US offers $25M reward for info leading to Maduro’s arrest as third term begins
The U.S. State Department is now offering $25 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The move to raise the bounty from its initial $15 million came as Maduro was sworn in for his third term as president on Friday, Jan. 10, despite evidence that he lost the election to opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez in July 2024.
The Biden administration does not recognize Maduro as the rightful president of Venezuela, and has said that he should step down, saying that the exiled Gonzalez should take his place.
Gonzalez has presented thousands of public vote tallies that show he handily won the presidential election, and he recently met with President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C. to thank Biden for his support.
Gonzalez is facing the threat of arrest if he returns to Venezuela. Additionally, the country’s defense minister rejects any notion that Gonzalez should be president. The defense minister said that Venezuela’s armed forces would only recognize Maduro as president.
The White House said that the reward for Maduro’s arrest is meant to show “solidarity with the Venezuelan people” and put pressure on Maduro and his allies.
The U.S. State Department also raised the arrest bounty on Venezuela’s interior minister from $10 million to $25 million and added a new reward of $15 million for the capture of the country’s defense minister.
The U.S. Treasury Department also announced on Friday that it is placing new sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials to freeze any assets they have in the United States.
At least 10 dead as major wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles area
The death toll rises as the onslaught of fires continues in Southern California, destroying complete neighborhoods. And President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced for his conviction in the New York hush money case after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid to stop the proceeding. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
Death toll rises as wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles area
Flames have destroyed entire neighborhoods, obliterating 10,000 homes and buildings between the Palisades and Eaton Fires alone. Firefighters made some progress as the Santa Ana winds weakened, but wind and dry conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. This will make it difficult for crews to battle the flames.
The biggest and most destructive fire in Pacific Palisades now spans nearly 20,000 acres, which is more than 30 square miles and is only 6% contained.
Nearly 180,000 people in Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders and another 200,000 are on standby to leave their homes if necessary. The wildfires and strong winds fueling them have led to mass power outages.
Entire stretches of Pacific Ocean beachfront property along Malibu have been charred, as well as homes and neighborhoods up and down the Pacific Coast Highway.
The latest fire to break out, the Kenneth Fire, sparked Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, near Calabasas. That fire spans 1,000 acres and is 35% contained, according to CalFire’s last update. Police arrested one man on suspicion of arson in connection with that fire.
It’s not just those in the fires’ paths in danger. Polluted air poses a threat even to those far away.
Supreme Court rejects Trump’s bid to halt sentencing in hush money case
Trump’s sentencing on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels will proceed as planned.
The judge overseeing the case, Juan Merchan, said earlier this month he would not sentence the president-elect to prison time, saying incarceration is not an option.
Instead, the judge is expected to impose a no-penalty sentence called an unconditional discharge.
Trump vowed to appeal his conviction, claiming evidence and testimony was admitted that implicated his duties as president during his first term. The Supreme Court ruled over the summer presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for some official acts.
Appeals court allows release of election interference case report
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit rejected a bid to block the release but kept in place the judge’s order for a three-day delay, giving time for additional appeals. That means Trump could seek the Supreme Court’s intervention in the matter.
Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the election interference case was eventually dismissed following his victory in November’s presidential election due to a Justice Department policy that forbids the prosecution of a sitting president.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said he plans to release the report to the public once he is permitted to do so. In response, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said Thursday night that it’s time for Garland and President Joe Biden to “do the right thing and put a final stop to the political weaponization of our justice system.”
Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in TikTok ban case
With less than two weeks until a ban on the social media app TikTok is slated to take effect, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments against the legislation Friday, Jan. 10. TikTok looks to show the justices that, despite claims from the federal government, it is not a national security threat to the U.S.
It is unclear when the court will deliver its ruling.
TikTok faces a nationwide ban in the U.S. that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 19, impacting roughly 115 million monthly users. That is unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance sells the platform, as required by the law signed by President Joe Biden last year, or SCOTUS rules in favor of TikTok’s position that the law is unconstitutional.
Supporters of the ban believe the app allows China to access vast amounts of data from Americans and possibly influence public opinion in the U.S.
Trump opposes the ban and has met with TikTok’s CEO in recent weeks.
Macy’s to close 66 stores
Macy’s confirmed it will close 66 stores across the U.S. The department store chain said Thursday that the move is part of its “bold new chapter” strategy, which was announced in February of last year. The strategy will see the closure of approximately 150 underperforming stores, or about a third of its locations, over a three-year period.
