The article talks about a US special forces attack on Caracas, Venezuela, on January 3, 2026, and explores the country's political history. It describes Venezuela's transformation from a wealthy oil-rich nation to one experiencing economic and political turmoil. The focus is on how US influence has impacted Venezuela's recent history.
Key Facts
A US special forces attack occurred in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 3, 2026.
Venezuela was once a wealthy country due to its oil resources.
Political changes included the rise of Hugo Chavez and his reforms.
In 1989, Venezuela experienced major riots known as the Caracazo.
A coup attempt took place against Chavez in 2002.
Under President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela faced deep economic issues and many people left the country.
The article highlights the ongoing influence of US power in Latin America.
The report uses interviews, expert insights, and historical footage for analysis.
Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are meeting in Abu Dhabi for trilateral talks to address the conflict in Ukraine. President Trump is advocating for a peace deal, but key issues like control of the eastern Donbas region remain unresolved. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes for increased U.S. support, but also remains cautious about the outcomes of the talks.
Key Facts
Russia, Ukraine, and the US are holding trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi for the first time since 2022.
President Trump is actively promoting a peace deal for Ukraine.
Ukraine seeks peace and aims to maintain strong relations with the US, which has previously paused military support.
Key issues include Russia's demand for control over eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, which Ukraine refuses.
Ukraine wants more security guarantees from the US if Russia invades again.
Ukrainian President Zelensky says they are close to a peace framework but final details are difficult.
Zelensky is unsure about the reliability of security promises from President Trump.
Russia's response to the security guarantees and peace efforts is uncertain.
A new study shows that burning wood to heat homes in winter contributes to around 8,600 early deaths each year in the U.S. This is due to fine particles released into the air, which can cause serious health problems. Only two percent of U.S. households mainly use wood for heating, but it still has a big impact on air quality.
Key Facts
Burning wood for heating is linked to about 8,600 early deaths annually in the U.S.
Residential wood burning accounts for nearly 22% of wintertime fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in the U.S.
PM2.5 is a type of air pollution that can cause lung and heart diseases.
Only two percent of U.S. households primarily use wood burning for heat.
Wood burning contributes more PM2.5 than the transportation sector in winter.
In metro areas like NYC and Washington D.C., wood smoke can travel between states.
Reducing wood burning emissions could improve air quality and health.
President Donald Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, presented a plan to rebuild Gaza with new housing, industrial parks, and an airport at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The plan has been criticized for not including the opinions or needs of the Palestinian people and for focusing on development amid ongoing conflict and significant humanitarian issues. Critics argue that it prioritizes investment opportunities over addressing the rights and needs of those affected by the war.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner presented a plan for Gaza's redevelopment at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The plan includes building over 100,000 housing units, industrial parks, and a new airport in Gaza.
Many experts criticize the plan for not considering the views and needs of Palestinians.
President Trump called the Gaza war nearly over during his speech at Davos.
There has been significant destruction in Gaza, including hospitals, homes, and infrastructure.
The "Board of Peace" is supposed to oversee Gaza's reconstruction, but details remain vague.
Membership on the "Board of Peace" requires a $1 billion fee for a permanent seat.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, with many residents displaced and limited access to basic needs like food and water.
The army chief of South Sudan has ordered soldiers to stop a rebellion in the east within seven days. Fighting between the government and opposition forces threatens to escalate into a larger conflict, with recent attacks near the capital, Juba. The situation is tense as South Sudan faces the risk of renewed civil war.
Key Facts
The South Sudan army is focusing on stopping a rebellion in Jonglei state.
SPLA-IO, an opposition group, has recently captured areas in Jonglei.
Their leader, Riek Machar, is on trial for serious charges, which he denies.
The fighting may restart a civil war that ended in 2018 but was never fully resolved.
South Sudanese forces, with help from Ugandan soldiers, are moving to take back rebel-held areas.
The UN has urged all parties to stop fighting and work towards peace.
SPLA-IO warned of possible attacks near Juba, causing fear among locals.
The governor of the state including Juba told residents to ignore these threats.
