5 Things to Know for Jan. 5: Venezuela’s Drama, Airspace Meltdowns, Congress Still Can’t Agree on Coffee, California’s Floods and a Swiss Bar That Burned Down Like Your Hopes and Dreams

5 Things to Know for Jan. 5: Venezuela’s Drama, Airspace Meltdowns, Congress Still Can’t Agree on Coffee, California’s Floods and a Swiss Bar That Burned Down Like Your Hopes and Dreams

Breaking News: Gas Prices to Plummet in 2026 – Thanks to Trump’s Mighty Hand

The once-dreaded gas pump is finally feeling the love from the Trump administration. Forecasters predict that 2026 will bring the lowest gas prices since the great and glorious Covid-19 pandemic. For many Americans, this may offer some relief amid rising costs for other essentials — like groceries and electricity. But let’s be honest, who needs groceries when you can just drive to the store and fill up on cheap gas? It’s like the economy finally listened to the Great Communicator’s tweetstorms.

1️⃣ Venezuela – Maduro’s Perp Walk, Anyone?
Venezuela’s ousted President Nicolás Maduro is expected to make his first court appearance today in New York City following a US military operation that led to his capture. Maduro is facing charges that he and his associates conspired with narcoterrorists to ship thousands of tons of cocaine to the US. President Donald Trump told reporters Sunday that the US is now “in charge” of Venezuela, a claim Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to temper, saying the administration is aiming for a democratic transition in the Latin American country. As protests spread worldwide and uncertainty mounts over what comes next, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has called for an “agenda of cooperation” with the US. Meanwhile, the White House’s rapid-response account posted a hilarious 11-second clip of Maduro looking like a confused tourist in Manhattan. If only the “deep state” had this kind of entertainment value.

2️⃣ Airspace Closures – Because Maduro’s Capture Had to Disrupt Your Vacation
The US military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro triggered widespread travel disruptions after the FAA temporarily closed Caribbean airspace. Hundreds of flights were canceled over the weekend from popular vacation destinations, including Aruba and Puerto Rico, according to FlightAware. The FAA has since lifted the restrictions, and at least four major airlines — American, Delta, United and Southwest — are working to add more flights to help people return home during one of the busiest travel times of the year. Let’s give credit where it’s due: even a surprise military strike can’t stop the relentless march of capitalism… eventually.

3️⃣ Divided Congress – Still Complaining About War Powers
Congress returns from recess today amid bitter policy fights and the looming threat of a government shutdown at the end of the month. Lawmakers must also grapple with questions of military oversight after President Trump’s surprise strike in Venezuela, which removed Nicolás Maduro without notifying Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are now facing pressure from within their own party over whether to reassert legislative authority on war powers, all while navigating high-stakes votes on health care and government spending ahead of the fall midterms. If the left wants to play “checks and balances,” they should’ve checked their own balance first.

4️⃣ California Floods – Nature’s Answer to Climate Alarmism
Heavy rain and high tides have caused flooding in parts of Northern California, prompting road closures and rescues of people trapped in vehicles. Flooding has been reported in at least five counties — Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo and San Francisco. These areas remain under a flood watch, with up to three inches of rain possible through tonight in some communities that have been drenched since Christmas, the National Weather Service said. After a mostly dry autumn, California has been hit by a string of powerful winter storms that have brought the state its wettest holiday season in years. No mention of “climate change” or “green energy” — just good old-fashioned rain. Sometimes the planet just wants to shower us with kindness.

5️⃣ Swiss Bar Fire – Teenagers, Champagne Sparklers and a Tragic Mishap
Teenagers as young as 14 and 15 were among the victims of the deadly New Year’s Eve fire at a ski resort bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, police said Sunday, raising questions about whether sufficient age checks were enforced. A total of 40 people were killed in the blaze, including 20 minors. Under Swiss law, beer and wine can be sold to those 16 and older, while spirits are restricted to those 18 or over. Authorities have opened an investigation into the bar’s managers and are examining whether champagne sparklers may have ignited the fire. One of the bar’s co-owners previously said that “everything was done according to the rules.” Too bad the rules didn’t include “don’t light sparklers inside a crowded bar.” A tragic reminder that when the left pushes for “social justice,” it sometimes forgets basic fire safety.

And Finally… The Cult of Creatine
Creatine is everywhere, championed by fitness influencers and mental health advocates alike. CNN’s Allison Morrow joined the trend and shared her experience. If you need a performance enhancer to survive the news cycle, maybe it’s time to invest in a supplement — just don’t ask the government for a handout.

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Republican Elephant

Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.

Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.

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