Conservative influencer Jake Lang was driven from a Minneapolis rally by counter protesters as tensions rise over expanded ICE operations.
Jake Lang, an Online Influencer and Activist Beaten & Chased with Protesters at Minneapolis ICE Rally
Jake Lang, an Online Influencer and Activist Beaten & Chased with Protesters at Minneapolis ICE Rally
Right-wing activist Jake Lang was forced to leave a demonstration in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday after being confronted by a large group of counter protesters, amid heightened tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Twin Cities.
Lang, who received clemency from President Donald Trump after being charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot, had organized an event he called the “March Against Minnesota Fraud.” Prior to the rally, Lang shared posts on social media containing anti-Somali and anti-Islam rhetoric and claimed he planned to burn a Quran outside Minneapolis City Hall.
According to the Associated Press, Lang appeared to have visible bruises and minor injuries as he left the scene following a confrontation. Images reposted on his social media showed a cut on the back of his head. Lang later claimed online that he had been attacked, though Minneapolis police said no official injury or assault reports were filed.
Authorities said approximately 100 protesters were already gathered near City Hall when Lang arrived shortly before noon. His group was significantly outnumbered by counterdemonstrators. Officers issued a dispersal order, and the crowd eventually broke up without arrests or further incidents.
The confrontation comes amid rising unrest in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, who was killed earlier this month by an ICE agent during an enforcement operation. Her death has fueled protests nationwide against ICE tactics, particularly the use of armed and masked agents.
Venezuela continues to see daily street protests as thousands demand the return of President Nicolás Maduro, fueling political tension and international concern.
U.S. forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Venezuela Continues to Erupt as Protesters Demand Return of President Maduro
Venezuela continues to witness mass protests as thousands of citizens flood the streets demanding the return of President Nicolás Maduro, deepening political tension across the country.
From the capital Caracas to regional cities, demonstrators have marched, waved national flags, and chanted slogans calling for Maduro’s reinstatement. The protests, now sustained and widespread, signal growing unrest among supporters who view his absence from power as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and democratic will.
The People of Venezuela Flood the streets demanding the release of their President , Nicolas Maduro
This article presents the views and remarks of Shafi Shafat, African diaspora and independent media voice who has criticized the African Union Commission Chairperson for publicly praising Uganda’s long-serving president. Shafat argues that such statements undermine democratic values at a time when Africa is experiencing a growing political awakening.
Shafi Shafat Criticizes AU Chairperson for Praising Dictatorship
Shafi Shafat Criticizes AU Chairperson for Praising Dictatorship
In 2026, Africa is standing at a decisive moment. The continent is young, digitally connected, and politically aware, with a growing generation that is no longer willing to accept symbolic democracy or recycled leadership. Yet, at the highest levels of continental governance, the African Union continues to make decisions that appear detached from the aspirations of Africa’s people.
According to Shafat, the decision by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to publicly congratulate Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on securing a seventh term in office reflects a deeper institutional failure. Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986 nearly four decades under an administration widely criticized for alleged electoral manipulation, repression of political opposition, restrictions on media freedom, and human rights violations.
Chairperson of African Union Commission commends the conduct of elections in #Uganda and congratulates President Yoweri Museveni on re-election.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, commends the conduct of the elections in Uganda and… pic.twitter.com/QWTvQeA997
Shafat argues that for an institution created to promote democracy, constitutionalism, and good governance, publicly praising such leadership is not simply controversial but fundamentally indefensible.
An Institution Drifting From Its Mandate
Shafi Shafat maintains that the African Union was founded on principles that many Africans continue to uphold:
Democratic governance
Protection of human rights
Respect for constitutional order
Peaceful transitions of power
However, he believes the AU increasingly appears aligned with entrenched political elites rather than the citizens it claims to represent. In his assessment, this growing disconnect undermines the credibility of the institution.
He points to ongoing youth-led movements across the continent as evidence that Africans are demanding a different political future:
Civil resistance against military rule in Sudan
Youth mobilization to defend democratic processes in Senegal
Rising calls for transparency in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana
Continued opposition movements in Uganda challenging authoritarian governance
Shafat contends that during such moments, the African Union should act as a defender of democratic aspirations not a legitimizing force for prolonged personal rule.
Africa Is Not a Continent of Lifelong Rulers
According to Shafat, Africa is not a continent of monarchies but of republics, where leadership must remain accountable and time-bound.
He argues that no leader should govern for decades, no constitution should be altered to entrench personal power, and no election should be endorsed when political opponents are detained and journalists silenced.
In his view, when the African Union praises such outcomes, it sends a dangerous message that repression is tolerable, flawed elections are acceptable, and democracy is optional.
Shafat notes that this contradicts the values espoused by Africa’s liberation leaders, including Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, and Thomas Sankara.
