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Trump shared a fake Wikipedia post claiming the title of Acting President of Venezuela

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump escalated his rhetorical claims over Venezuela on Sunday, sharing a manipulated image on Truth Social that depicted him as the South American nation’s “Acting President,” a provocative gesture that underscores Washington’s unprecedented intervention in Caracas following the dramatic arrest of Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.

The fabricated Wikipedia screenshot, posted to Trump’s social media platform Sunday evening, appears designed to needle Venezuela’s actual interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power after U.S. military forces extracted Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Venezuela in a predawn operation on Jan. 3. Trump’s authentic Wikipedia profile contains no such designation.

The post represents the latest salvo in what has become an increasingly complex and controversial American engagement with Venezuela, one that has drawn sharp questions about the limits of U.S. intervention and the administration’s long-term intentions for the oil-rich nation.

Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president and oil minister, took the oath of office on Jan. 5, two days after the operation that brought her predecessor to New York to face narco-terrorism charges. 

Maduro pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court and maintained his claim to Venezuela’s presidency, setting up a legal and diplomatic confrontation that continues to reverberate across Latin America.

Trump, surrounded by senior cabinet officials, announced in the operation’s aftermath that the United States would “run” Venezuela until conditions permitted free and fair presidential elections. The declaration marked an extraordinary assertion of American authority over a sovereign nation, even one long considered an adversary.

The administration’s approach to governing Venezuela has centered on what officials describe as “a small committee” led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has simultaneously taken on acting roles as USAID administrator, national archivist and national security adviser. 

The committee also includes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House adviser Stephen Miller, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

This governance structure raises fundamental questions about the precedent being set for American involvement in the internal affairs of other nations, particularly in Latin America, where memories of past U.S. interventions remain fresh and contentious. 

The arrangement essentially establishes a form of American protectorate over Venezuela, with Trump describing himself as “heavily engaged” in the committee’s decision-making.

Rodríguez initially condemned the arrests but has since adopted a more conciliatory posture toward Washington, apparently heeding warnings from the Trump administration that she would face consequences exceeding those confronting Maduro if she failed to cooperate with U.S. demands. 

The interim government announced on Jan. 9 that it had begun exploring a process to restore diplomatic relations with Washington, which were severed during Trump’s first presidential term in 2019.

The State Department confirmed that a small diplomatic delegation traveled to Venezuela to conduct preliminary assessments for reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, a significant step toward normalizing relations under terms favorable to American interests.

Trump’s focus on Venezuela reflects his administration’s determination to assert control over the country’s oil industry. Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, making it a strategic prize for U.S. energy interests despite decades of mismanagement and underinvestment that have crippled production.

The president has indicated he expects to secure up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude under the Rodríguez government, though his outreach to American oil executives has encountered unexpected resistance. 

During a meeting with leaders from the nation’s top petroleum companies, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods informed Trump that his corporation considers Venezuela “uninvestable” under current conditions.

Woods cited the seizure of Exxon assets during former President Hugo Chávez’s nationalization campaign between 2004 and 2007, noting that “to re-enter a third time would require some pretty significant changes from what we’ve historically seen.” The executive told Trump that Venezuela’s existing legal and commercial frameworks make the country unsuitable for major investments.

Trump’s reaction to Woods’s assessment revealed his frustration with corporate caution. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday as he returned from Mar-a-Lago, the president suggested he might exclude ExxonMobil from future Venezuelan opportunities. “I’ll probably be inclined to keep Exxon out,” Trump said. “I didn’t like their response. They’re playing too cute.”

The president’s irritation highlights a tension at the heart of his Venezuela strategy: While the administration has moved aggressively to establish control over the country, American energy companies remain skeptical that conditions have improved sufficiently to justify the risks of major investments.

Trump has also turned his attention to Cuba, threatening to cut off Venezuelan support that has sustained the island nation for decades. “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. “In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!”

The president joked that Rubio, whose parents emigrated from Cuba, could be installed as the island’s next leader, a comment that reflects both the administration’s confidence and the provocative tone that has characterized its Latin American policy.

Rubio issued his own warning to Havana during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” the day after the Maduro operation, stating, “I don’t think it’s any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime, who, by the way, are the ones that were propping up Maduro.”

The secretary’s comments underscore the administration’s view that Cuba’s decades-long support for Venezuelan socialist governments represents a significant factor in the region’s instability.

Trump’s assertion last week that the U.S. has called off a “second wave of attacks” on Venezuela suggests military planners had prepared additional operations beyond the initial extraction of Maduro. The president cited increased cooperation from Rodríguez, particularly on energy matters, as the reason for standing down.

“The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday.

However, the president acknowledged uncertainty about the arrangement’s durability. In comments to The New York Times, Trump said that while the interim government is “giving us everything that we feel is necessary,” he added that “only time will tell” when Washington will relinquish direct oversight of Caracas.

This ambiguity raises critical questions about American intentions and the timeline for Venezuelan sovereignty. The administration has not specified benchmarks for concluding U.S. involvement or detailed plans for the promised free elections, leaving observers uncertain about whether Washington envisions a months-long transition or a more extended period of American supervision.

The meme Trump shared on Sunday, depicting himself as Venezuela’s acting president, may have been intended as humor directed at Rodríguez, but it also reflects the extraordinary scope of American influence over Venezuela’s current government. 

Whether posted in jest or as a signal of deeper ambitions, the image captured a reality in which U.S. officials exercise unprecedented authority over Venezuelan affairs.

The administration’s approach has generated debate about the legal and ethical foundations for such intervention, even against a government widely criticized for authoritarianism and corruption. International law experts have questioned whether the operation against Maduro and the subsequent assertion of American control over Venezuelan governance can be reconciled with principles of national sovereignty that have governed international relations since World War II.

For Trump, the Venezuela intervention represents an opportunity to demonstrate decisive action against a long-standing adversary while potentially securing access to energy resources that could benefit American consumers and companies. 

Yet the resistance from firms like ExxonMobil suggests that translating military and political dominance into economic success may prove more challenging than the administration anticipated.

As the situation continues to unfold, the question remains whether Trump’s bold assertions of American authority — including his jest about serving as Venezuela’s acting president — will ultimately yield the stability and cooperation necessary to achieve the administration’s objectives, or whether they will deepen resentments and complicate the path toward genuine Venezuelan self-governance.

