January 18th • 3h 9m
Shownotes
Every new episode of No Agenda is accompanied by a comprehensive list of shownotes curated by Adam while preparing for the show. Clips played by the hosts during the show can also be found here.
Africa News
Dumbing deportees in Africa
In the last episode you and John spoke about GB and US’s plan to dump deportees in Africa. I saw a report that the US actually made a deal with the country of Antigua and Barbuda to dump deportees there. I went to Barbuda to do humanitarian mission work rebuild roofs destroyed in a hurricane and I can tell you firsthand that Barbuda is a hell hole. For some reason there are donkeys, mules, and goats running wild on the Island and the kids there use them for entertainment. We once saw teenagers pour gasoline on a mule and light it on fire just for fun. I definitely think that the point is to deter people from entering the US illegally.
Big Pharma
Fentanyl supply decrease analysis
Confirmation of Fentanyl Supply Shock and Mortality Decline
[!SUMMARY]
A landmark study published in Science on January 8, 2026, confirms that a "supply shock" in the global illicit fentanyl trade has driven a dramatic reduction in overdose deaths. This finding is independently corroborated by provisional data from the CDC and major news outlets, showing a ~25% decline in fatalities for the year ending in late 2025.
Primary Scientific Confirmation
The core claim originates from a specific academic study that identified supply-side disruptions as the primary causal factor for the drop in deaths.
Source: *Science* (Journal)
Study Title: "Did the illicit fentanyl trade experience a supply shock?" (Published Jan 8, 2026)
Researchers: Experts from the University of Maryland, Stanford University, and the University of Chicago.
Methodology:
Precursor Tracking: Analyzed the flow of precursor chemicals from China following renewed international controls and sanctions.
Digital Ethnography: Monitored Reddit communities for keyword spikes related to "drought," "weak product," and "shortages."
Forensics: Tracked seizure data showing reduced purity and higher prices.
News & Educational Reporting
Several institutions have analyzed the *Science* study, confirming the link between the supply chain disruption and the public health outcome.
EurekAlert! (AAAS): Published *"An illegal fentanyl supply shock may have contributed to a dramatic decline in deaths,"* highlighting international regulatory actions.
Carnegie Mellon University: Their Heinz College released a report supporting the conclusion that restrictions on precursor chemicals created a market shock.
Partnership to End Addiction: Confirmed the "supply shock" mechanism (lower potency/availability) was the key driver, rather than demand-side interventions like Naloxone.
Statistical Confirmation of Mortality Drop
While the *Science* study explains *why* it happened, federal data confirms *that* it happened.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provisional data released in Jan 2026 reports a ~21–25% decline in overdose deaths year-over-year.
AP News: Reported on Jan 14, 2026, that the U.S. is seeing the longest sustained drop in overdose fatalities in decades.
American Medical Association (AMA): The 2025 report notes a decrease from >110,000 deaths (2023 peak) to approx. 75,000 (2024–2025).
KFF Health News: Confirmed on Jan 15, 2026, that the decline is widespread, with all but five U.S. states reporting fewer fatal overdoses.
*
Shock in Fentanyl Supply Leads to Dramatic Drop in Deaths At last, some good news
Big Tech AI and the Socials
Emergency Intervention Trump To Cap Residential Electric Bills By Forcing Tech Giants To Pay For Soaring Power Costs ZeroHedge
"Emergency Intervention": Trump To Cap Residential Electric Bills By Forcing Tech Giants To Pay For Soaring Power Costs | ZeroHedge
## Excerpt
Friday’s action is being cast as a one-time emergency intervention into the PJM market, necessary because of the rapid rise in electricity prices in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Saks Fifth Avenue Private Equity Ownership & Bankruptcy
[!SUMMARY]
Saks Fifth Avenue is currently privately owned by Saks Global, a holding company formed in 2024. The retailer was taken private in 2020 by Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) and private equity firm Rhône Capital. A debt-heavy acquisition of Neiman Marcus in 2024, financed by Apollo Global Management, precipitated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January 2026.
The Take-Private Deal (2020)
Originally acquired by Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) in 2013, Saks was moved off the public market in a 2020 privatization deal.
Key Figures: The buyout was led by HBC Executive Chairman Richard Baker.
Investors: The group included NRDC Equity Partners and Rhône Capital.
Outcome: This transaction effectively transitioned Saks from a public entity to a privately held asset.
The Neiman Marcus Merger (2024)
In July 2024, HBC acquired rival luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group for $2.65 billion, forming the new entity Saks Global.
Financing: The deal relied heavily on debt and private equity backing.
Apollo Global Management: Provided a $1.15 billion term loan.
Rhône Capital: Remained the active lead investor.
Amazon) & Salesforce: Acquired minority stakes to aid in technological and logistical integration.
Current Status: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (January 2026)
As of January 2026, Saks Global has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Cause: The debt service required for the 2024 acquisition (specifically the Apollo-backed financing) became unsustainable alongside cooling luxury market demand.
Next Steps: The company is undergoing restructuring to manage the leverage introduced by its private equity partners.
Wikipedia parent partners with Amazon, Meta, Perplexity on AI access
Epstein
DOJ Opposition to Congressional Intervention in U.S. v. Maxwell
DOJ Opposition to Congressional Intervention in U.S. v. Maxwell
[!SUMMARY]
On January 16, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a formal opposition to a motion by U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie. The Representatives sought to intervene in the closed criminal case of Ghislaine Maxwell to force the release of documents under the *Epstein Files Transparency Act*. The DOJ argues the motion is legally improper due to lack of standing, the closed nature of the case, and violations of the *amicus curiae* role.
https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612.840.0.pdf
The Denied Request
The DOJ is asking Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to deny a specific motion filed by Representatives Khanna and Massie. Through their request for leave to appear as *amici curiae* (friends of the court), the Representatives attempted to:
[cite_start]Appoint a Special Master: They requested the Court appoint a "special master and independent monitor"[cite: 46].
