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Venezuela plunged into political uncertainty this weekend after international reporting said U.S. forces seized President Nicolás Maduro during an overnight operation in Caracas and moved him to the United States, where he is now being held in federal custody. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly claimed responsibility for the operation, calling it a capture mission and signaling that Washington intends to take a direct role in steering what it described as a “transition” period. The announcement triggered immediate shock inside Venezuela, where senior figures in Maduro’s government denounced the move as a “kidnapping” and demanded his return. By Sunday, Venezuela’s Supreme Court issued an order directing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president, saying the state needed “administrative continuity” while Maduro is forcibly absent. The ruling set off a new legal and political fight in Caracas over who controls the government, the security forces, and the country’s key institutions during the crisis. In the U.S., Maduro is reported to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a federal jail used for high-profile detainees. He is expected to make an initial appearance in federal court in Manhattan as early as Monday, with proceedings tied to long-running U.S. criminal allegations related to drug trafficking and other charges. On the ground in Caracas, residents described a tense, watchful calm—quiet streets in some areas, nervous conversations in others, and widespread uncertainty about what happens next. Outside Venezuela, governments across the region and beyond reacted with alarm, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, international law, and what the operation could mean for stability in the Americas. Adding to the confusion, social media has been flooded with viral clips and dramatic claims—some real, many recycled or mislabeled—making it harder for ordinary people to separate verified updates from misinformation as events continue to move fast. What to watch next The Monday court appearance and what prosecutors formally allege Whether Caracas’ institutions hold together under acting leadership International pressure for negotiations, sanctions, or emergency diplomacy Public reaction inside Venezuela as the week begins

A group of teens started out doing what a lot of kids do online: playing video games. But instead of just grinding levels, they got deep into the “cheat” side of gaming — learning how to exploit systems, bypass rules, and manipulate code to gain advantages. Over time, that curiosity reportedly evolved into something much bigger. According to the story, the same mindset they used to hack games became a gateway into learning how to hack crypto. Once they understood how digital systems can be tricked — logins, accounts, access points, and weaknesses — they moved from game exploits to real money. That’s when everything changed. The money came fast — and so did the attention After stealing a massive amount of crypto, the teens didn’t stay quiet. The story says they started spending like celebrities: partying, showing off, and moving like people who had unlimited cash. Instead of keeping a low profile, their lifestyle became loud — and loud money attracts the wrong kind of listeners. The kidnapping: pressure point tactics Then came the scariest part: the parents got kidnapped. The motive, according to the story, wasn’t random — it was leverage. A crew of criminals allegedly figured out there was stolen money out there, and they wanted a piece. And instead of chasing the teens directly, they went after what they believed would force cooperation: family. It’s the kind of pressure-point tactic you hear about in crime movies — except this story frames it as real-life consequences of digital theft colliding with real-world violence and extortion. The big lesson the story pushes The message is pretty clear: Hacking doesn’t stay “online.” Big theft doesn’t stay “secret.” And flashy spending can turn a digital crime into a real-world threat fast.

In a dramatic turn of events on Interstate 20 near Atlanta, a routine traffic stop ended in a major drug seizure and an unexpected blaze. Deputies pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation, only to discover approximately 12 pounds of cocaine concealed in the trunk. As officers approached the car, the driver allegedly attempted to destroy his cellphone by setting it on fire in the passenger seat—perhaps in a desperate bid to erase evidence. The quick-thinking deputies managed to control the small fire before it spread further. Upon further inspection, they uncovered not only the narcotics but also several pieces of drug paraphernalia. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been officially released, is known to have a lengthy criminal history. He now faces multiple charges, including drug trafficking and evidence tampering. Authorities are praising the swift actions of the deputies involved and reminding the public of the ongoing efforts to keep illegal drugs off the streets.

