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Global stock markets, including the UK and US, reached record highs at the start of 2026. The FTSE 100 and US indices rose despite geopolitical tensions, driven by strong corporate earnings, sector gains, and investor confidence amid political turbulence in Venezuela and broader economic optimism.
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The UK government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, is navigating diplomatic tensions with the US over President Trump's threats to seize Greenland. While UK officials avoid direct condemnation of US actions in Venezuela, they emphasize careful diplomacy to protect national and collective security amid rising international alarm.
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As of early January 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the country's 2025 military and economic progress, including the near-completion of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine and multiple missile tests. He reaffirmed commitment to nuclear weapons development and sent New Year greetings to North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, emphasizing the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance ahead of a key party congress.
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Following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, global markets showed mixed reactions on January 5-6, 2026. Oil prices initially rose but fell back early Tuesday, while precious metals like gold and silver surged to historic highs amid geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Asian and U.S. stock markets mostly advanced, with energy and tech sectors in focus.
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On January 3, 2026, US forces launched a military operation in Venezuela, seizing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their compound and transferring them to the US for trial on drug trafficking charges. This follows months of US military strikes on alleged drug smuggling vessels and a buildup of forces in the Caribbean. Venezuela's Supreme Court named Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as interim president amid the crisis.
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The US Coast Guard continues to track the Bella 1, a tanker claiming Russian protection after refusing US boarding in the Caribbean. The vessel, involved in sanctions violations, has changed course and painted a Russian flag, complicating US efforts amid broader geopolitical tensions.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is in China for a four-day trip, his first since June, aiming to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. The visit occurs as North Korea tests hypersonic missiles and regional tensions rise over Taiwan and Japan. Leaders signed cooperation agreements on trade, technology, and regional security.
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Iran's ongoing protests, driven by economic hardship, have resulted in over 1,200 arrests and multiple casualties, including the first confirmed death of a Basij volunteer. Demonstrations have spread across 27 provinces, prompting warnings of a potential crackdown and international concern.
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On January 3-4, 2026, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, transferring them to New York on drug trafficking charges. President Trump announced plans for US oil companies to invest billions to restore Venezuela's oil infrastructure and control its vast reserves, despite ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions. Oil prices remain volatile amid concerns over supply disruptions and global oversupply.
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Tony Dokoupil's first night as CBS Evening News anchor was marred by live broadcast errors, including a confusing segment switch and technical slip-ups. The debut follows internal network upheaval and controversy over editorial independence under new leadership, raising questions about the network's future credibility.
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Over the past week, the US military has conducted multiple strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, claiming they were drug traffickers. The operations have resulted in at least 115 deaths, with survivors and legal experts raising concerns over potential extrajudicial killings amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
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The U.S. executed a pre-dawn raid in Caracas, detaining President Maduro and his wife on drug trafficking charges. This follows escalating U.S. threats, including sanctions and military actions, aimed at pressuring Maduro to leave office amid ongoing tensions and Venezuela's political crisis.
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The U.S. launched a covert military operation in Caracas targeting Venezuelan President Maduro, claiming to apprehend him and his wife on drug-related charges. The operation involved a darkened assault on a fortified residence, with reports of casualties and injuries. Maduro and Flores were flown to a U.S. warship for transfer to New York.
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On January 3, 2026, the US launched large-scale military strikes on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Trump announced Maduro's removal and said the US would oversee Venezuela until a transition. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the strikes and demanded proof of life. The operation marks a major escalation amid accusations of drug trafficking and US sanctions.
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U.S. forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after months of escalating military and diplomatic pressure. Maduro, accused of drug trafficking and human rights abuses, was flown out of the country following a series of U.S. strikes and sanctions. His arrest marks a dramatic shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
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The US launched a military operation in Venezuela overnight, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas. UK officials confirmed they are not involved and are focused on safeguarding British nationals in the country. The event marks a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations.
