CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s government on Sunday released from prison several prominent opposition members, including one of the closest allies of Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, after lengthy politically motivated detentions.

Their releases come as the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez faces mounting pressure to free hundreds of people whose detentions months or years ago have been linked to their political activities. They also follow a visit to Venezuela of representatives of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s acting president after the Jan. 3 capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. military. Her government began releasing prisoners days later.

Some of those freed Sunday joined families waiting outside prisons for their loved ones to be released. They chanted “We are not afraid! We are not afraid!” and marched a short distance.

“I am convinced that our country has completely changed,” Juan Pablo Guanipa, a Machado ally and former governor, told reporters hours after his release. “I am convinced that it is now up to all of us to focus on building a free and democratic country.”

Guanipa spent more than eight months in custody.

Venezuelan-based prisoners’ rights group Foro Penal confirmed the release of at least 30 people Sunday.

In addition to Guanipa, Machado’s political organization said several of its members were among the released, including María Oropeza, who livestreamed her arrest by military intelligence officers as they broke into her home with a crowbar. Machado’s attorney, Perkins Rocha, was also freed.

“Let’s go for the freedom of Venezuela!” Machado posted on X.

Guanipa was detained in late May and accused by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello of participating in an alleged “terrorist group” plotting to boycott that month’s legislative election. Guanipa’s brother Tomás rejected the accusation, and said the arrest was meant to crack down on dissent.

“Thinking differently cannot be criminalized in Venezuela, and today, Juan Pablo Guanipa is a prisoner of conscience of this regime,” Tomás Guanipa said after the arrest.

Rodríguez’s government announced Jan. 8 it would free a significant number of prisoners — a central demand of the country’s opposition and human rights organizations with backing from the United States — but families and rights watchdogs have criticized authorities for the slow pace of the releases.

The ruling party-controlled National Assembly this week began debating an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners. The opposition and nongovernmental organizations have reacted with cautious optimism as well as with suggestions and demands for more information on the contents of the proposal.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez on Friday posted a video on Instagram showing him outside a detention center in Caracas and saying that “everyone” would be released no later than next week, once the amnesty bill is approved.

Delcy Rodríguez and Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, spoke by phone in late January. His spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, in a statement said he “offered our support to help Venezuela work on a roadmap for dialogue and reconciliation in which human rights should be at the centre” and then “deployed a team” to the South American country.

Machado remains in exile after leaving Venezuela in December. After she was briefly detained in January 2025, she had not been seen in public for 11 months when she appeared in Norway after the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.

Juan Pablo Guanipa on Sunday said Machado “exercises undeniable leadership” and is needed in Venezuela along with other exiled political leaders to move the country forward. He, Oropeza and others who were released within hours of each other visited detention centers in Caracas, where they called for the release of all prisoners detained for political reasons.

“It is a bittersweet happiness because I know that many are still imprisoned,” Oropeza said outside Helicoide, the notorious prison where she was held after her August 2024 detention. “And I want to tell you that one of the reasons we were unjustly imprisoned for more than a year in that place is the same reason we walked out today: To fight for the liberation of our beloved Venezuela and for the liberation of all political prisoners.

“Because there are no bars that can silence us.”

___

Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.

Washing machine countdowns often feel like they take an eternity, with many people noticing cycles extend beyond the displayed time – but there’s a good reason for it.

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Waiting for the washing machine cycle to finish can be one of life’s most frustrating experiences – it frequently seems to go on forever. In principle, it should be fairly simple. When you begin a wash, your machine usually displays a countdown timer, informing you of the remaining time before you can take out the laundry and either hang it to dry or transfer it to the tumble dryer.

Yet many people will recognise the irritation of watching a timer that seems to crawl along interminably, and most would agree that washing machine countdowns are fundamentally misleading. When the display indicates one minute left in the cycle, it rarely means an actual minute.

A TikTok user previously posted a sketch on the platform about this common frustration – jokingly implying that when the timer shows one minute remaining, there’s still sufficient time to go for a stroll, enjoy a pint at the pub, and have a meal before returning home precisely as the cycle finishes.

The issue resonated with many viewers, with one person remarking: “Yes! I’ve stood there waiting, and it took another five minutes! I was so mad.”

Another concurred, writing: “Waiting for the click is like an eternity, it’s like, just tell me if you need extra time.” A third commented: “The biggest lie ever told.”