[cite_start]Compel Production: They sought to use this special master to force the DOJ to produce mandatory documents under the *Epstein Files Transparency Act*[cite: 46].
[cite_start]Enforce Oversight: They aimed to establish judicial oversight regarding the DOJ's compliance with the Act[cite: 25].
Core Arguments for Opposition
The DOJ argues the request must be denied for three primary reasons:
Improper Use of *Amicus* Role
[cite_start]Neutrality Violation: *Amici* are intended to provide "neutral assistance" to the Court, not to act as adversarial parties[cite: 26, 31].
[cite_start]New Issues: *Amici* cannot raise new legal issues or motions that the actual parties (the Government and Maxwell) have not raised[cite: 33, 40].
[cite_start]Adversarial Nature: The Representatives are attempting to "compel" the DOJ and appoint a monitor, which constitutes "adversarial activities" forbidden to non-parties[cite: 40, 56].
Lack of Article III Standing
[cite_start]No Injury-in-Fact: Individual members of Congress do not suffer a personal legal injury just because an Executive agency is allegedly non-compliant with a statute[cite: 71, 81].
[cite_start]Institutional Grievance: Asserting "wholly abstract and widely dispersed" institutional injuries does not grant standing to individual legislators[cite: 81].
[cite_start]No Private Right of Action: The *Epstein Files Transparency Act* does not grant individuals a statutory right to sue for the information, unlike the Freedom of Information Act)[cite: 79].
Lack of Judicial Authority
Case is Closed: The criminal case is finalized; [cite_start]Maxwell's conviction was affirmed and certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court in October 2025[cite: 14].
Limited Jurisdiction: The only active matter is a protective order regarding discovery materials. [cite_start]The Court has no authority to enforce a separate statute (the *Transparency Act*) within the bounds of a closed criminal trial[cite: 15, 87].
Implications
Stalled Congressional Intervention: If the Judge sides with the DOJ, Khanna and Massie will be unable to use this specific court docket to accelerate the release of the Epstein files.
[cite_start]Executive Control: The release of documents will likely proceed according to the DOJ's internal timeline and privacy reviews, rather than being managed by an external "special master"[cite: 107, 111].
[cite_start]Separation of Powers: The filing reinforces the legal precedent that individual Congress members cannot utilize the Judicial branch to micro-manage Executive branch compliance with legislation; they are limited to legislative tools[cite: 81, 82].
Greenland
Greenland Canada Op - Mike McDonald BOTG
Step 1 - Create the conditions for the destruction of Canada - IN-PROGRESS
Things in Canada were fairly normal during the years when Harper, the conservative, was in power, but things have gone way downhill since Trudeau took power, and accelerated in the final term; anyone who has been away 20 years wouldn't recognize the place. So our belief is that Trudeau was "selected" to "soften the country up" for later destruction and incorporation into the long discussed North American union. Carney's role, we believe, is that he is "the closer", while Trudeau was nothing but a buffoon that initiated programs that have weakened traditional values, Carney has been brought in as the skilled project manager, to implement programs and his new vision that people would not have tolerated anymore under Trudeau.
Every major issue in Canada, it seems, almost always has a "Trump angle" to it, and we know that Trump actually sabotaged the opposition leader to help Carney win, so they are working together. As our Canadian band Rush said, "all the world's a stage ...". Carney and Trump have known each other from his days as CEO of Brookfield Asset Management, where Carney helped Jared Kushner to refinance the 666 Park Ave Bldg, along with Qatar. Coincidentally, Qatar and Trump are still close in dealings and gifts of airplanes, etc. So Carney and Trump are engaged in theatre as the Canadian economy is dismantled, especially the auto industry. Trump claims that he is creating thousands of jobs, and he is, but the vast majority are from the shutting down of Canadian branch plants and moving them all back, I suspect very few are coming from elsewhere in the world. His recent talk about not renewing CUSMA (the Free Trade Agreement) will be a final nail against Canadian business.
My friend that sells the large HVAC systems is hearing and seeing business dry up all across the country, the only spending is from governments. Business is afraid to make investments now, especially with the fear of property rights not being protected. Dark times are coming for the auto industry, and Canada in general.
Step 2 - Create momentum for Alberta independence - IN PROGRESS
Canada is a weakly structured country in which the provinces have more power in trade matters than the Federal Government, and they are able to erect anti-competition requirements that make it difficult to do business across the country; this has existed for probably 100 years or more and is still a BIG problem. Currently, it is increasingly obvious that Alberta is being purposely shut out of global oil markets in all directions by the lack of a national energy project policy and the ability of at least 3 provinces - British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec to essentially veto any pipelines that run through their provinces. Here are some examples:
Asian pipeline - this would run through northern BC and into a harbour that already has industrial activity, and the Premier Eby, a socialist, has been working with the indians stating that it would harm the environment and their way of life. He says the existing pipeline infrastructure is sufficient. This has Albertans very upset.
Europe pipeline via Churchill, Manitoba - seemingly this would be an easy project, but the newly elected socialist premier has said that he will not allow a pipeline to run through his province.