While a lot of Americans are still feeling squeezed by high prices, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan is delivering a message that’s turning heads: the U.S. economy is still holding up better than many people think—and the data inside one of the nation’s largest banks is a big reason why. Moynihan’s surprise view comes down to one word: spending. “People are still buying” According to Moynihan, Bank of America’s view of the economy—based on what customers are actually doing with their money—shows consumer spending staying steady even as inflation fatigue and recession talk dominate headlines. He pointed to the holiday shopping stretch as a key indicator, saying spending through major shopping days and into early December tracked higher than last year, with growth around the 4% range. That matters because the U.S. economy runs on the consumer. If households stop buying, businesses pull back, hiring slows, and a downturn can feed on itself. Moynihan’s point is simple: that stall hasn’t happened. Not just the “rich are spending” Another reason his comments landed as “unexpected” is that he didn’t paint the picture as a luxury-only economy. He described spending trends across income groups as still rising compared to last year—though not necessarily at the same pace for everyone. In plain terms: even with frustration around groceries, rent, and everyday bills, people are still paying for essentials, still going out, and still participating in the economy—which supports jobs and business revenue. Inflation is easing, but the pain is real Moynihan also acknowledged what most people already know: prices remain a sore spot. Even if inflation has cooled from its peak, the cost of living is still elevated compared to a few years ago, and that can make the economy feel worse than it looks in the data. That disconnect—strong activity but low confidence—has become one of the defining themes of the last year. His view is that the economy can continue to grow even while households complain about affordability—because employment and wages have kept many consumers afloat. Labor market: softer, not broken One of the biggest fears heading into 2026 is that job losses could accelerate. Moynihan’s read: the labor market may be cooling, but it doesn’t appear to be cracking. That’s important because job security is the foundation of consumer spending. If layoffs spike, spending drops fast. Moynihan’s perspective suggests the U.S. may be moving toward a more normal pace—less overheated than the post-pandemic surge, but not collapsing. A stronger 2026 forecast—plus an “AI factor” Moynihan has also talked about a more upbeat growth outlook for next year, including an expectation that the U.S. economy could perform better in 2026 than in 2025. He’s pointed to business investment—especially in technology—as one reason growth could stay resilient. A major piece of that is AI-related investment. From major companies upgrading systems to broader spending on new tools and infrastructure, Moynihan sees that wave as a real economic tailwind—not just hype. The bottom line for everyday people Moynihan’s message isn’t that everything is perfect. It’s that the economy is still moving forward, even with: higher living costs interest rates that changed borrowing behavior anxiety about layoffs and recession headlines His bigger argument: when you look at the numbers banks can see in real time—spending, deposits, and credit performance—the consumer doesn’t look “broken.” And if the consumer isn’t broken, it’s hard for the whole economy to fall apart overnight. TopA News Take This is why Moynihan’s comments hit different: he isn’t guessing based on theory. He’s describing what millions of people are doing with money right now. And his conclusion is clear—the economy may be slowing, but it’s still standing. If 2026 turns into a stronger year, Moynihan’s “unexpected” view may end up looking less like optimism—and more like an early signal of where the economy was headed all along.

