World News Roundup: Maduro's Plea, China-US Tensions, Greenland Threats, and Minnesota Politics

Maduro's Plea and Venezuela's Leadership

• ⚖️ Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy in a Manhattan federal court.
• 🎤 Maduro, appearing in shackles, declared his innocence and stated he is still the president of Venezuela, but was cut off by the judge.
• 🤝 His wife, Celia Flores, also pleaded not guilty to similar charges.
• 🏛️ Back in Caracas, Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, voicing support for Maduro.

International Relations and Accusations

• 🌍 The US defended its actions in Venezuela at the UN Security Council, stating it is not a war or occupation.
• 🗣️ China accused Washington of acting like a "world judge" and condemned the US action.
• 🌐 Beijing faces pressure to demonstrate the strength of its global initiatives, but maintains a policy of non-intervention.
• 🇹🇼 China's actions regarding Venezuela are seen as distinct from potential actions towards Taiwan, with significantly higher costs for the latter.

US Foreign Policy and Public Opinion

• 🇺🇸 A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that only one in three Americans approves of the US military strike in Venezuela, with 7 in 10 worried about US over-involvement.
• 📊 65% of Republicans, however, backed the military operation.
• 🇩🇰 Denmark and Greenland have rejected threats from US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, reiterating that the island does not wish to be part of the US.
• 🛡️ The Danish prime minister warned that an attack on Greenland, a NATO member, would halt relations with the US.

Political Developments in Minnesota

• 🗳️ Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term as governor.
• ⚖️ This decision comes amid pressure from the Trump administration concerning alleged welfare fraud by immigrants in Minnesota.
• 💰 The controversy involves nonprofit groups accused of fraudulently taking federal funds meant for child care initiatives during the pandemic.

Financial Markets and Other News

• 📈 Despite geopolitical tensions, global stock markets reached record peaks.
• 💰 A mysterious trader reportedly made $400,000 betting on Maduro's capture.
• 💉 The US has revised its childhood immunization schedule, recommending four fewer vaccines, a move linked to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine skepticism.