Tony Spring, the retailer’s chairman and CEO, said that while “closing any store is never easy,” this will allow the company to focus its “resources and prioritize investments” in its other locations.
Macy’s told Axios clearance sales will begin this month and run for up to 12 weeks.
Friends, family remember President Jimmy Carter at state funeral in Washington
Family, friends and fellow lawmakers honored former President Jimmy Carter on Thursday, a National Day of Mourning, during a state funeral in Washington, D.C. All five surviving presidents attended the service at the National Cathedral.
President Joe Biden, who declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning, delivered a eulogy for his late friend.
“Jimmy Carter’s friendship taught me and through his life taught me the strength of character is more than title or the power we hold. It’s a strength to understand that everyone should be treated with dignity. Respect that everyone, and I mean everyone, deserves an even shot, not a guarantee, but just a shot. You know, we have an obligation to give hate no safe harbor. And to stand up to — my dad used to say was the greatest sin of all — the abuse of power. That’s not about being perfect as none of us are perfect. We’re all fallible. But it’s about asking ourselves ‘Are we striving to do things, the right things? What value, what are the values that animate our spirit? Do we operate from fear or hope, ego or generosity? Do we show grace? Do we keep the faith when it’s most tested?’ Or keeping the faith with the best of humankind and the best of America is a story, in my view, from my perspective, of Jimmy Carter’s life.”
Carter’s grandchildren also spoke about their late grandfather.
“They were small-town people who never forgot who they were and where they were from no matter what happened in their lives,” Jason Carter said. “But I recognize that we are not here because he was just a regular guy. As you’ve heard from the other speakers, his political life and his presidency for me was not just ahead of its time, it was prophetic. He had the courage and strength to stick to his principles, even when they were politically unpopular.”
Following a private funeral in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, Carter was laid to rest next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn.
Judge blocks Biden’s Title IX changes, including ‘gender identity’ protections
A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration’s new Title IX rule, which changed language in the law’s ban on “sex” discrimination in schools to cover discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The rule, which took effect in August 2023, has been challenged by more than two dozen states.
The rule change has drawn strong support from Democrats. They argue it would fortify protections against discrimination for transgender individuals. They also say it would require teachers to use pronouns that align with a student’s gender identity.
Republicans have strongly opposed the rule. They argue it would force women to share private spaces –– such as locker rooms and bathrooms –– with biological men and allow transgender women to compete in women’s sports.
A U.S. district judge in Kentucky sided with the Republican attorneys general who filed the lawsuit. In his ruling, Judge Danny C. Reeves wrote, “The entire point of Title IX is to prevent discrimination based on sex. Throwing gender identity into the mix eviscerates the statute and renders it largely meaningless.”
Reeves further explained that, when viewed in its entirety, Title IX clearly defines sex discrimination as discrimination based on being male or female, not gender identity.
In response to the ruling, the National Women’s Law Center, an advocacy group for gender justice, wrote, “Today’s decision displays extraordinary disregard for students who are most vulnerable to discrimination and are in the most need for federal protections under the Title IX rule.”
A conservative legal advocacy group, Alliance Defending Freedom, praised the decision, stating, “The Biden administration’s radical attempt to redefine sex not only tossed fairness, safety, and privacy for female students out the window, it also threatened free speech and parental rights.”
The ruling comes as Senate Republicans are introducing a bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The bill would bar transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at public schools and colleges. A procedural vote on the bill is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10.
Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary lead bid to buy TikTok as US ban looms
Two entrepreneurs—a billionaire sports team owner and an investor known for his role on a business-themed reality TV show—are joining together in a last-ditch effort to buy TikTok. The popular social media app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, faces a Jan. 19 deadline to either sell to a U.S.-based owner or face a potential ban.
Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and current owner of French soccer club Olympique Marseille, is leading the bid through his nonprofit, Project Liberty.
In announcing the effort, McCourt said Kevin O’Leary, the Canadian-born businessman known for his appearances as an investor on the TV show “Shark Tank,” is also a partner in the bid.
The law allows President Joe Biden to delay a decision to apply the ban by 90 days if a potential buyer could reasonably reach a deal with ByteDance.
O’Leary hopes this offer will meet that standard.
“I intend to be there with [a letter of intent] that [President] Biden can look at and say, ‘This is a viable alternative, I’m going to stay the situation for 90 days to let the company engage with this buyer,’” O’Leary told Fox News on Monday, Jan. 6.
The offer would build on McCourt’s ongoing efforts to decentralize the internet and operate the app without TikTok’s algorithm. The algorithm drives targeted content to viewers based on what they engage with the most.
In a statement Thursday, Jan. 9, announcing the bid, McCourt said, “By keeping the platform alive without relying on the current TikTok algorithm and avoiding a ban, millions of Americans can continue to enjoy the platform. We look forward to working with ByteDance, President-elect [Donald] Trump, and the incoming administration to get this deal done.”
Trump opposes the TikTok ban, which would take effect one day before he assumes office. The president-elect wrote to the Supreme Court, urging it to block the ban so he can take action on it. The court will hear arguments from TikTok and the Justice Department on Friday.
Last April, Biden signed the law forcing TikTok to either sell to a U.S. owner or face a ban. The bill passed the House and Senate with wide support from both Democrats and Republicans.
Advocates worry about the influence China’s ruling Communist Party could have on ByteDance and the 170 million Americans using TikTok. Meanwhile, critics of the ban say it would go against users’ First Amendment rights.
As wildfires rage in Calif., Fla. Gov. DeSantis pledges help to community
Southern California is just beginning to grapple with the damage left behind by the devastating wildfires that continue to rage across the region. With multiple blazes still burning strong, states are stepping in to offer assistance.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, declared a state of emergency this week as the largest fire in Pacific Palisades continues to spread. Thousands of firefighters are working to contain five separate wildfires across Los Angeles County, with authorities scrambling to control the rapidly growing blazes.
The widespread destruction prompted President Joe Biden to visit the scene and offer federal assistance.
Meanwhile, on the opposite coast, Florida has pledged support to help California rebuild. Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, offered his help, saying he is ready to assist the state in responding to the fires and in rebuilding the communities devastated by the flames.
Our prayers are with everyone affected by the horrific fires in Southern California. When disaster strikes, we must come together to help our fellow Americans in any way we can. The state of Florida has offered help to assist the people of California in responding to these fires…
DeSantis, along with Florida’s chief financial officer, took to social media to offer additional aid, announcing they are prepared to send a team of firefighters to join the battle on the front lines in California.
Despite their public political rivalry, California, a Democratic stronghold, and Florida, a battleground turned Republican hub, the two governors have both put aside their differences in the face of the disaster.
Newsom and DeSantis frequently clash over their approaches to governance, and faced off in a debate in late 2023 as DeSantis campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination. Over the course of the 90-minute debate, the two sparred over issues like COVID-19, abortion and crime rates.
However, this also isn’t the first time the two have worked in collaboration. Last October, after Hurricane Milton devastated the Gulf Coast, Newsom sent first responders to help with recovery efforts in Florida.
Outgoing ICE director: Biden ‘absolutely’ should have acted sooner on border
Outgoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director PJ Lechleitner says President Joe Biden “absolutely” should have acted sooner to tighten restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border, NBC News reported. “The administration should’ve taken that action earlier,” Lechleitner said. “And I think the career people in DHS would’ve liked that. And I think all of us in DHS, quite frankly, I don’t know if anybody in DHS wouldn’t have wanted that earlier.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data shows more than 11 million migrants are known to have crossed the southern border during Biden’s time in office, including a record 302,034 encounters along the border in December 2023.
It wasn’t until June 2024 that President Biden took action, signing an executive order, barring “migrants who cross the Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum.”
Following Biden’s executive order, migrant crossings fell to 104,100 in July 2024, one month after the measure was implemented.
Lechleitner criticized the delay in Biden’s action, calling it “unfortunate,” because ICE could have done more if the president had acted sooner.
“We could’ve put more resources to it,” Lechleitner told NBC News. “Either at CBP and for the border itself and with ICE. We could’ve gone and got more of these individuals who are on the non-detained docket. And we could’ve detained more people, and we could’ve removed more people. And I think we could’ve used more resources and support, and we could’ve done that in the last, you know, four years.”
Lechleitner, who has been with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since its inception in 2003, said the agency is chronically underfunded.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, he has promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, focusing on those with criminal records. However, Lechleitner expressed doubts about the feasibility of those plans without additional funding and resources.
“I wish the incoming administration well,” Lechleitner said. “But if the agency can’t find more funding and resources, the number of deportations won’t increase. It’ll be expensive and difficult.”
Lechleitner is set to leave his position in the coming week as the incoming Trump administration brings in its own ICE appointee.
