Key Facts

• Gregory Bovino slated to depart Minneapolis – Top Border Patrol official and several agents are expected to leave today, returning to their sectors; the move is described as a mutual decision by sources. The Department of Homeland Security has suspended Bovino’s access to his social‑media accounts after he engaged with lawmakers online about the shooting. [2][3]
• President Trump appoints border czar Tom Homan – Trump announced dispatching White House border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee ICE operations following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. Homan is tasked with managing the state’s immigration crackdown. [4]
• Trump and state leaders align on response – Trump held a call with Governor Tim Walz, saying they are “on a similar wavelength.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also spoke with Trump, noting agreement that the present situation cannot continue and plans to meet Homan today. [5][6]
• Federal agencies withhold details on Pretti shooting – Officials declined to provide evidence supporting the claim that an ICE agent shot Alex Pretti in self‑defense. CNN’s fact‑check and video analysis are referenced for further scrutiny. [8][9]
• Kristi Noem’s remarks spark internal criticism – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and alleged he brandished a legally owned firearm, claims not corroborated by video evidence. Aides expressed frustration over the handling of the fallout. [17][18]
• Bovino’s public statements failed to quell criticism – Bovino, the face of the administration’s Minnesota immigration enforcement, gave a CNN interview and held a news conference, but officials say neither effort reduced criticism of the response. [16]

Who Said What

• President Donald Trump – Said he and Governor Walz are “on a similar wavelength” regarding the situation. [5]
• Mayor Jacob Frey – Stated that Trump “agreed that the present situation cannot continue.” [6]
• Kristi Noem – Labeled Alex Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and claimed he was brandishing his legally owned firearm. [17]

Key Facts

• Minnesota shooting sparks White House optics shift The killing of protester Alex Pretti by federal agents prompted President Trump to send border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota, signaling waning confidence in Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol official Greg Bovino [2][8][9]. Trump also called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to discuss de‑escalation, while a coalition of state business leaders urged a slowdown of the federal surge [10].
• Legal and political backlash mounts domestically Republican Rep. Mike Lawler warned CNN that “we don’t want to see any Americans getting killed in the streets,” and Sen. Ted Cruz criticized the administration’s tone on his podcast, saying agents “come out guns blazing.” Sen. Bill Cassidy added on X that the credibility of ICE and DHS is at stake [8][9]. Courts have already scheduled hearings on the federal agents’ actions, invoking First‑Amendment protest rights and Fourth‑Amendment challenges to warrantless ICE searches [11][12].
• Trump’s Greenland gambit meets NATO resistance A week earlier, Trump’s attempt to wrest control of Greenland from Europe triggered unified opposition from NATO allies, shaking confidence in U.S. strategic judgment and prompting market volatility [3].
• Foreign leaders publicly rebuke Trump’s ambitions Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez declared she had “enough” of Trump’s imperialist bid to run her country from the Oval Office [4]. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump’s claim that NATO troops “stayed off the frontlines” in Afghanistan “frankly appalling,” prompting Trump to post a tribute to 457 British war dead [5].
• Trump’s own rhetoric fuels concerns of autocracy Speaking in Davos, Trump said “sometimes you need a dictator,” and in a Reuters interview suggested the United States “shouldn’t even have an election” ahead of the November midterms [6]. These remarks have intensified warnings that he is eroding democratic checks and balances.
• Policy ambitions face practical hurdles U.S. oil firms doubt Trump’s plan to revive Venezuela’s decrepit oil facilities due to high costs, while Canada explores an electric‑vehicle partnership with China, signaling a shift away from reliance on U.S. leadership [13][14].

Who Said What

• Donald Trump – Declared “sometimes you need a dictator” in Davos and told Reuters the U.S. “shouldn’t even have an election” ahead of the midterms.
• Mike Lawler – Republican Representative from New York told CNN’s Kasie Hunt the administration must avoid “any Americans getting killed in the streets.”
• Ted Cruz – Texas senator warned on his podcast that ICE agents “come out guns blazing … that we took out a violent terrorist.”
• Bill Cassidy – Louisiana senator wrote on X that the credibility of ICE and DHS “is at stake” and urged truthfulness to the American people.
• Delcy Rodríguez – Venezuelan leader said she had “enough” of Trump’s imperialist bid to run Venezuela from the Oval Office.
• Keir Starmer – British Prime Minister labeled Trump’s claim about NATO troops in Afghanistan “frankly appalling.”

Key Facts

• Massive winter storm kills over a dozen – The storm dumped snow and ice across the United States, producing record daily lows in the Plains and affecting 56 % of the Lower 48 states. More than 15 storm‑ and cold‑related deaths were reported in Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, with some attributed to hypothermia and snow shoveling. The event also triggered widespread power failures, at one point affecting over a million electric customers[1][2].
• Half‑million customers still without power – Tracking site PowerOutage.US shows that after an initial peak of about one million outages, hundreds of thousands regained service, but more than 500,000 remained in the dark on Monday night. The remaining outages include roughly 175,000 customers in Tennessee, 140,000 in Mississippi and just under 100,000 in Louisiana. Continued ice accumulation and wind gusts up to 25 mph threaten additional line failures[4].
• Mississippi faces prolonged restoration – Northeast Mississippi Electric Power Association reports that around 24,000 customers—over 75 % of its service area—still lack electricity, with snapped poles and downed lines widespread. CEO Keith Hayward called the damage to trees and vegetation “devastating” and said the storm surpasses the historic 1994 ice event. Governor Tate Reeves deployed about 500 National Guard members, and adjutant general Maj. Gen. Bobby Ginn said they will focus on delivering water and food by road or air as needed[1].
• Tennessee records historic outage levels – Nashville Electric Service experienced a peak of 230,000 customers without power, the highest single‑event outage in its history and exceeding the 200,000 outages during the May 2020 derecho. By Monday morning the utility had restored power to 60,000 customers, leaving roughly 175,000 still offline. Executive Brent Baker warned the restoration could take at least a week and noted that about 400 line workers are addressing 153 broken poles[1][5].
• Air travel crippled by storm – Snow and ice forced airlines to cancel more than 11,600 flights on Sunday, the largest single‑day cancellation count since the COVID‑19 shutdown in March 2020, with an additional 6,000 flights canceled on Monday. The disruptions affected major airports from Dallas to Boston, and carriers expect cancellations to return to near‑normal levels on Tuesday, though full recovery will take several days[1].
• School districts shift to remote learning – Several large districts closed or moved to virtual instruction on Monday, and many remained closed Tuesday due to hazardous road conditions. Students in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville have no classes Tuesday; Montgomery County, Maryland stays closed Tuesday, while Prince George’s County remains shut through Thursday. Baltimore City Public Schools and Charlotte‑Mecklenburg also scheduled remote learning for Tuesday[1].

