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.
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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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Witness Ben Bozeman reported witnessing five cars surround a man, with ICE agents allegedly threatening him with a taser before detaining him. According to Bozeman, the agents then left the detainee’s car running with its windows down and his corrections uniform visible in the back seat. This scene was described as jarring and threatening by Bozeman. City officials criticized the actions, with one calling the police work “bush league.”
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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.
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The viral image of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos depicts a young boy in a blue hat staring at a truck, illustrating the harsh realities of the current immigration situation. Liam and his father were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minnesota on Tuesday, highlighting the agency’s actions. Subsequently, both were transported and detained in San Antonio, Texas, far from Liam’s home, school, and support network. This separation emphasizes the emotional and logistical impact of such immigration enforcement practices.
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Rejecting Decades of Science, Vaccine Panel Chair Says Polio and Other Shots Should Be Optional. This whole situation is just mind-boggling, isn’t it? My folks, they were around when the polio vaccine first came out. They remember the fear, the worry, and the relief when that shot became available. They witnessed firsthand how devastating polio was, and the joy when it was finally beaten back. It’s almost impossible to fathom that we’re even having this conversation now.
The GOP’s full-on assault on science and medicine feels like something out of a bad dystopian novel. We’re talking about going back to a time when pools were shut down during outbreaks.… Continue reading
President Trump’s statement claiming NATO allies stayed off the frontline in Afghanistan has ignited fury from veterans and their families. Prince Harry, a veteran of the conflict, responded, emphasizing the sacrifices made by British troops, including the 457 who lost their lives. The remarks have been widely condemned in the UK, with political figures like Sir Keir Starmer demanding an apology and highlighting the insult to those who served and their families. This controversy underscores the significance of honoring the service and sacrifice of troops who fought in Afghanistan.
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Former President Donald Trump, in a social media post, questioned the validity of global warming amid predictions of a historic cold snap across the U.S. This response reflects his long-standing skepticism towards climate change, despite scientific evidence. He has a history of favoring fossil fuels and dismissing climate change as a hoax, evidenced by previous actions. Experts have clarified that climate change encompasses both warming and extreme weather events, and colder temperatures do not negate the overall warming trend. Additionally, the Red Cross has noted that winters are getting warmer but heavier snowfalls are more likely to occur because of the warmer atmosphere holding more moisture.
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Enough Is Enough: Hundreds of Minnesota Businesses Take Stand Against ICE
The air in Minnesota seems charged, not just with the biting winter chill, but with a fierce determination. The sentiment is clear: “Enough is Enough.” This isn’t just about a protest; it’s a statement, a declaration from hundreds of businesses across the state that they will no longer passively accept the actions of ICE, specifically the Trump administration’s immigration policies. It’s a bold move, a disruption of the everyday, and a challenge to the status quo. These businesses, both small and medium-sized, are closing their doors, pausing operations, and sending a resounding message of solidarity.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
ICE Agents Arrest Black Corrections Officer in Maine, Sheriff Outraged
Witness Ben Bozeman reported witnessing five cars surround a man, with ICE agents allegedly threatening him with a taser before detaining him. According to Bozeman, the agents then left the detainee’s car running with its windows down and his corrections uniform visible in the back seat. This scene was described as jarring and threatening by Bozeman. City officials criticized the actions, with one calling the police work “bush league.”
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