Fashion and film celebrities, including Anna Wintour, Elizabeth Hurley, and Anne Hathaway, attended the funeral of Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani in Rome. The service took place at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs after a public viewing period. Valentino, known for dressing famous clients and creating iconic fashion pieces, passed away at the age of 93.
Key Facts
Valentino Garavani, a renowned Italian fashion designer, died at age 93.
His funeral was held in Rome at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
Celebrities like Anna Wintour, Elizabeth Hurley, and Anne Hathaway attended the funeral.
Red ribbons, representing "Valentino red," were prominent among mourners.
Valentino started his designing career in the 1950s, becoming famous for dressing many celebrities.
Some of his notable clients were Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Diana.
Valentino retired from designing in 2008.
His ashes will be placed in Rome's Flaminio Cemetery.
Syrian government forces took control of a prison holding Islamic State (IS) detainees after Kurdish fighters left the area. This change is part of a deal between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The prison, al-Aqtan, now holds about 2,000 detainees, but it is unclear how many belong to IS.
Key Facts
Syrian forces took over a prison in northern Syria that held IS detainees.
Kurdish fighters evacuated the area as part of a deal with the Syrian government.
The prison taken over is called al-Aqtan and is located near Raqqa.
Al-Aqtan is the second prison recently handed over to the Syrian government by the Kurdish-led SDF.
The transfer follows a failed round of talks and renewed fighting between Syrian forces and the SDF.
The Kurdish fighters retreating from al-Aqtan moved to a location west towards Kobani.
The U.S. military has also started transferring some IS detainees from Syria to Iraq.
The prison holds about 2,000 detainees, with uncertain numbers directly linked to IS.
The article highlights some of the most notable skyscraper climbs in history performed by elite free solo climbers. It focuses on the accomplishments of climbers, including well-known figures like Alain Robert and Alex Honnold.
Key Facts
Alex Honnold plans to free solo climb the Taipei 101 building in Taiwan without ropes during a live Netflix special.
Alain Robert, known as "the Human Spider," set a Guinness World Record by climbing the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in March 2011.
Alain Robert climbed 121 buildings, earning a Guinness World Record for the most building climbs.
In 2022, Russian climbers Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau climbed the Merdeka 118 in Malaysia, the second-tallest building globally.
Nikolau and Beerkus also scaled Goldin Finance 117 in Tianjin, China, in 2016, during its construction phase.
Alain Robert climbed The Torch Doha in Qatar in 2012, setting a record for the fastest climb of the building without assistance.
The article mentions climbers often using bare hands and minimal equipment like chalk and rubber shoes to help them climb safely.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that "Canada lives because of the United States." Carney said Canada thrives due to its own values and addressed Trump's remarks after returning from a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump said, "Canada lives because of the United States."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney disagreed and said Canada thrives on its values.
Carney made his response after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Carney's speech in Davos got a lot of attention.
He talked about the actions of powerful countries towards smaller ones without naming Trump.
Carney made his comments after returning to Canada.
Prince Harry criticized President Donald Trump for minimizing the contribution of NATO allies, like the UK, in the Afghanistan War. Trump questioned the commitment of NATO allies during a Fox News interview, while Harry emphasized the sacrifices made, citing the loss of British soldiers. Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, called for truth and respect for those involved in the conflict.
Key Facts
Prince Harry criticized President Trump for his comments on NATO's role in Afghanistan.
President Trump suggested the U.S. didn't ask much from NATO, questioning their potential support.
NATO allies, including the UK, supported the U.S. in Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, attacks.
Article 5 of NATO was invoked after the 9/11 attacks, marking its first use, with allies required to help.
Prince Harry served in Afghanistan twice, once flying an Apache attack helicopter.
Harry highlighted the 457 British deaths in Afghanistan and urged respect for their sacrifices.
Floods have pushed crocodiles into towns in Mozambique, causing at least three deaths. The flooding, which has been severe in parts of southern Africa, has killed many people and damaged homes and infrastructure. Health services are disrupted, and there is a growing humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
Crocodiles are entering towns in Mozambique due to flooding, causing at least three deaths.