Times/Hindutimes/Independent

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Powell Says DOJ Subpoenas Central Bank, Warns of Threatened Indictment

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WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Sunday that the U.S. Department of Justice has served subpoenas on the central bank and raised the possibility of criminal charges tied to his congressional testimony, a development he warned threatens the independence of the nation’s monetary authority.

Powell said the subpoenas stem from his June appearance before the Senate Banking Committee, where he addressed questions about a $2.5 billion renovation of two Federal Reserve office buildings in Washington.

He said the Justice Department has also signaled the possibility of a criminal indictment.

Powell described the actions as an unprecedented escalation in the Trump administration’s long-running dispute with the Federal Reserve, an independent institution that President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized for not cutting interest rates more aggressively.

In a rare and forceful public response, Powell released a video statement Sunday rejecting the basis of the investigation and framing the threat of prosecution as political pressure.

“The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President,” Powell said.

“This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation,” he added.

The comments mark a sharp departure from Powell’s typically restrained approach to public criticism, particularly toward the president who appointed him in 2017.

Until now, Powell has largely avoided responding directly to Trump’s personal attacks and policy complaints, opting instead to emphasize the Fed’s statutory mandate and independence.

The dispute is likely to reverberate through financial markets when trading resumes Monday.

Analysts warned the confrontation could undermine investor confidence in U.S. institutions and push up borrowing costs over time.

Krishna Guha, an analyst at investment bank Evercore ISI, said the development could trigger broad market declines.

“We expect the dollar, bonds and stocks to all fall in Monday trading in a sell-America trade similar to that seen last year at the peak of the tariff shock and earlier threats to Powell’s position,” Guha wrote in a note to clients.

“We are stunned by this deeply disturbing development, which came out of the blue after a period in which tensions between Trump and the Fed seemed to be contained,” he added.

The subpoenas relate to Powell’s testimony about the scope and cost of the Fed’s renovation project, which Trump and some Republican lawmakers have criticized as extravagant.

At the June Senate Banking Committee hearing, Chairman Tim Scott of South Carolina accused the Fed of installing luxury features including rooftop terraces, VIP dining elevators, white marble finishes and a private art collection.

Powell disputed those claims under oath.

“There’s no new marble,” Powell told lawmakers. “There are no special elevators,” he said, adding that some features cited by critics were not part of the current construction plan.

In July, Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, wrote to Powell saying the testimony “raises serious questions” about whether the renovation complies with previously approved plans.

Later that month, President Trump visited the renovation site alongside Powell and publicly overstated the cost of the project while standing next to the Fed chair.

Trump later downplayed the issue, telling reporters that renovations inevitably draw criticism.

“They have to get it done,” Trump said at the time. “There’s always Monday morning quarterbacks. I don’t want to be that.”

Asked whether the renovation constituted grounds for firing Powell, Trump replied, “I don’t want to put that in this category.”

In a brief interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump said he was unaware of any investigation involving Powell.

When asked whether the probe was intended to pressure the Fed on interest rates, Trump responded, “No. I wouldn’t even think of doing it that way.”

The Justice Department said Sunday that it could not comment on specific cases.

In a statement, the department said Attorney General Pam Bondi has instructed U.S. attorneys to prioritize investigations involving potential misuse of taxpayer funds.

Timothy Lauer, a spokesperson for the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations.

Powell’s term as Fed chair ends in May, and administration officials have indicated that Trump could name a potential successor as early as this month.

The president has also sought to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, an unprecedented move that has sparked legal challenges.

Cook has sued to retain her position, and courts have allowed her to remain in office while the case proceeds. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on Jan. 21.

With the subpoenas, Powell becomes the latest perceived adversary of the president to face a criminal investigation by the Trump administration’s Justice Department.

Trump has publicly urged the prosecution of political opponents, eroding longstanding norms designed to insulate law enforcement decisions from White House influence.

The potential indictment has already prompted concern on Capitol Hill.

One Republican senator said he would oppose all future Federal Reserve nominees, including any replacement for Powell, until the matter is resolved.

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, said the situation raises fundamental questions about institutional independence.

“If there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none,” Tillis said.

“It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question,” he added.

The confrontation between Powell and the Justice Department represents one of the most direct challenges to Federal Reserve independence in modern U.S. history.

While presidents have frequently criticized the Fed, the use of criminal investigative tools against a sitting chair over disputed testimony risks blurring the line between oversight and coercion.

Markets rely heavily on the perception that U.S. monetary policy is insulated from political influence. Any erosion of that confidence could have long-term consequences for Treasury markets, inflation expectations and the dollar’s role as a global reserve currency.

The timing is also significant.

With Powell’s term nearing its end and interest rate decisions carrying heightened political stakes in an election cycle, the threat of prosecution could be interpreted by investors as a warning to future Fed leaders.

Regardless of how the investigation unfolds, the episode underscores how institutional guardrails that once constrained political interference are being tested in ways that could permanently reshape the balance between the White House, the Justice Department and the nation’s central bank.

Colombian Singer Yeison Jiménez Killed in Plane Crash That Claims 6 Lives

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Colombian singer Yeison Jiménez, one of the country’s most prominent música popular artists, was killed when a private aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in central Colombia, aviation authorities said. All six people on board the flight died.

Jiménez was 34.

The aircraft, registered as N325FA, went down in the area between the towns of Paipa and Duitama in the Boyacá department while en route to Medellín, the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics, Colombia’s civil aviation authority, said in a statement posted on X.

There were no survivors.

Jiménez’s death, along with that of several members of his professional team, was confirmed in a statement shared on the singer’s official Instagram account.

“With heavy hearts and a pain impossible to describe, the organization and team of Yeison Jiménez deeply regret to inform you of his passing,” the statement said in a message translated from Spanish. “Today we say goodbye not only to an artist, but to a son, a brother, a friend, a human being full of dreams and courage.”

The post described Jiménez as an artist whose life story resonated deeply with fans across Colombia and beyond.

“Yeison embodied perseverance, discipline and love for his community,” the statement said. “His voice and his example were born from hard work, and that is why they will forever mark the lives of those who followed and loved him.”

Authorities said the plane crashed shortly after takeoff. Local media footage circulating online appeared to show the aircraft engulfed in flames after impact, with bystanders shouting warnings as the plane struggled to gain altitude.

Transportation Minister María Fernanda Rojas said an investigation into the cause of the crash has been opened. The Civil Aviation Authority said its Technical Directorate for Accident Investigation has begun collecting evidence from the site.

The crash remains under investigation, according to TMZ.

