Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/congresswoman-charged-with-ice-interference-ice-protests-spread-across-the-nation/
US Politics
Democrat Rep. LaMonica McIver has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly interfering with ICE officers at a facility in Newark, NJ, facing up to 17 years in prison. McIver’s legal team plans to argue that her actions were within the bounds of peaceful protest. Additionally, a Boston judge is facing a misconduct hearing allegedly providing assistance to an illegal immigrant.
Anti-ICE protests and riots continue in Los Angeles, where Waymo vehicles reportedly became targets during protests against ICE raids, leading to a temporary suspension of operations in downtown LA. After several days, Los Angeles Mayor declared a curfew amidst downtown vandalism and looting, reflecting the city’s efforts to manage the fallout from these protests.
Anti-ICE protests are expanding across the nation. In Atlanta, protests have reportedly turned violent with rioters using organized tactics against police. Chicago saw the deployment of a bomb squad after an anti-ICE protester allegedly planted suspicious items in the downtown sewer system. In Manhattan, clashes with the NYPD outside a federal building resulted in multiple arrests. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, protesters reportedly humorously chanted for Arby’s. Some critics argue that the heavy police response might be an attempt to intimidate protesters, pointing out that similar incidents in the past have often been exaggerated to justify increased police presence.
Economy
Google is reportedly navigating economic pressures by offering buyouts to employees in its Search, ads, and commerce divisions as part of a cost-cutting initiative. This follows a significant layoff in 2023, with the company now focusing on investments in AI infrastructure and shifting internal learning platforms towards AI tools. Some employees have expressed appreciation for the buyout option over immediate layoffs, indicating a preference for voluntary exits.
According to a report, President Trump may issue an executive order targeting “naked” short selling, a practice some sources link to market manipulations and financial crises. This move is intended to protect investors by revising SEC regulations, potentially leveling the playing field in the stock market. While some market experts argue that the proposed changes could disrupt market efficiency, potentially leading to increased volatility and reduced liquidity, others see it as a necessary step to curb manipulative practices.
Individuals and businesses are reportedly being advised to front-load purchases of goods with long shelf lives as a strategy to combat inflation. This approach, referred to as the “Inflation Dividend,” involves buying items like razor blades, trash bags, or office supplies in advance to mitigate the impact of future price increases. This tactic is suggested in response to the current economic climate where inflation remains above target levels, despite claims of control, and there are criticisms regarding the methodologies of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), such as shrinkflation and basket swaps. By buying in bulk or ahead of time, consumers are essentially earning an inflation-adjusted return on their purchases, a strategy that has been discussed in economic blogs as a way to combat the slow erosion of purchasing power.
Energy
The UK government has committed £14.2 billion ($19.3 billion) to the construction of Sizewell C, a new nuclear power plant in Suffolk, with the aim of enhancing energy security, reducing bills, and addressing climate change. This investment marks the second new nuclear plant in Britain in over two decades, following the Hinkley Point C project. Additionally, £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) has been allocated to support Rolls-Royce SMR in building small modular reactors, reflecting a broader European push towards nuclear power amidst concerns over energy costs and geopolitical tensions affecting gas supplies. However, there are concerns about the financial implications and the history of delays and cost overruns with similar projects like Hinkley Point C, questioning the economic viability of Sizewell C.
Geopolitics
The U.S. has decided to reduce military aid to Ukraine to encourage peace negotiations, reflecting a policy shift under the Trump administration. This decision follows Ukrainian military actions against Russian infrastructure and a failed peace meeting in Istanbul. Despite this, Ukraine will reportedly continue to receive military support from other nations like Germany. Some analysts argue that reducing aid might embolden Russia, potentially leading to further aggression rather than peace.
Relatedly, Alex Soros has reportedly deepened his influence in Ukraine, building on his father George Soros’ decades-long involvement through the Open Society Foundations, which has invested over $230 million since 1991. Alex has cultivated close ties with key figures like Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief-of-staff, meeting multiple times since 2023, and has publicly partnered with Zelensky’s administration, including a $1 million donation to the Olena Zelenska Foundation. Critics argue this reflects a broader agenda to shape Ukrainian policy and secure post-war influence, raising concerns about foreign interference in a nation already grappling with corruption and war.
In Israel, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee has been actively engaging with ultra-Orthodox members of Netanyahu’s coalition to prevent new elections, amidst a crisis over military conscription exemptions. His involvement has reportedly stirred controversy, with opposition leaders questioning the appropriateness of foreign intervention in Israeli politics. Netanyahu has been personally engaging with ultra-Orthodox Knesset members, urging them to maintain the government’s stability due to “extraordinary challenges” and a “historic window of opportunity.”
Environment
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel after her boat, part of a flotilla aiming to break the naval blockade of Gaza, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy. Thunberg, along with other activists, was flown out of the country, while eight others were detained for refusing deportation. This incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding Israel’s blockade and international activism. Thunberg reiterated her accusation of being kidnapped in international waters, emphasizing the mission’s aim to deliver aid to Gaza.
Sources
The Inflation Dividend: Turning Inflation into Opportunity
Inflation isn’t a glitch. It’s policy.
Source | Submitted by Gamma Geek
Greta Thunberg Deported from Israel After Flotilla Interception, Eight Activists Detained
“I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” she said in a video that was recorded ahead of the Israeli navy action.
Source | Submitted by BonnieB2A
Waymo Vehicles Become Targets in Los Angeles ICE Protests
Protesters can simply order up a Waymo to incinerate as easily as ordering a pizza.
Source | Submitted by BonnieB2A
Boston Judge Faces Misconduct Hearing Over Alleged Assistance to Undocumented Immigrant
“If you were to walk down the street and take a survey of the people you meet, 100% of them would tell you Judge Joseph let an illegal immigrant out the back door of the district court.”
Democrat Rep. LaMonica McIver Indicted on Federal Charges for Interfering with ICE Officers
Democrat Rep. LaMonica McIver has been indicted with three federal charges for forcibly impeding and interfering with federal law enforcement officers at an ICE facility in Newark, NJ.
Google Offers Buyouts to Search and Ads Employees Amid Cost-Cutting Measures
Google offers buyouts to employees in its Search and ads unit
Source | Submitted by BonnieB2A
Alex Soros: The New Power Broker in Ukraine’s Political Landscape
The corruption whiff around Yermak? Alex doesn’t care; it’s a feature, not a bug.
Source | Submitted by BonnieB2A
Trump’s Bold Move Against ‘Naked Shorts’ Could Protect Investors
“It is a manipulative scheme, a conspiracy between brokers and market makers to manufacture securities out of thin air and institutionalize naked shorting at scale,” says John Welborn, a senior lecturer at Dartmouth College.
Source | Submitted by Danny Guy
UK Invests $19.3 Billion in New Nuclear Power Plant Amid Energy Security Push
“We need new nuclear to deliver a golden age of clean energy abundance, because that is the only way to protect family finances, take back control of our energy, and tackle the climate crisis,” said Energy Minister Ed Miliband.
US Ambassador Huckabee Urges Israeli Ultra-Orthodox to Prevent New Elections Amid Draft Crisis
“government stability is important for dealing with the Iranian issue.”
U.S. Slashes Ukraine Military Aid to Push for Peace Negotiations
“We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nation’s interests, especially with all the competing interests around the globe.”
Atlanta Protests Escalate: Rioters Deploy Organized Tactics Against Police
This is a cone that they put on the smoke grenades in order to disperse.
Chicago Police Deploy Bomb Squad After Anti-ICE Protester Plants Suspicious Items in Downtown Sewer System
Police in Chicago are now deploying B0MB SQUAD to Downtown after an anti-ICE rioter entered the sewer system and planted suspicious items.
Rioters Clash with NYPD Outside Manhattan Federal Building
As two federal vans tried to leave, rioters swarmed the street—blocking exits, attacking officers, and throwing barricades.
ICE Protests Have Spread to San Francisco
LA Mayor Declares Curfew Amidst Downtown Vandalism and Looting
“I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting.”
Anti-ICE Protesters Flood Denver Streets in Peaceful Demonstration
“This is a peaceful protest.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: @RealEconTalk, Economic Insights, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, @InflationWatch, @David_Khait, @NYC_Insider, The Gothamist, NYC Protest Watch, CNN, Fox News, BBC, The New York Post, American AF 🇺🇸 (@iAnonPatriot), The San Francisco Chronicle, The Resistance Report, @WarClandestine, Los Angeles Times (@latimes), The Liberty Daily.