Biden plans final push to limit Nvidia advanced chip exports: Report
President Joe Biden is reportedly planning one last artificial intelligence chip restriction that would hit major companies, including the second most valuable in the world, Nvidia. It’s his final push to control the spread of U.S. made chips to China and Russia before leaving office.
According to Bloomberg, the restrictions are expected to have a broad and expansive impact. The U.S. is trying to restrict advanced chip sales to data centers in entire countries and specific companies.
Bloomberg sources say the goal is to concentrate AI development in allied nations, and urge global businesses to center on American standards. Bloomberg said the regulations could be announced as soon as Friday, Jan. 10, and would come in a three-tier system, granting virtually unlimited access to American chips for key allies, while adversaries would be largely cut off.
Most other countries would face limits on total computing power, though higher caps could be granted if they agree to certain U.S. standards.
Nvidia is naturally at the center of this back and forth. The U.S. previously banned the company from shipping its most high-tech products to China in 2022. After the U.S. expanded those curbs, China hit Nvidia with an antitrust investigation last month. Now, the company tells Bloomberg it objects to Biden’s latest proposal.
“A last-minute rule restricting exports to most of the world would be a major shift in policy that would not reduce the risk of misuse but would threaten economic growth and U.S. leadership,” a spokesperson for Nvidia said.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
Five wildfires now burn in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, leaving death, destruction and devastation in their paths. And the infernos led President Joe Biden to cancel his final international trip in office. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
5 dead, thousands of homes destroyed as fires rip through Los Angeles area
At least five wildfires were burning in the heavily populated Los Angeles area of California on Thursday, Jan. 9, destroying thousands of homes and putting millions of lives in danger. At least five people died from the blaze and more than 100,000 evacuated their homes.
Dry conditions and strong winds continue to fuel the flames.
The newest fire, the Sunset Fire, sparked Wednesday night in the famous Hollywood Hills region. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s latest update at 11:50 p.m. PST on Wednesday, the blaze engulfed 60 acres at 0% contained.
The Palisades Fire remains the biggest threat, covering over 17,000 acres at 0% containment.
Officials said it destroyed at least 1,000 buildings, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
The deadly Eaton Fire near Pasadena and Altadena spanned more than 10,000 acres at 0% contained. All five reported deaths were linked to the Eaton Fire.
Fire crews made headway on the Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley, containing about 10% of the blaze that spread to almost 900 acres, according to CalFire.
Crews made the most progress in fighting the Lidia Fire in Acton, about 50 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. That fire scorched about 350 acres, but CalFire said it was 40% contained.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said more than 7,500 firefighters, including crews from Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state, are battling the flames.
More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California's ongoing historic wildfires.
Southern California residents — please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you're…
While mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for certain areas, officials told everyone in the area to pack a go-bag and be prepared to leave.
Celebrities among victims to lose homes in California wildfires
With tens of thousands of people impacted by the ongoing wildfires in California, come countless personal stories of loss, grief, shock and, in some cases, gratitude. Among those affected in the Los Angeles County and Hollywood area are some famous names.
Celebrities shared their accounts of the devastating scenes, something many said is like out of a movie.
“This Is Us” star Mandy Moore posted videos to her Instagram account of the fiery destruction in Altadena, writing, “I love you, Altadena. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late. Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all, so many have lost, including my family … our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together.”
“Seeing our home burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking,” Hilton wrote.
Actor Billy Crystal released a statement with his wife after losing his Pacific Palisades home.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979,” Crystal said. “We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
James Woods, who once starred on the television show “Shark,” openly wept in a CNN interview as he talked about his immense loss and the search for his neighbors.
As the fires spread across the hub of the entertainment world, organizers postponed multiple movie premieres, TV productions and award shows.
The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 12, have been moved to Jan. 26. The Oscar nominations announcement was pushed back two days to Jan. 19.
An NHL hockey game involving the Los Angeles Kings was postponed Wednesday night. The NFL said it is monitoring the conditions as the Los Angeles Rams are slated to host a playoff game Monday night, Jan. 13.
Biden to deliver eulogy at Carter’s funeral, Trump to attend
On Thursday afternoon, President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy at the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral.
President-elect Donald Trump will also attend the funeral. Trump, along with his wife Melania, were among those to pay their respects as the 39th president was lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday.
After the funeral, Carter’s body will take one final trip back to his home state of Georgia where he will be buried next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn.
While in Washington on Wednesday, Trump held a private meeting with Republican senators at the Capitol to discuss a strategy for top priorities heading into his second term. While speaking to reporters, Trump called the wildfires in California “a true tragedy.”