In addition to Jiménez, those killed were identified as the pilot, Captain Hernando Torres, and passengers Juan Manuel Rodríguez, Óscar Marín, Jefferson Osorio and Weisman Mora, aviation officials said. Several of the victims were members of Jiménez’s professional team.

A representative for the singer said condolences and prayers were being extended to the families of all those who died.

E! Online reported that Jiménez is survived by his wife, Sonia Restrepo, and their three children.

The Sun reported that Jiménez had shared a reflective message on social media shortly before boarding the flight, writing: “Always humble, because what God gives you he can also take away.”

The Independent confirmed that all six people on board the private aircraft were killed in the crash, which occurred in central-eastern Colombia on Saturday.

Jiménez, whose full name was Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano, was one of Colombia’s most influential artists in the música popular genre, a style that blends Colombian folk traditions with elements of Mexican ranchera music.

Born in Manzanares, in the department of Caldas, in 1991, Jiménez devoted himself to music full-time from the age of 17. He released his first commercial song, “Te Deseo Lo Mejor,” in 2013 and went on to produce eight albums over a career that spanned more than a decade.

Songs such as “Aventurero” and “Hasta La Madre” helped propel him to national fame. Billboard credited him with becoming the first Colombian artist to sell out Bogotá’s Movistar Arena three times, performing to more than 40,000 fans in total.

Jiménez also became the first singer in the música popular genre to sell out a solo concert at the Movistar Arena in 2024, a milestone that underscored the genre’s growing mainstream appeal.

He amassed more than 2.7 million subscribers on YouTube and drew over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify. In 2021, he served as a celebrity judge on the Latin American television competition “Yo Me Llamo.”

The Boyacá governor’s office declared a period of mourning following the crash, as tributes poured in from fans, fellow artists and public figures.

Messages posted in response to the announcement of Jiménez’s death reflected the depth of his influence. One fan wrote, “I never thought I’d see a post like this so soon. This is all so painful.” Another said, “Thank you for your music, your example and your voice that will always live on in our celebrations.”

Fellow música popular artist Andrés García called Jiménez “the number one artist in the genre,” praising his humility and legacy.

“Fly high, Champion,” García wrote. “Strength to all his family.”

Jiménez’s death represents more than the loss of a successful recording artist. It marks a significant moment for música popular, a genre that for decades remained rooted in regional audiences before gaining national prominence.

By bridging traditional Colombian sounds with contemporary storytelling, Jiménez helped reshape the genre’s identity and expand its reach to younger listeners. His success at major venues signaled a broader cultural shift in Colombian music consumption.

The crash also renews scrutiny on private aviation safety in Latin America, where small aircraft are commonly used for touring artists and business travel. While investigations are ongoing, similar incidents in the region have previously raised concerns about aircraft maintenance, runway conditions and weather-related risks.

For fans, Jiménez’s death carries a particular poignancy because of his public persona as a self-made artist whose lyrics often focused on perseverance and humility. The final message he shared before boarding the flight has taken on symbolic weight, echoing themes present throughout his music.

As authorities work to determine what caused the crash, Jiménez’s legacy continues through his recordings and the genre he helped elevate. His influence on Colombian popular music is likely to endure long after the investigation concludes.

theidependent/eonline

Ethiopia Launches $12.5 Billion Project to Build Africa’s Largest Airport

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Ethiopia has formally launched construction of a $12.5 billion international airport project that officials say will become the largest aviation facility in Africa when completed by the end of the decade, marking a major expansion of the country’s transport infrastructure and regional ambitions.

The project, led by state-owned Ethiopian Airlines, broke ground Saturday in Bishoftu, a town about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa. The airport is designed with four runways and a planned annual capacity of 110 million passengers, more than four times the volume currently handled by Ethiopia’s main international gateway.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali said the new facility, to be known as Bishoftu International Airport, would eclipse all existing aviation infrastructure projects on the continent. Writing on X, Abiy described it as “the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history,” adding that the current airport serving Addis Ababa is expected to reach its operational limits within the next two to three years.

The design and development contract has been awarded to Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier by fleet size and destinations. According to airline officials, the airport will be able to accommodate up to 270 aircraft at full operation, positioning Ethiopia as a dominant aviation hub linking Africa with Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Abraham Tesfaye, Ethiopian Airlines’ Infrastructure Development and Planning Director, said the airline would directly fund about 30% of the project, with the remaining costs covered through external financing. Speaking to reporters at the construction site, Abraham said the airline has already allocated $610 million for earthworks, which are expected to be completed within a year.

He added that the project’s main contractors are scheduled to begin work in August 2026, following completion of preparatory phases. The total projected cost was initially estimated at $10 billion but has since risen to $12.5 billion as the scope of the development expanded.

International lenders are expected to play a major role in financing the project. The African Development Bank said last August it would provide $500 million in loans and lead efforts to mobilize up to $8.7 billion from other financiers. Abraham said lenders from the Middle East, Europe, China and the United States have expressed strong interest in supporting the airport’s construction.

Ethiopian Airlines has been steadily expanding its operations in recent years, adding six new routes during the 2024–2025 period. The carrier has also reported rising revenues as air travel demand rebounds globally and Africa’s middle class continues to grow.

Government officials say the new airport is intended not only to relieve congestion at the existing Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, but also to anchor broader economic development. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, while strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a logistics, tourism and business hub.

The launch comes as Ethiopia continues to invest heavily in large-scale infrastructure despite ongoing economic pressures, including high debt levels and post-conflict reconstruction needs. Authorities argue that long-term investments in transport and connectivity are essential to sustaining growth and integrating the country more deeply into global trade networks.

What Africa’s Biggest Airport Means for Ethiopia and the Region

The Bishoftu airport project reflects Ethiopia’s long-standing strategy of leveraging aviation as a pillar of national development. Ethiopian Airlines has already established Addis Ababa as one of Africa’s most important transit hubs, competing with airports in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Casablanca. A facility capable of handling 110 million passengers annually would dramatically reshape the continent’s aviation map.

For comparison, most major African airports handle fewer than 30 million passengers per year. By aiming for a capacity that rivals leading global hubs, Ethiopia is signaling ambitions that extend far beyond domestic demand. The project positions the country to capture a larger share of intercontinental transit traffic, particularly between Africa and Asia.

However, the scale of the investment also carries significant risks. Financing a $12.5 billion project will increase Ethiopia’s exposure to external debt at a time when many African economies are grappling with high borrowing costs. The success of the airport will depend heavily on continued growth at Ethiopian Airlines and stable regional security conditions.

