January 5, 2026 12:47 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro declares himself “innocent” and a “decent man” as he pleads not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges. Maduro told a judge in New York on Monday, “I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country.” Maduro was making his first appearance in an American courtroom Monday on the narco-terrorism charges the Trump administration used to justify capturing him and bringing him to New York. (Photo: AP)
January 5, 2026 10:52 am
ST PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is ending his bid for a third term as governor amid President Donald Trump’s relentless focus on a fraud investigation into child care programs in the state. Less than four months after announcing his reelection campaign, Walz said Monday he could no longer devote the energy necessary to win another term, even as he expressed confidence he could win. A person close to Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said she is considering running for governor. Around a dozen Republicans are already in the race.
January 5, 2026 5:05 am
PITTSBURGH — Be prepared to pay more when you use the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials say a 4% increase went into effect on Sunday, which is the lowest rate increase since 2014. Officials estimate that the most-common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase from $1.86 to $1.94 for E-ZPass customers and from $3.72 to $3.88 for Toll By Plate customers. Still, the commission says toll rates are below the national average compared to other U.S. toll roads, bridges and tunnels. The rate increase, as in previous years, is used to repay Act 44 debt service. In 2027, turnpike officials say toll increases will drop to 3.5% and to 3% by 2028.
January 5, 2026 5:01 am
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Flames destroyed a mobile home and damaged multiple cars in Fayette County on Sunday morning. The fire happened along Kooser Road in Springfield Township. Our news partners at WPXI saw the structure entirely burned through and partially collapsed, as well as at least two charred vehicles. 911 dispatchers said the mobile home was occupied when the fire started, but everyone got out safely. There is no word on the cause of the fire.
January 5, 2026 5:07 am
BETHEL PARK, Pa. — A water main break closed an intersection in Bethel Park on Monday. The Bethel Park Police Department said Library Road was closed between Logan Road and Berryman Avenue, and Kings School Road was closed between Shirley Drive and Wilson Drive. Police say they had no estimated time when the intersection would reopen. A Pennsylvania American Water spokesperson confirmed that water had been shut off in the area. It was unclear how many customers were impacted.
January 4, 2026 5:10 am
NEW YORK (AP) — Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is set to make his first appearance in an American courtroom. Maduro and his wife are expected to appear at noon Monday before a judge in New York. He is accused of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The Trump administration used the criminal charges to justify capturing Maduro and removing him to U.S. soil. Maduro’s lawyers are expected to contest the legality of his arrest, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as a sovereign head of state. Venezuela’s new interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has demanded that the U.S. return Maduro, who long denied any involvement in drug trafficking.
January 4, 2026 5:11 am
MIAMI (AP) — When Nicolás Maduro appears in a New York courtroom to face U.S. drug charges, he’ll be following a path taken by Panama’s Manuel Noriega, another strongman who was toppled by American forces. As was the case with Noriega, lawyers for Maduro are expected to challenge his arrest by claiming sovereign immunity. That’s a bedrock principal of international and U.S. law. But legal experts say that argument is unlikely to succeed because the U.S. doesn’t recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. They say courts are likely to allow the prosecution to proceed despite broader constitutional questions about the U.S. military action that led to his capture.
January 4, 2026 5:14 am
President Donald Trump’s plan to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry and ask American companies to revitalize it after capturing that country’s president in a military raid isn’t likely to have a significant immediate impact on oil prices. Venezuela’s oil industry is in disrepair after years of neglect and international sanctions, so it will likely take years and major investments before production can increase dramatically. Phil Flynn, who is senior market analyst at the Price Futures Group, said if Venezuela can become an oil powerhouse, that could cement lower prices. But American oil companies will want a stable regime in the country before they are willing to invest heavily, and the political picture remained uncertain Saturday.
January 4, 2026 5:12 am
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Protests in Iran are intensifying due to the country’s struggling economy, putting pressure on its theocracy. Tehran is still dealing with the aftermath of a 12-day war with Israel in June, which included U.S. bombings of nuclear sites. Economic pressure increased in September with the return of U.N. sanctions, causing Iran’s currency to plummet. Activists say demonstrations have spread to over 220 locations across 26 provinces, with at least 20 people killed and more than 990 arrested. The protests began with economic concerns but have grown to include anti-government sentiments. Iran’s nuclear program and tense relations with the U.S. are adding to Tehran’s challenges.
January 5, 2026 12:54 pm
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The Golden Globes kick off Hollywood’s awards season on Sunday. This year’s 83rd edition of the show is hosted for the second year by comedian Nikki Glaser. It airs live at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS and streams live on Paramount+. Acting nominees include Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Emma Stone. “One Battle After Another” is the top nominee with nine and is an Oscar front-runner. “Sentimental Value,” “Sinners” and “Hamnet” are also nominated in top categories. Career achievement awards will go to Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker. (Photo: AP)
