MY AM ADVANTAGE ⚫ NATION / WORLD

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BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

 (CCN) — Tuesday's Alex Jones Show featured some big breaking news on the Hillary Clinton testimony before Congress about the Epstein files.

The former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State were ordered to testify behind closed doors in front of a congressional committee investigating alleged sexual assaults against under-age girls he entertained powerful men on an island.

Clinton and her husband, former Presiient Bill Clinton, appeared last week on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

The closed door session came despite HIllary making demands that questioning should be in full view of the American public.

She exploded early in the meeting, however, when learning that photos were being leaked to internet sites.

  U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, a Republican from Missouri, joined the controversial Alex Jones to exclusively share key intel gathered after deposing the Clintons over the Epstein scandal.

Jones also presented video he obtained of Hillary's testimony. Portions of it were leaked to the internet despite the meeting being behind closed doors.

Video of Bill Clinton's testimony was also leaked in the internet in its entirety.

The Alex Jones Show airs weekdays from 4- pm on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a photo of a screenshot of a video obtained by Alex Jones for his program. 

 BY CRYSTAL BLAIR

Michigan News Connection Staff Writer

(PNS) — The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act is now before the U.S. Senate after narrowly passing the House in April of last year. The bill would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Voting rights advocates called it unnecessary and discriminatory, warning it would end online and mail registration and disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.

Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., opposes the proposal and said she will push to restore the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which requires federal review of election law changes in places with a history of discrimination.

"To protect every American's right to vote in this country and to pass the Freedom to Vote Act," Stevens emphasized. "This is going to ensure that every American can have their voice heard and their vote counted."

Supporters of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act argued the measure is needed to protect election integrity, saying requiring in-person proof of citizenship would help prevent noncitizens from registering to vote and restore public confidence in U.S. elections.

Brian Lemek, founder and executive director of the advocacy group Defend the Vote, said the requirement to present a passport or birth certificate could hit Michiganders especially hard.

"Sixty percent of Michigan residents, they don't have a passport – that's like 5 or 6 million people – and more than two million women in Michigan don't have a birth certificate that matches their married name, so they wouldn't be eligible to vote," Lemek outlined. "Across the country we're going to see tens of millions of people that don't have the documents required."

Backers of the measure contended the bill sets a clear, uniform national standard, making voter registration more transparent and easier to verify.

PHOTO CAPION: Pictured above this story is Rep. Haley Stevens.

BY ANA JONES

CCN Staff Writer

MINNEASPOLIS (CCN) — Unrest in Minneapolis continues after Saturday morning's shooting of a protester during Ice actions to arrest illegal immigrants in the state intensified. 

More than 3,000 Ice agents were deployed there late last month by President Donald Trump's administration. Protester Renee Good was shot and killed 3 weeks ago when federal authorities say she hit an agent with her car. Another motorist was shot exactly a week later when allegedly attacking an Ice agent when pulled over for a traffic infraction. Department of Homeland Security secretary Kristy Noem immediately called the latest shooting victim as an individual looking to inflict maximum violence.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz immediately called  on Trump to end Ice enforcement actions in Minnesota and said federal officials would not be conducting this investigation after the FBI blocked local and state officials from joining the investigation when Renee Good was shot and killed.

The latest shooting victim was a 37-year-old ICU nurse at a Minneapolis VA hospital by the name of Alex Pretti. 

After Governor Walz's speech critical of the Trump administration, U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud granted a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, barring the department from altering or destroying evidence connected to Pretti's killing.

Although Noem said the agent acted in self-defense after attempting to disarm Pretti, Walz said at a press conference that the federal government account was "nonsense" after reviewing videos of the shooting. 

Multiple national media outlets say videos from the scene show that Pretti was holding a cellphone, not a gun, when he was shot. An agent can be seen emerging from a scuffle with a gun and turning away from the victim  when the first shot of several shots is fired. 

BY FARARAH SIDDIQUI

Public News Service Staff Writer

CINCINNATI (PNS) —  Questions about how ICE hires and vets its agents are under renewed scrutiny in Ohio after the arrest of a Cincinnati-based ICE supervisor, a case advocates said exposes gaps in background checks and internal oversight as the agency rapidly expands its workforce.

The case involves Samuel Saxon, a supervisor at the Cincinnati ICE office, who was arrested earlier this month on charges including felonious assault, strangulation and domestic violence. Advocates said police were repeatedly called to his residence over the past year, yet he remained employed by ICE. Saxon was initially held in the Butler County Jail and later transferred into federal custody on charges of allegedly lying to the Department of Homeland Security.

Lynn Tramonte, executive director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, said the allegations raise serious concerns about whether ICE adequately reviews agents’ backgrounds before placing them in positions of authority.

"He has had a huge, long history of domestic violence," Tramonte pointed out. "The police have been called to his home 23 times in a little bit over a year. This is not something that he could have hidden from his employer."