There are also questions about timing and execution. With main construction not expected to begin until 2026, the existing airport may face capacity strains well before the new facility comes online. Any delays could create bottlenecks that affect tourism, trade and airline operations.

Still, supporters argue that the project aligns with long-term demographic and economic trends. Africa’s population is expected to double by mid-century, and air travel demand is projected to grow faster on the continent than anywhere else. If completed on schedule, Bishoftu International Airport could give Ethiopia a decisive advantage in meeting that demand.

The project also underscores how aviation infrastructure has become a tool of geopolitical and economic influence. By attracting financing from lenders across multiple regions, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a strategic partner in global transport networks, even as it navigates complex domestic and regional challenges.

Whether the airport ultimately delivers on its promise will depend on disciplined execution, sustained airline growth and broader economic stability. But its launch alone marks one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in Africa’s modern history.

Reuters

Barca Beat Madrid 3-2 to Win Spanish Super Cup as Raphinha Scores Twice

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Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday night, edging Real Madrid 3-2 in a pulsating El Clasico final as Raphinha struck twice to secure a record-extending 16th title.

The final, played at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, delivered on its billing with relentless tempo, dramatic swings in momentum and four goals packed into a frenetic first half. Barcelona prevailed despite finishing the match with 10 men following Frenkie de Jong’s late dismissal.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 36th minute, cutting inside and guiding a low left-footed finish past Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid responded almost immediately, with Vinícius Júnior producing a moment of individual brilliance to level the match in stoppage time.

Barcelona regained the lead minutes later when Robert Lewandowski timed his run to perfection and lifted a composed finish over Courtois. Yet the advantage lasted only moments, as Gonzalo García equalized at the stroke of halftime, pouncing during a goalmouth scramble to make it 2-2.

The second half began with Real Madrid on the front foot, forcing Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García into a sharp save to deny Vinícius a second goal. As the match grew increasingly physical, both sides exchanged fouls and cautions in a tense midfield battle.

The decisive moment arrived midway through the half when Raphinha struck again. His right-footed effort appeared harmless but took a heavy deflection off defender Raúl Asencio, wrong-footing Courtois and sending the ball into the net to restore Barcelona’s lead.

Real Madrid pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, particularly after Barcelona were reduced to 10 men when De Jong was sent off for a challenge on Kylian Mbappé. Despite sustained pressure, Madrid were unable to break through as Barcelona defended resolutely to seal the trophy.

The victory extended Barcelona’s winning streak to 10 matches across all competitions, each featuring at least two goals scored, and marked their first Spanish Super Cup triumph since 2011.

Raphinha was named Man of the Match after delivering the decisive performance on the biggest domestic stage, once again proving pivotal in a Clasico final that showcased the enduring intensity of Spanish football’s fiercest rivalry.

ESPN/Flashscore

West Wing Actor Timothy Busfield Faces Child Sex Abuse Charges; Former Disney Star Matt Prokop Arrested in Separate Child Pornography Case

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 An arrest warrant has been issued for veteran actor and director Timothy Busfield on charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse stemming from alleged incidents on a television production set in New Mexico.

Busfield, 68, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and an open count of child abuse.

The actor is best known for playing White House correspondent Danny Concannon in the acclaimed political drama The West Wing.

He has also appeared in films including Field of Dreams and the 1980s comedy Revenge of the Nerds.

The warrant was issued in Albuquerque, where local station KOAT reports that one child told law enforcement that Busfield allegedly touched them inappropriately at age 7.

Court records detail the allegations that form the basis for the criminal charges.

Busfield was directing episodes of the Fox crime series The Cleaning Lady when the alleged acts took place, beginning in November 2022.

The incidents allegedly occurred around five or six times over an extended period on the production.

Court documents show that Albuquerque police began investigating Busfield in November 2024 after staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital reported concerns to authorities.

Hospital personnel told police it appeared children were being groomed on the set of the television show.

The report from medical professionals triggered the criminal investigation that resulted in the arrest warrant.

According to court records, two children at the hospital did not accuse Busfield of sexual contact but provided statements about his behavior.

The children stated that “Uncle Tim” would tickle them on the stomach and legs.

They told investigators that they did not care for the tickling.

The statements from these two children, combined with the more serious allegations from the 7-year-old victim, formed the evidentiary basis for the charges.

Busfield was born in June 1957 in Lansing, Michigan.

He studied drama at East Tennessee State University before launching his entertainment career.

The actor has worked extensively in theatre as both performer and director, with Broadway credits including A Few Good Men and Brighton Beach Memoirs.

In 1984, Busfield played Arnold Poindexter in the fraternity comedy Revenge of the Nerds.

He returned for the film’s 1987 sequel, establishing himself in Hollywood’s comedy scene.

That same year, he was cast in the acclaimed drama series Thirtysomething, which ran from 1987 to 1991.

Busfield has collaborated with writer and director Aaron Sorkin on multiple projects, beginning with his role in the Broadway production of A Few Good Men in 1990.

He directed several episodes of Sorkin’s ABC comedy-drama Sports Night in the late 1990s.

From 1999 to 2006, he appeared as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Danny Concannon on The West Wing.

His character served as the romantic interest to Allison Janney’s Press Secretary C.J. Cregg in one of the show’s most popular storylines.

Busfield has been married three times over his adult life.

He has a son from his first marriage to actor and director Radha Delamarter.

After they divorced in 1986, he married fashion designer Jennifer Merwin in 1988.

They had two more children before divorcing in 2007.

In 2013, Busfield married Melissa Gilbert, best known for playing Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie.

Former Disney Channel Star Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

In a separate case, former Disney Channel actor Matt Prokop has been arrested in Texas on multiple charges including possession of child pornography.

Matt Prokop and Sarah Hyland

Prokop, 35, is best known for starring roles in High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008) and Disney Channel’s Geek Charming (2011).

He is currently being held at the county jail in Victoria County following his Christmas Eve arrest.

Crossroads Today, a Victoria-area publication, reports that Prokop was arrested after authorities said he violated bond conditions tied to charges filed in 2024.

Police records show Prokop was originally arrested in 2024 on charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault of a family member.

On December 24, he was arrested at his home on charges of violation of bond conditions, evading arrest, and resisting arrest.

An additional charge of possession or promotion of child pornography was added after a warrant was signed on December 31, Crossroads Today reports.

