Global Unrest: Machado Detained, U.S.-China Tech Ban, and Ukraine's Plea for Support

Good Morning,

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was reportedly detained on Thursday amid protests against Nicolás Maduro's controversial third-term inauguration, President Joe Biden's administration is set to finalize rules banning key Chinese software and hardware in U.S. vehicles starting in 2027, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and U.S. Defense Secretary Austin urged continued military support for Ukraine amid uncertainty about President-elect Trump's stance during the pair’s final meeting.

Top Stories

• Venezuela’s opposition leader defies Maduro to lead protests that end in confusing arrest claims (AP)

• US Supreme Court lets Trump sentencing proceed in New York hush money case (RT)

• ‘Much more persecution’: Venezuela braces for Nicolas Maduro’s inauguration (AJ)

• Ford CEO says China operations earned $600 million in 2024 (CNBC)

• South Korean police question presidential security chief as rift over detaining president deepens (AP)

• ‘Completely Dry’: How Los Angeles Firefighters Ran Out of Water (NYT)

• The CEOs Who Are Tearing Up the Policies Trump Hates (WSJ)

• Elon Musk hosts leader of Germany’s far-right AfD on X ahead of election (AJ)

• ‘Pizzagate’ gunman killed by police in North Carolina after traffic stop, authorities say (CNN)

• US to finalize Chinese vehicle crackdown rules next week, Raimondo says (RT)

• Estonia steps up patrols in the icy Baltic Sea in a show of force after suspected cable sabotage (AP)

• BlackRock Withdraws From Climate Coalition, Backpedaling Again on ESG (WSJ)

• US to finalize Chinese vehicle crackdown rules next week, Raimondo says (RT)

• Zelenskyy and Austin use their final meeting to press Trump to keep supporting Ukraine (AP)

United States and Canada

• Alec Baldwin sues for malicious prosecution after judge dismissed case of fatal ‘Rust’ set shooting (AP)

• Biden protections for transgender students struck down by US judge (RT)

• Atlanta D.A. Asks Georgia Court to Review Decision Kicking Her Off Trump Case (NYT)

• Harris cancels final foreign trip because of California wildfires (AP)

• Firefighters Protect Historic Mt. Wilson Observatory From Eaton Fire (NYT)

• As the L.A. fires rage, Mayor Karen Bass faces fierce criticism for overseas trip, budget cuts (CNN)

• US House votes to advance bill to sanction ICC over Israel arrest warrants (AJ)

• NYC to spend $650M on combating homelessness and mental illness (AP)

• Union, employers credit Trump in US port deal that may shape future talks (RT)

Africa

• Guinean government responds to sentencing of MoDeL leader Aliou Bah (AN)

• Chad investigates foiled attempt to storm presidential compound (RT)

• Congo bans Al Jazeera over its interview with a key rebel leader and threatens journalists (AP)

• Rwanda’s Paul Kagame urges Congo to negotiate with M23 rebels after they seize strategic towns (AP)

• Mozambique’s opposition leader returns as supporters clash with police (AJ)

• Benin army suffers heavy losses in northern attack (RT)

• Report on Gabon election announcement is wrong and is withdrawn (RT)

Middle East

• US, Arab mediators make some progress in Gaza talks, no deal yet, sources say (RT)

• Lebanon's army chief elected president, showing weakened Hezbollah (RT)

• Swiss national held by Iran on spying charges dies in prison (AJ)

• Gaza death toll has been significantly underreported, study finds (CNN)

• Egypt’s Economy Is Damaged. It Sees a Scapegoat, and a Potential Fix, in Refugees. (NYT)

• Ramping up criticism of Israel, Pope calls situation in Gaza 'shameful' (RT)

• Security operations in Jenin put spotlight on Palestinian Authority (RT)

Indo-Pacific

• An army airstrike on a village in western Myanmar has killed at least 40 people, reports say (AP)

• Search widens for Tibet quake survivors as tens of thousands moved to shelters (RT)

• U.S. Ambassador Says China Is Aligned With ‘Agents of Disorder’ (NYT)

• Australia violated refugees' rights in offshore detention centre, says UN (RT)

• Japan’s Ishiba visiting Malaysia and Indonesia to strengthen defense and economic ties (AP)

• Malaysia's November industrial production up 3.6%, above forecast (RT)

• Taiwan demonstrates sea defenses against potential Chinese attack as tensions rise with Beijing (AP)

Europe

• Feeling forgotten, UK child rape scandal victim urges government to act (RT)

• U.K. Bond Yields Hit Highs Not Seen Since 1998 (WSJ)

• France Indicts Founder of Notorious Website Used in Pelicot Rape Case (NYT)

• NATO takes control from US of air defenses in Poland crucial to supporting Ukraine days before Trump takes office (CNN)

• A Russian missile attack in southern Ukraine has killed at least 13 civilians, officials say (AP)

• Viktor Orban's challenger sees strong EU, NATO ties, 'pragmatic' approach to Russia (RT)

• Fico says Slovakia could withhold Ukraine aid over halted gas supply (RT)

Latin America

• Global reactions to the brief detention of Venezuela opposition leader Machado (RT)

• Guyana to seek help from UN’s top court as Venezuela vies for control of disputed territory (AP)

• Ofrecen recompensa de $30 millones para rescatar a policía y contratista, secuestrados en Chocó (SM)

• Peru central bank cuts benchmark interest rate to 4.75% (RT)

• Uruguay’s iconic ex-President Jose Mujica says his cancer has spread and that he’s dying (AP)

• Argentina reclama a Uruguay parte de los U$S 10 millones que Eduardo Costantini pagó por el campo de Lázaro Báez (CA)

• Donald Trump respalda a María Corina Machado y reconoce a Edmundo González como presidente electo: “Deben permanecer seguros y con vida” (LN)