Following a discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected any U.S. military intervention to combat drug cartels, emphasizing Mexico’s sovereignty. Sheinbaum stated that the conversation focused on security, drug trafficking, trade, and investment, maintaining a collaborative approach without subordination. Despite Trump’s earlier suggestions of military action, Sheinbaum confirmed that she declined any such offers. Furthermore, Sheinbaum noted a reported 50% decrease in fentanyl trafficking from Mexico to the U.S. over the past year.
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Gold and silver prices surged to record highs on Monday, driven by escalating geopolitical and economic uncertainties and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Gold reached above $4,600 per ounce, while silver hit a fresh peak as investors sought safe-haven assets amidst the Trump administration’s scrutiny of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. This rally was also fueled by the anticipation of further rate cuts later in the year, as well as rising geopolitical tensions, including Trump’s response to events in Iran and other international developments. These factors led to strong gains in platinum and palladium as well.
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Cloudflare’s CEO has threatened to withdraw services from Italy after receiving a fine from the nation’s communications regulator, AGCOM, for violating anti-piracy regulations. AGCOM, enforcing Italy’s “Piracy Shield” law, requested that Cloudflare block certain sites, which it allegedly failed to do, leading to a fine of one percent of its annual revenue. In response, the CEO criticized AGCOM’s actions as censorship and a threat to democratic values, vowing to appeal the fine and potentially remove all services from Italy, including free services to the upcoming Winter Olympics. The CEO has also stated he will bring the issue to the attention of the Trump administration, while also stating that he would be open to a dialogue to resolve the issues.
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Thousands of New York City nurses initiated a strike on Monday due to unresolved disputes with three major hospital systems regarding staffing, benefits, and other critical issues. The New York State Nurses Association, representing about 15,000 nurses, initiated the walkout, impacting hospitals like NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Montefiore. The nurses are advocating for improved staffing levels, better workplace security, and limitations on the use of artificial intelligence, with hospitals claiming the union’s demands are too costly. This strike follows a similar action in 2023, and political figures like Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul have expressed support for the nurses’ cause, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment and negotiation.
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Regarding the events of January 6th, when asked if officers were justified in using lethal force against those causing them harm, Noem stated that each situation would depend on the specifics, and officers had the authority to arrest individuals using weapons or physically harming them. Tapper countered, noting that Trump had pardoned all the rioters involved in the incident.
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In Minneapolis, federal agents, as part of a large-scale immigration enforcement operation, were seen ramming a home’s door and arresting a man, sparking protests. This operation is taking place amid heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer, prompting calls for state authorities to be included in the investigation. Local immigrant advocacy groups are advising residents on their rights, as the Department of Homeland Security stated that this is their largest enforcement operation ever. The Trump administration has defended the officer involved in the shooting, while the administration also plans to send additional federal agents to the area to protect immigration officers and continue enforcement.
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The article argues the time has come to take impeachment seriously, noting that numerous House Democrats have already advanced articles against Trump and his cabinet. The author believes the impeachment articles filed thus far are not politically motivated, but rather statements of fact about the current administration’s actions. While some may view impeachment as futile, the author points to recent events and the urgency for Democrats to act. The article concludes by suggesting that Democrats should expose these actions, laying the groundwork for action in the future.
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Following Kim Jong Un’s New Year’s Day address, which was distributed to factories and enterprises across North Korea, many workers expressed discontent with the speech’s content. Sources revealed that workers in Hoeryong, Kim’s hometown, abruptly left reading sessions due to the speech’s emphasis on continued sacrifices for the country. The address, which focused on the people’s patriotism and loyalty as the driving force behind overcoming challenges, was met with frustration, particularly concerning the constant demands for unpaid labor. This response sharply contrasts with the state media’s portrayal of widespread enthusiasm and endorsement of the address across all sectors of society.
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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has declared that Denmark is prepared to defend its values in the face of renewed threats from former US President Donald Trump to seize Greenland. This comes amid a global scramble for raw materials and increasing tensions in the Arctic, with Germany and Sweden backing Denmark. Concerns about Russia and China’s growing military presence in the Arctic have led to discussions about a possible NATO mission in Greenland, with some officials suggesting an “Arctic Sentry” operation as a deterrent. These developments highlight the escalating geopolitical significance of Greenland and the Arctic region.
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The United Kingdom has initiated Project Nightfall, a competition to swiftly develop long-range ballistic missiles for Ukraine. This initiative follows a recent visit by U.K. officials to Ukraine, during which Russia launched an Oreshnik ballistic missile near the Polish border. The Nightfall missiles are designed to carry a 200 kg warhead with a range exceeding 500 kilometers, targeting high-value assets while allowing for rapid redeployment. The project seeks to award contracts in March 2026, with a production rate of 10 missiles per month and a maximum price of $1.07 million each.
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John Q. Hosedrinker