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Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in Tense Manhattan Arraignment

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty Monday in a contentious federal court appearance in Manhattan, where Maduro claimed he had been kidnapped and was being held as a “prisoner of war.” Appearing in jail uniforms and shackles, the couple rejected sweeping U.S. charges that span more than 25 years, including narco-terrorism and weapons conspiracies. Outside the courthouse, dueling groups of supporters and critics clashed as prosecutors described a massive volume of evidence still to come.

Critics Choice Awards Kick Off Awards Season With Big Wins and Bigger Moments

Awards season officially began in Santa Monica as the Critics Choice Awards handed top honors to One Battle After Another and Adolescence, while Timothée Chalamet, Jimmy Kimmel, and Paul Thomas Anderson delivered standout moments. Hosted by Chelsea Handler at the Barker Hangar, the ceremony mixed surprise wins, emotional speeches, and clear Oscar signals, reinforcing Critics Choice’s reputation as one of the most accurate awards predictors.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Withdraws From 2026 Re-Election Race

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Monday that he is ending his bid for a third term, citing mounting political strain and ongoing federal investigations that have made it difficult to balance campaigning with governing. With less than 10 months until the 2026 election, Walz said he wants to focus fully on his responsibilities as governor as scrutiny continues over alleged misuse of federal funds tied to childcare and other state programs. His exit opens the door to a competitive Democratic primary, with several high-profile Minnesota officials now being discussed as potential successors.

Dentist and Wife Fatally Shot Inside Ohio Home; Suspect Still at Large

A Columbus dentist and his wife were found fatally shot inside their Weinland Park home after multiple 911 calls prompted a welfare check, police said. The couple’s two young children were discovered inside the home unharmed. Authorities have ruled out a murder suicide and say no suspect has been identified as detectives work to reconstruct the couple’s final hours. Police recovered spent 9mm shell casings at the scene and confirmed the investigation remains active.

Mayor Says City Hall Menorah Vandalism Was Not a Hate Crime

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said there is no indication that the destruction of a historic menorah during a New Year’s Day break-in at City Hall was a hate crime, though she called the incident deeply disturbing. A suspect has been arrested after allegedly smashing windows, damaging equipment, and destroying the menorah on loan to the city for the holidays. Bass said she has ordered a full review of City Hall security as the suspect awaits charges pending a mental health evaluation.

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