Flooding in southern Africa has caused over 100 deaths in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Floodwaters have destroyed homes and damaged roads, bridges, and health facilities.
In Mozambique, 13 people have died from flooding, and three of these deaths were due to crocodile attacks.
The Limpopo River, which flows through South Africa and Mozambique, is a key area affected, with crocodiles entering populated places.
Over 700,000 people are affected, including many children, with significant damage to farmland.
The World Health Organization reported severe disruptions to health services, affecting thousands in need of care.
There are increased risks of hunger and disease, as extreme weather has destroyed crops and raised concerns about water-borne diseases like cholera.
Brooklyn Beckham's wedding DJ described an uncomfortable incident during the first dance at Brooklyn's wedding. Brooklyn claimed his mother, Victoria Beckham, took over the dance, which embarrassed him and upset his bride, Nicola Peltz Beckham. The situation created tension at the wedding and the following day's brunch.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Beckham got married to Nicola Peltz, and the event involved a first dance that became controversial.
DJ Fat Tony, who performed at the wedding, described the dance incident as awkward.
Brooklyn claimed his mother, Victoria, interrupted his first dance with his bride.
Pop star Marc Anthony called Victoria instead of Nicola to join Brooklyn on stage, causing Nicola to leave in tears.
Brooklyn posted on social media expressing his discomfort with the situation, saying he felt humiliated.
The post sparked widespread online discussion and memes about the dance.
Brooklyn mentioned ongoing family issues and said he did not wish to reconcile with his parents.
Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham have not commented on these claims.
President Donald Trump claimed that NATO forces stayed back from front-line combat in Afghanistan, which led to criticism from UK politicians. They pointed out NATO's significant contributions and casualties during the 20-year war and mentioned Trump's military deferments during the Vietnam War.
Key Facts
President Trump said NATO allies stayed away from front-line fighting in Afghanistan.
UK politicians criticized Trump, highlighting NATO's sacrifices, including UK’s 457 military personnel deaths.
More than 150 Canadian soldiers died in Afghanistan along with 90 French and 44 Danish soldiers.
Denmark had one of the highest soldier casualty rates per population size.
The UK politician, Stephen Kinnock, called Trump’s comments disappointing, noting European sacrifices in US-led missions.
Kinnock reminded that the US used NATO's Article 5 for defense support after the 9/11 attacks.
UK politicians criticized Trump for avoiding military service during the Vietnam War with draft deferments.
Seven House Democrats voted for a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes money for ICE, during a recent vote. This decision received criticism from within their party, with calls for these Democrats to face primary challenges in the next elections. These Democrats argue that not funding the bill could harm other critical agencies like FEMA and TSA.
Key Facts
Seven House Democrats supported a $64.4 billion bill to fund DHS, including $10 billion for ICE.
The funding bill was passed with a 220-207 vote, with most Republicans and seven Democrats voting in favor.
Some Democrats, including candidate Saikat Chakrabarti, criticized the vote, suggesting these members should be challenged in primaries.
Representatives who voted for the bill include Tom Suozzi, Henry Cuellar, Don Davis, Laura Gillen, Jared Golden, Vicente Gonzalez, and Marie Glusenkamp Perez.
Critics argue that increasing ICE funding contradicts opposition to ICE's enforcement methods.
The funding decision came after an ICE-related shooting incident in Minneapolis.
Some Democrats say not passing the bill would disrupt funding for disaster relief and other critical agencies.
Republicans have a narrow majority in the House, affecting Democrats' influence on such votes.
President Trump announced a strike against ISIS in Nigeria, stating a firm stance against terrorism. This action comes amid efforts by West African groups and alliances to address terrorism through militarized initiatives. The evolving situation involves shifting political alliances and heightened tensions in the Sahel region.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump confirmed a US strike against ISIS in northwest Nigeria on December 25.
The Sahel region in West Africa is seeing increased military efforts to fight terrorism.
The newly formed Alliance of Sahel States aims to combat terrorist groups with a joint military force of 5,000 troops.
ECOWAS has announced plans for a 260,000-strong joint counterterrorism force.