Biden announced Wednesday he canceled his final international trip of his presidency. He said he will remain in Washington, D.C., to monitor the deadly fires in Southern California.
Biden was set to take part in a three-day trip to Rome and the Vatican where he would meet with Pope Francis and the Italian president. His announcement came just hours after meeting his first great-grandchild, born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Capitol police arrest man who brought machete to Jimmy Carter viewing
As thousands of Americans paid their respects to Carter at the Capitol, authorities arrested a man Wednesday at a security screening for people waiting to view the late president as he lies in state in Washington.
Capitol police said the man, identified as Washington resident Mel Horne, carried a machete and three knives in a bag. Authorities spotted the weapons as the bag went through an X-ray machine. Horne now faces multiple charges of carrying a dangerous weapon.
Capitol police also said officers arrested a Virginia man who lit a bag containing accelerants on fire on top of his car near the Capitol. They do not believe the two incidents were connected.
Port strike averted after tentative deal reached
Longshoremen reached a tentative new contract deal Wednesday with shipping and port companies along the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S., averting a potentially crippling strike for now.
The United States Maritime Alliance, which represents ship lines and port operators, and union International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) said they’ve agreed on a six-year deal. However, the agreement is not official until ratified by union members.
The ILA represents 50,000 members who fill 25,000 jobs at 14 ports from Maine to Texas. If this deal wasn’t reached, port workers were set to go on strike beginning next Thursday, Jan. 16.
Details of the agreement have not yet been publicly released, but sources close to the matter said it addresses a key sticking point for workers: automation.
In October, Longshoremen agreed to a wage increase of 62% over six years, and the two sides pushed other issues into 2025 to end a three-day strike.
Airbnb.org providing free, temporary housing for displaced California residents
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit founded by Airbnb, is providing free, temporary housing for people displaced by the Los Angeles County fires. The organization partnered with the non-profit 211 LA to connect those who lost their homes or have been forced to evacuate with a free place to stay.
Millions enroll in Affordable Care Act, breaking records as Biden exits
As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office, the White House announced a new record: nearly 24 million Americans signed up for health insurance. Last month, the federal government opened the annual enrollment period on Healthcare.gov, providing millions of Americans the opportunity to secure coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The law, originally passed under President Barack Obama, was designed to make health insurance more accessible and affordable.
In a statement, Biden reiterated his commitment to improving health care access. He said, “I made a promise to the American people that I would bring down the cost of health care and prescription drugs.” He added that expanding access to health care has been a key priority throughout his presidency.
Enrollment for 2025 increased by 9%, or about 3.2 million new enrollees. Biden said that these numbers reflect a significant achievement, with total enrollment having more than doubled since he took office.
Biden also emphasized his administration’s ongoing political challenges, particularly from Republican opposition. He noted the work that is still needed to protect programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Biden urged Congress to take action during the current legislative session.
“We must ensure Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare by extending the ACA premium tax credit this year,” Biden said. The tax credit program helps lower the cost of premiums for many Americans.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, if the tax credits expire, nearly 4 million people could lose their coverage over the next eight years, resulting in a significant rise in the uninsured rate.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares his return to the White House, the ACA’s future is uncertain. During his first term, Trump attempted to remake the ACA but was ultimately unsuccessful.
However, in a shift from previous positions, Trump says he no longer wants to end the program. Instead, he wants to make it more affordable.
The White House expects enrollment numbers to continue to rise. The deadline for Americans to sign up is still several weeks away.
IDF finds body of at least one hostage as Gaza war crosses 15th month: Report
It’s been more than 15 months since Hamas attacked Israel and took hundreds of people hostage. However, the fate of many of those hostages remains unknown.
Israeli soldiers say they found the body of at least one hostage, a 53-year-old man. They are investigating whether remains found alongside him are of his son.
More than 100 hostages remain in Gaza, and it’s unclear how many are still alive.
The Associated Press says Israel estimates anywhere between a third and half of the hostages are dead. And Newsmax cited an Israeli source who suggested the number of hostages, including civilians and female soldiers who are still alive, could be as low as 20.
While Israel and Hamas are discussing a potential ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages, families of the hostages are urging the two sides to reach a deal as they face a second winter in captivity.
Israeli hostages held by Hamas face many of the same harsh realities as most of the two million people in Gaza. They include cold weather, food and electricity shortages, and the threat of bombings and airstrikes destroying the building or tunnel where they are held.