Caribbean flights restart after Venezuela operation disruption

Air travel across the Caribbean is ramping back up after disruptions tied to a U.S. military operation in Venezuela. American Airlines is adding roughly 3,000 seats via extra flights and bigger planes, and JetBlue says it expects to return to normal operations.

Archboot adds COSMIC desktop option ahead of 2026.01

Archboot, the menu-driven Arch Linux installer, now lets users pick the COSMIC desktop environment. The option is already in the latest tagged builds, and you can boot an Archboot ISO to install Arch with COSMIC or run a live session for testing and recovery.

Police seek information in unresolved death of Anne Turner

Hilltown Township police in Bucks County say the investigation into the death of Anne Turner, an elderly woman, remains unresolved, and they are still asking the public for information.

UK reviews claims of “kill switch” fears on Chinese electric buses

UK officials are reviewing concerns that internet-connected Yutong electric buses could be remotely disabled, because modern life apparently cannot resist turning every SIM card into a national security panic button. About 700 Yutong buses operate in the UK, including fleets run by Stagecoach and First Bus, but a Norwegian investigation said it was technically impossible for China to shut them down, and UK authorities say there is no evidence such a feature has ever been used.

Swiss community holds Mass for New Year’s Eve bar fire victims

Mourners gathered for a special Mass to remember the victims of a Swiss bar fire on New Year’s Eve, with tears, embraces, and a community trying to hold itself together.

NYT and Washington Post reportedly withheld details of planned Venezuela raid

The New York Times and The Washington Post reportedly learned shortly before Friday night about a secret U.S. raid in Venezuela, but did not publish in advance to avoid endangering American troops. The choice follows a longstanding newsroom practice of withholding sensitive national security details, even with unusually hostile politics between the White House and major media outlets.

Carew Quarry seeks licence change to discharge dewatering water into mill pond

Plans were submitted to Natural Resources Wales to change an abstraction licence at Carew Quarry so surplus dewatering water can be discharged into the mill pond below Carew Castle. The operator says the current route via a sinkhole is seasonally limited, especially in winter, and wants an additional discharge point using an existing overflow pipe. The application is under review, and park planners have been notified as observers.

Opinion: Use the housing crisis to reform zoning and building restrictions

An opinion piece argues the housing crunch should be used to change policies that keep new home construction frozen, pointing to overly restrictive zoning, cautious lending, and anti-development politics as key culprits.

Rubio says Trump administration is “running” Venezuela direction (live updates)

In live updates, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is “running” the direction Venezuela will take after President Trump said the U.S. would “run” the country until leadership could be transitioned, as lawmakers reacted to the administration’s stance.

Four injured in ambulance crash in Southwest Philadelphia

Officials say four people, including a medic, were hospitalized with minor injuries after an ambulance crashed near Lindbergh Boulevard and South 70th Street in Southwest Philadelphia shortly before 1 a.m. Police have not released further details about how the crash happened or how many vehicles were involved, and the incident remains under investigation.

Snow and Ice Warnings Issued Ahead of Monday Commute

The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings, cautioning that travel could be disrupted on Monday as many people return to work and school after Christmas.

Landmark law that expanded public access to Welsh commons turns 100

This week marks 100 years since Section 193 of the Law of Property Act 1925 took effect on 1 January 1926, creating a legal right for the public to walk and ride on large areas of common land in England and Wales. Won largely through campaigning by the Open Spaces Society, the provision applied to metropolitan and former urban commons—about a third of all commons, roughly half a million acres. In Wales, the Crown Estate later dedicated about 100 square miles for access, including major areas at Pumlumon and Penmaenmawr. Later laws expanded walking rights further, but Section 193’s walking-and-riding rights still stand and were reaffirmed in court in 1998.

Met Office warns of widespread snow, with up to 30cm expected in Scotland

Every area is set for snow as the Met Office issues five weather warnings across the UK, with Scotland forecast to receive up to 30cm and temperatures expected to fall as low as -11C.

