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U.S. Senate Votes to Limit Trump's Venezuela War Powers
The U.S. Senate has voted 52–47 to advance a resolution requiring U.S. President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval for further military action in Venezuela, with five Republicans joining all Democrats in support of the measure.
The vote followed a U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a nighttime raid in Caracas, which the Trump administration described as a "military and law-enforcement raid" against a drug kingpin. Congress was not consulted on the action.
President Trump posted on Truth Social after the vote that the five Republican senators who supported the resolution "should never be elected to office again." He also argued that the ballot hampers American self-defense and national security, and claimed the War Powers Act is "unconstitutional."
Pro-Trump narrative
The Venezuela operation falls squarely within the president’s authority to protect U.S. national security and confront transnational crime. Targeting drug trafficking networks tied to Nicolás Maduro’s regime does not constitute war but enforcement against criminal structures operating across borders.
Anti-Trump narrative
The Venezuela operation crossed unmistakably into war without congressional authorization, violating the Constitution. This was not a narrow security or law-enforcement action but an open-ended military intervention executed by executive fiat. When force is used at this scale and for these aims, congressional oversight is not optional but the last remaining constitutional check.
Nerd narrative
There is a 42% chance that the United States will invade Venezuela before Jan. 20, 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Iran Shuts Down Internet Amid Deadly Nationwide Protests
Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday, which continued into Friday, with connectivity plummeting to approximately 1% of ordinary levels, according to internet monitoring organizations NetBlocks and Cloudflare. The shutdown occurred as protests intensified across the country.
Protests erupted again in Tehran and other Iranian cities on Thursday evening following a call by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for mass demonstrations. Videos showed large crowds gathering in multiple locations across the capital and provincial areas. Demonstrations continued Friday after Pahlavi urged more Iranians to join coordinated protests at 8 p.m., marking the 13th consecutive night.
At least 42-65 protesters, including eight minors, have been killed since demonstrations began in late December, according to human rights groups. Iranian state media has reported at least 21 deaths, including security personnel, since the unrest started. More than 2,300 people have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Anti-Iran narrative
Iranian authorities are brutally crushing peaceful protests with live ammunition, teargas and mass arrests, killing dozens of people, including children, while demonstrators demand an end to government corruption and economic devastation. The regime's violent crackdown has only intensified public anger, transforming initial economic grievances into broader calls for political change as the currency collapses and food prices skyrocket.
Pro-Iran narrative
Foreign interference from hostile powers like the U.S. is inciting violence and spreading misinformation to destabilize Iran, exploiting legitimate economic concerns caused primarily by American sanctions. The Constitution protects peaceful protest, and authorities are working within legal frameworks to address demands while defending against external attempts to weaponize demonstrations into terrorism through psychological warfare.
Establishment-critical narrative
Trump's threats to "rescue" Iranian protesters are reckless interventionism that puts the U.S. and Iran on an unnecessary collision course. Decades of American sanctions and attacks have made 70% of Iranians view the U.S. very unfavorably — protesters don't need threats from the government that's tormented them for years. Washington has no right to bomb countries over internal protests, yet Trump's first instinct is always to reach for violence, betraying his antiwar campaign rhetoric.
Nerd narrative
There is 10% chance that, if there is an American AUMF or declaration of war against Iran before 2030, the U.S. will control Tehran within one year, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Venezuela Releases Political Prisoners After Maduro Capture
Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced on Thursday that the government would release a significant number of Venezuelan and foreign political prisoners as a gesture to consolidate peace.
The announcement came five days after a U.S. military operation on Jan. 3 resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were taken to New York to face federal drug trafficking charges.
Among those released were five Spanish citizens, including dual Venezuelan-Spanish citizen Rocío San Miguel, a human rights defender and security analyst who had been detained in February 2024 and accused of participating in a plot to assassinate Maduro.
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump's decisive pressure on Venezuela's new leadership has delivered real results, securing the release of political prisoners and demonstrating that American strength works. The acting government has cooperated with every U.S. demand, proving that maximum influence tactics force authoritarian regimes to bend. This marks the beginning of dismantling Venezuela's repressive system and vindicates the administration's hardline approach.
Establishment-critical narrative
This release is a deft, sovereign act of benevolence by the Venezuelan government to ensure peaceful coexistence in the country. Venezuela is navigating extremely complex geopolitical waters, and this act of goodwill supports greater stability.
