Venezuela briefings

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January 7, 2026

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Further Venezuela briefings expected in Congress as concern mounts

Congressional briefing: Top Trump administration officials will brief both chambers of Congress this morning on the ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, a source confirmed to NewsNation. The latest >

Venezuela: As Trump celebrates the show of military might and the billions of barrels of sanctioned oil it secured, Democrats are voicing concern about his plans to "run" Venezuela. Republicans have broadly supported the administration's moves. Details >

Injured troops: The Pentagon confirmed two servicemembers are still recovering from injuries sustained in the operation, adding that five others suffered injuries but have since returned to duty. What to know >

Who's next? Trump has touted the operation as a starting point for other international moves. He suggested he may take similar action in Cuba, Mexico, Colombia and Greenland. Read more: Danish PM says Greenland takeover would mark end of NATO >

Denmark and Greenland seek talks with Rubio >

Cartel de los Soles: What to know about group connected to Maduro >

Trump: Venezuela to turn over 30-50M barrels of oil to US >

Palisades residents demand answers, one year after deadly fire

Burn scars: Survivors are marking one year since California's Palisades Fire with construction, protest posters and litigation. The wildfire left 12 dead, nearly 7,000 structures destroyed, and an estimated $18-20 billion in damage. The latest >

Rebuilding: More than 1,400 building plans have been approved. Many homes are actively under construction in the area, but most lots are still empty. An estimated 70% of displaced residents can't return. Why the recovery may stretch on for decades >

'They let us burn': Protest signs have been placed in the Palisades neighborhood by a resident group called "They Let Us Burn," which plans to gather this morning. Organizers blame Gov. Gavin Newsom, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and other agencies for the fire and its aftermath. Details >

Today, in court: A motion hearing is scheduled for Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting the fire. Drone video shows smoke over site of Palisades Fire days before blaze >

Palisades Fire families file wrongful death lawsuits against LA, California >

Pacific Palisades Fire survivors rebuild with 'hope' >

Palisades Fire started in 'avoidance' area where firefighting was restricted: Docs >

Lone person of interest on video could aid investigators in case of slain Ohio couple, FBI agent says

Mysterious deaths: Veteran FBI special agent Bobby Chacon told "Banfield" that video of one person on the street, who was out in freezing temperatures just hours before the deaths of Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique, could help investigators solve the case. Video >

Orphaned: The Tepes were killed in their home, north of Columbus, on Dec. 30, while their two young children were left unharmed. There was no sign of forced entry or a weapon found at the scene. Loved ones called the loss "unbelievable and shocking." The latest >

RFK Jr. wants to end 'war on saturated fats' with new dietary guidelines

New guidelines: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to release new dietary guidelines today. While specifics of the announcement have remained under wraps, Kennedy may push for Americans to eat more saturated fats. The latest >

Diet: Saturated fats usually remain solid at room temperature, like butter or cheese. Kennedy said "ending the war on saturated fats" will "revolutionize the food system." The American Heart Association recommends that saturated fats make up less than 6% of a healthy diet. Details >

Funding bill excludes controversial pesticide provision hated by MAHA >

Wegovy weight-loss pill now available in US >

Rep. Jim Jordan says he'll only back ACA subsidies with broader reforms >

Flu cases surge to 25-year high as vaccination rates drop

Record highs: Flu cases are surging nationwide with the U.S. experiencing its highest rate of cases in at least 25 years, the CDC reports. New York is leading the nation in hospitalizations. Why doctors warn the worst may still be ahead >

'Super flu': The surge of flu cases is partly due to a specific variant, better known as the "super flu." Doctors say people are much more susceptible to it because the virus can evade some of the protection from this year's flu shot. What to know >

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

Nick Reiner, charged with killing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, will be arraigned.
Trump will sign executive orders at the White House.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Cabinet officials hold a press briefing.

Travis Decker was pronounced dead five months ago in Washington state, but authorities have released new details on how the ex-Army Ranger's remains were found after a monthslong manhunt. How an operational psychologist turned the search around >

The gunman accused of killing two Brown University students and an MIT professor last month in New England said in a video recorded before his death that he didn't "give a damn about how you judge me or what you think of me," according to newly released transcripts. Details >

A new Netflix documentary takes a closer look at convicted Utah child abusers Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke. Bombshells revealed >

Hilton is removing a Minnesota hotel from its reservation system after it refused to allow federal immigration agents to stay there, citing a violation of company policy. The latest >

A man wearing nothing but a tablecloth was caught on camera stealing multiple vehicles in Georgia, authorities said. Video >

Police arrested a Kentucky man for allegedly driving away from a hospital in his ex-girlfriend's car while she was waiting to give birth to their child. The investigation >

A Tennessee university will pay one of its professors $500,000 after initially firing him for a social media post made in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death. What to know >

Wyoming's highest court restored abortion access using a law voters originally passed in 2012 to block the Affordable Care Act. Read more >

A mother accused of throwing alcohol-fueled parties for California high school students was considered to be part of the "popular group," a witness testified. Latest on the 'Party Mom' trial >