US Politics
Border Patrol agents shot and killed a 37-year-old armed suspect during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis targeting a man wanted for assault who was subject to an immigration hold. The suspect approached officers with a 9 mm handgun and two loaded magazines, resisted disarming, and was shot after an armed struggle. The suspect was identified as Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and lawful concealed carry permit holder. Conflicting video footage has circulated depicting the incident. After the shooting, about 200 people reportedly obstructed and assaulted officers. Democrats, including Mayor Jacob Frey, Governor Tim Walz, Representative Ilhan Omar, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, criticized the agents and called for their withdrawal. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance stated that local authorities refused to collaborate with federal agents.
A Homeland Security Investigations officer reportedly lost a finger when bitten by a protester during clashes. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared images of the injury and two suspects in custody.
Journalist James O’Keefe received a text message death threat while covering the demonstrations, specifying his vehicle’s details and demanding he leave Minneapolis within one hour. His team reported attacks including thrown bottles and attempts to remove his bulletproof vest.
Groups including Indivisible Twin Cities and 50501 organized a protest blocking access to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport’s main terminal, leading to about 100 arrests amid a broader “economic blackout” involving closures by over 700 businesses and groups.
Lastly, Governor Tim Walz has now activated the Minnesota National Guard to support local law enforcement in Minneapolis, including security at the Whipple Building and coordination with Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, State Patrol, and others, following the shooting.
Economy
President Trump stated that Canada would face 100 percent tariffs on goods entering the US if it proceeds with a trade deal reducing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles from 100 percent to 6.1 percent for the first 49,000 units. The agreement would also reportedly lower Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola from 85 percent to 15 percent. Trump referred to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as “Governor” and warned that China would dominate Canada economically. Canadian officials denied pursuing a free trade deal with China, describing the arrangement as resolving specific tariff disputes.
China has reportedly suspended USD transactions with U.S. defense companies, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics, following the U.S. detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Meanwhile, State Grid Corporation has begun reviewing its contracts with U.S. electrical equipment suppliers. China National Petroleum Corporation has redirected $47 billion in annual oil supplies—previously destined for U.S. refineries—to India, Brazil, South Africa, and other nations, a shift that coincided with a 23 percent surge in oil prices during a single trading session. Similarly, China Ocean Shipping Company has rerouted vessels away from major U.S. ports, including Long Beach, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, resulting in a reported 35 percent drop in container traffic at those locations. In addition, the Chinese cross-border interbank payment system reportedly settled $89 billion in transactions within 48 hours, with central banks from 34 countries opening accounts, though these measures have not been confirmed by official Chinese statements or mainstream outlets.
In a recent post, Martin Armstrong uses chaos theory and fractal geometry to identify patterns in markets, contrasting with the Random Walk Theory and Efficient Market Hypothesis, which describe prices as moving randomly. Such analyses reference events like the 1987 stock market crash as evidence of herd behavior. Defenders of the Efficient Market Hypothesis argue that prices incorporate all available information, rendering consistent outperformance difficult.
Geopolitics
President Trump stated that a US carrier strike group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and three guided-missile destroyers carrying up to 90 aircraft, is heading toward Iran. He referenced halting planned hangings in Iran, imposed a 25 percent tariff on nations doing business with Iran, and called for the deposing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iranian officials denied plans for mass hangings and affirmed readiness to respond to aggression.
The US is also considering a total oil blockade on Cuba to pressure the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel, building on restrictions against Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports the measure, which some officials describe as a way to destabilize the regime. The US has held meetings with Cuban exiles reportedly to identify potential insiders for regime change by the end of 2026. President Trump warned Cuba to make a deal, while Díaz-Canel affirmed Cuba’s sovereignty. Russia condemned the threats and sanctions.
Additionally, the Pentagon will host the inaugural Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference on February 11 in Washington, with senior military leaders from 34 nations attending. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine will lead discussions on partnerships to counter criminal organizations, terrorists, and external actors, excluding countries like Cuba.
In other news, Germany’s AfD party plans to demand $70 billion from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for damage to the Nord Stream pipelines, attributing the sabotage to Ukrainian involvement with foreign intelligence. The party intends to seek repayment of German investments and aid to Ukraine if it gains government power. The AfD has also supported withdrawing Germany from the EU, as reported in the January 20 Digest.
Japanese Politics
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the House of Representatives, triggering a snap election in February. Supporters described it as a strategic move to solidify her mandate, while critics viewed it as a gamble amid economic pressures.
Health
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state will remain in the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network despite the US withdrawal from the WHO. The Trump administration ended US funding of about $111 million in annual mandatory dues and $570 million in voluntary contributions, citing the agency’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions against US interests. Newsom made the announcement after meeting WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the World Economic Forum. Critics contended that states lack authority for independent international affiliations.
Sources
China’s Silent Economic Hammer: Retaliation for Maduro “Kidnapping”
China is very well prepared to play hardball with the US while retaining a calm facade.
Source | Submitted by Gigi Ryan
Newsom Defies Trump: California Stays in WHO After U.S. Exit
Newsom Announces California Will Remain In WHO Despite US Withdrawal
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Pentagon Hosts Inaugural Western Hemisphere Defense Chiefs Conference in D.C. on Feb. 11
Western Hemisphere defense chiefs to convene Feb. 11 in Washington: Pentagon
Random Walk Theory Debunked: Chaos Reveals Hidden Market Order
“Chaos: When the present determines the future, but the approximate present does not approximately determine the future.”
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Minneapolis Shooting: Armed Suspect Killed by Border Patrol, Democrats vs. Trump Blame Game Erupts
Minneapolis Shooting Sparks Explosive Blame-Game Between Democrats And Trump Admin
Left-Wing NGOs Target Minneapolis Airport as Critical Economic Chokepoint
Left-Wing NGOs Transition To Targeting ‘Critical Economic Chokepoints’ In Minneapolis
James O’Keefe Receives Death Threat: “One Hour to Leave or You’re Dead” in Minneapolis
“You have one hour to leave or you’re dead.”
Federal Agent’s Finger Bitten Off by Anti-ICE Rioter in Minneapolis Clash
“In Minneapolis, these rioters attacked our law enforcement officer and one of them bit off our HSI officer’s finger,”
US Considers Total Oil Blockade to Choke Cuba’s Regime
The US is considering imposing a total blockade on oil imports to Cuba
Trump: “Armada” Sailing Towards Iran
A US “armada” is being sent towards Iran, President Trump says.
Gov. Walz Deploys Minnesota National Guard to Minneapolis After Fatal Shooting by ICE, Border Patrol Agents
Governor Tim Walz announces that has ordered the activation and deployment of the Minnesota National Guard to Minneapolis, following today’s shooting of a 37-year-old male by agents with Border Patrol and Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Canada Over China Deal
“If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
AfD Vows to Demand $70B from Zelensky Over Nord Stream Sabotage
Germany’s AFD party plans to sue Ukraine for $70 Billion blaming Zelensky for damage to the Nord stream pipeline.
Japan’s PM Takaichi Dissolves Lower House, Calls Snap February Election in Power Play
Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi just DISSOLVED the House of Representatives, triggering a snap FEBRUARY election!
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Just the News, CBC, Armstrong Economics, ZeroHedge, Reuters, Breitbart, Fox News, Iranian statements, PiQ Suite, New York Post, DHS statements, Minnesota Star Tribune, and The Guardian.
by redneck-engineer 
