Author: Andrew Rogers

Vandals spray-painted Oklahoma’s State Capitol early Tuesday, leaving graffiti on the south side of the building. Crews were seen working at sunrise to remove black spray paint from the walls and steps. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating the crime, though no suspects have been identified. Lt. Mark Southall called the attack “a direct attack on not just the steps of the Capitol, but really the people of Oklahoma.” The graffiti appeared in several locations, including three pillars where the word “die” was painted. Other messages included “I’m still here” and “Sons of Liberty,” along with an anarchy symbol. Additional…

A Chicago man accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband has waived extradition and will be transferred to Ohio to face murder charges. Michael McKee, 39, is charged with premeditated aggravated murder in the deaths of Monique Tepe and her husband, dentist Spencer Tepe. The couple was killed at their Columbus home on December 30, 2025, according to police. McKee appeared Monday in Rockford, Illinois, wearing a yellow jumpsuit. He did not enter a plea. His public defender said he plans to plead not guilty. A status hearing for his transfer to Ohio is scheduled for January 19. Authorities…

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy delivered his final State of the State address on Tuesday, marking the end of his eight years in office. Speaking inside the Assembly chambers, Murphy reflected on his record, his values, and what he believes will define his time as governor. When his term ends on January 20, he plans to step away from public life and begin a long vacation in Europe. Murphy told lawmakers and guests that New Jersey is now stronger and fairer than when he took office in 2018. He said this idea defines his legacy. The governor used the speech…

Flashbangs and tear gas echoed through downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday evening as protests continued near a major federal building. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good by a federal immigration officer earlier this month. The incident has triggered public outrage, political clashes, and a wave of resignations inside the justice system. Fencing was installed around the federal building hours before protests began. Demonstrators gathered quickly. Law enforcement responded with crowd-control tools as tensions rose. Officers and protesters have clashed repeatedly in recent days, especially when federal agents moved beyond secured areas. Federal officials say the…

President Donald Trump returned to Michigan on Tuesday to highlight what he called a strong economic comeback and a renewed American auto industry. Speaking in Dearborn, he said the past year marked a major shift in growth, wages, and investment across the country. He described Michigan as a key symbol of that turnaround, especially for manufacturing and working families. The president said the nation experienced the fastest economic recovery in its history. He blamed the previous administration for high inflation and weak growth. He said his policies reversed those trends in less than a year. According to Trump, inflation is…

Rising tensions between Iran and the United States have renewed fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, as Iranian leaders warn that American military bases across the region could be targeted in the event of an attack on Iran. Analysts say at least 22 US bases and thousands of American soldiers may be at risk if hostilities escalate. Iranian officials have made it clear that any military action against Iranian territory would receive a direct and forceful response. Senior leaders say such retaliation would not be limited to one location but would extend to US military facilities and…

Amid ongoing protests, Iran’s government has partially disabled Starlink satellite internet, using military-grade jammers to block connections across the country. Authorities claimed that regular internet services were restored, but satellite-based networks remained heavily restricted. According to reports, Starlink’s uplink and downlink traffic initially faced a 30% disruption. Within hours, however, over 80% of Starlink traffic was affected, severely limiting access to the satellite internet service. Analysts say the scale of disruption is unprecedented compared to previous internet blackouts in Iran. While Starlink users in Iran have increased in recent years, the government has never formally authorized the service. This makes…

Beijing has welcomed a move by the European Commission that offers guidance to Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to avoid steep EU tariffs. The decision signals a possible easing of long-standing trade tensions between China and the European Union. The guidance, published Monday, encourages Chinese EV makers to sell exported vehicles at or above a minimum price. This measure allows them to bypass EU duties of up to 35.3%, which were imposed in October 2024 following a lengthy anti-subsidy investigation. China and Germany have strongly opposed the tariffs, as German automakers rely heavily on Chinese demand. China remains the world’s…

A Swiss court has ordered the pretrial detention of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of a Crans-Montana bar, following a deadly New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 people and injured over 100. Authorities cited a risk of flight as the main reason for the detention. The Valais Court of Compulsory Measures said the detention would last an initial three months, following a request by the public prosecutor’s office. The court added that the measure is procedural and does not imply guilt. Moretti, like all suspects, is presumed innocent until a final conviction. The court noted that detention could be lifted if…

A New York City Council employee was detained by federal immigration authorities during a routine appointment on Long Island on Monday, prompting strong criticism from city officials. The incident has been called an “egregious government overreach” by local leaders. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed outrage over the detention, describing it as an attack on the city’s democracy and values. He called for the immediate release of the employee and said he would closely monitor the situation. The employee, whose identity has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, was held by ICE during an appointment in Bethpage, Nassau County. City Council Speaker…