Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Gold Plunge Deepens as Traders Unwind Bets. AI-Generated.
Gold prices plunged further this week as traders rushed to unwind speculative bets, sending the precious metal to levels not seen in recent months. Analysts attribute the decline to a combination of a strengthening U.S. dollar, rising Treasury yields, and a shift in investor sentiment away from traditional safe-haven assets.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 6 hours ago in The Swamp
Global Markets Crash as Everything, Including Bitcoin, Sells Off at Once, Erasing Trillions. AI-Generated.
Global financial markets were rocked by a dramatic and unusually synchronized sell-off as stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and even traditionally defensive assets plunged at the same time. Trillions of dollars in market value were wiped out within days, underscoring how deeply interconnected modern financial systems have become—and how fragile investor confidence can be in times of uncertainty.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 6 hours ago in The Swamp
Israel Agrees to Limited Reopening of Rafah Border Crossing in Gaza. AI-Generated.
Israel has agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing in Gaza, a development that comes amid mounting international pressure and growing humanitarian concerns. The crossing, which links the Gaza Strip with Egypt, has been largely closed for months, severely restricting the flow of people, goods, and essential medical supplies.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 6 hours ago in The Swamp
Companies Are Ditching Business With ICE. AI-Generated.
As national protests against immigration enforcement intensify — especially after recent shootings by ICE agents in Minneapolis — pressure on corporations with contracts or ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is rising sharply. In response to public backlash from consumers, employees, activists, and even shareholders, some companies are now ending or reconsidering their business relationships with ICE. � Houston Chronicle +1 Capgemini Divests U.S. Subsidiary Over ICE Contract One of the most high‑profile examples of this shift comes from European technology and consulting firm Capgemini. Capgemini announced it will divest its U.S. subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions (CGS), which had a multimillion‑dollar contract providing services to ICE — including controversial “skip tracing” tools used to locate individuals targeted for enforcement. � Gizmodo +1 The company’s leadership acknowledged the backlash and reputational risk linked to the contract, noting that the unit accounted for only a small fraction of total revenue — but that public and governmental scrutiny made the association untenable. � AP News Capgemini’s shares even rose after the announcement, signaling that some investors view the move as a proactive response to reputational concerns. � Reuters This decision is notable not just because Capgemini is a major global firm, but because it reflects international scrutiny on U.S. immigration enforcement policies and corporate participation. U.S. Companies and ICE Contracts Under Fire While Capgemini’s move is one of the clearest examples of divestment, a broader debate is unfolding around U.S. companies with active or historical ties to ICE: Avelo Airlines Ends Deportation Flights Houston‑based Avelo Airlines confirmed that it will stop operating deportation flights for ICE out of Arizona, a decision that sparked mixed reactions from local media and activists. � Houston Chronicle Public Pressure on National Brands Activists have increasingly called out major corporations for their perceived neutrality or silence over ICE policies, including targeting companies like Target during protests demanding they cut ties or take public stances against enforcement operations. � FOX 13 Seattle In Minneapolis and other cities, major employers such as General Mills, Target, and Caribou Coffee have faced pressure as local communities struggle with the impacts of ICE activity. � Star Tribune Shareholders and Internal Critics Criticism isn’t limited to external protests. Shareholders of firms like Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) have asked leadership to divest from federal contracts tied to ICE, arguing that such business deals conflict with corporate values. � The Nome Nugget Companies Still Contracting With ICE — And Why It Matters Despite these moves, many corporations still maintain ICE contracts or work indirectly with the agency through government service arrangements. For example: Large contractors such as Palantir Technologies have ongoing data and operational contracts with ICE, playing a core role in building enforcement technology platforms. � Wikipedia Many Fortune 500 firms provide goods, services, or technology support to ICE field offices — from delivery services to IT systems — although some of these contracts are relatively small and set to expire in the coming months. � aol.com Advocates argue that exposing and challenging these relationships can put further pressure on both corporations and policymakers in Washington, particularly in light of renewed debates over immigration policy and the agency’s expanding role under the Trump administration. Why Companies Are Cutting Ties or Facing Pressure There are several key reasons why businesses are reconsidering their relationships with ICE: 1. Brand and Reputation Risk Public backlash over corporate ties to controversial enforcement actions — especially those that have resulted in deaths or heavy‑handed operations — threatens consumer loyalty and brand value. This is particularly true for companies with strong global consumer bases. 