Nevertheless, there appears to be an explanation for why washing machine cycles take longer than expected, according to Vivien Fodor, the laundry category manager for Hotpoint UK. She revealed that the reason for these timing changes is that the machine is optimising its performance to operate more efficiently, which ultimately helps reduce your bills.

Vivien noted: “Many individuals depend on the timers of their washing machines and dryers to organise their daily tasks – and they are correct in doing so!”

“This is the reason why most contemporary appliances come equipped with displays that indicate how much time remains in your cycle.

“However, as the washing continues, the timer doesn’t always reflect the total time set at the start and, in the end, can differ by a few minutes.

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“Whilst the difference is not usually big, this can be frustrating. However, there is a perfectly good explanation for this – and it is actually helping you to save energy and money.”

She added, “Washing machines are designed to save resources wherever possible, be it water, energy, or laundry detergent.

“So, there are several checks that a washing machine will do during its cycle. These are usually automated and are there to tell the machine if it is taking more or less time than expected to fill, wash or spin.”

As a result, the machine will adjust the time to end at certain points of the cycle – sometimes sooner, sometimes later.

“The only difference is that people only notice when it’s the latter! As the parameters differ with some loads being heavier than others, such as bedding and towels, this automated function ensures your laundry is washed properly yet economically every time, regardless of the load type.”

TURNING Point’s halftime show closed out with a heartfelt message from its late founder, Charlie Kirk.

The conservative nonprofit’s country-focused set was framed as a rival to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.

Turning Point’s show was headlined by Kid Rock and featured Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.

The alternative halftime show closed out with Kid Rock, who performed a slow cover of slowed-down version of Cody Johnson’s ‘Til You Can’t.

The camera panned over to a montage of Kirk, who founded Turning Point in 2012 and led the nonprofit until he was killed during a debate at a college in Utah in September 2025.

“I want to honor God in all that I do. I want to be a great husband, a great father. I want to serve this country,” a voice-over of Kirk said set over a montage of his tenure at Turning Point.

On a dramatic night:

“I want to try to continue to lead this movement and to speak truth and to never lie, to stop thinking about yourself all of the time, and instead think about what you should do to help other people and defend this country above yourself.

“I am so inspired by this army of freedom fighters. We’re going to be around for the next 100, 200 years because we know in the end our ideas will win.”

The video also featured photos of Kirk with his wife, Erika, and their two children.

“God should be the most important thing in your life. But then beyond that, it’s getting married, having children, building families. My kids are the most important thing in my world. My wife, my kids, my relationship with God. Top three things,” Kirk said in the montage.

“And the more often that you choose the deep, the difficult, but the right path over the easy path is the one that will reward you, your family, and this beautiful nation.”

The two-minute long montage closed out with a tribute to Kirk: “In Loving Memory of our Founder and CEO, Charlie Kirk.”

It also included the Bible verse: “Here I am, Send Me.”

TPUSA’s halftime show aired when Bad Bunny took the stage at the Super Bowl for a distinctly Puerto-Rican inspired performance.

The musician brought stars out Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin as he performed his all-Spanish language setlist.

Bad Bunny performed several songs off of his Grammy-award winning album Debí Tirar Más Fotos.

He closed out the show yelling “God bless America!” while surrounded by flags from countries all around the world.

On its improved cloud and fog guidance, it said: “This advancement will be vital for industries such as aviation, where precise weather information is critical to manage flight schedules, avoid delays, and ensure safe take offs and landings, especially in situations with low cloud bases, mist and fog.”

BAD BUNNY called on a clan of big shots from Hollywood and beyond to jazz up his fiery Super Bowl halftime show.

The Puerto Rican’s saucy performance was always going to cause a stir – but he made absolutely sure that tongues would be wagging by recruiting A-list help.

Lady Gaga joined Bad Bunny for a breathtaking performance of ‘Die With a Smile’ in Santa Clara.

And there was also space on the bill for Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin.

But those who looked closer spotted a number of other high-profile celebs dancing in the ‘casita’ – or ‘little house’ – which was part of the on-field set.

One of them was Chilean-American acting star Pedro Pascal, seen looking suave dressed all in white with a pair of tinted glasses.

Pascal, 50, is perhaps best known for his role in Narcos, and has been nominated for a Golden Globe.

Jessica Alba was another big name in the mix.

