Good morning. After the U.S. captured their president, Venezuelans are left with hope, fear and lots of questions about what will happen next. More on that below, plus charts to explain 2026 and New Year’s resolutions. Let’s get to it.
Government supporters demand President Nicolas Maduro's release from U.S. custody during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela. Jan. 4, 2026.Ariana Cubillos/The Associated Press
TOP STORY
The U.S. will leave Venezuelan regime in place for now
The latest: U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in an overnight military strike on Saturday, but it still remains unclear how the country will be run and what U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign interventionism means for his administration.
At home: Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada has not recognized Maduro’s “illegitimate regime” since it “stole” the 2018 Venezuelan election, but that international law and the democratic will of the people must be respected. Venezuelans living across Canada cheered Maduro’s toppling but shared their concerns about what comes next.
Abroad: In the immediate aftermath, many world leaders responded to the U.S. attack with mixed emotions and caution. China denounced Maduro’s capture as a violation of international law, as Beijing faced the loss of a key ally.
What’s next: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested any “transition to democracy” will have to wait and that the U.S. will leave the current regime in place as long as it complies with Washington’s demands. Venezuela’s top court confirmed that Maduro’s vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, would assume his powers. Maduro and his wife are set to appear in a U.S. federal court today to face charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
Editorial: Saturday marked the formal debut of an imperial America, led by a president who recognizes no law.
Firefighters and other mourners at a makeshift memorial outside the "Le Constellation" bar, in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland. Jan. 4, 2026.Umit Bektas/Reuters
World
Swiss resort town grieves victims of fire
The latest: On Sunday, hundreds marched in silence to honour the victims of the New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana which left 40 dead and many severely injured. Investigators believe sparkling candles ignited the fire when they came too close to the ceiling of Le Constellation bar. Police have said many of the victims were in their teens to mid-20s.
What’s next: Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation of the bar managers. The two are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm and involuntarily causing a fire. Meanwhile, the process of identifying victims has been difficult because of the advanced degree of their burns, and it will require the use of DNA samples. Swiss President Guy Parmelin has announced a national day of mourning on Friday.
Illustrator Qin Ling journals in her home studio in Toronto on Dec. 17.Chloe Ellingson/The Globe and Mail
How We Live
Embrace the art of journalling
The latest: As we head into a new year, self-improvement is top of mind and many of us are contemplating ways to be more mindful. Journalling could be the answer: It is a proven mood booster that clears up jumbled thoughts and heavy hearts. To help inspire you, we interviewed Canadian creatives about how and why they make it a habit.
What’s next: The popularity of writing by hand for journals and letters is a big driver of the resurgence of an old-fashioned, elegant writing instrument. Fountain pens are enjoying a revival among the digital generation, similar to other analogue hobbies such as film photography, vinyl record collecting and knitting.
Infrastructure
Calgary officials urge conservation after water pipe rupture
The latest: Calgary residents continue to grapple with a second catastrophic rupture of one of the city’s two main pipes that transport drinking water. Sue Henry, chief of Calgary’s Emergency Management Agency, says the city should keep daily water usage at less than 485 million litres until the main, which broke on Dec. 30, is fixed. But, she says, Calgarians used 493 million litres of water on Friday.
What’s next: Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said a panel tasked with reviewing Calgary’s water infrastructure after the 2024 water main break is to present its findings and recommendations on Jan. 13.
Economy
Charts to help understand 2026
The latest: Canada survived Year 1 of the second Trump presidency mostly intact economically, and fully intact in terms of its sovereignty. What about Year 2? Trade agreements hanging in the balance, artificial intelligence and a housing market under pressure. Our annual special Decoder edition of charts to watch in the year ahead, was selected by economists, analysts and business leaders.
What’s next? Take a look at the series to find out.
- What’s ahead for the job market and household spending
- A guide to trade in Year 2 of the Canada-U.S. trade war
- Charts for a housing-market horoscope for Canadians
- Five charts to help follow fiscal and monetary policy
- Stablecoins, AI and more trends on the market’s mind
- Seven policy points to remember as Carney presses Canada to build big
Bookmarked
- Follow up: The head of the Canadian Medical Association calls for a review of how the health system handles measles.
- For your finances: John Rapley warns to beware the rosy 2026 economic forecasts, for pride comes before a fall.
- For baseball fans: By signing Kazuma Okamoto, the Blue Jays are starting to look like a team of the world, Cathal Kelly writes.
- For your health: Fitness classes are more expensive than ever. Are they worth it?
- Conversation starter: This year, I’m making a resolution I know I won’t achieve, writes Mark Medley.
The Quote
If I couldn’t model courage, how could I ask it of her? Driving isn’t scary, I insisted – but it was. I was terrified. And this had made me frustratingly dependent on others in a way women who live in our country are not required to be.
— Marissa Stapley, author
Marissa Stapley had never wanted to drive, but realized she needed to learn how, to set an example for her daughter – no matter how much it scared her.
The Shot
Matt Rabinovitch, CEO at Teleidoscope, on the roof of his downtown LA building on Dec.03, 2025 with an AI-powered airspace monitoring system.Barbara Davidson/The Globe and Mail
Toronto-born entrepreneur Matt Rabinovitch wants to bring his counter-drone tech back home as Canada focuses on defence.