I Learn You by Listening

Has kindness flown away, A gentle bird, no longer near? Human hearts, are they changing slow, Love's warm light, becoming unclear?

I see a world, where "me" is loud, And "we" is whispered, soft and low. Even homes, meant to bring us peace, Sometimes forget the seeds to sow.

So many hearts, begin to ache, The world itself cries out for aid. Where has the tender touch now gone? If feelings fade, the beauty’s swayed.

Come close, dear friends, let’s join our hands, And build a bridge of gentle grace. For life's true joy, a treasure bright, Is found in every warm embrace.

The walls we build, of race and creed, Divide us, keep us far apart. Bitterness blooms, from seeds of hate, And war tears families, breaks each heart.

Love's soft answer, is all we crave, With kindness growing, strong and true. Come love, come feeling, touch our souls, Without you both, what shall we do?

Analysis Shows 33.3% of Nigerians in the USA Depend on Welfare- Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has published a detailed list outlining the percentage of immigrant households receiving public assistance in the United States, segmented by their countries of origin. This report appears to focus on welfare dependency among immigrant communities and its implications for domestic policies, an issue that has been a recurring theme in Republican political discourse. According to the data highlighted in the list, approximately 33.3 percent of Nigerian immigrant households in the United States are recipients of some form of government assistance. The report categorizes support as benefits stemming from programs such as food stamps, healthcare aid, and other social welfare initiatives. This chart, titled (Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin), was publicly shared via Trump's Truth Social platform on January 4, 2026. It spans 114 countries and territories, illustrating the proportion of households from each region benefiting from available public welfare programs in the United States. Accompanying the publication of this data is a persistent emphasis on themes that encompass immigration, welfare dependency, and economic contributions—topics that continue to fuel intense debates within the framework of U.S. domestic politics. The data revealed in the chart places countries such as Bhutan, Yemen, and Somalia at the top of the list with notably high percentages of immigrant households utilizing public assistance. The top ten nations with the highest welfare dependency rates among their expatriate populations in the U.S. are as follows: Bhutan, with 81.4 percent at the forefront; Yemen, listed at 75.2 percent; Somalia, accounting for 71.9 percent; the Marshall Islands, marking 71.4 percent; and the Dominican Republic and Afghanistan, each registering 68.1 percent. Other countries rounding out this list include Congo at 66.0 percent, Guinea at 65.8 percent, Samoa (noted for immigrants arriving between 1940 and 1950) at 63.4 percent, and Cape Verde at 63.1 percent.

Conversely, the chart identifies the nations with immigrant communities presenting the lowest levels of welfare usage in the U.S. Bermuda leads this group with only 25.5 percent of its expatriate households receiving support. Following closely are Saudi Arabia with a rate of 25.7 percent, Israel/Palestine at 25.9 percent, and Argentina at 26.2 percent. Other countries with relatively minimal dependency include South America (unspecified) at 26.7 percent, South Korea at 27.2 percent, Zambia at 28.0 percent, Portugal at 28.2 percent, Kenya at 28.5 percent, and Kuwait at 29.3 percent. This report comes amidst an intensified focus on immigration policies by Trump's administration and Republican lawmakers more broadly, particularly concerning measures aimed at controlling entry into the country and scrutinizing the eligibility criteria for public benefits. As part of this broader agenda, Trump’s tenure expanded existing travel bans and tightened immigration restrictions based on various factors such as nationality and economic circumstances, which were frequently justified as measures to ensure national security and reduce perceived financial burdens on taxpayer-funded welfare systems. Photo credit: Instagram President Trump

The Role of Binding Commitments in Strengthening Ukraine's Security Guarantees

Security assurances for Ukraine are expected to feature binding commitments aimed at supporting the country in case of any future aggression from Russia, as indicated by a draft statement from the Coalition of the Willing, comprised of Kyiv’s allies. The draft document, reviewed by Reuters, outlines various measures intended to reestablish peace. These include provisions for military, intelligence, and logistical support, diplomatic efforts, and the imposition of further sanctions. However, the statement awaits approval during a summit of coalition leaders in Paris.