Who Said What

• Chris Dobry, Mississippi resident – “The ice storm in Mississippi is wreaking havoc… No power, lines down, and trees are literally breaking apart.”
• Keith Hayward, CEO of Northeast Mississippi Electric Power Association – “The damage to the trees and vegetation is devastating.”
• Maj. Gen. Bobby Ginn, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard – “We’ll be focusing on logistics, mainly: getting water, food to distribution points, whether it be by wheeled vehicles or by air, if need be.”
• Brent Baker, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Innovations Officer of Nashville Electric Service – “This is going to be a historic event… Maybe a 20‑ or 30‑year memory for most of us as we’ll look back at this.”

Key Facts

• Major winter storm disrupts travel at US airport hubs – A major winter storm has upended travel for many U.S. airport hubs, causing widespread flight disruptions across the country [2].
• CNN monitors daily flight delays and cancellations – CNN tracks how daily flight cancellations and delays to, from, or within the United States compare to historical averages, using data supplied by FlightAware [1].
• Charts refresh every 15 minutes with latest data – The figures displayed in CNN’s tracking charts update at 15‑minute intervals, providing near‑real‑time insight into the evolving impact of the storm [1].
• Historical average of roughly 5,600 daily delays last year – FlightAware data shows that, on average, there were about 5,600 flight delays each day across the United States during the previous year [3].
• Historical average of about 340 daily cancellations last year – The same FlightAware dataset indicates an average of approximately 340 flight cancellations per day in the prior year [3].
• Current storm metrics are compared against these averages – By juxtaposing real‑time storm‑related figures with the historical averages, CNN’s tracker highlights the scale of the current disruption relative to typical daily activity [1].

Who Said What

No direct quotations were provided in the article.

Key Facts

• CIA is planning a permanent U.S. presence in Venezuela – Sources say the agency is quietly working on a long‑term foothold after the recent capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, reflecting the Trump administration’s “newfound influence” in the country [1].
• Planning talks involve both the CIA and State Department – Discussions focus on a short‑term annex and a long‑term diplomatic mission, with the State Department slated to be the primary diplomatic channel while the CIA handles the initial re‑entry amid political transition [1].
• A CIA annex will precede an official embassy – The annex would allow U.S. officials to make informal contacts with Venezuelan intelligence, government factions and opposition figures, mirroring the agency’s approach in Ukraine [1].
• CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Venezuela – Ratcliffe met interim President Delcy Rodríguez and military leaders, delivering a message that Venezuela can no longer serve as a safe haven for U.S. adversaries [4].
• CIA assets helped capture Maduro – In August, a covert CIA team was placed inside Venezuela to monitor Maduro’s movements, and a government source assisted the operation; a classified CIA analysis also guided the decision to back Rodríguez over opposition leader María Machado [3].
• U.S. has begun steps to reopen its embassy – The State Department dispatched a team of diplomatic and security personnel to Caracas for an initial assessment, and veteran diplomat Laura Dogu was tapped to lead the Venezuela Affairs Unit as a full‑time Chargé d’Affaires [5].

Who Said What

• “State plants the flag but CIA is really the influence.” – Source familiar with the planning process, describing the CIA’s near‑term objectives [1].
• “Setting up an annex is priority number one… that will allow conversations that diplomats cannot have.” – Former U.S. government official involved in the discussions [1].
• “If you are going to brief Venezuela on concerns about China, Russia and Iran it would not be the State Department doing that.” – Former official explaining the intelligence briefing role [1].
• “The administration’s plan for Venezuela requires a full‑time Chargé d’Affaires at the Venezuela Affairs Unit.” – Senior State Department official on Laura Dogu’s appointment [5].

Key Facts

• Rodríguez rejects U.S. directives – On Sunday she told oil workers in Puerto La Cruz that she has “enough” of Washington’s orders, urging Venezuelan politics to resolve internal conflicts. The remarks were broadcast on state‑run Venezolana de Televisión. She emphasized that the Republic has paid a high price confronting fascism and extremism. [1]
• U.S. captured former president Maduro – In early January U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a raid and transferred them to the United States to face charges. Their detention has intensified pressure on the interim government. Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, has tried to balance loyalty to Maduro’s base while keeping the White House satisfied. [4]
• Washington’s oil and geopolitical demands – A series of demands released in early January require Venezuela to resume oil production, cut ties with China, Iran, Russia and Cuba, and partner exclusively with U.S. oil firms. The U.S. also insists on the release of political prisoners. These conditions aim to secure a stable source of authority in Caracas and protect U.S. energy interests. [2][3]
• Mass release of political prisoners – On Sunday at least 104 detainees were freed, bringing the total since the Jan. 8 “peace” gesture to at least 266, according to rights group Foro Penal. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello later said 808 people have been released since December under orders from Maduro. The releases are being offered as a humanitarian gesture to the United States. [10]
• Trump shifts from threat to praise – President Donald Trump earlier claimed the U.S. would “run” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture, but later called Rodríguez a “terrific person” following a phone call and thanked Venezuela for freeing prisoners. He said the rate of releases would increase in the short term. The change reflects a move toward cooperation rather than confrontation. [5][6]
• Venezuela’s internal political fractures – The country remains divided among Maduro loyalists, left‑wing factions opposed to current policies, and “Chavistas No‑Maduristas” who reject Maduro’s legacy. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has met Trump and was suggested for involvement in future leadership. These dynamics complicate Washington’s effort to secure a stable authority in Caracas. [1][9]

Who Said What

• Delcy Rodríguez, acting president of Venezuela – “Enough already of Washington’s orders… Let Venezuelan politics resolve our differences and our internal conflicts.”
• Donald Trump, President of the United States – “I think we’re getting along very well with Venezuela,” and later described Rodríguez as a “terrific person.” He also thanked Venezuela for the prisoner releases, calling them a “powerful humanitarian gesture.”
• Diosdado Cabello, Venezuelan Interior Minister – Stated that 808 people have been released since December, a process ordered by Maduro “for coexistence and peace.”
• María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader – Met with Trump at the White House and presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize; Trump later said he would like to see her “involved” in Venezuela’s leadership.

Key Facts

• Trial launches in Los Angeles with top executives testifying The case against Meta, TikTok and YouTube begins Tuesday in Los Angeles and is expected to run several weeks, with senior leaders from each company slated to take the stand [1].
• 19‑year‑old KGM sues for alleged addictive design and mental‑health harms KGM, a California teen, and her mother Karen Glenn allege that TikTok, Meta and YouTube knowingly built features that foster compulsive use, bullying, sextortion and body‑image issues, seeking unspecified monetary damages; Snap settled a related claim under undisclosed terms [1].
• Companies cite limited research and new safety tools in defense The defendants argue that scientific evidence linking their platforms to mental‑health decline is inconclusive [9] and point to recent safeguards such as Instagram “teen accounts” with default privacy [13], Meta’s parental‑supervision tools [14], YouTube’s short‑form feed blocker [15], and TikTok’s “guided meditation” aimed at reducing scrolling [17].
• Advocates label trial as “tobacco trials” demanding accountability Sarah Gardner, CEO of the Heat Initiative, said the six‑week proceeding is the first step toward holding big‑tech CEOs responsible for products she says were intentionally designed to addict children [1].
• Federal and state officials have urged warning labels on social media In 2024 Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to require tobacco‑style warnings for platforms, a move also supported by multiple state attorneys general [6][7].
• Verdict could shape thousands of similar lawsuits and billions in liability Judge Carolyn Kuhl indicated jurors may consider whether design elements like endless scrolling contributed to harms, a ruling that could set precedent for roughly 1,500 related personal‑injury cases and force substantial platform changes [10][1].

