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Thursday, January 08, 2026
"This Is Our Hemisphere": Report from Colombia on Trump's Escalating Threats to the Region
Jan 7, 2026 | Following his attack on Venezuela and the abduction of Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump has escalated his threats against Colombia and claimed without evidence that President Gustavo Petro is involved in cocaine trafficking. Trump and others in his administration have also threatened military action against Cuba, Greenland, Iran and Mexico in recent days.
Manuel Rozental, a Colombian physician and activist with more than 40 years of involvement in grassroots political organizing, tells Democracy Now! that Trump's attacks on Petro are lies. The former guerrilla "has seized more cocaine than any other government in the past," says Rozental. "President Petro is not a drug trafficker. President Petro has been a victim of drug mafias and their allies."
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
WIKIPEDIA: Gustavo Petro »
Manuel Rozental, a Colombian physician and activist with more than 40 years of involvement in grassroots political organizing, tells Democracy Now! that Trump's attacks on Petro are lies. The former guerrilla "has seized more cocaine than any other government in the past," says Rozental. "President Petro is not a drug trafficker. President Petro has been a victim of drug mafias and their allies."
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
WIKIPEDIA: Gustavo Petro »
Steve Schmidt: ICE Murdered an American Citizen. Who’s Next?
08/01/2026 - Wet and Windy in the South - Afternoon Weather Forecast UK – Met Office Weather
Jan 8, 2026 | Heavy rain with very strong winds in the southwest initially, strengthening through the rest of today and spreading across much of England and southern part of Northern Ireland. Rain turning to snow as the colder air cuts in from the north. Largely dry for north-east England and much of Scotland, with a few showers in places and some clearer skies.
Today’s forecast brought to you by Alex Burkill.
Today’s forecast brought to you by Alex Burkill.
‘Dirty’ and ‘Infested* with Drugs’: The New York Jail Holding Maduro and Mangione
THE GUARDIAN: High-profile names have been housed in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan detention center, which is said to be unsafe and inhumane
After US military forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas during a controversial pre-dawn raid, they were ultimately spirited to one of this country’s most infamous jails: the Metropolitan detention center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York.
The deposed Venezuelan president and Flores will almost certainly reside in the MDC until their federal trial on drugs and weapons charge – inducting them into a notorious group that counts Sean “Diddy” Combs, Ghislaine Maxwell, Sam Bankman-Fried and Mexican drug kingpin “El Chapo” as either current or former members.
The facility, located in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, holds prisoners with pending cases in the United States district court for the eastern district of New York as well as those serving brief sentences. » | Victoria Bekiempis | Wednesday, January 7, 2026
FOR CLARITY, A NOTE TO NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS OF ENGLISH: The choice of the word “infested’ in connection with drugs is very unusual. The word ‘infested’ is more correctly used in connection with insects, pests, or vermin, etc. I would have probably used the word ‘saturated’. — Mark
After US military forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas during a controversial pre-dawn raid, they were ultimately spirited to one of this country’s most infamous jails: the Metropolitan detention center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York.
The deposed Venezuelan president and Flores will almost certainly reside in the MDC until their federal trial on drugs and weapons charge – inducting them into a notorious group that counts Sean “Diddy” Combs, Ghislaine Maxwell, Sam Bankman-Fried and Mexican drug kingpin “El Chapo” as either current or former members.
The facility, located in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, holds prisoners with pending cases in the United States district court for the eastern district of New York as well as those serving brief sentences. » | Victoria Bekiempis | Wednesday, January 7, 2026
FOR CLARITY, A NOTE TO NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS OF ENGLISH: The choice of the word “infested’ in connection with drugs is very unusual. The word ‘infested’ is more correctly used in connection with insects, pests, or vermin, etc. I would have probably used the word ‘saturated’. — Mark
‘Out with the Yanks!’: Thousands Protest in Colombia as Anger Builds over Trump’s Intervention in Venezuela
THE GUARDIAN: President Gustavo Petro called for demonstrations after Trump said he was interested in military action in Colombia
Screenshot taken from this article. | Supporters of Colombian President Gustavo Petro attend a rally to protest comments made by Donald Trump, in Bogotá, Colombia. Photograph: Santiago Saldarriaga/AP
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of cities across Colombia to decry Donald Trump’s threats to expand his military campaign in South America into their territory, after last weekend’s deadly attack on Venezuela.