A New Africa Is Watching
Shafi Shafat believes Africa has entered a new era. Social media has reduced the effectiveness of state propaganda, youth movements are organized, and the African diaspora is increasingly engaged in continental affairs.
He argues that unless the African Union undertakes meaningful reform, it risks losing relevance. In his view, restoring public trust requires the AU to:
Condemn unconstitutional extensions of presidential power
Reject elections lacking transparency and credibility
Advocate for political detainees
Support enforceable term limits
Align itself with African citizens rather than lifelong rulers
Conclusion
Shafi Shafat’s position is clear: the era of praising authoritarian leadership in Africa must come to an end.
He maintains that the African Union now faces a defining choice, stand with Africa’s people or risk standing permanently on the wrong side of history.
The African Union faces growing backlash after its chairperson praised Uganda’s long-serving president. African youth and activists demand accountability, reform, and democratic leadership.
Growing Calls for AU Chairperson’s Resignation Over Praise of Dictatorship
Growing Calls for AU Chairperson’s Resignation Over Praise of Dictatorship
Shafi Shafat, Dalmar Tv CEO is among the leaders in the African diaspora and independent media voices calling for the resignation of African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, following his public endorsement of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s contested return to power.
The statement has ignited a heated continental debate, with activists, journalists, scholars, and young Africans accusing the African Union of abandoning its democratic mandate and shielding long-serving authoritarian leaders.
At a time when Africa is witnessing a powerful surge in civic awareness—driven by youth movements, digital activism, and calls for accountable governance—many argue that praising a leader whose rule spans nearly four decades sends a dangerous message about the future of democracy on the continent.
Critics say the AU Chairperson’s remarks undermine the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and erode public trust in an institution established to protect constitutional order and human rights.
“This is not a ceremonial mistake; it is a moral failure,” observers argue, warning that such endorsements normalize repression and silence the voices of millions of Africans demanding free elections, term limits, and genuine political reform.
As pressure mounts, calls for Moussa Faki Mahamat’s resignation are growing louder—both within Africa and across the global African diaspora—raising urgent questions about leadership, accountability, and the credibility of the African Union itself.
A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle early Saturday on East Broad Street in Blacklick. Columbus police are investigating the crash.
Police investigate a fatal pedestrian crash on East Broad Street in the Blacklick area of Columbus.
Pedestrian Killed in East Broad Street Crash in Blacklick | Columbus News
A pedestrian has died following an early-morning traffic crash in the Blacklick area of Columbus, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 4:37 a.m. Saturday along East Broad Street, just west of Reynolds Crossing Drive. An adult pedestrian was attempting to cross the roadway when they were struck by a black BMW X3 traveling westbound. Police confirmed the vehicle had the right of way and was proceeding through a green traffic signal at the time of the collision.
Emergency responders transported the pedestrian to a nearby hospital for medical care, but the individual later died from their injuries. The driver of the BMW remained at the scene and was not hurt.
The Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information is urged to contact investigators at 614-645-4767. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a criminal inquiry into Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey for possible obstruction of federal immigration enforcement during Operation Metro Surge.
DOJ launches probe into Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey amid controversy over federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
DOJ Investigates Minnesota Governor Tim Walz & Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to determine whether their public statements and actions may have obstructed federal law enforcement efforts during a high-profile immigration enforcement operation, according to multiple sources.
The inquiry centers on whether Walz and Frey crossed legal boundaries by publicly criticizing and challenging the deployment and tactics of thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol agents operating in Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul as part of Operation Metro Surge. The operation, described by the Department of Homeland Security as one of its largest immigration enforcement efforts, has now led to more than 2,500 arrests and escalating confrontations in the Twin Cities.
The investigation follows weeks of rising tension after an ICE agent fatally shot U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good on January 7, intensifying political backlash from local leaders and community activists. Walz and Frey have both condemned the federal immigration sweep and urged residents to remain peaceful while questioning federal enforcement tactics.
Walz, a Democrat who previously sought national office, described the probe as part of a broader pattern of perceived “weaponization” of the justice system against political opponents. Frey has similarly rejected the investigation as a “thinly-veiled attempt to intimidate” local leadership.
Federal authorities are examining potential violations of a conspiracy statute that prohibits coordinated efforts to impede the work of federal officers, although it remains unclear whether subpoenas have been formally issued or if charges will be filed. Meanwhile, tensions continue in Minneapolis as legal battles and protest activity unfold around immigration enforcement and community safety concerns.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump in a symbolic Oval Office ceremony, underscoring international support for democratic reform and U.S.–Venezuelan relations.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado hands her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald J. Trump during a White House meeting.
Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize Winner María Corina Machado Symbolically Gifts Medal to President Trump at White House
In a noteworthy political moment at the White House in Washington, D.C., Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented President Donald J. Trump with her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal, describing it as a symbol of gratitude and mutual respect. Machado, awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for her long-standing efforts to promote democracy and peaceful transition in Venezuela, met with President Trump in the Oval Office where the framed medal was formally handed over.
While the Nobel Committee has stated Nobel Peace Prize titles are non-transferable, Machado’s gesture highlights the ongoing international dialogue around democratic reform and U.S.–Venezuelan relations.
This rare symbolic exchange between global political figures reflects continued interest in democracy promotion and the evolving role of U.S. leadership in Latin American geopolitics — a topic that draws both praise and debate among international audiences.
President Trump warns he may use the Insurrection Act to deploy troops in Minnesota after ICE-related shootings spark protests.
President Donald Trump’s warning to use the Insurrection Act amid Minneapolis protests.
What is the Insurrection Act? President Donald Trump’s threat to Deploy Troops to Minnesota
The Insurrection Act is a U.S. law passed in 1807. It allows the President of the United States to use the military inside the country in certain emergency situations.
Normally, the U.S. military cannot be used for regular law enforcement inside the country. The Insurrection Act is one of the few exceptions.
What does the Act allow a President to do?
Under the Insurrection Act, a president can deploy the Army or National Guard to:
Stop violent uprisings or riots
Enforce federal law if states are unable or unwilling to do so
Protect civil rights when state authorities fail to protect people
The Insurrection Act gives the president power to use soldierswhen normal policing breaks down.
The Insurrection Act in Minnesota? Inside Trump’s threat to Deploy Troops to Minnesota
President Donald J. Trump has threatened to invoke the rarely used Insurrection Act of 1807 in Minnesota after days of intense protests in Minneapolis tied to federal immigration enforcement. In a Social post, Trump warned that if Minnesota’s leaders do not enforce the law and stop what he calls “professional agitators and insurrectionists” from confronting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, he will “institute the Insurrection Act, which many presidents have done before,” to deploy military forces and “put an end to the travesty taking place” in the state.
“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law & stop the professional agitators & insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done…” – President Trump pic.twitter.com/d7XJMA7qUU
The president’s comments came amid rising tensions following multiple shootings involving ICE officers and widespread civil unrest, prompting a debate about federal authority, state responsibility, and the potential use of military power on U.S. soil.
Iran reopens airspace while protests and government crackdowns continue across the country
Protests in Iran: Iran Reopens Airspace Amid Protests and Security Crackdown
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization confirmed Thursday morning that flights have resumed across the country after a brief closure, according to state-aligned media reports. The temporary airspace restriction, issued Wednesday as a NOTAM, had limited flights to international arrivals and departures with prior approval from Iran’s aviation authorities.
The airspace closure followed heightened tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at potential action against Iran, alongside support for anti-government protests that have spanned 18 days. These protests, initially sparked by rising inflation and the falling value of the Iranian rial, have since escalated into broader demonstrations against government policies.
Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that the unrest has resulted in at least 2,615 deaths and over 18,000 arrests, including the deaths of 13 children and 14 civilians not involved in protests. Security forces have also suffered casualties, with 153 deaths confirmed and hundreds more under investigation.
The Iranian government has imposed a near-total internet blackout, lasting over 156 hours, complicating efforts to verify events on the ground. Authorities have also reportedly targeted Instagram accounts with tools to monitor follower activity, according to Cloudflare’s threat intelligence team.
The United Nations has acknowledged that estimates of casualties vary widely, from 2,000 to 12,000, reflecting the challenges of confirming figures under the communications blackout. Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have framed the unrest as the result of foreign-backed “rioters” and “terrorists,” while promising to address economic grievances.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have signaled intentions to expedite trials and potential executions for those arrested during the protests, emphasizing the urgency of swift judicial action.
U.S. officials have advised caution amid heightened tensions, including recommending some personnel leave strategic bases in the region. President Trump indicated that reports suggest the killing of protesters has stopped and that military action is not currently planned.
The situation remains fluid, with continued global attention on Iran’s political stability, ongoing protests, and the country’s aviation operations.
Severe winter weather causes schools across central Ohio to close or delay.
Winter storm triggers school closures and delays across central Ohio – check the full list for your district.
Central Ohio School Close due to Winter Storm
A powerful winter storm swept through central Ohio from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, forcing many local school districts to announce delays or cancellations. While Franklin County and surrounding areas received only one to two inches of snow, dangerously low temperatures and strong winds created hazardous driving conditions.
Meteorologists from Storm Team 4 report that temperatures will continue to drop through the week, reaching the teens by the weekend. Residents are advised to exercise caution while traveling and stay updated on the latest weather conditions.
Check below for a full list of school closings and delays in central Ohio. Bookmark this page and refresh for real-time updates.
