South Carolina is currently battling a measles outbreak that has affected at least 789 individuals, surpassing a previous outbreak in West Texas. The majority of cases are concentrated in Spartanburg County, primarily among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, with 89 new cases confirmed since Friday. The outbreak has led to the quarantine of 557 people and has spread to neighboring states, including North Carolina, where 14 cases have been reported. This situation is particularly concerning due to low vaccination rates in certain communities and schools, increasing the risk of further spread and potentially jeopardizing the U.S.’s measles elimination status.
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The core concept here, as I understand it, is that the European Union should prioritize buying European components for its defense needs. It seems to make a lot of sense when you break it down. Reliance on external suppliers, particularly those with their own agendas, creates vulnerabilities. As the French space minister seems to be suggesting, greater strategic autonomy is crucial in today’s world. This isn’t necessarily about excluding everyone, but rather building a stronger, more independent defense industry within Europe.
Of course, the idea isn’t without its complexities. The immediate reaction for some might be to worry about a lack of competition.… Continue reading
Board of Peace Set to Hand Trump Sweeping Powers Over Gaza – Well, where do we even begin with this? The whole thing feels… well, made up, doesn’t it? The core concept, that a “Board of Peace” is granting anyone, let alone Donald Trump, sweeping powers over Gaza, sounds less like international diplomacy and more like something out of a comic book. And let’s be honest, it’s hard not to chuckle at the sheer audacity of it all. This “Board,” which apparently materialized out of thin air just last week, is now supposed to be the source of these powers? It’s almost as if the only authority behind this whole charade is… Trump himself.… Continue reading
As discussions continue, India and Canada are planning a visit from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to New Delhi in March to expedite negotiations on a bilateral trade deal. This visit aims to restart talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. The urgency for this agreement has increased due to rising trade tensions with the United States. Additionally, the two countries are exploring deeper cooperation in the civilian nuclear sector and increased investments from Canadian pension funds.
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Following a letter from seven Pennsylvania House Democrats, including Chris Deluzio, urging Senators Fetterman and McCormick to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and Border Patrol, activists protested outside Fetterman’s Philadelphia office on January 27, 2026. The House Democrats expressed concern over ICE’s operations and called for reforms. However, Fetterman stated he would not vote against the agency’s funding, despite disagreeing with ICE’s strategies, while McCormick affirmed his support for both agencies.
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Ecuador says ICE agent tried to enter consulate in Minneapolis, and honestly, the whole thing sounds like something ripped straight from a bad movie. It’s hard to even process the basic premise: an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, presumably on official business, attempting to gain unauthorized access to a foreign consulate. That’s a serious breach of protocol, the kind that can easily escalate into a diplomatic incident. The fact that this happened at all is pretty concerning.
The crucial point here is the concept of diplomatic immunity, or more accurately, the “inviolability” afforded to consulates and embassies. It’s not quite “foreign soil” in the strictest sense, but it’s treated with a similar level of respect.… Continue reading
Dr. Alireza Golchini, a surgeon, was arrested by Iranian government forces and faces “Moharebeh” charges, a capital offense, for providing medical care to injured protesters. He was reportedly beaten during the arrest and is now detained without access to legal counsel, with his family kept uninformed about his case. Authorities have indicated a harsher stance on protesters, as several detainees have been charged with Moharebeh, heightening concerns of swift death sentences. Hengaw has warned that the accelerated and opaque handling of detainees’ cases by the Islamic Republic of Iran increases the risk of swift executions.
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Germany has issued a travel advisory for its citizens traveling to the United States, citing potential risks related to demonstrations and clashes with migration and security authorities. This advisory, which is not a political statement, aims to provide impartial information to German citizens, particularly in light of increased tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, as protests against the actions of ICE and Border Patrol officers have been occurring in cities like Minneapolis. The advisory urges citizens to exercise caution, avoid crowds where violence might occur, and to stay informed through local media. The travel advisory underscores the importance of staying calm, following authorities’ instructions, and recognizing existing ID requirements in certain states.
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Ecuador’s Foreign Minister lodged a formal protest with the U.S. Embassy in response to an attempted unauthorized entry by ICE agents into the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis. Video footage captured the incident, showing consulate staff barring the agents’ entry while citing international law protecting consulates from such intrusions. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly activated emergency protocols and issued a “note of protest” to prevent similar occurrences at other consulates. U.S. authorities, including the State Department and ICE, have yet to respond to the incident, but a city council member has reassured the Ecuadorian community of their safety.
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The handling of evidence in the Pretti case, including potential destruction by the federal government, has raised concerns about the investigation’s impartiality. State authorities report a lack of shared evidence, and former law enforcement officials suggest violations of DOJ policy. The fact that the Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol are leading the investigation, rather than an independent agency, further fuels suspicion of a cover-up, potentially leading to the exoneration of the agents involved.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Fetterman’s DHS Funding Stance Draws Ire From Pennsylvania House Democrats
Following a letter from seven Pennsylvania House Democrats, including Chris Deluzio, urging Senators Fetterman and McCormick to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and Border Patrol, activists protested outside Fetterman’s Philadelphia office on January 27, 2026. The House Democrats expressed concern over ICE’s operations and called for reforms. However, Fetterman stated he would not vote against the agency’s funding, despite disagreeing with ICE’s strategies, while McCormick affirmed his support for both agencies.
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