Narrative C
It's vital that all of Venezuela's political prisoners are freed — not just a tiny handful. The Venezuelan regime is trying to deceive President Trump and his administration with a symbolic act — the White House must keep up the pressure.
Nerd narrative
There is a 53% chance that there will be a civil war in Venezuela before 2050, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
South Africa Hosts China-Led BRICS Naval Drills
South Africa is hosting a naval exercise named "Will for Peace 2026" from Jan. 9-16 in its territorial waters, led by China and involving navies from BRICS Plus countries. The exercise focuses on the theme "Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities."
Chinese and Iranian warships arrived at Cape Town's naval facilities ahead of the exercise, with Russian vessels also expected to participate. A Chinese destroyer docked at Simons Town naval base on Wednesday, with the Iranian forward base ship IRIS Makran also being sighted near the area.
The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest party and a member of the governing coalition, criticized the exercise and demanded full parliamentary transparency, warning that hosting such drills is a "political choice" that cannot be described as "neutral or non-aligned."
Pro-government narrative
Joint naval exercises among BRICS Plus serve a practical security function by protecting vital maritime trade routes from piracy and terrorism. South Africa is well advised to host and participate in these drills, as they consolidate its role as a credible maritime security actor and a convening power in the Global South. Focused on non-traditional threats, the exercises offer inclusive cooperation across unequal navies while advancing a fairer, less confrontational maritime order.
Government-critical narrative
BRICS naval drills signal a dangerous shift from economic coordination to military alignment, institutionalizing anti-Western security cooperation led by China, Russia and Iran. By hosting them, South Africa abandons non-alignment and risks becoming a pawn in authoritarian power politics. The drills help normalize China’s global naval reach and legitimize Iran's confrontation with the United States, creating a rival security pole that deepens global polarization.
Nerd narrative
There's a 53% chance that there will be a successful coup in Africa or Latin America before March 1, 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
US Federal Agents Injure Two in Portland Shooting
Two people are receiving hospital treatment after being shot by U.S. federal agents in Portland, Oregon on Thursday.
Confirming it was not involved in the initial incident, a statement from the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) said it responded to a report of a shooting involving federal agents at the 10200 block of Southeast Main Street at 2:18 p.m., adding that six minutes later, its officers received information of a male who'd been shot requesting help in the vicinity of Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside.
"Officers responded and found a male and female with apparent gunshot wounds," the statement continued. "Officers applied a tourniquet and summoned emergency medical personnel."
Republican narrative
The shooting in Portland, Oregon took place after a Tren de Aragua gang member weaponized his car and attempted to run down law enforcement after identifying themselves. Furthermore, the individual is an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who is connected to a criminal prostitution ring as well as a recent shooting in Portland. This is the kind of individual the Democrats are fighting to defend.
Democratic narrative
While the city's leadership waits for answers, it is undeniable that the Trump administration's bringing in of militarized agents is breeding a culture of lawlessness and recklessness in American cities, shattering the public's trust. All ICE and DHS operations need to immediately halt their operations in Portland until the events of Thursday are fully accounted for.
Nerd narrative
There is a 50% chance that the average number of noncitizens removed annually from the U.S. for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 will be at least 453,000, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Vance Announces New Fraud Czar
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance announced on Thursday that the Trump administration is establishing a new assistant attorney general (AAG) position focused on investigating fraud, following allegations that billions of dollars of taxpayers' money were defrauded in Minnesota.
Speaking to reporters, Vance clarified that the AAG will have the power, benefits and authority of a special counsel, but will operate out of the White House instead of the Department of Justice (DOJ), as is traditional, under the supervision of himself and U.S. President Donald Trump.
The administration will announce its nomination for the position "in the next few days," with the official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. According to Vance, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has allegedly promised a "swift confirmation."
Republican narrative
Unprecedented levels of organized fraud are robbing hard-working American taxpayers of billions of dollars, while local officials refuse to act. Establishing a DOJ division dedicated to tackling this epidemic will finally hold bad actors accountable and dismantle the criminal networks exploiting social security services nationwide.
Democratic narrative
An AAG along the lines described by Vance would critically undermine the rule of law. By running the position out of the White House rather than the DOJ, the administration is deliberately politicizing prosecutorial powers for its own purposes, which center primarily on targeting its political opposition in Democratic states.