In Cúcuta, a city on Colombia’s eastern border with Venezuela, several hundred demonstrators marched towards its 19th century cathedral waving the country’s yellow, blue and red flag and shouting: “Fuera los yanquis!” (“Out with the Yanks!”)
“Trump is the devil … he’s the most abhorrent person in the world,” said one demonstrator, a 55-year-old businesswoman called Janet Chacón.
Another marcher, José Silva, 67, said the abduction of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, during Saturday’s attack made a mockery of Trump’s claim to be “the president of peace”.
“He’s the president of war … he’s a maniac,” Silva declared. “The US congress needs to do something to get him out of the presidency … He’s a thug.” » | Tom Phillips in Cúcuta | Thursday, January 8, 2026
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of cities across Colombia to decry Donald Trump’s threats to expand his military campaign in South America into their territory, after last weekend’s deadly attack on Venezuela.
In Cúcuta, a city on Colombia’s eastern border with Venezuela, several hundred demonstrators marched towards its 19th century cathedral waving the country’s yellow, blue and red flag and shouting: “Fuera los yanquis!” (“Out with the Yanks!”)
“Trump is the devil … he’s the most abhorrent person in the world,” said one demonstrator, a 55-year-old businesswoman called Janet Chacón.
Another marcher, José Silva, 67, said the abduction of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, during Saturday’s attack made a mockery of Trump’s claim to be “the president of peace”.
“He’s the president of war … he’s a maniac,” Silva declared. “The US congress needs to do something to get him out of the presidency … He’s a thug.” » | Tom Phillips in Cúcuta | Thursday, January 8, 2026
Mandelson Accuses European Leaders of ‘Histrionic’ Reaction to Trump’s Greenland Stance
THE GUARDIAN: Article by former British ambassador to US is likely to be seen as criticism of Keir Starmer
Peter Mandelson has accused European leaders including Keir Starmer of a “histrionic” reaction to Donald Trump’s plan to take over Greenland, arguing that without “hard power and hard cash” they will continue to slide into unimportance in the “age of Trump”.
In his first political comments since being sacked as Britain’s ambassador to Washington last year, Lord Mandelson said Trump had achieved “more in a day than orthodox diplomacy was able to achieve in the past decade” when he captured the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro.
The intervention is likely to be seen as a criticism of the British prime minister, who has attempted to walk a diplomatic tightrope since the US captured Maduro. This week he signed a statement calling on the US president to respect Danish sovereignty over Greenland after a White House statement said the US was looking into “a range of options” in an effort to acquire Greenland, adding that using the US military to do so was “always an option”. » | Alexandra Topping, Political correspondent | Thursday, January 8, 2026
A ridiculous comment made by a ridiculous man. Even Mandelson must know he is being ridiculous; so, we need to follow the money. — © Mark Alexander
Peter Mandelson has accused European leaders including Keir Starmer of a “histrionic” reaction to Donald Trump’s plan to take over Greenland, arguing that without “hard power and hard cash” they will continue to slide into unimportance in the “age of Trump”.
In his first political comments since being sacked as Britain’s ambassador to Washington last year, Lord Mandelson said Trump had achieved “more in a day than orthodox diplomacy was able to achieve in the past decade” when he captured the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro.
The intervention is likely to be seen as a criticism of the British prime minister, who has attempted to walk a diplomatic tightrope since the US captured Maduro. This week he signed a statement calling on the US president to respect Danish sovereignty over Greenland after a White House statement said the US was looking into “a range of options” in an effort to acquire Greenland, adding that using the US military to do so was “always an option”. » | Alexandra Topping, Political correspondent | Thursday, January 8, 2026
A ridiculous comment made by a ridiculous man. Even Mandelson must know he is being ridiculous; so, we need to follow the money. — © Mark Alexander
Video Shows ICE Immigration Officer Shooting Dead Woman Driver in Minneapolis | BBC News
Jan 7, 2026 | A US immigration officer on an enforcement raid in Minneapolis has shot dead a woman in a car, provoking outrage from residents and politicians in the city.
