Rhode Island might ditch Mr. Potato Head license plates after Hasbro moves to Boston

This news article reports on a proposal by two Rhode Island lawmakers to discontinue Mr. Potato Head specialty license plates following Hasbro's decision to relocate its headquarters to Boston. The plates, first issued in 2002 to celebrate the toy's 50th anniversary, cost $40 with half the proceeds supporting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The proposal cites potential economic harm and loss of tax revenue as reasons for ending the plates, despite their steady contribution to the food bank.

Republican calls are growing for a deeper investigation into the fatal Minneapolis shooting

A growing number of Republicans are calling for a deeper investigation into federal immigration tactics in Minneapolis after a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and protester. This incident has raised questions about the GOP's stance on gun ownership, states' rights, and trust in the federal government. While some Republicans support a thorough investigation, administration officials defend the hard-line immigration enforcement tactics.

Meet ‘Amelia’: the AI-generated British schoolgirl who is a far-right social media star

WTF is going on in the UK?

UK plans to create ‘British FBI’ to bring national investigations under single police force

The British government plans to create a new national police force, the 'British FBI,' to handle complex investigations such as counterterrorism and fraud. The National Police Service will consolidate existing agencies dealing with terrorism, crime, and organized crime units in England and Wales. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood believes this will ease the burden on local police forces, allowing them to focus on day-to-day crimes. The initiative is supported by London's Metropolitan Police.

American rock climber Alex Honnold reaches top of Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

American rock climber Alex Honnold completed a free solo climb of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan, reaching the top without ropes or protective equipment. The climb, which took about 90 minutes, was broadcast live on Netflix. Honnold, known for his ropeless ascent of Yosemite's El Capitan, faced challenges navigating the building's unique structure, including steep overhangs and ornamental features. The event sparked discussions about the ethics of live broadcasting such high-risk activities.

TikTok finalizes a deal to form a new US unit | AP News

TikTok has finalized a deal to create a new American entity, avoiding the looming threat of a ban in the U.S. that has been in discussion for years. The social video platform signed agreements with major investors including Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX to form the joint venture. The new version will operate under 'defined safeguards' with an emphasis on data protections and software assurances for U.S. users.

Trump administration tells agencies to compile data on money sent to Democratic states

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to compile data on federal funds sent to 14 mostly Democratic-controlled states and the District of Columbia. The administration claims this is to facilitate efforts to reduce improper and fraudulent use of funds. The memo does not explain why these states were targeted. This comes after Trump threatened to deny federal funding to states with 'sanctuary cities' that resist his immigration policies.

After Minneapolis, Democrats confront political vulnerabilities as they battle Trump on immigration

Following the controversial immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, including the killing of Renee Good by federal agents, Democrats are reevaluating their midterm election strategy. The party is divided on how to respond, with some advocating for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and others proposing legislation to curb alleged abuses. The Democrats face the challenge of balancing immigration issues with their core messages on health care and affordability. Republicans, on the other hand, feel confident in their stance on immigration and crime.

Justice Department subpoenas Walz and others in immigration enforcement obstruction probe | AP News

Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, as part of an investigation into whether they obstructed federal immigration enforcement. The subpoenas seek records related to the investigation, which is examining potential violations of a conspiracy statute. Walz and Frey have criticized the probe as a political tactic.

Mike Lindsay - kachumber (Official Music Video)

Reddit Mod Got Removed and Made a Wild Video

CIA director meets Venezuela’s acting president in Caracas

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, marking the highest-ranking Trump administration official to visit the country since the U.S. raid that captured former leader Nicolás Maduro. The two-hour meeting, at the urging of President Donald Trump, aimed to signal the U.S.'s desire for a better relationship with Venezuela. Ratcliffe discussed potential economic collaboration and warned against the presence of American adversaries, including drug traffickers.

Gavin Newsom comes out swinging against California billionaire tax

California Governor Gavin Newsom is strongly opposing a proposed ballot measure that would impose a one-time 5% tax on individuals in the state worth more than $1 billion. The initiative, which could be put to voters in November, has drawn significant criticism from tech moguls and billionaires, some of whom have threatened to leave California. Newsom has expressed concerns that the tax could deter industry and investment from the state. The measure, backed by the Service Employees International Union, aims to generate revenue for healthcare and education programs. Despite Newsom's opposition, the proposal has garnered support and is expected to be a major political issue this year.

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold state bans on transgender athletes in girls and women's sports

The Supreme Court appears poised to uphold state laws banning transgender girls and women from participating in school sports, according to the Associated Press. The conservative majority of the court, which has previously ruled against transgender rights, indicated that state bans do not violate the Constitution or Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education. The ruling could impact more than two dozen Republican-led states that have adopted such bans. The legal dispute centers on the balance between the rights of transgender athletes and the need for fair competition for women and girls.

Clintons refuse to testify in House Epstein probe as Republicans threaten contempt proceedings

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have refused to testify in the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, citing the probe as 'legally invalid'. The Clintons' refusal has led Republican lawmakers to prepare contempt of Congress proceedings against them. The Clintons argue that the investigation is selectively enforced and politically motivated, with the committee chair, Rep. James Comer, potentially initiating a process that could result in their prosecution. Despite the Clintons' refusal, no wrongdoing has been accused against them in relation to Epstein, who was arrested on federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges in 2019 and died in a New York jail cell while awaiting trial.

Young Americans are increasingly rejecting the Democratic and Republican parties, a new poll shows

A new Gallup poll reveals a significant shift in American political affiliations, with nearly half of U.S. adults now identifying as independents, rejecting the labels of the two major parties. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with over half of Gen Z and Millennials identifying as independents. The shift appears to be driven by dissatisfaction with the party in power, particularly President Donald Trump, rather than a lasting endorsement of the Democratic Party. The poll also indicates that independents are increasingly identifying as moderates, posing a challenge for both parties as they seek to appeal to the center without alienating their bases.

Supporters press for a DC memorial to Thomas Paine, whose writings helped fuel the Revolutionary War

This article discusses the efforts to establish a memorial for Thomas Paine in Washington, D.C., who played a significant role in inspiring the American Revolution through his writings, particularly 'Common Sense.' The memorial, authorized by a 2022 law, is pending approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The article also touches on Paine's controversial legacy and his influence on American political thought.

Trump wears a new 'Happy Trump' lapel pin, but insists he's never happy

What is the article lol

Taxes by Geese

Live updates: Protesters clash with authorities this morning after ICE agent’s killing of woman in Minneapolis | CNN

After an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, tensions have escalated as protesters clash with authorities. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests in the Minneapolis area. The Minnesota governor has authorized the National Guard to assist local law enforcement in maintaining public safety. Multiple videos of the incident have been reviewed by CNN, but the exact circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with differing accounts from state and federal authorities.

A year after LA-area wildfires destroyed thousands of homes, fewer than a dozen have been rebuilt

A year after the devastating wildfires in the L.A. area, fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt. Many homeowners struggle with insufficient insurance to cover rebuilding costs, and progress remains slow. Relief organizations are assisting, but challenges persist, with some residents facing financial and emotional hurdles in their recovery efforts.

Kula Shaker - Let Love Be (With U)

FBI says it disrupted a New Year's Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State group

The FBI arrested an 18-year-old man, Christian Sturdivant, who allegedly planned a New Year’s Eve attack inspired by the Islamic State group in North Carolina. The FBI disrupted the plot, which involved attacking a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant with knives and hammers. Sturdivant was under constant surveillance and arrested before any harm could come to the public.

Before the Water Gets Too High by Parquet Courts

One of my favorite songs

HHS freezes all child care payments to Minnesota after viral fraud allegations

The Department of Health and Human Services has frozen federal child care funding for Minnesota due to viral fraud allegations, requiring justification and evidence for all future payments.