It’s a new year! Welcome to the daily briefing. This morning’s breaking news is:
nicole farato Here’s the news you need to know on Monday, from the latest on U.S. operations in Venezuela to a spike in flu cases to what a Hollywood actor said to his girlfriend.
President Maduro appears in Manhattan federal court
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted on federal drug and weapons charges and are scheduled to attend an arraignment in New York City on Monday, according to multiple media reports.
Meanwhile, questions continue over Venezuela’s future leadership after President Donald Trump vowed the United States would “govern” the South American country until a democratic transition of power takes place. On Sunday night, he doubled down on his claim that the United States is “responsible” for Venezuela.
When asked what that meant, President Trump said, “It means we’re in charge.” But U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has dreamed of ousting Maduro, told NBC’s Meet the Press early Sunday that the U.S. is not “running” Venezuela, but “running policy.” Introducing Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s new president.
Read how the weekend operation to capture Maduro unfolded and why some South Floridians are celebrating.
More news you need to know right now
- Will Greenland be next? Denmark’s prime minister called on the White House to “cease the threat” of taking over Greenland after President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to do so in an interview with The Atlantic over the weekend.
- Uvalde school shooting trial begins Monday. A jury trial is scheduled to begin in 2022 for a former police officer charged with failing to respond to the Uvalde school shooting. Follow us on USA TODAY Network.
- Did your body hurt this morning? The World Health Organization says the new strain of influenza, dubbed the “super flu,” has “increased severity” compared to its predecessor, influenza A, and is causing a surge in influenza cases in large parts of the country.
Let’s take a look
Timothy says “I love you”
“Marty Supreme” star Timothee Chalamet, 30, made us all feel warm and fuzzy when he declared “I love you” to girlfriend Kylie Jenner at Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards. See the complete list of last night’s winners.
I want to talk to you about something.
How a priest and holy water played a role in the Steelers’ victory
Those who watched the “Sunday Night Football” matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers saw the AFC North rivals trade blows, resulting in a 26-24 victory for the Steelers and the AFC North crown. How they got there may have been through divine intervention.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
