Evening Update: Today’s headlines from The Straits Times on Jan 4, 2026

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Trump’s Maduro capture is about drugs, immigrants and China

His promise to “run” Venezuela opens the scope for long involvement that may turn off his MAGA base.

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S’pore gravely concerned by US intervention in Venezuela, urges all parties to exercise restraint

No Singaporeans are e-registered with MFA in Venezuela, MFA said.

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Driving centres in S’pore hike learner fees in 2026

One centre said the hikes are to support wage revisions for instructors and cover rising costs.

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About 10 Tanjong Pagar Plaza massage, spa businesses shut amid vice crackdown

Eight massage establishments were found to be operating without valid licences.

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20 evacuated after fire at People’s Park Complex home

There were no reported injuries, said SCDF.

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Why China is racing to develop its own commercial jet engine

China’s reliance on Western jet engines remains a key vulnerability.

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He learnt the ropes of doing business at his parents’ vegetable stall

It was at the stall that he learnt maths in a practical way.

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Polytechnic student entrepreneurs stitch sustainability into pet fashion

The students set up Pets-R-Us, which sells upcycled, handmade pet accessories.

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Fan Bingbing on the rise of C-beauty and entering the S’pore market

The Chinese actress is in town for the launch of her brand, Fan Beauty Diary, at Watsons.

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I know my children love me. They slip handwritten notes into my phone case

There is nothing like feeling wanted by another human being, the writer says.

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