The Californian, 44, enjoyed the peak of her acting career in the 2000s and has since made millions as a successful businesswoman.

She was joined on stage by Cardi B – the New York rapper of Dominican and Trinidadian heritage whose boyfriend, Stefon Diggs, plays for the New England Patriots.

Donald Trump has launched into a furious rant over the Super Bowl halftime show, branding the performance ‘disgusting’ and ‘an affront to the Greatness of America’

Donald Trump has launched into a furious rant about the Super Bowl LX halftime show, with the 47th President of the US calling the performance “disgusting” and “one of the worst EVER “.

Trump skipped the NFL blockbuster match entirely, claiming his absence was due to “distance issues”. However, despite the distance, he made plenty of time to criticise Grammy Award-winning music superstar Bad Bunny from afar.

And it wasn’t long before he erupted on social media.

Bad Bunny appeared to direct a subtle jab at Mr Trump during his halftime spectacular, with clips of his Grammy Awards speech shown on a small television screen before a family – including a young child. In the footage, the artist stated: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.”

It was that particular moment which prompted the US President into response. Using his own social media platform, Truth Social, Mr Trump condemned the show in his characteristic angry style, reports the Daily Star.

He wrote: “The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.”

He subsequently suggested viewers were baffled by proceedings, stating: “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting – especially for young children watching throughout the U.S.A. and all over the World.”

Mr Trump proceeded with his outburst by describing the performance as a “slap in the face” to America, before diverging into self-congratulation regarding the economy and criticising what he labelled the “Fake News Media” for inevitably lauding the show.

“There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show,” he fumed, forecasting enthusiastic coverage from publications that “haven’t got a clue what’s going on in the REAL WORLD”.

However, the interval controversy wasn’t his sole complaint.

The US President additionally targeted the NFL’s contentious kickoff regulation, which limits player motion before the ball is secured or touches the turf.

“And, by the way,” he continued, “the NFL should immediately replace its ridiculous new Kickoff Rule. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”.

The nursery is not only full of history and surrounded by open fields, the staff ‘provide the best possible care and education for all children’

We all know that Cambridgeshire is filled to the brim with historic buildings, architecture, and generally aesthetically pleasing places. Whether that is Ely Cathedral, often cited as one of the most famous landmarks in Cambridgeshire, or Kimbolton Castle, the final home of King Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

However, the quaint village of Madingley is home to a private nursery school, housed in a building dating back to the 19th-century. Stephen Perse Cambridge Early Years is a nursery offering baby, toddler, rising threes, and Kindergarten classes.

This private nursery was opened in 2020 by the Stephen Perse Foundation, who operate four nursery schools located in the Cambridgeshire and Saffron Walden areas. This ”picture-book” Victorian schoolhouse has architectural features built in simplified Tudor style, including gault brick in rat-trap bond, fish-scale tiles, and coped gables and kneelers.

“Imagine a picture-book Victorian schoolhouse, overlooking open fields and next door to woodlands. It’s idyllic – and it’s our lovely rural site at Madingley”, says the Stephen Perse Foundation.

Madingley nursery, for ages 1-3, is located in a lodge, complete with creative spaces and cosy areas. The kindergarten and reception classrooms run in the gorgeous Victorian schoolhouse. They have a large playground with climbing frames and balancing equipment, aimed at improving kids’ coordination, and sensory play areas featuring a mud kitchen.

The school has the luxury of being situated in a rural area surrounded by trees and fields, so the children have the opportunity to explore and learn more about the wonders of nature. The school boasts about promoting curiosity and allowing young learners the freedom to experiment and explore environments designed to maximise their learning.

Offering everything from physical activity and mindfulness to musical experiences and role play, this school sets out to ensure each child’s learning is tailored to their needs and encourages further stages of development.

This distinguished school has a current outstanding rating on Ofsted, and their public report says: “Children flourish in this very welcoming nursery under the expert care of extremely caring and highly experienced staff.

“Leaders and staff promote a joint passion and dedication to providing the best possible care and education for all children.”

The Monday letters page is not convinced that physical game sales are dead yet, as one reader discovers the joys of Thank Goodness You’re Here!

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Game of the years
We all know what the best-selling game of 2026 is going to be, but will GTA 6 be the most critically acclaimed? It probably will be, just because fans will go crazy against any reviewer that dares to say it’s bad, but somehow I doubt it’ll actually be the best. GTA 5 may have been a phenomenon, but I wouldn’t put it on any kind of best ever list and I can’t see Rockstar changing their approach, including bad combat and racing, because they know what they did last time sells.

