The Watches 1.24.26

Trump's Davos demolition, another ICE shooting, and DC's March for Life ignored as usual

“By the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ~ Romans 12

First Watch:

Jack Smith Faces Lawmakers Special prosecutor Jack Smith was questioned by lawmakers over his role in surveilling phone records of members of Congress while allegedly concealing investigative targets from a judge. Smith defended his actions and reiterated claims that President Trump engaged in criminal conduct related to January 6 and classified documents. Both cases were dismissed after Trump returned to the White House, though Democrats say future prosecutions remain on the table. (Washington Examiner, Daily Signal, The Federalist)

New Crime Data Claims Historic Low New reporting claims the U.S. murder rate is on track for its lowest level since 1900. While several major cities have been accused of manipulating crime statistics, lower crime rates are being reported in jurisdictions cooperating with immigration enforcement, suggesting increased policing and deportations are reducing violent crime. (The Federalist, Twitchy)

Michigan Migrant Fraud A Nigerian-born professor at a Michigan university has pleaded guilty to wire fraud for her role in a scheme that stole around $1 million from a charity serving children from low-income households. As fraud committed in the name of “justice” continues to surface, one outlet summed it up bluntly: “Turns out it’s really easy to make money in America by lying.”(The Blaze, Not the Bee)

Florida Weakens American Bar Association Monopoly Florida’s Supreme Court has ruled that the state’s law schools may seek accreditation from bodies other than the American Bar Association, ending the ABA’s role as the sole arbiter of legal education in the state.(Florida Phoenix)

Trump Sues JPMorgan Chase President Trump is suing JPMorgan Chase over its decision to close several of his bank accounts in 2021. Trump claims he was debanked due to his political views, while the bank says it only closes accounts that pose “legal or regulatory risk” and that federal rules required the move.(The Hill)

ICE Decoy Dupes Protesters The group Blue Lives Matter says it may or may not have conducted decoy operations across several states to distract anti-ICE protesters, allowing immigration enforcement officers to carry out operations without interference.(Red State)

Massive Pileup on Michigan Highway More than 100 vehicles were involved in a major pileup on a snow-covered highway in Michigan as winter weather battered the region. Stay safe folks, it’s chilly! (Fox via X)

Japan’s Parliament Dissolved Japan’s prime minister has dissolved parliament, with observers saying the move is designed to trigger early elections and capitalize on her strong public approval. (AP)

U.S., Ukraine, and Russia Hold First Joint Talks Officials from the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia have met together for the first time in Abu Dhabi to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The sticking point as previously is the future of Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia.(NBC)

Iran Threatens Global ‘Jihad’ Iran has adopted what it calls a “military posture,” warning that any action against leader Ayatollah Khamenei would trigger global jihad. The warning follows reports that the U.S. has sent a carrier strike group to the region and that Iran’s leader has been moved to a bunker. Human rights groups estimate up to 25,000 protesters have been killed by the regime. (The Guardian, Die Welt)

Second Watch:

DHS: No Child is ‘Bait’ The Department of Homeland Security is disputing headlines claiming ICE detained a five-year-old child and used him as “bait” to lure out his illegal-alien parents. According to immigration officials, agents were attempting to arrest the boy’s father when he fled, leaving the child behind. They played music and gave the boy food, after this mother reportedly refused to take him. Critics condemned the agents’ handling of the situation, though no doubt ICE are mindful of handing a child over to school officials or third parties following revelations that thousands of unaccompanied minors released under the Biden administration were later trafficked into forced labor and sexual exploitation. (PJ Media, AP) | A 37 year-old nurse has been shot dead, apparently by ICE agents after a scuffle this morning. Early reports suggest the man had been part of a large anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis and was carrying a firearm. In distressing videos circulating online, he appears to have already been disarmed by several ICE agents when he was shot multiple times. Vice President Vance, in Minneapolis earlier this week, trying to calm things down, said that chaos in Minneapolis was unnecessary and urged leadership to cooperate and share information with ICE.

End Of The World As We Know It President Trump ignited debate at the World Economic Forum in Davos with a long speech that insulted allies and adversaries alike. Everyone saw the thing differently, with critics arguing such rhetoric risks alienating Europe, while supporters said Trump’s confrontational approach is already pushing European leaders to act on immigration enforcement, military spending, and national sovereignty. Much debate also circled around a speech from Canada’s Mark Carney. The Prime Minister suggested the “rules-based’ global order was now ruptured, warning that, “Middle powers need to be at the table or will be ‘on the menu’”. Shortly after stating the U.S. would not use force to take Greenland, Trump announced a new agreement expanding America’s strategic role on the island to counter potential Chinese and Russian threats. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer appears to be backtracking on plans to transfer the Chagos Islands—home to a vital joint UK-U.S. military base—to Mauritian control, reportedly following Trump’s criticism of the move. As Albert Mohler observed, the ultimate judgment of the President’s approach will rest with the “verdict of history.”

Third Watch:

🇹🇭 Thailand’s amazing “three whales” rock

💅🏻 Colour-changing “smart” press-on nails

🧬 How long could you survive without DNA?

🌨️ Why snow is white

And..

The mainstream media were more interested in protest marches in Minneapolis but thousands still turned out on behalf of the unborn.

Vice President J D Vance spoke powerfully about the need for a society that values life: “Today, the far-left in this country tells our young people that marriage and children are obstacles, that it’s irresponsible, even immoral because of climate change or some other reason, to encourage our young people to raise a family. They tell us that life itself is a burden. But we know that it’s a lie. We know that life is a gift.”

Let us pray. Almighty God, in Your mercy guide the course of this world so that Your church may joyfully serve You in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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