Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has expressed a willingness to negotiate with the U.S. on a drug-trafficking agreement and is open to American investment in Venezuela's oil sector. This comes amid U.S. military actions in the Caribbean and a reported CIA strike related to drug cartels near Venezuela.
Key Facts
President Nicolás Maduro said Venezuela is ready to negotiate with the U.S. to fight drug trafficking.
Maduro did not comment on a recent CIA-led operation believed to target drug cartel activities in Venezuela.
The U.S. military has conducted strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela since August.
President Trump has supported these military actions as necessary to control drug flow into the U.S.
Maduro is open to U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, particularly with companies like Chevron.
Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world.
A recent drone strike was carried out by the CIA at a Venezuelan location used by cartels.
Maduro faces U.S. charges related to narco-terrorism.
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Local officials in Peru reported that an attack on an informal mine killed at least three people and left seven missing. The incident happened near the town of Vijus, in the Pataz province, well-known for its gold mining activities. Police have started investigating, and two arrests have been made in connection with the attack.
Key Facts
At least three people died, and seven are missing after an attack on an informal mine in northern Peru.
The attack occurred just before midnight on New Year's Eve near Vijus in the La Libertad region.
Pataz Mayor Aldo Marino mentioned the death toll could reach 15 as more information comes to light.
Informal mines in the region are often linked to conflicts involving criminal groups.
Thirteen miners died in the same area last May, leading to temporary mining suspensions and curfews.
The police have arrested two people and launched an investigation into the attack.
Eleven shell casings were found at the scene, according to local prosecutors.
Peru's mining sector includes many informal miners, some operating under temporary government permits.
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Protests in Iran against increasing living costs have led to the deaths of at least six protesters and one security officer. The Iranian government has called for unity and plans to talk with the public to address the crisis.
Key Facts
Protests are happening in Iran because of high living costs.
At least six protesters have died during the demonstrations.
A security force member was also killed during the protests.
The government is asking people to stay united.
Officials have said they will start discussions to deal with the issues.
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President Donald Trump criticized George Clooney and his wife, Amal, for moving to France and Clooney's film career. Clooney replied, agreeing with Trump's "Make America Great Again" message and hinted at plans for the future.
Key Facts
George Clooney and his wife Amal recently became French citizens.
President Trump criticized the Clooneys on Truth Social.
Trump called Clooney's movies "totally mediocre" and questioned their political predictions.
Trump used his slogan "Make America Great Again" in his critique.
Clooney responded in the Hollywood Reporter, agreeing with making America great again.
The Clooneys have a wine estate in Provence, France spanning 425 acres.
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Somalia's president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in an interview that ISIL and al-Shabab are responsible for harming the lives and safety of Somali people. He also noted that these groups played a role in Israel recognizing Somaliland.
Key Facts
The interview was with Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and aired on Al Jazeera.
President Mohamud blamed ISIL and al-Shabab for damaging Somalia's security and people's lives.
He mentioned these groups have caused significant harm to the country.
The president stated that actions by ISIL and al-Shabab contributed to Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
ISIL and al-Shabab are known as terrorist organizations operating in the region.
Somaliland is a self-declared state, but not widely recognized as independent.
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A boat carrying over 200 people capsized off the coast of The Gambia. At least seven people died, and many others are missing. The Gambian navy rescued at least 96 people and is continuing search efforts.
Key Facts
A boat capsized off The Gambia's coast, carrying more than 200 people.
At least seven people have died, and dozens are missing.
The incident happened around midnight on Thursday near a village in the North Bank region.
The Gambian navy conducted a search-and-rescue operation, recovering seven bodies and rescuing at least 96 people.
Many of the rescued people were seriously injured, and some victims are not Gambian nationals.
The Gambia is a common starting point for migrants trying to reach Spain’s Canary Islands by sea.
In 2024, over 46,000 migrants reached the Canary Islands, with more than 10,000 deaths reported on the journey.
Irregular migration on this route decreased by 60 percent in the first 11 months of 2025, according to Frontex.
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Two people died from fireworks accidents in the Netherlands during New Year's celebrations. Fire also damaged a historic church in Amsterdam, but no one was hurt in this incident. Across the Netherlands, there was a rise in violence against police and emergency workers, leading to many arrests.
Key Facts
Two people died in fireworks accidents in the Netherlands on New Year's Eve.
A fire severely damaged the Vondelkerk, a historic church in Amsterdam, but there were no injuries.
Emergency services controlled the fire by morning, and nearby residents briefly lost power.