So what will the be 2026’s critical darling? The equivalent of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? Normally it’s hard to say because we don’t know what’s coming out later in the year, but thanks to GTA 6 probably not very much.

Resident Evil Requiem seems like a good contender and maybe Saros if it’s as good as Returnal (I guess, I didn’t play that). But how do you predict the impact of Marvel’s Wolverine, The Duskbloods, Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Control: Resonant? And what if Valve really do release Half-Life 3 this year?

People have been understandably down about the games industry this year, and I’m sure we’ll all be sick of hearing about GTA 6 soon enough, but there is a lot of interesting stuff on the horizon that could make 2026 a classic year.
Gorf

GTA 6 money
I am very curious as to what Sony and Microsoft are playing at with GTA 6. I would imagine that Microsoft is actually thinking early September for Fable and Gears Of War: E-Day, which shouldn’t be too much trouble. Although you’ve got the obvious problem that people have only got limited money to spend on games, and you can bet neither of those are going to get it over GTA 6.

I guess Microsoft is thinking that most people have already put aside their GTA 6 money but I’m not sure it’s something I’d bet on if I was them. As for Sony… they really do seem like they’re ignoring the problem and putting Wolverine out as their big Christmas game.

Maybe they figure that if there’s literally nothing else out then they can still do well. But this would mean that it’s something like the third time they’ve ignored GTA 6 when talking about games coming out this year. If they do know something that we don’t they’re not being very subtle about hiding it.
Tacle

Stick your neck out
I am fascinated by the idea of the Resident Evil Requiem neck speaker, especially the fact that apparently this is a thing that already exists and wasn’t just made for the game. What on earth benefit would that have above just wearing normal headphones?

I don’t see how it would help with immersion, because the sound would presumably be coming from your shoulders. I’d be very interested to hear from anyone that has used one of these and could explain why it exists. I guess it allows you to hear other things in the room better but isn’t that definitely less immersive?
Campbell

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Retro console
I’ve finally purchased a Switch 2 and have been enjoying playing Mario Kart World with my better half, especially in the tough online Knockout Tour mode.

Surprisingly though, considering the age of the game, my main enjoyment has come from revisiting GoldenEye 007 via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, played with the official N64 wireless controller I purchased. The visuals have been sharpened up, plus it runs at a noticeably higher frame rate (it needed too!). For me it’s by far the first person shooter ever.

Just need to wait a few weeks for the hotly anticipated Resident Evil Requiem now. Hopefully it has a good Mercenaries mode included.
Adams6legend

GC: If it has, they haven’t mentioned it yet.

Northern goodness
Just played through Thanks Goodness You’re Here! as it was free with PlayStation Plus Extra. I don’t think I’ve ever said, ‘What the hell?!’, while laughing incredulously as much before while playing a game.

Always nice to play something a bit different.
Matt (he_who_runs_away – PSN ID)

Touch only
I read the Reader’s Feature with the argument that digitally-downloaded games are better, linked with the demise of GAME.

Well, as most gamers would know, GAME went wrong when they closed as independent shopping units and went in-store with Sports Direct. The gaming section was then normally found right on the top floor, in a corner right at the back. If you are looking for games you don’t want to go traipsing past rows of trainers and tracksuits.

Secondly, GAME is highly overpriced. They want people to stop buying online but charge £10+ more per game compared with online outlets. Plus, there must be a high percentage of gamers that miss the old enjoyment of picking up used game bargains; GAME used to do 3 for £10, for instance. Who remembers those deals? Not every gamer can afford £30-60 for a new game.

And there it is, yes, let’s imagine just a digital download arena for purchasing games. No more bargains then, like Nintendo. Everything will just keep rising in price because gamers will be forced into this only way of purchasing. Buy it at that price or give up gaming near enough, is what we will be told.

Plus, just the general joy of letting your other family members mooch around the shops for an hour or so, looking at clothes while you can have that hour to yourself to look through shelves of bargain games. Games which you can also then sell on again, if you wish, to the delight of another fellow.

