January 2026

Shame and Tax: The Case Against Pro-ICE Churches

The Christian right frequently exploits accusations of religious persecution to distract from the consequences of their political actions, particularly those related to the Trump administration and its policies. When anti-racism activists protested a church with ties to ICE, the church leadership and its allies falsely portrayed the event as an act of religious oppression. This response, along with the church’s promotion of controversial teachings, revealed a concerning trend of prioritizing their right to avoid criticism over addressing the impact of their actions on marginalized communities, as demonstrated by their opposition to criticism of ICE’s operations. The article suggests this narrative serves to shield the church from scrutiny, emphasizing that religious freedom should not be a barrier to questioning a church’s teachings, especially when those teachings promote or enable harm to others.

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Trump Won’t Apologize: Reaction to German Defence Minister’s Plea

German defence minister urges Trump to apologise for Afghanistan remarks. Really? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Honestly, the very idea of it feels a bit… well, let’s just say it’s a long shot. I can’t help but chuckle at the audacity of it all. It’s like asking a shark to apologize for, you know, being a shark. The notion of Donald Trump issuing a heartfelt apology for anything, especially when it comes to something as sensitive as remarks about Afghanistan, seems, putting it mildly, unlikely.

The general sentiment seems to be that apologies just aren’t in his playbook. He’s built a brand, a persona, around never admitting fault, never showing weakness.… Continue reading

Data Center Power Demand Soars Amid Winter Storm: Is It Price Gouging?

A major winter storm is causing frigid temperatures, ice, and snow across the nation, leading to a surge in electricity demand and prices, particularly in areas with large data center concentrations. Real-time wholesale electricity prices in Dominion Energy’s Virginia territory, home to the world’s largest data center cluster, spiked dramatically on Sunday. The PJM Interconnection grid anticipates a record winter demand, fueled in part by data center needs, which could further strain the power grid. Consequently, disruptions to local power lines have resulted in nearly 900,000 customers without power on Sunday, with widespread outages across multiple states.

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Pretti Family Pleads for Truth as Trump Allies Smear Shooting Victim

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, his parents have vehemently refuted the Trump administration’s accusations that their son was a “domestic terrorist,” highlighting his actions as heroic, including his attempt to help a woman prior to the shooting. The Pretti family contests the administration’s claims, which include assertions that Pretti was armed and intended to inflict harm, by referencing video evidence and emphasizing that he was unarmed and attempting to help a woman when he was shot. Officials have made these claims even though Pretti was disarmed and on the ground when the shots were fired. The family expressed their heartbreak and anger, lamenting the lack of communication from federal officials while urging the public to seek the truth about their son, who had no criminal record and was protesting actions by ICE agents.

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France Detains Indian Captain of Suspected Russian Oil Tanker: Debate on Legality and Enforcement

The captain of the oil tanker “Grinch,” intercepted by the French navy in the Mediterranean Sea, is in custody for questioning due to suspicions of violating sanctions against Russia. The Indian captain was handed over to judicial authorities following the ship’s diversion to France. The crew, also of Indian nationality, remains on board, while a preliminary investigation has been opened regarding the failure to fly a flag. The tanker originated from Murmansk, Russia, and is believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

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Israel Recovers Body of Last Hostage in Gaza

The Israeli military has recovered the remains of the last deceased hostage held in Gaza, Ran Gvili, a police officer who was killed on October 7, 2023. His remains were identified, and his family was notified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed this as a significant achievement, emphasizing the commitment to bring everyone home. With the remains of all hostages accounted for, Israel is now poised to move into the next phase, which involves dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.

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Trump’s Midterm Threat: Expect Election Theft and Plan Accordingly

The author believes that former President Trump will attempt to steal the upcoming midterms, citing his past attempts to overturn the 2020 election and his ongoing rhetoric questioning the validity of elections. Trump’s actions, including pardoning those involved in the January 6th insurrection and weakening voting safeguards, demonstrate his intent. Furthermore, efforts to suppress voter turnout, like the proposed SAVE Act, are indicative of a concerted effort to manipulate the election’s outcome. The author warns that officials and voters should anticipate interference and take proactive steps to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

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Doctor: Agents Counted Bullet Holes, Not Administered CPR to Shot Protester

A doctor who attempted to aid protester Alex Pretti after he was shot in Minneapolis has made a declaration in a lawsuit challenging ICE’s use of force. The doctor reported that instead of providing medical assistance, federal agents were counting bullet wounds on Pretti’s body. The doctor, who witnessed the shooting, described the chaotic scene and stated there was no need for violence. Pretti, an ICU nurse, was protesting ICE’s presence when he was shot, and the doctor expressed feeling unsafe in the city following the incident.

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Republican Support for Abolishing ICE Up Slightly, According to Poll

A new poll from The Economist and YouGov reveals a notable rise in Republican support for abolishing ICE, increasing from 15% to 19% in a matter of weeks. This shift follows increasing scrutiny of ICE’s actions, including fatal shootings by agents and a record number of deaths in custody during 2025. The poll, conducted in late January, also highlights significant support for abolition among Democrats, and further fuels the debate with Democratic politicians like Congressman Shri Thanedar introducing the Abolish ICE Act. The issue has gained considerable attention, with state officials and numerous other politicians also voicing their support for abolition.

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Real Estate Brokers Face Sex Crimes Trial Amidst Political Skepticism

The Alexander Brothers, known for their opulent lifestyles in the Hamptons and South Beach, are facing a sex-trafficking trial in Manhattan. Prosecutors allege Tal, Oren, and Alon Alexander sexually assaulted, trafficked, and raped dozens of women from 2008 to 2021, often drugging their victims and recording the crimes. The brothers, who frequented high-end social circles, allegedly met victims at nightclubs and parties, luring them with luxurious trips before the assaults. The defense denies the allegations, claiming the government lacks physical evidence and that the charges misrepresent consensual relationships, while promising to demonstrate that the prosecutors are turning innocent encounters into criminal activity.

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