NEW YORK — Roc-A-Fella Records began as an independent label built around one mission: get Jay-Z’s music into the marketplace when the traditional doors weren’t opening fast enough. Over time, it became a culture-shifting powerhouse—breaking artists, shaping radio, and building a brand that stretched beyond music into fashion and high-level corporate relationships. The Roc-A-Fella story is also one of the clearest examples of a truth that still defines the music industry today: the biggest winners over the long run are usually the people closest to ownership—masters, publishing, equity stakes, and brand assets. That fact fuels ongoing debates about contracts, leverage, and whether young artists truly understood what they were signing in the label era. This report sticks to the documented timeline: what is publicly reported about Roc-A-Fella’s corporate path, major deals tied to the Roc ecosystem, and the later business and legal developments that kept Roc-A-Fella in headlines long after its peak. The foundation: Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and Biggs build Roc-A-Fella Roc-A-Fella was founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Damon “Dame” Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke in the mid-1990s. The label’s early identity was tied to hustling for distribution and proving that an independent operation could compete with major-label infrastructure. As Roc-A-Fella gained momentum, it became a pipeline—not just for Jay-Z’s releases, but for a growing roster and a growing brand. The corporate shift: Def Jam buys in, then buys it out A key turning point in Roc-A-Fella’s business history is the label’s relationship with Def Jam / Island Def Jam, which brought major-label distribution power and corporate ownership into the picture. Public reporting has long described a two-phase ownership shift: Late 1990s: Island Def Jam purchased 50% of Roc-A-Fella (a minority stake that still represented significant influence). 2004: Island Def Jam acquired the remaining 50%, completing a full buyout. Around the same time, Jay-Z was named to lead Def Jam in a top executive role. That combination—full buyout plus executive power—is widely seen as the moment Roc-A-Fella stopped being “the three founders’ independent house” in the classic sense and became fully embedded inside major-label corporate control. What matters about 2004 isn’t just the headline. It’s the structure: when a label becomes part of a corporate parent, the incentives shift—budgets, priorities, leverage, and decision-making often flow through the parent company. Roc-A-Fella’s artist era: who came through the Roc system Roc-A-Fella’s peak years produced a wave of artists and affiliated movements. A full “all-time list” is tricky because label rosters change, and many acts were tied through joint ventures, groups, distribution arrangements, compilation appearances, or short-term deals. But the most widely recognized Roc-A-Fella names from that era include: Jay-Z Kanye West Memphis Bleek Beanie Sigel Freeway State Property (and associated members) Cam’ron (Roc-era period) The Diplomats (Roc-era period) Peedi Crakk Young Gunz Amil Teairra Marí (brief Roc era) These names matter because they represent an era when Roc-A-Fella functioned as both a label and a brand—music, image, alliances, and business positioning working together. The fashion money: Rocawear becomes a major headline deal Another reason Roc-A-Fella’s history gets misunderstood online is that some of the biggest public sale numbers tied to the Roc universe were about fashion, not the record label itself. Rocawear—associated with the Roc brand—became a major business asset, and the brand was later sold in a large deal widely reported in business media. That sale is often cited in conversations about how the Roc founders turned culture into capital. This matters because when people talk about “Roc being sold for hundreds of millions,” they’re sometimes mixing Roc-A-Fella Records with Rocawear (two different assets with different deal histories). Jay-Z’s billionaire status: portfolio building, not one label move Jay-Z’s billionaire status has typically been explained in major business coverage as the result of a portfolio: long-term music earnings and ownership, plus business ventures, investments, and high-value brand outcomes across multiple lanes. In that framing, Jay-Z’s wealth story is less about one “gotcha” moment and more about the playbook that wealthy operators repeat in every industry: build leverage early, maintain ownership where possible, expand into assets outside the core job, and convert fame into equity. Where the “bad deals” conversation fits—without claiming what isn’t proven Here’s the hard truth about the music business in the label era: many young artists across the entire industry signed agreements they later regretted. That reality is not unique to Roc-A-Fella. It’s tied to a standard imbalance: the label has money, lawyers, distribution, and timing; the young artist has talent, momentum, and urgency. Contracts often include complex terms about recoupment, royalties, publishing administration, options, touring participation, merchandising splits, and control of masters. When artists don’t have experienced legal help—or when “get it done fast” energy takes over—some don’t realize what they agreed to until the first big checks come in… and the deductions follow. What cannot be stated as a “straight fact,” without court findings or documents, is the claim that Jay-Z “robbed” artists or intentionally “finessed” them into bad deals. That language describes wrongdoing, and the public record does not present a definitive, proven account of criminal or fraudulent conduct by Jay-Z in relation to artist contracts. What can be stated as fact is this: Roc-A-Fella moved from founder-led independence into full corporate ownership under Def Jam. Jay-Z rose into executive leadership at Def Jam at a time when Roc-A-Fella’s structure was changing. The Roc brand expanded into major business assets and large outcomes (including fashion). Over time, disputes and ownership conflicts tied to Roc-related assets have continued to surface in the public arena, long after the original music run. That is the factual core of why the “left behind” narrative exists: in music, creative impact and ownership outcomes don’t always match. A person can help create an era and still end up with less power over the assets that era produced. Dame Dash and the Roc-A-Fella ownership story in later years Dame Dash remained a central figure in the Roc-A-Fella legacy, and his ownership stake has continued to be discussed publicly years later. In recent years, his Roc-A-Fella interest has also been connected to legal and financial developments that kept the label’s ownership story in the news. Even outside of hip-hop, this is a familiar business pattern: early founders build a valuable entity, later corporate structures and legal realities reshape control, and the public ends up debating who “really won” long after the peak years. The bigger takeaway: why Roc-A-Fella is still a case study Roc-A-Fella’s story is still studied because it sits at the intersection of culture and contracts. It’s a reminder that: hits can make you famous, but ownership makes you wealthy, and equity makes you powerful. And in the music industry, the lesson repeats: if you don’t understand the paperwork, you can still win the spotlight—while someone else wins the asset.

