In Massachusetts, Veterans Affairs chaplains received instructions this week forbidding them from mentioning VA nurses, specifically Alex Pretti, at worship or gatherings, and from offering them support or counseling. This directive, originating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was issued following the death of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse in Minnesota. Despite the local order, VA spokespeople later clarified that this prohibition is not national policy, and that chaplains are welcome to memorialize Pretti respectfully. This situation arose amidst internal frustration among VA employees regarding the lack of agency-wide acknowledgment of Pretti’s killing and concerns about staff and budget cuts within the department.
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In an effort to fortify Ukraine’s heating infrastructure, Italy has delivered industrial boiler equipment to communities in ten regions, as announced on January 29th. This shipment, valued at €1.86 million, includes 78 units with a combined capacity of over 112 megawatts, intended for use in essential facilities and damaged urban networks. The equipment is expected to provide heating for approximately 90,000 homes or a city of 250,000 residents, helping to mitigate the impact of ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Talks are already underway for a second shipment of over 300 additional units, demonstrating continued international support.
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The appointment of Kevin Warsh to the Federal Reserve coincided with the release of documents linking him to the Jeffrey Epstein files. Warsh’s history includes a cautious stance on inflation, though he has indicated openness to lower rates. His wife’s family connections, including her billionaire heiress status, place him within the same affluent circles as Epstein. This situation is further complicated by Warsh’s ties to Ronald Lauder, who reportedly influenced Trump’s interest in Greenland.
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Following a federal investigation into a transgender volleyball player, the U.S. Department of Education has ordered San José State University to comply with Title IX regulations within 10 days. The university is required to issue a public statement affirming biology-based definitions of sex and separating sports and facilities based on biological sex. The university must also restore athletic records, issue apologies to affected female athletes, and acknowledge the harm caused by allowing a male athlete to compete in women’s volleyball. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, including a Justice Department lawsuit and loss of federal funding.
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The Justice Department’s recent release of three million files related to Jeffrey Epstein has sparked controversy, especially regarding the protection of his associates. Ghislaine Maxwell, an Epstein accomplice, has alleged that 29 of Epstein’s friends received protection through secret settlements. Critics question the Department’s ability to identify individuals Epstein trafficked to, even with vast amounts of evidence, leading to accusations of protecting wealthy abusers.
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According to a recent report, US military officials have informed a key Middle Eastern ally that President Trump may launch strikes against Iran, potentially targeting its government. A former senior intelligence official suggests the attacks are aimed at regime change, not solely addressing nuclear or missile programs. The Trump administration’s plans reportedly involve targeting military sites and are occurring amidst ongoing protests in Iran and rising tensions in the region. Iranian officials have warned that any strike would result in a regional war, and negotiations with the US are at an impasse, with Iran refusing to halt uranium enrichment or limit its missile program.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi has been accused of using the arrest of Don Lemon to divert attention from the Trump administration’s failure to fully release the Epstein files as mandated by law. Lemon was arrested for his involvement in a church protest, which the DOJ has been trying to prosecute, while simultaneously delaying the release of all Epstein-related documents. Critics suggest this is a political move, particularly given the Epstein files contain information implicating Trump. Bondi’s previous actions, such as delaying the release of files, have also fueled these accusations.
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Within hours of their publication, allegations of sexual assault against Donald Trump vanished from the Epstein files released by the Department of Justice. The files included unverified tips collated by the FBI, detailing claims of sexual misconduct dating back decades. The DoJ issued a statement alongside the files, stating the claims were untrue and unfounded. Although the document was later restored, the initial disappearance of the file sparked significant attention and discussion.
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The El Paso County medical examiner has ruled the death of 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, an immigrant detainee at the Camp East Montana ICE facility, a homicide. The autopsy revealed the cause of death was asphyxia due to neck and torso compression. ICE initially reported Campos experienced “medical distress” and a DHS spokesperson later claimed he attempted suicide and resisted security staff. Campos had a history of bipolar disorder and anxiety and had been in segregation prior to his death. This death is one of three at the facility, which has approximately 3,000 detainees.
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FP West is launching a new subscriber-exclusive newsletter, “Energy Insider,” offering an inside look at the oilpatch. This newsletter promises to provide in-depth reporting and analysis, giving subscribers exclusive access to the inner workings of the energy industry. Interested readers are encouraged to sign up to gain insights that are typically kept behind closed doors.
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John Q. Hosedrinker