Who Said What

• Sarah Gardner, CEO of the Heat Initiative – called the trial “the tobacco trials of our generation” and said families will finally hear CEOs explain intentional addiction design.
• Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General – urged Congress to mandate tobacco‑style warning labels on social‑media platforms because of a youth mental‑health crisis.
• Meta spokesperson – asserted the lawsuits misrepresent the company, emphasized listening to parents, and highlighted ongoing teen‑safety improvements.
• José Castañeda, YouTube spokesperson – said the allegations are “simply not true” and stressed YouTube’s age‑appropriate experiences and parental‑control tools.
• Judge Carolyn Kuhl, Los Angeles Superior Court – told jurors to assess whether platform design features, not just content, have contributed to mental‑health harms.

Key Facts

• Ejae spent a decade training at SM Entertainment without debuting – She joined the agency at age 11, endured round‑the‑clock practice for over ten years, and saw her contract expire in 2015 without ever being placed in a group. She recalled constant criticism, saying “You’re not good enough, you’re not good enough,” and described feeling like she was failing at everything. [3]
• She pivoted to songwriting after studying music at NYU – While on a break from training she enrolled at New York University, taught herself music software, and wrote a college Christmas song that later became “Hello” performed by Hani. Mentor Andrew Choi discovered the track, invited her to SM’s songwriting camps, and helped launch her behind‑the‑scenes career. [7]
• Ejae co‑wrote and voiced the lead in “KPop Demon Hunters” – The Netflix animated film, the most‑watched Netflix original ever, features four tracks she contributed to, most prominently the anthem “Golden.” The song earned a Golden Globe for Best Original Song and is slated for Grammy and Oscar nominations. [2]
• “Golden” topped charts and entered diplomatic ceremonies – The track held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 for several weeks and accumulated hundreds of millions of Spotify streams worldwide. It was later played by Japanese and South Korean leaders during a joint drum performance, described as an “usually loud display of diplomacy.” [11]
• Experts say her rise is rare for former trainees – Claire Marie Lim, an associate professor at Berklee College of Music and former trainee herself, noted that most people who don’t debut leave the industry, making Ejae’s breakthrough as a songwriter “super rare.” She contrasted today’s openness with the “you’re meant to sing, dance, rap, model” mindset of a decade ago. [1]
• Film creators credit her demos with green‑lighting the movie – Co‑director Maggie Kang said the early song demos Ejae provided convinced investors to move forward with “KPop Demon Hunters,” and she was later cast as the singing voice of the protagonist Rumi in 2022. Kang explained that the demos were essential to the project’s approval. [9]

Who Said What

• Ejae (CNN interview) – “I worked hard. I tried my best to make sure my voice sounded cleaner or dance better and to look a certain way. But I think I just didn’t make my mark.” [1]
• Claire Marie Lim (Berklee associate professor) – “It’s pretty rare for someone like Ejae, who’s a former trainee, to really blow up this big.” [1]
• Maggie Kang (co‑director, Forbes interview) – “We cast Ejae first. We had the demos and knew that we wanted Ejae to do the vocals.” [9]
• Ejae (Golden Globe acceptance, NY Times interview) – “This award goes to people who’ve had their doors closed at them… I can confidently say rejection is redirection, so never give up.” [10]

Key Facts

• DHS framed Pretti as terrorist despite video: DHS officials suggested Alex Pretti was a terrorist planning a massacre, a narrative that conflicted with video evidence showing he was not armed when shot. The footage released by CNN shows a federal officer recovering a gun after the shooting. Sources familiar with the incident quickly challenged the claim. [1][5]
• President Trump reviewed coverage and expressed displeasure: An unnamed DHS official told CNN that President Donald Trump personally examined the news reports on Pretti’s death and was unhappy with the department’s messaging. Trump's reaction mirrors his earlier criticism of other immigration‑related incidents. The administration’s concern appears to focus on the optics of the response. [1]
• Similar PR missteps followed ICE agent’s killing of Renee Good: After an ICE officer killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis three weeks earlier, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem labeled the incident “domestic terrorism,” and Trump falsely claimed Good “willfully and viciously ran over” an ICE agent. Public polls later indicated the shooting was viewed as unjustified. The pattern of exaggerated rhetoric raised questions about the administration’s communication strategy. [1][6][7][8]
• Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino’s credibility eroded by contradictory testimony: A federal judge in Illinois found Bovino admitted in his deposition that he lied multiple times about a Chicago tear‑gas incident, changing his story about when a rock struck him. Bovino also faced a past reprimand for referring to undocumented immigrants as “scum, filth and trash,” which he later tried to narrow to a single individual. These inconsistencies have fueled criticism of DHS leadership. [1][10][11][12]
• Kristi Noem made unverified accusations about deported suspect Kilmar Abrego Garcia: In August, Noem described Garcia as an MS‑13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator, claims that a federal judge later deemed “exaggerated if not simply inaccurate.” The judge instructed her to refrain from such statements to avoid prejudicing the case. Noem’s earlier controversial remarks in her 2024 book further damaged her credibility. [1][14][15]
• DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin issued inaccurate claims in multiple cases: McLaughlin asserted a Chicago woman shot by a CBP agent was armed with a semiautomatic weapon and had rammed an agent’s vehicle, despite the criminal complaint omitting any mention of a gun. She also claimed detained student Rümeysa Öztürk supported Hamas, a claim contradicted by a State Department memo stating no evidence of terrorist support. These misstatements illustrate ongoing credibility issues within DHS communications. [1][22][24]

Who Said What

• Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokesperson – “This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” (Initial DHS response to Pretti’s killing) [1]
• Kristi Noem, DHS secretary – called the killing of Renee Good “domestic terrorism.” [1]
• President Donald Trump, U.S. president – falsely claimed Good “willfully and viciously ran over” an ICE agent. [1][7]
• Unnamed DHS official, source for CNN – reported that Trump personally reviewed the coverage and was unhappy. [1]