Political and security dynamics in West Africa have shifted significantly since a 2023 coup in Niger.
The Alliance of Sahel States is distancing itself from traditional Western partners like ECOWAS, the EU, the US, and France.
The Alliance may be moving towards new security partnerships, including with Russia.
Khadija Ahmadzada, a 22-year-old Afghan woman who ran a taekwondo gym for girls, was released after being jailed for 13 days by the Taliban. She was detained for breaking rules related to women's sports gyms, which have been closed since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Her detention drew attention and calls for her release from international human rights observers.
Key Facts
Khadija Ahmadzada, aged 22, was arrested for operating a gym for girls in Afghanistan.
She spent 13 days in jail before being released by the Taliban.
The Taliban cited "violations" of women's sports gym rules and improper conduct, including not wearing a proper hijab and playing music.
Women's sports clubs in Afghanistan have remained closed since the Taliban assumed control in 2021.
The Taliban claimed sports clubs would reopen once a "safe environment" was established, aligning with their interpretation of Islamic law.
Ahmadzada's detention sparked protests on social media and drew international attention, including from the United Nations.
Additional reports note other women, like journalist Nazira Rashidi, facing detention in Afghanistan.
The situation is part of broader restrictions on women's rights under Taliban rule since 2021.
Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are holding talks in Abu Dhabi about the territorial issues in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. President Zelenskyy, President Trump, and President Putin's teams are involved in discussions to end the conflict that has been ongoing for almost four years.
Key Facts
Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are meeting in Abu Dhabi.
The focus is on the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine.
Russia has demanded Kyiv withdraw its troops from areas Russia unlawfully annexed.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is open to creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskyy and President Trump discussed the proposal in Davos, Switzerland.
This meeting in Abu Dhabi is the first time Trump administration officials meet with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators simultaneously.
The talks aim to resolve the conflict that has been happening for nearly four years.
There are still many challenges to achieving peace, but the talks are seen as a positive step.
The Syrian government has taken control of al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, previously held by Kurdish-led SDF fighters, following a ceasefire agreement. This transfer follows recent clashes and is part of broader efforts to secure areas long controlled by the SDF. The ceasefire allowed for the safe withdrawal of SDF personnel and the transfer of ISIL-linked detainees.
Key Facts
The Syrian government now controls al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, which houses ISIL detainees.
Kurdish-led SDF fighters withdrew from the prison under a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian government.
The ceasefire lasted four days and followed a Syrian military advance retaking SDF-held areas.
Over 1,000 SDF personnel moved from Raqqa to Kobane under safe passage allowed by the Syrian forces.
Syrian military is transferring SDF elements from the Raqqa area to Ain al-Arab.
Syrian forces are working to disarm and remove munitions left in the prison.
The situation at the prison, previously tense, has calmed following the ceasefire implementation.
U.S. planes are relocating ISIL detainees from Syria to Iraq as part of security efforts.
The article talks about a quiz related to a TV show called "The Traitors." The show involves strategies and deceit in a Scottish castle, and the quiz helps people see how long they could last in such a setting.
Key Facts
The fourth series of the show "The Traitors" is ending soon.
The show is filmed in a remote castle in Scotland.
Participants in the show try to navigate betrayals and accusations.
A quiz is available to test if people have the skills to be successful in the show's setting.
The quiz was put together by Rosa Ellis.
Claudia Winkleman is a notable figure on the show.
A driver in London, Marwaan Mohamed Huseen, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 19-year-old Marcus Fakana by driving dangerously. Fakana had recently returned to London after being released from jail in Dubai. The car crash happened as Huseen tried to escape from police.
Key Facts
Marwaan Mohamed Huseen, a 20-year-old driver, admitted to causing a fatal car crash.
The crash killed Marcus Fakana, a 19-year-old who had just been freed from a Dubai jail.
Fakana was previously jailed in Dubai for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old.
The accident occurred as Huseen attempted to evade police officers in London.
The crash happened in the early hours of October 3 in Tottenham, north London.
Another passenger in the car was seriously injured during the accident.
Huseen pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Wood Green Crown Court.