County planners approve 1.5 km hydrogen pipeline

Pembrokeshire County Council planners have conditionally approved a 1.5 km, six-inch, 10-bar low-pressure underground hydrogen pipeline and an above-ground installation linking the Impala Terminal in Milford Haven to the South Hook LNG Terminal. The scheme, proposed by Zurich-based MorGen Energy Ltd, supports the wider West Wales Hydrogen project, including a previously approved 20 MW electrolysis-based hydrogen plant at Impala expected to produce about 1,875 tonnes of hydrogen a year. Part of the pipeline route falls under the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, where a separate application is being considered, and South Hook plans to use the hydrogen to help decarbonise site operations by blending it into the gas stream for its vaporisers.

Emma Raducanu withdraws from her first match of 2026 hours before playing

Emma Raducanu withdrew just hours before her scheduled United Cup opener in Perth against Naomi Osaka, citing an ongoing foot problem. Team GB captain Tim Henman said she was close to playing, and Katie Swan replaced her but lost to Osaka. Britain still beat Japan 2-1 after Billy Harris won his singles match and Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls clinched the mixed doubles. Raducanu’s availability for the next tie against Greece remains uncertain.

Tyson Fury Announces Return to Boxing in 2026

Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury says he will return to boxing in 2026, ending his latest period away from the sport.

Protesters Outside the U.S. Embassy in London Chant ‘Shame’ After Nicolás Maduro Is Captured

Demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in London, chanting “shame” in response to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. The protests followed a military operation in Venezuela led by the U.S. president on Saturday.

From Lisbon to Uzbekistan: Micro-retirement destinations attracting Gen Z travellers

Micro-retirements are becoming a popular travel option for budget-conscious Gen Z travellers and millennials who want to take extended breaks to see the world without waiting for traditional retirement age.

Unexpected Wildflower Blooms Raise Concerns About Climate Extremes

Unexpected wildflower blooms are being seen as a visible signal of climate extremes, as experts warn that even slight temperature increases can trigger early flowering in hundreds of wildflower species.

On Jan. 4, Britain administers the first AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine dose

On Jan. 4, 2021, Britain administered the first dose of the AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine to an 82-year-old man.

Famous birthdays on Jan. 4 include Emma Mackey and Dafne Keen

Famous birthdays for Jan. 4 include actor Emma Mackey turning 30 and actor Dafne Keen turning 21.

Doctor explains the gradual, easily missed signs of dangerously high blood sugar

Consultant endocrinologist Dr Franklin Joseph says early type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop slowly and are easily blamed on stress or ageing, delaying diagnosis until blood sugar is dangerously high. He highlights persistent fatigue and brain fog, frequent urination (especially at night), increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, slow-healing cuts, tingling or burning in the feet, recurring thrush, vision changes, and more frequent infections. He advises anyone experiencing several of these signs together to ask their GP for a simple blood test, noting early detection makes type 2 diabetes easier to manage and complications more preventable.

Detained Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrives in New York as the country’s future remains uncertain

Captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrived in New York on Saturday evening after a late-night operation removed him and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence at a military base in Caracas, leaving Venezuela’s political future unclear.

Zelensky suggests the U.S. should seek Putin’s detention after reported raid in Venezuela

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States “knows what to do next” after an overnight operation in Venezuela reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, suggesting similar action could be taken against Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters, Zelensky made the remarks while being questioned about the Venezuela events, which were described as involving U.S. airstrikes on Caracas and the transfer of detainees to U.S. custody. Russia condemned the U.S. actions in Venezuela and called for de-escalation and dialogue.

Entertaining but frustrating: will Harry Brook improve after England’s tour of Australia?

Harry Brook is still delivering moments of brilliance alongside costly errors, leaving England with a mix of excitement and irritation. The big question is whether the hard lessons from the Australia tour will help him tighten up his game and become more consistent.

U.S. captures Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in operation and plans to prosecute them

In a stunning operation, the United States captured Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife and said it plans to prosecute them. Hours after the military action that removed Maduro from power, Donald Trump said the U.S. would temporarily administer Venezuela and draw on the country’s oil reserves.

Canal Collapse Repairs in Shropshire Expected to Take Most of 2026

Repairs to a collapsed section of canal in Shropshire are expected to last through most of 2026, as new aerial footage reveals the full scale of the damage.