Key Facts

• Trump’s “go‑in‑get‑oil” pitch clashes with Iraq reality – President Donald Trump described a straightforward U.S. operation in Venezuela: send forces, seize oil, and export it, echoing a simplistic view of oil extraction [2]. The article notes that the United States’ two‑decade‑long experience after the 2003 Iraq invasion shows that rebuilding an oil sector is far more complex, and analysts warn that the Venezuelan case will differ because there is no U.S. troop presence, but the Iraq precedent still matters [1].
• Iraq’s oil‑funded reconstruction promise never materialised – Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz told a congressional committee that Iraq’s vast reserves could finance its rebuilding, a claim documented in a 2004 hearing [3]. The Bush administration later realised that oil revenues would not flow quickly, as NYU’s Mohamad Bazzi explained to CNN, noting the mis‑calculation of economic benefits [1]. Consequently, the expected funding stream from oil never covered reconstruction costs.
• Post‑invasion Iraq saw a civil‑service purge and unattractive contracts – After the 2003 invasion, the U.S. disbanded Iraqi armed forces and removed thousands of Baath Party members from the civil service, placing ministries, including oil, under temporary U.S. control [5][6][7]. An interim government reclaimed authority in 2004, but foreign oil firms only began receiving contracts around 2009, and those deals treated them as contractors without ownership rights, according to risk adviser Raad Alkadiri [1]. More favorable terms have only emerged very recently.
• Security vacuum in Iraq crippled oil infrastructure – The power vacuum created by the invasion led to widespread looting, sabotage of oil facilities, and a protracted insurgency that escalated into civil war, as described by Bazzi and illustrated by a study of the Iraqi security collapse [9][1]. These conditions made it extremely difficult for oil companies to operate safely, contributing to the slow recovery of Iraq’s oil output.
• Venezuela’s armed groups and U.S. private contractors echo Iraq challenges – Carlos Solar of the Royal United Services Institute notes that Venezuela remains highly militarised, with four main armed actors: the national army, criminal gangs, Colombian guerrillas, and pro‑Maduro colectivos [10][1]. The Trump administration, rather than deploying troops, is reportedly preparing to hire private military contractors to safeguard oil assets, according to two sources familiar with the plan [11]. This mirrors the U.S. reliance on private security in Iraq, which cost billions and faced scandals such as civilian killings [12][13].
• Analysts say security uncertainty stalls Venezuelan oil investment – Amy Myers Jaffe of New York University warns that questions about the Maduro regime’s longevity, election prospects, and consensus among oil firms create a “serious” security picture that deters major capital commitments [1]. She emphasizes that the key lesson from Iraq is that oil volume matters less than on‑the‑ground stability, underscoring the difficulty of restarting Venezuelan production.

Who Said What

• Bill Farren‑Price, senior research fellow, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies: “It’s really going to be a very, very difficult mountain to climb.”
• Mohamad Bazzi, director, Center for Near Eastern Studies, NYU: Criticised the Bush administration’s expectation that Iraqi oil would quickly fund reconstruction and described the post‑invasion security chaos.
• Raad Alkadiri, managing partner, 3TEN32 Associates: Explained that early Iraqi oil contracts invited foreign firms only as contractors, not owners, making them unattractive.
• Carlos Solar, senior research fellow, Latin American Security, Royal United Services Institute: Stated that Venezuela’s security environment, with multiple armed groups, is “way less controllable” than negotiating with acting president Delcy Rodríguez.
• Amy Myers Jaffe, director, Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, NYU: Said the security picture in Venezuela is serious and that oil investment hinges on on‑the‑ground stability rather than reserve size.

Key Facts

• Dex recruited via a Telegram ad promising high pay – In April 2024 Dex, a South Korean in his early 30s, answered a Telegram posting that offered $2,000 a month for “chatters” and up to $10,000 for “callers,” far above South Korea’s average wage, and was taken to a fenced compound in Phnom Penh where he was forced to run romance‑and‑stock‑investment scams targeting Korean speakers[1].
• Compound operated under Chinese syndicates with strict quotas – Workers, whose passports were confiscated, were required to contact about 100 strangers daily, script‑following to gauge savings; a successful transfer triggered a gong and earned roughly $6,900 per hit, contributing to tens of millions stolen from victims, including $148 million lost by South Koreans in 2023 and $10 billion taken from Americans in 2024 according to U.S. Treasury data[1].
• Dex escaped and supplied evidence to police – After three months he fled during a bi‑weekly outing, took a taxi to Phnom Penh, sought help at the South Korean embassy, and later provided worksheets, screenshots and chat logs that allowed investigators to merge more than 100 complaints totaling about 12 billion won ($8.1 million)[1].
• Two ringleaders repatriated after arrests in Cambodia – Kang Da‑wit, the deep‑fake “investment expert,” and his wife Ahn Young‑ji were arrested by Cambodian police in February 2025, then flown back to South Korea along with over 70 other detained Koreans; authorities say they used plastic surgery and deep‑fake images to hide their identities[1].
• Thousands of workers and many missing nationals remain at risk – Roughly 200,000 laborers of various nationalities, including about 1,000 South Koreans, are employed in Southeast Asian scam compounds; 330 South Koreans went missing in Cambodia last year, with 79 still unaccounted for, prompting South Korean security officials to issue arrest warrants and Interpol red notices for additional ringleaders[1].
• Victims organize to demand accountability and trace funds – A former victim, “Clay,” who lost over $138,000, coordinated a group of defrauded Koreans urging authorities to extradite remaining suspects and locate the money’s final destination; Dex now works at a car‑seat factory while his parents believe his trip was merely travel[1].

Who Said What

• Dex: “I didn’t realize it was an actual fraud.” – Describing his initial misunderstanding of the job’s nature.
• Dex: “Each transfer from a victim was announced with the strike of a massive gong.” – Explaining how workers celebrated successful scams.
• Ok Hae‑shil, Christian missionary: “Koreans are highly valued because they work efficiently and hit targets quickly.” – On why Korean workers are prized by the syndicates.
• Park Ki‑tae, debt lawyer: “All three were already in debt.” – Commenting on the financial desperation of young Korean recruits.
• Park Chan‑dae, lawmaker: “They were beaten, faced sexual assault threats and were even subjected to medical exams related to possible organ trafficking.” – Describing abuse reported by some captives.
• President’s spokesperson: “To evade South Korean authorities, the suspects altered their appearances through plastic surgery while in hiding.” – On tactics used by ringleaders.
• Clay, victim: Urged Dex to “speak with police” and later supplied evidence that helped link complaints.

Key Facts

• Origins trace back to 1915 Klan‑linked movement – Former Methodist minister William J. Simmons claimed a vision in 1915 and founded a group that grew into the Ku Klux Klan, reaching over 5 million members by 1920 and helping pass explicitly racist immigration quotas [3][6][8].
• “White Christian nationalism” label is recent, ideology is historic – Scholars note the term surged after the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack, but the belief system dates to early American history and the 1920s Klan’s “100 percent Americanism” [18][15][19].
• Public awareness remains low despite growing influence – A March 2024 Pew survey found 54 % of U.S. adults had heard nothing about the movement, while a 2023 PRRI poll reported 87 % of Christian nationalists think God intended America for European Christians and 81 % view immigrants as a cultural threat [25][37].
• Support spans beyond White Republicans – Research shows adherents include non‑White individuals, Democrats and independents, reflecting a spectrum from casual sympathizers to hardcore believers [17][41].
• Contemporary leaders promote a Christian‑state vision – Pastor Douglas Wilson argues the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation and should return to that model; author Stephen Wolfe calls for “Christian supremacy” and a legal system based on the Ten Commandments; Wilson also publicly denounces racism [24][30][20].
• Critics warn of democratic erosion – Historian Philip Gorski says the ideology defines “we the people” exclusionarily, posing a grave threat to democracy; Randall Balmer highlights the Founding Fathers’ secular intent, citing the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli that declared the U.S. not founded on Christianity [48][34][43].

