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The once-chaotic U.S.-Mexico border has seen an unprecedented drop in illegal crossings, reaching levels that could soon mirror those last recorded in the late 1960s. President Donald Trump’s swift and aggressive policies on illegal immigration have led to a dramatic shift, with the number of border apprehensions plummeting to record lows. According to leaked Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, an average of just 359 illegal migrants have been apprehended daily across the southern border in February, marking a staggering 90% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. If this trend holds, February could record the lowest number of crossings in at least 25 years. Experts predict that if sustained, these numbers could reflect figures last seen in 1968—nearly six decades ago. Mark Krikorian, executive director at the Center for Immigration Studies, emphasized the historical significance of the decline, stating, “If you kind of break down the numbers, divide them by 365, we haven’t had numbers this low since the 1960s. So we’re talking 60-year lows if it’s sustained, obviously.” So far, CBP agents have reported just 3,953 apprehensions from February 1 through February 11. If this pattern continues, the total for the month could be around 10,000—a number not seen since CBP began tracking monthly crossings in 1999. The last time crossings came close to such a low figure was in April 2017, shortly after Trump’s first term began, when monthly apprehensions were recorded at slightly over 11,000. John Gramlich, associate director at the Pew Research Center, noted that illegal crossings had already been declining over the past year following former President Joe Biden’s tightening of asylum policies. However, the dramatic shift under Trump’s leadership has taken the decrease to an entirely new level. Just one year ago, an average of 4,850 migrants were being apprehended at the border every day—more than ten times the current rate. The impact of these policy changes has been felt across the entire southern border. In Terrell County, Texas, Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland, whose department is usually overwhelmed by migrant crossings during the cooler months, acknowledged the stark difference. “It’s a relief,” Cleveland said. “We’ve gone from one extreme to the other extreme—historic levels of people crossing to historic levels of low apprehensions. It’s very surprising.” Trump’s crackdown extends beyond border apprehensions. The administration has significantly ramped up Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, leading to 11,000 arrests of illegal migrants across the country within the first 18 days of his new term. In addition, Trump has revived deportation flights to Venezuela, which had been stalled for nearly a year due to opposition from the Maduro regime. His administration has also implemented a controversial policy of transferring illegal migrant criminals to Guantanamo Bay. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks emphasized the need for strong leadership in securing the nation’s borders. Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Banks credited Trump’s approach for empowering agents. “US Border Patrol knows how to get the job done, we know how to secure the border,” Banks said. “All we needed was a president that was going to empower us—a strong leader like President Trump—and a secretary like Secretary Noem that knows exactly what we need to do to secure the border.” With illegal crossings at historic lows and enforcement efforts ramping up, the border landscape has transformed dramatically. If the downward trend continues, the U.S. could witness a level of border security not seen in nearly 60 years. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-15

During a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly pushed back against criticism of Washington’s approach to negotiations with Russia over the war in Ukraine. He cautioned European allies against placing excessive security burdens on the United States, making it clear that President Trump would not tolerate America being taken advantage of. "Make no mistake, President Trump will not allow anyone to turn Uncle Sam into 'Uncle Sucker,'" Hegseth stated. He emphasized that European nations should take primary responsibility for their own defense. Defending his stance, Hegseth described his comments as a recognition of the realities on the battlefield. He also left open the possibility of U.S. flexibility in negotiations, including reconsidering American military support to Ukraine and the presence of U.S. troops in Europe. "I think it would be fair to say that things like future funding, either less or more, could be on the table in negotiations," he said, while emphasizing that he would not speak ahead of President Trump on the matter. The situation intensified following Trump’s direct engagement with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday. Trump instructed U.S. officials to initiate discussions aimed at ending the war, now approaching its third year. His decision to approach Putin unilaterally, without consulting NATO allies, raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe. Many fear that the U.S. might negotiate a deal that compromises Ukraine’s interests and regional security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made it clear that any agreement reached without Ukraine’s direct involvement would be unacceptable. "We, as a sovereign country, simply will not be able to accept any agreements without us," he stated firmly. European leaders echoed this sentiment, warning that any rushed settlement could result in an unstable and unfavorable outcome. "Any quick fix is a dirty deal," European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked at NATO headquarters, reinforcing the necessity of a collective approach. Hegseth, however, dismissed accusations that the U.S. was undermining NATO or weakening European security. Instead, he reiterated the importance of strengthening the alliance by ensuring that European nations take on more responsibility for their defense. "NATO is a great alliance, the most successful defense alliance in history, but to endure for the future our partners must do far more for Europe's defense. We must make NATO great again," he declared. His comments signal a shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration, one that seeks to reassess long-standing defense commitments and encourage European nations to take greater ownership of their security. While the path forward remains uncertain, the tension between Washington and its NATO allies continues to build, reflecting deeper divisions over how best to approach the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Based on a report by Reuters 2025-02-15