Trans-Canada pipeline - the idea is that the pipeline would run to Ontario where it would split off to provide oil to the Northeast, and the rest of the pipeline would run through Quebec and onto Atlantic Canada. The socialist premier of Quebec has also said that no pipeline would run through his province, so if they did make it through Manitoba, Ontario would be the termination point.
All of these anti-Alberta positions are turning many Albertans against remaining as a part of Canada, and I am sure that a fair amount of conservatives in other provinces would support Alberta independence. This lack of support really annoys Albertans but what has been a long lingering pain is the issue of transfer payments, which is a long help Canadian belief that as times change, "have" provinces share their wealth with "have not" provinces, like my tiny home province of Prince Edward Island, most of eastern Canada and Ontario get a good chunk, but the biggest chunk goes to Quebec, for reasons unclear to most people. So having two of the provinces that are big opponents of your success (Manitoba and Quebec) get an extremely large chunk of the wealth created by Alberta is a big problem. Albertans are starting to think about how wealthy a country they would be if they were independent.
Step 3 - Get Alberta to hold a successful referendum - STARTED
Since Carney came into office last spring, he has been uncooperative with Alberta, and the resentment has led to talk of independence. Last week, people in Alberta lined up for 3 hours to sign independence petitions. There is also a competing stay in Canada petition, and the indians are also trying to stop an independence referendum. If a referendum is held, it would likely be sometime next year.
It is also well known that talks are underway with the US government and the Alberta government on how an independent Alberta could trade with the US. This seems more than just a populist movement.
Our theory assumes that a successful referendum is held in early 2027.
Step 4 - Post-referendum chaos - NOT STARTED (@ mid-2027)
This is the wild speculation part. Already in place are a series of constitutional hurdles that make separation very difficult or impossible, and then there are the indians who have a lot of government acts and claims of treaty rights to mess things up - procedurally, it looks impossible to us.
With the inability to move forward on a winning independence vote, and continued blocking of access to international trade routes, it is possible that some chaos or riots will erupt across the province. Carney is already working on expanding the police force all across the country, so he could be preparing for something. If it comes to pass that the Federal Government imposes a War Powers Act, and sends troops into Alberta and blood is shed, that is when we know that the country as we currently know it is done.
We predict this will occur in the final year and a half of Trump's term.
Step 5 - Restore order and protect strategic resources. Canada implodes. (@ late-2027 - 2028)
Trump will send in troops to "restore order", "prevent bloodshed" and "protect strategic resources". Once he has done that, there is still the thorny issue that Ottawa will not allow them to separate, so Trump will recognize Alberta as an independent country.
In addition to the reasons provided above, there is also the threat that the Canadian government is too close to the Chinese and can not be trusted with information, and by this time, they will have bought a lot of the Canadian oil industry. This is possible because Canada just signed a major trade deal with China yesterday that allows them access to the oil industry, and they are to collaborate closely.
With Alberta as a protectorate, a pipeline can easily be built to go south to the US, and there will likely be a pipeline to cross the Yukon into Alaska as part of a new trade route with Russia. You guys discussed Trump and Putin probably talking about a cross Bering strait tunnel to access Siberian resources, and with Alberta and the Canadian North also protectorates, a highway and pipelines could be easily built.
Incidentally, it should be noted that the leader of the Conservative opposition, Pierre Polievre, is now based in Alberta. He lost his seat in Ontario, and an MP from Alberta gave up his seat and Polievre won the seat in a by-election. It seems odd that he moved to Alberta to obtain a seat, but it is possible this is just chance, but there is the possibility that he may have been pre-positioned in Alberta to take on a leadership role, either pro-keep Canada together or more likely Alberta independence, not sure. Whatever role he takes on, he would have the support of many across the country, my guess is that it would be for the independence side, and he would stay in Parliament and work a deal with Trump for further Canadian provincial integration and trade with the US , keeping what's left of Canada as a much poorer version of the present.
Saskatchewan would probably also separate quickly. Quebec would probably separate. Newfoundland, with its oil resources, and strategic location, would probably also separate. Canada will just be a hodge podge of poor provinces, and extreme unemployment and no money to fund the social welfare net. A country with a lot of chaos, will probably require intervention if too much trouble is tricking into the US.
NATO ARTICLE 5
But then there is NATO's pesky article 5, that might cause some major problems in this scenario. The European countries would be required to intervene, that could be a problem.
Enter the latest talk on Greenland. If Trump wants to intervene in Canada, in the next 18-36 months, he has to get NATO out of the way. We believe his current actions are being done to cause the destruction of NATO, in advance of anything that happens in Canada. If Trump sends even a single expeditionary force to Greenland and claims an area, it triggers article 5. Will the rest of NATO dare to do anything? Maybe Denmark will respond, but the rest probably will not, and the US would then pull out of NATO, leading the disintegration of NATO. The remains would probably regroup as a European focused organization against the threat of Russia, and the new threat of the US dominating the North Atlantic, with its other obvious partner the UK.
So with NATO out of the way, the move of troops into Alberta and Saskatchewan to protect strategic resources will not be difficult for the US, and many Canadians will be primed to support this action, as Carney is doing everything that he can to destroy living standards.
Watch what happens to Greenland. If NATO survives, then our scenario is a little more difficult, but it will probably happen in any event.
I just thought I'd share that point of view. We believe Alberta independence is inevitable, and Carney is not acting logically in alienating his largest trading partner. The end of Canada will be one for the history books, if it is decoded properly.
Cheers!
ICE
Minneapolis black and brown being picked up - Straight White men discrimanted for 5 years
Peacefully Protes
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Hello PodFather,
I was wondering about the constant use of the term "Peacefully Protest" used by the M5M and Politicians and EVERYONE these days. The Constitution does not use the term at all it clearly states to "Peaceably to Assemble". The two definitions are different.
Peaceful - free from disturbance; tranquil
Peaceable - inclined to avoid argument or violent conflict
I know they are similar but I think peaceable as to mean an intent effort to avoid conflict rather than just a tranquil gathering. The riots currently going on and in the past have been to encourage conflict rather than avoid disturbances.
They "gatherings" currently and in past would better be classified as Civil Disobedience which by the Constitution and laws on the books would be criminal.
I was wondering what Rob the Constitutional Lawyer would say about the use of these words and their meaning in regards to how the people are to petition our government and politicians.
Baron of Belmont and the Catawba River Basin
Iran
Crypto and Stablecoin Usage During Iran's Internet Blackout
Crypto and Stablecoin Usage During Iran's Internet Blackout
[!SUMMARY]
Recent reports indicate that Iranians are leveraging blockchain technology to survive severe internet blackouts and financial isolation. USDT (Tether) on the Tron network has become a primary transactional currency due to low fees. To bypass connectivity blocks, citizens utilize Bluetooth mesh networks (like BitChat) and satellite technology (Blockstream, Starlink) to maintain access to the global ledger and broadcast information.
How Crypto is Used During Blackouts
Stablecoins as Lifelines
USDT (Tether) on Tron: This is the dominant digital currency for daily transactions and wealth preservation against the devaluing Rial. The Tron network is favored over Ethereum for its lower transaction fees.
Sanction Evasion: Reports suggest that even state actors like the IRGC utilize USDT to move funds and evade international sanctions.
"Freedom Tech" & Connectivity Solutions
Offline & Mesh Networks:
Noghteha & Bitchat: These applications utilize Bluetooth mesh networks, allowing devices to "hop" messages and transaction data locally between phones until they reach a device with an active uplink.
Satellite Infrastructure:
Blockstream Satellite: Broadcasts the Bitcoin blockchain from space, allowing users to receive blocks and transaction data without an internet connection, ensuring local nodes stay synced.
Starlink: Despite government jamming, smuggled terminals serve as critical uplinks for broadcasting transactions and uploading footage of civil unrest.
Video Sources
How Iranians try to bypass internet shutdown (YouTube) - Explains VPNs and Starlink usage.
Can an Iran internet blackout stop Bitcoin? Nodes and BitChat (YouTube) - Discusses technical resilience via mesh apps.
Bitcoin Miners Shut Down: What Really Happened in Iran? (YouTube) - Covers energy shortages and mining crackdowns.
Iran Woman's 'Bloody' Protest Shocks World As Internet Blackout Hides Unrest (YouTube) - Footage smuggled out during blackouts.
Bitcoin and ether fall as tensions between Israel and Iran intensify (CNBC) - Market impact analysis.
News Reports & Analysis
Bitcoin Magazine: Breaking The Blackout: Iranian Protestors Use Freedom Tech To Bypass Regime Crackdown
Iran International: Digital blackout hits public, spares some state media in Iran
TradingView / NewsBTC: Iranians Turn to Crypto as Economic Crisis and Sanctions Deepen
Crypto Usage During Internet Blackouts in Iran
Crypto Usage During Internet Blackouts in Iran
[!SUMMARY]
During state-imposed internet blackouts in Iran, citizens utilize three primary methods to maintain financial access and information flow: smuggled Starlink terminals for high-speed access, offline Bitcoin transactions via Blockstream satellite and SMS, and local exchanges operating on the domestic National Information Network) (NIN). Tether) on the Tron) network is preferred for commerce, while Bitcoin serves as a store of value.
Key Methods of Circumvention
Satellite Internet (The "Starlink" Lifeline)
Mechanism: Smuggled Starlink terminals (estimated 50k–100k units) allow users to bypass the state-controlled infrastructure entirely.
Usage:
Enables access to global Cryptocurrency exchanges (e.g., Binance, DEXs).
Critical for uploading heavy media files (protest videos) that cannot pass through throttled local networks.
"Offline" Bitcoin Transactions
Receiving Data (Blockstream): Users utilize Blockstream Satellite to download the Bitcoin Blockchain via a standard satellite dish, allowing for transaction verification without an internet connection.
Sending Data (SMS & Mesh): Since satellite downlink is one-way, users transmit signed transactions via:
SMS Relays: Texting encrypted transaction strings to services like Machankura or trusted contacts abroad.
Mesh networking: Using Bluetooth-based apps (e.g., Bitchat) to hop data between devices until it reaches an active connection.
The "Intranet" Exchanges (NIN)
Infrastructure: When the global internet is cut, the domestic National Information Network) (intranet) often remains active.
Operation:
Users access local exchanges (e.g., Nobitex) accessible via domestic IPs.
Settlement: Trades occur "off-chain" on the exchange's internal ledger. The exchange manages on-chain settlement with the outside world using state-sanctioned lines.
Preferred Assets
Tether) (USDT) on Tron): Dominant currency for daily commerce and wealth preservation due to low transaction fees and stability against the Iranian Rial.
Bitcoin: Used primarily as a censorship-resistant store of value ("digital gold") rather than for payments.
Reported Sources (Jan 2026)
WGBH News: Reported on Starlink's role in bypassing blackouts for media.
DL News: Covered the economic surge in Iran's crypto ecosystem ($8B) during blackouts.
Cointelegraph: Technical analysis of Blockstream and SMS transaction methods.
Chainalysis: Data on high-level actors (including the IRGC) using local exchanges to evade sanctions.