No contact information for Prokop was publicly available as of press time.

Prokop started his entertainment career with minor roles in Hannah Montana and The Office before landing the role of Jimmie Zara in High School Musical 3.

He notably dated his Geek Charming co-star Sarah Hyland, now 35, in the early 2010s.

Their relationship ended in 2014 when Hyland was granted a restraining order against Prokop after accusing him of domestic abuse.

The Modern Family star asked her on-screen mother, Julie Bowen, to help her “peacefully end” the relationship, according to court documents.

Bowen claimed she bought a flight ticket to send Prokop back to his home in Texas.

When Prokop arrived at Hyland’s house and saw Bowen, he allegedly “ran outside into the backyard and began screaming.”

He threw a lighter at her during the confrontation, according to court filings.

Prokop was reportedly admitted into rehab in August 2014 but left the facility on September 21.

Hyland claimed that doctors at the institute advised her to seek a restraining order against Prokop due to his mental state.

A judge ordered that Prokop must stay at least 100 yards away from Hyland and her dog at all times.

The restraining order remained in effect for the legally mandated period following the domestic violence allegations.

Prokop’s last acting credit was in 2013’s April Apocalypse, which starred Reece Thompson, Matt Shively, George Lopez, and Roger Bart.

His career in mainstream entertainment effectively ended following the highly publicized domestic abuse allegations and restraining order.

In an Instagram update posted in July 2024, Prokop shared that he had started selling adult content on OnlyFans.

He also announced he was engaged, though no additional details about his personal life were provided.

Child Safety in Hollywood Production Environments

The Busfield case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety protocols on television and film productions where minors work regularly.

The fact that hospital staff noticed potential grooming behavior and reported it to authorities demonstrates the importance of mandatory reporter training for professionals who interact with child actors.

The allegation that inappropriate contact occurred multiple times over months raises questions about supervision practices on The Cleaning Lady set.

Industry guidelines require that minors have designated guardians present during productions, though enforcement varies widely.

The involvement of two additional children who reported uncomfortable “tickling” by “Uncle Tim” suggests a pattern of boundary-crossing behavior that multiple minors experienced.

Even when those incidents didn’t rise to the level of sexual contact, they created an environment where at least one child allegedly suffered more serious abuse.

The delay between the alleged 2022 incidents and the November 2024 investigation launch illustrates challenges in detecting and reporting abuse on production sets.

Children may not immediately recognize inappropriate behavior or feel empowered to report it to adults who might prioritize production schedules over safety concerns.

The Prokop case represents a different category of child exploitation involving digital content rather than direct contact.

Child pornography charges carry severe federal and state penalties reflecting societal recognition of the profound harm such material causes to victims.

The additional charges including bond violations, evading arrest, and resisting arrest suggest a defendant unwilling to comply with legal processes.

His history of domestic violence against former partner Sarah Hyland establishes a pattern of abusive behavior toward intimate partners that preceded the child pornography allegations.

The Broader Context of Hollywood Accountability

Both cases arrive amid sustained scrutiny of entertainment industry practices regarding child safety and sexual misconduct.

The #MeToo movement and subsequent revelations have exposed how power dynamics in Hollywood enabled predatory behavior for decades.

Child actors face particular vulnerabilities given their dependence on adults for career opportunities and their limited ability to recognize or resist exploitation.

State laws requiring education, work hour limits, and trust accounts for child actors’ earnings acknowledge these vulnerabilities but may not adequately protect against sexual abuse.

The entertainment industry’s response to abuse allegations has evolved significantly, with productions now typically suspending or terminating accused individuals pending investigation.

However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on victims or witnesses feeling safe reporting concerns to production management or authorities.

For Busfield, the arrest warrant marks a dramatic fall from respected character actor and director to defendant facing serious felony charges.

His extensive career collaborating with prominent figures including Aaron Sorkin and his marriage to fellow actor Melissa Gilbert make the allegations particularly shocking to those familiar with his work.

The presumption of innocence remains fundamental, and Busfield has not yet had opportunity to contest the allegations in court.

However, the detailed court records and multiple child witnesses provide prosecutors with substantial evidence if the case proceeds to trial.

For Prokop, the arrest represents the latest chapter in a troubled trajectory from Disney Channel success to domestic violence allegations to criminal charges involving child exploitation.

The pattern suggests untreated issues that have escalated over years despite interventions including restraining orders and reported rehabilitation attempts.

As both cases proceed through the criminal justice system, they will test whether accountability mechanisms can effectively address child sexual abuse and exploitation in entertainment industry contexts where power imbalances and career considerations may discourage reporting.

theindependent

Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors Granted Guinean Citizenship After Ancestry Trace

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Hollywood actors Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have been granted citizenship of Guinea after DNA testing traced their ancestry to the West African nation, Guinean officials said Friday.

The couple received their citizenship during a private ceremony in Conakry, the capital, where senior government figures formally welcomed them as nationals of the country.

Djiba Diakité, chief of staff to Guinea’s president, said the decision reflected the government’s recognition of historical ties between Guinea and descendants of Africans taken abroad during the transatlantic slave trade.

“We think that you are among the worthy sons and daughters of this Guinea,” Diakité said during the ceremony. “You represent our country, the red-yellow-green flag all over the world.”

Good and Majors are expected to tour several of Guinea’s cultural and tourist sites on Sunday, officials said.

The move places the couple among a growing number of prominent figures in the African diaspora who have been granted citizenship or formal residency rights by West African nations seeking to reconnect with descendants of enslaved Africans.

Guinea is not the first country in the region to pursue such outreach.

Last year, U.S. singer Ciara became one of the first high-profile Americans to receive citizenship from Benin, which has promoted similar initiatives aimed at the African diaspora.

Ghana has gone further, naturalizing hundreds of African Americans in recent years following an invitation issued by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2019 urging members of the diaspora to “come home.”

In 2024 alone, Ghana granted citizenship to 524 African Americans as part of commemorations marking 400 years since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in North America in 1619.

For Guinea, the decision to grant citizenship to Good and Majors comes as the country seeks greater international visibility while navigating a complex domestic political landscape.

Guinea has been led by junta leader Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya since a military coup in 2021.

Last month, Doumbouya was declared the winner of a presidential election held after a prolonged transition period, following a crackdown on opposition figures and dissent that left him without major challengers.

While the government has framed the election as a step toward stability, critics have questioned its credibility and the broader state of political freedoms in the country.