2. Employee and Shareholder Activism Workers and investors increasingly expect companies to act in line with ethical values. When a business is linked, even indirectly, to enforcement activities that harm communities, internal pressure can grow for leadership to take action — as seen with BSNC and other shareholder challenges. � The Nome Nugget 3. Political and Regulatory Scrutiny International and governmental criticism, including from French officials in Capgemini’s case, elevates the reputational stakes of continuing controversial contracts. � AP News 4. Public Campaigns and Boycotts Across U.S. cities, campaigns such as “ICE Out” are calling for companies to publicly denounce or discontinue support for ICE, leading to protests targeting major brands. � FOX 13 Seattle Not Just Divestment — A Broader Corporate Reckoning The trend is part of a broader conversation about corporate responsibility, ethics, and the intersection of business and public policy: Grassroots movements and advocacy groups are pushing for more transparency and accountability from corporations that hold government contracts, particularly those involving enforcement or surveillance technologies. � The Nation Some activists believe that reducing corporate support for enforcement agencies could weaken those agencies’ capacity to carry out controversial operations, essentially forcing policy change through economic means. � Reddit However, not all companies are willing or able to end contracts — especially if they involve long‑term government procurement or critical technology infrastructure. This underscores the complexity of disentangling private sector interests from federal enforcement systems. What Comes Next As protests and public debates over immigration enforcement continue, it’s likely that: More companies will face scrutiny over their ties to ICE and related agencies. Consumer and employee campaigns may grow, especially on social media and grassroots organizing platforms. Investors may increasingly weigh ethical considerations when evaluating corporate governance and risk exposure. The broader trend reflects a moment where corporate values, public policy, and civic activism intersect — with companies weighing not just profitability but social and ethical impact.
By Zahid Hussainabout 6 hours ago in The Swamp
The House Races to End Shutdown. And, Trump Wants to Close Kennedy Center for 2 Years. AI-Generated.
The U.S. federal government is once again facing the specter of a shutdown, with lawmakers in the House of Representatives scrambling to pass critical funding legislation before deadlines expire. At the same time, former President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan to close the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for two years, a move that has sparked heated debate over cultural priorities and federal spending.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 6 hours ago in The Swamp
Global Markets Crash as Everything, Including Bitcoin, Sells Off at Once, Erasing Trillions. AI-Generated.
Global financial markets were rocked by a dramatic and unusually synchronized sell-off as stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and even traditionally defensive assets plunged at the same time. Trillions of dollars in market value were wiped out within days, underscoring how deeply interconnected modern financial systems have become—and how fragile investor confidence can be in times of uncertainty.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 6 hours ago in The Swamp
Grammy Awards 2026: A Night That Redefined Global Music. AI-Generated.
The Grammy Awards 2026 were not just another celebration of music — they were a statement. Held on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards marked a turning point in the history of global music. From Spanish-language albums winning top honors to genre-defying artists dominating the night, the ceremony reflected how deeply music has evolved beyond borders, language, and tradition. This year’s Grammys proved one thing clearly: music is no longer confined to one culture, one sound, or one language. Bad Bunny Makes History with Album of the Year Album of the Year Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny The most talked-about moment of the night came when Bad Bunny won Album of the Year, becoming the first artist to ever win the award with a Spanish-language album. This win was more than a personal achievement — it was a cultural milestone. Debí Tirar Más Fotos blends reggaeton, Latin pop, and emotional storytelling, resonating with millions across the world. The album’s success sent a powerful message: global audiences are ready to embrace music in any language, as long as it is authentic and meaningful. Bad Bunny’s victory symbolized the growing influence of Latin music and the breaking of long-standing barriers within the Recording Academy. Record of the Year: A Powerful Collaboration Record of the Year “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s collaboration “Luther” earned Record of the Year, and rightfully so. The track stood out for its deep lyrical content, smooth production, and emotional intensity. Kendrick Lamar has long been known for blending social commentary with artistic excellence, and “Luther” continued that legacy. Paired with SZA’s soulful vocals, the song became one of the most impactful releases of the year, proving that meaningful music still has a strong place in mainstream success. Song of the Year: Billie Eilish’s Emotional Brilliance Song of the Year “Wildflower” – Billie Eilish Billie Eilish once again demonstrated why