Who Said What

• Kelly J. Baker (historian, author of Gospel According to the Klan): “The 1920s Klan preached an earlier version of what we now call White Christian nationalism… they only wanted a nation for White Christians.”
• Douglas Wilson (Idaho pastor, Christian nationalist leader): “We had not had the major waves of immigration… we were overwhelmingly Christian and we understood ourselves to be as such.” He also states the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation, a claim historians dispute.
• Stephen Wolfe (author of The Case for Christian Nationalism): Writes that White Christian men are portrayed as victims and that “Christian supremacy” should rule the land, with laws based on the Ten Commandments.
• Jonathan P. Walton (author, religious scholar): “If someone says they’re a Christian nationalist, they are confessing to me that they are not a follower of Jesus.”
• Randall Balmer (Dartmouth historian): Notes the Confederate States declared themselves a Christian nation and that the Founding Fathers deliberately separated church and state, referencing the Treaty of Tripoli.
• Philip Gorski (Yale historian): Argues White Christian nationalism “represents a grave threat to democracy because it defines ‘we the people’ in a way that excludes many Americans.”

Key Facts

• Uhlaender missed 2026 Olympic spot despite winning Lake Placid race – She won the North American Cup event, but last‑minute Canadian withdrawals cut the number of qualification points available, leaving her just short of the threshold for the Milan‑Cortina Games [1].
• She alleges intentional manipulation by Canada’s team and coach – Uhlaender claims coach Joe Cecchini and the Canadian squad withdrew athletes to benefit a compatriot’s bid, accusing them of deliberately reshaping the competition field [1].
• Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton refutes wrongdoing – The federation told CNN Sports its actions were “appropriate, transparent, and aligned with both athlete welfare and the integrity of the sport” [4].
• IBSF’s interim integrity unit cleared the coach, prompting criticism – The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation ruled Cecchini breached no rules, but Uhlaender says the investigation ignored testimony from athletes who competed in Lake Placid [1].
• IBSF athlete council member resigned over the controversy – Elisabeth Vathje posted on Instagram that the federation’s values misaligned with hers, prompting her resignation from the Athlete Council’s Executive Committee [5].
• US officials seek a wild‑card entry, involving Vice President Vance – USOPC chief Rocky Harris and USA Bobsled Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire urged IOC President Kirsty Coventry and the IBSF to grant Uhlaender a wild‑card, and she hopes Vice President JD Vance will raise the case at the Games [1].

Who Said What

• Katie Uhlaender: “The only thing that brings me warmth in my heart… is that my community is coming together.”; “It saddens me that they didn’t respond to my email with the evidence.”; “It was never about getting into the Olympics, it was about standing up for the integrity of the sport.”
• Rocky Harris (USOPC Chief of Sport and Athlete Services): “Ms. Uhlaender is the epitome of what it means to be an Olympian and truly embodies the Olympic spirit.”
• Aron McGuire (CEO, USA Bobsled Skeleton): “Granting Katie Uhlaender the opportunity to compete in Milano Cortina would send a powerful message that dedication, character, and lifelong commitment to the values of the Games matter.”
• Elisabeth Vathje (IBSF Athlete Council Executive Committee Member): Resigned, stating on Instagram that the federation’s actions represented “a misalignment of values.”
• Carsten P. Wulf (President, Bob & Skeleton Denmark): Wrote to the IOC, “Our sport needs this… the Olympic Movement would be strengthened by it.”

Key Facts

• NTSB convenes Jan 27, 2026 to determine cause – The board will meet in Washington, DC, with investigators, officials and victims’ families present to discuss the probable cause of the mid‑air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet, and to consider safety recommendations [1].
• Collision on Jan 29, 2025 killed 67 people – The accident, the deadliest U.S. commercial aviation disaster in the past 16 years, claimed 64 passengers and crew on the PSA Airlines‑operated flight and three Army soldiers aboard the helicopter [2].
• 32 hours of testimony heard over three days – During the summer hearing, the NTSB recorded more than 32 hours of testimony, including over ten hours each on the first two days, with representatives from the Army, FAA and PSA Airlines [3].
• Army’s refusal to use ADS‑B highlighted – Testimony revealed the Army chose not to equip the Black Hawk with Automatic Dependent Surveillance‑Broadcast (ADS‑B) despite its ability to broadcast GPS‑derived position, altitude and speed; the FAA had previously issued a memorandum permitting the system to be turned off [4].
• FAA admits tower failed to warn jet pilots – Acting FAA Deputy COO of Operations Nick Fuller testified that “no safety alerts” were given and confirmed the tower should have warned the PSA crew about the helicopter’s presence; the tower did warn the helicopter instead [4].
• DOJ lawsuit admits pilot and controller errors – Court filings in December show the U.S. government acknowledges the Black Hawk crew’s decisions and a tower controller’s non‑compliance with an FAA order were “cause‑in‑fact and a proximate cause” of the crash; commercial airlines named in the suit dispute the allegations [5][6].

Who Said What

• Nick Fuller, acting FAA Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Operations – Stated that “no safety alerts” were issued and affirmed the tower should have warned the PSA pilots about the helicopter.
• Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair – Asked whether the local controller should have informed the PSA crew of the helicopter’s presence, prompting Fuller’s acknowledgment.
• Department of Justice attorneys – Described the Black Hawk crew’s decisions and the controller’s actions as a “cause‑in‑fact and a proximate cause of the accident and the death” in the civil lawsuit filing.

