Weekly Email 1/19/26

This stunning photo was taken by our friend Mike Melneck at Rifle Falls State Park. 

(Photo credit M J Melneck, 2026)

Your Monday Update from RTB: Venezuela

You would be hard-pressed to find someone who is not happy that President Maduro has been ousted. However, in these early days, we at RTB have many questions. Is this a violation of international law? Does the president have the unilateral power to remove a foreign head of state, and if so, what happens next? We do not have the answers, but we thought it would be helpful to share some trusted resources with our members. We hope you will find the following articles informative:

The U.S. capture of Venezuela's Maduro: an international legal analysis (University of Cambridge). This academic analysis examines the legality of the U.S. operation under international law, including questions of sovereignty, use of force, and jurisdictional authority. Essential reading for understanding the legal framework surrounding these events. Read here

Making sense of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela (The Brookings Institute) A comprehensive overview of the strategic, diplomatic, and operational aspects of the U.S. intervention. This piece provides context on what led to this moment and explores potential consequences for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. Read here

How the Monroe Doctrine factors into the US arrest of President Maduro (PBS)This article explores the historical Monroe Doctrine and how the Trump administration is invoking this 200-year-old policy to justify U.S. action in Venezuela. Understanding this doctrine helps clarify the administration's rationale and its implications for hemispheric relations. Read here

Aside from these sources, look for the excellent opinion column on Venezuela by David French in the New York Times on January 5, 2026. It is not permitted to share articles behind a paywall, but you might be able to access one article without a subscription.

News and Upcoming Events!

• Roundtable with Community Leaders - Tuesday, January 20. There are just a couple of spots left for our second roundtable tomorrow at the Redlands Community Center. These community leaders will be there to answer your questions:

  • Scott Belfuss, Grand Junction City Council Member

  • JJ Fletcher, Mesa County Commissioner

  • Dean Havlik, Mesa County Coroner

  • Daniel Rubenstein, Mesa County District Attorney

  • Find more information and save your spot here

• Social Hour - January 21. Are you suffering from the January blues? Join us for our social hour at Cruise Control Kitchen and Bar.

  • RSVP HERE

• On the Radar, Local Meetings: 

  • Board of County Commissioners: Tuesdays @ 9 am

  • Grand Junction City Council: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm

  • Palisade City Council: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6 pm

  • Fruita City Council: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 7 pm

  • D51 School Board: 3rd Tuesdays @ 5 pm

  • Mesa County Library Board: Last Thursdays @ 5:30 pm

  • Public Health Board: Monthly Tuesdays @ 3 pm 

RTB Member Insights.

Here are some recommendations from our members:

• Listen:

  • This is Trump's plan for Venezuela (The Rest is Politics US)

    • Listen here

• Thank you to all who have reached out and shared photos. Don't forget to send us your book and podcast recommendations!

  • Want to Contribute to Our Weekly Newsletter? Our best recommendations come from you! Have you read a thought-provoking book? Listened to an insightful podcast? Found an article worth sharing? Captured a beautiful photo of Western Colorado? We want to feature your discoveries and perspectives in our Monday Update. You can share resources, suggest topics you'd like RTB to address, or submit photos from around our community. All submissions can be anonymous or attributed to you; it's your choice.

    • Submit your recommendations here