she is one of the most influential artists of her generation. Winning Song of the Year for “Wildflower,” Billie captured raw emotion, vulnerability, and poetic simplicity in a way few artists can. The song’s minimalist production and heartfelt lyrics connected deeply with listeners, reinforcing the idea that emotional honesty often outshines overproduction. “Wildflower” became an anthem for self-reflection and growth, earning both critical acclaim and fan admiration. Best New Artist: Olivia Dean Shines Best New Artist Olivia Dean The Best New Artist award went to Olivia Dean, a rising star whose soulful voice and elegant songwriting set her apart from the crowd. Her win marked the arrival of a fresh and promising talent in the industry. Olivia Dean’s music blends classic soul with modern pop sensibilities, offering something both nostalgic and new. Industry experts predict a long and successful career ahead for the young artist. Lady Gaga’s Triumphant Return to Pop Glory Best Pop Vocal Album Mayhem – Lady Gaga After years of experimentation across genres, Lady Gaga returned to her pop roots — and did so in spectacular fashion. Mayhem won Best Pop Vocal Album, celebrating bold production, fearless creativity, and Gaga’s unmistakable vocal power. The album showcased her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her artistic identity. Gaga’s win reminded the world why she remains one of pop music’s most enduring icons. Best Pop Solo Performance “Messy” – Lola Young Lola Young earned recognition for Best Pop Solo Performance, with “Messy” resonating strongly with younger audiences through its emotional depth and raw delivery. Kendrick Lamar Dominates Rap Categories Kendrick Lamar emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, reinforcing his status as one of the most important voices in modern hip-hop. Best Rap Album GNX – Kendrick Lamar Best Rap Song “TV Off” – Kendrick Lamar Best Melodic Rap Performance “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA These wins highlighted Kendrick’s lyrical mastery, storytelling ability, and fearless approach to addressing social realities through music. Rock and Alternative Music: Old and New Unite Best Rock Album Never Enough – Turnstile Turnstile brought fresh energy to rock music, winning Best Rock Album with Never Enough. Their sound bridges hardcore roots with mainstream appeal, proving that rock is far from dead. Best Metal Performance “Birds” – Turnstile Best Alternative Music Album Songs of a Lost World – The Cure The Cure’s win demonstrated that legendary bands can still create powerful, relevant music decades into their careers. Their album resonated with longtime fans while attracting new listeners. Electronic Music Breaks Boundaries Best Dance/Electronic Album Eusexua – FKA twigs FKA twigs delivered one of the most innovative electronic albums of the year. Eusexua pushed creative boundaries, blending futuristic sounds with emotional storytelling, earning critical praise and a Grammy win. Country Music’s Emotional Core Best Contemporary Country Album Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll Best Country Solo Performance “Bad as I Used to Be” – Chris Stapleton Country music remained grounded in storytelling and emotion. Jelly Roll’s deeply personal album and Chris Stapleton’s soulful performance highlighted the genre’s enduring power. Film, Music, and an EGOT Moment Best Music Film Music by John Williams One of the night’s most historic moments came when Steven Spielberg achieved EGOT status after winning a Grammy for Music by John Williams. The achievement placed him among an elite group of entertainers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Why the Grammy Awards 2026 Were Different The 2026 Grammys stood out because they: Celebrated global and non-English music Recognized genre diversity and innovation Balanced new talent with legendary artists Reflected changing listener preferences worldwide The Recording Academy clearly embraced evolution, making the ceremony more inclusive and relevant than ever before. Final Thoughts: Music Without Borders The Grammy Awards 2026 delivered a powerful reminder that music belongs to everyone. From Bad Bunny’s historic win to Billie Eilish’s emotional songwriting and Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical dominance, the night celebrated authenticity over convention.
By Zahid Hussainabout 6 hours ago in The Swamp
Wall Street Banks Say “Buy the Dip” in Gold as the Metal Rebounds on Monday. AI-Generated.
Gold prices staged a notable recovery on Monday after a sharp pullback last week, and Wall Street banks are increasingly telling clients that the dip may be a buying opportunity rather than a warning sign. From global investment banks to commodity strategists, a growing consensus is emerging: despite short-term volatility, the long-term case for gold remains intact.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 7 hours ago in The Swamp
China Grows Military-Grade Rubber in the Gobi Desert as War Reshapes Global Supply Chains. AI-Generated.
China has taken an unexpected but strategically significant step by cultivating military-grade rubber in the harsh environment of the Gobi Desert. The move comes as global conflicts, trade restrictions, and geopolitical rivalries continue to reshape supply chains for critical materials. Rubber—essential for military vehicles, aircraft components, missiles, and logistics equipment—has emerged as a strategic resource, and Beijing appears determined to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 7 hours ago in The Swamp
Trump Administration Latest: Partial Government Shutdown to Continue Until at Least Tuesday. AI-Generated.
The United States federal government has entered a partial shutdown that is now expected to last at least through Tuesday, as lawmakers in Congress remain deadlocked over funding and policy conditions tied to a broad spending package. Despite negotiations and bipartisan efforts, key disagreements — particularly over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration enforcement funding — have prevented a final funding bill from clearing both chambers of Congress. � BERNAMA +1 This shutdown, while shorter and narrower than the historic one in 2025, nonetheless reveals deep political divisions inside the U.S. government — divisions that may shape American politics and public services well beyond the next few days. How We Got Here: The Deadline and the Funding Gap On Friday, January 30, 2026, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan government funding deal aimed at keeping most federal agencies operating through the fall and extending funding for DHS for two weeks while negotiators debate potential changes to immigration enforcement policy. That Senate vote was 71–29 in favor of the package. � euronews However, because the Senate’s version of the legislation differed from what the House of Representatives had previously passed — and because the House was not in session in time — the House did not vote on the bill before funding expired at midnight Saturday. As a result, funding for several government agencies lapsed and a partial shutdown began. � Wikipedia House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) has repeatedly expressed confidence that the shutdown will end by Tuesday, when the chamber is scheduled to resume work and could take up the Senate bill or a revised version thereof. But as of the latest reporting, no final vote has yet been scheduled, meaning the shutdown will extend into early next week. � The Washington Post +1 What’s in the Senate Funding Deal — and Why It Didn’t Pass Immediately The Senate’s funding deal was designed as a stopgap measure to avert a prolonged shutdown: It would fund most of the federal government — including major departments such as Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and HUD — through the rest of fiscal year 2026. It carves out DHS funding and extends it only for two additional weeks, a short period intended to allow more time for negotiation over reforms to the agency’s immigration enforcement practices. � euronews The focus on DHS arose after controversial immigration enforcement operations, including shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis that killed two U.S. citizens, spurred intense debate over how agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operate. � CiberCuba Despite the Senate majority backing the measure, the House — which holds a narrow Republican majority — faced internal and cross-party resistance. Some conservative Republicans and House Democrats objected to parts of the plan, particularly the short DHS extension without tougher oversight. As a result, funding lapsed before the House could act. � New York Post Why the Shutdown Continues Until Tuesday Even though funding ran out, lawmakers hope the shutdown will be relatively short. Here’s why it’s expected to stretch into Tuesday: Timing of the House session: The House was in recess over the weekend and did not return until Monday, meaning a vote could not be held in time to prevent the initial lapse. � Reuters Procedural hurdles: Speaker Johnson has indicated that procedural rules in the House — especially around a narrow Republican majority and some internal disagreement — mean the funding package may not be ready for a floor vote until Tuesday at the earliest. � euronews Democratic demands: House Democrats have stated they will not simply “lend votes” to pass the deal unless certain reforms — especially on DHS and immigration enforcement — are addressed in the legislation. � Axios Taken together, these factors make a reopening of government early in the week more likely than over the weekend. But as with many shutdowns in recent U.S. history, the exact end time remains uncertain until a final vote is cast and the president signs the funding bill. Which Parts of Government Are Affected? In a partial shutdown, not all federal functions halt. According to federal guidelines: Likely Affected Agencies The current shutdown affects agencies that had not been fully funded when appropriations expired — a list that includes departments like: State Treasury Defense (certain non-essential functions) Transportation Housing and Urban Development Health and Human Services Labor Education Homeland Security beyond the short extension status � Wikipedia Essential Services That Continue Some agencies and functions continue to operate under existing law, including: Veterans Affairs programs Medicare and Social Security benefits Select operations at Commerce, Justice, and Energy Departments Certain military and defense activities Independent agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation � Wikipedia Federal workers and contractors in “essential” roles may be required to continue working without pay until funding is restored. Who Works Without Pay — And Who Is Furloughed? Under typical shutdown rules, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issues guidance to agencies: Excepted employees (essential): Workers whose functions are essential to protect life and property continue to work without pay. Non-excepted employees: Workers whose duties are not deemed essential may be furloughed — placed on temporary unpaid leave — until funding is restored. � CiberCuba This mix of continuing operations and furloughs creates uncertainty for millions of federal workers and contractors, though it’s worth noting that many benefits