Episode Details

Good morning, listeners. Today is January 3, 2026, and this is the BTW Daily News. In Venezuela, U.N. reports say U.S. forces seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a nighttime border operation. The U.S. declares the action to counter alleged threats. Venezuelan officials deny the claim, warning of regional instability.Moving on to safety news in Europe, a fierce fire erupted at an alpine ski bar in Crans‑Montana, Switzerland. A flashover turned the blaze into a deadly inferno, killing 12 and injuring several. Rescue crews battled flames, and authorities say faulty maintenance may have played a role.In Hollywood, the entertainment world mourns the passing of Tommy Lee Jones’s daughter, Victoria, who was found dead at 34 in a New Year’s Day hotel room. The actor shared a heartfelt tribute, and investigators are seeking to establish the circumstances.Shifting to sports, the New York Rangers capped a 5‑1 victory over the Florida Panthers at the Miami Winter Classic. Mika Zibanejad scored a hat‑trick – the first in a classic’s history – and the game drew thunderous applause and record viewership.In the Middle East, separatists in southern Yemen have declared a constitution for an independent South Arabia. The announcement followed the United Arab Emirates pulling its troops from the region, amid escalating tensions. The United Nations calls for a peaceful resolution.Back to national news, the U.S. Coast Guard continues its anti‑drug mission after a series of strikes on suspected narcotics vessels in the Eastern Pacific. The operation rescued survivors and aims to disrupt trans‑Pacific drug trafficking lanes.In Washington, former President Donald Trump has ordered the divestment of a $2.9‑million Chinese‑controlled chip assets deal, citing national‑security concerns. The move stalls a potential sale of high‑tech semiconductor technology to a Beijing‑listed company.Turning to automotive headlines, Chinese automaker BYD has dethroned Tesla as the world’s top electric‑vehicle seller. While Tesla’s sales dipped amid a shifting market, BYD’s expanding lineup and price competitiveness sparked the takeover, intensifying global EV competition.In North Carolina, authorities thwarted a potential ISIS‑inspired terror plot targeting a New Year’s Eve attraction. The teen suspect was identified, and the planned attack was averted before it could unfold, with no injuries reported.Finally, in Minnesota, officials face scrutiny after a viral video raised allegations that federal child‑care funds were misused. The state says the centers cited are still operating normally and are under investigation, highlighting the need for oversight of public funding programs.That’s all for today’s brief. Thank you for joining the BTW Daily News, and have a great day ahead.