Five issues likely to shape Brussels in 2026 and why they matter

“5 things that could shape Brussels in 2026 — and why they matter” looks ahead to a busy year in EU politics, with the “Brussels, My Love?” podcast examining five major issues expected to significantly influence Brussels in 2026.

GLP-1 drugs are quietly remaking Americans’ grocery carts

Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications are linked to noticeable shifts in U.S. household food spending, according to a Journal of Marketing Research study matching GLP-1 user surveys with transaction data. Within six months, grocery spending fell about 5.3% on average (over 8% for higher-income households), and limited-service restaurant spending dropped around 8%. The biggest declines hit ultra-processed, calorie-dense items like savory snacks, sweets, and baked goods, while smaller increases showed up in categories like yogurt and fresh fruit. About one-third of users stopped taking the drugs during the study, and their spending patterns largely snapped back, with purchases becoming slightly less healthy after discontinuation.

Milwaukee County judge resigns as impeachment effort advances

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan resigned on Jan. 3 as an effort to impeach and remove her from the bench moved forward. The resignation comes weeks after a federal jury found her guilty of obstructing federal immigration agents who were seeking to make an arrest outside her courtroom.

Reports: Maduro removed and detained, Trump proposes temporary US administration of Venezuela

After reports of a military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power and led to the detention of him and his wife, Donald Trump said the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela, seek access to the country’s oil reserves, and pursue prosecutions.

Maduro reportedly flown to New York to face criminal charges

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reportedly arrived in the United States after being captured and ousted from power. Senior law enforcement officials said he was taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, after being flown into the city by helicopter.

Venezuelans in Philadelphia react with relief and uncertainty

Venezuelans in Philadelphia described a mix of relief and reflection after reports that Nicolás Maduro was captured, while noting uncertainty about what comes next for Venezuela.

Countries ranked by proven oil reserves at end of 2024

A visualization ranks countries by proven oil reserves as of the end of 2024, showing how concentrated global reserves are. Venezuela leads with about 303 billion barrels, followed by Saudi Arabia with 267 billion and Iran, with Canada and Iraq rounding out the top five. The data emphasizes the continued influence of OPEC and Middle Eastern producers, while noting Canada’s oil-sands-based reserves and oil’s ongoing geopolitical weight despite growing renewables.

Common Lisp gets a new TLS 1.3 implementation to replace OpenSSL dependency

A new TLS 1.3 implementation written entirely in Common Lisp was released as a drop-in replacement for cl+ssl in ocicl, removing the project’s dependency on OpenSSL.

Thousands line up in Delaware to honor slain trooper

Thousands of Delaware residents formed a line more than a mile long on Saturday to pay tribute to Trooper Matthew “Ty” Snook, who was killed on Dec. 23 while working overtime at a Division of Motor Vehicles office.

SpaceX plans to lower 4,400 Starlink satellites to reduce collision risk

SpaceX said it will shift about 4,400 Starlink satellites to a lower orbit this year to reduce collision risk and improve space safety, citing fewer debris objects below 500 kilometers and faster removal if a satellite fails. Starlink engineering vice president Michael Nicholls noted solar-driven atmospheric changes that can affect orbital behavior. SpaceX recently lost contact with one satellite at about 418 kilometers and expects it to reenter within weeks, while coordinating with NASA to monitor it.

Weather: sunshine returns Sunday, but it stays breezy and chilly

AccuWeather forecasts sunshine returning on Sunday, with continued breezy and chilly conditions. Temperatures are expected to stay below average through Monday, with a warming trend arriving midweek.

Philadelphia protesters denounce U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro

Philadelphia protesters condemned U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro as more than 100 people marched from City Hall to a U.S. Armed Forces recruitment center. They called on Congress to reclaim its war-making authority and chanted against U.S. intervention. Demonstrators carried signs opposing “imperialism” and “blood for oil,” while a Venezuelan American organizer described relatives in Caracas feeling bombs shake their building. President Donald Trump said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in New York, and that the U.S. government will “run Venezuela” in the meantime.

How to Make the Return to Work After Christmas Easier

Dreading going back to work after Christmas? Career coaches and workplace leaders share practical ways to reduce anxiety, manage overload, and ease back into routines after the holiday break.

