US to 'run' Venezuela following Maduro capture | Morning News Bulletin 4 January 2026

Debate over hate speech reforms after the Bondi terror attack; inflation eases in Australia, but remains above the Reserve Bank's target; and Australian Daniel Sanders retains his lead in the Dakar Rally

Donald Trump considers the use of the US military as a potential option to acquire Greenland; Australia set to experience the worst heatwave since the black summer bushfires; and in tennis, Australia advances to the United Cup quarter-finals.

Talks on Ukraine are underway in Paris; New South Wales Police Commissioner extends post-Bondi protest restrictions; In tennis, the Australian Open prize fund increases to $111.5 million.

The government announces $38 million in relief for flood affected-Queenslanders; Venezuelan parliament swears in Delcy Rodriguez as interim leader; And in cricket, the SCG is awash in pink for the 18th Pink Test fundraiser for in-home cancer nurses.

New South Wales's opposition unveils new Shadow Cabinet; Alleged Bondi shooter moved to Goulbourn supermax prison; And in tennis, Novak Djokovic withdraws from next week's Adelaide International.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife plead not guilty to charges in a U-S court; China demands the U-S immediately release captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro; In tennis, local hope Alexei Popyrin defeated by France's Quentin Halys at the Brisbane International.

The Australian government says it is monitoring the situation in Venezuela; Donald Trump says US will run Venezuela after Rubio downplays plans for regime change; And in sport, Australia's winter athletes primed for record breaking 2026 Olympics.

President Trump says Venezuela's new leader will pay a "big price" if she refuses to co-operate; Advocates call for a national donor register to help access genetic and medical history; And in tennis, Novak Djokovic cuts ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association.

Venezuela's military recognises a new acting leader; Australia's Venezualan community hope for freedom and democracy for loved ones abroad; England dominate day one of the final Ashes test in Sydney.

Donald Trump declares the US will 'run' Venezuela after the capture of Nicolas Maduro; reaction in Australia to the US operation in Venezuela; and in sport, Australian teenager Indra Brown makes history again with her third World Cup medal.