The federal agents deployed by the Trump administration shot and killed the woman as she drove her vehicle in the street where they were operating. The shooting was captured on video, taking place as the driver of a dark red SUV tried to slowly drive away from agents who were ordering her to get out of the vehicle and trying to open its door.
In a social media statement, President Trump defended the ICE officers, saying that he had watched a video clip of the incident which he called a “horrible thing to watch”. He described the woman who was shot dead in her car as “very disorderly, obstructing and resisting” and said she “violently, wilfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defence”.
The US Department for Homeland Security described the driver as a “domestic terrorist” who “weaponized her vehicle” and attempted “to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them”. It stated: “An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.”
Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis held a press conference in which he told the ICE immigration officers to leave the city. He said the Department for Homeland Security was: “trying to spin this as an action of self-defence. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit.” He accused the ICE agents of terrorising citizens, saying: “People are being hurt. Families are being ripped apart.
Long-term Minneapolis residents that have contributed so greatly to our city, to our culture, to our economy are being terrorized and now, somebody is dead.”
Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Nada Tawfik.
Donald Trump and his cronies have turned a once progressive nation into a regressive shithouse. What is going on in America today is little better than what went on in Hitler’s Third Reich! — © Mark Alexander
The federal agents deployed by the Trump administration shot and killed the woman as she drove her vehicle in the street where they were operating. The shooting was captured on video, taking place as the driver of a dark red SUV tried to slowly drive away from agents who were ordering her to get out of the vehicle and trying to open its door.
In a social media statement, President Trump defended the ICE officers, saying that he had watched a video clip of the incident which he called a “horrible thing to watch”. He described the woman who was shot dead in her car as “very disorderly, obstructing and resisting” and said she “violently, wilfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defence”.
The US Department for Homeland Security described the driver as a “domestic terrorist” who “weaponized her vehicle” and attempted “to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them”. It stated: “An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.”
Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis held a press conference in which he told the ICE immigration officers to leave the city. He said the Department for Homeland Security was: “trying to spin this as an action of self-defence. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit.” He accused the ICE agents of terrorising citizens, saying: “People are being hurt. Families are being ripped apart.
Long-term Minneapolis residents that have contributed so greatly to our city, to our culture, to our economy are being terrorized and now, somebody is dead.”
Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Nada Tawfik.
Donald Trump and his cronies have turned a once progressive nation into a regressive shithouse. What is going on in America today is little better than what went on in Hitler’s Third Reich! — © Mark Alexander
Does Keir Starmer Believe Actions in Venezuela Are in Breach of International Law
Guerre en Ukraine: «plus d'un million» de foyers sans chauffage ni eau après des frappes russes
LE FIGARO : Plus d’un million de foyers de la région de Dnipropetrovsk, au centre de l’Ukraine, sont privés d’eau et d’électricité après des frappes russes nocturnes sur les infrastructures énergétiques. Les autorités ukrainiennes poursuivent les réparations pour rétablir l’approvisionnement.
Plus d'un million de foyers de la région de Dnipropetrovsk, dans le centre de l'Ukraine, sont privés d'eau et d'électricité après des frappes russes nocturnes sur les infrastructures énergétiques du pays, a annoncé jeudi un ministre ukrainien.
Les infrastructures des régions de Dnipropetrovsk et Zaporijjia (sud) ont été touchées dans la nuit par des frappes massives de drones russes, entraînant des coupures d’électricité, a expliqué le fournisseur d’énergie ukrainien Ukrenergo. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | jeudi 8 janvier 2026
Plus d'un million de foyers de la région de Dnipropetrovsk, dans le centre de l'Ukraine, sont privés d'eau et d'électricité après des frappes russes nocturnes sur les infrastructures énergétiques du pays, a annoncé jeudi un ministre ukrainien.
Les infrastructures des régions de Dnipropetrovsk et Zaporijjia (sud) ont été touchées dans la nuit par des frappes massives de drones russes, entraînant des coupures d’électricité, a expliqué le fournisseur d’énergie ukrainien Ukrenergo. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | jeudi 8 janvier 2026
'NATO Is Done' If Trump Annexes Greenland | Jon Sopel on LBC
Jan 6, 2026 | Donald Trump has insisted the United States needs Greenland in order to protect America’s national security. The President has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the island - saying he'll "lead the charge" in advocating for the semi-autonomous part of Denmark to join the United States.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out taking Greenland by force. The News Agents' Jon Sopel joins Shelagh Fogarty to discuss what this annexation of Greenland would mean for NATO.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out taking Greenland by force. The News Agents' Jon Sopel joins Shelagh Fogarty to discuss what this annexation of Greenland would mean for NATO.
Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela and Russia Seized, US Confirms
Jan 7, 2026 | Shelagh Fogarty is joined by John Bolton, who served as the national security advisor in Donald Trump’s first term.
He shares his view on Trump's 'incoherent plan' after the US seized an oil tanker with links to Russia and Venezuela. It comes as The White House suggested US military action in Greenland is "always an option".
He shares his view on Trump's 'incoherent plan' after the US seized an oil tanker with links to Russia and Venezuela. It comes as The White House suggested US military action in Greenland is "always an option".
If the US Takes Greenland, 'the Next President Would Give It Straight Back'
Why Europe No Longer Trusts the US w/ Anne Applebaum
Trump’s Greenland Comments Spark NATO Alarm: Denmark Warns of a Global Security Crisis
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
Stephen Miller? Was für ein A-L! — © Mark Alexander
Royal House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha | European Dynasty
Jul 9, 2024 | Royal House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha - The history of probably the most European family on the continent.
Royal House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (2017)
Director: Julia Melchior
Genre: Documentary, History, Biography
Language: English
Release date: 13 June 2017 (Germany)
Synopsis:
The Dukes of Coburg seemed doomed to insignificance. Thanks to a skilful marriage policy, in the 19th century they achieve a meteoric rise to become the most important dynasty of their time. They founded the royal houses of Belgium and Bulgaria, ruled England and Portugal and married into the palaces of the whole of Europe.
In her new film, royal house expert Julia Melchior explores the European family network of the Coburgs. Bulgaria's ex-King Simeon welcomes her to his residence in Sofia. In Belgium, the royal family opens the palace doors and in Great Britain she sets off in search of the Coburg roots of the British royal family. Rich in anecdotes and visually stunning, the film uses selected biographies to tell the story of what is probably the most European family on the continent.
Royal House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (2017)
Director: Julia Melchior
Genre: Documentary, History, Biography
Language: English
Release date: 13 June 2017 (Germany)
Synopsis:
The Dukes of Coburg seemed doomed to insignificance. Thanks to a skilful marriage policy, in the 19th century they achieve a meteoric rise to become the most important dynasty of their time. They founded the royal houses of Belgium and Bulgaria, ruled England and Portugal and married into the palaces of the whole of Europe.
In her new film, royal house expert Julia Melchior explores the European family network of the Coburgs. Bulgaria's ex-King Simeon welcomes her to his residence in Sofia. In Belgium, the royal family opens the palace doors and in Great Britain she sets off in search of the Coburg roots of the British royal family. Rich in anecdotes and visually stunning, the film uses selected biographies to tell the story of what is probably the most European family on the continent.
Streit um Grönland: EU spricht von gefährlicher Eskalation | DW Nachrichten
Wednesday, January 07, 2026
Democracy Now! Trump's Plan to Seize Greenland Would "Militarize the Arctic," Trample Indigenous Rights
Jan 7, 2026 | Following the U.S. attack on Venezuela, the Trump administration has renewed its campaign to take over Greenland, which has been controlled by Denmark for more than 300 years. The White House says it's considering "a range of options," including the use of military force. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that if the U.S. were to attack Greenland, it would spell the end of NATO.
"Greenland is not up for sale," says Aaju Peter, a Greenlandic Inuit activist and attorney, who says Indigenous Greenlanders want their independence from both the U.S. and Denmark.
We also speak with analyst Pavel Devyatkin, who says the U.S. is "acting like a rogue state" and enacting a policy of "pure imperialism."
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
"Greenland is not up for sale," says Aaju Peter, a Greenlandic Inuit activist and attorney, who says Indigenous Greenlanders want their independence from both the U.S. and Denmark.
We also speak with analyst Pavel Devyatkin, who says the U.S. is "acting like a rogue state" and enacting a policy of "pure imperialism."
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
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