House GOP launches new panel to investigate Jan. 6

House Republicans are forming a new committee to investigate the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, focusing on events leading up to and after the assault. Led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), the subcommittee under House Judiciary aims to uncover new information and challenge the narratives surrounding the attack. Republicans hope to work with soon-to-be-confirmed allies in the Justice Department and FBI to further their investigation. … Continue reading House GOP launches new panel to investigate Jan. 6

Trump nominates head of his personal security detail, Sean Curran, to lead Secret Service

Former President Donald Trump announced key appointments Wednesday, including Sean Curran as director of the U.S. Secret Service. Curran, head of Trump’s personal security detail, gained recognition for protecting Trump during a 2024 assassination attempt. Trump praised Curran’s leadership and bravery, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the agency. Other nominees included Andrew F. Puzder as U.S. ambassador to the European Union, highlighted for … Continue reading Trump nominates head of his personal security detail, Sean Curran, to lead Secret Service

Sánchez hits back at Trump after criticism of Spain’s defense spending

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Spain’s NATO contributions after former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized its low defense spending. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Sánchez highlighted Spain’s 70% defense spending increase over the last decade, making it NATO’s 10th-largest contributor by absolute terms. However, Spain’s defense budget of $21.3 billion in 2024 equated to just 1.28% of its GDP—the lowest among NATO members … Continue reading Sánchez hits back at Trump after criticism of Spain’s defense spending

Scholz hardens rhetoric on migrants after fatal knife attack

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz adopted a tougher stance on migration following a fatal knife attack in southern Germany allegedly committed by a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker. The attack killed two people, including a two-year-old boy, and heightened migration as a key issue ahead of the February 23 election. Scholz criticized “misguided tolerance” and called for an investigation into why the suspect, who had applied for … Continue reading Scholz hardens rhetoric on migrants after fatal knife attack

EU leaders urge more defense spending amid Trump push

EU foreign affairs official Kaja Kallas urged member states to increase defense spending, warning that Europe’s military weakness could embolden aggressors like Russia. Speaking at the European Defense Agency conference, Kallas echoed U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of low NATO contributions, advocating for greater investment in security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for EU nations to spend 5% of GDP on defense, matching Trump’s … Continue reading EU leaders urge more defense spending amid Trump push

At least 10 dead as record-breaking snowstorm sweeps across the South

A rare snowstorm swept the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida, leaving at least 10 dead and breaking snowfall records across the region. Texas experienced its first-ever blizzard warning, and cities like Pensacola, Florida, and New Orleans saw historic snowfall totals of 8.9 and 8 inches, respectively. Freezing temperatures continue to grip the South, with over 11 million people under cold weather alerts and record … Continue reading At least 10 dead as record-breaking snowstorm sweeps across the South

Pentagon sending 1,500 troops to U.S.-Mexico border

The Defense Department announced the deployment of 1,500 additional troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, alongside helicopters and intelligence analysts, to enforce President Trump’s immigration orders. This follows executive actions declaring a border emergency and calling for increased barriers and deportations. The Pentagon will also assist in deportation flights and building border infrastructure, Axios has reported. Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU, are considering legal action … Continue reading Pentagon sending 1,500 troops to U.S.-Mexico border

Girl fatally shot by student in Tennessee high school cafeteria

A 16-year-old girl, Josselin Escalante, was fatally shot by a 17-year-old student, Solomon Henderson, who then took his own life at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee. A third student sustained a minor arm injury and was treated and released. The shooting, which occurred in the school cafeteria following an argument, is under investigation. It marks the first US school shooting of the year, the … Continue reading Girl fatally shot by student in Tennessee high school cafeteria

Thousands ordered to flee their homes after new blaze ignites in Los Angeles County

A fast-moving wildfire near Castaic Lake, north of Los Angeles, forced around 31,000 people to evacuate on Wednesday, with another 23,000 under evacuation warnings. The Hughes Fire, fueled by dry and windy conditions, grew to over 9,400 acres within hours, according to officials. Firefighters have made progress using aerial retardant drops, though containment remains elusive. Interstate 5 reopened after partial closures, but nearby off-ramps remain … Continue reading Thousands ordered to flee their homes after new blaze ignites in Los Angeles County

