President Trump revealed he informed oil companies about plans to attack Venezuela and abduct its leader, Nicolás Maduro, prior to the operation, while neglecting to notify Congress. Trump stated that the oil companies would play a crucial role in revitalizing Venezuela’s infrastructure post-capture, and the US would be “in charge”. The move has sparked criticism from Democrats who argue the operation constitutes an illegal declaration of war and is motivated by financial gains for Trump’s associates and the oil industry, not national security. Maduro is scheduled to appear in a New York courtroom on drug and weapons charges.
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YouTuber Nick Shirley, known for spreading MAGA disinformation, has attempted to defend himself against accusations of racism by highlighting his virginity, claiming it shields him from allegations of dishonesty. Shirley’s actions involve falsely accusing Minnesota day cares of fraudulent activities, specifically targeting those run by Somali American workers. The article explains how his actions are part of a larger, racially motivated narrative targeting immigrants and women in the MAGA era. This defense, according to the article, aligns with the right-wing’s long-standing fear of day cares and their connection to societal anxieties around women’s roles and racial purity.
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Following the weekend’s surprise attack on Venezuela, which led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, several Democratic lawmakers are calling for President Trump’s impeachment. These lawmakers are citing concerns over Trump’s actions, including the alleged pursuit of regime change and the destabilization of the region. The calls for impeachment come amidst a chaotic political climate where the U.S.’s role in the country remains uncertain, as evidenced by conflicting statements from within the administration. Several other congress members have indicated they are not ruling out impeachment either.
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Recent U.S. military air movements into the United Kingdom, specifically to RAF Fairford and Mildenhall, suggest a redeployment of American special forces into Europe following increased activity linked to Venezuela. Flight tracking data reveals a surge in U.S. Air Force strategic airlift, including C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and AC-130 gunships, with origins pointing to special operations aviation units such as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. These deployments, involving units typically tasked with rapid-response missions, may be a post-operation repositioning following President Trump’s confirmation of Nicolás Maduro’s capture in Venezuela. While the exact intent and duration of these deployments remain unconfirmed by U.S. or UK authorities, speculation suggests potential involvement in seizing the runaway tanker BELLA 1 / MARINERA.
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Russia has formally requested that the United States cease its pursuit of the oil tanker Bella 1, which was initially destined for Venezuela. The diplomatic request, submitted to the State Department on New Year’s Eve, follows the vessel’s evasion of US custody for nearly two weeks and its apparent registration under a new name in Russia. The US Coast Guard’s pursuit of the tanker is part of a broader escalation of US actions against Venezuela, including military buildup and strikes, despite prior campaign promises to avoid foreign entanglements. This situation is further complicated by conflicting statements from the administration regarding the primary goals of these actions.
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A silent march was held in Crans-Montana to honor the 40 victims of a New Year’s Eve bar fire that also left many injured. Mourners gathered for a mass, then processed to the site of the fire, Le Constellation, where they left tributes and offered applause for first responders. Authorities have identified all fatalities and opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers, suspecting involuntary homicide and other charges. The investigation is focused on the fire’s rapid spread, potentially caused by candles and non-compliant materials, and authorities are also assessing safety measures.
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Several political figures, including leaders from the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and SNP, have criticized the US military action, urging the UK Prime Minister to condemn it as a violation of international law. Senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry echoed these concerns, stating the strikes were illegal and could embolden Russia and China. Although a limited number of Labour MPs have publicly condemned the US action, further criticism may arise in the House of Commons. The UN Security Council, with the UK as a permanent member, is discussing the operation, with the UK representative expressing a desire for a peaceful transition in Venezuela while reaffirming commitment to international law.
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Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro entered a New York federal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The charges include conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses, alleging that Maduro worked with drug cartels. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Maduro’s legal team is expected to challenge the legality of his arrest, arguing immunity. This dramatic U.S. intervention, which the U.S. defends as a law enforcement action, has triggered global condemnation, an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting, and diverse responses from the Venezuelan government and international actors, with implications for the country’s oil reserves and political future.
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Judge Hannah Dugan, recently convicted of obstruction, has resigned from her position as a Milwaukee County circuit court judge. Following her conviction on December 19th, Dugan faced pressure from state Republicans who threatened impeachment. The conviction stemmed from an incident where Dugan aided an undocumented immigrant in evading federal officers during an arrest attempt in her courtroom. In her resignation letter, Dugan cited the immense challenges of the ongoing legal proceedings and the need to avoid a partisan battle in the state legislature, allowing for a permanent judge to be in place.
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Eva Schloss, step-sister of Anne Frank and Holocaust survivor, has passed away at the age of 96. Schloss was the co-founder and honorary president of the Anne Frank Trust, and dedicated her life to educating others about the Holocaust. Having survived Auschwitz, along with her mother, Schloss tirelessly worked to overcome hatred and prejudice through her work in Holocaust education, including speaking to young people across Europe. The King of England expressed his deep sadness and admiration for her.
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John Q. Hosedrinker