and services — such as Social Security and mail delivery — continue despite a lapse in funding. Political Dynamics: Republican Unity and Democratic Demands Republican Strategy Speaker Johnson and House Republicans are trying to navigate a narrow majority while balancing internal factions. Johnson has signaled confidence that he can secure enough Republican votes to pass the funding package by Tuesday — even if some conservative members have qualms about parts of the Senate deal. � Reuters Johnson has framed the strategy as working with President Trump’s request to scale back certain controversial elements of immigration enforcement, while preserving core funding priorities for Republican lawmakers. � Axios Democratic Stance House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have resisted supporting the funding package unless it includes meaningful reforms to DHS and ICE, such as: Mandatory body cameras for immigration officers Visible identification requirements Limits on warrantless enforcement actions Independent oversight of controversial practices � euronews Democrats argue these reforms stem from concerns over civil liberties and the recent deaths during federal operations in Minneapolis. They say funding the agency without reform would endorse current policies they find troubling. � CiberCuba Trump Administration’s Position President Donald Trump has backed the Senate-approved funding deal and urged Congress to act quickly to end the shutdown. According to reporting, Trump agreed to a strategy focused on isolating the Homeland Security funding piece to allow negotiations over immigration policy to proceed separately, rather than letting the entire government’s funding hinge on the debate. � euronews The White House has also signaled support for bipartisan cooperation on appropriations, even as public disagreements over policy demands persist. What It Means for the Public and Federal Services Even short shutdowns can have measurable impacts: Economic Effects Markets may respond negatively to uncertainty over government funding, especially if shutdown news collides with other economic reports or weak confidence data. In the past, prolonged shutdowns have weighed on GDP growth and consumer sentiment. � CiberCuba Federal Workers Millions of federal employees may face delayed paychecks or uncertainty about their work schedules. Even if a shutdown ends quickly, retroactive pay typically requires separate legislative approval. Public Services Services tied to funded agencies could see disruptions — for example: IRS processing delays National Parks closures or limited access Reduced permitting and licensing services However, many core benefits remain unaffected. � Wikipedia A Short Shutdown in a Long Trend While the current partial shutdown is expected to be brief — lasting only until at least Tuesday — it is part of a broader trend of repeated funding stalemates in recent years. Earlier in the 2025 fiscal cycle, the U.S. experienced a record-long 43-day shutdown, illustrating how challenging bipartisan agreement has become. � fr.wikipedia.org Unlike that longer closure, this recent shutdown affects a narrower slice of government operations and may not generate as many dramatic service interruptions. But even short shutdowns underscore the fragility of U.S. budget politics and the difficulty of reaching consensus on complex policy priorities. What Happens Next: Road to Tuesday With lawmakers back in session this week, attention now turns to the House floor vote on the Senate-approved funding package or a modified version of it. If passed, the bill would immediately restore funding to shuttered agencies and likely include reconciliation over DHS reforms in the coming two weeks. If the House fails to pass the measure, lawmakers face a choice of further delaying, rewriting parts of the deal, or negotiating new terms — each carrying political risk and potential public frustration. Conclusion: Shutdown by Deadline, Solution in Sight The partial government shutdown that began over the weekend is now expected to continue until at least Tuesday, as House leaders work to bring a funding package to the floor, navigate internal party disagreements, and respond to Democratic demands for policy reforms tied to immigration enforcement. Majority and minority leaders have described the impasse as a matter of negotiation that could soon be resolved, but for now, federal agencies continue under a funding lapse, and workers and the public wait for Congressional action. Whether the shutdown will be brief or stretch longer depends on negotiations this week and the willingness of lawmakers to compromise — a test of U.S. governing institutions amid a deeply polarized political climate.
By Zahid Hussainabout 7 hours ago in The Swamp
Groundhog Day 2026
Groundhog Day 2026 is once again capturing national attention in the United States, blending folklore, weather curiosity, and cultural tradition into one of the most talked-about winter events of the year. Celebrated every year on February 2, this unique occasion draws millions of Americans who want a lighthearted answer to a serious seasonal question: how much longer will winter last?
By America today about 7 hours ago in The Swamp
CME Raises Gold and Silver Margins After Historic Price Plunge. AI-Generated.
Titl Subtitle The precious metals market was shaken this week after a historic plunge in gold and silver prices triggered swift action from the CME Group, the world’s largest futures exchange. In response to extreme volatility and sharp losses, CME announced an increase in margin requirements for gold and silver futures, a move aimed at stabilizing trading conditions and reducing systemic risk.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 7 hours ago in The Swamp
