You've been unburdened

Hi Global Recap readers,

Guys, take a look at this.

It’s an error page from former US Vice President Kamala Harris’s official website. At first, you might think it’s the Trump team trolling Harris with the meme, but it’s actually maintained by Team Harris.

Disgruntled staff member or just some playful memeing?

Just when you think you’ve seen it all. 😂 

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Military Strikes in Mexico?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hinted that military strikes in Mexico are on the table, following President Donald Trump's designation of Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations on January 20, 2025.

Hegseth's Statement

Hegseth made his comments during an appearance on "Fox & Friends."

• He emphasized that "all options will be on the table" when dealing with cartels targeting Americans.

• Hegseth reiterated that the military is shifting towards a homeland defense strategy on the US border.

Trump's Executive Orders

Trump's recent executive orders have intensified the focus on border security.

• On January 20, 2025, Trump’s first day in office, he signed orders designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

• This designation broadens the legal ramifications for individuals supporting these groups.

Military Deployment

The US has ramped up its military presence at the border.

• Last week, 1,600 active-duty troops were deployed to the border.

• These troops are tasked with repairing and emplacing barriers, as well as supporting enhanced detection and monitoring efforts.

Potential Military Operations

The idea of military operations within Mexico has been floated by Trump officials.

• "Border czar" Tom Homan mentioned using special operations to target cartels.

• Trump himself said that sending special operations forces into Mexico "could happen."

Mexican Response

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for close coordination between the two governments.

• Sheinbaum emphasized the need for both countries to fight drug cartels within their own territories.

• She warned against viewing military operations as a "cakewalk," citing historical challenges.

🇳🇴 NORWAY
Norway Seizes
Russian Ship

Norwegian police have seized a Russian-crewed ship, the Silver Dania, on suspicion of causing “serious damage” to a fiber cable in the Baltic Sea between Latvia and Sweden. The ship was brought into the port of Tromsø, Norway, for investigation on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Another one?

The Seizure

Norwegian police located the Silver Dania on Thursday evening.

• The ship was brought into the port of Tromsø on Friday morning.

• The crew on board is Russian, although the ship is Norwegian-registered and Norwegian-owned.

The Investigation

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation on the ship.

• Police are searching the ship, conducting interviews, and securing evidence.

• The Silver Dania was sailing between St. Petersburg and Murmansk in Russia.

Owner's Statement

The owners of the Silver Dania, the Silver Sea shipping group, deny involvement in the damage.

• Tormod Fossmark, CEO of Silver Group, stated that authorities had not found any links connecting the ship with the damaged cable.

• The crew has been allowed to prepare the Silver Dania to set sail on Friday night.

Previous Incidents

This incident is part of a series of similar events.

• The Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office boarded another ship last week following suspected damage to a communications cable between Sweden and Latvia.

• Such incidents have been occurring more frequently since late 2022, raising suspicions of sabotage.

Russia's Response

Russia has denied allegations of involvement in underwater cable sabotage.

• The Russian Embassy in London accused NATO of building up naval and air forces under the “fictitious pretext of the ‘Russian threat.’”

🇻🇪 VENEZUELA
US Envoy Secures
Hostage Release

In a surprising turn, Trump’s envoy, Richard Grenell, secured the release of six American citizens after meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on January 31, 2025—a major moment in the tense US-Venezuela relationship.

Tumultuous Meeting

Grenell's mission in Caracas was anything but straightforward.

• He met with Maduro at the Miraflores Palace, aiming to secure the release of Americans detained in Venezuela.

• The six men, dressed in light blue prison outfits, were shown with Grenell aboard an airplane in a photo he posted online.

• Grenell announced their departure on X, stating, “We are wheels up and headed home with these 6 American citizens.”

Trump's Reaction

President Trump was quick to celebrate the successful mission.

• Trump posted on X, cheering Grenell for bringing “six hostages home from Venezuela.”

• The exact number of Americans held in Venezuela remains unclear, but officials have mentioned at least nine.

Accusations and Denials

The Venezuelan government has accused the detained Americans of serious crimes.

• Maduro's officials have labeled most of the detainees as terrorists and high-level “mercenaries.”

• US officials have consistently denied any involvement in plots against Venezuela.

Positive Outcomes

Maduro expressed optimism about the meeting's outcomes.

• In an annual speech to the judiciary, Maduro mentioned reaching initial deals with Grenell.

