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Machado returns to Venezuela; Thunder star hurt; Democrats lead

Machado's eight-hour drive to Caracas followed at least seven failed return attempts; she left Venezuela in December to accept the Nobel Peace Prize.

On air: Hank Ledger and Brock Thunderson on BBN This Morning
Published 6:01 AM ET, Monday, October 26, 2026

At a glance

First reported by BBC: “Crowds welcome Venezuela's María Machado after months in exile”, with reporting from Yahoo Sports, The Conversation, Reuters, Streamline Feed and The Conversation (via MENAFN).
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6:01 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Hank Ledger and Brock Thunderson.
Topics: Thunder, Venezuela, Jalen Williams, Democrats.
BBN covered this story before: Ousting Hegseth 'priority No. 1' if Democrats retake House, Crow says (October 26).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

BBCCrowds welcome Venezuela's María Machado after months in exile
Yahoo SportsThunder star Jalen Williams suffers horror injury as teammates fight back tears
The ConversationDemocrats remain clear favourites to gain control of Congress at midterms as Trump’s ratings slide again
ReutersVenezuela opposition leader Machado returns home after fraught year away - Internazionale October 25, 2026 · facts used on air
Streamline FeedVenezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Returns From Exile facts used on air
The Conversation (via MENAFN)Democrats Remain Clear Favourites To Gain Control Of Congress At Midterms As Trump's Ratings Slide Again October 26, 2026 · facts used on air

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTens of thousands of cheering supporters greeted Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado as she drove to Caracas on Sunday night, Reuters reports, after more than ten months in exile.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistThe trip from a church in Lara state took eight hours because of the crowds, and she waved through a sunroof in her white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorOklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams was taken off the court on a stretcher Sunday night, and teammates were fighting back tears.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWe will pass along more on his recovery as it comes.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistOur thoughts are with him and his teammates this morning.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIn other news, eight days before the November third midterms, Democrats have a three in four chance of winning the Senate in Nate Silver's forecast.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistPresident Trump's net approval in that same aggregate is minus twenty-three point three. That's a forecast I can read, Hank, and it's stormy.