Iran Internet Blackouts - Crypto & Communication Workarounds
Iran Internet Blackouts: Crypto & Communication Workarounds
During state-imposed internet blackouts (often via the [[National Information Network]]), Iranians utilize three primary methods to maintain financial flows and external communication: Satellite Internet (Starlink) for high-bandwidth access, Offline Bitcoin tools (Blockstream/SMS) for transaction broadcasting without internet, and Domestic Intranets for local liquidity. The primary assets used are [[Crypto Usage During Internet Blackouts in Iran|USDT]] on the [[Tron (cryptocurrency)|Tron]] network for commerce and [[Bitcoin]] for wealth preservation.
Satellite Internet (The "Starlink" Lifeline)
Mechanism: [[Starlink]] terminals bypass state-controlled ISPs entirely, connecting directly to low-earth orbit satellites.
Adoption: Reports estimate 50,000–100,000 terminals have been smuggled into [[Iran]].
Utility: Enables high-speed access to global crypto exchanges (e.g., [[Binance]]) and the upload of heavy media files (protest videos) that cannot pass through throttled local networks.
"Offline" Bitcoin Transactions
Receiving Data (Blockstream)
Tool: [[Blockstream]] Satellite.
Function: Broadcasts the Bitcoin [[Blockchain]] from space. Users with a satellite dish and USB receiver can download blocks and verify transactions completely offline.
Sending Transactions (Low-Bandwidth)
SMS & Relays: Since satellite receivers are one-way, users sign transactions offline and transmit the small hex data string via SMS to trusted contacts abroad or automated relays (e.g., Machankura).
Mesh Networks: Applications like Bitchat utilize [[Bluetooth]] or WiFi Direct to hop data across devices until it reaches a node with outside connectivity.
The "Intranet" Exchanges (NIN)
Infrastructure: The National Information Network (NIN) allows domestic traffic to flow even when the global internet is cut.
Local Liquidity: Users access local exchanges (e.g., Nobitex) via the NIN.
Settlement: Trades occur "off-chain" on the exchange's internal ledger. The exchange, often possessing state-sanctioned connectivity, manages the eventual on-chain settlement.
[[Crypto Usage During Internet Blackouts in Iran|USDT]] (on Tron): The dominant currency for daily commerce and wealth preservation due to low fees and stability against the [[Iranian Rial]].
[[Bitcoin]]: utilized primarily as a censorship-resistant store of value ("digital gold") rather than a medium of exchange.
Reported Sources (Jan 2026)
WGBH News: Coverage on Starlink's role in bypassing media blackouts.
DL News: Economic analysis of Iran's $8B crypto ecosystem during blackouts.
Cointelegraph: Technical breakdowns of offline transaction methods.
Chainalysis: Data on high-level actors and IRGC usage of local exchanges.
Iran using Bitcoin and STABLE Coin
Cryptocurrency Usage in Iran: Survival and Capital Flight
[!SUMMARY]
In response to hyperinflation and political unrest, Iranian citizens have turned to cryptocurrencies as essential financial tools. The market is dominated by Tether) for daily stability and Bitcoin for long-term asset protection, with the Tron) network serving as the primary infrastructure due to low transaction costs.
Key Assets and Use Cases
Tether (USDT))
Role: The "Digital Dollar."
Driver: With the Iranian Rial facing devaluation rates often exceeding 40-50%, citizens use USDT to preserve purchasing power and bypass banking isolation.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Role: The "Digital Gold."
Driver: Used primarily for capital flight and long-term savings. Spikes in withdrawals to self-custody wallets often correlate with civil unrest or internet blackouts, as users seek assets that cannot be frozen or confiscated by the state.
Usage: Less for daily commerce, more for exiting the local financial system entirely.
Tron (TRX))
Role: Infrastructure and Gas.
Driver: As the carrier for the preferred version of USDT, TRX is widely held to pay transaction fees.
Market Share: Data from local exchanges like Nobitex indicates that up to two-thirds of transaction volume flows through the Tron network.
Emerging Trends & Access
"Tap-to-Earn" Phenomena
Context: A surge in interest for Telegram) based games and tokens (e.g., Notcoin, Hamster Kombat).
Motivation: While not used for commerce, these are viewed as potential supplementary income sources by millions hoping to convert in-game currency to real value.
Exchange Infrastructure
Primary Hubs: Local exchanges such as Nobitex facilitate the fiat-to-crypto ramp.
Evasion Tactics: Users frequently rely on VPNs and peer-to-peer transfers to bypass government surveillance and international sanctions.
Libertarians - No Venezuela or Iran regime change
Stable coin BOTG
I work for a company that writes banking software, I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention the name of the company for anonymity as well as because I'm unsure how public this information is as of yet. We are one of the largest "core" providers in the nation, either third or second depending on the metric. In addition we essentially provide every service a bank needs to run, minus the cash flow and employees. Our products are often considered the top tier banking software, which is why we are not #1 by market share, we're the Rolls Royce not the Ford.
This year we are rolling out stable coin features to allow for customers/banks to trade in stable coins directly with and through their bank. We are also getting things ready for the big stable coin roll out from the US. At a meeting last week it was announced that this was coming thus next fiscal year and that we're currently slated to be the first provider of such a service (there are existing integrations with Coinbase and others, but this will be directly through the bank, and specifically with stable coin). We also were told that we project that in the next two years this is going to be how our customers (the banks) move money and it's going to likely mean we pull back on some of our support for other services (it wasn't said but the implication was Zelle, which is a HUGE PITA).