• He emphasized the potential for new agreements that could benefit both countries and the region.

Migration and Sanctions

The discussions between Grenell and Maduro also covered other critical issues.

• They talked about migration and sanctions, with a focus on the deportation of Venezuelan gang members from the US.

• An agreement on the deportations was deemed “non-negotiable” by US special envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone.

Chevron's License

The visit did not imply US recognition of Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader.

• The two countries have a history of broken relations, sanctions, and coup-plotting accusations.

• They share interests in several bilateral issues, including a license allowing US oil major Chevron to operate in Venezuela.

Future Prospects

Maduro remains hopeful for continued dialogue and cooperation.

• He stated, “President Donald Trump, we have made a first step, hopefully it can continue.”

• The future of US-Venezuela relations remains uncertain, but this meeting could pave the way for further negotiations.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Medical Jet
Crashes in Philly

A medical transport jet carrying six people crashed into a Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday, erupting into a fireball and engulfing several homes. The Learjet 55 was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it went down.

Chaotic Scene

The crash happened near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard just after 6 pm on Friday.

• The jet was on a medical assignment, carrying four crew members and two passengers, including a pediatric patient.

• The crash was captured on multiple cameras, showing the explosion and aftermath.

• Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other officials could not confirm the number of fatalities.

Immediate Response

First responders quickly arrived at the scene to manage the chaos.

• The Philadelphia Fire Department advised residents to avoid the area and set up a shelter at Samuel Fels High School.

• Temple University Hospital received six patients, three of whom were treated and released, while three remain in fair condition.

• At least one firefighter was hospitalized for a breathing issue.

Witness Accounts

Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene as the plane crashed and exploded.

• One witness, who was driving nearby, saw the plane hit a building and explode, describing the incident as “earthquakish.”

• Another witness, Jimmy Wiess, saw the aftermath of flames and smoke while looking for a dinner spot.

• A doorbell camera captured the plane plunging and exploding near the Roosevelt Mall.

Official Statements

Officials provided updates and expressed gratitude for the emergency response.

• Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised the efforts of first responders and state troopers.

• President Donald Trump released a statement on Truth Social, expressing sadness and commending the first responders.

Ongoing Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash.

• The FAA issued a ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport due to the incident.

• The investigation is ongoing, with officials working to determine the cause of the crash.

Recent Tragedy

The crash came just two days after another deadly US air disaster.

• An American Airlines jet collided with an Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., resulting in no survivors.

• The proximity of these two aviation disasters has raised concerns about air safety, and even… good old tinfoil. There are many people online claiming that this is the “deep state” fighting back against Trump, who’s trying to expose them.

🇧🇪 BELGIUM
Belgium Finally Forms Government

After seven months of political deadlock, Belgium has finally formed a coalition government. Announced on January 31, 2025, the deal puts an end to prolonged disputes over social spending cuts and other divisive issues.

Rough Road

• Bart De Wever, leader of the New Flemish Alliance, spearheaded the negotiations.

• His party won the June elections with 17 percent of the vote, the largest share among contenders.

• De Wever is set to become the next prime minister, leading a five-party coalition.

Coalition Dynamics

The coalition is a mix of diverse political ideologies.

• The New Flemish Alliance joined forces with the liberal Reformist Movement and the centrist Les Engagés.

• The coalition also includes the Flemish socialist party Vooruit and the Christian Democratic and Flemish party.

• The coalition has taken a hard line on migration and proposed cuts to pensions and health care.

Economic Challenges

Like many countries, economic struggles and government debt are core issues in Belgian politics.

• The country has a relatively large deficit, around 4.6 percent of GDP last year.

• European Union fiscal rules have increased pressure to control costs.

• The agreement is expected to include substantial budget cuts, increased military spending, and tax cuts.

Social Spending Controversy

Social spending cuts have been a major sticking point.

• Teachers, military personnel, and trade unionists have staged strikes and protests against pension-reform proposals.

• Belgium's automatic wage adjustment system to inflation became a major issue in the negotiations.

• The agreement aims to balance social norms with fiscal reality.

Future Prospects

That being said, the agreement must still be approved by party congresses.

• The Belgian monarchy will announce the date of the swearing-in of the prime minister and new government members later.

• The new government faces the challenge of implementing the agreed-upon reforms while maintaining social stability.