Trump’s Operation to Capture Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro Draws Mixed Reactions From MAGA Figures

An operation ordered by President Donald Trump reportedly led U.S. forces, including elite special operations personnel, to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas on charges including narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. Prominent MAGA-aligned politicians and commentators largely praised the action and criticized Democrats they say were silent about Maduro, while a smaller number raised concerns about talk of the U.S. “running Venezuela” and warned against a broader intervention.

Will MPs and peers agree in 2026 on a plan to repair Parliament?

Will 2026 be the year MPs and peers finally agree on how to repair Parliament? Parliamentarians must soon decide whether to vacate the building so that billions of pounds of essential maintenance can be carried out.

Apollo Lunar Module Thrust Meter Is Restored to Working Condition

A vintage thrust meter from an Apollo lunar module—inspected on September 25, 1969—has been restored and powered up using recovered documentation that includes its pin numbers. The restoration highlights multiple design revisions, including a later relay-and-lamp fail indication for power loss, and shows how separate auto and manual thrust signals with different voltage behaviors added extra logic and wiring complexity. A demonstration also shows the meter’s backlighting once powered.

Trump says the U.S. will administer Venezuela after Maduro is captured

The U.S. military launched early-morning air strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, flying them out of the country to New York, where they could appear before a judge as soon as Monday. President Donald Trump said the United States would run Venezuela temporarily to oversee what he called a safe transition, and he did not rule out deploying ground troops. He also claimed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez had been sworn in, while Rodríguez denounced the operation as an attempted regime change aimed at Venezuela’s resources. The Pentagon said the raid, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” involved more than 150 aircraft and months of planning, and the Justice Department announced drug-related indictments against Maduro and his wife in the Southern District of New York.

How a New U.S.-Led Order Is Taking Shape in Venezuela: Five Keys to Understanding the Military Strikes

Trump’s new world order is taking shape in Venezuela, with U.S. military action and the push to remove Nicolás Maduro framed as a break from the rules-based international system in favor of force, revisionism, and hemispheric security priorities. The analysis highlights five consequences: expanded presidential power through actions taken without congressional or legal approval; a revived “America for the Americans” approach to the region; intensified focus on controlling energy and critical-resource supply chains; a geopolitical shift toward spheres of influence and friend-versus-foe logic; and a waning role for liberal democratic norms, leaving Europe with limited leverage. The operation is also tied to U.S. domestic politics, potentially shaping internal succession battles ahead of the 2028 race.

Efforts by Trump to Oust Maduro Carry Significant Risks, and the Next Steps Are Uncertain

Moves by the Trump administration to remove Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro are described as high-risk, with uncertainty over what comes next—whether the United States will prioritize pushing for elections or continue trying to remove additional figures within the government.

Live updates: Trump says the U.S. will govern Venezuela after Maduro is taken into custody; reactions are deeply divided

President Trump said the United States will “run” Venezuela after U.S. forces carried out a large-scale operation inside the country and took President Nicolás Maduro and his wife into custody early Saturday. Trump said he authorized the operation late Friday, and responses have been sharply divided.

Trump Says Cuba May Become a U.S. Foreign Policy Focus

Trump said Cuba could become a new focus of U.S. foreign policy, calling it a “failing nation,” as Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the administration is preparing a tougher approach toward Havana.

North America Drives the Biggest Increase in Global LNG Exports Since 2022

Global liquefied natural gas exports are on track in 2025 for their largest annual jump since 2022, driven mainly by new North American export capacity, according to Kpler. Canada’s first LNG export terminal, LNG Canada, began shipments midyear, while the Plaquemines LNG facility in Louisiana ramped up volumes. The U.S. is expected to surpass 100 million tons of LNG exports in 2025, with EIA forecasting U.S. exports at 14.9 Bcf/d in 2025 and rising to 16.3 Bcf/d in 2026. More supply is expected from 2026–2030 as additional U.S. projects and Qatar’s North Field expansion come online, even as producers debate whether a near-term glut will give way to stronger longer-term demand.

Trump administration offers few details after claiming it will govern Venezuela

The Trump administration has provided limited details after asserting it will “run” Venezuela, following a sudden operation in which U.S. forces arrested Venezuela’s president and his wife in Caracas and flew them to New York to face criminal charges.

Maduro and Wife Cilia Flores Face Newly Unsealed Indictment After Capture

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been charged in a newly unsealed four-count superseding indictment alleging a conspiracy to import cocaine and other related offenses. The indictment also names other Venezuelan officials and allies, accusing Maduro of using government power to protect and advance large-scale criminal activity, including drug trafficking and links to terrorism, to benefit himself and his network.

Senior Democrat Praises Trump’s Capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro Despite Party Criticism

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida praised President Donald Trump’s reported U.S. military operation that removed and captured Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro, calling it welcome news for Venezuelans in exile while saying Congress should have been informed. Several Democrats criticized the operation as illegal and damaging to U.S. interests, while many Florida Republicans and other local lawmakers supported the action and said Maduro and his wife were taken into U.S. custody to face federal charges.

Interference with the U.S. GPS system has increased sharply

U.S. officials say GPS disruptions have surged, highlighted by incidents that affected 86 aircraft near Denver and 256 around Dallas–Fort Worth, forcing pilots and controllers to rely on backup navigation and, in one case, shut down a runway. Reports from airline operators indicate interference now affects far more flights—rising from roughly 300 per day in early 2024 to about 1,500 per day later in the year, with tens of thousands impacted over a single month—amid conflicts abroad and growing use of jamming and spoofing. The U.S. is deploying newer GPS III satellites and developing stronger, more resilient signals, but upgrades have faced delays and high costs, and officials have not identified who caused the major U.S. airport disruptions.

Foreign Leaders React After Trump Announces Capture and Indictment of Nicolás Maduro

Foreign leaders issued a range of responses after President Donald Trump said the U.S. carried out strikes in Venezuela that led to the capture and removal of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, followed by Attorney General Pam Bondi announcing indictments that include narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy charges. Argentina’s President Javier Milei celebrated the move, while U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer withheld judgment, emphasizing the need to establish facts and protect British nationals. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the EU is monitoring the situation, reiterating that Maduro lacks legitimacy while urging restraint and respect for international law, as Russia condemned the operation as armed aggression and voiced support for Venezuela’s Bolivarian leadership.

What Is Known About the Capture of Nicolás Maduro

Donald Trump says Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken into custody from a house he described as more like a fortress.

New USPS Rule May Make Mail Appear to Arrive Later

The U.S. Postal Service has published a new rule and is advising customers to send important mail earlier than usual, since delivery may seem delayed under the updated guidelines.

U.S. Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

The United States reportedly carried out a major operation early Saturday described as a large strike in Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured and flown out of the country.

Russia’s Navy Has a Battleship-Style Missile Cruiser Program, and It Has Gone Poorly

The proposed U.S. BBG(X) “Trump-class” concept would revive the battleship label for a guided-missile surface combatant starting with USS Defiant, potentially including an option for nuclear-capable cruise missiles. Critics warn it could become a costly, slow, narrowly focused boutique project rather than a transformative answer to China. Russia’s troubled Kirov-class modernization effort is presented as a cautionary example of how ambitious refits can become expensive, delayed, and strategically disappointing.

Linux Audio Quirk Support Is Coming for Dell Panther Lake Laptops

As the first Intel Panther Lake laptops are expected to be shown at CES in Las Vegas next week, Dell models are receiving late-stage Linux updates to handle audio quirks ahead of their upcoming release.

Trump claims US struck Venezuela and captured Maduro

Donald Trump said the United States carried out “large-scale” overnight strikes in Venezuela and claimed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out. Explosions were reported in Caracas around 1:50am local time, with additional attacks cited in Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Venezuela’s government said civilians and military personnel were killed (no figures given), said it did not know Maduro’s whereabouts, and demanded proof of life. US Senator Mike Lee said he was told Maduro would be taken to the US to face criminal charges, as Washington has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and undermining elections.

Starmer says UK not involved, seeks clarity after Venezuela strikes

Keir Starmer responded to reports of “large scale airstrikes” in Venezuela by saying the situation is fast-moving and the facts must be established. He stressed the UK was not involved and said efforts are focused on supporting British nationals in Venezuela via the UK embassy, while he plans to speak with the US President and allies.

Russia condemns US action on Venezuela

The Kremlin said the US has no justification for a military strike, condemned Washington’s actions toward Venezuela as unjustified, urged dialogue to avoid escalation, and argued Venezuela should determine its future without external military interference.

Warnings Trump could face MAGA backlash over intervention

Donald Trump was warned his MAGA base could sour on him after the Venezuela operation, with former UK defence minister Tobias Ellwood saying the move could backfire by rallying Venezuelans around Maduro, fueling international criticism of US double standards, and clashing with MAGA’s generally anti-intervention instincts. He also flagged potential legal and diplomatic fallout, including possible UN action and awkward questions for US allies.

Tenby named one of the UK’s happiest places (by a cottage company)

Tenby in Pembrokeshire ranked fourth in a “happiest places” list based on a survey of 12,000 staycationers by Holidaycottages.co.uk. Respondents praised the harbour, beaches and medieval walls, plus activities like walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, visiting Caldey Island, relaxing on North Beach, and exploring Tenby Castle ruins. St Ives topped the list, followed by Keswick and Whitby.

Pembrokeshire holiday lets cleared for full-time living

Pembrokeshire County Council approved a certificate of lawfulness allowing two holiday lets, Lake and Swallows at Ivy Court Holiday Cottages near Llys Y Fran reservoir, to be used as permanent homes. Planning permission granted in 1978 allowed holiday accommodation but imposed no conditions restricting short-term occupancy, so a switch to full-time residential use does not require a new planning application.

London snow watch as cold snap continues

The Met Office’s latest January forecast set out when London may see snow again during the ongoing cold snap, as the UK Health Security Agency issued an amber cold-health alert for London and much of England.

England’s Ashes problem, Ben Stokes cannot do it alone

After England’s Ashes defeat in Australia, Ben Stokes has often looked like the lone driving force. England will need more team-mates to lift their performances and share the burden.

New Year “new you” culture, not built for real life

A commentary argues that January self-improvement culture pushes a one-size-fits-all idea of body and mind, sidelining disability, chronic illness and mental health. It questions slogans like “push through the pain” and suggests survival and continuity can matter more than constant reinvention. Instead of chasing resolutions, it advocates routine, rest, connection and acceptance.

Officer found to have committed misconduct over handling of a mushroom foraging report

Former PC Christopher Vickers was found to have committed gross misconduct over how he issued and recorded a community resolution report linked to a mushroom foraging incident.

Two dead and one missing after coastal search

Two people have died, and emergency services, including HM Coastguard, have resumed efforts to find a third person missing along the coast.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35s reportedly destroy Venezuelan Air Force aircraft

Local reports say U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighter jets carried out precision strikes on Venezuelan air bases, destroying Venezuelan Air Force aircraft. The attacks were reported to have followed missile strikes on sites hosting long-range air defense systems, including the S-300V.

Venezuela’s government accuses the U.S. of attacks on civilian and military sites in multiple states

Venezuela’s government said the United States attacked civilian and military installations in multiple states after at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported around 2 a.m. Saturday in Caracas. Smoke was seen rising from a military base hangar, another installation reportedly lost power, and residents described the ground shaking as people rushed into the streets. The Pentagon and White House did not immediately respond, and Venezuelan state television did not break programming. The reports come amid recent U.S. operations against alleged drug-smuggling boats and as Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an anti-trafficking agreement with the U.S.

Trump Authorized U.S. Military Strikes in Venezuela

President Donald Trump approved U.S. military land strikes in Venezuela several days before the operation was carried out, according to two U.S. officials who spoke anonymously to CBS News about national security matters.

Venezuela Accuses the United States of Attacks on Civilian and Military Sites Across Several States

Venezuela’s government says the United States attacked civilian and military installations in multiple states after at least seven explosions were reported and low-flying aircraft were heard over Caracas.

Reports Say U.S. Marines Struck Venezuela Defense Minister’s Residence in Caracas

Reports claim the U.S. Marine Corps targeted the Caracas residence of Venezuela’s defense minister, Vladimir Padrino López, during air strikes on Friday. The reported strike occurred amid ongoing U.S. air operations over the capital, with multiple military and government-linked locations said to be under attack.

U.S. strikes disrupt Venezuelan military command and control in Caracas

Local reports say the United States conducted precision strikes on Friday against Venezuelan military command, control, and communications facilities in Caracas and nearby hills, disrupting coordination of the country’s air and ground defenses.

Russian strike on Kharkiv kills at least two and injures many

A Russian strike on Ukraine’s Kharkiv killed at least two people and injured scores. Authorities reported the body of a three-year-old boy was recovered from the rubble of a destroyed apartment building after the attack.

United States Conducts Missile and Air Strikes in Venezuela

The United States launched missile and air strikes on Friday targeting Caracas and nearby areas, according to officials and regional statements. Reported targets included Venezuelan air defense systems, an airport near the capital, military aircraft, and government facilities linked to the country’s leadership.

Brent road closures in January as streets in Wembley and Willesden face months-long shutdowns

Brent will see road closures in January, with streets in Wembley and Willesden set to shut for several months. Abbey Road in Park Royal, which has been closed since July last year, is scheduled to reopen.

QNX Releases a New Desktop Image: QNX 8.0 Running Xfce on Wayland

QNX has introduced a new desktop-focused QNX 8.0 image that runs the Xfce desktop on Wayland and includes development tools for self-hosted builds, aiming to make onboarding easier and Linux app and library porting simpler. The release currently comes as a QEMU image intended to run on Ubuntu, with an x86 image for real hardware planned for the coming months. It replaces the long-stagnant Photon microGUI approach, but access is still gated by licensing and sign-up requirements, and there’s skepticism given past hobbyist-facing QNX efforts that were later abandoned.

AccuWeather: Cold weather continues through the weekend in the Philadelphia area

AccuWeather reports below-average temperatures will persist across the Philadelphia region through the first weekend of 2026, with a return to milder conditions expected later next week.

UK museums restrict access to some artefacts to follow cultural protocols

Manchester Museum has removed certain sculptures and ritual objects from general display to follow cultural restrictions attached to them, including Vai wooden figures intended to be viewed only by women. The museum says access is provided through agreed protocols, and other items kept in storage include sacred objects linked to the Sioux, the Ogoni, and Australian Indigenous traditions. Similar steps have been taken elsewhere, including National Museums Liverpool withdrawing a Native American rattle from display, and other UK museums limiting public viewing of culturally sensitive items and images.

Caretaker charged with repeatedly striking a disabled resident with a cable

A caretaker at an assisted-living home in Chester County has been charged after allegedly hitting a non-verbal resident with disabilities multiple times using a cable.

Community event to honor fallen Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook

Community members and local organizations will gather at a special event to honor Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook.

China Ends Tax Exemption for Contraceptives to Encourage Higher Birth Rates

To address China’s declining birth rate, Beijing ended a decades-old tax exemption on contraceptives, applying a 13% value-added tax to items such as condoms and birth control pills starting Jan. 1. The change follows three straight years of falling births and comes alongside other government efforts to promote marriage and childbearing, while high living costs, job uncertainty, and a slowing economy continue to discourage many young people from starting families.

Protests in Iran Reflect Growing Demands for Political Change

ALIREZA JAFARZADEH’s piece, Protests In Iran Signal Change, argues that recent unrest across Iran, sparked by currency collapse, inflation, and corruption, has shifted into a broad political movement rejecting both the current clerical leadership and any return to past dictatorship. It cites repeated nationwide uprisings since 2017, severe crackdowns including mass killings, arrests, and a surge in executions, and renewed strikes and demonstrations centered in cities, universities, and bazaars. The piece says protesters are calling for a democratic, secular republic with equal rights, and urges the international community to end policies that legitimize repression and to support Iranians’ aspirations through political and moral pressure rather than military action.

Curtis Sliwa Defends Zohran Mamdani, Calls His Meeting With Trump a Performance

Former New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa said he supports Mayor Zohran Mamdani ahead of his swearing-in, but dismissed Mamdani’s recent meeting with President Trump as a staged “love-fest,” arguing both men were essentially acting. Sliwa made the comments in a Wall Street Journal interview on Monday.