Midterms
Californian Republican for Governor
Hi Adam, I just heard John say that the Republican guy for California was Hilton. I’m not sure if John has been paying total attention. The Chad Bianco is the guy that we are wanting. He’s leading in the pulse, not a lot, but he’s leading. And anything you guys can do to Boost him up would be excellent! He stood beside the churches during Covid. He would not lock us down. He would not have math mandates. He would not enforce any of that and he is a good Christian man. He also believes in the second amendment right and open permit to carry. And he’s a good constitutionalman. And we are 100% on his side. So hopefully you guys can give him a boost. Sheriff Chad Bianco.
WEF
Trump's 401K Housing Plan
Trump 401(k) Housing Plan Proposal
[!SUMMARY]
President Donald Trump is expected to announce a new housing proposal at the World Economic Forum in Davos (Jan 2026). The plan would allow Americans to use 401(k)) and potentially 529 plan funds for home down payments without early withdrawal penalties, utilizing a unique "equity swap" mechanism to keep the funds classified as retirement assets.
Core Proposal: Penalty-Free Withdrawals
Current Law: Withdrawals from a 401(k) before age 59½ typically incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty plus standard income tax.
Proposed Change: Individuals could withdraw funds specifically for a home down payment without the 10% penalty.
Scope: This may extend to 529 education savings accounts in addition to 401(k)s.
The "Equity Swap" Mechanism
Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council), described this feature to address concerns about draining retirement savings.
Concept: The funds used for the down payment are not treated as a "distribution" but as a reallocation of assets.
Asset Classification: The portion of the home purchased with these funds is treated as an asset *inside* the retirement portfolio.
Growth: As the home's value appreciates, the value of the "retirement" portion of the equity theoretically grows, maintaining the integrity of the nest egg.
Strategic Context & Timing
The administration is launching a "housing policy blitz" to address high mortgage rates and low inventory prior to the midterm elections. This replaces the previously floated idea of "50-year mortgages."
Related Initiatives
Mortgage Bond Buybacks: Directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds to artificially suppress interest rates.
Institutional Investor Ban: A proposed restriction on large entities (e.g., hedge funds) purchasing single-family homes to prioritize individual buyers.
Implementation Hurdles
Legislative Requirement: The 10% penalty is codified in the Internal Revenue Code.
Congressional Approval: While the President can announce the intent via Executive Order, permanent changes to tax penalties typically require an act of Congress.
WEF Donald Trump set to dominate Davos 2026
WEF: Donald Trump set to dominate Davos 2026
## Excerpt
Davos braces for Trump's return. Weeks after attacking Venezuela, capturing its controversial leader, and reviving Greenland ambitions, the US president's presence is expected to raise the stakes at WEF's annual meeting.
Clip Archive
VIDEO - 'We Have Audio Recordings…' Iran Minister Stuns Israel & USA, Demolishes Trump Plan To 'Intervene' - YouTube
'We Have Audio Recordings…': Iran Minister Stuns Israel & USA, Demolishes Trump Plan To 'Intervene'? - YouTube
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi alleges that the United States and Israel orchestrated recent unrest in Iran by directing armed cells to open fire du...
VIDEO - “Venezuela’s Oil Story Is Pure Theater Tracy Shuchart on the U.S.–China–Russia Power Game - YouTube
“Venezuela’s Oil Story Is Pure Theater:" Tracy Shuchart on the U.S.–China–Russia Power Game - YouTube
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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
VIDEO - ADL CEO I'm Working With Ted Cruz 'to Take Down Tucker Carlson'
ADL CEO: I'm Working With Ted Cruz 'to Take Down Tucker Carlson'
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Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO Jonathan Greenblatt revealed that he was working with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) "to take down Tucker Carlson."
VIDEO - Alberta separatists look to escape “abusive relationship” from Canada as movement grows - YouTube
Alberta separatists look to escape “abusive relationship” from Canada as movement grows - YouTube
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An Alberta petition to hold a referendum on separating from Canada appears to be gaining momentum. Stay Free Alberta, the group behind the petition, has been...
VIDEO - Banks are shutting down Hollywood studios
VIDEO - Bolton Trump’s ‘missing a real opportunity’ to make change in Iran after softening rhetoric - YouTube
Bolton: Trump’s ‘missing a real opportunity’ to make change in Iran after softening rhetoric - YouTube
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The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.
In a world marked by complex challenges, the World Economic Forum engages political, business, academic, civil society and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation, it is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests, upholding the highest standards of governance and moral and intellectual integrity.
At the heart of our mission of improving the state of the world lies the belief in the power of human ingenuity, entrepreneurship, innovation and cooperation.
VIDEO - BREAKING EXCLUSIVE I Think Bill Gates Is The Boss, Epstein Survivor Claims Gates Was The One Running The Entire Multifaceted Operation!
BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: "I Think Bill Gates Is The Boss," Epstein Survivor Claims Gates Was The One Running The Entire Multifaceted Operation!
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"One Of Epstein's Assistants Told Me Bill Gates Was There Every Week Having Tea!"
Juliette Bryant Joins Alex Jones To Reveal The Abuse She Endured After Being Kidnapped To The Infamous Little Saint James Island
PLUS, The Clintons Refuse To Testify Before Congress On Their Ties To Epstein!
POWERFUL MUST-WATCH/SHARE FULL INTERVIEW!
VIDEO - Canada Lowers Tariffs on Chinese EVs to Reset Ties
Canada Lowers Tariffs on Chinese EVs to Reset Ties
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Canada's prime minister struck a deal with China on Friday.
