European leaders concluded that a firm but non-escalatory approach was effective in responding to former President Trump’s threats. The emergency summit was called in response to Trump’s tariff threats against European countries. After the EU threatened retaliation and markets reacted negatively, Trump backed down, indicating a desire for a Greenland deal. Leaders plan to meet again to strategize adapting to a new world order dominated by great power rivalries.
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California joins the UN health network, and that’s a big move. Honestly, it feels like a really smart play considering the current global landscape. The US, as we know, decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), which left a bit of a void. This action by California, however, is a direct response, signaling a commitment to global health collaboration even in the face of national shifts. It’s a statement about where the state stands on public health and its willingness to remain a player in international efforts.
It’s particularly interesting that California is doing this as the only state participating in the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network.… Continue reading
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes stated that residents could potentially use lethal force against masked ICE agents under the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law if they perceive an imminent threat to their lives. Mayes emphasized that this law allows for self-defense using lethal force in situations where a person reasonably believes their life is in danger on their property. She noted concerns about masked federal officers with limited identification, questioning how residents could distinguish them from potential threats. While acknowledging the law’s implications, Mayes clarified she was not advocating for violence, but rather explaining the current legal framework.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith, during a hearing before a Republican-led congressional committee, asserted that President Trump’s actions in the 2020 election conspiracy and classified documents cases clearly violated the law. Smith presented evidence demonstrating Trump’s criminal activity, emphasizing that his investigation was based solely on facts and not political motivations. Despite facing criticism from Republican lawmakers, Smith defended his pursuit of the cases, specifically highlighting Trump’s role in the January 6th attack and the mishandling of classified documents. Although indictments were won in both cases, the cases were abandoned due to existing legal opinions.
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At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares urged the EU to bolster its security through a “European army” to counter rising geopolitical pressures. He emphasized the need for a unified European defense strategy, including industry integration. Albares also addressed Spain’s cautious approach to the US-led “Board for Peace,” stressing adherence to international law and UN authority, while coordination with EU partners is ongoing. Furthermore, he condemned US pressure on Denmark over Greenland and reiterated Spain’s support for a negotiated solution in Venezuela and a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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FDIC clears way for Ford, General Motors to set up industrial banks, and this is where things get interesting, maybe even a little unsettling. The basic idea is that these automotive giants, Ford and General Motors, are now cleared to establish their own industrial banks. This essentially means they can offer financial services, specifically auto loans, directly to their customers. On the surface, it seems straightforward: more financing options, potentially better deals. But when you dig a little deeper, the implications raise some eyebrows.
One of the first things that pops into mind is the specter of the “company store” – that historical relic where corporations controlled both jobs and finances, often at the expense of their employees.… Continue reading
A new U.S. company, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, has been established to ensure TikTok’s continued availability in the U.S., with a group of investors backed by former President Trump owning the majority stake. ByteDance, the Chinese-based owner, will retain a 19.9% stake, while Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX are major investors in the U.S. operation. This deal, brokered by the Trump administration, aims to protect national security through data protection and algorithm security. The company will also house U.S. user data in Oracle’s cloud environment.
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On Friday, protests erupted in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, against the Trump administration’s increased immigration enforcement. Demonstrators, including dozens of clergy members, were arrested at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport for blocking roads as part of an “ICE OUT!” day of action, which included a general strike with business closures and marches. The protesters’ demands included legal accountability for an ICE agent involved in a fatal shooting and a halt to ICE activities. The protests were spurred by the President’s crackdown on immigration, targeting the Somali community, which has prompted strong reactions from Minnesota residents and local officials.
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The Upstate South Carolina measles outbreak reached 700 confirmed cases by Friday, with 54 new cases reported between January 20th and January 23rd, 2026. Health officials reported nearly 500 individuals in quarantine or isolation. New public exposures were identified at several schools and community locations between specific dates and times. Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can lead to serious complications, but the MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease.
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As ICE ramps up immigration enforcement in Maine, residents are expressing outrage over the agency’s actions. Numerous incidents have occurred where individuals have been detained, including a Lyft driver and a corrections officer recruit, with agents using forceful tactics such as smashing windows and leaving vehicles unattended. Local officials, including the Cumberland County Sheriff, have criticized ICE’s methods, noting the lack of criminal records for some detainees and questioning the show of force. Community members are actively resisting the operations through protests, providing support to vulnerable populations, and organizing to challenge ICE’s presence in the state.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Arizona AG: Stand Your Ground Law Could Protect Residents Who Shoot Masked ICE Agents
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes stated that residents could potentially use lethal force against masked ICE agents under the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law if they perceive an imminent threat to their lives. Mayes emphasized that this law allows for self-defense using lethal force in situations where a person reasonably believes their life is in danger on their property. She noted concerns about masked federal officers with limited identification, questioning how residents could distinguish them from potential threats. While acknowledging the law’s implications, Mayes clarified she was not advocating for violence, but rather explaining the current legal framework.
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