The recent U.S.-led ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January 2026 has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and international trade dynamics. Captured during a dramatic operation, Maduro's removal marks a pivotal shift in the Western Hemisphere, redirecting Venezuela's vast oil reserves and other resources toward U.S. interests. Economist E. J. Antoni identifies the winners and losers.

As of early 2026, the fallout from AB5 is accelerating, with national carriers pulling back, California's economy reeling, and new related legislation adding layers of complexity. Recent reports, including viral YouTube analyses from January 2026, highlight Governor Newsom's response to the crisis, amid claims of 70,000 truckers exiting the state and a wave of trucking bankruptcies tied to AB5 enforcement.