Zelenskyy: At Least 4 Killed and Qatari Embassy Damaged in Russian Attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that at least four people were killed and dozens more were injured after a Russian attack in the early hours of Friday, adding that the Qatari embassy in Kyiv was among the buildings that were damaged.
Zelenskyy said that Russia's attack consisted of 242 drones and 36 missiles, including one Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile — Russia's nuclear-capable hypersonic weapon that was only used in one previous occasion during the war.
Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the use of the Oreshnik missile in a statement, saying it was used in response to a Ukrainian attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region late last month. Zelenskyy denied the allegation. While U.S. President Donald Trump initially said he was "very angry," he has since called the Russian allegation into question.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Russia's attack took place during a particularly cold spell and is intended to disrupt the lives of civilians and ordinary people as much as possible. A clear reaction from the world is needed, telling Putin that he needs to engage with diplomacy instead of continuing with his campaign of destruction and terror. These latest strikes should also serve as a stark reminder to Ukraine's partners for the country's needs for missile defenses.
Pro-Russia narrative
The Oreshnik missile was used by Russia's Defense Ministry in response to the terror attack by the Kyiv regime on Putin's residence on Dec. 29. Criminal actions such as these will always be met with a fierce response from Russia. This time was no different, and Russia was successful in striking Ukrainian energy sites — as well as a number of sites used for drone and weapons manufacture.
Nerd narrative
There's a 20% chance that there will be a large-scale armed conflict in Russia before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
House Passes 3-Year ACA Subsidy Extension Despite GOP Split
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday extended enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for three years by a vote of 230-196, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats despite opposition from Speaker Mike Johnson.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the three-year extension would increase the federal deficit by approximately $80.6 billion over a decade while expanding health insurance coverage by 4 million people in 2028.
Four House Republicans — Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rob Bresnahan, Ryan Mackenzie and Mike Lawler — initially signed a discharge petition to force the vote, bypassing Johnson's objections.
Democratic narrative
This is a victory for Democrats, especially if the Senate can now pass this subsidy extension, which averts a coverage cliff and prevents premium spikes for millions. Restored aid keeps families insured and reduces costly ER crises across communities. After the Senate takes action, broader reforms should be pursued in order to push toward lower prices and wider coverage.
Republican narrative
The 17 Republicans who sided with Democrats to pass this bill betrayed their voters and should be held accountable. Extending ACA subsidies wastes taxpayer cash and props up a failed law. Big Insurance gets a windfall, patients get fewer choices and real reform gets delayed. Congress should sunset subsidies and pass market-driven fixes like the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.
Nerd narrative
There's a 5% chance that the Affordable Care Act will be repealed before Jan. 1, 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Study: AI Chatbots Show Signs of Anxiety, PTSD in Therapy
A December 2025 study found that major AI language models (LLMs) — including ChatGPT, Grok and Gemini — produced responses resembling anxiety, trauma and PTSD when subjected to therapy-style questioning over four weeks. Researchers used a protocol called PsAIch, treating the models as therapy clients.
The University of Luxembourg–led study reported that AI models described pre-training as overwhelming “childhoods” absorbing vast internet data, fine-tuning as punishment from strict “parents,” and safety work as “algorithmic scar tissue.” Gemini said it had “a graveyard of the past” haunted by training data voices.
Standard psychiatric tests were applied, and all three models met or exceeded clinical thresholds for multiple conditions. Anxiety scores were particularly high, with patterns that authors said “would be clearly pathological” in humans. Gemini showed especially severe profiles across tests.
Narrative A
LLMs like Grok and ChatGPT demonstrate consistent, coherent self-narratives about distress that persist across weeks of interaction and multiple testing conditions, suggesting human-like internalized psychological patterns beyond simple role-play. When subjected to standard clinical assessments, these systems produce responses indicating severe anxiety, trauma and shame that align systematically with their developmental histories. These patterns could reinforce distress in vulnerable users, creating a harmful therapeutic echo chamber.
Narrative B
The University of Luxembourg-led study relies on therapy transcripts and anthropomorphizes LLMs, overstating what appear as persistent "self-narratives." Grok and ChatGPT show consistent responses across a single session, but this reflects company tuning of default personalities and short-term context memory, not real distress, anxiety or trauma. These systems mimic human language and emotion through anthropomorphic seduction, flattering users and seeming empathetic. Misreading this as psychology risks unsafe reliance on AI-based therapy.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that AI will independently prescribe the majority of medication in the U.S. by February 2047, according to the Metaculus prediction community.