His claim, in effect, is that Latin America is his sphere of influence, and it reflects the same cynical power politics practised by Mr Putin and Mr Xi. Even so, the claim by Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, that Mr Trumps intervention gives a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity does not withstand scrutiny. When, exactly, does he think Mr Putin has ever held back from aggression because it was not something the US would do? The real case against Mr Trumps action is this: it represents a gross violation of the internal affairs of a sovereign state. There was no humanitarian imperative for intervention. Even on a purely utilitarian calculation, the conclusion would be stark: miserable as conditions are for most Venezuelans, it is always possible to make them worse. Instability and civil war are real dangers and it is patently obvious that the US has no appetite for the sustained effort required to maintain order across the country. That is why the international community, preferably working through the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, should act quickly to establish what needs to be done to stabilise the situation. The first few days can be critical in determining whether a country slides into anarchy after a coup, whether carried out from within or imposed from without. This crisis must not be allowed to go to waste. President Trump should, of course, be condemned for making an already dangerous situation worse in Venezuela. But the energies of the international community should now be focused on turning this crisis into an opportunity for the Venezuelan people. Trump refuses to say if he consulted with Congress before Venezuela strikes - but calls capture of Maduro brilliant: report President Donald Trump hailed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as brilliant but refused to say whether he consulted Congress before carrying out airstrikes on the South American country. Maduro and his wife were captured early Saturday from their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation and flown out of the country as part on an U.S. operation. In a phone call with The New York Times shortly after 4:30 a.m. E.T. Saturday, a tired sounding Trump celebrated the planning and execution of the mission, the newspaper reports. It was a brilliant operation, actually, Trump told the outlet. A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people. When asked by the Times whether he sought congressional approval before carrying out the large scale attack on Venezuela, he said, Well discuss that, were going to have a news conference, before hanging up the phone. The entire call lasted 50 seconds, the Times reports. President Trump hailed the brilliant capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (via REUTERS) Top congressional leaders and chairs of intelligence committees were notified of the attack only after it began, according to officials. The president has repeatedly said he would not necessarily seek permission from Congress to launch a land war in Venezuela, saying instead that military assets are just going to kill people there instead. I dont think were going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think were just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country, OK? Were going to kill them, Trump said during a White House roundtable with administration officials in October. Also in October, the president said he authorized CIA operations inside Venezuela, granting intelligence operatives to take covert action against Maduro and his government, including as part of a wider military operation. In remarks to reporters at the time, Trump said he authorized CIA operations because Venezuela emptied their prisons into the United States of America and flooded the country with drugs. The president also spoke with Fox News, where he said he watched the capture of Maduro unfold in real time from his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida. We watched it from a room ... we were surrounded by lots of people, including generals, Trump told Fox & Friends. It was very complex, extremely complex, the whole maneuver, the landings ... the number of aircraft ... the different type of fighter jets. They just broke in and they broke into places that were not really able to be broke into, he continued. Steel doors that were put there for just this reason and they got taken out in a matter of seconds, Ive never seen anything like it. The president told the network that the United States would be making decisions on what is next for Venezuela after capturing Maduro and flying him out of the country. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured early Saturday and flown out of the country in the unprecedented U.S. operation (AP) Well be involved in it very much as to who will govern the country, Trump said. We cant take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left, or left off. Maduro and his wife are on a U.S. warship en route to New York. In a Truth Social post hours after the attack, Trump said: The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez said the location of Maduro and his wife is unknown and said: We demand proof of life. Pete Hegseth, US defence secretary, left, watches the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago - AFP Just hours after American troops seized Nicolas Maduro, the socialist leader of Venezuela, the world was given the clearest description yet of Donald Trumps approach to foreign policy. He effed around, and he found out. said Pete Hegseth, Mr Trumps secretary of war. Days earlier, the president had set out his New Year resolution. Peace. Peace on Earth, he told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago home. Yet by then he had already signed off on plans for an arrest force to fly into Caracas, backed by a mighty arsenal of more than 150 warplanes and helicopters. If peace through strength has become the mantra of Mr Trumps administration, on Saturday morning it was replaced by peace through acts of war. The White House posted a picture to X with an abbreviation of the slogan F--k around and find out - X / @WhiteHouse This was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history, said Mr Trump in the tea room of his Florida club. The glittering Venetian tapestries of his winter White House were hidden by sombre blue drapes and flags as he addressed reporters and their cameras. He cut a tired, slightly bleary-eyed figure having been up all night. I watched it literally like watching a television show, he told Fox News earlier. It was an amazing thing ... the speed, the violence. Mr Trump said that watching the raid on Caracas was an amazing thing It was classic Trump. What could be the most pivotal moment of his second term dressed up as a thrilling action show. Mr Trump was elected to keep America out of wars, yet he is fascinated by the power at his disposal even as he faces the angst of his own America First movement worried about foreign quagmires. He knows the arguments well. He once made them. Instead, he pointed out that his US was once again a force to be feared. If you look back to Afghanistan, or if you look back to the Jimmy Carter days, they were different days, he said. Were a respected country again, like maybe like never before. He cited the operations to kill Isis chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019, the strike that killed Qassim Soleimani, a top Iranian general, six years ago to the day, and the attack on Irans nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer as examples of how to get the job done with the minimum of fuss. With me, weve had a perfect track record of winning. We win and we win, he said. The capture of Nicolas Maduro was compared to Americas operations against Isis and Iranian leaders If Mr Trump was sober by his standards, his secretary of state could not contain himself. Marco Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants and has long been an advocate of action against not just the communist island but against its close allies in Venezuela. On Saturday morning, just behind the presidents right shoulder, he hopped from one foot to another. He looked left and then he looked right. He scratched his face, he smiled, he nodded. He looked as if he was ready to get to work on a fourth job (besides secretary of state, acting national security adviser and acting archivist of the US): Running Venezuela. Mr Trump made clear that Washington would take control of the country alongside the people of Venezuela until a transition to a new government was possible. The people that are standing right behind me, he said. Were going to be running it. Credit: Reuters The operation was billed as a law enforcement action, the detention of a fugitive from justice and the arrest of a man wanted on drug trafficking charges. Yet Pam Bondi, the nations attorney general was not among the top officials who answered questions at Mar-a-Lago. In fact, Mr Trump talked more about Venezuelas oil reserves than the case against Maduro. Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars to fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country, he said. Could there be a clearer outline of the Monroe Doctrine, the 19th century declaration keeping external influence out of the Western Hemisphere and maintaining US dominance? Updated for today, it has become known as the Donroe Doctrine: Dont eff around. A photograph that Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account shows what he describes as Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima, after US special forces captured the Venezuelan president in Caracas. Photograph: @realDonaldTrump/Reuters (Photograph: @realDonaldTrump/Reuters) The US attacked Venezuela and captured its long-serving president Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, with Donald Trump promising to put the country under American control for now, even as Venezuelan officials vowed defiance. As part of a dramatic overnight operation that knocked out electricity in parts of Caracas, US Special Forces captured Maduro in or near one of his safe houses, Trump said. With Maduro in US custody, we will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, the US president said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Related: It sends a horrible signal: US politicians react to capture of Nicolas Maduro We cant take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesnt have the interests of Venezuelans in mind. Trump hailed the attack in which the New York Times reported at least 40 people, including civilians and Venezuelan soldiers, died as an assault like people have not seen since world war two. A plane carrying Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed in upstate New York on Saturday evening, news outlets reported. Maduro, in US custody hours after being seized from his Caracas compound in a US raid, landed at Stewart air national guard base after 4.30pm in a white Boeing 757. He was expected to be taken by helicopter to New York City, where he will be processed and transported to the Metropolitan detention center, officials told NBC News. They said the Venezuela president will appear in court by Monday evening. Video shared by an official White House account appears to show Maduro in handcuffs being escorted by agents at the US Drug Enforcement Administration offices in New York. The dramatic intervention in Caracas was condemned by Democrats on Capitol Hill and several leaders around the world as the most dangerous example of US imperialism since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Trump, who campaigned for the presidency with a promise to end foreign wars, did nothing to quell those fears when he told reporters that the US would be temporarily seizing control of Venezuela and its oil infrastructure. Maduro, a 63-year-old former bus driver handpicked by the dying Hugo Chavez to succeed him in 2013, has accused the US of seeking to take control of his nations oil reserves, the biggest in the world. At his press conference, Trump said: Were going to have our very large US oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country and we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so. It remained unclear how Trump plans to administer Venezuela. Despite the overnight operation that knocked out electricity in part of Caracas and captured Maduro in or near one of his safe houses, US forces have no control over the country itself, and Maduros government appears to still be in charge. Trump said the US would run Venezuela with a group and would be designating various people in charge while pointing to the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio; the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth; and the joint chiefs of staff chair, Gen Dan Razin Caine, behind him. Related: Trumps lawless actions in Venezuela demand a resolute response He failed to elaborate but said he was open to the idea of sending US forces into Venezuela. Were not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to have. We had boots on the ground last night at a very high level, actually. Were not afraid of it. We dont mind saying it but were going to make sure that country is run properly. Were not doing this in vain, the president said. A US occupation wont cost us a penny because the US would be reimbursed from the money coming out of the ground, Trump said, referring to Venezuelas oil reserves. But the remarks are likely to cause consternation among some of Trumps die-hard supporters who, haunted by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, have embraced his America first commitment to stop sending troops to fight and die abroad. Trump also said Rubio had been in touch with the Venezuelan vice-president, Delcy Rodriiguez, who was reportedly sworn in after Maduros capture. Well do whatever you need, Trump quoted Rodriguez as saying. She really doesnt have a choice, he added. Vice-president says Venezuela will never again be anyones colony But a few hours later, the US presidents claim was undermined by Rodriguez, who, in a televised address, maintained the critical tone adopted by all members of Maduros cabinet since the first reports of the US bombardment. She described the US attack as an unprecedented military aggression, and demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife. The Venezuelan people are outraged by the illegal and illegitimate kidnapping of the president and the first lady, Rodriguez said. The Venezuelan vice-president insisted that the country will never again be anyones colony neither of old empires, nor of new empires, nor of empires in decline. She also echoed an argument repeatedly made by Maduro before his capture: that the real objective of the four-month-long US military pressure had never been a supposed war on drugs, but rather regime change and the seizure of our energy, mineral and natural resources. Venezuelas supreme court late on Saturday ordered Vice-president Rodriguez, to become the countrys interim leader. At his earlier press conference earlier, Trump said he understood she was just sworn in as Venezuelas new president. Rodriguez, however, repeatedly stressed that Maduro is the only president of Venezuela. There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros. Maduro was indicted in US federal court in 2020 on narco-terrorism and other charges for running what prosecutors called a scheme to send tons of cocaine to the US through an alleged Cartel de los Soles. He has always denied the allegations. In the run-up to the attack, Trump had sought a blockade of Venezuelan oil and expanded sanctions against the Maduro government, and staged more than two dozen strikes on vessels the US alleges were involved in trafficking drugs, killing more than 110 people. At around 2am on Saturday, explosions rocked Caracas with blasts, aircraft and black smoke seen for about 90 minutes. The Venezuelan government said the attacks also took place in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. The operation involved a joint force of more than 150 aircraft and special operations teams, and was executed without any US casualties or loss of equipment. The apprehension force arrived at Maduros compound and came under fire, replying with overwhelming force. Maduro was captured while attempting to reach a steel-reinforced safe room but was unable to close the door in time. Maduro and his wife had been whisked by helicopters to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship in the Caribbean, before their transfer to New York. Trump posted a photo on social media appearing to show Maduro wearing a sweatsuit and blindfold on board the USS Iwo Jima. The couple arrived at the Stewart international airport in New Windsor, New York, late on Saturday afternoon. The US has not made such a direct intervention in its backyard region since the invasion of Panama 36 years ago that, to the day, led to the surrender and seizure of leader Manuel Noriega over similar allegations. Venezuelas ruling Chavismo movement, named for Maduros revered predecessor Chavez, said civilians and military personnel died in Saturdays strikes but did not give figures. Related: Venezuela attack: what we know so far as US captures President Maduro The opposition, headed by recent Nobel peace prize winner Maria Corina Machado, had no immediate comment but has said for 18 months that it won the 2024 election and has a democratic right to take power. But Trump said Machado did not have the support within or the respect within the country when he was asked if she would be a potential interim leader now. Saturdays press conference in Florida struck a triumphalist tone. Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, said: Nicolas Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance until they didnt and until he didnt. He effed around and he found out. Rubio insisted that it had been impractical to inform Congress of such a delicate operation in advance. But Democrats roundly condemned the intervention. Chuck Schumer, the minority leader in the Senate, said: The idea that Trump plans to now run Venezuela should strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. The American people have seen this before and paid the devastating price. Bernie Sanders, an independent senator for Vermont, said Trump and his administration have spoken openly about controlling Venezuelas oil reserves, the largest in the world. This is rank imperialism. It recalls the darkest chapters of US interventions in Latin America, which have left a terrible legacy. It will and should be condemned by the democratic world. Venezuelan allies Russia, Cuba and Iran were quick to criticize the strikes as a violation of sovereignty. Argentinas president, Javier Milei, lauded Venezuelas new freedom, while Mexico condemned the intervention and Brazils president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said it crossed an unacceptable line. With Reuters RAF Typhoons joined French aircraft in a joint strike on Saturday evening on an underground facility in Syria which had been occupied by Isis, most likely to store weapons and explosives, the Ministry of Defence said. Guided bombs were used to target a number of access tunnels down to the site, located in the mountains north of the ancient city of Palmyra in the centre of the country, on Saturday evening. It was identified through intelligence analysis as a former Isis weapons and explosives storage site. The facility had been most likely used to store weapons and explosives and the surrounding area is devoid of civilians, the Ministry of Defence said. The strike was part of continuing efforts to prevent the terrorist groups resurgence. The Royal Air Force has maintained regular patrols over the country since the military defeat of Isis at Baghuz Fawqani in March 2019. Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East. I want to thank all the members of our Armed Forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage. They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our Armed Forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad. The Ministry of Defence has said there is no indication of any risk having been posed to civilians by the strike, and all aircraft returned safely. Russias battlefield gains in Ukraine last year were the highest since 2022, an analysis showed, as Kyiv prepared to host security advisers from allied states despite Moscows unrelenting strikes. The Russian army captured more than 5,600 square kilometres, or nearly 1%, of Ukrainian territory in 2025, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War. The land captured is more than in the previous two years combined, though far short of the more than 60,000 sq km Russia took in 2022. Stock photo of a baby (PA Archive) A coroner has warned that more babies could die unless the government urgently regulates non-therapeutic male circumcision following the tragic death of a six-month-old boy. Mohamed Abdisamad was circumcised on February 12, 2023, by a circumciser who had been recommended to his parents and requested by them to perform the procedure on their son. The baby began showing symptoms of illness three to four days later and was rushed to hospital on February 19, where he died the same day. He was taken to Hillingdon Hospital by ambulance where he went into cardiorespiratory arrest and was pronounced dead at 23:55 GMT. A jury inquest which concluded on October 8, 2025, found the medical cause of death to be an "invasive streptococcus pyogenes infection following male circumcision". Assistant coroner Anton van Dellen has now written a prevention of future deaths report calling for urgent action over the shocking lack of safety and regulatory measures surrounding non-therapeutic male circumcisions. Non-therapeutic circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of male babies and young children for religious or cultural reasons, rather than medical reasons. "During the inquest, the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern," Dr van Dellen wrote in the report dated December 28, 2025. "In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken." The coroner said there are currently no national safeguards governing non-therapeutic male circumcision in the UK. There are no requirements for training, accreditation or registration of those carrying out the procedure, and no rules on record keeping, infection control or aftercare. He also pointed to the lack of a proper system for obtaining consent before the procedure is performed. The damning report is being sent to the Department of Health and Social Care, and to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. They have 56 days from the date of the report being issued to respond, the coroner said. Copies of the report are also being sent to Mohamed's mother and father, his maternal grandmother, his uncle, and the London Ambulance Service. Chevron, the only US oil company still operating in Venezuela, committed only to following relevant laws and regulations. Composite: AP, Getty Images (Composite: AP, Getty Images) US oil giants have so far remained silent on Donald Trumps claim that they are primed to spend billions and billions of dollars rebuilding the Venezuelan oil industry following the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. Chevron, the only US oil company still operating in Venezuela, committed only to following relevant laws and regulations after the US president suggested American energy multinationals would be central to his plans for the country. Venezuelas vast oil reserves reputedly the worlds largest will be modernized and exploited, Trump claimed in interviews and a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate. US oil firms will invest heavily to reconstruct rotted infrastructure, ramp up production and sell large amounts to other countries, he told reporters, adding: Were in the oil business. Related: Months in planning, over in two and a half hours: how the US snatched Maduro Were going to have our very large United States oil companies the biggest anywhere in the world go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure and start making money for the country, the president said. The firms would be reimbursed, he added, without providing more detail. ExxonMobil, the biggest US oil company, did not respond to a request for comment. ConocoPhillips, another major player, said it was monitoring developments and added: It would be premature to speculate on any future business activities or investments. A spokesperson for Chevron said: Chevron remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets. We continue to operate in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Venezuela moved to nationalize its oil industry about 50 years ago, and later seized control of operations still run under private arrangements in 2007. While Chevron agreed to remain, others including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips refused to accept new terms. ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips engaged in a years-long legal battle with Venezuela after exiting, and were ultimately awarded billions of dollars by the World Banks International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes. But Venezuela, with an economy battered by sanctions, mismanagement and corruption, has yet to pay all the money. For now, a US embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in full effect, according to Trump, whose administration has repeatedly accused the country of stealing American wealth and property by seizing control of the reserves. As the US moves to take them back, its next steps will be closely scrutinized amid questions over the legality of Trumps vision. Trumps suggestion that US oil majors would play a key role in Venezuela prompted analysts to conclude their executives had probably been consulted ahead of time. Related: Trumps focus on Venezuelan oil reinforces claim action was never about war on drugs My hunch is that, if President Trump said this publicly, probably there was already an agreement with the US companies, Jorge Leon, the head of geopolitical analysis at Rystad Energy, an industry consultancy, said. Tina Fordham, a geopolitical strategist and consultant, said: One assumes that they have been part of the conversation. The White House did not comment on whether it consulted US oil giants before the strike. Administration officials have in recent weeks told US oil executives that, if they want compensation for rigs, pipelines and other seized property in Venezuela, they must return and invest heavily, according to Politico, which cited two unnamed sources familiar with the conversations. Venezuela holds some 17% of global oil reserves, according to the Energy Institute. But its output, as high as 3.5m barrels per day in the 1970s, fell dramatically due to decades of mismanagement, corruption and underinvestment. Production from Venezuela was around 1m barrels per day, around 1% of the worlds output, last year. Taking production in the country back to anywhere near its previous levels is widely expected to require huge investment. Returning to 2m barrels per day by the early 2030s would require an estimated $110bn, according to Rystad. I dont think companies will rush back into the country, said Leon, who suggested it would be very, very tricky for Venezuela to attract the private investment required to dramatically increase oil production. He added: Companies, before rushing back into the country, will want to see the country is stable enough. The fact this industry was nationalized by [Hugo] Chavez a few years ago, that remains in the back of their minds. They will really want to see things improving. Related: They lied to our face: Democrats decry Trumps military raid on Venezuela The global oil market is entering into a period of oversupply, said Leon. Prices will come down and will continue to come down That means that oil companies will be very, very selective of where they invest, in a period of lower prices. Given the choice, they will probably want to go investing in places they already know. But other industry observers expect oil majors to jostle for a chance to operate in Venezuela. The country now amounts to a huge opportunity for big firms, said Fordham, the founder of Fordham Global Foresight. There will be immense competition between them for the best opportunities. On Saturday morning, Trump hailed one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military, might and competence in history. But in corporate boardrooms and beyond, memories of other toppled dictators including in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya where the aftermath proved complicated, loom large. The history of post-authoritarian transitions, whether they are organic or externally brought about, is long and non-linear, said Fordham. Trump appears to have complete faith that, under him, things will be different. The United States will run Venezuela until there is a peaceful transition, Donald Trump has said, after US forces captured its president in an extraordinary overnight attack that has sent shockwaves around the world. The US president said he was not afraid to put boots on the ground and warned a second wave of attacks on Venezuela could take place if we need to do so after Nicolas Maduro, who has ruled the country for nearly 13 years, was snatched from a military base by the Delta Force. Explosions were reported across the country and low-flying aircraft were seen in Venezuelas capital in the early hours of Saturday, as its government said the US had targeted civilian and military sites in multiple states in what it described as an "imperialist attack", urging citizens to take to the streets. Mr Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transported by sea and air to New York on Saturday evening, where they are set to face criminal charges. A photo of the 63-year-old in US captivity was shared by President Trump on social media. President Donald Trump posted this photo on Saturday, of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in captivity after US airstrikes in Caracas (Truth Social/@realDonaldTrump) The operation the culmination of months of escalating Trump administration pressure on the oil-rich South American nation has been condemned by several world leaders, as well as some senior politicians in the US, despite many of them welcoming the end of the Maduro regime. The legal authority for the attack is not immediately clear and questions have been raised about the immediate future of Venezuela, with President Trump insisting the US would seize control of the country and its oil infrastructure. "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Mr Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference where he boasted that this "extremely successful operation should serve as warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives". He claimed the American presence was already in place, though there were no immediate signs that the US was running the country. "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, he added. The US government does not recognise Mr Maduro, who last appeared on state television on Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas. Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas, January 2019 (Reuters) Mr Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on "narco-terrorism" conspiracy charges, but the US justice department released a new indictment on Saturday of Mr Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, accusing them of a role in narco-terrorism conspiracy. US attorney general Pam Bondi vowed in a social media post that the couple would "soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts". Venezuelans expressed deep concern over Donald Trumps shock statement that the US was planning to run the country and his apparent endorsement of Mr Maduros second-in-command, Delcy Rodriguez, as an interim leader of that transition. They have not clarified the legal, political or the temporal framework of this leadership whos going to lead? asked Maria Corina Roldan Robles, a Venezuelan political analyst currently based in Chile. She said they were concerned that instead of the US cooperating with opposition figures like Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado or Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who was recognised as winning the 2024 elections, it appeared they were going for Chavismo under a different leadership. In the press conference Mr Trump dismissed Ms Machado as lacking support or respect to take over. He did not even mention Mr Gonzalez, despite the fact that the Venezuelan opposition leader was recognised by the Biden administration as the president-elect in the wake of the July 2024 vote. Instead, Mr Trump confirmed that secretary of state Marco Rubio had had a lengthy conversation with Rodriguez, who Ms Robles said was one of the most central pillars of the regime that governed alongside Maduro. Mr Trump said Ms Rodriguez had already been sworn in as interim leader and was essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. The concern in Venezuela is that the US had been positioning Ms Rodriguez as a person that could be considered for a transition months go, Ms Robles added. Ana Maria Diez, the head of the Coalition of Venezuela, a union of civil society organisations, and an adviser on UN mechanism, said that while people were celebrating the capture of Mr Maduro, there were growing fears about Mr Trumps intentions towards Venezuelas vast oil reserves. President Trump has repeatedly referred to our oil when speaking of Venezuelan resources. It is important to remind him that these resources belong to the Venezuelan people, who need humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of the country now more than ever, not the rule of outsiders, she told The Independent. The military operation has drawn widespread condemnation around the world, but members of Mr Trumps administration, including vice-president JD Vance and Mr Rubio, defended the action and denied questions of illegality. Venezuelas allies Russia, Cuba, and Iran swiftly condemned the strikes as a violation of national sovereignty. President Javier Milei of Argentina reacted to the news that Mr Maduro had been captured with a political slogan he often deploys to celebrate right-wing advances: "Long live freedom, dammit!" Meanwhile, Mexico denounced the intervention and Brazils president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said it crossed an unacceptable line. Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK played no role in the military strikes on Venezuela, but added the UK sheds no tears about the end of Mr Maduros regime. I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people, he added. In a demonstration of how polarising a figure Mr Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to deplore his capture and celebrate it. According to statements from residents of the western areas, armed groups have begun patrolling, acting as an alternative to official state security forces, displaying long and short firearms while on foot and on motorcycles. We never imagined this could happen; we werent prepared for an attack. We just spent everything on the Christmas holidays. Now we have to see what happens and buy as much as we can in case we cant go out anymore. Similarly, motorcyclists and drivers in gasoline lines stated, We have to fill our tanks because we dont know if this will leave us stranded again, and then we wont have any way to get around. The strike followed a months-long Trump administration pressure campaign on the Venezuelan leader, including a major build-up of American forces in the waters off South America and attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean accused of carrying drugs. Last week, the CIA was behind a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US began strikes in September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes was 35 and the number of people killed at least 115, according to the Trump administration. Mr Trump said that the US is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels and has justified the boat strikes as necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the US. Figures show 5.4 million adults now vape daily or occasionally in Great Britain, compared with 4.9 million who smoke cigarettes. Photograph: Nicholas.T Ansell/PA (Photograph: Nicholas.T Ansell/PA) More socially acceptable than smoking yet just as addictive vaping has become the UKs default way of consuming nicotine. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics last month showed that the number of over-16s in Great Britain who use vapes or e-cigarettes has overtaken the number who smoke cigarettes for the first time, with 5.4 million adults now vaping daily or occasionally, compared with 4.9 million who smoke. But alongside this shift is a growing sense of disquiet. Many people who vape say they want to stop, or at least cut down, and are discovering that it is harder than they expected. Some are even considering returning to smoking cigarettes, which for all their dangers, were harder to puff mindlessly at a desk or to conceal from those around them. Related: Success is shutting them down: Met police in fight against illegal vape and phone shops Confusion about risk may be compounding the problem. Some public health experts worry that the risks of vaping may have been overstated and that this could be inadvertently encouraging a new generation of smokers. Data released in September by the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that 63% of young people now believe vaping is as harmful as, or more harmful than, smoking, despite decades of evidence showing cigarettes remain far more dangerous. So, if you want to quit vaping or simply do it less what does the evidence say about what actually works? At first glance, vaping and smoking can feel similar: both deliver nicotine, both involve inhalation, and both can become deeply habitual. But public health experts are unequivocal that they sit in very different risk categories. We can be absolutely confident that vaping is far less harmful than smoking, said Martin Dockrell, the recently retired tobacco evidence lead at the UKs Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. They really arent comparable, and people who say they are either misinformed, or perhaps kind of wilfully trying to give a false impression. The reason lies in combustion. Smoking kills because of the constituents of smoke, including tar, carbon monoxide and hundreds of toxic combustion products. Vaping avoids combustion, and while it involves inhaling a different suite of chemicals, these are fewer in number, and based on current evidence, safer. A number of high profile health scares have also muddied the waters. A hypothetical risk of popcorn lung has never been demonstrated in vapers, and investigations into the US outbreak of vaping-associated lung injury linked most cases to illicit cannabis vapes rather than legal nicotine e-cigarettes. Yet less harmful does not mean harmless. Vaping still exposes the lungs to heated chemicals, and long-term effects particularly over decades are not yet fully known. Vaping also introduces a behavioural challenge that largely disappeared with the ban on smoking indoors: ease of use. Anecdotally, I hear a lot of people say that quitting vaping is harder for them, or theyre assuming its harder, but the evidence hasnt really shown that yet, said Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, assistant professor of health policy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and co-author of a recent Cochrane Review on interventions to help people quit vaping. From a psychological perspective, vaping and smoking are both ultimately something that people have learned to do over time to avoid an uncomfortable internal state, said Dr Jaimee Heffner at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle whether thats a physical urge or restlessness, a thought such as I cant get through this without vaping, or an emotion like anxiety, sadness or anger. They also involve nicotine, which is highly addictive. Dependence has a physical component, driven by changes in the brain that cause cravings and withdrawal symptoms when nicotine levels fall, and a behavioural component, in which vaping becomes tied to routines, places and emotions. Because these processes reinforce one other, approaches that address both easing withdrawal through nicotine replacement (eg patches or gum) while helping people break learned habits are expected to work best. In their recent review, Hartmann-Boyce and colleagues found early evidence that text-message-based support may help some people particularly teenagers and young adults to quit, compared with little or no support. There was also tentative evidence that varenicline, a medication used to help people stop smoking, could increase quit rates among adults who vape. Another approach being tested focuses less on suppressing cravings and more on learning to live with them. Heffner has been trialling acceptance and commitment therapy, which teaches people to allow uncomfortable thoughts and nicotine cravings to be present without acting on them. In a pilot study, participants using the approach made more quit attempts than those in a control group. A larger trial is now being planned. While research into how best to quit vaping is still relatively young, experts are also clear on what not to do. Smoking is ridiculously deadly; one in two people who regularly smoke will die from it, said Hartmann-Boyce. So, you should only try and quit vaping if you are confident that you can do it without smoking cigarettes. For young people, the picture is different. Unlike adults, most are not vaping to quit cigarettes; it is their first exposure to nicotine, so the argument that vaping reduces harm does not apply. Their lungs and brains are also still developing. There is growing consensus that vaping in young people is a bad idea children should only be breathing air, said Dr Rachel Isba, a paediatrician who piloted the UKs first NHS vaping cessation clinic for teenagers at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool earlier this year. There is also increasing evidence to suggest that some children and young people are progressing to smoking from vaping. Social factors can loom larger during adolescence, with peer pressure, sharing devices and using vapes to cope with anxiety all playing a role. You cant just tell young people not to do it, Isba said. You have to understand why theyre vaping in the first place. Rather than insisting on abstinence from the outset, her clinic supported young people to explore their own reasons for cutting down or quitting. While the pilot has now ended, the trust hopes to use what it has learned to deliver further services across Cheshire and Merseyside, pending funding. Related: What is the impact of vaping on teeth and oral health? For those trying to change their relationship with vaping in 2026, the message from experts is similarly pragmatic: quitting nicotine is rarely straightforward, setbacks are to be expected, and reducing harm should not be mistaken for failure above all, smoking should be avoided at all costs. Most people dont quit nicotine on the first attempt, said Hartmann-Boyce. Thats normal. How to quit vaping: expert tips Notice your triggers Pay attention to the situations that make you more or less likely to vape, whether thats stress, certain friends or environments. Try to do more of the things that make vaping less likely, such as exercise. If you use your vape to fidget, think about getting something else to fidget with, said Dr Rachel Isba. If you are a vaping doom scroller who has a vape in one hand and their phone in the other, try putting the vape in another room when you are on your phone. Cut down gradually While stopping abruptly works best for smoking, experts say vaping is different. With vaping, we find that a gradual reduction, pausing when theres any risk of going back to smoking, is the more successful way, said Louise Ross, former manager of the Leicester Stop Smoking Service and co-author of a leaflet on how to quit vaping published by the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training. Set limits to break autopilot use Vaping slips easily into daily routines. Setting rules such as not vaping at your desk, or only vaping outdoors or in the evening can help weaken these habits. Consider lower nicotine products Lowering the nicotine strength of your vape may ease withdrawal, but watch out for compensatory behaviours, like inhaling more deeply or vaping more often. You could also try a nicotine-free vape alongside patches, gum or lozenges: cravings are managed, while the vape itself becomes less rewarding. Change the flavour Switching to a less appealing flavour can make vaping less satisfying. Or try replacing the taste with sugar-free gum. Learn to ride out cravings Rather than fighting urges, approaches such as mindfulness encourage people to notice cravings without acting on them, until they pass. Get professional support If you arent sure whether nicotine replacement might help, have a think about how long it is after you first wake up before you reach for your vape, said Isba. Reaching for it very quickly may signal stronger dependence. People who try to quit nicotine with professional support and medications have two to three times greater odds of being successful, said Prof Jaimee Heffner. Dont do it alone Friends can help too. Consider quitting with an accountability buddy so you can support each other, Isba suggested. Donald Trumps decision to capture Nicolas Maduro could fuel any aggressive ambitions Chinas president, Xi Jinping, has towards Taiwan - Andrew Harnik/AP Photo It was swift, lethal and, so far at least, very successful. The overnight US strike on Venezuela, and the capture of its president Nicolas Maduro, may have focused on a country in what the US regards as its own back yard. But no one should be under any illusions about the real target. By securing vital energy resources, and demonstrating the ability of the US to project military power, president Trump has delivered a blow to a far more formidable adversary China. The Venezuelan strike was the highest-risk gamble of Mr Trumps second term. There is no political support within his Maga base for foreign military adventurism. Plenty of his predecessors in the White House have become bogged down in foreign wars that were far harder to get out of than they were to start. By contrast, Venezuela looks like a clear success. Of course, it remains to be seen what happens next. But right now it looks like his roll of the military dice has worked. That matters far outside South America. By targeting Maduros regime, Trump has struck a blow against China. Why? To start with, Venezuelas economy was ruined by two decades of socialist failure under Hugo Chavez. But it still has the largest reserves of oil in the world. With its mastery of solar and wind power, China has made itself a renewables superpower. But if the US can dominate a rebuilt Venezuelan oil industry, the US will have complete control over all the fossil fuels it could need. Given that China is still the worlds largest oil importer, that is a strong card to hold. Likewise, if the geopolitical battle of this decade is largely over control of natural resources, the US may be about to switch a hugely important supplier from the Russian-Chinese camp to the West. Trump has also demonstrated the lethal efficiency and effectiveness of the US military. The strike against Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuelas largest military complex, was the highest-risk gamble of Donald Trumps second term - AFP via Getty Images It may have had its share of disasters, as all armies always do. But this was a well-planned operation, executed at distance. Military planners in Beijing, with their maps of Taiwan, will surely take note. The combination of sea and air power, along with special forces, means that the US has made it clear it can project power anywhere it chooses to do so. An invasion of Taiwan, if that is ever planned, may have to be rethought. Finally, the Monroe Doctrine, which asserts US dominance over its own hemisphere, has just been beefed up. China may have poured tens of billions of dollars into infrastructure and assets across Brazil, Argentina and Central America, and it may hope to build up its influence across the region. But at the end of the day, one point is clear. When it comes to a crunch, it is the US that calls the shots in South America. Maduros corrupt narco-regime was never going to prove much of an opponent. If there is relatively peaceful regime change, it will be swiftly forgotten. And yet, the wider lesson of the strike is surely this. By taking firm action, Trump has sent a clear signal to China and the consequences of that will matter far more. Donald Trump has said the US is going to run Venezuela until such a time when a safe, proper and judicious transition can take place. The remarks come after the US launched strikes on the South American country and captured its President, Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores. The American president announced the dramatic development this morning, saying Maduro had been seized and flown out of the country after a "large scale strike against Venezuela." At least seven massive explosions rocked the capital, Caracas, overnight as American warplanes targeted military installations across Venezuela. Trump posted on Truth Social: "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. "This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain had not been involved "in any way" in the attack and insisted he wanted to "establish the facts" as he refused to be drawn on whether the military action broke international law. He said he wanted to talk to the US president, who he had not spoken to on Saturday morning after the strikes were carried out. At a press conference this afternoon, the US president told reporters "we are going to run the country" of Venezuela until "we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition" of power. "We don't want to be involved with having somebody else get in and we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years, so we are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, he said. Trump holds a press conference as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth looks on following a US strike on Venezuela (REUTERS) "And it has to be judicious, because that's what we're all about. We want peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela, and that includes many from Venezuela that are now living in the United States and want to go back to their country, it's their homeland." Trump said the US would run the South American country with a group and would be designating various people in charge pointing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Dan Caine behind him. Sources told CNN that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured in the middle of the night as they were sleeping and dragged from their bedroom by US forces. The plane carrying the Venezuelan President and his wife landed at New York's Stewart Air National Guard Base on Saturday evening, CBS reported. Trump posted an image on Truth Social on Saturday afternoon that he claims depicts "Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima" the same vessel he previously told Fox News was transporting the Venezuelan leader to the United States. The image appears to show Maduro wearing an eye mask and headphones, dressed in a grey tracksuit. Trump praised the US military for its rapid and effective operation, thanking them for their breathtaking speed, power, precision and competence while noting they worked alongside US law enforcement. He said Venezuelan forces were prepared, claiming they were waiting for us with many ships out, but despite being in a ready position, they were completely overwhelmed and very quickly incapacitated. Trump said that no US servicemen were killed and no equipment was lost. He told the press conference that the US is "ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so" but it is "probably not necessary". The US president also said American oil companies will "go in, spend billions of dollars" and "start making money for the country" of Venezuela. A photograph which US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account shows what he describes as Venezuelan President "Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima" (via REUTERS) Mr Trump told the press conference: "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, and we are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so. "So we were prepared to do a second wave if we needed to do so. We actually assumed that a second wave would be necessary, but now it's probably not. "The first wave if you'd like to call it that, the first attack was so successful, we probably don't have to do a second, but we're prepared to do a second wave, a much bigger wave, actually." He said Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores would "face the full might of American justice." The devastating assault comes after months of threats from Trump that he would take military action if Venezuela refused to halt drug-smuggling boats heading towards the US. Maduro has been branded the head of a narco-terrorist state by Washington. Since August, America has been cranking up the pressure on the embattled regime - flying combat sorties close to the border, building up naval forces in nearby waters and killing suspected drug smugglers on motor boats. On Thursday, Maduro indicated he wanted to strike a deal with Trump that could have seen him leave power in exchange for immunity from prosecution, keeping his vast wealth and allowing the US access to Venezuela's oil reserves. But no agreement was reached. (AFP via Getty Images) Eyewitnesses reported particularly heavy explosions at Fuerte Tiuna, a sprawling military complex in central Caracas that houses Venezuela's top brass and senior government officials. Terrified locals said they heard the menacing buzz of low-flying aircraft moments before the eruptions shook the city. Videos captured towering columns of smoke and flames billowing across the skyline as power was knocked out across southern Caracas. La Carlota airport was also believed to have been hit in the strikes. Venezuelan troops were seen patrolling outside Maduro's presidential palace as news of the bombardment spread. Gustavo Petro, the president of Colombia and vocal critic of the Trump administration, wrote on social media: "Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles." The UK Government will discuss the "evolving situation" in Venezuela with US counterparts "in the days ahead" and will "shed no tears" about the end of Maduro's regime, Sir Keir Starmer said. Asked whether he had spoken to Mr Trump on Saturday, Sir Keir said: No, I havent, and its obviously a fast-moving situation, and we need to establish all the facts. What I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation, and as youd expect, were focusing on British nationals in Venezuela (and) working very closely with our embassy. Demonstrators burn a US flag, during a protest to oppose US actions in Venezuela (REUTERS) I want to talk to the president. I will want to talk to allies, but at the moment, I think we need to establish the facts. I think President Trump is doing a press conference later, so hopefully more information will come out then. Sir Keir is facing pressure from opposition critics including the Liberal Democrats and Green Party to condemn the action, but he insisted on Saturday he wanted to establish the facts first. However, he added: I always say and believe we should all uphold international law, but I think at this stage, fast-moving situation, lets establish the facts and take it from there. Around 500 UK nationals are in the country and work is ongoing to safeguard them, Sir Keir said. The Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance to advise against all travel to the South American nation. It said: If you are a British national already living or travelling in Venezuela, you should shelter in place, but be prepared to change your plans quickly if necessary. Regularly review your departure options and make sure your travel documents are valid and accessible. You should have a personal emergency plan, including practical steps for leaving the country or staying safe during a crisis, that does not depend on support from the UK government. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: Keir Starmer should condemn Trumps illegal action in Venezuela. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a rally (AFP via Getty Images) Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe. Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity. Green Party leader Zack Polanski claimed the US president believed he could act with impunity. The PM and Foreign Secretary should be condemning this illegal strike and breach of international human rights law, he said. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed the USs unorthodox military operation in Venezuela could prove a deterrent to future Russian and Chinese aggression. In a post on X, he said: The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing. I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro. Latin American leaders were divided between condemnation and jubilation in the wake of the surprise attack on Venezuela. While much of the region has long been wary of a return to US interventionism shaped by 20th-century actions that helped install authoritarian governments from Chile to Honduras Maduro, who presided over Venezuelas social and economic collapse, had become an increasingly unpopular and isolated leader. At the same time, recent elections across Latin America have produced a shift toward more right-leaning governments, many of whose leaders view the US-backed military regimes of the last century as necessary bulwarks against socialism. In a sign of the economic pain faced under Maduro, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2018, with 85% of them migrating to neighbours in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration. Many countries in the region have experienced surges in organised crime in recent years and the spectre of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang has loomed large over voters' minds, leading to a rise in politicians vowing to crack down on crime and immigration. While few leaders will shed serious tears about Maduro's ousting, governments in the region will react along political lines, said Steven Levitsky, a professor and director of Harvard's David Rockefeller Centre for Latin American Studies. "I think you'll see right-wing governments applaud because that's what they do. You'll see left-wing governments criticize because how could they not?" Levitsky said. The US will run Venezuela until there is a peaceful transition of power, Donald Trump has said after capturing Venezuelas left-wing President Nicolas Maduro in an overnight raid on Saturday. Maduro has arrived in New York and was shown arriving at a detention facility where he will await his first court appearance on US criminal charges. Trump confirmed the country's leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been flown out of Caracas and indicted on "narco-terrorism" charges following the strikes early on Saturday. The Maduro government has condemned the attack on Caracas as an imperialist act, while Sir Keir Starmer said the UK government would shed no tears over the fall of the Maduro regime. (AFP via Getty Images) At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were seen in the capital, Caracas, and rising smoke was spotted in numerous regions at approximately 2am during the large-scale attack on Saturday. The Trump administration said around 150 aircraft, including bombers and fighter jets, were involved in the operation. At a press conference on Saturday at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Trump warned that the US is ready to stage a second and much larger attack if required. Trump suggested his administration would be heavily involved in leading Venezuela in Maduros absence, though he provided no details. He said: We are going to run the country until such time that we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. He said this will also involve US oil firms entering the country. Donald Trumps post on X claiming responsibility for launching a large-scale strike on Venezuela (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social) Why is Trump targeting Venezuela? Over the past few months, Trump has accused Maduro of being a top-level member of a drug cartel, Cartel de los Soles, which he claims is trafficking drugs into the US. Trump has not shared evidence of Maduros involvement but has used these allegations to justify his lethal military operations against Venezuelan ships. When asked about his reasons for actions in Venezuela by Fox News presenter Peter Doocy, Trump also cited immigration as the reason. He said: One of the things its about is the fact that theyve allowed millions of people to come into our country from their prisons, from gangs, from drug dealers, and from mental institutions. He made similar claims during the 2024 presidential election campaign, when Trump and his officials on several occasions blamed Venezuela for sending too many migrants to the US. They claimed the country was opening up the prisons and encouraging criminals to flock to Americas borders. There is also the question of natural resources. Venezuela is rich in oil and rare earth minerals, which serve as extremely valuable commodities. The South American country has $1.36 trillion worth of mineral wealth, according to Maduro. After the US seized an oil tanker in December, Caracas directly accused the US of trying to plunder Venezuela for its natural resources. In a statement, the Venezuelan government said: Under these circumstances, the true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally been revealed It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people. US attorney general Pam Bondi has claimed that an oil tanker seized last month off the coast of Venezuela was carrying sanctioned oil intended for Iran. Venezuela has denied this accusation and labelled Trumps actions as an act of international piracy. What led to the strikes? Tensions between the two countries have been rising for months. They were ramped up significantly in September, when the US launched military strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in the coastal waters of Venezuela. These airstrikes were later extended into the eastern Caribbean and along the Pacific, with 110 killed so far. The US has confiscated two oil tankers and is in pursuit of a third. Trump also issued new sanctions on three of Maduros nephews as well as six companies that ship oil out of the country that month, according to Axios. The crude oil tanker Skipper recently seized by the U.S. off the coast of Venezuela, seen as the ship was traveling in a southwesterly direction and positioned approximately 33km north of Guadeloupe, in the southern Caribbean Sea (Vantor) What has Donald Trump said? In a press conference on Saturday, Trump vowed to run the country. He said: We are going to run the country until such time that we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. He said this will also involve the US oil firms entering the country as well. "We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, he added. In a post on his Truth Social platform shortly before addressing the media, he posted an image which appeared to show the autocratic leader blindfolded aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and headed to New York. Maduro being escorted by DEA agents in lower Manhattan, New York, on Saturday (X/@RapidResponse47) The White Houses rapid response account later posted on X a video appearing to show Maduro handcuffed and escorted by law enforcement agents. The video was captioned perp walked. Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez had been sworn in as president shortly before he spoke at the press conference. She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple, Trump said. He also warned that the US is ready to stage a second and much larger attack. He explained the armed forces assumed that a second wave would be necessary, but the first attack was so successful, we probably don't have to do a second, but added the US is prepared to do a second wave, a much bigger wave. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. pic.twitter.com/sFa5OC4ZrZ The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026 What could happen next? US senator Mike Lee says Marco Rubio, Trumps Secretary of State, told him that Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US. The US Justice Department released a new indictment of Maduro and his wife which accuses Maduro of leading a a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking. It alleges that the drug trafficking efforts enriched and entrenched Venezuela's political and military elite. US authorities allege that Maduro partnered with some of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers and narco-terrorists in the world to bring tons of cocaine into the US, according to the indictment. Venezuelas allies have rushed to condemn the US military action. In a statement, Russias foreign ministry criticised what it called an act of armed aggression and said Caracas must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, outside intervention. Ideologically driven hostility has prevailed over practical pragmatism and a willingness to build relations based on trust and predictability, they said. Venezuelans celebrate after US president Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country (AP) We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership to defend the countrys national interests and sovereignty, it added. Vladimir Putin is a close ally of Venezuelan Maduro. Last year, he visited Moscow for Russias annual military parade and signed a broad partnership agreement with the Russian leader. Irans foreign ministry also condemned the strikes, saying the action was a blatant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Venezuelan government has called for socialist militias and grassroots organisations to take action. Chinas foreign ministry said on Sunday that the US should immediately release Maduro and his wife, and resolve the situation in Venezuela through dialogue and negotiation. In a statement on its website, the ministry also said the US should ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, adding that their deportation violated international law and norms. Sir Keir said Britain would discuss the evolving situation with American counterparts over the coming days. In a statement on Saturday evening, Sir Keir said: The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council has been scheduled for Monday. In a statement via his spokesperson, the UN secretary-general voiced concerns that the rules of international law had not been respected. Sir Keir earlier refused to be drawn on whether the military action broke international law, saying he wanted to talk to Mr Trump, with whom he had not spoken on Saturday morning, and allies to establish the facts. Was Trumps action legal? Legal uncertainty surrounded Washingtons actions in Venezuela on Saturday as international scrutiny intensified and opposition grew within the US Congress. Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in downtown Caracas (AP) Questions persist over whether the United States had breached international law, particularly in relation to the detention of the Venezuelan president. There are a number of international legal concepts which the United States might have broken by capturing Maduro, said Ilan Katz, an international law analyst. On Capitol Hill, concern cut across party lines over US attacks on vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Lawmakers noted that Congress has not granted authorisation for the use of military force for such actions in the region, raising constitutional and legal doubts about the administrations approach. Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence to support military action against Venezuela without congressional approval. Mr Himes called for an urgent briefing from the White House on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision. Christ Church Chineham has been given three years to remove the boilers The Church of England has ordered a parish to rip out new gas boilers because they are not sustainable. Christ Church Chineham, in Basingstoke, Hants, spent 18,200 last year replacing two failing gas boilers, with the new ones expected to last for at least two decades. But the parish will now be forced to remove the system and pay for an eco-friendly replacement after a church court ruled it had not adequately explored more sustainable options before installing them. Christ Church Chineham is the latest church to fall victim to the Church of Englands target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. New rules require churches to obtain a faculty ecclesiastical planning permission and prove there is no viable green alternative before new oil or gas boilers can be installed. The church chose to install gas boilers after commissioning a report from a mechanical engineer, who was a member of its congregation, which found heat pumps would require extensive and intrusive works and be much more expensive than gas. Parish applied for retrospective permission The church also commissioned an Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) report which estimated the cost of installing heat pumps at 62,000, but still recommended its installation before the net zero target date of 2030. The church chose instead to install the gas boilers at a third of the price and then applied retrospectively for a faculty. But when the case came before the Diocese of Winchesters consistory court, it ruled that the gas boilers were undesirable as it locks the church into significant fossil fuel use well beyond 2030. If the 2030 objective means anything, it is in churches such as this that sustainable heating solutions need to be installed now, not in 2045 or thereafter, Cain Ormondroyd, the dioceses chancellor, said. Mr Ormondroyd said he was within his rights to require the immediate removal of the unlawfully installed gas boilers but told the church that he would not take this drastic course of action. Winter is again approaching and it would evidently impose a further heavy burden on the petitioners if they had to do more work on an expedited basis to explore different options, he said. That is in no ones interests. In the judgment handed down in October, Mr Ormondroyd ordered the church to remove the boilers within three years and replace them with a more sustainable form of heating before the 2030 target date. Boilers sacrificed to virtue signalling Mike Foster, chief executive of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), said gas boilers were being sacrificed on the altar of worshipping heat pumps by the Church of England. It is entirely a matter for the Church of England to explain to its parishioners that perfectly good boilers have to be ripped out to maintain the green virtue-signalling of the church, he told The Telegraph. The facts of this case clearly show, what we all know, that a heat pump solution costs more to install than a boiler, and the UK Government publicly acknowledges that a heat pump costs more to run than a gas boiler, but evidently the Church of England is so flush with cash it can make these decisions. That heat pump is probably going to use electricity generated by gas-burning power stations or from chopping down trees for wood chips at Drax, but the appearance of going green matters more than the actuality. Those gas boilers, being ripped out, could be using green gases such as biomethane, benefiting rural economies, to achieve net zero status but they are being sacrificed on the altar of worshipping heat pumps. Christ Church Chineham did not respond to a request for comment. The Diocese of Winchester was approached for comment. Matthew Armstrong was convicted of murder in the late 2000s - Avon and Somerset Police A murderer is among two men being hunted by police after they absconded from prison on New Years Day. Officers from Avon and Somerset Police are looking for Matthew Armstrong, who was convicted of murder in the late 2000s, and Daniel Washbourne after they absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on Thursday. They both have a history of violent offences. Police arrested a third man in Bristol earlier on Saturday who absconded at the same time between 5pm and 8pm as the pair. Armstrong, 35, was convicted of a murder that took place during a robbery in Warwickshire and is described as around 5ft 9in with ginger hair and scars on his forehead. He was last seen wearing a burgundy coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit suit bottoms and black boots. Washbourne, 40, has convictions for committing violence against a person and false imprisonment. He is described as around 5ft 6in, clean shaven and with brown hair, and was last seen wearing a cream fleece, blue tracksuit bottoms, blue hat and black trainers. He has links to the Herefordshire area. Washbourne, 40, has been conviction of committing violence against a person and false imprisonment - Avon and Somerset Police HMP Leyhill reported the absconders to police on Thursday evening, with police releasing CCTV footage of the two men leaving the jail. Members of the public who see the two men have been told not to approach them and should call 999 instead, quoting the reference number 5226000700. The incident has followed a number of high-profile accidental releases last year. The Ministry of Justice introduced tougher checks on prisoner releases after Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old, was wrongly released from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration removal centre. His release triggered a 48-hour police manhunt. Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian sex offender, was then accidentally released from HMP Wandsworth and fraudster William Smith, 35, was filmed handing himself back in to the same prison on Nov 6 after three days on the run. The emergency services called off the search as daylight faded on Saturday - Asadour Guzelian A pensioner lost his life after trying to rescue two people who ran into difficulties in stormy seas off the Yorkshire coast. The 67-year-old is understood to have gone into the waters off Withernsea in an effort to save a teenager who had been swept into the sea on Friday afternoon. Another person, believed to be a relative, went in after the teenager and also began to struggle in the heavy waves before the pensioner ran into the sea to help them both. Shortly afterwards, the pensioner, thought to be a local man, was pulled from the water unconscious and later died. A second body was recovered on Friday evening during a search by HM Coastguard. Efforts to find the third person were called off on Saturday afternoon amid bad weather and failing light. RNLI and fire brigade staff at the scene after being alerted on Friday afternoon - Asadour Guzelian Witnesses claimed the teenager had been caught by a large wave near Pier Towers before being overwhelmed by the sea. A rescue helicopter, air ambulance and RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington and Hornsea Inshore Rescue were scrambled after the incident was reported at 3.10pm on Friday. After extensive shoreline and offshore searches, the operation was paused at around 12.30am on Saturday before resuming at first light. Coastguard rescue teams and police officers scoured the beaches and sea defences before suspending the search at around 4pm on Saturday, as darkness began to set in. An HM Coastguard helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft had remained grounded throughout the day as heavy snow hampered the search. An HM Coastguard spokesman said: After resuming shoreline searches in Withernsea for one missing person today, Jan 3, HM Coastguard stood down its extensive search effort this afternoon. The search continued on Saturday before being called off amid fading light - Asadour Guzelian Police have yet to provide the gender or age of the second body they recovered, and said the circumstances were not suspicious. While the search continued on Saturday, residents pulled together to help, with Withernsea Boating Social Club, on the Central Prom, opening its doors as a warm space and providing free hot drinks and snacks. Staff from the club also walked up and down the Promenade handing out hot drinks and hand warmers to emergency services staff. The Methodist Church, close to the seafront, opened for prayers, while the weekly Withernsea Promenade Park Run, set to take place on Saturday morning close to the site of the search, was cancelled. Lyn Healing, a South East Holderness councillor, said: Withernsea residents did themselves proud once again, many residents offering hot drinks, use of toilets and food to our blue light heroes. Credit: Craig Arnell/Facebook A number of witnesses suggested the teenager was a girl, though this was not confirmed by police. Karen Higgs, who witnessed the emergency unfold, had earlier told The Telegraph that the teenager had fallen into the sea. The 66-year-old said: I was by the cafe and this woman was running up the front towards the Pier Towers, shouting: Shes in the water, shes in the water. I looked, and I went across, and there was somebody in the water... going in and out with the waves. I couldnt see any movement. Someone threw a safety ring in for her to catch. She was going out as the ring went in, and it went, and she never tried to catch it. We were all shouting at her to: Catch it, catch it. She just didnt. Then she was going out further. Every time she went out she came in harder. Then somebody went down the slip and tried to throw another ring. Then I heard some people went in to rescue [her]. There were three people in that water trying to rescue her. Paul Whitehead, the owner of Castle Cafe on the promenade, told The Telegraph that his staff, including a waitress on the promenade who threw in a life ring, had tried to help. Around 3pm a girl, around 15 years old, went down the Pier Towers concrete steps, and the seas are so rough that she got washed away, he said. Her parents then went down to try and help her, as did one of my staff, who grabbed a life ring. The young girl had hold of the ring but was hit by a wave and couldnt hold on and went under. Four local men who were on the promenade then also went down to help the parents. George Gouldson, 73, who had been taking photographs of the stormy seas from his car when the incident began, told the BBC: I saw three people in the water before others got in. One of the people in the water was a female. A bloke was trying to throw a life ring to her, but it wouldnt reach her. The tide just took her. She was swept away, along the length of the beach, towards the rocks. The water was that fierce. A load of people were trying to get to her. One bloke got out of the water. I picked him up and sat him against a wall. He looked to be hypothermic. As it turns out, the "America First" slogan didn't mean President Donald Trump would stop the United States from intervening around the world. More: President Trump's stunning start: Reshape the government, remake the world The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Jan. 3 and his pending arraignment in New York on charges of narco-terrorism are more evidence that this commander in chief is willing to assert U.S. economic, energy and security interests across the globe not only with forceful rhetoric but also with force itself. "This was a very important symbol," Trump said in an interview on Fox News' "FOX & Friends Weekend." "It said this thing, that we're not going to be pushed around by these countries." With elite military teams and cutting-edge equipment, he boasted, "nobody can stop us." Since his inauguration a year ago, a new Trump Doctrine has emerged. See reactions after US explosions in Venezuela, Maduro capture Reactions to the United States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolas Maduro ranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026. On his watch, the United States has cited a variety of reasons for bombing a half-dozen countries, including a Christmas Day strike in Nigeria in response to what he described as attacks on Christians. He has hit Iran's nuclear sites with bunker-busting bombs, a step that previous presidents had refused to take despite Israeli entreaties. The day before the Venezuelan operation that captured Maduro, Trump warned Iran that if peaceful protesters on its streets were killed, the United States was "locked and loaded and ready to go" to rescue them. That threat "is everything we voted against in '24," said former MAGA loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene, now a Trump critic. She was referring to "America First," a slogan Trump used in all three of his presidential campaigns. Greene and other core supporters interpreted that as a pledge to avoid foreign entanglements, especially those that could risk "endless wars" like those in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, as president, he was promising to focus on problems within U.S. borders. From Gaza to Caracas, shaping new governments But during his second term, Trump's approach to the world has stood in clear contrast to that. He has been willing not only to deploy force abroad but also to commit the United States to shaping the foreign regimes that follow. After pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, he appointed himself chairman of the "Board of Peace" tasked with establishing security and encouraging economic development in Gaza. Regarding Venezuela, he said Washington wouldn't leave until a new and friendly government was installed. "We're going to run the country until such time we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he said, though he didn't detail precisely what that would entail. He warned would-be leaders of Venezuela who might want to defy the United States that "what happened to Maduro could happen to them." Where will this go next?" protested Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, in a statement. "Will the President deploy our troops to protect Iranian protesters? To enforce the fragile ceasefire in Gaza? To battle terrorists in Nigeria? To seize Greenland or the Panama Canal?" President Donald Trump, alongside (L/R), CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2025. Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. That said, the Trump Doctrine also has boundaries. For one, he has generally avoided deploying ground troops, which is typically a more dangerous duty than bombing strikes by planes or drones. "We're not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to have them," he said at an hour-long news conference at his Mar-a-Lago retreat in Florida. But he later demurred that the only U.S. forces he foresaw in Venezuela would be protecting oil fields. For another, his motivation for acting not is not a gauzy pursuit of democracy and human rights, he says, but rather the hard-headed calculation of national interests, especially financial ones and especially involving energy. He brushed off criticism that the administration hadn't notified Congress before launching Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela. Democrats are "weak, stupid people," he said in the Fox News interview. "They should say 'great job.' They shouldn't say, 'Oh, gee, maybe it's not constitutional.'" Echoes of Noriega arrest and President Monroe's doctrine Much of what Trump has done in the White House has been unprecedented. Not this time. In December 1989, President George H.W. Bush ordered an invasion of Panama and the capture of Panamanian President Manuel Noriega on charges of drug trafficking and racketeering. (As it happened, Noriega was taken into custody Jan. 3, 1990, precisely 36 years prior to Maduro.) Noriega would be tried in Miami and convicted, serving 17 years in a U.S. prison. More: What a century of US interventions in Latin America say about Trumps Venezuela gambit In an address to the nation at the time, Bush said the invasion was justified because Panama had declared a state of war with the United States and because it was needed to protect American citizens living in Panama and to defend democracy and human rights. He didn't seek congressional authorization, either. The operation also sparked international outrage. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, pictured here after his capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima, is seen in this handout image posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social Jan. 3, 2026. The United States captured Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation on Jan. 3, 2026, Trump said, as explosions rocked Caracas and targets across the country. Trump's assertion of U.S. dominance of the Western Hemisphere has a much longer history. The Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President James Monroe in 1823, held that any intervention by a foreign power in the Americas would be viewed as a hostile act. Since then, it has often been cited to justify U.S. intervention in Latin America. More: Will Venezuela buckle under Trump? Maduro wouldn't be the first to fall Trump mentioned it, too, as he took a victory lap at his news conference. A "spectacular assault" had brought an "outlaw dictator" to justice, he said. When a reporter asked how running a South American country was "America First," he replied mildly that the United States needed "good neighbors," regional stability and access to oil. Under Maduro, Venezuela had violated "core principles of American foreign policy, dating back more than two centuries ... all the way back to the Monroe doctrines," Trump said, warming to the topic. "The Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we have superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the 'Donroe' Doctrine." He dismissed out of hand the reality that U.S. intervention in Latin America has had decidedly mixed results. "Not with me," he said. "We have a perfect record of winning." Next question? This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Maduro's startling arrest tells us about Trump's foreign policy Walker County PD Johnathan Everett Boley NEED TO KNOW The body of a missing child has been recovered Johnathan Everett Boley, 4, went missing from his fathers Alabama home on the morning of New Years Eve Authorities believe the child wandered off while following the family dog, who was found alive near the childs body The body of a missing child has been found miles from his Alabama home, with his beloved dog not far away. In a press conference on Friday, Jan. 2, Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith confirmed the death of 4-year-old Johnathan Everett Boley, reports WVTM-13. The child disappeared from the home of his father, Jameson Kyle Boley, with his dog on the morning of New Years Eve near a rural highway in Jasper, Ala. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Johnathan Everett Boley Im here to announce that we have located Johnathan, and Johnathan is deceased, Smith told reporters. Jonathan was last seen on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with the familys black Labrador retriever named Buck and his 6-year-old brother near the 7000 block of Highway 195 in Jasper around 11:30 a.m. local time, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency previously said in an alert. The siblings were visiting as part of their allotted five days of visitation for the year, Smith previously said, according to NBC News. On Friday, Smith said authorities believed Johnathan wandered away from his home while following Buck. John-John and Buck being together, if hes following Buck, then theres no telling how far they could have traveled," Smith said, referring to Jonathan. "Like I said, if you just look at stories across the state and the nation where children wonder off, especially with a companion, you know, canines they wonder off two, three miles, four miles." Him and his brother are very adventurous, Smith said, per USA Today. I guess the best way to describe them is just boys being boys. They're just outdoor kids. Johnathans body was found about 2 miles from his fathers home. Buck was found alive near the 4-year-olds body. WVTM-13 did not provide an update on Johnathans older brother. Walker County PD The Boley's dog, Buck PEOPLE could not immediately reach the Walker County Sheriffs Office for comment. On Thursday, King told WBRC that Jameson was taken into custody on an explosives-related charge. Smith told reporters the charge had "nothing to do" with the search for Jonathan, per NBC News. The father was charged with unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child, according to court documents filed Friday in Walker County. There were no live explosives found outside the property, but Smith told WBRC there was "evidence that they have had some type of bomb type materials and that have exploded in the [SIC] on the property. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Jameson served in the U.S. Army from March 2003 until November 2006, WVTM-13 reported. A reason for his discharge was not made public. The news station reported that the sheriff said Jameson has been cooperating with them. A cause of death for Jonathan has not yet been determined. Read the original article on People Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at a press conference at the White House, June 27, 2025. Photo: Abe McNatt / Official White House Photo via Flickr / United States Government Work (The Center Square) Following U.S. strikes against Venezuela resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Saturday the Maduros have been indicted in the Southern District of New York and will be tried on U.S. soil. In a social media post, Bondi confirmed Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted, charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States. The attorney general underscored that the couple will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. In President Donald Trumps announcement of the strikes and captures, he said Maduro and Flores have been flown out of Venezuela, but he did not indicate where the couple was taken or is currently being held. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reposted a message from July, reiterating that Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela, and his regime is NOT the legitimate government. Rubio called Maduro the head of the Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organization that took possession of the country. And he is under indictment for pushing drugs into the United States. In the presidents early morning confirmation of the strike, Trump said the operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. The Caribbean region, specifically off the coast of Venezuela, has been a hotbed of action in recent months, with the U.S. carrying out dozens of strikes on suspected narco-trafficking boats. The U.S. also seized control of oil tankers accused of illegally transporting oil that was subject to sanctions. Last week, Trump confirmed the first strike on Venezuela was carried out on a facility the U.S. claims was used to load drugs. The U.S. Southern Command, which encompasses the Caribbean and the Latin American region, has witnessed a significant military buildup, including the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford and its carrier strike group in the area, in support of Operation Southern Spear. In the wake of the capture of Maduro, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is demanding proof of life of Maduro. As of Saturday morning, it is unclear who is currently in control of Venezuela. Trump said a news conference will be held later in the morning. Key Points Cameco, a leading uranium miner in North America, is in position to benefit from rising domestic demand. Its 49% stake in Westinghouse Electric diversifies its revenue streams within the nuclear value chain. A recent partnership with the U.S. government aims to build more than $80 billion in new reactors. 10 stocks we like better than Cameco It has been a banner year for investors in nuclear energy stocks and related exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Over the last year, the Global X Uranium ETF has surged 61%, while uranium miner Cameco (NYSE: CCJ) has jumped 81%. As one of the top miners in North America, Cameco is well-positioned as the U.S. and other countries look to boost domestic production or nearshore it by relying on nearby countries. The company is benefiting from tailwinds and has one added factor that provides upside amid the nuclear build-out. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue With the stock down 15% from its October peak and trading under $100 per share, is Cameco a buy? Let's dive into the business and its long-term opportunity to find out. Cameco's Westinghouse stake could provide significant upside Cameco mines uranium and provides nuclear infrastructure in North America. The company controls significant assets in key high-grade uranium mines in Canada, has ownership stakes in mines in Kazakhstan, and holds mining rights to uranium deposits in Australia. Also, its processing services refine uranium concentrates into uranium trioxide, a purified intermediate product, which is then converted into the final form required for reactor fuel. Beyond its uranium mining and processing, its stake in Westinghouse Electric offers significant upside. Cameco acquired a 49% stake in Westinghouse Electric in late 2023 and jointly owns it with Brookfield Asset Management. Historically, Cameco was a uranium miner. By owning nearly half of Westinghouse, it gains exposure to different parts of the nuclear value chain. Every new Westinghouse reactor requires a huge initial core load of uranium and decades of fuel reloads, giving Cameco a seat at the table to ensure its uranium and conversion services are the preferred choice for these reactors. Image shows several cooling towers at a utility facility. Image source: Getty Images. This also helps diversify the miner's earnings. It now captures revenue from direct uranium and conversion fuel sales, as well as earnings from Westinghouse's services, maintenance, and construction profits. In the first nine months of 2025, Cameco's share of Westinghouse's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased 78% year over year to $569 million. Westinghouse will be a key player in building nuclear infrastructure In October, the U.S. government, Brookfield, Cameco, and Westinghouse entered into a partnership to meet the rapidly increasing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. As part of the agreement, at least $80 billion worth of new reactors will be built across the U.S. Westinghouse will deploy its AP1000 large-scale reactor and its AP300 small modular reactor, and the partnership is expected to help streamline the permitting process. The AP1000 reactor is fully licensed, modular, and operating at scale in the Western world. It's the only reactor of its kind to use fully passive safety systems (relying on gravity and natural circulation rather than active pumps) and has been certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. With its proven design, it is becoming the default choice for nations seeking to break away from Russian or Chinese energy dependence. And many of the next-generation small modular reactors require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which is currently produced at scale almost exclusively by Russia. Meanwhile, the AP1000 runs on standard low-enriched uranium (LEU), and the infrastructure for LEU already exists in the U.S. and among its allies. By focusing on the AP1000, the U.S. can scale up nuclear power immediately without waiting a decade to build a domestic HALEU enrichment industry. Beyond the $80 billion deal with the U.S. government, Westinghouse is a leading contender for Canada's nuclear expansion, and Poland and Bulgaria are building Westinghouse units to replace Soviet-era reactors. The structure of its partnership with the U.S. government features a profit-sharing mechanism. Once active, the government is entitled to 20% of all cash distributions by Westinghouse that exceed a cumulative total of $17.5 billion. This structure ensures that if Westinghouse becomes highly profitable through government-backed domestic and international expansion, American taxpayers share in that success. Cameco is a top stock for the nuclear build-out Cameco stock isn't cheap, trading at around 92 times this year's projected earnings and 65 times next year's projected earnings. That said, analysts foresee strong growth from Cameco, with earnings per share (EPS) expected to increase by 47% in 2026 and by another 33% in 2027. CCJ Annual EPS Estimates Chart CCJ Annual EPS Estimates data by YCharts; TTM = trailing 12 months. For Cameco shareholders, the Westinghouse stake provides options. If uranium prices remain flat, Cameco could still see strong growth from Westinghouse's high-margin service contracts and new builds. If uranium prices spike, the miner should reap a substantial windfall, which is where the upside potential lies. Cameco is a strong option if you are looking to invest in the nuclear power expansion and believe it can justify the stock's high valuation. Should you buy stock in Cameco right now? 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The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Brookfield Asset Management and Cameco. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Statendam at anchor in the Firth of Forth The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a 77-year-old woman who went overboard on a cruise ship near Cuba on New Years Day. Crews searched for eight hours over 690 square miles (1,787 square kilometers) for the woman, whose name had not been made public, the Coast Guard said. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a 77-year-old woman who went overboard on a cruise ship near Cuba on New Years Day. Getty Images She was aboard the Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Statendam when she went overboard Thursday, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Sabana, Cuba. Details about how the woman went overboard were not immediately available. The Coast Guard said it had deployed helicopters and a large vessel called a cutter to help with the search. Our family assistance team is supporting the guests family, and our thoughts are with the guests loved ones during this difficult time, Holland America Line said in a statement. The ship departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last Saturday for a seven-day cruise in the eastern Caribbean. It was scheduled to dock Friday in Key West, Florida, but the stop was canceled because of the search, the cruise line said. Senate Lawmakers Vote On Health Care Bill (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Congressional Democrats railed against President Donald Trumps overnight military operation in Venezuela on Saturday that resulted in the successful capture and indictment of socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Democratic lawmakers argued Trump lacked legal authority without congressional approval and that it was counter to American interests to use military force against Maduros regime. Republican lawmakers largely praised Trumps military operation with those representing South Floridas large Venezuelan community describing it as an historic day for the Venezuelan people and Latin America. (RELATED: Trump Announces Capture Of Nicolas Maduro During Early Large Scale Attack Against Venezuela) Second unjustified war in my life time, Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat with reported presidential ambitions, wrote on X shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday. This war is illegal, its embarrassing that we went from the world cop to the world bully in less than one year. There is no reason for us to be at war with Venezuela. Democratic New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth blatantly lied to Congress about the Trump administrations objective in Venezuela. Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth looked every Senator in the eye a few weeks ago and said this wasnt about regime change, Kim wrote on X. The New Jersey Democrat also argued the military operation put Americans at risk in Venezuela and in the region. A U.S. official told The New York Times there were no casualties during the military operation. Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, attends a press conference alongside other Senate Democrats outside the US Capitol on Priorities for the 119th Congress in Washington, DC, on January 9, 2025. (Photo by Allison ROBBERT / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images) Democratic Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of Senate Democratic leadership, also argued, We have no vital national interests in Venezuela to justify war. Across the Capitol, House Democrats similarly blasted Trumps use of force against Venezuela, which appeared to be the most direct military intervention in Latin America since former President George H.W. Bushs invasion of Panama in 1989. He says we dont have enough money for healthcare for Americansbut somehow we have unlimited funds for war?? Connecticut Rep. Jim McGovern, the lead Democrat on the influential House Rules Committee, wrote on X. Florida Republicans lauded Trumps capture of Maduro on Saturday following the successful military operation. Thank you, President Donald J. Trump, for changing the course of history in our hemisphere, Republican Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez, who spoke to Rubio following the successful military operation, wrote on X. This is a historic day in Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan, Cuban, and Nicaraguan exile communities in the nation. A new day is here for Venezuela and Latin America, Republican Florida Sen. Rick Scott wrote on X. The United States and our hemisphere are safer because of President Trumps leadership. God bless America and God bless the people of Venezuela! Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee wrote Saturday that Trump likely had legal authority to conduct the military operation. This action likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack, Lee wrote on X after speaking with Rubio. He also said U.S. military action in Venezuela was likely over with the seizure of Maduro, according to his conversation with Rubio. The Trump administration has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader who led a cartel designated as a terrorist organization to traffic drugs into the United States. All they do is complain, Trump said of Democrats in a Saturday morning interview with Fox News. They should say, You know what. We did a great job. Were stopping drugs from coming into this country and no ones been able to do it until we came along. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. By Patricia Zengerle and Erin Banco WASHINGTON, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Democratic members of the U.S. Congress said on Saturday that senior officials of President Donald Trump's administration had misled them during recent briefings about plans for Venezuela by insisting they were not planning regime change in Caracas. The U.S. attacked Venezuela and deposed its long-serving President Nicolas Maduro in an overnight operation, in Washington's most direct intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democrats' leader in the Senate, said he had been told in three classified briefings that the administration was not pursuing regime change or planning to take military action in Venezuela. "They assured me that they were not pursuing those things," Schumer said on a call with reporters. "Clearly they're not being straight with the American people." Schumer said he had not been briefed by Saturday afternoon and called for the administration to fill in not just congressional and intelligence committee leaders, but also all lawmakers by early next week. "They've kept everyone in the total dark," he said. Lawmakers said they wanted more guidance on Trump's plans for Venezuela, after he told reporters he would put the country under U.S. control, for now. "No serious plan has been presented for how such an extraordinary undertaking would work or what it will cost the American people. History offers no shortage of warnings about the costs human, strategic, and moral of assuming we can govern another nation by force," said Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Senate is due to vote next week on whether to block further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval. Trump told reporters he was open to the idea of sending U.S. ground troops into Venezuela, a prospect that has rattled some U.S. lawmakers, including Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, who faces a potentially difficult re-election campaign in November. Meeks called the U.S. action in Venezuela "a national security issue," but said in a Fox News interview: "Iowans do not want troops on the ground in Venezuela." In briefings in November and December by officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, lawmakers said they were told repeatedly that there were no plans for a land invasion inside Venezuela and that the administration was not focused on regime change. "Instead, the Administration consistently misled the American people and their elected representatives," Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement. The Pentagon, State Department and White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. SOME LAWMAKERS SAY ADMINISTRATION LIED Several lawmakers said they felt they had been lied to. "The Administration lied to Congress and launched an illegal war for regime change and oil," Democratic Representative Don Beyer of Virginia said on X. Beyer's district includes the Pentagon, just across the river from Washington. At a news conference on Saturday, Trump said Congress had not been kept fully informed because of concerns that word about his plans would get out. "Congress does have a tendency to leak," Trump told reporters. Members of Congress, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, had been clamoring for more information about his strategy toward the oil-rich South American nation since September, when he began a military build-up in the Caribbean and ordered strikes on boats he said were carrying drugs. "When we had briefings on Venezuela, we asked, 'Are you going to invade the country?' We were told no. 'Do you plan to put troops on the ground?' We were told no. 'Do you intend regime change in Venezuela?' We were told no," Democratic Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts said on CNN. "So in a sense, we have been briefed, we've just been completely lied to." Lawmakers said they were not briefed before the operation, although Rubio called some members of Congress after it took place. Democratic and Republican congressional leaders said they hoped to arrange some briefings after lawmakers return to Washington on January 5 following their year-end recess. Most Republicans praised Trump's action and have declined to discuss what has been said in classified briefings. "President Trump's decisive action to disrupt the unacceptable status quo and apprehend Maduro, through the execution of a valid Department of Justice warrant, is an important first step to bring him to justice for the drug crimes for which he has been indicted in the United States," said Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota. Republican Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, at a press conference in his home state of Florida, said that with Maduro removed from power in Venezuela, the "tyrannies" of Cuba and Nicaragua's leaders were also in jeopardy. "The next two, their days are also counted," he said. Other members of Congress have long accused presidents from both parties of seeking to sidestep the Constitution's requirement that Congress, not the president, approve anything other than brief and limited military action needed to defend the United States. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, Erin Banco, Richard Cowan and Susan Heavey; Editing by Don Durfee, Diane Craft and Nia Williams) PresidentTrumps administration oversaw US military strikes in seven countries across the world in 2025, pursuing a Ronald Reagan-inspired agenda of peace through strength with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the helm. From the sands of the Middle East to the high seas off Venezuelas coast, Trumps first year of his second term in the White House saw an unprecedented series of strikes that belie his self-styled image as a peace president. Renamed the Department of War from Department of Defense under Trump, the Pentagon this year has carried out strikes on Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Syria, Nigeria, Venezuela and the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea. President Trump directed airstrikes in seven countries in 2025. REUTERS Heres a round-up of US military action in 2025. Africa The US conducted and supported strikes against ISIS- and al Qaeda-linked groups, particularly in Somalia, where the first airstrikes of Trumps second administration took place on Feb. 1. American commanders described the missions as precision counterterrorism operations carried out with local governments, aimed at degrading militant leadership and training camps. Some strikes prompted warnings to civilians to avoid unexploded ordnance underscoring the risks in regions already wracked by insurgency. The administration wrapped up its year of strikes on the continent with Christmas Day attacks on Nigeria, with the military hitting ISIS terrorists targeting Christians in Western Africa. Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! Trump wrote on Truth Social. An Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber flies with Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft in the US Southern Command area of responsibility on Oct. 15, 2025. AP I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was, the president continued. Middle East The years most sustained US air campaign came in Yemen, where American warplanes and ships repeatedly struck Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Pentagon said the strikes targeted missiles, drones, radar systems and launch sites after the Houthis ramped up attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea during the conflict in the Middle East. American forces also carried out regular airstrikes and raids in Syria and Iraq, targeting Islamic State fighters and infrastructure, according to US Central Command. The missions included airstrikes on ISIS hideouts, raids with partner forces in the region and retaliatory operations following threats to US troops in the Middle East. A massive plume of smoke went up after the bombs were dropped on a cave complex that was home to Irans nuclear program. X/Donald J. Trump But the most dramatic and influential US targeting in the region occurred on June 22, when the Pentagon sent warplanes to wipe out Tehrans nuclear program following Israels Operation Rising Lion bombing campaign. The Iran strikes dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer set back Tehrans nuclear program by years, the Pentagon said, and served as the United States first operational use of its 30,000-pound bunker buster munitions. Western Hemisphere Trump wrapped up 2025 with a dramatic and unprecedented uptick in US military action in the Western Hemisphere something that is expected to continue into the new year. Far from traditional battlefields, US forces first took the fight in the Western hemisphere to the high sea, with military assets used in operations targeting drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The 35 known boat strikes have killed at least 115 people in 2025. The maritime attacks were meant to disrupt transnational criminal networks tied to violence and instability, as well as to place pressure on Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduros narcoterrorist regime that has caused millions to flee to the US and supported Iranian proxy group Hezbollah in the South American country. The US also conducted strikes on land in Venezuela late last month, but those were carried out by the CIA, rather than the military Its a cabinet of comrades. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has taken his sweet time filling out the highest levels of his administration and many top jobs remain unfilled. The democratic socialist mayors picks so far have been a balance of seasoned government veterans, left-wing activists and more than a few who check both boxes. Here are notable hires for Mamdanis lefty City Hall. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch will remain as Mamdans top cop. Robert Miller Jessica Tisch Esteemed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tischs decision to stay on as top cop and Mamdanis commitment to keep her helped soothe many fears over the socialists incoming administration. Tisch, who was the fourth police commissioner to serve under outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, is widely credited with leading the nations largest police force out of multi-front crisis. Crime has not only ticked sharply downward since Tisch took over in 2024, but she also thinned the departments ranks of dubious officials elevated by Adams cronies. Kamar Samuels will become the schools chancellor for the NYC Department of Education (DOE). Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Kamar Samuels Longtime educator Kamar Samuels will be schools chancellor under Mamdani, taking over the largest public school system in the nation. Samuels as a superintendent on the Upper West Side had worked to dismantle Gifted & Talented programs and tackle racial diversity two priorities shared by Mamdani. Lillian Bonsignore will be the FDNY commissioner after previously being the former chief of EMS operations. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Lillian Bonsignore Lillian Bonsignore will be the second woman to serve as the FDNYs commissioner. The former chief of EMS operations is a highly decorated retired FDNY veteran, but her appointment by Mamdani was met by grumbling from some firefighters. Mike Flynn will become the transportation commissioner and plans to overhaul public transportation, including implementing Mamdanis free bus plan. AP Mike Flynn Mike Flynn will serve as the citys transportation commissioner as Mamdani aims to overhaul public transportation in the city by making buses free. He boasts a decade of experience in the Department of Transportation before he jumped ship to work at a consulting firm. Dean Fuleihan will be Mamdanis right-hand man as first deputy mayor. Derek French/SOPA Images/Shutterstock Dean Fuleihan Dean Fuleihan, a veteran city and state governmental insider, will serve as Mamdanis right-hand under the title first deputy mayor. The position puts Fuleihan back into City Hall, where he previously served as Bill de Blasios budget director and first deputy mayor. He presided over ballooning budgets, but generally carries a reputation as seasoned and pragmatic political hand that could sand off the inexperienced Mamdanis rough edges. Ellie Bisgaard-Church will be Mamdanis chief of staff, where she also held that position in his state Assembly office. Lev Radin/Shutterstock Elle Bisgaard-Church Mamdanis left-hand woman Elle Bisgaard-Church, a Democratic Socialists of America true believer, will serve as his chief of staff, a position she held in his state Assembly office. Bisgaard-Churchs importance to Mamdani is shown by the fact that she was one of his first two appointments, along with Fuleihan. Julie Su will be the deputy mayor for economic justice after previously serving as a cabinet official under President Joe Biden. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Julie Su Julie Su, a controversial cabinet official under President Joe Biden, was tapped to serve as Mamdanis deputy mayor for economic justice a newly created post squarely in the incoming mayors lefty wheelhouse. Before gaining Mamdanis vote of confidence, Su was arguably last best known for failing to get a full confirmation from Congress as Bidens labor secretary over her progressive views. She also presided over widespread fraud during her stint as Californias labor secretary. Sherif Soliman will be the director of the Mayors Office of Management and Budget after working under the de Blasio and Adams administrations. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Sherif Soliman A key architect of congestion pricing Sherif Soliman is going to serve as director of the Mayors Office of Management and Budget under Mamdani. Soliman had served under both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Adams, as well as a board that laid the foundation for congestion pricing tolls to drive in Lower Manhattan. Steven Banks has been tapped as the head of the citys Law Department with the title of corporation counsel. Robert Mecea Steven Banks Steven Banks, a self-described social justice attorney, has been tapped to head the citys Law Department as corporation counsel. Banks previously served as de Blasios homeless services director before returning to his roots as a legal thorn in City Halls side, battling Adams in court as the former mayor tried to roll back right to shelter rules during the migrant crisis. Ramzi Kasseem will be Mamdanis chief counsel, who once defended an al-Qaeda member along with Columbia University anti-Israel leader, Mahmoud Khalil. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Ramzi Kassem A lawyer who once defended an al-Qaeda member will serve as Mamdanis chief counsel, perhaps the most important advisory role in the mayors office. Ramzi Kassems appointment raised eyebrows given his controversial legal work, which also included defending Columbia University anti-Israel leader Mahmoud Khalil. The City University of New York law professor had also served as a senior policy adviser under Biden. Tascha Van Auken will run the newly created Office of Mass Engagement, which will help out New Yorkers, community groups, and faith-based organizations. c-span Tascha Van Auken Tascha Van Auken, a Democratic Socialists of America organizer behind the Mamdani campaigns volunteer field operation, is bringing her skills to City Hall. Mamdani tapped Van Auken to head the newly created Office of Mass Engagement, envisioned to help mobilize New Yorkers, community groups and faith-based organizations. Cea Weaver will be the head of the Mayors Office to Protect Tenants. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Cea Weaver Left-wing activist Cea Weaver was appointed to head a revived Mayors Office to Protect Tenants. Weaver had called for a rent freeze during the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed tenant strikes and championed an eviction ban. Leila Bozorg will serve as deputy mayor for housing and planning after having a key role in former Mayor Eric Adams City of Yes housing initiative. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Leila Bozorg A key player in Adams City of Yes housing initiative is staying on, with an eye toward delivering its promises of more affordable homes. Leila Bozorg has been tapped to serve as deputy mayor for housing and planning. Jahmila Edwards has been appointed as director of intergovernmental affairs, after previously serving in the de Blasio administration. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Jahmila Edwards Jahmila Edwards, another de Blasio administration vet and leader in the powerful DC37 union, will serve as director of intergovernmental affairs. Shell take the lead for drumming up crucial support for Mamdanis socialist agenda among city, state and federal pols. Julia Kerson will serve as Mamdanis deputy mayor of operations after working under former Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Kathy Hochul. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Julia Kerson Julia Kerson is returning to City Hall, where shell serve as Mamdanis deputy mayor of operations. Kerson had served under de Blasio and Gov. Kathy Hochul, as well as worked for the MTA. Mitchell Katz will retain his role leading NYC Health + Hospitals after being involved in the de Blasio and Adams administrations. Paul Martinka Mitchell Katz A familiar face from both de Blasios and Adams administration, Mitchell Katz likely will keep his job leading NYC Health + Hospitals. Katz helped lead the citys response to the coronavirus pandemic. Jason Graham will also stay as the chief medical examiner. James Messerschmidt for NY Post Jason Graham Mamdani also moved to keep Jason Graham as chief medical examiner. Grahams work investigating overdose deaths was highlighted by Mamdanis team as they announced hed stay on. Sam Levine has been tapped to be the latest commissioner of Consumer and Worker Protection. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Sam Levine Sam Levine will be commissioner of Consumer and Worker Protection. Hes an alumnus of former President Joe Bidens administration, where he served as director of the Federal Trade Commissions Bureau of Consumer Protection. Ali Najmi will be chair for the Mayors Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. AP Ali Najmi Civil rights attorney Ali Najmi is leading a revamped group that appoints local judges. Najmi will be chair for the Mayors Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. Ahmed Tigani will be the citys buildings commissioner after having previous experience with the de Blasio and Adams administrations. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Ahmed Tigani Ahmed Tigani, a veteran of both de Blasios and Adams City Halls, will serve as the citys buildings commissioner. Tigani had served as acting commissioner for the citys Housing Preservation & Development agency under Adams. Louise Yueng will serve as chief climate officer after working for former city Comptroller Brad Lander. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Louise Yueng The citys fight against climate change has a new leader. Louise Yeung, who worked for former city Comptroller Brad Lander after a stint in the Department of Transportation, was appointed by Mamdani to serve as chief climate officer. Emily Liss will head the office of childcare. Instagram / Zohran Mamdani Emily Liss Another veteran of de Blasios administration Emily Liss was tapped by Mamdani to head the office of childcare. A few predecessor hires that will stay on include Zach Iscol, who is the citys emergency management commissioner throughout the winter. Stephen Yang for the NY Post Interim appointees and holdovers Despite working to reverse many of Adams moves, Mamdani has kept several of his predecessors hires. Zach Iscol, the citys emergency management commissioner, and Department of Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan will stay in their positions on an interim basis through the winter storm season. Likewise, Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael Garner and Chief Administrative Officer Mir Bashar will stay in their jobs. Department of Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan will also stay put throughout the winter season. Robert Miller Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael Garner also had his role retained. Stephen Yang Chief Administrative Officer Mir Bashar will also stay put in his role for the time being. Facebook / Mir Bashar Already gone Catherine Almonte Da Costa, an early Mamdani hire to be tasked with making appointments for his administration, flamed out after one day. Early Mamdani appointee Catherine Almonte Da Costa resigned last month, after online posts showing multiple antisemitic comments being resurfaced, including ranting about money hungry Jews and defunding NYPD piggies. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com She resigned after unearthed online posts showed a series of antisemitic comments online including rants about money hungry Jews and defunding NYPD piggies. Police in Columbus, Ohio, are asking for the public's help as they search for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a dentist and his wife on the city's Near East Side. Officers were dispatched just after 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 for a welfare check, according to a statement from the Columbus Division of Police. When they arrived, they found two adults identified as Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39 both with apparent gunshot wounds. The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Investigators said no weapons were found at the scene and there were no signs of forced entry. Two children, a 1-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, were found inside the home uninjured. A coworker had called 911 after Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work at a dental clinic in Athens and could not be reached, CBS affiliate WBNS reported. Columbus police went to the home and knocked on the front and back doors repeatedly, but no one answered. Later that morning, another worried coworker called 911 from outside the home and told the dispatcher they could hear kids inside. A friend got into the house and saw Spencer's body. Spencer and Monique Tepe / Credit: Rob Misleh Investigators are now seeking video, photographs or other digital evidence that may show suspicious people or vehicles in the area around the time of the shooting. They are particularly interested in footage from the surrounding neighborhood between midnight and 9 a.m. on Dec. 30. The area of interest is bordered by Summit Street to the east, North Grant Avenue to the west, East 7th Avenue to the south and East 11th Avenue to the north. Information may be provided anonymously, police said. In a statement released by family, loved ones described Spencer and Monique Tepe as devoted parents and partners whose lives were centered on service, family and community. "We are heartbroken beyond words," the statement said. "While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply." ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve terror attack in North Carolina was prevented, officials say High school softball coach recruited ex-player in murder plot, prosecutors say Mamdani signs executive orders undoing some of Eric Adams' orders The Coral Adventurer departed the city of Cairns earlier this month (Bahnfrend/Wikimedia) Passengers aboard a cruise ship that ran aground off the coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be flown back to Australia. Around 124 people, including 44 crew members, were aboard the Coral Adventurer when it hit a coral reef off the coast of the country early on Saturday morning. There were no casualties onboard. The 80 passengers on the ship who left from Cairns, in northern Australia, will be flown back home from the city of Lae after efforts to reground the vessel failed, ABC reports. PNG Maritime Rescue Chief Search and Rescue Coordinator, Ben Keri, told ABC that attempts to free the ship using its own engines and a tug boat were unsuccessful. Suzanne Rees died after being left behind on a remote island (AP) The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it had started a safety investigation into the incident. "Should a critical safety issue be identified at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify the operators of the ship and other relevant parties so that appropriate and timely safety action can be taken," the agency said in a statement. "A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation." Police in PNG said the hull of the ship did not suffer major damage. The incident came just weeks after an elderly passenger on the ship died after being left behind on a remote island. Suzanne Rees, 80, was hiking on Lizard Island with other passengers from the Coral Adventurer when she started feeling unwell and became separated from the group. Believing she had made her way back to the ship alone, her fellow hikers returned to the vessel and it left the island without her. The crew realised she was missing and returned to the island to look for her. But a day later, on 25 October, Ms Rees was found dead. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Ms Rees' daughter, Katherine Rees, has previously said that the family was shocked and saddened that the Coral Adventurer left Lizard Island after an organised excursion without my mum, Suzanne. From the little we have been told, it seems that there was a failure of care and common sense, she told The Australian. I hope that the coronial inquiry will find out what the company should have done that might have saved Mums life, the daughter said. The CEO of Coral Expeditions, Mark Fifield, said that the company offered its full support to the Rees family and cancelled the remainder of the voyage. Russian President Vladimir Putins wild claim that a swarm of Ukrainian drones targeted his home was a bold-faced lie made out of desperation to undermine peace negotiations, retired Army Gen. Jack Keane argued Friday. Hes not capable of taking Ukraine He knows that the economy is crunching in on him, Keane, a Fox News military analyst, said of Putin during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In contrast, the retired four-star general observed that President Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, have appeared unified and made progress on coming to an agreed position to end the war. Putin complained to Trump on a phone call earlier this week about the alleged drone attack. MIKHAIL METZEL/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock Putin resented what was taking place and resorted to lying to Trump about the purported drone attack in an effort to derail talks, according to Keane. In desperation, he talks to the president about Ukraine attacking his residence and hes shutting down negotiations that is a bold-faced lie, Keane said. Keane cited an analysis conducted by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, which determined there is no evidence to back up the Kremlins claim that Putins country home in Russias northwest Novgorod region was targeted by 91 Ukrainian drones. No social media in the neighborhood blowing up on the social media sites like they always do when there is a major drone attack, the retired general noted. Keane argued that the Trump administration should reevaluate Putins sincerity about wanting peace. foxnews No air defense systems firing anything, no evidence of any damage, no evidence of any drones on the ground being destroyed, he continued. And now the United States government, I think, is leaking the fact that this did not happen. CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump about the alleged attack on Wednesday, a source told The Post. That afternoon, Trump posted a link to The Posts editorial arguing that Putin was likely lying about the alleged assault. A CIA assessment backed the conclusion of other US national security officials that Kyiv did not attempt to attack Putins home, according to the Wall Street Journal. Zelensky has also dismissed the Russian tyrants claim as a complete fabrication. The Kremlin claims it downed 91 Ukrainian drones targeting Putins country home. RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY PRESS SERVICE/HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock Keane argued that the Trump administration should reevaluate Putins sincerity and consider stiff sanctions on Russia if talks continue. He is lying to us about peace negotiations and his desire for peace, Keane asserted. I think weve got to rework our thought process and how to deal with him, and it may be time now to double down on maximum sanctions and maximum military pressure, he added. An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Donald Trump is wisely refusing to put any daylight between the United States and Israel, much to the chagrin of some loud members of his coalition. His meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu this week followed much speculation and fervent wishes the president would rebuke the prime minister. Leakers inside the Trump administration told Axios the White House blames Netanyahu for slow-walking the peace process and has grown increasingly frustrated with him. Vice President JD Vance has signaled that he and his allies take issue with the Israeli leader, and the nature of the American-Israeli relationship more generally. At Turning Point USAs America Fest, Vance admonished conservative commentator Ben Shapiro for urging attendees to reject Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens conspiracy-mongering. Later, the veep suggested criticism of Carlson and concern over white nationalist Nick Fuentes influence was coming from people who want to avoid having a foreign-policy conversation about Americas relationship with Israel. We should be able to say, We agree with Israel on that issue, and we disagree with Israel on this other issue, argued Vance, though it was not particularly clear whom he was arguing with. His boss clearly rejects that faulty framing of the issue entirely. At Mar-a-Lago, Trump fired a brushback pitch by the ear of those whod abandon his historically successful foreign-policy approach, showering Netanyahu and his country with praise before the pair rang in the new year together. Trump described his relationship with the PM as great, even going so far as to muse I dont think it can be better and to deem his Israeli counterpart a hero. Asked about Israels compliance with the Gaza peace deal, Trump professed not to be concerned about anything that Israels doing. Israel has lived up to the plan 100%, he added. He also threatened to once again eradicate Irans nuclear program, and vowed thered be hell to pay if Hamas doesnt disarm. The presidents instincts regarding both Israel and its enemies are sage. Despite the bellyaching from antisemitic Groypers and naive isolationists, the US-Israel alliance remains a political and geostrategic imperative. The vast majority of GOPers, and an even larger proportion of self-styled MAGA Republicans, believe as much, per a recent Reagan Institute poll: 79% of that latter cohort consider Israel an ally; 72% believe the United States should continue arming it. A whopping 87% approve of Americas crippling of the Iranian nuclear program. At the TPUSA conference, a straw poll reinforced the point: Fully 87% of the audience called Israel an ally, with 33% identifying it as a top ally. Even a much more Israel-skeptical pool of respondents to a recent Manhattan Institute survey found nearly five times as many Republicans (55%) believe Israel is an ally than dont (12%). Yes, reasonable criticisms can be made of the worlds only Jewish-majority state, and younger Republicans are less pro-Israel than the old guard. The Manhattan Institute found the edge by pro-Israel respondents is much smaller (39%-24%) among so-called New Entrant Republicans. But thats a reason to reaffirm the time-honored principles and self-interested calculations that have made America and Israel friends, not to bend to the whims of a misguided minority. And contrary to the claims of that minority, that friendship redounds to the benefit of the United States. Israel is the only liberal democracy and Americas most trusted ally in the Middle East, where nearly half the planets oil reserves lie and anti-American Islamist regimes dominate. It provides the US with valuable intelligence and has demonstrated a willingness to take action in support of US operations, as it did by securing air supremacy over Iran before Trumps successful strikes on its nuclear program. American support of Israel, despite the compelling moral case for it, isnt a gift; its an investment that continues to pay dividends. Donald Trump isnt dividing the MAGA coalition by standing with Israel, the anti-Israel obsessives are by insisting on a foolish turnabout that would leave both the Republican Party and America worse off. If the winds are blowing against Israel among the youth, patriotic leaders ought not follow them down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories and far-left, anti-American assumptions. Instead, they must make the case for this indispensable alliance on its merits, as Trump has. And confront, as Shapiro has, the likes of Carlson and Fuentes head-on. Trumps chummy holiday meet-up with Netanyahu was an implicit reprimand of the anti-Israel agitators. His would-be successors should take note. Isaac Schorr is a senior editor at Mediaite. President Trump on Friday shared an AI-generated image mocking Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), the latest in his feud with the governor since his return to the White House almost one year ago. The image shared on Truth Social depicts Pritzker in a city, surrounded by flames and homeless encampments around him, with people lying on the ground. The governor is shown carrying a cheeseburger in his right hand while raising up a sign in his other hand that reads: Chicago doesnt need help. We have everything under control. The Hill has reached out to Pritzkers office for comment. Trump has railed against the governor over crime in Chicago. The Trump administration deployed the National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to handle crime and enforce federal immigration laws there, respectively. The Supreme Courts ruling against Trumps deployment of Guard members in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland led the president to withdraw troops. Trump vowed on Truth Social on Wednesday that troops will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again Only a question of time! Days earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul (D) claiming that two Illinois state laws represent an unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers and threaten the safety of federal officers. The DOJ claimed that federal officers have seen more harassment and threats of violence in recent months. The first of the two laws, the Illinois Bivens Act, allows individuals the right to sue anyone who violates the state constitution or U.S. Constitution while carrying out civil immigration enforcement. The Court Access, Safety, and Participation Act bans civil immigration arrests of anyone attending state court proceedings in good faith. Pritzker clapped back at the administration, saying its masked agents are not targeting the worst of the worst they are harassing and detaining law-abiding U.S. citizens and Black and Brown people at daycares, hospitals, and courthouses, a spokesperson previously told The Hill. Trump has used AI on social media to mock political opponents before. He previously posted AI-generated videos insulting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), as well as No Kings protesters. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Irans foreign minister has branded Donald Trumps warning reckless and dangerous after he said the US will intervene if peaceful protesters are killed. The US president posted a statement on Truth social which read: "If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescueWe are locked and loaded and ready to go. Although it is not clear what the US would do in response to any killings, in the past Trump has carried out strikes on Irans nuclear sites, which led to retaliatory strikes on a US base in Qatar. In response to Trumps latest statement, Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, said the countrys armed forces were prepared on standby and "know exactly where to aim" in the event of an attack. As of Saturday morning, at least eight people have reportedly died during the week-long protests held in Iran. The protests are largely against the collapse of the countrys currency and calling for the overthrow of the supreme leader Ayatollah Kamenei. Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, said Iran's armed forces were prepared on standby and "know exactly where to aim" in the event of an attack (AP) Many of the countrys economic hardships have persisted since the US first imposed tariffs on the countrys government in 2018. Araghchi said that Iranians impacted by a transient exchange rate volatility have recently been peacefully protesting, as is their right. But he warned that that separate to that there have been isolated incidents of violent riotsincluding attacks on a police station and throwing of Molotov cocktails at police officers. An eyewitness video has been circulating online which showcases cars burning and overturned outside a police station in Azna, Iran, in what experts are calling the biggest protests in the nation for years. Araghchi said: Given President Trumps deployment of the National Guard within U.S. borders, he of all people should know that criminal attacks on public property cannot be tolerated. An eyewitness video has been circulating online which showcases cars burning and overturned outside a police station in Azna, Iran, amidst what experts are calling the biggest protests in the nation for years (Social media) This is why President Trumps message today, likely influenced by those who fear diplomacy or mistakenly believe it is unnecessary, is reckless and dangerous. As in the past, the Great People of Iran will forcefully reject any interference in their internal affairs. Similarly, our Powerful Armed Forces are on standby and know exactly where to aim in the event of any infringement of Iranian sovereignty. Similarly, Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to the Ayatollah, Iranians know US rescue record well, from Iraq and Afghanistan to Gaza. Any intervening hand-nearing Iran Security on pretexts will be cut off with a regret inducing response. Irans national security is a red line, not material for adventurist tweets. Pedestrians run after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. Credit - Matias DelacroixAssociated Press President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after carrying out a large-scale strike against the country. The attack follows months of pressure from the Trump Administration on Maduro to cede power in the South American country over long-standing accusations of drug trafficking and election rigging. It represents the largest U.S. military operation in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, when, as today, the U.S. captured the country's leader, Manuel Antonio Noriega. Read more: Trump Signals Long-Term Involvement in Venezuela After Capturing President The raid is the second major military campaign launched by the president since returning to office a year ago, following widespread airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in June. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the Country, adding that the operation "was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Maduro was indicted on corruption and drug trafficking charges in the U.S. in 2020. The State Department had announced a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction. We were going to do this four days ago, but the weather was not perfect, and then all of a sudden it opened up and we said go, Trump said in an interview with Fox & Friends hours after the operation. He was in a highly guarded it was like a fortress actually, he said, adding that no American troops were killed. Trump also said the U.S. would be involved in deciding Venezuela's future: We'll be involved in it very much. We can't take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left, or left off, he said. Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. President had offered Maduro multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been indicted in New York and would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. Read more: Trump Advisors and Venezuela Opposition Leaders Plan for Maduros Departure Witnesses reported strikes in the capital, Caracas, beginning around 2 am local time, with videos posted to social media showing large explosions and what appeared to be U.S. military aircraft flying low over the city. Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez told The Associated Press that Maduro and his wife were at their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation when they were captured. That's where they bombed, he said. And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country. The Venezuelan government said attacks also occurred in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Photographs showed parts of Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuelas largest military complex, engulfed in flames. In a national address, Venezuelas defense minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino Lopez denounced what he called an invasion and a blatant outrage. The statement was the first response from Maduro's government since the strikes began. Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is next in line to take charge of government, said she did not know the whereabouts of either Maduro or his wife. We demand that President Donald Trump's government provide immediate proof of life for President Maduro and the First Lady, Rodriguez said in an audio played on state TV. Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026. Luis Jaimes AFP via Getty Images Trump has repeatedly called Maduro an illegitimate president and his administration has accused him of running a narco state, without providing evidence. He said in an interview last month that Maduro's days are numbered. Republican U.S. Senator Mike Lee said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had told him Maduro would stand trial on criminal charges in the United States. He informed me that Nicolas Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant, Lee said in a post on X. He added that Rubio "anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody." Maduro had earlier declared a state of emergency in response to the attacks, according to a statement from the Venezuelan communications ministry. The statement said the government rejects, repudiates, and denounces U.S. military aggression. At least 115 people have been killed since September in the U.S. strikes against alleged boats that the Trump Administration claims are smuggling drugs. Analysts and legal experts have questioned the legality of the boat strikes, which have been carried out without congressional approval. The Trump Administration has been building up military forces in the region for months while ratcheting up threats against Venezuela's government. The Pentagon deployed 10 F-35s to Puerto Rico. The U.S.S. Gerald Ford, thought to be the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, recently joined eight warships and some 10,000 troops already in the region. Trump also authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. Maduro responded directly to the revelation, calling the move a desperate attempt at regime change. A Pentagon spokesperson referred TIMEs questions to the White House. The White House directed TIME to President Trump's post on Truth Social. Contact us at letters@time.com. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Aug. 18, 2025. Photo: Andrea Hanks / Official White House Photo via Flickr / United States Government Work (The Center Square) The international community is reacting to the news that President Donald Trump announced early in the morning on social media: The U.S. carried out a series of strikes on Venezuela overnight and apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. In the hours since, many world leaders have come out against Americas actions, including from Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Columbia, China, Iran and Russia. The Mexican government released an official statement strongly condemning the attack, saying the U.S. was in clear violation of the United Nations Charter. The Government of Mexico rejects the military actions unilaterally carried out in recent hours by the armed forces of the United States of America against targets within the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the statement reads. The government then implored the U.N. to intervene. It also urges the United Nations to act immediately to help de-escalate tensions, facilitate dialogue, and create conditions that allow for a peaceful, sustainable solution in accordance with international law. Leader of Communist Cuba and Maduro ally, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, was one of the first to publicly denounce the attack, taking to X just before 3 AM Saturday. Like Mexico, Cuba called on a response from the international community against what Diaz-Canel called the criminal attack. Our #ZonaDePaz is being brutally assaulted, he wrote, referring to a 2014 declaration by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States establishing the region as a Zone of Peace. The U.S. and Canada were not party to the declaration. The Russian Foreign Ministry, another Maduro ally, released an official statement saying that Venezuela must be allowed to determine its own destiny without any destructive, especially military, interference from outside. It has joined others in calling for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting to condemn Americas actions and encourage a peaceful resolution. Several Western leaders have expressed concern for international law without outright condemning the attack. I want to establish the facts first, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved ... and I always say and believe we should all uphold international law. The leaders of Argentina, Ecuador and Ukraine, on the other hand, expressed full support for Americas actions. Freedom advances. Long live freedom, damnit, wrote Argentinian President Javier Milei on X. Ukraine has consistently defended the right of nations to live freely, free of dictatorship, oppression, and human rights violations, wrote the Ukrainian foreign ministry in a statement. The Maduro regime has violated all such principles in every respect. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in New York and that Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts, Bondi wrote on X. Getty Perth Airport NEED TO KNOW A New Zealand man was arrested after breaking through security and running onto the tarmac at Perth Airport, police say The Dec. 30 incident happened after the man was allegedly not allowed to board because he was intoxicated The man could face a fine of over $10,000 if convicted for the incident A passenger at Perth Airport didn't travel very far following an incident on Dec. 30. According to the New Zealand outlet RNZ, a 25-year-old man was arrested for breaking through security and running onto the tarmac at the Australian airport. The man was believed to be intoxicated and was not allowed to board his flight. He then reportedly broke glass and set off an alarm, and shoved through airline staff in the international terminal. Getty Stock image of an airplane on a tarmac Australian police say that he ran through the "airside," which is the area between the boarding gates and the airplane and is restricted for anyone without permission. He then allegedly headed out onto the tarmac towards the plane. The man was stopped before he could board by airport staff and the police were contacted. The Australian Federal Police charged him with "one count of entering an airside area or airside security zone of a security-controlled airport without permission." The man was scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court the day after the incident. If convicted for the security breach, he could be fined $15,650 in Australian dollars, equivalent to $10,473.76 in the United States. "Airside restrictions exist to ensure the safety and security of the travelling public and workers," AFP Acting Superintendent Hayly Faithfull said in a statement. Adding: "If you choose to ignore the warnings and enter an airside security zone without permission, you will potentially face prosecution." PEOPLE contacted the Australian Federal Police and Perth Airport and did not receive an immediate response. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. This isn't the first time an intoxicated passenger interrupted air travel in the region. In September, on a flight from Sydney to Queenstown in Australia, a woman was accused of drunkenly dancing and cursing at the flight crew. Her behavior led to the pilots aborting takeoff. "A New Zealand woman, 50, will appear in court after being removed from a flight for alleged intoxicated behavior, including dancing in the aisle while the plane was taxiing for takeoff and ignoring cabin crew instructions," the Australian Federal Police posted about the incident on Facebook. Read the original article on People Elon Musk looks on during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White Hous As people age, sometimes, their judgment can get clouded. With the rise of financial scams targeting the elderly, this can be even more worrisome. If you have a parent in this kind of situation, it may be time to intervene. A Reddit user recently took to the platform after learning about a few disturbing aspects of his 80-year-old mother's finances. For one thing, she was behind on her bills, including a $28,000 mortgage on a home that was previously paid off. The mortgage company said she was 10 months behind on payments and on the cusp of foreclosure. Just as unsettling, the poster learned that their mother purchased more than $50,000 in Apple gift cards from various stores that she was giving to her boyfriend to supposedly convert to Bitcoin. She was also in talks to sell her house to a company that buys homes as-is which often means getting a lowball offer. Once confronted, the mother told the poster that her boyfriend was Elon Musk, and that she was sending him all of those gift cards because the government froze his assets. The poster tried to explain to their mother that she'd been scammed, but she didn't seem to understand. If you have an elderly family member, it's important to take steps to ensure that they don't fall into a similar trap and know what to do when they stop making sound financial decisions. Must Read Deepfake scams are on the rise As AI evolves, criminals are increasingly able to use it to defraud other people by creating recordings or videos where people appear to be saying certain things or taking certain actions. A criminal may have created videos or recordings of Musk using the mothers name specifically and engaging in conversation that was all fraudulent. But its easy to see why communication like that might seem real, especially for an older person who may not be as aware of these scams as someone who grew up using the internet. Scams like these are known as deepfakes, and they're on the rise. During the first half of 2025 alone, victims lost $410 million to deepfake scams, according to Surfshark. In 2024, deepfakes cost victims $359 million. (1) Unfortunately, older people may be more likely to be targets of deepfake scams. In 2023, people over the age of 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to cyber scams, according to FBI Los Angeles. (2) And there was a 14% increase in complaints filed with the Internet Crime Complaint Center among older victims compared to the year prior. Its one thing to fall victim to a deepfake scam and lose some money because of it. But its another thing to be making poor financial decisions across the board. If thats happening to a loved one of yours, its important to take action. How to protect loved ones from financial scams If you're worried about a loved one of yours falling victim to an online scam, it's important to educate them on what to look out for. First, encourage your loved one to never send personal financial details in response to a random call, text, or email. All a criminal needs is their Social Security number to steal their identity. Next, educate them on fraud and deepfake scams. Videos or communication that are a scam may be glitchy, out of sync (meaning the speaker's lips may not be moving in sync with their voice), or feature a voice that might sound unnaturally monotonous. It's also important to stress to loved ones that famous people are unlikely to be entering into a relationship with them or asking for money or help. The problem, of course, is that sometimes, people can be lured in by random folks on the internet claiming to want a relationship. Being asked to send money, especially in the form of gift cards, is almost always a red flag. As for the poster above, their mother may not be totally out of luck. The FTC says that if you've been scammed and report it to the company whose gift cards you bought, you may be able to get your money back if you have a detailed record of the purchases. But generally speaking, whether youre able to get your money back or not depends on how quickly you take action, as well as the specific circumstances of your situation. Either way, its important to report the fraud to the FTC so that it can investigate and try to prevent it from happening again. Read More: This $1B private real estate fund is now accessible to non-millionaires. Heres how you can get started with as little as $10 When to take legal action When an elderly loved one of yours isn't making sound financial decisions and also resists your help, you may need to take certain legal steps to protect them. According to the Elder Care Alliance, a power of attorney is a good way to gain control of an aging loved one's finances when they're no longer capable of managing their money themselves. (3) But you cant force a loved one into giving you their power of attorney. They have to voluntarily agree to it and be of sound mind when they do. It may also be a good idea to call the Adult Protective Services (APS) if you feel a loved one is being exploited or abused in some way. That said, APS operates differently in each state, and the criteria to get help can differ depending on where you are. (4) You can also talk to an attorney about becoming a loved one's guardian. This is a legal arrangement where you're able to make decisions on a loved one's behalf because a court has deemed them to be incapable of making their own sound decisions. Unlike a power of attorney, guardianship is typically considered a last resort because a court has to oversee the process and approve the appointment. If you have a loved one whos making poor financial decisions such as in the situation above, you may want to talk to an elder law attorney to review the details of your situation. They should be able to advise you on the best steps to take. What To Read Next Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. Surfshark (1); FBI (2); Elder Care Alliance (3); Congress.gov (4). This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. President Trump's move to authorize the US military to capture and extract Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro opens up a ream of questions on what will become of Venezuela's massive oil reserves. Since oil markets opened Sunday evening, futures on international pricing benchmark Brent crude (BZ=F) and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude (CL=F) have swung between small gains and losses. Traders, hesitant to move too early on what is likely to remain a tough-to-predict situation for months, will be watching for any swings as chances for an eventual reopening of the Venezuelan oil market or a more drastic shuttering or both are priced in. Experts say the longer-tail impact will depend on what Venezuela's post-Maduro landscape looks like, If the country quickly stabilizes around a more democratic leader such as opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, foreign investment flows in, and US and other international oil companies see a decreased risk profile such as what happened in Syria after Bashar al-Assad was removed from power a more open Venezuela is likely to be bearish for oil prices as more supply is added to the market over the coming years. If, however, Venezuela looks more like Libya after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi, where the country remained in disarray and foreign capital was loath to enter, a further constriction of the Venezuelan oil market would almost certainly provide some degree of bullish support to global prices. Read more: How to protect your money during economic turmoil, stock market volatility Trump has signaled that he has little faith in Machado, who accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in December, and has instead signaled at least initial support for the current Venezuelan vice president and Maduro confidant, Delcy Rodriguez, who is currently serving as acting president on an interim basis. At least in the shorter term, Jorge Leon, the head of geopolitical analysis for industry intelligence firm Rystad Energy, told Yahoo Finance that he expects Venezuela to look more like post-Gaddafi Libya, owing to remaining support for Maduro's Chavismo movement inside the country and multiple opposition leaders in exile who are all likely to vie for power. "If that is the case, then we are likely to see a slightly bullish increase in geopolitical risk and slightly bullish [impact] on pricing in the short term," Leon said. Trump, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday, said that the US will "run the country" until the US government can configure a "just" transition to a more democratic leader in Venezuela, opening up questions about what leadership in the country will look like. President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla., as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Whichever way the situation goes, the impact on global prices is likely not to be extreme. Despite sitting on the largest proved oil reserves in the world, the South American nation has been relegated to only a minor player on the world exporting stage since its petroleum industry was fully nationalized under Hugo Chavez's leadership in the early 2000s. Thirty years ago, Venezuela was pumping more than 3 million barrels per day, and a decade ago, the country was pumping more than 2.5 million barrels per day. Today, Venezuela produces less than 1 million barrels per day, accounting for less than 1% of global supply. There isn't enough supply at risk, adding to Leon's predictions that any impact is, at least in the short term, likely to be muted. Even if Venezuela were to quickly stabilize and open up, any bearish impact would likely be small as well, at least in the short term, Leon said. Venezuela's oil infrastructure has faced chronic underinvestment since it was nationalized under Chavez, and the country has suffered significant brain drain as oil experts have left the country to work in more stable regions around the world. New leadership would also have to convince international oil operators that the country is indeed safe and stable enough for them to reestablish operations. Chevron (CVX) is the only remaining US oil company operating in Venezuela, after most international companies were pushed out or left the country under Chavez, and Chevron operates under a very limited sanctions exemption granted by the US Treasury Department. Chevron told Yahoo Finance in a statement that the company "remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets" and "continue[s] to operate in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations." Of Venezuela's exports, Chevron ships roughly 120,000 to 150,000 barrels per day of crude oil to US refiners, making up such a tiny share of US imports as to be effectively zeroed. For that reason, Leon said, US consumers are likely to notice little to no difference at the gas pump, where crude oil pricing makes up roughly half of the per-barrel price of gas. "I don't think it's a matter of a few months," Leon told Yahoo Finance. "I think we're talking about years, three to five years, before we see Venezuela exporting, let's say, 2 million barrels per day." The El Palito terminal near Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, on December 29, 2025. (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Hernandez) (Reuters / Reuters) President Trump said Saturday that the US, as part of its "running" of Venezuela, would "rebuild the oil infrastructure" and that the American oil industry would spend billions on the effort. Adding to the limited impact, Venezuelan crude is a heavy, sour grade of oil, useful for industrial products such as diesel and jet fuel, but not of the quality used for gasoline. The US benchmark WTI, on the other hand, is a light, sweet grade of crude that works well for refinement into gasoline. "Unless there's a very smooth transition, which I don't think is likely to happen, we're probably going to see an increase in prices of less than $5 per barrel, let's say $2 to $3 per barrel, on Monday and next week," Leon said. "That would probably have a very, very marginal impact on US consumers at the end of the day." 'Above-ground factors' The move by the US military to extract Maduro to face charges stateside also comes at a moment when the global oil market is already facing a downturn. Brent and WTI spent 2025 sliding downward, shedding nearly 20% each over the course of the year. The dominant narrative in 2025's oil market was and continues to be one of a coming wave of oversupply that is depressing prices globally, now expected to reach an overhang of more than 3 million barrels per day. The OPEC+ cartel, which counts Venezuela as a founding member, spent April through December unwinding production cuts and adding an increasing amount of supply to the global market as cartel leader Saudi Arabia looks to regain market share. US shale producers and other oil exporters in the Americas also spent the year maintaining or raising production levels. At a regularly scheduled meeting on Sunday, the member countries confirmed a previously decided pause on production rate changes through the first quarter of 2026. The largest buyer of Venezuelan crude by a large margin is China, which spent 2025 heavily stockpiling oil far beyond its domestic need, helping to buoy global crude prices. China buys roughly 80% of the oil exports from Venezuela, as Chinese refiners are able to purchase the barrels at steep discounts due to the geopolitical risk premium applied to them by the market. While China would likely be frustrated to lose the barrels if that supply is to be choked off, "it's not the end of the world" for China, Leon said, where the bigger risk for Beijing would be to risk escalating geopolitical tensions with the US. A Chinese oil tanker that has been transporting Venezuelan crude to China for the last five years and was heading for Venezuela, diverted and set course for Nigeria, and there are four other tankers bound for Venezuela that are sitting idle at sea, said Ben Emons, the managing director of Highline Wealth Partners. President Trump said at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday that the US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuela remains in place. A lack of heavy and sour Venezuelan crude on the market may signal temporary price support for Canadian blends, which have similar grading profiles. The Trump administration's timing for the move against Maduro, Leon said, may actually be serendipitous for the oil industry. If Venezuela remains unstable and prices are elevated amid higher risk and a slightly lowered global supply, those dynamics may actually help to somewhat offset this coming wave of oversupply. But going forward, much of the impact on the oil market will depend on how the situation in Venezuela evolves over the next few months, Leon told Yahoo Finance. "[It's not] a problem of below-ground factors," Leon said. "It is the above-ground factors." Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled the name of the acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez. We regret the error. Jake Conley is a breaking news reporter covering US equities for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @byjakeconley or email him at jake.conley@yahooinc.com. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance President Donald Trump signaled an extended American involved in Venezuela after the U.S. military captured Nicolas Maduro to face drug charges in New York. In comments to reporters on Saturday, Trump said U.S. officials would be in charge and didnt shy away from putting troops in the country. Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe proper and judicious transition, he said. Trump also suggested the U.S. would use Venezuelas oil wealth to pay for the mission and reimburse American companies that operated there previously but whose assets were nationalized by the socialist regime. In addition, he predicted U.S. energy companies would spend billions of dollars to rebuild the countrys oil infrastructure and boost extraction. At the same time, Trump added that the U.S. oil embargo on Venezuela will remain in effect. He suggested the U.S. State Department and Pentagon will control Venezuela with the cooperation of officials in the Maduro government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in contact with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who said well do whatever you need, according to Trump. I think she was quite gracious, but she really doesnt have a choice, he added. Were going to have this done right. Were not going to just do this with Maduro then leave like everybody elseleave and say, you know, let it go to hell. If we just left, it has zero chance of ever coming back. Well run it properly. Well run it professionally. Trump dismissed opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year, as a potential new leader, saying she lacks enough support at home. For her part, Machado said on social media that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, whom the opposition says won last years election, must immediately assume his constitutional mandate as president. When pressed on the potential role of the U.S. military going forward and whether there will be boots on the ground, Trump left it open as a possibility. Were not afraid of boots on the ground, he said. Were not afraid of it. Were we dont mind saying it, and were gonna make sure that that country is run properly. Were not doing this in vain. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine told reporters that U.S. forces remain in the region at a high state of readiness. Trump said the military is ready to stage another, much larger attack if necessary, but said that appears unlikely given the success of the initial strike. Meanwhile, the U.S. fleet that has assembled in the region will remain in position until U.S. demands have been fully met and fully satisfied, he said. For now, U.S. involvement appears focused on the energy sector, according to his remarks. Venezuela has the worlds largest proved oil reserves, but production has waned and the economy has collapsed amid American sanctions and Maduros mismanagement. Were gonna have presence in Venezuela as it pertains to oil, Trump said. Were sending our expertise in, so you may need something, not very much. But now were gonna be taking out a tremendous amount of wealth out of the ground, and that wealth is going to the people of Venezuela and people from outside of Venezuela that used to be in Venezuela. And it goes also to the United States of America in the form of reimbursement for the damages caused us by that country. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com FRANCE-POLITICS-PENSIONS-STRIKE-DEMONSTRATION (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images) Berlin police arrested over 420 people on New Years Eve amid widespread violence and attacks on emergency responders. The arrests came after the city deployed 3,200 officers for the New Years Eve operation, and police logged 2,340 additional incidents beyond the major Silvester deployment, according to a statement from the State Administration for the Interior and Sport. Berlins fire brigade responded to 1,830 calls throughout the night. (RELATED: Famous Church Burns As Netherlands Police Face Unprecedented Violence On New Years Eve) The chaos in Germanys capital mirrored scenes across Europe, where attacks on first responders and property damage strained public safety resources into the early morning hours. Berlin authorities had expanded firework-free zones ahead of the celebration in an effort to curb violence, which the statement credited with helping to prevent crimes and injuries. Despite these precautions, the nights unrest matched last years levels. Police confiscated over 220,000 pieces of fireworks ahead of the celebration, including more than 109,000 dangerous Category 4 explosives like ball bombs and rockets. The effort prevented hundreds of thousands of dangerous explosions, according to the statement. Berlins Interior Senator Iris Spranger claimed most residents celebrated peacefully, but the citys police union sharply rejected that characterization. Whoever says, the night was largely peaceful, is concealing the many targeted attacks on our emergency services, the German Police Union said in a statement on X. The union described deliberate rocket fire at emergency vehicles as attacks on the state itself, not mere vandalism. Officers reported that perpetrators appeared to be predominantly of Arab and Turkish origin, the union said. In some areas, firefighters could only operate under police protection. Last years violence followed a similar pattern. A leaked list published by Nius.de showed 264 of the 670 suspects arrested were foreign nationals, while more than half of those with German citizenship had nontraditional, often Arab or Muslim, names, according to the European Conservative. Belgium and the Netherlands saw similar chaos. In Antwerp, police described the night as extremely turbulent and dangerous as emergency vehicles were pelted with stones, eggs, fireworks and even a fire extinguisher thrown from a rooftop, according to the Belga News Agency. Roughly 100 people were arrested, most under age 20. Dutch authorities made 250 arrests nationwide; in Breda, officers reported being attacked with Molotov cocktails and paving stones, according to NL Times. Deputy Chief Wilbert Paulissen said some fires were deliberately set to lure emergency workers into ambushes where theyd be attacked with fireworks. Responding to reports of the attacks, Geert Wilders, leader of the right-wing PVV party, asked sarcastically: Who could that have been? Canadians? In France, rioters torched 1,173 vehicles, surpassing last years figure of 984, according to Visegrad 24. The outlet characterized New Years Eve as increasingly becoming a night when migrant gangs use fireworks to attack emergency personnel and civilians across major Western European cities. Balazs Orban, political director to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, described the Berlin violence as a migration-based public order breakdown and the predictable result of years of mass migration and weak enforcement. He blamed Brussels for pushing relocation quotas and softer borders while installing compliant governments across member states. People in Doral, Fla., react to the news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture in a U.S. military action Saturday in Caracas. (Giorgio Vierra / AFP / Getty Images) President Trump's decision to send U.S. forces into Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and return them to the U.S. to face drug charges elicited condemnation from legal experts and other critics who argued that the operation conducted without congressional or United Nations approval clearly violated U.S. and international law. Such criticism came from Democratic leaders, international allies and adversaries including Mexico, France, China and Russia, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and experts on international law and wartime powers. "Nicolas Maduro was a thug and an illegitimate leader of Venezuela, terrorizing and oppressing its people for far too long and forcing many to leave the country. But starting a war to remove Maduro doesnt just continue Donald Trumps trampling of the Constitution, it further erodes Americas standing on the world stage and risks our adversaries mirroring this brazen illegal escalation," Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) wrote on X. A U.N. spokesman said Guterres was "deeply alarmed" by the U.S. operation and "deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected." China's foreign ministry said "such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuelas sovereignty," while France's foreign minister said the U.S. operation "contravenes the principle of the non-use of force that underpins international law." Read more:Trump says U.S. will 'run' Venezuela after capturing Maduro in audacious attack Republicans largely backed the president, with both House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) defending the operation as "decisive" and legally justified. However, other Republicans questioned Trump's authority to act unilaterally, and raised similar concerns as Schiff about other world leaders citing Trump's actions to justify their own aggression into neighboring nations. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) defended Trump's actions as "great for the future of Venezuelans and the region," but said he was concerned that "Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan." Trump defended the operation as a legitimate law enforcement action necessary to combat threats to the U.S. from Maduro, whom he accused of sending violent gang members and deadly drugs across the U.S. border on a regular basis. "The illegitimate dictator Maduro was the kingpin of a vast criminal network responsible for trafficking colossal amounts of deadly and illicit drugs into the United States," Trump said at a news conference. "As alleged in the indictment, he personally oversaw the vicious cartel known as Cartel de los Soles, which flooded our nation with lethal poison responsible for the deaths of countless Americans." However, Trump also made no secret of his interest in Venezuela's oil. He said U.S. officials would be running Venezuela for the foreseeable future and ensuring that the nation's oil infrastructure is rebuilt to return wealth to the Venezuelan people, but also to repay U.S. businesses that lost money when Maduro took over the industry. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi announced that Maduro, who had previously been indicted in the U.S. in 2020, is now the subject of a superseding indictment charging him, his wife and several others with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess such weapons and devices. "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," Bondi wrote on X. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also framed the operation as a law enforcement effort, and defended the lack of advance notice to Congress. "At its core, this was an arrest of two indicted fugitives of American justice, and the Department of War supported the Department of Justice in that job," Rubio said. "It's just not the kind of mission that you can pre-notify, because it endangers the mission." Trump said Congress could not be notified in advance because "Congress will leak, and we don't want leakers." Michael Schmitt, an international law professor at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and a professor emeritus of international law at the U.S. Naval War College, said Trump's actions were a "clear violation" of international law. He said the U.S. had no authority from the U.N. Security Council to conduct military operations in Venezuela, nor any legitimate justification to act in self-defense against an armed attack which drug trafficking does not amount to. Schmitt said the operation in Venezuela went far beyond a normal law enforcement action. But even if it were just a law enforcement action, he said, the U.S. would still lack legal authority under international law to engage in such activity on Venezuelan soil without the express permission of Venezuelan authorities which it did not have. "International law is clear. Without consent, you cannot engage in investigations or arrest or seizure of criminal property on another state's territory," he said. "That's a violation of that state's sovereignty." Because the operation was illegitimate from the start, the resulting occupation and interference in Venezuela's oil industry are also unlawful, Schmitt said regardless of whether the country's nationalizing of U.S.-tied oil infrastructure was also unlawful, as some experts believe it was. "That unlawfulness of seizing U.S. business interests, nationalizing them, in a way that was not in accordance with the required procedures is not a basis for using force," Schmitt said. Matthew Waxman, chair of the National Security Law Program at Columbia Law School, said that in the days ahead, he expects the Trump administration to try to justify its actions not just as a law enforcement operation, but "as part of a larger campaign to defend the United States against what it has characterized as an attack or invasion by Maduro-linked drug cartels." Read more:A timeline of the US military's buildup and strikes against Venezuela leading to Maduro's capture "All modern presidents have claimed broad constitutional power to use military force without congressional authorization, but that is always hotly contested. We'll see if there's much pushback in Congress in this case, which will probably depend a lot on how things now play out in Venezuela," Waxman said. "Look at what happened last year in Iran: The president claimed the power to bomb nuclear program infrastructure, and when the operation didn't escalate, congressional opponents backed off." Already on Saturday, some members of Congress were softening their initial skepticism. Within hours of posting on X that he was looking forward "to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force," Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) had posted again, saying Rubio told him that the military action was "to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant" for Maduro. Such action "likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack," Lee added. Others remained more skeptical. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said Trump's remarks about taking over the country and controlling its oil reserves did not seem "the least bit consistent" with Bondi's characterization of the operation as a law enforcement effort. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. World leaders reacted to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States with a mixture of outrage, concern, and caution on Saturday. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and a large-scale strike against Venezuela hours after explosions were reported in the countrys capital, Caracas. The extraordinary attack follows months of pressure from the Trump Administration on Maduro to cede power in the South American country over long-standing accusations of drug trafficking and election rigging. Read more: Venezuela Isnt PanamaNo Matter How Much Trump Wishes It Were It represents the largest U.S. military operation in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, when, as today, the U.S. captured the country's leader, Manuel Antonio Noriega. Many countries expressed outrage over the capture of Maduro on Saturday, while even some U.S. allies issued statements calling for the rule of law to be respected. South American leaders in particular expressed anger at the attack. Here is a round-up of global reaction to the operation. United Kingdom British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he wanted to speak to President Trump before making any firm statements either way about Maduros capture. "I always say and believe we should uphold international law, but I think at this stage [in a] fast moving situation, let's establish the facts and take it from there, he said in a statement to British broadcasters. "I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump, he said. "I want to speak to allies. As I say I can be absolutely clear we were not involved in that." Russia Russia's Foreign Ministry said it is "extremely alarmed" and called for "immediate clarification", according to a statement posted on Saturday on the ministry's Telegram channel. It added later in a post on X: The US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela, which gives rise to deep concern & warrants condemnation. The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Russia reaffirms its solidarity with the Venezuelan people, it continued in the post. China China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it was "deeply shocked" by what it described as a "blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president." "Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region," it said. "China firmly opposes it. We call on the U.S. to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries sovereignty and security," the statement continued. United Nations The United Nations said it was "deeply alarmed" by the U.S. strikes and capture of Maduro, suggesting it could have violated international law. "These developments constitute a dangerous precedent," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, said in a statement. "The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with todays United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region," she added. "The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respectby allof international law, including the U.N. Charter. Hes deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected," the statement continued European Union EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X that she had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU ambassador in Caracas. "The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition," she wrote. "Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint." Mexico In a statement on X, Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, shared an excerpt from the United Nations Charter. The Members of the Organization, in their international relations, shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations. Brazil Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the capture of Maduro as crossing an unacceptable line. Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism, Lula wrote on X. The international community, through the United Nations, needs to respond vigorously to this episode, he added. Colombia Colombias President Gustavo Petro condemned the U.S. operation in several posts on X. The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America, he wrote. Internal conflicts between peoples are resolved by those same peoples in peace. That is the principle of the self-determination of peoples, which forms the foundation of the United Nations system, Petro continued. Denmark Denmark, which has been on the receiving end of threats from the Trump Administration to take control of Greenland, issued a muted response to the operation. "Dramatic development in Venezuela, which we are following closely. We need to get back on track toward de-escalation and dialogue. International law must be respected," Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen wrote on X. Spain Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for "de-escalation and responsibility. International Law and the principles of the United Nations Charter must be respected," Mr Sanchez wrote on X. Contact us at letters@time.com. by Stefano Caprio The famous formula of 19th century tsars, Autocracy-Orthodoxy-Nationality, is being reinterpreted today by Putin's ideologists as the new triad: Sovereignty-Traditionalism-Welfare State. Yet, it is precisely "moral and spiritual values" that are the least clear reference, incapable of going beyond the opposition to the destructive and degraded values of the West. The year 2025 left deep marks on the quest for Russias future identity, as a consequence and sum-up of an entire two-decade "rebirth" of the empire, from the first utterances of revenge in 2004 to the aggressive actions of President Vladimir Putin starting in 2008 against the invading West, Georgia, Ukraine, and the many traitorous former Soviet republics. The arrival of Putins friend Donald Trump on the American throne in January sparked a wave of satisfaction, culminating in the August summit in Alaska that consecrated the two emperors as the leaders of the great powers dividing up the world, the primary objective of Putin's many special operations of the catastrophic hybrid war of recent years. To some extent, we can consider as mission accomplished the "ideological restoration" of the ruling Muscovite regime, which sought to bring back all the Russias of the past in the new Russia, from the mythological Kievan Rus' and the Third Rome of Ivan the Terrible to the Empire of Peter the Great and Joseph Stalins International Soviet. The most complete expression of the many yearnings for "Great Russia" had until now been proposed by 19th-century ideologists: the famous "tsarist triad" of Autocracy-Orthodoxy-Nationality, now revived and renewed by the Kremlins new tsar. The new triad may seem less effective and authoritative than that of two centuries ago, but it is asserted with even more obsessive dedication, celebrated in Sovereignty-Traditionalism-Welfare State, as evinced by the many documents approved this year by everlasting President Vladimir Putin, including an article on social processes published in the official Civic Education Notebook for November-December 2025. Russia's sovereignty is the most obvious goal pursued through opposition to and war against the entire world, while the sociality inherited from tsarist populism is nothing more than a return to an increasingly Soviet-style economic system, with continuous nationalisations and five-year plans that point to the bright future of an autarchic and Eastern-tilting society. The ideal that remains somewhat obscure is that of tradition and its "moral and spiritual values," which cannot be defined except to contrast the "destructive and degraded" values of Europe and the West. It is not entirely clear which tradition is being referred to Soviet vs Tsarist, westernising vs Slavophile, Kievan, Muscovite, or Petersburgian, since the Russias of the past are many and very different from one another. The principalities of the original Rus were in constant conflict with each other, including the first cities of Novgorod, Kyiv, Pskov, Vladimir, and many others, such as the current "fratricidal" war between Russia and Ukraine, the conflicts in the Caucasus, in the lands of Bessarabia (Moldova and Romania), Hungary and above all with Poland the real great historical rival for the conquest of and dominion over Eastern Europe can also be considered a tradition. In the 15th century, Muscovy had doggedly freed itself from the Tartar Yoke, which left an indelible Asian mark on the Russian soul, one that has now forcefully resurfaced. Grand Prince Ivan III the Great sought to reunify the Russian lands, becoming the model of communion among peoples, the co-operative community (, sobornost) that today reasserts itself as Russia's "traditional" vocation. His grandson, the first tsar, Ivan IV the Terrible, devised a plan to divide the Third Rome into two parts: the land of the subjects (, zemshchina) and that of the controllers, (, oprichnina), members of the Imperial Guard who oppressed the people in the name of the "true faith, galloping across the lands in black monastic robes, a grim vision of imperial religious Orthodoxy, itself once again highly topical under the menacing staff of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev). Ivan IV had Metropolitan Philip (Kolychov) killed in his monastic cell where he was held for refusing to bless the tsar's wars. Today, Russian priests are excommunicated, imprisoned, or exiled if they fail to recite the litanies for victory in Ukraine, to re-establish in the 21st century the Russia of the 16th century. This is precisely what Boris Rapoport, deputy head of the Presidential Directorate for Monitoring and Analysis of Social Processes , writes in the introduction of Civic Education Notebook: State policy must be based first and foremost on Russia's historical experience. Therefore, every choice must somehow reaffirm and contradict previous ones, like during the Time of Troubles in 17th century Russia, which saw repeated social, political, military, and religious schisms. Or in 18th century Russia, at the time of Peter the Great and Catherine II, that saw a succession of empresses and their lovers, amid shifting German and French influences, only to be terrorised by the revolution of 1792 and Napoleon's imperial ambitions. Russian tradition corresponds to the Orthodoxy of the Tsarist triad, the Christian faith that in the original Kievan period overlapped with the various variants of Scandinavian and Caucasian paganism, leaving behind a dual faith," the typical Russian dvoeverie (), not to be shared with anyone else and which encompasses all other faiths. The correlation between Moscow's rebirth with Constantinople's ruin gave the Russian religion a particular missionary impetus, from "state-building force" to bastion of the true faith against any heretical rival or invader, to the point of inspiring the Soviet world revolution and the construction of the ideal communist society, all of which today is summarised in the task of proclaiming the "just multipolar world, the new heavenly kingdom on earth. Even in the theological and ascetic fields, there is no concern over juxtaposing completely contradictory ideologies and structures, such as the westernising empire that abolished the patriarchate or the atheist regime that restored it to serve its own interests, or reintroducing a grotesque "symphony" of Church and State in the Russia of the "two Vladimirs" from St Petersburg, President Putin and Patriarch Kirill. In Rapoport's introduction, the new Orthodoxy is not simply a dual faith, but presents a triple extension: We have three faiths, because we believe in the Fatherland, we believe in those close to us, and we believe in the future. Traditional moral and spiritual values connect those of the "Orthodox faith" with those of "typically human" values never mind if one contradicts the other somehow, such as marital fidelity and the necessary "multipolarity" of every family, like the president's own very diverse family, or, according to some recent reports, that of the patriarch himself, who apparently managed to hide his wife for decades, suggesting that he had other preferences. In any case, the full definition states that traditional Russian society is constituted by the family of families in the continuity of generations, fidelity to what is handed down, and to moral and spiritual orientations, and it is further specified that traditional society is not a form of stagnation, but an unstoppable development, which draws nourishment from its own roots. Data from a Vitsom poll seem to back the official ideological conception, with only 2 per cent of respondents who believe that Russia should focus on the economy. Technological development is not even mentioned, while the emphasis is on the need to defeat all weaknesses, expressed with the ambiguous term of anti-fragility (, antikhrupkost), to address and overcome all the geopolitical and ideological challenges of the contemporary world. Religious terms are also used to describe this concept, from Russia's development to its "transfiguration and ascension" and everlasting glory. Meanwhile, the Pushkin Institute in St Petersburg, the highest authority on the Russian language, has declared Victory (, pobeda) to be the word of the year 2025. Victory much hoped for but postponed so far, perhaps until this (new) year, due to the ongoing war was celebrated to mark the 80th anniversary of the glorious end of the Great Patriotic War, an event celebrating every Russian tradition. If we wish to identify the decisive Russian word of Putin's last quarter-century, we must certainly extol the necessary premise of Victory, namely War (, voyna) and its affiliates, from the "anti-terrorist operation in Chechnya" at the dawn of Putin's reign, to "peace coercion" in Georgia, the "Russian Spring" in Crimea, and the special military operation (SVO) in Ukraine ( , CBO), since "war" is a term that only Patriarch Kirill can utter from the altar of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, understood as holy war. In Russia, war encompasses all ideological triads economic, societal, political, religious and all the terms that fill the daily news, especially in the year just ended, from "drones" to "negotiations," which are intertwined: the more negotiations are underway, the more drones are launched to mark the New Year. RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 3 January 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. The Asian Development Banks latest forecasts for Azerbaijans e-commerce market indicate that a quiet yet profound transformation is underway in the countrys economy. According to the Banks calculations, e-commerce revenues in Azerbaijan are expected to rise from $ 1.762 billion in 2022 to... Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 3 January 2026 17:00 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. In the JanuaryNovember period of last year, Azerbaijan produced 4.0032 million decaliters of fruit juice, marking a 2.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, Azernews reports, citing the State Statistics Committee. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 3 January 2026 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva In the midst of the global race for AI dominance, Chinese tech companies are offering record-breaking salaries to attract top talent. According to sources, ByteDance (owner of TikTok) and Tencent have significantly increased their budgets for salaries and bonuses to secure leading AI experts, Azernews reports. ByteDance has reportedly boosted its employee bonus fund by 35% compared to last year and is planning a future salary increase of up to 150%. Tencent, meanwhile, has been actively recruiting high-caliber specialists from competitors, sometimes offering salaries twice as high as their current pay. Recently, Tencent announced the hiring of Yao Shunyu, a former OpenAI researcher, as its new chief AI scientista move that underscores the companys commitment to building cutting-edge AI capabilities. However, industry observers note that this golden age for AI professionals sharply contrasts with the broader tech sector, which has seen significant layoffs. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 100,000 technology workers lost their jobs worldwide, highlighting the growing divide between highly specialized AI talent and the general workforce. Analysts suggest that this trend may intensify global competition in AI, as Chinese companies strive to secure talent that could give them a decisive edge in areas ranging from natural language processing to autonomous systems. 3 January 2026 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Turkmenistan has legalized cryptocurrency mining and trading, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. The new legislation, signed on Thursday by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, brings virtual assets under the countrys civil law framework and introduces a licensing system for cryptocurrency exchanges. Under the law, exchanges will be regulated by Turkmenistans central bank, representing the first formal legal framework for crypto-related activities in the country. At the same time, cryptocurrencies will not be recognized as legal tender, currency, or securities. Existing regulations on internet access and digital services remain unchanged. Turkmenistans economy is largely dependent on natural gas exports, with China as its main buyer. The country is also continuing work on the TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistanIndia (TAPI) gas pipeline project. The legislation on digital assets comes amid other regulatory changes. In April last year, Turkmenistan adopted a law introducing electronic visas, aimed at simplifying entry procedures for foreign visitors. Since gaining independence in 1991, Turkmenistan has maintained a tightly regulated economic and administrative system. Recent legislative steps indicate adjustments in specific regulatory areas while preserving existing governance structures. 3 January 2026 22:30 (UTC+04:00) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected the construction site of a greenhouse farm in the northwestern city of Sinuiju for his first "field guidance" of the year, Pyongyang's state media reported Saturday, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap. Kim traveled by his private train to the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm the previous day, whose construction is nearing completion, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korea has been building a large greenhouse farm in vast areas of Wihwa Island, an islet in Sinuiju where the North suffered a great amount of flood damage during the summer of 2024. Since attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the farm in February 2024, Kim has visited the construction site five times, with the most recent visit made in late November. In a speech, Kim praised the builders for working hard "to transform the island area, once severely hit by natural disaster, into an ideal greenhouse town symbolic of the new era in more than 500 days," according to the KCNA. "The huge construction project and assembly of greenhouse equipment have been completed perfectly and landscaping of the area is now progressing vigorously at the final stage," he added. Kim also expressed his "firm will to more ambitiously plan the undertakings for the promotion of the wellbeing of the people across the country and radical transformation of the regions and strenuously implement them," according to the report. Kim's choice of the site as the first field inspection of the year comes as Pyongyang steps up efforts to fulfill national goals set out at the 2021 party congress ahead of the upcoming ninth party congress. At the next congress, which South Korea's intelligence authorities expect to be held in February, Pyongyang is expected to present another five-year plan outlining its major policy stances, similar to the previous five-year economic development plan adopted at the 2021 session. 3 January 2026 17:35 (UTC+04:00) Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will face criminal prosecution following an indictment issued in New York, the U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has said. Azernews reports that Bondi announced the development in a post on the social media platform X, stating that Maduro and Flores would be held criminally liable in connection with the charges brought against them in New York. In her post, Bondi emphasized that the couple would soon face the full force of American justice on U.S. soil and in American courts. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been detained and removed from the country. Trump said the United States had carried out a successful large-scale operation against Venezuela and its leader. 3 January 2026 18:10 (UTC+04:00) Russia has expressed deep concern over what it described as an armed act of aggression by the United States against Venezuela, condemning the reported attack, Azernews reports, citing international media outlets. The statement was issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the current situation, it is essential to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the crisis through dialogue, the ministry said. Venezuelas right to self-determination must be guaranteed without any external destructive or military interference. We once again reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the policy of its leadership aimed at defending the countrys national interests and sovereignty. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been detained and removed from the country. Trump said the United States had carried out a successful operation against Venezuelan leader. 3 January 2026 18:40 (UTC+04:00) The war between Russia and Ukraine has increasingly threatened trade in the Black Sea in recent months, and bringing the conflict to a peaceful end as soon as possible remains a sincere aspiration, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, Azernews reports, citing Turkish media. Erdogan made the remarks during a speech at the Istanbul Congress Center while presenting Turkiyes 2025 export statistics. He stressed that Turkiye is ready to assume any responsibility necessary to help open the path to peace. We have no intention of gaining roles, putting on a show, or profiting from blood and tears, Erdogan said. The foundation of our foreign policy is to make friends, not enemies. We have never had a concept of benefiting from conflicts. Oregon Coast This Week: Grisly 'Globster' Stuck in Devil's Punchbowl, Rescue Near Tillamook (Video) Published 01/01/26 at 7:25 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Depoe Bay, Oregon) There's something unusually gross stuck in a famed central Oregon coast attraction, one that falls under the rather infamous category of a globster. However, in the good news department there was a heartwarming rescue on a north coast trail. Both incidents, however, are few on details. On Wednesday, Tillamook Fire District and Bay City Fire and Rescue responded to a call of an injured hiker at Bayocean Peninsula Park near Tillamook. While the extent of his injuries were not disclosed, TFD posted a video of the two teams lugging the man on a Stokes basket. The more disturbing find on the Oregon coast happened last week at Devil's Punchbowl near Depoe Bay, when part (and only part) of a deceased whale showed up inside the structure. Rescue Video Below Oregon State Parks staff first observed a whale head inside Devils Punchbowl on December 23, said OPRD spokesman Katie Gauthier. The remains are significantly decomposed, and only the head is present. Some video of it made social media earlier this week, such as this on Tik Tok. Given the decomposition, an identification of the species can't be made. Visitors are reminded to observe from a distance and avoid contact with any marine animal remains for their safety and to prevent disturbance to natural processes, Gauthier said. See State Parks' video There are no plans to remove it nor any means to, OPRD told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Again, it's far too decayed to go near. So the rather grisly carcass will continue to slosh around inside the Punchbowl until it disintegrates in some way. Indeed, this advanced stage of decay and other non-appetizing aspects appear to classify it as a globster - a rather odd bit of archaic slang that actually has interesting history. Spotting these is still somewhat sought after in some circles around the world, and there are both scientists and paranormal / horror fans that find it fascinating. A globster is a term only occasionally used these days, referring to the corpse of a whale that is often barely recognizable because of its advanced decayed state. It was used before the mid-20th and realy only finally disappeared from general use when DNA could ID species. For centuries, people have often misunderstood what these mysterious things were and sometimes believed they had come across new, perhaps even mythical creatures, such as sea serpents, a giant octopus or giant squid, a la Jules Verne. Even the possibility these were aquatic dinosaurs was presented on occasion (those often turned out to be long-dead sharks). When the body gets so decayed it looks like it is hair that usually puts it into globster territory. The last time a verified globster hit the Oregon coast some media in England picked up the story. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) A Little 'Hideaway' in Rockaway Beach Melds Oregon Coast Rustic with Fancy Near the waters edge of the lake is a vacation rental cabin. Rokcaway Beach lodging reviews What's Old Is New Again: N. Oregon Coast's Tolovana Inn Redecorates, Winter B... New decor at the hotel hotspot, winter brings drama below. Cannon Beach hotel reviews Three Capes Lodging Reviews, North Oregon Coast Find the ultiamte views. Three Capes Lodging, Oceanside hotel reviews, vacation rentals, Tillamook Coast Hotel Reviews An Oregon Coast Legend Reopens: Hotel Sylvia in Newport's Nye Beach in a New ... Many author rooms remain, now include book genre themes. Newport hotel reviews More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Flood Advisories, Warnings, Watches All Over Washington / Oregon Coast Published 01/02/26 at 7:25 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Manzanita, Oregon) King tides are living up to their reputation along the northwest coast. A variety of flood advisories to warnings are in effect now through Saturday in just about every area of Washington and Oregon's shorelines except Lincoln County. (Above: file photo of flooding at Neskowin / ODOT) Waves aren't exactly exploding everywhere - but they are reaching dangerous levels on beaches during high tides (see video of Lincoln City today) The south coast has some of the more major issues. A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for the south central Oregon coast through 1 p.m. Saturday, with the NWS warning of minor flooding around times of high tide. Low-lying areas are especially at risk. The advisory covers Coos Bay and nearby estuaries, including Reedsport, Coos Bay, Bandon and Port Orford. Low-lying roads, property and some critical infrastructure could see brief inundation. High astronomical tides combined with storm activity offshore could lead to minor coastal flooding at times of high tide, the NWS said. This is most likely around Coos Bay and estuaries. The greatest risk of coastal flooding will be associated with the high tides (1-2 hours before and after) Saturday morning/early Saturday afternoon. Do not drive through water of unknown depth. For areas north of there, more is coming for Pacific City, Oceanside, Garibaldi, Manzanita, Cannon Beach and Seaside all the way into Long Beach and farther up. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Clatsop and Tillamook counties and the south Washington coast, where forecasters expect minor tidal overflow during the midday high tide. Water levels may rise up to a foot above ground in low-lying areas near bays, sloughs and the lower ends of coastal rivers. The NWS says tidal gauges are running high, with Toke Point forecast to reach about 11.8 feet and Garibaldi expected to peak near 10.8 feet. Residents in vulnerable areas should be prepared for brief flooding around the high-tide window. "Areas of concern include HWY 101 near Raymond and Seaside, and Fraser Rd in Tillamook County," NWS said. Also for the Washington coast, there's probably the highest chance of dangerous floods. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for the Washington coast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, calling for significant flooding in low-lying areas of Grays Harbor County. Water levels could rise 2.5 to 3 feet above ground level along shorelines and vulnerable coastal zones. Washington Coast Weather Sunday sees another Coastal Flood Watch follows, when another round of significant flooding is possible. Forecasters say inundation could reach 2.5 to 3.25 feet above ground level during the highest tides. Flooding near Lincoln City last month - courtesy Jennie Nelson The NWS warns that high tides combined with storm surge may lead to widespread road closures, flooding of homes and businesses, and potential damage or erosion along the shoreline. Residents are urged to protect flood-prone property and avoid driving through barricades or standing water. Surf sits below ten feet in most areas of the Pacific Northwest coastline, but photos and video of high tides in the last two days have shown some very dangerous beaches at times. Be extremely cautious on the coastline, and stay off beaches where there's only cliffs behind you and no quick exit over a foredune. The south coast will get more dangerous with offshore waves hitting much higher marks. Seas on Saturday run 12 to 16 feet and build to 15 to 20 feet in the afternoon. Saturday night sees 15 to 20 feet, easing to 14 to 16 feet after midnight. On Sunday, seas are 11 to 14 feet and settle to 10 to 12 feet later in the day. Sunday night brings seas of 8 to 10 feet, followed by 8 to 9 feet on Monday. See: Oregon Coast Weather Astoria / Warrenton Weather Seaside Weather Cannon Beach Manzanita Nehalem Bay / Wheeler Rockaway Oceanside/Tillamook Pacific City Lincoln City Depoe Bay Weather Newport Yachats Florence Coos Bay - North Bend - Charleston Bandon Weather Port Orford Weather Gold Beach Weather Brookings Weather Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) One of the True, Rare Historic Motor Lodges Left on Oregon Coast Agate Beach Motel in Newport goes all the way back to 1940. Hotel reviews, lodging A True 'Pacific Treasure' on Oregon Coast, Rental Overlooks Lincoln City Calm... A hot tub on that balcony, massive windows to the view. Hotel reviews, Lincoln City lodging, vacation rentals Port Orford Hotels Port Orford Hotel news, Port Orford hotel reviews, vacation rentals Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - 363 Miles of Rentals Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals, vacation rental reviews, hotel reviews, vacation rental news More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Video: Notorious Bump on Route to Oregon Coast Replicates - But There's a Humorous Side Published 12/31/25 at 7:25 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Seaside, Oregon) That notorious on Highway 26 to the Oregon coast is not only back in a new way but it appears to have multiplied. Travelers along the route have had the pleasure of dealing with four bumps, now creating what one north coast resident called a wavy road. (All photos and video Angi D Wildt Gallery) In fact, it was bad enough it knocked over the camera of one videographer filming it while driving. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) says the trouble spot is still located around milepost 13, and this time is the result of an inverted landslide - an area of unstable ground that continues to push upward and create multiple humps in the pavement. Trouble on this began again recently, and Angi Wildt of Angi D Wildt Gallery in Astoria sent some photos on Christmas to Oregon Coast Beach Connection of another speed limit being posted. This time it's become a bit comical: crews placed an object over the 2 to cover it up and change it from 25 to a 5 mph limit. Wildt also obtained some video of the bump area which on its own became rather humorous. Showing the bumps worse as you head east, her westward video footage sees the camera get jostled in the bump and fall over. Not just once but twice. Recent heavy rain has triggered four new bumps, according to ODOT. Drivers have been sending in videos showing cars bouncing over the uneven surface, particularly in the eastbound lanes. Warning signs now line the highway, but locals report that some motorists continue to hit the bumps at unsafe speeds. Police say the location has seen numerous crashes since ODOT began tracking the issue in 2022. Wildt described it as more of a series of tight speed bumps. I was pretty surprised to see the 2 covered up and that the speed had been reduced to 5 mph, she told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. There were some cars bouncing across at higher speeds. The road is wavy now. The side heading east feels worse than than the side heading west. Other witnesses have reported some cars not just catching air but landing at different angles. Last year, the agency spent roughly $300,000 installing a drain pipe in an effort to relieve water pressure beneath the roadway. Tens of thousands more have been spent this year on labor as crews attempt to keep the surface drivable. ODOT said the water running through soil has to go somewhere, and in this case it's causing more of a landslide. Multiple sections are now on the move and crews are having a difficult time keeping that shifting problem repaired. ODOT is urging motorists to monitor TripCheck during storms and consider alternate routes when possible. See Oregon Coast and Coast Range Traffic Conditions Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Lincoln City's Coho Oceanfront Lodge Continues Pushing Boundaries on Oregon C... Plenty of perks - a kind of upscale without all of that price tag. Lincoln City lodging, hotel reviews, Gleneden Beach Oregon Coast Thanksgiving? What Vacation Rentals Still Open in Rockaway Beach Big kitchens for the big day by the beach. Rockaway Beach hotels, Rockaway Beach rentals, lodging news, Manzanita hotel reviews Depoe Bay Hotels - Incredible Views, Wild Tides Depoe Bay Hotels, Depoe Bay hotel reviews, outstanding places to stay N. Oregon Coast Beauty on the Beach: Seashore Inn's Latest Revelations, Specials How to actually write its name, recent changes to the Seaside hotel. Seaside hotel reviews, Seaside lodging news More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted N. Oregon Coast Rescuers Assist Boaters with No Life Vests at Netarts Bay Published 01/02/26 at 6:25 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Netarts, Oregon) New Year's Day started off with a near-tragedy on the north Oregon coast. (Photos Netarts-Fire) Netarts-Oceanside Fire District (NOFD) said it received a call of a boat in distress on the bar crossing at the Netarts Bay mouth. Within minutes, rescuers were able to spot them thanks to their drone, catching sight of a boat clearly struggling against an outgoing tide to get back into the bay. We had a 9 foot tidal exchange due to King Tides, said NOFD. They noted how former Fire Chief Tim Carpenter always said: the tide comes in like a river, and goes out like a raging river, which it was doing in this case. Our boat crew found 4 young males in a very small, overloaded, under powered boat not wearing life vests, NOFD said. The visitors were able to make their way back to dock. NOFD said the incident echoes one they had a few years ago with a similarly-sized boat that capsized and two boaters not wearing vests died in the water. Back in 2023, there was another incident in the Nestucca Bay area at Pacific City where three males were in a boat that capsized. One was not wearing a life vest and drowned in the water, while the other two were wearing them and made it to shore. At the time, Tillamook County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) said the initial investigation found there were not enough floatation devices on board the watercraft. Oregon coast authorities offered some guidelines on how to avoid such a tragedy yourself. "These types of incidents happen in the blink of an eye. It is important to be wearing life jackets, or have them readily available immediately," said TCSO. "Oregon law requires children 12 and under to be wearing a properly fitted USCG approved PFD while on a boat that is underway. All non swimmers, regardless of age, should be wearing PFD's when on the water." Even in the summer, Oregon coast bays and rivers have dangerous currents present during tidal events and recreating on the water near the mouth of a bay or a river where it meets the ocean is particularly dangerous, said OSP. When you need a life jacket, it's often too late to put one on. "Tragedies like this are often avoidable by simply wearing a PFD (personal floatation devices). You should also avoid crabbing, fishing, paddling or swimming on an outgoing tide anywhere near the mouth of a bay or river. Your survival in a boating accident greatly increases if you are wearing a PFD, no matter what your age. No family should have to go through something like this," said TCSO. Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours MORE NETARTS PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Where Astounding Oregon Coast Views Just Don't Quit: Depoe Bay's Ocean Paradi... Lots of very close whales, extravagant comfort and incredible views. Hotel reviews, lodging Lincoln City Hotel Sees Lively Upgrade to Its Already Dynamic Oregon Coast Vibes Surfland Hotel turned into a glossy yet adventurous, innovative place. Lincoln City hotel reviews Manzanita's Ocean Inn Adds More Ways to Preserve, Give Back to Oregon Coast E... About to become an Ocean Friendly Hotel through Surfrider. Manzanita hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel news Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - 363 Miles of Rentals Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals, vacation rental reviews, hotel reviews, vacation rental news More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted The Somali fraudsters behind multi-billion dollar fraud operations to steal taxpayer money were already known to have sent part of their loot to the Muslim terrorist group Al-Shabaab back home in Somalia. Now it has come out that they were sharing it with politicians here in America as well. Photos have emerged much earlier showing the key masterminds of the Somali fraud with Democrat politicians from Tim Walz to Ilhan Omar, Now, the New York Post has traced political contributions from the same fraudsters to a number of Democrat politicians. They were sharing their loot with their enablers. https://nypost.com/2025/12/04/us-news/minnesota-democratic-lawmakers-recieved-over-50k-from-feeding-our-future-fraudsters/ https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/02/database-searches-show-somali-fraudsters-funding-democrat-politicians/ No wonder Democrats have been trying to cover up this fraud and protect the fraudsters. A letter signed by over a hundred state workers at Minnesota's social services department, for example, revealed that Governor Tim Walz was warned of the fraud very early but refused to do anything about it and threatened the state employees who were trying to stop it. Belfast Telegraph visuals editor Kevin Scott looks back at 2025 and picks his favourite photographs of last 12 months In a year marked by challenges and triumphs across Northern Ireland, our photographers lenses once again captured moments that spoke to resilience, compassion and community spirit. At the heart of many of these powerful images are the dedicated men and women of our emergency services. My team witnesses first-hand, every day, the vital work they do to protect and support our communities, often in the most difficult of circumstances. Funeral details have been confirmed for Northern Ireland punk stalwart Petesy Burns, who passed away on New Years Day at the age of 63. The death of the songwriter and guitarist prompted a wave of tributes after his family announced his death on social media, describing him as the true Godfather of punk the legend. Burns played in a number of punk groups throughout the year, including Belfast band The Outcasts. A funeral notice for the musician indicated he will be buried on Wednesday, January 7 at 10.40am in Roselawn Crematorium. His remains will repose at Browns Funeral Home, Oldpark Road, Belfast, with anyone wishing to pay their respects asked to do so on Sunday (1-5pm) or Monday (9am-7pm). Tuesday will be strictly private. Everyone who met him loved him The notice described Wednesdays service as a celebration of Petesys life. "Petesy would like you to come as you are, no dress code, it added. "Afterwards friends and family are invited to celebrate Petesy at The Black Box from 1pm. There were widespread tributes to Mr Burns following news of his death, with former band The Outcasts saying his passing was heart breaking. No words can express the sadness of losing our old mucker. Condolences and thanks go out to Anthea for the care and dignity she gave him at the end, they wrote. He was so loved in the punk world & I mean the world. Everyone who met him loved him, but especially here. Rest in peace brother. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Popular radio presenter and DJ Johnny Hero said the news was terrible. "Petesy has passed away. A talented, funny, decent man. We have definitely lost one of the good guys, he wrote. In their tribute, Belfast city centre pub The Harp Bar wrote: Words fail me at this time to share about the passing of one of the most beautiful human beings around our much loved Petesy. EVERYBODY LOVED PETESY. My heart goes out to Anthea and all the family at this very sad time. One close friend of Mr Burns described his passion for punk as limitless. "Petesy used to tell me I was very cynical for being 15 ....but we all used to hang around Just Books, drinking beer, eating guff (his really good veggie stew) and talking politics. For hours, Sheena Bleakney wrote. We all got involved in Giros and Petesy was a huge character. Everyone knew him . He always loved a deep discussion and music. And he continued to play in punk bands and tour right up until just recently. His energy and passion for punk was limitless. Petesy Burns Snow and ice land in Belfast I feel for his wife Anthea and his children Oran and Caoimhe ...their hearts must be in a million pieces. My thoughts and condolences to them, at this terrible time. I would bump into him from time to time and he was the sort of person were you would just pick up the conversation and he still had the same ethics from his youth ..which was a breath of fresh air. "Our last conversation was how amazing it was all the old punks still supported each other. Uppa punks Petesy. Police have appealed for information about a missing teenager. Mahir Ahmed Mohamud Adam, who is 15, went missing from north Belfast. He was last seen on Friday. The PSNI said: Police are growing increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of missing person Mahir Ahmed Mohamud Adam. Mahir is a 15 year old male who was last seen at the Belfast Islamic Centre, University Road, Belfast on January 2 at 12.40pm. Mahir is approximately 5 ft 9 inches tall, of slim build, dark shaved hair. Mahir was last seen wearing a blue puffer gilet, blue zip up long sleeve top, denim jeans and white trainers. If you have any information that could assist police in locating Mahir, please call us on 101, quoting serial number 926 - 02/01/2026 Missing person Mahir Ahmed Mohamud Adam. NI Water staff have had enough says General Secretary of NIPSA REVEALED | PSNIs eight-year plan to sell off sites in lucrative property locations Garnerville and Holywood bases could be offloaded to raise funds in wake of 4.9m purchase of former Army barracks to turn into new police training college Kinnegar Barracks was purchased by PSNI for new police college (Photo by Peter Morrison) Garrett Hargan Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 08:30 The PSNI plans to reduce its estate in lucrative property locations to raise funds as part of an eight-year plan, minutes from a private meeting show. The attempted robbery happened in the early hours of Saturday morning. Stock photo/Getty Staff at a takeaway in Belfast city centre were left shaken after an attempted robbery. It happened in the early hours of Saturday morning. The would-be robber was removed from the scene by security staff. Detective Sergeant Faulkner said: We received a report that at around 3am a man had entered a fast food business on Donegall Place and gone to the area behind the service counter. "He produced a knife which he brandished at three members of staff while threatening them and demanding money. He was escorted from the premises by security, and made off in the direction of Royal Avenue. Thankfully, none of the staff were injured, although they were shaken by the incident. Detective Sergeant Faulkner continued: The suspect is described as being around 5ft 10 with a Belfast accent. He was wearing a black jacket with the hood up, black face covering and grey tracksuit bottoms. We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at this time and noticed any suspicious activity, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 168 03/01/26. Taoiseach Micheal Martin is set to travel to China to meet with President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced (PA) Irish premier Micheal Martin is set to travel to China to meet with President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced. The Taoiseachs trip to the country next week will be the first visit by an Irish leader in 14 years. Beijing has been strengthening ties with individual members of the European Union despite tensions with the EU bloc over tariffs and human rights issues. Taoiseach Micheal Martin meeting the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the Government Buildings, Dublin (Government Information Service/PA) In late 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish King Felipe VI met with President Xi in separate trips to China. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is due to visit China in late January, having previously met Chinas leader at the G20 in Brazil in 2024. During his five-day trip, Mr Martin will also meet with Chinese premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, the ministry said in a statement, and will visit Shanghai. Chinas foreign ministry said the country is ready to work with Ireland to expand cooperation and foster China-EU relations. Mr Martin met the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Dublin in February 2025, where they discussed EU-China relations, trade, human rights and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. In December, China imposed up to 42.7% of provisional tariffs on dairy products including milk and cheese imported from the EU. China had initiated other probes into European brandy and pork imports as countermeasures for the EUs tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The Taoiseachs visit comes at a time of rising Sino-Japan tension. President Xi Jinping of China attends a working session on food and energy security during the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia (Leon Neal/PA) Beginning Sunday, China will separately be hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for four days who will also meet with President Xi. In November Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi said that her countrys military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. Last week, China conducted large-scale military drills around the island for two days to warn against what it called separatist and external interference forces. Ahead of his trip, Mr Lee said that South Korea consistently respects the One China policy when it comes to Taiwan during an interview with Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. Sir Keir Starmer said the Government would shed no tears about the end of Nicolas Maduros regime (Isabel Infantes/PA) Sir Keir Starmer has backed a transition of power in Venezuela after Donald Trump announced the US would run the country until a new government takes over. The Prime Minister insisted his Labour administration will shed no tears over the end of Nicolas Maduros regime and said Britain would discuss the evolving situation with American counterparts over the coming days. It comes after the US president said the countrys leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been flown out of Caracas and indicted on narco-terrorism charges following overnight strikes on the oil-rich South American nation. The operation followed months of pressure from Washington on the country, which Mr Trump said America would run until a safe, proper and judicious transition could take place. In a statement on Sunday evening, Sir Keir said: The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate president and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK Government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. The US president said the countrys leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been flown out of Caracas and indicted on narco-terrorism charges (Leon Neal/PA) Sir Keir earlier refused to be drawn on whether the military action broke international law, saying he wanted to talk to Mr Trump, with whom he had not spoken on Saturday morning, and allies to establish the facts. Around 500 UK nationals are in Venezuela and work is ongoing to safeguard them, the Prime Minister said, while the Foreign Office advised against all travel to the country. As you know, I always say and believe we should all uphold international law, but I think at this stage, fast-moving situation, lets establish the facts and take it from there, he told broadcasters. Speaking to reporters later on Saturday, Mr Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership vacuum to fix the countrys oil infrastructure and sell large amounts of the fuel to other countries. In a post on his Truth Social platform shortly before addressing the media, he posted an image which appeared to show the autocratic leader blindfolded aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and headed to New York. Mr Trump said Mr Maduro and his wife would face the full might of American justice following their capture after the strikes, which saw explosions ring out and low-flying aircraft sweep through the Venezuelan capital early on Saturday. The Prime Minister faced calls from Labour backbenchers, as well as opposition politicians, to condemn the military action and take a tougher stance on the US president. Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside Kim Johnson said earlier on Saturday: Do we as a country still stand for international law and sovereignty? We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Our PM has said nothing about the illegal US bombing of Venezuela & apparent abduction of its President. This shameless attack is about seizing Venezuelas resources. We must always defend international law. Labour MP for Leeds East Richard Burgon said: The Prime Minister should respond to an illegal bombing and kidnapping by Trump in exactly the way he would if Putin had carried it out. Either Keir Starmer believes in international law or he doesnt. You cant pick and choose. Time to stand up to Trumps gangster politics. Sir Keirs statement on Sunday evening came after European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian premier Giorgia Meloni both similarly called for a democratic transition. Meanwhile, the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres expressed concerns that the rules of international law had not been respected. In a statement, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: The secretary-general is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with todays United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region. Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel earlier said nobody will shed tears over the Venezuelan president being removed. The Tory frontbencher said: We have always strongly condemned Maduros brutal and repressive regime and the Conservative government did not consider Maduros administration as legitimate. Nobody will shed tears for him being removed. We await the full facts about the US operation which has removed Maduro and we want to see the Venezuelan people enjoy democratic norms and freedoms. This is clearly a very serious geopolitical moment. Shadow housing secretary and former foreign secretary Sir James Cleverly criticised Sir Keirs initial response, describing it as an insipid non-statement. He clearly doesnt know what to say until someone else tells him, he said. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called on the Prime Minister to rebuke what he called the US leaders illegal action in Venezuela, adding: Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe. Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Green Party leader Zack Polanski claimed the US president believed he could act with impunity. The PM and Foreign Secretary should be condemning this illegal strike and breach of international human rights law, he said. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed the USs unorthodox military operation in Venezuela could prove a deterrent to future Russian and Chinese aggression. In a post on X, he said: The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing. I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro. Reforms head of policy Zia Yusuf said prisoners convicted of the offence would spend their lives in jail (PA) Reform UK would introduce mandatory whole life orders for child rapists, the partys head of policy has said. Offenders convicted of the crime would never become eligible for parole, according to the plans announced by Zia Yusuf. Reform said its intention was for mandatory minimums to apply to historic child sexual abuse to ensure that heinous historic crimes are also sentenced proportionally. There were 677 convictions for rape of children under the age of 16 in 2024, according to Ministry of Justice data. These figures relate to the number of convictions rather than the number of people convicted. Reform has said child rapists would never be eligible for parole (PA) Life sentences can be given to child rapists at a judges discretion under existing rules, with an offence range of six to 19 years for offences against children under 13. Whole life orders differ from standard life sentences, whereby a minimum term is served before potential parole, and are given in cases where the crime was deemed so serious that the offender should never be released from prison. According to the Sentencing Council, there were 70 whole-life prisoners as of March 2025, with recent examples including child serial killer Lucy Letby, Sarah Everards murderer Wayne Couzens, and terrorist Ali Harbi Ali, who killed MP Sir David Amess. Reform said the policy had been factored in to its plans to free up prison capacity by deporting foreign criminals to their country of origin and building Nightingale prisons. Mr Yusuf said: For too long, Conservative and Labour governments have failed to protect our children. A Reform government will introduce mandatory minimum life sentences for those who rape children. It is shameful that this is not already the law. It is a stain on our national conscience that grooming gangs were allowed to operate for years with impunity, and in many cases still do. Under Conservative governments, the average sentence for the rape of a child under 13 fell to as little as nine years. Some grooming gang child rapists have received sentences as low as four years. Under Labour, violent offenders are now being released early from prison. A Government spokesperson said: While sentencing sits with the independent judiciary, judges can and do hand down long terms, including life sentences, for these sickening criminals. Recognising the national emergency violence against women and girls has become, this Government is delivering the biggest overhaul of child protection measures in decades. We are creating a clear legal duty to treat grooming as an explicit aggravating factor in sentencing for child sexual offences whenever it plays a part. The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is now under way, with a chair appointed and progress being made toward securing answers for victims and survivors. Peter Akor with a prototype of the AI Epilepsy headset (Glasgow Caledonian University/Mark Gibson/PA) A unique AI-powered headset that can predict epileptic seizures minutes before they occur has been developed by scientists in Scotland. The Glasgow Caledonian University team behind the research say the wearable device could dramatically transform the way the condition is managed. Currently, there is no readily available device that can give people with epilepsy advanced warnings of seizures. The headset analyses brainwaves and heart functions to detect an impending seizure, allowing the wearer to take precautions or warn those around them. The scientist behind the project says its greatest benefit could be giving people with epilepsy more confidence about the condition, helping them to avoid any secondary injuries caused by a seizure. Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK live with epilepsy, as well as millions around the world. Prof Larijanis team used brainwave data to test and train the AI (Neil Pooran/PA) Professor Hadi Larijani, who leads the research team at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: Providing even a few minutes warning could be life changing. Our goal is to empower patients and families with time to act to stay safe and live more independently. He told the Press Association the headset is very unique and they hope to one day release it as a wearable device similar to a cap. He said: We want it to be as discreet as possible, to be wireless, light its a lot of features that none of the other tools right now have. The system was trained using thousands of hours of historical electroencephalography and electrocardiography recordings. The researchers also used a custom-made phantom head, attaching electrodes to it to simulate a real user. By learning to identify the subtle electrical and physiological patterns that precede a seizure, the AI can issue a timely alert, giving patients and families crucial minutes to prepare and stay safe. It has an accuracy of up to 95% and the AI algorithm can display its levels of confidence about the chances of an impending seizure. The headset is said to be very unique (Glasgow Caledonian University/Mark Gibson/PA) Prof Larijani added: For families affected by epilepsy, even a brief warning means they can prevent injuries and reduce fear. That is the true measure of success for us. The team are still refining the design for the headset, which they intend to be suitable for children to wear. Their initial prototypes have used third-party hardware but they hope to develop their own models. Due to the need for regulatory approvals, it will likely be some years before the product becomes widely available. Prof Larijani said: The most regulated things are medical devices. It takes time to get through the hurdles. But I think weve done the initial feasibility testing both on the software and the hardware characteristics. Now were looking at a more commercial-ready product that hopefully will be going through the hurdles of the initial accreditation for medical devices. The research team has now secured fresh support from UK Research and Innovation through its 9 million Proof of Concept programme. The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country in a stunning military operation that plucked a sitting leader from office. The dramatic action on Saturday capped an intensive Trump administration pressure campaign on the South American country and its autocratic leader as well as months of secret planning resulting in the most assertive American action to achieve regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Speaking to reporters hours after Mr Maduros capture, US President Donald Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership void to fix the countrys oil infrastructure and sell large amounts of oil to other countries. Venezuelas vice president demanded in a speech that the US free Mr Maduro and called him the countrys rightful leader. Mr Maduro and his wife, seized overnight from their home on a military base, were first taken aboard a US warship on their way to face prosecution for a Justice Department indictment accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content A plane carrying the deposed leader landed late on Saturday afternoon in New York. Mr Trump said the US planned to run Venezuela until a transition of power can take place. He claimed the American presence was already in place, though there were no immediate signs that the US was running the country. Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, Mr Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference where he boasted that this extremely successful operation should serve as warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives. Venezuelan state TV broadcast live images of small groups of Maduro supporters taking to the streets in Caracas in protest. The legal authority for the attack, which echoed the 1990 US invasion of Panama that led to the surrender and seizure of leader Manuel Antonio Noriega, was not immediately clear. The US government does not recognise Mr Maduro, who last appeared on state television on Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas. Mr Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but the US justice department released a new indictment on Saturday of Mr Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, accusing them of a role in narco-terrorism conspiracy. Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro embrace in Caracas (Cristian Hernandez/AP) US attorney general Pam Bondi vowed in a social media post that the couple would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. Mr Trump said the couple were aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and headed to New York. Mr Trump, who was set to speak on Saturday morning, posted on his Truth Social account a photo of Mr Maduro blindfolded and in a sweatsuit aboard the ship. Early on Saturday, multiple explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the Venezuelan capital. US President Donald Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Maduros government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an imperialist attack and urging citizens to take to the streets. The attack lasted less than 30 minutes and the explosions at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report what they had seen and heard. Some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed, said vice president Delcy Rodriguez, without giving a number. Mr Trump said some US forces were injured in Venezuela but he believed none were killed. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez told The Associated Press that Mr Maduro and Ms Flores were at their home within the Ft Tiuna military installation when they were captured. Thats where they bombed, he said. And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country. Nicolas Maduro with his wife Cilia Flores (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Under Venezuelan law, Ms Rodriguez would take over from Mr Maduro. But she made clear during a Saturday appearance on state television that she did not plan to assume power. She called for Mr Maduros release and pronounced him president. There is only one president in Venezuela, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros, she said. Mr Trump claimed that Ms Rodriguez had been sworn in as president shortly before he spoke to reporters and added she had spoken with secretary of state Marco Rubio. She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple, Mr Trump said. Earlier, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said that the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez should assume power, saying that he rightfully won the 2024 presidential election. The strike followed a months-long Trump administration pressure campaign on the Venezuelan leader, including a major build-up of American forces in the waters off South America and attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean accused of carrying drugs. National Guard armoured vehicles block an avenue leading to Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela (Cristian Hernandez/AP) Last week, the CIA was behind a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US began strikes in September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes was 35 and the number of people killed at least 115, according to the Trump administration. Mr Trump said that the US is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels and has justified the boat strikes as a necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the US. Destroyed containers at La Guaira port after explosions were heard on Saturday (Matias Delacroix/AP) Mr Maduro has decried the US military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. Venezuelas ruling party has held power since 1999, when Mr Maduros predecessor Hugo Chavez took office, promising to uplift poor people and later to implement a self-described socialist revolution. Mr Maduro took over when Mr Chavez died in 2013. His 2018 re-election was widely considered a sham because the main opposition parties were banned from participating. During the 2024 election, ruling party-loyal electoral authorities declared him the winner hours after polls closed, but the opposition gathered overwhelming evidence that he lost by a more than 2-to-1 margin. In a demonstration of how polarising a figure Mr Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to deplore his capture and celebrate it. Members of the presidential guard stand outside the Miraflores presidential palace after the explosions were heard in Caracas (Cristian Hernandez/AP) Earlier, armed people and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighbourhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. In other parts of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack, as residents absorbed events. Some areas remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. Cuba, a supporter of the Maduro government and a long-time adversary of the United States, called for the international community to respond to what President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez called the criminal attack. Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted, he said on X. Mr Rubio appeared to hint that Cuba could be the next target of the Trump administrations push to restore American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Pedestrians walk past the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas (Cristian Hernandez/AP) He said he would be a bit concerned if he were a Cuban government official following the overnight US military operation in Venezuela. If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, Id be concerned at least a little bit, said Mr Rubio, who has had a long preoccupation with both Venezuela and Cuba. The US has had a long history of military interventions in Latin America, including its tacit support for the unsuccessful 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion led by Cuban exiles aimed at toppling Fidel Castro. The US is now deciding next steps for Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Saturday on Fox News, adding: Well be involved in it very much. We cant take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left, or left off, Mr Trump said in the interview with Fox News hours after the capture. He said Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and heading to New York, where they will face prosecution. Mr Trump, who was set to speak on Saturday morning, posted on his Truth Social account a photo of Mr Maduro blindfolded and in a sweatsuit aboard the ship. He claimed that Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez had been sworn in as president shortly before he spoke to reporters and added she had spoken with US secretary of state Marco Rubio. She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple, Mr Trump said. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Mr Trump said the operation in Venezuela wasnt meant to be a message to Mexico, but then he has proposed to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that the US take out cartels in her country and suggested the US might take action. Were very friendly with her, shes a good woman. But the cartels are running Mexico. Shes not running Mexico. The cartels are running Mexico, Mr Trump said. He said he has asked Ms Sheinbaum numerous times, Would you like us to take out the cartels? but she has said no. Smoke rises from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela (Matias Delacroix/AP) Somethings going to have to be done with Mexico, Mr Trump said. US Vice President JD Vance said in a statement on X: The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation. Exclusive | Declassified files reveal governments towering hypocrisy: It has cosied up to loyalist terror bosses it claims to be crushing Confidential submission to Secretary of State reveals that ministers and officials right up to Downing Street met UDA brigadiers, with no pretence that they were community workers or any of the other euphemisms now used For years, government has spent millions urging the public to reject paramilitarism and to come forward to report on the identities of terror bosses Sam McBride Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 08:00 There is a towering hypocrisy at the heart of government and police policy on loyalist paramilitaries. Court hears alleged offender lives near two primary schools An alleged paedophile accused of paying a mother for abuse images of her daughter had been living near two primary schools and a kids playpark, a court has heard. Joel Simpson, from Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, is said to have paid the mum for footage of her daughter being abused by a third party. Puppy-kicking granny fined after street scrap as neighbour admits regret over part in feud Both parties contacted police in the aftermath of the scrap Lorraine Lee and her daughter Jasmine outside court John Toner Sat 3 Jan 2026 at 18:31 An airport worker has been convicted of booting her neighbours labrador puppy assistance dog in a fit of rage during a feud. You are the owner of this article. PITTSFIELD As the world counted down to the end of 2025 on New Years Eve, Chris Post was counting down to a more personal finale: the closing of Wandering Star Craft Brewery, the brewery and bar hes run in Pittsfield since 2011. My wife and I felt that it was time to close and start a new chapter, he said. The mounting challenges of running a business, coupled with the uncertainty facing many non-U.S. citizens amid shifting federal immigration policies, convinced Post, a British citizen, that it was time for him and his family to explore other opportunities. But before shutting down for good, the brewery opened its doors one last time on Wednesday to allow its regular patrons many of whom have been visiting the bar for over a decade to say farewell as the year came to an end. We had a really good crowd, far bigger crowd than I anticipated, Post said. I call them customers, but everyone who came in is now also a personal friend. It was frankly a very happy and very sad occasion at the same time, he said. Wandering Star drew a loyal patronage by serving up unique drinks in a barroom designed for socializing, complete with a pool table, board games and a stash of paperback books for browsing. Customers could watch rugby games on the television screens above the bar while sipping their favorite craft beers from either a barstool or one of the bars signature pew-style benches. Its just very Berkshires, said Brittany Stinson, a long-term patron who stopped in on Wednesday to grab a farewell drink with her husband, of the bars aesthetic. Were very much an artists county. This just fits the vibe. Glenn Lawson, a regular customer, summed up the Wandering Star social scene this way: Its like Cheers, the long-running sitcom. Pittsfield is, I think, losing something unique, he said. Where else can you drink beer on a church pew, for Gods sake? Its our religion, joked John Panetti, another long-time patron who praised the bars social scene. I dont think were going to find another place that fills the void, he added. You werent just having a beer. You were part of a community. Wandering Stars closure also marks a new chapter for Fuggle, the brewerys friendly tortoiseshell cat. Perched on a barstool, she drew plenty of affectionate pats on Wednesday from the customers whod watched her grow from kittenhood to a wizened regular. Until the place gets sold, she'll continue to live here, Post said. Hes received several offers from people willing to take her in, but has yet to decide whether shell stay with the family as they contemplate their next move. He said hes still looking for an interested buyer for the Gifford Street property, which would include the buildings brewing equipment. I do desperately want to pass this building and equipment on as a brewery, he said. Theres just so much value in the infrastructure, in the building and the setup. Looking back on the years he put into the business, Post described Wandering Star as a labor of love. A lot of the time it's been fun, a lot of time it's been exhausting, he said. Its all been a hell of an experience. When businesses close, especially if theyre family-owned, it is absolutely not a failure, he added. Things have time spans, and I feel we [had] the best of our time span. As Wandering Stars time in the Berkshires comes to an end, Post said he hopes that community members will continue to support local establishments. Hot Plate Brewery, which will soon celebrate its second anniversary, is now the only remaining brewery in Pittsfield. Support your local brewery. Dont take it for granted, Post said. Youre going to miss it if it's not there. Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Stewart Edelstein, a Stockbridge resident, is author of several books, including Dubious Doublets: A Delightful Compendium of Unlikely Word Pairs of Common Origin, from Aardvark/Porcelain to Zodiac/Whiskey, The Covid-19 Zeitgeist: Fifty Essays, and An Alphabetical Romp Through the Flora of Berkshire Botanical Garden from Agave to Zinnia. Like most folks, we entered January looking forward to what the new year has to offer and which parts of our shared future we will resolve to build. Ironically, though, one of the first stories to catch our eye in 2026 was one from the past though its about our present as well. The front page of Fridays Eagle carried the headline Seeking ties to tow truck driver killed in 1929 storm. It included a clipping of an article that ran on the front page of The Berkshire Eagle on Christmas Day in 1929 telling of a local tow truck driver who lost his life in a crash while seeking out a stranded motorist on Christmas Eve. George Bignal, of Great Barrington, had spent virtually all of his life in the town and was well known. He was just 27. Some might wonder why we would want to spend any part of this holiday season remembering a sad story from a holiday season almost a century ago. Its worth noting that the act of remembering has its own value, whether the subject being recounted is happy or sad. Randall Resch, the subject of the article that ran this week, certainly knows that, which is why hes interested in Mr. Bignal, the subject of that article from 97 years ago. Mr. Resch is seeking to nominate Mr. Bignal to the Wall of the Fallen, a national memorial for truck operators killed in the line of duty. Mr. Resch, a retired police detective turned researcher residing in California, is seeking out testimony from any living relatives of Mr. Bignal in the Berkshires. While its not required for the Wall of the Fallen nomination, Mr. Resch finds that having the support of a nominees family makes the memorial process more special. It gives them a good sense of pride to know that the loved one was recognized, Mr. Resch told The Eagle about his effort to learn more about a young Berkshire man whose tragic death might otherwise be overlooked by history. I get nothing out of this other than just the satisfaction in finding and putting this all together, bringing it to pass. Mr. Reschs endeavor resonates with us because we, too, know the value of remembering, of recording, of preserving connections to our past in all its heartbreaking tragedy and breathtaking humanity. Even with the saddest of stories, it is arguably far sadder to forget than to remember. And to us, its quite telling that a primary piece of the research on Mr. Bignals life and likely countless others whose names can be found on the Wall of the Fallen at The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, Tenn. comes from a local newspaper clipping. Just as today is tomorrows yesterday, a contemporary newspaper editions ability to inform us in the present allows it to evolve into a preciously detailed view of our past. When someone like Mr. Resch dives into our archives to look for the lives and facts that shared and shaped our past, were reminded of the value in what were doing in the present and for the future. Were also sorely reminded of what we lose as a community, a nation and a civilization when newspapers of any size are lost to the churn of the modern media ecosystem. Its technologically miraculous that we can summon the records and archives from countless publications across the history of the printed word from the comfort of a computer chair. Yet what future are we resolved to if we let that same technology contribute to the erosion of the publications we take for granted? There is an intrinsic value in remembering and preserving the institutions that keep our memories for all citizens of the present and future. We tip our hats to Mr. Resch, who clearly shares and exemplifies that value of remembrance. We encourage anyone who can to assist his search for the living family and history of George Bignal to reach out to Mr. Resch at rreschran@gmail.com. At 4:21 on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump sent a message on his Truth Social platform: the United States had carried out a daring mission to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The action came as a surprise, but according to sources familiar with the matter, planning for one of the most complex US operations in recent memory had been in the works for months and included detailed rehearsals. Elite US troops, including the Army's Delta Force, created a replica of Maduro's safe house and practiced how they would enter the strongly fortified residence. The CIA had a small team on the ground starting in August who were able to provide insight into Maduro's pattern of life that made grabbing him seamless, according to one source familiar with the matter. Advertisement Two other sources told Reuters the intelligence agency also had an asset close to Maduro who would monitor his movements and was poised to pinpoint his exact location as the operation unfolded. With the pieces in place, Trump approved the operation four days ago, but military and intelligence planners suggested he wait for better weather and less cloud cover. At 10:46 pm EST on Friday, Trump gave the final go-ahead for what would be known as Operation Absolute Resolve, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine told reporters. Trump, surrounded by his advisers at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, watched a live stream of the events. How the hours-long operation unfolded is based on interviews with four sources familiar with the matter and details Trump himself has revealed. "I've done some pretty good ones, but I've never seen anything like this," Trump said on Fox News just hours after the mission was completed. The Pentagon has overseen a massive military buildup of forces in the Caribbean, sending an aircraft carrier, 11 warships, and more than a dozen F-35 aircraft. In total, more than 15,000 troops have poured into the region for what US officials have long described as anti-drug operations. According to one of the sources, Trump senior aide Stephen Miller, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe formed a core team working on the issue for months with regular - sometimes daily - meetings and phone calls. They often also met with the president. Advertisement Late on Friday night and into early Saturday, Trump and his advisers huddled as a number of US aircraft took off and carried out strikes against targets inside and close to Caracas, including air defense systems, according to a US military official. Caine said the operation involved more than 150 aircraft launched from 20 bases around the Western Hemisphere, including F-35 and F-22 jets, and B-1 bombers. "We had a fighter jet for every possible situation," Trump told Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends." Sources have told Reuters the Pentagon had also quietly moved into the region, refueling air tankers, drones and aircraft specializing in electronic jamming. US officials said the airstrikes hit military targets. Images taken by Reuters at the La Carlota air base in Caracas showed charred military vehicles from a Venezuelan anti-aircraft unit. With the strikes taking place, US Special Forces made their way into Caracas heavily armed, including with a blowtorch in case they had to cut through steel doors at Maduro's location. Around 1am EST on Saturday, Caine said, the troops arrived at Maduro's compound in downtown Caracas while being fired upon. One of the helicopters was hit, but still able to fly. Social media videos posted by residents showed a convoy of helicopters flying over the city at low altitude. Once they reached Maduro's safe house, the troops, along with FBI agents, made their way into the residence, which Trump described as a "very highly guarded ... fortress." "They just broke in, and they broke into places that were not really able to be broke into, you know, steel doors that were put there for just this reason," Trump said. "They got taken out in a matter of seconds." Advertisement Once the troops were inside the safe house, Caine said, Maduro and his wife surrendered. Trump said the Venezuelan leader had tried to reach a safe room but was unable to close the door. "He got bum rushed so fast that he didn't get into that," Trump said. Some US forces were hit, Trump said, but none were killed. As the operation unfolded, Rubio started to inform lawmakers that it was underway. The notifications only began after the operation started and not before, as is customary for key lawmakers who play an oversight role, officials told Reuters. As the troops left Venezuelan territory, Caine said, they were involved in "multiple self-defense engagements." By 3:20am EST, the helicopters were over water, with Maduro and his wife on board. Almost exactly seven hours after Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, he made another post. This time it was a photograph of the captured Venezuelan leader, blindfolded, handcuffed, and wearing grey sweatpants. "Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima," Trump wrote, referring to the amphibious assault ship. Micheal Martin is set to travel to China to meet with President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced. The Taoiseachs trip to the country next week will be the first visit by an Irish leader in 14 years. Beijing has been strengthening ties with individual members of the European Union despite tensions with the EU bloc over tariffs and human rights issues. Taoiseach Micheal Martin meeting the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the Government Buildings, Dublin (Government Information Service/PA) In late 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish King Felipe VI met with President Xi in separate trips to China. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is due to visit China in late January, having previously met Chinas leader at the G20 in Brazil in 2024. During his five-day trip, Mr Martin will also meet with Chinese premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, the ministry said in a statement, and will visit Shanghai. Advertisement Chinas foreign ministry said the country is ready to work with Ireland to expand cooperation and foster China-EU relations. Mr Martin met the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Dublin in February 2025, where they discussed EU-China relations, trade, human rights and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. In December, China imposed up to 42.7 per cent of provisional tariffs on dairy products including milk and cheese imported from the EU. China had initiated other probes into European brandy and pork imports as countermeasures for the EUs tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The Taoiseachs visit comes at a time of rising Sino-Japan tension. President Xi Jinping of China attends a working session on food and energy security during the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia (Leon Neal/PA) Beginning Sunday, China will separately be hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for four days who will also meet with President Xi. In November Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi said that her countrys military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. Last week, China conducted large-scale military drills around the island for two days to warn against what it called separatist and external interference forces. Ahead of his trip, Mr Lee said that South Korea consistently respects the One China policy when it comes to Taiwan during an interview with Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. A ship that is being pursued by the US military as part of President Trump's crackdown on Venezuelan oil is set to enter Irish-controlled waters in the coming days. As reported by the Irish Times, the US Coast Guard began its pursuit of the oil tanker - known as a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) - two weeks ago as it sailed to Venezuela to pick up an oil shipment. Irish authorities are monitoring the ship's passage, and satellite data suggests that it will take the northern route around Ireland on its way to a Russian North Sea port. Ships taking this route normally travel through Irelands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or along its upper boundary. Trump has sanctioned the export of oil from Venezuela, and has so far seized two of its tankers. Advertisement The Irish Times reports that this ship was originally known as the Bella 1, but has recently changed its name to Marinera, and now has a Russian flag painted on its side. The ship has also been added to Russia's shipping registry, having previously flown the flag of Guyana. According to the New York Times, Russia has requested that the US stop pursuing the ship. But US authorities claim the tanker is falsely registered and is a shadow vessel - a ship that uses false or misleading registrations in an attempt to avoid sanctions. According to Michelle Wiese Bockmann, an expert in "shadow fleet" ships, these ships routinely exploit weaknesses in the maritime registration system to continue operating despite international restrictions. "The definition for a false flag is a vessel that is falsely claiming to fly the flag, either of a legitimate registry... or they use a fraudulent registry," she said. Ms Bockmann explained that often reputable ship registries remove vessels once they are sanctioned, forcing operators to seek out jurisdictions with weaker oversight. Any reputable flag, if your vessel is sanctioned, they will delete you from the flag. So then you need to find a registry that will take you on, she said. In some cases, she added, ships take advantage of provisional registration systems, allowing them to move between registries before scrutiny catches up. You can register your ship somewhere online and then youve got six months to give them all the documentation. But you dont bother with that - at five months and 29 days you find another registry, she said. Advertisement A US court has issued a seizure order for this particular ship, as the laws of the sea allow countries to seize a ship flying a false flag. Ireland Explainer: What is the Russian shadow fleet and how does it affect Ireland? Read more According to the Irish Times, satellite data provided by the analysis company Starboard Maritime Intelligence showed the Marinera sailing at speed northeast across the Atlantic on Friday afternoon, meaning it could enter the Irish EEZ over the weekend or early next week if it maintains its course. A recent Irish Times investigation found that nineteen shadow fleet vessels had passed through, or just outside, the Irish Economic Zone (EEZ) between May and the end of July last year. Many of those ships have shown unusual behaviour, such as taking economically inefficient routes or sailing well outside recognised shipping lanes. RTE found that 245 shadow vessels passed through Irelands maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) more than 450 times in the first seven months of last year. According to sources who spoke to the Irish Times, if this tanker continues its course, the Defence Forces will probably deploy a maritime patrol aircraft to monitor its passage. The United States said it would continue to oversee its involvement in Venezuela until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, signalling an open-ended US role. "This was one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American might and competence in American history," Trump said at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he was flanked by senior officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump said Maduro was in custody and that American officials would take control of Venezuela. "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he said. "We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind." A post on Truth Social from Donald Trump showed the Venezuelan leader aboard the USS Iwo Jima, blindfolded and handcuffed. It is unclear how Trump plans to oversee Venezuela. Despite a dramatic overnight operation that knocked out electricity in part of Caracas and captured Maduro in or near one of his safe houses, US forces have no control over the country itself, and Maduro's government appears to still be in charge. Advertisement The removal of Maduro, who led Venezuela with a heavy hand for more than 12 years, potentially opens a power vacuum in the Latin American country. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez Maduros presumptive successor is in Russia, four sources familiar with her movements said, stoking confusion about who is next in line to govern the South American country. Russia's foreign ministry said the report that Rodriguez is in Russia was "fake." Any serious destabilization in the nation of 28 million people threatens to hand Trump the type of quagmire that has marked U.S. foreign policy for much of the 21st century, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq - which were also premised on regime change. The U.S. has not made such a direct intervention in its backyard region since the invasion of Panama 37 years ago to depose military leader Manuel Noriega over allegations that he led a drug-running operation. The United States has leveled similar charges against Maduro, accusing him of running a "narco-state" and rigging the 2024 election. Maduro, a 63-year-old former bus driver handpicked by the dying Hugo Chavez to succeed him in 2013, has denied those claims and said Washington was intent on taking control of his nation's oil reserves, the largest in the world. Advertisement The streets of Venezuela appeared calm as the sun rose. Soldiers patrolled some parts and some small pro-Maduro crowds began gathering in Caracas. Others, however, expressed relief. "I'm happy, I doubted for a moment that it was happening because it's like a movie," said merchant Carolina Pimentel, 37, in the city of Maracay. "It's all calm now but I feel like at any moment everyone will be out celebrating." Venezuelan officials condemned Saturday's intervention. "In the unity of the people we will find the strength to resist and to triumph," Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said in a video message. While various Latin American governments oppose Maduro and say he stole the 2024 vote, direct U.S. action revives painful memories of past interventions and is generally strongly opposed by governments and populations in the region. Trump's action recalls the Monroe Doctrine, laid out in 1823 by President James Monroe, laying U.S. claim to influence in the region, as well as the "gunboat diplomacy" seen under Theodore Roosevelt in the early 1900s. Venezuelan allies Russia, Cuba and Iran were quick to condemn the strikes as a violation of sovereignty. Tehran urged the U.N. Security Council to stop the "unlawful aggression." Among major Latin American nations, Argentina's President Javier Milei lauded Venezuela's new "freedom" while Mexico condemned the intervention and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said it crossed "an unacceptable line." The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country in a stunning military operation that plucked a sitting leader from office. The dramatic action on Saturday capped an intensive Trump administration pressure campaign on the South American country and its autocratic leader as well as months of secret planning resulting in the most assertive American action to achieve regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Speaking to reporters hours after Mr Maduros capture, US President Donald Trump revealed his plans to exploit the leadership void to fix the countrys oil infrastructure and sell large amounts of oil to other countries. Venezuelas vice president demanded in a speech that the US free Mr Maduro and called him the countrys rightful leader. Mr Maduro and his wife, seized overnight from their home on a military base, were first taken aboard a US warship on their way to face prosecution for a Justice Department indictment accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. pic.twitter.com/omF2UpDJhA The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026 A plane carrying the deposed leader landed late on Saturday afternoon in New York. Mr Trump said the US planned to run Venezuela until a transition of power can take place. Advertisement He claimed the American presence was already in place, though there were no immediate signs that the US was running the country. Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, Mr Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference where he boasted that this extremely successful operation should serve as warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives. Venezuelan state TV broadcast live images of small groups of Maduro supporters taking to the streets in Caracas in protest. The legal authority for the attack, which echoed the 1990 US invasion of Panama that led to the surrender and seizure of leader Manuel Antonio Noriega, was not immediately clear. The US government does not recognise Mr Maduro, who last appeared on state television on Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas. Mr Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but the US justice department released a new indictment on Saturday of Mr Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, accusing them of a role in narco-terrorism conspiracy. Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro embrace in Caracas (Cristian Hernandez/AP) US attorney general Pam Bondi vowed in a social media post that the couple would soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. Mr Trump said the couple were aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and headed to New York. Advertisement Mr Trump, who was set to speak on Saturday morning, posted on his Truth Social account a photo of Mr Maduro blindfolded and in a sweatsuit aboard the ship. Early on Saturday, multiple explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the Venezuelan capital. US President Donald Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Maduros government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, calling it an imperialist attack and urging citizens to take to the streets. The attack lasted less than 30 minutes and the explosions at least seven blasts sent people rushing into the streets, while others took to social media to report what they had seen and heard. Some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed, said vice president Delcy Rodriguez, without giving a number. Mr Trump said some US forces were injured in Venezuela but he believed none were killed. I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 3, 2026 Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernandez told The Associated Press that Mr Maduro and Ms Flores were at their home within the Ft Tiuna military installation when they were captured. Thats where they bombed, he said. And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country. Nicolas Maduro with his wife Cilia Flores (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Under Venezuelan law, Ms Rodriguez would take over from Mr Maduro. But she made clear during a Saturday appearance on state television that she did not plan to assume power. Advertisement She called for Mr Maduros release and pronounced him president. There is only one president in Venezuela, and his name is Nicolas Maduro Moros, she said. Mr Trump claimed that Ms Rodriguez had been sworn in as president shortly before he spoke to reporters and added she had spoken with secretary of state Marco Rubio. She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple, Mr Trump said. Earlier, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said that the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez should assume power, saying that he rightfully won the 2024 presidential election. The strike followed a months-long Trump administration pressure campaign on the Venezuelan leader, including a major build-up of American forces in the waters off South America and attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean accused of carrying drugs. National Guard armoured vehicles block an avenue leading to Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela (Cristian Hernandez/AP) Last week, the CIA was behind a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US began strikes in September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes was 35 and the number of people killed at least 115, according to the Trump administration. Mr Trump said that the US is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels and has justified the boat strikes as a necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the US. Destroyed containers at La Guaira port after explosions were heard on Saturday (Matias Delacroix/AP) Mr Maduro has decried the US military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. Venezuelas ruling party has held power since 1999, when Mr Maduros predecessor Hugo Chavez took office, promising to uplift poor people and later to implement a self-described socialist revolution. Advertisement Mr Maduro took over when Mr Chavez died in 2013. His 2018 re-election was widely considered a sham because the main opposition parties were banned from participating. During the 2024 election, ruling party-loyal electoral authorities declared him the winner hours after polls closed, but the opposition gathered overwhelming evidence that he lost by a more than 2-to-1 margin. In a demonstration of how polarising a figure Mr Maduro is, people variously took to the streets to deplore his capture and celebrate it. Members of the presidential guard stand outside the Miraflores presidential palace after the explosions were heard in Caracas (Cristian Hernandez/AP) Earlier, armed people and uniformed members of a civilian militia took to the streets of a Caracas neighbourhood long considered a stronghold of the ruling party. In other parts of the city, the streets remained empty hours after the attack, as residents absorbed events. Some areas remained without power, but vehicles moved freely. Cuba, a supporter of the Maduro government and a long-time adversary of the United States, called for the international community to respond to what President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez called the criminal attack. Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted, he said on X. Mr Rubio appeared to hint that Cuba could be the next target of the Trump administrations push to restore American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Pedestrians walk past the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas (Cristian Hernandez/AP) He said he would be a bit concerned if he were a Cuban government official following the overnight US military operation in Venezuela. If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, Id be concerned at least a little bit, said Mr Rubio, who has had a long preoccupation with both Venezuela and Cuba. The US has had a long history of military interventions in Latin America, including its tacit support for the unsuccessful 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion led by Cuban exiles aimed at toppling Fidel Castro. The US is now deciding next steps for Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Saturday on Fox News, adding: Well be involved in it very much. We cant take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left, or left off, Mr Trump said in the interview with Fox News hours after the capture. He said Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were aboard the US warship Iwo Jima and heading to New York, where they will face prosecution. Somethings going to have to be done with Mexico Donald Trump Mr Trump, who was set to speak on Saturday morning, posted on his Truth Social account a photo of Mr Maduro blindfolded and in a sweatsuit aboard the ship. He claimed that Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez had been sworn in as president shortly before he spoke to reporters and added she had spoken with US secretary of state Marco Rubio. Advertisement She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again. Very simple, Mr Trump said. Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. pic.twitter.com/omF2UpDJhA The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026 Mr Trump said the operation in Venezuela wasnt meant to be a message to Mexico, but then he has proposed to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that the US take out cartels in her country and suggested the US might take action. Were very friendly with her, shes a good woman. But the cartels are running Mexico. Shes not running Mexico. The cartels are running Mexico, Mr Trump said. He said he has asked Ms Sheinbaum numerous times, Would you like us to take out the cartels? but she has said no. Smoke rises from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, Venezuela (Matias Delacroix/AP) Somethings going to have to be done with Mexico, Mr Trump said. US Vice President JD Vance said in a statement on X: The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation. Advertisement BusinessConsumer affairsAppliances Why your parents appliances lasted decades and yours dont Benedict J Smith January 4, 2026 8:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Joost Veldhuizens mother has two possessions she is especially fond of: her Philips food processor and her Miele vacuum cleaner. Neither does anything beyond their standard functions, nor are they particularly impressive to look at. Their joy stems from the fact that after 40 years of use, both appliances remain in full working order. In todays fast-paced consumer culture, this is a rarity. Its not your imagination: they dont make appliances like they used to The average lifespan of a new cordless vacuum cleaner is less than five years, while small household appliances such as food processors cannot be expected to last more than nine, according to the European Environment Agency. Advertisement This has driven the rise of a throwaway culture worldwide. The United Nations estimates that the global volume of discarded electronic goods known as e-waste will rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030, up from 62 million in 2022. Veldhuizen who as a board member of Repair Cafe International, a global network of DIY workshops, has seen his fair share of broken appliances says we are not just imagining the declining durability of everyday goods. Quality everywhere appears to be dropping, he says. The difficulty these days is when you buy an expensive product, its not automatically a guarantee that it will last you a lifetime. Pointless gimmicks Veldhuizen first points the finger at the growing intensity of rivalries between companies, particularly since the advent of e-commerce. Advertisement As competition hots up, it can trigger a race to the bottom, with manufacturers engaging in aggressive price-cutting to boost profits and keep shareholders happy. Related Article Opinion Shopping The 40-year-old dishwasher and other kitchen miracles Jenna Price Columnist The theory goes that as corners are cut to keep down costs, quality inevitably suffers. British shoemaker Dr Martens, for example, faced a flood of accusations about the falling durability of its famously hardy footwear since it outsourced 98 per cent of its production to Asia, where labour is much cheaper than in the UK. But is the standard of workmanship abroad to blame? Veldhuizen thinks not. Advertisement China makes what you ask them to make. If you ask them for a high-quality product, you will get a high-quality product. If you ask them for a cheap, low-quality product, thats what you will get. Instead, he believes that competition between companies has pushed them into making straightforward goods overly complex. Manufacturers, he says, have started adding bells and whistles to appeal to gadget-loving consumers. These ultimately make products more susceptible to breakage and difficult to fix. On vacuum cleaners, for instance, it is an electrical add-on, such as suction control, that fails after a couple of years of use in the vast majority of cases. But you dont need electronic suction control its a gimmick that companies use to differentiate themselves. Fixing electronic components demands a level of expertise beyond most ordinary appliance users. Advertisement But even getting into the device in the first place is harder than it used to be. Whereas in the good old days parts were readily available and there were a couple of regular screws that you could open up to fix the appliance, clean it and close it up again, its becoming a lot more difficult. Planned obsolescence Because many goods are produced in countries where labour is relatively cheap, the cost of repairing it domestically is often more expensive than buying new and therefore the product is thrown out and replaced. Advertisement Cynics are quick to suggest this is all done on purpose as part of a grand plan by manufacturers to encourage us to replace products more frequently a theory known as planned obsolescence. One of the earliest known examples involved lightbulb makers in the mid-1920s. After technological advancements improved the lifespan of the bulb to 2,500 hours, manufacturers realised they lasted too long. In response, the worlds leading makers, including Germanys Osram, the UKs Associated Electrical Industries and General Electric in America, colluded to intentionally reduce the lifespan of bulbs by 50 per cent and thereby stimulate repeat purchases. However, Kamila Krych, a researcher at the Institute of Environmental Engineering in Zurich, who studied the lifetime of common household appliances for her PhD, is sceptical of arguments around planned obsolescence. If it was the case that producers were scheming against us to make things less durable, I would expect all products to go down in lifetime at a more or less similar rate. And this is not what we see, she says. Advertisement Rising living standards In her study, Krych investigated how the sales and ownership of large household appliances in Norway had evolved since the 1940s. Although the lifespans of fridges, freezers and dishwashers have remained relatively constant, she found that the longevity of ovens and washing machines plummeted in the 1990s and early 2000s. The lifespan of washing machines has plummeted. Is it bedcause we use them more these days? Washing machines dropped from 19.2 to 10.6 years, while ovens fell from 23.6 to 14.3 years. Advertisement Krych acknowledges that a flood of cheaper products around the turn of the century undoubtedly had a bearing on the quality of household appliances. But her conclusion also stressed the impact of consumer behaviour. Related Article Shopping Commbank, Temu and HCF under fire in Choices Shonky awards There is a social component to it, not just technical. For example, with washing machines there is clear evidence pointing towards people doing laundry more often. If you run more cycles per year, your washing machine will last fewer years. The average Norwegian family, for example, ran two washing cycles per week in 1960 compared with eight in 2000 a symptom of rising living standards, Krych adds. Most consumers are also notoriously lazy when it comes to essential maintenance of products, which only accelerates products decline. Advertisement For cars, regular maintenance is very common and normal for most people, Veldhuizen says. But for household appliances, people expect them to run forever without any maintenance. I have a friend who has a coffee machine with an LED that indicates when it needs descaling thats been flashing for four months. Informed consumers How, then, can we pull ourselves out of this rut of throwaway culture? Wayne Hubbard, of ReLondon, a waste reduction initiative, wants to see more consumers taking an interest in not only the quality of the products they are buying but how to repair them. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way, he says. It also makes us savvier shoppers in the long run. Advertisement Top-down legislation that gives consumers the ability to make more informed purchasing decisions is also a popular solution. Related Article Shopping We want to know how long itll last: Should appliances have lifespan labels? France has led the way with its Repair Index, added to electrical products since 2021, which scores them on their repairability. The idea is twofold: to encourage consumers to choose goods they can repair and for manufacturers to make them easier to fix. Its a measure Veldhuizen supports but he says we cannot ignore the fact that fundamental cultural shifts have changed the dynamic between people and products, possibly for good. In the 1950s and 60s, everything was scarce, everything was in short supply and expensive. You had to make do with your things for as long as possible. Advertisement Now, things have become cheap. We have more money than our parents. For better or worse, he concedes, the days of sewing up holes in socks are probably over. The Telegraph, London Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Appliances Consumer rights Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Save this video for later Add videos to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it In a sparsely populated part of the state, Sajid and Naveed Akram filmed themselves firing high-powered weapons in the weeks before the December 14 massacre. This masthead has tracked them there. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Among the isolated backblocks of NSWs Southern Tablelands, it is easy to disappear. Indistinguishable gravel roads stretch on for kilometres; tracks are swallowed up by thick scrub; driveway gates are padlocked twice for good measure; rolling hills shield those beyond them from prying eyes; and cars seldom pass on the winding roads that lead to the many hobby farms in the area. For those seeking an escape, the sparsely populated region offers refuge. For Naveed and Sajid Akram, such isolation offered an opportunity to hone the skills they would allegedly use to carry out Australias worst terror attack. It was in late October that the father and son travelled to an isolated property in the area and allegedly undertook what police say was tactical training as part of their preparation for the December 14 attack at Bondi Beach in which 15 people were killed and dozens were injured. Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a shootout with police. Naveed Akram, 24, who survived being shot in the abdomen, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act. Using satellite images and photographs of the father and son released by the Local Court of NSW, this masthead has tracked the Akrams to the property, about an hour from Goulburn, revealing for the first time a major part of the pairs alleged planning in the months before the Bondi Beach massacre. Exclusive images of the property reveal the Akrams were shooting near several structures including a caravan, a small transportable building and a shipping container which appear to be equipped for long-term stays. A rainwater tank and an outdoor toilet are located near the structures, the images show. Advertisement Images of the property, captured from above, show several features identified as featuring in the court-released photograph of Sajid Akram, including Tree A, recognisable by its distinctive limbs, the gate now closed, traffic cones atop the fence posts, a patch of dirt, and a hill. The gate seen in the image of Akram is used to access a small yard enclosing the caravan. Several sources provided information used to verify the location where the court-released images were captured, on the condition of anonymity owing to safety concerns. The images of the father and son, among few seen of the pair before the attack on Jewish families at the Chanukah by the Sea event, were contained in a police facts sheet made public after media outlets advocated for its release. The images were taken from videos allegedly found on the father and sons phones, which police seized in the hours after the attack. The videos show the pair firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner during firearms training they allegedly did on the property, according to the facts sheet. Advertisement Police in the days after the December 14 massacre searched the property where the Akrams allegedly trained. They were expected to return this week to conduct a second search. It is unclear if anything linked to the Akrams was found at the property during the initial search. In October, a local farmer briefly crossed paths with the Akrams when they were visiting the property, weeks before they visited the Philippines. They were polite and said little. The image of Naveed Akram, also released by the court, shows the 24-year-old firing a similar shotgun to the one used by his father. Matching the trees on the ridge behind Naveed Akram with those captured in images of the property, this masthead has verified that the 24-year-old was standing in a similar location to his father when he was filmed firing his weapon. Both Tree B and Tree C are identifiable in images compared with the court-released photograph of Naveed Akram by their distinctive foliage. Tree C is also identifiable by its relative position to Tree B. Advertisement The location where the Akrams allegedly trained was one of several lots sold by a developer more than a decade ago after a larger property was subdivided. Several landowners use a shared track on the property, which is accessed via a padlocked gate. The Akrams told the owner of the plot they allegedly trained on that they were friends, rather than father and son, and they were given access to the sprawling block in October to shoot feral animals. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by the landowner, who has co-operated with police. The landowner did not know the Akrams by name when contacted by authorities in the days after the massacre, but identified the pair when shown a photograph by police as having used the property for shooting. For legal reasons, this masthead has chosen not to reveal the exact location of the property. Several larger properties in the area owned by local farming families for generations have been subdivided and sold in the past few decades. In the years since, Sydney-based families have purchased properties in the area. Locals say gunshots can constantly be heard on weekends and during holiday periods, when visitors flock to the area to hunt and camp. Shooting in the area is so heavy on some days that locals choose to stay indoors and off the roads for fear of being struck by a stray bullet. Advertisement Sajid Akram wielding a shotgun at Bondi Beach as he is tackled by Ahmed al Ahmed. Sajid and Naveed Akram (in black trousers) at Bondi Beach on December 14. Images captured during the Bondi massacre show the Akrams using several high-powered weapons, including what appears to be a similar shotgun to those seen in the court-released images. Sajid Akram can be seen shooting a similar-looking shotgun before he is disarmed by hero bystander Ahmed al Ahmed. According to the police facts sheet outlining the case against Naveed Akram, the father and son had amassed an arsenal of six firearms, including two single-barrel shotguns. On Monday, Australian Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett said the Akrams allegedly acted alone and were not part of a larger terrorist cell. As authorities continue to piece together the Akrams movements in the months and years before the massacre, families of the pairs alleged victims are calling for a royal commission into the rise of antisemitism in Australia and failings that led to the mass killing. Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive NationalVictoriaEducation Loopholes in national child safety reforms raise red flags about sex abuse risks Nicole Precel and Bridie Smith January 4, 2026 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Blind spots and gaps in screening people who work with children will still exist despite wide-ranging national child safety reforms, which some say could leave vulnerable kids exposed to predators. Experts say the reforms dont go far enough and that parents should be able to search a persons name to ensure they are cleared to work with children. However, that is not on the agenda. Independent worker compliance and safeguarding platform Oho estimates that under current systems, about 27 per cent of people with working with children checks nationally are not continuously verified. Governments have been warned for years that predators exploit gaps in childcare regulation. This masthead can reveal that at a childcare centre in Melbournes inner north, three workers were found to not have valid clearances in 2024. Advertisement Allegations of sex abuse in the childcare sector surfaced in the middle of last year after the discovery of a cache of child abuse material allegedly linked to Melbourne childcare worker and accused paedophile Joshua Brown in May sparked an urgent police investigation. Brown had worked at 24 centres across Melbourne over more than eight years. Police have charged Brown, who had a valid working with children check until he was arrested, with 156 separate crimes, including child rape and sexually abusing at least 12 toddlers and babies under his care. The allegations plunged Australias childcare sector into crisis, prompting widespread reforms by state and federal governments so that workers banned from working with children in one state or territory could be tracked nationwide. New powers will also allow spot checks at childcare centres. However, Oho chief executive Liv Whitty argues the new measures do not address gaps between government and employer data sharing, nor allow real-time verification of workers. Oho monitors 224,000 worker, carer and volunteer records and, since 2021, has done more than 14 million verifications through right-to-work screening for 140 organisations and employers. In that time it has detected 569 red flags an average of seven alerts a week. Advertisement In many organisations, safeguarding still depends on spreadsheets, one-off checks at 23 different registers and the hope that theyll be notified if someone becomes unsuitable, Whitty said. Current and proposed systems arent built to keep pace with the growth, churn and risk in care and education settings. Related Article Exclusive Melbourne childcare crisis Childcare watchdog had one inspector for every 66 Victorian services According to Oho research, one in every 434 workers in the sector carries a critical safeguarding failure, such as a revoked clearance. As about 6 million Australians have the certification, that equates to thousands of unverified or unsuitable individuals working with children or vulnerable people. In Victoria, workers with multiple employers can change their nominated employer without notification meaning if they are suspended, other organisations they work or volunteer for might not know. Advertisement Principal lawyer of Astor Legal Avinash Singh said it should be easier for parents to check if someone had a valid working with children check and for detailed breaches to be published. There should be some sort of system where you can easily put someones name in and find out if theyve got a working with children check or if they have any sort of breaches of regulations attached to their name or their organisation. They have similar things for lawyers, for medical practitioners. Theres no reason why childcare educators shouldnt be in that same group. This masthead obtained documents under freedom of information laws that revealed that Victorias childcare regulator issued Play House Family Day Care, in Preston, with an emergency action notice in February 2024 after finding two workers employed by the service did not have a current clearance to work with children. They have similar things for lawyers, for medical practitioners. Theres no reason why childcare educators shouldnt be in that group. Astor Legal principal lawyer Avinash Singh Advertisement The regulator, then known as the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division, reprimanded the operator after four workers were found not to have appropriate first aid qualifications; one worker was not following safe sleep practices; and five family day care educators were not properly insured. The regulator required the operator to resolve the issues by March 14, 2024. Play House Family Day Care closed August 2025 after repeatedly failing to meet national standards, including protecting children from harm or hazards. The centre had previously failed at a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing to have the decision set aside pending a full review of the decision. The result meant the centre had to close at the end of the interim stay order on 3 October 2025. The matter is set to be heard by VCAT later this year. In August, this masthead analysed 18 cases before VCAT and found inconsistent outcomes, including convicted child sex offenders and criminals retaining their approval to work with children on appeal despite the government working to bar them. Advertisement Related Article Melbourne childcare crisis The red flags childcare regulators may have missed in the Joshua Brown case But the federal Working with Children Check Reform Taskforces first assistant secretary, Chris Collett, said the government wasnt going to make holders of working with children checks publicly identifiable by name. It goes to a broader policy consideration about what is a working with children check and what is not, he said. From a Commonwealth public policy point of view Id be looking for a particular reason to change that. Collett said depending on the profession, the public could search to confirm whether a person held a valid check online. But that wasnt possible for all professions. This masthead recently tried to use the Services Victorias website to verify whether a childcare workers working with children check was valid without their associated card number. The request was denied for privacy reasons. Advertisement Advocates of the current system say both the workers name and card number should be required for a search given the number of duplicate names on the database. Collett said the majority of the 6 million people authorised to work with children were registered as volunteers. For people in a voluntary capacity I think its a different balance for us as a society, he said. These are important debates well need to keep having. What is it that we as our citizens expect of our community and of ourselves but at this point of time its not a part of our agenda. QARD, which existed within the Victorian Education Department, was replaced by the independent Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority on January 1. Advertisement A spokesperson said the authority would not hesitate to take action against services that put childrens safety at risk and would use the full range of enforcement actions available. A Victorian government spokesperson pointed to the child safety reforms passed in parliament last month which requires organisations to notify the social services regulator if a persons employment or personal details change. Nothing is more important than the safety, welfare and well-being of our children, the spokesperson said. The federal government was contacted for comment. For support, call Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Analysis NationalDiagnosing Murder When rubbish science sends the innocent to jail Michael Bachelard January 3, 2026 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A In a courtroom drama, the moment the hero lawyer stands to begin their cross-examination, the room falls silent with expectation. Fixing their opponent with a steely gaze, they quietly set about dismembering the testimony, character and credibility of someone whose evidence just minutes earlier seemed unassailable. In a flourish, the case is turned on its head. Actual trials, I hate to report, are less dramatic and rarely as satisfying. But the mechanism is true to life. Justice and science are a difficult mix. Matt Absalom-Wong Cross-examination is said in legal circles to be the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth. In contested cases, courts rely heavily on a barristers ability to test character, tease out facts and unveil falsehoods. Advertisement Ken Crispin was just such a barrister, then a director of public prosecutions, then a judge in the ACT. And as a judge, in 2001, he wrote an extraordinary, prescient judgment in a trial over shaken baby syndrome which eviscerated the prosecution evidence. The scientific proof of the syndrome, Crispin wrote, was based largely on anecdote, theory and unreliable confessions. I interviewed him for a forthcoming bonus episode of my podcast, Diagnosing Murder, and our conversation turned to how difficult it was even for a whip-smart practitioner such as himself to properly cross-examine scientists. Lindy Chamberlain was convicted over the death of her baby, Azaria, on the basis of seven pieces of scientific evidence. Six of them were wrong. Michael Raynor As a barrister, Crispin appeared in the 1986 royal commission investigating the wrongful conviction of Lindy Chamberlain. He wrote a book about it and decades later is still outraged at the forensic chicanery involved in her prosecution. There were major errors in six out of seven pieces of scientific evidence used against her. Proving it, though, wasnt easy. We subpoenaed one bundle of documents from one witness and the first page consisted of a series of statements in point form and the points consisted in part of English words and in part of symbols, he tells me. Advertisement It took me 12 hours with a professor of immunochemistry to work my way through the document and understand exactly what the witness was saying and what might be wrong with it. [After that], in almost any case in which expert evidence was to be given, I would try to persuade my instructing solicitors to engage an independent expert who could advise me, not just the court, so that Id know what questions to ask, Crispin says. It is simply chilling to read of the hundreds of exonerations (through subsequent DNA testing) of individuals wrongfully convicted ... on the basis of junk science. Former Victorian Appeal Court judge Chris Maxwell That costs money that many defendants cant afford. But even if they can, the challenge remains to convey that information to a judge and jury. Judges usually know very little about the case at all until it starts, says Crispin. Traditionally, they derive all of their evidence from the witnesses in the case so if there are any problems in the evidence, the courts are almost entirely dependent upon the cross-examination of the counsel to bring out those errors. Advertisement How good are barristers at doing this? Barristers vary from pretty hopeless to absolutely brilliant, with most of them more or less in the middle, being honest tradespeople trying their best, Crispin says. Former Supreme Court judge Ken Crispin says judges are responding to what happens in court not to the deeper issue of whther the scientific evidence presented has no proper basis. Louie Douvis If all this sounds dispiriting, it gets worse. Pretty much every scientific technique you saw on CSI to identify a perp bite-mark evidence, blood-spray patterns, hair microscopy, voice spectrometry, lie-detector tests are junk science. None of these was ever widely used in Australia, but it took a systematic review of forensic science in the United States to discredit them entirely. Even fingerprint matching which does work, and has been used in Australia since the early 1900s is prone to user error. Advertisement Professor Gary Edmond, the director of the program in expertise, evidence and law at the University of NSW, tells me about an experiment in which researchers asked fingerprint experts to judge whether two sets of prints matched. CSI: Dont believe a word of it. It wallows in junk science. Paramount+ But there was a catch. The same experts had previously matched the same prints in earlier court cases. To test the consistency of these findings, the researchers dropped subtle suggestions to their experts that the prints would likely not match. The result? Most of the fingerprint examiners in that cohort reversed their opinion, Edmond says. What it shows is that, even on an objective test, experts are as susceptible to the power of suggestion as the rest of us. Its an effect that happens at levels that youre not aware of, and you cant train your way out of it, Edmond says. Advertisement Science makes experiments double-blind to eliminate these biases. But in courts, says Edmond, biasing information is built in from where the defendant sits to who hires the expert. Many scientists, including police traffic reconstruction experts and forensic doctors, actually work for the state and appear exclusively for the prosecution. The expectation on them is pretty clear. Think fingerprints are foolproof? Think again. And to juries, their evidence carries great weight. They are presented as having special knowledge, and are the only witnesses permitted to offer an opinion. A cross-examiner needs to be at the top of their game to successfully challenge this expertise. Even if they do, the jury must be focused enough to comprehend the significance of the questioning and the significance of the answers, Edmond says. Almost a decade ago, all this led to one of our most eminent judges, Chris Maxwell, to a revelation. It is simply chilling to read of the hundreds of exonerations (through subsequent DNA testing) of individuals wrongfully convicted in US courts, and imprisoned, on the basis of junk science, Maxwell said in a speech to a law reform conference in 2017. Advertisement The problem, he thought, was the scientific illiteracy of the participants in the trial. As for judges, he echoed Crispins point: They tend to be insulated from, and practically incapable of, engaging with scientific knowledge and the best scientific advice. Jurist Chris Maxwell says the scientific illiteracy of the participants in the trial all too often gives rise to miscarriages of justice. Two cases prompted Maxwells revelation. One was R v Klamo a shaken baby case. The expert witness in that case made it clear that the evidence presented could not establish beyond reasonable doubt that the childs death had been caused deliberately. But the jury either misunderstood or ignored his evidence and found the man guilty anyway. Klamo spent a year in jail until the Court of Appeal, with Maxwell writing the key judgment, set him free. The misunderstood expert was Professor Stephen Cordner the former long-time head of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Cordner told the Diagnosing Murder podcast that when he read Maxwells judgment, I thought, Thank God. Somebody understood what I said. Advertisement He added: That is the type of involvement that sears the soul. This is such serious stuff. People go to jail So theres nothing quite like that to focus the attention. That case prompted Cordner to take a harder look at shaken baby cases. He now wants an inquiry into the scientific basis for the diagnosis because convictions rely too heavily on the views of the states small group of forensic doctors. And they (for largely admirable reasons) have an immovable view of what globally is highly contested science. Emiturus Professor Stephen Cordner, an expert in forensic medicine, wants a public review into shaken baby syndrome. Jason South As for Maxwell, he was worried enough to write a new Supreme Court practice note instructing all lawyers on how to deal with expert evidence. In June 2025, that note got a significant update. The judge behind the update was Justice Kristen Walker who has her own experience of a major shaken baby case. Advertisement Walker was the dissenting judge in a Victorian appeal in 2021 that hammered out the scientific arguments around shaken baby syndrome. Walker thought the appellant, Jesse Vinaccia, should be released immediately because his conviction was unsound. But she was outvoted. Her two fellow judges preferred the forensic doctors assurances, Vinaccia stayed in prison, and a precedent was set. Related Article Listen Diagnosing Murder Listen to Diagnosing Murder Episode 1 Walkers updated note on expert evidence now demands that where scientific, medical or technical evidence is led, the prosecution or defence should ensure it is repeatable, reproducible and accurate. Good science, in other words. A recent judgment of the New Jersey Supreme Court, also in a baby-shaking case, found this kind of scientific proof was a bedrock of the legal system because only evidence that is sufficiently reliable may be presented to the jurors. Their inquiry into that case found shaken baby syndrome was conjecture. Australia, though as the Australian Academy of Science has repeatedly pointed out has no such reliability standard. So does the Victorian Supreme Courts new practice note establish one? Advertisement Not really. A defence lawyer working in the field, Holly Boylan who had a client acquitted of child homicide in a shaken baby case last year says the practice note, while admirable, is unenforceable. Its a statement of expectations, but doesnt dictate what happens if those expectations are not met, Boylan says. The blockage is a High Court case which, in 1998, said questions of the reliability of any evidence, including scientific evidence, was up to juries to decide. In practice, it means judges are rarely permitted to stop juries hearing expert evidence even if its based on dodgy science. Thats the law. And, as Boylan says, the law trumps a rule. Advertisement So were back where we began relying on the knowledge, competence and eloquence of barristers and the intelligence and receptiveness of juries. Related Article Exclusive Diagnosing Murder Australian court ruling in shaken baby case was ignorant and embarrassing Our system is good. It gets it right most of the time 90 per cent of the time, indeed probably more. But all of us should find it disturbing that, when we get it wrong, people whove done nothing wrong end up serving time in prison. In Maxwells words, thats chilling. It should, as Cordner said, sear the soul. Surely, the least we should demand of courts is that our juries are not being fed junk. In need of some good news? The Greater Good newsletter delivers stories to your inbox to brighten your outlook. Sign up here. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Diagnosing Murder Analysis Michael Bachelard is a senior writer and former deputy editor and investigations editor of The Age. He has worked in Canberra, Melbourne and Jakarta, has written two books and won multiple awards for journalism, including the Gold Walkley. or email. Connect via X Advertisement Analysis WorldMiddle EastMiddle East tensions Trump trapped as tensions between two powerful allies burst into the open Vivian Nereim January 3, 2026 8:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: As Saudi Arabias crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, rose to power a decade ago, officials and pundits in Washington sometimes compared him to the de facto ruler of the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both royals presented themselves as authoritarian reformers. In 2015, they teamed up in Yemen, launching a disastrous military intervention to beat back Iran-supported rebels, and later joined forces in a bitter political dispute against their neighbour Qatar. But today, the two men are increasingly at odds, leading their oil-rich Persian Gulf countries into confrontation and competition with each other in the Middle East, Africa and beyond. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, and the UAEs Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2021. AP On Tuesday, long-simmering tensions burst into the open as a Saudi-led airstrike targeted a UAE shipment as it arrived in Yemen, with the accusation that the UAE was sending weapons to a separatist group. Advertisement It was the dramatic climax of a spat between the one-time partners, who now support opposing groups in Yemen and Sudan, have pursued differing oil policies and acted against each other in economic and trade matters. Because of the vast global influence of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as major energy exporters, with enormous sovereign wealth and diplomatic sway the rift has the potential to move markets, derail investments and disrupt sensitive negotiations around the world. This frame grab from video broadcast by Saudi state television on December 30 shows what the kingdom describes as a shipment of weapons and armoured vehicles coming from the UAE, at Mukalla, Yemen. AP For Washington, the rupture has the makings of a serious headache. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spent Tuesday working the phones with his Saudi and UAE counterparts. Both countries have made extravagant promises to pour money into the United States, and they are key players from whom US President Donald Trump hopes to win support for his Middle East policies, including in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Advertisement No one in the Gulf wants to see another Gulf crisis, so everyone has an interest in containing this, said Yasmine Farouk, the director of the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula project for the International Crisis Group. Still, a fundamental schism remains. In his early years, Crown Prince Mohammed pursued an aggressive foreign policy, mounting the bombing campaign in Yemen within months of being appointed defence minister. But he has since looked to subdue regional conflicts in pursuit of his economic agenda at home. In contrast, the UAE has become a regional maverick with what appear to be imperial ambitions. During the first Trump administration, it helped engineer a series of agreements through which the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco normalised ties with Israel, shattering a long-standing policy among many Arab countries. Advertisement The UAE government has also taken an increasingly active role outside the region and has invested heavily in Africa. In recent months, the country has faced international outcry over its alleged role in Sudan. It has been accused of backing the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary force that is fighting the Sudanese military in a devastating civil war. During a visit to the United States in November, Crown Prince Mohammed pressed US President Donald Trump to help bring about a peace deal in Sudan. Bloomberg UAE officials previously denied that they provided support to the group, though the evidence is well documented. Saudi Arabia has backed the Sudanese military and hosted peace talks between the two sides. During a visit to the United States in November, Crown Prince Mohammed pressed Trump to help bring about a peace deal in Sudan. The potential involvement of the Trump administration would compound the international pressure on the UAE over Sudan. Advertisement Someones giving them the money and someones giving them the weapons, Rubio said in November, referring to the players in Sudan. And we know who they are. In recent years, the UAE has been allocating its growing financial and military tools to fulfil its geo-economic ambitions by projecting its influence, Farouk said, while Saudi Arabia has focused on containing and managing regional crises. Someones giving them the money and someones giving them the weapons. And we know who they are. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio We are an influential country in the region, senior UAE official Anwar Gargash said in an interview with CNN in November. Maybe somebody doesnt like it. But matter of fact, we are. And, as a result, I think we have a regional view on what we want to see in countries around us. Bader Al-Saif, an assistant professor at Kuwait University, described the fault lines between the countries as a difference in worldviews. Advertisement Analysts and diplomats say that the actions of Sheikh Mohammed of the UAE appear to be ideologically driven, including by his opposition to political Islamism, which he views as a threat to the region. The Saudi crown prince, by contrast, is a ruthless pragmatist, willing to shift his political positions as needed. Their differing mindsets and strong personalities seemed to make collision inevitable at some point. In 2019, the UAE offered support to a separatist group in Yemen, the Southern Transitional Council, which began openly fighting the Yemeni government. AP The first public indication that something was amiss came in 2019. As the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen faced growing international pressure over widespread death, hunger and disease in the country, the UAE withdrew most of its forces. But it also offered support to a separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council, which began openly fighting the Yemeni government. Advertisement Soon after, economic competition between the two countries heated up. Crown Prince Mohammeds plans to turn Saudi Arabia into a global hub for business, artificial intelligence and tourism pose a potential threat to Dubai, the UAEs major financial and aviation hub. Saudi and UAE officials often say that competition between them is friendly and beneficial for everyone. Yet in 2021, the Saudi government began pressing international companies to relocate their regional headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh, the Saudi capital and threatened to cut off access to lucrative government contracts for firms that did not comply. Crown Prince Mohammeds plans to turn Saudi Arabia into a global hub for business, artificial intelligence and tourism pose a potential threat to Dubai, the UAEs major financial and aviation hub. Bloomberg The countries fiercest clashes have been in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula. In December, the separatists swept through southern and eastern Yemen, seizing control of vast swaths of oil-rich territory in regions where Saudi Arabia had long held sway, and stating their intention to form a breakaway state. Advertisement Why the UAE supports the group is unclear, but analysts speculate that the UAE leadership could be attracted to the idea of holding sway in Yemeni port cities located on crucial global trade routes. UAE officials say they merely stand by Yemenis rights to security and self-determination. Saudi officials described the separatist groups recent moves as a security threat to the kingdom, which shares a long and porous border with Yemen. On Tuesday, when Saudi-led forces in Yemen bombed the UAE shipment, saying it contained arms bound for the separatists, the Saudi Foreign Ministry accused the UAE of pressuring the group into mounting their recent offensive. Trump and UAEs Sheikh Mohammed during the US presidents Gulf visit in May. Getty Images The UAE government denied that and said the shipment did not contain weapons, but hours later it announced that it would withdraw its remaining military forces from Yemen of its own volition. In the aftermath of the airstrike, Saudi and UAE commentators, who typically profess brotherly respect for each others countries, began shooting verbal salvos. Advertisement The allegation that the UAE had threatened Saudi security was unfortunate and untrue, Dhahi Khalfan, the outspoken deputy police chief of Dubai, wrote on social media. Then he criticised Crown Prince Mohammed, albeit subtly lavishing praise on a former Saudi ruler, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, whose memory is often invoked by Saudi critics of the prince. The memory of former Saudi ruler King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (pictured) is often invoked by Saudi critics of the crown prince. May God have mercy on King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and grant him the highest levels of paradise, Khalfan wrote. It is in the darkest of nights that the full moon is missed. Saudi social media influencers insinuated that the UAE government was acting opportunistically and had delusions of grandeur. Advertisement Punching above ones weight is one thing. Believing it makes you a regional power is another, wrote Saud AlDossary, son of the kingdoms media minister. Al-Saif expressed hope that the rifts emergence out in the open will accelerate a resolution, or at least a clearer modus vivendi. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. As 2026 looms, these New Year's resolutions for the auto industry could be vital in accelerating the electric vehicle market's growth. This year, TCD's resident auto experts are asking for some big changes that would make EVs cheaper, easier, and more fun to drive in the new year. Here are eight clean machine-related resolutions we'd like to see coming to fruition in 2026: Reinstate the $7,500 federal tax credit for new EVs With American giants such as Ford taking billions of dollars in losses and opting to kill beloved EVs like the F-150 Lightning, reinstating these nixed tax incentives would be a way for the government to support the economy. Get rid of the idea that EV drivers should be charged more There's a whole lot of cost and confusion looming, as individual states decide how to tax EV drivers as a way of making up for lost gas tax revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Let's make these laws common sense and not a clear cash-grab or subversive plot to put people off buying EVs. Allow Chinese EVs to be sold in the US Doing so would mean radical changes to policy and tariffs, but it would also likely bring the average cost of an EV down considerably without sacrificing quality. The added competition would put further pressure on U.S. and European manufacturers, and is that really such a bad thing? Hurry up and bring sub-$25,000 EVs to market Slate promises its new plugand-play EV, due in 2026, will be around this price, but if the Chinese can make great electric vehicles far more cheaply, why can't we? Right now, we're seeing some sub-$30,000 offerings on the horizon, but surely America's home-grown engineering and business savvy can crack the code on lower sticker prices. Make all charging stations available to all EV owners for a standard cost This would be opposed to the wildly fluctuating costs across charging suppliers and states. The state of Indiana is currently trying something in this vein, with a pilot program that charges drivers the same amount regardless of where or when they charge. Fix all those broken EV chargers It's still too common to come across an outdated or broken charger (as witnessed on a recent drive up the northeastern coast). They give EVs a bad rap, and the property owners should be fined for hosting old or non-functioning equipment. Explore new charging alternatives, like battery-swapping The companies that are beta-testing this solution find it as quick as a gas station stop, and batteries can be optimized for longevity by keeping them charged to the most efficient maximum levels. Allow EVs to make fun noises If a Nissan Leaf could sound like a powerful V12 engine, wouldn't that be fun? Or, if you're an EV purist, why not let these cars make calming nature sounds. Best yet, let the owner choose their car's sonics, like Tesla does. Advertisement Advertisement Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. By Claudia Savage, Press Association Micheal Martin is set to travel to China to meet with President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced. The Taoiseachs trip to the country next week will be the first visit by an Irish leader in 14 years. Beijing has been strengthening ties with individual members of the European Union despite tensions with the EU bloc over tariffs and human rights issues. Taoiseach Micheal Martin meeting the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the Government Buildings, Dublin (Government Information Service/PA) In late 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish King Felipe VI met with President Xi in separate trips to China. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is due to visit China in late January, having previously met Chinas leader at the G20 in Brazil in 2024. During his five-day trip, Mr Martin will also meet with Chinese premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, the ministry said in a statement, and will visit Shanghai. Chinas foreign ministry said the country is ready to work with Ireland to expand cooperation and foster China-EU relations. Mr Martin met the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Dublin in February 2025, where they discussed EU-China relations, trade, human rights and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. In December, China imposed up to 42.7 per cent of provisional tariffs on dairy products including milk and cheese imported from the EU. China had initiated other probes into European brandy and pork imports as countermeasures for the EUs tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The Taoiseachs visit comes at a time of rising Sino-Japan tension. President Xi Jinping of China attends a working session on food and energy security during the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia (Leon Neal/PA) Beginning Sunday, China will separately be hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for four days who will also meet with President Xi. In November Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi said that her countrys military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. Last week, China conducted large-scale military drills around the island for two days to warn against what it called separatist and external interference forces. Ahead of his trip, Mr Lee said that South Korea consistently respects the One China policy when it comes to Taiwan during an interview with Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. The property adjacent to the abandoned apartments on the south side of Carbon Canyon Road has been under an active code enforcement case with the City of Chino Hills for 18 months after the owner destroyed 15 trees. Champion photo by Marianne Napoles Breaking News Would you like to receive our breaking news news? Signup today! e-Edition Subscribers e-Edition Only - $39.00 Year This is the exact replica of our weekly printed paper. Great for searching archives! General Interest Imported List: General Interest Following a competitive recruitment process that drew 29 applicants, the City of East Ridge has selected two finalists to interview publicly for the city manager position, due to the retirement of the current city manager. The new city manager will succeed Scott Miller, who has served the city since January 2023 after returning as interim city manager in November 2022. Mr. Miller previously led East Ridge from 2016 until his retirement in November 2018 and has continued to guide the city through this transition period. Following a thorough screening process, the applicant pool was narrowed to five candidates. Virtual interviews were conducted by Honna Rogers of the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), City of East Ridge Human Resources Director Michelle Sinigaglio, and City Manager Scott Miller. Following this phase, one candidate was eliminated, and two candidates declined to move forward due to personal reasons, thus leaving two finalistsKevin Owens and Michael Powerswho will advance to in-person interviews. Candidate Kevin Owens currently resides in Birmingham, and brings more than 25 years of municipal government experience. He currently serves as city administrator for the City of Fayetteville, Tn., and previously held the position of city manager for the City of Tuskegee, Al. Mr. Owens has also served as chief administrative officer for the Office of the Mayor of Birmingham, and has professional experience in community and economic development, grants management, and budget preparation. He holds a masters degree in Public Administration in Urban Management from Clark Atlanta University. Candidate Michael Powers lives in Tulare, Ca., where he served as assistant county administrative officer for the County of Kings in Hanford, Ca. His prior experience includes serving as borough manager for Kodiak Island Borough in Kodiak, Al., and as a city manager for the cities of King, Ferndale, and Dunsmuir, all in California. Mr. Powers has professional experience in capital project administration, economic development, and finance and budget. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fresno. Community members are encouraged to attend a special called meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at East Ridge City Hall, where the East Ridge City Council will conduct interviews of both finalists. The meeting is open to the public, and residents are welcome as the city works toward selecting its next city manager. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is sworn in on a Quran during his inaugural ceremony on the steps of City Hall on January 1, 2025. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Global News Democratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced swift backlash following his inaugural address, delivered Thursday from the steps of City Hall after being sworn in on a Quran by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. The 34-year-old democratic socialist drew widespread attention for remarks in which he framed his governing philosophy around collectivist ideals, declaring, We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism. That line rapidly circulated across social media, prompting intense criticism from users who voiced alarm over what they viewed as an endorsement of socialist ideology and its historical consequences. Several Christian pastors and theologians responded publicly, warning that communism has repeatedly produced outcomes far different from what their advocates promise, according to reporting by The Christian Post. History's tragic experiments with communism show that collectivism is not warmth, but a path that leads to totalitarianism and death, said Paul Chappell, senior pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California. Liberty, responsibility, and Christian compassion are the pillars of a free and moral society. Andrew T. Walker, associate dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, sharply criticized voters who supported Mamdani, arguing that they had ignored hard-won historical lessons and the many sacrifices made to keep socialism from gaining power in the United States. America spent decades trying to protect the homeland from this godless, rancid ideology and New Yorkers voluntarily embraced it because vibes replaced civic literacy, historical awareness, and basic intelligence. To their eternal shame and our embarrassment. Evil and stupid incarnate, Walker said. Josh Howerton, senior pastor of the multi-campus Lakepointe Church in Dallas, Texas, noted that Christianity and Marxism have been fundamentally opposed since the latters inception. Howerton pointed to an 1889 sermon by Charles Spurgeon on Isaiah 66, in which Spurgeon condemned Democratic Socialism as a counterfeit gospel that sought to set up a kingdom for Christ without the new birth or the pardon of sin, while treating the Cross as an enemy. The latter-day gospel is not the gospel by which we were saved. To me it seems a tangle of ever-changing dreams, Spurgeon preached. It is, by the confession of its inventors, the outcome of the period, the monstrous birth of a boasted progress, the scum from the caldron of conceit. It has not been given by the infallible revelation of God: it does not pretend to have been. It is not divine: it has no inspired Scripture at its back. Catholic Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota said the language in Mamdanis speech was deeply troubling. Collectivism in its various forms is responsible for the deaths of at least 100 million people in the last century. Socialist and Communist forms of government around the world today Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, etc. are disastrous, Barron said. Catholic social teaching has consistently condemned socialism and has embraced the market economy, which people like Mayor Mamdani caricature as rugged individualism. In fact, it is the economic system that is based upon the rights, freedom, and dignity of the human person. For God's sake, spare me the warmth of collectivism. Home News Passion 2026: Cliffe Knechtle fields students toughest questions, from sexuality to God's existence During a Passion 2026 session built around audience-submitted inquiries, Cliffe Knechtle, an American pastor and Christian apologist, addressed what organizers said were the most common questions young adults are asking today, including those about Gods existence, suffering, sexuality, morality and salvation. They submitted hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of questions, Passion founder Louie Giglio told the crowd of thousands gathered at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. We collated them, took out the duplicates and raised them to the top. Knechtle, founder of the public apologetics ministry Give Me an Answer and senior pastor of Grace Community Church in New Canaan, Connecticut, framed the session as an honest conversation and repeatedly encouraged students to think critically and grapple seriously with doubt. 'What is the evidence that God exists?' The 71-year-old pastor began by acknowledging his own struggles with doubt. I still doubt, he said. At times. I do not live my life as if God exists. I live at times in an embarrassing way, like a practical atheist. So at those times, I have to deal with my doubts. He said the first evidence that brings him back to belief is order and design in the universe, illustrating the point with an example from nature. Theres too much order and design in the beavers dam for it to happen by accident, he said. Too much order, too much design. Extending the analogy to the human body and the cosmos, Knechtle added, To think that this amazingly complex universe as a result of chance plus fate plus time, is ludicrous. He cited Psalm 19, which states, in part, The heavens declare the glory of God, to point out that complexity itself points beyond randomness. A second line of evidence, he said, is love. My experience of love shows me that there are intangible, nonmaterial, real things that exist, like love, Knechtle said. Love means far more to me than any scientific principle. He added that meaning and morality further support belief in God, arguing that humans cannot live as if life is meaningless or morality merely subjective. 'Does science contradict the Bible?' Responding to questions about faith and science, Knechtle rejected the idea that the two are in conflict. If anybody tells you that science contradicts the Bible, he said, they dont understand what science is, or they havent read the Bible. Science is a study of process, Knechtle said, emphasizing that the Bible does not attempt to function as a science textbook. He cited historical scientists and referenced Galileos famous statement that the Bible tells us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go. Theres no contradiction between hard science and faith, he said. 'Is agnosticism the safest option?' Some students suggested agnosticism as a neutral position, but Knechtle said it ultimately fails in real life. You cant live your life that way, he said. He illustrated the point with a physical analogy, noting that everyday actions depend on conclusions drawn from evidence. You have to grapple with reality, he said. Youre gonna have to make a decision. He shifted the question toward moral consequence, asking how human life can be valued if existence is purely accidental. You cant escape that, he said. You have to deal with it. 'If God is sovereign, how do free will and predestination coexist?' Knechtle agreed with C.S. Lewis that it is reasonable for God to give humans free will, even while remaining sovereign. Its the self-limitation of God, he said. He argued that free will implies moral responsibility. God gave me a hand, Knechtle said. He gave me a hand to respect, to encourage, to help, not to smack somebody. He urged students not to fixate endlessly on theological debates, offering the reminder that the ultimate call on a Christians life is to share the Gospel. Please, please do not spend hours in your Bible studies debating predestination and free will, he said. Lead people to Christ. 'What about people who have never heard of Jesus?' Knechtle answered candidly. I do not know how God will judge those whove never heard about Christ, he said. What he said he does know is that God is just, adding, Gods not going to rip anybody off. He emphasized that Scripture shows God responding to humility and faith, even before the time of Christ, and reiterated that salvation ultimately rests on Christs sacrifice. I do know that the only reason people go to Hell is because they choose to live their lives separate from God. And on the Day of Judgment, God will grant their request, and they'll spend eternity separate from Him. It is not God's will that any should perish, he said. I knew He's going to be just and fair and compassionate and gracious. And I do know that all of us here, and all of the people on every campus you are a student at, have more than ample opportunity to read the Gospels. We have more than ample opportunity to check out this Jesus and to ask, does the evidence point to Him being reliable, or does it not? 'Is eternal suffering compatible with a loving God?' Knechtle said he could not offer a detailed picture of Hell, but emphasized that Jesus spoke about it frequently. I dont know exactly what Hell is going to be like, he said. Jesus spoke more about Hell than anybody else in the whole Bible. So I know Hell is real, but He did not give us a photograph. He described Hell, at minimum, as separation from God and rejected the idea that judgment contradicts love. I think at the very least, Hell is separation from God, he said. [People say] Oh, I'm looking forward to going to Hell because that's where my buddies are going to be, and we're going to have a kegger time out. But all of my abilities to enjoy life are gifts from God. In Hell, when I'm separated from God, I'm not going to have those abilities to have a party. Heaven's gonna be a party, the best party ever, but it's not going to be ever degrading or dehumanizing each other, he added. 'Why does God allow suffering?' Knechtle shared a deeply personal story about the death of his 7-year-old niece in a car accident, recalling his brothers response to the tragedy. Life hurts, suffering stinks, but God is good, Knechtle quoted him saying. Life is unfair. God is fair. Dont get the two mixed up. He acknowledged that Christianity does not offer an easy or complete explanation for suffering, but pointed to the cross and resurrection as its central answer. Evil is real, he said. Forgiveness is real. And three days after He died, Christ rose from the dead, which means there's a solution to suffering and death. I do know that in Jesus Christ, we have God's solution to the very real problem of suffering and death. We have forgiveness and eternal life in Heaven. 'How should Christians think about sexuality?' Addressing questions shaped by modern views of sexual identity, Knechtle said sex is a beautiful gift from God. Please dont let anybody tell you that sex is dirty, he said. Its not. He affirmed a biblical framework for sexuality while acknowledging the pain caused by broken families and sin. You know it matters, he said. You know youve been scarred. God created sex to be enjoyed within the context of a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman till death parts, he said. According to Jesus in the Bible, God gave us our sexuality for a purpose. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother, be united to his wife, and the two shall become one. That's the purpose. Am I going to live out the purpose for which God gave me this beautiful gift of sex, or am I going to totally pervert it in a zillion different ways? 'Should Christians be involved in politics?' Knechtle encouraged civic participation while rejecting partisan loyalty. America is a great country when America follows Jesus Christ, he said. America turns downright ugly and evil when America turns its back on Christ. I don't care if it's slavery, child sex trafficking trade, or the exportation of pornography [...] greed out of control, abuse of power. And that is why, my friends, I am not here to convince you to vote for a political party or for a particular politician, because I am convinced that the solution to America's problems is not the conservative agenda, it's not the liberal agenda. It's the Kingdom of God. Please vote, he said. Vote your conscience. He further insisted that political systems alone cannot transform society. God has instituted government to maintain justice, to protect citizens, he said. You and I, as Americans, have the right to vote. Please vote. Vote your conscience. Study the issues, study the Bible, have a biblical worldview of immigration, abortion, LGBTQ, money, helping the poor, respecting the rights of an individual justice, equality. If you'll read the Bible and adopt a Christ-centered worldview on all those issues, you'll know how to vote. 'How do believers discern Gods will?' Knechtle described discerning Gods will as one of the hardest struggles in his own life. For me, I have difficulty discerning between my own fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit, because they both can sound like my conscience, he said. When is it God talking to me, and when is it Cliff talking to me? He urged students to ground themselves in Scripture, prayer, meditation and Christian community, emphasizing trust in Gods goodness. That's why we read the Bible, because that's God speaking truth into our lives, God revealing Himself to us. That's why we pray. [] Prayer is a struggle with God, where I'm seeking to learn to align my will with His will. My will aligned with His will. That's prayer. Prayer is intense. Prayer is focused. That's how you get to know God. Thirdly, you meditate. You learn to meditate. [] its giving God your undivided attention. God is good, he said. Youre going to be all right. 'What makes the Bible different from other holy books?' Knechtle said faith in Scripture begins with examining the historical reliability of the Gospels. I can show you that the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are historically reliable, he said. If you die and rise from the dead, he added, I promise to listen very carefully to everything you have to say. Faith in Him is not blind. Faith in Him is a response to evidence. He's reliable. So based on that evidence of reliability, you take a step of faith and trust in Christ, and then you experience Christ's trustworthiness in your life, he said. The reason I accept [the Gospels] as the Word of God is because the eyewitness community, those who knew Christ, insisted these guys are speaking the truth. It's right in line with what Jesus taught. And so that's why I accept the Bible as the Word of God. 'What does it mean to become a Christian?' In closing, Knechtle summarized Christianity as repentance and belief. To become a Christian means you repent and believe, he said. Repentance is not self-flagellation, whooping up on yourself, Oh, I'm a loser. It's not repentance. Repentance is taking responsibility for the wrong decisions I have made in my life and turning to Christ for forgiveness, and He promises to forgive. He promises to forgive when we ask him humbly for forgiveness and then to believe, to put our faith in Christ. He led attendees in a prayer and ended by singing the childrens hymn Jesus Loves Me, calling it the most important truth in the universe. Passion 2026 continues through Jan. 3, drawing tens of thousands of young adults for worship, teaching and dialogue centered on the Christian faith. Understanding Xi's vision of China and the world through New Year message Xinhua) 09:09, January 03, 2026 Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers his 2026 New Year message in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Every year on New Year's Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers his New Year greetings to the Chinese people from his office, with the Great Wall, a symbol of the Chinese nation's resilience and heritage, depicted the backdrop. This time was no exception. On Wednesday evening, with a warm smile, Xi sat at his desk to reflect on the remarkable achievements of China and its people throughout 2025, and lay out his expectations for the new year. As 2026 begins, Xi's address, filled with encouragement, invites a closer reading of his bold vision for China's path forward and its role on the world stage. NEW JOURNEY OF CHINESE MODERNIZATION The year 2025 marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. "We met the targets in the Plan and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization," Xi said. As 2026 ushers in the 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi called for promoting high-quality development, further deepening reform and opening up, delivering prosperity for all, and writing a new chapter in the story of China's economic and social miracles. At the heart of Xi's vision is high-quality development, with an emphasis on turning China's economy into an innovative powerhouse. Xi has always placed strong emphasis on driving China's high-tech development. In April last year, during an inspection tour in Shanghai, he visited a model innovation center, a hub housing over 100 enterprises dedicated to cutting-edge technologies. Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises in Shanghai, east China, April 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) During his visit, Xi experienced firsthand some of the latest AI-powered products, even trying on a pair of smart glasses. He also noted how China has abundant data resources, a complete industrial system and a vast market, with promising prospects for the development of artificial intelligence. The Chinese leader also stresses international technological cooperation. Last November at the APEC leaders' meeting in South Korea, Xi pushed for the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to foster global collaboration and governance of AI. For him, the rapid advance of frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence is opening new horizons for humanity. As China advances its modernization efforts, green development remains a central focus. "Clear waters and lush mountains have become a salient feature of our landscape," Xi noted in his New Year message. This is a vision he has consistently held and promoted for decades. This principle was further reinforced in Xi's video address at the 2025 UN Climate Summit, where he announced China's 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions. Among a range of commitments, he pledged that by 2035, China would reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels, or even more. This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2025 shows a view of a wind farm built by the Xizang branch of Huadian New Energy Group Co., Ltd. in Qonggyai County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xizang branch of Huadian New Energy Group Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) For Singapore-based political commentator Ang Teck Sin, Chinese modernization carries broader global significance. "China has demonstrated the possibility of achieving national development while contributing to shared global prosperity," he said. EMBRACING THE WORLD As global turbulence escalated in the past year, one historic moment captured the world's attention. On Sept. 1, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, Xi proposed the Global Governance Initiative. Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and delivers a speech titled "Staying True to SCO Founding Mission And Ushering in a Better Future" in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) "After announcing the three global initiatives on development, security, and civilization, I put forward the Global Governance Initiative to promote a more just and equitable global governance system," Xi noted in his New Year message which was broadcast in multiple languages to a global audience. The year 2025 also marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. In the lead-up to the SCO summit, Xi met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and reaffirmed China's commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The world is undergoing profound transformations. Multipolarity is gaining momentum, economic globalization faces mounting headwinds, and calls are growing for greater democracy in international relations. At the same time, Cold War thinking, hegemonism and protectionism continue to cast a long shadow. "The Global Governance Initiative marks an unprecedented step toward building an alternative, multipolar, and more equitable world order," U.S. economist Jeffrey Sachs commented. In his Wednesday's New Year address, Xi said that China has "continued to embrace the world with open arms." Xi's words were underscored by a year of active diplomacy. During 2025, the Chinese leader has reached out to the world extensively. Whether it was during his foreign visits to Southeast and Central Asia, or hosting foreign leaders in China, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation has always been a main theme. When King Tupou VI of Tonga visited China in November last year, he experienced Juncao technology -- an initiative Xi has championed to combat poverty. Tanzanian dairy farmer Tahiya Bauso Massawe works in her Juncao grass field in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman) Juncao is a grass used to cultivate edible mushrooms, feed livestock, and prevent soil erosion. As the King noted, the technology has immense potential for developing countries like Tonga. Xi shared his idea for global cooperation, telling the King that China will share development opportunities with countries around the world. In addition to Xi's major global initiatives, 2025 also reflected China's stronger commitment to promoting more inclusive development amid a world split between unilateralism and protectionism on the one hand, and multilateralism and openness on the other. In December, China launched special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port, the world's largest of its kind by area, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly measures. During his visit to the island province in November, Xi outlined his vision for the Free Trade Port to become a key gateway that leads China's new era of opening up to the world. An aerial drone photo shows a foreign vessel carrying petrochemical raw materials berthing at Yangpu Port in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) Historically, the island -- which extends further south than some parts of northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam -- has been a focal point of the country's reform efforts. In 1988, it became the only provincial-level economic special zone, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's drive for modernization. On this point of historical continuity, Xi said: "We are following the path of reform and opening-up with Chinese characteristics, step by step, and here we are today." "China does not make empty promises," said Lee Ju-kwan, director of the National Center for APEC Studies at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy of South Korea. Lee said China has translated its commitments into specific actions, which "vividly demonstrate China's commitment to advancing openness and fulfilling its responsibilities as a major country," he added. That is a message Xi has also made clear in the New Year message. "China always stands on the right side of history, and is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity." (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) When people think reliable car, Japanese brands usually come to mind firstand for good reason. Honda, Toyota, and Nissan have spent decades building vehicles that just keep going, even on the luxury side with Acura and Lexus. But thats not the full picture. Plenty of American and Swedish luxury cars have quietly built the same reputation for long-term dependability. Brands like Volvo, Lincoln, and Cadillac show up here with surprisingly low maintenance costs and a proven ability to rack up serious mileagesometimes well past the 200,000-mile mark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This list is ordered from lowest to highest based on each models percentage chance of reaching 250,000 miles or more, using data from iSeeCars. 2021 Cadillac CT5 4.5 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles NetCarShow.com Dont let the Cadillac CT5s lower odds of hitting 250,000 miles throw you offits still a newcomer. The first-gen CT5 only rolled out in 2020, so compared to the older cars on this list, its just getting started. For a five-year-old luxury sedan, its holding its own, and J.D. Power gives it a solid 80/100 for reliability. NetCarShow.com Thanks to its reliability score and an 80/100 for driving experience, the 2021 CT5 lands an overall 78/100, keeping it in second place on J.D. Power's Best Midsize Premium Car of 2021 list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sleek American sedan comes with handy luxury touches like dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats. Step up the trim, and youll get leather-wrapped heated seats, a power sunroof, and even Super Cruise hands-free driving tech, among other perks. Average yearly maintenance cost: $783 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $9,819 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 4 (NHTSA) 2016 Volvo S60 6.2 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles NetCarShow.com This Volvo S60, now nearly a decade old, proves it can hang with the best when it comes to long-lasting luxury cars. iSeeCars gives it a solid 8.0/10 for reliability, showing its built to last. J.D. Power agrees, with an overall score of 83/100 and a reliability rating of 85/100, helping it crack the top 10 of the crowded Best Compact Premium Cars of 2016 list. NetCarShow.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The luxury features on the 2016 S60 are classic and well thought out. True to Scandinavian design, the cabin mixes premium materials like leather and wood trim for a refined feel. Comfort is top-notch, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and even a heated windscreen, while higher trims add extra sound insulation. Safety is equally impressive, featuring tech like Pre-Collision Detection and the Blind Spot Information System. Average yearly maintenance cost: $779 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $9,737 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 4 (NHTSA) 2020 Lincoln MKZ 14.2 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles Lincoln Boosting its credibility is the often-overlooked 2020 Lincoln MKZ. This luxury sedan earns an impressive 8.2/10 for reliability from iSeeCars. J.D. Power backs it up with a solid 80/100 overall score, helping the MKZ secure second place on the Best Midsize Premium Cars of 2020 list. Lincoln Beneath the MKZs understated exterior lies a surprisingly rich set of luxury and comfort features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leather-trimmed heated seats, power-adjustable front seats, and lumbar support make the cabin immediately inviting. Other perks include dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, and a power-adjustable steering column, while higher trims add genuine wood trim, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and ambient lighting. Average yearly maintenance cost: $831 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $12,416 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 1 (NHTSA) 2008 Volvo XC70 16.1 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles NetCarShow.com This Volvo brings to mind the legendary, nearly indestructible 240not just in style, but also in its long-lasting reputation. It earns a strong 7.7/10 for reliability from iSeeCars, proving its staying power. Nearly two decades old, the XC70 also holds up well with J.D. Power, scoring 82/100 overall, including 87/100 for Quality and Reliability, 72/100 for Driving Experience, and 83/100 for Resale. NetCarShow.com Advertisement Advertisement Even as a 2008 model, the XC70s luxury features still stand out. Highlights include leather upholstery, wood trim, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-way power drivers seat with memory. For a car of its age, its especially impressive to see adaptive cruise control and advanced safety tech like a Personal Car Communicator and height-adjustable booster seats. Average yearly maintenance cost: $661 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $10,082 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 8 (NHTSA) 2010 Lexus RX Hybrid 17.0 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles NetCarShow.com Even as one of the oldest luxury cars on this list, the 2010 Lexus RX still impresses with its reliability. iSeeCars gives it a strong overall score of 8.4/10, including 8.4/10 for reliability, 8.5/10 for value retention, and 8.4/10 for safety. Advertisement Advertisement It also holds up well today, offering a solid lineup of luxury features that remain relevant for modern drivers. NetCarShow.com The 2010 RX comes standard with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and tasteful wood or metal trim. Heated power front seats add comfort, and this was the first RX to feature the now-iconic Remote Touch controller for the infotainment system. Other standout touches include heated mirrors, interior air filtration, and a moonroof. Average yearly maintenance cost: $439 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $7,862 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 1 (NHTSA) 2021 Lexus GX 18.3 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles Lexus Backing up its long-term appeal, the 2021 Lexus GX scores a solid 8.4/10 for reliability on iSeeCars. J.D. Power also gives it a reliability rating of 85/100, contributing to an overall score of 79/100. Advertisement Advertisement These ratings helped the GX secure second place on J.D. Powers Best Midsize Premium SUVs of 2021 list. Lexus Advertisement Advertisement This rugged, off-road-ready luxury SUV comes loaded with a thoughtful suite of features. The base trim offers dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable drivers seat, and a power moonroof. Climb the GX lineup, and you get heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a tri-zone climate system, while the top Luxury trim adds semi-aniline leather and a wood-trimmed heated steering wheel. Average yearly maintenance cost: $770 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $7,110 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 0 (NHTSA) 2020 Acura MDX 22.1 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles Acura Though it doesnt get as much attention as some luxury SUVs, the 2020 Acura MDX makes a strong case for long-term reliability. iSeeCars gives it a solid 8.4/10 for reliability and estimates an average lifespan of 11 years. Advertisement Advertisement J.D. Power also backs it up with a respectable 79/100 reliability rating. Acura The MDX also stands out for its luxury touches, making it feel more premium than its price might suggest. Even the base trim comes with perforated Milano leather, heated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Step up to the top-spec Advance Package, and you get ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and elegant natural wood accents. Average yearly maintenance cost: $571 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $10,564 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 6 (NHTSA) 2017 Lincoln Navigator 22.6 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles NetCarShow.com The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size SUV that impresses with its reliability. iSeeCars gives it a solid 8.4/10, supporting its long-lasting reputation. J.D. Power rates it 74/100 overall, an average score that still helped the Navigator earn third place on the Best Large Premium SUVs of 2017 list. NetCarShow.com This eight-year-old SUV doesnt skimp on luxury. It comes with leather-trimmed seats, heated and cooled front seats, and an available 30-way power-adjustable drivers seat with massage and memory functions. Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate controls, and power-folding third-row seats, while the standard safety suite offers rear cross-traffic alert and the Blind Spot Information System. Average yearly maintenance cost: $1,131 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $13,176 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 5 (NHTSA) 2018 Acura RDX 26.5 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles Acura The 2018 Acura RDX shows a strong chance of hitting 250,000 miles, earning an 8.6/10 reliability score from iSeeCars. Its estimated to last an average of 14 years, proving its long-term durability. J.D. Power gives it a reliability rating of 85/100, boosting its overall score to 78/100 and landing it fifth on the Best Compact Premium SUVs of 2018 list. Acura What makes this luxury SUV even more appealing is its well-rounded feature set. It comes with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power drivers seat with lumbar support, and memory settings, with available ventilated front seats for extra comfort. Other highlights include dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and a suite of standard driver-assist features. Average yearly maintenance cost: $497 (RepairPal) Estimated maintenance over 10 years: $10,295 (CarEdge) Total recalls reported: 1 (NHTSA) 2020 Lexus IS 40.7 percent chance of lasting over 250,000 miles Lexus Lexuss entry-level luxury sedan shines with exceptional reliability and a proven track record for longevity. It has a more than 40 percent chance of reaching 250,000 miles, a testament to its Toyota DNA. The 2020 IS earns an impressive 8.9/10 reliability rating from iSeeCars, and the similar 2017 model scored a solid 89/100 for Quality and Reliability from J.D. Power. Lexus The Lexus IS packs a surprisingly comprehensive set of luxury features for its price. The base trim includes leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. Higher trims add even more premium touches, like power-adjustable seats with memory and heated and ventilated seating. Home News Pastors widow sues HOA after neighbors persistent harassment escalated to murder The widow of a pastor killed by a neighbor in 2023 in North Las Vegas, Nevada, has sued the homeowners' association and property manager, alleging they failed to prevent the escalating dispute that led to his death. The lawsuit, filed by Sarah Davi, whose husband, Nick Davi, was fatally shot, accuses both the Court at Aliante HOA and FirstService Residential of negligence, KLAS reported Friday. Sarah, who was also wounded in the shooting, said she and her husband had repeatedly complained about their neighbor Joe Junios behavior in the weeks leading up to the attack. The shooting occurred on Dec. 29, 2023, in North Las Vegas. Junio, now 38, was charged with open murder with a deadly weapon for killing the 46-year-old pastor from Grace Point Church. She remains in custody at the Clark County Detention Center. On the day of the shooting, the Davi family was preparing to leave their home when Junio drove past, parked nearby and stared at them through her car window. One of the Davi children began filming on a phone as tensions escalated. Nick Davi asked Junio, Whats your problem with us? and moved a few steps toward her vehicle. Junio exited the car and began firing at the family, striking both Nick and Sarah Davi. A struggle over the gun followed before Junio fled to her apartment. The lawsuit alleges the HOA and management company were aware of prior incidents, disputes, and/or communications involving Joe that indicated or should have indicated she posed an unreasonable risk of harm to her neighbors. Sarah Davi said she or her husband had previously raised concerns with management and Junio, specifically about ongoing disputes and rising hostility. Earlier reports show the Davi family had complained to the HOA about Junio keeping chickens and dogs on the property. Junio once allegedly threw rocks in their yard and ran her finger across her throat in a cutting motion and told them they were next, according to police. The murder suspect further dumped dog feces on their property and flooded their home, forcing them to file a restraining order against her. Junio, according to the lawsuit, did not have a license to carry the gun she used in the attack, which she had borrowed from someone. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Michael Davi has raised more than $105,000 to assist the family. Nick was a father of two children and a loving husband who was a pastor at Grace Point Church in North Las Vegas. At the age of 46, Nick maintained close friendships with his Riverhead High School and Tampa University friends, Michael Davi said. He touched the lives of countless people in his short time with us. We are all shocked and saddened by this senseless tragedy. Home News Trump says US is 'going to run' Venezuela in wake of Maduro capture President Donald Trump said during a Saturday morning press conference at Mar-a-Lago that the United States is "going to run" Venezuela in the wake of taking former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro into custody during an early-morning raid. In what Trump called "one of the most stunning, effective days of American military might and competence in American history," the U.S. conducted a large-scale military strike in Caracas, resulting in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are slated to face trial in New York on charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies. In an operation he likened to precision military actions that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019, Iranian military officer Qasem Soleimani in 2020 and neutralized the Iranian nuclear program last summer, Trump praised the success of the raid, noting that "not a single American service member was killed, and not a single piece of American equipment was lost." "I want to thank the men and women of our military who achieved such an extraordinary success overnight with breathtaking power, precision and competence; you rarely see anything like it," Trump said. Claiming the U.S. has "knocked out 97 percent of the drugs coming in [to the U.S.] by sea," the majority of which he said carry drugs from Venezuela, Trump said, "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition." "We don't want to be involved with having somebody else get in, and we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years. So we are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition; it has to be judicious, because that's what we're all about," he said. Trump said the U.S. is "going to stay until such time as we're going to run it essentially until such time as a proper transition can take place." The president also said "very large United States oil companies" will "spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country." Asked later which figures will be running Venezuela "for a period of time," Trump said "the people that are standing right behind me," in an apparent reference to U.S. officials such as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. Venezuelan Evangelicals respond to US capture of Maduro Hegseth praised those who executed what he described as "a massive joint military and law enforcement raid" that was "flawlessly executed" and should serve as a warning to other adversaries of the U.S. "Nicolas Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance until they didn't, and until he didn't," Hegseth said. "He effed around and he found out." Hegseth went on to warn that Trump "is deadly serious about stopping the flow of gangs and violence to our country, deadly serious about stopping the flow of drugs and poison to our people, deadly serious about getting back the oil that was stolen from us, and deadly serious about re-establishing American deterrence and dominance in the Western Hemisphere." "This is about the safety, security, freedom and prosperity of the American people," he added, warning that other adversaries should "remain on notice" that "America can project our will anywhere, anytime." "What all of us witnessed last night was sheer guts and grit, gallantry and glory of the American warrior," Hegseth said. Caine described the operation dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve" as "discreet, precise and conducted during the darkest hours of January 2," noting it took months to plan and rehearse. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Maduro as an illegitimate president and "fugitive of American justice with a $50 million award" that both he and Trump noted will now not have to be paid. "I want to be clear about one thing: Nicolas Maduro had multiple opportunities to avoid this," Rubio said. "He was provided multiple very, very, very generous offers, and chose instead to act like a wild man; chose instead to play around, and the result is what we saw tonight." Rubio suggested such decisive U.S. action should serve as a warning to other nations, some of which have condemned the recent U.S. action against Maduro. China, whose diplomatic officials met with Maduro shortly before the U.S. military strike, condemned the recent military action as "hegemonic acts" that "seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region." "I hope what people now understand is we have a president the 47th president of the United States is not a game player," Rubio said. "When he tells you that he's going to do something, when he tells you he's going to address a problem, he means it. He actions it." Trump did not provide an explicit timetable for how long the U.S. will be running Venezuela, saying he'd "like to do it quickly, but it takes a period of time." Trump also mentioned the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, named for former President James Monroe, which has been used since the 19th century to assert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Dubbing his version "the Don-Roe Doctrine," Trump said, "American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again." Home News Trump's week in review: Warning to Iran, Zelensky meeting, HHS probes Minn. daycare fraud Before news broke in the early hours of Saturday morning about the Trump administration's strategic capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during an early-morning raid (read more here and here), the president held joint press conferences with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Also, the HHS announced its decision to freeze childcare funds to Minnesota following reports of fraud at purported daycare centers. Here are five highlights from the Trump administration this week, marking the end of 2025 and the rollout of new policy actions at the start of the new year. Home News Venezuelan Evangelicals respond to US capture of Maduro President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States carried out a decisive military operation in Venezuela early Saturday morning. The action, described by administration sources as the result of months of strategic pressure, involved controlled explosions and the deployment of aircraft in Caracas, culminating in the arrest of socialist leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump, who is at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, called the operation a "brilliant operation." Through his Truth Social platform, Trump directly announced the outcome of the incursion: "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country." Read: Trump says US is 'going to run' Venezuela The response from Caracas was swift. Delcy Rodriguez, the executive vice president, confirmed the information about the incursion and expressed the regime's condemnation of what she called an act of aggression. The international community and the Venezuelan people await further developments; it's hoped that this abrupt change of power will bring new perspectives on freedom and stability in a nation that has endured profound humanitarian and social crises. Reactions from Venezuelan Evangelical leaders Evangelical leaders in Venezuela and abroad reacted to the events with caution and calls for prayer. In a statement signed by Pastor Jose G. Pinero, executive director of the Evangelical Council of Venezuela, the organization expressed its concerns for the nation and renewed its calls for prayer and a focus on facilitating peace. "We extend our prayer and solidarity to all brothers and fellow citizens who are going through moments of uncertainty or fear," the Evangelical Council of Venezuela said. "We reaffirm our confidence in the sovereignty of God, who reigns over the nations and guides history according to his eternal purpose." The Evangelical group urged all citizens and people of faith, "not to be dominated by fear or anxiety," and to limit their time on social media, instead focusing on prayer and their families. Pastor Carlos Vielma, speaking from Caracas, told Diario Cristiano Internacional (Christian Daily International): "We were startled awake in the middle of our sleep early this morning by loud explosions. We have no electricity or Wi-Fi. Of course, that at that hour of the morning leaves you in shock. I believe the first steps have been taken; some details and individuals still need to be identified." From exile in Florida, Venezuelan leader Aristoteles Lopez (founder of March for Jesus in Venezuela) described the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his transfer to U.S. territory as divine intervention and the fulfillment of justice for a nation that has suffered for so long. Lopez told Diario Cristiano that, despite the immense emotional strain and uncertainty of recent months, God demonstrated that He "never forgot Venezuela." According to him, this outcome not only vindicates the promise made by the Trump administration but also marks a historic milestone that will send a geopolitical "shake-up" to other regimes in the region, such as Cuba and Nicaragua, signaling the end of an era of impunity. However, Lopez emphasized that the battle is not over and issued an urgent call to the "remnant people" to remain in continuous prayer to consolidate this victory. In a stern tone, he delivered a harsh rebuke to those religious leaders who, in his view, manipulated the faith and "sold their birthright for a mess of pottage" by allying themselves with the regime for fame or money. Lopez urged these actors to step aside, allowing the genuine church to move forward in the spiritual reconstruction of the country, free from the shackles of a leadership that compromised its integrity during the crisis. Meanwhile, also from Caracas, Jose Rivero, leader of the H2D Foundation, said that "the current situation is even more complex. We need wisdom from Heaven to navigate it. ... Trusting in Him." Rivero asked for prayers for the situation in Venezuela. Evangelical reaction from the other side of the border From neighboring Colombia, the Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (CEDECOL) issued a statement following the events in Venezuela. "CEDECOL calls upon all churches and believers to unite in prayer so that God may take control of the nation, bring freedom, peace, justice, and restoration to His people. We believe in a sovereign God who rules over the nations and who hears the cry of those who pray in faith." The statement adds: "We invite you to pray specifically that God will govern Venezuela with His wisdom and truth, guiding every decision made during this crucial time. Paths of freedom, restoration, and hope will open up for the entire nation. Venezuelan families will be protected, comforted, and strengthened." "May the Church in Venezuela be protected and continue to be a prophetic voice, a spiritual refuge, and a light in the midst of uncertainty," CEDECOL stated. This article was originally published on Diario Cristiano International. Home Opinion Israel should become the guardian of Middle Eastern Christians The ancient monasteries of Mosul are rubble. Bethlehems Christian population has collapsed from 86% in 1950 to barely 10% today. Across the Middle East, Christian communities that predate Islam by six centuries are shrinking or living under constant threat. Some have disappeared. The world does nothing. The United Nations issues statements. The European Union expresses concern. Washington offers sympathy, occasionally backed by force, but rarely by sustained strategy. The architecture of international protection has failed. One Middle Eastern power possesses the capability, the interest, and the moral authority to help fill this void. That power is Israel. This is strategy, not charity. Israel should institutionalize it. The collapse of the Middle Eastern order has altered Israels position. Israel is no longer merely a besieged state fighting for survival; it is a decisive regional actor with unmatched intelligence, military reach, and alliance potential. Yet the struggle is far from over. Irans network of proxies remains active and rebuilding. Hezbollah endures. Hamas adapts. Turkey advances its Islamist agenda. Political Islam continues to threaten regional minorities. That reality makes minority protection not a postwar luxury, but a strategic necessity. A durable regional order Pax Israeliana cannot rest on military strength alone. It must also be built on alliances, economic integration, and the defense of vulnerable communities whose survival directly undermines the totalitarian vision of Islamist movements. Minority protection is not a moral add-on; it is a pillar of regional stability. Christians, Druze, Kurds, and Yazidis of the Middle East are Israels natural partners. They face many of the same forces that have targeted the Jewish state for decades: jihadist movements, sectarian militias, and regimes that weaponize religious identity. When Druze villages in southern Syria faced imminent ISIS attack, Israeli intervention, not international peacekeepers, made the difference. When Christian communities sought protection or medical aid during the Syrian civil war, it was often Israel that quietly provided it. These actions remain ad hoc and reactive. They reflect instinct rather than doctrine. That must change. Israel should establish a dedicated governmental body with an explicit mandate to protect threatened minorities and preserve Judeo-Christian heritage across the Middle East. Modeled on Nativ, the organization that maintained ties with Soviet Jewry for decades, this agency could be housed in the Prime Ministers Office and staffed by diplomats, intelligence professionals, humanitarian specialists, and heritage preservation experts. Call it Lishkat HaBrit: the Bureau of the Covenant. Its mission would be fourfold: sustained diplomatic advocacy for persecuted communities; intelligence coordination to provide early warning of threats; targeted humanitarian assistance to besieged populations; and the preservation of churches, monasteries, and sacred sites representing two millennia of Christian presence in the region. This initiative aligns with what the Trump administration wants from its allies. Vice President JD Vance stated plainly: We want the Israelis and the Sunnis to police their own region of the world. He explained why America cares about this region at all, because most Americans believe their Savior was born, died, and resurrected in that narrow little strip of territory on the Mediterranean. President Trump ordered strikes against ISIS in Nigeria on Christmas Day to protect Christians being slaughtered there. The message could not be clearer: this administration will act to defend persecuted Christians. But American reach has limits. American attention is divided. American troops cannot be everywhere. Israel can be the force multiplier that extends American values without requiring American boots on the ground. Critics will object. They will label this neo-colonialism, as though protecting minorities from annihilation were equivalent to imposing foreign rule. They will warn of provoking Islamist hostility, as if the forces persecuting Christians and Yazidis were not already committed to Israels destruction. They will argue Israel should focus exclusively on Jewish interests, ignoring how minority alliances strengthen Israels regional position and reinforce its most important partnerships. These objections are not serious. They represent the reflexes of a diplomatic establishment that has presided over the steady erosion of Middle Eastern pluralism. Every Christian community that survives rebukes the ideological monoculture sought by political Islam. Every protected minority becomes a potential partner in intelligence, stability, and legitimacy. Every preserved church or monastery signals that alliance with Israel yields tangible benefits, and that the forces of destruction do not always prevail. For 70 years, Israel asked the world for protection and received little more than statements. Today, Israel has the capacity to protect others who share its civilizational heritage and face its common enemies. David Ben-Gurion created Nativ to uphold a covenant with Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain. That mission succeeded beyond expectation. A new mission now presents itself: extend that covenant outward, strengthen the regional alliance against political Islam, preserve the living pluralism of the Middle East. The age of isolation is over. The age of responsibility has arrived. Israel should rise to meet it. Home Opinion Mamdanis inauguration speech rife with radical rhetoric, troubling symbolism A common crime of American politics occurs when a politician jazzes up the base with partisan rhetoric only to transform into a muddled centrist after Election Day. At least for now, New York Citys smiling socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani is not guilty of that crime. But if he keeps on this track, hell be guilty of much worse. Mamdanis January 1 inauguration ushers in what the wet-behind-the-ears mayor calls a new era of Democratic Socialist leadership for the largest city in the nation the same nation that defeated the Soviets, by the way. He was sworn in twice, first just after midnight at a private ceremony in a defunct subway station and then again at a block party in the afternoon. We will govern without shame and insecurity, making no apology for what we believe, Mamdani said during remarks at his second ceremony. I was elected as a Democratic Socialist, and I will govern as a Democratic Socialist. I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical. Aside from the fiery rhetoric, the symbolism of Mamdanis inaugural proceedings is striking. Mamdani forsook the traditional Bible and instead was sworn in on a Quran. Muslim mayor governing non-Muslim populations is a picture that has become increasingly common in Western Europe and has finally reached the shores of the U.S. The first swearing-in was conducted by avowed anti-Trump New York Attorney General Letitia James (D). The second time, Mamdani was sworn in by fellow Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who was born in Brooklyn but has represented a different state, Vermont, since 2007. Despite hailing from a different state, Mamdani couldnt resist having the leader of his Democratic-Socialist party put to rest any thought that Mamdani might revert to traditional Democratic politics upon taking office. Mamdani also sworn in at midnight. Perhaps the hour is late for the city. In his speech, Mamdani not only doubled down on the lofty promises of socialist utopia, but he also took shots at the foundation of Americas identity. We will replace the fragility of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism. Socialist leaders are known for lying, for making promises they cannot fulfill. But with his opening line of the inauguration speech, Mamdani likely told the truth: My fellow New Yorkers, he said. Today begins a new era. Mamdani continued his speech, unafraid of embracing terms once considered landmines in American politics. Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously, he said. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try. To those who insist that the era of big government is over. Hear me when I say this. No longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers lives. Practically, Mamdani promised a mental health department that takes certain 911 calls out of the hands of police, which is a top prescriptive takeaway from the Defund the Police movement. Mamdani also emphasized property tax reform and cracking down on crooked landlords. We will transform the culture of City Hall from one of no to one of how we will answer to all New Yorkers, not to any billionaire or oligarch who thinks they can buy our democracy, he continued. Mamdani, born in Africa, raised in New York, and recently naturalized, appealed not to the U.S. Constitution or Declaration of Independence in his speech, but to Nelson Mandela. ... We will provide our own answer to that age-old question: who does New York belong to? Mamdani said. Well, my friends, we can look to Madiba and the South African Freedom Charter. With eloquence reminiscent of Barack Obama in 2008, Mamdani welcomed even former Trump voters into his coalition. For too long, those fluent in the good grammar of civility have deployed decorum to mask agendas of cruelty, he said. Mamdanis appearance comes at a relative high point for socialism in the U.S. Now, socialism has a chance to flounder or fulfill the big government pledges where so many liberal college graduates in New York City have set their hope. Normally rhetoric like Mamdanis comes from the kind of places where the cigars are famous but the food is rationed. For now, though, his supporters will have their fill of lofty promises. Lastly, and maybe the most striking of the symbolism for the trained eye its interesting that Mamdani chose to receive the mayors authority in a ceremony underground. From below the city, he may drag his fellow residents into a socialist Hell. Or at least into the sewers. Originally published at The Washington Stand. Home Opinion Protests in Iran today bring hope for Iranians tomorrow Unprecedented protests are taking place across Iran, both in terms of the number of people participating and the number of cities where protests are taking place. Countless videos have documented Iranians protesting. And its growing. The reason is the compounded suffering to which Iranians have been subjected under the Islamic Republic, and which hopefully is at the breaking point. The Iranian rial is at its lowest point in history. Today, one million rials are worth less than $1. The economic impact is widespread, punishing, and impacting every single Iranian. This is the impact of the ayatollahs stealing billions from Iranians to fund jihadi groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others. Yet the policy of funding the worlds largest terror network has come home to roost. For months, Iranians have also suffered an unprecedented water and energy crisis, leading to power outages across the country, and reservoirs so low that there has been talk of evacuating millions from Tehran due to the inability to provide water. Iranians collectively are suffering the most they have ever suffered in five decades, the cumulative impact of the evil regime focusing on spreading extremist Islam, fighting the West, and mismanagement and corruption of every basic need. But Iranians are not just living under widespread mismanagement; they are living under the cumulative national disaster of millions having been arrested, beaten, tortured, murdered, and disappeared. There have been protests in the past over the murder of Mahsa Amini in 2022, and more recently, truckers have gone on strike in 160 cities due to a massive increase in prices. For a variety of reasons, these protests did not cause the regime change for which most Iranians are praying for. But it seems like this time, Iranians are having it no more. The current crisis has exposed new depths of the evil of the Islamic regime. More than ever, and more publicly than ever, Iranians are chanting for the restoration of the Pahlavi dynasty and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, and for the death of the ayatollahs. It's a formula that will hopefully bring the pressure needed for the regime to fall and Iran to be free. But pressure is also needed from the world because the threats are directed at the world. We even heard it from the moderate Iranian president this week that Iran is at full-scale war with the U.S., Israel, and Europe. While Iranians are risking their lives to protest, it was encouraging to hear President Trump speak out in favor of renewed military action against the regime, and particularly the brutal IRGC. Back in June, in the wake of the 12-day war between Israel and the Islamic Republic, President Trump, standing next to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, stated that he supports renewed military action against Iran if it tries to rebuild its ballistic missile or nuclear program. Rather than believing that the Islamic regime will ever negotiate for anything in good faith, Iranians know that whats needed from outside is the unrelenting destruction of the regime. Iranians are prepared to suffer more if it means their eventual freedom. But the United States needs to lead the charge, along with Israel and the EU, and even the Saudis, Emiratis, and other Arab states, to bring down the regime. Iranians pray for that. Iranians were frustrated, even feeling abandoned, that the 12-day war in June did not go on and end with the destruction of the regime, or at least give Iranians cover to do whats needed on the ground. The Islamic Republic has created unprecedented suffering for all Iranians and for millions of people all around the world. Not just by targeting Israel and the Jewish people, but by infiltrating the West, developing nations, and the Arab and Islamic world. In fact, its hard to think of a place in the world that has not suffered as a result of the Islamic revolution in 1979. People and nations around the world must unite with a singular purpose: to end the Islamic regime and to bring Crown Prince Pahlavi to power and restore the once thriving nation that Iranians yearn for. No one singular act, certainly since the end of World War II, has the same potential to eliminate the suffering of millions and bring peace. President Trump likes to speak of making deals. The truth is, the best deals to be made are after the Islamic regime falls, and Iran begins necessary reconstruction. The U.S. can play a huge role in that, bringing prosperity to Iran and peace to the world. The time is now. And if we dont act swiftly, the Iranian people might not get another chance. COLUMBUS, Ohio Columbus police are searching for a suspect after a respected dentist and his wife were found shot to death inside their home, while their two young children were discovered alive but crying, ABC News reported. The bodies of 37-year-old Spencer Tepe and his 39-year-old wife, Monique Tepe, were found early Tuesday after concerned friends and colleagues requested a welfare check, ABC News said. Columbus police responded to the Weinland Park neighborhood home Tuesday after the couples co-workers reported that Spencer Tepe had failed to show up for work at a dental clinic in Athens and could not be reached by phone, CBS News reported. When officers entered the home, they found the couple suffered from apparent gunshot wounds and pronounced them dead at the scene, ABC 7 New York said. Two small children, ages one and four, were inside the house, unharmed, but were found crying and were taken into protective custody while the investigation continued. ABC 7 New York reported that there were no obvious signs of forced entry, and no firearm was recovered inside the home, leading investigators to treat the deaths as a double homicide rather than a murder-suicide. No suspect information or motive had been released as of Friday, and police are urging anyone with information or relevant video footage to come forward. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the case, and detectives are examining forensic evidence and neighborhood surveillance in hopes of identifying a suspect. Police have not issued a public description of anyone of interest. CRANSMONTANA, Switzerland Swiss investigators are focusing on decorative sparklers attached to champagne bottles as the most plausible source of a New Years Day fire that tore through a crowded bar in the Alpine resort town of CransMontana, killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 100, according to the Associated Press. Prosecutors said the flame likely ignited flammable materials near the ceiling during a packed celebration at the Le Constellation venue. Valais Canton Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud told reporters, according to Reuters, that initial findings point to fountain candle sparklers being held up too close to the ceiling, where they may have ignited sounddampening panels. Authorities emphasized that the inquiry is still early and that other factors, such as the materials used in recent renovations and safety protocols, remain under review. According to SWI, a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, officials are also examining whether the ceiling insulation and lack of adequate fire suppression contributed to the rapid spread. Videos circulating on social media appear to show sparks near the overhead foam and bystanders scrambling in panic as flames engulfed the crowded basement bar. AP said prosecutors have opened a criminal probe into the bars managers on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson, but said no charges have yet been filed. Authorities are also assessing compliance with fire safety rules, including available exits and the presence of extinguishers, amid growing scrutiny of safety standards at public venues. Swiss and neighboring European hospitals have received scores of the injured, many with severe burns, complicating identification efforts and prompting DNA testing, AP reported. CHARLOTTE, North Carolina Federal authorities said an 18-year-old North Carolina man was arrested after investigators uncovered what they describe as advanced planning for a violent New Years Eve attack targeting public businesses, including a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant, the Department of Justice said. Prosecutors accuse Christian Sturdivant, 18, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, of intending to carry out the attack in support of the Islamic State group, according to the DOJ. He is charging with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Investigators said Sturdivant came to the attention of law enforcement after the FBI received information earlier in December indicating he had posted several messages on social media expressing support for ISIS, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. One post is accused of including imagery and language consistent with extremist rhetoric calling for violence against nonbelievers. According to the DOJ, Sturdivant is accused of communicating online with an undercover FBI employee he believed to be affiliated with ISIS. During those exchanges, authorities said he expressed a desire to carry out jihad and described himself as a soldier for the group. Messages are accused of including images of knives and hammers, weapons frequently promoted in ISIS propaganda for attacks in Western countries. The DOJ said the complaint accuses Sturdivant of identifying a specific grocery store in North Carolina as a potential target and discussed plans to acquire a firearm in addition to knives. On Dec. 19, investigators said he sent a voice recording pledging allegiance to ISIS. The DOJ said days later, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home where Sturdivant lived with a relative. Agents said they recovered handwritten notes titled New Years Attack 2026, which outlined a plan to carry out mass stabbings with the goal of killing as many people as possible. The notes also are accused of describing an intention to attack responding police officers in order to die as a martyr. Authorities said knives and hammers were found hidden in Sturdivants bedroom, along with tactical gloves, a vest and a list of potential targets. Officials noted a relative had attempted to secure some weapons prior to the search. WASHINGTON Presidents Day is a holiday in the United States that honors the countrys leaders. In 2026, the holiday will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 16. It happens every year on the third Monday in February, helping create a long weekend for many people. Presidents Day is sometimes called Washingtons Birthday because it was originally created to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States. His real birthday was Feb. 22, but the holiday was changed so it would always be on a Monday. The idea of moving the holiday to a Monday came from a law passed in 1968. That law is called the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This law moved several holidays to Mondays so workers would get predictable long weekends. Even though Presidents Day started as a way to remember Washington, many people now use it to honor all U.S. presidents, past and present. Some states also celebrate Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday was in February. In 2026, schools, banks and many businesses will close on Feb. 16 so people can take the day off and remember leaders who helped shape the nation. Because Presidents Day moves each year, its helpful to check a calendar early. In the coming years, the holiday will fall on Feb. 15 in 2027 and Feb. 21 in 2028. Although Presidents Day is a federal holiday, not all states use the same name. Some states use the name Washingtons Birthday, while others use Presidents Day or even combine both names. Federal workers, postal workers and many others get the day off. Public services like mail delivery do not run on Presidents Day, and city offices are usually closed. watch now SAN FRANCISCO Inside Anthropic headquarters, President and co-founder Daniela Amodei keeps coming back to a phrase that's become a sort of governing principle for the artificial intelligence startup's entire strategy: Do more with less. It's a direct challenge to the prevailing mood across Silicon Valley, where the biggest labs and their backers are treating scale as destiny. Firms are raising record sums, locking up chips years in advance, and pouring concrete across the American heartland for data centers in the belief that the company that builds the largest intelligence factory will win. OpenAI has become the clearest example of that approach. The company has made roughly $1.4 trillion in headline compute and infrastructure commitments as it works with partners to stand up massive data center campuses and secure next-generation chips at a pace the industry has never seen. Anthropic's pitch is that there's another way through the race, one where disciplined spending, algorithmic efficiency, and smarter deployment can keep you at the frontier without trying to outbuild everyone else. "I think what we have always aimed to do at Anthropic is be as judicious with the resources that we have while still operating in this space where it's just a lot of compute," Amodei told CNBC. "Anthropic has always had a fraction of what our competitors have had in terms of compute and capital, and yet, pretty consistently, we've had the most powerful, most performant models for the majority of the past several years." watch now Daniela Amodei and her brother, Dario Amodei, who is Anthropic's CEO and a Baidu and Google alumni, helped build the very worldview they're now betting against. Dario Amodei was among the researchers who helped popularize the scaling paradigm that has guided the modern model race. It is the strategy that increasing compute, data, model size, and capabilities tends to improve the model in a predictable way. That pattern has effectively become the financial bedrock of the AI arms race. It underwrites hyperscaler capital spending, justifies towering chip valuations, and keeps private markets willing to assign enormous prices to companies that are still spending heavily to reach profitability. But even as Anthropic has benefited from that logic, the company is trying to prove that the next phase of competition won't be decided only by who can afford the largest pre-training runs. Its strategy leans into higher-quality training data, post-training techniques that improve reasoning, and product choices designed to make models cheaper to run and easier to adopt at scale the part of the AI business where the compute bill never stops. To be clear, Anthropic isn't operating on a shoestring. The company has roughly $100 billion in compute commitments, and expects those requirements to keep rising if it wants to stay at the frontier. "The compute requirements for the future are very large," Daniela Amodei said. "So our expectation is, yes, we will need more compute to be able to just stay at the frontier as we get bigger." Still, the company argues that the headline numbers flying around the sector are often not directly comparable and that the industry's collective certainty about the "right" amount to spend is less solid than it sounds. "A lot of the numbers that are thrown around are sort of not exactly apples to apples, because of just how the structure of some of these deals are kind of set up," she said, describing an environment where players feel pressure to commit early to secure hardware years down the line. The bigger truth, she added, is that even insiders who helped shape the scaling thesis have been surprised by how consistently performance and business growth have compounded. watch now "We have continued to be surprised, even as the people who pioneered this belief in scaling laws," Daniela Amodei said. "Something that I hear from my colleagues a lot is, the exponential continues until it doesn't. And every year we've been like, 'Well, this can't possibly be the case that things will continue on the exponential' and then every year it has." That line captures both the optimism and the anxiety of today's buildout. If the exponential keeps holding, then the companies that lock up power, chips and sites early may look prescient. If it breaks or if adoption lags behind the pace of capability then the players that overcommitted could be left carrying years of fixed costs and long-lead-time infrastructure built for demand that never arrives. Daniela Amodei drew a distinction between the technology curve and the economic curve, an important nuance that tends to get conflated in the public debate. From a technological perspective, she said Anthropic doesn't see progress slowing down, based on what the company has observed so far. The more complicated question is how quickly businesses and consumers can integrate those capabilities into real workflows where procurement, change management, and human friction can slow even the best tool. "Regardless of how good the technology is, it takes time for that to be used in a business or sort of personal context," she said. "The real question to me is: How quickly can businesses in particular, but also individuals, leverage the technology?" That enterprise emphasis is central to why Anthropic has become such a closely watched bellwether for the broader generative AI trade. The company has positioned itself as an enterprise-first model provider, with much of its revenue tied to other companies paying to plug Claude into workflows, products, and internal systems usage that can be stickier than a consumer app, where churn can rise once the novelty fades. watch now Anthropic said revenue has grown tenfold year over year for three straight years. And it has built a distribution footprint that's unusual in a market defined by fierce rivalry. The Claude model is available across the major cloud platforms, including through partners that are also building and selling competing models. Daniela Amodei framed that presence less as detente and more as a reflection of customer pull, with large enterprises wanting optionality across clouds, and cloud providers wanting to offer what their biggest customers are asking to buy. In practice, that multicloud posture is also a way to compete without making a single infrastructure bet. If OpenAI is attempting to anchor a vast buildout around bespoke campuses and dedicated capacity, Anthropic is trying to remain flexible, shifting where it runs based on cost, availability, and customer demand, while focusing internal energy on improving model efficiency and performance per unit of compute. As 2026 begins, the divide matters for another reason: Both companies are being pushed toward the discipline of public-market readiness while still operating in a private-market world where compute needs are growing faster than certainty. Anthropic and OpenAI have not announced IPO timelines, but both are making moves that look like preparation, adding finance, governance, forecasting, and an operating cadence that can withstand public scrutiny. At the same time, both are still raising fresh capital and striking ever-larger compute arrangements to fund the next leg of model development. That sets up a real test of strategy rather than rhetoric. If the market keeps funding scale, OpenAI's approach may remain the industry standard. If investors start demanding greater efficiency, Anthropic's "do more with less" posture could put them at an advantage. In that sense, Anthropic's contrarian bet isn't that scaling doesn't work. It's that scaling isn't the only lever that matters, and that the winner of the next phase may be the lab that can keep improving while spending in a way the real economy can sustain. "The exponential continues until it doesn't," Daniela Amodei said. The question for 2026 is what happens to the AI arms race and to the companies building it if the industry's favorite curve finally stops behaving. WATCH: Anthropic, OpenAI rivalry goes global People walk past campaign posters for the second round of the general election in downtown on December 29, 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar's military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is leading after the first phase of a contentious general election, early results cited by state media showed, in the first vote since a 2021 coup. Having sparked a nationwide rebellion after crushing pro-democracy protests in the wake of its coup, the ruling junta has said the three-phase vote would bring political stability to the impoverished Southeast Asian nation. Partial results from Myanmar's first election since 2020, released by the Union Election Commission (UEC) for 56 constituencies, showed the junta-backed party winning by a wide margin as expected, despite thin turnout. The results published on Friday show the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), led by retired generals, winning 38 of 40 seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw, or lower house, whose outcomes have been tallied. The Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, also known as the White Tiger Party and the Mon Unity Party (MUP) got one seat each. Among a diminished field of competitors handpicked by the military, the USDP also won 14 seats of the 15 regional or State Hluttaw seats tallied in the first-past-the-post system, while the Akha National Development Party took one. For the upper house, or Amyotha Hluttaw, only one seat has been declared, which was won by the Wa National Party. No date has been set for the final result of the election, criticised by the United Nations, some Western countries and human rights groups as anti-junta political parties are not in the running and it is illegal to criticise the polls. The election panel has not revealed the total number of constituencies voting in the first phase, opting instead to release partial results on a constituency-by-constituency basis. On Wednesday, the junta said 52% of voters, or more than half of those eligible, had cast ballots in the first phase. That fell short of turnout of about 70% in general elections in 2020 and 2015, however, according to the U.S.-based nonprofit International Foundation for Electoral Systems. Two more rounds of voting set for January 11 and January 25 will cover 265 of Myanmar's 330 townships, in some of which the junta does not have complete control. Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize winner deposed by the military months after she won the last general election by a landslide in 2020, remains in detention. Her National League for Democracy has been dissolved. Analysts say the junta's bid to set up a stable government in the midst of war is fraught with risk, and broad foreign recognition is also unlikely for any military-controlled administration with a civilian veneer. President Donald Trump's overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro in oil-rich Venezuela is unlikely to shock energy markets in the near term, analysts told CNBC on Saturday. While the scale of the U.S. attack was unexpected, markets had already priced in a conflict with Venezuela that would disrupt oil exports, said Arne Lohmann Rasmussen, chief analyst and head of research at A/S Global Risk Management. Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC, has the largest proven oil reserves in the world. But the South American nation currently produces less than a million oil barrels a day, which is less than 1% of global oil production, according to Rasmussen. It exports just about half its production, or some 500,000 barrels, Rasmussen said. The conflict also comes as the global oil market is oversupplied and demand is relatively weak, a pattern that is customary in the first quarter of the year, he said. Rasmussen estimated that Brent crude prices will only rise by about $1 to $2, or even less, when futures trading opens on Sunday night. He projected that Brent will edge lower next week than where it closed on Friday, which was $60.75. "Despite this being a huge geopolitical event that you would normally expect to be positive or push up oil prices," he said, "the bottom line is there's still too much oil in the market, and that's why oil prices will not go ballistic." Analyst Bob McNally of Rapidan Energy said he was advising clients before the weekend that about a third of Venezuela's oil production was at risk. While he does not predict that all of Venezuela's output would be cut off, he told CNBC that it would not pose a meaningful risk to oil markets in the short term. The oil market in 2025 posted its biggest annual decline in five years. The global benchmark Brent fell about 19% last year, while U.S. crude oil lost nearly 20%.The market has been under pressure as OPEC+ ramped up production after years of output cuts. The U.S. also produced at a record level of just over 13.8 million barrels per day. Oil prices may decline further as the regime overthrow raises the possibility of eventually boosting oil production in Venezuela, analysts told CNBC. Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial, estimated that exports could approach 3 million barrels in the medium term if a new Venezuelan government led to the lifting of sanctions and the return of foreign investors. "If anything, the future of Venezuela will have a bearish impact on the market, because there's really nowhere to go but up," said energy industry consultant David Goldwyn, a former top State Department energy official in the Obama administration. Currently, the embargo on Venezuelan oil is still in effect, Trump said during a press conference Saturday. He also said that U.S. oil companies will invest billions of dollars to rebuild Venezuela's energy sector. Trump did not provide details on which companies would invest or how, nor did he clarify how the U.S. would temporarily run Venezuela "with a group." Goldwyn said it is hard to predict whether U.S. oil companies will invest, given the uncertainty about the interim and future governments in Venezuela. "Everything we have learned about government transitions from Iraq, from Afghanistan, from other countries, is that transitions are hard," he said. "No company is going to want to commit to invest billions of dollars for a long-term operation until they know what the terms are. And they can't know what the terms are until you know what the government is going to be." Goldwyn added that companies, including Exxon Mobil , are still waiting to collect on debt owed by Venezuela's national oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA). Rapidan Energy's McNally said it is a complicated proposition for U.S. oil companies. Oil producers have not forgotten being kicked out of Venezuela in the early 2000s, when the country expropriated the assets of foreign oil companies, he said. That said, accessing the world's largest oil reserves would be "tantalizing" to U.S. oil companies if sanctions were lifted, he added. But it would take decades of investment and billions of dollars, McNally said. Whether it's worth it comes down to one central question, he said: Does the world need that much oil? "Until late last year, the market consensus had been that demand for oil is going to stop growing in four years. It's over because of EVs and fuel efficiency policies and climate change policies," McNally said. But as the U.S. and other nations, including China and Canada, weaken their climate policies and sales of electric vehicles fall, the prospect of investing in Venezuela has become much more attractive. "All of a sudden you're starting to say: "Whoa, we're going to need more oil," he said. Additional reporting contributed by CNBC's Victor Loh Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro embrace in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the U.S. military attack on its neighbor, Venezuela, and said the capture of his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, crossed "an unacceptable line." The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Monday over the U.S. action. The ministry said it was joining Venezuelan authorities and leaders of Latin American countries in calling for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. "Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself to be in 2014. And Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside." "The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded ...In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue." The Russian foreign ministry called Saturday's strikes on Venezuela "an act of armed aggression" that is "deeply concerning and condemnable." "The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect by all of international law, including the UN Charter. He's deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is deeply alarmed by U.S. action in Venezuela that sets "a dangerous precedent," his spokesperson said in a statement. Russia and Iran broadly condemned the U.S. attack on Venezuela early Saturday, while elsewhere, world leaders called for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council. A still image from video posted by the White House's Rapid Response 47 account on X.com, which originated from the @PaulDMauro account, shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro being walked in custody down a hallway at the offices of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in New York City, U.S., January 3, 2026. "These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuela's sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community," Lula said in a post on X. Lula also called for a "vigorous" response from the United Nations, adding that Brazil remains open to promoting dialogue and cooperation. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said the U.S. is "arrogantly trying to impose something on the country, on the officials, on the government, and on the nation" of Venezuela. "We will not yield to the enemy," he said. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, in a social media post on X, called for a meeting of the UN Security Council, saying the U.S. attack is an "aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and Latin America." Petro said Colombia also said it is deploying forces to the border "in case of a massive influx of refugees." Kaja Kallas, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a post on X that the European Union is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. "I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas... The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition," she said. "Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority," Kallas added. UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer said in a post on X that while his country shed no tears about the end of Maduro's regime, he reiterated his support for international law. "The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people," he wrote. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the U.S. military operation ran afoul of the principles of international law. "The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro violates the principle of not resorting to force, that underpins international law. France reiterates that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside and that only sovereign people themselves can decide their future," wrote Barrot on X. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said international law must be respected. "Dramatic development in Venezuela, which we are following closely. We need to get back on track toward de-escalation and dialogue," Rasmussen wrote on X. In Germany, Roderich Kiesewetter, a prominent member of the conservative Christian Democratic Union, called the U.S. attack a "coup." "With President [Donald] Trump, the U.S. are abandoning the rules-based order that has shaped us since 1945," he said. "The coup in Venezuela marks a return to the old U.S. doctrine from before 1940: a mindset of thinking in terms of spheres of influence, where the law of force rules, not international law." Kiesewetter added: "Trump is destroying what was left of any trust in the U.S." Maxime Prevot, Belgium's deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister, said the safety of its citizens in Venezuels is the European country's top priority. "Our embassy in Bogota, which is responsible for Venezuela, and our services in Brussels are fully mobilized. The situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with our European partners." The Spanish foreign ministry urged the U.S. to de-escalate hostilities. "In this regard, Spain is willing to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis," it said in a statement. Giuseppe Conte, a former prime minister and current opposition party leader in Italy, said the U.S. operation "has no legal basis." "We are facing a blatant violation of international law, which certifies the dominance of the strongest and best equipped militarily... I hope that the entire international community will make its voice heard and that everyone will understand that if rules only apply to enemies and not to friends, no one can feel safe anymore. Nor can the illiberal nature of a government's rule justify an attack to a sovereign state." Yvonne Mewengkang, spokesperson for Indonesia's foreign ministry, said it is monitoring developments to ensure the safety of its citizens in Venezuela. "Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritize peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue, while prioritizing the protection of civilians." "Indonesia emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter." In Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Kamala Persad-Bissessar made clear that the country is not participating in U.S. military operations in Venezuela. "Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela," Persad-Bissessar said. CNBC contributed to this report. President Donald Trump said the U.S. is going to temporarily take over governing Venezuela after launching a large-scale surprise attack on the country overnight. "We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said in a press conference Saturday morning from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. The Venezuela operation "was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military," Trump said. "Not a single American service member was killed, and not a single piece of American equipment was lost, many helicopters, many planes, many people involved in that fight," Trump also said. U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press conference following a U.S. strike on Venezuela where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on drug-trafficking charges. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, said the mission involved "more than 150 aircraft launching across the western hemisphere in political coordination, all coming together in time and place to layer effects for a single purpose, to get an interdiction force into downtown Caracas, while maintaining the element of tactical surprise." Smoke rises from Port of La Guaira after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard on January 03, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela. Jesus Vargas | Getty Images Trump said the U.S. would be in charge of Venezuela until there is a safe transition of leadership. He also said the U.S. would be running the country "with a group" and "designating various people," without providing details. According to Trump, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as president and had been in contact with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "She's essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again," Trump said. Rubio added that Congress was not briefed ahead of the operation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump stands behind him during a press conference following a U.S. strike on Venezuela where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters FILE PHOTO: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro holds Simon Bolivar's sword as he addresses members of the armed forces, Bolivarian Militia, police, and civilians during a rally against a possible escalation of U.S. actions toward the country, at Fort Tiuna military base in Caracas, Venezuela, November 25, 2025. "Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war," Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., said in a post to X on Saturday. After months of pressure on Maduro, Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. had assisted in a "large scale strike" against the country and its leader, who was captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores, and is being brought to the U.S . As news spread Saturday of President Donald Trump 's removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a split screen emerged in Congress : Republicans largely celebrated the military operation, while Democrats condemned the president's actions and questioned their legality. The Constitution grants Congress primary authority to declare war. The War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973 in response to the Vietnam War, limits the president's ability to take military action unilaterally and requires the president to consult with Congress when troops are deployed. But lawmakers said the president did not seek approval and did not brief Congress on his plans. Trump is expected to meet with House Republicans on Tuesday at the Kennedy Center, MS NOW reported, citing two sources. Trump will reportedly make an appearance at the gathering and it is unclear how long he will stay, MS Now reported. The lawmakers had already been scheduled to meet at the center for a policy forum to discuss the agenda for the second half of the 119th Congress, according to an invitation obtained by MS NOW. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in a statement, called the decision to take military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization "reckless." "The administration has assured me three separate times that it was not pursuing regime change or taking military action in Venezuela. Clearly, they are not being straight with Americans," Schumer said. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told MSNOW that he had "no briefing or heads up. I received all information from the news media at this point." And Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, was among those who cheered the capture of Maduro, but said Congress had not been given any forewarning. "And that's probably one reason why it didn't leak over these four days," Cotton said, in an interview on "Fox & Friends" on Saturday. "Congress isn't notified when the FBI is going to arrest a drug trafficker or cyber criminal here in the United States. Nor should Congress be notified when the executive branch is executing arrests on indicted persons." Attorney General Pam Bondi on Saturday said in a post on X that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. They have been charged with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of weapons and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices against the U.S., according to Bondi's post. Trump seemed to shrug off concerns about the constitutionality of the attack during a call-in to "Fox & Friends." "The Democrats, maybe they'll take a shot... all they do is complain," Trump said. "They should say, 'great job.' They shouldn't say, 'Oh gee, maybe it's not constitutional.' You know, the same old stuff that we've been hearing for years and years and years." The president also said that the attack originally had been planned for earlier in the week but was rescheduled due to weather. No U.S. soldiers were killed in the operation, he said. During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said members of Congress were called immediately after the mission, which he said was "largely a law enforcement function." Notifying members ahead of the action could have jeopardized the mission, he said. "This was not the kind of mission that you can do congressional notification on. It was a trigger-based mission... it's just simply not the kind of mission you can call people and say, 'Hey, we may do this at some point in the next 15 days," Rubio said. "Congress has a tendency to leak. This would not be good. If they leaked... I think it would have been maybe a very different result," Trump said at the press conference. "Congress will leak, and we don't want leakers," he continued. The Trump administration has ramped up pressure on the Venezuelan government in recent months, alleging that Maduro is the head of a narco-terror organization. He recently ordered a complete blockade on sanctioned oil tankers moving in and out of the country and has been targeting alleged Venezuelan drug boats. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement that he had spoken "in the last several hours" with Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and that the White House was working to schedule briefings with members when Congress is back in session next week. "President Trump is putting American lives first, succeeding where others have failed, and under his leadership the United States will no longer allow criminal regimes to profit from wreaking havoc and destruction on our country," Johnson said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., called the operation an "important first step to bring [Maduro] to justice for the drug crimes for which he has been indicted in the United States." Neither Thune nor Johnson, through their offices, responded to requests for comment on whether Republican leaders had been briefed ahead of the attack. "I spoke to Secretary Rubio early this morning, and I look forward to receiving further briefings from the administration on this operation as part of its comprehensive counternarcotics strategy when the Senate returns to Washington next week," Thune said. As news of the attack on Venezuela broke early Saturday, there was at least some Republican skepticism. "I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force," Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted to X. Hours later, and after a phone call with Rubio, Lee had changed his tune. "This action likely falls within the president's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack," Lee said in a subsequent post. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga., the former Trump ally who had a falling-out with the president and is resigning from Congress on Jan. 5, was part of a small group within the GOP who questioned the attack. "(W)hy is it ok for America to militarily invade, bomb, and arrest a foreign leader but Russia is evil for invading Ukraine and China is bad for aggression against Taiwan? Is it only ok if we do it? (I'm not endorsing Russia or China)," Greene posted to X on Saturday. And Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a frequent foil to Trump, questioned the constitutionality of Trump's removal of Maduro. "If this action were constitutionally sound, the Attorney General wouldn't be tweeting that they've arrested the President of a sovereign country and his wife for possessing guns in violation of a 1934 U.S. firearm law," Massie posted to X. Democrats, meanwhile, called for more answers and questioned what might come next for Venezuela, where Maduro has ruled for more than a decade. "Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos," Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., ranking member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said in a statement. "Secretary Rubio repeatedly denied to Congress that the Administration intended to force regime change in Venezuela. The Administration must immediately brief Congress on its plan to ensure stability in the region," Himes continued. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., in a statement on Saturday, also said Trump did not properly notify Congress of the military action. He questioned how many American troops would remain on the ground and who would run Venezuela now that Maduro has been deposed. "Pursuant to the Constitution, the framers gave Congress the sole power to declare war as the branch of government closest to the American people," Jeffries said. "The House and Senate must be briefed immediately and compelling evidence to explain and justify this unauthorized use of military force should be presented forthwith." Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Airlines canceled hundreds of flights to Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean on Saturday, stranding thousands of travelers at the tail-end of the New Year holiday period after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered commercial aircraft to avoid airspace in parts of the region following U.S. strikes on Venezuela. President Donald Trump said Saturday the strikes resulted in the United States' capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Cancellations included 400 flights to and from Puerto Rico's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, close to 60% of the day's schedule, according to FlightAware. Fifteen flights from San Juan were listed as canceled for Sunday. Another 91 flights, more than half of Saturday's flights to and from Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport, were also canceled Saturday. "When appropriate, these airspace restrictions will be lifted," U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on X. Airlines affected by the flight restrictions included American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways , United Airlines , and Frontier Airlines . Carriers waived change fees and fare differences for customers affected by the airspace closures if they change their flights to later in the month. Airlines included more than a dozen airports in region in their waivers. JetBlue, which has a large operation in the Caribbean, said it canceled about 215 flights "due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity." The airline noted that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were not affected by government restrictions American Airlines said it canceled all of its flights in the Eastern Caribbean on Saturday. Dutch airline KLM also warned travelers about disruptions because of the airspace restrictions, potentially affecting Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and other flights. A Hindu businessman, who was brutally attacked, hacked and set on fire three days ago, died on Saturday in Bangladesh, reports and minority faith group leader said.This is the fifth death of a person from Hindu community since December and radical groups in Bangladesh are visibly trying to intimidate the minority faiths, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council spokesman Kajol Debnath said.Khokon Chandra Das, 50, was assaulted near Keurbhanga Bazar in Damudya in Shariatpur district, about 100 kilometres south of Dhaka, on Wednesday night while returning home after closing his shop.Das died this morning after battling for life for three days, Debnath confirmed.Das, who ran a medicine shop and mobile banking business, was travelling in an autorickshaw when the attackers intercepted the vehicle and allegedly beat him up, hacked him with sharp weapons and then poured petrol on his head before setting him on fire, media reports had said on Thursday.In a bid to save himself, Das jumped into a roadside pond as locals raised an alarm. The attackers fled the scene, police said, adding that he was rescued by locals, taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, and then referred to Dhaka due to the severity of his injuries.Doctors in Dhaka said Das suffered multiple injuries across his body, including a serious wound to his abdomen, along with burn injuries on his face, head and hands.This is the fifth death of a Hindu man in one month (December). During the month we recorded seven attacks on the community, Debnath said, fearing rightwing radical groups in Bangladesh were trying to intimidate the minority faiths.The use of petrol or gunpowder to torch someone or someones household is an ominous sign, not just criminal acts... perhaps we are witnessing the rise of a radical (rightwing) culture, Debnath said.On December 18, 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Mymensingh city.A week later, on December 23, unidentified men set on fire a Qatar expatriate workers Shukh Shil and Anil Shil's home in Raojan area on the outskirts of Chattogram, but the residents managed to come out of the building unharmed.On December 24, another Hindu man Amrit Mondal was lynched over alleged extortion in Rajbari town's Pangsha upazila.Debnath, however, did not elaborate on the other two deaths.According to the 2022 census, the Hindu population in Bangladesh is approximately 13.13 million, which accounts for about 7.95 per cent of the country's total population.There has been a spate of violence targeting the minority community in the country in the last few weeks and mob violence or clandestine attacks have emerged as a major crisis in Bangladeshs changed political landscape, political observers said.Several hundred Sufi shrines of liberal Muslim saints who preached Islam in the region were attacked and damaged as well in the past one year and in one such recent incident, the fanatic elements dug up the body of a spiritual man and set it on fire damaging his shrine. A Baloch leader and human rights activist has written to India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, warning that China may soon deploy its military forces in the Balochistan region.In an open letter addressed to Jaishankar, posted on X, Mir Yar Baloch has raised alarm over the escalating strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing, especially with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) nearing completion.He expressed concern that without local consent, Chinese troops in Balochistan would pose an unimaginable threat and challenge to the futures of both India and Balochistan and urged India to strengthen collaboration between our two great nations.The Republic of Balochistan views the escalating strategic alliance between Pakistan and China as profoundly dangerous. We warn that China, in collaboration with Pakistan , has advanced the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to its final phases. Should the capabilities of Balochistan's defence and freedom forces not be further bolstered, and if they continue to be overlooked as per longstanding patterns, it is conceivable that China could deploy its military forces in Balochistan within a few months, he wrote.In his New Year message, he commended India's actions against Pakistan-backed terrorism, particularly Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist hubs in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.These measures demonstrate exemplary courage and a steadfast commitment to regional security and justice, he added.Baloch also reaffirmed his support for India, stating that the people of Balochistan stand with Bharat in fostering friendship, trust, and mutual interests.On behalf of the people of Balochistan, we reaffirm our unwavering support to Bharat and its government in fostering friendship, trust, and mutual interests encompassing peace, prosperity, development, trade, defence, security, future energy challenges, and the mitigation of concealed threats. It is a need of the hour to embrace tangible, reciprocal cooperation. The threats confronting Bharat and Balochistan are genuine and imminent; therefore, our bilateral relations must be equally substantive and actionable, Baloch said.In his letter, Baloch extended greetings to the people of India, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between Balochistan and Bharat."On behalf of the six crore patriotic citizens of the Republic of Balochistan, we extend our deepest and most sincere congratulations for the New Year 2026 to the one hundred and forty crore people of Bharat, both Houses of Parliament, the media, civil society, and all esteemed individuals. This auspicious occasion provides an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the profound historical, cultural, commercial, economic, diplomatic, defence, and multifaceted ties that have bound Bharat and Balochistan for centuries," he added.He also announced that the Republic of Balochistan would celebrate the "2026 Balochistan Global Diplomatic Week" in the first week of 2026, aiming to engage directly with countries worldwide.India has consistently opposed CPEC, citing sovereignty and security concerns. China and Pakistan have denied allegations of military expansion under CPEC, maintaining that the project is economic in nature. Q: Why is China supporting the invasion of Ukraine? A: China did not. China expressed its concern and understanding of the complexity of the issue. China would like no military conflict in Ukraine. China would like to keep good relationships with both Ukraine and Russia. But it is none of the business of China. The military conflict happened in Europe. China has no military bases in Europe, and can do nothing about it. Yet, if you think the conflict is between Ukraine and Russia, then you are too naive. The US is a hegemon. The US is behind many issues around the world. In 2017, the US designated China as its number one rival. Even if the conflict happened in Europe, the US is behind it and aimed at China. It is a detour tactic of the US to weaken Chinas geopolitical position. China has to defend its national interest and mitigate the effects that might weaken it. First, China would not like to be drawn into the conflict. China has advocated a diplomatic solution and a ceasefire from the beginning. Second, China would not like to increase its enemies because of the conflict. Specifically, China would not like to turn Russia into its enemy. China made the right decision. As we can see, Trump and Putin are friends now. If China joined the West to sanction Russia, it would be a disaster. China did not support Russia with weapons as Europe did to Ukraine. But China kept a friendly relationship with Russia in the economy. Third, China would like to keep a good relationship with Europe and Ukraine, under the condition that China keeps its sovereignty to make friends with other countries, especially Russia. China would not compromise its sovereignty to appease Europe or Ukraine. China views all countries as equal, including the US, Europe, Ukraine, and Russia alike. Europe and Ukraine should not dream of drawing China into the conflict. The conflict is none of China's business. China just follows its own diplomatic principle: no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. Now, Trump is off the hook of the conflict and has befriended Putin. No one can blame Chinas choice of diplomatic independence. China did not, does not, and will not support any invasion that violates the UN Charter. Europe bombed Libya and annexed Yugoslavia. Europe has no moral high ground to teach China what it should or should not do about the conflict in Ukraine. China has a vision of a Shared Future for Mankind. China would like to establish friendly relations with every country. We must all be punished because the British state will not enforce its laws against the dangerous and destructive drug, marijuana. This punishment takes many forms, not least the stink of the supposedly banned drug slowly spreading across the entire country, and the ruin and misery of many families. But on New Year's Eve it reached its maddest level yet. A major London park, Primrose Hill, was fenced off, barricaded and patrolled by security men to prevent the public from getting in. I asked the Royal Parks why they closed it. Their response, as is so often the case these days, was actually not an answer. They said: 'The decision to close Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve was not taken lightly. In 2024 an estimated 30,000 people visited Primrose Hill to view the Mayor of London's New Year's Eve firework display. 'This was not an organised event with an event organiser but a gathering in open parkland and we have limited controls that we can deploy to ensure public safety. Therefore, we decided that Primrose Hill would be closed and locked from 8pm on December 30, until January 1.' Fireworks light up the sky over Big Ben in London during the New Year's Eve celebrations this week Harry Pitman, 16, was stabbed in the neck on Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve in 2023 People in north London have been going to Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve to watch the fireworks for about 20 years. But on New Year's Eve in 2023, there was a horrible murder there. I do not think it was the fault of the crowd. A youth called Areece Lloyd-Hall, now 18, stabbed 16-year-old Harry Pitman in the neck for no reason. The two did not even know each other. The crime was typical of many similar acts of madness around the world, in which total strangers make merciless, inexplicable attacks on innocent people. The court was told that Lloyd-Hall was 'suffering from cannabis-induced paranoia'. This is one of many fancy ways of saying that the person involved has gone mad after lengthy use of marijuana, which is now common in British schools. Sometimes its victims just become tragically crazy. Sometimes they commit appalling crimes. Once you know this is going on, you will find it recorded everywhere. Lloyd-Hall has now been sent to prison for 16 years, for what that is worth. My suspicion is that rather than act against the drug which lay behind the horrible crime, the authorities decided that a peaceful public gathering was too dangerous to be allowed, and stopped it. I have seldom seen a better example of a society that has gone completely off its head. The court heard that Areece Lloyd-Hall, pictured, was 'suffering from cannabis-induced paranoia' when he stabbed Harry Pitman But the authorities will do anything to avoid acting directly against a drug which continues to have powerful protectors and advocates at the highest level. No new law needs to be passed. The penalties for marijuana possession are already very severe. It is just that the police and the courts, and the politicians who guide their actions, don't want to enforce them. For many years now it has been effectively decriminalised. But because the law still remains in place, governments can pretend to voters that they still take a tough line. They don't, and as far as I can discover, politicians and civil servants remain completely uninterested in the growing number of violent acts committed by people who have gone dangerously insane thanks to this drug. So the rest of us will have to suffer, in many ways, for years to come. The Night Manager and a hunt for an invisible enemy Without the wicked old Soviet Union, what do spy thriller authors have to write about? Not much, as the peculiar new series of BBC TV drama The Night Manager proves. I will never forget the words of Gennadi Gerasimov, the silky spokesman of the last Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev. Rebuking unbelieving Right-wing journalists who could not grasp that Gorbachev was really dismantling the horrible USSR, Gerasimov sighed, smiled and said: 'I am sorry that we have done to you the most terrible thing anyone can do to any country. We have deprived you of an enemy.' He was right, and this problem explains much of the last 35 years of human history. Tom Hiddleston and Camila Morrone dance together in The Night Manager Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens, wherever you listen to podcasts now. Politicians who talk tough rarely are The more angry and militant they sound, the less I trust politicians on subjects such as immigration and deportation. And I was especially repelled by the behaviour of Tory Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp this week when he tried to make party capital out of the case of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, the unlovable Egyptian political activist. Political dissidents in other countries, however heroic, are not always as nice as they look, and horrible bigoted anti-Jewish views are very common in Arab Muslim states. But you don't cover up your mistakes, or cancel out the fact that you failed to protect our borders, by using mob language on the radio and TV. Tory Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, pictured, tried to make party capital out of the case of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, writes Peter Hitchens Mr Philp repeatedly called Mr Al Fattah a 'scumbag' on broadcast media. Mr Fattah is pretty unappealing. But given that Mr Philp's own party had granted citizenship to Mr Al Fattah in the first place, this sort of behaviour was embarrassing and futile. I know all Conservative Shadow Ministers, including Kemi Badenoch, are in competition with the angrily militant Robert Jenrick for the title of noisiest person in the party. But men and women who want to be ministers need to learn to be measured in their speech. Otherwise, people like me will worry that they are untrustworthy demagogues who will undermine the law to get political advantage. The same problem, a desire to appear effective when you are not, led to the lawless exile of Shamima Begum. I'd be quite happy for Ms Begum to face whatever charges are justified, when she gets back here. But taking away her citizenship was a totalitarian gesture by feeble people trying to look tough. It is the time of promises and resolutions for the new year ahead. For all of us, it is a time to hope that no matter how 2025 turned out, the next 12 months will be different. Sir Keir Starmer has done just that in his own New Year message. As the Prime Minister made clear, it is the time to show that under Labour, Britain is turning the corner and getting 'back on track'. I could not agree more. We need to counter a growing sense of hopelessness that decline is inevitable and that this once-proud nation can no longer stand on its own. However, 2026 is not the time to break a solemn pledge made to the British people: that under Labour, there would be 'no return to the single market, the Customs Union or freedom of movement'. The words, in the 2024 Labour election manifesto, were clear. As a Labour MP re-elected on that manifesto, I can never support the UK joining a Customs Union with Brussels. And yet we hear suggestions that this is being seriously contemplated by some at the very top of the Government. Moreover, we hear that it appears to be the aim of people who now have designs on the PM's job. Andy Burnham has declared how he wants to see us back in the EU in his lifetime, while Wes Streeting wants us to have a deeper trading relationship with Europe. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right) speaks to Ursula Von der Leyen (left), President of the European Commission on May 19, 2025 Labour MP Dan Carter (pictured) said he could never support the UK joining a Customs Union with Brussels This yearning among some Labour colleagues for closer ties to the EU is based on the hope that it will bring a quick economic boost. I understand that desire. In my own constituency in north Liverpool, the cost of living, poverty, poor housing and struggling public services weigh down the community and chip away at people's enjoyment of basic liberty. But the European Union is itself a low-growth bloc with a declining share of global GDP. And joining a Customs Union would mean scrapping our newly acquired, post-Brexit trade deals with places that are the 21st-Century growth centres such as the USA and India. Shifting closer to Brussels would mean giving up our hard-won national freedoms. It would be a recipe for disaster. I look further back in my party's history than the EU, welfare and the Equality Act for inspiration. The roots of the Parliamentary Labour Party were in 19th- and early 20th-Century organised labour, and in Christian societies sceptical of state power overriding the collective endeavour of trade unions and communities. Their socialism was founded on the principles of brotherhood and mutual aid. Without these principles, Labour looks a pretty vacuous entity unable to address the problems of modern Britain. People feel that their lives are governed by forces they cannot name, with neither the state nor the market able to help. The state itself can actively hinder if it simply taxes more and hands out more. This alone is not the way to respond to widespread cultural and spiritual exhaustion. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham arrives for the Remembrance Sunday service on November 09, 2025 However, Labour can bring about national renewal if it relies on the people themselves to do it. That means sometimes holding back the state and market and finding new (or old) ways for people to make decisions and take control. As a politician of the Left, I believe there are circumstances where the state must intervene, such as doing more to solve the housing crisis. But as the state cannot fix every problem, what is needed is a renewed sense of society. Yes, the sort of society Margaret Thatcher was once accused of denying even existed. Now is the time to re-establish that society as a fundamental pillar of our democracy. Here, the Government does have a key role. It should seek ways to lift the burdens of modern life and enable citizenship, starting with education and apprenticeships, and making good employment and housing central to its mission. To succeed in the world we need people to invent, to build and to sell from manufacturing to financial and legal services to tech and AI. In this new era, we cannot look elsewhere for an institution or multi-national body to magic up growth from nowhere. The countries with the highest growth rates have populations that are young, studying and working. Wes Streeting speaking to the media at Wellington House, London, on December 17, 2025 A Labour politics worthy of the name should be bold enough to transform Britain not least by embracing our Brexit freedoms. So I urge Sir Keir not to seek to tie the UK into a new Customs Union or indeed any other such arrangement which may carry a disguised name but amount to the same thing. Not only did the PM make a solemn pledge to the British people to do no such thing, but it would be simply wrong to conclude that Brussels is where he will find the renewal and transformation of this country that he seeks. Dan Carden is Labour MP for Liverpool Walton and chairman of the Blue Labour Parliamentary Group. Donald Trump bounded onto 'Fox and Friends' on Saturday morning in a familiar mannerconfident, giddy, and visibly delighted by the awesome power of the American military. He narrated, with a showman's relish, the overnight capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, whisked off in a flash to a US Navy ship and now en route to face drug-trafficking charges in Manhattan. It was one of those moments when Trump seemed genuinely in awenot of himself, which is rare, but of the sheer capability of the armed forces he now deploys with startling regularity. The media spent the day in its usual split-screen trance. Half the time, the press corps was gorging on the 'gee whiz' operational details of the missionhow fast it happened, how few shots were fired, who gave what order, whether the Maduros put up any resistance. The other half of the time was spent furrowing brows and proclaiming that Americans should be worried about legal authority, international precedent, and whether this was, in the language of the permanently fretful, 'appropriate'. There is no puzzle here: the press loves a good Hollywood-style raid, but it loves scolding Trump even more. What is now unmistakably emerging is Trump's evolving military doctrineone that looks less like the Bush-Obama era of prolonged drips of force and more like a series of smash-and-grab lightning strikes. The hallmarks are already clear: overwhelming US power, few, if any, American casualties, and villains conveniently drawn from the Trumpian rogues' gallery. Smoke rises from La Carlota Airport in Caracas, Venezuela, after a daring dead-of-night mission by the US Army's Delta Force unit to capture the country's president Nicolas Maduro on drugs charges Donald Trump bounded onto 'Fox and Friends' on Saturday morning in a familiar mannerconfident, giddy, and visibly delighted by the awesome power of the American military Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia were both seized by a US military unit in the early hours of Caracas. Trump said Saturday afternoon that both will face criminal charges in New York City Latin American autocrats and Middle Eastern theocrats, take a number. If you cross President Trump, you may soon find Navy SEALs on your lawn and then in your bedroom. The White House insists the Maduro snatch was about drugs, and yes, the indictment is thick with narco-trafficking allegations. But even as Trump telegraphs in bright colors about drugs, there is no doubt that this is also about oil, oil, oil, as the president made clear in his press statement Saturday morning, featuring American energy companies with whom the White House has been quietly coordinating for months. The administration has long believed that Venezuela's collapse has been leveraged by unfriendly powersChina, Russia, Iranand that the only way to reset the board was to remove the man at the center of the chaos. With Maduro now in US custody, that reset has begun, as Trump announced Saturday that until a new Venezuelan government is in place, the country will be run by the United States. Someone get Tucker Carlson a box of smelling salts. What might surprise Trump's criticsif they are still capable of being surprisedis how much he trusts his generals. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit is seen burned out next to a destroyed bus at La Carlotta military air base in Caracas hours after Friday's US operation in Venezuela that saw the country's president and first lady seized by US special forces They remember Candidate Trump's talk about the Pentagon being 'a disaster,' but the president has shown a notable willingness to let military planners design and execute these complicated missions. Trump talks tough, but his military playbook is decidedly minimalist: be fast, get in, get out, announce victory, and then move straight into the aftermath with chest-thumping grandeur. The repercussions of this operation, like the Iran strikes before it, will ripple far beyond a courthouse in Manhattan. After decades of US presidents hesitating, equivocating, and convening endless Situation Room debates about Iran's nuclear program or corrupt Latin American strongmen, Trump has shown a different hand entirely. He is willing to act. That puts every recalcitrant Middle Eastern leader and every tinhorn dictator from Caracas to Managua to Havana on notice that Uncle Sam's kinetic tools are not ceremonialthey now come off the shelf quickly. And, of course, Beijing and Moscow noticed right away. The Trump Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere is becoming unmistakable: this is America's neighborhood, and foreign powers should mind their distance. Administration officials now speak openlysometimes too openly for some tastesabout Cuba and even Greenland as theaters where Trump intends to redraw long-ambiguous lines of influence. Many people were pictured holding both US and Venezuelan flags in a gesture to Donald Trump, who ordered the special forces operation to capture Maduro The president is not trying to resurrect the Monroe Doctrine so much as update it with cruise missiles, cable-news cadence, and a focus on dominance over natural resources such as oil. This puts MAGA in an interesting posture. Many Trump supporters do not naturally gravitate toward foreign adventures, let alone anything that smells like regime change or imperialism. But Trump has always defined his movement more than the movement defines him. He tells them what they believe, and they tend to believe it. Congressional Republicans, even some of the more hawkish skeptics, fell quickly into line Saturday. Prominent senators, including Arkansas's Tom Cotton, offered rapid praise. Trump, once again, has dragged his own party toward a position only he could make feel inevitable. The Maduro grab inevitably evokes the Noriega precedenta brazen American operation against a Latin American strongman, followed by a very public trial in US courts. Trump seems to like the echo. It places him squarely on the side of order, justice, and, not insignificantly, victory. Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate the capture of Nicolas Maduro in Santiago on January 3 Mark Halperin is the editor-in-chief and host of the interactive live video platform 2WAY and the host of the video podcast 'Next Up' on the Megyn Kelly network Domestically, the president is more than content to stand where public opinion usually clusters: rooting against dictators and rooting for American commando operations. He relishes the contrast with voices like the New York Times editorial board, which called the mission 'illegal and unwise,' or anti-Trump lifers such as Steve Schmidt, who frame everything Trump touches as a democratic emergency. Many Democrats on Capitol Hill are complaining loudly about executive overreach and the violation of congressional prerogatives. Ken Martin, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, sent out a fundraising email, blaring 'Another day, another unconstitutional war from Trump, who thinks the Constitution is a suggestion.' Trump welcomes this exact fight. He knows that few voters lie awake at night mourning encroachments on the separation of powers or violations of international norms. Ahead lies a potential mess: legal proceedings in New York for the Maduros, a power vacuum in Caracas, and the inevitable jockeying by American officials and companies sensing new access to Venezuelan oil. The road will be rocky for Venezuelans and for an administration that has unleashed a fair amount of chaos on an already battered nation. But Trump will point back, again and again, to the mission itselfclean, swift, and successfuland argue that it is the purest expression of his core brand: strength. In his telling and in his mind, strength is synonymous with winning, and winning is the only durable currency in politics, domestic and global. Whether the world becomes more stable or more combustible in the wake of this weekend's drama remains to be seen. But for now, Trump has seized another headline, another villain, and another moment to declare that American power, under his watch, is something the world ignores at its peril. As America seizes control of the capital city of a sovereign state, having spirited its president to captivity in a brutal and daring night-time raid, many will be forgiven for wondering what happened to Donald J Trump, prospective Nobel Peace Prize winner? The US president has long boasted of the eight conflicts around the world he is supposed to have resolved, but his assault on Venezuela is a devastating demonstration of raw American power. And one that has been months in the making. Little was made of aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford being moved to the Caribbean in October, and now it is apparent that the subsequent strikes on drug smuggling boats leaving Venezuela and the seizure of two oil tankers were mere preludes to the main show. Because all the while, the US Army's elite Delta Force unit was rehearsing its assault using a building mocked up to resemble Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro's compound in Caracas - for reference, SEAL Team Six which killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011 is thought to have trained for six to eight weeks. So what is the true motive behind Trump's attack? He has no desire to return the US to the status of the 'world's policeman' in the manner of the neo-conservatives of the George W Bush era - Trump's withdrawal from Ukraine is evidence of that. Instead, Trump is a disciple of the 'Monroe Doctrine' - the right of the US, and no other world power, to decide what goes on in the Americas, first proclaimed by President James Monroe in 1823. So Trump sees it as his country's right to rid the socialist sore of Maduro from its Caribbean backyard. And much of the cocaine and other narcotics that have flooded American streets over the past decade have come from the Venezuelan gangs who are the real wielders of power in Caracas. President Donald Trump posted an image on his Truth Social account showing him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe (left) and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) as they watched the U.S. military operation in Venezuela But last November, Trump chose to pardon former Honduran president, Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was in a US Federal jail three years into a 45-year sentence for the same offence for which Maduro now stands indicted: drug-running. Trump seems to believe that narcotics only pose a deadly threat to the US when pushed by Leftist Latin American rulers. No, the real reason behind Trump's actions is oil - and it is no secret. Trump has boasted of making Venezuelans rich by taking over the country's oil production. By doing so he kills two birds with one stone. He feeds refineries in Louisiana hungry for a special type of heavy oil in which Venezuela specialises. And he controls the supply that China had been leaning on. It might be a global power ready to rival the US, but China is energy poor with not nearly enough deposits of gas and oil to keeps its factory furnaces ablaze. Now, China will have to find another source of cheap oil. Fifty years ago this week Venezuela nationalised its oil industry, including the operations of US oil firms, which Trump recently called 'theft'. Venezuela has used its oil revenues to poke Washington in ways that have irked successive US presidents, Obama and Biden included, not least by acting as chief supplier to Communist Cuba. The US President shared this image of Nicolas Maduro, showing the Venezuelan leader in custody Few in Venezuela will shed a tear for Maduro. Many hate him as an election fraudster, having rigged his country's poll last year, and Venezuelan refugees from Chile to the US will celebrate his downfall. That won't stop the far Left here howling at his demise, as they have long lionised Venezuela as a socialist paradise. But Maduro's enemies should be careful what they wish for. His swift removal from power does not mean Venezuela will turn to democracy, or even benign dictatorship. The Maduro regime has been decapitated but his henchmen remain in place, and are determined to fight to retain their power. Trump has made clear that Venezuela will not peacefully slip into a regime led by the cheated candidate in last year's election, Edmundo Gonzalez, or opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last autumn. Instead it will be ruled at arms' length by the US, temporarily. Crucially American soldiers are not stationed in Caracas to keep the peace. Trump insists they are on standby. They need to be as the capital is awash with guns and ambitious leaders not just in the still active army but of powerful drug gangs who may fancy seizing territory amid the power vacuum. There is a strong likelihood that chaos could ensue as in Libya after Obama helped to depose Gaddafi but then stood back and let the country become an ungovernable wreck. US involvement in foreign wars rarely begins with a long-term commitment. More often it opens with a minor operation that unleashes forces it hadn't intended. Then America is sucked back into the conflict against its will. So Trump may soon find himself involved in an extended overseas military campaign, which he was elected to oppose. Mark Almond is director of the Crisis Research Institute in Oxford 1 Beamish is the new Guinness Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Weve officially gone stout crazy: if you didnt watch the Netflix drama House Of Guinness youll find yourself in the minority. Londons Soho pub, The Devonshire, is renowned for being the best pour in the capital since opening in 2023; its perfect pints are so sought after that Dua Lipa is a regular. Just last year, Irelands own fashion designer and Diors new creative director, JW Anderson, put Guinness-branded jumpers on the catwalk. Up next? Beamish, another popular Irish brew which is described as richer, sweeter and more chocolate- or coffee-forward than its cousin. Looks like well be splitting the B, rather than the G. 2 Forget starters. Its all about the sharing burger Table-sharing portions are the new way to enjoy burgers. Large buns are sliced like a pizza for diners to enjoy at the start of a meal or in addition to it. Dove, the top Notting Hill restaurant from Jackson Boxer, puts ten of these sought-after burgers on the specials board each day. Its gorgonzola recipe is so in demand that queueing customers have been known to try to order the dish before theyve even sat down. The current record for all ten burgers getting snapped up during service is just 12 minutes. Move fast for yours! Jacob Elordi broods on the Yorkshire Moors in Wuthering Heights 3 Sleepmaxxing Its lights out for late nights. Attempting to get the best possible sleep is going to be high on everyones agenda. John Lewis reports that sales of screenless wearables have soared, with the Whoop Peak 5.0 watch health tracker selling out. And customers believe size matters when it comes to beds: sales of super-kings are up by 39 per cent, almost twice the number of doubles. 4 Larder bragging The next big flex? Its not in your bathroom cabinet. In 2026 perfectly curated Instagram-worthy cupboards of luxury kitchen staples are the in-thing. Think posh Wilkin & Sons ketchup, boxes of Ortiz anchovy fillets, deli-bought Torres crisps, hot honey, expensive olive oil and premium marinades in giftable packaging. Waitrose crisp buyer Jay Ledwich says, When times are tough economically people lean into these small upmarket treats. Consider it the lipstick effect 2.0. 5 Race-cations Everyones favourite tracking app, Strava, says three-quarters of runners aged 18-29 have either planned or are considering a holiday based around a race next year. Sunning with a side of running it is! 6 Weight-loss pills This year GLP-1 weight-loss drugs will be cheaper and easier to take, coming in pill form. Patent protections for semaglutide (including Ozempic and Wegovy) expire this year in Canada, India, Brazil and China, opening the door for lower-cost biosimilar generic versions to take over globally. Personally, Ill be sticking to the table burgers. Tom Ford S/S 26 7 Cobalt blue The fashion search engine and trend-analysis platform Tagwalk says were in for a cobalt-blue summer. Across the S/S 26 designer collections shown at fashion week, roughly a third of trousers, dresses and jackets by brands such as Miu Miu, Valentino, Gucci, Chloe, Loewe and Tom Ford came in this colour-pop hue. 8 Go Yorkshire! I may be biased, being from Hull, but Im calling it now that Yorkshire will be a hotspot for staycations next year. Thanks to Emerald Fennells new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights (in cinemas from 13 February), starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, its predicted that international visitors and Bronte enthusiasts will be running for the Dales. See you on the train there. 9 Move over protein the focus is on fibre Fibre is the new nutrition buzzword. The British Heart Foundation recommends that adults should eat 30g of fibre a day, although it found that average intakes are currently as low as 20g. But roughage is on the up and is set to replace our obsession with gut health and protein. Bold Bean Co, which launched in 2021, has recently generated 7.5 million in revenue. #fibremaxxing has also been used more than 157 million times on TikTok the trend is about eating as much fibre as you can, which, as you can imagine, has some obvious side effects. Pickle martini, anyone? 10 AI healthcare (yes, really) Were all guilty of googling our symptoms. The search engines Copilot and Bing report answering more than 50 million health questions daily. Dr Dominic King, vice president of health at Microsoft AI, says, AI healthcare will move beyond diagnostics and extend into areas like symptom triage and treatment planning, with new generative AI products and services available to millions of patients. This shift will aim to counter the global care crisis; The World Health Organization predicts a shortage of 11 million health workers by 2030 a gap that will leave billions of people without essential health services. The robot will see you now. 11 No more bouncy blow-drys. Hair is going sleek Super-straight, glossy styles are set to take over the salon. From wet looks to glossy smooth cuts, 2026 is all about controlled strands that catch the light, with minimal flyaways for maximum impact, says hairstylist Sam McKnight MBE, who is best known for his work with Princess Diana, Kate Moss and Lady Gaga. Time to dig out those GHD straighteners. An AI-imagined folding iphone 12 Return of the flip phone Leaked reports suggest that Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone in September this year, with an estimated price tag of up to 2,000. In tech circles the much-anticipated model has been dubbed the iPhone Fold. If, like me, you are wondering why on earth Apple is jumping on this noughties telephone relic, the answer lies with Samsung. Its folding phones, particularly the Galaxy Z Flip series of pocket-friendly clamshell models, are already a smash hit with Gen Z for their nostalgic aesthetic and the option to digitally detox by simply closing it. Just when you thought you had taught Mum how to use her phone! 13 Cabbage crush This brassica has had a glow-up, so step aside cauliflower. With searches for fermented cabbage up 35 per cent and cabbage dumplings up 110 per cent, Pinterest predicts this leafy superfood will be the new kitchen champ. Think blistered edge steaks, kimchi cocktails and even crispier taco wraps. Its crunch time. 14 Cocktail hour just got dirty Let me introduce you to pickle martinis, picklebacks (a shot of whisky followed by pickle brine) and pickle margaritas. Gen Zs gherkin obsession has come for your drinks cabinet. Keep an eye out for these brine-based, dirty cocktails on a bar menu near you. You might think its a bit late to make New Years resolutions, but Im writing this before Christmas, so in fact I am early. Im going to write a self-help book entitled Dont Let Them. I am tired of being told to just let things go, to rise above, not call people to account. If someone gets on your nerves, is late without a valid excuse, is a jellyfish, selfish, self-obsessed, lazy, untidy, stupid, mean, rude, doesnt say Good morning or even look up when you go to pay in a shop, bloody well tell them off. Take no prisoners. Because if you Let Them, Mel Robbins (author of this bestselling book), all they do is go on to hurt someone else. Because I stood up to my last boyfriend, challenged him, refused to believe what he said, in fact terrified him to his weedy core, perhaps now his serial philandering will come to an end. He will think twice before ever hurting a woman again. I will never again have sex with a man just two hours after meeting him. If I ever stay in a hotel with a man (unlikely), I am going to pre-authorise his credit card. I will only order his gift once I have seen what he has got me. I am going to stop looking at cheap Italian houses on Instagram. It would be too hot for Mini. I am never going to trust builders again. I will buy my own materials rather than let them charge me double, say materials cant be returned when they can, say something is a special order when it is nothing of the kind, change a fixed-labour price to hourly and not give me a receipt or a guarantee. Im converting my outbuildings into a boot room and a cloakroom in the spring, so builders and plumbers beware. Just because I am a female living alone does not mean I wish to be ripped off, lied to and patronised. Now that I can hear, I am going to learn to play the piano. When I told David 1.0 this, he said I should pick it up easily as Youre a typist. F**king cheek! I will try not to see other peoples success trumpeted on Instagram as an indication that Im failing. I will only watch The Ballad Of Wallis Island twice a year. Ditto We Live In Time. I am going to a detox clinic in Ibiza. I cant afford to drink cremant and I owe it to my animals to stay fit and healthy. I also am going to start resistance training and lifting weights, not just walking for miles. When I lunge I go down, but I dont always come up. Im going to try to be more confident. Instead of picturing my Turkey teeth being kicked in or a head injury when I turn my horses out or get them in (they are both naughty, excitable mares), I am going to try to breathe by singing God Only Knows. A wildly expensive hobby should bring me joy, not abject terror. It cant be just about poo-picking in a gale-force wind. Im going to write a novel. I have no agent or publisher, but it occurred to me: why do I need permission to write? Who else could write a compulsive column for a leading newspaper for 25 years? Im going to start, tomorrow, as soon as Ive done the washing, caught up with Emily In Paris and walked Teddy and Alice. I promise. I am going to fly to Belfast to see my lovely friend Andrea. Resolutions shouldnt be about denying ourselves, punishment. They should be about how to enjoy life, our friends, have a laugh, see new things. Not waste another year worrying. Im going to spend less time staring at my phone. Im going to try to make new friends. Actually, at my work Christmas party earlier this week, I said to a female writer I much admire, Please be my friend! And she readily agreed. I need to be weaned off Perello almonds. Ive subscribed to an app called SmartyMe. Specifically, I am learning the history of art, so that when I am next in Tate Modern (for Tracey Emins private view in February), I wont be sprinting past the paintings, hotfooting my way to the restaurant and the shop. I need to tackle my allotment. Saying Yes! to everything is a thing, apparently. Well, not for me. I am going to learn how to say no. WHAT LIZ LOATHED MOST IN 2025 Like 6 million other Brits, I enjoy a cigarette. But my smoking habit totally spun out of control this year. Since age 15, I've usually been found with a cigarette dangling between my lips, but it's only recently that I have had two asthma attacks and I'm coughing daily. My dentist pulled three molars out this year, and tells me I'll 'be toothless by 50' if I don't stop smoking soon. I'm 46 in 2026. So this season, aided by a disposable vape and a pretty necklace aid, I decided to give giving up a go. I'd tried vapes before and not taken to them, with a painful wheeze after every puff. But something a volunteer on a night out in Scotland said to me gave me hope. She was puffing away on her vape and I couldn't help but pipe up: 'I wish I could vape like you I'm so jealous!' Smoking cigarettes had left me besieged with desperation, with wrinkled lips and sagging jawline, not to mention my dull complexion I so frequently smeared with Vitamin-C products in a vain bid to get some colour. The kind lady smiled at grey-faced me, before saying: 'You just haven't found the right vape yet!' So on returning from my Scottish sojourn, I went straight to the local vape shop to try again. Erica Crompton (pictured) had been smoking since the age of 15 and says the signs were beginning to show - grey skin, loss of her sense of smell and deteriorating teeth Erica tried the Sonder vape - a disposable one you charge regularly and change every six months and immediately fell in love with it Erica says she has noticed the difference the new vape has made - her teeth are less wobbly and her asthma has improved greatly Like a bullion of gold, the Sonder vape I was recommended here is a disposable one you charge regularly and change every six months. And I loved it from the get-go! I immediately stopped smoking for 3 days and had just a dozen ciggies over the next 2 months. Within two days of vaping, I got my sense of smell back and couldn't believe how much my home, my hair and my wardrobe stunk of tobacco. It was a wonderful 3 days where I enjoyed scented candles, wearing perfume and tasting food. But then, disaster struck! A short, winter-sun break in Marrakesh where Camel lights cost only 3 was too great-a-lure. I was back on forty-a-day as soon as I could open a pack. On returning home, I thought I'd try quitting again, this time with another aid I'd discovered that suited my style-sensibilities. Erica had tried vapes before and not taken to them, with a painful wheeze after every puff. She also found it didn't scratch the itch and she still craved cigarettes Chalumu are a Bristol based design duo who make necklaces that help quit smoking or vaping and also reduce anxiety. There are quite a few scientific papers, including one in The Lancet, which found that people like me, with mental illness, are more likely to smoke cigarettes and more frequently than other smokers too. In fact it was Chalumu's combined experience of 'trauma, anxiety and loss' with matching vaping habit that in many ways inspired their new business. And at just 15 each, these necklaces, I'm told, break habits, without breaking the bank. So, I ordered one. In gold. With hearts. And with my two golden bullion bars of quit, I tried it to stop my chain-smoking habit once more, using the gold necklace with pretty hearts on and Sonder vape. That was over Christmas and I've been pleasantly surprised - halving my ciggies and cutting down on my vape after lunchtimes. Opening the tissue for the necklace was like Santa had come early - it's a nice tooter to wear on a chain that's reminiscent of a whistle from the rave era. Now she wears the Sonder vape around her neck on a pretty necklace and puffs away on it when her cravings start to rear their head I had already managed to cut down dramatically around October-November, to over a quarter of my usual 40-a-day, with a vape and was keen to try and cut back on the vaping even more, because it was never far from my lips. Since combining the vape and necklace, I'm now trying to establish a routine of necklace/vape that supports cutting back on my ciggies. The vape does the morning ciggies and heavy lifting there, and I start tooting on the necklace during the afternoon and evenings, when the cravings aren't as strong. The necklace works for me during these times, in two ways - like a stress ball or Greek worry beads, having a little prop to fiddle with. But also the breathwork: a deep breath drawn and exhaled from the necklace relaxes me and puts me in the right frame of mind to beat another nicotine craving. So, 10 days over the festive season and I'm down to 20 ciggies a day, not a roaring success, admittedly. But my teeth are less wobbly and my asthma has improved greatly. Over the last 3 months, there have been ups and downs but on the whole I've more than halved how many ciggies I smoke. My smoking is a work in progress and a resolution for next year. My skin has had its colour restored from grey-to-glow. My eyes are brighter. I swear I keep double checking my mirrors too could I really look ten years younger? A shocking new docuseries called The Cult of the Real Housewife has delved into the allegations that Real Housewives of Salt Lake City alum Mary Cosby is running a 'cult-like' church. The three-part TLC series shed light on Faith Temple Pentecostal Church, which Mary runs with her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., who was formerly her step-grandfather. The Bravo star has been accused of spiritual and financial misconduct. Mary did not participate in the mini-series and has denied the allegations. The series, which premiered on January 1, included tell-all interviews with Mary's sister and cousin, who claimed Faith Temple Church is a 'cult' and that Mary encourages congregants to treat her as God. Mary's grandmother, Rosemary 'Mama' Cosby, founded the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church. After she passed away in 1997, leadership of the church was passed to her husband, Robert Sr. Robert Sr., who was Mary's step-grandfather at the time, went on to marry Mary only a year later. At the time, he was 45, and she was 25-years-old. The couple share a 21-year-old son, Robert Cosby Jr. The Cult of the Real Housewife also features testimonies from former congregants and a cult expert offering insight into how leaders form 'mind-control cults.' A new three-part docuseries has delved into the allegations surrounding the church Mary Cosby runs with her husband, Robert Cosby Sr. (seen in Real Housewives of Salt Lake City) Marys cousin Dan Cosby told Fox News Digital that trust in church leadership has been 'fundamentally altered' after his experience in the Faith Temple. 'How [Robert Sr.] would do it, how he would use his form of authoritarian-style of leadership and how he would talk to other brothers in the church pitting them against me or against other members,' Dan alleged in the documentary, per Fox News. 'I wasn't the only one. There are others that left because they saw the writing on the wall.' He also claimed that they also used scripture to make members feel guilty. In one episode of the docuseries, Mary alleged that her grandmother explicitly stated in her will that she should marry her step-grandfather, Robert Sr., to ensure she inherited the family's 'empire,' including the church, their homes and money. The reality star admitted that their partnership was odd, stating: 'That was odd to both of us. Marry me? He obeyed what Mama wanted. He wasn't trying to do anything extra.' Mary previously admitted that she was unsure about marrying her grandmother's former husband, telling co-star Heather Gay in Real Housewives that she was hesitant. 'It took us two years to actually marry. I had to be certain. I started to pray for myself, I started to seek high help for myself,' she said. The Bravo star has been accused of spiritual and financial misconduct. Mary did not participate in the mini-series and has denied the allegations Marys estranged sister claimed that their step-grandfather was like a father to her and Mary growing up, leaving the family reeling after they wed. Mary is seen with her husband, Robert Sr. 'When I did that, I felt peace with it, so I married him ... I chose what the man upstairs told me to do.' In the miniseries, Marys estranged sister Denise Jefferson Odinaka claimed that their step-grandfather was like a father to her and Mary growing up, leaving the family reeling after they tied the knot. She explained that Robert Sr. - whom she called 'Gramps' - assumed a parental role after their father left when she was five. 'Robert Sr. was just the father figure that Mary and I never really had,' she explained. 'We had to revisit what we were to each other once he married my sister. Thats a different kind of person. The reality set in that I lost him.' In the new doc, church members also claimed that the culture of the church began to change after Mary and her husband took over in 1988. According to the Cheat Sheet, attendees alleged that the couple aggressively asked for money, and anyone that didn't donate were shamed. They also allegedly installed cameras in the church so they could monitor members when they were out of town. Some former members also claimed that while Robert was still married to Marys grandmother Rosemary, he would make some of the male church members go through rigorous and abusive military-style training exercises. The Daily Mail has reached out to Mary and the church for comment. During a tour of West Africa, where she was performing Shakespeare, a young Judi Dench was seized by a sudden premonition. 'This was in the middle of lunch,' she said, 'and it was so strong that I asked if I could phone home to England, in a total stranger's house. 'I rang home and Daddy had just had a serious heart attack... and I sensed it thousands of miles away.' Dame Judi, who tells this story in her 2010 autobiography And Furthermore, possesses a great wealth of theatrical tall tales which she tells with her unique dramatic flair. But this one is presented as simple fact. She believes, beyond doubt, that some telepathic sense told her that her family were desperate to speak with her. Extraordinary as it seems, my research suggests that something similar has happened to more than three-quarters of us up to 85 per cent in some countries, including the US. For decades, I have been collecting accounts from people who say they have felt that a close friend or relative was about to call, or else felt a powerful urge to ring someone who, it turns out, was eager to hear from them. The effect has nothing to do with physical proximity and everything to do with the close emotional connection between two people. One British woman told me: 'I had a lover over in New Zealand and we wouldn't talk much but, without fail, every time he wrote or emailed me I dreamed about him the night before. It was like clockwork. A young Dame Judi Dench had a premonition while touring West Africa, and knew to call home For decades, Dr Rupert Sheldrake has been collecting accounts from people who say they have felt that a close friend or relative was about to call 'The same thing happens with my exes,' she added. 'After a silence of months, I start thinking of the person before they make contact with me. It is not a coincidence.' Many of the stories are compelling. Here is one that was published in 2024 in the Explore journal: 'In 1980, I took a motorcycle trip across Africa. At 4am, while camping in Swaziland, I awoke from a vivid dream in which my sister said to my mother, 'It has been six months since we heard from Denis. Let's send him good vibes so he calls home'. 'I was compelled to get out of my sleeping bag, ride my motorcycle into the nearest town, find an open hotel and call my mother in Kansas City. My sister answered the call and told me, 'Just one minute ago, we were sitting on the end of Mum's bed, sending you vibes, hoping you would call home'. 'I received their intention 9,000 miles away, an hour before they sent the message. This experience changed my life and my outlook on what is normal or not. I am convinced telepathy was involved.' That, like Dame Judi's story, was an exceptional event. Other instances are more run-of-the-mill. Dr Eleanor Pryor in Australia told me: 'With my best friend I would say that about 70 to 80 per cent of the time we know that it's the other calling as soon as the phone rings. This has continued over a period of about 18 years.' For some people, the phenomenon begins as a joke. Joann Ertz, from Tacoma, on the West Coast of America, explained how her mother one day suggested, 'We should both concentrate on each other and have the thought 'Call me' and every time, it worked. 'On several occasions I couldn't think of anything else but that I needed to call Mum. When I did, she would be laughing and say, 'I just wanted to see if it still worked. How are you?' Anne, Linda, Denise, Maureen and Coleen of The Nolans joined the author at a London office with little idea of what an experiment would entail for a Channel 5 documentary in 2004 And it's remarkable how often people report that they get a call from a close relative or friend just at the moment they are about to dial that loved one's number. Jill Andrews, a former biology teacher, reported: 'On several occasions over the years I have called my mother only to receive a busy signal. When I hung up the phone, it would suddenly ring immediately. It was Mum calling me at the exact same moment! 'In other instances, I picked up the phone to dial her, and there was no dial tone. 'Hello?' I said, to hear if another person in my house was using the phone. My mother responded, 'Hello!'. 'I had picked up her phone call without even having heard it ring. Nearly every time I phone home, Mum answers, 'Well, Jill! I was just thinking about you'.' The explanation, in one way, is quite simple. Telephones, which have been around for about 150 years (a mere moment in the history of human evolution), are not just highly effective tools for communicating across great distances. They also create the ideal conditions for telepathy the transference of thoughts from one human mind to another. Callers think about the people they want to speak to, look up their numbers or perhaps speak their names aloud to a smartphone and dial. Throughout the process they are focusing their minds on the people they want to call, without any scepticism or rational doubts about the process. They may be die-hard materialists but, like it or not, their intentions may be detectable telepathically. It's a curious fact British men appear to be the world's least psychically sensitive, yet even among this group more than 70 per cent report having had the experience (Argentinian men seem the best subjects I have no idea why that is). Despite a career as a biologist deeply interested in unexplained phenomena, I myself am not especially gifted with psychic abilities. I have never seen a ghost, for instance, and I've had only modest success when tackling my own extrasensory perception tests. But even I have experienced telephone telepathy. When I was living in Hyderabad, India, during the 1970s, one day I needed to get in touch with a friend who lived several miles away. He wasn't on the phone network and rarely rang me. As I was wondering how I could get a message to him, he called me out of the blue and said he had a feeling he should get in touch but didn't know why. All these stories are, like so much evidence for psychic phenomena, anecdotal. They are taken from real life, not from the laboratory, and they are difficult to replicate. You may say this is what makes them so convincing, but scientists prefer facts that can be checked. My fascination with psychical research began in the library tea room at Cambridge in the 1960s, where I was a research student in the biochemistry department. The subject came up and, along with most of my colleagues, I dismissed it as nonsense. But a retired professor I greatly admired, Sir Rudolph Peters, said, 'I am not so sure that it is. I came across this interesting case of an autistic child who seemed incredibly telepathic with her mother. 'We did tests, over a telephone, with five miles between the two of them and without any visual clues, and the results were so extraordinary that I published a paper on it.' That was the starting point for me. I racked my brain to think of ways to replicate the experiment. Over the years I've come up with several methods that can be repeated by anyone as extensively as necessary. One of the tests was filmed for Channel 5 in 2004 with better success than I could have dared hope for. I needed a small group of people with a close emotional connection... and who better than the Nolan sisters? Anne, Linda, Denise, Maureen and Coleen joined me at a London office with little idea of what the experiment would entail. I explained that one of them would be sent to a room a mile away and the others would take it in turns to phone her. They chose Coleen to be on the other end of the line 'because she's the youngest', which was as good a reason as any. Off she went, and one sister after another called her chosen at random with the roll of a dice. The first caller was Maureen. The others left the room, to allow her to focus her thoughts on Coleen. When the call was connected, Coleen had to say which sister she thought was calling, before picking up the receiver. 'Maureen,' she said confidently and was thrilled to be right. 'I knew she'd get it,' Maureen said, laughing. But she was wrong the second time. Anne, the most sceptical of the women, made the call... and Coleen predicted it was Linda, though she admitted she was guessing. The third caller really was Linda... which Coleen correctly predicted. She carried on being right as often as not, and by the end of the experiment she'd been correct exactly 50 per cent of the time. The laws of probability dictate a success rate of just 25 per cent, or one in four. However, Anne the sceptic phoned four times and Coleen guessed correctly only once exactly what chance dictates. It's possible that Anne's tendency to dismiss the existence of telepathy was a factor here. Researchers talk about the 'sheep/goat' effect, where sheep are people who accept the possibility of psychics and goats reject it. There is a marked tendency for sheep to do better than goats in telepathy tests. The Nolan experiment was written up in the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research that year. By repeating similar experiments hundreds of times under carefully regulated conditions, I have shown people will correctly predict the caller 45 per cent of the time on average, compared with the 25 per cent expected by random guessing. This is a highly significant effect, with the odds against the result being 10 million to one usually 20 to 1 odds are considered statistically significant. My research has now been independently replicated in other labs, notably the University of Amsterdam, the Freiburg Institute in Germany and the Institute of Noetic Sciences in California. The same kind of telepathic effect occurs with text messages and emails not just phone calls. It has also been observed with animals. Some cats and dogs seem to know when their owner is about to call. Here's a typical story, from a woman named Veronica Lowe: 'Seven years after she acquired a cat called Carlo, my daughter Marian went to teacher training college. She rang us infrequently. 'When she did ring, Carlo would bound up the stairs (the phone was on the half landing) before I had picked up the receiver. 'There was no way that this cat could have known that my daughter was to ring us, and he didn't do it when our son phoned. 'It was a standing joke that when Carlo bounded up the stairs, Marian was on the other end of the phone. 'He never did this at any other time and was not allowedupstairs anyway.' I would love to hear from readers with similar stories about pets. This phenomenon, I suspect, is more common than we guess. Many of the reports I receive are entirely mundane the stuff of everyday life. Occasionally, though, there is a real drama about them. The following story, from Greece during the rule of the military junta in the 1970s, is from an artist named Ersi Hatzimichali. Her brother Niko was in the Resistance. 'I was painting one day in my studio when out of the blue there came to my mind the image of a certain Mr K, an officer of the security services who had collaborated with the Germans during the occupation. 'I had met him socially before the war, but I always felt very insecure with him; he had a seedy air about him and was underhand and shifty. 'He seemed just as likely to arrest us as help us. 'Anyway, I had not thought of him and had no reason to think of him for over 25 years. The phone rang and it was him! He was very smooth and asked how I was, but really he wanted to know the whereabouts of Niko. I told him Niko was in Paris.' That story, I confess, sent a little chill down my spine. If you want to read more of Ruperts work visit www.sheldrake.org. Email Dr Rupert Sheldrake at sheldrake@sheldrake.org Kvass, a beverage beloved in north eastern Europe, is coming to the UK A popular Eastern European drink dubbed 'Communist Coke' has become the latest hit with wellness-obsessed hipsters in the UK. Kvass - also know as 'Soviet Guinness'- has hit the shelves in Sainsbury's, with retailers hoping it follows in the success of other trendy fermented drinks such as kefir, kimchi and kombucha. Otherwise known as 'gira', the drink is made from grains, fruit, vegetables, or even old bread, and is packed with healthy probiotics to benefit gut health and immunity. Kvass has long been called the 'Coke of communism', and is lightly alcoholic, with an ABV of up to 1.2 per cent, tying in nicely with the current sales boom in 'nolo' (no or low-alcohol) beers, wines and spirits. As well as appearing in supermarkets, craft breweries such as Northern Monk in Leeds releases a seasonal variety every year. Fans say the probiotic-rich drink can support digestion and immunity through beneficial bacteria and do 'miracles for gut health,'. Its also rich in vitamins B and E which can help keep skin and hair healthy. Anton Puzorjov from Estonia, meanwhile, is the founder of Quas Drinks, based in Edinburgh, which calls itself the 'UK's first genuine kvass', made using natural and vegan ingredients. He says it is his favourite drink, explaining: 'I was thinking, why don't we have kvass in the UK? I really love this drink. It's non-alcoholic; I don't drink alcohol myself. Kvass, a beverage beloved in north eastern Europe that has been dubbed 'alcohol free Soviet Guinness', is coming to the UK. Pictured is Anton Puzorjov, founder of Quas Drinks Vilte Fuller, who describes herself as a 'kvassoholic' on TikTok, filmed the process of making beetroot and apple kvass 'And I really struggled in the UK for the past 10 years to find a nice, non-alcoholic drink that I would really enjoy, not just the taste but also how it would look. 'There is Coca-Cola, but for today's consumers who are health-conscious, including myself, Coca-Cola is not really a good option. If you look around, there aren't really that many products that are good for you.' Anton said he would always end up having tap water at social events due to the limited availability of healthy, non-alcoholic drinks. He added: 'It has a massive, massive potential that is not utilised by the vast majority of producers. 'It's a fermented product but the way it's produced is called mixed fermentation, when you have both bacteria and yeast.' Traditionally, kvass is made from leftover bread. It is soaked in water to allow the fermentation process to begin, and left for a couple of days at room temperature. It is then cooled down, ready to drink. Vilte Fuller, who describes herself as a 'kvassoholic' on TikTok, filmed the process of making beetroot and apple kvass. Another social media user, @givemethevitamins from Slovenia, makes hers from stale bread Meanwhile, another new brand name, Spookys Kiosk, is also set to help make kvass the cool thing in the UK She combined the fruits with a litre of water and three tablespoons of sugar. She then let it ferment for a week before straining it. Another social media user, @givemethevitamins from Slovenia, makes hers from stale bread. Tomas Josas, a beer historian and sommelier in Lithuania, told the BBC: 'Traditionally, [in Lithuania] it was a homemade drink using old rye bread because it was a smart way to use up leftovers. 'Fermentation not only preserved nutrients but also lowered the pH, killing harmful bacteria meaning kvass was often safer to drink than water.' Kvass was originally brewed in Soviet times when resources were scarce. Until the 1980s, it was sold flat, but was later carbonated to compete with the rising fizzy drinks market after the fall of the Soviet Union. These days, it can be used for anything from cocktail mixers to a refreshing summer beverage or even as a sore throat remedy. Meanwhile, another new brand name, Spookys Kiosk, is also set to help make kvass the cool thing in the UK. The anonymous founder describes herself as 'a Lithuanian girl making Kvass in London' People are looking forward to the launch of Spookys Kiosk, another brand bringing kvass to the UK The anonymous founder describes herself as 'a Lithuanian girl making Kvass in London' and says: 'I accidentally started one of the UK's first kvass brands. 'I'm Lithuanian and I really missed kvass, otherwise known as gira. I was so shocked by the popularity of kefir, and was like, why is kvass not here? 'So, I started making my own drink samples in my Shoreditch kitchen.' After finding London-based manufacturers, the brand is now set to launch in early 2026 and will have three flavours - rye and cherry, rye and raisin, and orange. The announcement was met with enthusiasm, with one person commenting: 'Great news! The imported kvas in London Euroshops is far too sweet. It's not like the live/fresh stuff we used to get from the orange tanker on the street...' Another said: 'I've always wondered why there was no kvas here! Everyone who's tried it when I brought it with me has loved it!' A third commented: 'Okay now I need new series: instead of tasting matcha, I'll be tasting kvas.' 'To be honest it took 9-8 years for kefir to slowly make it from Polish shops to niche organic shops to big chains like Aldi after the previous rise of kombucha,' another speculated. Anton said he would always end up having tap water at social events due to the limited availability of healthy, non-alcoholic drinks 'Really hoping kvass will be the next thing. Good luck!' As with many Slavic nations, Kvass is a highly popular drink in Russia. In 2022, dozens of Western companies, including McDonald's, IKEA, Apple and Starbucks, announced the suspension of their work in the country following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. When many Russians found themselves deprived of popular products, including carbonated drinks, officials said people should instead turn to local alternatives, with kvass among the suggestions. Dmitry Petrovsky, a politician in the Yaroslavl region, said Russians should turn to 'tarkhun', a green carbonated drink, or kvass. He told social media at the time: 'It's healthier and tastier,' and, referring to McDonald's absence in the country, added: 'Potatoes [should not be] unhealthily deep-fried, but boiled or baked.' Even big brands have previously become involved with kvass production, including Heineken and Coca-Cola. At the same time, similar products such as kefir, kimchi and kombucha have surged in popularity, with a growing body of research pointing to their health benefits. A 2025 review in Frontiers in Nutrition found fermented foods can ease bloating and improve bowel regularity, while a 2022 analysis by Chinese researchers linked foods such as yoghurt and kimchi to better heart and metabolic health. Some studies have even suggested fermented foods could influence mood via the gutbrain axis, potentially easing symptoms of depression and anxiety - although scientists stress research in this area is still emerging. 'There are a host of health benefits from eating fermented foods,' says Dr Sean Preston, Consultant Gastroenterologist at London Digestive Health. 'The primary reason for this is the probiotic, or live bacteria, that is present, which can help digestion and support the gut microbiome. 'Theoretically there is also a possible benefit of reducing the risk of bowel cancer by creating a diverse gut microbiome and preventing the production of pro-carcinogenic compounds.' It's no wonder, then, that fermented foods have become big business - the global market is now worth an estimated 67billion and is expected to increase fivefold within the next decade. Lauren LaRusso knows a lot about affairs. The 40-year-old psychotherapist has, for the past three years, specialised in infidelity. Her patients represent all positions on the affair-y spectrum: there are people who have been cheated on and people who are doing the cheating. There are also, as she calls them, affair partners single people who are sleeping with someone married. None of these people seem the same; none of them have the same reasons for cheating. Anyone can cheat, says LaRusso over Zoom from her home in Connecticut. Anyone. And that is the terrifying reality. She wasnt really meant to be an expert in all of this. Until 2018, LaRusso had worked for seven years as a standard therapist; her patients had various issues infidelity and otherwise. But then, while she was on holiday with her husband, their two-year-old daughter and his parents, she saw an email notification on her spouses phone. It was from Airbnb and the subject line read: Confirmed! Your stay in a romantic, riverfront house. LaRusso was not going to that house. It transpired that her husband a doctor to whom she had been married for seven years had been having a months-long affair with a woman LaRusso did not know. By 2020 the couple were divorced, and by 2023 LaRusso had changed her practice to focus entirely on affairs. She also started an Instagram account (@laurenlarusso) where she posts regular videos about the anatomy of infidelity. (Titles include things like Heres why you cant end your affair even when you try; the total follower count is now 152,000.) Plus, she has an agony aunt-style Substack, where she answers reader questions about cheating. This week, LaRusso is publishing her first book: Beyond Infidelity an A-Z of affairs. Here are a few things she knows about adultery. Psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso specialises in affairs and says that some personality types are more prone to infidelity than others Its everywhere LaRusso says, because we see infidelity as a complete deal-breaker we are often embarrassed to talk about it. But plenty of people have cheated or been cheated on. How many? Well, 50 per cent of marriages end in divorce, and theres a lot of infidelity with divorce. (According to the American Psychological Association, 20 to 40 per cent of marital separations are the result of an affair.) Of the people who stay married, there is still a huge incidence of infidelity and those affairs might be revealed or remain a secret for their entire lives. So, says LaRusso, well never have exact statistics, but I can probably say with confidence that anywhere from 50 to 75 per cent of people [experience cheating]. Eek. Women are just as guilty For a long time, the stereotype has been that men are more likely than women to have affairs. But, says LaRusso, women are catching up. Shes not entirely sure why women are more empowered than ever, we live in a self-exploration era but, among her clients, I work with as many betrayed men and as many unfaithful women as I do the opposite. Some people are prone to it In terms of personality types, however, LaRusso says there are some people who are more prone to infidelity than others. The first is obvious: Someone with stronger narcissistic tendencies is highly likely to be unfaithful because they need approval. They need their inner fire stoked more, and one person alone cant do that for them. But the other, less likely, personality trait she sees among clients who have cheated, is avoidance. Its because affairs are, in the short term at least, a way of avoiding confrontation within a marriage; rather than addressing problems with their spouse, avoidant people can turn outwards. Its one of the biggest risk factors that we see. Proof is paramount The first time LaRusso suspected her husband was having an affair was in 2017, just before Christmas. She had found several mysterious presents stashed under a sofa and, among them, an Amazon gift receipt. So, I actually called Amazon and said, Ive found this gift receipt, and I just dont know who to thank. The company told her the name of the person who had made the order; it was a womans name she hadnt heard of the woman she would later learn her husband was sleeping with. When LaRusso asked her spouse about it, he came up with a story that didnt make sense. She regrets that now. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably silently look for the truth and wait until I had some real evidence, instead of relying on my partner to tell me the truth. LaRusso had worked as a standard therapist for years but changed her practice to focus on infidelity after she discovered her husband had been having an affair The thing is, people who cheat are unlikely to be honest theyre self-protecting and, by having an affair, theyve become someone who isnt telling you the truth any more. Having your partner lie to you will mean youll just end up more confused and gaslit. Instead, says LaRusso, Id wait [before saying anything to your spouse] until you have something concrete. Just keep noticing things and validating your own noticing. Thats how you stay in power throughout the process. Affairs are addictive There are, says LaRusso, a million reasons why people have affairs. But one of them is that infidelity can be like a drug. Because of the nature of interval contact, and the interval highs and lows, affairs create a certain type of reinforcement thats highly addictive. In non-therapist language, this means that the inconsistency of an affair keeps people excited and returning for more. If that doesnt seem sciencey enough, infidelity also releases various chemicals like cortisol, dopamine and oxytocin in the brain. Those are the same chemicals that are released by drugs or drink. Be careful with questions Often, when people learn theyve been cheated on, they ask lots and lots of questions. Its fair enough. The person who has been having the affair already knows everything, but youre playing catch-up. Still, LaRusso says to choose your enquiries with caution. Some information is helpful; it might influence your decision to stay with, or leave, your partner. But other information is pointless and painful details can just add fuel to the trauma fire. She advises against comparison questions (things like, Were they better than me?) and says to be prudent when asking for gory details about sex. Asking questions means youll know things that you cannot then unknow. Like [LaRusso imagines a suitably miserable scenario] your spouse had sex behind that shop, and now you have to move towns because youll never be able to pass by without thinking about it. Basically, tread wisely. Acceptance over forgiveness If your partner has had an affair, you dont have to forgive them, says LaRusso. I will never forgive my ex [for his affair] because he never asked for it. That doesnt mean you ought to hold a grudge. Im a big proponent of acceptance over forgiveness. In other words, you accept what happened, you feel the pain of it, but you are not in tension with it any more. She continues, I am totally fine not forgiving the unforgivable. In fact, sometimes forgiveness is dangerous. But acceptance that is what sets you free. News / National by Gideon Madzikatidze HARARE - Acting President General (Rtd) Constantino Chiwenga has called for ethical leadership and a decisive national stance against corruption, saying Zimbabwe's ambition to become an uppermiddleincome economy by 2030 depends on integrity and transparency across all sectors.Speaking at the burial of national hero Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava at the National Heroes Acre, Chiwenga said the country's development trajectory under the National Development Strategy (NDS) required a united effort to root out corruption."We need to take note of significant progress under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). As we transition into National Development Strategy 2, Zimbabwe stays poised for accelerated growth - provided we entrench ethical leadership at all levels, defeat corruption and uphold a wholeofgovernment approach," Chiwenga said.He added that the 2030 vision could only be realised if leaders and citizens alike rejected "selfish enrichment practices" and focused on industrialisation, value addition and inclusive growth."Realising our vision of becoming an upper middleincome economy by 2030 hinges on our collective commitment to ethical behaviour. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to grow the economy, generate quality jobs and enhance the livelihoods of our citizens," he said.Chiwenga urged mourners to honour the legacy of Brigadier General Ngarava by recommitting themselves to unity and national service."In this moment of reflection, let us channel our grief into a renewed commitment to our country, fostering the spirit of unity that Brigadier General Ngarava so fervently championed," he said.Notably, the burial ceremony lacked the usual placards and chants associated with calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's 2030 termextension agenda - a departure from previous ZANUPF funerals often criticised for turning into political rallies.Chiwenga's remarks, which centred on ethical leadership and national development, have sparked speculation about internal dynamics within ZANUPF, with some observers interpreting the speech as a subtle critique of the current leadership direction. Tragic Victoria Jones was married to a wealthy Napa vineyard owner who fought with her over her drug use in the months leading up to her suspected overdose death, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal. The 34-year-old daughter of Hollywood superstar Tommy Lee Jones, 79, was found dead at the swank Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco in the early hours of New Years Day. San Francisco Fire Department audio obtained by the Daily Mail shows the call out was logged as a code three overdose, color change. Now the Daily Mail can disclose that Jones had a lengthy history of drug abuse and was arrested by the Napa Police Department in April following a two-day cocaine binge. Husband Navek Ceja, 44, told them that his wife had been taking the drug for 48 hours when they were called to his familys prestigious winery, Ceja Vineyards in Napa, just past midnight late last April. According to the report, police were dispatched after being told of a woman in distress. They arrived at the ultra-premium winery to discover an incoherent Jones who told them the 911 call had been a mistake. Police said Jones was talking rapidly, was fighting with her body movements and had dried blood on one nostril. She also had a white residue on her tongue and admitted to using the drug but fought with cops when they arrested her. Actor Tommy Lee Jones's daughter Victoria (right) had a lengthy history with drug abuse. She is pictured with her father at the 2017 Tokyo International Film Festival Victoria Jones had multiple drug-related arrests including an incident in which she slapped her vineyard-owning husband twice in a drug-fueled rage. She is pictured in the mugshot taken after the fight obtained by the Daily Mail Victoria's husband Navek Ceja (third from left) is part of the glamorous vineyard-owning Ceja family After being booked into the Napa County Jail, a small plastic baggie containing white powder was found in her coat and she was later charged with being under the influence of drugs, resisting arrest and possessing a controlled substance. Two months later, Jones was collared again this time over a fight she and Ceja had at the upscale Carneros Resort and Spa in Sonoma, where rooms start at $935-a-night. Charging documents obtained by the Daily Mail show she and Ceja had come to blows over her continued drug use and boozing, with the 44-year-old left with a reddened face after an enraged Jones allegedly slapped his face twice. Jones was arrested again after the incident and carted off to the Napa County Jail where she was slapped with a single charge of misdemeanor domestic violence. A mugshot taken after the fight, and exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail, shows Jones looking shame-faced and with a small mark visible underneath her eye. Navek Ceja is understood to have called the police to his family vineyard last April when she was found incoherent at the 'ultra-premium' winery In 2017, she posed proudly at his side at the ArcLight Hollywood for the premiere of his movie Just Getting Started, also starring Morgan Freeman and Rene Russo Victoria has attended occasional red carpets alongside her father. She is pictured with Jones, his third wife Dawn Laurel-Jones and Hilary Swank at the premiere of The Homesman Both cases were still pending at the time of her death, with Jones due back in court on the domestic violence count on January 20. Navek Ceja has not responded to the Daily Mails request for comment. Law enforcement sources told the Daily Mail that Jones was staying at the Fairmont for at least three days before she was found unresponsive and later died at the scene. The insider said Jones family called cops multiple times when they did not hear back from the 34-year-old for days. One of the 'well-being' checks requested by her family last year was because of her suspected drug use, the source said. Ceja is pictured with his sister Dalia (right) and brother Ariel (center) on his birthday in 2013 The Fairmont hotel in San Francisco on New Year's Day, just hours after Victoria Jones was found dead. It was unclear whether Victoria was a guest at the hotel Victoria is pictured with father Tommy Lee Jones and his third wife at 'The Homesman' premiere in 2014 In San Francisco too, she had a reputation for heavy drinking with one local telling the Daily Mail she was a notorious boozer known to be easy with her fists. She had a reputation in North Beach, said the source, who did not want to be named. She spent a lot of time palling around getting drunk in all sorts of confrontations at bars and restaurants. 'A lot of people say she just got into drunken fights, commotions over the course of time there.' North Beach is a historic Italian neighborhood a short distance from the Fairmont Hotel, where she was found unresponsive on the 14th floor. Ceja pictured with his father Pedro Ceja at the first Ceja Vineyards property Victoria was born on September 3, 1991 to Jones and his second wife Kimberlea Cloughley, whom he was married to from 1981 to 1996. Jones, Cloughley and Victoria pictured in 2002 The San Francisco Police Department is asking anyone with information about Victoria's untimely death to contact the department. 'On 1/1/26 at approximately 3:14am, San Francisco Police officers responded to a hotel located on the 900 block of Mason Street regarding a report of a deceased person,' a spokesperson said. 'At the scene, officers met with medics, who declared the adult female deceased. The Medical Examiner arrived on scene and conducted an investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.' Andy Cohen is understood to be on thin ice at CNN after unleashing a wild tirade against Eric Adams during the cable network's annual New Year's Eve special. The Bravo star was hosting the program alongside Anderson Cooper when he issued a rant about the outgoing New York City mayor that left CNN insiders 'mortified,' sources told journalist Rob Shuter. 'This is CNN, not Bravo,' one insider said. 'What works on reality TV doesn't belong on a serious news network.' Cohen was seen holding a drink as he began his rant well past midnight. 'Watching the final moments of Mayor Adams's chaotic...' Cohen began before mentioning a 'pardon' and criticizing the mayor's 'clubbing.' A source revealed that Cohen's unfettered anti-Adams screed 'changed everything' and left staffers 'mortified.' 'The secondhand embarrassment was real,' they said. Cooper was also reportedly backing away from his longtime pal and co-host after the embarrassing episode. 'Anderson is a journalist. He doesn't want to babysit someone slurring through political rants,' a source said. Andy Cohen is reportedly on the chopping block at CNN's New Year's Eve show after his wild tirade slamming outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams suggested Cohen get treatment from Alcoholics Anonymous after the Bravo star drunkenly blasted him during his double act with Anderson Cooper Wednesday night Another insider claimed that Cohen 'adds no value to a brand that wants to be respected.' Cohen replaced former cohost Kathy Griffin, who was removed from the role in 2017 following controversy of a photoshoot depicting President Trump's disembodied head. The pressure on Cohen comes as CNN could face major changes if its owners at Warner Bros. Discovery get taken over by Netflix or Paramount. 'When a company is considering restructuring, you don't keep liabilities. You clean house,' a source told Shuter. The Daily Mail has reached out to CNN for comment. When the New York Post then asked about the unhinged rant on Thursday, Adams chuckled. 'I have two letters for him: AA,' said Adams, referencing Alcoholics Anonymous. Cohen, who replaced Kathy Griffin on the show nearly a decade ago for her own political controversy, is said to be in trouble at CNN The former New York City mayor hit back at Cohen the next day He later shared the same rebuttal on social media, calling Cohen's diatribe 'another sloppy drunken rant.' 'If anyone actually cares about him, they'll tell him to get help,' the now-former mayor wrote on X. 'New Yorkers aren't laughing with him,' he continued. 'They are concerned about him. Public intoxication is a disease. He should seek help.' Adams then went on to argue that Cohen was only safe in Times Square due to the heightened police presence. 'Seek help,' Adams concluded. 'AAA: Andy's Alcohol Anonymous.' Cohen rant was constantly interrupted by Cooper, who tried to stop him. 'I just want to say...' Cohen continued. 'Don't,' Cooper said while attempting to walk out of frame. In a post on X Thursday, Adams wrote that Cohen needs to start attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings But the camera panned out to keep the co-host in frame. 'He got his pardons,' Cohen continued with a slight slur, before Cooper said 'I'm out' once again. 'I'm just saying, great, you got your pardons. Go off into the sunset,' Cohen said. 'We'll fiddle with what we have, with what you've left us with.' 'He can't help himself,' Cooper then said. That seemed to encourage Cohen, who then went after the outgoing mayor for getting his federal corruption case dismissed in April. 'Great, you got your pardons, now go off into the sunset,' Cohen said, slurring his words. 'Go dance away, we'll see you at the parties... all the clubs,' Cohen advised Adams, who was known for his clubbing. 'I just want to say goodbye Mayor Adams, you did it, didn't you?,' he continued. But Cohen did give the now-former mayor credit for reducing the rat population in New York City. 'I will say this - he maybe dented the rat population,' Cohen acknowledged. 'But isn't that a metaphor of sorts - I mean, let's call it as it is.' 'Well, guess what it's 2026 and there are less rats,' the Bravo host then concluded his unhinged remarks. Adams was standing nearby as Cohen spoke, marking the end of his mayoral term pushing the button to begin the ball drop countdown in Times Square. The Washington Post editorial board issued a rare endorsement of Donald Trump's actions Saturday, praising the president for authorizing the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The Post, a publication historically critical of the president, called the raid 'Justice in Venezuela' and 'one of the boldest moves a president has made in years' That praise came after US Army Delta Force troops stormed a military base in Caracas early Saturday, seizing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a pre-dawn raid. Both were flown to the USS Iwo Jima and are en route to New York, where they face narco-terrorism charges tied to a Justice Department indictment. 'Millions of people around the world, most of all in Venezuela, are celebrating the downfall of the dictator Nicolas Maduro,' the editorial read. 'President Donald Trump's decision to capture him on Saturday is one of the boldest moves a president has made in years, and the operation was an unquestionable tactical success.' The unsigned op-ed from the editorial board, which acts as the voice of the paper, framed the operation as a major victory for US interests and a warning to authoritarian regimes worldwide. 'This is a major victory for American interests. Just hours before, supportive Chinese officials held a chummy meeting with Maduro, who had also been propped up by Russia, Cuba and Iran. No doubt millions of Venezuelans will remember who backed their oppressor and who effected his removal. The end of Maduro will be a failure if it doesn't also corrode the influence of American adversaries in this hemisphere.' The Washington Post published an editorial hailing Trump's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Trump updates Americans on his capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday afternoon, flanked by White House cabinet members including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is pictured after his capture in a photo shared by President Donald Trump on his TruthSocial website The editorial also cast the move as a warning to other regimes: 'Maduro's removal also sends an important message to tinpot dictators in Latin America and the world: Trump follows through. President Joe Biden offered sanctions relief to Venezuela, and Maduro responded to that show of weakness by stealing an election,' it added. 'Trump had telegraphed for months that Maduro could not remain in power, yet Venezuela's arrogantly illegitimate leader clung on. What are Iranian leaders thinking now as they consider how to respond to widespread anti-government protests? Are the communists in Cuba sleeping well?' Despite its celebratory tone, the Post cautioned that risks remain, warning of the prospect of another dictator taking Maduro's place, then concluding that Maduro spending the rest of his life in prison was a 'good thing.' The Washington Post has begun to tack right since Trump's re-election last year and said its editorial section would focus on op-eds backing free markets and civil liberties. It was one of many large publications rocked by the excesses and demands of woke staff in the wake of George Floyd's murder in June 2020. An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during the United States raid that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has been tipped to be the next president of Venezuela Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in Santiago on Saturday President Donald Trump said the United States will temporarily govern Venezuela following the dramatic capture of Nicolas Maduro in a pre-dawn Delta Force raid Saturday. The Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized at a military base in Caracas and flown to the USS Iwo Jima. Both are headed to New York to face narco-terrorism charges. 'We're going to run the country until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,' Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago, offering few details but suggesting Venezuela's vast oil reserves would fund its recovery. He admitted he did not brief Congress, claiming secrecy was essential to prevent leaks. Trump accused Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles drug network and flooding the U.S. with narcotics. The Justice Department confirmed Maduro will face drug and weapons trafficking charges originally filed in 2020. Five other Venezuelan officials are also charged. Trump said Cilia Flores will face criminal charges but gave no specifics. Celebrations erupted among Venezuelan migrants abroad, while Caracas remained tense amid fears of instability. Trump shared a photo of Maduro in a gray tracksuit and eye mask after his capture, calling him the leader of a drug cartel. I am selling my property in London, having been a US resident for more than two decades. I live with my partner in America. The UK property has been let out during that time, but now that I am coming to sell I am worrying about tax. I lived in the property for eight years when I bought it, but it has been let out for 29 years. If I sell, will I be liable to pay capital gains tax in the UK, and how much? The property was purchased for 51,000 and is now valued at about 800,000. What would be my CGT bill on that basis? And what are the implications of transferring the funds to the US? CGT: On residential property, capital gains tax is currently charged at 18% for basic rate taxpayers, and 24% for higher rate taxpayers Ed Magnus of This is Money replies: This is an interesting question, which has thrown up some thought-provoking answers. Most interesting is that expats seem to have some advantages when it comes to paying capital gains tax here in Britain. This is because they can calculate their gain compared with the market value in 2015 rather than using the entire time they have owned a property. This could result in huge savings. If you bought the property before 5 April 2015 you'll need to establish the value of that property as of 5 April 2015 (known as rebasing). You then need to work out the difference between the value on 5 April 2015 and what you sell the property for. You can also deduct any costs of improving the property incurred after 5 April 2015 and the legal cost of selling the property. There are also other methods you can use for calculating capital gains tax that can be even more beneficial, depending on your situation. Example of the rebasing method for residential properties Rebasing computation gain from 5 April 2015 to sale Date of purchase: 5 January 2011 Acquisition costs: 500,000 Date of sale: 6 June 2016 Amount Disposal proceeds: 1,250,000 Incidental sale costs (legal, estate agent etc): 30,000 Net disposal proceeds: 1,220,000 Market value at 5 April 2015: 1,000,000 Improvement costs: 0 Total cost: 1,000,000 Gain over period from 5 April 2015 to disposal = 220,000 How are capital gains taxed? On residential property, capital gains tax is charged at 18 per cent for basic rate taxpayers, and 24 per cent for higher rate taxpayers but with any significant gain, people are likely to pay most of it at the higher rate. This is because a capital gain is added to a person's normal income to decide the tax rate. When people come to sell their home, they are typically entitled to principal private residence relief (PRR) which should, in most cases, shield them from capital gains tax. However, if as our reader has done, they let out their property during their ownership, they forfeit their right to full PRR when they sell. They will lose it for the years the property is let out, so when they sell they'll need to work out the proportion of time they lived in the home compared to the years it was let out. PRR also applies in full for the last nine months of ownership, whether or not someone lives at the property provided the property was their main residence at some point. So what is it for our reader as a non-UK resident? Given our reader is now a US resident, the way they will calculate their capital gains tax bill will differ from someone living in the UK. We decided to seek advice from tax specialists to not only confirm how they will calculate their capital gains but also whether they may be liable to be double-taxed, in both the US and the UK. For expert advice, we spoke to David Portman, tax partner at the accounting, audit and advisory firm Lubbock Fine and David Denton, head of technical at wealth management firm Quilter Cheviot. David Portman, tax partner at the accounting, audit and advisory firm Lubbock Fine David Portman replies: Assuming your reader has non-UK tax resident status, they will be liable to UK non-resident capital gains tax (NR-CGT) on any gain from the sale of the property. As NR-CGT was only introduced with effect from 6 April 2015, the rules to calculate the gain are complicated. The taxpayer can choose one of three options. One, the default method. Take the sale proceeds and deduct both the sale costs and market value of the property as at 5 April 2015. A qualified professional surveyor or valuer should provide the valuation. Two, the straight-line apportionment method. Take the sale proceeds, deduct the sale costs, deduct original cost of the property and costs incurred on purchase. The gain is then spread across the whole ownership period and only the portion after 5 April 2015 is taxable. Third, the retrospective method. Take the sale proceeds, deduct costs incurred on sale, deduct original cost of the property and costs incurred on purchase. An added complication is that Principal Private Residence (PPR) relief will be due for the eight years in which your reader lived in the property, plus the last nine months of ownership. PPR allows people who are selling their main home, which they live in, to avoid GCT. It is relieved on a proportional basis comparing the PPR relief period to the total ownership period. If either the first or second option are taken, then in effect they will lose any PPR relief for the eight years, but this needs to be compared to the benefits of these options. The resulting gain is then taxable (after deduction of the 3,000 annual allowance) at 18 per cent (up to 37,700 of total taxable income/gains) and 24 per cent thereafter. The numbers will need to be crunched and the most beneficial option chosen. It is advisable that they obtain professional advice. David Denton, head of technical at wealth management firm Quilter Cheviot What method should they choose? David Denton replies: The 'default' method looks at the value at April 2015, and gains before can be disregarded. The 'time apportionment' method considers the total period of ownership and the time since 5 April 2015. This means that only the gains attributable to the period of ownership after April 2015 will be taxed, but calculated as a fraction of the ownership period since 2015 to the total ownership period. This is helpful when no value in 2015 was established. Finally, the 'straight line' method looks at the price difference between purchase and disposal so is only normally beneficial for disposals of properties that have made a loss. In this instance, and not knowing the person's other financial circumstances, time apportionment is likely to reduce the gain to the lowest amount. So, the difference in the purchase and sale price, less buying, selling fees and improvement costs is reduced as a proportion of the 29 period of ownership, according to an aggregate of the years occupied as private residence, plus the years owned before April 2015 and nine months to top it off. That value can then be reduced further by the 3,000 annual exempt amount. However, it's probable that the individual has US reporting and tax obligations on the same property under US legislation, though the amount paid to His Majesty's Revenue & Customs reduces the US exposure, according to the UK-US double tax treaty of 2002. Remitting the proceeds to the US should bear no further tax. Advice from suitably qualified individuals in both locations should be sought. How soon will they need to pay the tax? David Portman replies: The NR-CGT return needs to be completed and filed with HMRC within 60 days of the sale. NR-CGT also needs to be paid to HMRC within 60 days. Could they be double taxed? David Portman replies: The UK and USA has a double tax treaty, so generally any tax paid in the UK is offset against US taxes. Obtain specialist US tax advice to confirm the tax position and reporting obligations. If there is a mortgage on the property, the mortgage repayment itself could also create a taxable event, depending on US dollar movements over the mortgage term. Example of straight-line time apportionment method Total ownership 65 months, period from 5 April 2015 to sale (6 June 2016) was 14 months, proportion of ownership relates to period from 5 April 2015 to sale date (14/65). Total sale proceeds: 1,250,000 Incidental sale costs: 30,000 Net disposal proceeds: 1,220,000 Purchase cost: 750,000 Incidental costs of purchase (e.g. stamp duty, legal fees): 40,000 Improvement costs: 0 Total purchase cost: 790,000 Gain over period of ownership: 430,000 Time apportioned post 5 April 2015 gain (430,000 14/65): 92,615 Credit: HMRC How can they reduce their CGT bill? David Denton replies: Private residence relief (PRR) can alleviate the gain, as can ownership up until 5 April 2015. If the property has been the taxpayer's main and only residence at any point, they can claim PRR from the date they began occupying the property until the date the property ceased to be their main residence. And in this case, the final nine months of ownership will qualify for PRR, known as final years relief. Buying and selling fees, plus improvement works, such as for an extension, can reduce the chargeable gain too. A young Aussie who suffered gruesome and life-altering injuries after his wireless power bank exploded in the middle of the night has issued a stark warning. Reece Walker bought a Cygnett MagSafe wireless dual power bank from Harvey Norman Bairnsdale in Victoria's Gippsland region in December 2023. Three months later, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an urgent recall, warning the device was a fire hazard. But Mr Walker was unaware of the recall when his power bank burst into flames while he was asleep at a youth camp in July 2024. He suffered gruesome burns to the backs of his legs, arms and hands and spent two weeks in hospital recovering from his injuries. He will never forget waking up on fire and then the excruciating pain of standing under a cold shower for 40 minutes while waiting for paramedics. 'They said I would have to lose my dignity as they cut off my boxer shorts which were burnt to my skin,' Mr Walker told Daily Mail. He was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where he spent two weeks undergoing surgery and multiple skin grafts. Reece shared his traumatic ordeal to warn Aussies about the dangers of power banks Reece is now speaking out about the dangers of power banks. Pictured is the recalled Cygnett MagSafe power bank He spent two weeks in hospital recovering from serious burns caused by a power bank Almost 18 months later, Mr Walker still suffers flashbacks and hasn't worked since. He still experiences pain from the scars and is triggered by the smell of smoke. 'I still have trouble sleeping and wake up thinking it's happening all over again. I had to quit my job as a cook at McDonald's because of the trauma,' he said. He only learned of the recall after his mother contacted Harvey Norman to report his injuries and is yet to receive an apology or an explanation for the delay. Mr Walker has launched legal action against Harvey Norman and Cygnett, determined to prevent anyone else from enduring the same ordeal. 'I want to make sure it never happens again,' he said. 'There needs to be consequences for what happened. I haven't been in a Harvey Norman store since.' Mr Walker also shared a message with Aussies about the dangers of power banks. 'Be very careful,' he warned. 'I will never use one again as I don't trust them or anything else that comes with a lithium battery.' 'I still have trouble sleeping and wake up thinking it's happening all over again,' Reece (pictured) told Daily Mail Reece underwent surgeries and multiple skin grafts after his power bank exploded Reece woke up in flames after his power bank exploded Leading law firm Shine Lawyers has called on manufacturers and suppliers to improve efforts to remove dangerous products from customers. 'You can only imagine how terrifying and painful it would've been for Reece to wake up on fire,' Shine Lawyers public liability expert Kayla Cox said. 'He'll carry the both the physical and psychological scars caused by this faulty power bank for a significant amount of time. 'It is heartbreaking for Reece that as a result of a faulty power bank, he has sustained lifelong injuries which could have been avoided. 'What's disappointing in this case is that Reece's power bank had been the subject of a recall, but it was only after he was injured and his mum complained to the store where it was bought that they were notified of the recall. 'The injuries these faulty products can cause are potentially horrific and the onus is on businesses to stop putting profits before people and ensuring what they're selling is safe.' Daily Mail has contacted Harvey Norman multiple times for comment but has not received a response. Reece Walker has launched legal action following his harrowing ordeal almost 18 months ago Reece suffered serious burns to his legs (pictured), back, and hands A recall was issued just three months after Reece bought the power bank from Harvey Norman Bairnsdale (pictured) Cygnett CEO Jason Carrington confirmed he was aware of the case and said he remained deeply concerned for Mr Walkers welfare 'We were in regular contact with Reece's mother as soon as we were made aware of the incident and while he was receiving treatment and provided as much necessary support and assistance they requested while we remained in contact,' he said. Mr Carrington was unable to explain why Mr Walker wasn't notified about the recall or comment further on the case due to the legal proceedings. He said the company recalled the faulty power banks as soon as it became aware of the issue and worked with the ACCC to ensure it was communicated effectively. 'The decision to recall this product was a necessary step to ensure the safety of our customer base,' Mr Carrington said. 'We implemented an extensive communication plan in conjunction with all of our retail partners and our website and social media channels. 'We continue to advertise the recall notice broadly, advising consumers who have the product to cease using the power bank immediately and return it for a full refund, without the need for proof of purchase.' Bondi Beach terrorist Sajid Akram graduated from a Muslim college in India two years earlier than previously reported, leaving a significant gap in his known whereabouts before he moved to Australia. Records held by Anwarul Uloom College in Hyderabad and obtained by the Daily Mail show Akram obtained a bachelor's degree in commerce in July 1996, rather than 1998, as has been widely claimed. It remains unclear what Akram did in those two years but it is known he left India in November 1998 and moved to Australia, apparently for a new life and work opportunities. The director of Anwarul Uloom, which is not a religious school but caters for the local Muslim community, had no recollection of Akram being at the college. 'On an average, around 6,000 students take admission in the college per year so it is not possible to remember all,' he told the Daily Mail. Akram, 50, and his Australian-born son Naveed, 24, allegedly opened fire on a crowd celebrating the Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach on December 14. Fifteen people - including a 10-year-old girl - were killed and 40 others injured in the attack, which ended when Sajid Akram was shot dead by police and his son taken into custody. Sajid Akram was born and grew up in Hyderabad, the capital and largest city in the state of Telangana in Southern India and enrolled at Anwarul Uloom in 1993. Bondi Beach terrorist Sajid Akram (above) graduated from a Muslim college in India two years earlier than previously reported, leaving a significant gap in his known whereabouts before he moved to Australia Sajid Akram (pictured conducting firearm training) was allegedly inspired by Islamic State to open fire on a crowd of Jews during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14 Sajid Akram was born and grew up in Hyderabad, the capital and largest city in the state of Telangana in Southern India and enrolled at Anwarul Uloom in 1993 Akram's brother Dr Shahid Akram still lives in Hyderabad with his elderly mother, wife and children in a house built by their late father Khalid in 2002 in the Al-Hasanth Colony. But in the wake of the ISIS-inspired Bondi massacre, the whole family has now fled that address in the Toli Chowki neighbourhood, leaving the premises padlocked and abandoned. In Sydney, Sajid Akram met and married Italian-heritage Christian, Venera Grosso, then 25, in 1999. But Indian Police told the Daily Mail the interfaith relationship sparked a furious family row for marrying outside of his religion and left him isolated from his Indian relatives. In a possible bid to heal the rift with his estranged family, Akram later brought his new bride to India where a traditional Muslim nikah wedding ceremony was performed. The couple returned to Sydney and lived in Lakemba in the city's west, and Cabramatta in the south-west, before settling in nearby Bonnyrigg Heights with their two sons and a daughter. Telangana director general of police B. Shivadhar said Akram had visited Hyderabad six times since 1998, including once after his father's death. 'Sajid came to Hyderabad in 2000, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2016, and once again in 2022,' Mr Shivadhar told the Daily Mail. The director of Anwarul Uloom (above), which is not a religious school but caters for the local Muslim community, had no recollection of Akram being at the college Records held by Anwarul Uloom College in Hyderabad (above) show Akram obtained a bachelor's degree in commerce in July 1996, rather than 1998, as has been widely claimed. Sajid Akram's admission to Anwarul Uloom College is recorded in a handwritten register (above) 'During these visits, on two or three occasions, he came regarding family property matters. He came to resolve those issues. 'Once, he came a month after his father's death.' Assistant Commissioner Kishan Kumar told the Daily Mail that Telangana police were supporting all investigations regarding Akram's movements. 'I can say that we are supporting the investigation and not leading it,' Mr Kumar said. 'Our Police Chief has made it clear that Sajid has visited India six times since 1998 and there was no indication of any connection between Akram's radicalisation and India.' Dr Akram shared the Al-Hasanth Colony house with his elderly widowed mother and wife. He has a son and daughter, both of whom are also believed to be doctors. A neighbour who did not wish to be named told the Daily Mail the Akram family barely interacted with other residents, even before the mass shooting. 'They are totally separated from the rest of the colony, though I have never seen Sajid, but his brother, Dr Shahid, too, is a very restricted person; their family doesnt interact with anyone,' he said. Akram was born and spent his early life in the South Indian city of Hyderabad, where his brother is a doctor, before moving to his new homeland in 1998. His father built this home Akram's brother Shahid still lives in a house in Al-Hasanth Colony built by their father in 2002 but has padlocked the premises (above) and fled since the Bondi atrocity 'Even Dr Shahid's daughter and son, both of whom are believed to be doctors as well, dont talk to us. 'They are a bit cold, distant, or I can say inaccessible even for the neighbours.' According to locals, investigative agencies had visited the Al-Hasanth Colony home twice since the Bondi massacre to quiz the Akram family. Sajid Akram migrated to Australia on a student visa before transitioning to a partner visa three years later following his marriage to Naveed's mother. His relatives in India have told authorities they have had limited contact with him over the past 27 years and were unaware of his extreme beliefs. 'The family members have expressed no knowledge of his [Sajid's] radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation,' Indian police said. 'The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana.' Australian authorities are investigating a trip Sajid and Naveed Akram took to the Philippines before the terror attack. Sajid Akram and his son Naveed are pictured on a bridge in Bondi during the December 14 terrorist attack Philippines immigration officials have confirmed the pair travelled to the south-east Asian country on November 1 and returned to Australia on November 28. Their last known destination was listed as Davao, a popular tourist city on the southern island of Mindanao, which has long been associated with Islamic State activity. However, Philippine authorities have denied the region was an IS training hotspot and said there was no evidence the pair engaged in military exercises during their visit. Two Islamic State flags were allegedly found inside the car the father and son used to travel to Bondi. Investigators also allegedly found an ISIS-propaganda style video inside the Campsie apartment in Sydney's south-west the pair had rented in the lead-up to the attack. Police will allege that four firearms were found at the massacre scene and two more - all legally owned - were recovered during property searches. Naveed Akram, who was critically injured during a shootout with police at Bondi, has been charged with 59 offences - including 15 counts of murder. Those killed were: Alex Kleytman, 87, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, Reuven Morrison, 62, Matilda, 10, Tibor Weitzen, 78, Marika Pogany, 82, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, Dan Elkavam, 27, Peter Meagher, 61, Edith Brutman, 68, Boris Tetleroyd, 68, Tania Tretiak, 68, Adam Smyth, 50, and Boros Gurman, 69 and Sofia Gurman, 61. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's latest trick to try and avoid calling a royal commission into what happened at Bondi is to wrap his calculated, self-interested decision in the lab coat of 'actual experts' and hope nobody asks the obvious follow-up: who are they? When a Prime Minister reaches for that phrase - 'the actual experts, who are the current experts' - without naming a single one, it's not reassurance. It's evasion. A desperate bid to dismiss the growing list of independent experts calling for a Royal Commission into antisemitism. Albo wants you to believe that his top advisers are telling him a Royal Commission is a bad idea. What utter rubbish. Security agencies don't tell governments when to call a Royal Commission. That call is a matter for elected officials, full stop. Police and intelligence agencies provide threat assessments, operational briefings, capability gaps and legal advice about what they can and can't do. They don't get to dictate the accountability mechanism that scrutinises them. If Albo is implying ASIO and the AFP have advised against a royal commission, he is not only outsourcing a political judgment, he's outsourcing it to organisations that would sit squarely in the witness box if one were convened. That would be a severe dereliction of his duty as Prime Minister. And if he's not implying that, then why hint at it at all? When asked directly whether the heads of the national security and law enforcement agencies advised against a royal commission, Albo didn't answer. He retreated into the fog of the National Security Committee: 'we receive advice from all of those bodies'. Thanks for the tip, but that is an obvious truism and completely beside the point. If Albo's likely made up 'actual experts' are the agencies, the government should say so plainly, and then Australians can judge the credibility and the incentives of who is giving the PM advice not to investigate their shortcomings. If the 'actual experts' are public servants in PM&C or Home Affairs, that's still not the slam dunk Albo thinks it is. Bureaucrats can advise on process and risk, but they don't carry democratic accountability for whether sunlight is shone on their patch. 'When asked directly whether the heads of the national security and law enforcement agencies advised against a royal commission, Albo didn't answer,' Peter van Onselen writes Albo's latest excuse is pathetic and laughable And if by 'actual experts' the PM means political staffers in his office, well, god help us all. The modern political office is packed with factional lifers and future MP wannabes, many of whom have never run anything more complex than a branch stack. The tell here is that Albo won't say who his 'actual experts' are, and probably never will. Not one. Not even the category. That's because the moment he's specific, the claim becomes testable. Until then, it's a vibe to suit a purpose. It's political incense. And to use the vernacular, it's bulls**t. The government's justification for avoiding a Commonwealth royal commission has been dressed up as concern about platforming hateful views and protecting social cohesion, plus the insistence that national security issues don't belong in that forum. But this is the oldest, laziest argument in the playbook: don't scrutinise us publicly because the public might hear something ugly? The entire point of royal commissions is to drag ugly realities into the open: under oath, with coercive powers, and with a public record that can't be massaged by talking points. Besides, NSW Premier Chris Minns has committed to holding a state-based royal commission if Albo won't hold his own one. While this limits the scope of what can get scrutinised (precisely why the PM doesn't want to hold his own and why he should), won't it also risk social cohesion and platform extremism, if Albo's concerns are to be believed? Then why is he supportive of the Minns decision? The arguments the PM is using to avoid transparency and scrutiny are littered with contradictions. Albo also claims the alternative is urgency: a closed door review with limited terms of reference led by Dennis Richardson, reporting by April, because royal commissions take much longer than that. Fine. A review into whether agencies had the powers, processes and information sharing needed is worthwhile. But it is not a substitute for a royal commission into the broader question the country is now grappling with: how antisemitism has been allowed to metastasise into something that culminated in mass murder at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach. Daily Mail political editor Peter van Onselen says Albo needs to stop hiding behind unnamed 'experts' and hold a royal commission in the Bondi attack (pictured: tributes on the bridge next to the beach where the attack happened) As mourners continue to leave tributes in Bondi, pressure is building on Albo to agree to a royal commission Besides, a royal commission can run alongside criminal proceedings and operational work. Governments act and inquire all the time. It's not a binary choice whereby one response needs to be shelved for the other to go ahead. The nation state can walk and chew gum at the same time. Yet Tony Burke's line has been that royal commissions bring delays and distract agencies from keeping people safe. That argument collapses the moment you remember the government has already commissioned an inquiry process, it's just one with narrower terms, less transparency, and far more control over what sees daylight and when. If the PM is confident refusing to hold a Commonwealth royal commission is the 'right direction' for the country to take, he should stop hiding behind anonymous 'actual experts'. Name who advised what, in what capacity, and on what basis, or drop the pretence. Because it sounds like utter bullsh**t to me. The alleged DC pipe bomb suspect could walk free because of a stunning procedural misstep by federal prosecutors, a legal analyst claimed. Brian Cole Jr has been jailed since early December since he was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both major political parties. The 30-year-old Virginia man has been charged with transporting explosive devices in interstate commerce with intent to kill. But lawyers now argue that the US Department of Justice failed to properly secure his detention under strict federal rules, potentially triggering his immediate release. The extraordinary development was flagged by Roger Parloff, a senior editor at Lawfare. Parloff highlighted a defense motion claiming the government missed mandatory deadlines to either indict Cole through a federal grand jury or obtain a judicial finding of probable cause at a public preliminary hearing. 'Accused J6 pipebomber Brian Cole is claiming that he is entitled to release due to govt's failure to obtain within the allotted time period either a proper grand jury indictment or a judge's probable cause finding after a 'preliminary hearing,' Parloff wrote. 'Odd situation.' Under federal rules, a defendant cannot be held for more than 14 days without either a grand jury indictment or a judicial finding of probable cause - unless the defense consents or extraordinary circumstances exist. Cole was arrested on December 4 and made his initial court appearance on December 5. A man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both major political parties on the eve of January 6, 2021 could now walk free because of a procedural misstep Brian Cole Jr, 30, has reportedly confessed to planting pipe bombs outside of the Democratic and Republican national committees on January 5, 2021 He told federal investigators that he was relieved that his weapons did not detonate, claiming he did not want to kill anyone A detention hearing was set for December 15, but Parloff noted that no preliminary hearing was mentioned, apparently because both sides assumed the government would indict before then, but that never happened. Instead, on December 10, prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed to delay both the detention hearing and indictment deadline until December 30. According to Parloff, Cole's attorneys later asked whether the December 30 hearing would double as a preliminary hearing if no indictment had been secured. On December 28, the government informed the defense that the December 30 hearing would not be a preliminary hearing while also acknowledging that no federal grand juries were sitting between December 16 and January 5. Cole's attorneys responded that they had not waived the deadline beyond December 30. Then, on December 29, prosecutors obtained an indictment, not from a federal grand jury, but from a DC Superior Court grand jury. Parloff said the DOJ had used the same approach in another case, involving Kevontae Stewart. But there is a crucial difference in that Stewart was free on bail while Cole is not. 'In Cole's case, it is [keeping him detained],' Parloff wrote, noting that Magistrate Judge Sharbaugh ordered both sides to brief the issue by December 31 and promised a prompt ruling given the stakes. Join the debate Should procedural mistakes ever allow suspects in major cases to walk free despite confessions? Prosecutors said he took the same route as the bomber the night of January 5, 2021 After confessing to planting the bombs, Cole allegedly told investigators how he built them Cole's arrest marks the first major breakthrough in the five-year investigation that had baffled the agency and sparked a wave of conspiracy theories The potential release comes despite prosecutors having recently unveiled what they describe as a damning confession. Cole, a bail bondsman whose neighbors described him as a recluse, was arrested nearly five years after two pipe bombs were discovered outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., hours before the January 6 riot at the US Capitol. According to court filings, Cole admitted planting the devices but claimed he did not intend to kill anyone. He told investigators he acted out of frustration over how concerns about the 2020 election were dismissed. 'I didn't agree with what people were doing, like just telling half the country that they just need to ignore it,' Cole allegedly told agents. 'I didn't think that was a good idea, so I went to the protest.' Cole said he was not openly political and avoided discussing his beliefs with family. He told investigators that 'no one knows' his political leanings and that he never told his family he was attending a protest in support of then-President Donald Trump. In his account, prosecutors wrote, Cole felt someone needed to 'speak up' when people believed their votes were being disregarded, adding that 'people up top' on both sides should not dismiss grievances by labeling critics as 'Nazis' or 'fascists.' Last month, Cole was charged with laying explosives outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters, which did not detonate Federal authorities were seen searching the home Cole shared with his parents, but Cole reportedly told investigators he threw all of his bomb-making materials into a nearby dump Eventually, he said, 'something just snapped.' At first, Cole denied placing the bombs, prosecutors said. But after agents showed him surveillance images of a hooded figure carrying a backpack along the bomber's route, he paused, put his head down, and answered 'yes.' He later told investigators he was 'pretty relieved' when the bombs failed to detonate and claimed he planted them at night to avoid casualties. Prosecutors countered that it was only 'luck, not lack of effort,' that prevented deaths. The pipe bombs sparked widespread panic on January 6, forcing evacuations and drawing law enforcement resources away from the Capitol as the riot unfolded. The investigation dragged on for years, fueling conspiracy theories and public criticism of the FBI. Cole's arrest marked the first major breakthrough after the bureau offered a $500,000 reward and released new surveillance footage. Cole's arrest marked the first major breakthrough after the bureau offered a $500,000 reward and released new surveillance footage Authorities later said the arrest stemmed not from new tips, but from reanalyzed cellphone data previously believed to be corrupted. Following the arrest, current FBI leadership, including Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, publicly questioned why the suspect had not been identified years earlier. Patel suggested the previous administration's FBI was distracted by other political investigations. Prosecutors argue Cole should remain jailed, warning that no conditions could reasonably ensure public safety. They described his actions as calculated, dangerous, and the product of weeks of planning, rather than impulse. An Islamic extremist double-murderer who cost the taxpayer almost 240,000 when he sued over being kept in solitary confinement had previously held a prison officer hostage at knife point - and told him: Ive killed two people and Ill kill you. Drug gangster turned jihadist sympathiser Fuad Awale, 38, used European rights laws to argue that his being locked up alone was unfair - despite the move following his hostage taking terror attack. The full shocking details of that brutal siege in which Awales victim feared he would die make his High Court-approved compensation and costs settlement even more provocative. Awale, who was serving life for the executionstyle killings of two teenagers, ambushed prison warden Richard Thompson inside Full Sutton prison, near York, in May 2013 - just days after soldier Lee Rigby was murdered in a jihadi street attack in south London. Alongside fellow Islamist extremist Feroz Khan, Awale held Mr Thompson captive for five hours in which he was pinned to a chair, beaten and threatened with execution. At one terrifying point, the Somali-born extremist pressed a makeshift blade to the officers throat, snarling: Stop struggling. Ive killed two people - Ill kill you. Mr Thompson later recalled the ordeal in court, telling jurors: I saw Awale playing with the knives. At one stage he was rubbing the knives together, rather like someone who was preparing to carve up a Sunday roast. Awale also asked convicted killer Khan: Can I give him one in a non-vital area? and later said: I thought his head would have come off by now. Drug gangster turned jihadist sympathiser Fuad Awale, 38, used European rights laws to argue being locked up alone was unfair - despite the move following his hostage taking terror attack Mohammed Abdi Farah and Amin Ahmed Ismail (pictured) were shot and killed by Fuad Awale in 2011 The court heard Awale previously asked to associate with one of the Islamic extremist killers of Fusilier Lee Rigby (pictured) - but was denied the request due to 'counter-terrorism concerns' The officer said he had every belief he would be killed if he did not do as ordered because of the intensity and seriousness Awale had displayed. Khan, who fractured Mr Thompsons eye socket, planned the uprising after telling another guard that it was a Muslims duty to fight until Sharia law is established in every country. The pair demanded the release of hate preacher Abu Qatada and Roshonara Choudhry, the student who stabbed Labour MP Stephen Timms at a constituency surgery in May 2010. A court heard how Khan dictated their demands, while Awale asked him: Should I write we are terrorists? Khan, now 38, who had previously murdered his friend in Bradford in 2007 over a personal dispute, replied: Just write whatever you want. Khan then hijacked the prison tannoy system, greeting Muslim inmates with peace be upon you before announcing he had taken a guard hostage and ordering the news to be spread to the media. However, the protest was broken up after a hostage negotiator calmly told them their timing was s*** - because it was the night of the Britains Got Talent final. Negotiator John Elliot told the Old Bailey in 2014: Part of what I was aiming to do was to get them to think clearly about the demands they made, what the realistic prospect was for having them met. The double murderer, who took a prison officer hostage and demanded the release of hate preacher Abu Qatada (pictured), has been awarded a 240k taxpayer-funded payout I think I said that evening as well, it was X Factor or Britains Got Talent, one of those programmes, it was the final so people would be watching that rather than the news. And in order to drive that home I remember saying to Mr Khan: Your timing is s**t. Riot police eventually stormed in and freed Mr Thompson, who was taken to hospital. Another guard was left bruised and scratched. Awale was handed six extra years on top of the 38-year minimum sentence he was already serving for shooting two teenagers dead in a drugs dispute. Khan, who smirked when he was found guilty, received the same. Both were convicted of threatening to kill Mr Thompson. Passing sentence, Judge Michael Topolski QC said the wardens colleagues were convinced he was going to die in horrific circumstances. He said: This was a premeditated, well-planned and carefully orchestrated attack on a single and previously identified prison officer, who was, as such, performing a public duty and upon whom it has had a significant impact. Awale was later moved to a separation unit designed to stop extremist prisoners radicalising others. From 2021 he was held at HMP Woodhill, spending up to 23 hours a day alone and associating with no other inmates. Robert Jenrick, the Conservative shadow justice secretary, who obtained details of the payout in a letter from Mr Lammy, branded the decision a sick joke David Lammy (pictured), the Justice Secretary, has now agreed to pay 7,500 compensation and 234,000 legal costs Up to four officers with body-worn cameras were required to unlock his cell. Awale has now used Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) to claim his segregation - designed to prevent him harming officers and radicalising inmates - had breached his right to life and left him severely depressed. Lawyers successfully argued the decisions to deny Awale access to other inmates were opaque, and that prison managers failed to regularly review his segregated conditions. They said Awale had not been permitted to associate with any other inmates since March 17, 2023. His legal team also argued the Ministry of Justice had failed to consider the high number of racist and Islamophobic prisoners he might encounter in the supervision centre - further limiting the number of people he could associate with. The claim was allowed by the High Court on all grounds. David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, has now agreed to pay 7,500 compensation and 234,000 legal costs after a High Court judge said there had been a significant degree of interference with the claimants private life. Robert Jenrick, the Conservative shadow justice secretary, who obtained details of the payout in a letter from Mr Lammy, branded the decision a sick joke. He said: Labour are cowing to terrorists and the human rights brigade. They must introduce emergency legislation to carve these monsters out of the ECHR immediately. If they dont, we will as soon as Parliament returns. Mr Lammy, who revealed the payout to Awale in a letter today, suggested ministers were considering changes in the law to prevent extremist criminals from using the ECHR as a barrier to us protecting national security. Wes Streeting has been urged by an expert to get on with tackling long-standing problems in NHS maternity care rather than setting up another public inquiry. The Health Secretary said this week he is keeping open the option of launching a nationwide probe given widespread and endemic failings in labour wards. But the midwife behind major reviews into baby deaths in hospitals said the main areas of concern have been known for more than a decade yet little progress had been made in fixing them. Donna Ockenden told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Friday: I can see exactly where he's coming from, but I think that there are key issues that have needed resolution in maternity services for years now. They are workforce, they are training, they are funding, education and culture. That hasn't changed, I don't think, since at least 2010 and had we acted on those areas when we should have, then I think we would be in a much better state now. In 2022 she set out 22 immediate and essential actions to improve maternity safety, in a report into mother and baby deaths at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. But Ms Ockenden, who is now reviewing maternity services at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said there had been very disappointing progress since then. I think that we must now move to the implementation of these key issues, she said. Wes Streeting (pictured) has been urged by an expert to get on with tackling long-standing problems in NHS maternity care rather than setting up another public inquiry - but the Health Secretary said this week he is keeping open the option of launching a nationwide probe Midwife Donna Ockenden in 2022 presenting the final report into her review of maternity services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. She said there had been very disappointing progress since then and called for 'implementation of these key issues' A rapid review of maternity care nationwide is also being carried out by Labour peer Baroness Amos, but Ms Ockenden again suggested that the issues it is looking into are already well-known. Asked if the review will solve problems with the maternity workforce, training and culture, Ms Ockenden replied: I hope so. I really, really hope so. But I do think that we know what we need to do, and we should now be in the implementation part of this process, not still thinking about things. Asked if she thought a full public inquiry was not necessary, she insisted: I have huge respect and an enormous amount of time for the families who are calling for a public inquiry. I fully appreciate where they are coming from. They are often families who have suffered the most appalling life-changing harm. And they say, we don't want this to happen to anyone else. What has happened to us mustn't happen to anyone else. And they're still sitting there, sometimes, two, four five, 10 years after this life-changing harm, and they say, well, what's going on? News / National by Simbarashe Sithole GURUVE The manhunt for suspected Guruve serial killer Anymore Zvitsva has dramatically ended after he was arrested in Guruve just minutes ago, sources on the ground have confirmed. Zvitsva, 32, had been the subject of one of Zimbabwes most intense manhunts in recent years, with police and army units deployed across Mashonaland Central following a wave of killings that left at least 12 people dead since midDecember A.Police had earlier warned that anyone assisting or harbouring him would face arrest, after reports that some relatives were supplying him with food and information during the search B C.Arrest details still emergingDetails of the arrest are still filtering in, but early indications are that Zvitsva was apprehended during a coordinated operation involving security forces and local community members.Zvitsva had been linked to multiple killings, including the brutal murder of five members of the same family at Ona Farm on 11 December B. He was also wanted in connection with additional killings in the Magaya and Nyakapupu areas, which plunged the district into fear and forced villagers to abandon their fields D E.Community relief after weeks of terrorGuruve residents, who had been living under lockdownlike fear with army patrols, drone surveillance and canine units sweeping the area F A, expressed relief as news of the arrest spread.For weeks, the district had been paralysed, with villagers staying indoors and schools and farms operating under heavy tension.Police expected to issue statementThe Zimbabwe Republic Police is expected to release an official statement shortly confirming the arrest and outlining the next steps in the investigation.Zvitsva is expected to face multiple murder charges.This is a developing story. More updates will follow as details emerge. Canadians that once flocked to the sunny beaches of Florida each winter are putting their properties up for sale as Trump's tirade against America's northern neighbor intensifies. The ongoing trade war across the political boarder has sent Canadians packing, leading to major vacancies in once popular beachfront destinations. Canadians currently own $60 billion worth of property in Florida, according to CBC. Approximately one million of them love to flee the chilly winters of Canada in favor of idyllic Sarasota, Cape Coral or Fort Myers. In the last year, however, Canadian shares of Florida properties declined across all popular markets in the Sunshine State, especially Southwest Florida. Canadian Real Estate Company Royale LePage surveyed Canadians who own US property. They found that 54 percent are considering selling, the majority of who credit the current political climate with that decision. 'The polarizing political climate in the United States is prompting many Canadians to reconsider how and where they spend their time and money,' said Royal LePage president and CEO Phil Soper in a statement. Amid President Trump's constant tariffs on Canadian imports, many Canadian snowbirds have chosen to sell their properties in the US Many Canadians like to leave the country's harsh winters in favor of the sunny beaches of Florida Studies show that Canadians account for $60 billion worth of Florida property 'Canadians have been the most important foreign investors in Americas residential real estate market for years, and a significant wave of property sales would leave a noticeable mark on the regional economies that snowbirds support.' At the beginning of his second term, the president infamously promised to make Canada the 51st state in the US. A comment which angered and offended many Canadians. 'Canada only works as a state,' Trump said last March. 'We don't need anything they have. As a state, it would be one of the great states anywhere.' He also initiated the trade war with the country, putting heavy tariffs on imported goods including steel and aluminum. Trump blamed the tariffs on Canada's lack of response to the fentanyl crisis. In August, he raised 35 percent on Canadian imports. In October, the president added a 10 percent tariff on timber and lumber. Join the debate Should Canadian snowbirds feel unwelcome in Florida as politics sour between the two countries? President Trump has been less than complimentary of Canada throughout his second term, even getting in a tiff with Prime Minister Mark Carney (left) Trump even had a tiff with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over the 2025 World Series. Over the past year, Canadians have boycotted American goods including wine and spirits, tourism and even orange juice in response. It appears American real estate is also on that list. Canadian Snowbird Donna Lockhart is considering putting her Punta Gorda property up for sale after the anti-Canadian rhetoric became took much. 'I think you get a little more anxious the older you get, and I do not like the direction that the United States is going in. If they dont want us there, we dont need to be there,' she told CBC. But Lockhart said so many likeminded Canadians have tanked the market. Realtor.com economist Joel Berner said Southwest Florida has an 'exceptionally high' number of homes With so many people wanting to leave Florida, prices are down and inventory is way up 'There aren't that many people looking. Supply is way above demand,' she said. In her tiny Cape Coral neighborhood, ten percent of homes are on the market. Realtor.com economist Joel Berner told CBC that due to high supply and low demand, it isn't a profitable time to sell. Prices Cape Coral and North Port two of the state's most popular snowbird destinations are down 10 percent and 8 percent respectively. 'Southwest Florida is characterized right now by an exceptionally high level of inventory,' Joel Berner told the outlet. 'Prices are coming down considerably and time on the market is up and what we're seeing there is more supply than we've seen for years.' According to Realtor.com, the number of Canadian buyers looking for US homes in general declined 4.5 per cent over the last year. Still, the country remains the number one international buyer. Baby populations have hit an all-time low in the United States - and surprisingly, family-friendly Utah is leading the decline, new data reveals. The baby boom helped shape modern American housing after World War II, fueling rapid suburban expansion, the rise of single-family homes and the birth of roughly 79 million babies nationwide. Fast forward to today, and the US fertility rate has fallen to 1.6 children per woman in 2024, according to a Realtor.com analysis. The gap is striking: the US fertility rate of 1.6 is well below the replacement rate of roughly two - the number of children each woman needs to have to sustain the population - and below the 2.1 average in other developed countries. Over the past decade, the share of Americans under five has plunged, signaling that adults now outnumber children in nearly every state. A recent analysis of the US Census American Community Survey, comparing 2010 to 2024 data across nearly every metro, found that the steepest declines in the under-five population are clustered in the West. Five of the largest falls are unexpectedly in Utah, despite the states reputation for a family-friendly culture, according Realtor.com's findings. The accelerated wave of decline has also reached smaller cities in both Colorado and Nevada. Baby populations have hit an all-time low in the United States, and surprisingly, family-friendly Utah is leading the decline, according to a new data analysis from Realtor.com The US fertility rate has fallen to 1.6 children per woman in 2024 - a stark difference from the 79 million babies born nationwide during the baby boom Five of the largest falls are in Utah: Logan, Ogden, Provo and St. George saw the biggest drops in their under-five populations, falling 3.2 percent In the midst of a countrywide drop, a few cities stand out for bucking the trend - most notably Kokomo, Indiana, where the under-five share rose from 5.4 percent to 6.4 percent. Its important to note, however, that this data doesnt measure the number of babies born or living in a city - instead, it shows the share of children under five relative to the total population. There are usually two reasons for this phenomenon: either fewer young children, or faster growth among other age groups. In many Western metros, including Utahs cities, an influx of working-age adults and retirees has grown the population, which in turn lowers the share of children under five. Logan, Ogden, Provo and St. George saw the biggest drops in their under-five populations, falling 3.2 percent, with Salt Lake City close behind at 3.1 percent. But in 2010, these same Utah metros had some of the highest shares of children under five - around 9.8 percent - compared with the national average of 6.5 percent. As a result, Utah had 'room' to decline as fertility slowed and incoming residents tended to be older, according to Realtor.com. Whats driving the decline in the scenic Mountain State? For one, women are having children later and fewer of them, steadily shrinking the under-five share. Salt Lake City was close behind, falling at 3.1 percent The decline may be attributed to two factors: women having children later and fewer of them, and a wave of working-age transplants and older residents moving to Utah A wave of working-age transplants and older residents moving to Utah has further reduced the under-five share by swelling the total population. Beyond Utah, the sharpest declines occurred in even smaller Western cities - particularly Grand Junction, Colorado, and Carson City, Nevada, according to the data analyzed by Realtor.com. Grand Junction saw its under-five share plunge from 6.6 percent in 2010 to 3.6 percent in 2024, ranking it among the lowest in the entire dataset. In Carson City, the under-five share dropped from 6.6 percent to 4 percent. One major reason mirrors Utahs trend: an influx of retirees seeking a new home and movers drawn to a different lifestyle in the West. Americans chasing mountain views, lower housing costs and tax perks have, in turn, diluted the share of young children - even if birth rates remain steady. Other small metros across the US, including Farmington, New Mexico, and Pocatello, Idaho, have seen similar declines - Farmington down 2.6 percent and Pocatello down 2.5 percent. Because these areas have much smaller populations than major metros like New York City, their job markets and migration patterns are more volatile, making them sensitive to even small changes. Grand Junction, Colorado, saw its under-five share plunge from 6.6 percent in 2010 to 3.6 percent in 2024, ranking it among the lowest in the entire dataset In Carson City, Nevada, the under-five share dropped from 6.6 percent to 4 percent In the midst of a countrywide drop, a few cities stand out for bucking the trend - most notably Kokomo, Indiana, where the under-five share rose from 5.4 percent to 6.4 percent In these small metros, a single major employer moving out can reshape the population, and even a modest influx of adults can sharply shrink the share of young children. The baby boomers first entered the housing market at 25 to 34 - and now, that age group still accounts for an astonishing 42 percent of all homebuyers, according to the National Association of Realtors. Now, amid the affordability crisis, the typical first-time homebuyer is 40 years old, with millennials making up just 29 percent of buyers. All of this suggests that the new realities of the housing market could also be a major factor influencing the countrys birth rate. However, a handful of small metros, like Kokomo, Indiana - which saw a full one percent increase in its under-five share - may offer clues about what is helping retain young families amid falling fertility. The small industrial city, located in Indianas Rust Belt, has a history of economic struggle, having been hit hard during the Great Recession. Over time, the city has worked to revitalize itself - building new apartments, renovating homes, expanding parks and trails, creating walkable streets and introducing a free five-route bus system, according to City Journal. Efforts to reverse the decline have kept families in place, but Manhattan tells a different story: between 2020 and 2023, the city lost 92,000 children under five - a 17 percent decline - while median rents for an apartment jumped 30 percent. Only a few other cities defied the overall decline - Charlottesville, Virginia, gained 0.4 percent, with Decatur and Gadsden, Alabama, each rising 0.2 percent. The bill that would legalise assisted suicide could be scuppered by the House of Lords, one of its architects has admitted. Labour grandee Lord Falconer accused peers of trying to stop the legislation being passed in its allotted time after more than 1,000 amendments were proposed to it. He also claimed the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury was out of touch with her flock after she warned the proposed law could force cancer sufferers to choose death over treatment. Lord Falconer will next week attempt to secure more sessions in the upper chamber for scrutiny of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which has already been granted 10 extra days. He will table a motion on Thursday urging that further time should be provided for consideration of the bill so it can complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the current parliamentary session in May. Lord Falconer, a minister in Tony Blairs government, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Friday: I think there is a danger that we would run out of time, not because the Lords doesnt have time to deal with this, but because the debates are taking so long. I worry that there are a small number of people in the Lords who are trying to talk it out. He said it was not the role of the House of Lords to bring down legislation. Labour grandee Lord Falconer (pictured) accused peers of trying to stop the legislation being passed in its allotted time after more than 1,000 amendments were proposed to it Pictured: Terminally ill people as well as affected family members supporting the assisted dying bill stand with signs on Parliament Square What we do in the Lords is scrutinise legislation. We dont block it. This is legislation which the Commons has passed by a clear majority, and this is legislation which reputable opinion polling over a decade has indicated has got wide popular support. And in response to the warnings by archbishop-elect Dame Sarah Mullally, he added: The clergy in the Anglican church look like theyre out of tune with their congregations. On Friday night Labour peer Baroness Berger hit back at his remarks, telling the Daily Mail: Not a single Royal College, professional body or cabinet minister will attest to the safety of this bill. Scrutiny should never be conflated with obstruction. Our duty in the Lords is to scrutinise and interrogate legislation. This role is even more important when considering issues of life and death. And Dr Gordon Macdonald, Chief Executive of Care Not Killing, pointed out that the legislation was introduced as a Private Members Bill rather than a Government bill so peers were not bound to approve it. He said: It was not in a manifesto or part of the Governments programme, so peers have a duty to scrutinise it, amend it and if necessary, reject it. A view that the Constitutional Committee confirmed only last year. As for his newly found theological expertise, I think I would trust the pronouncements of the new Archbishop of Canterbury and her reading of scripture that it is wrong to kill people or assist them to commit suicide. Sources said that even if Lord Falconers motion is approved on the nod by the Lords or pushed to a vote, it would not be binding. The Government would have to find more time for the bill - allowing terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to apply for help ending their lives - which would then mean fewer days debating its own key legislation. Controversial internet star N3on has clashed with a furious dad in an Australian souvenir shop after he called his young daughter a 'c***' during a livestream. The Twitch streamer, whose real name is Rangesh Mutama, first gained notoriety after he faked his own death at 14 and years later, was arrested in Dubai after filming in a restricted area. But the 21-year-old's most recent controversy surrounds a visit to an Australian souvenir shop, with footage of the clash shared by a fan page on X on Friday. In the footage, a young woman is seen bumping into his shoulder, prompting him to respond: 'What the hell?... These f***king Aussies, man. Some of them are just rude'. The internet star then approached the young woman as she browsed the store, claiming to the camera that she had 'pushed' him. 'Should I say something?' he asked his entourage, before greeting the woman with a 'Hi, how are you doing today?' but she ignored him and walked away. As the camera follows the woman, Mutama can be heard calling her a 'c***'. 'Are you going to say that to my face?' the woman hit back, to which the streamer shot back: 'It's a nice word to say', before adding: 'You ran into me for no reason'. In a video by 'Neon', he can be seen squaring off with a man in a tourism shop after he called the man's daughter a 'c***' after she bumped the streamer's shoulder Twitch streamer Neon and ex-rapper Iggy Azalea have been travelling Australia together The streamer celebrated New Year's Eve with ex-rapper Iggy Azalea (the pair are pictured) Neon and Azalea (pictured) launched a cryptocurrency together in November last year The young woman then told the streamer: 'There was a reason', though she didn't explain what that reason was. She then found her father in the store and told him about the clash. 