The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provided funding for local public TV and radio stations, has voted to shut down after Congress eliminated its funding. The CPB, established by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, cited years of political attacks and the risk of future manipulation as reasons for the closure. The organization’s board determined that maintaining a defunded entity would not serve the public interest, particularly jeopardizing the independence of public media. The CPB is currently distributing its remaining funds and ensuring the preservation of its archives, highlighting its commitment to public media’s role in providing trusted news, educational programming, and cultural content.
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Europe Backs Greenland After Trump Resumes Takeover Threats
It seems Europe is stepping up to bat, offering its support to Greenland after the resurgence of talk about a potential US takeover, stirred by none other than Donald Trump. Across the continent, major players are voicing their solidarity with the semi-autonomous Danish territory, with the UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, clearly stating that Greenland’s future rests in the hands of Denmark and Greenland itself. The timing of these expressions of support is interesting, especially given the parallels some see between Trump’s actions in Venezuela and the current situation. There’s a growing sense that the US might be applying a similar playbook to Greenland.… Continue reading
President Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism. Well, that’s not exactly a shock, is it? When faced with such serious accusations, the obvious response is a plea of not guilty. It’s the starting point, the legal maneuver that kicks off the whole process. But the situation surrounding this particular case raises so many questions, it’s hard to know where to begin.
The very nature of the charges, “narco-terrorism,” is something that warrants a closer look. Is this a legitimate charge? It sounds like something right out of a spy novel. Are the actual crimes more run-of-the-mill, and the “narco-terrorism” part is just there for the sensationalist headlines?… Continue reading
Okay, so the buzz is all about these meetings the Trump administration is supposedly setting up with oil companies, all centered around Venezuela. Honestly, my first thought is, this is probably going to be a lot of corporate cheerleading, a chance for these companies to tell the former President how amazing he is and then quietly negotiate for some juicy tax breaks or subsidies somewhere down the line. It’s the kind of thing you can see from a mile away.
The core issue here is that investing heavily in Venezuelan oil right now is incredibly risky, and those oil company executives are probably fully aware of that fact.… Continue reading
During a recent appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Senator Chris Murphy accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio of misleading the public regarding President Trump’s actions in Venezuela. Murphy stated that officials claimed the operation was purely a counternarcotics effort, despite indications of a regime change agenda, and that they had “literally lied to our face” in a briefing with senators. He further criticized the administration for a lack of transparency, noting that no further briefings were scheduled to explain the situation or future plans. Murphy concluded that the administration was untrustworthy and expressed concern about being “cheerlead[ed] into war under the guise of removing a very bad man.”
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French President Emmanuel Macron has clarified his stance on the US military operation that removed Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela, stating that France “neither supported nor approved” the US’s methods. This statement came after his initial reaction, which was more supportive of Maduro’s overthrow, drew criticism. The French President emphasized the importance of international law and the role of Venezuela’s 2024 election winner, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, in any transition. This contrasts with the US, which, while not seeking regime change, now considers itself “in charge” and seeks a compliant government.
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Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, President Trump predicted Cuba’s imminent downfall, stating it could no longer rely on Venezuela for support. Trump indicated that the U.S. might not need to take action as Cuba was poised to collapse, and confirmed Cuban casualties during the operation. He also targeted Colombia, accusing its leadership of drug trafficking and threatening action. Trump further emphasized the importance of Greenland for U.S. security amidst growing Russian and Chinese presence in the Arctic.
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Following President Trump’s statements about taking over Greenland, which sparked controversy and warnings about the implications for NATO, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has voiced strong support for Denmark. Starmer affirmed that Greenland’s future lies with Denmark, a close NATO ally, echoing the Danish Prime Minister’s stance. While condemning Trump’s rhetoric, Starmer and other Labour ministers have been less direct in condemning the US’s actions in Venezuela. This contrast in responses highlights a complex political situation regarding international law and the actions of the US government.
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The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting following the US’s actions in Venezuela, which were widely condemned as a “crime of aggression.” Multiple countries, including Brazil, China, and Russia, denounced the US’s military strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, viewing it as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and a dangerous precedent. While the US defended its actions as a law enforcement operation, experts questioned the legality, citing a lack of UN authorization and Venezuelan consent. Despite the widespread condemnation, the Security Council remained divided, and a collective response was unlikely due to the US’s veto power.
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On January 4, a fire erupted at Russia’s Energia defense plant in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, following a reported Ukrainian drone attack. The Energia factory is a critical production site, manufacturing components like batteries for Russian missiles and drones, including the Iskander ballistic missile system. Eyewitness accounts and video footage shared on social media depict smoke rising from the facility. While Russian authorities have yet to comment, the plant has been previously targeted by Ukrainian forces, and is known to produce essential components for various Russian defense and state agencies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood