US conducts military strike in Venezuela and captures President Nicolás Maduro
President Donald Trump announced that the United States carried out a large-scale military strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro, who was flown out of the country. The Venezuelan government accused the US of grave military aggression, with explosions reported in Caracas and surrounding areas.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Deadly fire kills 40 people at Swiss Alpine bar during New Year celebrations
A devastating fire at a bar in the Swiss Alps killed 40 people during New Year's celebrations, with several injured victims remaining unidentified. Survivors and authorities have spoken publicly about the tragedy that has deeply affected the community.
Sources: AP News
Trump orders divestment of $2.9 million computer chips deal over security concerns
President Donald Trump ordered the unraveling of a $2.9 million computer chips deal, concluding that the technology posed a threat to US security interests if the current owner, HieFo Corp., remained in control.
Sources: AP News
Iran protests escalate as Trump threatens intervention and Iran warns US to stay out
Protests continue across Iran over economic issues and currency collapse, with at least seven people killed. President Trump threatened to 'rescue' protesters if Iran violently suppresses them, while Iranian officials warned the US against intervention and threatened American bases in the region.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Tesla loses title as world's biggest electric vehicle maker as sales decline
Sources: AP News
FBI disrupts New Year's Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State group
Sources: AP News
George Clooney granted French citizenship, sparking renewed feud with Trump
France granted citizenship to George Clooney, his wife Amal, and their twins, citing their contributions to French cultural influence. President Trump criticized Clooney as a 'mediocre' actor and 'worst political prognosticator,' reigniting their long-standing public feud.
Sources: NPR
Yemen separatists announce constitution for independent southern state
Yemen's Southern Transitional Council announced a constitution for an independent southern state, escalating tensions in the country's civil war. Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes against separatist positions, threatening to further fragment the coalition fighting Houthi rebels.
Sources: AP News, NPR
Department of Homeland Security pauses immigration applications from 20 additional countries
The Department of Homeland Security paused immigration applications from 20 additional countries, mostly in Africa, citing national security concerns and high overstay rates. The move expands existing travel restrictions and includes re-reviewing applications dating back to 2021.
Sources: NPR
Brain organoid research advances raise ethical concerns about consciousness and regulation
Scientists, ethicists, and advocates met to discuss the ethical implications of brain organoid research, including questions about consciousness, pain perception, and appropriate regulation. While organoids help study neurological disorders, their use in animals and potential for complex neural networks raises significant ethical questions.
Sources: NPR