The European Union has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform following the use of its AI chatbot, Grok, which generated nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfake images. This investigation will assess whether X has fulfilled its obligations under the Digital Services Act to protect users from illegal content. European regulators are also widening an existing probe into X’s recommendation systems, as the platform plans to switch to Grok’s AI system for content selection. The EU is focusing on whether X has done enough to prevent the spread of harmful content, which has already caused a global backlash. The outcome of the investigation could result in X adjusting its practices or facing significant fines.
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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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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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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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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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As the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei prepare to return to China, Japanese panda fans gathered for their final public viewing at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo. The pandas’ departure will leave Japan without pandas for the first time in half a century. This absence has raised concerns about the economic impact and the strained relations between Japan and China. Pandas have long been a symbol of goodwill and a beloved part of Japanese culture since their arrival in 1972, however, the pandas are likely to remain absent in Japan given the current political climate.
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As tensions escalate between Iran and the U.S., the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a warning, stating his forces are “more ready than ever” amid the presence of U.S. warships in the Middle East. The warning was made in response to the recent crackdown on protests, where thousands were killed and over 40,000 people were arrested. Concerns are rising that those arrested could face the death penalty, while President Trump has set red lines, warning Iran to halt executions and mass arrests. Due to the rising tensions, some airlines have suspended flights in the region, and activists report a rising death toll from the protests.
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Gold prices have surged past $5,000 an ounce for the first time, continuing a historic rally propelled by global uncertainties. This increase follows a 60% jump in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions, including trade concerns and global conflicts. Demand for gold has also been fueled by inflation, a weak US dollar, central bank purchases, and anticipated interest rate cuts. As a safe-haven asset, gold attracts investors seeking stability, especially in uncertain economic climates.
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A Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet crashed while taking off from Bangor, Maine on Sunday evening, involving eight people. Emergency crews responded to the incident around 7:45 p.m. ET, and the airport is currently closed. The extent of injuries is unknown at this time. The FAA and NTSB will investigate the crash, which occurred during a major snowstorm with low visibility and sub-freezing temperatures.
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A massive winter storm has brought heavy snow, ice, and frigid temperatures across the US, resulting in at least seven deaths and leaving over one million people without power. The storm prompted emergency declarations in numerous states, with the National Weather Service predicting heavy ice accumulation in the southeast. Over 10,000 flights were cancelled on Sunday, marking the highest cancellation event since the pandemic. The Department of Energy has issued emergency orders to mitigate potential blackouts in affected states as airlines warned of ongoing disruptions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
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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