The Independent maintains a commitment to on-the-ground reporting on crucial issues like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, providing in-depth investigations and documentary projects. These efforts aim to distinguish facts from narratives during a pivotal period in US history, allowing for comprehensive perspectives. This reporting, crucial for a broad audience, is made accessible without paywalls, relying on reader donations to sustain its mission of providing quality journalism to everyone. The publication’s commitment to reporting is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum.
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Massive power outages in Cuba left many unaware of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on any country supplying oil to the island nation. This announcement has sparked anger and anguish among Cubans already facing economic hardship due to increased U.S. sanctions and crumbling infrastructure. Experts like Jorge Piñon suggest that the restriction of fuel shipments could worsen Cuba’s precarious economic state. Many Cubans express that the government poses a larger threat to them than the United States, as the country struggles with severe blackouts and shortages of basic goods.
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A Minnesota mother witnessed immigration agents apprehend her 5-year-old son and his father, Adrián Alexander Conejo Arias, after they were returning from preschool. According to the mother, Erika Ramos, the agents used the child as a way to get her to open the door, but she refused out of fear of being arrested and leaving her other child alone. Liam and his father were subsequently moved from Minnesota to Texas and are currently in the Dilley Immigration Processing Center. Ramos has reported that her son is sick and not receiving medicine, while the Department of Homeland Security claims the child has been examined and cleared by a pediatrician. A temporary restraining order has been issued to prevent the father and son from being removed from the country.
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The Department of Justice released more Epstein files, including mentions of President Trump and other public figures, with a warning about potentially false claims. Trump announced tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, despite Cuba posing no threat, and simultaneously threatened Canada regarding Alberta’s oil independence movement. Researchers discovered that baby and young juvenile sauropods were the most common food source for the meat-eating dinosaurs at the top of the food chain. Additionally, archaeologists found a significant ancient tomb in Mexico dating back to 600 AD.
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The planned visit in 2012 by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to Jeffrey Epstein’s island is raising serious questions, especially considering the timing and Lutnick’s own statements. The records, as they’re becoming public, paint a picture of a man who, despite claiming to have severed ties with Epstein years earlier, was making plans to visit him. This is a crucial point, because it suggests a level of continued connection that contradicts Lutnick’s public narrative. The email exchange itself, where Lutnick inquired about Epstein’s location and proposed a visit with his family and another family, is quite direct.
This situation appears to be, as some might call it, textbook black comedy.… Continue reading
The individual responded that they would be in Geneva until the morning of the 22nd and expressed delight at the prospect of meeting. The message inquired whether the recipient would be conveying a message. Finally, contact details were provided, requesting they be given to the individual for communication.
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George Zinn, 71, pleaded no contest to a reduced obstruction charge and guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of minors after falsely confessing to Charlie Kirk’s shooting at Utah Valley University. Authorities charged Zinn with obstruction of justice after he allegedly stated he was glad he confessed so the real suspect could escape and admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material on his phone. In court, Zinn received a sentence of up to five years for the obstruction charge and one to 15 years for the sexual exploitation charges. Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder in Kirk’s killing, and prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
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Newly released emails from the Department of Justice reveal multiple exchanges between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein regarding a potential visit to Epstein’s private island. The communications, dated from 2012 and 2013, show discussions about the logistics of a visit, including the number of people and the possibility of a “wildest party.” While Musk expressed interest in visiting the island, it is unconfirmed if the visits took place, despite Musk denying ever visiting the island in a 2019 interview. The emails were released following the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and the revelations shed light on the extent of their communication.
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A second government shutdown has occurred within the year, following the longest shutdown in US history. This latest closure is expected to be short-lived, with the House of Representatives reconvening soon. The White House has instructed several agencies to initiate shutdown protocols, hoping for a swift resolution. The central disagreement centers on immigration enforcement policies, particularly concerning the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lawmakers are negotiating a deal, prompted by recent events like the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, which is under investigation by the Justice Department.
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Following a claim by former President Trump that Vladimir Putin had agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine due to cold weather, Russia launched a significant barrage of attacks. These attacks included over 100 drones and a ballistic missile, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, including a facility belonging to an American company. While Trump had stated Putin’s agreement not to strike certain cities, these attacks continued, prompting conflicting accounts from Ukrainian and Russian officials regarding any agreements made. Despite the ongoing aggression, the White House has yet to provide comment or explanation on the matter.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
ICE’s Tactics: Mother’s Terror as Son is Taken, Allegations of Lies and Abuse
A Minnesota mother witnessed immigration agents apprehend her 5-year-old son and his father, Adrián Alexander Conejo Arias, after they were returning from preschool. According to the mother, Erika Ramos, the agents used the child as a way to get her to open the door, but she refused out of fear of being arrested and leaving her other child alone. Liam and his father were subsequently moved from Minnesota to Texas and are currently in the Dilley Immigration Processing Center. Ramos has reported that her son is sick and not receiving medicine, while the Department of Homeland Security claims the child has been examined and cleared by a pediatrician. A temporary restraining order has been issued to prevent the father and son from being removed from the country.
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