A graduate student at Georgetown University has been identified as the daughter of a high-ranking Hamas adviser, with her own ties to the organization coming under scrutiny. Mapheze Saleh, a first-year master’s student in Arab Studies at Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, has been linked to Hamas through her father, Ahmed Yousef. Yousef previously served as an adviser to Hamas under the leadership of Ismail Haniyeh. According to Saleh’s biography on Georgetown’s website, she has also worked with government agencies affiliated with the Hamas regime. Hamas, designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department in 1997, has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The group, which is committed to armed resistance against Israel, was responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack that resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths. Saleh’s father, Yousef, has been widely quoted in media coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He also served as director of the U.S.-based think tank United Association for Studies and Research (UASR), which The Wall Street Journal has described as a front for Hamas. UASR was founded by Musa Abu Marzook, a senior Hamas official currently based in Doha, Qatar, who is now the group's second-in-command. Yousef led the organization until 2005 before returning to Gaza to advise Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Archived social media posts attributed to Saleh and published by the National Review, citing CAMERA, reportedly show her expressing support for Hamas’s October 7 attack. The posts allegedly included videos of Israeli hostages being paraded through crowds and criticism of the United States. Saleh's professional background includes working for the Qatar Embassy in New Delhi and contributing articles to Middle East Monitor, Al Jazeera, and Palestinian media outlets. This revelation comes amid heightened scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activism on U.S. campuses. Georgetown University is currently investigating a student event organized by Georgetown Law Students for Justice in Palestine, which had planned to feature Ribhi Karajah, a convicted terrorist. According to Fox News, Karajah was involved in the killing of a 17-year-old Israeli girl. Campus flyers for the event described it as "Palestinian Prisoners, an evening with Ribhi Karajah, student activist and former political prisoner." Former President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order on January 30 to revoke student visas of individuals who have shown support for Hamas, as part of a broader crackdown on anti-Semitism in American universities. Based on a report by Daily mail 2025-02-15

Two brothers have denied charges of assaulting police officers in a widely publicized incident at Manchester Airport. The altercation, which occurred at the airport's Terminal Two on July 23, was captured on video and rapidly circulated online. Authorities also claim he assaulted a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, at a nearby Starbucks café prior to the airport incident. His brother, Muhammad Amaad, 25, also from Rochdale, has been accused of assaulting PC Marsden, likewise resulting in actual bodily harm. Both men appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, where they entered not guilty pleas to all charges. The court has scheduled their trial to begin on June 30, with proceedings expected to last three weeks. In the meantime, the brothers remain on unconditional bail as they await the upcoming trial. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-15