Key Facts

• Six occupants presumed dead in Bangor crash – All six people aboard a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet bound for Paris are presumed dead after the aircraft crashed while attempting to depart in a snowstorm, airport officials said. The FAA’s initial report listed seven fatalities and one serious injury, but the agency later deferred to the airport on the passenger count. [1]
• Bangor International Airport closed through Wednesday noon – The airport announced on its Facebook page that it will remain shut until at least 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday while emergency response and investigation continue. The closure halts all arrivals and departures at the facility. [2]
• Flight tracked from Houston to Bangor, cleared for Paris – Open‑source ADS‑B data show the jet left Houston’s Hobby Airport at 2:20 p.m. CST and landed at Bangor at 6:10 p.m. EST. Air‑traffic‑control recordings confirm the plane was cleared for a trans‑Atlantic flight to Paris‑Vatry and taxied to a de‑icing area before the crash. [1]
• Aircraft inverted and burned after takeoff clearance – Audio captures the tower authorizing takeoff on Runway 33, then a controller urgently ordering “All traffic is stopped on the field!” Moments later an unidentified voice reports the aircraft upside down. The FAA report states the jet “crashed under unknown circumstances on departure, came to rest inverted, and caught fire.” [1]
• Other pilots voiced safety concerns in the same storm – Pilots of Allegiant Air Flight 976 reported a failed pre‑takeoff wing‑ice check, while Breeze Airways pilots said they were pressured to depart, remarking “I keep telling them this is stupid.” Allegiant crews described conditions as “not looking good” and considered staying overnight. [1]
• NTSB leads probe and seeks public assistance – The National Transportation Safety Board is heading the investigation and expects a team on site later Monday afternoon, according to airport director Jose Saavedra. The agency asks anyone with surveillance video or information to contact [email protected]. [1]

Who Said What

• Jose Saavedra, Bangor airport director – Stated the NTSB expects “to have a team of investigators on site” later Monday afternoon.
• Breeze Airways pilot (unnamed) – Reported to Allegiant pilots, “I keep telling them this is stupid,” referring to pressure to depart in poor weather.
• Allegiant Air Flight 976 pilot (unnamed) – Said conditions were “not looking good” and that the crew might have to stay overnight.
• Bangor air‑traffic controller (unnamed) – Urgently broadcast, “All traffic is stopped on the field! All traffic is stopped on the field!” moments before the crash.

Key Facts

• Bondi urges Minnesota to hand over voter rolls amid ICE fallout – Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote Governor Tim Walz asking the state to turn over full voter‑registration records, saying it would help “bring an end to the chaos” after a recent ICE killing in Minneapolis; the Justice Department has already sued Minnesota and 23 other states for the same data. [1]
• State officials label the request a “ransom note” and refuse – Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon declined the demand, citing violations of state and federal privacy laws, and told CNN’s Jake Tapper the letter was “deeply disturbing” and resembled a ransom note. [2]
• Judges question the administration’s authority and motive – District Judge Kate Menendez asked whether the executive is trying to achieve goals by force that courts cannot, while judges in California and Oregon have dismissed DOJ lawsuits, criticizing the claim of authority under the 1960 Civil Rights Act and warning against consolidating election power in the executive. [1]
• White House claims full authority; critics call it extortion – White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the DOJ has “full authority” to enforce federal election laws, echoing President Trump’s pledge for accurate rolls; Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes likened Bondi’s letter to organized‑crime extortion, and former DOJ attorney David Becker called the move “desperation.” [1]
• Only a handful of states comply while lawsuits mount – Fourteen states have complied or are working toward compliance with the DOJ’s voter‑data requests; Nebraska faces a lawsuit to block data sharing, the DNC warned ten states about legal pitfalls in a proposed 45‑day “clean‑up” plan, and election officials in at least two states have shared data but rejected the DOJ’s terms. [3][4]
• Expanded SAVE tool raises privacy and accuracy concerns – The Department of Homeland Security’s revamped Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) now accesses Social Security and passport data, and the Trump administration urges states to upload voter files to flag non‑citizens; Texas identified 2,724 potential non‑citizens from 18 million voters, but Travis County later found 11 of 97 flagged voters already had proof of citizenship. [5]

Who Said What

• Steve Simon (Minnesota Secretary of State) – Called Bondi’s letter “deeply disturbing” and a “ransom note” after receiving it.
• Adrian Fontes (Arizona Democratic Secretary of State) – Compared the letter to “organized crime” in a social‑media post.
• Judge Kate Menendez (U.S. District Judge) – Asked the Justice Department, “Is the executive trying to achieve a goal through force that it cannot achieve through the courts?”
• Abigail Jackson (White House spokeswoman) – Stated the Justice Department has “full authority” to ensure states comply with federal election laws and cited President Trump’s commitment to accurate voter rolls.
• David Becker (former DOJ attorney, Center for Election Innovation & Research) – Described Bondi’s letter as “desperation” in the context of the administration’s data‑gathering campaign.

Key Facts

• 14 Iranians flown out on Sunday’s deportation mission – The Trump administration dispatched a flight carrying about a dozen, specifically 14, Iranian nationals on Sunday, marking the first known deportation since the anti‑government protests erupted in Iran [1].
• Two men excluded after measles exposure, face execution risk – Lawyer Bekah Wolf said two gay clients were placed in quarantine because of a highly infectious measles case and therefore missed the flight; she warned they have an “extremely high chance” of being executed if returned to Iran [1].
• White House cites Executable Final Orders and mass‑deport plan – A White House official explained that deportees have court‑issued Executable Final Orders, and the administration remains committed to using all lawful tools for what it calls the largest mass deportation of criminal illegal aliens in history [1].
• Protests have killed thousands; HRANA reports 5,520 deaths – The deportations follow sweeping anti‑government protests that began in late December, during which HRANA documented at least 5,520 protesters killed, including 77 minors, and 41,283 arrests [2][1].
• President Trump threatens retaliation but keeps military option open – Donald Trump has warned Iran of retaliation if it executes demonstrators, while stating he has not removed the possibility of military action [1].
• Third flight under a rare U.S.–Iran agreement, more expected – This sortie was the third since a limited agreement between Washington and Tehran—countries without formal diplomatic ties—was reached, and officials anticipate additional deportation flights [1].

Who Said What

• White House official – Stated that deportees have Executable Final Orders from federal judges and affirmed the administration’s commitment to the largest lawful mass deportation of criminal illegal aliens.
• Bekah Wolf, attorney – Explained that her two gay clients were quarantined due to measles exposure and face a very high risk of execution if sent back to Iran.
• Unnamed Iranian deportee – Told CNN, “If you care about the people, please let us stay,” adding that he and others love the United States and fled Iran for safety, requesting anonymity for fear of retaliation.
• Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) – Reported that at least 5,520 protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began, including 77 minors, and that 41,283 people have been arrested.

Key Facts

• Shooting of ICU nurse sparks funding debate – A Border Patrol agent shot and killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend, an incident described as “another deadly shooting by a federal officer” [2][3]. The killing has shifted congressional dynamics in the past 72 hours, making a government shutdown more likely [4]. Lawmakers from both parties are now weighing how to proceed with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding amid the fallout.
• House plans to reconvene on modified appropriations – The House left Washington expecting the Senate to approve a six‑bill appropriations package this week, but now may return at week’s end to vote on a revised set to avoid a partial shutdown. The package funds major agencies such as Defense, DHS and Health and Human Services. Lawmakers face a Jan. 30 deadline to keep 75 % of government spending operating [1].
• White House and GOP reach out, no solution yet – Senior aides report that the White House and Republican senators have begun initial outreach to Democrats seeking a way to keep agencies open. However, they say no realistic proposals have emerged, and there is no indication the shutdown can be averted by the Jan. 30 deadline. The outreach reflects growing urgency as the shutdown threat solidifies [1].
• Democrats tie ICE reforms to funding approval – Democratic leaders are demanding major changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a condition for supporting any DHS funding bill. The reforms focus on how ICE operates, though specifics remain under discussion among Democratic members. Republicans are expected to resist many of the proposed changes, complicating a bipartisan deal [1].
• Stripping DHS from package requires unanimous Senate consent – One option under consideration is to remove DHS funding from the broader six‑bill package and move the remaining bills forward. This approach would need the consent of all 100 senators after they return to Capitol Hill and would clash with the White House, which opposes separating the bills. The strategy aims to preserve funding for other agencies while isolating the contentious DHS component [1].
• Senator Collins warns against dropping DHS bill – Maine Republican Susan Collins, the Senate’s top appropriations officer, said removing the DHS bill “certainly would not be my first choice.” She added that there might be a way to add further reforms or procedural protections, with discussions involving Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Collins’ stance reflects Republican reluctance to split the appropriations package despite Democratic pressure [1].

Who Said What

• Senate Democratic leadership aide – “Republicans and the White House have reached out but have not yet raised any realistic solutions.”
• Sen. Susan Collins (R‑ME), Senate appropriations leader – “Removing the DHS bill from the broader package certainly would not be my first choice.” and “I think there might be a way to add some further reforms or procedural protections, but those discussions are ongoing.”

Key Facts

• Rutte tells Europe “keep on dreaming” without US support – In a European Parliament address in Brussels on 26 January 2026, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the EU cannot defend itself without American backing, stressing that “we need each other.” [1]
• Europe would need 10 % of GDP on defence and its own nuclear force – Rutte warned that to go it alone, European nations must raise defence spending to 10 % of gross domestic product and develop a costly nuclear capability, running into billions of euros. [1]
• U.S. nuclear umbrella described as the “ultimate guarantor of freedom” – He added that abandoning the American nuclear shield would leave Europe vulnerable, concluding with a sarcastic “good luck.” [1]
• Trump’s Greenland push creates a “rollercoaster week” for Europe – President Donald Trump advanced a claim for U.S. ownership of Greenland, then publicly ruled out using force to annex the Arctic island at Davos, sparking diplomatic turbulence. [3]
• Rutte backs Trump’s Arctic security concerns, cites China and Russia – The NATO chief praised Trump for highlighting Arctic issues, noting that opening sea lanes are attracting increasing Chinese and Russian activity, which he called a collective‑security challenge. [1]
• Two Arctic work streams outlined; Rutte stays out of trilateral talks – NATO will assume greater collective responsibility for Arctic defence, while U.S.–Denmark–Greenland discussions continue without Rutte’s involvement; Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the Washington meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio was “constructive” but left a “fundamental disagreement.” [4]

Who Said What

• Mark Rutte (NATO Secretary General): “If anyone thinks here again that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the US, keep on dreaming. You can’t. We can’t. We need each other.”
• Mark Rutte: “In that scenario, you will lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the US nuclear umbrella. So hey, good luck.”
• Mark Rutte: “I think he’s right. There is an issue with the Arctic region. There is an issue of collective security, because these sea lanes are opening up, and because the Chinese and the Russians are more and more active.”
• Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Danish Foreign Minister): Described the Washington meeting as “constructive” but noted a “fundamental disagreement” remains.
• Donald Trump (U.S. President): Claimed he had reached a framework for a Greenland deal with the NATO chief and announced he would no longer impose tariffs on European nations opposing his ambitions.

Key Facts

• Court statement admitted missile strike sank Moskva – A Moscow military court said two missiles hit the cruiser on April 13, 2022, causing fire, killing 20 crew, injuring 24 and leaving eight missing; the statement was later removed and Russia reverted to a “freak accident” narrative [1][3].
• Ukrainian commander sentenced to life in absentia – The same court sentenced a Ukrainian navy commander, who ordered strikes on Moskva and the Admiral Essen frigate, to life imprisonment despite his absence, confirming Ukraine’s claim of a missile attack [3].
• Moskva sank weeks after invasion began – The guided‑missile cruiser went down in April 2022, just seven weeks after Russia launched its full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant Ukrainian victory [1][2].
• Russian officials declined to comment – Irina Zhirnova, spokesperson for the 2nd Western District Military Court, offered no comment on the deleted statement, and the Russian military did not respond to CNN’s request for comment [1].
• Ukraine’s navy spokesperson highlighted denial difficulty – Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Naval Forces, said Russia finds it hard to deny the sinking facts, especially as families of the crew have spoken out [1].
• Wider crackdown on narrative and journalists – Russia continues to label the conflict a “special military operation” and tightly controls war reporting; the Committee to Protect Journalists reported at least 27 journalists imprisoned, with four released, two exiled and one killed since the invasion began [1].

Who Said What

• Irina Zhirnova – Spokesperson for the 2nd Western District Military Court, said there would be no comment on the court’s deleted statement [1].
• Dmytro Pletenchuk – Spokesperson for Ukraine’s Naval Forces, said it was difficult for Russia to deny the sinking facts given families’ testimonies [1].

Key Facts

• First joint Ukraine‑Russia‑US meeting since 2022 invasion – Negotiators from the three nations gathered in Abu Dhab​i on Friday and Saturday, marking the inaugural trilateral session after Russia’s 2022 attack on Ukraine[1].
• Zelensky calls discussions constructive and war‑focused – The Ukrainian president posted on X that “a lot was discussed” and the talks centered on “possible parameters for ending the war” and key military issues[2].
• US envoy Witkoff labels talks very constructive and schedules follow‑up – Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, described the session as “very constructive” and announced that the next round will begin on Feb 1 in Abu Dhab​i[3].
• Ukraine’s security‑guarantees document is 100 % ready – Zelensky said a bilateral security‑guarantees paper with the United States is complete and awaits a signing date, followed by ratification in the US Congress and Ukrainian parliament[1].
• Revised 20‑point plan debated but Donbas remains a sticking point – Delegates examined a new plan covering territory, economy and security, yet Russia insists on the “Anchorage formula” from the Putin‑Trump summit, demanding Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas[5][7].
• Russia’s largest overnight air attack coincides with talks; Ukraine retaliates – The strike killed at least one civilian in Kyiv, wounded four, and left nearly 6,000 apartments without heat during a bitterly cold winter; Ukraine responded with hits on Russian targets, including a Krasnodar oil refinery[8][1].

Who Said What

• Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukrainian President) – Stated on X that the talks were constructive and focused on ending the war; later announced the security‑guarantees document is fully prepared.
• Steve Witkoff (US special envoy for President Trump) – Described the Abu Dhab​i talks as “very constructive” and confirmed plans for a follow‑up meeting starting Feb 1.
• Sergei Ryabkov (Russian Deputy Foreign Minister) – Told TASS that Moscow wants a plan that fully corresponds to the understandings reached by President Putin and President Trump at their Alaska summit.
• Dmitry Peskov (Kremlin Spokesperson) – Emphasized that the territorial issue, part of the “Anchorage formula,” is fundamentally important for Russia and that Ukrainian forces must leave Donbas.
• Vitali Klitschko (Mayor of Kyiv) – Reported civilian casualties and widespread heating loss after the Russian overnight aerial attack.

Key Facts

• Alex Pretti, ICU nurse, shot repeatedly by federal agents – The 37‑year‑old VA nurse was tackled and then fired upon several times during a confrontation captured on video, sparking outrage over the use of force [5].
• Pedro Pascal uses Instagram to demand a national strike – The “Last of Us” star posted drawings of Pretti and Renee Good with the caption “Pretti Good reason for a national strike,” quoted a New York Times editorial, and wrote that “Truth is a line of demarcation between a democratic government and authoritarian regime” [2].
• Billie Eilish calls Pretti “a real American hero” on social media – The singer posted multiple Instagram stories praising Pretti, posted a selfie asking “hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up? or,” and criticized the silence of many cultural figures [1].
• Other Hollywood figures publicly condemn the Minneapolis shootings – Jamie Lee Curtis shared Pascal’s image on Instagram [3]; Edward Norton called for a general strike via an Instagram Reel [4]; Natalie Portman told Deadline she was both “prouder” and “sadder” about America’s response [8]; Olivia Wilde told the AP she was “horrified” by the deaths [9]; Katy Perry urged followers to write to their senators [6].
• Mark Ruffalo and Glenn Close denounce federal violence on social platforms – Ruffalo posted on Bluesky that “Alex Pretti is a hero” and shared a video labeling the agents “an occupying military gang” [10][11]; Close read prepared remarks on Instagram describing democracy being “systematically disemboweled” under the Trump regime [12].
• Backlash follows a surge of ICE activity and federal deployments in Minneapolis – The criticism emerges after the Trump administration deployed thousands of federal agents to the city, prompting a wave of celebrity statements demanding accountability and an end to the “ICE surge” [1].

Who Said What

• Pedro Pascal – “Truth is a line of demarcation between a democratic government and authoritarian regime. Mr Pretti and Renee Good are dead. The American people deserve to know what happened.” [2]
• Billie Eilish – “hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up? or” (Instagram story) [1]
• Natalie Portman – “I could not be prouder to be American right now, by the way the Americans are acting. And I could not be sadder to be American right now with the way the government is behaving.” [8]
• Olivia Wilde – “I am horrified… many Americans are as well.” (AP interview at Sundance) [9]
• Mark Ruffalo – “Alex Pretti is a hero.” and “Cold blooded murder in the streets of the USA by an occupying military gang, creating havoc.” [10][11]
• Glenn Close – “I am outraged and sickened by what is happening under the Trump regime: the cruelty, inhumanity, and arrogance… there will be hell to pay.” [12]

Key Facts

• Aegon’s Conquest establishes Targaryen rule in 1 AC – The Targaryens invade Westeros, defeat rival houses, and found King’s Landing as the capital, beginning centuries of Targaryen dominance and the After Conquest (AC) era used for most series chronology. This event marks the reference point for the timeline. [1][3]
• House of the Dragon Season 1 occurs in 112 AC – King Viserys I names his daughter Rhaenyra his heir, then marries Alicent, creating a succession dispute; Viserys dies, Rhaenyra is crowned, but half‑brother Aegon II gains support, setting the stage for the civil war that drives Season 2. [1]
• The Dance of the Dragons civil war unfolds in 132 AC – Rival Targaryen factions battle over the throne between Rhaenyra and Aegon II, causing massive loss of life and shaping later Westerosi history; this conflict concludes the narrative arc of House of the Dragon Season 2. [1]
• ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ is set around 209 AC – The series adapts Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg,” beginning roughly 90 years before the main saga, following Ser Dunk and the young Egg at a tournament in Ashford. [5]
• Robert’s Rebellion in 281 AC ends Targaryen rule and births Jon Snow – Robert Baratheon overthrows the Mad King Aerys II; Rhaegar Targaryen’s secret marriage to Lyanna Stark produces Jon Snow, a central secret that drives later plotlines. [1]
• Game of Thrones seasons map roughly to years 298‑305 AC – Season 1 (298 AC) starts with Robert’s death and Stark exile; subsequent seasons track the War of the Five Kings, the Red Wedding, Daenerys’s rise, the White Walker threat, and culminate in the final battles, the fall of King’s Landing, and Bran’s election as ruler. [1]

Who Said What

No direct quotations appear in the source article.

Key Facts

• Spanish high‑speed derailment kills 43 on Jan 18 – A collision between two trains on a straight stretch in Andalusia resulted in 43 fatalities. Investigators suspect a broken rail, though the exact cause remains under review. Transport Minister Óscar Puente called the event “extremely strange.” [1]
• High‑speed rail maintains an exceptional safety record – Since 1964 Japan’s Shinkansen has had zero passenger deaths, and France records only one fatal TGV test accident in 2015. China’s 2011 Wenzhou crash killed 40, but no major incidents have occurred in the following 15 years. These rare events underscore the overall safety of dedicated high‑speed networks. [1]
• Drivers train for sub‑second reaction times – While car drivers react in 0.7–1.5 seconds, intensive professional training reduces train‑driver reaction to 0.2–0.4 seconds. Above roughly 125 mph, lineside signals become unreadable, so in‑cab systems continuously display speed limits and track conditions. Paul Cooper notes this demands heightened situational awareness at high speeds. [1]
• Typical high‑speed train is a 500‑ton engineering marvel – A unit weighs nearly 500 tons, delivers about 11,000 horsepower, and carries 500–600 passengers plus a café car. Each train costs roughly $40 million to build, with substantial maintenance over its lifespan. The design balances power, weight limits, and passenger amenities like heating and lighting. [1]
• Stopping from 186 mph requires over a minute and miles – A TGV or Eurostar traveling at 186 mph can halt in about 83 seconds, covering 1.5–2 miles. On the UK’s HS1 line, a 12‑car commuter train stops from 140 mph in roughly 45 seconds, traveling just under a mile. Multiple braking systems—including disc, regenerative, and electromagnetic track brakes—enable these decelerations. [1]
• Dedicated tracks and “peopleless” design limit external hazards – High‑speed lines avoid grade‑crossings, employ flying junctions, and surround tracks with fencing, sensors, and CCTV. HS1’s “peopleless” railway prevents track workers from entering operational zones while trains run, reducing trespass incidents. Such isolation contributes to the sector’s low accident rate. [1]

Who Said What

• Paul Cooper, driver and instructor for Southeastern (HS1 operator): “Driving on high‑speed lines is just a different kind of driving… the safety system is less forgiving,” and “Driving at high‑speed is also about ‘thinking ahead’… we have to be more aware of what could happen further away.”
• Christian Wolmar, rail historian and author of Fast Track: “High Speed rail’s incredible safety record is built on many factors; it uses cutting‑edge technology and materials… its biggest advantage is that it uses dedicated tracks which make collisions… much less likely,” and warned that “more frequent inspections” may be needed after the Spanish crash.
• Óscar Puente, Spain’s Transport Minister: Described the January 18 derailment as “extremely strange.”