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.
Read More
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a policy change on January 21, 2026, ceasing criminal charges for Clean Air Act violations related to diesel emissions tampering, often called “tuning” or “deletes.” This shift in enforcement, targeting practices like removing emissions control devices, follows a commitment to efficient resource use and avoiding over-criminalization. While criminal charges are no longer pursued, civil penalties for these violations may still be issued in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This decision follows the pardon of a mechanic charged with Clean Air Act violations in November 2025, which also inspired legislative attempts, such as the “Diesel Truck Liberation Act,” that ultimately did not pass.
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In a surprising move, three Las Vegas hotels have begun accepting the Canadian dollar at par, offering a significant advantage to Canadian travelers. This initiative allows guests to avoid currency exchange fees, essentially receiving a 1:1 conversion rate for their Canadian dollars. The hotels believe this policy will attract more Canadian tourists and boost their overall revenue. This decision reflects a growing trend of businesses adapting to attract international visitors and cater to their financial preferences.
Read More
In response to an ICE surge in Minnesota, community leaders, faith leaders, and labor unions organized a “Day of Truth & Freedom” protest, featuring a “no work, no school, no shopping” blackout. The protest, spurred by the killing of an unarmed woman by a federal immigration officer, demands ICE’s removal from Minnesota, accountability for the officer, an end to ICE funding, and investigations into human rights violations. Hundreds of businesses and cultural institutions closed in solidarity, with thousands expected to participate in the action despite dangerously cold weather. The University of Minnesota’s labor unions called for the university system to shutdown to allow students and workers to participate. The Department of Homeland Security responded that they have made over 3,000 arrests in the state over the last six weeks.
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In a surprising turn of events, federal immigration authorities deported Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, a suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist, to South America in December, despite facing federal charges and potential prison time. Flores, who pleaded not guilty to charges related to the 2022 theft of valuable jewelry from a Brinks truck, opted for voluntary departure during an immigration hearing. Prosecutors, who were unaware of Flores’ immigration proceedings, are now seeking to keep the charges against him open, while his attorney is trying to dismiss them. This unusual situation has left prosecutors, the jewelry companies, and legal experts questioning how Flores was deported before his criminal trial.
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Fear of deportation has infiltrated New Haven’s schools, causing distress among students and educators. Despite the district’s efforts to build trust and support immigrant families, including providing legal information and resources, enrollment of English language learners has decreased. The constant threat of immigration enforcement, stemming from policy changes, has led to increased anxiety and absences, with students and their families altering their lives and futures due to the fear of detention and deportation. This reality is impacting students’ participation in school, and affecting their academic aspirations.
Read More
A significant winter storm is set to impact a large portion of the United States, bringing with it a combination of snow, sleet, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. The storm, originating from a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico meeting cold Arctic air, is expected to produce hazardous conditions including potential for crippling ice accumulations. Millions of people across the country are under watches, warnings, and alerts, and numerous states have declared states of emergency in anticipation of the severe weather. FEMA is pre-positioning supplies and deploying personnel to assist with the response, while residents are advised to prepare by stocking up on essential items and staying informed about the evolving conditions.
Read More
A medical examiner has ruled the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a Cuban migrant held in solitary confinement at a Texas immigration detention facility, a homicide. Lunas Campos died on January 3rd after an altercation with guards, who initially claimed he was attempting suicide. The autopsy revealed signs of a struggle, including injuries consistent with being physically restrained, and the cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to compression. ICE has stated they are investigating the death, while the Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that Lunas Campos was a convicted sex offender.
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According to an immigration attorney, an Ecuadorian father and his five-year-old son detained in Columbia Heights were legal asylum-seekers who followed proper procedures. The pair entered the country through the Brownsville, Texas port of entry in 2024 and utilized the CBP One app to declare their intent to seek asylum. The attorney stated the father and son were detained by ICE and sent to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in San Antonio, Texas. Conflicting accounts exist, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming the father ran away and abandoned his child, while school officials dispute this. The school community expresses concerns about the impact of increased ICE activity on students’ safety and well-being.
Read More
Clergy Arrested at Anti-ICE Protest: A Call for Civil Disobedience and Moral Clarity
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.
Read More
South Carolina Measles Outbreak Surpasses 700 Cases Amidst Vaccination Concerns
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.
Read More
DOJ to Drop Criminal Charges for Diesel Tunes: Environmental Concerns Ignored
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a policy change on January 21, 2026, ceasing criminal charges for Clean Air Act violations related to diesel emissions tampering, often called “tuning” or “deletes.” This shift in enforcement, targeting practices like removing emissions control devices, follows a commitment to efficient resource use and avoiding over-criminalization. While criminal charges are no longer pursued, civil penalties for these violations may still be issued in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This decision follows the pardon of a mechanic charged with Clean Air Act violations in November 2025, which also inspired legislative attempts, such as the “Diesel Truck Liberation Act,” that ultimately did not pass.
Read More
Las Vegas Hotels Offer CAD at Par: Desperation and Political Fallout
In a surprising move, three Las Vegas hotels have begun accepting the Canadian dollar at par, offering a significant advantage to Canadian travelers. This initiative allows guests to avoid currency exchange fees, essentially receiving a 1:1 conversion rate for their Canadian dollars. The hotels believe this policy will attract more Canadian tourists and boost their overall revenue. This decision reflects a growing trend of businesses adapting to attract international visitors and cater to their financial preferences.
Read More
Minnesotans Stage General Strike to Protest ICE, Demand Action
In response to an ICE surge in Minnesota, community leaders, faith leaders, and labor unions organized a “Day of Truth & Freedom” protest, featuring a “no work, no school, no shopping” blackout. The protest, spurred by the killing of an unarmed woman by a federal immigration officer, demands ICE’s removal from Minnesota, accountability for the officer, an end to ICE funding, and investigations into human rights violations. Hundreds of businesses and cultural institutions closed in solidarity, with thousands expected to participate in the action despite dangerously cold weather. The University of Minnesota’s labor unions called for the university system to shutdown to allow students and workers to participate. The Department of Homeland Security responded that they have made over 3,000 arrests in the state over the last six weeks.
Read More
Immigration Allows Jewelry Heist Suspect Self-Deportation, Avoiding Trial
In a surprising turn of events, federal immigration authorities deported Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, a suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist, to South America in December, despite facing federal charges and potential prison time. Flores, who pleaded not guilty to charges related to the 2022 theft of valuable jewelry from a Brinks truck, opted for voluntary departure during an immigration hearing. Prosecutors, who were unaware of Flores’ immigration proceedings, are now seeking to keep the charges against him open, while his attorney is trying to dismiss them. This unusual situation has left prosecutors, the jewelry companies, and legal experts questioning how Flores was deported before his criminal trial.
Read More
Fear of ICE Keeps Connecticut Children from School: A Growing Crisis
Fear of deportation has infiltrated New Haven’s schools, causing distress among students and educators. Despite the district’s efforts to build trust and support immigrant families, including providing legal information and resources, enrollment of English language learners has decreased. The constant threat of immigration enforcement, stemming from policy changes, has led to increased anxiety and absences, with students and their families altering their lives and futures due to the fear of detention and deportation. This reality is impacting students’ participation in school, and affecting their academic aspirations.
Read More
Winter Storm Survival Guide: Prepare for Snow, Ice, and Extreme Cold
A significant winter storm is set to impact a large portion of the United States, bringing with it a combination of snow, sleet, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. The storm, originating from a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico meeting cold Arctic air, is expected to produce hazardous conditions including potential for crippling ice accumulations. Millions of people across the country are under watches, warnings, and alerts, and numerous states have declared states of emergency in anticipation of the severe weather. FEMA is pre-positioning supplies and deploying personnel to assist with the response, while residents are advised to prepare by stocking up on essential items and staying informed about the evolving conditions.
Read More
ICE Custody Death: Autopsy Confirms Homicide of Cuban Immigrant
A medical examiner has ruled the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a Cuban migrant held in solitary confinement at a Texas immigration detention facility, a homicide. Lunas Campos died on January 3rd after an altercation with guards, who initially claimed he was attempting suicide. The autopsy revealed signs of a struggle, including injuries consistent with being physically restrained, and the cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to compression. ICE has stated they are investigating the death, while the Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that Lunas Campos was a convicted sex offender.
Read More
Lawyer: Detained Asylum Seekers Highlight Rule of Law Collapse
According to an immigration attorney, an Ecuadorian father and his five-year-old son detained in Columbia Heights were legal asylum-seekers who followed proper procedures. The pair entered the country through the Brownsville, Texas port of entry in 2024 and utilized the CBP One app to declare their intent to seek asylum. The attorney stated the father and son were detained by ICE and sent to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in San Antonio, Texas. Conflicting accounts exist, with the Department of Homeland Security claiming the father ran away and abandoned his child, while school officials dispute this. The school community expresses concerns about the impact of increased ICE activity on students’ safety and well-being.
Read More