Rubio says US will press change in Venezuela with oil embargo, while Trump insists 'we're in charge'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio is suggesting the United States won’t govern Venezuela other than enforcing an existing “oil quarantine” on the country. That's even as President Donald Trump again insisted Sunday that the U.S. would be running Venezuela following its ouster of President Nicolás Maduro. Rubio’s statements seemed designed to temper concerns about whether the assertive American action to achieve regime change might again produce a prolonged foreign intervention. But Rubio’s comments didn’t stop Trump from again repeating his less nuanced position on Sunday night, saying that, when it came to Venezuela, “we’re going to run everything.” Meanwhile, interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez invited Trump “to collaborate” and said she's seeking “respectful relations.”
The Latest: Rubio suggests US won't run Venezuela day-to-day
Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the United States would not take a day-to-day role in governing Venezuela, a turnaround after President Donald Trump announced a day earlier that the U.S. would be running Venezuela following its ouster of leader Nicolás Maduro. Rubio’s statements on TV talk shows seemed designed to temper concerns about whether the assertive American action to achieve regime change might again produce a prolonged foreign intervention or failed attempt at nation-building. They stood in contrast to Trump’s broad but vague claims that the U.S. would at least temporarily “run” the oil-rich nation. Meanwhile, a tense calm hangs over Venezuela.
Maduro’s case will revive a legal debate over immunity for foreign leaders tested in Noriega trial
MIAMI (AP) — When Nicolás Maduro appears in a New York courtroom to face U.S. drug charges, he'll be following a path taken by Panama's Manuel Noriega, another strongman who was toppled by American forces. As was the case with Noriega, lawyers for Maduro are expected to challenge his arrest by claiming sovereign immunity. That's a bedrock principal of international and U.S. law. But legal experts say that argument is unlikely to succeed because the U.S. doesn't recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. They say courts are likely to allow the prosecution to proceed despite broader constitutional questions about the U.S. military action that led to his capture.
After Maduro, who's next? Trump spurs speculation about his plans for Greenland, Cuba and Colombia
WASHINGTON (AP) — A day after the ouster of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump is renewing his calls for an American takeover of the Danish territory of Greenland and is threatening Colombia with military action over its drug trade. Meanwhile, his top diplomat on Sunday declared the communist government in Cuba is “in a lot of trouble.” The comments from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscore the administration is serious about taking a more expansive U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere. With thinly veiled threats in the aftermath of the Venezuela operation, Trump is rattling hemispheric friends and foes alike, spurring a pointed question around the globe: Who’s next?
Hundreds march in silence to honor victims of Swiss bar fire that left 40 dead
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — Hundreds marched in silence to honor victims of the New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The fire left 40 dead and many injured. Mourners attended a Mass on Sunday at Chapelle Saint-Christophe before marching to Le Constellation bar. The crowd stood in silence, some weeping, and then applauded as flowers were placed at a makeshift memorial. By Sunday evening, Swiss authorities had identified all of the 40 fatalities. A criminal investigation of the bar managers is underway. Authorities believe sparkling candles ignited the fire. Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced a national day of mourning for Jan. 9.
Rain continues in parts of California reeling from flooding and high tides
CORTE MADERA, Calif. (AP) — Crews cleared mud from key California highways as forecasters warned that more thunderstorms were on the way after downpours and high tides caused flooding, prompting road closures and rescues of people trapped in cars. Northern counties remained under a flood watch, with up to three inches of rain possible through Monday night in areas that have been drenched off and on since around Christmas. To the south near the San Francisco Bay Area, waters were slowly receding after roadways were flooded during heavy rain that coincided with record-breaking “King Tides.” While the tides were waning, lingering thunderstorms on Sunday could cause additional problems throughout low-lying areas.
Officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 say their struggles linger, 5 years after the riot
WASHINGTON (AP) — Five years after the Capitol riot, some of the police officers who fought off the rioters that day say they're still struggling with what happened. And that's especially the case since Donald Trump was elected to a second term last year and pardoned about 1,500 people who'd been convicted for their actions at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Several police officers who fought the rioters said in Associated Press interviews that the hardest thing to deal with has been that many people are playing down the violence from that day, or they're ignoring it or claiming it didn’t happen. That's despite a massive collection of video and photographic evidence documenting the violence.
International aid groups grapple with what Israel's ban will mean for their work in Gaza
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel has revoked the licenses of more than three dozen humanitarian organizations, and now those groups are grappling with how that will affect aid operations in Gaza. This decision affects groups like Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam, which provide essential services such as medical care and shelter. The ban, effective March 1, prevents these groups from bringing supplies or international staff into Gaza. Israel says the new rules aim to prevent militant infiltration. Aid groups argue the requirements endanger staff and hinder operations. The United Nations and NGOs warn that the remaining licensed organizations cannot meet Gaza's needs, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Gunmen kill at least 30 villagers and abduct others during raid in northern Nigeria
MINNA, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen have killed at least 30 villagers and abducted several others in northern Nigeria’s Niger state, according to police. The attack occurred Saturday evening when the gunmen stormed Kasuwan-Daji village, opening fire on residents and burning down the local market and houses. Some residents report the death toll could be higher, with people still missing as of Sunday. They also claim security forces have not yet arrived, despite police statements. Such attacks are common in Nigeria, where rogue gangs often target remote communities. The attackers reportedly came from a forest reserve, a known hideout for armed gangs.
Falcons beat Saints 19-17 to hand division title to Panthers. Atlanta fires coach and GM hours later
ATLANTA (AP) — Dee Alford’s red-zone interception stopped a potential go-ahead drive by New Orleans, and the Atlanta Falcons beat the Saints 19-17 to give the NFC South title to the Carolina Panthers. By closing the season with four consecutive wins, the Falcons finished in a three-way tie with Carolina and Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South. The Panthers won the tiebreaker between the three 8-9 teams with the best record within the division. The Falcons completed a season sweep of the Saints, who had their four-game winning streak end. Hours after the game ended, the Falcons fired coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
