U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threats against Greenland pose a new and potentially unprecedented challenge to NATO, perhaps even an existential one. The alliance is normally focused on external threats, but it could now face an armed confrontation involving its most powerful member. The White House says the administration is weighing options that could include military action to take control of the strategically located and mineral-rich island. Greenland is part of NATO ally Denmark. Trump’s designs on Greenland could put at risk the entire future of NATO, which was founded in 1949 to counter the threat to European security posed by the Soviet Union.

The Trump administration is giving Iowa more power to decide how it spends its federal education money. Washington is signing off on a proposal that’s expected to be the first of many as conservative states apply for new spending freedom from the federal government. Iowa was the first state to apply for an exemption from certain spending rules after Education Secretary Linda McMahon invited states to request the flexibility last year. Such waivers have been offered for years but are finding new interest under President Donald Trump. Indiana and Oklahoma have made similar requests.

The U.S. military operation in Venezuela can be seen as both a benefit and a burden for Russian President Vladimir Putin. His forces botched an attempt to capture Ukraine’s capital and topple its leader at the start of Moscow’s invasion nearly four years ago. The ouster of Nicolas Maduro highlights another Kremlin failure to support allies such as Syria and Iran. With the U.S. determined to establish control over Venezuela, Russia stands to lose a strategic foothold in the Western Hemisphere, along with billions of dollars invested in its oil industry. But the events also are causing unease in Western nations and giving the Kremlin fresh talking points to defend its war in Ukraine.

In Ohio's governor race, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton have announced their running mates. Ramaswamy, a biotech executive, has chosen Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, a seasoned conservative lawmaker. Acton, a former state health chief, has picked David Pepper, a pragmatic former state Democratic Chair. The announcements were made on Wednesday. Current Republican Gov. Mike DeWine cannot seek reelection due to term limits. Ramaswamy praised McColley for his legislative experience. Acton highlighted Pepper's problem-solving skills and local government experience.

Everyone is talking about affordability in 2026, so the experts at Edmunds have assembled a list of five cars and SUVs that rank highly in their respective vehicle classes. Whether you’re looking for a small and efficient car or a sporty and fun one, or a three-row midsize SUV that can easily serve family duty while providing a little bit of luxury, there is something affordable here for just about anyone. The selected vehicles are also reasonably fuel-efficient to help save money on gas, and nearly all boast impressive recent crash test ratings.

Faith leaders are urging prayers for peace following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. In Venezuela, Catholic and evangelical leaders are appealing for calm, while many in the diaspora welcome the change. Miami's Catholic archbishop says there is anxiety about the future but believes the church can help the country move forward. Since 2014, about 8 million Venezuelans have fled, with many settling in South Florida. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has taken Maduro's place, offering to collaborate with the U.S. Amid rising uncertainty, faith leaders emphasize prayer, reconciliation and hope for a peaceful transition.

Brigitte Bardot's funeral was being held with a private service and a public homage in Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera resort where she lived after retiring from movie stardom. The animal rights activist and far-right supporter died Dec. 28 at age 91 at her home in southern France. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, said she died from cancer after undergoing two operations. The service began at the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Catholic Church in the presence of her family and selected guests. Hundreds of residents and admirers were following the farewell on large screens set up in the small town.

A council fighting Yemen’s Houthi rebels has expelled the leader of a separatist movement and charged him with treason. The leader reportedly declined to travel to Saudi Arabia for talks. The Southern Transitional Council, backed by the UAE, faces new tensions with Saudi-backed forces. An STC delegation flew to Riyadh but lost contact after landing. The STC accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes in Yemen's al-Dhale governorate. The Presidential Leadership Council accused the STC leader of damaging Yemen's military and political standing. The conflict has deepened uncertainty in Yemen, already strained by over a decade of war.

Iran’s army chief has threatened preemptive military action over the “rhetoric” targeting the Islamic Republic. The comments Wednesday by Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami likely refer to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” America “will come to their rescue.” It also likely is an effort to show strength as protests sparked by economic woes have grown into a direct challenge to its theocracy. Iran’s government separately began Wednesday paying the equivalent of $7 a month to subsidize rising costs for dinner-table essentials like rice, meat and pastas. But already, shopkeepers warn prices for items as basic as cooking oil likely will triple.

China has escalated its trade tensions with Japan by launching an investigation into imported dichlorosilane, a chemical gas used in making semiconductors. This came a day after it imposed curbs on the export of dual-use goods that could be used by Japan’s military. The Chinese Commerce Ministry says it launched the investigation after learning from the domestic industry that the price of dichlorosilane imported from Japan had decreased 31% between 2022 and 2024. Beijing has been showing mounting displeasure with Tokyo after Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi late last year suggested its military could intervene if China were to take action against Taiwan – an island democracy Beijing considers its own territory.

CES 2026 is featuring extensive programming related to Hollywood, influencers and how the industry will continue to work with AI. Entertainment-related products and services are also on display at the technology showcase in Las Vegas. They include televisions with advanced features, AI-powered smart headphones and other innovations to enhance the at-home viewing experience. Artificial intelligence has long been a sticking point in Hollywood, with many reluctant to embrace the rapidly evolving technology. But speakers at CES have expressed optimism about how AI will benefit the industry.

Denmark and Greenland are seeking a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after the Trump administration reiterated its intention to take over Greenland. Tensions escalated after the White House said Tuesday that the “U.S. military is always an option.” European leaders rejected President Donald Trump’s calls for the U.S. to take over Greenland, citing strategic reasons. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this week that a U.S. takeover would threaten NATO. Leaders from several European countries reaffirmed that Greenland “belongs to its people.” Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark and part of NATO.

Frustration and anger are brewing among young protesters in Nepal who helped topple the government. Groups of the mostly leaderless Gen Z protest groups have returned to the streets of the Himalayan nation. But a lack of clarity among the protesters has been a key hurdle. Their demands include the resignation of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki for failing to meet goals and expectations. Karki was installed as Nepal's first female prime minister during protests in September in which 76 people were killed. Karki says elections will be held in March as planned.