FDIC clears way for Ford, General Motors to set up industrial banks, and this is where things get interesting, maybe even a little unsettling. The basic idea is that these automotive giants, Ford and General Motors, are now cleared to establish their own industrial banks. This essentially means they can offer financial services, specifically auto loans, directly to their customers. On the surface, it seems straightforward: more financing options, potentially better deals. But when you dig a little deeper, the implications raise some eyebrows.
One of the first things that pops into mind is the specter of the “company store” – that historical relic where corporations controlled both jobs and finances, often at the expense of their employees.… Continue reading
A new U.S. company, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, has been established to ensure TikTok’s continued availability in the U.S., with a group of investors backed by former President Trump owning the majority stake. ByteDance, the Chinese-based owner, will retain a 19.9% stake, while Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX are major investors in the U.S. operation. This deal, brokered by the Trump administration, aims to protect national security through data protection and algorithm security. The company will also house U.S. user data in Oracle’s cloud environment.
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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.
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As ICE ramps up immigration enforcement in Maine, residents are expressing outrage over the agency’s actions. Numerous incidents have occurred where individuals have been detained, including a Lyft driver and a corrections officer recruit, with agents using forceful tactics such as smashing windows and leaving vehicles unattended. Local officials, including the Cumberland County Sheriff, have criticized ICE’s methods, noting the lack of criminal records for some detainees and questioning the show of force. Community members are actively resisting the operations through protests, providing support to vulnerable populations, and organizing to challenge ICE’s presence in the state.
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Tommy Lee Walker exonerated 70 years after his execution for the rape and murder of Venice Parker is a stark reminder of the deep flaws and systemic injustices embedded in the American justice system, particularly in the not-so-distant past. The very nature of the case, and the details surrounding it, speak volumes about the pervasive racial bias, the disregard for due process, and the tragic consequences of a system that can take a life based on flimsy evidence.
The narrative begins with a crime – the rape and murder of Venice Parker. Then, it swiftly plunges into the dark reality of a time when the mere suggestion of a Black man being involved was enough to trigger mass arrests and interrogations.… Continue reading
In a recent statement regarding the Minneapolis standoff, Vance’s remarks failed to alleviate concerns, potentially worsening the administration’s stance on key issues. The central focus was the case of Liam Kanejo Ramos, a 5-year-old detained by ICE, whose story gained significant attention. While Vance expressed empathy by mentioning his own child, his subsequent “follow-up research” revealed the father’s status as an “illegal alien,” effectively undermining any initial display of compassion. This revelation highlighted a potential justification for the child’s continued detention.
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A retired Polish general who took part in NATO missions has demanded an apology from Donald Trump after he said that NATO allies had stayed “a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan and that the U.S. had “never needed them.” Honestly, it’s not surprising that someone like General Roman Polko, who actually served and led troops in conflict zones, would take issue with such a statement. It’s especially galling coming from someone who reportedly avoided military service himself.
Hearing Trump’s words, especially from a man who seemingly dodged the draft, feels like a slap in the face. Think about it – he’s dismissing the contributions, and likely the sacrifices, of soldiers from allied nations who fought alongside American troops in Afghanistan.… Continue reading
James Cameron recently discussed his move to New Zealand on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” citing the country’s handling of the pandemic and its population’s embrace of science as key factors. He contrasted New Zealand’s “sanity” and sense of community with the polarization and scientific skepticism he perceives in the United States. Cameron has previously revealed his New Zealand citizenship was “imminent,” and has expressed his satisfaction with the culture of the country, and that it is a safer place. He stated he preferred a place that prioritizes common goals, which is something he feels the United States currently lacks.
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Former US President Donald Trump has again asserted his administration prevented a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan during the 2025 military standoff. He claims the two countries were on the brink of war, with multiple aircraft shot down, and that his intervention was crucial in achieving a ceasefire. This narrative has been consistently rejected by India, which maintains that the ceasefire resulted from direct talks without US mediation. The conflicting accounts highlight the differing perspectives on the events and the ongoing debate surrounding the role of external influence in resolving international conflicts.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker
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.
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