In a recent address, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez expressed frustration with Washington’s influence, declaring “enough” of US directives. Following the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by the US, Rodríguez is navigating internal divisions while attempting to balance relations with both Maduro loyalists and the White House. The US has demanded Venezuela cut ties with key allies and prioritize oil partnerships. Despite the pressure, Rodríguez has insisted that the US does not govern Venezuela, signaling a shift in the delicate balancing act she must perform as interim leader.
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NATO is developing an AI-assisted “automated zone” along its European borders with Russia to act as a defensive buffer, according to General Thomas Lowin. This zone will utilize sensors to detect enemy forces and deploy defenses like drones and automated weapons systems while keeping the ultimate decision-making power with humans. The system will cover thousands of kilometers, providing real-time information to all NATO countries and reinforcing existing forces. Testing of the system is underway in Poland and Romania, with a goal of full operational capability by the end of 2027.
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During a press conference, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem avoided directly answering questions about the shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents, contradicting earlier statements made by DHS. While DHS claimed Pretti was armed and provoking violence, available videos appear to contradict these claims, showing Pretti with only a phone and not brandishing a weapon. Despite the conflicting evidence, Noem maintained that the officers acted in self-defense and followed protocol. She stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
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Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicate that Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Slovyansk-na-Kuban, Krasnodar Krai, on January 26. While photos and videos from social media suggest a fire at the refinery, Russian officials stated that drone debris affected two unspecified enterprises, resulting in one hospitalization. The Kyiv Independent was unable to verify the claims, and Ukraine’s military has not yet commented. This attack continues Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian oil and gas infrastructure, potentially impacting Moscow’s key revenue source, as tax revenues are projected to decline significantly.
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Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated on “Meet the Press” that Democrats will not provide further funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Border Patrol due to the agencies’ actions, particularly the ongoing raids. He emphasized that a government shutdown would be the responsibility of Republicans if they insist on linking such funding with other government operations. Schiff expressed hope that some Republican senators would oppose the continued funding of these agencies due to public backlash. He also suggested that the large amount of money already allocated to the Department of Homeland Security has resulted in significant waste, fraud, and abuse.
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In a recent interview, President Trump claimed the U.S. employed a secret weapon, “The Discombobulator,” to disable Venezuelan equipment during the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He also reiterated his commitment to military strikes against drug cartels, suggesting they could extend into Mexico. Furthermore, the president stated that the U.S. had seized oil from Venezuelan tankers and was attempting to secure an Arctic security deal with NATO. Finally, Trump shared his opinions on the Super Bowl, indicating his disapproval of the game’s performers.
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As the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei prepare to return to China, Japanese panda fans gathered for their final public viewing at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo. The pandas’ departure will leave Japan without pandas for the first time in half a century. This absence has raised concerns about the economic impact and the strained relations between Japan and China. Pandas have long been a symbol of goodwill and a beloved part of Japanese culture since their arrival in 1972, however, the pandas are likely to remain absent in Japan given the current political climate.
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As tensions escalate between Iran and the U.S., the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a warning, stating his forces are “more ready than ever” amid the presence of U.S. warships in the Middle East. The warning was made in response to the recent crackdown on protests, where thousands were killed and over 40,000 people were arrested. Concerns are rising that those arrested could face the death penalty, while President Trump has set red lines, warning Iran to halt executions and mass arrests. Due to the rising tensions, some airlines have suspended flights in the region, and activists report a rising death toll from the protests.
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HuffPost emphasizes the crucial role of a free press in upholding democratic values. The publication calls for unwavering journalism that resists external pressures and prioritizes truth. The article encourages readers to support HuffPost’s mission of holding power accountable. Those already supporting the mission are encouraged to log in and remove any additional promotional messages.
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Macron Calls for Ban on Social Media for Children Under 15 to be in Place by September: It’s a complex situation, isn’t it? The core idea, that children under 15 shouldn’t be on social media, has a certain appeal. Social media can be a wild place, and protecting young minds from its potential harms seems like a worthy goal. But as soon as you start digging into the details, you hit a minefield of potential problems.
The biggest hurdle appears to be enforcement. How do you realistically prevent kids from accessing these platforms? As one comment mentioned, there’s no “non-invasive” way to do it.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Schiff: Republicans Funding ICE Will Cause More American Deaths
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated on “Meet the Press” that Democrats will not provide further funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Border Patrol due to the agencies’ actions, particularly the ongoing raids. He emphasized that a government shutdown would be the responsibility of Republicans if they insist on linking such funding with other government operations. Schiff expressed hope that some Republican senators would oppose the continued funding of these agencies due to public backlash. He also suggested that the large amount of money already allocated to the Department of Homeland Security has resulted in significant waste, fraud, and abuse.
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