The tower and roof of the church were heavily damaged, but the main structure remained intact.
Police faced increased violence over New Year's Eve, with 250 arrests made for incidents across the Netherlands.
Strong winds made the fire in the Amsterdam church worse by spreading sparks.
A nationwide ban on consumer firework sales will start from the next year.
Similar incidents of violence with fireworks occurred in Belgium, leading to multiple arrests.
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Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro left the hospital and returned to jail in Brasilia after recovering from surgery. He is serving a 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt in Brazil. The Supreme Court denied his request for house arrest post-surgery.
Key Facts
Jair Bolsonaro underwent a double hernia surgery and was released from the hospital in Brasilia.
He returned to the federal police headquarters where he is serving a 27-year sentence for a coup attempt.
The Supreme Court had approved his release for the surgery but denied house arrest afterwards.
Bolsonaro was convicted of trying to overthrow Brazil's democratic system after losing the 2022 election.
His sentence includes charges of leading a criminal organization and trying to abolish democratic rule.
Bolsonaro was stabbed in 2018 and has had several medical procedures since then.
At the jail, Bolsonaro has his own room with amenities like a bed, bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and desk.
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Around 40 people died, and over 100 were hurt when a fire broke out in a bar in Crans-Montana, a ski town in Switzerland. Officials are investigating what started the fire.
Key Facts
A fire occurred in a bar in Crans-Montana, a Swiss ski town.
About 40 people lost their lives in the fire.
More than 100 people were injured.
Authorities are still trying to find out what caused the fire.
The incident happened during a New Year's celebration.
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Zohran Mamdani became the new mayor of New York and promised to govern boldly. Protests in Iran have led to the deaths of at least six people. In Ukraine, a drone strike reportedly caused fatalities, and Americans may see increased health costs after certain financial help ended.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York.
Mayor Mamdani plans to govern in a bold and broad way.
In Iran, protests resulted in at least six deaths.
Russia reported that a Ukrainian drone strike killed 24 people in Kherson.
Health care costs in the U.S. might go up because ACA credits expired.
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Protests in Iran over the high cost of living have resulted in the deaths of at least five people across different cities. Demonstrations began due to economic struggles worsened by government actions, high inflation, and recent airstrikes on Iran's infrastructure. Authorities have responded with force but also expressed willingness to address protesters' concerns.
Key Facts
At least five people died in protests over living costs in Iran.
In Azna, three people were killed, and 17 were hurt during protests.
Two deaths occurred in Lordegan amid protests.
A Basij security member died during protests in Kouhdasht.
The protests began as a response to economic issues like rising prices and currency devaluation.
Iran's government has promised a mix of dialogue and strict measures to handle the unrest.
Iran faces high inflation, partly due to Western sanctions.
Recent airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. also targeted Iran's infrastructure.
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Paul Salopek, a National Geographic Explorer, is walking from Africa to South America. In the past two years, he has traveled through China, the Korean Demilitarized Zone, and Alaska. His journey is now entering the Western Hemisphere.
Key Facts
Paul Salopek is a National Geographic Explorer on a long walk from Africa to South America.
In the last two years, he has crossed the Chinese countryside.
He has traveled along the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
Salopek encountered grizzly bears in Alaska.
His current path is moving into the Western Hemisphere.
This journey is part of an expedition from the continent of Africa to the southernmost tip of South America.
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The article discusses the Scandinavian idea of "hygge," which is about feeling comfortable, warm, and happy. This concept has started to become popular in America, especially during colder months.
Key Facts
Hygge is a concept from Scandinavian countries.
It focuses on comfort, warmth, and joy.
This idea has gained popularity in America.
The concept is particularly appealing during the cold season.
Hygge is about creating a cozy and pleasant atmosphere.
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Two people died during clashes between protesters and security forces in Iran, where protests have been ongoing for several days due to the rising cost of living. The protests, which began in Tehran, have spread to other cities as people express dissatisfaction with the country's leadership. Security measures have been increased, and officials warn against actions that might lead to further instability.
Key Facts
Two people were killed in the city of Lordegan during clashes between protesters and security forces.
Protests started in Tehran over the sharp fall in the Iranian currency's value.
Demonstrations have spread to multiple cities, including Tehran, Lordegan, and Marvdasht.
Videos posted on social media show violent scenes, like cars being set on fire.
A member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards was reportedly killed, but details vary.
Schools and universities were closed after a bank holiday was declared to help manage the unrest.
