Venezuela arrests two Americans, five
other 'mercenaries'
Posted By: sunset, 1/8/2025 5:55:39 AM
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday announced the arrest of seven foreigners -- including two Americans -- whom he accused of being "mercenaries" trying to prevent him from being sworn-in for another six years in power. Maduro said the Americans, two Colombian "hitmen" and three "mercenaries" from the war in Ukraine were involved in plotting unspecified "terrorist acts" ahead of his planned inauguration Friday. "I am sure that in the next few hours they will confess," Maduro said in a broadcast on state television, before declaring a mass deployment of police and military across the country.
people like this.
people like this.
people like this.
people like this.
people like this.
people like this.
people like this.
Below, you will find ...
Most Recent Articles posted by "sunset"
and
Most Active Articles (last 48 hours)
Most Recent Articles posted by
sunset"
Attorneys for Boulder have appealed a judge’s finding that the city cannot charge fees for police video footage requested under a 2020 Colorado law passed in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.
The appeal, which was expected, may take months to work its way through the Colorado Court of Appeals. But it could have implications for when, if, and how the city can charge fees for future police footage requests.
Last April, local publication Yellow Scene Magazine sued the city for not promptly releasing unedited police video footage from a Dec. 17, 2023, police shooting. On that day, officers shot and killed Jeanette Alatorre, 51, near the North Boulder Recreation Center,
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday announced the arrest of seven foreigners -- including two Americans -- whom he accused of being "mercenaries" trying to prevent him from being sworn-in for another six years in power. Maduro said the Americans, two Colombian "hitmen" and three "mercenaries" from the war in Ukraine were involved in plotting unspecified "terrorist acts" ahead of his planned inauguration Friday. "I am sure that in the next few hours they will confess," Maduro said in a broadcast on state television, before declaring a mass deployment of police and military across the country.
French politician Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the National Front far-right party, has died at the age of 96. In a statement to AFP, his family said he had died in the Paris region. "Jean-Marie Le Pen, surrounded by his family, was called to God this Tuesday at 12:00." During his career, Le Pen carved out a position in French politics and society as one of its most infamous politicians, who found support among voters for his rhetoric. With the ascent of his daughter Marine Le Pen, with whom he had several deep political disagreements, he introduced a political dynasty into French politics.
Labour was last night accused of plotting a shameless bid to 'rig' the next election by sweeping away laws to prevent voter fraud and allowing millions of foreign nationals to vote.
Speculation is mounting in Westminster that ministers are drawing up radical reforms that will dramatically overhaul the way elections are held – and potentially 'lock in' a Labour Party majority.
The Government is already planning to extend the right to vote to 16 and 17-year-olds, with legislation expected later this year.
Iran warns Italy that bilateral ties at
risk if it bows to 'hostile' US demands
over drone suspect 3 replies
risk if it bows to 'hostile' US demands
over drone suspect 3 replies
Iran warned Italy on Friday that it risked harming good bilateral relations if it bows to the “political and hostile goals” of the United States by detaining an Iranian engineer on a U.S. warrant in connection with a drone attack in Jordan last year that killed three American troops.
Tehran issued the warning to the Italian ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei, who was summoned to the foreign ministry, the official IRNA news agency reported. The meeting took place a day after Italy summoned the Iranian ambassador over the detention of an Italian journalist in Tehran.
Psychedelic therapy begins in Colorado,
causing tension between conservatives
and veterans 11 replies
causing tension between conservatives
and veterans 11 replies
As Colorado becomes the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy this week, a clash is playing out in Colorado Springs, where conservative leaders are restricting the treatment over objections from some of the city's 90,000 veterans, who've become flagbearers for psychedelic therapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Colorado residents voted to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the chemical compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, in a 2022 ballot measure, launching two years of rulemaking before it could be used to treat conditions such as depression and PTSD. This week, companies and people will be able to apply for licenses to administer the mind-altering drug,
Elon Calms Down: Musk Calls for ‘Major
Reform’ of ‘Broken’ H-1B Visa System
Despite Fiery Defense 15 replies
Reform’ of ‘Broken’ H-1B Visa System
Despite Fiery Defense 15 replies
Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk has shifted his stance on the H-1B visa program, now calling for a “major reform” of the system just days after vowing to “go to war” in a fiery defense of the immigration program.