A source close to the situation has revealed that Bianca Censori has finally had enough. "The swastika shirt was the last straw," the insider told the New York Post on Thursday. "She told him that’s not who she is, and that she can’t be associated with that." Kanye West, however, reportedly responded by asserting his control over the situation, saying, "he has dominion over" and that "he's selling those shirts." The source added, "It reflects on her, and she doesn’t want any part of that circus. He believes that she’ll come back to him, he’s saying that she’s just ‘mad at him,’ but right now she’s told him that she’s completely done." The Daily Mail was the first to break the news that the couple has split and is expected to file for divorce in the coming days. Both sides are said to be searching for divorce attorneys, according to *TMZ*. Following the reports, West, 47, appeared to react to the situation on Instagram with an eerie post on Thursday, just an hour after the news broke. The post, which he captioned "Is the coercion," contained a definition of the term, reading, "Yes, coercion is illegal. Coercion is the act of forcing someone to do something against their will through threats or intimidation. It can involve physical harm, psychological abuse, extortion, blackmail, or sexual assault." The post was mysteriously deleted just minutes later. The reported split comes only 11 days after Censori's controversial appearance on the Grammys red carpet, where she followed West’s instructions to remove her fur coat in front of photographers. While she complied, witnesses noted she appeared visibly uncomfortable. Sources suggest the pair have already discussed financial arrangements, with Censori allegedly set to receive a $5 million payout following their brief marriage, which began in December 2022. She is currently staying at their $35 million Beverly Park North home in Los Angeles. As for West, his whereabouts remain uncertain, though some speculate he might return to Tokyo, Japan, where he spent much of last year. The split marks another turbulent chapter in West’s personal life, with Censori seemingly determined to distance herself from the controversies surrounding him. Whether this break is final or just another pause in their unpredictable relationship remains to be seen. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-15

A transgender woman accused of sexually abusing children has appeared in court to face multiple charges, including the rape of a young girl. Maddison Wilson, 37, who was born male but now identifies as a woman, attended Southampton Magistrates’ Court dressed in black and wearing a pink headband. During the brief hearing, Wilson spoke only to confirm preferred pronouns as “she/her.” The allegations date back over a decade and involve multiple victims. According to court documents, Wilson is accused of raping a girl under the age of 13 in Hull, East Yorkshire, in 2011. The charge sheet specifies that the alleged abuse was carried out using “your penis.” In addition, Wilson faces charges of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Separate allegations relate to offences in Southampton between 2017 and 2020, in which Wilson is accused of sexually assaulting a boy under 13 and causing or inciting him to engage in sexual activity. Despite the defendant's transition, the official court charge sheet identifies Wilson as female. Wilson, who resides in Portsmouth, is set to appear at a crown court hearing later this month to enter a plea. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-15

A far-right extremist group, operating under the guise of a fitness club, has been secretly training for what they term a "race war." An undercover investigation by ITV News has exposed 'Active Club England' as an emerging white supremacist network, using fitness as a tool for recruitment and radicalization. Following a well-documented blueprint from neo-Nazi groups in the US and Europe, the organization has rapidly expanded, especially in the wake of the 2024 summer riots. Capitalizing on the unrest, the group managed to grow its membership to over 100, with some branches, including one in Vauxhall, south London—mere steps from MI6 headquarters—holding regular training sessions. One of its newest members is Jay Barlow, a 28-year-old convicted violent offender previously jailed for a knife attack in a supermarket. Barlow, who joined under the alias ‘Glenn,’ was recruited in December—mere weeks after being sentenced for separate offences. Despite being under probation and required to attend a 'thinking skills programme,' Barlow denied any affiliation when confronted by ITV News. After six months of covert filming, ITV News uncovered that Active Club England has become one of Britain’s largest white supremacist groups, with at least eight branches nationwide. Secretly recorded meetings between October 2024 and February 2025 revealed a shift from racist "jokes" about Adolf Hitler to explicit discussions about weapons and the strategic pursuit of power. The group has been making plans to rent a permanent indoor training space in London for "practicing knife defense without getting arrested." Members have also discussed pooling resources to purchase ten acres of land for the group’s activities. While the group publicly insists on being "peaceful and legal," counterterrorism experts have expressed deep concerns. Neil Basu, former head of UK counterterrorism policing, warned, "These are people preparing to commit acts of violence." Unlike traditional far-right organizations, Active Club England operates in a highly decentralized manner, designed to maintain secrecy and resilience. The group demands rigorous vetting before allowing new recruits to attend training. Only after proving their commitment are they granted access to a private group on the encrypted messaging app Telegram. ITV News’ undercover journalist was interrogated over the phone by the group’s national leader, ‘Lance,’ who questioned their religious beliefs, ethnic background, and views on the state of the country. Security is paramount within the organization. Internal directives from October advised members to buy "a secondary phone" for communications, use Faraday pouches to block signals, and transition to the encrypted app 'Threema' to protect their anonymity. Even among members, trust is limited, with identities often concealed. In November, a rented village hall in Buckinghamshire became the setting for one of Active Club England’s rituals. After a boxing session, members gathered for a group photo, with several instinctively raising their arms in a Nazi salute—referred to among them as a 'Roman salute.' Their leader, ‘Lance,’ quickly intervened, instructing, "No Romans, no Romans." This calculated approach is part of their broader strategy to maintain a sanitized public image while embracing extreme ideologies in private. Observers have drawn comparisons between Active Club England and the radical Islamist group al-Muhajiroun, which managed to evade legal repercussions for years through careful adherence to the law. "If you are inciting racial hatred online and in a public place, with the intention of being abusive or insulting someone, you have committed a criminal offence," warned Neil Basu. "They know that, and they are being careful. They are clearly being coached in how to stay the right side of the law." Based on a report by ITV News 2025-02-15

Last Saturday, Adrián Simancas and his father, Dell, were kayaking in Bahía El Águila near the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan when the massive marine mammal surfaced. Without warning, the whale engulfed Adrián and his yellow kayak for a few harrowing seconds before spitting him out. “When I came up and started floating, I was scared that something might happen to my father too, that we wouldn’t reach the shore in time, or that I would get hypothermia,” Adrián recalled. Despite the chaos, Dell remained focused, continuing to film while ensuring his son was safe. Within seconds, Adrián reached his father’s kayak and was assisted back to safety. Both father and son made it to shore without injury, though visibly shaken by the extraordinary event. Located about 1,600 miles (3,000 kilometers) south of Santiago, Chile’s capital, the Strait of Magellan is a well-known tourist destination in Chilean Patagonia. The area attracts adventurers eager to explore its stunning landscapes and encounter its diverse marine wildlife. However, as Adrián’s experience proves, nature can be as unpredictable as it is awe-inspiring. Based on a report by AP 2025-02-15

Elon Musk has called for a drastic reduction of the United States federal government, stating that entire agencies should be eliminated rather than merely downsized. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, the billionaire entrepreneur emphasized the need for structural change, warning that without completely removing these institutions, bureaucratic inefficiency would persist. "If we don't remove the roots of the weed, then it's easy for the weed to grow back," Musk said, reinforcing his belief that deep systemic cuts are necessary for government reform. Wearing a black T-shirt with the words “Tech Support,” Musk humorously referred to himself as the White House’s unofficial technical advisor, a nod to his profile on X, the social media platform he owns. Since taking leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump’s administration, Musk has consolidated significant influence over government operations. His tenure has seen career officials sidelined, access granted to sensitive federal databases, and a growing debate over the extent of presidential authority. His remarks in Dubai highlight his continued push for aggressive government streamlining, a stance that could set the stage for further political and constitutional debates in Washington. Musk, whose vast wealth stems from his leadership at SpaceX and Tesla, has long been vocal about the inefficiencies of government bureaucracy. His comments are likely to fuel discussions about the role of government oversight and whether such extreme measures are viable or necessary. However, critics argue that dismantling entire federal agencies could lead to significant disruptions in essential services and governance. As Musk continues to influence both the private and public sectors, his call for eliminating government agencies raises questions about the future direction of U.S. federal operations. Whether his vision gains traction or meets resistance, it is clear that his role in shaping government policy is growing stronger. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-15

From afar, the Ivanpah solar plant appears like a shimmering mirage in the vast Mojave Desert. Up close, it reveals itself as an otherworldly collection of hundreds of thousands of mirrors, each meticulously positioned to reflect sunlight toward three towering structures, each surpassing the height of the Statue of Liberty. When it launched in 2014 near the California-Nevada border, it was heralded as the future of solar energy. Just over a decade later, the facility is set to close. Co-owner NRG Energy confirmed in January that it had begun unwinding contracts with power companies and, pending regulatory approval, would commence shutting down the plant in early 2026. The site may ultimately be repurposed for a different type of solar technology. To critics, Ivanpah has become a gleaming symbol of wasted taxpayer dollars and environmental mismanagement. Advocacy groups have long condemned its impact on desert wildlife. Supporters, however, argue that setbacks like these are an inevitable part of the search for effective renewable energy solutions. When first conceived, Ivanpah’s technology—known as concentrated solar power or thermal solar—was considered revolutionary. The concept relied on an intricate system: thousands of computer-controlled mirrors, called heliostats, tracked the sun’s movement and directed its rays onto the three towers. Atop each stood boilers filled with water, heated by the concentrated sunlight until they produced steam, which then powered a turbine to generate electricity. A key advantage of this approach was its ability to store heat, enabling power generation even when sunlight was unavailable, without the need for batteries. The project secured $1.6 billion in Department of Energy loan guarantees and agreements with utility companies Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison to purchase its electricity under long-term contracts. By the time it commenced operations in 2014, Ivanpah was the world’s largest solar thermal plant, spanning roughly five square miles of federally managed desert. “This project is a symbol of the exciting progress we are seeing across the industry,” then-Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz declared during the facility’s dedication ceremony in February 2014. Despite such optimism, problems soon emerged. According to Jenny Chase, a solar analyst at BloombergNEF, the technology was finicky and never quite performed as intended. “These kinds of plants are just technically really difficult to operate,” she explained, noting that they incorporate the complex mechanical components of fossil fuel plants, such as turbines and moving parts, alongside the challenges of managing a distributed energy source. The system depended on precisely aligned mirrors that tracked the sun’s movements flawlessly—something that proved challenging to maintain. However, Ivanpah’s greatest obstacle was the rapid decline in the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. Chase noted that PV technology became remarkably affordable in just a few years. “In some parts of the world, you can basically buy a solar module for the price of a fence panel,” she said. When Ivanpah was built, few could have predicted that PV solar and battery storage would become so inexpensive so quickly. NRG acknowledged that when power purchase agreements were signed in 2009, the pricing was competitive, but subsequent advancements in solar technology ultimately made alternative solutions far more cost-effective. In January, NRG reached a deal with PG&E to terminate contracts that were originally set to run until 2039. This move, according to an NRG spokesperson, “will provide significant savings for California ratepayers.” Southern California Edison confirmed it remains in discussions with the plant’s owners and the Department of Energy regarding its contract. For critics, Ivanpah’s impending shutdown is proof that the project was doomed from the start. “It was a financial boondoggle and environmental disaster,” said Julia Dowell, senior campaign organizer at the Sierra Club. She emphasized the environmental cost, stating, “The project’s construction destroyed irreplaceable pristine desert habitat.” The Mojave Desert, while an ideal location for harnessing solar energy, is also home to the threatened desert tortoise. Despite efforts by developers to mitigate harm by relocating the animals, many environmentalists argued the plant should never have been approved. Another major concern was its impact on birds. Reports emerged of birds, dubbed “streamers,” being incinerated midair by the plant’s intense beams of light, further fueling opposition. NRG declined to comment on the plant’s effect on wildlife. Some have pointed to Ivanpah as an example of why government subsidies for renewable energy projects should be reconsidered. This perspective aligns with the approach taken by former President Donald Trump, who, early in his administration, halted approvals for new renewable energy developments on federal land. However, clean energy experts argue that government investment in various technologies is essential. While some projects may fail, others, like photovoltaic solar, have thrived. Kenneth Gillingham, an economics professor at Yale School of the Environment, emphasized the unpredictability of technological success. “Picking winners is extremely difficult,” he said. “And it’s not a problem that some technologies are outcompeted by others, as long as innovation continues occurring.” Though the Ivanpah plant’s days are numbered, its story underscores both the challenges and rapid evolution of the clean energy industry. While one vision for the future fades, another is already on the horizon. Based on a report by CNN 2025-02-15

//Locked// If you send me a PM with credible links to those claims I can edit it and re open it again for you

@MalcolmB enough of the antisemitic rants and unattributed claims

@newbee2022 a foreign language link posted that additionally does not back claims and a troll post have been removed

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of President Donald Trump’s most debated cabinet selections, has officially been sworn in as the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. The former presidential candidate will now oversee key health agencies, managing approximately 80,000 employees and a budget of nearly one trillion dollars. His confirmation comes despite widespread skepticism from both sides of the political aisle due to his history of controversial health claims and vaccine skepticism. Kennedy was confirmed in a narrow 52-48 Senate vote on Thursday, with no Democrats supporting his nomination. Among Republicans, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the only one to vote against him. Trump personally swore Kennedy in at the Oval Office, marking another key victory in his broader effort to restructure multiple levels of government. The Senate is working long hours to finalize the president's cabinet, with lawmakers also confirming Brooke Rollins as head of the Department of Agriculture in a 72-28 vote. Kennedy becomes the second contentious cabinet pick to be confirmed this week, following Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment as Director of National Intelligence in another closely contested vote on Wednesday. He will now take charge of vital health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. His responsibilities will extend across food safety, pharmaceuticals, public health, and vaccinations. Having previously run for president in 2024 as an independent, Kennedy eventually withdrew from the race and endorsed Trump. His appointment to the top federal health position has raised concerns among both Republicans and Democrats. Many lawmakers have questioned his past statements on vaccines, his association with organizations that promote unverified health claims, and his shifting stance on abortion. Kennedy is the founder of Children's Health Defense, an anti-vaccine group that has gained prominence by casting doubt on childhood immunizations and promoting the widely discredited claim that vaccines are linked to autism. Despite this, Kennedy has denied being anti-vaccine, emphasizing that his own children are immunized. During his confirmation hearings, he argued that he merely advocates for stricter safety testing and more comprehensive research on vaccines. Some Republicans have expressed support for Kennedy, particularly for his criticism of food additives and his stance against the pharmaceutical industry. However, his confirmation hearings were marked by intense scrutiny, including sharp questioning on his promotion of health misinformation and his qualifications to oversee the nation’s healthcare system. One of the most contentious moments came when Kennedy was asked about his stance on abortion. While he has previously indicated support for abortion rights, he told lawmakers that he agrees with President Trump in leaving abortion policy to individual states and stated that "every abortion is a tragedy." His comments drew backlash from Democrats, who accused him of abandoning his pro-choice position to secure the nomination. The hearings were not without public spectacle, as protesters interrupted proceedings with shouts of opposition. However, Kennedy also received applause when he vowed to "make America healthy again," echoing a slogan frequently used by the Trump administration. Based on a report by BBC 2025-02-14

@bannork please cease copy and pasting articles and text blocks that are well over fair use policy and additionally contain no credible link to them. 27. You will not post any copyrighted material except as fair use laws apply (as in the case of news articles). Only post a link, the headline and three sentences from the article. Content in the public domain is limited to the same restrictions.