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On January 3, 2026, US special forces launched a large-scale military operation in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Maduro was flown to New York to face drug trafficking and weapons charges. President Trump declared the US would run Venezuela until a political transition occurs, signaling potential long-term involvement and interest in Venezuela's oil reserves.
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Following a US military operation in Venezuela, the FAA imposed airspace restrictions across the Caribbean, causing widespread cancellations and delays. Major US airlines canceled hundreds of flights, stranding travelers in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and nearby destinations. Airlines are now adding flights and waiving fees to manage the disruption.
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Venezuela's government remains uncertain after US strikes targeted Maduro's allies. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez appeared on state TV denying Maduro's removal, amid ongoing speculation about her potential to assume power. Key officials survived the attack, but the political future remains unclear.
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The US announced it has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation, with Maduro and his wife flown to New York. President Trump stated the US will 'run' Venezuela until a 'safe, proper transition' occurs, raising questions about legality and regional stability. UK and international responses remain cautious.
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The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has heightened tensions across Latin America. Cuba, heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil and security support, faces severe energy shortages and political instability. The US warns Cuba and Venezuela, with potential implications for regional stability, as Cuba's economy teeters on collapse.
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On January 3, 2026, Donald Trump authorized US military strikes against Venezuela, capturing President Maduro and signaling potential ongoing involvement. The move has sparked bipartisan criticism over legality and risk of escalation, while some Republicans support the action as a crackdown on drug trafficking and regime illegitimacy.
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Following a surprise US operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured, sparking fears of instability. Venezuelans face shortages, power outages, and a tense political landscape, with reports of armed groups and limited control by authorities. The situation remains volatile as the country navigates this unexpected turn.
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The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on a US warship, charging him with narco-terrorism. The operation followed months of aggressive military actions in the region, raising legal and constitutional questions about presidential powers and international law. The event marks a significant escalation in US intervention in Venezuela.
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U.S. energy companies are considering investments in Venezuela's oil sector amid political and infrastructural uncertainties. President Trump has claimed that major firms will rebuild the country's oil industry, but experts warn that significant legal, security, and investment hurdles remain, and current sanctions complicate prospects.
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The U.S. military has seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, citing narcoterrorism charges. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the operation as an invasion, asserting Maduro remains Venezuela's legitimate leader. The U.S. plans a transitional government with international backing, escalating tensions in the region.
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Brazil's President Lula criticized the US military action that removed Maduro from power in Venezuela, calling it an unacceptable breach of sovereignty. The border between Brazil and Venezuela was temporarily closed amid tensions, with Brazil monitoring the situation and sending military support. Venezuela's interim president Rodriguez was sworn in as Maduro's successor.
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Recent U.S. actions may not immediately impact oil prices but could significantly alter Venezuela's oil output. Analysts see potential for Venezuela to double or triple current production levels, depending on political stability and investment. Market reactions show optimism, especially among refineries and oil service companies.
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The US military conducted a large-scale operation in Venezuela, capturing President Maduro and his wife. The AU and ECOWAS condemned the action, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and international law. Maduro faces charges in New York, while regional and global reactions remain sharply divided.
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in a New York detention center after US forces seized him on Saturday, amid ongoing tensions over US intervention and Venezuela's political stability. Top officials in Caracas remain in charge, asserting Maduro's presidency despite his detention. The situation raises questions about US influence and regional stability.
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On January 4-5, 2026, US President Donald Trump reiterated his ambition to annex Greenland, citing national security and defense needs. This followed a US military operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, raising fears in Denmark and Greenland of similar US actions. Danish and Greenlandic leaders strongly rejected US annexation threats, emphasizing sovereignty and mutual respect.
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OPEC+ kept oil production unchanged in a meeting on Sunday, despite political tensions among key members like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Venezuela. Oil prices fell 18% in 2025 amid oversupply concerns, with geopolitical issues influencing market stability. The group aims to prioritize stability over output changes.
