January 5, 2026 – US Headlines

Story gist: The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump stated the US is taking control of Venezuela’s oil reserves, affecting energy markets.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN emphasizes Trump’s statement on US oil control with explanatory ‘what it means,’ implying scrutiny of claims. Center CNBC neutrally questions post-arrest oil control and energy market effects. Right-leaning WSJ highlights falling oil prices from US capture, stressing supply questions and potential stability; no major omissions across lanes.

Story gist: Former President Trump threatened Colombia’s President Petro, stated Cuba looks ‘ready to fall,’ and said the U.S. is ‘in charge’ of Venezuela as its interim leader vowed cooperation.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like NYT frame Trump’s remarks as suggesting U.S. action against multiple countries, emphasizing escalatory threats. Center outlets like Axios focus on U.S. leadership in Venezuela with cooperative interim leader, neutral tone. Right-leaning coverage absent, missing likely perspective praising Trump’s assertive stance against leftist regimes in Latin America.

Story gist: President-elect Donald Trump warned Venezuela’s new leader. Nicolas Maduro is set to appear in court.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Atlantic frame Trump’s action as ‘threatens’ with hyperbolic ‘fate worse than Maduro’s,’ emphasizing hostility. Center outlets like BBC use neutral ‘warns’ directly from the title, focusing on facts without judgment. Right-leaning outlets are absent, omitting potential defenses of Trump or emphasis on Maduro’s accountability.

Story gist: Russian politicians stated that a strike on Venezuela by US President Trump is unlawful and destabilizing.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN emphasizes risks to Trump from a ‘surprising US plan’ in Venezuela, using negative tone on the action. Center Reuters neutrally reports Russian politicians’ view of the strike as unlawful and destabilizing. Right-leaning outlets absent, omitting potential support for Trump or dismissal of Russian criticism.

Story gist: American tourists, including Ohio newlyweds, became stranded in the Caribbean due to airspace closures linked to events in Venezuela. Virgin Voyages issued a travel update for San Juan disembarkation.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like ABC frame disruptions as airspace closures for Maduro’s capture, emphasizing regime opposition context. Center sources like Virgin Voyages offer neutral logistical updates on San Juan without political details. Right-leaning outlets like WSYX personalize with Ohio newlyweds stranded post-U.S. strikes on Venezuela, highlighting American military action and local impact.