The protests are the largest since the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised to listen to protesters' demands, while the prosecutor general has warned of strong actions against instability.
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A female streamer from Germany, known as Kunshikitty, was attacked while live-streaming during New Year's Eve celebrations in Cologne. The attack involved an object, possibly a firework, being thrown at her head, prompting a police investigation.
Key Facts
Kunshikitty is a streamer with over 200,000 followers on Twitch.
She was attacked during a live stream on New Year's Eve in Cologne, Germany.
A video of the attack gained millions of views on social media.
Police in Cologne are investigating the incident.
In 2015, there were widespread attacks on women in Germany during New Year's Eve, especially in Cologne.
Reports say that Kunshikitty was also harassed during Oktoberfest in 2025.
Other violent incidents occurred in different countries on the same New Year's Eve.
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Health experts are worried about the spread of leptospirosis in Gaza due to flooding and poor sanitation. This bacterial disease, also called swamp or rat fever, thrives in wet and unclean conditions.
Key Facts
Health authorities are concerned about leptospirosis in Gaza.
Leptospirosis is also known as swamp or rat fever.
The disease can spread easily in areas with flooding.
Poor sanitation contributes to the spread of the disease.
Dr. Bassam Zaqout mentioned Gaza is a prime area for the disease due to these conditions.
Flooding and lack of basic sanitation are current issues in Gaza.
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Pope Leo XIV opened the year 2026 with a call for peace in countries affected by war and within families dealing with violence. He made this plea during a New Year's Day Mass and a special prayer in St. Peter's Basilica. The Pope used the church's World Day of Peace to emphasize the need for harmony both globally and domestically.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV made a public plea for peace on January 1, 2026.
He spoke about the importance of peace during a Mass and prayer at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
The Pope highlighted countries suffering from conflict and families affected by violence.
January 1 is observed as the World Day of Peace by the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo is taking a short break before celebrating the Epiphany on January 6.
The Pope will close the Holy Year of 2025, which occurs once every 25 years.
After the holiday, Leo will lead a two-day meeting with the College of Cardinals.
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Colin Salmon, an actor known for roles in EastEnders and James Bond films, recently avoided a driving ban despite speeding because he is the main carer for his seriously ill wife and daughter. The court considered his family circumstances and imposed a fine and additional penalty points instead of a driving ban.
Key Facts
Colin Salmon is an actor who appeared in EastEnders and James Bond films.
Salmon was caught driving 24mph in a 20mph zone in London, which typically results in a driving ban.
He already had nine penalty points on his driver's license.
A court in London fined him £666 and gave him three penalty points but did not ban him from driving.
The court showed leniency because Salmon cares for his sick wife and daughter.
Salmon's wife has a rare lung disease and had a lung transplant, and his daughter had lymphoma.
The court acknowledged that disqualification would cause "exceptional hardship" to his family.
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The Brazilian Supreme Court denied a request from Jair Bolsonaro’s lawyers to move him to house arrest. Bolsonaro is in police custody serving a 27-year sentence for trying to overturn his 2022 election loss. The court stated that he receives medical care in custody and his health is stable after multiple treatments.
Key Facts
Brazil’s Supreme Court rejected Jair Bolsonaro’s request for house arrest.
Bolsonaro is 70 years old and has been in the hospital for treatments related to hiccups and a hernia.
He is held in the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, sentenced to 27 years for attempting to overturn his 2022 election defeat.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes noted Bolsonaro receives continuous medical care in police custody.
Bolsonaro was taken into custody in November after cutting an ankle monitor.
He was allowed to leave prison in December for surgery on a hernia.
The Brazilian Superior Electoral Court barred Bolsonaro from office for eight years due to spreading unfounded election claims.
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Israel has banned many international aid organizations from working in the Gaza Strip, leading to widespread condemnation. These organizations were providing critical help to Palestinians in need. Israel has justified the ban by saying some groups have links to Hamas, while critics argue it hinders necessary humanitarian aid.
Key Facts
Israel banned 37 international aid groups from operating in Gaza.
Human rights groups in Israel criticized the ban, calling it harmful to humanitarian efforts.
New rules require NGOs to share detailed information about their staff and funding.
Israel claims the aid groups have ties to Hamas but has not provided evidence.
Critics say the requirements violate humanitarian principles of independence and neutrality.
Doctors Without Borders and other aid groups may lose access, affecting many Palestinians.
The United Nations has labeled the ban as part of a pattern of restricting humanitarian access.
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