This week’s survey of state-level news begins with the firing of Milwaukee meteorologist Sam Kuffel from WDJT-TV after she criticized Elon Musk on social media. Next, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ prioritization of social media pronouncements over a major snowstorm highlights the state’s political climate. Missouri grapples with the escalating costs of cleaning up a radioactive waste landfill, with costs rising to $392 million due to expanded cleanup efforts. Finally, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s proposal to re-establish the Oklahoma State Guard raises concerns about the creation of an unregulated state militia.
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ICE agents attempted to enter Hamline Elementary School in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood to conduct an enforcement action, but were turned away by school staff. This incident, which occurred on January 24th, highlights the growing tension between immigration enforcement and the safety and well-being of children in schools.
School officials immediately followed established protocols. They prevented the agents from entering the building and promptly contacted the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Law Department and Office of Safety and Security for guidance. The agents were not allowed any interaction with students or staff, and teaching continued uninterrupted. This swift and decisive action by school personnel prevented a potentially traumatic situation for young children.… Continue reading
Anticipating a potential re-imposition of tariffs by President Trump, Canadian and Mexican steelmakers are halting new U.S. orders. This action, impacting major suppliers like Stelco Holdings Inc. and impacting distributors such as Flack Global Metals, stems from concerns that steel imports from Canada and Mexico will not receive an exemption from the threatened 25 percent tariffs. With Canada being the top foreign steel supplier to the U.S. and Mexico the third largest, this uncertainty significantly impacts the U.S. steel market, which relies heavily on imports. The situation reflects a wavering confidence among steel producers in the face of the unpredictable trade policy.
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Following a visit to flood-ravaged Asheville, North Carolina, President Trump announced plans for executive action to restructure or eliminate FEMA. He expressed dissatisfaction with FEMA’s disaster response, advocating instead for state-led disaster relief efforts. The President argued that state governors are better equipped to handle immediate disaster needs within their jurisdictions. This announcement came during a trip assessing damage from Hurricane Helene and precedes a visit to wildfire-stricken Los Angeles.
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President Trump ended Dr. Anthony Fauci’s federal security detail, following the termination of protection for several other former Trump aides who have become critics. This decision comes despite ongoing threats against Fauci and others, with Trump stating he feels no responsibility for their safety. Trump’s justification cited the individuals’ financial abilities to secure private protection, a stance at odds with the Biden administration’s continuation of security for these individuals due to credible threats. This action follows similar revocations of security for former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton.
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In a significant policy shift, Trump expressed his desire to significantly reform or abolish FEMA, advocating for states to independently manage disaster response. He cited North Carolina and Florida as examples of states effectively handling their own crises, suggesting that federal disaster aid should bypass FEMA and be channeled directly through his administration. This proposed restructuring would impact over 20,000 federal employees and necessitate congressional approval for complete agency elimination. Trump reiterated his preference for state-led disaster management in subsequent interviews.
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Overnight on January 24th, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure deep within Russia. The Ryazan Oil Refinery, a major facility, and the Ryazan Thermal Power Plant were hit, resulting in significant damage including fires at multiple oil depots. Simultaneously, the Kremniy EL microelectronics plant in Bryansk, a key supplier to the Russian military, was also attacked, reportedly halting production. These strikes, confirmed by both the SBU and the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, represent a continuation of Ukraine’s intensified long-range attacks on Russian military and industrial targets.
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In a tragic accident in Maharashtra State, India, thirteen passengers died after disembarking a train due to a false fire alarm. The passengers exited the moving Pushpak Express and were subsequently struck by the Karnataka Express on an adjacent track. The false alarm originated from a misinterpreted shout, prompting panicked passengers to jump from the train. Ten others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment; authorities are providing assistance to the victims’ families.
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President Trump’s executive order established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), effectively renaming and reorganizing the US Digital Services. This move, spearheaded by Elon Musk and initially involving Vivek Ramaswamy, grants them significant access to federal data and systems. By circumventing the Federal Advisory Committee Act, DOGE avoids transparency requirements and oversight, unlike a traditional advisory committee. This action repurposes the existing USDS, granting DOGE broad authority to access and reform government technology across numerous agencies.
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Elon Musk’s seemingly Nazi-salute-like gesture at Trump’s inauguration, repeated twice, prompted varied interpretations. While some view it as a clear display of Nazi sympathies, others attribute it to unintentional mimicry or skepticism of viral videos. However, Musk’s extensive history of extreme-right politics, antisemitic comments, and promotion of neo-Nazi content on X (formerly Twitter) renders such leniency dubious. This incident, coupled with his lack of contrition, highlights a broader erosion of moral standards in American politics, symbolized by institutions minimizing the gravity of his actions. Musk’s behavior underscores a dangerous trend of normalizing extremism and challenging established societal norms.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood