During a press conference, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem avoided directly answering questions about the shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents, contradicting earlier statements made by DHS. While DHS claimed Pretti was armed and provoking violence, available videos appear to contradict these claims, showing Pretti with only a phone and not brandishing a weapon. Despite the conflicting evidence, Noem maintained that the officers acted in self-defense and followed protocol. She stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
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Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicate that Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Slovyansk-na-Kuban, Krasnodar Krai, on January 26. While photos and videos from social media suggest a fire at the refinery, Russian officials stated that drone debris affected two unspecified enterprises, resulting in one hospitalization. The Kyiv Independent was unable to verify the claims, and Ukraine’s military has not yet commented. This attack continues Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian oil and gas infrastructure, potentially impacting Moscow’s key revenue source, as tax revenues are projected to decline significantly.
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Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated on “Meet the Press” that Democrats will not provide further funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Border Patrol due to the agencies’ actions, particularly the ongoing raids. He emphasized that a government shutdown would be the responsibility of Republicans if they insist on linking such funding with other government operations. Schiff expressed hope that some Republican senators would oppose the continued funding of these agencies due to public backlash. He also suggested that the large amount of money already allocated to the Department of Homeland Security has resulted in significant waste, fraud, and abuse.
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In a recent interview, President Trump claimed the U.S. employed a secret weapon, “The Discombobulator,” to disable Venezuelan equipment during the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He also reiterated his commitment to military strikes against drug cartels, suggesting they could extend into Mexico. Furthermore, the president stated that the U.S. had seized oil from Venezuelan tankers and was attempting to secure an Arctic security deal with NATO. Finally, Trump shared his opinions on the Super Bowl, indicating his disapproval of the game’s performers.
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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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HuffPost emphasizes the crucial role of a free press in upholding democratic values. The publication calls for unwavering journalism that resists external pressures and prioritizes truth. The article encourages readers to support HuffPost’s mission of holding power accountable. Those already supporting the mission are encouraged to log in and remove any additional promotional messages.
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Macron Calls for Ban on Social Media for Children Under 15 to be in Place by September: It’s a complex situation, isn’t it? The core idea, that children under 15 shouldn’t be on social media, has a certain appeal. Social media can be a wild place, and protecting young minds from its potential harms seems like a worthy goal. But as soon as you start digging into the details, you hit a minefield of potential problems.
The biggest hurdle appears to be enforcement. How do you realistically prevent kids from accessing these platforms? As one comment mentioned, there’s no “non-invasive” way to do it.… Continue reading
India is strategically diversifying its crude oil imports, with purchases from Angola playing a key role in reducing reliance on Russian oil amidst international pressure. This deal highlights Angola, a significant African oil exporter, as a vital supplier offering high-quality crude, particularly the Hungo and Clove grades, favored by Asian refiners. The shift follows stricter sanctions on Russian oil, causing India’s imports of Russian crude to plummet while increasing supplies from OPEC members. This move aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen trade relationships with the United States and the EU.
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Schiff: Republicans Funding ICE Will Cause More American Deaths
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated on “Meet the Press” that Democrats will not provide further funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Border Patrol due to the agencies’ actions, particularly the ongoing raids. He emphasized that a government shutdown would be the responsibility of Republicans if they insist on linking such funding with other government operations. Schiff expressed hope that some Republican senators would oppose the continued funding of these agencies due to public backlash. He also suggested that the large amount of money already allocated to the Department of Homeland Security has resulted in significant waste, fraud, and abuse.
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