Top Trending News Stories as of January 6, 2026
Top Trending News Stories as of January 6, 2026
The biggest global story dominating headlines is the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
- Maduro pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking in a New York court on January 5. He claimed he was "kidnapped," while his wife also entered a not guilty plea. The next court date is set for March.
- The operation involved U.S. strikes on Venezuelan targets, with President Trump stating the U.S. would temporarily "run the country" and seize oil assets. This has sparked international outrage, protests worldwide, and warnings from the UN about instability and precedents violating the UN Charter.
- Reactions: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado praised Trump; Russia and allies condemned the action; oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil are reportedly meeting with the Trump administration. Markets rallied initially, with stocks and oil prices rising amid the developments.
Other Major Headlines:
- Global Markets Outlook for 2026 — Analysts highlight risks from U.S. midterm elections, Fed chair nomination, geopolitics, and AI boom. S&P 500 projected to hit ~7,490 by year-end.
- Ukraine-Russia War — President Zelensky's tone shifts to caution amid ongoing peace talks; European leaders discuss coalitions. Russian strikes continue, including on infrastructure.
U.S. Domestic — California GOP Congressman Doug LaMalfa dies at 65; Trump administration freezes funding to some Democratic states; attack reported on VP JD Vance's residence.
India — Election Commission releases draft voter rolls in Uttar Pradesh (2.8 crore names deleted); court cases involving Sonia Gandhi and regional issues.
Other — Ongoing coverage of January 6, 2021 Capitol attack anniversary events; stock market updates with records approached.
News is evolving rapidly, especially on Venezuela—sources range from Reuters, NYT, CNN, Fox, and international outlets, reflecting diverse viewpoints on the intervention's legality and implications.
(all images are ai generated)