Amy Poehler is laughing now, but she says a long-ago flight once turned into a tense, first-class showdown after a fellow passenger objected to her language—right as her Mean Girls co-star Ana Gasteyer was traveling with her infant daughter. The story came up on Poehler’s podcast Good Hang during a holiday episode featuring Gasteyer, where the two comedians started reminiscing about a trip they took together years back. Gasteyer reminded Poehler that her daughter Frances—now 23—was on the plane at the time. According to Poehler, a man seated nearby complained that she was being “too loud” and also took issue with her swearing in front of the baby. That’s when, Poehler joked, “my Boston came out,” describing how she argued back and “got in a fight” with the passenger. Gasteyer didn’t seem rattled by the memory—she told Poehler it was “the best thing” she’d ever seen, as the two recounted the moment with smiles rather than outrage. Poehler and Gasteyer’s friendship goes back years, including overlapping time on Saturday Night Live and later appearing together in the 2004 film Mean Girls, where each played one of the moms.

NEW YORK — Crypto markets headed into Christmas week with a familiar mix of big-money headlines and thin-liquidity price action, as investors weighed Wall Street’s next steps, year-end positioning in spot ETFs, and fresh warnings about cybercrime. One of the most closely watched developments came from traditional finance. Bloomberg reported that JPMorgan is exploring cryptocurrency trading for institutional clients, a notable signal that large banks are still looking for ways to expand crypto services even after a volatile year for digital assets. At the same time, U.S. spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs showed signs of pre-holiday de-risking. Market coverage reported net outflows on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) as trading desks and some investors trimmed exposure going into the break, when liquidity typically gets thinner. Corporate bitcoin buying—another key demand narrative in 2025—also slowed. Barron’s and other reports said Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) paused bitcoin purchases last week after buying aggressively earlier in December, even while raising cash through stock sales. The pause drew attention because Strategy has been a major consistent buyer that traders often watch as a “bid” in the market. Security remained a dominant storyline. A Chainalysis year-end theft analysis estimated more than $3.4 billion stolen in 2025 (through early December), with reporting also pointing to North Korea-linked actors as a leading driver of losses—an issue that continues to pressure the industry’s reputation and regulatory posture. Meanwhile, macro data continued to set the tone. A Barron’s analysis on the week’s inflation-related moves described sharp crypto volatility around economic releases, reinforcing how closely bitcoin and other major tokens are trading to rate-cut expectations and risk sentiment heading into early 2026. By Christmas Day, bitcoin and ether were still mostly range-bound: BTC around $87,743 and ETH around $2,946, according to market pricing at the time of publication.

