Chabria: Amid national sorrow, Trump stops pretending it's about the 'worst of the worst'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking. This announcement has raised concerns about the implications for U.S. credibility and influence in Central America, especially in light of ongoing political tensions in Honduras.

The U.S. has reportedly employed 'double-tap' strikes against Venezuelan boats suspected of drug trafficking, a tactic previously utilized during the Obama administration. This method involves conducting two strikes in quick succession to ensure the target is neutralized. Recent operations have raised questions about the legality and implications of such military actions.

A shooting incident near the White House resulted in the death of one National Guard member and critical injuries to another. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was reportedly experiencing a personal crisis at the time of the attack. A U.S. official has disputed the White House's account regarding the circumstances surrounding a separate deadly boat strike in the Caribbean.

The Honduran presidential race is currently experiencing a tense situation, with the latest vote count showing right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura leading by a mere 515 ballots. This narrow margin has prompted former U.S. President Donald Trump to express concerns about the election's integrity, labeling it a 'technical tie.'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russian forces have captured the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine, a statement disputed by Ukrainian officials who assert they still control parts of the city. This announcement coincides with the arrival of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow for talks aimed at negotiating a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as part of renewed diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting follows a series of productive discussions between U.S. officials and Ukrainian representatives aimed at establishing a peace framework.

The White House confirmed that a US Navy admiral authorized a second strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel linked to Venezuela, which has raised questions about the legality and implications of such military actions. This strike follows a previous operation and is part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking in the Caribbean region.

President Donald Trump announced the complete closure of airspace above and surrounding Venezuela, citing a deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in the region. The Venezuelan government responded by condemning this declaration as a violation of international law and a 'colonialist threat' to its sovereignty.