In a surprising reversal, Elon Musk has labeled the H-1B visa system as “broken” on Sunday and said it needs significant changes, despite loudly defending the program which allows skilled foreign workers to be employed in the U.S. The Tesla chief had clashed with supporters of former President Donald Trump in recent days over the issue of H-1B visas and immigration.
Ukraine became one of the first countries to pay a high-level visit to Syria after the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime. A delegation headed by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha went to Damascus. He met with former rebels and the leadership of the transitional Syrian administration now - its leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaybani. “Syria is a very important Middle Eastern country... It is key to the security situation in the region. Furthermore, we have a common enemy with Syria - the Iranian regime. And the new Syrian leadership is quite unambiguous in articulating this position."
The doomed South Korea flight was warned of a bird strike before making an emergency landing and exploding into a fireball that killed 179 people. The Jeju Air flight carrying 175 passengers and six crew members was returning from Thailand's capital Bangkok when the horror unfolded at Muan International Airport in South Korea. South Korea's Transport Ministry has today confirmed that the control tower had sent a warning message that the ill-fated aircraft had suffered a bird strike before the deadly disaster.
Germany will join the list of countries headed to the polls next year.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a speech on Friday that he had dissolved the country’s parliament and a snap election would take place in February.
“I have decided to dissolve the 20th German Bundestag to fix the date for an early election for February 23rd,” he said, adding that “political stability in Germany is a precious asset.”
“It is precisely in difficult times like these that stability requires a government capable of taking action and a reliable majority in parliament,” he continued. “Therefore, I am convinced that for the good of our country, new elections are the right way.”
If North Korea’s elite troops were expecting an easy campaign against Ukrainian forces entrenched in Russia’s Kursk region, they faced a harsh reality on the ground.
About 1,100 North Korean special forces have been killed or injured in Russia since entering the fray against Ukraine a few weeks ago, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported on December 19. A general was reportedly among those killed. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, though, doesn’t seem to be fazed by the rapid losses. The authoritarian leader is reportedly doubling down in his support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in exchange for critical supplies of oil, cash, and military technology.
A Georgia homeowner was arrested and charged with criminal trespass after attempting to move back into her home, which was being occupied by an alleged squatter.
'I spent the night on a mat on a concrete floor in deplorable conditions. While this woman, this squatter slept in my home,' Loletha Hale told WSB-TV Atlanta.
On December 9, Clayton County police and Sheriff's deputies were called to the home on Livingston Drive after Hale tried to regain access. A deputy, captured on body camera footage, advised Hale to consider the alleged squatter's perspective.
'Just think of it from this perspective, though. Everybody isn't as fortunate as you
Most Active Articles (last 48 hours)
Frigid air that normally stays trapped in the Arctic has escaped, plunging deep into the United States for an extended visit that is expected to provoke teeth-chattering but not be record-shattering.
It’s a cold air outbreak that some experts say is happening more frequently, and paradoxically, because of a warming world.(snip) “There’s a climate change signal in that,” Francis said.
The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the world, which means the difference between temperatures up north and down south are shrinking, Francis said. Arctic sea ice is shrinking,
American Voters Sharply Split Over Trump’s
Proposed Transgender Ban In Military:
I&I/TIPP Poll 39 replies
Proposed Transgender Ban In Military:
I&I/TIPP Poll 39 replies
Among President Trump’s promises during the 2024 campaign was to “medically discharge” transgender men and women from the U.S. military. But would Americans support such a move? A plurality of voters say no, revealing a deep political split over the issue, the latest I&I/TIPP Poll shows.
While no specific proposal has yet actually been put forward, the national online I&I/TIPP Poll asked this question: “News reports suggest President-elect Trump is considering an executive order to discharge all transgender service members and ban future enlistments, potentially affecting 15,000 active personnel. Do you support or oppose this plan?”
What some see as a shot across the bow aimed at President-elect Donald Trump, Pope Francis announced Monday that left-wing Cardinal Robert McElroy of the Diocese of San Diego would be the next archbishop of Washington.
McElroy, 70, will succeed the retiring archbishop, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, 77, who shepherded the more than 600,000 Catholics who live in the nation’s capital region.
Gregory has not been afraid to oppose abortion in the public square, but angered some Catholics with his restriction on the traditional Latin Mass.
Liz ‘Pocahontas’ Warren Pens 33-Page
Letter Ranting at Pete Hegseth, Defending
Military Wokeness 32 replies
Letter Ranting at Pete Hegseth, Defending
Military Wokeness 32 replies
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on Monday sent a 33-page rant to Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth defending the Biden administration’s woke policies in the military and expressing concern that he would reverse them if confirmed.