DoJ says it will prosecute officials who resist Trump’s immigration crackdown

The U.S. Justice Department, under Donald Trump, has directed federal prosecutors to target state and local officials in sanctuary jurisdictions resisting mass deportation efforts. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered investigations and potential charges for “harboring” undocumented immigrants or withholding immigration information. The department formed a working group to challenge local laws obstructing Trump’s immigration agenda, aligning with his pledge to conduct the largest … Continue reading DoJ says it will prosecute officials who resist Trump’s immigration crackdown

Record haul of cocaine linked to notorious cartel seized in Toronto

Canadian authorities seized $83 million worth of cocaine linked to Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation cartel, marking Toronto’s largest cocaine bust. Over 835 kilograms were found in a truck and stash houses during “Project Castillo,” an investigation into a transnational drug operation from Mexico. Six suspects, including two Mexican nationals, were arrested, with warrants issued for three others. Police said the cocaine was intended for distribution … Continue reading Record haul of cocaine linked to notorious cartel seized in Toronto

Southern rebels loom large as Syria’s new rulers try to form a national army

During a surprise offensive in northwest Syria late last year, insurgents overran key areas, forcing Syrian leader Bashar Assad to flee. Despite a Dec. 7 meeting in Qatar where officials from Turkey, Russia, Iran, and Arab countries agreed on halting advances and pursuing talks with Assad, insurgents from the south pushed into Damascus. Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged as Syria’s de facto rulers after coordinating … Continue reading Southern rebels loom large as Syria’s new rulers try to form a national army

Libyan police chief arrested in Italy for alleged war crimes

Osama Najim, head of Libya’s judicial police and director of Tripoli’s Mitiga detention center, was arrested in Turin, Italy, on Sunday following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes. Former detainees have reported widespread torture and abuse in Libyan detention centers, with the UN citing “serious rights violations” in 2022. Najim’s arrest, aided by Interpol, followed years of ICC investigations and victim testimonies. … Continue reading Libyan police chief arrested in Italy for alleged war crimes

Colombians flee to Venezuela as clashes between rebel groups escalate in coca-rich border region

The Colombian border village of Tres Bocas has emptied as residents flee escalating violence in the Catatumbo region, leaving at least 80 dead and displacing over 18,000 people, with 1,000 seeking refuge in Venezuela. Fighting has intensified between the ELN and FARC-EMC, rival groups vying for control of the region’s drug routes. Recent ELN attacks on civilians led Colombian President Gustavo Petro to suspend peace … Continue reading Colombians flee to Venezuela as clashes between rebel groups escalate in coca-rich border region

At least 12 passengers dead after jumping onto tracks over train fire alert in India

At least 12 passengers were killed and six injured in western India after jumping from a stopped train to escape a rumored fire and being hit by another train on an adjacent track, PTI reported. The incident occurred near Pardhade station in Maharashtra, 255 miles from Mumbai. Passengers on the Pushpak Express panicked due to sparks caused by a mechanical issue, pulled the emergency chain, … Continue reading At least 12 passengers dead after jumping onto tracks over train fire alert in India

Biden pardons his siblings and their spouses on his way out of the White House

As President Joe Biden’s term ended, he pardoned his family members, including his siblings and their spouses, citing “unrelenting attacks and threats” against them driven by partisan politics. The pardons, which included his brother James, sister Valerie, and others, were issued just before Biden’s inauguration. In addition to family members, Biden also pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and allies targeted by former … Continue reading Biden pardons his siblings and their spouses on his way out of the White House

Trump revokes security clearances of 51 intel officials who signed discredited Hunter Biden laptop letter