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US forces launched a military strike in Caracas early Saturday, targeting military sites and detaining President Maduro on narcotrafficking charges. The Venezuelan military recognized Rodriguez as acting president, while protests and uncertainty spread across the country and neighboring regions. Maduro faces a court appearance in New York today.
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North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles, including hypersonic weapons, just before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s trip to China. Kim Jong Un emphasized the tests as a demonstration of its nuclear deterrent amid regional tensions and international crises.
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U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation resulted in Cuban casualties, with Cuba mourning 32 personnel killed during the attack. The event marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations amid ongoing regional tensions.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty in US court to charges including narcoterrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. Maduro claims to be a prisoner of war, while US authorities describe the operation as law enforcement. The case marks a significant escalation in US-Venezuela tensions.
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The US conducted a surprise military operation in Venezuela, seizing Maduro and his wife, involving commandos, airstrikes, and naval forces. The UN will hold an emergency session amid international concern. Washington aims to replace Maduro with a compliant government, focusing on Venezuela's oil reserves.
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President Trump has expressed a serious interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns. Denmark and European allies strongly oppose the move, warning that any US invasion would threaten NATO unity. The US emphasizes Arctic security and resource interests, while Denmark and Greenland reaffirm sovereignty and independence.
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Following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela and comments from Trump and Rubio, the U.S. signals a more assertive regional stance. Trump emphasizes Greenland's strategic importance, prompting Denmark's opposition. Meanwhile, tensions rise with Cuba over Maduro's ousting, with warnings of potential U.S. actions against allies and adversaries alike.
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Amid rising US threats to annex Greenland, UK and Danish leaders reaffirm sovereignty and oppose US claims. US President Donald Trump has cited national security concerns, prompting diplomatic protests from Denmark and Greenland's leadership. The debate highlights tensions over sovereignty, NATO unity, and international law, with potential geopolitical repercussions.
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Following the US seizure of Maduro in Venezuela, President Biden warned Iran that if its leadership harms protesters, the US will intervene. Iran faces mounting protests, economic sanctions, and recent Israeli-US strikes, with limited options amid escalating tensions and internal unrest.
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Multiple reports detail large bets placed on Maduro's removal from power via prediction markets like Polymarket, just before US military operations in Venezuela. Wagers, made by anonymous accounts, yielded significant profits, raising concerns over potential insider trading and legislative responses amid the geopolitical event.
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Global markets surged following the US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro and China's AI chip IPOs. Oil prices fluctuated, and tech stocks in Hong Kong and China soared amid geopolitical and technological developments, impacting investor sentiment worldwide.
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Venezuelan ex-president Nicolás Maduro was captured in Caracas during a U.S. military operation and appeared in a New York court, facing charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. Maduro claims he is the legitimate president and was kidnapped. The case involves allegations of drug conspiracy spanning from 1999 to 2025.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured in a US military operation. Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president amid protests. Maduro pleaded not guilty in US court to narco-terrorism charges, while the US signals plans to manage Venezuela's oil industry and seek cooperation.
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Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration signals plans to reopen Venezuela's oil industry, relying on US companies like Chevron to rebuild infrastructure and expand production, potentially impacting global oil markets and prices.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces in Caracas, prompting calls for a transition. Opposition leader Machado, who is in Norway, plans to return and lead a government, but U.S. President Trump dismisses her support, favoring interim president Delcy Rodriguez. The situation marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has dropped his re-election campaign amid a social services fraud scandal and mounting political pressure. His decision follows investigations into billion-dollar welfare fraud, primarily involving Minnesota's Somali community, and increased scrutiny from the Trump administration. The move opens the door for potential candidates like Amy Klobuchar.
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On the fifth anniversary of the Capitol riot, the U.S. faces ongoing divisions. Trump meets privately with Republicans, while Democrats hold hearings. Commemorations are divided, with some events honoring the attack and others criticizing the political handling of the anniversary.