VIDEO - Carney Invokes New World Order in China Talks - video Dailymotion
Carney Invokes "New World Order" in China Talks - video Dailymotion
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Key outcomes from the Xi-Trump meeting in South Korea
VIDEO - Counterprotesters confront conservative influencer in Minneapolis • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Counterprotesters confront conservative influencer in Minneapolis • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
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Hundreds of counterprotesters drowned out a far-right activist’s attempt to hold a small rally in support of the Trump administration’s latest immigration cr...
VIDEO - Denmark invites US to participate in drills alongside NATO allies • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Denmark invites US to participate in drills alongside NATO allies • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
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The United States has been invited to take part in military exercises in Greenland alongside NATO allies, the head of Denmark's Joint Arctic Command told AFP...
VIDEO - Don Bacon GOES OFF on Trump's NATO Threats For Greenland
Don Bacon GOES OFF on Trump's NATO Threats For Greenland
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"And just out of the weird chance that he's serious about invading Greenland, I want to let him know that it would probably be the end of his presidency."
VIDEO - Donald Trump Grilled on Stunning Iran Reversal
Donald Trump Grilled on Stunning Iran Reversal
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In the midst of Donald Trump's reversal on getting involved in Iran's anti-regime protests, a reporter asked if he was still planning to send help.
VIDEO - Elon Musk Threatens To Buy Ryanair, Demands CEO Michael O'Leary Be Fired - One Mile at a Time
Elon Musk Threatens To Buy Ryanair, Demands CEO Michael O'Leary Be Fired - One Mile at a Time
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Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary are escalating their feud, with the two calling one another "idiots," and more.
VIDEO - EU ambassadors hold emergency meeting to discuss response to US tariff threats over Greenland - YouTube
EU ambassadors hold emergency meeting to discuss response to US tariff threats over Greenland - YouTube
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European Union leaders on Saturday warned of a "dangerous downward spiral" over US President Donald Trump's vow to implement increasing tariffs on European...
VIDEO - Exiled Iranian crown prince sends message to Trump 'SEAL THIS LEGACY' - YouTube
Exiled Iranian crown prince sends message to Trump: 'SEAL THIS LEGACY' - YouTube
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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
VIDEO - Fentanyl deaths drops dramatically
VIDEO - German Chancellor Merz Admits Shutting Down Nuclear Energy Production Was a Severe Strategic Mistake - The Last Refuge
German Chancellor Merz Admits Shutting Down Nuclear Energy Production Was a "Severe Strategic Mistake" - The Last Refuge
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Germany has a severe electricity shortage and cost problem, and it’s getting worse. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently made the admission that shutting down the German nuclear power reactors was a “severe strategic mistake.” “To have acceptable market prices for energy production again, we would have to permanently subsidize energy prices from the federal budget,” […]
VIDEO - Global Risks '26 and how the Davos 'spirit of dialogue' can help us face them - YouTube
Global Risks '26 and how the Davos 'spirit of dialogue' can help us face them - YouTube
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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
VIDEO - Goodlander Sullivan knows about DOJ weaponozation
VIDEO - Google Now Stuffing Ads Into Its AI Products
Google Now Stuffing Ads Into Its AI Products
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The internet search giant recently announced new ad spots companies can buy to bombard users with links to sponsored products.
VIDEO - Hasset with Barteromo on affordability initiatives including Trump card
VIDEO - Hassett pivots to possible ‘Trump cards’ amid credit card interest rate battle with banks
VIDEO - How Iran uses cryptocurrency to bypass sanctions and boost revenue - YouTube
How Iran uses cryptocurrency to bypass sanctions and boost revenue - YouTube
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Iran has embraced cryptocurrency as a means to avoid international sanctions and make more money. Eric Lob, a non-resident scholar with the Middle East Insti...
VIDEO - Iran protest movement subsides amid intense crackdown • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Iran protest movement subsides amid intense crackdown • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
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Protests in Iran have subsided after a crackdown that has killed thousands under an internet blackout, monitors said Friday, a week after the start of the la...
VIDEO - Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi holds news conference in Washington - YouTube
Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi holds news conference in Washington - YouTube
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Watch live as Iran's exiled crown prince holds a news conference at 3pm todayReza Pahlavi has been vocal in his support of protesters and has tried to positi...
VIDEO - Luxury retailer Saks Global files for bankruptcy - YouTube
Luxury retailer Saks Global files for bankruptcy - YouTube
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The New York-based company that owns retailers Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus said in a release Wednesday that it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
VIDEO - Machado Trump 'Deserved' Gifted Nobel Peace Prize
Machado: Trump 'Deserved' Gifted Nobel Peace Prize
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Machado described the moment she presented the medal to the president in a gilded frame as “emotional.”
VIDEO - Marco Rubio, Tony Blair, Jared Kushner named to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza - France 24
Marco Rubio, Tony Blair, Jared Kushner named to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza - France 24
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US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled the members of a “Board of Peace" tasked with overseeing the temporary governance of post-war Gaza. Trump will chair the board himself and will be joined by former British prime minister Tony Blair, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
VIDEO - María Corina Machado As Venezuelans, we are absolutely grateful to President Trump. - YouTube
María Corina Machado: "As Venezuelans, we are absolutely grateful to President Trump." - YouTube
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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
VIDEO - Musk wants up to $134B in OpenAI lawsuit, despite $700B fortune TechCrunch
Musk wants up to $134B in OpenAI lawsuit, despite $700B fortune | TechCrunch
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Musk's legal team argues he should be compensated as an early startup investor who sees returns "many orders of magnitude greater" than his initial investment.