In a letter sent to Hegseth on Tuesday and made public, Warren — who lied on teaching applications about her race — expressed concerns about Hegseth’s views opposing Marxist-based diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and wokeness in the military, and concern that he would actually implement President-elect Donald Trump’s policies at the Pentagon.
Karen Pence refused to acknowledge President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trumpas they arrived at the Washington National Cathedral Thursday for the funeral of President Jimmy Carter. The former second lady was seated next to her husband, former Vice President Mike Pence, and remained seated as the Trumps arrived.
She made no effort to shake hands with Melania Trump, who she worked hand-in-hand with when their husbands were in office during Trump's first term. Mike Pence shook hands with Donald Trump after former Vice President Al Gore did the same. It was their first public interaction since 2021. Karen Pence remained seated, looking forward, the whole time.
As wildfires ravage Southern California, homeowners in Pacific Palisades find themselves grappling with an unbearable reality: their homes are burning, and their insurance policies—once their safety net—were canceled just months ago by State Farm.
In a move justified by the company as a strategy to avoid “financial failure,” State Farm canceled over 72,000 homeowners’ policies statewide, with Pacific Palisades—a now-charred affluent neighborhood—bearing a significant brunt.
James Woods, a renowned actor and Pacific Palisades resident, summed up the community’s frustration on social media.
“Actually, one of the major insurance companies canceled all the policies in our neighborhood about four months ago,” he wrote.
Is Rachel Maddow Just Plain Stupid?
30 replies
The Left’s high priestess of political drama has spoken again. Her recent diatribe regarding all things January 6 is a master class in projection, denial, lack of self-awareness, and gaslighting.
Let’s go to the tape:
So, today, January 6, the certification of the last presidential election happened in Washington, and it just happened ministerially and ceremonially, like it's supposed to. And that contrast with what happened today versus what happened four years ago makes clear the profound difference
President-elect Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that he would rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.”
Trump revealed his vision for rebranding the gulf during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. (X Video) “We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America,” Trump announced.
“The Gulf of America; what a beautiful name, and it’s appropriate,” Trump added. “And Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country.” Trump’s announcement comes as he has recently focused on nearby territories and the U.S.-constructed Panama Canal.
Los Angeles' budget is in the spotlight as multiple wildfires rage around the city amid revelations that Mayor Karen Bass slashed the fire department's budget last year while prioritizing spending on the city's homeless population.
For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Los Angeles budgeted $837 million for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), which was roughly 65% the size of the homeless budget of $1.3 billion. An analysis by L.A.'s city comptroller last year found that roughly half the budget for homelessness went unspent.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Calls Out Fellow
Democrats for Being ‘Too Reflexively Anti-Republican’ 26 replies
Democrats for Being ‘Too Reflexively Anti-Republican’ 26 replies
New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined a growing number of Democrats who are seeking to work as much as possible with President-elect Donald Trump in his second term.
Ocasio-Cortez, who belongs to the progressive faction of her party in Congress, said in remarks to Punchbowl News on Wednesday that she will support policies from Trump that align with her beliefs.
“The reason why I think oftentimes Democrats occasionally lose elections is because we’re too reflexively anti-Republican, and that we don’t lean into an ambitious vision for working-class Americans strongly enough,” she told the outlet.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is blaming the raging California wildfires on climate change.
“80,000 people told to evacuate. Blazes 0% contained. Eight months since the area has seen rain. The scale of damage and loss is unimaginable,” the senator began before blaming the devastation not on poor fire management but on climate change. “Climate change is real, not ‘a hoax,'” he said, demanding President-elect Donald Trump to “treat this like the existential crisis it is.” (X)
Sanders made no mention of the fact that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) — who was not in LA but on a trip to Ghana
Elon Musk took yet another jab at Justin Trudeau after the disgraced Canadian Prime Minister tried to take a final stand against President-elect Donald Trump's rhetoric suggesting the United States could absorb the Great White North. Last month, Trump kicked off the entire controversy when he slammed Trudeau for bristling at his potential tariff threat to persuade northern leaders to tighten border security.
Trump joked, "If Canada can't survive without ripping off the US to the tune of $100 billion a year, then maybe Canada should become the 51st state, and Trudeau could become its governor."
Since that point, the 47th President has consistently chided Trudeau on social media.