Looks like CeX will still be my only place to go now. How long will they last before they too are pushed out by government taxes or corporate muscle? I will enjoy my little weekend jaunts while I can. Long live the physical touch.
Jools

Physical existence
While I agreed with the sentiment of Gannet’s Reader’s Feature, regarding the so-called business of GAME, I completely disagree with what he said about physical games being dead too.

If that was true, why are CeX queues always full of people with second-hand games in hand?

No doubt these very gamers could easily and knowingly not have to tramp out in the UK’s current rainy weather and simply download the game from the comfort of their home.

Regardless of what ‘the industry’ says, physical media will never leave us.

There is a thing (trend?) on TikTok now where people are starting to re-buy DVDs and even CDs because they are fed up of streaming services removing media they’ve prepaid for, and quite rightly so.

A friend of mine has even complained about this, saying certain songs from her Spotify playlists have simply disappeared.

I’ve always seen Spotify as an utterly complete waste of money, as all my music is ripped from my CDs of yore (and some are MP3 files from BandCamp).

I am currently holding off on buying certain games (Marvel Cosmic Invasion being one of them) as I’ll wait for the physical release, as I did with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind.

I just think paying more than £15 for a game you don’t own, and can’t sell or trade if you don’t like it, is crazy.
LeeDappa

The smell of gaming
It is a definite shame about the final GAME shops closing down, although not surprising. It’s still an achievement to have survived as long as they did in the ever-usurping digital world of gaming.

I had many enjoyable conversations with staff members over the years, finding out about games I may not had heard of and getting them from that shop. It was not only at GAME retailers but other local high street gaming shops, where if you know and get on well with a member of staff.

I was not one to exchange games or get a previously purchased second-hand game, as I am one of those folks who likes that cellophane-wrapped brand new game feeling. But I have purchased rare games that you couldn’t get anywhere at all anywhere, as no new versions of these games were being made anymore!

But for me it’s watching new games on their TV screens and being in a shop with like-minded fans of gaming. Also, I miss that sweaty type of smell at some of their locations, which was always very invigorating to breathe in!

It’s that less interaction with our fellow humans that’ll be missed, especially as I work from home! But I do go to places like Waterstones, HMV, hobbyist shops, and city or town markets to support them. I’m hoping the future for these retail businesses will survive in some form or another into the near and far future.
Alucard

Inbox also-rans
Any news on Days Gone 2?
Tony

GC: None at all. At this point it’d be very surprising if it ever happened.

I have Wrestlemaina 21 and is the next gen Xbox played that game.
Barry

GC: Pardon?

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: Is Bethesda overrated as a game developer?

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MORE: Games Inbox: When will GTA 6 Trailer 3 be released?

KENNETH Walker and the Seattle Seahawks unleashed chaos on Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

The Patriots had no answers to the Seahawks throughout their 29-13 big game loss at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

New England just never got things going on offense as Maye was sacked a stunning six times.

The second-year star was also strip-sacked by Devon Witherspoon nd Uchenna Nwosu returned it for a touchdown.

And the Patriots defense couldn’t stop Kenneth Walker, who finished with 131 yards.

Walker averaged 5.9 yards per attempt and recorded two receptions for 26 yards.

Sam Darnold didn’t need to be on his A or B game to help Seattle come up with the win.

The 28-year-old completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown.

But Darnold didn’t commit a turnover as he didn’t throw an interception or fumble throughout the postseason.

The Seahawks controlled the game on defense.

They didn’t allow a single point in the first three quarters of the game.

However, Seattle also didn’t score a touchdown in the first 45 minutes.

But they finally saw AJ Barner record a touchdown reception.

The teenager was killed on Thursday, February 6 and four people will appear in court on Monday, February 9 after being charged with his murder

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Four people have been charged with murder after the death of a teenager in a South Wales village.

Three men aged 18, 24 and 26 and a 24-year-old woman were remanded into custody over the killing of Tristan Shae Kerr. They will appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 9, Gwent Police said.

Police said a 28-year-old woman from Hereford, who was arrested on Friday, February 6 on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released under investigation.

Officers attended a property in Lower Francis Street, Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at about 5.45pm on Thursday, February 5 after receiving reports that 17-year-old Tristan had been attacked.

The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We understand that there has been a great deal of interest in this investigation, however we would ask people not to speculate about the identities of those involved,” Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths said.

Detective Tomkova-Griffith asked anyone with information to speak to officers or contact the force.

The force can be contacted on 101, by direct message on social media or on the website, quoting log reference 2600038325.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.