The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the closest thing the U.S. had to a publicly-funded media outlet, has been shut down following a massive funding cut. This move, spearheaded by Donald Trump and his allies, effectively eliminates a source of trusted news and educational programming for all Americans. The CPB’s demise will be especially detrimental to the approximately 1,500 local public radio and TV stations that relied heavily on its funding. This is part of a larger effort by the right wing to undermine a functional press and consolidate control over media narratives.
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The U.S. media’s response to President Trump’s actions in Venezuela, including attacks and the kidnapping of its leader, has been surprisingly mild, avoiding terms like “act of war” and “coup.” Instead, mainstream outlets framed the events as “operations” or “pressure campaigns,” mirroring the administration’s language. This reluctance to use stronger terms, even in the face of blatant violations of international law, indicates a pattern of state subservience and sanitization in media coverage. The media’s choice of language, particularly in comparison to its coverage of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, reveals a willingness to adopt the administration’s preferred framing, effectively acting as stenographers to power.
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The events of January 6th revealed the high cost of defending one’s community, as those who spoke out against the actions faced intimidation and threats. Following public statements, individuals experienced targeted harassment, including swatting incidents and online threats, underscoring the chilling effect on civic engagement. The lack of clear support or resources for families dealing with such intimidation highlighted a crucial need for the city to step in and offer assistance. To foster a safer environment, the city should establish a clear point of contact to support those facing harassment and coordinate a response across agencies to show that the community stands together against intimidation.
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President Trump suggested US taxpayers could reimburse energy companies for repairing Venezuelan oil infrastructure, anticipating significant investment after a potential leadership change. The US energy secretary is slated to meet with representatives from Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil to discuss increasing Venezuelan production. These meetings are crucial to the administration’s goals of boosting exports, however, the three biggest US oil companies have yet to discuss the removal of Maduro with the administration. Despite the lack of prior communication, the White House believes the US oil industry is prepared to invest in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
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Following a change in Venezuelan leadership, President Trump announced that the country would provide the US with up to 50 million barrels of oil. The oil will be sold at market price, with the generated funds controlled by Trump to benefit both the Venezuelan and US populations. This statement follows his prediction of a revitalized US oil industry in Venezuela within 18 months, attracting significant investment. However, analysts suggest that restoring Venezuela’s oil output to previous levels may require substantial financial investment and time.
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Speaking on Fox News, Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado revealed she last spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on October 10, 2025, the day her prize was announced. Machado, who has been abroad since accepting the award, plans to return to Venezuela soon after the U.S. launched strikes against the country. She welcomed the U.S. actions, which included the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, as a positive step. However, President Trump has since dismissed the idea of working with Machado, citing a lack of support for her within Venezuela.
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In response to renewed interest from the U.S. regarding Greenland, European leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing that Arctic security requires collective action within NATO and adherence to international principles. The statement, signed by multiple European heads of state, affirmed that Greenland belongs to its people and that decisions concerning it rest solely with Denmark and Greenland. Greenland’s Prime Minister welcomed the European support and called for respectful diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. through established channels, underscoring the importance of respecting Greenland’s status under international law.
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The Republicans released the video and transcript of Jack Smith’s deposition before the House Judiciary Committee on New Year’s Eve, which highlighted the details of the investigation into the former president. During the deposition, Smith defended his investigation, including subpoenas for congressional members’ phone records. Smith stated that the evidence showed the former president was the most culpable person in the conspiracy, caused and exploited the January 6th attack, and endangered the life of his own vice president. Ultimately, the article argues the government has been repurposed for vengeance and private enrichment.
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The Democratic party’s response to the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela has been characterized by inaction and empty gestures, particularly regarding the illegal coup staged by Donald Trump. Instead of utilizing constitutional remedies like impeachment, the Democrats’ primary criticism has been the lack of consultation with Congress. This behavior is consistent with the party’s history of inaction, mirroring their response to prior actions by the Trump administration and even preceding administrations. Ultimately, this approach undermines the party’s claims to oppose the Trumpified GOP, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming midterms.
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The governor, Tim Walz, was forced to defend his administration due to a baseless conspiracy theory that did not directly implicate him, ultimately leading to his departure from the campaign. This situation mirrors the real-world chaos of Pizzagate, a right-wing conspiracy theory that caused a dangerous incident at a Washington, D.C. restaurant in 2016. In the current context, the conspiracy theory gained traction online, prompting Trump to take action, including suspending childcare funding and promoting a related theory about a Democratic lawmaker.
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John Q. Hosedrinker