By the time Christmas week arrives, many billionaires and ultra-wealthy families aren’t deciding whether to travel—they’re deciding where to base themselves for a tightly managed season that often stretches from mid-December through New Year’s. The consistent theme is control: privacy, security, scheduling, and a curated experience that doesn’t depend on crowds or last-minute availability. The warm-weather tradition: superyachts and private villas For the billionaire set that wants sunshine in December, the Caribbean is a recurring favorite. The most talked-about hubs tend to be the places that can handle ultra-luxury demand at scale: top-tier villas, high-end hotels, yacht marinas, private chefs, security teams, and logistics crews that can make a trip feel “effortless.” A typical Christmas-week Caribbean routine can look like this: Flying in privately, then transferring quickly to a villa or yacht Hosting small, invitation-only dinners rather than going out publicly Using a superyacht as both a luxury base and a way to disappear—anchoring off quieter coves when the main harbor gets crowded Island-hopping for variety: one stop for nightlife and restaurants, another for pure privacy New Year’s is often the “main event” in this track—fireworks, harbor celebrations, and high-profile gatherings—while the days around Christmas can be noticeably quieter and more family-centered. The winter version: ski towns built for the ultra-wealthy For those who want snow, the holiday season often shifts to elite ski destinations where luxury real estate and high-end service are part of the local culture. The appeal isn’t just skiing—it’s the entire package: privacy, security, and a comfortable “chalet lifestyle” where everything is handled behind the scenes. Common features of billionaire-style ski holidays include: Renting or staying in a private chalet with staff (chef, driver, housekeeping, sometimes security) Skiing early, before the busiest slopes, then retreating for private meals and spa time High-end après-ski that stays discreet—private rooms, member-only spaces, or in-home gatherings rather than packed public venues Short hops between multiple destinations, especially if weather or crowds shift How they move: private aviation and tight scheduling At this level, travel is often designed to minimize friction: flying at off-peak hours, landing at smaller airports when possible, and using chauffeured transfers or helicopters to skip traffic. Because holiday demand is heavy even for premium travel, many trips are planned far in advance—especially for scarce inventory like top villas, the best chalets, and prime marina access. It’s also common for ultra-wealthy travelers to keep plans flexible, with backup options ready if weather, security concerns, or crowd levels change. A quieter trend: wellness and retreat-style holidays Not every billionaire holiday revolves around parties or ski scenes. A smaller—but increasingly visible—track is the retreat-style holiday: wellness resorts, meditation-focused getaways, and tightly structured “reset” trips aimed at recovery and mental clarity. For some, that’s a way to avoid the spotlight altogether while still treating the season as a major event. The big picture There isn’t one “billionaire Christmas.” But many holiday routines fall into a few repeatable formats: Warm-weather Caribbean trips centered on private villas and yacht life Snow-season getaways built around luxury chalets, skiing, and private social calendars Private, high-control logistics that reduce exposure and maximize comfort Selective visibility: some go public at New Year’s, but keep Christmas itself more priv

year-old man was killed Saturday evening after being struck in the back by an arrow while walking along Kearny Avenue, and authorities later arrested a 44-year-old local man following an hourslong barricade situation that included multiple fires, officials said. Authorities identified the victim as Pablo Criollo, 45, of Harrison. The suspect was identified as Oscar Feijoo, 44, of Kearny. According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and accounts reported by local media, Kearny police were notified around 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, of an injured man near Kearny Avenue and Johnston Avenue. Officers determined Criollo had been struck by an arrow. He was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he later died. Investigators identified Feijoo as a person of interest and attempted to contact him at a residence on Kearny Avenue. Officials said Feijoo barricaded himself inside, prompting a response from regional SWAT teams. During the overnight operation, several fires were ignited inside the home around 5 a.m. Sunday, triggering a multi-alarm fire response and evacuation/shelter-in-place instructions for nearby residents, authorities said. Feijoo ultimately surrendered Sunday afternoon after the fires were brought under control, and prosecutors said he came out of the home armed with knives. Feijoo has been charged with murder and aggravated arson, along with weapons-related offenses. Prosecutors have said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues, including charges referenced by the AP as arson and gun-related offenses. Officials have not publicly confirmed a motive, and investigators are still working to determine whether the suspect and victim knew each other. Editor’s note (location): While some people have referred to the incident as “in New York,” it occurred in Kearny, New Jersey, about 10 miles west of New York City.

A routine day at a Miami gym turned violent after a female customer allegedly attacked an employee, leaving him with a broken nose and sending shockwaves through the local community. According to police, the incident occurred at a Planet Fitness  location in the Miami  area when a woman became increasingly upset during a confrontation with staff. Authorities say the situation escalated after the employee attempted to de-escalate the disturbance and warned that police would be contacted if the behavior continued. Investigators say the woman briefly left the front desk area, then returned moments later and jumped over the counter, repeatedly punching the employee in the face. Surveillance footage and cellphone video captured the attack as the employee tried to shield himself. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed he suffered a broken nose and facial injuries. Witnesses described the attack as sudden and extremely aggressive. Police say the suspect attempted to leave the scene in her vehicle but was stopped by bystanders until officers arrived. She was taken into custody and charged with battery and disorderly conduct. Officials noted that additional charges could be considered due to the severity of the employee’s injuries. Planet Fitness released a statement confirming the individual’s membership was terminated and said the company is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The gym also emphasized its commitment to providing a safe environment for both employees and members. The incident has sparked renewed discussion about workplace safety, especially for frontline employees who often deal with volatile situations. Many online commenters have expressed support for the injured worker and called for stricter consequences for assaults against service employees. The case remains under investigation.

