Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order establishing “ICE Free Zones” on city-owned properties, prohibiting federal immigration agents from using municipal spaces for civil enforcement operations. The order stems from concerns that federal agents have been utilizing city-controlled areas for operations, undermining public trust and violating the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance. The White House responded with criticism, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned a potential federal troop deployment to the state. The directive is expected to face legal challenges, which could lead to a broader constitutional debate on immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies.
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Overnight on October 6th, Ukrainian forces struck the Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, a major Russian producer of explosives and ammunition. This facility, located 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, manufactures a wide array of munitions for the Russian military. Following the attack, multiple explosions and a large fire were reported at the site, though damage assessment is ongoing. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting numerous Ukrainian drones, including those over the targeted region. The Sverdlov Plant has been under U.S. and EU sanctions since 2023 for its role in supporting Russia’s war effort, and this attack is part of a larger campaign against Russian military-industrial targets.
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The Canadian government’s “Buy Canadian” policy, expected to be fully implemented by spring 2026, will be featured in the upcoming fall federal budget and is designed to prioritize Canadian suppliers in all federal spending. The policy, with initial elements potentially in effect by November, aims to make supporting Canadian industries an obligation, impacting federal procurement, infrastructure spending, and more. While details are still being finalized, and questions arise concerning trade agreement compliance, the policy is intended to boost the Canadian economy, though some sectors, like renewable energy, express concerns about potential complications and delays. Experts are also questioning whether the policy can succeed and remain compliant with trade agreements.
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Pope Leo XIV has begun reversing some of Pope Francis’s financial reforms, including a law that concentrated financial power in the Vatican bank. The new law allows the Holy See to utilize non-Vatican banks if deemed more efficient. This decision, along with the removal of a top administrator, signals a recalibration of power and a potential overhaul of a fundraising commission established under Francis. Additionally, the Vatican’s ongoing financial trial, marred by procedural issues, has been adjourned until February while prosecutors address errors in their appeals.
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During an Instagram Live session, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, labeling him a “clown.” The congresswoman dismissed claims made by MAGA supporters and targeted Miller’s perceived insecurity, urging her audience to “laugh at them.” Ocasio-Cortez argued that the best way to combat the “insecure masculinity” she associated with the movement was through humor and mockery. While acknowledging the dangers of authoritarianism, she emphasized the importance of dismantling such movements through laughter and secure individuals.
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Venezuela has cautioned the U.S. government about a potential “false flag” operation targeting the American Embassy in Caracas, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. Rodríguez stated that extremist groups within Venezuela are allegedly planning to plant explosives at the embassy, though specific details on the group, the intended targets, and motivations were not provided. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Western hemisphere and carried out strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, a move that has escalated tensions given the U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader. Further heightening the situation, the U.S. declared a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels and said it could carry out operations on Venezuelan soil.
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Overnight drone and missile attacks targeted Russian-occupied Crimea and several regions within Russia, impacting critical infrastructure. Explosions were reported across Crimea, with strikes confirmed on a Feodosia oil terminal and an ammunition depot, and caused a large-scale fire. In Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, a thermal power plant was hit, leaving tens of thousands without power, and a similar strike in the Bryansk region led to a large fire at a local thermal power plant.
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The Supreme Court has refused to hear Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal, upholding her 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. Maxwell argued she should be shielded from prosecution due to a non-prosecution agreement Epstein secured in Florida, a claim rejected by lower courts. The Justice Department maintained that the agreement did not cover Maxwell, and the court agreed. Maxwell’s lawyer stated that they are disappointed, but will continue to pursue other avenues.
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Initial polling reveals a majority of Americans blame Donald Trump and Republicans for the government shutdown, as opposed to Democrats. The Washington Post poll indicated 47% of adults blame Trump and the Republicans, while 30% blame the Democrats. Despite the President’s assertion that Republicans are “winning” and blaming Democrats for the impasse, federal workers are beginning to feel the shutdown’s effects. The White House has threatened mass layoffs if the Democrats do not resolve the ongoing stalemate.
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Political instability has gripped France since the snap parliamentary elections in July 2024, resulting in a hung parliament and a series of prime ministers failing to secure support. Marine Le Pen has called for early elections. The current prime minister, Lecornu, also resigned after less than a month, further highlighting the deadlock caused by ideologically opposed factions refusing to compromise. The nation’s economic situation has deteriorated with the third-highest public debt in the eurozone, and financial markets responded negatively to Lecornu’s resignation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
AOC Mocks Miller, Urges Democrats to Confront MAGA Men With Ridicule
During an Instagram Live session, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, labeling him a “clown.” The congresswoman dismissed claims made by MAGA supporters and targeted Miller’s perceived insecurity, urging her audience to “laugh at them.” Ocasio-Cortez argued that the best way to combat the “insecure masculinity” she associated with the movement was through humor and mockery. While acknowledging the dangers of authoritarianism, she emphasized the importance of dismantling such movements through laughter and secure individuals.
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