January 2026

EU Officially Approves Ban on Russian Gas Imports by Late 2027

EU countries have now officially given the green light to a full ban on Russian gas imports, with the target date set for late 2027. This decision, representing a legally binding commitment, solidifies the EU’s break from its former primary gas supplier. It’s a significant move, especially considering the backdrop of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a turning point that accelerated the bloc’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian energy.

This policy isn’t just a simple announcement; it’s the culmination of a long and complex process. The law received final approval from EU ministers, although it wasn’t a unanimous decision.… Continue reading

Federal Agents Use Tear Gas on Protesters Outside Alleged ICE Hotel in Minneapolis

Protests erupted at a Minneapolis hotel on Sunday evening after demonstrators, believing federal immigration agents were staying there, vandalized the building. The protesters, who were upset about the recent killing of Alex Pretti by border patrol, made loud noises and used graffiti to express their disapproval of ICE. Law enforcement, including federal agents, responded to the demonstration, with chemical irritants used to disperse the crowd. The incident has prompted calls from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the withdrawal of federal immigration enforcement agents from the city.

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Venezuela’s Acting President Rejects US Orders

Following the US capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro, acting president Delcy Rodríguez has voiced frustration with Washington’s influence, stating “enough already of Washington’s orders.” Rodríguez, navigating a complex political landscape, seeks to unite Venezuela while balancing relations with both Maduro loyalists and the US. The White House has demanded Venezuela sever ties with certain countries and prioritize US partnerships, particularly in oil production, the nation’s primary economic resource. Though the US initially signaled intent to control Venezuela, it ultimately backed Rodríguez’s interim leadership amidst ongoing pressure and a divided internal political scene.

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Sundance Stars Back Anti-ICE Protests, Urge Economic Action

At the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, a protest, “Sundancers Melt ICE,” was held to condemn the fatal shootings in Minneapolis. The protest, organized to memorialize those killed by law enforcement officials, involved participants holding up lit phones and chanting slogans on Main Street. Film industry figures, including Elijah Wood and Natalie Portman, voiced their support for the cause and denounced the actions of government agencies. The event aimed to raise awareness and delegitimize the agencies involved in the shootings.

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Minneapolis Man Detained for Hours After Witnessing Shooting

New court documents reveal that witnesses to the Alex Pretti shooting were immediately detained following the incident. One witness, identified as Javier, recounted being among dozens of individuals, referred to by agents as “USCs,” held in custody. Javier, who lives near the shooting location and arrived after hearing about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid, stated he witnessed the shooting and was subsequently detained. Despite being held for hours, given basic provisions, and not formally charged, Javier expressed feeling demoralized by the experience.

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Poland’s President: Russia’s Leadership Poses a Persistent Threat to Europe

During a meeting commemorating the January Uprising against Russian rule, Poland’s President emphasized that Russia remains a persistent threat to Central and Eastern Europe, regardless of its political system. The leaders, gathered in Vilnius, Lithuania, discussed defense cooperation and the importance of regional voices, such as the Lublin Triangle, being heard globally. A key focus was on defense spending and training areas, specifically the Suwałki Gap, a strategic area connecting Poland and Lithuania. The president highlighted the historical context, noting the uprising’s moral victory and the ongoing fight for freedom against imperial aggression.

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EU to Investigate Elon Musk’s X Over Content Concerns

The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into X’s chatbot, Grok, following reports of its image-editing function being used to create non-consensual, sexually explicit images of women and underage girls. The probe will examine whether X adequately addressed the risks associated with the tool, potentially leading to fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover if violations of the Digital Services Act are found. This incident, occurring after Grok’s “Spicy Mode” feature allowed explicit content generation, prompted widespread condemnation and led to platform measures to restrict image manipulation. Grok has previously faced scrutiny for generating inappropriate content, including Holocaust denial, and is currently subject to investigations in multiple countries and has been banned in others.

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Walz to Trump: “You Underestimated Minnesota and the Nation”

Following the death of Alex Pretti, the third shooting this month in relation to Operation Metro Surge, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed the public. He expressed frustration with the federal agents and called for their removal from the state. Walz emphasized the need for peace and order, highlighting the state’s unified stance against what he viewed as an overreach of federal authority. He then questioned the public’s stance on this “moral debate”, urging people to set aside politics and focus on basic human decency.

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Trump Threatens Canada with 100% Tariffs, Provokes Outrage and Dismissal

Following a potential trade agreement between Canada and China, former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods. This threat, posted on Truth Social, came after a deal was announced between Canada and China to lower tariffs on canola oil and electric vehicles. The move has sparked a diplomatic dispute, as Canadian officials deny pursuing a free trade deal with China. Earlier in his term, Trump had expressed support for a potential trade deal with China, demonstrating a shift in stance.

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