A dramatic rescue unfolded during a raging apartment fire when a firefighter risked his life to save a trapped cat on the eighth floor of a burning building, turning a terrifying scene into a moment of hope. According to officials, the fire had already engulfed multiple floors when crews arrived. Thick black smoke poured from broken windows, flames climbed the exterior walls, and falling debris made conditions unpredictable. As residents were evacuated below, dispatchers received word that a cat was still trapped inside an eighth-floor apartment, unable to escape as the fire spread. One firefighter volunteered without hesitation. Climbing stairwells filled with heat and smoke, the firefighter described visibility as nearly zero. Each step upward became more dangerous as oxygen thinned and temperatures rose. Fire alarms blared, windows shattered from the pressure, and flames licked the hallway ceilings as crews battled to contain the blaze. Reaching the eighth floor, the firefighter located the apartment and heard faint sounds coming from a window ledge. Outside, the cat had retreated onto the narrow ledge to escape the smoke inside, clinging for survival several stories above the street. With flames roaring behind him and the city far below, the firefighter carefully maneuvered toward the window, leaning out while secured by safety equipment. Despite intense heat and swirling smoke, he calmly spoke to the frightened animal and slowly extended his arms. Moments later, he safely secured the cat and brought it back inside, shielding it from the flames as he made his way back down. Both the firefighter and the cat were treated on scene. Officials confirmed the cat survived without serious injury and was later reunited with its relieved owner, who watched the rescue unfold from the street below. Fire department leaders praised the firefighter’s actions, calling the rescue a powerful reminder of why firefighters do what they do. “This wasn’t just about fighting fire,” one official said. “It was about compassion, courage, and going the extra mile—even when conditions are at their worst.” As the fire was eventually brought under control, one image stood out above the chaos: a firefighter emerging from smoke and flames, cradling a small life that might not have survived without his bravery. For many watching, it was a moment that turned fear into gratitude—and a dramatic fire into a story of heroism that won’t soon be forgotten.

What started as “just another bug” has turned into something far more serious for many neighborhoods, including mine. Spotted lanternflies are no longer just clinging to trees — they are covering entire wooded areas, draining the life out of trees that once stood strong. Walk through the woods now and you can see it clearly: trunks coated in lanternflies, branches weakened, trees leaning at strange angles, and fallen wood scattered everywhere. In neighborhoods like the one where this photo was taken, trees are coming down regularly. Not during storms. Not during high winds. Just falling. One day they’re standing, the next day they’re blocking roads, driveways, and even trapping people in their own streets. Some residents have had to keep hacksaws in their cars, cutting fallen trees just to get home. Others are forced to turn around completely. And the scariest part? These trees don’t give warnings. They fall randomly. A falling tree doesn’t just block a road — it can crush a car, destroy a home, or kill someone. That’s not an exaggeration. These trees are dying from the inside out. Once lanternflies weaken them long enough, gravity does the rest. The lanternflies feed aggressively on sap, stressing trees year after year. Over time, trees lose their strength, their roots weaken, and their ability to survive disappears. What we’re seeing now may only be the beginning. If these insects continue spreading unchecked, the future could mean: More falling trees in residential areas Higher risk for drivers, pedestrians, and homeowners Loss of entire wooded ecosystems Increased costs for cleanup, repairs, and emergency response People joke about lanternflies because they look colorful or harmless. But out here, they’re changing the landscape, and not in a good way. This isn’t a warning from a scientist or a government agency. This is coming from someone seeing it in real life, watching the woods break down tree by tree, and watching neighborhoods deal with the fallout. If nothing changes, the question isn’t if things will get worse — it’s how bad it will get before something is done.