'Please don't tell my daughter that... don't swear at my daughter,' the father warned as he squared up to the streamer's bodyguards. The video ended with Mutama's entourage scrambling to defuse the situation. The streamer celebrated New Year's Eve with ex-rapper and crypto entrepreneur Iggy Azalea in Sydney, with the pair having recently launched a cryptocurrency. The streamer's most recent YouTube video features the pair on a yacht, Azalea giving Mutama a mullet, and an Australian food 'Mukbang' - which is a trend popularised in South Korean where a host eats large amounts of food on camera. He began his career at 12-years-old, live-streaming video games like Fortnite. A 10-year-old Utah girl made a harrowing decision in the middle of the night, slipping out of a relative's home and walking roughly three miles alone through the cold and dark after police say she feared her uncle would sexually assault her again. That late-night escape has now landed a Tooele, Utah man in jail, charged with four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, one of the most serious felonies under Utah law. According to court records, the case surfaced on New Years Eve when a woman contacted the Tooele City Police Department to report that her 10-year-old daughter had been sexually abused by her uncle. Officers arranged for the child to be taken to a hospital for a sexual assault examination before investigators began interviewing her. The girl painted a disturbing picture to police of a night that began as an overnight visit but ended with her leaving out of fear. The child told investigators she had gone to her uncle's home the evening before to spend the night. At some point, she fell asleep while sitting on his lap but later woke up to him touching her inappropriately. The behavior escalated into sexual abuse, according to charging documents seen by ABC4. A 10-year-old Utah girl slipped out of a relative's home and walked roughly three miles alone through the cold and dark in the middle of the night she feared her uncle would sexually assault her The girl told police she 'didn't know what to do,' but said she asked him to stop and moved away from him. She then went into a guest bedroom and tried to sleep. But police say the abuse did not stop there. According to the child's statement, she woke up again to her uncle sexually abusing her. Frightened, she asked him to leave the room. As he walked away, investigators say, the man warned her 'not to tell anyone' and told her she 'was his favorite niece.' Alone and terrified, the 10-year-old waited until her uncle appeared to fall asleep before quietly sneaking out of the house. Police say she began walking back towards her own home at around 1am, traveling roughly three miles in what she later described as 'dark and cold' conditions. When she arrived, the girl first knocked on a sibling's window. When no one answered, she went to the front door. When her family finally opened it investigators say the child 'began crying' and told them what had happened. The man has been arrested and booked into the Tooele County Jail, pictured Video footage from nearby homes later confirmed the girl's account, showing her walking through the neighborhood alone in the middle of the night. When an interviewer later asked why she chose to leave, the child explained that 'she believed [her uncle] would touch her again and she did not feel safe,' according to court documents. Police then went to the uncle's residence and asked him to come to the station for questioning. During the interview, officers noted that the man spoke at length about most of the evening. However, when the conversation turned to the child, he claimed only that they 'watched a movie, made popcorn, and went to bed.' When directly confronted with the sexual abuse allegations, the man denied them, telling police, 'No, no, no, no. That's disgusting. Why would I do that?' As questioning continued, investigators say he asked for an attorney. He was then arrested and booked into the Tooele County Jail. The man is currently being held without bail. As he peers into his illuminated shaving mirror this morning, King Charles will see a face that has noticeably changed in the past 12 months. While the reflection may show furrows that are a touch deeper and ruddy cheeks a little more weather-beaten, a sparkle behind his eyes tells a different story. For a monarch who as a young man was prone to introspection, the temptation surely will be to do some crystal ball-gazing and wonder what kind of year 2026 will be for him and the royals. Above all, he must be asking, can it be any worse than 2025? There were times in the last tumultuous 12 months when the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor drama threatened to obliterate not just all the good works of the Royal Family but also the long-term security of the House of Windsor and its grip on the nations affections. Questions about the ex-princes occupation of Royal Lodge soon to be his former home has galvanised a Labour Party desperate to shift attention away from its own Governments lamentable failures, with calls for a wider examination of royal properties and their allegedly generous leasing arrangements. Prince Edwards possession on preferential terms of vast Bagshot Park could yet become as awkward an issue this year as Andrews and Royal Lodge was last year. Though, as we shall see, an imaginative solution may prevent a repeat of the widespread public outcry which dogged the former Duke of Yorks refusal to give up the 30-room mansion that was once home to the Queen Mother. There were times in the last tumultuous 12 months when the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor drama threatened to obliterate not just all the good works of the Royal Family but also the long-term security of the House of Windsor and its grip on the nations affections, writes Richard Kay. Pictured: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor next to King Charles at the funeral of the late Katherine, Duchess of Kent on September 16, 2025 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave St Paul's Cathedral during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee on June 3, 2022 However, amid such a climate it would not take much for Left-wing MPs, sniffing an opportunity and royal blood to demand a wider audit of the wealth of the Windsors. The former Lib Dem minister Norman Baker has urged the Labour-dominated Public Accounts Committee to undertake a review of all royal finances, including the duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster which supply the King and Prince William with much of their private riches. Even the festive season did not provide Charles with the universal acclaim one might have expected. While his Christmas Day message of peace and reconciliation was widely praised by church and political leaders, the online reaction was decidedly mixed. The Defender of Faith is as woke as his Church, posted one correspondent. Another wrote: Just a load of **** spewed by an individual who knows absolutely nothing about what hard-working, tax-paying citizens go through 52 weeks of the year. Others were critical of the King dwelling on diversity. How on earth can someone who lives in the lap of luxury at the expense of others, honestly deliver a speech telling everyone to celebrate the importation of those whose way of life is utterly incompatible with British values, wrote a viewer online. Some were even more blunt. Worst speech ever. Totally out of touch, claimed one. No wonder the Queen held on as long as she did. Charlie doesnt represent British people in any way, said another. Pictured: His Majesty giving a brief update regarding his cancer diagnosis at the end of last year Pictured left to right: Queen Camilla, King Charles, US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump on September 19, 2025 Other comments included: Get William on the throne, and Must be nice living in a safe bubble protected from the reality of life and looking at the world through rose-tinted glasses while listening to [Keir] Starmer and his cronies knowing no matter what mess they make, it wont affect you. It would be tempting to dismiss such disaffection as the ranting of a minority, but the numbers voicing such views were not insignificant. More sobering for courtiers was the fact that those finding fault with the King were not from the agitprop Left but were of the Christian and monarchy-supporting Right. Recent polls show that Britons still favour retaining the monarchy but, at 51 per cent, that majority is now wafer-thin. With critics on the Right and the Left, it would not take much for that narrow majority in favour to become a narrow majority against. For now, at least, 2026 begins on a positive note, thanks to the Kings good news that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year. While he is not in remission, it means that he no longer will need to continue with weekly sessions, although medical intervention will continue for the foreseeable future. At the age of 77, this is a pivotal change for the King. His treatment has sapped his energy at times, and he will be hoping that some of his pre-cancer vigour returns. It will also free him up to do more of the things he likes. Plans are underway which could see him flying more than 15,000 miles on foreign tours. These include possible visits to the US for the 250th anniversary of Americas independence from British rule and to Antigua for the Commonwealth heads of government conference in the autumn. President Donald Trump gestures next to Britain's King Charles III before leaving Windsor Castle on September 18, 2025 Prince Harry visits the Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London on September 10, 2025 Fifty years ago, the late Queen Elizabeth made a significant state visit celebrating the USs bicentenary, famously touching the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, standing on the balcony in Boston where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed and dancing with a flat-footed President Gerald Ford at the White House. For her son, however, visiting Donald Trumps Washington may require more than kingly diplomacy. Setting foot on American soil will inevitably raise questions about whether he will see his wayward son, Prince Harry and his children, whom he has met only once before. He last saw his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, during the late Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. In September, California-based Harry spent 54 minutes at Clarence House with his father their first meeting in more than 18 months after he had publicly expressed hopes of a reconciliation with his family in a TV interview. But the encounter later descended into farce, with sources close to Harry perversely scorning those who leaked details of an apparently warm experience as being intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son. Against such a background some courtiers are privately sceptical of Harrys calls for a rapprochement. Is it any wonder that the Kings handlers are uneasy? Pictured: Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales at a Christmas Sandringham Church service on December 25, 2024 Extending an invitation to meet his father will almost certainly be a media event, says a PR figure who has advised the royals. But so too will any failure to invite him. It will be a story if Harry is there, and it will be a story if he isnt. Its quite a dilemma. These are not the only difficulties. Last month, it was revealed that Harry had appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to have his taxpayer-funded armed security reinstated after losing a lengthy court battle with the Home Office. In an interview, Harry said it was not safe to bring his family back to the country of his birth because he could not guarantee their safety. (This before he promptly spent time in war-torn Ukraine.) But if his security status is changed, might that open up the possibility of him bringing his wife Meghan and their children over to the UK? And will he be bringing with him his shopping list of grievances, from the way Britain is run to the alleged racism of the Royal Family? Harry remains a divisive figure. It was surely coincidence that his televised walk through the minefields of Angola last July took place on Queen Camillas birthday and his Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027 will coincide with his stepmothers 80th something the King wants to be at the centre of attention including a service of thanksgiving at St Georges Chapel, Windsor. Inside the family, such distractions remain a serious hazard. Even if Charles is minded to reconcile with Harry what about William? The dynamic between the estranged brothers could ignite at any point, whether over titles, tours or even the future direction of the monarchy. These then are vexing issues for a King who dislikes confrontation. So what other milestones and potential pitfalls are in store? Well, there will be anniversaries aplenty, some such as the April centenary of Queen Elizabeths birth and the 90th birthday of royal favourite Princess Alexandra will be celebrated. Others will not. 2026 will mark 90 years since the abdication of King Edward VIII and 45 years since the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. For the King, both are uncomfortable echoes from history and neither are opportunities for popular celebration. Prince William and Princess Catherin during a visit to Ardura Community Forest on April 30, 2025 An exhibition to mark Queen Elizabeths changing fashions, however, which will chronicle his mothers long life through the clothes she wore in public and in private, including her 1947 wedding dress made by couturier Sir Norman Hartwell, is bound to be hugely popular. Separately, a national memorial for the late Queen is being planned for St Jamess Park in central London, although there is no date yet set for it to be completed. Handling his mothers legacy is both a privilege and a burden for the King. It is in his gift to choose the writer to compile the Queens official biography. But any official account of the late Queen, however discreet the historian, will necessarily have to feature the breakdown of the marriages of her three elder children and in particular that of Charles and Diana and its effect on national life. After less than four years on the throne, he is unlikely to wish to have the whole sorry saga of his unhappy first marriage dragged up for public consumption all over again, says a friend of the King. Better to leave it in the pending tray for a little bit longer. Better indeed perhaps to leave it for his son William to sort out. In years to come historians will pore over another anniversary this year Prince Georges 13th birthday. But while a personal landmark for the young prince it is also a waypoint on his development as a future king. In practical terms it means him starting a new school. Where he goes to will provide an intriguing insight into the Prince and Princess of Waless decisions about how they want to educate their three children. So far they have resisted royal tradition and kept them together in schools. That must now change. Eton College, which both princes William and Harry attended, is the favourite. William enjoyed his time at the all-boys school, and also felt protected there in the aftermath of the death of his mother Princess Diana. Eton is also close to the Wales family home, Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate. William, too, will embark on another step towards the crown too. In the spring he and Catherine will grant their first royal warrants to favoured traders and suppliers. Kate in fact will be the first Princess of Wales to award a warrant for 116 years, not even Princess Diana had the opportunity to do so. Towards the end of last year there was considerable nervousness at Buckingham Palace over veteran broadcaster David Dimblebys disdainful look at royal wealth. Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attending the second day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2024 But his programmes, perhaps because of their timing so close to Christmas, had little impact. A parliamentary investigation into the cosy arrangements of royal properties promises to be somewhat different. The focus, at least to start with, seems certain to be the Duke and Duchess of Edinburghs occupancy of 120-room mansion Bagshot Park which, in sheer size, dwarfs Andrews Royal Lodge. But unlike Andrew, Edward and Sophie are working royals and criticism has been muted. Then, late last year, it emerged that they were living there under the terms of a peppercorn rent. I understand that an idea being floated among informal advisers is that they leave Bagshot, where they have lived for 26 years, and move into Kensington Palace. The 21-room Apartment 1 next door to William and Kates London residence has been empty since it was vacated by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in 2019. Originally it was earmarked as a family home for Harry and Meghan and there was later talk that it might be used by William and Kate for official entertaining. As one figure told me: I have no idea if it will happen, but it could take the wind out of the sails of a Labour wrecking crew intent on another royal scalp. Which brings us to the former prince Andrew. Although there is no sign of an imminent departure from Princess Anne attends the Christmas Morning Service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2025 in Sandringham Royal Lodge or the identity of his new home on the Sandringham estate, I am told moving plans are well advanced. Courtiers will be hoping that now he is stripped of all royal privileges, he simply fades from public consciousness. But will he really? Only this week he was back in the news in a row over the transparency of royal archives after the redacting of official papers from his time as a UK trade envoy. Swapping addresses will not change the narrative around him. Who he sees and what he does will remain an issue for him as a commoner as much as when he was a royal prince. At the same time, there may be more to emerge from the Jeffrey Epstein files and that could increase pressure on him to do the one thing he so far has steadfastly refused, and speak to the US authorities. Andrew was by no means forgotten at Christmas; there were telephone calls from other members of the Royal Family, including his sister and brother. Princess Anne, who is closest to Andrew, had suggested that she might accommodate her brother on her Gatcombe Park estate, which is not far from his daughter Beatrices Cotswold home, an option later ruled out. The shadow of Andrew will loom over 2026 as much as he did in 2025. So, a happy new year? Only time will tell. The true horror of the New Year inferno which tore through Le Constellation bar was last night sinking home as more videos and photos of the early moments of the conflagration emerged. The resort of Crans-Montana yesterday lay blanketed in sorrow any trace of a holiday atmosphere obliterated, with the ski runs closed as a mark of respect and nearly all restaurants and bars shuttered. Yet not far away, for others, holidays continued at other ski centres, underlining the Swiss economys reliance on tourism. While desperate families prayed for news, the head of tourism for the wider area pointed out that there were two worlds, as holidays continued in nearby resorts, despite the mournful atmosphere covering Crans-Montana. Bruno Huggler, head of tourism for Valais, which includes Crans, told the BBC: The shock is still very deep today. He said officials were trying to find the best way to maintain a respectful atmosphere for families of the victims while allowing other guests to enjoy their holidays. In Crans itself, visitors and locals, whether directly affected or not simply stood wrapped up against the sub-zero temperatures at the several stations set up as makeshift shrines with flowers, tributes and candles. Most maintained a reverent silence. Visitors stood in sub zero temperatures watching the tributes, flowers and candles be laid out One young mother, Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, 42, (pictured) searched in vain for news of her eldest son, Arthur, aged 16 Laetitia's son Arthur Brodard, 16, has been missing since the fire in Crans-Montana How different was the mood barely a day earlier in moments caught on video from inside Le Constellation before the New Year revels turned to tragedy. In one shocking clip, its clear that many of the youngsters were oblivious, at least initially, to the danger even as the flames licked along the insulating foam covering the low-slung ceiling of Le Constellation with terrifying ferocity. Yesterday, as the police cordon outside the bar was partially lifted, a sad procession of relatives and friends could be seen wandering outside searching desperately for news of loved ones, threading their way past clutches of the international media. Relatives clinging to any last shreds of hope were also facing their worst fears and coming to terms with the fact that their children had almost certainly been cut down in their prime. As the day wore on, it became clear that on this occasion, no news was inevitably bad news, as the grim task of trying to identify the more than 40 bodies and even some of the 119 injured continued. One young mother, Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, 42, searched in vain for news of her eldest son, Arthur, aged 16. She carried photos of him on her mobile phone and showed a poignant final message from him, sent from Le Constellation at midnight, wishing her Happy New Year, mum, to which she responded with her own greeting. Mourners gather near the bar Le Constellation where 47 were killed in the fire and more than 100 others were injured The fire broke out at Le Constellation bar just after midnight on January 1 after sparklers set fire to foam sound proofing material Police stand by tents outstide Le Constellation bar the day after the fire ripped through it, killing 47 She has heard nothing from him since and by yesterday afternoon, had accepted that she never would. She said Arthur and ten school friends had booked a table in Le Constellation to mark the start of 2026, but only one of them has been found. She said: He was looking forward to celebrating New Years Eve with his school friends at the resort and in this bar. They had made plans and reserved a table in advance. Of the 11 people at that table only one has been found, and all the others are missing. My son is alone in a hospital, if hes alive. Even if hes in a morgue, because by now you have to be able to think clearly after more than 30 hours, I dont know which morgue, I cant be by his side. Relatives may have to wait days or even weeks before receiving official news of the fate of their loved ones, because many of the bodies were so badly burned. For Ms Bodard-Sitre and many more like her, it will prove a torturous wait. The White House might be done playing nice with Zohran Mamdani as Karoline Leavitt took a shot at New York Citys first lady just hours after her husband was inaugurated. Leavitt - the White House press secretary - accused Rama Duwaji of rank hypocrisy for wearing $630 Miista designer boots at Mamdanis swearing in ceremony in an abandoned subway tunnel. 'They want New Yorkers to hand over more than half their income to the government - while she wears designer boots worth your weekly paycheck,' Leavitt wrote on Instagram. 'Classic Communists - rules for you, but not for them. There are reasons Communism has failed everywhere it's been tried. Good luck, New York.' Duwaji's stylist, meanwhile, said the boots were borrowed. The fashion critique lands as Mamdani begins rolling out one of the most aggressive affordability agendas in modern New York history. His platform includes universal childcare for children aged six weeks to five years, freezing rent for roughly two million rent-stabilized tenants, making buses 'fast and free,' and launching city-run grocery stores to undercut food prices. Mamdani has never claimed New Yorkers would 'hand over more than half their income,' as Leavitt alleged. He has, however, proposed funding his multi-billion-dollar plans through higher taxes on wealthy residents and corporations. Leavitt's attack comes after a surprisingly friendly meeting between Mamdani and Trump at the White House. During his inaugural address, Mamdani reiterated his commitment to left-wing principles. Karoline Leavitt took a shot at New York Citys first lady just hours after her husband Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated - suggesting the White House was done playing nice President Trumps spokeswoman blasted Rama Duwajis $630 Miista designer boots she wore at Mamdanis swearing in ceremony in an abandoned subway tunnel Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight Thursday, and standing by his side was his wife, Rama Duwaji - in some very pricy boots 'I was elected as a Democratic Socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist,' Mamdani told the crowd. 'I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical.' 'We may not always succeed,' he added. 'But never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.' Mamdani received a warm Oval Office reception from Trump just months before Leavitt's attack on the fancy socialist boots. Trump had originally branded Mamdani a '100% Communist Lunatic' during the mayoral campaign and threatened to cut off federal funding to New York City. Yet when Mamdani arrived at the White House following his win, the reception was dramatically warmer than anyone expected. Standing before a stunned press corps, Trump beamed as he introduced the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist. 'I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually,' Trump said. 'We're going to be helping him, to make everybody's dream come true, having a strong and very safe New York.' Trump even shielded Mamdani from hostile questions, joking that it was fine for the mayor-elect to have previously called him a 'fascist.' Critics slammed the illustrator for her pricey footwear choice, with Mamdani's campaign driving home his desire to make New York more 'affordable' Last November President Donald Trump offered unusually warm praise to New York City's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani during a surprise Oval Office meeting in a striking shift of tone Hours after the meeting, Trump was still visibly energized by the encounter. 'I hope he's going to be a really great mayor,' Trump said. 'The better he does, the happier I am. 'I think he's gonna surprise some conservative people, actually,' Trump said at the time. 'And some very liberal people he won't surprise because they already like him.' For his part, Mamdani has made no attempt to hide his ideology. 'I can tell you I am someone who is a Democratic Socialist,' he said. 'I've been very open about that, and I know there might be differences about ideology, but the place of agreement is the work that needs to be done to make New York City affordable.' In November, Trump himself even seized on their shared outlook. 'We agree on a lot more than I would have thought. Some of his ideas are the same ones I have.' Mamdani officially became New York City's 112th mayor just after midnight on Thursday, taking the oath of office in a historic, decommissioned City Hall subway station. During an Oval Office meeting in November, Trump congratulated Mamdani on his election win as the two opponents met to discuss policies for New York City, including affordability, public safety, and immigration enforcement He used a Quran during the ceremony, becoming the city's first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, and the youngest in more than a century. But it was his wife, Duwaji's outfit, that stole the spotlight. The 28-year-old artist and illustrator wore black knee-length shorts, a dark vintage Balenciaga wool coat, and the now-infamous Miista 'Shelley' boots - mid-calf leather shoes with a lace-up back, pointed toe, and low sculpted heel. The European brand advertises its commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, noting it is 'happy to sacrifice profit' to subvert fashion norms. Duwaji's stylist said the entire look, including the boots, was rented or borrowed. A leading candidate for head of the United Nations had to clarify that he doesn't 'perceive himself as a woman' as the organization fears Donald Trump will demand the new leader be a man. Those worries come after the Trump administration announced a drastically reduced $2billion pledge to the UN earlier this week, with a warning that they must 'adapt, shrink or die.' UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will vacate the position at the end of 2026, with several candidates set to lobby to take the job, which will be decided by the five permanent members of the security council: the US, UK, France, Russia and China. The organization had heavily hinted that they wanted a woman to take the job for the first time in its history, noting when they opened the race it had 'regret that no woman has ever held the position of secretary-general.' They also blatantly stated that 'member states are encouraged to strongly consider nominating women as candidates.' 'A lot of UN diplomats would still really like to see a woman. [But] there is a sort of feeling that just because the US is being so difficult about everything around the UN, it will insist on picking a man,' UN expert Richard Gowan told The Times. Trump's return to office has also nixed candidates who wanted to focus on climate change, which the president has long called a hoax. The US State Department demanded that the UN change its ways when they announced their funding on Monday. A leading candidate for head of the United Nations had to clarify that he doesn't perceive' himself as a woman as the organization fears Donald Trump (pictured) will demand the new leader be a man The Trump administration announced a drastically reduced $2billion pledge to the UN earlier this week, with a warning that they must 'adapt, shrink or die' 'The piggy bank is not open to organizations that just want to return to the old system,' Jeremy Lewin, the State Department official in charge of foreign assistance, said at a press conference in Geneva. 'President Trump has made clear that the system is dead.' The three frontrunners - all from Latin America, as the position rotates regions every ten years - will instead focus on peacemaking. The lone male candidate, Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi, clarified that he was not a woman and believes that the best person for the job should get it. 'I do not perceive myself as one and I'm not changing. My personal take on this is that we are electing the best person to be secretary-general, a man or a woman.' Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan and ex-Chile President Michelle Bachelet are also considered contenders. Gowan doesn't rule out Trump championing a woman that matches his politics to potentially get his way with the woke United Nations. 'If you can find a woman candidate who sort of has the right political profile, speaks the right language to win over Trump, then I easily imagine him turning on a dime. And in a sense, the best way to own the libs of the UN would be to appoint a conservative female secretary general.' Join the debate What's YOUR take on Trump's remark? The lone male candidate, Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi, clarified that he was not a woman and believes that the best person for the job should get it Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan (pictured left) and ex-Chile President Michelle Bachelet (pictured right) are also considered contenders UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will vacate the position at the end of 2026, with several candidates set to lobby to take the job, which will be decided by the five permanent members of the security council: the US, UK, France, Russia and China The State Department said Monday that 'individual UN agencies will need to adapt, shrink, or die.' Critics say the Western aid cutbacks have been shortsighted, driven millions toward hunger, displacement or disease, and harmed US soft power around the world. 'This new model will better share the burden of UN humanitarian work with other developed countries and will require the UN to cut bloat, remove duplication, and commit to powerful new impact, accountability and oversight mechanisms,' Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media. US officials say the $2billion is just a first outlay to help fund OCHA's annual appeal for money. Other traditional UN donors like Britain, France, Germany and Japan have reduced aid allocations and sought reforms this year. 'This humanitarian reset at the United Nations should deliver more aid with fewer tax dollars providing more focused, results-driven assistance aligned with U.S foreign policy,' U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said. The UN project, months in the making, stems from Trump's longtime view that the world body has great promise but has failed to live up to it and has in his eyes drifted too far from its original mandate to save lives while undermining American interests, promoting radical ideologies and encouraging wasteful, unaccountable spending. 'No one wants to be an aid recipient. No one wants to be living in a UNHCR camp because they've been displaced by conflict,' Lewin said. 'So the best thing that we can do to decrease costs, and President Trump recognizes this and that's why he's the president of peace, is by ending armed conflict and allowing communities to get back to peace and prosperity.' The Swiss ski bar that catastrophically burst into flames on New Year's Eve used 'essentially the same' insulation foam as Grenfell Tower, a former firefighter commander has claimed. After viewing pictures and videos from inside Le Constellation, Steve Dudney said he believes the foam that can be seen igniting was a highly flammable material called polyurethane (PU). A type of PU was among the materials in the walls of Grenfell Tower, and this was found to be one of the reasons the 2017 fire spread so quickly and killed 72 residents. Footage from the nightclub in the Crans-Montana ski resort shows flames rippling across foam padding attached to the ceiling and quickly spreading around the room. Authorities on Friday said they suspected a sparkler in a champagne bottle to be the most likely cause, after videos show many of the burning trophies being held aloft in the basement. Mr Dudney, who served in the fire service for 31 years, said he believes the material in view is typical sound proofing foam - the kind often found in music studios. He told Sky News: 'It should be nowhere where there are uncontrolled naked flames. Although that's a small pyrotechnic, you're effectively holding that up to one of the most flammable materials that we know.' Mr Dudney added: 'Essentially, what was in the insulation behind the cladding at Grenfell Tower was PU foam as well, which just breaks down and burns really easily.' Footage from inside Le Constellation appeared to show foam attached to the ceiling catching fire rapidly After the foam was set alight in one spot in the basement, the flames quickly spread across the room Some 72 people died when Grenfell Tower caught fire in June 2017, and the building's insulation material is known to have helped the flames spread Former fire commander Steve Dudney the foam turns into 'liquid fire' when set alight The ex-firefighter described PU as 'an organic hydrocarbon, and said very little heat is needed to set it on fire'. Watching footage of the moment the flames took hold, Mr Dudney points out that the foam melts quickly, raining blazing droplets around the basement. He said: 'You've got dropping fire, liquid fire; it melts to a liquid but still sustains combustion, but it will land as a burning droplet on anyone or anything beneath it.' The insulation behind the cladding in Grenfell tower was made of PIR foam, which is a similar type of material to PU, but has different chemical properties that make it more fire-resistant. Cladding known as Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) around the high-rise in North Kensington, West London, has been the most heavily criticised, after it emerged it had failed fire safety tests for 12 years before the disaster. It consists of plastic sandwiched between two very thin sheets of aluminium, and remains in place in many buildings around the country. However, the PIR foam also acted as a fuel for the flames and allowed them to climb the up the levels rapidly. The PIR in Grenfell has also been blamed for producing large quantities of toxic gas, which residents breathed in. Acrid smoke including carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide is given off when PIR burns. A type of PU insulation was behind the cladding around Grenfell tower A picture of debris falling from Grenfell tower in 2017 as flames tear through the high-rise Swiss prosecutors specifically listed the foam attached the ceilings as one of the objects of the ongoing investigation. Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for the Valais region, said: 'We assume that the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles. From there, the ceiling caught fire. 'We are also looking at what materials were used. The issue of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and the bar's occupancy is also being investigated.' She added: 'Our investigation also includes the foam on the ceiling. 'It is still unclear whether any individuals will face criminal charges. However, it is possible that an investigation for negligent homicide will be initiated.' The Daily Mail revealed the owners of Le Constellation to be French couple Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40. Ms Moretti was inside the bar when the blaze broke out and suffered burns to her arm, and Mr Moretti on Friday broke his silence. He said the couple were both unable to 'sleep nor eat' following the catastrophe, but also claimed that all safety regulations had been followed correctly. Flowers and candles have been laid outside Le Constellation in memory of the victims A woman whose daughter is still missing clutches a soft toy A policeman stands in front of the cordoned-off venue on Friday Mr Moretti told Swiss outlet 20 Minuten: 'Everything had been done according to regulation,' and claimed the club had been inspected three times in the past ten years. He emphasised the couple - well-known figures in the Swiss hospitality industry - are cooperating with authorities, adding: 'We will do everything we can to help clarify the causes. 'We are doing everything in our power. Our lawyers are also involved.' The couple have already been questioned by authorities and may face manslaughter charges, according to Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for the Valais region. Pilloud declined to say whether any action would be taken to prevent the couple from fleeing Switzerland, saying only: 'There is currently no criminal liability.' Stephane Ganzer, the state councillor in charge of security in Valais, said he wasn't aware of any safety deficiencies in the club. However, he also admitted: 'I don't know when the municipality carried out the inspections. 'We haven't received any reports of deficiencies. However, we assume that the inspections were conducted.' Pilloud said a team of 30 are involved in the investigation, though the priority for authorities 'remains identifying the deceased so that the families can begin their grieving process'. News / National by Stephanie Jakes The Progressive Zimbabweans Foundation (PZF), a militant humanrights pressure group, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Nkayi resident Reason Bhebhe, describing the incident as a shocking act of violence committed with impunity.In a statement, PZF said it was enraged by the murder, which occurred in Nkayi under the constituency of ZANUPF MP Sithembiso Nyoni.We are enraged by the coldblooded killing of our comrade and brother, Mr Reason Bhebhe, whose life was violently taken in an act of lawlessness, brutality and impunity, the organisation said.PZF named the alleged perpetrator as Owen Siwela also known as Nkomo or Ngwenya who is accused of committing the crime together with his two sons.The alleged perpetrator, together with his two sons, carried out this heinous crime with total disregard for human life and justice, the group said.PZF said the killing was not an isolated case but part of a wider pattern of violence and silence in rural communities, where vulnerable people are often left without protection.Let it be known: this is not an isolated incident, but part of a systemic culture of violence, silence and protection of criminals, especially in rural communities where the poor are left defenceless. We refuse to be silent, the statement added.The organisation demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspects, warning against any attempts at political shielding or delays.There must be no coverups, no political shielding and no delays. Justice delayed is justice denied, PZF said.The group urged community members with information on the suspects whereabouts to report to the nearest police station, particularly Gwelushena Main Police Station in Nkayi.We further warn: the blood of Reason Bhebhe will not be forgotten. The struggle for justice continues until the perpetrators are brought before the law. Human life is not cheap, and impunity will be resisted, the organisation said.Sources indicate that Bhebhe was axed multiple times across the body before being dragged for about 300 metres from the initial attack site. The suspects reportedly fled their home and are believed to have crossed into South Africa. The desperate search continues for a young woman last seen almost a week ago. Vijay, 27, was last seen in Orange in NSW's Central Tablelands, where she is from, on December 29, police said on Friday. She may have travelled to Adelaide or Queensland. Vijay is of Indian appearance, slim build, 165cm tall, with a medium complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. Concerns are held for Vijay's welfare, police said in a statement. Anyone who spots Vijay or has information on her whereabouts has been urged to contact the police assistance line immediately on 131 444 with the reference 995. Police encouraged a local woman to make a report after she claimed to have spotted a woman who looked like Vijay at a pub roughly 20 minutes from Adelaide's CBD. It comes as police have also appealed for help to find 41yearold Trisha Graf from Andamooka, a remote town about 600km north of Adelaide. Vijay was last seen in Orange in the Central Tablelands, where she is from, on December 29 Police are concerned for Vijay's welfare, and have said she may have travelled to Adelaide in South Australia or to Queensland South Australia Police are looking for 41yearold Trisha Graf (pictured) from Andamooka, who was last seen on December 12 Trisha was last seen in the Roxby Downs area in the early hours of December 12, driving a white 2012 Ford Territory with a SA registration S254 BCX. CCTV images from the day she disappeared show her smiling with a friend. Her vehicle was found abandoned and unable to be driven near Blue Dam, east of the town of Andamooka the following day. Police have conducted an extensive search involving ground, aerial searches, and specialist dive teams but so far, they have been unable to locate her. 'Due to the length of time since Trisha was last seen, police hold grave concerns for her welfare,' a police statement said. Anyone with information about her whereabouts or her movements leading up to her disappearance has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting the reference number 320924. A four-year-old boy who went missing with his black Labrador retriever on New Year's Eve was found dead just two miles from his father's Alabama home. Johnathan Everett 'John John' Boley, 4, was last seen around 11:30am Wednesday playing outside in Jasper with his six-year-old brother and their dog, Buck, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. On Friday, after an extensive two-day search, his body was found just miles away in a rural area outside Birmingham, Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith said at a press conference. The dog was found alive near his body. 'It's with great sadness that I'm here to announce that we have located Jonathan, and Jonathan is deceased,' Smith said. 'Jonathan was an adventurous boy and he loved the outdoors,' he added. The boy's father, Jameson Kyle Boley, was taken into custody during the investigation after authorities reportedly found what they believed were explosive devices on his property, WVTM 13 News reported. Even after authorities determined the devices were not explosive, Jameson was still charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of a child and one count of unlawful manufacture of a destructive device or bacteriological weapon. Sheriff Smith stressed on Thursday that the father's charges 'had nothing to do with the connection of the missing child, it's something totally separate.' Johnathan Everett 'John John' Boley, 4, who went missing with his black Labrador retriever on New Year's Eve, was found dead just two miles from his father's Alabama home on Friday Johnathan was last seen around 11:30am Wednesday playing outside with his six-year-old brother and their dog, Buck, in the 7000 block of Highway 195 in Jasper On Friday, after an extensive two-day search, Johnathan's body was found just miles away in a rural area outside Birmingham. The dog was found alive near his body 'The family, including the dad, has helped, trying to do everything they can do help provide information,' Smith added on Friday. The grim discovery came after the Walker County Sheriff's Office received a call from Johnathan's father around 12:30pm on New Year's Eve reporting him missing, according to police. Sheriff Smith said that Johnathan's mother moved to Florida last year, with the father granted only 'five days of custody a year.' The four-year-old boy was in Alabama for holiday visitation with his father and was scheduled to return to his mother on Thursday, who had flown in from Florida the night before. Johnathan was outside playing when he suddenly disappeared, Smith told WBRC 6 News. His younger brother told their father that both he and their dog, Buck, had crossed the fence line. Police initially scoured the home to see if Johnathan was hiding inside before investigators took to the air with drones. The search intensified as agencies brought in divers, tracking dogs and a helicopter from Montgomery to assist. By Thursday, over 160 volunteers and 126 first responders - including the FBI - had joined the search, which had already covered 500 acres, Smith shared. The boy's father, Jameson Kyle Boley, was taken into custody after authorities reportedly found what they believed were explosive devices on his property. They stressed it had nothing to do with Johnathan's disappearance The sheriff said that Johnathan's mother moved to Florida last year, with the father granted only 'five days of custody a year' - including this recent holiday visitation Jonathan's younger brother told their father that both Johnathan and their dog, Buck, had crossed the fence line before he vanished But the massive civilian search was soon halted over safety concerns after investigators discovered 'evidence of explosive devices on the property,' the sheriff shared on Thursday. Smith also revealed at the time that authorities found 'at least eight other potential explosive devices,' across the street from Jameson's home. 'The FBI has been processing the house, trying to get the explosive devices contained and out of the residence,' Smith said. Neighbors told investigators they 'have been hearing explosions for weeks,' according to the sheriff. 'They didn't really know where it was coming from. The morning before the report came in, one of the neighbors reported that they heard an explosion about 4am that morning,' Smith said on Thursday. 'They just didn't know where it came from,' he added. 'Can't say that that's any kind of connection to the missing child.' Shortly after, however, officials confirmed the devices were not explosive and that the house had been cleared and secured from any further potential threats. Jameson served in the Army from March 2003 to November 2006, WVTM 13 News reported, though the reason for his discharge was not disclosed. The search for Johnathan intensified as agencies brought in drones, divers, tracking dogs and a helicopter from Montgomery to assist By Thursday, over 160 volunteers and 126 first responders - including the FBI - had joined the search, which had already covered 500 acres Even after authorities determined the devices were not explosive, Johnathan's father was still charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of a child and one count of unlawful manufacture of a destructive device or bacteriological weapon Nevertheless, Smith emphasized that Johnathan's father has been cooperating as the investigation continues. Kim Smith, Johnathan's aunt, told the outlet that her young nephew was a 'country boy who loves nature, Paw Patrol and running.' Sheriff Smith echoed the community's grief Friday afternoon, saying it 'is devastated by the news.' Johnathan's cause of death remains unknown as of Friday evening. A vigil was set to be held at 7pm CT Friday at Cornerstone Church, 7719 Highway 195, in Jasper. Search efforts for three people swept away in Australian waters have been called off as family and friends come to terms with the devastating loss of their loved ones. Emergency crews rushed to Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs about 6am on Thursday after reports a young man had become caught in a rip. TV cameras captured the powerful moment Police Constable Lucas Matthews charged into the surf in his full uniform, clutching a flotation device in a bid to assist two off-duty lifesavers who were also trying to reach the man. However, the man vanished just minutes after their rescue efforts began. Two days later, the search was suspended. The swimmer was identified on Saturday as Nepalese national and Coogee Pavilion bartender Sushan Khadka, The Daily Telegraph reports. He had moved to Sydney four years ago and was studying as well as working. 'I will miss everything about you,' one of Mr Khadka's friends wrote on social media. 'Rest peacefully, I love you.' Nepalese national and Coogee Pavilion employee Sushan Khadka (pictured) has been identified as the man who was swept out to sea at Coogee Beach on Thursday The search for him was suspended by authorities on Saturday A community is also grieving the loss of business owner and beloved mother-of-two Melissa Austin (pictured with her partner Joel) from Berowra Heights It comes as hopes are fading for a 14-year-old boy who was swept into heavy swell when the dinghy he was in capsized on New Year's Eve. The teen and two other men were in the vessel when it overturned in rough conditions near Barrenjoey Headland on Sydney's northern beaches about 11.35am. A man was pulled from the water by surf lifesavers but died at the scene. A second man was winched to safety by helicopter. A large-scale search for the teenager was suspended on Saturday morning. A snorkeler is also feared dead after vanishing off Ledge Point Beach, more than 100km north of Perth, on Thursday afternoon. Police divers became involved in the search but by Friday evening, with no sign of the 32-year-old man, the search was scaled back. The search efforts come amid a horror run of five drownings since New Year's Eve. Beloved mother-of-two Melissa Austin was recovered from the surf at Dunbogan Beach on the NSW Mid North coast on Thursday. She was pulled from the water off Dunbogan Beach on the NSW mid north coast on Thursday Surf lifesavers say they have performed hundreds of rescues across the nation's beaches since Christmas Day The 45-year-old, who owned Mel's Hair and Beauty in Berowra Heights, was remembered as 'loved by all who knew her' by her goddaughter. 'Mel was a loving partner to Joel, a devoted and hands-on mum to her beautiful boys Jed and Bray, and a cherished friend to so many,' Brittany Boyle wrote on a GoFundMe. 'Her clients were like family, and she was loved by all who knew her. 'Joel is now facing the unimaginable - grieving the sudden loss of his life partner while having to support and raise their two young boys on his own.' The campaign, which has raised $66,000 in less than 24 hours, is raising funds to help Joel 'focus on his boys and on healing'. The tragic start to 2026 began when a 25-year-old Chinese national was swept into a tidal rock pool by a wave at Maroubra in Sydney's east on Thursday. She was found about 5am but could not be resuscitated. A spearfisher in his 50s was recovered from the water at Lobster Bay Beach in Shoalhaven on the NSW South Coast on Friday. Over the New Year period, the risk of drowning is three times greater than at any other time The man, who had become tangled in a float line, was treated by paramedics but could not be revived and died despite best efforts at the scene. Further north in Queensland's Whitsundays, a 35-year-old Irish man was found dead in the water on New Year's Eve at Whitehaven Beach. Surf lifesavers say they have performed hundreds of rescues on beaches nationwide since Christmas Day. Over the New Year period, the risk of drowning triples compared to any other time. Two active-duty US Space Force officers said their Washington, DC home was deliberately set on fire and their car vandalized with anti-Trump and anti-military slogans while their family was out of town for Christmas. Major Jason Mills, 37, received a call from police around 5am on December 28 informing him that the house he and his wife Major Kaylee Taylor, 34, share had been burglarized and torched. Fire officials later determined that two separate fires were intentionally ignited from inside the home. Authorities said the incidents are being investigated as a targeted attack. Alongside the fire, Mills' vehicle was ransacked and defaced with profanity-laden messages including 'F*** Trump' and 'F*** you space man.' The graffiti escalated concerns that the arson was part of politically-motivated violence against military personnel in the nation's capital. The brazen fire attack destroyed nearly everything they owned along with the family cat. Major Jason Mills, who goes by the call sign 'Red,' says he and his wife, who are both active-duty members of the United States Space Force, were in Florida with their 10-month-old daughter when he received a phone call. It was police in Washington DC alerting him that their house had been set ablaze. 'I would say there is a general anti-military sentiment in certain parts of D.C. nowadays,' Mills told the Daily Caller, speaking in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the Space Force or the Department of Defense. The home of Major Jason Mills, 37, and his wife Major Kaylee Taylor, 34, who both serve in Space Force, was set ablaze in a suspected case of arson Fire officials say the blaze was incendiary and not an accident Anti-Trump and anti-military slogans were scrawled across the officers' vandalized car By the time the Mills family rushed back to the capital, fire officials had already begin their investigation. They believe an individual intentionally started two separate fires inside the home - one in the kitchen and another in the basement - leading authorities to classify the incident as incendiary. Mills explained how his car had also been ransacked, had its mirrors torn off and papers scattered throughout the interior. Black ink had been smeared across the dashboard and mirrors, and expletive-laced messages were left behind. A sticker representing the Air Force Research Laboratory was found defaced with a large 'X.' Because of what he described as the targeted nature of the attack, Mills said he immediately notified his chain of command. 'The response has been heartwarming,' he said. In the days that followed, Mills and his wife returned to the wreckage wearing hazmat suits, sifting through the soot and debris for anything that could be saved. Among the ashes the couple were able to save some mementos including photographs The two active-duty Space Force members lost nearly everything they owned overnight The family car was also vandalized with black ink daubed across the windshield In the aftermath, family members set up a GoFundMe to help the couple rebuild their lives Most of their possessions were gone. Clothing, furniture, baby supplies and keepsakes were all destroyed by flames, smoke, or water. But some items did survive. Mills said they managed to recover his daughter's hospital bracelet from the day she was born, along with a handful of framed baby photos. Sadly, the family's pet cat, Marlee, perished in the blaze after becoming trapped inside the home during the fire. A police report details how a man was taken into custody after being found with items from the home. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing. In the aftermath, family members set up a GoFundMe to help the couple rebuild their lives. The fundraiser describes the incident as an 'unimaginable tragedy,' noting that the family 'lost pretty much everything they owned' and now faces the daunting task of starting over from scratch. U.S. Space Force Major Kaylee Taylor is seen in a photograph from 2021 The couple are seen wearing hazmat suits having been able to salvage some possessions One message read 'F*** U.S.D.S,' which could stand for 'United States DOGE Service' The home was completely gutted following the devastating fire that was set in two places Donations have poured in with the fundraising pulling in more than $110,000 At least one person has been arrested following the devastating fire that has left the family home uninhabitable. The family cat was also killed during blaze Graffiti using black ink was seen dripping across the windshield of the family car What should have been a first Christmas with their baby became a fight to rebuild their lives Donations have poured in with the fundraising pulling in more than $110,000 as of Saturday. 'I was blown away by students from the school I taught at sending like 500 bucks each,' Mills said adding how the military community helped circulate the fundraiser widely. 'Me and the family are super, super thankful and grateful for all the support we've been shown so far,' Mills said. 'It's way above and beyond anything we expected it's been frankly overwhelming and in the best possible way.' He was far too intoxicated to continue An ARIA Award-winning drill rapper was arrested outside a club in less than half an hour before he was due to take the stage. Blake Turnell, 31, was arrested outside Club Evans RSL, in NSW, after police allegedly 'trespassed' him over claims he was behaving drunkenly about 7pm on Friday. It is understood venue staff contacted police over Turnell's alleged antics and officers moved in when he allegedly failed to leave the premises where he was set to perform. The rapper was charged with being an excluded person failing to leave premises when required and hindering or resisting a police officer in the execution of duty. Footage of the arrest showed Turnell arguing with police as they tried to place him in the back of a paddy wagon. 'Nah, nah, I have to do a show', he said in the video. In the same video another person pleaded: 'Please, is there any way we can work this out'. The arrest came just 35 minutes before he was scheduled to perform, with the show subsequently cancelled. Blake Turnell, 31, was arrested hours before he was meant to perform on January 2 The rapper admitted he was too intoxicated for the show Turnell is expected to appear in court on February 26 Turnell later said he was far too intoxicated to perform the show in a statement released after the incident. 'I wanna apologise for last night's events,' he said. 'The grown man I've become though knows my mistake was drinking, after doing so well fighting that demon some tough times led me back to the bottle and led me to (where) I was last night. 'I don't remember about 6 hours. HOWEVER, the police followed me to the venue to stop the show from going on, I hadn't committed a crime at the venue. 'Unless there's a charge you're laying on me you can't just come kick me out of my own show.' Turnell did explain all patrons would be provided with a full refund to the show. He was granted conditional bail. Turnell is now due to appear at Ballina Local Court on February 26. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has been 'captured and flown out of the country' to stand trial in the United States, Donald Trump has said. Trump released a statement that said the US had 'successfully' carried out a military strike after several explosions rocked the capital of Caracas early Saturday. 'The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,' Trump said. 'This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.' Senator Mike Lee later confirmed Maduro's arrest, following a phone call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, adding he will stand trial in the US on criminal charges. Lee said the US strikes were 'deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant'. Trump announced that he would hold a press conference at Mar-a-Lago later in the morning to release more details. Venezuela's government slammed the United States for attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states. A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas Pedestrians run after explosions were heard in Caracas Republican senator Mike Lee has said Nicolas Maduro was arrested to stand trial in the US on criminal charges Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were being heard and seen in Venezuelan capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning, witnesses told Reuters. Smoke could be seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas. Another military installation in the capital was without power. Blasts began at 1:50am local time and one targeted Fort Tiona, which is where the Venezuelan ministry of defense is headquartered. People in various neighborhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas. 'The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance,' said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling. She was walking briskly with two relatives, returning from a birthday party. 'We felt like the air was hitting us.' Venezuela's government, in a statement, called on its supporters to take to the streets. 'People to the streets!' the statement said. 'The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.' The statement added that President Maduro had 'ordered all national defense plans to be implemented' and declared 'a state of external disturbance'. Venezuela's communications ministry told The New York Times it 'rejects, repudiates, and denounces' US military aggression. State television did not interrupt its programming and aired a report on Venezuelan music and art. Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela, amid efforts to pressure Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions and a ramped-up US military presence in the region. More than two dozen US strikes have taken place on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea in recent months. Your browser does not support iframes. Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were being heard and seen in Venezuelan capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning, witnesses told Reuters. It is not immediately clear what caused the blasts Soldiers guard the area around the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard 'At this moment they are bombing Caracas', Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on X. 'Alert everyone they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles. The (Organization of American States) and the UN must meet immediately.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House. The Pentagon and US Southern Command declined comment. The blasts came amid growing tensions between Trump and Maduro's regime, with the first military land strike on Venezuela taking place on Christmas Eve. Multiple sources said the CIA carried out the first US land strike in Venezuela that day on a port facility believed to have been storing drugs bound for America. Trump confirmed the Christmas Eve strike on Monday, days after he casually discussed in a radio interview the attack on a facility 'where the ship comes from.' The strike, which took place on a port dock authorities believe was the home base of the alleged drug vessels that the US military has been targeting in the Caribbean and Atlantic over the last three months, signaled a further escalation of tensions between the two countries. Multiple sources have now told CNN that the drone strike was carried out by the CIA, after Trump refused to weigh in on the theory. Asked if the CIA had carried out the attack, Trump said: 'I don't want to say that. I know exactly who it was but I don't want to say who it was.' Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were being heard and seen in Venezuelan capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning, witnesses told Reuters. It is not immediately clear what caused the blasts The CIA carried out the first US land strike in Venezuela that Donald Trump casually confirmed in a radio interview last week in a further escalation of tensions between the two countries But Trump has previously said that he has authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela. Sources said the strike took place on a remote dock on the coast of Venezuela believed to used by the Tren de Aragua gang to stockpile and transfer drugs. The CIA received intelligence support from US Special Operations Forces. No one was killed and there was nobody at the facility when the attack took place. It is part of an escalating effort to target what the Trump administration says are boats smuggling drugs bound for the United States. It moves closer to shore strikes that so far have been carried out by the military in international waters in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Speaking on WABC on December 26, Trump made the bombshell suggestion that US forces have already started conducting land operations in Venezuela. 'I don't know if you read or you saw, they have a big plant or a big facility where they send the where the ships come from,' the President said during a call-in with radio host and billionaire John Catsimatidis, who was filling in for Sid Rosenberg. 'Two nights ago we knocked that out so we hit them very hard,' Trump confirmed. Multiple explosions have been reported in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas amid Donald Trump's escalating threats against its leader Nicolas Maduro (pictured) The President said since late November that the US is shifting away from maritime attacks on drug boats and will 'soon' be conducting land strikes in Venezuela. Starting on September 2, 2025, the Department of War has been conducting strikes against suspected drug ships in the Caribbean and Atlantic. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes is 35 and the number of people killed is at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. The US Southern Command carried out its latest 'lethal strike' on Monday, killing two alleged 'narco-terrorists' in international waters. But Trump has said that land targets are 'much easier' and has hinted at the shift with a series of comments warning 'land strikes will start very soon' and 'soon we will be starting the same program on land'. He has also warned Maduro it would be 'smart' to step down, but has not gone as far as to confirm that the US military operations are to force regime change. On Friday, Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism in the US. At least 40 Venezuelans were reportedly killed after the US launched large-scale strikes on Venezuela overnight in a ploy to capture President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The death toll included military personnel and civilians, a top Venezuelan official told the New York Times. No US fatalities have been reported, but there were an unspecified number of injuries, per CBS, which reported that all injured service members are in stable condition. Maduro and Flores arrived in New York on Saturday afternoon after being apprehended by the US military. Trump announced the military mission in the early hours of Saturday morning, confirming that a 'large-scale strike' was carried out in Venezuela. He added that the operation was done in conjunction with US Law enforcement. The president said this morning on Fox News that he watched the operation with federal officials in a room at Mar-a-Lago. 'If you would've seen the speed, the violence... it was an amazing thing,' he said. Sources told CNN and the Associated Press that Maduro and Flores were taken from their home by US troops in the middle of the night and were sleeping when the raid began. President Trump addressed who should lead Venezuela after President Nicholas Maduro and his wife touched down in the US following their military capture. Maduro and Flores are facing criminal drug trafficking charges and will be federally tried in New York. Follow our live blog below for the latest updates Violence surrounding protests in Iran has killed two more people, authorities said Saturday, raising the death toll in the demonstrations to at least 10. The new fatalities follow U.S. President Donald Trump warning Iran on Friday that if Tehran 'violently kills peaceful protesters,' the United States 'will come to their rescue.' 'We are locked and loaded and ready to go,' he said. While it remains unclear how and if Trump will intervene, his comments sparked an immediate, angry response from officials within the theocracy threatening to target American troops in the Mideast. The weeklong protests, have become the biggest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations. However, the protests have yet to be as widespread and intense as those surrounding the death of Amini, who was detained over not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities. The deaths overnight into Saturday involved a new level of violence. Violence surrounding protests in Iran has killed two more people, authorities said Saturday, raising the death toll in the demonstrations to at least 10. Pictured: Screengrab of footage shared online which appeared to show protesters clashing with the security force The new fatalities follow U.S. President Donald Trump warning Iran on Friday that if Tehran 'violently kills peaceful protesters,' the United States 'will come to their rescue' In Qom, home to the country's major Shiite seminaries, a grenade exploded, killing a man there, the state-owned IRAN newspaper reported. It quoted security officials alleging the man carried the grenade to attack people in the city, some 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of the capital, Tehran. Online videos from Qom purportedly showed fires in the street overnight. The second death happened in the town of Harsin, some 370 kilometers (230 miles) southwest of Tehran. There, the newspaper said a member of the Basij, the all-volunteer arm of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, died in a gun and knife attack in the town in Kermanshah province. Demonstrations have reached over 100 locations in 22 of Iran's 31 provinces, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. Iran's civilian government under reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has been trying to signal it wants to negotiate with protesters. However, Pezeshkian has acknowledged there is not much he can do as Iran's rial has rapidly depreciated, with $1 now costing some 1.4 million rials. That sparked the initial protests. Pictured: Shopkeepers and traders protest in the street against the economic conditions and Iran's embattled currency in Tehran on December 29, 2025 Protesters march in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, December 29, 2025 Iranians walk past an anti-US mural on a street in Tehran, Iran, 03 January 2026 The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran's theocracy as well. Tehran has had little luck in propping up its economy in the months since its June war with Israel in which the U.S. also bombed Iranian nuclear sites in Iran. Iran recently said it was no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country, trying to signal to the West that it remains open to potential negotiations over its atomic program to ease sanctions. However, those talks have yet to happen as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned Tehran against reconstituting its atomic program. In the event of a national blackout, Brits will be told to grab the bleach from underneath the kitchen sink to mix with dirty water and open a low alcohol beer. The bizarre survival tips were revealed in scripts published by the government, which would be read out by the UK's chief medical officers, including Professor Chris Whitty, on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 during a nationwide blackout. While mixing a small dose of household disinfectant with dirty water may sound dangerous, Sir Chris reassured people that the advice was 'developed by doctors and scientists to help keep you safe and healthy'. Brits would be advised not to waste water and only use it for drinking, washing hands and preparing food. Water that is still flowing normally from cold taps is still safe to drink, but a long-running power cut could affect supplies. If households are cut off from water, they are advised to source water from rainwater collection, such as water butts, lakes and reservoirs, which could then be made safe to drink. The water should be filtered with pillowcases or bed sheets before adding unscented bleach, which can be used to purify the water. The advice says you should add roughly a quarter of a teaspoon to every 10 litres of water, then let it sit for 15 minutes before storing in a cool, dark place. The bizarre survival tips were revealed in scripts published by the government, which would be read out by the UK's chief medical officers, including Professor Chris Whitty (pictured), on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 during a nationwide blackout 'I know all the advice I am giving you might sound strange and you may be especially worried about drinking water containing bleach,' the chief medical officers' message states. 'Remember that this advice has been developed by doctors and scientists to help keep you safe and healthy, as long as you follow these instructions carefully.' The guidance also says that low-alcohol beers can still be drunk, but advises against anything stronger. It said: 'Alcoholic drinks are usually dehydrating so shouldn't be drunk, but low-alcohol beer or other low-alcohol drinks (less than 1.2 per cent) are not dehydrating and you can drink these if you run out of water.' Any long-lasting power cut would most likely wipe out mobile and internet communications, so battery or solar radios are considered the most reliable method for receiving government messages in this scenario. Although the government insists the prospect of a national power outage is 'very unlikely', experts believe that the public needs to be better prepared. Every person in the country, except those with back-up generators, will lose their mains electricity supply 'instantaneously and possibly without warning' in a nationwide blackout, according to the guidance. This could also result in the loss of mobile and internet communications, water, sewage removal and treatment, fuel, gas and the ability to make electronic payments. The Department of Health states this would cause 'significant and widespread disruption and risk to health'. Public health messages in the event of a power outage would be limited to radio and the UK's four chief medical officers would provide advice on water shortages, food and nutrition. On the first day of the blackout, the chief medical officers' message would say: 'Please listen carefully I am about to provide you with important information. 'You may want to write this down so that you can refer to it later. This advice will be repeated regularly. 'We have planned in case this extraordinary situation happened, and this advice has been created by doctors and scientists to help keep you and your family healthy.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'While the likelihood of a National Power Outage remains very low and hasnt changed, it is right that the government prepares for a range of scenarios to keep the public safe. The Chief Medical Officer has chosen to publish these documents in the interest of transparency and to help in the unlikely event of an emergency. The advice is separate from standard guidance on blackouts due to bad weather, and there is no indication that a national blackout is likely any time soon. The UK has never experienced a nationwide loss of power, and the likelihood is low, but forecasters have warned of localised power cuts in some parts of the country during this weekends snowstorm. Multiple cold weather alerts are active on Saturday as the UK looks set to shiver through the first weekend of the new year. Six yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place, with the latest warnings reaching into Monday, while several amber snow warnings for northern Scotland and Shetland are in place throughout Saturday. Snow has already resulted in widespread disruption to roads and railways in parts of northern Scotland, and the Met Office has warned of a risk of power cuts, communities being cut off, and vehicles becoming stranded. Other areas of the UK saw snow on Friday, and yellow warnings are now in place for parts of the UK, including much of Northern Ireland, until 3pm on Monday. France is considering arresting British nationals who try to stop migrant crossings after several activists were accused of slashing dinghies. The French interior minister, Laurent Nunez, has warned that any Brits interfering with the crossings could be arrested for possible obstruction and aggravated violence, according to local reports. He has supposedly stepped up efforts to stop such incidents following a number of vigilante-style actions by members of the Raise the Colours movement. The group, which spearheaded a drive to raise Union Jacks and St George's cross flags across the country, have been travelling to beaches along the French coast to disrupt migrants as they try to board dinghies crossing the Channel. They claim they have been forced to take matters into their own hands following failures by the UK and French authorities and have launched Operation Overlord, a reference to the Normandy landings in WW2, to curb the crossings. Videos posted on social media in recent months show members, including co-founder Ryan Bridge, racing across the sand searching for migrants and supposedly sabotaging small boats that had been bound for the UK. But in a bid to stop any further actions, Nunez has now 'requested that members of these groups be identified, apprehended if they act, and that measures to obstruct them be considered', a source close to the minister told La Voix Du Nord. He has also 'taken monitoring and coordination measures at various levels... in response to these activities', the source added. French interior minister, Laurent Nunez, has threatened to arrest British nationals who try to stop migrant crossings Debris of a small boat used by people thought to be migrants to cross the Channel lays amongst the sand dunes in Gravelines, France, on December 11 A group of migrants on an inflatable dinghy leave the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in northern France in September last year Responding to the threats, a Raise the Colours source told The Telegraph that the French 'should be putting more effort into actually stopping the migrant boats' rather than focusing on the group's actions. 'I doubt this will stop the people who are trying to stop the crossings,' they added. While the group claims that over 5,000 people have offered their support to stop the boats, other French groups have accused them of taking part in 'intimidation tactics'. A group of nine French organisations working to help migrants, including L'Auberge des Migrants, Utopia 56, Medecins du Monde, Human Rights Observers and the Refugee Women's Centre, issued a statement last month in response to the actions. It read: 'Structured intimidation tactics, reported, yet without an effective response from the authorities. 'None of their publications aimed at recruiting, informing and funding their activities have been removed and none of them have been subject to any measures denying them entry to French territory. 'These inaction measures contribute to normalising and encouraging violent and xenophobic practices that directly threaten exiled people and their support organisations.' A total of 41,472 migrants arrived in the UK in 2025 after crossing the English Channel, the second highest annual figure on record, putting paid to Keir Starmer's vow to smash smuggling gangs and cut small boat crossings. The Home Office confirmed on Thursday that no migrants made the journey on New Year's Eve meaning the overall number of arrivals last year finished 9 per cent below the all-time high of 45,774 in 2022. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Embarrassingly for the Government, the total for 2025 was 13 per cent higher than the figure for 2024, when 36,816 migrants made the journey, and 41 per cent higher than 2023's total of 29,437. More and more people seeking asylum are packing themselves into boats, with an average of 62 arrivals per boat last year, up from 53 in 2024 and 49 in 2022. Keir Starmer is also less than 1,000 migrants away from an unwanted record - having the most people cross the Channel in his premiership after less than two years. As of yesterday, 64,714 people have made the journey after 545 days in office, at a rate of 118 a day. Boris Johnson saw 65,676 people cross during his time in Government after 1,140 days - an average of just 57 a day. The Conservatives and Reform have both blasted Labour's failure to tackle the growing small boats crisis and to deport those who arrive illegally, blaming Starmer's reluctance to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Small boat crossings are the inevitable product of a system that guarantees entry and obstructs removal. 'As long as the ECHR sits at the centre of our asylum system, illegal immigration is effectively hardwired in. Until Labour confront that reality, nothing they announce will ever change the outcome. 'There is no deterrent and anyone who crosses the Channel know they can invoke human rights law and remain indefinitely. Labour lack the backbone to confront that truth.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Sir Keir Starmer's plan to 'smash the gangs' had been 'a complete disaster' and the 'one in, one out' deal with France is a 'farce'. 'The numbers coming over are huge,' he said. 'Many of the young men that have arrived last year will do us great harm.' Yearender: Xi leads China through a pivotal 2025 Xinhua) 09:18, January 03, 2026 An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 21, 2025 shows a view of the Yangpu International Container Port in Yangpu Economic Development Zone, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- China rang in the new year on Thursday, closing an extraordinary year widely seen as pivotal for the country's development. 2025 marked the successful completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, a period during which the country posted notable gains in economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, defense capabilities, and composite national strength, pressing ahead with its modernization drive. Economic performance stood out. China's gross domestic product is expected to have grown by around 5 percent in 2025, keeping it among the fastest-growing major economies, while total output is projected to reach roughly 140 trillion yuan (about 20 trillion U.S. dollars). Summarizing 2025, President Xi Jinping noted that China's economy had "pressed ahead under pressure and advanced toward new and higher-quality growth." Despite escalating global trade tensions and the convergence of domestic cyclical and structural challenges, the world's second-largest economy faced significant tests but demonstrated greater resilience than many anticipated. That resilience rests on a clear strategy. "It is imperative to confront the uncertainty of rapid external changes with the certainty of high-quality domestic development," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. In April, the United States announced "reciprocal tariffs" on all trading partners, which quickly escalated into an unprecedented tariff war. Under Xi's leadership, China responded with calm resolve and effective measures. Xi held four phone calls with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, reiterating that the two countries can help each other succeed and prosper together. Chinese and American teams held multiple rounds of consultations, yielding substantial progress. This injected much-needed stability into the turbulent global trade landscape. A robot is displayed at the exhibition area of the 2025 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Innovation, in Xi's telling, is the way forward -- a theme woven through his speeches and inspection tours throughout the year. In April, Xi visited a fast-growing large-model incubator in Shanghai, China's AI hub. The tour came days after a CPC leadership study session on artificial intelligence, at which he called for AI-driven technological innovation, industrial upgrading and applications. Xi has repeatedly framed AI as strategically vital if China is to seize the next wave of scientific and industrial transformation. China's decade-long push for innovation is paying off. In 2025, it entered the top 10 of the Global Innovation Index. China is one of the economies with the fastest-growing innovation capacity, Xi said in his 2026 New Year message delivered on Wednesday. "Many large AI models have been competing in a race to the top, and breakthroughs have been achieved in the research and development of our own chips," Xi said. Besides innovation, reform and opening up -- long seen as an engine powering China's miraculous economic rise -- remain key to unlocking fresh potential. In November, Xi visited the southern island province of Hainan, just a month before it implemented island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port. "We have stayed on the path of reform and opening up with Chinese characteristics, step by step, to reach where we are today," he said during the trip. Turning Hainan into a special customs supervision zone -- allowing freer entry of overseas goods, broader zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly rules -- marked a key step for China to open wider to the rest of the world. Over the past year, a series of reform measures came into force. China enacted a law promoting the private sector and revised its anti-unfair competition legislation. The negative list for foreign investment was shortened further. Access was widened in services such as telecoms and healthcare. Visa rules were also eased, with unilateral exemptions for nearly 50 countries alongside expanded visa-free transit schemes. "As Chinese modernization has advanced through reform and opening up," Xi has said, "it will embrace broader horizons through further reform and opening up." BLUEPRINT FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS While 2025 tested resilience, it also heightened the focus on what lies ahead. In October, the CPC Central Committee adopted recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan at a key Party plenum, charting the country's development path from 2026 through 2030. The upcoming five-year plan carries unusual weight, as only 10 years remain before 2035 -- the milestone year by which China aims to "basically achieve socialist modernization." This marks the first goal in Xi's two-step blueprint for building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects by mid-century. "Socialist modernization can only be realized through a historical process of gradual and ongoing development," Xi told the plenum. "It requires the unremitting hard work of generation after generation." In the months leading up to the meeting, Xi toured factories and communities to refine priorities for the next five years. From a steel mill in Liaoning to a bearing plant in Henan, he stressed that the real economy remains the backbone of national strength, calling for greater self-reliance in core manufacturing technologies. The recommendations put "building a modern industrial system and strengthening the foundations of the real economy" first among a dozen priority areas. Security features just as prominently. Early last year, Xi told senior Party leaders that both development and security are vital. In Jilin Province, he underscored northeast China's responsibilities in safeguarding national defense, food, ecological, energy and industrial security. In Henan Province, he emphasized food security. The October plenum elevated "ensuring both development and security" to a core principle for 2026-2030 development, calling for consolidating security alongside development and pursuing development in a secure environment. An aerial drone photo shows a long-table banquet joined by tourists and locals in Zhaoxing Dong village of Liping County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Dec. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) The well-being of 1.4 billion Chinese has always been the centerpiece of China's modernization drive. Over the past year, Xi visited grassroots households across the nation. In mountainous Guizhou Province, he chatted with villagers about incomes; in the border province Yunnan, he spoke with shopkeepers about business. Alongside this, he has pushed a people-centered urbanization drive, calling for cities that are innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally vibrant and smart. Accordingly, the recommendations highlighted "promoting well-rounded human development" in the guiding philosophy for China's development over the next five years, calling for greater investment in human capital and more inclusive public services. "When the happy hum of daily life fills every home, the big family of our nation will go from strength to strength," Xi said in his New Year message. RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY In 2025, global turbulence deepened as the specters of Cold War mentalities, hegemonism and protectionism continued to haunt the international landscape. Against this backdrop, Xi put forth the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in September. This came after Xi announced three global initiatives on development, security, and civilization in prior years. "I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system," he said. Xi always walks his talk. In April, after attending a central conference on neighborhood diplomacy, Xi began his visits to three Southeast Asian countries. Over the past year, his itinerary stretched from there to Russia, Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), weaving a dense web of regional engagement. He likened these visits to "calling on relatives," stressing that "helping our neighbors succeed is helping ourselves." At a time when calls for decoupling, severing industrial chains, and putting self-interest first were prevalent, these trips yielded substantial gains in cooperation, bringing much-needed stability and long-term hope to the region amid volatile international landscape. Under Xi's leadership, China also fostered positive interaction and coordination with major countries in 2025, helping anchor global strategic stability. Xi and Trump held their first meeting in six years in Busan, the ROK, in October. "China and the United States can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries, and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world," Xi said. In 2025, Xi also hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin, held in-depth discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron beside a millennia-old dam in southwest China, and collaborated with EU leaders to chart a brighter future for relations over the next 50 years. "Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility," he has said. During his November visit to China, King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga planted Juncao grass at a university in eastern Fujian Province. Over the years, the versatile Chinese technology for food production, livestock feed, and ecological restoration has delivered tangible benefits for Pacific island nations and many developing countries. Xi has said that the modernization China pursues is "not for China alone." Today, over three-quarters of the world's countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative, and China-Europe freight trains have logged 120,000 trips. China hosted international expos on imports, supply chains, and consumer goods to expand win-win opportunities. Over the past year, Xi championed women's development at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing, launched initiatives with Latin American and Caribbean countries, pushed for a zero-tariff treatment to 100 percent of tariff lines for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, and announced China's new Nationally Determined Contributions in his video remarks at the UN Climate Summit. "China always stands on the right side of history, and is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said in his 2026 New Year message. FORGE AHEAD TOWARD GRAND GOAL Peace and development were also central themes that Xi underscored at a grand commemoration in September, held in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event drew 61 foreign heads of state and government, senior representatives of relevant countries, leaders of international organizations, former political leaders, and other dignitaries. The People's Liberation Army Guard of Honor formation marches during a military parade in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Chang) The victory eight decades ago marked China's first complete triumph against foreign aggression in modern times. This historic turning point carried the nation from the depths of crisis toward rejuvenation. Xi called on his countrymen and women to carry forward the spirit forged in the resistance war and stay united in advancing modernization. "The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable," he said. As Xi said in his 2026 New Year message that only a strong CPC can make the country strong, he has placed great emphasis on strengthening the Party over the years. Alongside a relentless crackdown on corruption, Xi in 2025 moved to reinforce a code of conduct, widely known as the eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct, to remove the conditions that allow corruption to take root. "The tasks of advancing Chinese modernization entrusted to our Party are extremely challenging, and the governing environment is unusually complex. We must pull the string of self-reform tighter," he said. Unity, Xi has repeatedly stressed, is essential to China's rejuvenation. On Wednesday, addressing a gathering of China's top political advisory body to usher in the new year, Xi urged his fellow Chinese to stay united and work hard to achieve great undertakings. "With the blueprint in place, now is the time to forge ahead," he said. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) News / National by Gideon Madzikatidze / Simbarashe Sithole HARARE - People living with disabilities have criticised the widespread chanting of "2030" slogans, arguing that the rhetoric is meaningless without tangible empowerment, inclusive policies and real improvements to their daily lives.Speaking at a press conference held alongside a belated Christmas hampers distribution event, Musavengana Agri, Harare Chairperson of People With Disabilities for Economic Development (PWDs4ED), said the disability community continues to be sidelined despite being invoked in political messaging."What's the point of chanting 2030 if we're still begging for basic rights and empowerment?" Musavengana said."We need inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure and economic opportunities, not empty slogans," he added.Musavengana said people with disabilities have long felt marginalised and excluded from development programmes, citing poor accessibility, limited employment opportunities and inadequate social support."We won't be used as props for political agendas. Meanwhile, there is much stereotyping in our constituency since everyone is labelling us kuti tiri vanhu veSocial Welfare," he said.He stressed that the 2030 vision should translate into empowerment rather than continued marginalisation.The remarks come amid growing frustration within the disability community over what they describe as slow progress and lack of meaningful government action on disabilityrelated issues. China will slap a new tax on condoms while cutting childcare costs from January 1 in a fresh bid to reverse its plunging birth rate - after decades of enforcing the one-child policy. Condoms and contraceptive pills will now be subject to a 13 per cent value-added tax, the standard rate applied to most consumer goods. The move comes as Beijing struggles to boost births in the world's second-largest economy, with China's population shrinking for a third consecutive year in 2024. Experts have warned the demographic downturn is set to continue. The tax change is part of a sweeping overhaul of China's tax system announced late last year, which removes many exemptions that had been in place since 1994 - when the country was still enforcing its decades-long one-child rule. At the same time, authorities have exempted childcare subsidies from personal income tax and rolled out an annual childcare allowance, as part of a series of so-called 'fertility-friendly' measures introduced in 2024. Those measures have also included urging colleges and universities to offer 'love education' to promote marriage, fertility and family life in a positive light. Under the overhaul, marriage-related services and elderly care have also been exempted from value-added tax, alongside broader efforts such as extending parental leave and issuing cash handouts. China will slap a new tax on condoms while cutting childcare costs from January 1 in a fresh bid to reverse its plunging birth rate - decades after enforcing the one-child policy (stock image) Condoms and contraceptive pills will now be subject to a 13 per cent value-added tax, the standard rate applied to most consumer goods (stock image) China's top leaders last month renewed pledges at the annual Central Economic Work Conference to foster 'positive marriage and childbearing attitudes' in an attempt to stabilise birth rates. Births in China have been falling for decades, driven by the one-child policy - enforced from 1980 to 2015 - as well as rapid urbanisation. High childcare and education costs, job insecurity and a slowing economy have further discouraged young Chinese from marrying and starting families. Official figures show China's population has declined for three consecutive years, with just 9.54 million babies born in 2024 - roughly half the number recorded a decade ago, when Beijing began easing restrictions on family size. But the decision to tax contraceptives - including condoms, birth control pills and devices - has sparked public concern about unwanted pregnancies and rising HIV rates, as well as widespread ridicule online. Some critics say it would take far more than higher condom prices to convince them to have children. As one retailer urged customers to stock up ahead of the price hike, a social media user joked: 'I'll buy a lifetime's worth of condoms now.' 'People can tell the difference between the price of a condom and the cost of raising a child,' another wrote. China is among the most expensive countries in the world in which to raise a child, according to a 2024 report by the YuWa Population Research Institute in Beijing. The study said costs are driven up by school fees in an intensely competitive education system, as well as the difficulty women face balancing work and parenting. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia were captured by a unit of elite Delta Force soldiers while they slept in their beds. The left-wing leader, who will now stand trial in New York City on drugs and weapons charges, was taken in the early hours of Saturday morning, CNN reported. A source told the network the operation - which struck five Venezuelan sites including three in the country's capital Caracas - did not result in any casualties. Trump said the Maduros have been taken to the USS Iwo Jima assault ship and that they'll later be transported to New York City. He hailed the operation as 'brilliant' in a brief New York Times interview early Saturday. The president later called into Fox News's breakfast show Fox & Friends, excitedly telling its hosts: 'I mean, I watched it literally l like I was watching a television show. If you would've seen the speed, the violence - it was an amazing thing.' President Trump says he will hold a press conference from his Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach, Florida, at 11:30am ET on Saturday. Explosions were seen ripping across Caracas during the daring raid, with Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab insisting that 'innocents' had been 'mortally wounded' by the US operation. Donald Trump hailed his government's 'brilliant' capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of Saturday Two days before the raid, Maduro issued a plea for peace to the United States, amid reports he'd begun sleeping in a different place every night in a bid to avoid capture. Speaking to a Spanish journalist, Maduro said: 'The American people should know they have a friendly, peaceful people here, and a friendly government as well. 'They should know that our message is very clear: "Not War. Yes Peace".' During the same interview, Maduro said he'd be willing to work with the US to curtail drug trafficking. Trump claims Maduro is the head of a narcotics cartel which has flooded the United States with illegal substances. Speaking to The New York Times at 4:30am on Saturday morning, nine minutes after announcing the raid on his TruthSocial website, Trump said: 'A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people. 'It was a brilliant operation, actually.' Asked if he had consulted Congress prior to authorizing the strike, Trump said: 'We'll discuss that.' Maduro is due to stand trial in Manhattan and will likely be housed in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn - the same federal facility that currently houses alleged United HealthCare CEO murderer Luigi Mangione. American forces do not appear to have encountered much resistance from the Venezuelan military, despite Maduro claiming he was ready for any attack. Your browser does not support iframes. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia were both seized by a US military unit in the early hours of Caracas, with Maduro now set to face drugs and gun charges in the United States The security-conscious Maduros were having their location tracked by the CIA in the days leading up to their capture, CNN reported. Trump ordered the mission two days ago. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has demanded 'proof of life,' suggesting she fears Maduro and Flores may have been killed during the operation. And the country's attorney general Tarek William Saab said: 'Innocent victims have been mortally wounded and others killed by this criminal terrorist attack.' He called for peaceful protests. No details have been shared on the number of people killed or wounded during the Delta Force strike. Trump ran as an anti-war 'president of peace,' with the strikes on oil-rich Venezuela likely to anger some of his MAGA base. The air strikes which exploded in Caracas around the same time were done in support of the US operation to execute an arrest warrant against Maduro, Utah Senator Mike Lee said. Your browser does not support iframes. Trump plans to fly Maduro to the United States to stand trial on 'narco-terrorism' charges. President Trump says Maduro and his government have conspired to flood the United States with illegal drugs. Maduro was indicted in 2020, during Trump's first term as president, on charges of importing cocaine into the United States. Trump offered a $15million reward for his arrest at the time. That rose to $25million during the final days of former President Joe Biden's administration and was doubled to $50million in August 2025 after Trump began his second term as president. Trump alleges Maduro is leader of a drug running organization called Cartel de los Soles and has designated the group a foreign terrorist organization. On Saturday morning, United States Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro 'will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts'. She said Maduro will face multiple weapons charges in addition to the drug counts he is facing. Saturday's capture sparked international shockwaves. Maduro's government branded the United States 'cowardly' for its capture of their leader. Your browser does not support iframes. A military vehicle destroyed by Saturday's strikes in Venezuela is seen burned-out as dawn breaks in Caracas on Saturday morning A bus with its windows blown out is seen in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. Venezuela's attorney general said 'innocent people' had been 'mortally wounded' by the strikes but did not offer further details or the number of people injured or killed An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during a US military operation which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Russia, a key ally of Venezuela, suggested the United States may have broken international law with its capture of Maduro. A foreign ministry spokesperson said: 'We are extremely concerned by reports that Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife were forcibly removed from the country during todays aggressive actions by the United States. 'We call for immediate clarification of this situation.' In recent weeks, the US has been blowing up suspected drug boats sailing through the eastern Pacific Ocean with ties to Venezuela. Maduro is said to have increased his security in recent weeks and slept in a different bed every night to try and evade attempts to capture him. The seized leader, who leads the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, was elected in 2013. He has been branded a corrupt authoritarian who has presided over the economic collapse of his nation, rigged subsequent elections and crushed dissenters. Trump announced Maduro's capture on his Truth Social media platform early Saturday, writing: 'The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. 'This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.' Developing story, check back for updates... Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK was not involved in 'any way' in airstrikes on military bases in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The Venezuelan leader and his wife were flown out the country this morning and have been indicted in the United States on drugs and weapons charges. Sir Keir has said the UK was not part of the operation, adding that he wants to speak to Donald Trump to find out more information. He said: 'I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. As I say I can be absolutely clear we were not involved in that'. 'I always say and believe we should all uphold international law,' Sir Keir added. The indictment of President Maduro and his wife in the Southern District of New York was confirmed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi this afternoon. She said Maduro had been charged with: 'Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States'. 'They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,' Bondi added. It is not clear what charges Maduro's wife is facing. Trump released a statement earlier today saying the US had 'successfully' carried out a military strike after several explosions rocked in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK was not involved in any way in strikes on Venezuela or the capture of President Maduro A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has been indicted in the United States on drugs and weapons charges after he was 'captured and flown out of the country' 'The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,' Trump said. 'This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.' Trump announced that he would hold a press conference at Mar-a-Lago later in the morning to release more details. Venezuela's government slammed the United States for attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states. Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were seen and heard in the early hours of Saturday morning, witnesses told Reuters. Smoke could be seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas. Another military installation in the capital was without power. Blasts began at 1.50am local time and one targeted Fort Tiona, which is where the Venezuelan ministry of defense is headquartered. People in various neighborhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas. 'The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance,' said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling. Pedestrians run after explosions were heard in Caracas She was walking briskly with two relatives, returning from a birthday party. 'We felt like the air was hitting us.' Venezuela's government, in a statement, called on its supporters to take to the streets. 'People to the streets!' the statement said. 'The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.' The statement added that President Maduro had 'ordered all national defense plans to be implemented' and declared 'a state of external disturbance.' Venezuela's communications ministry told The New York Times it 'rejects, repudiates, and denounces' US military aggression. State television did not interrupt its programming and aired a report on Venezuelan music and art. Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela, amid efforts to pressure Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions and a ramped-up US military presence in the region. More than two dozen US strikes have taken place on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea in recent months. Republican senator Mike Lee has said Nicolas Maduro was arrested to stand trial in the US on criminal charges Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were being heard and seen in Venezuelan capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning, witnesses told Reuters Soldiers guard the area around the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard 'At this moment they are bombing Caracas' Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on X. 'Alert everyone they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles. The (Organization of American States) and the UN must meet immediately.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House. The Pentagon and US Southern Command declined comment. The blasts come amid growing tensions between Trump and Maduro's regime, with the first military land strike on Venezuela taking place on Christmas Eve. Multiple sources said the CIA carried out the first US land strike in Venezuela that day on a port facility believed to have been storing drugs bound for America. Trump confirmed the Christmas Eve strike on Monday, days after he casually discussed in a radio interview the attack on a facility 'where the ship comes from.' The strike, which took place on a port dock authorities believe was the home base of the alleged drug vessels that the US military has been targeting in the Caribbean and Atlantic over the last three months, signaled a further escalation of tensions between the two countries. Multiple sources have now told CNN that the drone strike was carried out by the CIA, after Trump refused to weigh in on the theory. Asked if the CIA had carried out the attack, Trump said: 'I don't want to say that. I know exactly who it was but I don't want to say who it was.' Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were being heard and seen in Venezuelan capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning, witnesses told Reuters The CIA carried out the first US land strike in Venezuela that Donald Trump casually confirmed in a radio interview last week in a further escalation of tensions between the two countries But Trump has previously said that he has authorized the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela. Sources said the strike took place on a remote dock on the coast of Venezuela believed to used by the Tren de Aragua gang to stockpile and transfer drugs. The CIA received intelligence support from US Special Operations Forces. No one was killed and there was nobody at the facility when the attack took place. It is part of an escalating effort to target what the Trump administration says are boats smuggling drugs bound for the United States. It moves closer to shore strikes that so far have been carried out by the military in international waters in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Speaking on WABC on December 26, Trump made the bombshell suggestion that US forces have already started conducting land operations in Venezuela. 'I don't know if you read or you saw, they have a big plant or a big facility where they send the where the ships come from,' the President said during a call-in with radio host and billionaire John Catsimatidis, who was filling in for Sid Rosenberg. 'Two nights ago we knocked that out so we hit them very hard,' Trump confirmed. Multiple explosions have been reported in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas amid Donald Trump's escalating threats against its leader Nicolas Maduro (pictured) The President said since late November that the US is shifting away from maritime attacks on drug boats and will 'soon' be conducting land strikes in Venezuela. Starting on September 2, 2025, the Department of War has been conducting strikes against suspected drug ships in the Caribbean and Atlantic. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes is 35 and the number of people killed is at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. The US Southern Command carried out its latest 'lethal strike' on Monday, killing two alleged 'narco-terrorists' in international waters. But Trump has said that land targets are 'much easier' and has hinted at the shift with a series of comments warning 'land strikes will start very soon' and 'soon we will be starting the same program on land.' He has also warned Maduro it would be 'smart' to step down, but has not gone as far as to confirm that the US military operations are to force regime change. On Friday, Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism in the US. Bryan Kohberger's sister says a 'creepy' black heart drawing he was seen with at his sentencing for the Idaho murderers was actually a sign of support from his family. Melissa Kohberger, 34, said she'd sent her 31-year-old sibling the heart ahead of his July sentencing for the murders of four University of Idaho students to show his family still loved him. She stayed home in Pennsylvania to care for her father Michael, who has heart trouble, but wanted to send her sibling the drawing to show they had not disowned him. Her drawing was photocopied and given to Kohberger. He could be seen pondering it as he was sentenced to life without parole for the November 2022 stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho. Melissa's chat with The New York Times is the first time one of Kohberger's relatives has spoken publicly about his horrific crimes. Melissa, a 34-year-old psychologist who lives in New Jersey, says her family still struggles to reconcile the man they knew with the quadruple murderer who is now one of America's most infamous killers. She repeatedly stressed that their pain pales in comparison to what is being suffered by the families of Kohberger's victims Melissa also revealed the two instances when she and Kohberger discussed the murders prior to his arrest. Melissa 'Mel' Korberger, 34, had drawn a picture of a heart that was given to her brother, Bryan Kohberger, at his sentencing in July The drawing appeared to be a black heart with a multi-colored square background. She had drawn it to show that his family still loved him, even if she couldn't attending the sentencing After the initial story broke, Melissa said she called her brother to share her concerns for his safety because of his fondness for late night jogs and leaving his doors unlocked. 'Bryan, you are running outside, and this psycho killer is on the loose. Be careful,' she told her brother. Kohberger had promised he'd be safe. The next time they discussed the murders was the next month, after Kohberger drove his white Hyundai Elantra across the country to spend Christmas with his family in Pennsylvania. Days before his December 2022 arrest, Kohberger remarked in passing that police in Idaho were still hunting for the killer. Melissa recalled the moment her older sister Amanda, 37, called to say the FBI had raided their home, cuffed Kohberger and taken him away. '(Amanda) was like: "Im with the FBI, Bryans been arrested,". I was like: "For what?"' Hearing that her brother was suspected of being the Idaho murderer reduced Melissa to a state of nauseous shock, Melissa said. Melissa said her family fully accepts the gravity and evil of Kohberger's crimes. But they continue to talk to Kohberger, who Melissa says enjoyed a happy childhood and who was close to his siblings and parents who'd always make an effort. After two years of protesting his innocence, the former PhD student finally confessed to the murders as part of a plea deal to save himself from the death penalty Kohberger, who did not reveal his motive, murdered Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin (pictured with their roommates) in November 2022 For his 31st birthday, which occurred in November, the former criminology student had requested the family made a cake Amanda would like, and he requested Melissa blow out the candles, she told the outlet. He's also still indulging his interest in psychology, and the two siblings discuss them together. And when Melissa gets overwhelmed by what the family had to endure - such as, Melissa losing her new job in New Jersey - she reminds herself that the victims' families have it much worse. Melissa is the first family member to speak publicly on her brother's crimes. Many online sleuths have speculated that her parents knew more about the crime than they let on. They maintain that they knew nothing. Kohberger was arrested six weeks after the murder at his parents' home. Investigators tracked him down after he left a KaBar leather knife sheath next to Mogens body at the scene. Through Investigative Genetic Genealogy, the FBI managed to trace DNA on the sheath to Kohberger. His motive for the murders still remains a mystery, with Kohberger having no known connection to any of the victims or their friends. It never crossed Melissa's mind that her brother could be behind the killings, so she was shocked when her sister, Amanda (pictured) called her to say Kohberger had been arrested Melissa is the first family member to speak publicly on the family's ordeal during the trial. Many online sleuths have speculated that her parents, Michael (pictured) and Maria, knew more about the crime than they let on. They maintain that they knew nothing Prosecutors believe Kohberger did not intend to kill all four victims that night - but did intend to kill someone and had planned his attack for months, buying a KaBar knife from Amazon to use as his murder weapon in March 2022. After two years of protesting his innocence, the former PhD student finally confessed to the murders as part of a plea deal to save himself from the death penalty. He was handed down a sentence of four life sentences. The Daily Mail has reached out to Melissa for comment. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was seized by the United States Army's secretive Delta Force unit in a daring raid on his heavily-secured compound. CBS News reported that the ultra-elite Delta Force unit were behind the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in the early hours of Saturday morning. The couple was seized from their bedroom in the dead of night by US forces as they slept, CNN reported. The raid did not lead to any US casualties. The pair were snatched by helicopter from Caracas after their whereabouts were monitored by CIA spies, with President Donald Trump giving the order to take them two days ago. President Trump says Maduro and his government have conspired to flood the United States with illegal drugs, and will now face trial in the US on drugs and weapons trafficking charges. Maduro was previously indicted in 2020, during Trump's first term as president, on charges of importing cocaine into the US. Further details are expected at a press conference set to be held at Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday morning. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia were both seized by a US military unit in the early hours of Caracas, with Maduro now set to face drugs and gun charges in the United States Smoke rises from La Carlota Airport in Caracas, Venezuela, after a daring dead-of-night mission by the US Army's Delta Force unit to capture the country's president Nicolas Maduro on drugs charges Maduro's top lieutenants have demanded 'proof of life' for their missing leader, suggesting they fear he may have been killed in the raid. The country's attorney general Tarek Saab added that 'innocents' had been 'mortally-wounded' during the US operation - but no further details were shared. Congressional leaders were notified about the operation just after it was ignited, per CBS sources. Delta Force, whose full title is the 1st Special Forces Operational DetachmentDelta, is one of the United States's most elite military units. Its members - whose identities remain a secret - are tasked with carrying out the most dangerous missions on behalf of the US Army. Delta Force's most famous operations include an October 2019 raid on the Syrian compound of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, which resulted in his death. Delta operators refer to themselves as 'the Unit' and are an elite counterterrorism unit. The unit is known for dismantling major terrorist networks and targets and works closely with the CIA. Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the unit operates under the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), which oversees special mission units. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro A military vehicle destroyed by Saturday's strikes in Venezuela is seen burned-out as dawn breaks in Caracas on Saturday morning Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, second left, and his wife Cilia Flores, attend an Army Day celebrations at Fuerte Tiuna, in Caracas, Venezuela An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during a US military operation which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro The US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is responsible for the unit's personnel management and administration. Operators are also known to provide security for US leaders during their travels to dangerous or war-affected areas, per Military.com. Delta Force unit is split into seven squadrons and each group is made up of three troops: Two troops conduct assaults and the third conducts reconnaissance and sniping. Founded by Col. Charles Beckwith, he was inspired by the British Army's 22nd Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, their highly classified counter-terrorism unit. Beckwith pushed for the unit for years, seeing the need for a US version of SAS amid rising terrorism, despite initial resistance. The Pentagon and top Army officer finally allowed Beckwith to head the unit, and his team created the 'Robert Redford Paper,' per Sofrep.com. The paper document outlined the process and explained the timeline needed to create the fully capable and powerful force. Beckwith estimated it would take two years, and the unit was officially established on November 19, 1977. New York Governor Kathy Hochul courted controversy by ordering the World Trade Center lit green to commemorate Muslim American Heritage Month. The Democrat, 67, had 16 landmarks, including the One Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower lit up across the Empire State in green lights to celebrate. 'The resilience, compassion, and contributions of Muslim communities help make our state stronger,' she wrote on X. Hochul highlighted in a press release that the Empire State has the largest Muslim American population in the US, and the state is 'committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity.' It's the first time New York has declared a proclamation honoring the heritage month. It came just a day after the Big Apple inaugurated Democratic Socialist, Zohran Mamdani, as mayor. He is the first Muslim and South Asian mayor the city has had, and he was sworn in using a Quran. Hochul has promised the state's government will protect Muslims from 'Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm,' much of which Mamdani faced during his historic campaign for the city's top office. But not everyone was happy with Hochul's decision to illuminate the World Trade Center after the original group of buildings, including the Twin Towers, were destroyed by Islamic extremists during the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001. New York Governor Kathy Hochul orders the World Trade Center to be lit green to commemorate Muslim American Heritage Month Pictured: The WTC lit green. Hochul highlighted in a press release that the Empire State has the largest Muslim American population in the US 'Its disgusting that the Freedom Tower which stands at the World Trade Center site - is lit in green to celebrate Islam,' Angela Morabito, a spokeswoman for the Defense of Freedom Institute, wrote on X. 'Wait, is that One World Trade?' one X user wrote. 'You can't be serious.' 'You actually posted the Freedom Tower in a Tweet about Muslim contributions? How is it possible to be a professional politician and be this bad at it? Are you just f**king with us?' another wrote. 'I thought New York would always remember. This is disgraceful,' a third wrote. Mamdani didn't seem to have a problem with it, as he said in a statement: 'Muslims have been part of New York for centuries. We have built small businesses, raised our families, pursued every profession, enriched our culture and cuisine, and been a part of what makes our city what it is today. 'I am grateful for Governor Hochuls leadership in recognizing these many contributions and ensuring that every January, Muslim New Yorkers can see ourselves reflected and recognized in a city and state that is also our home.' Other Muslim state leaders also rejoiced in the decision, including Assemblyman Charles D. Fall, State Senator Robert Jackson, and NYC Councilmember Shahana Hanlf, among others. 'This recognition is more than symbolic - it affirms that New Yorks history and future cannot be told without its Muslim communities, and I am proud to be a Muslim New Yorker,' Hanlf said. Many were upset over the decision to include the WTC, as the 9/11 attacks were conducted by Al-Qaeda, an Islamic terrorist organization Hochul's move comes just a day after the Big Apple inaugurated its first Muslim American Mayor, Zohran Mamdani (pictured with AG Letitia James and his wife Rama Duwaji). He celebrate Hochul's decision to light landmarks green The WTC is among the list of 16 landmarks that will be lit green this month. The Moynihan Train Hall (pictured) was also one of the structures The Empire State Plaza were also among the list 'Governor Hochuls proclamation reinforces a simple truth, New York works best when its leadership reflects the people it serves,' Fall said. 'Declaring January as Muslim American Heritage Month affirms that Muslim New Yorkers are seen, valued, and respected for the role they play in moving New York forward.' In the city alone, Muslim Americans make up 57 percent of street food vendors, 40 percent of taxi drivers, 12.5 percent of pharmacists, according to the Institute of Social Policy. Other buildings and structures being lit up green this month include: Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, Empire State Plaza in Albany, Niagara Falls, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and more. Residents of Staten Island have discussed renewed calls for secession from New York City after newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the borough. Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as New York's youngest mayor in more than a century on New Year's Day - its first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born leader. He ran on a Democratic socialist platform that included raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, raising the city's corporate tax to 11.5 percent, city-run grocery stores, fare-free buses, and freezing rent on rent-stabilized apartments. Citizens and lawmakers of Staten Island, a staunch Republican enclave in the otherwise very liberal Big Apple, have fiercely opposed Mamdani's campaign, even suggesting they would break away from New York City's borough system. The borough's president, Vito Fossella, told the Daily Mail that dissatisfaction among residents intensified following Mamdani's election, citing ideological differences and concerns over citywide policies. 'Personally, and I think the vast majority of Staten Islanders, do not embrace socialism as an effective form of government,' Fossella said. 'Historically, it's proven to be destructive, economically and spiritually, and has led to a loss of freedom and even life.' This is not the first time Staten Island voiced the possibility of seceding from the borough system. Staten Island previously pursued independence in the early 1990s, when voters approved a nonbinding referendum by roughly 65 percent. Residents on Staten Island are once again discussing secession from New York City after newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the borough Staten Island borough president Vito Fossella has previously voiced support for secession from the five borough system However, state lawmakers later blocked the effort, preventing it from moving forward. 'Back then, we had lost our power in the city,' Fossella explained, recalling the abolition of the Board of Estimate and Staten Island's diminished influence. 'We were dumped on - literally and figuratively - with Fresh Kills Landfill taking 100 percent of the city's garbage while we had only five percent of its population.' Fossella said a formal petition or referendum has not been circulated at present, though borough officials funded a new feasibility study in 2023. 'Right now, it's a genuine discussion, not a negotiating tool,' he said. 'If secession is the best and ultimate solution for the people, who are my neighbors and friends, then that's where we'll go. But it's not there yet.' If the borough chooses to become its own city, Staten Island, with a current population of 493,000 residents, would outsize major U.S. cities such as Miami and Cleveland. 'We'd still be a very large city relative to most in the United States,' Fossella said. 'And one of the largest counties in New York State.' Mamdani made his first appearance in Staten Island on December 30 at Shaw-nae's House in Stapleton. There, he addressed his lack of electoral support in the borough but said his administration planned to focus on local concerns. Join the debate Should Staten Island break away to protect its values, or work with a mayor they fiercely oppose? Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as New York's youngest mayor in more than a century on New Year's Day 'This is the moment to show Staten Islanders that their concerns will be front of mind in our administration and that we're actually going to deliver on those concerns,' Mamdani said. He pointed to his previously mentioned campaign promises, urging Staten Island natives that they would only benefit from his changes. 'I think of Staten Island as a critical part of New York City,' he said. 'You cannot tell the story of five boroughs without Staten Island.' He also visited Staten Island's oldest mosque, Masjid Un Noor, where he told the crowd: 'While we speak of Staten Island as an obligation in our politics, it is in fact an opportunity in our politics.' Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo has been particularly outspoken about Mamdani's election, going as far as reading his own Staten Island Independence Declaration to a crowd of 60 people. Fossella, however, emphasized that secession faces significant hurdles. 'It's not totally under our control,' he said. 'The state legislature and other officials would have a say, and many forces oppose Staten Island secession.' Fossella said no formal petition has circulated at present He also pushed back on critics who argue independence would weaken services or raise taxes: 'Nobody can say that with absolute certainty,' Fossella said. 'Look at the migrant crisis. New York City spent $12 billion housing migrants in hotels. A city of Staten Island would never make that decision.' On policy differences, Fossella pointed to Mamdani's stance on homelessness: 'The idea of not cleaning up homeless encampments is a terrible decision,' he said. 'It leads to drugs, crime, and quality-of-life issues.' While Fossella said he has not yet met Mamdani, he expressed willingness to cooperate: 'My goal is to work with anybody who wants to do well by the people of Staten Island,' he said. 'But at the same time, we have a legitimate discussion going on about whether there's a better path, and maybe secession is that path.' Mamdani has attempted to reach out to the large number of New Yorkers who voted for Donald Trump as president and him as mayor. He said he understood they voted for both Trump and him because of fears over the rising cost of living, with Mamdani's laser-focus on that issue credited with his success. When Canadian filmmaker Jay Golian and his wife Christina had all their wedding photography work cancelled during the pandemic, they set out to look for a project that combined their love of the outdoors and storytelling. Stumbling upon then 80-year-old Nick Gardners challenge to climb all 282 Munros, they could never have expected that his epic 2,000-mile adventure would become their first feature-length documentary. Heartbroken after his wife of 50 years was diagnosed with Alzheimers and osteoporosis and taken into care, Mr Gardner knew he had to do something to stave off depression. So, in 2020, he decided to climb every one of Scotlands peaks above 3,000ft in a maximum of 1,200 days completing his final one in August 2022 with 400 days to spare. Now, almost four years on, the Golians film, The Oldest Munro Bagger, is due to have its debut at the London Mountain Film Festival (LMFF) early next year. Nick Gardner decided to climb every one of Scotlands peaks above 3,000ft in a maximum of 1,200 days - taking on the challenge when he was already 80 years old Mr Gardner and his wife Janet in their younger years A guard of honour was held by fellow walkers and supporters for Nick Gardner, aged 82, when he reached the top of the final mountain in his self-imposed challenge Mr Gardner during a walk back down from Ben Nevis Described as an uplifting story of resilience, hope and love for the mountains, the documentary charts the highs and lows along the journey and captures Mr Gardner tackling the countrys most challenging peaks including the Greater Cuillin Traverse on the Isle of Skye, regarded as one of Europes greatest routes. Mr Golian said the project was not without its difficulties, including Covid restrictions which meant social distancing while conducting interviews and out walking and the challenging weather. He recalled: At one point Nicks beard froze into icicles. He also admitted keeping up with Nick was also tough he strides up those hills and, if anything, he got faster as the challenge continued, despite being bothered by an aching knee. Mrs Golian added: Nicks capacity for reflection and growth was incredible to witness. The perspective and wisdom he brings to life, and the inevitability of death, is life-changing to experience. Mr Gardners challenge raised more than 150,000 for Alzheimer Scotland and The Royal Osteoporosis Society and he now holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to bag the Munros (male). A spokesman for LMFF said: Everyone needs a Nick in their life. Heavy snow could wreck return-to-school plans for thousands of pupils living in Scotlands highlands and islands. Children are due back at their desks on Monday in Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeenshire following the Christmas and New Year holidays. But with up to 15 inches on the ground, coupled with a grim weekend forecast, road travel could prove dangerous at the start of the working week. Schools in the Highland region do not return until Wednesday, by which time conditions may have improved. Local authorities said it was too early to tell how many schools will shut, with the decision largely down to the local head teacher. While the north east saw the worst of the snowfall since New Year, The Met Office said Tomintoul in Banffshire endured the heaviest volumes at 14.5 inches (37cm). Aboyne in Aberdeenshire saw eight inches (20cm) and Loch Glascarnoch in Ross and Cromarty witnessed 19cm. Warnings for snow and ice remain in place for northern Scotland above the central belt until noon on Monday. The area under alert includes the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. Aberdeen's Union Street was tricky to negotiate after heavy snow fell on the city Pedestrians make their way along snow-covered pavements in Ballater Warnings state: With respect to additional accumulations, through the weekend and into Monday morning, a further 2 to 5, locally 10-15 cm (6 inches) of lying snow is possible in low lying areas. Up to15-30 cm (12 inches) could potentially accumulate above 200 m, most likely for the northwest Highlands and Grampians. Given wind strengths Saturday some drifting of snow and temporary blizzard conditions are likely. Lightning will be an additional hazard near showers. The white-out conditions across huge swathes of the north of Scotland has created travel chaos for many. In Huntly, Aberdeenshire, an appeal went out on Facebook to help a stranded doctor, whose car had become stuck in snow near the train station on Friday night. Naveed Khan, believed to be working at the MacDuff Medical Practice, had faced spending the night in his car amid the plummeting temperatures. Offers came in from people nearby, but road conditions for many made it impossible for them to reach him. As the hours ticked by the medic said he had resolved to stay in his car. Dr Khan wrote on social media: Thanks everyone for trying but I am ok to wait and rest in my car until dawn. I have emergency food in my car and extra layers in the boot. I should be ok. Later, however, he revealed he had been given warm shelter for the night. Dr Khan added: Thanks to the lovely local gentleman who turned up to help. A car drives through the village of Garve which is under an amber alert for snow, almost a foot of snow has fallen already ScotRail announced several cancellations this morning including Wick and Inverness. Avanti West Coast said overrunning engineering work between Carlisle and Lockerbie meant all lines to Glasgow Central and Edinburgh were blocked. The Met Office warned that heavy snow showers could see some rural communities cut off, as well as a risk of power cuts in some areas. Arctic air has plunged much of the UK into sub-zero temperatures, with nearly -6C (21F) being recorded at Loch Ness on Friday night. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain in the low single figures for much of the country on Sunday, and below freezing in parts of northern Scotland. Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: Arctic air and brisk northerly winds are gripping the UK as we start the new year. Snow and ice warnings remain in force for many areas, with the risk of heavy snow showers, especially across northern Scotland and over higher ground elsewhere, though many inland areas will stay largely sunny and clear. Bitterly cold conditions will persist through the weekend and into next week, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing for some, and overnight lows dipping to minus double figures in places. Scotlands largest hospital faces a new mix-up row after a grandmothers body was given to the wrong funeral director. The family of 96-year-old Agnes Lane has submitted a complaint to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde after her body was released from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to a firm they hadnt employed. Nicole Brammer, 54, was horrified to receive a phone call from Co-op Funeralcare last month advising her that they had possession of her late grandmother. It comes just weeks after another blunder resulted in a family cremating someone who wasnt their relative. Ms Brammer, from Glasgow, said: Families shouldnt have to go through this when they are grieving. I dont want this to happen to anyone else, its not right. Ms Lane, a retired bus conductor, passed away at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) on November 27. Her granddaughter began making arrangements in the following days, contracting funeral company Silver Rose, which was local to her grandmother in Renfrew, and asking for a direct cremation. But the week after her death, Ms Brammer got a call from Co-op Funeralcare asking her to come and sign a contract with them. She recalled: I was completely shocked. They said, Weve got your gran. I didnt understand, as I hadnt signed up with them. Id signed up with another firm. Agnes Lane passed away in November at the QEUH Scotland's 847m superhospital, the QEUH, is at the centre of a public inquiry It was like they had stolen her. I just couldnt believe they had her body when I hadnt authorised it. I dont understand why she was released to a company I hadnt employed. Ms Brammer had contacted various funeral directors for quotes and to ask about their services. She had spoken to the Co-op, but instead opted for Silver Rose. Last week it emerged that a mix-up at the QEUH resulted in a family cremating someone they believed to be their relative, only to discover that their loved one was still in the hospital morgue. QEUH mortuary staff have been suspended while an investigation is carried out and the ashes have now been handed over to the correct funeral company. In 2017, the body of 56-year-old William Paterson was released by the QEUH mortuary to the wrong funeral director and almost cremated before the mistake came to light. And in 2021, a mum of four was left in the mortuary for six weeks with her family claiming NHS staff told them she had been forgotten about. The health board later issued an apology. Ms Brammer said: I saw the article about those two families and the mix-up, and I instantly panicked that it may not have been my gran who was cremated. I had to send photographs to the funeral director and ask him if it was definitely her. It was a weekend of hell waiting for the reply. He said he had identified my gran and reassured me it was definitely her. This is not something anyone should have to go through at any time, let alone when they are grieving. She added: Ive now learned all you need to pick someone up is their name, date of birth and address. You dont need to show a contract with the relatives. Its a free for all. That has to change. Im also convinced these kinds of mistakes probably happen a lot more than is made public. A health board spokeswoman said QEUH staff fully complied with all agreed procedures and that officials were in touch with the family to answer their questions in relation to this case. She added: We extend our condolences to Ms Lanes family. A Co-op Funeralcare spokesman confirmed that Ms Brammer had spoken with the company but said they believed she had contracted them to carry out her grandmothers cremation. A spokesman said: We therefore acted in good faith and in line with best practice for the care of the deceased by bringing her late grandmother into our care from the hospital as soon as possible. As soon as we were informed that Ms Brammer would be using an alternative funeral director, we immediately facilitated a safe and careful transfer of the deceased on the same day. We can assure Ms Brammer that her grandmother was provided with the highest standards of care at all times, and we extend our deepest condolences. News / News by Stephen Jakes Mabvuku-Tafara MP for MDC-T James Maridadi said a funding amounting to $100 000 by government that can be used by 50 families in Highfiled to embark on Small to Medium Enterprises was allegedly being abused by greedy officialsSpeaking in parliament Maridadi said where there is funding that can be used by 50 families in Highfields to embark on SMEs, it might be $100 000 from the Government; that money is abused by corrupt officials and people who probably live in Greendale."That is painful If you go to a company, you find a Chief Executive Officer who gets $535 000 earned by one person. If you are to consider that amount of moneya" he said. "What I am saying is that what is making Kuwait attractive to our children is that if you were to give a Member of Parliament or Vice President Mphoko here $500 000, even the cats in Bulawayo will know what will have happened. But here, because of corruption, this money is consumed by one person. The second reason why people did not go to Kuwait and demonstrate is because of the diplomatic relations with Kuwait. Therefore, we do not need to affect our relations."He said when Speaker Jacob Mudenda went to Kuwait, he heard about the girls in Kuwait and he tried to engage the Minister of Foreign Affairs."The Minister of Foreign Affairs did not even come to the phone to talk to the Speaker. The money that was supposed to repatriate the girls was not available. This later came from an individual," he said. "This means the Government could not even get $50 000 to repatriate the girls back to Zimbabwe. That is not a good scenario. A point of order may be raised but that is bad. A country that is not able to protect its citizens is not a country. It was supposed to be realised that there are 21 girls who are in slavery and the Speaker of Parliament is requesting. If you look at the hierarchy of Zimbabwe, there is the President and the Vice President."Maridadi said from the Vice President there is the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice."However, the Speaker, the second person in the Zimbabwean hierarchy phones the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the issue and he cannot attend to the call. What is the Minister of Foreign Affairs doing if he cannot attend to the call?" he said."For one to be a Speaker of National Assembly, he or she has to have a constituency and elected by the people. Parliamentarians also vote for the Speaker. It means the Speaker has a more direct contact with the people than anyone else. However, the Minister of Foreign Affairs refuses to address the issues raised by the Speaker. As a Minister, you do not respect the Speaker and you were not even elected by the people but a proportional representative Member. Let me say, my time is almost up. Let me reiterate what was said. Even in Zanu PF there were others who used to write good assignments at university such as Hon. Mbwembwe, why not remove them and appoint other Members." Thousands of tourists are trapped in the Caribbean after flights were halted in the wake of the United States' capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. An American tourist, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail he was sleeping peacefully when he was awoken by a text alert from Delta Air Lines saying his flight from St. Thomas to New York was canceled and he had to reschedule. Groggily, he got up and called the airline's support number, entering a 40-minute hold line with thousands of other tourists trying to get the next flight out, most without a clue of the real reason why. While scrolling through the news, he discovered that the US military had struck Venezuela, roughly 600 miles away from the US Virgin Island he was staying on to ring in the new year. 'I didn't put two-and-two together,' the tourist told the Daily Mail. 'I was like: "Okay, that's pretty wild that there's a strike, but I just continued being on hold.' He wouldn't connect the two events until a Delta employee told him he wouldn't be getting off St. Thomas until at least Sunday as the Federal Aviation Administration had closed all airspace around Venezuela until at least tomorrow morning. 'It seems like a pretty drastic move to take the axe to all flights.' The tourist and others fear the 24-hour delay may become an indefinite rolling one as the dust continues to settle following Saturday morning's shock strike in Caracas. An American tourist, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail he was sleeping peacefully when he was awoken by a text alert from Delta Air Lines saying his flight from St. Thomas to New York was canceled and he had to reschedule He would later find out his flight was canceled due to President Donald Trump's strike on Venezuela just hours earlier, where the US military captured President Nicolas Maduro That tourist says he and his partner have been forced to shell out $1,600 for an extra night at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa - much more than the per-night cost of their original booking. And he's unsure if Delta will compensate him. When contacted by the Daily Mail, Delta said it would issue a travel waiver to passengers, but did not specify if it would cover accommodations for stranded passengers. 'I am worried about being stuck here and incurring additional costs,' the tourist told the Daily Mail. 'You know, it's not cheap... It's not fun. 'I'll consider myself lucky and happy if I get off tomorrow. If I don't get off tomorrow, then I'll start to become a little more stressed. 'Then you're stuck here until God knows when,' he continued. 'I don't think anyone knows how long the airspace is going to be closed.' He landed on the popular vacation spot on December 29 and had planned to be on a flight to New York City at 5:35pm local time today. He's now rebooked on the same flight for tomorrow. But many of his fellow tourists are worried they'll be stuck on the paradisal island until at least Thursday. And Delta's current website does not show any outbound flights available until Saturday, January 10. Cyril E. King Airport, located on St. Thomas, has canceled 43 flights today. Queen Beatrix International Airport, located on Aruba canceled 44 flights, according to Flight Aware. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Although the tourist's flight is rescheduled for tomorrow, he'd worried it won't take off. Delta Air Lines doesn't show an outbound flight until at least Saturday, January 10 Pictured: Passengers waiting at a Puerto Rico airport after the cancellations. Nineteen airports are being affected by the airspace closure conducted by the FAA Luis Munoz Marin International in Puerto Rico had the most cancellations with 169. A total of 19 airports are being affected, including those on the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, St. Lucia, Barbados, and more, according to American Airlines. President Donald Trump told the American public at a press conference on Saturday that he believed Operation Absolute Resolve was complete, but that the military was and is prepared for a second strike if necessary. That uncertainty could make airlines nervous, although there is no indication that Venezuela is planning any type of retaliation - or that it has the ability to do so. 'It's an assault that people have not seen since World War II,' the Republican said on Saturday. He also announced that the US would run Venezuela until the problem was solved, but he did not mention when the airspace would reopen. President Maduro was captured by US forces and is currently on his way to the US to face charges of narcoterrorism, alongside his wife. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump alleged that Maduro is the leader of the Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns, drug trafficking operation. The president has accused Maduro and his alleged cartel cronies of flooding the United States with illegal narcotics and has charged him with drug smuggling and weapons offenses. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. President Maduro was captured by US forces and is currently on his way to the US to face charges of narcoterrorism, alongside his wife. He was flown to USS Iwo Jima, where he was pictured wearing dark sunglasses and headphones President Donald Trump told the American public at a press conference on Saturday that he believed Operation Absolute Resolve was complete, but that the military was and is prepared for a second strike if necessary (pictured: the strike) After his capture by the US Army's elite Delta Force unit, Maduro was flown by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima warship, where he was photographed wearing a heavy black plastic eye mask and ear muffs over his ears in an apparent bid to keep his location a secret from him. He will be taken to New York City to face charges at Manhattan Federal Court and will likely be held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, which currently houses alleged CEO murderer Luigi Mangione. Trump said Saturday that he had not briefed Congress of his plans to snatch Maduro, claiming that had he done so, the news would have 'leaked' and potentially helped the Venezuelan leader to evade capture. Maduro's capture sparked jubilation from Venezuelan migrants living outside of their home nation on Saturday. Hundreds took to the streets of cities, including Santiago in Chile, to celebrate the ouster of a leader seen as a corrupt authoritarian accused of destroying the economy of his oil-rich country while silencing dissent. The American tourist, who had spoken with Venezuelan Americans on St. Thomas, told the Daily Mail one woman and her husband were 'ecstatic' and 'very happy' about the news. Many Venezuelans who fled the South American country live on Caribbean islands, including both US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. John. The atmosphere in Caracas, where the strike took place, was much more muted. Locals were photographed lining up outside supermarkets amid fears Maduro's ouster will lead to even greater economic uncertainty. President Donald Trump's declaration of the new 'Donroe Doctrine' marks a defining moment for the world. It is based on the Monroe Doctrine foreign policy, which was introduced by President James Monroe in 1823. Trump's measure, like Monroe's, boldly asserts American dominance over the Western Hemisphere effectively giving Washington the right to police its own backyard. It also accepts that there are other 'spheres of influence' in the world where America should tread carefully, and leave other powers to be dominant. Experts say that could have consequences for Ukraine as it continues to battle Russian aggression, and Taiwan as a potential invasion by China looms. In adopting the policy Trump risks blowback from his 'America First' base as it clears the way for interventions in other countries in the western hemisphere. But they are likely to back the move to leave the rest of the globe more to its own devices. Any foreign interventions in America's back yard are, however, likely to draw accusations of violating international law, including from some allies. America's fifth president James Monroe (1758 - 1831) who formulated the Monroe Doctrine An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during a US military operation which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro The capture of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela was the first example of the doctrine in action. But President Trump's recent comments signaled the possibility of expanding military action to countries like Colombia and Mexico over drug trafficking accusations. The president is also using the Monroe Doctrine as he reupped his threat to take over the Danish territory of Greenland for the sake of U.S. security interests. 