Episode Details

Good morning. It’s January 4th, 2026, and you’re listening to BTW Daily News. I’m your host, ready to bring you the day’s top stories in a quick, clear rundown. First up in politics: Venezuela’s long‑stalled presidential crisis takes a dramatic turn. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó announced that Nicolás Maduro has officially stepped down after weeks of street protests and a brief military backing for his removal. The international community awaits confirmation on the new governance framework. Moving on to the media: a Venezuelan journalist was seized by armed left‑ist supporters as she tried to report on the now‑ousted Maduro regime. The incident highlights the tense environment for press freedom in Caracas, with federal authorities calling for a full inquiry while opposition groups demand accountability. In the realm of culture, Venezuela’s tiny Jewish community remains in mourning. Despite the celebrations slated for the upcoming holiday, families are delayed in rejoicing due to lingering concerns about safety and the memory of the recent community tragedy that left several graves unmarked. Business news: ROI‑US oil refiners secured a lucrative contract in the wake of President Trump’s Venezuela strike. The deal, worth over $120 million, sees U.S. refiners supplementing Gulf output, while Chinese firms face a setback from tariffs and trade restrictions. Meanwhile, in an unprecedented early bird interview, former Maduro, now exiled, shared his thoughts during a New York parole walk. He claimed his actions were “humanitarian” and urged for a return to democratic processes, though many critics label him a self‑serving opportunist. From the Middle East, Oman’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to international law and respect for sovereignty, citing the Venezuelan crisis as a reminder of the importance of multilateral diplomacy. Jamal Al‑Khoranim, the minister, emphasized that Oman will adhere to UN resolutions while supporting peaceful resolutions. In sports, the Seattle Seahawks capped a stellar season with a decisive victory over the San Francisco 49ers, silencing their rivals and earning the NFC’s top seed heading into playoffs. Sam Darnold’s return to form and a defensive storm kept the 49ers’ offensive engine starved for plays. Turning to tragedy in Switzerland, a sharp‑fire blaze engulfed a pop bar on New Year’s Eve, claiming 24 lives. Police identified the victims, many tourists celebrating late into the night. The fire sparked debate over safety protocols in nightlife venues across the country. Moving to the ring, heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua released his first public update after the fatal car crash in Nigeria that took two of his friends’ lives. He thanked his family and supporters for their patience, while medical teams are still assessing his injuries. Finally, a joint UK‑French airstrike targeted a suspected ISIS arms cache in Syria. RAF jets were escorted by French Mirage fighter jets, striking tunnels believed to store weapons and ammunition. The operation is part of a broader NATO effort to dismantle remaining terrorist infrastructure. That’s the headline roundup for today. Thank you for listening to BTW Daily News. Have a safe and informed day.