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not commented on Saxon’s employment status or whether internal reporting requirements were followed. Supporters of expanded enforcement said ICE follows federal hiring standards, while critics argued rapid recruitment has weakened oversight.

Tramonte noted the Cincinnati case is not isolated. She pointed to broader national concerns about ICE accelerating hiring without thorough background checks, even as agents are given broad authority over arrests, detention and supervision of immigrants. She also referenced a previous case from the same office, where former ICE agent Andrew Golobic was sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually extorting women under his supervision in the agency’s Alternatives to Detention program.

"They’re rushing to hire more agents at ICE. They’re not doing proper background checks," Tramonte contended. "They don’t know the full criminal histories of the people they’re hiring, and they’re putting them out on the street and saying, 'Go arrest immigrants.' It’s dangerous, and it’s irresponsible."

Saxon was ordered detained by a federal judge and it remains unclear whether there will be further hearings. Advocates said the case underscores the need for stronger hiring standards and accountability as ICE expands enforcement nationwide.

BY MIKE MOEHN

Public News Service Staff Writer

MINNEASPOLIS (PNS) —  Widespread coverage of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota might prompt assumptions about what's happening here. An expert on social behavior who's been following the neighborhood responses says there are misconceptions.

A large group of ICE agents has fanned out across Minnesota as the Trump administration tries to boost deportation numbers. Their controversial arrests, often captured on cellphone recordings from concerned neighbors, have sparked criticism of ICE tactics for civil rights violations.

Republicans who back the operation have said it's community members who are making things dangerous. However, Minneapolis-based sociologist Nicole Bedera said research shows the opposite.

"And the reality is that things like 'ICE Watch' and mutual aid are de-escalation tactics – that they are ways of reducing violence," she said, "and that even though they do come with some risk, those risks are minimal in comparison to the risk of doing nothing."

Bedera said she's witnessed enforcement activity in her own neighborhood. She noted that because of how ICE teams present themselves – often masked men with an intimidating presence who are incentivized to make arrests – they might be seeking validation. She said being surrounded by community members condemning their actions can make them think twice. And in some situations, Bedera said videos show ICE teams departing after neighbors quickly arrive.

Right-wing influencers have made verbal attacks on the reputation of Renee Good, the Minneapolis protester fatally shot by a male ICE agent. She's been frequently labeled as a "lesbian agitator." Bedera said the immediate aftermath of the shooting conjures up thoughts of gender violence.

"The kinds of comments that were made by Jonathan Ross towards Renee Good and her wife are absolutely dripping with sexism," she said. "There is a gender-based component there."

ICE activity garnering negative attention is sometimes seen as a Minneapolis and St. Paul issue. But reports of questionable arrests are circulating in Greater Minnesota, too. Bedera said rural residents who think it's only an urban problem might keep thinking that – until they end up seeing turmoil in their own neighborhood. Then, she said, it's possible they'll have shared empathy.

"If you can see something happening in your own community – if you know somebody who can tell you, 'That's not at all what it's like' – that can break through disinformation," she said. "I do think it's possible. I don't think it's guaranteed – it takes work to get there – but I think it's possible."

No matter the location, Bedera said these events will leave a mark on the neighborhoods affected. Depending on the case, she said longtime residents who have established roots may never come back after being arrested, even if they're eventually released.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

Here is a summary of the recent news briefs from around the nation and around the world: 

 UKRAINE is being offered security guaratees from the United States for 15 years as part of a proposed peace plan, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said Monday (Dec. 29, 2025) that he would prefer, however, an American commitment of up to 50 years to deter Russia from further attempts to seize its land by force. U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday and insisted that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace settlement.

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Monday (Dec. 29, 2025) with United States President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate to try to look for ways to speed up the peace process, especially as Israel’s leader has been accused of not pushing his side to move fast enough. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has mostly held, but progress has slowed recently. Both sides accuse one another of violations, and divisions have emerged among the USA, Israel and Arab countries about the path forward as many fear the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza could be in danger of stalling out before a complicated second phase.

CHINA's MILITARY sent its air, navy and missile units to perform joint live  fire drills around Taiwan and Beijing called it a “stern warning” against separatist and “external interference” forces. Taiwan said it was placing its forces on alert and called the Chinese government “the biggest destroyer of peace.” More than 100,000 air travelers will be impacted by subsequent flight cancellations, according to Taiwan officials. The drills came after Beijing officials expressed anger at what could be the largest-ever US arms sale to the self-ruled territory and Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said his country's military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan. Officials in China want Taiwan under its rule. and military officials did not mention the USA or Japan in its statement on Monday, but Beijing’s foreign ministry accused the Taiwanese ruling party of trying to seek independence through requesting USA support.

A JUSTICE DEPARTMENT memo released on Sunday (Dec. 28, 2025) said Brian J. Cole Jr., the man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington D.C. on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the USA Capitol, told investigators after being arrested that he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who felt the 2020 election was stolen and that he wanted to target the country’s political parties because they were “in charge” and that contend that was his motive for placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both the Democratic and Republican national headquarters. Cole was arrested earlier this month nearly five years after the incident.

BY TERRI DEE

Public News Service Staff Writer

(PNS) —  As 2025 is nearing an end, the new year will mean nearly 43 million Americans with a student loan in default status will have to start repaying.

Beginning next month, the U.S. Department of Education will send notices of administrative wage garnishment to owners of loans in default. It will affect people who have these federally-based loans and have not made a payment for 270 days.

The Education Data Initiative reports Indiana has around 900,000 student borrowers with a total debt exceeding $30 billion.

Jack Wallace, director of government and lender relations for the student loan refinancing firm Yrefy, said borrowers should be proactive.

"We need to not put our heads in the sand and pretend like this is gonna go away," Wallace urged. "If you're getting an email from your servicer, which you should be, or getting an envelope by the U.S. Post Office from your servicer, you need to open it up and find out what's going on."

The Treasury Offset Program is the automated system the federal government will use to collect delinquent debts. Garnishments can apply to 2026 federal tax refunds, Social Security retirement and disability benefits or other government payments.

Wallace pointed out options exist for borrowers who want to change the status of their loan. Contacting the Department of Education's Default Resolution Group is the first step. They provide guidance on managing student loans, refinancing and getting loans out of default. He explained borrowers need to make timely payments on a new repayment plan in order for this option to succeed.

"There’s ways to do it," Wallace outlined. "Begin to make on-time payments and get it entered into the rehabilitation program so you get out of default but you gotta make your payments on time, and you got to make nine of them on time to get yourself back in good graces and get out of default."

 Wallace added if you are still attending school and are unable to repay a loan, then you can request the loan be put in forbearance or deferment. According to the Education Data Initiative, almost 49% of Indiana’s student loan borrowers are under age 35, and 16% owe less than $5,000. 

BY FARARAH SIDDIQUI

Public News Service Staff Writer

(PNS) — Federal immigration authorities say a recent enforcement surge in Ohio has resulted in arrests of people with serious criminal records, while Columbus leaders emphasize that local police are not involved and urge residents to understand their rights.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it launched Operation Buckeye on Dec. 16, increasing enforcement activity in Columbus and other parts of the state.

The agency describes the operation as a focused effort aimed at people it says pose public safety risks and lack legal authorization to remain in the country. Madison Sheahan, ICE deputy director, said the operation moved quickly and prioritized individuals with violent or repeat criminal histories.

"With this operation, we've had a lot of success very quickly," said Sheahan. "Our officers have gone out and truly arrested the worst of the worst. We have arrested gang members, murderers, and rapists."

ICE says those arrested include people with felony convictions and long-standing removal orders. Immigration advocates have raised concerns nationally that enforcement actions can still create fear within immigrant communities beyond those targeted.

The heightened federal presence prompted a response from Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, who released a public message addressing residents directly.

Ginther said while the city cannot stop federal enforcement, it does not assist in immigration operations and wants residents to feel safe accessing local services. He also emphasized that Columbus police are not participating in the arrests.

"We can't prevent federal agents from being here, but as a city, we don't discriminate against any of our residents based on immigration status," said Ginther. "Our police will not be used to carry out these operations."

Federal officials say immigration enforcement will continue in Ohio regardless of local cooperation.

 City leaders are encouraging residents to remain calm, stay informed about their rights, and continue calling local emergency services when needed, underscoring ongoing tensions between federal enforcement and local governance. 

BY KATHRYN CARLEY

Public News Service Staff Writer

(PNS) — Hemp farmers in Maine and across the U.S. warn a federal ban on products containing hemp-based THC could wipe out their industry.

A provision within the federal spending bill passed to end the recent government shutdown recriminalizes the majority of hemp-based products, including popular gummies and drinks.

Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, said the industry needs proper regulation, not what he calls “misguided prohibition.”

"This would throw the baby out with the bath water," said Miller. "It would not only ban bad actor products, but 95% of the industry, and that’s why we have been pushing for almost a decade for robust regulation of hemp products."

Miller said his industry has a year to help Congress better understand how to regulate hemp before the ban goes into effect.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month which not only reclassifies marijuana as a less dangerous drug, but urges lawmakers to ensure the public’s continued access to hemp-derived products.

Hemp farmers call the executive order a lifeline which could help extend the ban’s moratorium even longer and crack down on those selling unsafe products.

But farmer Chas Gill – owner of Merrymeeting Bay Hemp Company in Bowdoinham, Maine – said farmers are still in a tough spot, having to make decisions about seed and fertilizer purchases for a product they may not be able to sell.

"I’m not planning on growing this year," said Gill. "I have inventory of extract but that would still not be legal for me to use if these regulations happen."

Gill said his retail business of hemp-based products has been growing, but he’d have to close up shop if the proposed ban remains in place.

Advocates for hemp farmers are backing federal legislation to replace a total ban with regulations requiring truth in labeling, bans on synthetic THC, and measures to keep the products away from kids.