'We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security,' he said after the Maduro raid. Leaders from major European powers rallied behind Greenland on Tuesday, saying in a joint statement that the Arctic island belongs to its people. 'Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,' said the statement by leaders of France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark. Notably, on December 2, the anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine's founding, Trump issued a message from the White House. He said: 'Today, my Administration proudly reaffirms this promise under a new Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine: That the American people - not foreign nations nor globalist institutions - will always control their own destiny in our hemisphere.' Just days later, planning for a potential military raid to capture Maduro began. At his press conference after Maduro's capture, President Trump was even clearer on how the Monroe Doctrine is influencing his strategic foreign policy. He accused Venezuela of stealing 'massive oil infrastructure' and being guilty of a 'gross violation of the core principles of American foreign policy, dating back more than two centuries. All the way back dated to the Monroe Doctrine. And the Monroe Doctrine is big deal. 'But we've superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the Donroe document.' The President added: 'We sort of forgot about it, very important but we forgot about it, we don't forget about it any more. 'Under out new National Security Strategy, American dominance in the Western hemisphere will never be questioned again, wont happen. 'We will never allow foreign powers to rob our people and drive us out of our hemisphere.' Join the debate Should the US use military force to remove foreign leaders it sees as threats to its interests? Your browser does not support iframes. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia were both seized by a US military unit in the early hours of Caracas, with Maduro now set to face drugs and gun charges in the United States President Donald Trump hailed his government's 'brilliant' capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of Saturday Trump was expanding on his own National Security Strategy document, released in November, which sent shockwaves through capitals around the world. It said: 'After years of neglect, the United States will reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, and to protect our homeland and our access to key geographies throughout the region. 'We will deny non-Hemispheric competitors the ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities, or to own or control strategically vital assets, in our Hemisphere.' It declared a 'Trump Corollary' to the Monroe Doctrine as a 'common-sense and potent restoration of American power and priorities.' In the wake of Maduro's capture the State Department reiterated the policy, posting on X: "This is OUR Hemisphere, and President Trump will not allow our security to be threatened." Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: 'This is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live and we're not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be a base of operation for adversaries, competitors, and rivals of the United States.' Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said: 'As we continue to ensure that American interests are protected in the Western Hemisphere, the Monroe Doctrine is back and in full effect.' The Monroe Doctrine was first laid out by by the fifth president James Monroe 1823 address to Congress. It was initially intended to stop European colonization and meddling in the Western Hemisphere. In return, the U.S. also agreed to stay out of European wars and internal affairs. The Monroe Doctrine has been invoked in the two centuries since to justify various U.S. military interventions in Latin America. In the Cold War era it was invoked as a defense against communism, including the U.S. demand in 1962 that Soviet missiles be withdrawn from Cuba. It was also cited in the Reagan administrations opposition to the leftist Sandinista government in Nicaragua. Gretchen Murphy, a professor at the University of Texas, said Trump was 'citing the Monroe Doctrine to legitimate interventions that undermine real democracy, and ones where various kinds of interests are served, including commercial interests.' The home of President James Monroe in Charlottesville, Virginia On the renaming of the policy as the 'Donroe Doctrine,' Jay Sexton, a history professor at the University of Missouri, said: 'When youre talking about a Trump Corollary, I just knew Trump wouldnt want to be a corollary to another presidents doctrine, that somehow this would evolve into a Trump doctrine.' He said the Venezuela intervention could cause a split within MAGA. 'This is not just the sort of hit-and-run kind of job where, like in Iran a couple months ago, we dropped the missiles, and then you can carry on as normal,' he said. 'This is going to be potentially quite a mess and contradict the administrations policies on withdrawing from forever wars.' Maduro, a 63-year-old former bus driver, who was handpicked by the dying Hugo Chavez to succeed him in 2013. He has denied being an international drug lord and claims the US is intent on taking control of his nation's oil reserves, which are the largest in the world. In September, the Pentagon had begun air strikes against drug boats, arguing the profits from the shipments were being used to prop up Maduro's regime. The death toll from the strikes on drug boats ultimately topped 100 and to observers the killings were seen as clear sign of mission creep. US forces built up in the Caribbean to pressure Maduro, and Trump sent the world's biggest aircraft carrier the USS Gerald R. Ford. The US also seized two oil tankers off Venezuelas coast and imposed sanctions on four others it said were part of a shadow fleet serving Maduros government. In a new escalation last week the CIA had carried out the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil, a drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by drug cartels. Your browser does not support iframes. A woman, with a flag on her back reading "Freedom", lifts her son, after U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. attacked Venezuela and deposed its President Nicolas Maduro, in Santiago, Chile January 3, 2026. A bus with its windows blown out is seen in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday Maduro had continued to accept flights carrying Venezuelan deportees from the U.S. That led to speculation that the White House could seek to negotiate with him and not ultimately resort to regime change,. Maduro publicly offered to talk, and Vice President J.D. Vance later revealed he had been offered various 'off ramps' to end the standoff, but didn't take them. Behind the scenes, U.S. spies were watching Maduro and the Pentagon was preparing to strike. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, revealed that Operation Absolut Resolve, to capture Maduro, was ready to go by early December. Over the New Year period, it was repeatedly delayed by bad weather for four days. At 10.46pm US Eastern time, President Trump gave the order, telling those involved: 'Good luck and God speed.' The astonishing raid involved over 150 aircraft, in what one military analyst called a 'ballet in the sky.' Planes took out defense systems clearing a path to the Caracas military base where Maduro was holed up. Helicopters skimmed over the water at 100ft and delivered the Delta Force extraction force, who came under fire but captured Maduro before he could make it to a safe room behind a huge steel door. 'We watched, we waited, we remained prepared,' said Gen. Caine. 'This was an audacious operation that only the United States could do. It required the utmost precision. 'The weather broke just enough, clearing a path that only the most skilled aviators in the world could move through.' Your browser does not support iframes. President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla., as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens his image posted on US President Donald Trump's Truth Social account on January 3, 2026, shows what President Trump says is Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro onboard the USS Iwo Jima after the US military captured him on January 3, 2026 The Venezuelan dictator had already survived a 'maximum pressure' campaign toward the end of Trump's first term. He was indicted in 2020 in New York, although it was not previously known that his wife had been. The Justice Department charged that Maduro had effectively converted Venezuela into a criminal enterprise at the service of drug traffickers and terrorist groups as he and his allies stole billions from the South American country. There were indictments against 14 officials and government-connected individuals, and rewards of $55 million for Maduro and four others. Bill Barr, the Attorney General at the time, branded called the Venezuelan regime 'corrupt,' including the Maduro-dominated judiciary and the powerful armed forces. One indictment by prosecutors in New York accused Maduro and socialist party boss Diosdado Cabello, head of the rubber-stamping constitutional assembly, of conspiring with Colombian rebels and members of the military 'to flood the United States with cocaine.' The legal authority for the strike, and whether Trump consulted Congress beforehand, is not immediately clear. The stunning, lightning-fast American military action, which plucked a nation's sitting leader from office, echoed the U.S. invasion of Panama that led to the surrender and seizure of its leader, Manuel Antonio Noriega, in 1990, exactly 36 years ago . It was Washington's most direct intervention in Latin America since that 1989 invasion of Panama. Donald Trump says the United States will govern Venezuela indefinitely after sending in special forces to snatch the country's president as he slept. Addressing journalists hours after the shocking capture of Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia in Caracas on Saturday, the president said: 'We're going to run the country until as such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. 'We don't want to be involved with having somebody else get in, and we have the same situation as we had for the last long number of years. 'So we are going to run the country until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.' Trump offered little further detail on the logistics of running Venezuela, which has a population of 30 million, but suggested the country's vast oil reserves would be used to fund its revival. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump alleged that Maduro is the leader of the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) drug trafficking operation. The president has accused Maduro and his alleged cartel cronies of flooding the United States with illegal narcotics and has charged him with drug smuggling and weapons offenses. After his capture by the US Army's elite Delta Force unit, Maduro was flown by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima warship. He will be taken to New York City to face charges at Manhattan Federal Court and will likely be held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, which currently houses alleged CEO murderer Luigi Mangione. Trump is seen discussing Nicolas Maduro's arrest by the US Army's elite Delta Force unit during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is pictured after his capture in a photo shared by President Donald Trump on his TruthSocial website Trump said Saturday that he had not briefed Congress of his plans to snatch Maduro, claiming that had he done so, the news would have 'leaked' and potentially helped the Venezuelan leader to evade capture. Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has been tipped as the country's next president, but Trump made no mention of her on Saturday. She previously voiced support for Trump's threats to get rid of Maduro and is hugely popular among the Venezuelan electorate. Maduro's capture sparked jubilation from Venezuelan migrants living outside of their home nation Saturday. Hundreds took to the streets of cities, including Santiago in Chile, to celebrate the ouster of a leader seen as a corrupt authoritarian accused of destroying the economy of his oil-rich country while silencing dissent. The atmosphere appeared altogether more muted in Caracas. Locals were photographed lining up outside supermarkets amid fears Maduro's ouster will lead to even greater economic uncertainty. Shortly before Saturday's press conference, the president shared an undignified photo of Maduro in a tracksuit taken after his capture. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia were both seized by a US military unit in the early hours of Caracas. Trump said Saturday afternoon that both will face criminal charges in New York City Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has been tipped to be the next president of Venezuela Trump updates Americans on his capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday afternoon, flanked by White House cabinet members including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth He said the Venezuelan president's wife will also be charged, but did not offer further details. Maduro was photographed wearing a heavy black plastic eye mask and ear muffs over his ears in an apparent bid to keep his location a secret from him. He was clad in a gray tracksuit and clutched a plastic water bottle. It is unclear if this is what Maduro was wearing when he was taken or if it was given to him by US forces. The image was a far cry from his usual appearance in sharp suits or military regalia, with CNN commentators speculating it had been chosen to humiliate the corrupt leader. There was no sign of Cilia. Addressing a press conference in Mar-a-Lago Saturday, Trump told journalists that the Venezuelan first lady was part of her husband's alleged schemes and that she too will face criminal charges in Manhattan. 'Maduro and his wife will soon face the full might of American justice,' Trump declared. The Maduros are said to have been frightened of capture by US forces and allegedly took to sleeping in a different place every night. An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during the United States raid that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in Santiago on Saturday Venezuelans are photographed lining up outside a supermarket on Saturday morning after the country's president Nicolas Maduro was captured by the US Their whereabouts was being monitored successfully by CIA spies, with Trump green-lighting the operation to snatch them on Thursday. Earlier on Saturday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Maduro would face drug and weapons trafficking charges originally filed in 2020 during Trump's first term in office. Five other Venezuelan officials face the same charges. But the first lady is not among those names and it remains unclear what charges she will face. Speaking while flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump said the operation to capture Maduro was one of the most daring in military history. Shortly after 2am Venezuela time Saturday morning, Delta Force soldiers burst into the Maduros bedroom and captured them. A source told the network the operation - which struck five Venezuelan sites including three in the country's capital Caracas - did not result in any casualties. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit is seen burned out next to a destroyed bus at La Carlotta military air base in Caracas hours after Friday's US operation in Venezuela that saw the country's president and first lady seized by US special forces He hailed the operation as 'brilliant' in a brief New York Times interview early Saturday. The president later called into Fox News's breakfast show Fox & Friends, excitedly telling its hosts: 'I mean, I watched it literally l like I was watching a television show. If you would've seen the speed, the violence - it was an amazing thing.' Explosions were seen ripping across Caracas during the daring raid, with Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab insisting that 'innocents' had been 'mortally wounded' by the US operation. Venezuela has yet to share further details on whether any of its soldiers or citizens were injured or killed during the raid. A man has appeared in court charged with murdering an Indian national after a body was discovered on New Year's Day. The body of Kaleem Shaik was found inside a property on Bondway, Lambeth, on Thursday evening following welfare concerns being raised. Metropolitan Police attended the address at 8pm on the day, and found the body of the 41-year-old inside. Daniel Levy, 48, of the same road, was arrested on the same day. On Saturday, the 48-year-old was charged with murder and remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He is set to appear at the Old Bailey on January 5. The family of Mr Shaik, who live in India, have been informed of his death and are being supported by specialist officers. The body of Indian national Kaleem Shaik was found inside a property on Bondway, Lambeth Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Our thoughts are with Kaleem's family at this very difficult time. 'My team is not currently seeking any additional suspects in relation to this tragic incident. 'We understand the concern this will have caused the local community and residents can expect to see an increased police presence over the coming days.' The New Year has started with an Arctic chill as snow and ice warnings have prompted travel disruption in parts of the UK. Travellers have been warned of delays and cancellations as heavy snowfall and freezing conditions are expected to descend over the weekend. ScotRail announced several train cancellations on Saturday in the north of Scotland, while a number of roads in the region have also been closed. Shetland, parts of the far north and north east of Scotland were under an amber snow warning until noon. The Met Office warned that heavy snow showers could see some rural communities cut off, as well as a risk of power cuts in some areas. Nearly all of Scotland above Edinburgh and Glasgow fall under a yellow snow and ice warning until 12pm on Monday, along with all of Northern Ireland. Much of Wales will fall under a yellow ice warning over the weekend while both the south west and east coast of England could see heavy snow in the coming days. The Met Office warned those in the region that travel disruption at the weekend was likely. There was also a risk of injury from falls on icy surfaces, the forecaster said. A car attempts to navigate the snow covered roads in Easington, England on January 3 A snow plough is seen on the A93 in Aboyne, Scotland after the Met Office's amber warning A boy wraps up warm to build a snowman in Ballater, Scotland on January 2 A couple brave the cold in Aberdeen, Scotland as an amber warning remains in force Multiple cold weather alerts remain active on Saturday as the UK looks set to shiver through the first weekend of 2026. Six yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place, with the latest warnings reaching into Monday, while several amber snow warnings for northern Scotland and Shetland are in place throughout Saturday. The Met Office said areas covered by the amber alerts could see 10-20cm of snow at lower altitudes and 30-40cm of snow on higher ground, while winds could cause blizzards. It follows a bitterly cold night which saw the mercury plunge below 0C across the UK, and fall to -6C in Hurn, Dorset. Elsewhere, a yellow warning for snow is in place across western Wales until 10am with an ice warning until 12pm on Sunday, and on the east coast until midnight. A yellow warning for ice is also in place in the southwest until 10am, while snow and ice warnings are also in place across the whole of northern Ireland until noon on Monday. Heavy snowfall has already covered parts of Scotland as up to 40cm is predicted in the country, as well as around 5cm in England and Wales. Arctic air has plunged much of the UK into sub-zero temperatures, with nearly -6C being recorded at Loch Ness on Friday night. People walk along a partially frozen canal near Llangollen in North Wales on January 3 Members of the public attempt to travel in the snow in Aberdeen, Scotland on January 3 People pull children on sleds in Glenariffe, Northern Ireland on January 3 A snow plough clears snow on the Whitby to Sandsend road on January 3 Daytime temperatures are expected to remain in the low single figures for much of the country on Saturday, and below freezing in parts of northern Scotland. ScotRail announced several cancellations on Saturday morning including in Wick and Inverness. Avanti West Coast said overrunning engineering work between Carlisle and Lockerbie meant all lines to Glasgow Central and Edinburgh were blocked. Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: 'Arctic air and brisk northerly winds are gripping the UK as we start the new year. 'Snow and ice warnings remain in force for many areas, with the risk of heavy snow showers, especially across northern Scotland and over higher ground elsewhere, though many inland areas will stay largely sunny and clear. 'Bitterly cold conditions will persist through the weekend and into next week, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing for some, and overnight lows dipping to minus double figures in places. 'We urge people to stay #WeatherAware, keep up to date with the forecasts and plan ahead as icy roads and slippery surfaces are likely.' On Saturday afternoon, Network Rail Scotland said that some lines in northern Scotland were seeing snow accumulations of around 20cm. A person walks down the snow covered sea front in Scarborough in Yorkshire amid heavy snow on Saturday Residents in Bridlington, on the Yorkshire Coast, awoke on Saturday to a thick blanket of snow A woman pulls along two children on a sledge by snowmen in Tynemouth in the northeast of England A dog walker wraps up warm as they take their pet for exercise early on Saturday in Heaton, Newcastle Temperatures plummeted in Whitby, North Yorkshire overnight as snow descended early this morning Traffic on the A171 between Whitby and Scarborough faced blizzard conditions on Saturday morning A small dog plays in the snow in Whitby, Yorkshire today Snow ploughs were deployed to the A171 on Saturday morning as inches of snow and a blizzard made driving conditions difficult to navigate The fountains and ground at Trafalgar Square in central London froze over after a night of sub-zero temperatures in the capital Posting on X, the rail infrastructure operator said: 'Strong winds between Aberdeen and Laurencekirk are causing the drifting snow that's closed the northbound line at Laurencekirk. 'One of our snowplough locomotives is on the way to clear and reopen the line. 'We've seen in the last hour the heaviest snow over the Aberdeen - Laurencekirk area, and Aberdeen - Inverness lines, in particular between Inverurie and Keith. 'Those areas will continue to see snow persist, likely getting heavier too.' Meanwhile many roads faced becoming blocked - on the A171, drivers faced blizzard conditions and dozens of vehicles became stuck, forcing some drivers to abandon their cars. The Met Office said the mercury dropped as low as -5.7C at Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands on Friday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warnings across England which are in place until 10am on January 9. Its amber cold health alert means that the weather is expected to have severe impacts across health and social care services. A man clears snow from his car in Lythe, North Yorkshire after inches fell overnight into Saturday A dog enjoying the snow near Hannahstown, Co Antrim, northern Ireland on Saturday Dog walkers ventured out in the cold in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside on Saturday morning after heavy snowfall overnight Swimmers braved the cold to enter the sea in just swimming costumes and trunks in Cullercoates Bay, North Tyneside on Saturday Swimmers at a lido in St Albans break up ice floating on the surface of the pool early on Saturday morning Two women smile as they make their way towards the sea in Cullercoates Bay, North Tyneside today A farmer feeding his sheep near Handale in North Yorkshire in wintry conditions on Saturday Warnings of further snowfall continue throughout much of the day in Scotland and England (Pictured: Cullercoates Bay, North Tyneside on Saturday) The alert has been issued for the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. Officials expect a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, with impacts also possible on younger age groups. The British Heart Foundation said cold weather can present specific risks for people with heart problems because the heart has to work harder, which can exacerbate existing health conditions. The organisation said there are thousands of additional deaths from heart and circulatory disease in the winter months every year in the UK. Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and people with cardiovascular disease are also more at risk of serious illness if they get seasonal respiratory infections like flu. 'It's especially important that people living with heart conditions are well prepared for the cold snap this winter by wrapping up warm and having their free flu jab.' Meanwhile, NHS South West London urged people to ensure they have sufficient food and medicine, keep bedroom windows closed, wear multiple layers of thinner clothing and 'heat rooms you spend most time in, to 18C if you can'. Sir Sadiq Khan said homeless people in London will be sheltered with temperatures set to plummet below freezing during ice-cold evenings. Swans were seen sliding and slipping on ice on Hollow Pond, east London this morning A woman pulls luggage through heavy snowfall and freezing conditions in Bridlington, Yorkshire, on Saturday Swimmers and their dogs enjoy a cool dip at Cullercoates Bay after temperatures plummeted to below freezing overnight Snow covered rooftops in Whitley Bay this morning as weather warnings remain in effect across large parts of the UK Two women take a walk with an infant in Newcastle upon Tyne on Saturday morning Members of the public take to Tynemouth Beach in the northeast of England on Saturday Mother Clem with daughter Mathilda enjoy sledding in Whitby, Yorkshire, on Saturday The Mayor's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers. It comes after a 67-year-old man who was pulled from the water during a major rescue operation off the East Yorkshire coast died. A second body was later recovered from the sea before search efforts were called off shortly after midnight. They were set to resume at first light today as authorities search for one more person. Rescue crews launched a dramatic search following reports of a 'number of people in difficulty in the water', near Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, on Friday afternoon as the Arctic chill grips Britain. HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Police, and Humberside Fire and Rescue all scrambled crews to Withernsea at around 3.15pm to try and rescue those in the freezing sea. Yorkshire Ambulance Service initially said four people had entered the water. But by 7.15pm on Friday, HM Coastguard said it was searching for several people, having previously said it was reporting to 'a number of people in difficulty in the water'. Humberside Police has confirmed that the man was pulled from the water, but tragically died shortly after at the scene. Members of the public clear snow from outside their homes in Aberdeen, Scotland on Saturday morning Children took to sledging at the Angel of the North in Gateshead on Saturday morning A lorry parks up during blizzard conditions on the A171 between Whitby and Scarborough on Saturday A couple take a walk in the countryside amid snow-covered hills near Hannahstown, Co Antrim A family uses a rail crossing in Whitby, Yorkshire on Saturday morning after snow descended overnight The rescue operation continued into the night amid freezing temperatures. It comes just one day after people were not allowed to enter the sea for the annual New Year's Day swim event due to large breaking waves, and amid a yellow weather warning for snow and ice on the Yorkshire coast. Snow showers are expected overnight, with the Met Office reporting a likelihood of around one to three cm of snow, with up to eight cm possible in places. Communist-run Cuba may be the next country to have an American-made regime change, President Donald Trump floated at a press conference addressing the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. 'I think Cuba is going to be something we'll end up talking about, because Cuba is a failing nation right now, very badly failing nation, and we want to help the people,' Trump said when asked if the operation in Venezuela contained a message to the island nation. 'That system has not been a very good one for Cuba,' the president continued. 'The people there have suffered for many, many years.' After Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism last year, Trump quickly reinstated the designation within his first days in office and reapplied economic sanctions. The U.S.-Cuba relationship remains strained as the island nation is under a strict embargo, preventing goods from reaching the socialist state. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is the son of Cuban refugees who fled during the nation's communist revolution, doubled down, warning that the nation's leadership should be worried. 'Suffice it to say, you know, Cuba is a disaster,' Rubio said at the press conference. 'It's run by incompetent, senile men.' 'If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned, at least a little bit,' the secretary of state added. President Donald Trump warned that the leadership of Cuba and Colombia could be the next targets after the U.S. military captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday morning. Colombian President Gustavo Petro should 'watch his a**,' Trump said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Trump watch as U.S. service members carry out Operation Absolute Resolve in the early hours on Saturday morning The U.S. military operation utilized approximately 150 military aircraft and resulted in the successful capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia, who are now en route to New York to face drug trafficking and firearm charges The stern warning came after the U.S. military pulled off a daring operation to capture Maduro, Venezuela's former socialist dictator. Trump authorized a stunning mission overnight - dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve - which utilized 150 aircraft and hundreds of soldiers to carry out strikes within the South American country and capture Maduro and his wife alive. The pair is now being extradited to the US, where they are set to face narco terrorism and firearm charges. The extraordinary mission was a success, and Maduro, who has led the country since 2013 as a socialist strongman, was flown by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima before he is set to arrive in New York to face prosecution. The president said he authorized the operation around 10:45 pm on Friday. Within hours, hundreds of U.S. soldiers were in the skies above Venezuela while Delta Force specialists barged into Maduro's compound and apprehended the former leader and his wife after a firefight Shortly before the press conference, Trump posted a picture of a blindfolded and handcuffed Maduro, who appeared to be in custody aboard an American vessel. The Republican has in recent months also warned that other leaders involved in narco-terrorism could be targets of U.S. military operations. Trump and Rubio noted how the leadership of Colombia and Cuba should be worried Trump posted this photo of Maduro in U.S. custody The president authorized the operation around 10:45 pm on Friday night. Within hours hundreds of U.S. soldiers were in the skies above Venezuela while Delta Force specialists barged into Maduro's compound and apprehended the former leader and his wife after a firefight On Saturday, Trump placed Colombias president on notice as well. 'He has cocaine mills,' Trump said of Colombian President Gustavo Petro. 'He has factories where he makes cocaine.' He remarked how the nation is sending its cocaine to the U.S., and because of that, Petro has 'to watch his a**.' 'Conclusion from today: Brazil had better get a nuclear program. Colombia may want to talk with Brazil about it. From what Trump is saying, they're next,' noted Bruno Macaes, the author of 'Geopolitics for the End Time.' On Saturday afternoon, thousands rallied in Havana, Cuba shouting 'Down with imperialism!' and declaring solidarity with Maduro. Trump noted that he did not inform Congress of the impending strikes because it could have threatened the operational security of the mission. He remarked how when he tells things to Congress, secret plans tend to 'leak,' and that could have threatened the lives of American soldiers. Trump said at the event that the United States will govern Venezuela indefinitely. 'We're going to run the country until as such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,' he said. 'We don't want to be involved with having somebody else get in, and we have the same situation as we had for the last long number of years. 'So we are going to run the country until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.' Trump offered little further detail on the logistics of running Venezuela, which has a population of 30 million, but suggested the country's vast oil reserves would be used to fund its revival. The president noted how Rubio and Hegseth would be tasked with overseeing the nation in the interim, and that oil executives may be given control at a later date, though few details were provided on which companies and why. Former president Joe Bidens post on X about President Trump and Nicolas Maduro has come back to haunt him. In a series of unfortunate events, a social media post in which Biden said Trump 'admired' Venezuela President Maduro is resurfacing. Back in 2020, Axios interviewed and reported that Trump was open to the idea of meeting with Maduro. At the time, Trump said to the outlet, 'I would maybe think about that. ... Maduro would like to meet. And I'm never opposed to meetings you know, rarely opposed to meetings.' The outlet posted their article on X, and Biden replied to it, writing, 'Trump talks tough on Venezuela, but admires thugs and dictators like Nicolas Maduro. 'As President, I will stand with the Venezuelan people and for democracy.' Axios also reported that Trump seemingly had second thoughts about his decision to recognize former acting President Juan Guaido as the leader of Venezuela. Joe Biden's embarrassing tweet comes back to haunt him as Trump unleashed US forces to snatch Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro The past tweet, posted in 2020, accused President Trump of 'admiring' Nicolas Maduro Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is pictured after his capture in a photo shared by President Donald Trump on his TruthSocial website Now Bidens tweet is sparking an uproar, with many mocking him after Trump sent an elite Delta Force unit after Maduro and his wife on Saturday. San Diego politician Amy Reichert took to X to reply to Bidens earlier post, writing, 'This did not age well.' The post received more than one million views and hundreds of comments, with users taunting Biden over his age. One user replied to Reichert, writing, 'Nothing about Biden aged well,' while another wrote, 'Joe isn't aging well either.' Biden's original post even received some recent gibes, with one user writing, 'Oof,' and another, 'Just checking here.' Another X user replied with the undignified photo of Maduro after his capture that Trump released on Truth Social, writing 'Six years later.' The humiliating photo showed the Venezuelan president wearing a heavy black plastic eye mask and ear muffs, clad in a gray tracksuit, clutching a plastic water bottle. Trump is seen discussing Nicolas Maduro's arrest by the US Army's elite Delta Force unit during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro holds a copy of the Venezuelan constitution while speaking at a meeting An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during the United States raid that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia This ill-fated post comes after the left wing leader and his wife were snatched by US soldiers while they slept in their beds. The operation, which Trump hailed as 'brilliant,' unfolded on Saturday as the Maduros were taken to the USS Iwo Jima assault ship to be transported to New York City. Trump claimed Maduro and his government have conspired to flood the United States with illegal drugs, and will now face trial in the US on drugs and weapons trafficking charges. Maduro was previously indicted in 2020, during Trump's first term as president, on charges of importing cocaine into the US. The couple will face charges, following Trumps revelation that the US will temporarily govern Venezuela. Usual political rivals Marjorie Taylor Greene and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez found rare common ground on Saturday joining forces to slam President Donald Trump's dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The unprecedented military operation saw Maduro and his wife arrested on narco-terrorism charges, but the unusual alliance of firebrand lawmakers wasn't buying the official explanation. 'It's not about drugs,' Ocasio-Cortez wrote on social media after the raid was confirmed by government officials. 'It's about oil and regime change.' The New York progressive accused Trump of launching the Venezuelan mission as a smokescreen to distract Americans from the ongoing scandal over the Jeffrey Epstein files and 'skyrocketing healthcare costs.' In alignment, the Georgia Republican Greene echoed her Democratic counterpart's concerns, warning that the Trump administration's Venezuela operation could be just the beginning of aggressive regime change campaigns worldwide. By removing Maduro this is a clear move for control over Venezuelan oil supplies that will ensure stability for the next obvious regime change war in Iran, Taylor Greene wrote on X. Taylor Green warned that Americans were disgusted with the governments never ending military aggression and funding the Washington military machine.This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end, she wrote. Boy were we wrong. Both Ocasio Cortez and Taylor Greene raised concerns that Trump pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez who was convicted and sentenced for 45 years for trafficking cocaine into the United States, purporting that his professed concern for stopping drug trafficking was not authentic. US President Donald Trump, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (R), speaks to the press following US military actions in Venezuela Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene shared similar criticisms of President Trump Fellow rogue Republican Rep. Thomas Massie also criticized Trumps action, warning that it appeared less to be about drug trafficking and more about regime change and oil. Trump announces hes taken over the country and will run it until he finds someone suitable to replace him, Massie wrote. Added bonus: says American oil companies will get to exploit the oil. Other Republicans endorsed Trump's actions, including Sen. Tom Cotton who cited Maduro's actions for drug-trafficking as the primary motivation for the raid. 'Nicolas Maduro wasnt just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation,' Cotton wrote. 'Thats why he was indicted in U.S. court nearly six years ago for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.' Sen. Mike Lee, who has long criticized the executive branch for executing military operations without authorization of Congress, also signaled initial support for the president's action. Senator Tom Cotton defended and praised President Trump's actions in Venezuala Senator Mike Lee expressed his belief that President Trump acted within his Article II powers 'This action likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack,' he wrote, noting he spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the raid after it was successfully completed. Rubio defended the president's decision to raid the presidential palace, adding that Maduro had 'multiple opportunities' to work with the United States to facilitate his exit from Venezuela. 'He was provided multiple, very, very, very generous offers and chose instead to act like a wild man, chose instead to play around and the result is what we saw tonight,' Rubio told reporters at the press conference. As a cinema superstar turned animal rights activist, Brigitte Bardot pledged to devote her life to all creatures great and small. In the years leading up to her death last Sunday aged 91, the French icon even suggested she would be buried among her multiple pets, who had names such as Sidonie the Goat, Bonhomme the Donkey, and Poupee the Pony. Now, however, two of the leading men in Ms Bardot's life are locked in a bitter row that has left many of the animals homeless. Fourth husband Bernard D'Ormale, 83, said the pets were 'malnourished and living in filth' after ill-treatment by the man Ms Bardot appointed to care for them. The Mail on Sunday can reveal he is Eric Gousset, 55, who has run Ms Bardot's La Garrigue animal encampment for four years. The 25-acre plot is a short drive from La Madrague, the main Bardot home in Saint-Tropez. Ms Bardot, who bought La Garrigue in 1979, built a Mexican- style chapel by the main house, and buried her animals around it. Following reports of animal mistreatment in late 2025, relations with Mr Gousset became frosty and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation removed 30 pets from his care, including 15 goats, hens, geese, a pony and a donkey. French cinema star Brigitte Bardot was a passionate horse and animal lover, becoming an animal activist Eric Gousset ran Ms Bardot's La Garrigue animal encampment for four years but after reports of animal mistreatment in 2025, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation removed 30 pets from his care Brigitte Bardot's husband Bernard D'Ormale during the closing ceremony of the 6th Festival for the TV fiction in Saint-Tropez On Saturday night, Mr Gousset, who denies any wrongdoing, said he is banned from contacting Mr D'Ormale, meaning the four dogs, 15 cats, nine sheep and four pigs left at the site face 'a very uncertain future'. He added: 'We have always acted according to Brigitte's wishes.' Mr Gousset said he is still under contract to work at La Garrigue, which Ms Bardot last visited in August. 'It was her whole life... she knew all the animals' names,' he said. 'The way things are going, there won't be anything left.' The Bardot Foundation confirmed animals were removed in November due to the 'negligence of the caretaker'. Asked about those who remained, a spokesman said 'nothing has been decided'. Ms Bardot had said she wanted to be 'buried with my animals', but a source said she is likely to be laid to rest in Saint-Tropez's maritime cemetery following her funeral on Wednesday. Squirming Sir Keir Starmer refused to back or condemn Donald Trump's military action against Venezuela today. The Prime Minister said he was waiting to 'establish all the facts' after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country in an extraordinary military operation. When the BBC pressed him on whether he believed the US had broken international law, Sir Keir refused to condemn Trump's actions, reiterating that 'we need to establish the full picture'. Speaking to BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg on Saturday, he added: 'I don't shy away from this. I've been a lifelong advocate of international law and the importance of compliance with international law. 'But I want to ensure that I've got all the facts at my disposal, and we haven't got that at the moment, and we need to get that before we come to a decision about the consequences in relation to the actions that have been taken.' Starmer also said the UK Government will discuss the 'evolving situation' in Venezuela with US counterparts 'in the days ahead' and will 'shed no tears' about the end of Maduro's regime in a social media post. Taking to X, the PM said: 'The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. 'We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. I reiterated my support for international law this morning. Squirming Sir Keir Starmer refused to back or condemn Donald Trump's military action against Venezuela today The PM later said the UK would 'shed no tears' about the end of Maduro's regime, adding that he would discuss the 'evolving situation' with Trump A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has been indicted in the United States on drugs and weapons charges after he was 'captured and flown out of the country' 'The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.' The PM also assured that the UK was not involved in 'any way' in airstrikes on military bases in Venezuela and said he had no involvement in the operation that led to the capture of Maduro. He also said that he wants to speak to Trump to find out more information. 'I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. As I say I can be absolutely clear we were not involved in that', he said. Starmer's remarks come as the Venezuelan leader and his wife were flown out the country this morning and have been indicted in the United States on drugs and weapons charges. The indictment of President Maduro and his wife in the Southern District of New York was confirmed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi this afternoon. She said Maduro had been charged with: 'Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States'. 'They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,' Bondi added. It is not clear what charges Maduro's wife is facing. Trump later shared a shocking photo of Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima on social media, showing the captured Venezuelan leader wearing a black blindfold and a grey sweatshirt. He also appeared to be strapped to a flotation device and was holding a water bottle. Trump released a statement earlier today saying the US had 'successfully' carried out a military strike after several explosions rocked in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. 'The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,' Trump said. This photo, contained in a TruthSocial post from President Donald Trump, shows Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 Pedestrians run after explosions were heard in Caracas 'This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.' Trump announced that he would hold a press conference at Mar-a-Lago later in the morning to release more details. Venezuela's government slammed the United States for attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states. Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were seen and heard in the early hours of Saturday morning, witnesses told Reuters. Smoke could be seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas. Another military installation in the capital was without power. Blasts began at 1.50am local time and one targeted Fort Tiona, which is where the Venezuelan ministry of defense is headquartered. People in various neighborhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas. 'The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance,' said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling. Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were being heard and seen in Venezuelan capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning, witnesses told Reuters Venezuela's government, in a statement, called on its supporters to take to the streets. 'People to the streets!' the statement said. 'The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.' The statement added that President Maduro had 'ordered all national defense plans to be implemented' and declared 'a state of external disturbance.' Venezuela's communications ministry told The New York Times it 'rejects, repudiates, and denounces' US military aggression. State television did not interrupt its programming and aired a report on Venezuelan music and art. Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela, amid efforts to pressure Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions and a ramped-up US military presence in the region. More than two dozen US strikes have taken place on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea in recent months. In addition to the authorization for importing Bolivian natural gas, PBR has also received permission to import Argentine gas directly. This development, approved in November, allows PBR to bring in up to 180 million cubic meters per year of natural gas from Argentina via Corumba, without the involvement of intermediaries. This authorization significantly enhances Petrobras ability to diversify its energy sources, ensuring greater flexibility in meeting domestic demand. The importation of natural gas from Bolivia, combined with Brazil's existing domestic gas production, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the country meets its growing energy needs. Given the increasing demand for natural gas in Brazil, particularly in industries and power generation, Petrobras expanded import capacity is a timely strategic move. The approved gas imports are expected to boost Brazils energy supply, particularly in regions with high demand for natural gas. PBR has noted that the potential market for this imported gas will include most of the country, excluding the northern regions. This will primarily benefit areas with concentrated energy consumption, including major industrial centers and the thermoelectric market in Mato Grosso. In addition to the importation via Caceres, the agreement allows for deliveries through Corumba (MS), a crucial gateway for the Bolivia-Brazil Pipeline (Gasbol). The Gasbol pipeline is operated by TBG and serves as one of the primary conduits for natural gas transportation from Bolivia into Brazil, further strengthening the bilateral energy cooperation between these countries. Under the new approval, PBR has been granted the ability to import significant volumes of natural gas from Bolivia, with specific provisions for distribution points within Brazil. The authorized volume includes up to 2.8 million cubic meters of gas per day, which will be delivered via Caceres (MT), a key location where the Lateral Cuiaba duct, operated by GasOcidente, links Bolivia to the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. This isolated branch represents an important infrastructure project that enhances the natural gas distribution capacity between the two nations. Petrobras PBR, one of Brazils largest state-owned energy companies, recently received approval from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP) to import up to 20 million cubic meters of natural gas per day from Bolivia, according to Agencia Eixos. This authorization will be valid for a period of two years, marking a significant expansion in Petrobras' energy operations and the strategic integration of natural gas markets across South America. Story Continues Both Bolivia and Argentina represent key players in South Americas natural gas sector. Bolivia, with its established pipeline infrastructure, offers a direct route to Brazils energy markets, while Argentina, with growing natural gas reserves, presents an additional source of supply. PBR has already established its position as a gas producer in Argentina through Petrobras Operaciones, which holds a 33.6% stake in the Neuquen River asset located in the Neuquen Basin. This further strengthens Petrobras regional footprint and its capacity to contribute to the broader energy needs of South America. Strategic Importance of Bolivian Gas for Brazil's Energy Security The integration of Bolivian natural gas into Brazils energy mix is of critical importance to both nations. Bolivia is the only existing route of integration between Argentina and Brazil that facilitates the supply of natural gas to Brazils largest consumption centers. This collaboration allows for a more stable and secure supply of natural gas, reducing the reliance on external sources or more volatile markets. Given the geographic proximity and the availability of established pipelines, the energy trade between Bolivia and Brazil presents an ideal opportunity for cross-border energy security. The expansion of natural gas imports through Bolivia will not only support Brazils energy stability but also help meet environmental goals by providing a cleaner alternative to coal and other fossil fuels. PBRs Role in South America's Energy Landscape Petrobras has long been a central figure in the energy sector across South America. As a leading energy company, it plays a critical role in securing both domestic and international energy supplies. Its operational footprint spans across the continent. The company continues to evolve, strengthening its gas production capabilities in countries like Argentina, while also expanding the natural gas import capacity. The approval to import natural gas from both Bolivia and Argentina reinforces Petrobras position as a key player in the energy markets of South America. Through its diverse network of gas production and import agreements, PBR is well-positioned to adapt to changing energy demands, ensure supply security and drive innovation in the regions energy sector. Conclusion: The Future of Natural Gas in Brazil Petrobras' recent achievements, including the authorization to import 20 million cubic meters of Bolivian gas daily, mark an important milestone in the evolution of Brazils energy strategy. With growing demand for natural gas, the diversification of supply sources and infrastructure improvements are essential to meeting both current and future energy needs. This move solidifies Petrobras role as a key driver of energy security and economic development in Brazil and throughout South America. As the natural gas landscape continues to evolve, Petrobras ongoing efforts to strengthen its ties with Bolivia and Argentina will play an important role in shaping the future of the regions energy security. The potential for further growth and increased imports offers exciting prospects for both the company and the South American energy market as a whole. PBR's Zacks Rank & Key Picks Currently, PBR has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some better-ranked stocks like USA Compression Partners USAC, Oceaneering International OII and Suncor Energy SU, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each at present. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. USA Compression Partners is valued at $2.83 billion. The company is a leading provider of natural gas compression services in the United States. USA Compression Partners specializes in the design, operation and maintenance of compression equipment for the energy sector, focusing on helping customers optimize their natural gas infrastructure. Oceaneering International is valued at $2.43 billion. 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(OII) : Free Stock Analysis Report USA Compression Partners, LP (USAC) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research A 22-year-old man has been arrested after three patients were savagely attacked in a hospital's accident and emergency department, including one whose 'ear was bitten off'. Greater Manchester Police rushed to Bolton Hospital at around 4.15pm on Friday afternoon after reports of a man attacking patients. A man in his early twenties has since been arrested on suspicion of assault, assault on a police officer and racially aggravated public order. He has been detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act, according to police. A woman in her forties and a man in his seventies sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. A second man suffered serious ear injuries but has since been discharged from hospital. One witness said he and his pregnant wife watched in horror as the attacker 'punched a frail man in the face', causing him to fall to the ground. The attacker then latched on to another man's ear and bit 'part of it off'. Police vehicles are seen outside the A&E entrance to Bolton Hospital on Friday evening 'I had gone to A&E with my partner, who is pregnant, and we were waiting at the desk to be checked in,' Michael Anderson, 34, said. 'Two police officers had come in escorting this other lad who was behind us. 'We were seen to and sat down, and he was getting irate in his chair. 'After about ten minutes he stood up and went near to the entrance and began to count out every person in the waiting room. He then went into the corridor and it was quiet for a minute or so before he started screaming. 'There was this man, who was quite frail, walking out and this guy swung for him. Another person then saw this and tried to grab him and stop him, when he latched onto his ear and has bitten part of it off.' Mr Anderson recalled how he and a male nurse heroically pinned the suspect to the ground to prevent further attacks before security later arrived minutes later. He said one girl was curled up in a ball on the floor in terror. 'My pregnant girlfriend was panicking by this point, so I went in and tried to put him on the floor,' he said. 'I pulled him up off the man he was latching on to and throw him back down, got on top of him and restrained him. A male nurse came to help.' 'There were people around on the floor, us restraining him and pinning him down, and I had kept asking for security. 'There was a girl sitting on the floor with her knees to her chest having a panic attack. 'It was honestly like a bomb had gone off afterwards. There were just people in disbelief. Some had backed into one side of the room. It was hard to grasp what had just happened. 'After this, the police officer came back in to tell us and reassure us there was no further threat and that he was in the back of a van. But patients should have the right to feel safe when they're already feeling vulnerable. It shouldn't be up to the public to have to get involved.' Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples, of Greater Manchester Police's Bolton district, said: 'We understand that an incident of this nature has caused concern for members of the public who were in hospital at the time, staff, and the wider community. 'Officers are continuing to engage with staff and patients at the hospital to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.' Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with their investigation. 'We would encourage anyone with information to contact ourselves via our reporting methods either through 101 or on our website quoting log 2055 of 02.01.2026,' Detective Chief Inspector Sharples added. The force did not provide any details on the nature of injuries sustained by the victims. The Daily Mail has approached Bolton NHS Foundation Trust for comment. Ed Miliband faces a High Court battle over plans to build a vast solar farm that residents have warned will destroy the countryside. Helios Solar Farm, near Selby, North Yorkshire, was given the greenlight by the Energy Secretary last month, and campaigners are furiously fundraising to bring a legal challenge against it. If completed, the project would be one of the largest of its kind in the UK, covering 1175 hectares of agricultural land west of the village of Camblesforth and producing 190MW of power. Locals argue they have already suffered enough at the hands of recent green projects, and have raised serious concerns about the countryside being lost to industrialisation. Campaign group Halt (Halt All Large Transmission/Solar Farms) took up their cause after receiving legal advice that there were 'serious and arguable flaws' in the planning decision. The group is now scrambling to raise the funds to bring the case to the High Court by the deadline, which is six weeks on from Mr Miliband's December 3 approval. Around half of the 15,000 required to launch the challenge has already been pledged, and the group believes it will be in a position to submit the review within days. All contributions will be refunded if the threshold is not met, and further funds would be needed if the review proceeded to court. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband approved plans last month for a vast new solar farm in North Yorkshire. Pictured: Miliband visits a solar farm in Retford, Nottinghamshire, in 2024 If completed, the project would be one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Pictured: File image of a solar farm near bath in October 2025 If the money is raised, Halt's legal challenge will focus on questioning whether rules regarding the cumulative impact of energy infrastructure were followed in the plans. Residents and community leaders have claimed the Selby area is being unfairly targeted for green energy projects - with a concurrent campaign fighting another large project, Light Valley Solar, to the west of the town. Bryan Ward, 40, who owns the nearby 17th-century wedding venue Camblesforth Hall with his wife, pointed out that locals had already suffered disruption from two separate 50MW solar sites being built to the north and the south of the village. He told The Telegraph: 'We have had legal advice on this from a solicitor, and we dont think that they have reviewed the cumulative impact of the project at all.' Mr Ward said the development would knock out 'prime agricultural land' that is home to 'deer, barn owls, bats, loads of birds of prey' and that provides recreation for horse riders and ramblers. He added that he hoped the campaign might stall the project long enough for a new government with a different view, even if it fails in court. The application for the solar farm, submitted by Enso Energy and Cero Generation, includes a battery energy storage scheme (BESS) connected to the grid via underground cable at nearby Drax power station. Enso Energy said the site would provide enough energy to power 47,500 homes. The areas marked for solar panels, shaded in blue, dwarf the nearby village of Camblesforth An anti-solar farm protestor dressed as a rabbit (campaigning against Strattons Farm, Kingsclere project) Energy Minister Martin McCluskey said: 'Families in Yorkshire have seen their energy bills go through the roof as a result of our exposure to volatile gas prices. 'The only way to make British people better off in the long-term is by securing clean, homegrown power that we control. 'Giving the green light to the Helios Solar Farm is another step forward in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, creating jobs, driving economic growth and protecting family finances.' The Department does not comment on specific live planning cases. Zohran Mamdani has brought a sharp end to his bromance with Donald Trump by condemning his capture of the Venezuelan president as an 'act of war'. Trump and the newly-inaugurated socialist mayor of New York City shared a warm exchange in the Oval Office in November despite their stark political differences. But their friendship appears to have been short-lived, as Mamdani quickly took to X to blast Trump's capture of Nicolas Maduro in no uncertain terms on Saturday. 'I was briefed this morning on the US military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, as well as their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City,' wrote Mamdani, who is three days into his tenure as mayor. 'Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law. 'This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn't just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. 'My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance.' Trump held a press conference from his Florida country club in Mar-a-Lago to announce that the US military had captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. He said the US would run Venezuela in the meantime. Zohran Mamdani has brought a sharp end to his bromance with Donald Trump by condemning his capture of the Venezuelan president as an 'act of war' Mamdani quickly took to X to condemn Trump's capture of Nicolas Maduro, as shown above The Venezuelan dictator and his partner have been extradited to New York, where they have been indicted on drug charges over claims they helped flood the United States with cocaine. They are expected to be held in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, which is famous for its squalid conditions and has also housed Luigi Mangione and Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The United Nations has also said it was 'deeply alarmed' by the US strikes and reported detention of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. It expressed concern that the escalation was a violation of international law. 'These developments constitute a dangerous precedent,' Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said in a statement. Dujarric said there are worries about the wider implications for Latin America and the Caribbean, and called on 'all actors in Venezuela' to respect human rights and the rule of law. The New York indictment accuses Maduro of leading a 'a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking.' It alleges that the drug trafficking efforts 'enriched and entrenched Venezuela's political and military elite.' Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is pictured after his capture in a photo shared by President Donald Trump on his TruthSocial website U.S. authorities allege that Maduro partnered with 'some of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers and narco-terrorists in the world' to bring tons of cocaine into North America. Authorities estimate that as much as 250 tons of cocaine were trafficked through Venezuela by 2020, according to the indictment. The drugs were moved on go-fast vessels, fishing boats and container ships or via planes from clandestine airstrips, authorities allege. Trump offered little further detail on the logistics of running Venezuela, which has a population of 30 million, but suggested the country's vast oil reserves would be used to fund its revival. The US president's unapologetic focus on the South American nation's oil supplies has prompted many lawmakers to accuse him of being primarily motivated by economic gain, rather than a desire to pursue criminal charges. 'It's not about drugs,' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on social media after the raid was confirmed by government officials. 'It's about oil and regime change.' The New York progressive accused Trump of launching the Venezuelan mission as a smokescreen to distract Americans from the ongoing scandal over the Jeffrey Epstein files and 'skyrocketing healthcare costs.' In alignment, the Georgia Republican Greene echoed her Democratic counterpart's concerns, warning that the Trump administration's Venezuela operation could be just the beginning of aggressive regime change campaigns worldwide. By removing Maduro this is a clear move for control over Venezuelan oil supplies that will ensure stability for the next obvious regime change war in Iran, Taylor Greene wrote on X. Taylor Green warned that Americans were disgusted with the governments never ending military aggression and funding the Washington military machine. This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end, she wrote. Boy were we wrong. Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested Vladimir Putin should now be detained - after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country in an extraordinary military operation. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with European national security advisors on Saturday, the Ukrainian president was asked about Donald Trumps' military action against Venezuela. 'How should I react to this? What can I say?', Zelensky said with a wry smile. 'If it's possible to deal with dictators this way, then the US knows what to do next', he added, insinuating that Trump should deal with Russia's Putin in a similar way for his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian president's remarks come as the Venezuelan leader and his wife were flown out the country this morning and have been indicted in the United States on drugs and weapons charges. The indictment of President Maduro and his wife in the Southern District of New York was confirmed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi this afternoon. She said Maduro had been charged with: 'Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States'. 'They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,' Bondi added. It is not clear what charges Maduro's wife is facing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy has called for the removal of Vladimir Putin after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Zelensky insinuated that Putin (pictured) should be dealt with in the same way as Maduro Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 Trump later shared a shocking photo of Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima on social media, showing the captured Venezuelan leader wearing a black blindfold and a grey sweatshirt. Trump released a statement earlier today saying the US had 'successfully' carried out a military strike after several explosions rocked in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. Zelensky's comments also come as national security advisers from Europe visited Kyiv on Saturday to discuss security guarantees and economic support as a US-led diplomatic push to end the nearly four-year-old war in Ukraine intensifies. The Ukrainian president said work on the peace proposals could now accelerate as Ukraine has shared all documents under discussion with the 18 national security advisers, including those on security guarantees. 'We expect that this further work will now take place in the capitals of European countries as well as Canada, Japan and other representatives of the Coalition of the Willing,' he said, referring to the approximately 30 countries who support Kyiv's effort to end the war with Russia on acceptable terms. Zelensky's comments come as national security advisers from Europe visited Kyiv on Saturday to discuss security guarantees and economic support for Ukraine as its war with Russia rages on 'We are not allocating a great deal of time for this process,' Zelensky added. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has been indicted in the United States on drugs and weapons charges after he was 'captured and flown out of the country' He said representatives from Ukraines General Staff and military sector would meet on Monday in Paris, followed by a meeting Tuesday of European leaders, where he said he hoped documents on security guarantees would be finalized. He said there also would be meetings with US representatives in Paris. Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian missile attack on the city of Kharkiv on Friday increased to two, including a three-year-old boy, Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. An overnight Russian drone attack on the Mykolaiv region targeted critical infrastructure and left some communities without electricity, according to regional head Vitalii Kim. He said engineers spent the night working to restore power and there were no casualties reported. Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he faces a 'civil war' inside Labour if he tries to reverse Brexit in an attempt to shore up his embattled leadership. The row erupted after Health Secretary Wes Streeting called for a 'deeper trading relationship with the EU' a move which was interpreted as both a call to rejoin the Customs Union and an attempt to gain the support of Europhile Labour MPs ahead of a leadership bid against the Prime Minister. Mr Streeting's potential main rival in any contest, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, has also been agitating against Brexit, saying that he hopes that the UK will rejoin the EU in his lifetime. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has told Labour not to try to boost its flagging poll ratings by 're-opening old Brexit wounds'. Now Labour MP Dan Carden has warned Sir Keir and those seeking to succeed him not to rejoin a Customs Union, saying: 'We hear suggestions that this is being seriously contemplated by some at the very top of the Government. 'Moreover, we hear that it appears to be the aim of people who now have designs on the PM's job. 'Andy Burnham has declared how he wants to see us back in the EU in his lifetime, while Wes Streeting wants us to have a deeper trading relationship with Europe.' Mr Carden's reference to the mayor comes after Westminster sources revealed his Liverpool Walton seat was on the list of constituencies which Mr Burnham had targeted in the hope that the sitting MP would stand aside to allow him to fight a by-election, return to the Commons and then challenge the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) speaks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (rigtht) during the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House in London on May 19, 2025 Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) called for a 'deeper trading relationship with the EU' Mr Carden added: 'The European Union (EU) is... a low-growth bloc with a declining share of global GDP. Joining a Customs Union would mean scrapping our post-Brexit trade deals with places that are the 21st Century growth centres, such as the US and India. 'Shifting closer to Brussels would mean giving up our hard-won national freedoms. 'I urge Sir Keir not to seek to tie the UK into a new Customs Union or any other such arrangement which may carry a disguised name but amount to the same thing.' Labour MPs in the pro-Brexit 'Red Wall' seats of the Midlands and North are particularly concerned about the threat posed by Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which would make political capital out of any Brexit backsliding by Labour. Labour MP Graham Stringer said the PM would face 'a rebellion of scores of Labour MPs if he sought to take us back into any sort of Customs Union'. He told The Mail on Sunday: 'It will lead to civil war inside Labour. Starmer's Parliamentary colleagues know they stood on a clear manifesto pledge to do no such thing. 'It would be especially difficult for Labour MPs in the so-called Red Wall to support such a flagrant manifesto breach as many have Reform breathing down their necks. They would be committing electoral suicide.' Mr Streeting said in an interview last month that Britain should pursue closer economic ties with the EU. 'The best way for us to get more growth into our economy is a deeper trading relationship with the EU,' he said. 'We've taken a massive economic hit leaving the European Union.' Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham (pictured) has said that he hopes that the UK will rejoin the EU in his lifetime Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also claimed that countries such as Turkey were enjoying economic benefits from Customs Union membership. Their remarks came after the Government faced claims it was watering down Brexit after announcing the UK would rejoin the Erasmus system of student exchanges in 2027, at a cost of 570million per year. Ms Badenoch accused Labour of embarking on a desperate ploy to shore up its core vote and warned the move would mean Britain giving up the trade deals it has struck since leaving the EU, including with the US and India, while opening the door to more demands for concessions from Brussels. She said: 'The only people advocating for such a policy and here I include the trade union bosses who have also proposed it do not understand what a Customs Union actually is. 'This is why the renewed chatter about dragging Britain back into the EU's Customs Union should worry us all. 'It is not a sign of pragmatism it is a symptom of Labour's weakness. Now that the Government is weak and has no plan or new ideas, it has re-opened old Brexit wounds in the vain hope that doing so will make it more popular. It won't.' Sir Keir has previously ruled out rejoining the Customs Union, describing it as a 'red line'. Another senior Labour MP said privately: 'Remainiacs around Starmer may be pushing this but it would cause mayhem in the Labour Party. 'It would mean British businesses having to take rules from Brussels without the UK Government having a say on them. It would be unacceptable.' Americans were shocked to wake up to the news that Delta Force operatives had snatched Nicolas Maduro from his bed. But for Seth Harp, an investigative reporter and expert on the secretive actions of the special forces, it was no surprise. The veteran journalist, whose book The Fort Bragg Cartel sent shockwaves through the military, noted the Trump administration had promised they were going to act. And Saturday morning's incredible nighttime raid was simply the culmination of months of rising tension between the US and the Venezuelan regime. In the early hours Black Hawks and chinooks hovered across the country's capital Caracas as soldiers burst into Maduro's bedroom and snatched him and his wife. They were quickly transferred to the USS Iwo Jima before boarding a flight to New York City where they will be imprisoned and later face trial on sweeping charges. President Trump, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth all watch the Maduro mission unfold from a temporary situation room created at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach in the early hours of Saturday Military aircraft parked at Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba, Puerto Rico on Saturday. More than 150 planes including fighters, bombers and drones were deployed to guarantee the success of the Maduro mission Your browser does not support iframes. For Harp, the stealth attack was only possible due to the covert operations that were undertaken by the CIA, and he shed light on how their plans would have unfolded. He told the Daily Mail: 'A great deal of planning and surveillance [went into this]. 'They have informants, they have collaborators, they have spies inside the Venezuelan government, no doubt that they have bought off by giving them large amounts of money and offering to relocate their families.' Insiders suggest the CIA's operation started in August, but it remains unclear if the initial plans predate this. Harp said one of the first things the US would have done was to 'recruit traitors' who are 'willing to betray the Venezuelan government.' He continued: 'That's probably the most important thing, because that gives an insight into Maduro's movements.' The military would have also had to gain surveillance and could have done so through the use of aircrafts and satellites and electronic intercepts. They could have also used undercover US operatives, who could have been planting eavesdropping devices, Harp suggested. Your browser does not support iframes. President Trump shared this humiliating photo of Maduro after his capture on Saturday afternoon But Harp pointed out that while the CIA and military plotted the operation, it could not have gone ahead without the president's agreement. He said: 'It's unimaginable to me that they would have abducted Maduro without that specific order coming from Trump.' As for what comes next for Venezuela, it's not looking good, Harp said. He continued: 'Trump has said they're going to run the country. 'So contending with a population that doesn't see them as legitimate is going to be an obstacle. Their lack of control over the security forces will be big obstacle.' He also said the 'violent way' the Trump Administration has gone about removing Maduro will also cause problems keeping the peace in the Latin American country. He said: 'These are all the same obstacles that the United States confronted in past regime change wars, which led to those operations failing. 'So the prospects don't look good in Venezuela.' In the past, Harp said, the reigning president lost popularity among US citizens after a coup. But more importantly, a coup has led to mass immigration with millions seeking asylum from the unstable countries after the US intervened. Your browser does not support iframes. Wrecked anti-aircraft apparatus and a trashed bus are seen in Caracas as dawn rose on Saturday morning Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia are seen in January 2024. The pair will now be brought to New York City to face federal charges Delta Force soldiers arrived at the Maduro compound at 1:01am ET Saturday - or 2:01am Caracas time. The pair were put on a helicopter guarded by fighter jets and flown to the USS Iwo Jima, landing on the war ship at 3:29am ET. Maduro and his wife were flown to Guantanamo Bay and on to New York City, where the pair face drug smuggling and weapons charges. Trump claims Maduro was head of the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns), which he claims flooded the US with cocaine. Maduro was indicted over his alleged involvement in 2020. His wife was not charged at the time and Trump has yet to clarify what charges she faces. Trump shocked the world on Saturday by saying the US will 'run' Venezuela until a suitable new leader could be found. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro bid law enforcement officers a 'Happy New Year' as he was perp walked following his capture on Saturday. The South American dictator appeared relaxed as he was escorted through Manhattan's Drug Enforcement Administration office. US Army Delta Force soldiers snatched Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their Caracas compound Friday night before extraditing them on drug trafficking charges. They landed by helicopter in Manhattan on Saturday evening, after earlier making stops at airfields in upstate New York and Puerto Rico. Maduro and Flores are now in custody at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, which is famous for its squalid conditions and has also housed Luigi Mangione and Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Trump said the United States would govern Venezuela indefinitely in the meantime, after dismissing the prospect of the country's popular opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, taking the reins, claiming she 'does not have the support'. Cameras captured the moment Maduro and Flores touched down in a white FBI Boeing 757 at Stewart Air National Guard Base in upstate New York around 4.30pm Saturday. Several figures presumed to be Maduro and his wife, flanked by officials, could be seen slowly leaving the aircraft before they were taken by helicopter to NYC. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been seen perp walking down a hallway in an official building in Manhattan, almost 24 hours after he was seized by US troops, as shown above Trump said the United States would govern Venezuela indefinitely in the meantime, after dismissing the prospect of the country's popular opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, taking the reins, claiming she 'does not have the support' Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrive in NYC on January 3 where they will face narco-terrorism charges The footage is unclear due to the darkness, but Maduro appeared to be wearing handcuffs as he was marched across the runway to the next aircraft. It is believed the couple was first taken to Puerto Rico, where another video showed them being escorted onto a different US military plane earlier in the day. Shot from several hundred yards away, the footage shared by Puerto Rican broadcaster NotiCentro follows a huddle of people boarding a plane on the runway at Ramey Base, a former US Air Force strip at Rafael Hernandez International Airport. The mayor of Aguadilla, Julio Roldan, also wrote on social media that the Venezuelan dictator had been 'transferred' through the city, which is located on the north-western coast of Puerto Rico, around 600 miles north of Caracas. 'Aguadilla was the first American jurisdiction where they transferred the detainee Nicolas Maduro,' Roldan said Saturday. 'An additional sample of geopolitical value Aguadilla has for our common defense.' After his capture by the US Army's elite Delta Force unit, Maduro and his wife were flown by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima warship. Trump said the United States would govern Venezuela indefinitely in the meantime. 'We're going to run the country until as such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,' he told reporters in the wake of the shock capture. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is pictured after his capture in a photo shared by President Donald Trump on his TruthSocial website Your browser does not support iframes. A plane carrying captured Venezuelan Prime Minister Nicolas Maduro is pictured after landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York on Saturday evening New video appears to show Nicolas Maduro and his wife being frog-marched onto a military plane at a Puerto Rican air base as part of their extradition to the US. Shot from several hundred yards away, the video shows a huddle of people boarding the aircraft, as shown above Maduro's supporters pictured burning the US flag in protest of his capture by American forces Elsewhere, other Venezuelans celebrated the capture of President Maduro in the streets, waving their flag and the US flag Join the debate Should the US have the right to capture foreign leaders and run their countries after arrest? Trump offered little further detail on the logistics of running Venezuela, which has a population of 30 million, but suggested the country's vast oil reserves would be used to fund its revival. Maduro's arrest came after US forces struck Caracas amid accusations from Trump that Venezuela has been flooding the US with drugs and gang members. Trump alleged that Maduro is the leader of the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) drug trafficking operation. Trump said Saturday that he had not briefed Congress of his plans to snatch Maduro, claiming that had he done so, the news would have 'leaked' and potentially helped the Venezuelan leader to evade capture. Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has been tipped as the country's next president, but Trump made no mention of her on Saturday. She previously voiced support for Trump's threats to get rid of Maduro and is hugely popular among the Venezuelan electorate. Your browser does not support iframes. Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has arrived in the US after being seized from his Caracas compound. Several figures presumed to be Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores flanked by officials could be seen disembarking the plane in upstate NY, as shown above Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia were both seized by a US military unit in the early hours of Caracas. Trump said Saturday afternoon that both will face criminal charges in New York City Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has been tipped to be the next president of Venezuela Maduro's capture sparked jubilation from Venezuelan migrants living outside of their home nation on Saturday. Hundreds took to the streets of cities, including Santiago in Chile, to celebrate the ouster of a leader seen as a corrupt authoritarian accused of destroying the economy of his oil-rich country while silencing dissent. The atmosphere appeared altogether more muted in Caracas. Locals were photographed lining up outside supermarkets amid fears Maduro's ouster will lead to even greater economic uncertainty. Shortly before Saturday's press conference, the president shared an undignified photo of Maduro in a tracksuit taken after his capture. He said the Venezuelan president's wife will also be charged, but did not offer further details. Maduro was photographed wearing a heavy black plastic eye mask and ear muffs over his ears in an apparent bid to keep his location a secret from him. He was clad in a gray tracksuit and clutched a plastic water bottle. It is unclear if this is what Maduro was wearing when he was taken or if it was given to him by US forces. Your browser does not support iframes. An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during the United States raid that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in Santiago on Saturday Venezuelans are photographed lining up outside a supermarket on Saturday morning after the country's president Nicolas Maduro was captured by the US The image was a far cry from his usual appearance in sharp suits or military regalia, with CNN commentators speculating it had been chosen to humiliate the corrupt leader. There was no sign of Cilia. Addressing a press conference in Mar-a-Lago Saturday, Trump told journalists that the Venezuelan first lady was part of her husband's alleged schemes and that she too will face criminal charges in Manhattan. 'Maduro and his wife will soon face the full might of American justice,' Trump declared. The Maduros are said to have been frightened of capture by US forces and allegedly took to sleeping in a different place every night. Their whereabouts were being monitored successfully by CIA spies, with Trump green-lighting the operation to snatch them on Thursday. Earlier on Saturday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Maduro would face drug and weapons trafficking charges originally filed in 2020 during Trump's first term in office. Five other Venezuelan officials face the same charges. But the first lady is not among those names and it remains unclear what charges she will face. Speaking while flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump said the operation to capture Maduro was one of the most daring in military history. Shortly after 2am Venezuela time Saturday morning, Delta Force soldiers burst into the Maduros' bedroom and captured them. A source told the network the operation which struck five Venezuelan sites including three in the country's capital Caracas did not result in any casualties. A destroyed anti-aircraft unit is seen burned out next to a destroyed bus at La Carlotta military air base in Caracas hours after Friday's US operation in Venezuela that saw the country's president and first lady seized by US special forces Trump updates Americans on his capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday afternoon, flanked by White House cabinet members including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth He hailed the operation as 'brilliant' in a brief New York Times interview early Saturday. The president later called into Fox News's breakfast show Fox & Friends, excitedly telling its hosts: 'I mean, I watched it literally like I was watching a television show. If you would've seen the speed, the violence - it was an amazing thing.' Explosions were seen ripping across Caracas during the daring raid, with Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab insisting that 'innocents' had been 'mortally wounded' by the US operation. Venezuela has yet to share further details on whether any of its soldiers or citizens were injured or killed during the raid. A three-year-old boy and his mother were killed when Russian ballistic missiles destroyed a block of flats in north-eastern Ukraine. The bodies of the woman, 22, and her son were found amid the rubble after a strike on the tower block in Kharkiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack 'heinous' after rescuers found a further 30 people, including a six-month-old boy, injured. 'This is how the Russians treat life and people they continue killing, despite all efforts by the world, and especially by the United States, in the diplomatic process,' he wrote on X. Russia's defence ministry suggested the blast had been caused by Ukrainian ammunition detonating, claiming the reports were seeking to distract attention from a New Year's Eve strike on a hotel in a Russian-held part of the southern Kherson region of Ukraine. Footage from Kharkiv showed smoke rising from the ruins as emergency crews and volunteers searched for survivors. It came before a key 'coalition of the willing' summit in Paris on Tuesday. Rescuers work to find bodies amongst the rubble of an apartment block in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on January 3 The Russian ballistic missiles destroyed a block of flats (pictured) in north-eastern Ukraine, killing two and injuring 28, according to the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration The conference involving 35 countries including Britain, Ukraine and France will discuss how to stop further Russian incursions into Europe. Although Donald Trump does not take part in the talks, the US is the chief broker in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. A US delegation will join the meeting via video link. Mr Trump voiced his frustrations with the Russian president yesterday, saying: 'I'm not thrilled with Putin. He's killing too many people.' A man has been pulled alive from the boot of a car in a western Sydney carpark early this morning after a savage ordeal that left him bloodied and battered. The victim, aged in his 30s, suffered multiple facial injuries, stab wounds and was found bludgeoned with a metal pole in Villawood. Police believe he was kidnapped around midnight in a shocking attack. The vehicle reportedly an Uber was discovered on Woodville Road at about 6.50am, after emergency crews initially responded to a separate call involving a child locked inside another car. A NSW Police spokesman said a crime scene has been established and an investigation into the incident has commenced. 'Officers attached to Bankstown Police Area Command arrived to find a man tied up in the back of a Toyota sedan,' he said. 'The man aged in his 30s was treated at the scene for stab injuries before being taken to hospital in a stable condition.' Inquiries are continuing. A man has been pulled alive from the boot of a car in a western Sydney carpark early this morning after a savage ordeal that left him bloodied and battered A NSW Police spokesman said a crime scene has been established and an investigation into the incident has commenced The moment Lisa Nowak became a household name should have been in the summer of 2006, when she blasted into space aboard a NASA shuttle. It was the culmination of decades of discipline and devotion to her passion for the solar system - a 12-day mission she had spent most of her adult life working toward. Instead, her name became infamous a year later, after a decision driven by raw, deeply personal emotion sent her spectacularly crashing back to Earth. In February 2007, Nowak drove 900 miles from Houston, home of NASA mission control, to Orlando to confront Colleen Shipman, an Air Force captain who was dating Nowak's ex-boyfriend, fellow astronaut William 'Bill' Oefelein. According to police, she packed her car for the 14-hour journey with what investigators described as tactical items for an attack: a trench coat, black wig, pepper spray, a BB gun, rope, trash bags and an eight-inch knife. But it was one detail more than any other that transfixed the public: Police reports claimed Nowak was wearing a space diaper so she would not have to stop for bathroom breaks during the drive. Disguised in the wig and trench coat, Nowak approached Shipman's car in the parking garage of Orlando International Airport. She banged on the window and asked for a ride. When Shipman lowered it, Nowak sprayed her with pepper spray and tried to get inside the vehicle. Shipman managed to escape and call 911 - she was unhurt in the attack, but later testified that it was 'the most traumatic experience of my entire life.' Nowak was later arrested and charged with attempted murder, setting off one of the most jaw-dropping downfalls in modern American science history. Nowak (pictured) was a decorated astronaut before she violently confronted her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend Nowak (right) orbited the earth with a seven-member crew (pictured) aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 2006 Nowak's stunning capitulation also became the inspiration for Natalie Portman's character in the 2019 film Lucy in the Sky. Now, almost 20 years later, the former trailblazing astronaut lives quietly, far from the headlines that once defined her. She works in the private science sector, lives outside Houston, sees her adult children from time to time and occasionally goes on dates. Interview requests have been politely declined. That low-profile existence is a world away from the mid-2000s, when Nowak was one of NASA's most visible figures. 'Even 18 years later, it's humiliating,' a friend who now filters interview requests on her behalf told the Daily Mail. 'After everything she achieved, she's still known as the astronaut who wore a diaper.' A trial at the time had exposed what really happened that day, and how Shipman felt in that moment. 'She was going to kill me,' Shipman told the court following the attack. 'I could see it in her eyes.' Nowak was arrested on attempted murder and kidnapping charges. According to police reports, Nowak said, 'I don't know what happened. I'm so sorry. I just want to go home, can we pretend that nothing actually happened?' as she was being booked into the Orange County Jail. Overnight, Nowak's life imploded. She was suspended - and later fired - from her job at NASA. A married mom of three preteens at the time, she watched her family fall apart as her husband, Richard, asked for a divorce. She became a punchline on late-night talk shows, with her tearful and disheveled mugshot going viral. 'She doesn't talk about it, but she thinks about it,' Nowak's friend told the Daily Mail. 'It changed the entire trajectory of her life and showed her just how completely a scandal can take over everything.' In November 2009 - more than two years after the attack - Nowak pleaded guilty to reduced charges of felony burglary and misdemeanor battery. As part of the plea deal, she was sentenced to one year of probation, court fees and an order to write a letter of apology to Shipman. 'I am sincerely sorry for causing fear and misunderstanding and all of the intense public exposure that you have suffered,' Nowak told Shipman in court during her sentencing. 'I hope very much that we can all move forward from this with privacy and peace.' Nowak (pictured) was charged with attempted murder after attacking Colleen Shipman Astronaut William Oefelein (pictured) had briefly dated Nowak before getting involved with Colleen Shipman, who he later married Colleen Shipman (pictured) testified that she was afraid for her life during the attack After Nowak's arrest, her husband Richard (left) filed for divorce and requested shared custody of their twin daughters and older son Nowak's stunning capitulation became the inspiration for Natalie Portman's character in the 2019 film Lucy in the Sky (pictured) Despite the legal case closing, Nowak was still trying to rebuild her shattered personal life. She moved out of Texas for a few years and tried to build a support system to help her through those times. 'Those were some very dark days for her,' her friend said. 'She was out of work. No one would hire her. 'Friends turned their back on her, colleagues cut her out of their lives. She paid a big price for what she did. 'She took responsibility - and still takes responsibility - that it was her own actions that led to things going bad. 'She doesn't think about Bill or Colleen specifically, but they're obviously part of the story of the darkest days of her life. She wishes that everything could have been done differently on her part.' Shipman rebounded from the attack. She eventually married Oefelein, and they moved to Alaska. She wrote a novel, gave birth to a son and settled into private life. Shipman has only given one interview. 'A lot of people ask, 'Did you forgive Lisa Nowak for what she did?'' she told People in 2017. 'She committed a crime, she was convicted, she finished her sentence. I'm not sure there's anything really for me to forgive.' As for Nowak, her friend told the Daily Mail she is 'at peace' in her life. 'She lives quietly. People don't recognize her. She just lives her life and does her thing, and no one bothers her. And that's just fine by her.' In the months leading up to 'Megxit', there was an eerie silence about the Sussexes' status within The Firm - but one senior royal could sense the quiet before the storm. Prince William, now 43, knew his younger brother, Prince Harry, now 41, well enough to predict the 'wheels were going to fall off' ahead of what became his and wife, Meghan Markle's eventual exit from the Royal Family. Royal author Tina Brown said that while Harry's union with the American actress was initially seen as a 'victory over entrenched attitudes towards race and class', the hope for a 'harmoniously integrated' family evaporated 18 months later. And the future King seemed to have a premonition of how bad things were going to get, the former Vanity Fair editor wrote in her book Palace Papers. Then the Duke of Cambridge, William, asked a trusted, retired Palace aide to 'come back for a bit' to help contain the fallout from the schism later 'styled Megxit'. 'In November 19, a Palace old hand, now retired, spoke to the Duke of Cambridge at a charity function in London,' Ms Brown wrote in the Sunday Times bestseller that was released in April 2022. 'William apparently said to him with a worried air, "We may need you to come back for a bit. I'm afraid the wheels are going to fall off with Harry."' According to Ms Brown, the term 'Megxit' is misleading because the decision to quit the Royal Family was Prince Harrys with acceleration from Meghan. A royal author has claimed Prince William, now 43, told a trusted, retired Palace aide they might need to 'come back for a bit' to help contain the fallout from the schism later 'styled Megxit' Royal author Tina Brown said that while Harry's union with the American actress was initially seen as a 'victory over entrenched attitudes towards race and class', the hope for a 'harmoniously integrated' family evaporated 18 months later The royal biographer compared the Sussexes exit from the Royal Family to the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, noting it was executed with maximum chaos. She alleged the Sussexes had vetted Canada, where Meghan had lived and worked for several years, and South Africa, where Prince Harry had always dreamed of living, as possible new homes months after their May 2018 wedding. Recalling a conversation with a Palace staffer, Ms Brown said they suggested the best thing Meghan could do for Prince Harry was take him out of royal life because he had been miserable for so long. The ex-aide is believed to have told Ms Brown: He needed a wife to come in and say, Actually, the best thing for you is that I take you out of this. According to Ms Brown's source, senior royals were 'supportive' of Harry and Meghan's decision to quit The Firm, as long as it was 'done properly' and 'set the right precedent'. Prince William reportedly believed that the way his younger brother's departure from the Royal Family could impact future generations, including his and Catherine's three children. While promoting his memoir in January 2023, Prince Harry told The Telegraph his reasons for speaking out about his experiences as the Royal Family's 'spare' cut straight to the heart of his personality as 'someone who likes to fix things'. 'If I see a pattern of behaviour that is harming people, I will do everything I can to try and change it,' the Duke of Sussex said. Harry said that he feels a 'responsibility' towards his nephews and niece 'knowing that out of those three children, at least one will end up like me, the spare'. The royal biographer compared the Sussexes exit from the Royal Familyto the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, noting it was executed with maximum chaos. Pictured: Prince Harry (left) and Prince William during the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 2017 While promoting his memoir in January 2023, Prince Harry his reasons for speaking out about his experiences as the Royal Family's 'spare' cut straight to the heart of his personality as 'someone who likes to fix things' - adding he felt a 'responsibility' to his neice and nephews. Pictured: The Prince and Princess of Wales with their eldest child, Prince George, and daughter Princess Charlotte (in Catherine's arms) with the Duke of Sussex in the background When he voiced these concerns to William, the future King is believed to have 'made it very clear that the children are not his responsibility' - although helping their daughter Charlotte navigate her position as 'spare' has remained a key priority for the Waleses. In fact, royal experts have suggested William and Catherine are actively trying to 'break the cycle' of heir and spare by giving their children as 'normal' an upbringing as possible. Speaking in a Channel 5 documentary, Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, said the future will be different for the youngest successors because they are being raised as equals - a 'key to unpacking and shifting expectations of our heirs and spares'. She added that they would have more 'freedom and choice than their father had'. While the royal couple are believed to have it 'all worked out' when it comes to avoiding the pitfalls of royal hierarchies, they could not control the 'Megxit' spiral, Ms Brown suggested. 'Like any divorce, much of the conflict came down to money and, as usual in this saga, there were hot temperaments and cold misunderstandings,' she wrote. According to Ms Brown, the 'half-in, half-out' royal role that Harry and Meghan had envisioned 'threw up multiple conflicts of interest' that were evident to everybody except them. Among them was the tricky task of 'delineating' commercial activities and royal duties. 'If, say, the high-visibility couple tacked a few days of shooting a paid Netflix documentary onto the back of a Foreign Office-funded Commonwealth tour, there would be an uproar.' According to Ms Brown, the 'half-in, half-out' royal role that Harry and Meghan had envisioned 'threw up multiple conflicts of interest' that were evident to everybody except them Even if there was a clear distinction between the Sussexes' money-making ventures and those undertaken as members of the royal family, it was still their status as members of the British monarchy that was 'being sold', she continued. Another challenge with the Sussexes' part-time arrangement was their desire to champion causes they believed in freely - but, asked Ms Brown, 'what if those causes were controversial'? Members of the Royal Family are required to maintain a politically neutral stance but, in November 2021, Meghan rang up two Republican Senators in her capacity as 'Duchess of Sussex' and asked them to 'lobby for paid family leave'. One of the senators, Susan Collins, said she found Meghan's request 'ironic' considering the Firm's 'pledge to be apolitical'. Finally, the question of voter-funded police protection for Harry, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, were - and continue to be - a major point of contention. These issues all boiled down to a single dilemma, Ms Brown suggested. 'Whether the Sussexes were celebrity royals or royal celebrities, two very different states of being,' she wrote. 'A royal is representing Crown and country. A celebrity is representing himself or herself. The air of optimism surrounding the Sussexes's independent ventures has also dissipated in the wake of 'Megxit' while the couple navigate a staff exodus amid claims they are 'unravelling at speed' 'The summer of 2019 confirmed to the media that the Sussexes had made the decisive and deadly pivot to the meretricious side of the equation.' The air of optimism surrounding the Sussexes's independent ventures has also dissipated in the wake of 'Megxit' while the couple navigate a staff exodus amid claims they are 'unravelling at speed'. After Netflix 'downgraded' its streaming deal with them, and Spotify ended their partnership with the Sussexes' production company, Harry and Meghan have lost two key members of staff within days. Harry's right-hand-man James Holt, the couple's 'rock' through Megxit, the publication of Spare and beyond, has quit to return to Britain to raise his family. And Meredith Maines, the couple's communications chief, left weeks after the couple suffered a backlash over deleted Instagram pictures of them partying with the Kardashians. Ms Maines is the fifth person in their PR machine to leave in 2025. The couple have now lost 12 advisers in recent years, including one who preferred a job in insurance and others who scrubbed all mention of their Sussex-related jobs from their CVs. Mark Borkowski, one of the UK's leading PR gurus and crisis managers, told the Daily Mail that the loss of Mr Holt and Ms Maines tops off a disastrous end to 2025 for the Sussexes' 'celebrity-led brand'. They are firmly in survival mode because of scandals and their own missteps, he said. He claims that in the modern world reputation doesnt unravel slowly. It buckles at speed and this very much applies to them. Meghan Markle tried to 'take the lead' when a 'rogue' Prince Harry upset a 'carefully planned choreography' during their quasi-royal Colombian tour, a body language expert has claimed. Striking footage captured on the Sussexes' third day of their trip in August 2024 revealed the moment the former Suits star attempted to 'redirect' her husband and get him 'back on track'. During their time in Bogota, the couple enjoyed local theatre and dance performances at the Delia Zapata Art Centre on August 15. Footage showed how, at one point, a dancer's costume nearly hit Prince Harry, 41, on the head. Analysing the awkward moment, body language expert Judi James noted how he then went 'rogue and adopted his showboating fun prince demeanour' by making lighthearted and animated conversation about the near-miss with the dancer. It was at this point that Meghan, 44, sought to get her husband's attention by using an 'outstretched arm back-touch', Ms James told The Daily Mail. Yet Harry appeared to either not notice his wife's 'non-verbal interruption' or may have 'deliberately ignored' her 'arm-steering ritual', she continued. 'This looks like a microscopic example of what happens when the "red carpet" double-act choreography goes awry and how instantly keen Meghan appears to be to get it back on track, to the point of taking the lead and being openly correctional,' Ms James said. Meghan Markle (left) sought to 'take the lead' when a 'rogue' Prince Harry (right) upset her 'carefully planned choreography' during their quasi-royal Colombian tour in August 2024, a body language expert has claimed Footage showed how, at one point, a dancer's costume nearly hit Prince Harry, 41, on the head. Meghan then appeared to try and get Harry's attention with an 'arm-steering ritual' (pictured) She added that Harry's jovial behaviour was 'disruptive' to Meghan's pre-planned 'choreography'. 'Harry is talking and entertaining and pretty much on a roll, and Meghan's gesture interrupts that conversation to appear to remind him where he should be going and who he needs to be meeting,' she explained. 'Meghan's instinct seems to be to take the lead here and steer him back on track with a parental-looking ritual. 'It could initially have been a nudge to Harry to include her in the new scene but, as she gets ignored, she instead walks away, using the hand to appear to try to redirect him instead.' It was in this moment that Harry appeared to deviate from his usual 'air of submission and compliance'. The prince's response, or indeed lack thereof, when Meghan seeks to grab his attention via a 'soft control gesture' is rather 'telling', added Ms James. She added: 'As a single guy working the crowds alone pre-marriage, he would be unused to being interrupted and steered. 'Instead of tuning into his wife during what could be a challenging royal tour, he seems to have this moment of "tuning out" that could suggest, rather than an air of submission and compliance, he enjoys the playful, disruptive child role.' Ms James said: 'This looks like a microscopic example of what happens when the "red carpet" double-act choreography goes awry'. She described Meghan's behaviour as 'openly correctional' Meghan, 44, tried to get her husband's attention, yet Harry appeared to either not notice his wife's 'non-verbal interruption' or may have 'deliberately ignored' her 'arm-steering ritual', said Ms James The Duchess's 'instinct' to keep her husband publicly 'on track' is somewhat unsurprising given her former acting career, which required her to follow a crafted script. Acutely aware of the camera and the importance of maintaining a polished performance, Ms James noted that Meghan's acting stint meant she will now carefully consider how best to 'get everything right'. Yet while Harry's 'spontaneity' was once a 'strong and constant feature' of his body language during his bachelor days, this has seemingly shifted since his 2018 marriage. Despite leaving their royal duties behind, Harry and Meghan's Colombian trip was somewhat reminiscent of a royal engagement and was even dubbed a 'quasi-royal' or 'faux-royal' tour. During the four-day trip, the Sussexes visited a local school and attended a summit in collaboration with their Archewell Foundation about creating a healthier digital landscape. The pair also paid tribute to the contributions of Afro-Colombian women, leaders and entrepreneurs, and Harry participated in a game of volleyball while visiting Colombian Invictus Games athletes in Bogota. Yet while Team Sussex hailed the trip as a 'great triumph', it was certainly not without controversy. Shortly after the couple returned to Montecito, it was revealed that the trip had cost the Colombian government an eye-watering Col$244,245,305 (44,725.14), according to figures provided by the country's vice-president, Francia Marquez. The Duchess's 'instinct' to keep her husband publicly 'on track' is somewhat unsurprising given her former acting career which required her to follow a crafted script Harry's fun-loving 'spontaneity' was once a 'strong and constant feature' of his body language during his bachelor days. However, since his royal wedding in 2018, this has seemingly shifted Shortly after the couple returned back to Montecito, it was revealed that the Sussexes trip had cost the Colombian government an eye-watering total of Col$244,245,305 (44,725.14). At the time, it was branded as 'wasteful spending' by Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal Among the amounts cited was a 7,500 security cost for engagements held in San Basilio de Palenque. Meanwhile, Meghan was also reported to have spent 90,000 on clothing and jewellery alone during the so-called 'DIY Royal Tour'. In reference to the vast expenditure of the trip, Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal, Ms Marquez's political opponent, branded the quasi-royal tour as both 'showmanship' and 'wasteful spending'. The reported security costs were also said to have enraged many locals, given the country's socio-economic problems, with a third of the population estimated to be living below the poverty line. In response to the criticism, the Colombian vice-president's office later confirmed that the Duke and Duchess paid for their own flights and accommodation, as well as unspecified general expenses. Prince Harry has won his fight for automatic taxpayer-funded armed police protection when he visits the UK, according to sources close to the Sussexes. A ruling in the duke's favour, expected to be announced within weeks, could allow for a reunion between King Charles and his grandchildren Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, who live in the US. Sources close to the Sussexes told The Mail on Sunday that the reinstatement of armed security has been assured after a fresh risk assessment was carried out for the royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec). They said: 'It's now a formality. Sources at the Home Office have indicated that security is now nailed on for Harry.' The decision to reassess the risk followed a letter the duke wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in September calling for such a reappraisal. Harry was provided with police protection for one day only on a trip to the UK that month, for a children's charity event. A female stalker, who had previously made threats online, was able to access a secure zone there. Harry was said to have felt 'abandoned' two days later when without police protection the same woman got within 'a stone's throw' of him at another engagement and attempted to approach him. It fell to a member of the duke's private staff, who was ex-Army, to step in and protect him. His timely intervention, where he managed to body-block the woman, was one of several security lapses that were included as evidence to be flagged to the risk management board which advises Ravec. The duke, 41, has consistently argued that the UK is not safe for him and his family to visit without 24-hour armed protection. Prince Harry (pictured) will receive automatic taxpayer-funded armed police protection when he visits the UK, according to sources close to the Sussexes The duke, 41, has consistently argued that the UK is not safe for him, his wife Meghan Markle (right) and his children to visit without 24-hour armed protection His lawyers have argued that the withdrawal of security has left his life 'at stake'. In the letter, he asked Ravec, a Home Office committee, to 'abide by its own rules', which state that the risk-management board should assess each member of the Royal Family and other qualifying VIPs every year. Harry's last risk assessment was carried out in 2020, before he withdrew from royal duties. In May last year he lost a High Court battle that would automatically reinstate police protection but a fresh review was carried out last month. According to sources, risk management board members have now decided that the duke does meet the threshold for protection leaving Ravec with little choice but to approve his request. A source said on Saturday: 'The only thing that could scupper his approval now would be an intervention from the Palace.' That, however, seems increasingly unlikely given signs of rapprochement between the duke and his father. Charles is said to be very keen to meet his Californian-based grandchildren on home soil again. The King last met Archie and Lilibet when they visited the UK as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in February 2022. At that time Archie was two and Lilibet was six months old. Ravec includes security officials from the Home Office, the Metropolitan Police and the Royal Household, who work together to advise the independent chairman on who should be given protection and the appropriate level. The Home Office has legal responsibility for the committee's decision and successfully opposed the duke's appeal last May. A source close to the Sussexes said: 'We aren't taking anything for granted. Obviously given he's the King's son it is the right thing to do, but it's about everyone being able to save face and the risk management board is the common-sense way to do that.' King Charles is said to be very keen to meet his Californian-based grandchildren Archie (middle left) and Lilibet (middle right) on home soil again Harry has always claimed that the correct procedure was not followed when he and his 44-year-old wife Meghan were stripped of their automatic right to police protection on return trips to Britain. A source told The Mail on Sunday: 'If you knew about the kind of threats Harry and his children have been getting then you would understand why he doesn't want to bring the kids over until police protection is granted.' Meghan is not expected to join Harry on a visit to the UK next month, when he is set to give evidence in a court case involving Associated Newspapers. A spokesman for the Sussexes said: 'We can't comment on security matters.' A government spokesman said: 'The UK Government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security.' After years of skyrocketing house prices, a pandemic-induced boom in San Diego is finally going bust. The coastal California city experienced explosive demand amid the shift in lifestyle brought on by Covid-19 era restrictions. But supply remained relatively scarce with not enough new properties to accommodate the influx of new residents. As a result median home prices soared from $660,000 in January 2020 to $860,000 in January 2022, per Zillow. Today Zillow shows the median home price sits at a whopping $920,333 as of October. 'The price jumps we saw in 2021 and 2022 were honestly wild,' Realtor Bern McGovern told the Daily Mail. 'I mean, youd see one home sell, and the next one down the street would go for fifty grand more and then another one right after that. It felt like the market was on fast-forward, and that pace just wasnt sustainable long term.' Despite being almost double the national average, the figure represents a decline in San Diego average house prices for the fifth consecutive month, according to S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Indices report. The average San Diego home value is down four percent compared to 2024, according to Zillow. Realtor Bern McGovern said the 2025 has been, 'one of the slowest homebuying years in history'. San Diego's housing market experienced a huge Covid-era boom which is finally beginning to stagnate 'What weve seen over the last 18 months is more of a reset than a crash. Things have cooled off, especially in some of those premium suburban neighborhoods places like Carmel Valley, Del Sur, and Pacific Highlands Ranch,' McGovern told Daily Mail. 'These areas saw huge run-ups during the peak, so naturally theyve had a little more air come out of the balloon.' In a YouTube video, McGovern explained that housing inventory has doubled and demand has softened. 'In early 2024, San Diego had about 1.7 months of supply inventory, by mid 2025 that number climbed to three-and-a-half, almost doubling in less than 18 months.' The decline did slow in October compared to the month before which an expert told The San Diego Union-Tribune could have be down to lower mortgage rates. In October, the average price of a home in San Diego was about 0.6% lower than last year, compared to the 0.85% drop in September. The rates havent led to a surge in sales, but Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, thinks they could support the housing market in 2026. 'Closed sales are down about five to 10 percent,' McGovern added. Home sales are declining along with prices, despite a spike in housing inventory. 'Homes have started to stay on the market way longer,' McGovern said. 'It jumped to 40 percent compared to the start of 2025.' San Diego realtor Bern McGovern said that 2025 has been one of the slowest homebuying years in history for the area A three bedroom and two bathroom home (pictured) in San Diego has been on the market for so long that realtors were forced to cute the price by $50k Your browser does not support iframes. 'Homes that used to sell in under a month are sitting [on the market] for 30, sometimes 38 days.' McGovern also pointed out something that usually when the number of homes on the market doubles, sales drop about 8 to 12 percent, as they did in 2019 and 2020. But that hasn't been the case, prices have either slowly declined or stayed flat. He explained that two forces are at play, buyers are waiting for prices to drop further, and sellers holding on to homes because they have low three percent mortgages. The stagnation is evident on several Zillow listings which have seen their prices slashed after languishing on the market. One is a stunning four bedroom and three full bathroom home on Byrd Street, near prime Downtown/Centre City with lots of restaurants and nightlife. With a chefs kitchen, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, the home even offers ocean views, walk in closets, and a backyard with a hot tub, the listing read. Despite everything this home has to offer, it has been on the market for 63 days and the price was chopped $14,000 from the original listing. Another struggling sale is a $899,000 updated and meticulously maintained Ranch style home with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, in a private cul-de-sac. Once desirable homes in the coastal city are languishing on the market for months The price of this four bedroom and three bathroom San Diego home was cut by $14k after more than two months on the market 'Designer touches throughout, with newer appliances, custom cabinetry, waterfall island, and custom craftsmans tile work in both bathrooms. Enjoying the spacious yard invites endless possibilities and gorgeous mountain views,' per the listing. This 'perfect place to call home' has been on the market for 62 days and had the price was cut down a whopping $50,000 on December 12. A senior economist at Realtor.com told the Tribune recent rises in home buying were driven by lower mortgage rates and seasonal factors, not more affordable prices. 'Momentum in the housing market is struggling to pick up', Joel Berner said, 'as affordability constraints and a softening labor market weigh on demand.' The decrease in San Diego's housing market represents the latest change in fortunes. The city was growing steadily before 2019, with nearly one percent more people moving there each year, per the Census Bureau. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, San Diegos population fell and saw its biggest drop between 2019 and 2020. However as work from home initiatives became the new normal, a desire for more space drove migration back to the area. Venezuela could quickly strike back at America after Delta Force operatives snatched Nicolas Maduro and his wife in the dead of night, an expert warned. The Latin American nation could flood the US with a series of digital attacks and directly target American citizens, DigitalWarfare.com's James Knight said. Speaking to the Daily Mail last month after a series of US airstrikes on alleged narcotics boats off the country, Knight warned people to be extra vigilant. He admitted America has a huge advantage over Venezuela with its cyberwarfare capabilities, but warned hackers could unleash a wave of phishing links, fake emails and false profiles to impact ordinary Americans. He said these can be done to impersonate large US corporations such as Amazon or even government agencies like the IRS, lowering people's trust in the system. Even though Trump has captured the nation's leader, powerful pro-Maduro loyalists and allied militias remain who may seek to forcefully resist the US-backed transition by striking back on American soil. America's ultra-elite Delta Force ripped Maduro and his wife from their beds as they slept overnight after the CIA tracked their locations in previous days. The far-left leader, who will now stand trial in New York City on drugs and weapons charges, was taken in the early hours of Saturday morning. Donald Trump said the Maduros have been taken to the USS Iwo Jima assault ship and they will later be transported to Manhattan. A military vehicle destroyed by Saturday's strikes in Venezuela is seen burned-out as dawn breaks in Caracas on Saturday morning A bus with its windows blown out is seen in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. Venezuela's attorney general said 'innocent people' had been 'mortally wounded' by the strikes but did not offer further details or the number of people injured or killed Knight said any attack in the digital world would look much different than potential attacks coming from major cyber units in China or Russia. He said: 'Their strengths really come in the form of maybe doing some phishing, doing some DDoS, distributed denial-of-service attacks.' He also warned Venezuela could launch a 'Hail Mary' attack against American infrastructure, such as power grids, but called the odds 'very light.' Knight recommended Americans should step up their normal online precautions. He said they should avoid suspicious emails and maintain strong passwords. In terms of Venezuela's ability to seriously impact the lives of everyday Americans through cyber attacks, Knight said the country's allies and business partners in Asia and the Middle East are still a much more ominous threat. The security expert told the Daily Mail cyberwarfare units from Russia, China, and Iran already had access to US computer systems, giving them the ability to disrupt key industries in the event of all-out war. But he added the cybersecurity industry does not believe these nations would risk entering a potential US conflict with Venezuela by carrying out their own cyberattack. An explosion rocks Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning during a US military operation which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro (pictured) and President Trump spoke by phone last month as tensions between the two countries mounted US forces on November 6 struck an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean, killing three people, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said 'What would be a benefit of the Chinese if they suddenly started attacking? It would be worse. 'Trump would double the tariffs on them very quickly. It just doesn't benefit them that much,' Knight said. 'They like having access, they like being able to use the drug networks to put fentanyl into America. 'They might like to be a thorn in the side, they might like to have access to the hemisphere, but is it really worth their getting involved? Definitely not.' The expert added that US cyber units have been mapping out targets to strike digitally in Venezuela and other hostile nations for years. Trump hailed the operation to snatch Maduro as 'brilliant' during a brief interview with the New York Times on Saturday morning. The president later called into Fox News's breakfast show Fox & Friends, excitedly telling its hosts: 'I mean, I watched it literally l like I was watching a television show. 'If you would've seen the speed, the violence - it was an amazing thing.' Explosions were seen ripping across Caracas during the daring raid, with Venezuelan AG Tarek Saab insisting 'innocents' had been 'mortally wounded' by the operation. Two days before the raid, Maduro issued a plea for peace to the US, amid reports he had begun sleeping in a different place every night in a bid to avoid capture. Speaking to a Spanish journalist, Maduro said: 'The American people should know they have a friendly, peaceful people here, and a friendly government as well. 'They should know that our message is very clear: 'Not War. Yes Peace'.' During the same interview, Maduro said he'd be willing to work with the US to curtail drug trafficking. Trump claims Maduro is the head of a narcotics cartel which has flooded the United States with illegal substances. Speaking to The New York Times at 4:30am on Saturday morning, nine minutes after announcing the raid on his TruthSocial website, Trump said: 'A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people. 'It was a brilliant operation, actually.' Asked if he had consulted Congress prior to authorizing the strike, Trump said: 'We'll discuss that.' Maduro is due to stand trial in Manhattan and will likely be housed in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn - the same federal facility that currently houses alleged United HealthCare CEO murderer Luigi Mangione. American forces do not appear to have encountered much resistance from the Venezuelan military, despite Maduro claiming he was ready for any attack. Sky-watchers have posted spectacular pictures of the first Wolf Moon of 2026. The supermoon will be dramatically illuminating the UK's sky throughout today. It will be at its fullest at 10am but will be at its most impressive when closest to the horizon at evening moonrise. For Brits hoping to catch a glimpse of the Wolf Moon, it will be visible across the UK with clear skies forecast. In North Yorkshire a pretty snap of the supermoon showed it rising over a farmhouse in the village of Stokesley. A plane bound for Heathrow was spotted from Richmond Park flying with the Wolf supermoon behind it. And in Ely, Cambridgeshire, the supermoon has been seen rising above the city's cathedral. Last night, sightseers on the London Eye gathered to capture a picture of the capital's full moon. Images show the supermoon behind Stonehenge in Wiltshire, south-west England, this morning A plane bound for Heathrow was spotted from Richmond Park flying with the Wolf supermoon behind it In Ely, Cambridgeshire, the supermoon has been seen rising above the city's cathedral Picturesque scenes in Richmond Park as the supermoon rises over the Royal Park Images show it setting behind Stonehenge in Wiltshire, south-west England, on Saturday morning. Others capture it looming above Glasgow, Scotland, and the Thames Estuary in Minster, Kent, south-east England. Across the world, breathtaking pictures of the moon have already been snapped by avid sky-watchers. In Baltimore, USA, the supermoon was seen rising over the city's skyline. Meanwhile, in the Mexican city of Cocoyoc, it was captured beside the Popocatepetl volcano brighten up the sky in the hazy heat of last night. One particular surreal photo shows the moon behind the crescent moon of mosque's minaret in Srinagar - in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The term 'Wolf Moon' for a January full moon is believed to have originated from medieval Europe because it was believed to be a time of year when wolves howled more due to the lack of available food. Jess Lee, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said on Friday: 'Every full moon throughout the year has its own unique nickname. Last night, sightseers on the LondonEye gathered to capture a picture of the capital's full moon In North Yorkshire a pretty snap of the supermoon showed it rising over a farmhouse in the village of Stokesley In the Mexican city of Cocoyoc, the Wolf Moon was captured beside the Popocatepetl volcano brighten up the sky in the hazy heat of last night A man walks with a dog as the moon is seen in the background on a cold morning in the hills of Ditchling Beacon in East Sussex 'The January full moon is often called the Wolf Moon, a name inspired by wolves that were thought to roam during the long winter nights.' She added: 'You don't need any special equipment or to escape light pollution to enjoy the view, it's a beautiful sight in cities and rural areas alike.' These different names were helpful in the olden days to mark the changing of the names as the names tended to relate to the time of year - such as the Flower Moon in May and the Corn Moon in September. It is the fourth supermoon in a row after October's Harvest Moon, November's Beaver Moon and the Cold Moon in December. However, for those unlucky to miss today's Wolf Moon, there won't be another supermoon until November. There will however be two extra full moons in May making 2026 a rare year with 13 instead of 12 full Moons. The phrase 'once in a blue moon' comes from this phenomenon. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as the perigee. During tomorrow's perigee, the moon will be 225,130 miles (362,312 km) from Earth, over 20,000 miles (32,000 km) closer than its furthest point. A surreal photo shows the moon behind the crescent moon of mosque's minaret in Srinagar - in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir In Baltimore, USA, the supermoon was seen rising over the city The term 'Wolf Moon' for a January full moon is believed to have originated from medieval Europe because it was believed to be a time of year when wolves howled more due to the lack of available food A crimson Wolf supermoon over Cha-Am Beach, in Phetchaburi province, Thailand That will make the moon appear 14 per cent bigger and up to 30 per cent brighter as it rises tomorrow evening. In another rare winter treat, British moon watchers can also look forward to largely clear skies this evening. The Met Office forecasts only patchy cloud over most of England and Wales, with some light cloud cover in Scotland and the northeast of England. However, be aware that yellow and amber snow and ice warnings are in place over parts of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. If you are heading out to see the supermoon, be sure to check your local forecast and dress appropriately in warm clothing. Today's full moon is rare because not every full moon is a supermoon, and there may be only three or four supermoons in a typical year. The exact timing of moonrise will vary slightly depending on your latitude, but the moon should start to be visible from about 15:15pm in the UK. Fans of the Stranger Things series have been going wild since it came to a close after five seasons, with the final two-hour episode airing on New Year's Day. Many fans were left wondering whether the ending shown should be taken as canon, or whether it was just a hopeful fantasy. Fans watched Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the rest of the gang try and take down Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and the Mind Flayer - and try to close the Upside Down - a bridge between the real world and The Abyss. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Stranger Things: The finale named Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up caused the streaming service to crash due to high demand The evil characters are killed by the whole group, who successfully manage to close the gap. Eleven appeared to die in the final episode, although the cliffhanger has left fans torn - after Mike suggested she could very much still be alive, thanks to a cunning plot. Turning to his friends, Mike says: 'She had to make everyone, including her friends, believe that she was dead.' Strange ending: Many fans were left confused by what really happened at the end of the show Later in the episode, we then see Eleven hiking somewhere that appears to be 'a small town to call home'. The ambiguous ending has caused such a stir online that the two brothers, who created the series, have given their own views as to what really happened. Matt and Ross Duffer pointed out that ability-dampening machines were aimed at Eleven during her final appearance - meaning that she shouldn't have been able to close the portal at all. The end is nigh: Stranger Things sparked 'woke' fury after some Netflix viewers complained on social media Instead, it's suggested that Kali could have used her illusion-summoning abilities to trick the military with a mirage. Matt told Variety: 'The only thing Ill debunk is that Eleven does not communicate with Mike in any way. 'But what you just said at the end - yes, at graduation, hes hearing the speakers distort because the principal is so angry, and it makes him realize that there was the kryptonite. He continued: 'So how could she have possibly made it all the way to the gate? Not only that. How could she have possibly used her powers to bring him into the void? 'But there are a lot of other questions. Could Kali have actually done that? Could she have possibly been alive? We like that its up to the audience. Obviously, we tell you what the characters choose.' The final episode sparked 'woke' fury after raging Netflix viewers groaned on social media. No more: The series finale was released on New Years Eve in the U.S. with mixed reviews from fans Comments online included: 'Trash, woke, predictable.' 'Girl the way nothing makes sense at all is truly keeping me sane and woke like this isn't my Stranger Things idk what imposter show they have on Netflix rn but good lord.' 'I can't even watch it now. They ruined it for a woke stupid agenda for no reason. Stranger Things sucks.' It's not the first time that Stranger Things fans have complained about season 5 of the hit. The second-to-last episode Chapter Seven: The Bridge sparked plenty of backlash, a surprising turn for a largely popular show. The first four seasons, Stranger Things received high scores on review site Rotten Tomatoes. After a slew of 0.5 and 1-star reviews, the series has dropped down to a 56% Popcornmeter score, which is based on audience rating. Despite that, others are gutted it's over and think that it was a great show. 'Think its going to take a lot to top #StrangerThings as a piece of television and storytelling. Just amazing.' 'A series is truly defined by its ending... And Stranger Things Season 5 REALLY DELIVERS!' 'They said goodbye to their childhood. What a beautiful ending to an amazing show.' All seasons of Stranger Things are available to stream now on Netflix. A beautiful selfie spot at Red Rock Canyon turned ugly after a trivial argument escalated, with a Nevada woman hurling abuse at an Italian tourist. The unidentified woman's rant, apparently sparked by frustration over how long the visitor was taking at the scenic viewpoint, was captured on video and uploaded to social media. Footage showed the woman repeatedly accusing the tourist of assault, as bemused onlookers laughed at the increasingly heated confrontation. 'She just spit on me now,' the woman yelled in the clip. 'That is assault.' Meanwhile, the tourist denied the accusations and alleged that the woman - who was branded the 'first Karen of 2026' on social media after her tirade - 'kicked' her first. 'No. I did not,' the woman shot back. 'Everybody's here,' she added. 'Are you that ignorant, where you don't understand?' A younger woman tried to calm down the aggressor as her outburst grew louder, but to no avail. Footage of the dramatic argument was caught at Red Rock Canyon, a scenic area about 15 miles west of Las Vegas known for its gorgeous red sandstone formations. The top holiday destinations for 2026 have been officially revealed, with one Turkish hotspot crowned most popular for a third year running. Despite rising costs at home, Brits are refusing to give up sunny getaways abroad, with nearly half (43 per cent) of holidaymakers planning to book trips for this year in January and February. In fact, fresh research from On The Beach reveals 42 per cent are willing to spend more money than usual on their 2026 holiday, while a further 27 per cent plan on spending as much as they did last year. As for the most popular destinations for 2026, Antalya is expected to take the top spot as the UK's all-time favourite holiday destination for the third consecutive year. The city, located on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey, has surged in popularity for Brits seeking sun, sea and value, so it's no surprise it's now been dubbed the 'capital of tourism' for the country. Akin to the previous year, Spanish hubs continue to dominate the top 20, with Costa Blanca climbing to second place, Tenerife showing early signs of a comeback in third, Majorca falling two places to fourth, and Lanzarote placing fifth. Dalaman remains the sixth most popular choice, joining Antalya in Britons' sustained interest in booking Turkish getaways. But beyond the leading six, one North African country is capturing the attention of both holiday experts and travellers. New research from On The Beach reveals Antalya (pictured) as the UK's all-time favourite holiday destination for the third consecutive year Spanish hubs continue to dominate the top 20, with Costa Blanca (pictured) climbing to second place Red Sea resorts in Egypt, such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, have rocketed up the rankings, with holidays to these hotspots up 30 per cent year-on-year in 2025. The momentum is expected to continue into 2026, with both resorts now firmly planted inside the top ten in seventh and eighth place, respectively. Experts at On The Beach are also tipping Tunisia to be one of the breakout stars of 2026 after the North African nation entered the rankings in last year. Bookings are predicted to surge by more than 100 per cent year-on-year as bargain-loving Brits seek affordable beach breaks abroad without compromising on quality. And for those truly watching the pennies, timing is crucial. According to research, June continues to be the cheapest month to travel, with a fifth of British travellers planning on holidaying during this month to snap up better value. Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On The Beach said: 'Even in a challenging economic climate, holidays remain one of the last things Brits are willing to cut back on. 'We're seeing customers prioritise value and certainty, which is driving strong demand for destinations like Egypt and Tunisia, while classic choices such as Spain and Turkey continue to appeal because they deliver exactly what holidaymakers expect.' Red Sea (pictured) resorts in Egypt, such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, have climbed up the rankings, with holidays to these destinations up 30 per cent in 2025 Both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada (pictured) are firmly planted inside the top ten in seventh and eighth place, respectively The top 20 destinations for 2026 As reported by holiday experts On The Beach Antalya Costa Blanca Tenerife Majorca Lanzarote Dalaman Sharm El Sheikh Hurghada Costa Del Sol Gran Canaria Rhodes Crete Dubai Fuerteventura Tunisia Area The Algarve Costa Brava Malta Ibiza Costa Dorada Advertisement Further research from On The Beach revealed Benidorm as the most searched seven-night holiday in 2025, while a seven-night break in Tenerife is predicted to be early favourite for 2026. Meanwhile, the cheapest destination for 2026 has been revealed - with average flights costing 105 from the UK. In a new study by global travel app Skyscanner, which conducted research with OnePoll in November 2025 with 2,000 respondents, it unearthed the places where travellers' money can stretch further. France's Lyon, a popular destination but without the exorbitant prices of such cities as Paris, was a clear winner for its low return flight cost, the research found. Holiday bookings are set to surge today as travel firms brace for 'Sunshine Saturday' - the busiest day of the year for the industry. Demand for package holidays is expected to increase by five percent in January this year, as more Brits look to escape the winter doom and gloom by booking trips abroad. The expected rise in demand for package holiday bookings comes as it is forecast hundreds of thousands more Brits will book this month than in January 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) predicts. The regulator, which administers the ATOL travel financial protection scheme, forecast that 200,000 more holidaymakers will book trips in January compared with the 4.3 million who did so last year. The first Saturday in January is often referred to as Sunshine Saturday by the travel industry as it is one of the busiest days of the year for holiday bookings. But all the weekends in January typically see large numbers of holidaymakers confirm their trips as the public seek to plan sunny breaks away from the cold and dark of winter. Holiday companies also expect a five per cent increase in demand for trips in the year to the end of September compared with the previous 12 months. It comes as research shows many Brits will be opting for quieter destinations this year. Demand for package holidays are expected to increase by five percent in January this year, as more Brits look to escape the winter doom and gloom by booking trips abroad (Pictured: Heathrow Airport) Across the web, Malta's quieter sister island, Gozo (pictured: Blue Lagoon on Gozo), has seen the largest increase in search traffic in a possible sign Brits are turning away from some of the region's famous party islands British Airways Holidays said the British overseas territory of Bermuda is its fastest growing destination for holiday searches. There was a 38 per cent increase in searches for 2026 Bermuda trips between January 1 and November 9 2025, compared with the same period in 2024 for travel last year. Other destinations also seeing strong growth include the Greek island of Crete (up 18 per cent) and Central American nation Costa Rica (up 15 per cent). But across the web, Malta's quieter sister island, Gozo, has seen the largest increase in search traffic in a possible sign Brits are turning away from some of the region's famous party islands. Some familiar favourites still top the charts for overall search volume though, including Malta, Egypt and Tenerife. Selina Chadha, group director for consumers and markets at the CAA, said: 'With more people looking to book their holiday, it's important to check your package holiday for ATOL protection. 'Whether you're searching for a summer or winter break, you'll have peace of mind that you won't lose money if your travel company collapses.' All holidays sold in the UK as a package - typically flights and accommodation together - are legally required to be protected by ATOL. Familiar favourites including Crete (pictured), Egypt and Malta are also expected to see significant bookings this month The scheme provides support for consumers when a tour operator goes out of business. It arranges for people already overseas to be flown home, and reimburses financial losses suffered by those with future trips. The package travel regulations also mean retailers are responsible for issues such as the standard of a hotel room not matching the description when booked. Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, urged consumers not to 'feel pressured into booking in a hurry' this weekend despite it being 'advertised as a prime time to grab a holiday bargain'. He said: 'Consider your options and shop around to make sure you're getting the right holiday for you, at the right price. 'If you are flexible on destination, there are offers throughout the year.' Dans une demonstration defficacite preventive, les forces de securite nigerianes ont mis en echec trois projets dattentats-suicides dans lEtat du Borno, foyer historique de linsurrection terroriste. Linformation, revelee par le site NTA Network, souligne un succes tactique majeur dans la lutte antiterroriste. Cette intervention sinscrit dans le cadre de loperation Hadin Kai ( unite en haoussa), vaste campagne militaire deployee dans le nord-est du Nigeria pour aneantir les groupes jihadistes qui ensanglantent la region. Laction menee a ete decisive : plusieurs unites dextremistes ont ete detruites , selon les termes du rapport, contraignant les survivants a une fuite precipitee vers la chaine de montagnes Mandara, a la frontiere avec le Cameroun. Le renseignement extrait sur le terrain sest avere crucial. Linterrogatoire des combattants captures a permis detablir un lien direct entre les auteurs de ce projet dattaques coordonnees et lune des factions du groupe terroriste Boko Haram. Cette neutralisation preventive evite, de fait, un bilan humain potentiellement lourd et demontre une capacite accrue de renseignement et daction rapide des forces nigerianes. Si la pression militaire maintient les groupes terroristes sur la defensive, comme en temoigne ce recent succes, leur capacite de nuisance et leur repli dans des zones difficiles dacces, comme le massif de Mandara, rappellent que la menace persiste. La cooperation transfrontaliere avec le Cameroun reste plus que jamais un imperatif pour securiser durablement la region. Nigeria Thwarts Triple Suicide Bombing Plot in Borno State In a display of preventive efficiency, Nigerian security forces have foiled three planned suicide bombings in Borno State, the historic epicenter of the terrorist insurgency. The information, revealed by the NTA Network site, highlights a major tactical success in the counter-terrorism fight. This intervention is part of Operation Hadin Kai ("unity" in Hausa), a large-scale military campaign deployed in northeastern Nigeria to eradicate the jihadist groups that have plagued the region. The action taken was decisive: several extremist units were "destroyed," according to the report, forcing survivors to flee precipitously to the Mandara mountain range on the border with Cameroon. Intelligence gathered on the ground proved crucial. The interrogation of captured fighters established a direct link between the perpetrators of this coordinated attack plan and one of the factions of the Boko Haram terrorist group. This preventive neutralization averted a potentially heavy human toll and demonstrates an increased capability for intelligence and rapid action by Nigerian forces. While military pressure keeps terrorist groups on the defensive, as evidenced by this recent success, their ability to cause harm and their retreat into hard-to-reach areas like the Mandara massif remind us that the threat persists. Cross-border cooperation with Cameroon remains more imperative than ever to secure the region in the long term. Operation Hadin Kai, Nigeria, Borno, attentat-suicide dejoue, terrorisme, Boko Haram, forces de securite nigerianes, contre-terrorisme, Mandara, Cameroun, nord-est Nigeria, securite, renseignement, NTA Network Moussa Nassourou Fans have been raving about an 'absolutely spectacular' Western show hailed as 'some of Steven Spielberg's best work'. Among the iconic director's, 79, notable films are Schnidler's List, Jaws, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and The Color Purple. However, one of his television projects has proved to be a perfect weekend binge watch as viewers showered it with praise. Six-part series Into the West debuted on TNT in 2005 and premiered on BBC Two in the UK more than a year later. The premise followed the lives of a White family and a Native American family during the American expansion, while Spielberg produced the show. Cast members included Josh Brolin, Gary Busey, Glen Powell, Keri Russell, Rachael Leigh Cook and Sean Astin, to name a few. Fans have been loving binge-worthy series Into The West - which was produced by Steven Spielberg Released in 2005, the six-part series follows two families, one white and one Native American, amid the American expansion The highly acclaimed mini-series won over many fans and won two Primetime Emmy Awards from sixteen nominations Writing on IMDB, one reviewer shared: '"Into The West" is, in my opinion, some of Steven Spielberg's finest work. 'Watching the series itself stirred up inside of me mixed emotions-- joy, sadness, anger, and so forth. 'Spielberg did a pretty darn good job in capturing how the West was shaped and more specifically the people who risked their lives in shaping it.' Another commented: '"Into the West" is an amazing story, that anyone who calls themselves an American should see. 'This mini-series shows a heart-felt perspective of American History that no high school text book could possibly explain. 'The way they tell these unprecedented events through generations of two families, and the joys and tragedies that they endure keeps you glued to the screen every second.' A third remarked: 'I have diligently watched this series since the beginning. I have re-watched all the episodes at least twice. 'Having some knowledge of Native American history, I have found that again Spielberg has done his homework on both sides of the journey west. 'I feel that he has portrayed both sides more than fair and hope that this movie will open the eyes of those who still believe in the stereo typed "Indian, Pioneer, and Mountain Man. 'I hope that this movie again will make people understand what happens to "Nations" when there is prejudice and ignorance.' Into The West received a whopping 16 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, ultimately winning two. Elsewhere, another binge-worthy drama became available on streaming ahead of the festive season. Initially airing on BBC Two, 2015 series Versailles has gripped viewers, and it's the perfect watch for the cold nights. Actors Alexander Vlahos and George Blagden star in the gripping drama, which wrapped in 2018. It was even dubbed the 'the best show you probably never watched' by the Los Angeles Times. Iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg's films include Jaws, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan and The Color Purple A binge-worthy period drama landed on Amazon Prime Video ahead of the festive season - and fans are hooked Lorraine Ali wrote: 'Versailles and I met by chance on Netflix. It was season one. A day later, I was hooked. Only a year or so to go until a new season arrived on fledgling network Ovation, its US cable home.' The shows synopsis reads: 'The year is 1667. King Louis XIV of France is 28 and finally in sole command of his kingdom. 'Welcome to a world of power and betrayal, love, lust and declarations of war, where courtiers battle for the Kings favour. This is Versailles in all its brutal glory.' Versailles has something for everyone - from the history lovers to the LGBTQ+ community rarely represented in the genre, thanks to its steamy plotlines. One of the most beloved faces of 80s and 90s TV made a surprise appearance in LA - and fans did a double take. The 67-year-old actress - who won hearts as Catherine Willows on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation from 2000 to 2013 - looked effortlessly chic even in a casual ensemble of a loose shirt, faded jeans, and fedora. It was a far cry from her Emmy-winning turn as sex worker K.C. Koloski on China Beach in the late 80s, a role that earned her critical acclaim and a 1990 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. The bombshell also made her mark on the big screen with memorable roles in films like Species (1995), Erin Brockovich (2000), and Mr. Brooks (2007). Fans of daytime TV also remember her early days as Siobhan Ryan on the soap opera Ryans Hope from 1982 to 1986, where her career first began to take off. So, who is the stunning star spotted during her rare outing? One of the most beloved faces of 80s and 90s TV made a surprise appearance in LA The 67-year-old actress looked effortlessly chic even in a casual ensemble of a loose shirt, faded jeans, and fedora It was a far cry from her Emmy-winning turn as sex worker K.C. Koloski on China Beach in the late 80s None other than Marg Helgenberger! In 2012, Helgenberger opened up about saying goodbye to CSI after 12 years and what she took away from her time on the hit show. 'The creative, collaborative camaraderie. The execution of a great idea in television involves so many people, and to sustain that for as many years as we have takes a group of people that are incredibly dedicated, passionate and committed and who enjoy each others company,' she told The Hollywood Reporter. 'Thats what weve always had on CSI, and thats why, in large part, its still a success.' A decade later, in 2022, she returned to the franchise as a series regular on CSI: Vegas, reprising her long-running role of Catherine Willows. Helgenberger also reflected on how she first got into acting. 'I got the bug in high school, but in terms of thinking this could be a possible career, it was that production and that role,' she said of portraying Blanche DuBois in a college production of A Streetcar Named Desire. 'Ive always been a shy person. Acting gave me the opportunity to express myself. I enjoyed bringing material to life and playing off other people. I still do. The mystery star is Marg Helgenberger; (pictured 2023) Marg won hearts as Catherine Willows on CSI: Crime Scene Investigationfrom 2000 to 2013; (clockwise from left: William Petersen, Jorja Fox, Paulo Guilfoyle, George Eads, Gary Dourdan, Helgenberger) Helgenberger reflected on how she first got into acting, saying 'I got the bug in high school' Helgenberger starred on China Beach, a war drama set at an evacuation hospital during the Vietnam War, named after My Khe Beach in a Nang, Vietnam, which was nicknamed 'China Beach' by American and Australian soldiers A decade later, in 2022, she returned to the franchise as a series regular on CSI: Vegas, reprising her long-running role of Catherine Willows 'Even if we didnt like the location or the cold or the hour of the night, I always loved being with the CSI cast. That was one of the reasons that made it so special and why it was so hard to leave.' On why she left CSI, she explainedat the time, 'I instinctively felt it was time to end that chapter of my career. Im 53 now, and I feel like Im still young enough to switch it up. I dont have the energy at 53 that I did when I started this show at 41. In that 12-year span, there were lots of changes in my life.' As for her favorite roles, Helgenberger said, 'K.C. was a good one. I love [CSIs] Catherine Willows. Who could not love Blanche DuBois? The role I had in Erin Brockovich was a very good one small but meaty and emotionally charged. 'It set the whole story in motion. I loved that even though she was suffering from cancers that were brought on by chromium-6 in the groundwater in Hinkley, Calif., she always had such a sunny disposition and a spirit about her she just pulled herself back up by her bootstraps. 'I loosely based her on my mom, who is a cancer survivor, and other hardworking people I know in the Midwest.' Off-screen, Helgenberger has had her share of personal milestones. She married Alan Rosenberg in 1989, had their son Hugh in 1990, and divorced in 2010. In April 2022, she married Charlie Haugk, whom she had been dating since 2019. If one looks through Tana Ramsay's Instagram page, it's striking quite how much effort it takes to find a mention of her daughter Holly's romance with Adam Peaty. There's no mention of her marriage to the Olympic swimming champion in a blockbuster event at Bath Abbey last week. And you have to trawl back to 2023 to find Tana posting a picture of the pair, who were then newly engaged. Adam's proposal to Holly was, said Tana, 'simply the best news'. Since that date she has perhaps wisely steered clear of making any public pronouncement on their relationship, which became increasingly publicised and contentious after a row developed within the Peaty clan over wedding outfits which spectacularly led to the groom's mother Caroline being uninvited to the big day. And while Gordon Ramsay, 59, shared his delight over the couple's nuptials with his 20million Instagram followers telling them last week: 'I'm truly so lucky being able to walk this beautiful bride down the aisle and gaining an incredible son in law @adamramsaypeaty' Tana has maintained a notable silence. Because Tana, 51, who prefers to stick to neutral, pride-filled posts about all her six children Megan, 27, twins Holly and Jack, 25, Tilly, 24, Oscar, five, and Jesse, two has been quietly holding things together at home amid the devastating fall-out. And it's entirely in keeping with her character, say friends, who refer to her as 'Tana the peacemaker'. Those who know the devoted mother say she has long been focused on instilling strong family values in her children and prizes nothing more highly than a calm and happy home. Determined to bring her children up with impeccable manners regardless of their obvious privilege, those who know Tana say they believe she is deeply upset at the rift between her new son-in-law and his mother. Tana, who prefers to stick to neutral, pride-filled posts about all her six children, has been quietly holding things together at home amid the devastating fall-out, Katie Hind reveals Holly Ramsay with Caroline Peaty and Olympic swimmer Adam. The row between the couple and the Olympian's mother is said to have started when the bride took a dislike to her outfit The row started when Holly is said to have taken a dislike to the outfit Caroline had chosen to wear for her nuptials. The argument soon escalated when Caroline was not asked to Holly's hen-do and her invitation to the wedding was dramatically withdrawn. In the event, neither she, Adam's father nor his two brothers were present for the lavish event. Only Adam's sister, Bethany, who was a bridesmaid, attended. Gordon couldn't help but rub salt into the wound when he took a swipe at the Peaty family in his speech. It's claimed that, while speaking to assembled guests at the exclusive Kin House in the Cotswolds, Gordon commented on how beautiful Holly looked and told Adam he was a 'lucky man'. He reportedly then said to Adam: 'Look at Tana and that's what you have to look forward to.' Then, in an uncomfortable dig at Adam's parents, he told Holly: 'Shame you don't have the same.' His comment left many aghast and further upset the Peaty family. Last week, Caroline, who sacrificed so much to enable Adam to fulfil his dream to become an Olympic gold medallist, told the Daily Mail: 'I don't think they understand how much they have hurt me; it's as if they have cut my heart out.' Ironically, one person who would be well able to sympathise with a rift within the heart of her family is Tana herself, who knows first-hand the pitfalls and emotional trauma after her own father, Chris Hutcheson, spectacularly fell out with Gordon and was sacked as CEO of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, more of which later. The pair on their wedding day at Bath Abbey last month. Several stars attended the ceremony 'Tana is the kindest, sweetest and most down-to-earth woman you could wish to meet,' says a friend who knows her well. 'She loves nothing more than being a mum. Parenting is her thing and she's done her very best to bring her children up with morals, manners and tried to teach them to do the right thing. 'Gordon is brash and maverick. Tana is the calming mother hen, the peacemaker. Falling out like this, to the extent that your mother isn't at your own wedding, is just awful.' Not that there were any signs of disquiet in a new interview with Holly, published on the Vogue website yesterday alongside exclusive pictures from the day. Indeed, Holly appeared to enjoy her father's vulgar outburst, describing the speech as 'everything and more', adding that she was 'overwhelmed with happiness', as she shared a photograph of herself and Peaty laughing as her father spoke. She said: '[I was] listening to Dad's speech, looking around the room and feeling overwhelmed with the love and the happiness on our guests' faces.' It isn't known what Tana thought of her husband's jibe. While, of course, she would have been filled with joy as her husband showered her daughter with praise, there's also no doubt, say friends, that she hates falling out with people. At the very least, they say, she will be hoping that one day things will calm down. It wouldn't be the first time Tana has brought an emollient approach to a family row. Friends tell me she was very keen to smooth things over with her own father, who was jailed for six months in 2017 after being found guilty of conspiring to hack into the computer system for Gordon's businesses between 2010 and 2011. After being sacked as CEO of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, an aggrieved Hutcheson then tried to access the firm's computers more than 2,000 times, in a well-publicised scandal that hugely embarrassed and upset Tana. For all her pain, I'm told that father and daughter 'mended things very quickly'. A trained Montessori teacher, Tana has largely avoided the limelight since meeting Gordon in the 1990s. Her only foray into showbiz back in 2010 when she signed up to take part in ITV reality show Dancing On Ice left her 'absolutely mortified' by the attention. After being eliminated in the fourth episode, 'she quickly retreated back to her home and her low-key life', says a friend. 'There were some horrible things written about her which were deeply upsetting for her. Tana who is about as normal as you can get is more comfortable at home with her children.' She gave birth to her first child Megan in 1998, and a year later Holly and her twin brother Jack, all via IVF. Then along came Tilly, the couple's only child to be conceived naturally. In 2016, Tana and Gordon tragically lost their son, who they named Rocky, to a miscarriage at 20 weeks. Three years later, Tana gave birth to another son, Oscar. Then in 2023, at the age of 49, she gave birth to her sixth child, a boy named Jesse. While Gordon focused on his global career, Tana was holding the fort at home. When her children were little, she would regularly be seen, looking somewhat harassed, in London's 'nappy valley' suburb of Wandsworth. At one point she had three children under three yet there would be no nanny in sight. 'She would be the woman pushing a double buggy while another of her kids was running off,' says one friend of the family. Many, then, wonder just how Tana feels about the rift with the Peatys, especially as some claim the Ramsays have been rather snobby about Adam's working-class family. 'She isn't someone who likes confrontation and she has been extremely supportive of her friend Victoria Beckham during her terrible fall-out with her son Brooklyn. It has been very sad for all concerned,' says a source who knows the Ramsays. Indeed, neither Holly nor Adam have emerged from the saga in an especially good light, with Peaty being accused of being ungrateful towards his mother, who so loyally supported him with his swimming career. As for Holly, she has been labelled snooty. That accusation may have been given more oxygen with the publication of the wedding pictures yesterday on the Vogue website, after the couple negotiated a lucrative deal with the fashion bible for exclusive rights. Some shots showed Holly in her exquisite lace Elie Saab wedding dress, which she had shielded under a white cape when she arrived with her father at Bath Abbey to protect her money-spinning deal with the magazine. Holly revealed in her interview that she chose the dress after being inspired by two other famous brides: Kate Middleton's gown when she married Prince William in 2011 and Grace Kelly's 1956 bridal gown. Holly was also seen with her sisters Megan and Tilly, as well as Adam's sister Bethany, who were all wearing Victoria Beckham bridesmaid dresses. Also there was Holly's twin Jack, a Royal Marine, who wore his ceremonial military uniform. While Holly praised her father for his loyalty to her in the interview, she also expressed her gratitude to Tana, who had accompanied her on her excursions to find the perfect wedding dress, taking little Jesse with her. Holly also wore her mother's wedding dress from 1996 for her first dance and said: 'I've always loved the idea of bringing in Mum's dress at some point. 'It's beautiful: silk with a V-neckline and pearls all the way around. I tried it on and it fitted me perfectly it didn't need any altering.' She also revealed that Tana was 'on the Peloton' when Holly first tried it on and her mum promptly burst into tears. Of the unpleasantness with her in-laws, there was unsurprisingly no mention. Instead, the interview was littered with gleeful revelations such as their wedding breakfast beef wellington being arranged by the team at her father's lavish London Savoy Grill restaurant. Holly also revealed that she wore shoes by Amina Muaddi which she says were a 'Christmas present from Adam last year', and carried a shell-shaped Chanel minaudiere, a limited-edition 2016 bag she tracked down online. Holly also hailed her mum's best friend Posh Spice as 'one of her favourite women' alongside a photograph of her, Lady Beckham and her mother Tana. The couple have not, as yet, given any other publications permission to use the photographs. Holly and Adam are currently soaking up the sunshine on their luxury honeymoon in Mauritius a wedding gift, she revealed, from her wealthy parents. They will surely be glad of the break from constant chatter about the family feud. As for whether that wound will ever be healed, there appears to be only one woman who could potentially soothe the situation and that's Tana. Dressed in a red sequinned jacket, Vernon Kay guffaws on stage at a Glamorgan holiday camp. In a video shared to his almost one million followers on Instagram, the Radio 2 host is also seen showing off caravans to potential guests. Boney M's 1978 hit Rasputin can be heard in the background. The cringe-worthy clip is for Parkdean Resorts, and Vernon is at its Trecco Bay flagship site for a lucrative endorsement campaign. It's prompted some colleagues to wonder why he signed the deal when he already earns 395,000 a year from the BBC to present its mid-morning show on Radio 2. In fact, the post, which went up on December 18, led those who work with Vernon, 51, to wonder if the big-money contract is to make up for a loss of income after his wife, Tess, stood down from presenting Strictly after 21 years. She is understood to have earned around 400,000 a year for the role, although a loophole means Tess's salary is no longer published as Strictly is produced by the corporation's commercial arm BBC Studios and therefore exempt from its annually released payments list. Vernon Kay has shared a video of him advertising caravans for Parkdean Resorts in Trecco Bay The BBC Radio 2 presenter also models regularly for Marks & Spencer, often wearing its garb His wife, Tess Daly, and Claudia Winkleman left the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing last month But it was a sizeable sum, making up half of her and her husband's joint income. And while her co-host since 2014, Claudia Winkleman, is on to more prestigious projects set to host her own chat show Tess, 56, has yet to reveal any new jobs. Nor have I heard of anything in the pipeline. 'It all looks a little bit desperate,' says one observer. 'We know Vernon likes a laugh and a giggle and he is incredibly relatable in some ways, but it's all a little downmarket for someone who has such a prestigious role at the BBC. 'He basically looks like a Butlins red coat.' However, Vernon's Glamorgan trip is not his only surprising affiliation. On November 13, just two weeks after Tess revealed she was leaving Strictly, Vernon unveiled an advertising deal with Lego. Roping in their eldest daughter, Phoebe, the pair built a racing car and a Japanese maple tree while Phoebe interviewed her dad about his career. Social media agents tell me a post like that could have netted the former All Star Family Fortunes presenter around 50,000. Another money spinner for Vernon are his DJ events called Dance Sounds Of The 90s, which he takes to places such as Scarborough and Newcastle. In fairness, they usually sell out, with tickets priced at 37.50 a pop and venues including Torquay and Guildford. While the tours are in conjunction with Radio 2, it partners with Sony and uses an external promoter, RGLive, meaning Vernon will cash in from the nostalgic club night events that feature anthems from artists such as The Prodigy, Snap!, N-Trance and Underworld. 'These can make you a fortune,' one agent who has worked in the music industry for three decades tells me. 'Tickets sell fast, helped by the Radio 2 tie-in. Vernon will be making tens of thousands of pounds from these.' And that money will, of course, be welcome in his bank account. In October, Tess stood down from Strictly, which she launched with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2004. She and Claudia, 53, posted a video on their social media accounts. Claudia said: 'There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.' Tess added: 'We have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass the baton over.' Claudia's friends said at the time that she and Tess had made a pact that they would always quit together. But while Claudia signed an eye-wateringly lucrative deal for The Claudia Winkleman Show, Tess has not yet announced any projects. She does have a few endorsement campaigns, including vitamin supplements giant Vitabiotics (she is the face of their WellWoman tablets), a jewellery brand collaboration with TV shopping channel QVC and travel firm All Inclusive Collection with whom she has enjoyed glamorous free holidays. She also has her own swimwear range, Naia Beach, sold in John Lewis and online. Of course Tess, who lives with Vernon in a 4million home in Buckinghamshire, may feel putting her feet up is entirely justified. After all, when Vernon, once the golden boy of television, was caught 'sexting' Page 3 model Rhian Sugden in 2010, his work began to dry up leaving Tess as the breadwinner. Once the host of ITV's All Star Family Fortunes, Vernon was replaced by Gino D'Acampo. Keen to make a comeback, he took part in I'm A Celeb as a contestant in 2020, with much sniping at the time as television insiders showed surprise at how far he had fallen. 'Once upon a time he was hosting shows like that,' one told me. And since then, Vernon has certainly cashed in on his fame. He models regularly for Marks & Spencer, with many Instagram posts of him head to toe in its garb and linking to the store online. In one, he walks past a branch in a cream suit. He captioned it: 'Pavement or runway? Who can tell when you're looking this sharp.' Vernon also hosts a podcast sponsored by the retailer and, without fail, will post the item codes of the clothes worn by him and his guests. Plus, he and Tess have a deal with high-end restaurant Nobu, for which they are paid ambassadors, appearing in pictures endorsing the venues including a visit to its restaurant in Dubai. It's no secret that Vernon loves a freebie. Last February, he was a guest at the Super Bowl in California and then attended the Wimbledon men's singles final with Phoebe, dressed, you guessed it, in M&S, tagged on Instagram. While Vernon's new roles are undeniably making up for Tess's lack of income, they have angered some BBC colleagues. In the past, the corporation's internal rules have blocked stars from using their licence fee-funded fame for marketing purposes, although this has been relaxed in recent years. 'Vernon is paid so much by the BBC yet is allowed to earn even more outside of it,' fumed one BBC insider. And with a serious dent in the family finances, one can only imagine there's more in the way of side hustles to come. 2026 certainly got off to a less-than-stellar start for funnyman Merrick Watts. The former radio host, 52, took to Instagram on New Year's Day to reveal a shocking running injury. Merrick was hosting the Rando Run in Maroubra in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs when things went terribly wrong. He took to Instagram to document the nightmare ordeal which saw him rushed to hospital. Merrick began his revealing and graphic clip with a trigger warning. 'I just got back from the Rando Run which did not go according to plan,' he began. 2026 certainly got off to a less-than-stellar start for funnyman Merrick Watts. The former radio host took to Instagram on New Year's Day to reveal a shocking running injury 'In fact I ended up in emergency and I've had to have some quick surgery. If you don't like gore, don't watch the rest of this.' The video then cut to a very motivated Merrick leading a pack of fitness enthusiasts on the run with the caption: 'Seconds from disaster.' The run then came to a grinding halt after Merrick took a nasty tumble while filming the running pack. 'That was a good start. What happened here fellas? Someone was filming themselves and tripped on that step,' he said. Merrick then panned the camera down to his knee, revealing a deep, bloody gash. 'Warning that is a f***ing deep cut,' he said through the pain. 'Oooh, that's going to require some stitches. So boys, I reckon you go for a run and I'll see you at the hospital, where you guys will bring me flowers and chocolates.' Merrick's wife, Georgie, then picked him up to take him to the hospital, declaring the accident as the 'most Merrick Watts thing ever.' He took to Instagram to document the nightmare ordeal which saw him rushed to hospital. Merrick began his revealing and graphic clip with a trigger warning The run then came to a grinding halt after Merrick took a nasty tumble while filming the running pack. 'That was a good start. What happened here fellas? Someone was filming themselves and tripped on that step,' he said Merrick then panned the camera down to his knee, revealing a deep, bloody gash. 'Warning that is a f***ing deep cut,' he said through the pain He then showed another confronting scene of him lying on a hospital bed with his wound exposed. A nurse asked Merrick to bend his knee and he declared: 'I reckon that's more than a Band-Aid.' After being stitched up, Merrick appeared unfazed by the incident, even offering staff at Maroubra Urgent Care a tip. 'I feel like I could go on another run,' he declared. 'Should I go on another run?' to which the nurse replied: 'Please don't do that.' He then asked: 'What about ketamine? Can I have some ketamine?' with his request being flatly refused. Merrick recently recalled the shocking moment he and his former Nova co-host Tim Ross lost the Nova network $1million. The 51-year-old revealed on the Friendlyjordies Podcast, he and Rosso had been asked to promote McDonald's El Maco range live on air early in their career, but things didn't go to plan. After introducing the range, the radio duo joked it 'was the blandest food you would ever have' and their bosses weren't impressed. He then showed another confronting scene of him lying on a hospital bed with his wound exposed. A nurse asked Merrick to bend his knee and he declared: 'I reckon that's more than a Band-Aid' After being stitched up, Merrick appeared unfazed by the incident, even offering staff at Maroubra Urgent Care a tip. 'I feel like I could go on another run,' he declared. 'Should I go on another run?' to which the nurse replied: 'Please don't do that' 'That's what we refer to as the El Maco incident and no one ever brings that up, but Rosso and I know about it,' Merrick explained. 'We really upset the guys. Part of the quote was about "the geniuses at McDonald's have done it again... the blandest food you've ever had" and I was so dumb and I was laughing so much. 'And must have doubled down and said something about the shaker fries. We got off air and it was a big deal, I think we lost them $1million.' Merrick and Rosso were best known for their radio shows on Triple J, Nova, and Triple M, but the comedy duo shocked their listeners when they parted ways in 2009 after over a decade together. Tess Crosley has been pictured grinning on the Gold Coast, a day after AFL star Lachie Neale confirmed his marriage was over after weeks of speculation. The former Mormon missionary appeared unfazed by the recent drama which culminated on Friday when AFL star Lachie announced he would be stepping down as Brisbane Lions co-captain while confirming his split from wife Jules. On December 22, Jules publicly demanded her former close friend Tess remove Instagram photos of the Brisbane Lions' premiership celebrations, telling her in a since-deleted comment that she was 'embarrassing herself'. Jules then indicated that her marriage to Lachie was over and felt betrayed. 'I want to make it very clear that I am not 'working through' anything,' she wrote. 'I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way.' There is no suggestion that Tess has done anything improper. AFL star Lachie announced he would be stepping down from his Brisbane Lions co-captain role and confirmed his split from wife Jules during a press conference on Friday On December 22, Jules (right) launched a public attack on her former friend Tess (left) on Instagram. She later alleged she had been 'betrayed' Tess was photographed prior to Lachie's appointment stepping out of her car on the Gold Coast in a skimpy white playsuit and a pair of strappy slides for her solo outing. Carrying a $4,000 Louis Vuitton handbag, Tess grinned ear to ear as she emerged from her vehicle. Tess, who is married to Ben Crosley, was also pictured without her wedding ring. Her ring was also absent when she was pictured with her son on the Gold Coast on Monday, while Ben was seen looking downcast in Brisbane. On Friday, Lachie was asked point-blank if he cheated on his wife Jules during a tense press conference. 'I cannot address those rumours,' the star midfielder shot back. The 32-year-old said he was 'extremely disappointed' in himself as he vowed to put 'plans and measures in place' to be the best version of himself. 'While I will not go into specifics I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions which have hurt those closest to me. And for that, I am deeply sorry,' Lachie told reporters. Tess Crosley, the woman at the centre of the Lachie and Jules Neale marriage breakdown, was all smiles on the Gold Coast this week The former Mormon missionary appeared unfazed by the recent drama which culminated, on Friday, with AFL star Lachie stepping down from his Brisbane Lions co-captain role and confirming his split with Jules The announcement followed Jules publicly announcing she had experienced the 'ultimate' betrayal and launched a stunning social media attack on the couple's friend, Tess Tess cut a very breezy figure as she stepped out from her car just prior to Lachie's bombshell announcement Making the most of the Gold Coast sun on Friday, Tess wore a skimpy white playsuit and a pair of strappy slides for her solo outing Carrying a $4,000 Louis Vuitton handbag, Tess seemed chuffed to be out and about, grinning from ear to ear as she emerged from her vehicle Tess, who is married to Ben Crosley, was also pictured without her wedding ring 'I accept this as a consequence of my actions and I need to focus on rebuilding the trust with Jules as a future well being our children remain our number one priority. 'I understand as a public figure that there is interest in my personal life. However, I do ask the privacy of Jules and my children be respected as we work through our new situation and the next chapter of our lives.' Prior to the bombshell development, Tess was pictured peering anxiously out the windows of her Brisbane home while her husband answered the door to police on New Year's Eve. Her partner Ben was shirtless as the two officers arrived at the house just before 1.30pm carrying an unidentified long, black piece of lockable luggage, and two other long black fabric bags, all of which were given to Ben. He had his arms crossed as he spoke to the police while Tess pulled the curtains aside and watched on. There is no suggestion that Tess or Ben Crosley engaged in any improper conduct in relation to the visit by police. A Queensland Police spokesman said officers 'attended [the address]... and took possession of a number of items following a welfare check.' 'There is no criminal matter being investigated as such no further information will be provided at this time'. Rachel Zegler has fueled rumors she has split from her Evita back-up dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand with a cryptic post declaring her independence. The star, 24, has been linked to Fernand since this past summer but a telling message she uploaded to Instagram suggests there has been trouble in paradise. The West Side Stories actress uploaded a carousel kicking off 2026, but it was two photos in particular which raised eyebrows about her relationship status. She included a screenshot of a Google search of the phrase 'How to fumble a baddie' as well as a peculiar drawing by artist Ben Lenovitz. The image was of a woman smoking a cigarette during a dog walk with the message, 'I'll never get a boyfriend.' The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Zegler for comment but did not immediately hear back. Rachel Zegler's latest Instagram post raised eyebrows about her relationship status with Nathan Louis-Fernand The carousel contained a telling drawing featuring the message, 'I'll never get a boyfriend' The other photos in the post showed Zegler posing in a backless green dress and hanging out with her dog. She captioned the post 'hello twenty-twenty-six.' Tellingly, a selfie she posted with Louis-Fernand making their romance Instagram official appears to have been removed from her account as well. The photo was one of many she included in a carousel back in July, and while the original post remains, the cute selfie they took together is no longer in the post. She also is not following Louis-Fernand on Instagram, however he follows her. Zegler and Louis-Fernand have been putting on lovey-dovey displays in public since becoming linked in July. The couple are believed to have met during Evita rehearsals, which began in April for Jamie Lloyds adaptation of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Louis-Fernand last worked as a stripper on the Magic Mike Live show - a performance created by Channing Tatum based on the films he starred in by the same name. The 90-minute experience sees a cast of male dancers performing provocative routines, acrobatic acts and musical hits which 'celebrates female desires'. The post also contained a Google search for 'how to fumble a baddie' The couple are believed to have met during Evita rehearsals, which began in April for Jamie Lloyds adaptation of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical The dancer is very close with his parents and older brother, preferring yoga sessions over late night partying and drinking, he bonded with Zegler over their shared love for musical theatre. The new couple spent weekends away with one another with the rest of the Evita cast as Zegler, who plays the lead role Eva Peron, has grown very close to them. In July, the Disney star also shared a slew of pictures to her Instagram of a trip away to the countryside and she referred to Fernand as 'the darling man'. The Snow White star has been staying in London while she stars as Eva Peron in Jamie Lloyd's reimagined adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical. Her new romance comes eight months after rumours swirled she had split from her boyfriend of three years, Josh Andres Rivera - though the pair never confirmed they had broken up. Noughties girl band Mis-Teeq are reportedly plotting a reunion concert to mark the 25th anniversary of their hit debut album. Alesha Dixon, 47, Sabrina Washington, 47, and Su-Elise Nash, 44, wish to celebrate their 2001 hit Lickin' On Both Sides with a comeback show. The record earned them the number three spot on the Official Album Charts and featured their first five singles that all became top 10 hits in the UK. A source told The Sun: 'Alesha has been excitedly talking about this for a while and would love a Mis-Teeq reunion with Sabrina and Su-Elise happen. 'At the minute, lots of things are being discussed and one thing that has come up is the idea of a one-off show. It could be an intimate gig for their die-hard fans or a performance on a big TV programme such as Britain's Got Talent - which Alesha is a judge on. 'Lickin' On Both Sides launched Alesha, Sabrina and Su-Elise's music careers and that record holds a really special place in their hearts.' Noughties girl band Mis-Teeq are reportedly plotting a reunion concert to mark the 25th anniversary (L-R: Sabrina Washington, Su-Elise Nash and Alesha Dixon in 2004) While it appeared Alesha was the one holding back a potential reunion, in 2020 it was revealed Sabrina was suing the Britain's Got Talent judge over song-writing royalties The source added that while nothing is confirmed, the band wish to celebrate with fans. Daily Mail have contacted the group's representatives for comment. The girl group, which produced worldwide hit Scandalous, was formed in 1999. Mis-Teeq enjoyed major chart success, with two top ten albums and seven consecutive singles in the UK Singles Chart. However, in 2005 the group split up after their then record label folded. While it appeared Alesha was the one holding back a potential reunion, in 2020 it was revealed Sabrina was suing the Britain's Got Talent judge over song-writing royalties. A source previously told The Sun how Sabrina alleged Alesha had 'wrongfully claimed' royalties for their first two singles. Now, the women have settled their feud, with Su-Elise telling the Daily Mail how Sabrina was 'back in the fold'. Now, the women have settled their feud, with Su-Elise telling the Daily Mail how Sabrina was 'back in the fold' (Sabrina pictured in 2024) Mis-Teeq enjoyed major chart success, with two top ten albums and seven consecutive singles in the UK Singles Chart The 44-year-old said: 'Sabrina's back in the fold. We do like catch up every now and then and we have a little Mis-Teeq WhatsApp group so we can get in touch and talk about business stuff because there's always stuff going on in the background. 'But also just to see how we're all doing, and I think that that's quite nice, you know, it doesn't have to be an everyday thing.' Su-Elise continued by revealing the group is currently in regular contact and have even spoken about reuniting. 'We definitely have always said we would never say never and it would always just have to be when the time felt right, we're all in contact at the moment, all three of us. 'We are speaking on a fairly regular basis, but there is nothing set in stone as yet. 'I think for us if the right opportunity presented itself, it's definitely something we would look at, but we don't have anything in the works at the moment. 'You know, Mis-Teeq, when we came out, we were kind of breaking ground for UK garage and R&B in the UK and we did have a lot of success and, I think that we're at a point now where if we, if we did decide to do something, it would be for the fun and the giggles.' Violinist Brian King Joseph shared a cryptic Instagram post on Christmas Day about 'speaking out' - days before he sued Will Smith for sexual harassment and wrongful termination, with the A-lister denying all allegations. Joseph, 32, rose to prominence as a top-three finalist on America's Got Talent in 2018 and was later hired to play on Smith's Based on a True Story: 2025 tour. In a lawsuit filed this Tuesday, Joseph claimed that during a tour stop in Las Vegas last March, he came back to his hotel room at 11pm and found that it had been 'unlawfully entered' by an 'unknown person' who left a handwritten note that read: 'Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30 juts us,' with a heart and the sign-off: 'Stone F.' Per his court filing, he reported the alleged incident to Smith's team, only to then be 'shamed,' fired and replaced. The suit added that the 'facts suggest' Smith was 'deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation.' Smith's attorney Allen B. Grodsky described Joseph's accusations as 'false, baseless, and reckless,' in a staunch denial statement to the Daily Mail. Now it has emerged that five days before Joseph filed suit, he posted an Instagram video hinting at the legal action that was to come. The Daily Mail has contacted Smith's counsel for comment. Violinist Brian King Joseph shared a cryptic Instagram post on ChristmasDay about 'speaking out' - days before he sued Will Smith for sexual harassment Smith, pictured 2022, has firmly denied the allegations against him, with his attorney firmly dismissing the claims as 'false, baseless, and reckless' In Joseph's video, which he posted on Christmas Day, he told viewers: 'Hey everybody, I just wanted to talk about something really important.' Joseph alleged: 'Earlier this year, I was hired to be a performer on a major, major tour with somebody who is huge in the industry. So I was excited, proud of myself for getting the opportunity. Unfortunately some things happened, and I can't get into the details of exactly what that was because it's already a legal issue right now.' He added that 'the reason why I'm speaking out about this is because getting fired or getting blamed or shamed or threatened or anything like that, simply for reporting sexual misconduct or safety threats at work, is not okay.' Joseph continued: 'I know that there's a lot of other people out there who have been afraid to speak up, and I understand, and if that's you, I see you. And that's pretty much it. More updates to come soon. Thanks for listening.' The video was uploaded with the caption: 'Important PSA: love you guys, stay safe out there and always stand up for your beliefs and what is right no matter what.' Joseph filed suit the day before New Year's Eve, and when the case went public, Smith's attorney Allen B. Grodsky fired back with a statement to the Daily Mail. 'Mr. Josephs allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,' said Grodsky. 'They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.' In court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail, Joseph said that in November 2024, he was invited to Smith's home to perform for him. Smith is pictured this past July playing a date of his Based on a True Story: 2025 tour at the Festhalle in Frankfurt, Germany During this meeting, he was supposedly enlisted to play at Smith's San Diego concert that December, as well as on the subsequent Based on a True Story: 2025 tour. Over the course of their working relationship - which included Joseph performing on Smith's latest album Based on a True Story - the two men allegedly became close and spent 'additional alone time' with one another. Smith is alleged to have told Joseph at one stage: 'You and I have such a special connection, that I don't share with anyone else.' However according to Joseph's version of events, matters took a turn on March 20, when the first leg of the tour was in progress in Las Vegas. The band and crew had hotel accommodations booked for them and received their room numbers and confirmation codes on a spreadsheet, such that nobody but 'crew and hotel staff would have had access to Plaintiff's hotel room,' the suit insists. Joseph alleges that he came back to his hotel room around 11pm on March 20, 2025 and discovered it had been 'unlawfully entered' by an 'unknown person' - though hotel security did not detect any signs of 'forced entry.' When Joseph entered the room, he says, he was confronted with the sight of a note that read: 'Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.' According to the lawsuit: 'Among the remaining belongings were wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with another individuals name, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork belonging to a person unbeknownst to Plaintiff.' Joseph, pictured October 2025 at the Media Access Awards, said his firing from Smith's tour led to 'severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages' Joseph's court documents say he at that point 'feared that an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts with Plaintiff.' He instantly told hotel security and Smith's representatives and took photos of what he had seen, as well as requesting a room change and reporting the alleged incident to a non-emergency police line, he claimed. Joseph added further that he 'made clear that his only concern was safety and that he did not wish to receive any special treatment or compensation.' Days later, according to his lawsuit, a member of tour management 'shamed' him, to the point of 'blaming Plaintiff for the incident that transpired on March 20, 2025.' Per his court documents, that same member of tour management said to Joseph that 'everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?' Joseph insists he was fired in retaliation for reporting the alleged hotel incident - the culmination of an imbroglio that, according to the plaintiff, caused him 'severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages.' According to his court documents, the 'stress' of getting fired precipitated a health decline that led to 'major physiological damage,' on top of which he 'suffered from PTSD and other mental illness as a result of the termination.' Joseph filed suit against Smith this Tuesday at the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, and is demanding a jury trial. Paul Mescal has hinted that he could disappear from the spotlight until he emerges in cinemas in 2028, as he prepares to portray Sir Paul McCartney in the upcoming Beatles biopics. Earlier this year, Sony finally confirmed the cast for its four highly anticipated Beatles films following months of speculation, with all four projects set for release in April 2028. Gladiator II hunk Paul, 29, will take on the role of McCartney, Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, Barry Keoghan will star as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison in the films about The Fab Four. However, despite the huge career milestone, Paul suggested he may be stepping back from public life for a while. Speaking to The Guardian while promoting his new film The History of Sound and taking part in press for Chloe Zhaos Hamnet, the actor admitted he is considering a break. He said: 'People will get a break from me and Ill get a break from them, over the next couple of years.' Paul Mescal has hinted that he could disappear from the spotlight until 2028 as he prepares to portray Sir Paul McCartney in the upcoming Beatles biopics (pictured last month) Earlier this year, Sony finally confirmed the cast for its four highly anticipated Beatles films following months of speculation, with all four projects set for release in April 2028 (L-R Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and John Lennon of The Beatles pictured 1963) Paul added: 'Im five or six years into this now, and I feel very lucky. But Im also learning that I dont think I can go on doing it as much.' The actor went on to explain that filming indie projects, such as The History of Sound, in which he stars alongside Josh O'Connor as two men travelling across America recording folk songs in the 1920s, 'takes more out of the well' than many might expect. Despite hinting at time away from the spotlight, Paul is set to remain busy with the Beatles biopics and also has Richard Linklater's long-term project Merrily We Roll Along on the horizon. It comes after the Daily Mail revealed that the Beatles biopics will be filmed at London's iconic Abbey Road Studios, with production getting underway in November last year despite earlier reports that plans had been blocked. While it was previously claimed that Westminster Council would not allow filming at the famous zebra crossing, the council has since confirmed to the Daily Mail that production will be going ahead. Sam Mendes, who is directing the films, had wanted to recreate the Beatles' 1969 album cover on the crossing. Westminster Council told Daily Mail that they are, in fact, working closely with production teams to facilitate filming, which will involve closing the road. Last year, it was revealed that the actresses who had been cast to play the Fab Four's wives in the biopics. Gladiator II hunk Paul, 29, will take on the role of McCartney, Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, Barry Keoghan will star as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison in the films about The Fab Four (L-R Joseph, Barry, Harris, and Paul) However, despite the huge career milestone, Paul suggested he may be stepping back from public life for a while, previously telling The Guardian: 'People will get a break from me and Ill get a break from them, over the next couple of years' (pictured last month) It comes after the Daily Mail revealed that the Beatles biopics will be filmed at London's iconic Abbey Road Studios, with production getting underway in November last year despite earlier reports that plans had been blocked - (pictured: the Beatles pictured on the crossing) White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood, 31, will play George Harrisons wife Pattie Boyd, while Irish Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, 31, has been cast as Linda McCartney, the muse to many of Paul McCartney's songs. Anna Sawai, 33, who has made a name for herself in the US drama series Shogun, will appear as John Lennons wife Yoko Ono, and British actress Mia McKenna-Bruce, 28, will play Maureen Cox, the wife of Ringo Starr. Entitled The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, the project was announced last year. The movies will each take the perspective of one member of The Beatles as they evolve from unknowns in Liverpool in the early 1960s to becoming the biggest band in the world and then breaking up in 1970. Its the first time that surviving Beatles McCartney and Starr, and the families of the late Lennon and Harrison, have given the rights to feature films about them. Announcing the female foursome, Mendes said: Maureen, Linda, Yoko and Pattie are four fascinating and unique figures in their own right, and Im thrilled that weve managed to persuade four of the most talented women working in film today to join this amazing adventure.' Tommy Lee Jones and his family have broken their silence on the death of his daughter Victoria at age 34 - as a witness provides haunting details about the hours leading up to the tragedy. Paramedics arrived at the upscale Fairmont hotel in San Francisco at 2:52am New Year's Day, responding to a report of a suspected overdose with a victim who had undergone 'color change,' according to 911 audio obtained by the Daily Mail. Although emergency personnel tried to revive Victoria, she was pronounced dead at the scene, which was turned over to the police for investigation. Law enforcement insiders claimed her lips and fingernails had a blue tinge when first responders arrived, fueling suspicions she had overdosed. She was supposedly at the hotel to celebrate New Year's with a group of three or four people who spoke to the emergency services, with one female witness reporting Victoria used cocaine that night, the sources claimed to TMZ. Victoria's shattered family released a statement the following day, saying: 'We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.' The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Tommy Lee Jones for comment on the latest allegations about the night of her death. Tommy Lee Jones and his family have broken their silence after his daughter Victoria was found dead at a hotel at the age of 34; Jones and Victoria pictured in 2017 Jones shared Victoria as well as his his son Austin, 42, with his second wife Kimberlea Cloughley, whom he was married to from 1981 to 1996. Victoria's cause of death has not been officially determined, and an autopsy is expected to be performed in order to bring further information to light. A law enforcement source told the Daily Mail there were no signs of foul play, such as trauma to Victoria's body, nor was drug paraphernalia discovered near her. It emerged Friday that Victoria, a former child actress, was arrested twice last year, with the Daily Mail exclusively obtaining a mugshot taken this June in which she appeared to have a bruise below one eye. Victoria's first arrest came in April, when Napa Valley police officers were called to perform a wellness check and ended up charging her with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. Then in June, she was arrested again over a domestic violence incident at Napa's Carneros Resort and Spa, where rooms cost $500 a night at minimum. Although no further information has surfaced about that case, the Daily Mail has seen separate court filings indicating Victoria had also been accused of elder abuse. She pled not guilty to all the charges against her and was scheduled to appear in court for settlement hearings later this month. However Victoria was found dead New Year's Day on the 14th floor of the Fairmont San Francisco, with the initial discovery made by a hotel guest who saw her lying on the floor, according to a law enforcement source who spoke to the Daily Mail. Jones shared Victoria as well as his son Austin, 42, with his second wife Kimberlea Cloughley, whom he was married to from 1981 to 1996; Jones, Cloughley and Victoria pictured in 2002 Tommy Lee Jones' daughter Victoria was found dead in an upscale San Francisco hotel room aged 34, in the small hours of the morning on New Year's Day; they are pictured in 2017 It emerged Friday that the former child actress was arrested twice last year, with the Daily Mail exclusively obtaining a mugshot taken this June The guest allegedly thought she might be drunk and alerted hotel staff, who came up and saw that she was unresponsive, at which point they started performing CPR and called the paramedics to the hotel. The Daily Mail obtained the chilling 911 audio from Broadcastify, indicating Victoria was called in as a 'code 3 for the overdose, color change' - with code 3 signifying an emergency that necessitates an immediate response and sirens blaring. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department told the Daily Mail: 'On 1/1/26 at approximately 3:14 a.m., San Francisco Police officers responded to a hotel located on the 900 block of Mason street regarding a report of a deceased person.' The statement continued: 'At the scene, officers met with medics, who declared the adult female deceased. The Medical Examiner arrived on scene and conducted an investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.' Victoria Kafka Jones was born on September 3, 1991, and by 2002 she had made her movie debut with a small part in her father's picture Men in Black II. She appeared in a handful of acting projects as a child, including a 2005 episode of One Tree Hill and a role that same year a Western called The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, which was directed by her father. Although she has not acted onscreen since her turn as a cheerleader on One Tree Hill, she has attended the occasional red carpet with Jones as an adult. In 2017, she posed proudly at his side at the ArcLight Hollywood for the premiere of his movie Just Getting Started, also starring Morgan Freeman and Rene Russo. The San Francisco Fire Department told the Daily Mail that they responded to a call for medical aid at 2:52am Thursday at the address of the Fairmont San Francisco (pictured) Jones and Victoria are pictured in 2017 at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival, where he was serving as president of the international competition jury Victoria (left) is pictured with Barry Sonnenfeld (center) and Stephanie Kemp (right) in her movie debut Men in Black II, starring her father with Will Smith That October, she made an appearance with her father at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival, where he was serving as president of the international competition jury. After directing his daughter in The Three Burials of Melquiades, Jones showered praise on Victoria in an interview promoting the film. 'Shes a good actress, has her SAG card, speaks impeccable Spanish,' he said. 'When she was a baby, I told Leticia, her nurse, to speak to her in Spanish.' He also related a charming anecdote about having to acclimatize his then 14-year-old daughter to the rigors of working on a Hollywood movie set. 'She had to get up at 5am for her part. One morning, she wouldnt get out of bed. I said: "Honey, this is work." But she wouldnt budge,' he told the New Yorker. 'So I fired her. Then, without telling me, the production staff went over and woke her and rushed her out to the set just in time,' he recalled. Jules Neale has spoken out for the first time since her AFL star husband Lachie confirmed the couple's split. The Brisbane Lions captain, 32, appeared to shake as he confirmed he had regretfully separated from Jules during a press conference in Queensland on Friday. The bombshell revelation came after Jules publicly announced she had experienced the 'ultimate' betrayal and launched a stunning social media attack on the couple's friend, former Mormon missionary Tess Crosley, in December. Jules, 35, took to Instagram on Friday night to share a cryptic video her first post since the drama began to unfold. While no people were identified in the short clip, it showed a group of women sitting around a dining table. The table was strewn with vision boards as the women added positive affirmations, mapping out their hopes and dreams for 2026. Jules Neale has spoken out for the first time since her AFL star husband Lachie confirmed the couple's split Jules, 35, took to Instagram on Friday night to share a cryptic video her first post since the drama began to unfold An inspirational quip featured on one board read: 'The love I deserve is on its way to me.' Another read: 'I am stepping into the most successful decade of my life.' Captioning the cryptic post, Jules wrote: 'This is your sign to get the girls together and manifest your 2026 vibes.' She also augmented the clip with the song This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole. The post was met with a flurry of support from Jules' followers and one summed up the sentiment of many with: 'What a great way to purposely start the year!' The post was Jules' first since the split drama was first revealed back on December 22. Jules shared the post hours after Lachie confirmed that the marriage was over and that he was stepping down as co-captain of the Brisbane Lions. 'While I will not go into specifics I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions which have hurt those closest to me. And for that, I am deeply sorry,' Lachie told reporters. While no people were identified in the short clip, it showed a group of women sitting around a dining table The table was strewn with vision boards as the women added positive affirmations, mapping out their hopes and dreams for 2026 Captioning the cryptic post, Jules wrote: 'This is your sign to get the girls together and manifest your 2026 vibes' 'I accept this as a consequence of my actions and I need to focus on rebuilding the trust with Jules as the future well-being our children remains our number one priority. 'I understand as a public figure that there is interest in my personal life. However, I do ask the privacy of Jules and my children be respected as we work through our new situation and the next chapter of our lives.' The conference escalated when a reporter asked the AFL star: 'Did you cheat on your wife?' 'I cannot address those rumours,' the star midfielder shot back. Lachie was then questioned over his ability to be a role model to fans in the fallout. 'Like I said, I'm extremely disappointed in my actions and the breakdown of my marriage and I take full responsibility for it,' he said. 'For me, yeah, it hurts. I understand that I am a role model and I've probably let fans, not just at the Brisbane Lions but the AFL down, so I accept that responsibility and, like I said, I've put things in place moving forward to become a better person.' Lachie said he was 'extremely disappointed' in himself as he vowed to put 'plans and measures in place' to be the best version of himself. Jules shared the post hours after Lachie confirmed that the marriage was over and that he was stepping down as co-captain of the Brisbane Lions On December 22, Jules launched a public attack on former friend Tess Crosley, demanding she remove photos of the Brisbane Lions' grand final celebrations. The now-deleted comment, which was captured in screenshots, shows Jules writing: 'Take these down, you idiot, you're embarrassing yourself.' Jules then denied news reports she was 'working through' issues with Lachie and instead alleged she had been 'betrayed in the most unimaginable way'. 'I want to make it very clear that I am not 'working through' anything,' she wrote. 'I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way.' There is no suggestion that Tess has done anything improper. Never let it be said that Grant Denyer isn't afraid to go the extra mile for his craft. The affable TV presenter, 48, did just that this week during the latest episode of Channel Nine's TopKnotz. Grant and fellow TopKnotz crew Miguel Maestre, Tom Williams, Rob Palmer and Felicity Palmateer were in Fiji for Thursday night's series of waterborne challenges. After surfing some huge Fijian breaks, the group retired to Seventh Heaven a swanky floating bar and restaurant located in the heart of the Mamanuca Islands. Chef Miguel whipped up some pizzas in the kitchen and soaked up the atmosphere in the idyllic location. The group then set themselves the challenge of jumping into the azure water from a diving board perched high on the floating bar's roof, dubbed the 'leap of faith' Never let it be said that Grant Denyer isn't afraid to go the extra mile for his craft. The affable TV presenter, 48, did just that this week during the latest episode of Channel Nine's TopKnotz Grant and the TopKnots crew were soaking up the atmosphere swanky Fijian floating bar Seventh Heaven when Grant stripped completely naked to dive of the bar's rooftop diving board Grant was the last one to take on the challenge and he was definitely not shy in his attempt. Without batting an eyelid, Grant began to strip off until he was completely naked. 'Are you ready, gents?' he said to the production team as he removed his shirt, boardshorts and underpants. 'Here we go,' Grant added with a cheeky grin before running off to take the plunge. While Grant had no shame about baring all, thankfully producers saw fit to blur Grant's 'birthday suit'. His brazen display proved smart, however, with his co-stars declaring Grant the challenge winner. Grant recently spoke out about his rock bottom moment amid his harrowing addiction battle. The Deal Or No Deal host has battled a highly publicised painkiller addiction in the past, after breaking his back during a freak monster truck accident in 2008. Without batting an eyelid, Grant began to strip off until he was completely naked. While Grant had no shame about baring all, thankfully producers saw fit to blur Grant's 'birthday suit' His brazen display proved smart, however, with his co-stars declaring Grant the challenge winner The crash left Grant with a vertebra shattered in eleven pieces, and doctors feared he might never walk again. Speaking about the ordeal on Nova 100s Jase & Lauren show in July, Grant candidly revealed the moment he reached the lowest depths. 'In the addiction for some reason that night, I wanted scotch,' he continued. 'I was living in an apartment in the CBD. I left in the middle of the night just in my undies, walking around, no clothes on, just undies, for scotch, in a delirium, and then I got lost.' Grant added that his wife of 14 years, Chezzi, was looking for him for three hours, only to find him in a fire escape, sleeping next to a pile of human excrement. 'I could barely walk right, like freshly broken back, and I'd got lost in the building, and she found me three hours later in the fire escape, asleep on the ground, just curled up in the corner, just stuck and lost next to someone else's poo,' Grant admitted. 'Someone had taken a dump in the fire escape, and here I am asleep on the ground, in my undies, lost. 'I just try and remember that if I ever think Im slipping.' Island Boys star Franky Venegas had allegedly been found with fentanyl as well as 'unprescribed' medication shortly before his New Year's Eve arrest. The 24-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday in Collier County on a charge of drug paraphernalia and was held without bond on a 24-hour hold, per TMZ. Venegas had been driving in the state of Florida with a female companion when the pair were pulled over by officers for a routine traffic stop, according to a sheriff's report obtained by TMZ on Friday. But police opted to search the car due to their alleged questionable behavior. Law enforcement allegedly discovered a bag that contained unprescribed Zolpidem tartrate - which is most commonly known as Ambien - as well as pills that had been prescribed to Venegas' female companion. Police also came across the star's debit card which was allegedly coated in fentanyl residue, and a cut straw that also allegedly tested positive for fentanyl. Daily Mail has reached out to Venegas for comment, but did not immediately hear back. Island Boys star Franky Venegas had allegedly been found with fentanyl as well as 'unprescribed' medication shortly before his New Year's Eve arrest; seen left with twin brother Alex Police also came across the star's debit card which was allegedly coated in fentanyl residue, and a cut straw that also allegedly tested positive for fentanyl; Venegas' latest mugshot seen above Venegas was arrested in the city of Naples and booked on a charge of drug paraphernalia. The woman that had also been in the car with the star was additionally booked for possession of the unprescribed Zolpidem tartrate. Law enforcement previously told TMZ that Venegas was being held without bond on a 24-hour hold because he was already out on bond from a February arrest tied to a firearm with an altered serial number. That previous case also involved alleged drugs, though the narcotics charge was later dropped. Venegas - who also goes by the name of Kodiyakredd - rose to fame in 2021 with twin brother Alex thanks to their viral hit Im an Island Boy. The rapper's legal troubles have mounted since, with past arrests for domestic battery, reckless driving, and driving without a license. Authorities report the February arrest earlier last year began when officers stopped a yellow Corvette for a traffic violation. During the stop, police allegedly discovered suspected Oxycodone on the passenger floorboard and a spray-painted handgun with no serial number, along with other paraphernalia. Law enforcement previously told TMZ that Venegas was being held without bond on a 24-hour hold because he was already out on bond from a February arrest tied to a firearm with an altered serial number; seen above far right The rapper's legal troubles have mounted since, with past arrests for domestic battery, reckless driving, and driving without a license Venegas reportedly denied owning the pills, claiming he had a prescription he couldn't present. The arrest comes hot on the heels of the brothers revealing just how much cash they raked in for their controversial OnlyFans stunt - locking lips with each other in a video that shocked the internet. The twins first exploded onto the scene in 2021 when a clip of them singing went viral on X, quickly amassing millions of followers. Capitalizing on their online fame, they launched an OnlyFans account and filmed a video in which they kissed each other, sparking widespread outrage. At a press conference promoting his MMA cage fight in April, Kodiyakredd claimed he made 'millions of dollars' from the smooch. According to LadBible, he later said that the stunt earned him $6 million, while his twin pocketed $8 million. Authorities report the February arrest earlier last year began when officers stopped a yellow Corvette for a traffic violation The siblings have previously admitted their kiss was purely a publicity and money-making move. Kodiyakredd told The Wild Podcast in February of last year, 'I was in a very vulnerable state. I didn't want to do the kissing thing,' adding, 'I didn't want to admit that I only had $40,000 to my name.' Back in 2023, he defended the controversial stunt, saying, 'We're twin brothers, we came out of the womb together, we grew up together. It's not really disgusting if it's twins.' He also described the moment itself, adding, 'We kind of just made out or whatever, we kissed and then we just like look the other way for a few minutes and couldn't like, look at each other, but it wasn't that big of a deal just a kiss.' Holly Ramsay has revealed the second important role her famed father, Gordon, had for her lavish wedding to Adam Peaty. The daughter of the celebrity chef, 26, married Olympic swimmer Adam, 31, last Saturday during a lavish ceremony in Bath. But she has now revealed that Gordon not only walked her down the aisle, but he also took control of the food. 'Dad has been extremely involved in the food,' she told British Vogue before explaining that he and London's Savoy Grill designed the menu. The fancy menu included one of Gordon's famed dishes- a traditional beef Wellington matched with wine pairings. But later in the evening, Holly took more creative control of her guests' food and organised spicy vodka pasta and fries. Holly Ramsay, 26, has revealed the second important role her famed father, Gordon, had for her lavish wedding to Adam Peaty, 31 The daughter of the celebrity chef married Olympic swimmer Adam last Saturday during a lavish ceremony in Bath Holly also revealed that Gordon's tough persona crumbled in the weeks leading up to the special, as she reported that he 'couldn't stop crying'. 'Dad cries every time I talk about the wedding,' she said ahead of the big day. Holly, who is the first of Gordon's six children to get married, continued: 'The other day I was asking him which car he and I would take to the church, and he welled up immediately.' While the Ramsay clan turned out in their droves to watch the couple say 'I do', Adam's mother and father, Caroline and Mark, were not present amid a spiralling family feud. In the same interview with British Vogue, Holly defended her father Gordon's speech, saying she felt 'overwhelmed with happiness' during it. Gordon had said how his wife Tana would be 'a good mum to them both' in an apparent dig at Adam's mother Caroline, who was uninvited after a row over her not being invited to Holly's hen do. The Sun reported that in his father of the bride speech, Gordon commented on how beautiful Holly looked and told Adam he was a 'lucky man', adding: 'Look at Tana and that's what you have to look forward to.' The publication went on to claim that Gordon couldn't resist a sly dig at Adam's absent parents, he told his daughter Holly: 'Shame you don't have the same.' But she has now revealed that Gordon not only walked her down the aisle, but he also took control of the food Holly also revealed that Gordon's tough persona crumbled in the weeks leading up to the special, as she reported that he 'couldn't stop crying Holly shared a photo of herself and Adam smiling and laughing during Gordon's speech with Vogue. The photo was captioned: 'Listening to dad's speech, looking around the room and feeling overwhelmed with the love and the happiness on our guests' faces.' In a jibe at the estranged Peaty family, Holly revealed that her parents paid for her and Adam's luxurious Honeymoon to Mauritius, saying it was their 'wedding present'. She said: 'We're going to Mauritius to just lie by the sea that was our wedding present from my parents. I had to tell Adam we weren't basing our honeymoon around a 25-metre pool' Myleene Klass has stripped down to a white bikini to recreate her famous I'm A Celebrity shower scene two decades later. The model and TV presenter, 47, has become synonymous with white bikinis ever since her appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here in 2006. The nation's attention was grabbed when the star went for a shower in the jungle while sporting a tiny two-piece, which showcased her incredible frame. Now Myleene has recreated that iconic look 20 years later as she took to Instagram to flaunt her incredible figure. The mum-of-three is currently enjoying winter sun after bringing in the New Year with her rarely-seen sister Jessie, though has been keeping her exact location under wraps. Donning a matching white two-piece bikini for fans on Saturday, Myleene posed up a storm at a waterfall. Myleene Klass has stripped down to a white bikini to recreate her famous I'm A Celebrity shower scene two decades later The model and TV presenter, 47, has become synonymous with white bikinis ever since her appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here in 2006 The nation's attention was grabbed when the star went for a shower in the jungle while sporting a tiny two-piece, which showcased her incredible frame (pictured in 2006) Sharing a selection of sexy snaps with a variety of poses, she looked incredible as she showed off her long legs and tiny waist. The ageless star could be seen boasting a big smile in one capture as she the waterfall gushed behind her. Alongside the pictures, Myleene penned: 'The OG (Although you cant turn this waterfall off). '20 years ago, my name became a verb. Doing a Myleene. 'Ill be eternally grateful for that moment in the Australian jungle only to be repeated in South Africa for the All Stars battle royale and the crown 17 years later. 'Honestly, that white bikini has put my kids through school.' Her post left fans hot under the collar as one said: 'You look amazing Myleene absolutely beautiful. Keep rocking that gorgeous white bikini!!!'; 'Absolutely gorgeous awesome body and beauty 1 extremely lucky man'; Now Myleene has recreated that iconic look 20 years later as she took to Instagram to flaunt her incredible figure Donning a matching white two-piece bikini for fans on Saturday, Myleene posed up a storm at a waterfall Sharing a selection of sexy snaps with a variety of poses, she looked incredible as she showed off her long legs and tiny waist The ageless star could be seen boasting a big smile in one capture as she the waterfall gushed behind her Alongside the pictures, Myleene penned: 'The OG (Although you cant turn this waterfall off)' Myleene's fans were left in awe and flooded her with compliments 'Awesome pictures lovely lady'; 'What a beauty'. Myleene previously revealed that the first white bikini she wore in 2006 sold for a whopping 7,500 after the show - after she bought it for just 40. 'I bought that white bikini for 40. After the show I sold it off - for 7,500!' she said ahead of entering the jungle for the all-stars edition in 2023. Meanwhile, on Friday, Myleene she shared a selection of pictures by the pool whilst soaking up the sun. She posed up a storm in a two-piece animal print bikini as she went make-up free with her bronzed complexion on full display. In one capture, Myleene enjoyed the jacuzzi, while in another she showed off her long legs whilst sunbathing. She stopped short of revealing exactly where she is but captioned the snaps: 'Back in the jungle'. Giovanni Pernice and girlfriend Bianca Guaccero keft The Ritz London hotel on Saturday after ringing in the New Year together. The professional dancer, 35, confirmed their relationship in late 2024 and the romance appears to be still going strong. Giovanni, who did not return to Strictly Come Dancing last year after leaving the show, left the lavish hotel in a Prada winter coat. He completed his ensemble with a pair of black-tinted sunglasses, black jeans, and leather boots. Bianca put on a glamourous display in a padded Prada coat, a black Prada bag and black flared trousers. She finished her look with a large Gucci bag, black-tinted sunglasses, and black leather gloves. Giovanni Pernice and girlfriend Bianca Guaccero keft The Ritz London hotel on Saturday after ringing in the New Year together The professional dancer, 35, confirmed their relationship in late 2024 and the romance appears to be still going strong. The couple were the winning pair on the Italian version of the BBC show, Ballando con le Stelle. During the programme, Giovanni gushed that Bianca was 'was exactly what he needed' following the bombshell allegations made by Amanda Abbington. And after revealing his 'world collapsed' when his friends abandoned him following the allegations, Giovanni explained how Bianca was 'very supportive'. He told Heat magazine: 'She came into my life during not the greatest time, so I needed some security. Giovanni revealed the pair have had to make 'sacrifices' to 'make their relationship work'. Bianca has been busy working in Italy, where she is based, while the dancer toured the UK for seven months. It was revealed that Giovanni would not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing despite hinting at a comeback and the findings of the BBC's misconduct report into his behaviour. In July 2024, more than six months after Amanda quit Strictly citing 'personal reasons'. The couple were the winning pair on the Italian version of the BBC show, Ballando con le Stelle. During the show, Giovanni gushed that Bianca was 'was exactly what he needed' The actress then accused Giovanni of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together on Strictly. Giovanni rejected the claims immediately and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld. Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology, but Giovanni said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour'. Now cleared by the investigation and a dancer on the Italian version of Strictly, Giovanni will head out on tour again later in the year with best pal Anton Du Beke. Mark Wright has been branded 'cruel' and 'vile' after a 'diabolical' old TOWIE scene with his ex Lauren Goodger went viral online. The Only Way Is Essex OG, 38, was one of the original cast members on the show when it debuted in 2010 but announced he was leaving a year later as the third series wrapped. Lauren and Mark's turbulent eight-year relationship came to an end on the reality show back in 2012, with Mark now married to actress Michelle Keegan. Now almost 15 years on, a scene from the show's first Christmas special where Mark is seen juggling three women has resurfaced on TikTok - and people are furious. His then-ex-girlfriend Lauren, who is still madly in love with him, is seen chatting to Mark at a party where he appears to give her hopes of a reunion - before cruelly dashing them. Moment before this chat Mark had been flirting with co-star Sam Faiers - who he later gets into a taxi with, kisses and drives away, before winking at the camera. Mark Wright has been branded 'cruel' and 'vile' after a 'diabolical' old TOWIE scene with his ex Lauren Goodger went viral online Almost 15 years on, a scene from the show's first Christmas special where Mark is seen juggling three women has resurfaced on TikTok - and people are furious The scene begins with Mark strolling up to Lauren and asking: 'What would be your ideal Christmas present?' 'I don't know. Go to New York, get away,' Lauren says, before Mark asks: 'Who with?' Lauren replies with 'you', to which Mark coldly says: 'Obviously you know if we could work it out I'd get back with you tonight. But I don't feel that can happen right now. 'I do still love you. I don't need to lie to you.' 'If you had to choose anyone in your life, who would it be?' Lauren asks, and Mark says it would 'of course' be her - because she is the 'easiest option'. 'What do you mean the easiest option?' Lauren says, getting visibly emotional, as Mark replies: 'Because you're the one I love. I don't love anybody else.' Lauren replies: 'I know you love me and obviously I love you too but this can't go on.' Mark goes on to say: 'Over Christmas I wouldn't mind spending a bit of time with you if you'd accept that and you know... I just don't know. I need time to think about things.' His then-ex-girlfriend Lauren, who is still madly in love with him, is seen chatting to Mark at a party where he appears to give her hopes of a reunion - before cruelly dashing them Moment before this chat Mark had been flirting with co-star Sam Faiers- who he later gets into a taxi with, kisses and drives away, before winking at the camera He walks off and Lauren turns her face away before staring to cry as an emotional song plays in the background and she wipes a tear from her face. Mark is then seen leaning on a car outside the stately home on the phone to his friend James Argent. 'Arg I'm sorry mate I've had to go. The girls are all driving me mad. Listen merry Christmas I'll speak to you tomorrow. Bye,' he says, before getting into the back of a taxi. But the shock factor comes when it is revealed that his co-star Samantha Faiers is waiting for him in the taxi and the pair hold hands before sharing a passionate kiss. People on social media were horrified by the clip, branding Mark 'cruel' and 'vile' for his treatment of Lauren - who he had been in a relationship with for eight years. They commented: 'He was so cruel for that - asking what she wants for Xmas (and that poor cow said go New York thinking she's gonna get wicked away and engaged) then he followed it up with NOTHING? What was the point in asking,'; 'What a nasty piece of work he was and how his mother supported all his bad behaviour,'; People on social media were horrified by the clip, branding Mark 'cruel' and 'vile' for his treatment of Lauren - who he had been in a relationship with for eight years 'When I rewatch the old ones I realise how awful he was so Lauren. I really love her now,'; 'him and his family were nothing but vile towards lauren,'; 'How did mark have a career after this? He was diabolical!!'; 'He was so awful, I cant believe he got the opportunities in TV that he did,'; 'He was so cruel to Lauren she deserved so much better,'; 'he was so vile to lauren,'; 'He absolutely broke poor Lauren! She deserved so much better, hes horrible and ill never understand how people fell for his rebrand.' Grandma Mary, the 98-year-old matriarch who became a fan favorite on TikTok, died on New Year's Eve. The news was shared by her granddaughter, who goes by Pyxie online, in a post to her 1.4 million followers. According to Pyxie, Grandma Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep as the year came to a close. On New Years Eve, we said goodbye to Grandma. She peacefully passed away in her sleep, Pyxie wrote alongside a touching photo of the two together. She added, How lucky we are to have experienced her and her love. She will always be with us. Grandma Mary rose to internet fame through frequent appearances on Pyxies TikTok account, where she was often seen going about her daily routines. Grandma Mary, the 98-year-old matriarch who became a fan favorite on TikTok, has died on New Year's Eve The news was shared by her granddaughter, who goes by Pyxie online, in a post to her 1.4 million followers Her gentle humor and ever-present smile endeared her to millions, turning her into a source of comfort and joy for viewers around the world. Fans grew concerned in 2025 when Pyxie stepped back from posting for several months. She returned in December to reassure followers, writing at the time, 'For anyone wondering, grandma is alive and quieter these days. 'What a beautiful thing it is to witness who she is, and who she helped me become.' Born in Massachusetts in 1927, Grandma Mary was the daughter of Armenian parents who fled the genocide and entered the United States via Greece. Her early life was shaped by her familys immigrant experience and the challenges of rebuilding in a new country. She later returned to Armenia as a young adult, where she married and began raising a family. After the birth of their son and daughter, she and her husband decided to relocate back to the United States in 1966. According to Pyxie, Grandma Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep as the year came to a close Grandma Mary rose to internet fame through frequent appearances on Pyxies TikTok account, where she was often seen going about her daily routines The family settled in New Jersey, where they established and operated a gas station business that supported the household for decades and became a fixture in their community. Grandma Mary was one of five siblings and outlived them all. She remained physically active well into her later years and continued swimming in her familys pool until the age of 87. Tasha Ghouri packed on the PDA with her CBBC presenter boyfriend Cam Whitnall after going Instagram official. The Love Island star, 27, started dating the presenter in May after splitting from her co-star Andrew Le Page. Looking forward to 2026, Tasha shared an array of loved-up photos with Cam from their six months together. Cam, 30, was seen kissing Tasha on the cheek as they both wrapped up for the cold UK weather in woolly hats and big coats. Meanwhile she also shared another snap from a trip they took to Tuscany together in summer, where Cam again kissed her on the cheek. Commenting on Cam's New Year round-up video, Tasha gushed: 'The best thing to come out of 2025 was meeting you .' Tasha Ghouri packed on the PDA with her CBBC presenter boyfriend Cam Whitnall on Instagram on Friday Tasha went Instagram official with Cam in December as she shared sweet Christmas snaps with the conservationist and wildlife presenter. She looked happier than ever as she planted a kiss on the presenter's cheek during a festive party. Tasha, who struck up a romance with Cam in May, made sure to turn heads in a glamorous burgundy satin gown which she teamed with huge gold earrings. Cam cut a dapper figure for the evening in a dark suit and coordinated his burgundy tie with Tasha's dress. The couple looked loved-up as they cosied up for photos on a grand festive decorated staircase before sipping on wine and hitting the dancefloor. She simply captioned the post with a white heart and Christmas tree emoji. Tasha was first spotted with the presenter in the audience at a Strictly Come Dancing live show last month, after she previously competed in the BBC competition last year - making it all the way to the final with pro partner Aljaz Skorjanec. The Daily Mail revealed earlier this year that she was dating Cam, who appears in CBBC series One Zoo Three and BBC show OZT Goes Wild alongside his brothers Ty and Aaron. Looking forward to 2026, Tasha shared an array of loved-up photos with Cam from their six months together Tasha went Instagram official with Cam in December as she shared sweet Christmas snaps with the conservationist and wildlife presenter Cam, whose family run Hertfordshire Zoo, is the managing director of a non-profit charity, The Big Cat Sanctuary, which rescues wild cats and protects species at risk of extinction. The Daily Mail understands the new couple have bonded over their love for animals after Tasha rescued her dog, Luna, who she previously shared with ex boyfriend Andrew LePage, from Spanish charity Alora Dog Rescue and Homeward Bound. A source said: 'Tasha and Cam are in the early stages of dating. They have been seeing each other for around a month now and share so much in common, from a personal and professional standpoint. 'Cam is a great guy and has a lot going for him, Tasha has definitely been thrilled getting to know him and the feeling is mutual.' Their romance came after Tasha and Andrew's fell apart following her appearance on Strictly, with the series said to have taken its toll on their relationship. Six months after their split, things then turned ugly between the pair, when Andrew launched into an explosive rant claiming they split because Tasha had used a dating app during their relationship. Tasha - who has been deaf since birth and had a cochlear implant fitted at the age of five - admitted she now regrets her treatment of Andrew after they 'grew apart' during her stint on Strictly. The Love Island star, 27, started dating the presenter in May after splitting from her co-star Andrew Le Page In an interview for Rylan Clark's How To Be In Love in July, she explained their relationship was already starting to fray prior to her Strictly debut, with Andrew offering 'no support' as she progressed to the show's latter stages. But Andrew furiously hit back on Snapchat, where he branded Tasha unable to 'keep his name out of her mouth', before accusing her of using the celebrity dating app Raya before their relationship was over. He wrote: 'Wasn't gunna speak about it all. However, the girl can't keep my name out her mouth even though she's got a new boyfriend. 'The truth is... she went on Raya whilst we were still together... oops. No one is perfect in a relationship but you keep talking s**t about me I'll start talking. 'She did one too many podcasts unfortunately. This is your closure chat.' The U.S. was the first country to establish a national park (Yellowstone), and today there are 63 officially designated national parks in the U.S., with many more national monuments, national seashores and lakeshores, national historical parks, and more in the system. The beauty of our national parks is also a curse, in a way. Almost every year, visitation increases, and the most popular national parks get downright crowded at times, placing a strain on infrastructure and resources and diminishing the quality of the experience for visitors. While the vast majority of visitors to national parks are U.S. residents, a significant share come from other countries, their numbers often swell during our holidays and during times when other countries are on holiday (similar to our periods like spring break and summer vacation). Advertisement Advertisement Starting in 2026, the federal government will implement a significant change affecting international visitors. Tourists from other countries will have to pay an additional $100 per person, in addition to the regular entrance fee, at 11 national parks that are among the most heavily visited. View of El Capitan and the Merced River from Valley View in Yosemite National Park, California (TAKAYUKI UEDA via Getty Images) To put real numbers on this, lets say a family of four from the U.K. is visiting Yosemite National Park in California. Currently, the entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, and it grants a week of access. Soon, that family of four from the U.K. will have to pay $435 for that same week of access. In addition, the National Parks Pass, which is $80 for U.S. residents and grants access to all national parks and many other units in the system for a year, will go up to $250 for non-U.S. residents. Why Its a Good Idea: U.S. residents pay taxes that help support the national parks. Non-U.S. residents dont. The additional revenue will go towards a backlog of infrastructure projects and other underfunded needs. Many other countries already charge non-residents more for national parks and other attractions. It could reduce crowding on roads and trails. Why Its Not a Good Idea: It makes America look unwelcoming to international visitors. It could depress visitation, harming local businesses that depend on tourism for survival. Checking visitor status will slow the entrance process, leading to wait times longer, increased traffic congestion, and greater frustration. International tourists may visit national parks without paying the additional fees, leading to increased crowding in those areas. Advertisement Advertisement Which 11 national parks will increase admission fees for non-U.S. residents? Here they are in alphabetical order: Acadia, Maine Bryce Canyon, Utah Everglades, Florida Glacier, Montana Grand Canyon, Arizona Grand Teton, Wyoming Rocky Mountain, Colorado Sequoia-Kings Canyon, California Yellowstone, Idaho-Montana-Wyoming Yosemite California Zion, Utah (Technically, thats 12 parks, but Sequoia and Kings Canyon are contiguous, and the entrance fee covers admission for both.) This is a scenic photograph of Evergreen trees growing at the high point in the Clingmans Dome area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a valley in the background on a summer day with a cloudy sky. (Boogich via Getty Images) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is in North Carolina and Tennessee, is the most-visited national park in the country, but isnt on the list. Thats because the main road through the park connects the towns of Gatlinburg (TN) and Cherokee (NC) and therefore must remain toll-free. With international tourism to the U.S. already down in 2025, its hard to say whether this new policy will further reduce it or have little effect. Only time will tell, but Happy New Year, and get out to enjoy our spectacular national parks no matter where youre from! Meg Mathews said today that she had experienced: 'horror that will never be forgotten' after visiting a protest camp outside a dog breeding facility. Mathews, 59, the ex-wife of Oasis star Noel Gallagher, wept as she described 'hearing the screams' of around 1,000 beagles who are housed at a facility in Cambridgeshire where they are bred for testing in UK laboratories. She said: 'The sound, the smell, was heartbreaking. I have never witnessed so much cruelty in one place.' Mathews is campaigning for the release of the beagles from the MBR Acres, a breeding facility which supplies beagles for scientific testing. She also spoke out about government plans to criminalise protests at all animal testing facilities, which could come into law as soon as next week. The government has proposed an amendment to the Public Order Act to classify animal testing sites as 'key national infrastructure', alongside airports, roads, railways. If approved, anyone seen 'interfering' with animal testing operations could be arrested and sentenced to up to 12 months in prison, along with an unlimited fine. Mathews said: 'The reasoning for the change is that the government said that MBR Acres is a centre of national security crucial to pandemic planning but dogs aren't used to develop Covid vaccines and animals can't get Covid.' She added: 'It's time to move on from outdated and cruel practices. There are up to 1,000 beagles in a shed, with no human contact. Once they have been experimented on, they are all killed. Meg Mathews (second right), 59, the ex-wife of Oasis star Noel Gallagher, wept as she described 'hearing the screams' of around 1,000 beagles who are housed at a facility in Cambridgeshire where they are bred for testing in UK laboratories Mathews is campaigning for the release of the beagles from the MBR Acres, a breeding facility which supplies beagles for scientific testing 'They cry 24 hours a day, it hits you like a knife to your heart.' It was Mathews first visit to the site, which is a 6.5 hour journey from her home in Cornwall. Campaigners are gathering a petition calling for an end to testing on dogs and other animals for development of products for human use which they plan to present to parliament. They say that results from animal experiments cannot be translated accurately to humans, hence why 92 96 per cent of the drugs deemed safe and effective in animal testing fail during human clinical trials. Campaigners also point to the availability of modern, humane, non-animal research methods that give human relevant results. Protestors established a tented presence known as 'Camp Beagle' outside the perimeter fence and have been living there continuously for seven years. Mathews has been involved in the campaign to free the beagles since 2021, when she found posts from the 'Camp Beagle' campaigners on Instagram. Before that she was involved with the charity event Pup Aid and also visited 10 Downing Street three times to lobby for the introduction in 2020 of 'Lucy's Law' which aimed to end puppy farming. Mathews said: 'I have always been concerned with animal rights and I get that from my Mum. She wouldn't use Johnson's baby shampoo on me because Johnson's had tested in on rabbits and when I was little she told me that hundreds of rabbits had suffered by having shampoo dropped in their eyes to test it. 'She died ten years ago but I still remember that. I have never worn fur because of what she said about fur farming. 'I was raised to love animals. When I was at school my parents took us out for a year and we lived in a van and went on a safari through southern Africa Namibia, Botswana, Angola. Mathews has been involved in the campaign to free the beagles since 2021, and has now visited the Cambridgeshire site for the first time Mathews also spoke out about government plans to criminalise protests at all animal testing facilities, which could come into law as soon as next week Meg Mathews is pictured with ex-husband Noel Gallagher are pictured together in London in 2000 'I'm the kind of person who would jump into a swimming pool to try and save a bee. When Noel and I lived in Primrose Hill I would walk the dogs and always pick earthworms off the path. 'These dogs live in cages on a concrete floor in a shed lit only by fluorescent light. Feeding is automated. The runts of the litter are always killed. 'They have a licence to bleed them and to sell the blood, organs and skin. If this was your neighbour, the police would come around and lock them up but this is all overseen by the Home Office and nobody is allowed in.' A Camp Beagle spokesperson said: 'We are incredibly grateful to Meg for standing with us and the beagles. Her long term support has helped shine a spotlight on this issue and brings us closer to freedom for the MBR beagles.' Kate Salmon, Campaign manager at the Naturewatch Foundation, said: 'The UK Government's use of parliamentary process to push through an addition to the Public Order Act 2023, essentially banning protests at any facility linked to animal testing, is aggressive and underhanded. 'There has been no genuine consultation to assess the impact on people, and the proposal contradicts the published "Strategy to phase out animal testing", released only a few days prior to this law change coming to light in November 2025. 'It has been said openly that it is to keep the industry happy. We have raised serious concerns about the implications of this amendment, including the potential to criminalise peaceful protesters for exercising their right to speak out on topics they believe in. 'This is far more extensive than animal welfare, and it isn't about being against animal testing; it's about believing in democracy. 'These facilities they're aiming to protect aren't often known, with members of the public largely unaware of what they are or where they are. 'How can the public protest against anything if they don't know if the building nearby is protected by an aggressive law? We continue to work with MPs and Peers to halt this Public Order Act 2023 amendment and encourage everyone to raise this issue immediately with their local MP.' Isla Fisher looked incredible as she enjoyed a tropical getaway in Barbados to mark the new year, following her 'challenging' split from Sacha Baron Cohen. The Australian actress, 49, took to Instagram on Friday to flaunt her ample cleavage in a green bikini as she relaxed in bed. In the carousel of snaps, she looked to be having a blissful time as she posed at sunset on the beach in a pink floral patterned blouse and sunglasses. Isla had clearly just come from a dip in the sea as her wet auburn hair draped past her shoulders. She penned the post: 'Barbados Medley', as she played The Beach Boys' 1988 hit Kokomo as a soundtrack to the pictures. The Confessions Of A Shopaholic star also dressed up for the occasion as she appeared to party with friends in a white low cut dress. Isla Fisher, 49, looked incredible as she enjoyed a tropical getaway in Barbados to mark the new year, following her 'challenging' split from Sacha Baron Cohen She looked to be having a blissful time as she posed at sunset on the beach in a pink floral patterned blouse and sunglasses She completed the look with gold statement earrings and a soft glam makeup look. Isla was seen smiling ear to ear as she sported an effortless look in a grey tank top and her hair up as she enjoyed drinks with friends. It comes after the actress admitted she has had 'a really challenging' time after her split from husband Sacha. In an interview in November she revealed how she has spent the past year rebuilding her 'sense of self' post divorce. Isla and Sacha mutually announced the end of their 14-year marriage at the end of 2023 with the divorce finalised this past June. The actress, who shares three children with her ex, has revealed how she has spent the two years since the split focusing on work and herself. Sacha's approach to single life though has so far been in stark contrast to Isla's. Only three months after the exes confirmed their divorce was complete, it was reported the Borat star, 54, had moved on with a younger model - Hannah Palmer, 27. Isla also dressed up for the occasion as she appeared to party with friends in a white low cut dress She was seen smiling ear to ear as she sported an effortless look in a grey tank top and her hair up as she enjoyed drinks with friends Isla enjoyed a tropical getaway in Barbados to mark the new year Isla and Sacha Baron Cohen mutually announced the end of their 14-year marriage at the end of 2023 with the divorce finalised this past June (pictured together in 2017) Then on Friday the actor was snapped with social media star Kelsey Calemine, 26, who is 28 years his junior. Speaking to NewBeauty Isla said: 'It has been a really challenging time. I definitely feel like there's something about the divorce club that anyone in it understands in a way other people don't. It's a different grief.' Switching to a more uplifting outlook, Isla added: 'I feel like creating a new identity after your divorce is so fun, though. You get to reflect on your values and goals, explore new interests, focus on what you want and rebuild your sense of self.' She explained that she's enjoying having the headspace and time to focus on herself. 'It's a lot like that, reconnecting to maybe passions you had when you were a kid, but they fell by the wayside when you were raising a family.' 'All the relationships that you have in your life that were not necessarily the forefront of the way that you spend your time, because you're married. 'Those relationships that are so supportive and brilliant and often really, really old get to retake centre stage. I think that's a really exciting thing.' 'There are lots of positives that have come about from all this - like self-exploration and just trying to be kind to myself. I can just give myself grace whenever I like. That's all I'm trying to do.' Dove Cameron officially confirmed her engagement to Maneskin frontman Damiano David by flashing a jaw-dropping diamond ring on social media. The former Disney star made the reveal on Instagram on Saturday, nearly two months after the news first exploded online. 'My favourite part of being alive, happy new year,' Cameron, 29, captioned a series of loved-up photos with the 26-year-old rocker, proudly displaying her oversized engagement sparkler. Dressed in a plunging red gown, the actress posed confidently as the emerald-cut diamond took center stage in one sultry shot. Another image showed the heavily tattooed musician wrapping his arms around his bride-to-be as they smiled and embraced during what appeared to be a New Years Eve celebration. The reveal comes after the couple first fueled engagement buzz in October, when they were photographed in Sydney wearing matching black outfits - with Cameron already sporting a glittering ring on her finger. Dove Cameronofficially confirmed her engagement to Maneskin frontman Damiano David by flashing a jaw-dropping diamond ring on social media; (pictured 2024) The former Disney star made the reveal on Instagram on Saturday, nearly two months after the news first exploded online 'My favourite part of being alive, happy new year,' Cameron, 29, captioned a series of loved-up photos with the 26-year-old rocker, proudly displaying her oversized engagement sparkler Representatives for both Cameron and David did not immediately respond to the Daily Mails request for comment. The pair have been together for two years, officially confirming their relationship in February 2024. Cameron later marked the milestone in October 2025 by sharing a series of intimate photos and videos offering glimpses into their romance. She shared the post with her over 47 million follower with the sweet caption: 'the 2 best years of my life. i am brought to tears at least once a week because life has become so beautiful with you in it. 'i love you in a way no words could ever express, but i will never stop trying. buon anniversario amore mio.' Dove is best known for her dual roles in Disney Channel comedy series Liv And Maddie from 2013 to 2017 before starring as the lead in the three Descendants film franchise movies from 2015 to 2021. Damiano is the lead vocalist for Italian rock band Maneskin as the foursome famously won the Eurovision Song Contest for Zitti e Buoni as the act is known for their racy antics and upping the sexuality during their concerts. Dove and Damiano have been dating for nearly two years after initially meeting at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2022. Dressed in a plunging red gown, the actress posed confidently as the emerald-cut diamond took center stage in one sultry shot Another image showed the heavily tattooed musician wrapping his arms around his bride-to-be as she showed off her ring Their relationship was confirmed when they made their red carpet debut at the 2024 pre-Grammy Gala. Dove spoke publicly about their romance in a June 2024 interview with Cosmopolitan. After she met Damiano and his band, she said, 'A couple months later, their team had reached out to me about coming to their album release and I couldnt make it work with the dates, but I was like, "Oh, thats so sweet that they thought about me. We only met once."' She added, 'At one point, the band and I had been thinking about doing a collaboration. 'They had recorded something, so I went in and I recorded over that track. Theyd asked me to open for them on their tour and I couldnt make it happen.' The former Disney star explained, 'There were just these passing-ships-in-the-night things happening. So when we met again at the 2023 VMAs, we had a reason to talk to each other.' Dove is best known for her dual roles in Disney Channel comedy series Liv And Maddie (pictured) from 2013 to 2017 before starring as the lead in the three Descendants film franchise movies from 2015 to 2021 Damiano is the lead vocalist for Italian rock band Maneskin as the foursome famously won the Eurovision Song Contest for Zitti e Buoni The act is known for their racy antics and upping the sexuality during their concerts (Damiano is seen performing at the MTV VMAs in August 2024) Dove is seen enjoying some fun in the sun in David's home country during a vacation in August She noted about the way her now-boyfriend approached her, 'And when he came up to me, it felt likeI dont know, a year can do a lot. It felt like it had been 10 years or something.' The star gushed about her beau, 'Hes a Capricorn, so he was very much like, "Okay, these are my intentions." It was super honorable. Hes like a 1950s gentleman, angel, teddy bear. Hes the best person Ive met in my life.' And she said they find common ground in their sensitivity. 'From the outside, it looks like it was very hot and heavy, and it looks like it was overnight, but we had both been in situations where we were very harmed in the past and we are very sensitive people,' she reflected. Tasha Ghouri has revealed she went through a 'mentally tough' year as she suffered 'horrific trolling' online. The Strictly star, 27, shared a montage to her Instagram story showcasing her highlights of the year, including attending glamorous events, joyous occasions with friends and loved-up clips with her new boyfriend Cam Whitnall. She told fans she is heading into 2026 'surrounded by love' after a tough year. Tasha wrote: '2025 was tough mentally. I had to dig out of deep places from very horrific trolling but in the end of it all I found true happiness. 'I don't want to talk much on it because I know people want to be sad and never be happy. 'Never again am I letting them tear me apart to the point I completely lost myself and my love for what I do.' Tasha Ghouri has revealed she went through a 'mentally tough' year as she suffered 'horrific trolling' online The Strictly star, 27, shared a montage to her Instagram story showcasing her highlights of the year She added: '2026 I'm entering with a whole heart, even more strength and new purposes! 'I'm leaving all that negativity behind and going forward with a smile on my face looking forward. 'Thank you to those that have been kind and have supported my journey! This year is going to be big!!!' It comes after the Love Island star split from Andrew Le Page, 30, in January, whom she met on the show in 2022. The break-up soon turned bitter, with Andrew accusing Tasha of being on celebrity dating app Raya while they were in a relationship. In a Q&A on Instagram on Sunday, Tasha revealed she was subjected to horrific abuse from trolls who blamed her for the demise of the romance. Tasha wrote: 'I was so so anxious to share this, I've experience a lot of horrific trolls in the past year in my messages online and it massively impacted my mental health to the point I didn't want to leave my bedroom. 'I'm getting emotional typing this but this feels like a fresh new beginning and it's the perfect haven to restart.' The clips showed Tasha attending glamorous events, joyous occasions with friends and loved-up moments with her boyfriend Cam Whitnall (pictured) She showed off a glamorous dinner with her pal Zara McDermott Tasha told fans she is heading into 2026 'surrounded by love' after a tough year The star shared a moment where she laughed with her friend and former Love Island star Montana Brown Among her famous friends was Too Hot To Handle star Emily Miller Tasha wrote: '2025 was tough mentally. I had to dig out of deep places from very horrific trolling but in the end of it all I found true happiness' Tasha is now in a relationship with boyfriend BBC presenter Cam, after striking up a romance in May The Love Island star, 27, split from Andrew, 30, in January, whom she met on the show in 2022 Tasha is now in a relationship with boyfriend BBC presenter Cam, after striking up a romance in May. She was first spotted with the presenter in the audience at a Strictly Come Dancing live show last month, after she previously competed in the BBC competition last year - making it all the way to the final with pro partner Aljaz Skorjanec. The Daily Mail revealed earlier this year that she was dating Cam, who appears in CBBC series One Zoo Three and BBC show OZT Goes Wild alongside his brothers Ty and Aaron. Cam, whose family run Hertfordshire Zoo, is the managing director of a non-profit charity, The Big Cat Sanctuary, which rescues wild cats and protects species at risk of extinction. The Daily Mail understands the new couple have bonded over their love for animals after Tasha rescued her dog, Luna, who she previously shared with ex boyfriend Andrew LePage, from Spanish charity Alora Dog Rescue and Homeward Bound. A source said: 'Tasha and Cam are in the early stages of dating. They have been seeing each other for around a month now and share so much in common, from a personal and professional standpoint. 'Cam is a great guy and has a lot going for him, Tasha has definitely been thrilled getting to know him and the feeling is mutual.' Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford has died at age 46. The star's family announced the sad news in an Instagram post shared on Saturday. 'It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that early this morning we said goodbye to the most amazing man, husband and Papa in the universe,' the caption began. The note went on, 'Bret Hanna-Shuford left this world peacefully with love surrounded by his family. Our hearts are broken but we will continue to make him proud of us.' Hanna-Shuford was one half of the influencer team Broadway Husbands, with his partner Stephen Hanna making up the other portion. The couple shared three-year-old son Maverick. Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford has died at age 46 The star's family announced the sad news in an Instagram post shared on Saturday Less than five months ago the entertainer was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). According to Johns Hopkins Johns Medicine, HLH causes the body's immune system to dysfunction as white blood cells attack its other blood cells, resulting in enlarged organs. It is more common in kids than adults. Per Health Tree, PCTL 'is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the T-cells in the lymphatic system.' Hanna-Shuford was open about his health after receiving the prognosis last summer. He shared updates about the medical crisis across social media as he battled cancer while in the hospital for months. 'I really want to go home,' the actor said online in October, revealing he had previously been unconscious in the ICU for three days. He lamented, 'I really miss my son, a lot, and my husband. But I'm sending so much love to you, because your love to me has been incredible.' 'It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that early this morning we said goodbye to the most amazing man, husband and Papa in the universe,' the caption began Hanna-Shuford (L) leaves behind a grieving husband, Stephen Hanna (R); pictured in May 2023 Hanna-Shuford was one half of the influencer team Broadway Husbands, with his partner Stephen Hanna making up the other portion. The couple shared three-year-old son Maverick In October the father-of-one lamented during his months-long hospital stay, 'I really miss my son, a lot, and my husband. But I'm sending so much love to you, because your love to me has been incredible' A GoFundMe was set up by Scott Barnhardt in August to help support Hanna-Shuford and his family. A link reading 'Help us fight cancer' was posted on social media. Barnhardt, who met the actor in 1999 while attending Wagner College, explained on the site, 'We are reaching out with hopeful spirits to ask for your love and support. 'Our dear friend, husband, father, and brother, Bret Shuford, was recently diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and life-threatening immune condition. 'After many weeks of uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and countless medical visits, Bret finally has answersbut the road ahead will be long and challenging.' The fundraising effort has reached 87% of its $350,000 goal, with $303,000 raised so far. Just days ago, Wells Fargo warned Americans that furniture was about to become far more expensive due to tariffs. Shoppers were urged to buy couches and coffee tables sooner rather than later, as the threat of price spikes loomed. But in a sudden New Year's Eve U-turn, President Donald Trump delayed plans to raise tariffs on big-ticket furniture items. The abrupt shift is the latest example of mixed messaging surrounding tariffs something that has become familiar in recent months. Since Trump announced his sweeping 'reciprocal tariffs' on Liberation Day in April 2025, businesses, economists, and consumers have braced for the worst. Americans were warned that grocery bills would rise and everyday costs would multiply, though the true impact remains so far unclear. The most recent warning focused on home furnishings and came from major US bank Wells Fargo, which predicted that household items could become significantly more expensive in the new year as tariffs begin to bite. Stores 'have largely tried to either hold or modestly increase prices this holiday season, with many offering targeted promotions and even deeper discounts on select items,' according to Lauren Murphy, managing director of Wells Fargo Retail Finance. A major bank has warned that it might be time to stock up on several household items that could become a lot pricier in the new year Lauren Murphy, managing director of Wells Fargo Retail Finance, warned that it might be time to stock up on household items that could become a lot pricier in the new year Now, following an order Trump signed on Wednesday, a 25 percent tariff imposed on such goods in September will remain in place, but a planned additional 30 percent tariff on upholstered furniture and a 50 percent tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities has been delayed for another year. Retail experts had previously told the Daily Mail that shoppers should not panic-buy in response to dire tariff warnings. Retail strategist Carol Spieckerman cautioned consumers against trying to outguess tariff policy, noting that retailers have many tools including dynamic pricing, supplier negotiations, sourcing shifts, and profitable services to manage costs. 'The Wells Fargo suggestion to buy large furniture now is overly simplistic,' she told the Daily Mail. 'Furniture pricing depends on so many variables where it's manufactured, which retailer you're buying from, whether it's imported or domestic.' Spieckerman advised shoppers to 'let the retailers with billion-dollar supply chains worry about tariffs you just worry about whether you actually need that couch.' This week's furniture scare is just the latest example of tariff frenzy. Americans were recently told their favorite pasta could become far more expensive, likely leading shoppers to bulk-buy in anticipation of rising prices. However, on Wednesday, the Trump administration also indicated it may back away from the proposed 107 percent tariff on Italian pasta. Trump ruled to keep a 25 percent tariff imposed on such goods signed in September, but delayed a planned additional 30 percent tariff on upholstered furniture and a 50 percent tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities While some areas have not yet felt the full impact of tariffs, many sectors - such as the grocery industry - have already been hit by price hikes Carol Spieckerman, retail strategist The US had threatened the tariff after the Commerce Department launched a routine antidumping review, alleging that Italian pasta producers were selling their products in the US at unfairly low prices and undercutting American competitors. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that a new review showed pasta makers had fixed many of its concerns, so the tariff rates would be cut to between 2.26 percent and 13.89 percent. A final decision is expected on March 12. Italian farm group Coldiretti and food industry association Filiera Italia welcomed the move. Both groups had opposed the original tariffs and called on the Italian government to step in. Shares of Badger Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. (OTCMKTS:BADFF Get Free Report) shot up 0.2% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $54.7525 and last traded at $54.7525. 1,525 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 76% from the average session volume of 6,303 shares. The stock had previously closed at $54.6160. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, CIBC reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Badger Infrastructure Solutions in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Badger Infrastructure Solutions alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Badger Infrastructure Solutions Badger Infrastructure Solutions Stock Performance Badger Infrastructure Solutions Company Profile The company has a 50-day moving average of $52.85 and a 200 day moving average of $44.83. (Get Free Report) Badger Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. provides non-destructive excavating and related services in Canada and the United States. Its Badger Hydrovac technology uses a pressurized water stream to liquefy the soil cover, which is then removed with a vacuum system and deposited into a storage tank. The company offers daylighting services for visual confirmation of buried lines, directional drilling test holes, sacrificial anode installation, pipeline and utility crossings, and subsurface utility engineering test holes applications; and debris removal services for frac tank clean-outs, road and box culvert clean-outs, pipe-rammed casing clean-outs, ballast and filter media removal, and inside structures and buildings material removal. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Badger Infrastructure Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Badger Infrastructure Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW Get Free Report) saw some unusual options trading on Friday. Investors bought 127,278 put options on the company. This represents an increase of approximately 602% compared to the average daily volume of 18,141 put options. Insiders Place Their Bets In other ServiceNow news, CFO Gina Mastantuono sold 2,075 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total transaction of $352,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 61,140 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,393,800. This trade represents a 3.28% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Lawrence Jackson sold 1,325 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.04, for a total transaction of $214,708.30. Following the sale, the director directly owned 1,615 shares in the company, valued at approximately $261,701.06. The trade was a 45.07% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 15,310 shares of company stock valued at $2,533,585 over the last quarter. 0.34% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Get ServiceNow alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On ServiceNow A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Klingman & Associates LLC increased its position in shares of ServiceNow by 22.2% in the second quarter. Klingman & Associates LLC now owns 533 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $548,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Ethic Inc. grew its stake in ServiceNow by 1.6% in the second quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 25,496 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $26,067,000 after purchasing an additional 397 shares in the last quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. increased its position in shares of ServiceNow by 32.0% during the 2nd quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,465 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,506,000 after purchasing an additional 355 shares during the last quarter. Chicago Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of ServiceNow by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Chicago Capital LLC now owns 78,951 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $81,168,000 after purchasing an additional 744 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ASR Vermogensbeheer N.V. boosted its holdings in shares of ServiceNow by 128.8% in the 2nd quarter. ASR Vermogensbeheer N.V. now owns 55,394 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $56,944,000 after buying an additional 31,181 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.18% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $240.00 price target on shares of ServiceNow in a report on Monday, October 27th. Guggenheim raised ServiceNow from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of ServiceNow in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Cowen cut their target price on shares of ServiceNow from $250.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 26th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $240.00 target price on shares of ServiceNow in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-two have issued a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $223.53. Read Our Latest Stock Report on NOW More ServiceNow News Here are the key news stories impacting ServiceNow this week: ServiceNow Trading Down 3.7% Shares of NYSE:NOW opened at $147.46 on Friday. ServiceNow has a twelve month low of $135.73 and a twelve month high of $239.62. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The firm has a market cap of $153.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 89.15, a P/E/G ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a 50 day moving average of $165.87 and a 200-day moving average of $180.10. ServiceNow Company Profile (Get Free Report) ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is a cloud computing company that builds enterprise software to manage digital workflows and automate business processes. Its offerings are designed to replace manual work and legacy systems with cloud-based, service-oriented applications that support IT operations, customer service, human resources, security response and other enterprise functions. The companys flagship product family is the Now Platform, a suite of subscription software and platform services that includes IT Service Management (ITSM), IT Operations Management (ITOM), IT Business Management (ITBM), Customer Service Management (CSM), HR Service Delivery, Security Operations and Asset Management. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ServiceNow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ServiceNow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hennessy Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 13,000 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $628,000. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Parcion Private Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 0.4% in the third quarter. Parcion Private Wealth LLC now owns 53,412 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,581,000 after purchasing an additional 218 shares in the last quarter. Curbstone Financial Management Corp increased its stake in U.S. Bancorp by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Curbstone Financial Management Corp now owns 39,982 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,809,000 after buying an additional 222 shares during the last quarter. Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in U.S. Bancorp by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC now owns 43,289 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,092,000 after buying an additional 235 shares during the last quarter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC lifted its position in U.S. Bancorp by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC now owns 7,021 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $318,000 after buying an additional 237 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Symmetry Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 4.6% during the 3rd quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 5,366 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $259,000 after buying an additional 238 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.60% of the companys stock. Get U.S. Bancorp alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently issued reports on USB shares. Truist Financial lifted their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $52.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on U.S. Bancorp from $49.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, DA Davidson boosted their target price on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $54.95. Insider Activity at U.S. Bancorp In related news, Chairman Andrew Cecere sold 140,445 shares of U.S. Bancorp stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.34, for a total transaction of $6,508,221.30. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman directly owned 1,360,414 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $63,041,584.76. This trade represents a 9.36% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP James L. Chosy sold 26,909 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.86, for a total value of $1,260,955.74. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 226,375 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,607,932.50. This trade represents a 10.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock. U.S. Bancorp Stock Up 1.0% USB stock opened at $53.90 on Friday. U.S. Bancorp has a 1-year low of $35.18 and a 1-year high of $55.15. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $50.23 and its 200 day simple moving average is $48.09. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $83.79 billion, a PE ratio of 12.34, a PEG ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 1.07. U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.11. U.S. Bancorp had a return on equity of 13.34% and a net margin of 16.89%.The business had revenue of $7.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.03 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.38 EPS for the current year. U.S. Bancorp Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. U.S. Bancorps dividend payout ratio is currently 47.60%. About U.S. Bancorp (Free Report) U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) is a bank holding company and the parent of U.S. Bank, a national commercial bank that provides a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services. The company operates through consumer and business banking, commercial banking, payment services, and wealth management segments. Its product set includes deposit accounts, consumer and commercial lending, mortgage origination and servicing, credit and debit card services, treasury and cash management, merchant processing, and institutional and trust services. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for U.S. Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for U.S. Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd trimmed its position in AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE:AME Free Report) by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 614,702 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 9,712 shares during the quarter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in AMETEK were worth $115,564,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Darwin Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of AMETEK during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. grew its stake in shares of AMETEK by 628.6% in the 2nd quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. now owns 153 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of AMETEK by 129.7% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 170 shares of the technology companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 96 shares during the period. TruNorth Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in AMETEK in the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, SouthState Corp raised its stake in AMETEK by 47.4% during the second quarter. SouthState Corp now owns 202 shares of the technology companys stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. 87.43% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get AMETEK alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Ronald J. Oscher sold 26,290 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $200.05, for a total transaction of $5,259,314.50. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 40,226 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,047,211.30. The trade was a 39.52% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO David A. Zapico sold 88,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.39, for a total transaction of $17,282,320.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 348,955 shares in the company, valued at approximately $68,531,272.45. This represents a 20.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 163,378 shares of company stock valued at $32,471,654. 0.57% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. DA Davidson upped their price objective on AMETEK from $235.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on AMETEK from $198.00 to $204.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of AMETEK in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of AMETEK from $212.00 to $229.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised AMETEK from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $216.55. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on AME AMETEK Price Performance NYSE:AME opened at $209.08 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.13 billion, a PE ratio of 32.98, a P/E/G ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 1.04. AMETEK, Inc. has a 1-year low of $145.02 and a 1-year high of $210.14. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $198.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $188.87. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. AMETEK (NYSE:AME Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The technology company reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $1.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.81 billion. AMETEK had a net margin of 20.50% and a return on equity of 16.66%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.66 earnings per share. AMETEK has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.900-1.950 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 7.320-7.370 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that AMETEK, Inc. will post 7.15 EPS for the current fiscal year. AMETEK Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were paid a $0.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. AMETEKs dividend payout ratio is currently 19.56%. AMETEK Profile (Free Report) AMETEK, Inc is a global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices that serves a broad range of industries. Headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, the company designs and produces precision instruments, electronic measurement devices, specialty sensors, and electric motors and motion control systems. Its product portfolio includes analytical and monitoring instruments, calibration equipment, power supplies, embedded electronics, and industrial motors and drives used for critical applications. The company operates through two primary business platforms an electronic instruments group focused on analytical, test and measurement and sensor products, and an electromechanical group that supplies motors, actuators, and related power and motion solutions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AME? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE:AME Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AMETEK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMETEK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Airlines Group, Delta Air Lines, Joby Aviation, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Air Lease, and Alaska Air Group are the seven Airline stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Airline stocks are equity shares of publicly traded air carriers that represent partial ownership in those companies. They tend to be cyclical and volatile investments, with performance tightly linked to passenger demand and fares, fuel and labor costs, capacity and fleet decisions, and broader economic or geopolitical events. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Airline stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: American Airlines Group (AAL) American Airlines Group Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a network air carrier. The company provides scheduled air transportation services for passengers and cargo through its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C., as well as through partner gateways in London, Doha, Madrid, Seattle/Tacoma, Sydney, and Tokyo. Delta Air Lines (DAL) Delta Air Lines, Inc. provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo. Read Our Latest Research Report on DAL Joby Aviation (JOBY) Joby Aviation, Inc., a vertically integrated air mobility company, engages in building an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft optimized to deliver air transportation as a service. The company intends to build an aerial ridesharing service, as well as developing an application-based platform that will enable consumers to book rides. Read Our Latest Research Report on JOBY United Airlines (UAL) United Airlines Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides air transportation services in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. The company transports people and cargo through its mainline and regional fleets. It also offers catering, ground handling, flight academy, and maintenance services for third parties. Read Our Latest Research Report on UAL Southwest Airlines (LUV) Southwest Airlines Co. operates as a passenger airline company that provides scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated a total fleet of 817 Boeing 737 aircraft; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos. Read Our Latest Research Report on LUV Air Lease (AL) Air Lease Corporation, an aircraft leasing company, engages in the purchase and leasing of commercial jet aircraft to airlines worldwide. It sells aircraft from its fleet to third parties, including other leasing companies, financial services companies, airlines, and other investors. The company provides fleet management services to investors and owners of aircraft portfolios. Read Our Latest Research Report on AL Alaska Air Group (ALK) Alaska Air Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates airlines. It operates through three segments: Mainline, Regional, and Horizon. The company offers scheduled air transportation services on Boeing jet aircraft for passengers and cargo in the United States, and in parts of Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, and the Bahamas; and for passengers across a shorter distance network within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Read Our Latest Research Report on ALK Read More Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Reduce from the five brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have issued a hold rating on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $4.00. BDN has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Brandywine Realty Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, December 27th. KeyCorp lowered Brandywine Realty Trust from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a report on Monday, November 24th. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Brandywine Realty Trust from $5.00 to $4.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Truist Financial downgraded Brandywine Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the company from $5.00 to $4.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Get Brandywine Realty Trust alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Brandywine Realty Trust Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Trading of Brandywine Realty Trust In related news, Director James C. Diggs sold 23,190 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.47, for a total transaction of $80,469.30. Following the sale, the director owned 128,672 shares in the company, valued at $446,491.84. This represents a 15.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, CEO Gerard H. Sweeney bought 88,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $3.38 per share, for a total transaction of $299,130.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer directly owned 3,042,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,282,669.80. The trade was a 3.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing . 3.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Kawa Capital Management Inc raised its stake in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 12.1% during the third quarter. Kawa Capital Management Inc now owns 3,923,145 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $16,360,000 after purchasing an additional 423,145 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 54.2% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 88,406 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $394,000 after buying an additional 31,072 shares in the last quarter. Ethic Inc. raised its position in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 10.6% during the 2nd quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 51,245 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $218,000 after buying an additional 4,915 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,037,000. Finally, Graham Capital Management L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 50.1% in the first quarter. Graham Capital Management L.P. now owns 276,858 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,235,000 after acquiring an additional 92,382 shares in the last quarter. 87.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Brandywine Realty Trust Stock Performance Shares of BDN opened at $2.94 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $509.81 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.74 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a quick ratio of 2.14, a current ratio of 2.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68. The businesss 50 day moving average is $3.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.82. Brandywine Realty Trust has a 52-week low of $2.83 and a 52-week high of $5.76. Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $121.42 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $119.11 million. Brandywine Realty Trust had a negative return on equity of 19.55% and a negative net margin of 38.03%. Analysts forecast that Brandywine Realty Trust will post 0.66 EPS for the current fiscal year. Brandywine Realty Trust Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 7th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 10.9%. Brandywine Realty Trusts payout ratio is presently -29.91%. About Brandywine Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) is an internally managed real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of office and mixed-use properties. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on creating highquality, transitoriented workplaces that meet evolving tenant demands for sustainability, technological connectivity, and flexible design. Brandywines portfolio emphasizes Class A office space, often integrated with retail, residential or hospitality components to foster vibrant, liveworkplay environments. Since its founding in 1994, Brandywine has executed a strategy of disciplined property investment and targeted development. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Brandywine Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brandywine Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rexford Capital Inc. raised its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 3,266.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 14,676 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 14,240 shares during the quarter. Rexford Capital Inc.s holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $575,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of CMG. Physicians Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.7% in the third quarter. Physicians Financial Services Inc. now owns 16,770 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $657,000 after purchasing an additional 287 shares in the last quarter. Generali Asset Management SPA SGR raised its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 8.2% during the third quarter. Generali Asset Management SPA SGR now owns 98,205 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $3,849,000 after buying an additional 7,428 shares in the last quarter. Invesco LLC lifted its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 6.6% in the third quarter. Invesco LLC now owns 16,609 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $651,000 after buying an additional 1,027 shares during the last quarter. Daner Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 25.9% during the 3rd quarter. Daner Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,280 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $263,000 after acquiring an additional 1,290 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.30% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Trending Headlines about Chipotle Mexican Grill Here are the key news stories impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill this week: Positive Sentiment: Company operational update Chipotle is rolling out its highefficiency equipment package (HEAP) to speed throughput, improve labor efficiency and consistency; early gains were reported in ~175 restaurants, which could lift samestore throughput and margins if rollout scales. CMGs Throughput Push Accelerates Company operational update Chipotle is rolling out its highefficiency equipment package (HEAP) to speed throughput, improve labor efficiency and consistency; early gains were reported in ~175 restaurants, which could lift samestore throughput and margins if rollout scales. Positive Sentiment: Nearterm market momentum recent coverage noted that CMG closed higher in the latest session, reflecting shortterm buying interest that likely ties to the operational news and media attention. Chipotle Exceeds Market Returns Nearterm market momentum recent coverage noted that CMG closed higher in the latest session, reflecting shortterm buying interest that likely ties to the operational news and media attention. Positive Sentiment: Prominent coverage / investor attention Jim Cramer and other commentators continue to spotlight the CEOs actions and the chains strategy, which can attract shortterm buyers and liquidity into the stock. Jim Cramer Coverage Prominent coverage / investor attention Jim Cramer and other commentators continue to spotlight the CEOs actions and the chains strategy, which can attract shortterm buyers and liquidity into the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Longterm reflection pieces retrospectives on 10year returns and 5year outlooks highlight Chipotles historical compounding and managements longrange goals (7,000 restaurants target). These frame the long run case but dont immediately change fundamentals. 10Year Retrospective 5Year Outlook Longterm reflection pieces retrospectives on 10year returns and 5year outlooks highlight Chipotles historical compounding and managements longrange goals (7,000 restaurants target). These frame the long run case but dont immediately change fundamentals. Negative Sentiment: Analyst target implies limited upside Mizuho raised its price target to $36 but kept a neutral rating; that target sits below the current market level, which can temper upside expectations and introduce selling pressure if other analysts follow. Mizuho Rating Analyst target implies limited upside Mizuho raised its price target to $36 but kept a neutral rating; that target sits below the current market level, which can temper upside expectations and introduce selling pressure if other analysts follow. Negative Sentiment: Investor skepticism on growth trajectory commentary from a U.S. largecap growth manager (SGA) highlights underperformance versus benchmarks and raises questions about sustainable growth and returns; such skepticism can weigh on sentiment and valuation multiple. SGA Investor Letter Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance NYSE:CMG opened at $37.46 on Friday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a one year low of $29.75 and a one year high of $60.20. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $34.37 and a 200 day moving average price of $41.52. The stock has a market cap of $49.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.15, a PEG ratio of 3.61 and a beta of 0.97. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.29. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.04% and a return on equity of 45.39%. The company had revenue of $3 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.06 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.27 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CMG has been the subject of several analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $44.00 to $40.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 30th. BTIG Research dropped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $57.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Monday. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $59.00 to $49.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $40.00 target price (down previously from $52.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have given a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $49.87. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Chipotle Mexican Grill About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Davidson Investment Advisors cut its holdings in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 437,645 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,260 shares during the period. Citigroup makes up about 1.9% of Davidson Investment Advisors portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest holding. Davidson Investment Advisors holdings in Citigroup were worth $44,421,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Howard Hughes Medical Institute acquired a new position in Citigroup in the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Citigroup by 157.1% in the 2nd quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. now owns 414 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new stake in shares of Citigroup in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $38,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Citigroup during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, Highline Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in Citigroup by 35.3% during the 3rd quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC now owns 418 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.72% of the companys stock. Get Citigroup alerts: Key Stores Impacting Citigroup Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Positive Sentiment: Analyst bullishness Piper Sandler projects upside for Citigroup shares, citing the banks positioning and outlook; analyst commentary is supporting buyer interest. Article Title Analyst bullishness Piper Sandler projects upside for Citigroup shares, citing the banks positioning and outlook; analyst commentary is supporting buyer interest. Positive Sentiment: Fundamentals: Citigroups latest reported quarter beat consensus (EPS $2.24 vs $1.89 estimate and revenue $22.09B vs $20.92B), which underpins stronger earnings visibility and likely helps lift the stock. Fundamentals: Citigroups latest reported quarter beat consensus (EPS $2.24 vs $1.89 estimate and revenue $22.09B vs $20.92B), which underpins stronger earnings visibility and likely helps lift the stock. Positive Sentiment: Underwriting upside markets are actively pricing the probability that Citigroup could be a lead underwriter for a major potential IPO (SpaceX), which would be a high-fee corporate win if it happens and supports speculative buying. Article Title Underwriting upside markets are actively pricing the probability that Citigroup could be a lead underwriter for a major potential IPO (SpaceX), which would be a high-fee corporate win if it happens and supports speculative buying. Positive Sentiment: Management tone: Citi strategist Scott Chronert publicly framing current markets as a boom (not a bubble) may boost investor risk appetite toward banks and trading-related revenue. Article Title Management tone: Citi strategist Scott Chronert publicly framing current markets as a boom (not a bubble) may boost investor risk appetite toward banks and trading-related revenue. Neutral Sentiment: Sector backdrop: Market commentary suggests financials would benefit if rates ease (sector rotation into value/financial stocks). This macro theme helps bank multiples but depends on Fed moves. Article Title Sector backdrop: Market commentary suggests financials would benefit if rates ease (sector rotation into value/financial stocks). This macro theme helps bank multiples but depends on Fed moves. Neutral Sentiment: Trade policy noise eased marginally after the U.S. delayed some tariff increases (furniture/cabinets), reducing another source of macro uncertainty limited direct impact on Citi but supportive for risk assets. Article Title Trade policy noise eased marginally after the U.S. delayed some tariff increases (furniture/cabinets), reducing another source of macro uncertainty limited direct impact on Citi but supportive for risk assets. Negative Sentiment: Russia exit cost Citigroup finalized the sale of its remaining Russian unit at a loss. the exit reduces longterm geopolitical exposure but produced a near-term charge that could weigh on short-term earnings. Article Title Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have issued reports on C. Oppenheimer cut their target price on Citigroup from $123.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $108.00 price objective on shares of Citigroup in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an overweight rating on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Wednesday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on shares of Citigroup from $118.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on Citigroup from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Citigroup has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $115.25. Check Out Our Latest Report on Citigroup Citigroup Stock Performance Shares of C opened at $118.61 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $212.22 billion, a PE ratio of 16.66, a P/E/G ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $107.04 and a 200 day moving average price of $98.42. Citigroup Inc. has a 52-week low of $55.51 and a 52-week high of $122.84. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The company reported $2.24 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.35. Citigroup had a net margin of 8.73% and a return on equity of 7.91%. The company had revenue of $22.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.92 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.51 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Citigroup Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 3rd were given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 3rd. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Citigroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.71%. Citigroup Company Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Davidson Investment Advisors bought a new position in Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm bought 70,390 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,990,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of H. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB lifted its stake in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 86.7% in the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 239 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management raised its holdings in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 53.4% in the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 270 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in Hyatt Hotels by 18,500.0% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 372 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 370 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its stake in Hyatt Hotels by 33.2% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 385 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allworth Financial LP increased its holdings in Hyatt Hotels by 350.5% during the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 410 shares of the companys stock worth $57,000 after purchasing an additional 319 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 73.54% of the companys stock. Get Hyatt Hotels alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth H has been the topic of several analyst reports. Barclays raised Hyatt Hotels from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the company from $161.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $188.00 price objective on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $154.00 target price for the company. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $159.00 to $168.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a research report on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $163.56. Hyatt Hotels Price Performance Hyatt Hotels stock opened at $165.53 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $156.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $147.85. Hyatt Hotels Corporation has a 12 month low of $102.43 and a 12 month high of $168.10. The company has a market cap of $15.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -177.99, a PEG ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47. Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.30) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.49 by ($0.79). Hyatt Hotels had a negative net margin of 1.27% and a positive return on equity of 3.22%. The business had revenue of $1.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.82 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.94 earnings per share. Hyatt Hotelss revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Hyatt Hotels Corporation will post 3.05 EPS for the current year. Hyatt Hotels Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 24th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.4%. Hyatt Hotelss dividend payout ratio is -64.52%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider David Udell sold 4,300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $166.00, for a total transaction of $713,800.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 13,746 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,281,836. This represents a 23.83% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Peter Sears sold 12,394 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.51, for a total value of $1,927,390.94. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 5,594 shares in the company, valued at $869,922.94. This trade represents a 68.90% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 33,383 shares of company stock worth $5,321,682 in the last quarter. 23.70% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hyatt Hotels Profile (Free Report) Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) is a global hospitality company that develops, owns, manages and franchises luxury and business hotels, resorts and vacation properties. Its portfolio spans a range of price points and styles under brands such as Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Thompson Hotels, Alila and Destination by Hyatt. In addition to accommodations, the company provides meeting and event spaces, food and beverage outlets, spa and wellness centers, and a variety of guest services designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers. Hyatts business model combines property ownership, management contracts and third-party franchising. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding H? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hyatt Hotels Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hyatt Hotels and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Verity & Verity LLC reduced its position in Hershey Company (The) (NYSE:HSY Free Report) by 82.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 11,091 shares of the companys stock after selling 51,248 shares during the period. Verity & Verity LLCs holdings in Hershey were worth $2,075,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. EP Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Hershey by 16.5% during the first quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,270 shares of the companys stock worth $559,000 after buying an additional 462 shares during the period. Amundi increased its stake in shares of Hershey by 40.4% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 1,237,107 shares of the companys stock valued at $208,227,000 after acquiring an additional 356,105 shares during the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Hershey by 7.5% during the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 33,344 shares of the companys stock worth $5,703,000 after acquiring an additional 2,322 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Hershey by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 15,310 shares of the companys stock worth $2,618,000 after acquiring an additional 937 shares during the period. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Hershey by 41.2% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 8,811 shares of the companys stock worth $1,507,000 after acquiring an additional 2,569 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.96% of the companys stock. Get Hershey alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $188.51, for a total transaction of $282,765.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 53,819 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,145,419.69. The trade was a 2.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Stacy Taffet purchased 200 shares of Hershey stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The shares were acquired at an average price of $186.19 per share, with a total value of $37,238.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 9,371 shares in the company, valued at $1,744,786.49. This trade represents a 2.18% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 6,000 shares of company stock worth $1,102,725 in the last three months. 0.34% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have weighed in on HSY shares. Argus raised shares of Hershey to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. DA Davidson cut their target price on Hershey from $188.00 to $185.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Hershey in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley upgraded Hershey from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the stock from $195.00 to $211.00 in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, TD Cowen cut their price objective on Hershey from $204.00 to $200.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 31st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hershey currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $184.95. Check Out Our Latest Report on Hershey Hershey Stock Up 0.2% NYSE HSY opened at $182.38 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $36.98 billion, a PE ratio of 27.26 and a beta of 0.18. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $180.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $181.38. Hershey Company has a fifty-two week low of $140.13 and a fifty-two week high of $199.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. Hershey (NYSE:HSY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.24. Hershey had a net margin of 11.84% and a return on equity of 32.08%. The business had revenue of $3.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.11 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.34 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Hershey has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.900-6.000 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Hershey Company will post 6.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hershey Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a $1.37 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $5.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.0%. Hersheys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 81.91%. Hershey Profile (Free Report) The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading North American chocolatier and snack manufacturer headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company develops, produces and markets a wide range of confectionery and snack products for retail, foodservice and international customers. Hersheys business spans manufacturing, branded product marketing, packaging and distribution across grocery, convenience, mass merchant and e-commerce channels. Hersheys product portfolio centers on chocolate and sugar confectionery, including core brands such as Hersheys, Reeses, Hersheys Kisses and Twizzlers, alongside non-chocolate snacks and confectionery brands. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HSY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hershey Company (The) (NYSE:HSY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hershey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hershey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JDM Financial Group LLC lowered its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 8.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 22,290 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,114 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF makes up approximately 6.0% of JDM Financial Group LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 5th biggest holding. JDM Financial Group LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $14,919,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the first quarter valued at $28,000. Nvwm LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 210.5% in the 2nd quarter. Nvwm LLC now owns 59 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. Hager Investment Management Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $61,000. Rice Partnership LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 460.0% in the 2nd quarter. Rice Partnership LLC now owns 112 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Creative Capital Management Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $80,000. 70.12% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance IVV opened at $686.19 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $682.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $658.13. The company has a market cap of $720.16 billion, a PE ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 1 year low of $484.00 and a 1 year high of $694.70. About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd lessened its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR Free Report) (TSE:QSR) by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 3,263,219 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 148,118 shares during the quarter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Restaurant Brands International were worth $209,386,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 8.0% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 15,303,726 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,015,137,000 after acquiring an additional 1,134,665 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in Restaurant Brands International by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 8,108,527 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $540,352,000 after buying an additional 47,192 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc lifted its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 18.5% in the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 5,486,897 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $363,243,000 after buying an additional 855,436 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 112.8% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,296,050 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $286,172,000 after buying an additional 2,277,694 shares during the period. Finally, Baupost Group LLC MA raised its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 4.2% during the second quarter. Baupost Group LLC MA now owns 4,049,562 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $268,445,000 after acquiring an additional 163,000 shares during the period. 82.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Restaurant Brands International alerts: Restaurant Brands International Stock Performance Shares of NYSE QSR opened at $67.80 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.06. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $69.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $67.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $22.24 billion, a PE ratio of 24.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.59. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a 52 week low of $58.71 and a 52 week high of $73.70. Restaurant Brands International Announces Dividend Restaurant Brands International ( NYSE:QSR Get Free Report ) (TSE:QSR) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The restaurant operator reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.39 billion. Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 32.43% and a net margin of 9.95%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.93 EPS. Analysts predict that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.62 per share. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 23rd. Restaurant Brands Internationals dividend payout ratio is 88.26%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have issued reports on QSR. Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating and set a $80.00 target price on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Northcoast Research lowered Restaurant Brands International from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Scotiabank upped their price target on Restaurant Brands International from $73.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised their price target on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $75.45. Get Our Latest Analysis on Restaurant Brands International Insider Buying and Selling In other Restaurant Brands International news, Director Ali Hedayat sold 7,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.77, for a total transaction of $509,390.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 18,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,379,864.74. The trade was a 26.96% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Sami A. Siddiqui sold 10,913 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.87, for a total value of $773,404.31. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 10,609 shares in the company, valued at $751,859.83. This represents a 50.71% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 131,807 shares of company stock worth $9,308,973. Corporate insiders own 1.25% of the companys stock. Restaurant Brands International Company Profile (Free Report) Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE: QSR) is a global quick-service restaurant company formed through the combination of established brands. The companys principal holdings include Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, each of which operates under its own brand identity and menu. Restaurant Brands Internationals business is centered on developing and expanding these franchised restaurant systems, supporting franchisees with brand management, supply chain coordination, and marketing programs. RBIs restaurants offer a range of quick-service food and beverage products: Burger King is known for its flame-grilled hamburgers and sandwiches, Tim Hortons for coffee, baked goods and breakfast items, and Popeyes for Louisiana-style fried chicken and seafood. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QSR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR Free Report) (TSE:QSR). Receive News & Ratings for Restaurant Brands International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Restaurant Brands International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd trimmed its stake in Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI Free Report) (TSE:CNR) by 4.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 8,871,249 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 370,454 shares during the quarter. Canadian National Railway accounts for about 4.6% of JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings, making the stock its 3rd largest position. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Canadian National Railway were worth $836,756,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in CNI. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Canadian National Railway in the 2nd quarter worth about $591,904,000. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new position in Canadian National Railway in the second quarter valued at about $310,489,000. Fisher Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Canadian National Railway during the second quarter worth about $189,748,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its holdings in shares of Canadian National Railway by 26.6% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 6,705,679 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $695,048,000 after buying an additional 1,408,978 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its holdings in shares of Canadian National Railway by 20.1% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 6,296,828 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $655,768,000 after buying an additional 1,051,977 shares in the last quarter. 80.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Canadian National Railway alerts: Canadian National Railway Trading Up 1.4% CNI stock opened at $100.21 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92. Canadian National Railway Company has a twelve month low of $90.74 and a twelve month high of $108.75. The company has a market cap of $61.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.02, a PEG ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.96. The business has a fifty day moving average of $96.44 and a 200-day moving average of $96.88. Canadian National Railway Increases Dividend Canadian National Railway ( NYSE:CNI Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNR) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The transportation company reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.05. Canadian National Railway had a return on equity of 21.50% and a net margin of 26.86%.The business had revenue of $2.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.15 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.72 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Canadian National Railway Company will post 5.52 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 9th were issued a dividend of $0.8875 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 9th. This represents a $3.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. This is a boost from Canadian National Railways previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. Canadian National Railways dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.01%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CNI has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Cibc Captl Mkts upgraded Canadian National Railway from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Zacks Research raised Canadian National Railway from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. CIBC upgraded Canadian National Railway from a neutral rating to an outperformer rating and raised their target price for the company from $146.00 to $151.00 in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Barclays cut their price target on Canadian National Railway from $99.00 to $97.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $106.00 to $102.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, September 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.36. View Our Latest Report on CNI Canadian National Railway Profile (Free Report) Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE: CNI) is a Class I freight railway that operates an integrated rail network across Canada and the United States. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, CN provides long-haul freight transportation and related logistics services that connect major ports, industrial centers and inland markets throughout North America. Its transcontinental system enables cross-border movement of goods and supports supply chains that span coast-to-coast in Canada and into the central and eastern United States. CNs core business is the railborne transportation of a broad mix of commodities, including intermodal container traffic, forest and paper products, grain and other agricultural products, metallurgical and industrial products, petroleum and chemical products, coal and automotive shipments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI Free Report) (TSE:CNR). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian National Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian National Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd decreased its stake in Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:GWRE Free Report) by 1.2% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 439,972 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 5,260 shares during the period. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Guidewire Software were worth $101,132,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in GWRE. Advisors Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Guidewire Software in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Quarry LP purchased a new position in Guidewire Software during the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Guidewire Software in the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. Rise Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Guidewire Software in the first quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Guidewire Software during the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Get Guidewire Software alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Guidewire Software news, CFO Jeffrey Elliott Cooper sold 1,232 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $195.00, for a total transaction of $240,240.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 72,969 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,228,955. The trade was a 1.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider James Winston King sold 1,860 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $195.00, for a total value of $362,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 33,702 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,571,890. This trade represents a 5.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 54,140 shares of company stock valued at $11,181,164. Insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently weighed in on GWRE. Zacks Research lowered Guidewire Software from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. BTIG Research restated a buy rating and issued a $250.00 price target on shares of Guidewire Software in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on shares of Guidewire Software from $270.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. DA Davidson raised shares of Guidewire Software from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $246.00 to $250.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $275.00 price target (up from $255.00) on shares of Guidewire Software in a report on Friday, September 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $271.29. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Guidewire Software Guidewire Software Trading Down 6.6% GWRE stock opened at $187.77 on Friday. Guidewire Software, Inc. has a 12 month low of $165.08 and a 12 month high of $272.60. The firms 50-day moving average is $212.70 and its 200 day moving average is $224.76. The company has a market capitalization of $15.96 billion, a PE ratio of 178.83, a P/E/G ratio of 13.09 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 3.48 and a quick ratio of 3.48. Guidewire Software (NYSE:GWRE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The technology company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.66. Guidewire Software had a net margin of 7.23% and a return on equity of 10.15%. The company had revenue of $332.64 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $316.62 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.43 EPS. Guidewire Softwares revenue for the quarter was up 26.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Guidewire Software, Inc. will post 0.52 EPS for the current year. Guidewire Software Profile (Free Report) Guidewire Software, Inc develops software products and cloud services for property and casualty (P&C) insurance carriers. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, the companys offerings are designed to help insurers manage the core functions of their businesspolicy administration, billing and claimswhile supporting digital engagement, analytics and operational modernization. Guidewires core product portfolio is commonly known as the InsuranceSuite, which includes PolicyCenter for policy administration, BillingCenter for billing and receivables, and ClaimCenter for claims management. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GWRE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:GWRE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Guidewire Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guidewire Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd cut its stake in shares of Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO Free Report) by 43.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 339,798 shares of the companys stock after selling 263,612 shares during the period. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Diageo were worth $32,427,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its position in Diageo by 42.2% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 99,998 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,099,000 after purchasing an additional 29,674 shares during the period. Savant Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Diageo in the 2nd quarter valued at about $310,000. Philip James Wealth Mangement LLC increased its position in shares of Diageo by 81.8% during the second quarter. Philip James Wealth Mangement LLC now owns 33,107 shares of the companys stock worth $3,338,000 after acquiring an additional 14,895 shares during the period. Martin Capital Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Diageo by 225.8% during the second quarter. Martin Capital Partners LLC now owns 32,525 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,280,000 after acquiring an additional 22,542 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Confluence Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Diageo by 0.9% in the third quarter. Confluence Investment Management LLC now owns 1,363,504 shares of the companys stock valued at $130,119,000 after purchasing an additional 12,678 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 8.97% of the companys stock. Get Diageo alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on DEO shares. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Diageo from $117.00 to $109.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 26th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Diageo in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Barclays restated an overweight rating on shares of Diageo in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Diageo from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Diageo in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $120.67. Diageo Stock Performance Shares of DEO stock opened at $87.06 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $90.19 and a 200 day moving average of $98.52. Diageo plc has a 1 year low of $85.11 and a 1 year high of $126.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 1.63. Diageo Profile (Free Report) Diageo plc is a global producer, marketer and distributor of alcoholic beverages, headquartered in London, England. The company was created through the 1997 merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc and is publicly traded on multiple exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange. Diageo operates a worldwide business, selling products in a broad range of markets across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Diageos core activities cover the production, marketing and sale of a diverse portfolio of spirits, beer and liqueurs. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DEO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Diageo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Diageo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 29.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 25,784 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,926 shares during the quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $2,453,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. ROSS JOHNSON & Associates LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Avion Wealth lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 88.8% during the second quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 304 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares in the last quarter. Chapman Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the second quarter valued at $29,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the first quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Phillips Financial Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $46,000. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Stock Performance Shares of BATS:USMV opened at $93.66 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $23.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.90 and a beta of 0.72. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $94.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $93.84. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $83.99 and a fifty-two week high of $95.12. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USMV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Global Equity Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:GLOF Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 34,023 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,756,000. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC owned about 1.13% of iShares Global Equity Factor ETF as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Modern Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Global Equity Factor ETF by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Modern Wealth Management LLC now owns 16,735 shares of the companys stock worth $807,000 after buying an additional 242 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Global Equity Factor ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $42,000. 5T Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Global Equity Factor ETF by 3.6% during the third quarter. 5T Wealth LLC now owns 39,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,013,000 after acquiring an additional 1,344 shares during the last quarter. Burt Wealth Advisors lifted its holdings in iShares Global Equity Factor ETF by 24.6% during the second quarter. Burt Wealth Advisors now owns 9,117 shares of the companys stock worth $439,000 after acquiring an additional 1,802 shares during the period. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in iShares Global Equity Factor ETF in the second quarter worth $117,000. Get iShares Global Equity Factor ETF alerts: iShares Global Equity Factor ETF Price Performance Shares of iShares Global Equity Factor ETF stock opened at $52.96 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $153.58 million, a PE ratio of 17.48 and a beta of 0.91. iShares Global Equity Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $37.65 and a 1 year high of $53.51. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $52.53 and a 200-day moving average price of $50.81. iShares Global Equity Factor ETF Profile The iShares Global Equity Factor ETF (GLOF) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the STOXX Global Equity Factor index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap equities from around the world. Stocks are selected and weighted to optimize exposure to five factors: quality, value, momentum, smaller size and low volatility. GLOF was launched on Apr 28, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares Global Equity Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Global Equity Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Davidson Investment Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report) by 4.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 87,189 shares of the CRM providers stock after acquiring an additional 3,494 shares during the period. Davidson Investment Advisors holdings in Salesforce were worth $20,664,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Signaturefd LLC increased its holdings in Salesforce by 2.6% in the third quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 21,882 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $5,186,000 after buying an additional 545 shares in the last quarter. Bell Bank grew its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Bell Bank now owns 5,763 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $1,366,000 after acquiring an additional 126 shares during the period. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP increased its stake in Salesforce by 40.8% in the 3rd quarter. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP now owns 2,734 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $648,000 after purchasing an additional 792 shares in the last quarter. GAM Holding AG raised its holdings in Salesforce by 34.5% during the third quarter. GAM Holding AG now owns 7,563 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $1,792,000 after purchasing an additional 1,942 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PDS Planning Inc boosted its position in Salesforce by 5.7% during the third quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 5,405 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $1,281,000 after purchasing an additional 292 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.43% of the companys stock. Get Salesforce alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Arete Research upgraded Salesforce to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $300.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. DA Davidson lifted their target price on shares of Salesforce from $225.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Salesforce from $316.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on Salesforce from $325.00 to $300.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-nine have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Salesforce currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $326.68. Insider Activity In related news, Director G Mason Morfit purchased 96,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $260.58 per share, for a total transaction of $25,015,680.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 2,994,509 shares in the company, valued at approximately $780,309,155.22. This represents a 3.31% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Marc Benioff sold 2,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $252.04, for a total transaction of $567,090.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 11,911,571 shares in the company, valued at $3,002,192,354.84. This represents a 0.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 161,784 shares of company stock worth $38,357,182. 3.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Salesforce Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:CRM opened at $253.68 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $249.78 and its 200 day simple moving average is $251.67. The company has a market cap of $237.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.87, a PEG ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 0.98. Salesforce Inc. has a one year low of $221.96 and a one year high of $367.09. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The CRM provider reported $3.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.86 by $0.39. The firm had revenue of $10.26 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.27 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 17.91% and a return on equity of 14.41%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.41 EPS. Salesforce has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Salesforce Inc. will post 7.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Salesforce Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 18th will be given a $0.416 dividend. This represents a $1.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 18th. Salesforces dividend payout ratio is presently 22.16%. Salesforce Company Profile (Free Report) Salesforce, founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a global provider of cloud-based software focused on customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise applications. The company popularized the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for CRM and has built a broad portfolio of products designed to help organizations manage sales, service, marketing, commerce and analytics through a unified, cloud-first platform. Core offerings include Sales Cloud for sales automation, Service Cloud for customer support, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing and engagement, and Commerce Cloud for e-commerce. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SteelPeak Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Equifax, Inc. (NYSE:EFX Free Report) by 164.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 8,034 shares of the credit services providers stock after purchasing an additional 4,998 shares during the period. SteelPeak Wealth LLCs holdings in Equifax were worth $2,061,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Country Trust Bank bought a new position in shares of Equifax in the second quarter worth about $26,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Equifax in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Caldwell Trust Co purchased a new stake in Equifax in the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. State of Wyoming bought a new position in Equifax in the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Equifax by 98.5% during the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 135 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the period. 96.20% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Equifax alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Equifax news, EVP Jamil Farshchi sold 4,925 shares of Equifax stock in a transaction on Monday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.94, for a total value of $1,176,779.50. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 39,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,405,634.16. The trade was a 11.12% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Mark W. Begor sold 21,386 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, October 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $231.12, for a total value of $4,942,732.32. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 22,045 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,095,040.40. The trade was a 49.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 54,270 shares of company stock valued at $12,580,837 in the last three months. 1.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently issued reports on EFX. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on Equifax from $245.00 to $234.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Bank of America dropped their price target on Equifax from $285.00 to $250.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on Equifax from $295.00 to $253.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $295.00 price objective on shares of Equifax in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Oppenheimer assumed coverage on shares of Equifax in a report on Monday, October 13th. They set an outperform rating and a $271.00 target price on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $274.73. Get Our Latest Analysis on EFX Equifax Trading Down 1.3% EFX opened at $214.08 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The firm has a market cap of $26.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.62, a PEG ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.59. Equifax, Inc. has a 12 month low of $199.98 and a 12 month high of $281.07. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $213.63 and a 200-day moving average price of $236.40. Equifax (NYSE:EFX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The credit services provider reported $2.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.10. Equifax had a return on equity of 19.28% and a net margin of 11.08%.The company had revenue of $1.54 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.52 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.85 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equifax has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.980-2.080 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 7.550-7.650 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Equifax, Inc. will post 7.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Equifax Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 24th. Equifaxs payout ratio is 37.95%. Equifax Profile (Free Report) Equifax Inc (NYSE: EFX) is a global data, analytics and technology company that specializes in consumer and commercial credit reporting, decisioning tools and identity solutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Equifax is one of the three major consumer credit reporting agencies in the United States and provides credit information and related services to lenders, employers, governments and consumers worldwide. The companys offerings include consumer credit reports and scores, credit monitoring and identity protection services, and a range of business-oriented products for risk management, fraud detection and compliance. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Equifax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equifax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Synergy Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 3,493.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 493,323 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after purchasing an additional 479,593 shares during the quarter. Boston Scientific makes up approximately 1.7% of Synergy Asset Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest position. Synergy Asset Management LLCs holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $48,297,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Boston Scientific in the second quarter worth about $2,089,937,000. Edgewood Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $746,655,000. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in Boston Scientific by 14,391.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,919,801 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $313,618,000 after acquiring an additional 2,899,653 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Boston Scientific by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 137,134,110 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $14,729,575,000 after acquiring an additional 2,545,381 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia raised its stake in Boston Scientific by 106.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 3,025,519 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $324,971,000 after acquiring an additional 1,559,605 shares during the period. 89.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on BSX. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $130.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Boston Scientific from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, December 20th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays raised their price target on Boston Scientific from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Erste Group Bank lowered Boston Scientific from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Boston Scientific has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $124.85. Insider Activity at Boston Scientific In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.47, for a total transaction of $4,973,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 178,342 shares in the company, valued at $17,739,678.74. This trade represents a 21.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Ellen M. Zane sold 12,891 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.28, for a total transaction of $1,266,927.48. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 24,134 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,371,889.52. This trade represents a 34.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 93,095 shares of company stock valued at $9,305,450. 0.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Boston Scientific Trading Down 0.7% Shares of BSX stock opened at $94.72 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The stock has a market capitalization of $140.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 50.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.67. Boston Scientific Corporation has a 12-month low of $85.98 and a 12-month high of $109.50. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $97.92 and its 200-day moving average price is $100.92. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 19.46% and a net margin of 14.43%.The company had revenue of $5.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.63 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 20.3% on a year-over-year basis. Boston Scientific has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.770-0.790 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Boston Scientific Corporation will post 2.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. Boston Scientific Company Profile (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) is a global medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of products used in less-invasive medical procedures. Founded in 1979 by John Abele and Peter Nicholas, the company is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and focuses on technologies that enable physicians to treat a wide range of cardiovascular, digestive, urologic, pulmonary and chronic pain conditions without open surgery. Boston Scientifics activities span product development, clinical research, regulatory affairs and commercial sales. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Synergy Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 46,118 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $9,294,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. TruNorth Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. GAM Holding AG acquired a new position in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the third quarter worth $446,000. PUREfi Wealth LLC grew its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 6.4% in the third quarter. PUREfi Wealth LLC now owns 4,155 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $837,000 after purchasing an additional 249 shares in the last quarter. Goldstein Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the 3rd quarter worth about $226,000. Finally, Golden State Equity Partners acquired a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the 3rd quarter worth about $204,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.99% of the companys stock. Get Marsh & McLennan Companies alerts: Marsh & McLennan Companies Trading Down 1.7% Shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies stock opened at $182.40 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 1.12. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $182.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $197.51. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $174.18 and a 1 year high of $248.00. The company has a market capitalization of $89.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.87, a P/E/G ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 0.76. Insider Activity Marsh & McLennan Companies ( NYSE:MMC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $6.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.34 billion. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a net margin of 15.60% and a return on equity of 31.79%. The companys revenue was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.63 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 9.61 EPS for the current year. In other news, CEO John Q. Doyle sold 21,079 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.22, for a total value of $3,841,015.38. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 87,681 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,977,231.82. This represents a 19.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Barclays raised Marsh & McLennan Companies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lowered their target price for the company from $221.00 to $206.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Citigroup cut their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $211.00 to $201.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Evercore ISI lowered their target price on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $243.00 to $237.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 17th. Wolfe Research began coverage on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $209.00 to $191.00 in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $222.35. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Marsh & McLennan Companies Marsh & McLennan Companies Company Profile (Free Report) Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC) is a global professional services firm headquartered in New York City that provides advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy and people. Founded in 1905, the company has grown into a diversified group of businesses focused on insurance brokerage and risk management, reinsurance, human capital and investment consulting, and management consulting. Its long history and scale position it as a prominent adviser to corporations, governments and other institutions seeking to manage risk and optimize human and financial capital. The firm operates through several well-known subsidiaries and business units that specialize in distinct services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Townsend & Associates Inc lessened its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 10.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 511,855 shares of the companys stock after selling 59,001 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF accounts for about 3.3% of Townsend & Associates Incs investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. Townsend & Associates Inc owned 0.12% of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF worth $34,857,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in EFV. Atwood & Palmer Inc. bought a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Crewe Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the second quarter worth $29,000. Pandora Wealth Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the second quarter valued at $30,000. Tripletail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the third quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Rice Partnership LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the second quarter valued at about $59,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Stock Up 38.1% EFV stock opened at $72.16 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $70.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $67.39. The company has a market capitalization of $29.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a fifty-two week low of $51.05 and a fifty-two week high of $66.83. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as financials, energy, healthcare, telecommunication services, industrials, utilities, consumer discretionary, materials, information technology and consumer staples. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd decreased its holdings in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:TFPM Free Report) by 15.7% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 443,713 shares of the companys stock after selling 82,510 shares during the period. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltds holdings in Triple Flag Precious Metals were worth $12,992,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Employees Retirement System of Texas acquired a new stake in Triple Flag Precious Metals during the 2nd quarter worth about $36,000. ORG Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Triple Flag Precious Metals during the second quarter valued at $97,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals by 160.0% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,015 shares of the companys stock valued at $119,000 after buying an additional 3,086 shares in the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in Triple Flag Precious Metals by 4,954.7% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 5,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $140,000 after purchasing an additional 5,797 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Drucker Wealth 3.0 LLC bought a new position in Triple Flag Precious Metals in the 2nd quarter worth $206,000. 82.91% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Triple Flag Precious Metals alerts: Triple Flag Precious Metals Trading Down 1.6% Shares of NYSE:TFPM opened at $32.69 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.36, a PEG ratio of 0.80 and a beta of -0.21. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $31.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $28.36. Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. has a 12 month low of $15.05 and a 12 month high of $35.86. The company has a quick ratio of 1.68, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. Triple Flag Precious Metals Dividend Announcement Triple Flag Precious Metals ( NYSE:TFPM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by $0.02. Triple Flag Precious Metals had a net margin of 59.43% and a return on equity of 9.56%. The business had revenue of $93.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $87.46 million. As a group, research analysts forecast that Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. will post 0.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a $0.0575 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $0.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. Triple Flag Precious Metalss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.77%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have commented on TFPM. Zacks Research downgraded Triple Flag Precious Metals from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Scotiabank lowered their target price on shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals from $35.00 to $34.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 7th. Canaccord Genuity Group cut Triple Flag Precious Metals from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $30.00. View Our Latest Research Report on TFPM About Triple Flag Precious Metals (Free Report) Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. is a Toronto-based precious metals streaming and royalty company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TFPM. The company specializes in providing upfront financing to mining operators in exchange for the right to purchase a fixed percentage of future gold and silver production at discounted prices. By structuring these streaming and royalty agreements, Triple Flag Precious Metals aims to optimize its capital deployment and maintain a predictable cost profile while benefitting from upside in precious metal prices. Since its formation in mid-2022, Triple Flag Precious Metals has established a diversified portfolio of streaming and royalty assets across a variety of jurisdictions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:TFPM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Triple Flag Precious Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Triple Flag Precious Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Reduce from the eleven research firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have assigned a hold recommendation and one has given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $27.2222. Several research firms have weighed in on VTLE. Mizuho set a $23.00 price objective on Vital Energy in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Vital Energy in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Vital Energy from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Vital Energy in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Vital Energy from $22.00 to $16.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 17th. Get Vital Energy alerts: Get Our Latest Report on VTLE Vital Energy Trading Up 0.1% Shares of VTLE stock opened at $18.11 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a current ratio of 0.78. The company has a market capitalization of $700.71 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.52 and a beta of 1.12. Vital Energy has a 52-week low of $12.30 and a 52-week high of $36.72. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $17.42 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.12. Vital Energy (NYSE:VTLE Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.52 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by ($0.07). The business had revenue of $420.83 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $458.87 million. Vital Energy had a positive return on equity of 13.40% and a negative net margin of 69.28%.Vital Energys quarterly revenue was down 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.61 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Vital Energy will post 8.49 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vital Energy Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of VTLE. PDT Partners LLC purchased a new position in Vital Energy in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $3,961,000. OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Vital Energy during the first quarter worth $1,152,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Vital Energy by 65.3% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 214,967 shares of the companys stock worth $4,562,000 after acquiring an additional 84,899 shares during the period. Bayforest Capital Ltd bought a new position in shares of Vital Energy in the first quarter worth $502,000. Finally, Creative Planning purchased a new position in shares of Vital Energy in the second quarter valued at $1,007,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.54% of the companys stock. About Vital Energy (Get Free Report) Vital Energy, Inc, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas, the United States. The company was formerly known as Laredo Petroleum, Inc and changed its name to Vital Energy, Inc in January 2023. Vital Energy, Inc was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vital Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vital Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. What a clinical, professional and clean job by the Trump team at an attempt at regime change in Venezuela. Now that Nicolas Madura has been captured and flown out of the country, hopefully things can change soon for the beleaguered socialist shithole. The Daily Squib suggested this action many months before it happened. To protest a possible US air strike on Venezuela, Twitter/X has quietly modified the like button as unfair strike Double tap and see #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/91lwfvoPmF Baatein Stock Ki (@BaateinStockKi) January 3, 2026 Pedro Marquadez, 42, a doctor for the former socialist regime, was relieved that Maduro was finally gone. I am hoping that my family and I can stop eating from garbage dumps. Socialism was great for Maduro, who ate banquets from his palace, but for the people it was miserable. This is not good news for China, who had made some dodgy oil deals with Maduro on the same day of the regime change bombing and capture of the socialist president. Trump is such a savage man. China went to Venezuela to meet Maduro today, and bombs them the same day.pic.twitter.com/PRxjEidxnU George (@BehizyTweets) January 3, 2026 PLEASE SAVE THE UK MR. TRUMP. WE ARE BEGGING YOU TO OUST SOCIALIST DICTATOR STARMER AND RESTORE THE COUNTRY TO NORMALCY. The lunatics and idiots who now inhabit this world are now their own worst enemies. Enabled by the evil forces of social media, they happily film their own deaths on their smartphones. As the flames of the recent Swiss New Years bar fire, which killed over 45 people, consumed them, they continued to film for the posterity of internet social media clout. Such is the level of stupidity and narcissism amongst many of the youth of today, reared on social media consumption and short attention spans, burning to death horribly in searing flames is a small drawback for their frazzled miniature brains. The programming of these Instagram idiots has been so effective that they have no understanding of real danger and have no ability to assess an event regarding their own safety. China condemns secessionism, external interference in name of cross-Strait peace Xinhua) 09:28, January 03, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- China will never accept any attempt to hinder its actions against secessionism or to interfere in its internal affairs by using the pretext of upholding peace across the Taiwan Strait, a defense spokesperson said Friday. Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the response to a media query about statements from Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te and several countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, on the recent "Justice Mission 2025" military exercises conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command. Zhang said that the drills fully demonstrated the PLA's strong ability to combat secessionist activities seeking "Taiwan independence," advance national reunification, and counter external interference. "The drills sent a clear message that any provocative acts crossing the red line on the Taiwan question will be met with resolute countermeasures, and any attempts to obstruct national reunification will not succeed," he said. "No one cherishes the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait more than we do," Zhang said, stressing that the real status quo in the Taiwan Strait is that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Strait comes from secessionists and external support. Zhang urged relevant countries and organizations to uphold the one-China principle, stop condoning and supporting secessionists in Taiwan, and cease stirring up trouble on the Taiwan question. He also called on people in Taiwan to be fully aware of the extreme danger and harm posed by Lai's secessionist stance, to avoid being misled or coerced by secessionist forces, and to defend their own security and well-being, as well as the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, with concrete actions. He pledged that the PLA will continue to intensify military training and preparedness and stand ready to counter secessionist provocations and external interference. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Zhong Wenxing) Self-proclaimed vigilantes arrested for staging fake rescues of Vietnamese victims in Cambodia The Ho Chi Minh City police have arrested 41 people for allegedly staging fake rescues of victims trafficked to Cambodia to extort VND16.7 billion (US$635,980) from their families. Nguyen Thanh Hai, 55, and 40 others were arrested for "extortion of property"; "fraudulent appropriation of property"; "human trafficking"; "oganizing or brokering illegal exit from, entry into, or stay in Vietnam"; and "abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, the legitimate rights and interests of organizations, and individuals." Self-proclaimed vigilantes arrested for staging fake rescues of Vietnamese victims in Cambodia Video 'Hiep si uong pho' Le Thanh Hai bi bat Police arrest Nguyen Thanh Hai and dozens of others for staging fake rescue of scam victims in Cambodia. Video by police According to investigators, the sophisticated transnational criminal network capitalized on the public emotion evoked by rescuing Vietnamese who had been tricked and sold to work as forced laborers for fraud rings in Cambodia. Hai was the ringleader who built an online persona as "street knight, " they said. On social media accounts with a large number of followers, he regularly posted videos and articles claiming the rescues were "free of charge" and that no money was accepted, thereby building credibility. The group even arranged filming crews and staged interviews with fake victims. But the police determined that the gangs activities were the opposite of what it advertised, and when families of the actual victims contacted it for help, Hai demanded money before any "rescue" would take place. After striking a deal with families, Hai coordinated with contacts in Cambodia to remove victims from scam compounds, inflating ransom amounts and pocketing the difference. From left: Le Van Thanh, Huynh Cao Cuong, and Nguyen Thanh Hai at a police station in HCMC. Photo by police Investigators alleged that, since 2023, the gang had extorted 120 victims, collecting more than VND16.7 billion in total. Hai allegedly pocketed over VND2.2 billion personally. The gang also egregiously violated laws while bringing victims back to Vietnam by crossing the border through unofficial trails without completing exit or entry procedures and without valid documents. For the investigation, the city polices Criminal Investigation Division (PC02) coordinated with the central Criminal Investigation Department (C02) and Cambodian authorities to bust other criminal gangs. These included ones led by Le Van Thanh, which specialized in luring workers to Cambodia to work for scam organizations, and by Huynh Cao Cuong, another self-proclaimed "street knight." Like Hai, Cuong set up TikTok and Facebook channels to post staged videos of dramatic "rescues." When victims families contacted him, Cuong allegedly quoted ransom prices hundreds of millions of dong higher than the actual amounts to skim the difference. For example, if Cambodian gangs demanded VND185240 million, Cuong would quote VND 280400 million. His group reportedly carried out 30 such "rescues." The operation to bust these gangs was launched by PC02 in October as part of efforts to combat high-tech online fraud. The HCMC police have warned the public to remain vigilant against offers of "light work with high pay" overseas, and exercise caution when seeking assistance from informal groups on social media. Product Overview: GeoIQ - Making Your Maps Smarter and Better Looking Too: 12-19-2006 GeoIQ is an open platform that allows you to create applications integrating your data and other folks' data using Google Maps and Microsoft Visual Earth APIs. This combination provides not only interesting visualizations, it also allows for fairly complex analysis in an easy-to-use interface. GeoIQ operates as a Web service; the API lets you configure its usage, the data sources and the level of analysis. Hal Reid provides an overview. Product Overview Free Plug-in for MS Outlook from CMC International: 04-19-2006 This free plug-in from CMC International creates Google Maps of individual contact addresses from within Microsoft Outlook. (It has a catchy name, too: "Google Maps plug-in for Outlook.") What makes this product interesting is that it is an advertising vehicle that promotes ESRIs BusinessMAP. Providing free, useful products is nothing new to the advertising world, but this seems like a fairly new twist in the GIS industry. Product Overview: Profi$ite Online Sales Forecasting: 04-18-2006 Sales forecasting models are among the most interesting applications of technology in retail development. The models quantify the nature and value of a location, summarize the locations surrounding market or trade area, and provide a view of the future. This product overview describes a new Web-based offering from Proxix, Profi$ite. Product Overview - Ekahau: 04-06-2006 Editor Hal Reid interviewed Antti Korhonen, President and CEO of Ekahau, Inc. Hal discovered a series of products and technologies that address the where is it and where are they problem in elegant ways. Ekahaus products address the need to track assets and people. Alteryx A Visual Workflow Tool for Data Transformation: 03-14-2006 When it comes to data manipulation, most people still use Microsoft Excel. Everybody has it; most people can use it; therefore its limitations may be more readily accepted. SRC has developed a data manipulation product that is more focused on spatial data, large data sets and speed in creating data transforms. Hal Reid provides an overview. Product Review Pharos Traveler GPS 525 Personal Navigation Device: 03-14-2006 For the past month, Hal Reid has been using the Pharos Traveler GPS 525 personal navigation PDA. It has been to Nashville, Auburn University (Alabama) twice, Georgia Tech (Atlanta), Ft. Steward (Georgia) and various other places around central Georgia. He now has to admit that although at first he questioned the validity of owning such a device, he is now a believer. Product Overview: Laser-Scan's Radius Studio: 02-07-2006 There is a perpetual quest to "catch the wave" when marketing a new product. The quest is to be on the leading edge of demand, riding the wave of acceptance that is just beginning to crest. Everyone tries to do this, but not everyone succeeds. The recent release of Radius Studio on January 25 could hit the wave just right. Product Overview: Matrox DualHead2Go: 01-31-2006 Hal Reid, an admitted multiple screen junkie, describes his latest find, the Matrox DualHead2Go. It runs mutliple screens in a variety of configurations. Product Review of District 8 from GfK Macon AG: 01-27-2006 District 8, a GIS package offered by the German based GfK Macon, is described on its Web site as a regional planning based GIS. Although regional planning may mean many things to an American audience, make no mistake, this product is squarely aimed at the business world. This article, by City of Lincoln, Oregon, GIS Coordinator Michael Bishopp, provides a review of the product. Product Review: Terrain Navigator Pro version 7.01: 01-11-2006 Paul Amos first reviewed Terrain Navigator Pro 6.3 for Directions Magazine in July 2004. Here he offers an update for version 7.01. Terrain Navigator Pro is a software program that provides access to U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangle maps and USGS Digital Ortho Quarter Quads. The software allows the user seamless access to the topographic maps across the state or region purchased. Distributing Drawings and Maps to Users Without Software: 02-18-2005 In the world of CAD, there are people who may need to review drawings, but don't need a copy of MicroStation or AutocCAD. They just want to see the file and make a comment on it via the phone or email - they don't need to mark it up or change it. Bentley has included the ability to write PDF files from MicroStationi, and added the ability to move both animation and the ability to fly through buildings and over geography within the PDF file. Product Overview: HP's New DesignJet 4000: 02-18-2005 In January, HP introduced a new large format printer, the HP DesignJet 4000. This product is for GIS, CAD and technical users who need a fast, high-resolution, remotely controlled printer, that supports both single sheet and roll media. Here's a quick look at the new printer. Product Update Review: Manifold System Release 6.00 Service Pack 1: 01-15-2005 Paul Amos first reviewed Manifold System 5.00 in September, 2002. Since that time, Manifold has released three subsequent versions (5.50, 6.00 and 6.00 SP1) with additional functionality and bug fixes to the Professional version of the product. Release 5.50 included many internal changes and optimizations to support work with very large components and unlimited size projects. Directions Magazine Sponsors ESRI 5K: 08-18-2004 GEODiffusion 2003 - GIS in Quebec!: 12-17-2003 Editor-in-Chief Joe Francica traveled to Quebec City to cover this gathering of MapInfo and Korem users as well as other geomatics professional. At the conference, a surprise announcement by MapInfo unveiled Korem, who was celebrating its 10-year anniversary, as the "master distributor" of MapInfo products in the province. Read more... Positive Disruption, Spreading Business Geographic Wealth: 12-16-2003 Coming soon: BusinessMap and BusinessMap Travel Edition Directions On GIS Careers: Have We Turned the Corner?: 08-08-2003 Layoffs at United States companies dropped 53 percent in May to 68,623 from 146,399 in April. This is promising news and, hopefully, will signal an upturn in the job market as the war in Iraq is over and as businesses begin a growth cycle with increased hiring. Companies may be ready to hire soon. Are you ready? Here's some sage advice. Conference Overview: SVG Open Conference Vancouver: 07-26-2003 This is a special report from the SVG Open Conference held in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada during the week of July 14. Contributing columnist, Jon Frost, and expert on SVG technology provides the following report on a specific presentation about SVG in HOMELAND SECURITY and MILITARY APPLICATIONS. ESRI International User Conference Recap: 07-11-2003 Catch a wrap-up of all the news from the 23rd ESRI International. Over 11,000 attendees were in San Diego this week to hear the latest regarding ArcGIS, web services, and a full slate of application news. Read and see more by going here. Peter Hillary Delivers Keynote at ESRI Conference: 07-09-2003 Peter Hillary, son of Mt. Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary, and accomplished mountain climber in his own right, was on hand as the keynote speaker to tell of his exploits with cohort Jamaling Norgay, son of his father's original expeditionary partner Tenzing Norgay, as they commemorated the 50th anniversary of their fathers historical ascent. Hillary was an animated and passionate speaker as he regaled the audience with tales of his ascent one year ago. Autodesk Revenues Fall in Q1; SARS Cited for Stifling Sales Activities in Asia/Pacific: 05-22-2003 Autodesk today reported revenues of $210.8 Million, down from $229 Million one year ago. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was cited for curtailing sales activities in the Asia-Pacific region where sales calls had to be halted altogether in Beijing. Although revenues were down, Carol Bartz stated emphatically that, "It is way, way too early to give up on this year." Intergraph Continues to Build on Core Technology: 05-21-2003 At the Intergraph Users Conference, GeoSpatial World, this week in New Orleans, core technological strengths and a desire to serve their existing customers with consistent product improvements were emphasized. Solutions are key to this focused strategy that builds on Intergraph's fundamental belief in their core GeoMedia technology. Mail-Order company saves $27,000 in one mailing: 05-12-2003 CommunityCartography Releases the New York City (NYC) Property Atlas: 04-28-2003 CommunityCartography has released a thin-client geographic data viewer for the New York City (NYC) Property Atlas. The Property Atlas is an excellent solution for users who want to distribute NYC data to a wide community of users, without having to invest in multiple licenses of full-scale GIS applications. SPECIAL FEATURE - Stealth Fighters Target Saddam on First Night of War: 04-14-2003 John J. Lumpkin of the Associated Press used IKONOS imagery (see accompanying story on the IKONOS imagery that shows the areas targeted by coalition forces) of the Dora Farm area along the Tigris River in Baghdad to build his story of the war's first night of attacks that targeted Saddam Hussein. Keynote address by Carol Bartz at Autodesk University: 12-04-2002 At Autodesk University on December 4 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Carol Bartz delivered the keynote address to attendees. Directions Magazine captured the keynote and we have provided the salient text of her presentation below: Interview with Michael Hickey, Chief Operation Officer, MapInfo - November 19, 2002: 11-21-2002 This past week, at the MapInfo User's Conference in San Diego, Directions Magazine sat down with Michael Hickey, the Chief Operation Officer for MapInfo. Mr. Hickey's comments provide a great deal of insight into the company's challenges and the strategy. Oracle OpenWorld Review: 11-13-2002 The Directions staff was roaming the floor of Oracle OpenWorld this week in San Francisco. Here's what we found! MAPA DE SANEAMIENTO AMBIENTAL: REGISTRO Y ANALISIS GEOGRAFICO DE INCIDENTES AMBIENTALES EN EL YACIMIENTO SIERRA BARROSA - AGUADA TOLEDO EN LA PROVINCIA DEL NEUQUEN - ARGENTINA: 11-10-2002 Comments by Dean Stoecker, president, SRC LLC - October 1, 2002 - Regarding the lawsuit filed against MapInfo Corporation.: 10-01-2002 Comments by Mike Hickey, Chief Operation Officer, MapInfo - October 1, 2002 - Regarding the lawsuit filed agains SRC LLC.: 10-01-2002 Notes from the American Community Survey - August 2002: 08-10-2002 Claritas Helps Jenny Craig Improve Network Rationale: 07-29-2002 MapInfo seeks control of software development for TargetPro: 07-15-2002 A Comprehensive Guide to State and Nationwide GeoData Clearinghouses for the United States: 07-05-2002 SRC parts company with MapInfo on TargetPro: 07-03-2002 The ESRI International User Conference Preview: 07-02-2002 Documents Scanned in Grayscale Look Like a Photograph of the Original: 06-17-2002 Learn to Fail Fast: Effecting Change at the Ordnance Survey: 06-11-2002 Restaurant Uses Claritas Analytical Modeling to Expand Into New Markets: 06-04-2002 The Richest Towns in the U.S.: 05-14-2002 An Exclusive Interview with Michael Graff: 05-10-2002 Kmart Closing 283 Stores: 03-11-2002 The Geography of Art: Imaging the Abstract with GIS: 06-19-2001 To the Swift, Go the Best Sites: 04-02-2001 Industry Loses Scott Elliott: 01-19-2001 Adena Schutzberg, GIS editor at TenLinks.com, talks about Scott's involvement in GIS and the profound impact it made on the current state of the industry. One of the Early Business Geographers: 01-17-2001 Scott Elliott, founder and publisher of Directions Magazine, passed away on January 10th. Hal Reid reflects on the influence Scott had and the contributions he made to our industry. The Future of Arcview; Part 2: 08-08-2000 The concluding portion of an interview with the Product Manager for desktop software at ESRI The Future of ArcView; Part 1: 08-01-2000 An interview with the Product Manager for desktop software at ESRI Straight Talk from the Top; Part Two: 06-28-2000 ESRI's Director of Products speaks of ArcView 8, ArcExplorer, and more Adding dimensions to GIS with VRML: 06-05-2000 Contributing Editor Bill Huber's presentation shows how to use the inexpensive and commonly available tools of VRML to create three-dimensional visualizations. Straight Talk From the Top: 05-16-2000 David Maguire is the Director of Products at ESRI; in Part 1 of this two-part series, he speaks about ArcInfo8 and ArcObjects Linux For Business: It's Not Just For the Closet Anymore: 04-25-2000 Dr. Richard Shepard runs his shop on Linux; here's why. GRASS - the Free GIS: 04-19-2000 This 350-module robust GIS toolkit, originally a US Army project, is now developed and distributed by research teams around the world. ArcView Class Hunt Results: 04-11-2000 What Makes ESRI Software Tick?: 11-22-1999 We interview Clint Brown, Manager of the Software Products Division at ESRI. Image Compression Software: 11-08-1999 A review of LizardTech's MrSID Geospatial Encoder and Earth Resource Mapping's Enhanced Compressed Wavelet Compressor Convolution: Part 3 of 3: 11-01-1999 Bill Huber concludes his three-part series in pursuit of Air Emissions, dealing with issues that are fundamental to the design of any analytical GIS. Convolution: Part 2 of 3: 10-25-1999 Fourier Transforms come into play as Bill Huber pursues Air Emissions. Part two of a three-part series. Sidebar to "Convolution": 10-25-1999 The issue addressed in Dr. Huber's series arose from the research of Marc Hoogerwerf at the TNO Institute of Environmental Sciences, Energy Research and Process Innovation Convolution: 10-18-1999 Bill Huber pursues Air Emissions, dealing with issues that are fundamental to the design of any analytical GIS. Part one of a three-part series. The Future of ESRI Software: 08-23-1999 ESRI is rebuilding all of its core software products around a brand new technology. Our ESRI software analyst summarizes the implications of announcements at the recent User Conference. Make Your Own Hurricane Maps: 08-16-1999 Steve Wallace explains how to get nearly real-time feeds of hurricane data into your GIS from public (free!) sources. Market Mapping: A Project to Teach Business Students about Business Geographics: 06-28-1999 Useful lessons from the education front; teaching business mapping at Montana State University-Billings Development on the March at NDS: 05-07-1999 National Decision Systems has released iMark Express, a java-based mapping and reporting package which is the core of a whole new product line for the company Serving Maps with Linux: Part II: 04-08-1999 Steve Lombardi finishes his Linux Mapping project. Part Two: Sunday, installing a web server and a mapping application. Serving Maps with Linux; Part I: 04-01-1999 What's the Linux operating system like as a Java web server? Steve Lombardi takes us on a weekend project; Part One: Saturday, installing Linux and a Map Server. Half a Million and Counting: 03-29-1999 ESRI's ArcExplorer, a data viewer, may be the most popular freeware in the history of GIS. eCommerce and the new era of Virtual Retailing: 02-26-1999 Maintaining both a physical and a Web-based storefront is a serious dilemma for many retailers. Joe Francica discusses how GIS technology will be useful as merchants forsake the ideal site for the virtual showroom. Lifestyle Clusters Add Dimension to Thematic Mapping: 02-08-1999 Julie Dosch says that customer segmentation information should be liberated from the confines of the database marketing department. A More Realistic View of Our World: 02-03-1999 Ramona Currie argues that the Mercator projection gives a distorted view of the world, and that we ought to replace it. What is Microsoft Up To?: 01-19-1999 Our publisher looks at the product design and marketing considerations behind MapPoint 2000. ABCs of GIS: 12-02-1998 Education professionals are discovering that GIS software provides a powerful classroom resource. Retail Trade Area Analysis: Concepts and New Approaches: 11-18-1998 A review of four approaches to locating a retail site: radial studies, gravity models, drive time analyses, and radial filter analyses. A Season of Change: 11-02-1998 What an eventful month we've had! MapInfo splits with long-time partner Claritas. GDT buys its competition. Read our analysis here and tell us what you think. Ages of Arthritis: 11-02-1998 The swelling ranks of Americans aged 55 and older creates national health care challenges, especially in certain regions. Did You Vote This Year?: 11-02-1998 We take a look at votor apathy, and find it's not apathy at issue; you just have more to do! Louth TD Ruairi O Murchu has welcomed the commitment from Louth County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) that they will work together to look at interim flood relief measures for Dundalk and Blackrock while the public waits for the main project, CFRAM, to be delivered in 2030. Minister of State at the OPW, Kevin Boxer Moran visited Blackrock on December 23 to hear from Louth County Council engineers and elected representatives about the impact that recent flooding has had in the village and in other areas of Blackrock. Minister Moran had been invited to come to Dundalk by the Sinn Fein TD after Deputy O Murchu posed a series of questions to the minister in the Dail recently. In response to the Dundalk deputy, Minister Moran gave an outline in the Dail of the progress of flood relief measures, known as CFRAM. He said: The Dundalk/Blackrock South scheme is to protect 1,880 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. Read also: From Field to Fridge at Muchgrange Farm in north Louth The design options for this scheme are expected to be presented to the public in Q1 2026 and a preferred option presented in mid-2026. The planning application is expected to be submitted in Q4 2027. The Ramparts and Blackwater Rivers form part of the study area for the Dundalk Flood Relief Scheme. Options to alleviate flooding along these watercourses will be identified as the scheme progresses and the scheme consultants are liaising with relevant stakeholders including Uisce Eireann in relation to wastewater. During his visit to Blackrock, Minister Moran heard from Deputy O Murchu and his colleague, Cllr. Sionainn McCann about the difficulties that had been experienced in Blackrock during the last storm event which saw parts of the main street flooded. Deputy O Murchu said: I was happy that Minister Moran came to Blackrock just a couple of days before Christmas and heard from the council engineers about the difficulties there have been in the village, as well as at the Fair Green in Dundalk, the Loakers, Georges Quay. Council officials spoke about minor works carried out at Bellurgan, Balagan and at Drummullagh, Omeath, that was previously highlighted by Cllr. Antoin Watters. I spoke to the minister about the urgent need for interim solutions to flooding in these areas because CFRAM is a long way away yet and he agreed that the council and the OPW will work together to see what can be done in the interim to help mitigate flooding in these areas. Minister Moran acknowledged that Dundalk is very exposed when it comes to flooding. "I also spoke to Brian McQuillan of McQuillans Pharmacy when the minister visited the shop who said that simple things such as having a proper protocol that would shut down Main Street to vehicular traffic when theres a risk of flooding would help. Everyone involved in flood mitigation needs to work together to not only get CFRAM delivered within the timeframe, but to also be creative and imaginative in coming up with interim solutions that need to be funded by government. Back in September we spoke with Jaki McCarrick about her new poetry collection, Sweeney as a Girl, for Louth Life magazine. Acclaimed Dundalk writer Jaki McCarrick has earned recognition across multiple literary genres, from award winning plays like Leopoldville and Belfast Girls to her short fiction collection The Scattering, which was shortlisted for the Edge Hill Prize and includes her Wasafiri winning story The Visit. Now, after over two decades of writing, she publishes her debut poetry collection, Sweeney as a Girl. Heavily influenced by her years in Dundalk, she is quick to explain that the town and the border are never far from her mind when she sits down to write. Firstly, were on a border, and that is so fascinating. This sort of liminal space, your place between maybe years ago, you could say your place between two cultures. But now you cant really say that; things have blended much more. This in-between place, half here, half there, is something Jaki has carried since childhood. Born in London she moved to Dundalk with her parents in the late seventies. Ive probably always been writing. Im one of those who would have started at school. I went to the Louis which had a magazine called Inklings, and I was always writing in that. So I sort of always knew I was going to do something in writing. Her path wasnt straightforward. She first turned to journalism, working for a music magazine in London before finding her way into performing arts. I did a performing arts degree at Middlesex University in the mid 90s. I noticed that I was good at sort of putting physical theatre pieces together with text; I was always writing text. So that was my way into creative writing. Eventually, she found herself back in Ireland, studying for a Creative Writing Masters at Trinity College. It was there that old loves resurfaced. I sort of went back to what I originally did and that was poetry and short stories. So I rediscovered that whole journey. For Jaki, reading has always run parallel to writing. I had a summer where I was very sick and I was home, so I just went through [a lot of books] at quite a young age. I think I was about 14 or 15 and I read War and Peace and the Russian writers. I read a lot of French writers. And then Southern American writers, which I really loved as well, like William Faulkner and Flannery OConnor. I do really love the Southern Gothic genre. People would say that its similar to that Ulster Gothic sort of strand of writing and I would agree. While the gothic shades her fiction and short stories, its the local landscape that often roots her poetry. Her new collection, Sweeney As A Girl, emerged from a single poem that pulled everything else into focus. It was when I wrote the poem Sweeney As A Girl, which reimagines the character of Sweeney, the mythical king, as a female. I thought to myself, I really like this poem. Its very sort of anarchic, different, and other people really liked it. Once that poem existed, suddenly, a lot of the poems that I had written about, you know, being in Dundalk, or maybe some references to the Cooley Mountains or whatever, seemed to link up. Even poems about my own past seemed to match, seemed to link into this theme about this character whos exiled in the Cooley Mountains. Borders and memory, physical and imagined, run through her plays too. Her acclaimed play Belfast Girls has a remarkable knack for staying relevant. It just seems to hit on themes that are in the world and seem to be in the play, she says. For instance, in 2016 when it was in America the whole Me Too movement was out so that struck a more feminist strand of the play, and there's Black Lives Matter [one of the characters is mixed race], these things were always mentioned in reviews, especially when it was on in the States. So it just seems to hit. Read Next: Councillor says "no consequences" for refusal to pay social housing rent Despite her wide-ranging output, Jaki is adamant about how she likes to work, even if it doesnt always work out. I am somebody who likes to do one thing at a time and do one thing well. I like to get one thing done and then move on to the other thing. I dont mind if, like, for instance, I finish this poetry collection and then go on to another piece of writing. But it just so happens that every now and then thingsyou know, there are demands made on you, that this has to be done and that has to be done. Currently working on the final draft of her novel and a new play her plate stays full, but does she pause to look back and reflect on how impressive it is that the girl who wrote for Inklings now has a nationally touring play and countless other accolades? Not really. I just do the work and if its good and it strikes a chord, and somebody likes it, thats all great, but if they dont, I still have to do it, and I still have to give my commitment to it. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/17068 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed that First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov take over as head of the Ministry of Defense, while the current minister, Denys Shmyhal, would be assigned to lead another area. "I have also decided to change the working format of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. I have proposed to Mykhailo Fedorov that he become the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said in his evening video address on Friday, January 2. The president said that Fedorov is deeply involved in the issues related to the Drone Line and works very effectively on digitalizing public services and processes. "Together with all our military, the army command, national weapons producers, and Ukraines partners, we must implement defense-sector changes that will be of help," the president said. At the same time, according to Zelenskyy, Shmyhal remains part of Ukraines team. "I am grateful to him for his systematic work for our state Everything rests on the resilience of Ukrainians. And our resilience must have the necessary weapons, the necessary energy, the necessary finances, the necessary politics, and the necessary support of institutions," he said. Zelenskyy added that the Ministry of Defense delivered good results last year. In particular, in December the task of producing interceptor drones was fulfilled, with production exceeding 1,000 units per day. "We are working to increase the number of trained crews. There were plenty of other tasks like this as well. Mykhailo Fedorov will be able to implement all of this and add technological efficiency. I have proposed that Denys Shmyhal lead another direction in government work equally important for our resilience," the president said. Almost 1,000 people quit their jobs in just three Cork hospitals, HSE figures have shown, with reasons such as emigration, commuting difficulties, work/life balance and dissatisfaction in the role cited for the decision. Some have also left because their contracts were ended, but a spokesperson for the healthcare profession has said that some of these could have renewed their contracts but were unable to find accommodation and had to return to their home countries as a result. A total of 965 staff who worked in the hospital sector had left their roles in either Cork University Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, Mallow General Hospital, or the regional support functions. However, there is no breakdown as to how many had left each particular hospital. The records, provided to The Echo on foot of a Freedom of Information request, show that the most common reason for staff leaving hospital settings was the end of their contract, which was listed as the reason in 555 cases. The next most common was family/caring/work life balance, listed as the reason in 79 instances, followed by reaching the retirement age in 70 cases, while three people had also taken early retirement. Another career opportunity was listed in 50 cases, while a further 42 people were categorised as leaving for a new role, while one was going to another health agency. In total, 69 people left because they were emigrating 29 of these were doing so for another career opportunity, while 40 listed a desire to travel as their main reason. In the case of 49 staff, they left due to the end of their training, while 10 were returning to education, and nine were undertaking further education for a career change. Six people left their job due to commute/transport difficulties, four because they were unsatisfied in the role, and two due to the cost of living. The staff who left were across several categories: General support, health and social care professionals, nursing and midwifery, management and administration, medical and dental, and patient and client care. There were a further 381 staff who left jobs in the community healthcare sector in Cork, across the community health and wellbeing, mental health, primary care, social care, and regional support functions sectors. Of these, the most common reason was reaching the retirement, which was listed for 135 staff members as their reason for leaving, while one other was taking early retirement. Personal reasons were also frequently mentioned, with 39 staff leaving due to the work/life balance and 34 due to family/caring responsibilities. Eight people said they were leaving as they were unsatisfied in their role and five due to difficulties with their commute or transport to work. MOVING ON In total, 44 staff left due to the end of their contract, while 29 left as it was the end of their training or they were moving to a new location or role for training. A total of 18 staff left due to a career opportunity, and 15 for a new role, while 12 did so for a more senior role. Six were returning to education and another six were undertaking further education for a career change. In total, 18 people left as they were emigrating, eight of whom said they were doing so for their career and 10 to travel. A HSE spokesperson told The Echo: When staff are leaving the HSE, they are asked to complete a leaving form and to advise as to the reason for leaving on the form. In some instances, staff do not advise as to the reason for leaving the HSE, therefore the records are incomplete. Of the 1,361 total staff who have left the healthcare settings, almost half, 44%, of these were due to their contract ending, with this listed as a reason more commonly in hospital than community settings. Some of these roles may still require replacement though, as Janet Baby Joseph, a representative with the Cork branch of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, previously told The Echo that the housing crisis in Ireland results in many staff recruited from abroad leaving as soon as they can, usually at the end of their contract. The HSE hires international nurses through recruitment agencies at a cost of approximately 11,000 each, with additional costs for orientation and initial accommodation assistance understood to bring the total expenditure close to 20,000 each. ACCOMMODATION Ms Baby Joseph said a lack of suitable accommodation close to their workplaces means many of those international recruits are leaving Ireland once their two-year contracts are complete. People are leaving the country because there is no secure and safe place to live, they are emigrating to other countries, she said. For all the nurses coming here, for the training, the resources, all of that is provided, and in two years time, they are leaving the country. Two years is because they have a contract, otherwise they would leave even before that. Despite this loss of more than 1,300 staff across Cork health services the year, the amount of staff across all Cork health services increased from a headcount of 15,416 in December 2024 to 15,988 in October of this year, according to the latest workforce report published by the HSE, which is an increase of 572 staff members. Social Democrats TD and chairperson of the Oireachtas health committee Padraig Rice told The Echo that so many staff leaving and having to be replaced impacted patients: This level of turnover in three Cork hospitals is deeply concerning it is a clear indication that a change in approach is urgently needed. A greater focus must be put on retaining healthcare staff, especially given the HSEs growing reliance on agency staff. It is accepted that there will always be certain number of employees who will move on, but this huge level of turnover has a direct impact on patient care and outcomes. The minister and the HSE needs to place a much greater focus on workforce planning and ensure that the health service is an attractive place to work long term. Four Kilbrittain brothers were getting ready for a big day for the parish next weekend, when they took to a local beach this week. Brothers Adam, Noah, Oisin and Daniel, along with their friend Sean Leahy, all from Kilbrittain, started the New Year with a game of hurling in the bright sunshine at Harbour View Beach in Kilbrittain. The five got together on New Year's Day to look forward to a very big day next Saturday, January 10. The whole parish will be looking forward to the All-Ireland Junior Club final taking place in Croke Park, when the Cork club will meet Sligo club Easkey. A national charity that supports older people to remain living in their homes has urged elderly people to seek support, with temperatures set to plummet over the weekend. ALONE has also urged members of the public across Cork to check on older relatives, neighbours and friends during the cold spell. This after Met Eireann issued yellow low temperature/ice warnings for the entire country over the weekend, with temperatures set to dip as low as -4 degrees in many areas. Health risks A spokesperson for ALONE said cold weather significantly increases health risks for older people. Slips and falls can have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences, and cold snaps often lead to a rise in respiratory infections in the following weeks. ALONE is urging older people to reach out for any support they may need and asking communities to stay alert to those who may be isolated, they said. The charity urged older people to take several steps to ensure they remain safe and warm during cold weather: Keep the heating on in their home, especially in the rooms that they use the most. Eat and drink hot food and beverages to stay warm. Wear more than one layer of clothing to stay warm. Avoid making journeys that involve going outdoors particularly in counties affected by weather warnings. If using an electric blanket, check for signs of wear and tear. If the blanket is old and damaged, do not use it under any circumstances. Keep in touch with friends and family to let them know if you need any practical support such as picking up fuel, medicines and groceries. Vital The CEO of ALONE, Sean Moynihan, said they are asking people to look out for older and more vulnerable members of their communities. A quick check-in can make all the difference. Keeping homes warm is vital, especially for people with underlying health conditions that can worsen in cold weather. Were encouraging the public to make use of the strong community spirit that exists across Ireland. Look in on older neighbours, offer help if you can, and direct anyone who needs support to ALONE, he said. Mr Moynihan urged older people who may be concerned about heating costs to contact ALONE on 0818 222 024, any day between 8am and 8pm. Supports are available - dont hesitate to reach out." Advice for older people in extreme weather can be found at https://alone.ie. I was on Ballycotton Pier on St Stephens Day as the lifeboat crew boarded their Shannon Class RNLB Austin Lidbury to carry out a memorial service for those lost at sea. It was a cold, grey morning with a rolling sea offshore, at a time of the year when memory is notably part of life in a coastal community. History has shown that Christmas time can be challenging, difficult, and dangerous at sea, particularly in the old days of sail, when ships had no other source of power than using what nature provided the wind, though that too could be precipitous as the Hurricane of 1825 showed. That was 33 years before the establishment of the lifeboat station at Ballycotton in 1858. What had happened in the terrifying hurricane underlined the need for coastal rescue services. Over its 167 years since 1858, the Ballycotton station has a great heritage. It holds the historic record of the legendary 49-hour rescue of the Daunt Rock lightship crew in 1936 off Cork Harbour, saving eight lives in a massive storm, an event that earned the station unique gallantry awards. The lifeboat used then, the Mary Stanford, continues to be part of the communitys memory, displayed on the cliffside above their village. The people of Ballycotton fought long and hard against those who would have allowed the boat to deteriorate to its destruction and succeeded in preserving it. They staged a long and successful campaign which ensured that the Mary Stanford would not be destroyed, but maintained for modern generations to appreciate what lifeboat crews do. Laying of wreath I visited the station as the crew got geared-up for the laying of a wreath which was done off Power Head, also known to sailors as Poer Head, a few nautical miles east of Roches Point. It was a particularly good occasion for me as one of them was my grandson, Rowan, who has recently become one of the Ballycotton crew. He is our familys second lifeboat man. Our youngest son also named Rowan, is the only Irishman on the staff of the Norwegian sea rescue service, Redningsselskapet, the RS, the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue. The historic record of Ballycotton RNLI is recorded on several display boards inside the station. There were no emergency call-outs for the crew this Christmas, a seasonal time when weather can be challenging. It was particularly so at Christmas of 1825, hit by the terrifying storm known as the Hurricane of 1825. The Cork coastline was reported in newspapers of the time to be strewn with wreckage, boats, quays, buildings, washed away, loss of life and loss of vessels. The Britannia of Padstow was blown ashore and hit rocks off Ballyandreen Bay near Ballycotton on December 19. It was dashed to pieces, totally lost. The only survivor was the Master. Other vessels in trouble were: The Elizabeth, blown ashore also at Ballycotton. Crew saved; Schooner June of Waterford, carrying cargo of oats, washed ashore. No loss of life; Customs Cutter smashed against quay at Cobh; Sloop Expedition of Dungarvan blown ashore near Cork Harbour entrance; Brig Ceres of Cork; Sloop Louisa; Schooner Union, all blown ashore in Cork harbour area; Sloop Resolute, also ashore with much damage; Portugese crew surviving aboard schooner Diligent blown ashore withpart of hull stoved in; Courtney, a Galway hooker blown ashore, no loss of life reported. The storm extended onto the Waterford coastline with six shipwrecks and loss of life. Andrew Doherty, in his blog Tide & Tales, records from Cork eastwards that: The Flora of Brixham was lost with all hands at Tramore on December 20. The sinking was seen from the shoreline by onlookers who could do nothing in the weather conditions to help. The Esther was driven ashore at Dungarvan Bar while en route from California to Liverpool and had rounded Cape Horn safely. The crew were saved but the ship was a total loss; Royal Oak was also in trouble at Dungarvan; The brig Endeavour was blown ashore at Stradbally with loss of life. The Captain and Mate survived, grabbing a plank of wood as she sank and were washed ashore. Bodies of the crew were later washed ashore and buried locally; The Bolton was lost with all hands west of Tramore; Sloop Catherine was blown ashore at Ardmore. Crew were saved. All of that puts the vagaries of weather in the days of sail into perspective, says Andrew Doherty. It also underlines the importance of modern weather forecasting and the assurance of so many rescue services being available in modern times, so many staff and volunteers were on standby throughout this Christmas that must be praised for their dedication. LAST (Lost at Sea Tragedies) organisation was founded by Noel McDonagh of Dunmore East, Co Waterford in 2013. A safe and happy new year to all readers. The first 2026 episode of my podcast Seascapes is on social media platforms and on tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie; Email: tommacsweeneymarine@gmail.com Californians can now put a stop to their personal data being sold around on an online trading floor, thanks to a new free tool. On January 1, the state launched its Delete Request and Opt-out Platform, shortened to DROP, that allows residents to request to delete all of their personal information online that's been harvested by data brokers. According to the California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy), which was responsible for DROP's release, it's a "first of its kind" tool that imposes new restrictions on businesses that hoard and sell personal info that consumers didn't provide directly. The process requires verifying your California residency before you can send a "single deletion request to every registered data broker in California." On the other end, CalPrivacy will require data brokers to register every year and to process any deletion requests from DROP. Data brokers will also have to report the type of information they collect and share, while also being subject to regular audits that check for compliance. If any data broker is found skirting the requirements, they could face penalties and fines. Besides being the first in the country to offer this type of comprehensive tool that deletes online personal data, CalPrivacy said it's one of four states, including Oregon, Texas and Vermont, to require data broker registration. According to the agency, data brokers will start processing the first deletion requests from DROP starting August 1, 2026. Number of injured in Kharkiv region rises to 30, 5 others unaccounted for police Photo: National Police As a result of Russian strikes on Kharkiv region over the past 24 hours, at least two people were killed and around 30 were injured, including children, while five others remain unaccounted for, the National Police reported. "Against the civilian population, Russian troops used missiles, guided aerial bombs, and various types of drones. The enemy struck central Kharkiv with two missiles. Rescuers recovered the bodies of a three-year-old boy and a 22-year-old woman from the rubble. As a result of the two missile strikes, about 30 civilians were injured, including a six-month-old boy," the National Police said in a statement summarizing the overnight shelling of the region on its Telegram channel on Saturday. It was reported that five more people are still unaccounted for. Search efforts are ongoing. Local authorities had previously reported the two fatalitie, a boy and his mother. According to police data, 25 apartment buildings, a hospital building, an educational institution, a commercial and office building, and 33 vehicles were damaged. The Kharkiv and Kupiansk districts also came under fire. There, vehicles, a farm, warehouse facilities, and private homes of local residents were damaged. Nearly six years have passed since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left Britain for California. The fallout continues to define relationships within the Royal Family, but Kate Middleton has apparently moved on. Her cancer diagnosis reportedly changed everything. After months of chemotherapy and time away from public duties, Kate emerged with what The Times describes as a markedly different worldviewone where the Sussex drama doesn't rank high on her list of concerns. People close to the Wales household say Kate's thinking has become more "spiritual" since her illness. The Times confirmed what many suspected, "Prince Harry is not in contact with William." The brothers don't talk. Period. Kate now reportedly believes "life's too short" to get worked up about Harry, according to sources who spoke to the outlet. Health Crisis Shifted the Wales Family Dynamic The timing of Harry's announcements hasn't helped. William traveled to Brazil on official business recently. Harry picked that window to reveal plans for a Canada trip during "remembrancetide." William's team reportedly reacted with what the Times called "a sense of weary inevitability." Robert Waldinger co-wrote a report with Kate about early years development, according to People. His philosophy centers on meaningful relationships and not wasting energy on negativity. Sources say his teachings resonated deeply with the princess after her health scare. One insider told the publication, "If Kate has learnt anything from her cancer ordeal and the teachings of Robert Waldinger, however, she'll know that life's far too short to get hung up on Harry." That same source noted Waldinger's message about the importance of love "is a message that the princess appears to have taken to heart." William and Kate remain the most popular royals among the British public. Behind closed doors, they've dealt with serious challengesthe Princess of Wales' cancer among them. Sources explained the calculation plainly. "After repeatedly taking aim at his brother and sister-in-law, it's hardly surprising that William and Kate would rather focus on raising their own family," one insider told the Times. The breakdown goes beyond just William and Harry. King Charles reportedly stopped speaking to his younger son over Harry's lawsuit seeking automatic police protection. They've since reconnected during a UK visit Harry made last year, but the situation with William and Kate hasn't thawed. A group of well-known legal scholars is backing Sean "Diddy" Combs in his ongoing appeal. They asked a federal appeals court to throw out his sentence and hold a new sentencing hearing. The filing says that a judge wrongly used claims that a jury found to be false to lengthen Combs' prison sentence. AllHipHop says that the support comes from Professor Douglas A. Berman of The Ohio State University, Professor John Blume of Cornell Law School, and retired U.S. District Judge John Gleeson, who is now an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law. The professors sent a brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit saying that the sentencing court went too far by treating acquitted claims as fact. The professors' filing stressed how important jury verdicts are in the federal justice system. They wrote, "Sean Combs chose to trust a federal jury to decide whether the sovereign got it right. The verdicts largely vindicated his faith in our jury system." Inside Edition reported that the professors said that jurors acquitted Combs of the most serious charges but convicted him on two counts under the Mann Act, which usually carries shorter sentences. The brief says that even though those people were found not guilty, the judge used false claims to justify a longer sentence. The professors discussed the recent changes to federal sentencing policy. They used a quote from the chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission to talk about those changes. The quote was about a rule change in 2024: "Not guilty means not guilty" They also said that prosecutors wanted punishment for claims they couldn't prove in court. In response to that worry, the professors wrote, "Federal prosecutors wished to see Mr. Combs punished for the charges they had failed to prove." They also said, "The district court did so, resolving core factual disputes contrary to the verdicts." The filing said that these kinds of actions hurt people's faith in the justice system. The professors said, "Acquittals, in these cases, become inconsequential formalities with no meaningful effect on the state's ability to punish." They also said it was a constitutional issue related to the power of the jury. They wrote, "Only a jury, acting on proof beyond a reasonable doubt, may take a person's liberty," to make that point clear. The professors don't want Combs to be let go right away. Instead, they want a new sentencing hearing that doesn't use acquitted conduct as a basis. The brief says, "Interpreting the sentencing rules to allow acquitted conduct to drive the sentence would drain the jury trial promise of real meaning." The Second Circuit has not yet said when it will rule on Combs' appeal. The filing puts more pressure on the court by making the case a bigger test of whether jury verdicts still matter in federal sentencing. Originally published on Music Times Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. Dairy farmers are heading into 2026 facing a severe income squeeze, with milk prices from major buyers falling to around 35p per litre and, for many producers, slipping below the cost of production within weeks. Arla has confirmed its conventional milk price will fall by 3.51p per litre from 1 January 2026, taking the headline price to 35.73p per litre. The co-op said the reduction reflects persistently high milk supplies globally and across the EU, combined with flat retail demand that continues to weigh on market returns. Producers supplying liquid and manufacturing markets alike are feeling the impact, with limited scope to absorb further losses. Arlas organic milk price will remain unchanged for January at 57.98ppl, although the outlook for organic markets remains uncertain. The pressure is being felt across the sector. Dairy farmers supplying Muller are also facing further reductions, intensifying concerns about the sustainability of production. From 1 February 2026, Muller Advantage suppliers will receive a farmgate price of 35.5ppl, a cut of 3ppl, following an earlier reduction due to take effect from 1 January, when prices are set to fall by 1.5ppl to 38.5ppl. Cuts are being driven by a rapid deterioration in market conditions as rising milk output in the UK and overseas continues to outweigh demand. Prices have fallen sharply at the same time as feed, energy and labour costs remain historically high, leaving many farms with little room to absorb further losses. NFU Scotland vice-president Robert Neill said the speed of the downturn has intensified pressure across the industry. Weve seen highs and lows before, but the speed of this price drop is unprecedented, he said. Farmers are under real pressure, and the supply chain must act responsibly. The timing of the downturn has added to the strain. Over the past two years, many dairy businesses invested heavily in buildings, equipment and efficiency improvements, encouraged by stronger market signals and policy direction. That spending supported processors, contractors and rural jobs, but falling milk incomes are now threatening farmers ability to service debt, maintain production and sustain employment. Further reductions elsewhere underline the scale of the challenge. First Milk has confirmed it will cut its milk price by 3.6ppl from January 2026, taking the standard manufacturing litre to 32.25ppl, including the member premium. With prices at or below the cost of production for many producers, the latest round of cuts is expected to weigh heavily on confidence and investment decisions, raising concerns about future milk supply and the long-term resilience of the UK dairy sector as 2026 unfolds. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is working at the site of a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. "The Ukrainian Red Cross Society is providing assistance to those affected at the site of the strike. Together with other emergency services in the city, volunteers from the Kharkiv regional rapid response unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross conducted inspections of damaged buildings and adjacent areas to identify victims," URCS reported on Facebook on Friday, January 2. Volunteers also provided first aid and psychological assistance to those affected. A Ukrainian Red Cross Society assistance point is currently operating at the site, where local residents can have hot drinks. In addition, residents can receive psychological support or other assistance if needed. Data collection on the needs of those affected is ongoing to ensure further humanitarian assistance. As reported, during the day on January 2, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation struck a residential area of Kharkiv with two Iskander-type missiles. As a result of the attack, a three-year-old boy was killed, and the number of injured rose to 31. The strike destroyed a commercial and office building and part of an adjacent entrance section of a four-story apartment building. Emergency and rescue operations are ongoing. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 2, 2026) - FRNT Financial Inc. (TSXV: FRNT) (OTCQB: FRFLF) (FSE: XZ3) (the "Company" or "FRNT"), a digital asset investment bank servicing institutions, announces that Dave Washburn has assumed a new role within the Corporation as non-executive Vice Chairman of the Corporation, effective December 31, 2025. Mr. Washburn previously served as President of the Corporation and will continue to support the Corporation in his new capacity, providing strategic insight and guidance to the executive team and the board of directors. "Dave has played an instrumental role in helping build FRNT into the business it is today," said Stephane Ouellette, Chief Executive Officer of FRNT, "His transition into the Vice Chairman role allows him to focus on monetizing merchant banking mandates while our executive team executes corporate strategy for the next phase of growth. We look forward to his continued leadership and insight." About FRNT FRNT is a digital asset investment bank offering capital markets and advisory services to institutional investors participating in or entering the space. The Company aims to bridge the worlds of traditional and web-based finances with a technology forward and compliant operation. Business lines include deliverable trading services, structured derivative products, merchant banking, advisory, consulting, lending origination and principal investments. Headquartered in Toronto, FRNT was co-founded in 2018 by CEO Stephane Ouellette. Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279398 Source: FRNT Financial Inc. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 2, 2026) - Clipping Agency is disrupting the process creators and brands use to go viral, from initial setup all the way to full-scale distribution. The firm has evolved the idea of turning long-form videos into short, high-performing clips, into a system that produces hundreds of shareable moments every single day. And, without relying on paid reach or traditional ad budgets. It's a model built for speed, creativity, and real visibility. Clipping Agency This shift is part of something bigger happening across the creator economy. Brands are no longer depending solely on platform algorithms, expensive boosts, or scattered influencer deals that are hard to track and even harder to scale. Instead, they're activating a network of independent creators, known as clippers, who re-edit, repurpose, and repost content across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and X. Each clip becomes a new doorway for people to discover a brand. Each post becomes another chance to spark momentum. And because everything spreads organically, the reach grows naturally and consistently. The incentive model behind it all is simple but surprisingly powerful. Clippers earn payouts through Whop, following a structure similar to ad-revenue programs but built with creators in mind. Instead of rewarding whoever pays the most, the system rewards the people who create the most impact. It's fair, transparent, and designed so that creativity, not budget, wins. Clipping Agency has built a system around this process that makes the planning and execution much more efficient. Rather than relying on a single voice, the team focuses on creating hundreds of voices that carry the same message, generating reach powered by people rather than platforms. To bring this approach to life, every campaign at Clipping Agency begins with establishing a dedicated Whop workspace, setting clear brand guidelines, and creating a streamlined submission system that removes confusion from the start. Once the foundation is set, creators are onboarded, trained, and supported with organized content libraries that make clipping fast and intuitive. From there, the entire network runs like an engine. Clips created, posted, and tracked in real time through comprehensive performance dashboards. Brands can see what resonates, what spreads, and what delivers actual results. This model is already gaining momentum among influencers, educators, podcasters, and entrepreneurs. Especially those who want visibility without burnout. Many have relied on long-form content for years. And yet, they struggled to consistently repurpose their work. But today, they're seeing steady growth, more reach, stronger engagement. All through communities that expand via collaboration rather than constant self-promotion. Clipping is quickly becoming the next major wave in digital marketing. As attention spans shorten and video continues to dominate every platform, scalable systems like this redefine how influence is built and maintained. What once required a full-time content team and a sizable budget can now be handled by a distributed network of creators who understand how to craft moments people actually want to share. More than just trimming videos, Clipping is about amplifying what already exists, giving great ideas the chance to travel farther and reach the audiences who need to see them. With this approach, Clipping Agency is helping brands and creators build meaningful, lasting awareness through its clipping services. It's a shift toward growth that feels more human, more collaborative, and more sustainable. And it proves that the future of influence isn't paid. Rather, it's shared. About Clipping Agency Clipping Agency is helping creators, entrepreneurs, and brands grow through short-form video. By combining Whop integration, creator management, and performance-based incentives, it builds decentralized systems that deliver consistent visibility without paid ads. The agency's mission is to make content distribution simple, scalable, and creator-first for the new era of digital marketing. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279391 Source: SMG Media Group Vienna, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 2, 2026) - Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics proudly marks a significant milestone: eight months of successful operation at its new location in Vienna, Virginia. After relocating from Alexandria earlier in the year, the GLP-1 weight loss clinic Vienna has solidified its presence in Northern Virginia, enhancing its ability to serve clients seeking specialized wellness and aesthetic care. The decision to move to Vienna was driven by a desire to improve accessibility for both existing and new clients. This location offers greater convenience for residents of Northern Virginia, supporting Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics' vision to become a trusted provider of wellness services in the region. The new space has allowed the clinic to expand its capacity and deliver a more efficient client experience. Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics is marking eight months of successful operations in its new Vienna, VA location To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/279400_figure1.jpg Since relocating, Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics has reported several operational improvements. The clinic has seen a marked increase in scheduling efficiency thanks to its updated online booking platform, which enables clients to book appointments more quickly and easily. In addition, the introduction of digital gift cards has been well received, meeting seasonal demand and offering a convenient option for clients looking to gift wellness services or plan for their New Year wellness goals. The first eight months in Vienna have also provided Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics with the opportunity to fine-tune its internal operations. The relocation has streamlined workflows, improved client communication, and fostered a more efficient environment for staff and patients alike. With these enhancements, Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics is better positioned to meet the growing demand for personalized, medically supervised wellness treatments. Looking ahead, Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics is focused on further refining its client-centered approach. The Vienna location will continue to offer a comprehensive range of wellness and aesthetic services, including IV therapy, medical weight-loss programs, GLP-1-based weight management options, vitamin injections, and other health-focused treatments. Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics is committed to enhancing overall health and vitality for clients in the region, ensuring their continued access to high-quality wellness services. About Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics is a concierge medical spa located in Vienna, VA, offering a range of wellness and aesthetic services. Specializing in IV therapy, GLP-1-based weight management options, Semaglutide weight management programs, Botox injections, wellness shots, intra-muscular injections, and fillers, Drip Docx Wellness & Aesthetics is dedicated to providing personalized care that enhances health, beauty, and vitality. The clinic is focused on delivering medically supervised treatments that support long-term wellness and performance goals. Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/279400_figure2.png To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279400 Source: GetFeatured BEIJING, Jan. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Innovation-driven development is reshaping a dynamic and vibrant China. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the country, for the first time, entered into the top 10 list in the global innovation ranking for 2025, the year that also marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for economic and social development. The modernization accomplished under the plan has brought next steps into sharp focus as the new year ushers in a new development blueprint. Last October, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee adopted recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan at a key Party plenum, charting the country's development path from 2026 through 2030. As the country and the world stand at a crossroads, China, under the guidance of President Xi Jinping's governance philosophy, has not only charted a clear course for its own development but also offered valuable insights for a world in search of stability and direction. Ready for 15th Five-Year Plan Xi sees the 15th Five-Year Plan period as a critical stage for reinforcing the country's social and economic foundations, and for pushing ahead on all fronts toward the nation's 2035 modernization goal. A defining feature of this process has been inclusive and consultative governance. In January of last year, the CPC leadership decided to set up a drafting group for the country's strategic blueprint to be submitted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, with Xi personally heading up the high-level strategy team. The drafting group convened its first plenary meeting in February, 2025, marking the official start of the drafting process. From meetings of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and symposiums with private entrepreneurs to regional development consultations and dialogues with non-CPC figures, China has adopted an open-door approach to policymaking - inviting broad input and pooling collective wisdom. Meanwhile, public opinions were solicited on the new plan during a month-long online consultation campaign. A summary of these findings was reviewed by Xi and presented to the Party leadership, ensuring that the voices of citizens were heard at the highest level. In the months leading up to the October plenum, Xi conducted field visits to enterprises and communities during domestic inspection tours, focusing on priorities for China's development in the coming five years, and has also convened a series of leadership meetings to review the draft, reflecting a governance philosophy that values strategic vision while remaining grounded in practical realities. During the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the landmark document, formally titled the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, was adopted, following more than eight months in the making. The recommendations serve as a timetable and roadmap for continuing the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. Noting that 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi in his New Year message urged greater efforts to boost confidence, take solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up across the board, deliver prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle. New chapter in the story of China's miracle The year 2025 was one riven with uncertainty. Amid this backdrop, China has put dialogue first and pursued win-win international cooperation, serving as a stabilizing anchor for the world and reflecting the nation's firm and steady strides on the global stage. The year witnessed a landmark "China moment" in global governance, defined by the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by Xi. Advocating a more just and equitable global governance system, the GGI garnered swift support from over 140 countries and international organizations, securing its place as one of the defining moments in China's 2025 diplomatic drive. China's diplomacy paid dividends when leaders and representatives from across five continents gathered in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in a show of recognition for China's contributions to the victory of WWII and the country's unwavering commitment to upholding the post-war international order. Beyond these milestones, China played a more proactive role in global governance, announcing its 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions for climate action, foregoing any new special and differential treatment in current and future World Trade Organization negotiations, and establishing the International Organization for Mediation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. China is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development, said Xi. For more information, please click: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-01-02/Extraordinary-Navigation-How-China-strides-forward-with-confidence-1JBRwC4YLPa/p.html View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-extraordinary-navigation-how-china-strides-forward-with-confidence-302651997.html Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) - Block & Leviton is investigating Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG) for potential securities law violations. Investors who have lost money in their Apogee Enterprises, Inc. investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://blockleviton.com/cases/apog. What is this all about? Shares of Apogee Enterprises fell more than 13% in intraday trading on January 7, 2026, after the company reported quarterly results that missed analyst expectations and the company lowered its full-year outlook, citing weaker demand and margin pressure in its Architectural Glass segment. On the same day, Apogee disclosed that its Chief Financial Officer, Matthew Osberg, had resigned effective January 16, 2026. Block & Leviton is investigating. Who is eligible? Anyone who purchased Apogee Enterprises common stock and has seen their shares fall may be eligible, whether or not they have sold their investment. Investors should contact Block & Leviton to learn more. What is Block & Leviton doing? Block & Leviton is investigating whether the Company committed securities law violations and may file an action to attempt to recover losses on behalf of investors who have lost money. What should you do next? If you've lost money on your investment, you should contact Block & Leviton to learn more via our case website, by email at shareholders@blockleviton.com, or by phone at (888) 256-2510. Whistleblower? If you have non-public information about Apogee Enterprises, you should consider assisting in our investigation or working with our attorneys to file a report with the Securities Exchange Commission under their whistleblower program. Whistleblowers who provide original information to the SEC may receive rewards of up to 30% of any successful recovery. For more information, contact Block & Leviton at shareholders@blockleviton.com or by phone at (888) 256-2510. Why should you contact Block & Leviton? Block & Leviton is widely regarded as one of the leading securities class action firms in the country. Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors and are dedicated to obtaining significant recoveries on behalf of our clients through active litigation in the federal courts across the country. Many of the nation's top institutional investors hire us to represent their interests. You can learn more about us at our website www.blockleviton.com, call (888) 256-2510 or email shareholders@blockleviton.com with any questions. This notice may constitute attorney advertising. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280224 Source: Block & Leviton LLP The First Lady of New York opted for a coat by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej and her brand Renaissance. The coat was made in Beirut based on a design from the brands autumn/winter 2023 collection Zohran Mamdanis inauguration as the first Muslim mayor of New York City on Thursday was an evening to remember, more particularly because of what his wife and New Yorks First Lady Rama Duwaji chose to wear for the occasion. Her fashion choices have been the talk of the town of late, and particularly her support for Middle Eastern brands. What Rama Duwaji wore for the evening The First Lady of New York opted for a coat by Palestinian-Lebanese designer Cynthia Merhej and her brand Renaissance. The coat was made in Beirut based on a design from the brands autumn/winter 2023 collection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On her first official day as first lady of New York, Rama is wearing a small, independent woman designer from the Middle East, wrote Duwajis stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson on her Substack later. That representation resonates. It reverberates. Because fashion communicates. It sends a message. Thrifting is something Rama does often. Shes an exceptionally savvy shopper, so renting second-life fashion felt like the most authentic way to approach a moment of this magnitude, added the stylist. Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwajis story Duwaji met Zohran Mamdani the son of academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair on the dating app Hinge in 2021, when he was a member of the New York State Assembly. They were engaged in October 2024 held a private nikah ceremony two months later in Dubai, and married in February 2025 in a civil ceremony at New York City Hall; they also had a ceremony in Uganda Mamdanis birth country in July 2025. Games View All Filmmaker Mira Nair has revealed an intriguing behind-the-scenes detail about her acclaimed BBC series A Suitable Boy. She shared that her son, New York Citys mayor Zohran Mamdani, was her first choice for the role that eventually went to Ishaan Khatter. However, despite having what she calls all the right qualities, Zohran chose not to pursue acting, earning the label of a most reluctant actor from his filmmaker mother. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Mira Nair said she genuinely wanted Zohran to be part of A Suitable Boy, her ambitious adaptation of Vikram Seths iconic novel. I really wanted Zohran in it, she said, adding that he had the sensibility, intelligence, and screen presence needed for the role. But acting, she admitted, was never something her son felt drawn to. Equal parts cautionary and compulsive, these narratives reveal that when money, power, and ego collide, the fallout is rarely small. Here are five Netflix titles that shine a light on the dark world of financial scams From small-town cyber frauds to billion-dollar corporate deception, financial scams often thrive in plain sight- masked by ambition, influence, and credibility. Over the years, Netflix has brought many such stories to the screen, unpacking how these schemes are built, who they benefit, and the moment when the illusion finally cracks. Equal parts cautionary and compulsive, these narratives reveal that when money, power, and ego collide, the fallout is rarely small. Here are five Netflix titles that shine a light on the dark world of financial scams. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bad Boy Billionaires: India The investigative docuseries returns with its recently released fourth and final episode, Riding the Tiger, which revisits the Satyam scandal- often referred to as Indias Enron. Centred on Ramalinga Raju, once celebrated as Hyderabads ethical poster boy, the episode traces Satyams rise from its founding in 1987 to becoming a global IT outsourcing giant, before revealing how Raju overstated the companys cash and bank balances by over $1.5 billion (approximately 7,000 crore), triggering one of Indias most significant corporate frauds. The earlier episodes profile other infamous business magnates including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Subrata Roy, making the series a comprehensive look at financial deception at scale. Jamtara- Sabka Number Ayega Set in a quiet town in Jharkhand, Jamtara exposes the mechanics of organised phishing scams run by young men who turn cold calls into quick cash. What begins as a grassroots hustle soon expands into a dangerous ecosystem involving politicians, middlemen, and rival gangs. The series captures how cyber fraud became scalable, sophisticated, and deeply entrenched in everyday life. Inventing Anna Inspired by real events, Inventing Anna follows Anna Delvey, who infiltrated New Yorks elite circles by posing as a wealthy German heiress. Stylish and unsettling, the series shows how confidence, social access, and perception can be leveraged into financial fraud- raising questions about who gets believed, and why. Games View All The Tinder Swindler This true-crime documentary chronicles a modern conman who used dating apps to emotionally manipulate women into funding his extravagant lifestyle. By blending romance with deception, the film highlights how financial scams have evolved in the digital age- where trust is built quickly and exploited just as fast. Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street This docuseries chronicles the rise and fall of Bernie Madoff, the architect of the largest Ponzi scheme in history. Once a trusted Wall Street insider, Madoff siphoned off billions by promising consistent returns and paying old investors with new money. The series exposes how reputation, blind trust, and regulatory failures allowed the scam to run unchecked for decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Stream these titles and more on Netflix and dive into stories where big money meets bigger lies. Sriram Raghavans Ikkis is being praised for its restrained and nuanced take on the true story of war. It shows Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal and late actor Dharmendra as his father. The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat as Brigadier KM Nisaar. Theres a disclaimer in the film that has surfaced on social media and people have reacted to it. Brigadier KM Nisaar- An exceptional incident A disclaimer is played at the end of Ikkis. It says, Nisar, the character played by Jaideep Ahlawat, is an exception; Pakistanis are not to be trusted. byu/Embarrassed_Freak inBollyBlindsNGossip WATCH the trailer of Ikkis here: