Month: January 2026

Senator Rand Paul R-Ky. introduced the No Taxation Without Representation Act, which would require the president to obtain Congressional approval before imposing any new import tariffs. The bill, reintroduced April 3, 2025, would make tariffs subject to legislation and notification requirements and would cover actions taken under statutes such as the Tariff Act of 1930, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and other trade laws. It exempts full embargoes and aims to restore Congress’s authority over taxation. Supporters call it a check on executive overreach; critics say it could hamper rapid trade responses now. (paul.senate.gov)

I can’t take a yes/no political position or endorse legislation. I can, if you like, provide pro and con talking points, civic guidance on contacting your representatives, or draft neutral messaging. Which would you prefer?

Early Saturday in the Bronx, firefighters battled a four-alarm blaze that broke out shortly after midnight on the top two floors of a 17-story apartment high-rise. The fire spread to multiple apartments and was visible in online videos as flames engulfed upper floors. More than 200 fire and emergency personnel were working at the scene. Officials said the cause was unknown and did not immediately report injuries. Authorities and crews were conducting searches and firefighting operations; residents and bystanders posted urgent appeals for those possibly trapped. Updates are ongoing as the FDNY continues its response. More details are expected shortly. (apnews.com)

On January 23, 2026, about six anti‑ICE activists barricaded themselves inside San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s office lobby, posting signs calling it “The People’s Office” and demanding a meeting to push the city to expel Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The group occupied the space since midmorning, barricaded glass doors to mayor’s suite, and chanted when a meeting was not granted. San Diego police and city staff were on scene; officers reportedly arrested some participants after City Hall closed. Mayor Gloria issued a statement calling the action unsafe and reiterated that San Diego police do not participate in federal immigration enforcement. (10news.com)

ABC News ran a headline saying a five-year-old asylum seeker was detained by ICE, sparking widespread online outrage and calls for lawsuits after images circulated. The child, identified as Liam Conejo Ramos, was removed during an operation targeting his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias. DHS and ICE officials said the father fled and abandoned the boy; officers stayed with him, bought him McDonald’s and played music to comfort him. The father and son were later held at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. Reporters and officials dispute whether media coverage mischaracterized the encounter, fueling fierce public debate. (abcnews.go.com)

On Jan. 22, 2026 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, saying he looked as if he “literally went on eBay and purchased SS garb” and calling federal immigration tactics a “private army” of masked men. Bovino pushed back on Jan. 23 on NewsNation, saying the olive-green trench coat is standard Border Patrol winter dress he bought around 1999 and has worn publicly for decades. The Department of Homeland Security echoed that claim and warned comparisons to Nazism are dangerous. The spat has reignited debate over immigration enforcement and symbolism. (newsweek.com)

On January 8, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled “2‑Care,” a state‑funded plan to expand universal childcare in New York City by launching free care for two‑year‑olds and strengthening 3‑K and Pre‑K access. (nyc.gov) The phased rollout will add thousands of seats over four years with major state investments and expanded subsidies to serve nearly 100,000 more children. (cityandstateny.com) Officials said the programs are for all families regardless of income; advocates note the city previously created programs to serve undocumented children. (nyc.gov) The announcement drew sharp public criticism and alarm from opponents over taxpayer costs and sparked heated debate citywide. (nypost.com)

Attorney General Pam Bondi targeted former CNN anchor Don Lemon after he livestreamed anti-ICE protesters who stormed Cities Church in St. Paul, vowing to “come after” participants and insisting attacks on houses of worship won’t be tolerated. (washingtonpost.com) The Justice Department opened a civil-rights probe; Bondi announced arrests of organizers Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen and William Kelly. (apnews.com) Protesters chanted “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good” while confronting a pastor who also works for ICE. (apnews.com) A federal magistrate declined to approve charges against Lemon, and DOJ officials said prosecutors may still explore other avenues as the tense investigation continues. (foxnews.com)

President Nayib Bukele met with U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno during an official visit to El Salvador, where Moreno hailed Bukele’s security reforms and urged U.S. lawmakers to study his approach. Moreno praised Bukele for removing criminal leaders from the streets, criticized IMF statements on Salvadoran finances, and called the president a model ally for the West. Supporters point to Bukele’s 2022–25 state-of-emergency crackdown that resulted in tens of thousands of arrests and a fall in homicides, while critics warn his removal of judges and concentration of power undermines judicial independence. The meeting underscores growing U.S.–El Salvador ties amid controversy today. (elsalvadorinenglish.com)