Against that backdrop, the citizenship ceremony carried both symbolic and diplomatic weight, projecting an image of cultural openness and global engagement.

Jonathan Majors, once considered one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars, has seen his career trajectory shift dramatically in recent years.

He gained critical acclaim for performances in films such as “Da 5 Bloods” and the HBO series “Lovecraft Country,” before securing a central role in Marvel Studios’ cinematic universe as the villain Kang the Conqueror.

That ascent stalled after Majors was arrested following a 2023 altercation with his then-girlfriend in New York.

He was later convicted on assault and harassment charges, prompting Marvel to drop him from future projects.

A film widely viewed as a potential awards contender, “Magazine Dreams,” was shelved before eventually being released last year after a delay.

Meagan Good, an established actor in her own right, began dating Majors in 2023 and was a consistent presence at his trial.

The couple became engaged in 2024 and married last year in a small, impromptu ceremony held as Majors promoted “Magazine Dreams.”

Their public relationship, unfolding amid legal scrutiny and career uncertainty, has drawn sustained attention in U.S. entertainment media.

The granting of Guinean citizenship adds a new dimension to their public narrative, linking their personal story to broader historical currents involving identity, ancestry and the legacy of slavery.

Beyond the celebrity aspect, Guinea’s decision highlights a wider effort by African nations to redefine relationships with the global African diaspora.

For countries whose populations were deeply affected by the slave trade, citizenship initiatives serve both as symbolic restitution and as a practical strategy to attract investment, tourism and international advocacy.

DNA testing has increasingly become a gateway for such reconnections, offering individuals a sense of historical grounding while providing governments with a modern framework for outreach.

At the same time, critics argue that high-profile citizenship grants risk appearing selective or performative, particularly when extended to celebrities rather than to broader diaspora communities.

In Guinea’s case, the move may also be read as an attempt to soften its international image at a time when its political legitimacy is under scrutiny.

For Good and Majors, citizenship offers cultural affirmation rather than immediate political involvement, but their global visibility means their association with Guinea will inevitably carry diplomatic resonance.

As more African states formalize pathways for diaspora citizenship, the trend raises deeper questions about belonging, nationality and the meaning of return centuries after forced displacement.

What remains clear is that the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade continues to shape contemporary politics, culture and identity, now intersecting with Hollywood fame and modern genetics in unexpected ways.

AP

Nobel Institute Rejects Machado’s Suggestion of Sharing Peace Prize With Trump, Citing Finality Rules

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OSLO, Norway — The Norwegian Nobel Institute has definitively rejected any possibility that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado could give or share her 2025 Peace Prize with President Donald Trump, issuing a rare public statement clarifying that Nobel awards remain permanently fixed once announced.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado

The organization that oversees the Nobel Peace Prize released its unequivocal position Friday following days of speculation about Machado’s expressed desire to honor Trump for his role in the military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Once the Nobel Peace Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, transferred or shared with others, the Norwegian Nobel Institute stated in unusually blunt language designed to end the discussion.

“The decision is final and stands for all time,” the institute declared.

The Nobel Foundation statutes contain no provisions for appeals, modifications or redistribution of prizes after announcement, institute officials emphasized.

The statement comes after Machado told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday that she would like to give or share the prestigious award with Trump.

Trump oversaw the controversial U.S. military raid that extracted Maduro from Venezuela on January 3.

Maduro now faces narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges in federal court in New York.

“I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe — the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people — certainly want to give it to him and share it with him,” Machado stated during Monday’s Fox News appearance.

“What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step towards a democratic transition,” she added.

Machado dedicated the prize to Trump, along with the Venezuelan people, shortly after the Nobel Committee announced her selection in October 2025.

The dedication came before the dramatic U.S. military operation that removed Maduro from power.

Trump has coveted the Nobel Peace Prize and has openly campaigned for winning the award himself since returning to office in January 2025.

The former and current president has frequently referenced his belief that he deserves the prize for various diplomatic initiatives during both his administrations.

The Norwegian Nobel Institute statement also noted that Nobel committees do not comment on laureates’ actions or statements after receiving awards, according to Reuters.

This institutional silence policy means the committee will not address Machado’s political statements or her characterization of what the Venezuelan people want regarding the prize.

When Hannity directly asked Machado during Monday’s interview whether she had offered to give Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, she responded with carefully chosen words.

“Well, it hasn’t happened yet,” Machado stated, leaving ambiguous whether she meant the offer or the actual transfer.

Trump, speaking to Hannity on Thursday, indicated he would be honored to accept the prize if Machado presented it during a planned meeting in Washington next week.

“It would be a great honor,” Trump told Hannity, confirming that Machado plans to visit the White House.

President Donald Trump

However, Trump’s enthusiastic reception of Machado’s symbolic gesture contrasts sharply with his actual governance decisions for post-Maduro Venezuela.

When it comes to governing Venezuela after Maduro’s capture, Trump has backed someone else entirely: Delcy Rodríguez, who served as vice president under Maduro.

Trump has called Machado a “very nice woman” but maintains she lacks sufficient support within Venezuela to govern effectively.

The disconnect between accepting symbolic honors from Machado while empowering her political rival to run Venezuela highlights the complex calculations driving Trump administration policy.

Machado, a former National Assembly member, was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 general election by authorities aligned with Maduro.

She backed a stand-in candidate who independent observers widely considered to have won the vote, although Maduro claimed victory.

Ballot audits by independent election monitors showed significant irregularities in official results that credited Maduro with victory.

Machado’s exclusion from the ballot and the disputed election results helped justify international criticism of Maduro’s government as authoritarian.

The Nobel Committee cited her courageous opposition to authoritarianism and advocacy for democratic principles when awarding her the 2025 Peace Prize.

A representative for Machado did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the Nobel Institute’s statement.

The episode illustrates how Nobel Peace Prizes can become entangled in geopolitical controversies and domestic political calculations that extend far beyond the committee’s original intentions.

The Prize Politics and Presidential Ambitions

The Nobel Institute’s swift intervention to clarify prize rules reflects institutional concern about protecting the award’s integrity from becoming a political football in U.S.-Venezuela relations.

While Machado’s gesture toward Trump appears motivated by genuine gratitude for Maduro’s removal, it also serves strategic purposes by publicly aligning her with the American president whose support she needs.

For Trump, the symbolic offer of a Nobel Prize—even one he cannot actually receive—provides validation he has long sought from an institution that has frustrated his ambitions.

