Mark Carney characterized his conversation with Donald Trump regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge as “positive,” emphasizing that Canada funded the project and ownership is shared with the United States. Trump had falsely claimed the bridge had minimal US content and that Canada would gain an unfair advantage, even asserting China would ban ice hockey in Canada as part of trade negotiations. Carney clarified that both American and Canadian steel and workers were involved in the bridge’s construction, highlighting it as a testament to bilateral cooperation. This exchange underscores ongoing trade tensions and Trump’s particular focus on Canada’s economic dealings with China.
Read More
Governors have signaled a refusal to participate in a meeting with former President Trump after it became apparent that the invitation list was exclusively comprised of Republican governors. This decision, spearheaded by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, marks a significant departure from the usual bipartisan nature of the National Governors Association (NGA) events. Governor Stitt, in a letter announcing the shift, emphasized that the NGA’s mission is to represent all governors, and therefore, they could not facilitate an event designed to be divisive. The core sentiment is that this exclusionary approach from Trump directly undermines the NGA’s purpose of fostering unity and collaboration among state leaders.… Continue reading
A review by The Associated Press found that at least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, including patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption, and other abuses of authority. Experts warn that the agency’s rapid growth and increased empowerment to use aggressive tactics could accelerate such crimes, potentially leading to a “countrywide phenomenon” of misconduct. While ICE asserts that wrongdoing is not widespread and backgrounds are thoroughly vetted, a judge has suggested a troubling culture of lawlessness may be developing within the agency. The immense power ICE officers wield over vulnerable populations, coupled with less oversight and accountability, presents increased opportunities for abuses.
Read More
El Paso International Airport has grounded all flights due to “special security reasons,” as declared by the Federal Aviation Administration. This temporary flight restriction, encompassing El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico, commenced early Wednesday and is slated to conclude on February 21st. The restricted airspace is designated as national defense airspace, with protocols allowing for the use of deadly force against aircraft posing an imminent security threat.
Read More
As federal authorities expand detention capacity, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has expressed alarm over the Department of Homeland Security’s increasing use of warehouse-style facilities. She describes this as a “black box system that disappears people,” urging local governments to resist approving such projects. This expansion comes amid rising detainee numbers and a growing number of facilities nationwide, with proposals to convert industrial warehouses facing both progress and opposition from various local and state entities. Concerns are also being raised by some within the president’s party regarding the potential strain on local infrastructure and revenue.
Read More
A deeply tragic event has unfolded in Canada, with ten individuals losing their lives in a shocking act of violence at a high school. The news, while circulating widely on other social media platforms, has prompted a degree of surprise and concern regarding its less prominent presence on certain forums, especially given the rarity of such incidents in Canada. This deviation from the norm has led to considerable discussion and reflection on the nature of mass shootings and their societal impact.
The information released by authorities concerning the perpetrator is notably scarce, with the only detail provided being a description of the individual as female.… Continue reading
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has declared that Brussels and Kyiv have initiated a “war” against Hungary. This assertion follows the publication of an article by Politico detailing proposed plans for Ukraine’s “accession in advance” to the EU, bypassing standard procedures and outlining strategies to circumvent Hungary’s veto power. Orbán characterized these proposals as a “latest war plan” aimed at undermining Hungarian sovereignty and dictating the country’s political direction, urging citizens to prevent this through the upcoming April elections. The article itself suggests partial EU membership for Ukraine by 2027 and considers scenarios where Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s integration is overcome, including the possibility of a change in Hungarian government.
Read More
Senator Lummis has publicly stated a shift in her perspective regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, particularly concerning the young victims. She now recognizes the importance of the investigations and affirms that those members of Congress who pursued the matter were correct in their efforts. This change in stance follows years where Lummis, like many other Republicans, prioritized loyalty to then-President Trump and remained largely silent on the well-documented sex crimes committed by Epstein against minors. Her belated acknowledgment is framed by some as opportunism, especially in light of her upcoming retirement from Congress.
Read More
As a temporary measure for security reasons, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a flight restriction impacting all air traffic to and from El Paso International Airport and the neighboring community of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. This restriction, effective from February 10th to February 20th, prohibits commercial, cargo, and general aviation operations. Airport staff are currently awaiting further guidance from the FAA, and travelers are strongly encouraged to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight status.
Read More
Authorities announced 30 arrests in a prostitution sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota, which police chief Booker T. Hodges described as a record for their department. Among those arrested was Brashad Johnson, identified by police as a background checker for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson has denied any affiliation, stating Johnson is not an ICE employee or contractor, and calling the claim a “smear.” The operation reportedly encountered interference due to confusion with ongoing Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
ICE Background Checker Arrested in Prostitution Sting
Authorities announced 30 arrests in a prostitution sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota, which police chief Booker T. Hodges described as a record for their department. Among those arrested was Brashad Johnson, identified by police as a background checker for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson has denied any affiliation, stating Johnson is not an ICE employee or contractor, and calling the claim a “smear.” The operation reportedly encountered interference due to confusion with ongoing Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota.
Read More