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump revoked the security clearances of 51 former national security officials who had claimed Hunter Biden’s laptop resembled a “Russian information operation” despite lacking evidence of Russian involvement. The officials, including James Clapper, John Brennan, and John Bolton, signed a 2020 letter after the New York Post reported emails linking Hunter Biden to Ukrainian energy firm Burisma. … Continue reading Trump revokes security clearances of 51 intel officials who signed discredited Hunter Biden laptop letter

Trump terminates John Bolton’s security detail within hours of taking office

Shortly after taking office, former President Donald Trump terminated Secret Service protection for ex-national security adviser John Bolton, Bolton confirmed. Bolton, a target of Iranian threats following Qasem Soleimani’s assassination, had his protection reinstated by President Joe Biden in 2021 due to ongoing risks. Bolton criticized Trump’s decision, emphasizing the continued danger and contrasting Biden’s actions. Known for his hardline stance against Iran, Bolton had … Continue reading Trump terminates John Bolton’s security detail within hours of taking office

Senators receive affidavit containing new allegations against Hegseth

An affidavit from Danielle Hegseth, the former sister-in-law of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, alleges volatile and threatening behavior by Hegseth that caused his second wife, Samantha, to fear for her safety. Submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee, the affidavit raises concerns about Hegseth’s fitness for the role, citing past allegations of abuse and misconduct. While Samantha denies claims of physical abuse, Danielle insists … Continue reading Senators receive affidavit containing new allegations against Hegseth

Trump grants sweeping pardon of Jan. 6 defendants

On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of all 1,500+ people charged in the January 6 Capitol riot, including those convicted of assaulting police officers. This sweeping clemency undoes years of Justice Department efforts to prosecute participants in the attack, which left over 100 officers injured. Trump called the move a step toward “national reconciliation,” while critics, … Continue reading Trump grants sweeping pardon of Jan. 6 defendants

Francisco San Martin, ‘Days of Our Lives’ actor, dies at 39

Francisco San Martin, an actor best known for his role as Dario Hernandez on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, has died at the age of 39. He was found in his Los Angeles home, and the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner listed his cause of death as a “ligature hanging.” Further details were not provided. San Martin had a notable career in … Continue reading Francisco San Martin, ‘Days of Our Lives’ actor, dies at 39

‘Orchestrated attack’ on Portland elections office shatters dozens of windows, police say

A group of hooded and masked individuals vandalized the Multnomah County Elections building in Portland early Monday, shattering windows and spray-painting anti-government graffiti in what police described as an “orchestrated attack.” Surveillance footage shows eight suspects using spray paint, hammers, and heavy objects to damage the building before fleeing within minutes. The office, unoccupied at the time, reopened Tuesday with boarded-up windows. Police are investigating … Continue reading ‘Orchestrated attack’ on Portland elections office shatters dozens of windows, police say

Border Patrol agent killed in Vermont identified

U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland, 44, was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Vermont, about 20 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. The shootout left Maland and one suspect dead, while a second suspect was injured and taken into custody. The FBI is investigating, and the suspects’ immigration status has not been disclosed, Fox News has reported. The incident occurred … Continue reading Border Patrol agent killed in Vermont identified

Chicago police reminded they can’t cooperate with deportations

Chicago police are being reminded of restrictions on assisting federal immigration raids, as state law prohibits local officers from enforcing immigration laws, detaining individuals based on immigration status, or coordinating with ICE. Signed into law in 2017 under Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and strengthened by Democratic Governor JB Pritzker in 2021, the policy emphasizes protecting immigrants while allowing for deportation of convicted violent offenders. Critics, … Continue reading Chicago police reminded they can’t cooperate with deportations

Rare winter storm hits Gulf Coast, bringing snow and dangerous conditions

A rare winter storm is sweeping the Gulf Coast, bringing record-breaking snow, sleet, and freezing rain to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and southeast Texas. The National Weather Service issued its first-ever blizzard warning for parts of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Road closures, grounded flights, and states of emergency have been declared across the region, with schools canceling classes, Fox 8 Live has reported. Officials urge … Continue reading Rare winter storm hits Gulf Coast, bringing snow and dangerous conditions