Special Counsel Jack Smith, overseeing investigations into Donald Trump, testified in a closed-door hearing, maintaining his decision to prosecute Trump regardless of political affiliation. Next week’s public hearing anticipates Republican attempts to discredit Smith, accusing him of bias. Democrats are expected to focus on the evidence gathered against Trump. Smith has expressed a desire to publicly share the election investigation’s findings but is currently restricted by the Department of Justice.
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Following the decision not to pursue a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by a federal immigration agent, at least six career prosecutors, primarily supervisors in the Civil Rights Division’s criminal section, announced their departure. The Justice Department shifted the investigation to focus on an assault on a federal officer rather than a civil rights violation, despite the prosecutors’ offering to investigate the shooting. This change in direction, coupled with broader frustrations within the division, influenced their decision to retire, including a prior incident where the division intervened in the sentencing of a former officer. The departures, which include the section’s chief, are part of a larger trend of personnel losses in the Civil Rights Division due to changes in mission and handling of cases.
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Danish and Greenlandic leaders have strongly opposed President Trump’s consideration of acquiring Greenland, emphasizing its status as part of Denmark and under the protection of NATO. The leaders highlighted that any attempt to take the island would undermine the transatlantic alliance. Trump, however, has dismissed these concerns, stating he intends to obtain Greenland “one way or the other,” sparking worry and fear among Greenlanders. While Danish officials remain open to military cooperation with the U.S., they maintain Greenland is not for sale, as the island’s leaders assert they prefer to remain with Denmark.
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ICE is implementing a large-scale recruitment strategy, aiming to hire up to 10,000 new officers nationwide. This initiative includes a comprehensive social media campaign targeting individuals with interests in areas like UFC fights, patriotic podcasts, and firearms. The campaign will utilize platforms such as Snapchat and Rumble, along with livestreamers and right-wing influencers, to promote recruitment. Furthermore, the agency plans to employ geofencing technology to directly advertise to devices in specific locations, including military bases and gun shows.
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Former President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny for posting employment data on Truth Social a day before its official release, potentially violating embargo rules. The post, which included figures from the upcoming jobs report, was labeled by some as an attempt to distract from economic issues. While a White House official acknowledged the “inadvertent public disclosure,” they also stated that the focus should remain on Trump’s economic policies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provided advance access to the data under strict confidentiality, is expected to release its next report in February, and the White House is reviewing its data release protocols.
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The Twin Cities of Minneapolis have been marked by tragedy, with two fatal encounters with law enforcement occurring six years apart in the same neighborhood. This working-class area, already traumatized by the killing of George Floyd, now grapples with the recent death of Renee Nicole Good, adding to residents’ anguish. Amidst concerns of increased unrest due to heavy-handed immigration enforcement, the community is responding with citizen-led patrols, aimed at monitoring and documenting ICE activity. These patrols are a testament to the community’s resilience in the face of fear, as they fight for their own safety and the safety of their neighbors.
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President Donald Trump expressed a reluctance to include ExxonMobil in Venezuela’s oil ventures, citing dissatisfaction with the company’s response to investment opportunities. Trump had previously met with oil executives to reassure them about direct dealings with the U.S., but ExxonMobil’s CEO, Darren Woods, deemed the current commercial framework in Venezuela “uninvestable.” Furthermore, Trump signed an executive order safeguarding Venezuelan oil revenue from judicial proceedings to promote economic stability. The administration prioritizes U.S. oil companies’ investment in Venezuela to rebuild the country’s infrastructure.
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Speaking in Copenhagen with the Danish Prime Minister, Nielsen emphasized the importance of unity ahead of White House talks. Frederiksen acknowledged the historical difficulties of withstanding pressure from allies, suggesting more challenges lie ahead. Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland, fueled by previous military actions, aims to prevent Russia and China from gaining influence in the Arctic region. Trump has stated the U.S. would acquire the territory.
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German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil emphasized that international law applies to all nations, including the United States, in response to potential actions regarding Greenland. He stated that the future of Greenland should be decided by Denmark and Greenland, respecting their territorial sovereignty. Klingbeil’s comments came before the G7 meeting, where discussions would revolve around securing access to critical minerals to reduce dependence on China. Germany aims to enhance international cooperation to ensure a reliable supply and economic stability.
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President Trump has announced the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials. This decision follows a violent crackdown on protestors, with Trump also expressing support for the Iranian people by stating that “help is on its way.” The President’s change of stance comes after previously indicating a willingness to negotiate. The White House is also considering options ranging from diplomacy to military action.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Spends $100 Million on Social Media Amidst Criticism
ICE is implementing a large-scale recruitment strategy, aiming to hire up to 10,000 new officers nationwide. This initiative includes a comprehensive social media campaign targeting individuals with interests in areas like UFC fights, patriotic podcasts, and firearms. The campaign will utilize platforms such as Snapchat and Rumble, along with livestreamers and right-wing influencers, to promote recruitment. Furthermore, the agency plans to employ geofencing technology to directly advertise to devices in specific locations, including military bases and gun shows.
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