Attending the summit held at France’s Elysee Palace were U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also participated in the discussions, contributing to a broader initiative to coordinate a unified stance between Ukraine, Europe, and the United States ahead of negotiations with Russia. Photo credit: Instagram President Volodymyr

Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to US-Trump

President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States following a military operation that ousted President Nicolás Maduro. According to Trump, the interim government in Venezuela will hand over what he referred to as "sanctioned oil," which will be sold at market value with the proceeds managed by the United States. He emphasized that the funds generated would be used to support both Venezuelan and American citizens. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been tasked with implementing this plan immediately. The oil is set to be transported on storage ships and delivered directly to U.S. unloading docks. Trump expressed his satisfaction with the arrangement, stating that he is pleased the interim authorities in Venezuela have agreed to turn over millions of barrels of high-quality crude oil. He added that the sale revenue will be strictly overseen by him, in his capacity as President, to ensure it benefits the people of both nations.

He directed Energy Secretary Wright to take swift action to execute the plan and reiterated that the oil shipments would go directly to the United States for processing. This announcement follows the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez, previously Venezuela's vice president, as interim president after Maduro was apprehended and brought to the U.S. to face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. In an interview with NBC News on Monday, Trump highlighted the strategic importance of Venezuela resuming oil production for global markets, stating it helps maintain lower prices for energy in the United States.

Trump warns new Venezuelan leader as Maduro set to appear in court in New York

Donald Trump cautioned Venezuela's newly appointed leader, Delcy Rodríguez, against disregarding expectations, warning that she could face severe consequences potentially exceeding those faced by former president Nicolás Maduro if she fails to act appropriately. His remarks, made during an interview with The Atlantic, align with the ongoing legal proceedings against Maduro, who is scheduled to appear in a New York courtroom on Monday. The United States has accused Maduro, already facing charges of narcoterrorism and weapons trafficking, of leading a regime with ties to drug trafficking, allegations that he denies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pushed back against claims that recent airstrikes in Caracas signify an act of war. The strikes, which resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have prompted criticisms from Democratic lawmakers branding the operation as such. Rubio emphasized that the US action targeted criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, not Venezuela itself. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his stance in the same Atlantic interview, stating the necessity of regime change in Venezuela and suggesting any alternative would be better than the current circumstances. He announced plans for the US to oversee the country until a smooth transition of power is achieved and pledged the involvement of US oil companies to revive Venezuela's infrastructure while generating economic progress.

Maduro’s loyalists continue to hold positions of power despite these developments. Cuban officials have reported casualties 32 Cuban combatants lost their lives during the operation and declared two days of mourning, underscoring Cuba's enduring solidarity with Venezuela's socialist leadership under Maduro. In televised appearances on Sunday morning, Rubio maintained that the United States is committed to combating drug networks rather than engaging in conflict with Venezuela. He hinted at ongoing American measures, including restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports, asserting that future decisions would hinge on the actions taken by Rodríguez’s government. Trump also issued a stern warning directed at Colombia during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, condemning President Gustavo Petro while implying possible military intervention against Colombia. Labeling Petro "a sick man," Trump accused Colombia’s leadership of aiding drug production and asserted that such activities would soon be curtailed. Since 2013, Maduro has governed Venezuela under the United Socialist Party banner and stands accused by both domestic opposition groups and foreign nations of exploiting violent measures to suppress dissent and unfairly securing victory in the country's 2024 presidential election. His recent capture alongside his wife unfolded as part of a daring special forces raid early Saturday morning, which included targeted strikes on military sites. Now facing charges tied to drug operations and illegal arms dealings,the couple is set for a court appearance in New York.

Arguing his innocence, Maduro has dismissed allegations connecting him to cartel leadership and accused the US of manipulating its so called “war on drugs” as a pretext for ousting him and gaining control over Venezuela’s oil reserves. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino contested claims by US officials that no American personnel were harmed during the mission, reporting heavy losses among Maduro's security forces alongside military personnel and civilian casualties. This operation has also raised questions regarding congressional oversight. Rubio clarified that no formal approval was sought beforehand, citing concerns over potential information leaks that could jeopardize the mission. He characterized the effort as a "law enforcement operation" led by FBI agents rather than a full-scale invasion. Furthermore, when asked about US recognition of Rodríguez as Venezuela's legitimate president, Rubio deflected by stating that legitimacy was not the focal point of US actions, dismissing Rodriguez’s administration as non-recognized in Washington’s perspective. Photo Credit: Instagram President Trump