The president’s visible pleasure at Machado’s gesture, coupled with his invitation for her White House visit, suggests he values the symbolic recognition regardless of legal impossibility.

Yet Trump’s decision to back Rodríguez rather than Machado for Venezuelan leadership reveals that symbolic gestures matter less than pragmatic calculations about who can actually govern.

Rodríguez, despite serving under Maduro, apparently commands networks within Venezuelan institutions that Trump’s advisors believe Machado lacks.

This creates an awkward situation where Trump accepts honorary credit for “democratic transition” from an opposition leader he simultaneously marginalizes from actual power.

The Nobel Institute’s unusual public statement also protects the prize from becoming devalued through political horse-trading.

If laureates could transfer or share awards based on political allegiances, the Nobel Peace Prize would lose credibility as recognition of individual achievement and become instead a tradeable commodity in diplomatic relations.

The institute’s firm response establishes precedent that may deter future laureates from similar gestures, preserving the award’s symbolic power.

The Broader Context of Nobel Prize Controversies

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has faced persistent criticism about politicized selections, with some prizes appearing to reward hoped-for outcomes rather than achieved accomplishments.

Barack Obama’s 2009 Peace Prize, awarded just months into his presidency, generated widespread criticism that the committee sought to influence rather than recognize his policies.

The committee cannot revoke prizes even when laureates subsequently engage in actions seemingly contradicting peace, as evidenced by Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi maintaining her award despite presiding over ethnic cleansing.

This institutional rigidity—once announced, prizes remain permanent regardless of subsequent events—stems from Norwegian law and Nobel Foundation statutes established over a century ago.

The rules prevent committees from second-guessing historical judgments or responding to political pressure by revoking controversial selections.

Machado’s case differs from attempts to revoke prizes because she seeks to add a recipient rather than remove one, but the same inflexibility applies.

The Nobel Institute’s Friday statement treats transfer and sharing as equivalent to revocation—all constitute modifications to announced decisions that statutes prohibit.

Trump’s Long-Standing Nobel Ambitions

Trump’s interest in winning the Nobel Peace Prize dates to his first term, when he publicly suggested his North Korea diplomacy warranted consideration.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s 2018 nomination of Trump for the prize was later revealed, fueling Trump’s expectations that recognition would follow.

No award materialized despite Trump’s diplomatic outreach to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in historic summits that ultimately produced no denuclearization progress.

Trump’s second-term interest in the prize has only intensified, with the president frequently referencing his belief that Venezuelan intervention deserves Nobel recognition.

Machado’s offer, though legally impossible to fulfill, provides Trump with a form of validation from a Nobel laureate even if the committee never selects him.

The episode demonstrates how symbolic gestures can partially satisfy ambitions when formal recognition remains elusive.

Implications for U.S.-Venezuela Relations

Machado’s planned White House visit next week will test how Trump balances symbolic recognition of an opposition figure with practical support for Rodríguez’s transitional government.

The Venezuelan opposition leader needs American backing but currently lacks the institutional power base to govern without U.S. military enforcement.

Rodríguez, conversely, brings continuity and existing administrative networks but carries the stigma of serving Maduro’s authoritarian government.

Trump’s attempt to leverage both figures—honoring Machado symbolically while empowering Rodríguez practically—may prove unsustainable as Venezuelan politics stabilize.

The Nobel Prize controversy adds another layer to already complex negotiations about Venezuela’s future governance structure and the extent of American control over the country’s political transition.

As Washington determines Venezuela’s trajectory, symbolic disputes about prize transfers matter less than fundamental questions about sovereignty, democracy, and whether military intervention can actually produce the democratic transitions it promises to deliver.

AP/Reuters

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Outclass Algeria to Reach AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals, Set Up Morocco Showdown

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles continued their commanding run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night, overpowering Algeria 2-0 at the Stade de Marrakech to book a place in the tournament’s semi-finals and extend their status as one of the competition’s most formidable sides.

The quarter-final victory sets up a high-stakes last-four clash against tournament hosts Morocco, who advanced earlier after defeating Cameroon. For Nigeria, the result reinforced their growing momentum in the competition, while bringing an abrupt end to Algeria’s previously resilient campaign.

Nigeria entered the match buoyed by a dominant 4-0 Round of 16 victory over Mozambique and carrying the tournament’s most potent attack. The Super Eagles had scored 12 goals across four matches, a tally unmatched by any other team at the finals. Algeria, by contrast, arrived in Marrakech unbeaten, having conceded just once in the same number of games, with their defensive discipline widely viewed as their biggest strength.

From the opening whistle, Nigeria imposed themselves on the contest. The Super Eagles controlled possession, pressed aggressively high up the pitch and forced Algeria into a compact defensive shape deep inside their own half. Victor Osimhen spearheaded the attack with trademark intensity, combining physical strength and pace, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams provided movement and width. In midfield, Alex Iwobi dictated the tempo, linking play between defense and attack with calm authority.

Nigeria’s early dominance translated into a series of chances in the first half. Akor Adams came closest to breaking the deadlock when he raced through on goal, only to see his effort denied in a one-on-one situation. Moments later, another Nigerian attempt was dramatically cleared off the line as Algeria scrambled to keep the score level. Despite sustained pressure, the North African side remained organized at the back, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane producing key interventions to frustrate Nigeria’s forwards.

Algeria’s approach relied on absorbing pressure and seeking opportunities on the counterattack, but those moments were limited. Nigeria’s midfield shield, anchored by Wilfred Ndidi, repeatedly broke up Algerian transitions before they could develop into genuine threats. As a result, Algeria struggled to test Nigeria’s back line in the opening half, even as they reached the interval still level.

The breakthrough Nigeria had been pushing for arrived in the second half. Osimhen, who had been a constant menace, rose above his marker to power home a header, finally converting Nigeria’s territorial dominance into a deserved lead. The goal lifted the tempo further, with the Super Eagles sensing an opportunity to take full control of the contest.

Rather than retreat, Nigeria continued to dictate proceedings. Their full-backs pushed high, stretching Algeria’s defensive lines, while the wingers’ movement created space centrally. That pressure told again when Akor Adams doubled Nigeria’s advantage, finishing clinically after being set up by Osimhen, who turned provider after opening the scoring himself.

At 2-0 down, Algeria made a series of substitutions in an attempt to change the game’s momentum. However, Nigeria’s composure and defensive organization ensured the contest never drifted out of their control. Ndidi continued to disrupt Algerian build-up play, while Nigeria’s center-backs dealt confidently with aerial balls and late pressure.

As the minutes ticked down, the Super Eagles managed the game with maturity, circulating possession and limiting Algeria’s opportunities to mount a comeback. By the final whistle, Nigeria’s superiority had been emphatically underlined, with the scoreline reflecting a performance that combined attacking flair with tactical discipline.

The victory carries broader implications for the tournament. Nigeria’s attacking efficiency and balance across the pitch have made them one of the standout teams of AFCON 2025, and their ability to overcome a defensively solid Algeria side sends a strong signal to remaining contenders. With Osimhen leading the line and multiple attacking options contributing, the Super Eagles have demonstrated depth and versatility that could prove decisive in the final stages.

The semi-final against Morocco now looms as one of the tournament’s marquee matchups. Morocco, playing on home soil, will enjoy strong local support and arrive with confidence after their own quarter-final success. For Nigeria, the challenge will be to replicate the intensity and control shown against Algeria while navigating the added pressure of facing the hosts.

Beyond the immediate contest, Nigeria’s run to the semi-finals reflects a broader resurgence under a system that emphasizes high pressing, midfield control and quick transitions. The Super Eagles’ consistency across matches suggests a side growing in belief, with experienced leaders blending effectively with emerging talents.

Algeria, meanwhile, exit the competition having been undone by Nigeria’s pace and persistence. Despite their strong defensive record leading into the quarter-finals, they were ultimately unable to contain Nigeria’s sustained pressure or find a foothold in midfield. Their elimination highlights the fine margins at this stage of the tournament, where a single lapse can shift the balance decisively.

As AFCON 2025 moves toward its climax, Nigeria’s performance in Marrakech has placed them firmly among the favorites. With confidence high and a semi-final showdown against Morocco ahead, the Super Eagles remain focused on translating their impressive form into a place in the final — and potentially, continental glory.

Punchng

2 Dead, Several Trapped After Building Under Construction Collapses Along Ngong Road, Kenya

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At least two people were killed and several others were injured Saturday evening after a building under construction collapsed along Ngong Road in Nairobi’s Karen area, prompting a large-scale rescue operation and renewing scrutiny of construction safety standards in Kenya’s capital.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene opposite Karen Community Church shortly after the structure gave way at about 5 p.m., trapping workers beneath concrete and twisted metal. By around 6 p.m., the Kenya Red Cross said it had evacuated three critically injured people as rescuers worked against fading daylight to search for survivors.

Police said preliminary findings indicate the structure had reached the first-floor level when the slab suddenly collapsed, crushing workers who were on site at the time. Two builders were pronounced dead at the scene, while seven others were pulled from the debris and taken to hospital for treatment. Rescue teams continued operations late into the night amid uncertainty over whether more people remained trapped.

Confusion persisted over the exact number of fatalities. Former Nairobi Gov. Mike Sonko, who confirmed the incident through a public statement, said three bodies had been recovered. “Another building has just collapsed in Karen near KCB. Several people are trapped inside. Three dead bodies have already been confirmed,” Sonko said. Authorities, however, had not independently verified that figure as of publication.

Police and the National Construction Authority had yet to issue an official briefing on the collapse, though officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations were among those at the scene gathering evidence and questioning witnesses. Investigators were expected to focus on structural integrity, compliance with approved building plans and whether safety protocols were followed during construction.

Emergency officials said it was still unclear how many workers were on site when the building failed. Rescue teams, including volunteers and medical personnel, continued carefully removing debris to avoid triggering further collapse.

The Nairobi County government and the National Disaster Management Unit had not released statements on the incident by the time of publication, leaving residents and families of workers anxiously awaiting confirmation of casualties and accountability measures.

The Karen collapse comes less than two weeks after another building failure in Nairobi’s South C estate, where a 12-storey structure under construction collapsed, killing two people. That incident had already intensified public concern over lax oversight in the city’s rapidly expanding construction sector.

Urban planners and safety experts say the repeated collapses point to deeper systemic problems. The Architectural Association of Kenya has repeatedly warned that a significant number of buildings in Nairobi are unsafe for occupation, citing weak enforcement of regulations, corruption in approvals and widespread use of substandard construction materials.

Figures cited by built-environment professionals show inspections conducted by the National Building Inspectorate found that only about 15 percent of assessed buildings were structurally sound. The remaining 85 percent were classified as unsafe, requiring major structural intervention or posing potential risks to occupants and the public.

Those statistics underscore what experts describe as a crisis fueled by rapid urbanization, rising land values and pressure to cut costs. Developers, engineers and contractors often operate in a fragmented system where oversight is split among county authorities, national regulators and professional bodies, creating gaps that can allow unsafe practices to go unchecked.

Saturday’s collapse again raised questions about whether lessons from past disasters have translated into meaningful reform. In previous incidents, investigations have identified failures ranging from poor foundation work and unauthorized design changes to the use of counterfeit or low-grade materials.

Beyond the immediate human toll, the incident is likely to intensify calls for tougher enforcement and accountability. Construction accidents have eroded public trust in regulatory agencies, particularly when investigations stall or fail to result in prosecutions.

For residents of Karen and surrounding neighborhoods, the collapse also highlighted broader safety concerns. Ngong Road is a major artery lined with homes, churches, schools and businesses, meaning construction failures pose risks not only to workers but also to passersby.

Emergency responders said crowd control was necessary at the site as onlookers gathered, complicating rescue efforts. Authorities urged the public to keep a safe distance to allow heavy machinery and medical teams to operate.

The tragedy has reignited debate over the responsibilities of developers and professionals involved in construction projects. Under Kenyan law, developers, architects, engineers and contractors can all be held liable if negligence or regulatory violations are found to have contributed to a collapse.

As investigations proceed, families of the victims are likely to press for answers and justice. Worker advocates have long argued that laborers on construction sites often face the greatest risks, sometimes without adequate safety equipment, insurance or clear records of employment.

While rescue operations continued, analysts noted that the Karen collapse adds to mounting pressure on authorities to act decisively. Without sustained reform, they warn, Nairobi risks seeing similar tragedies repeat as the city continues to grow vertically to accommodate its expanding population.

For now, emergency teams remain focused on the immediate task of locating survivors and accounting for all workers who were on site when the building came down. Officials have said more information will be released once rescue operations conclude and investigators establish the full circumstances behind the collapse.

Kenyans.co

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