VIDEO - NASA Artemis 2 mission Going further from earth than any other humans ever traveled DW News - YouTube
NASA Artemis 2 mission: "Going further from earth than any other humans ever traveled" | DW News - YouTube
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NASA's upcoming project, Artemis 2, will take humans back to a part of space we haven't been to in decades – the area near the south pole of the Moon. Even t...
VIDEO - Nurses partially win transgender tribunal case - YouTube
Nurses partially win transgender tribunal case - YouTube
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A group of nurses has won a partial tribunal victory after complaining about a transgender colleague using the same changing room. A judge found that County ...
VIDEO - OpenAI faces lawsuit over ChatGPT triggering user's 'delusional spiral' Fox News Video
OpenAI faces lawsuit over ChatGPT triggering user's 'delusional spiral' | Fox News Video
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FOX Business correspondent Madison Alworth joins 'The Faulkner Focus' to discuss a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging user Allan Brooks had a 'delusional spiral' from obsessively using AI, leaving him 'suicidal, totally broken.'
VIDEO - President Donald Trump urges PJM power auction to curb data center prices Fox Business
President Donald Trump urges PJM power auction to curb data center prices | Fox Business
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The Trump administration is seeking an emergency power auction to make tech giants pay for soaring data center electricity costs affecting millions of customers.
VIDEO - Putin signals willingness to repair ties with Europe Africanews
Putin signals willingness to repair ties with Europe | Africanews
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a surprise call for improved diplomatic relations with Europe, saying Moscow is ready to restore dialogue despite ties remaining at their lowest point since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
VIDEO - Reporter to Carney What did you mean by the new world order
(21) Clash Report on X: "Reporter: What did you mean by the new world order? Carney: The architecture, the multilateral system is being eroded—undercut. The question is what gets built in its place... https://t.co/UM6cvvKGgL" / X
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VIDEO - Rictor X4 electric aircraft unveiled at CES 2026 for $39,900 Fox News
Rictor X4 electric aircraft unveiled at CES 2026 for $39,900 | Fox News
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Rictor X4 personal electric aircraft unveiled at CES 2026 promises affordable flight at $39,900 with 50 mph top speed, 20-minute flight time, and delivery scheduled for Q2 2026.
VIDEO - Scott Bessent says Federal Reserve needs a ‘thorough overhaul’ following probe of Jerome Powell Fox Business Video
Scott Bessent says Federal Reserve needs a ‘thorough overhaul’ following probe of Jerome Powell | Fox Business Video
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent comments on the final round of interviews for Federal Reserve chairman and the probe into current chair Jerome Powell on ‘Kudlow.’
VIDEO - Scott Bessent says Jerome Powell probe likely due to the chairman's 'construction incompetence'
VIDEO - Sen. Coons leads delegation in effort to calm tensions over Greenland - YouTube
Sen. Coons leads delegation in effort to calm tensions over Greenland - YouTube
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A group of United States senators and members of the House of Representatives met Friday with Danish and Greenlandic lawmakers in Copenhagen in an effort to ...
VIDEO - Social media platforms removed 4.7 million accounts after Australia banned them for children - YouTube
Social media platforms removed 4.7 million accounts after Australia banned them for children - YouTube
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Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia since the country banned use of the...
VIDEO - Some Western-supplied air defence systems in Ukraine out of ammo at critical time, Zelenskyy says Euronews
Some Western-supplied air defence systems in Ukraine out of ammo at critical time, Zelenskyy says | Euronews
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The Ukrainian president has repeatedly called on the country's allies to bolster its defence systems to protect its critical energy infrastructure amid ongoing Russian attacks.
VIDEO - Thousands take part in 'Hands off Greenland' protests in Denmark - YouTube
Thousands take part in 'Hands off Greenland' protests in Denmark - YouTube
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Thousands take part in 'Hands off Greenland' protests in DenmarkLarge crowds of demonstrators marched through Copenhagen and other Danish cities on Saturday ...
VIDEO - Trump Adviser Says President Is Creating 'New World Order'
Trump Adviser Says President Is Creating 'New World Order'
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Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, boasted on Fox Business that President Donald Trump was "creating" the "New World Order."
VIDEO - Trump Moves to Make Tech Giants Pay for Surging Power Costs - YouTube
Trump Moves to Make Tech Giants Pay for Surging Power Costs - YouTube
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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
VIDEO - Trump says Carney ‘should’ make a deal with China
Trump says Carney ‘should’ make a deal with China
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U.S. President Donald Trump was asked to respond to news that Prime Minister Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping came to an agreement on trade.
VIDEO - Trump threatens tariffs against those who oppose him taking Greenland Greenland The Guardian
Trump threatens tariffs against those who oppose him taking Greenland | Greenland | The Guardian
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President raises pressure on European allies as US envoy says deal to take island ‘should and will be made’
VIDEO - Venezuela’s Machado presents Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize during White House meeting Euronews
Venezuela’s Machado presents Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize during White House meeting | Euronews
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Trump confirmed on social media that Machado had left the medal for him to keep, saying it was an honour to meet her.
VIDEO - Venezuela's opposition figurehead Machado presents Trump with Nobel Peace medal • FRANCE 24 - YouTube
Venezuela's opposition figurehead Machado presents Trump with Nobel Peace medal • FRANCE 24 - YouTube
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Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump on Thursday during a White House meeting, in...
VIDEO Amelia Rose
(21) Leaflit 🍃 Angel's Sword on X: "Amelia: The Last Rose of Albion Would you watch it? https://t.co/XtUpujGnCL" / X
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