January 29th • 3h 3m
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.
ICE
I appreciate you, neighbor
ICE in Milan BOGUS
ICE (HSI) Deployment to 2026 Winter Olympics
It is true that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are deploying to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, these are Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents serving in an advisory/intelligence capacity for counter-terrorism and security, distinct from the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) branch. The deployment has generated controversy in Italy due to the agency's reputation and recent U.S. events, despite the agents having no arrest authority on Italian soil.
The Nature of the Deployment
HSI vs. ERO
Unit Involved: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Unit Not Involved: Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) (the "deportation" unit).
Mission: HSI focuses on transnational crime, including human trafficking, intellectual property theft, cybercrime, and terrorism.
Precedent: HSI routinely assists with security at major international events (e.g., Super Bowl, World Cup, previous Olympics) to protect U.S. citizens and interests.
Operational Scope & Authority
According to the U.S. Embassy in Italy and the Department of Homeland Security:
Role: Strictly advisory and intelligence gathering.
Location: Operations likely based out of the U.S. Consulate in Milan or a joint operations center.
Jurisdiction: Agents have no arrest authority in Italy. Physical security and enforcement remain the sole jurisdiction of Italian authorities (*Carabinieri*, *Polizia di Stato*).
The Controversy
Despite the routine nature of HSI deployments, this specific instance has caused significant backlash in Italy.
Public Sentiment: High sensitivity to the "ICE" brand following recent violent incidents involving federal officers in the U.S. (specifically the Minneapolis shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good).
Political Opposition: Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala publicly opposed the deployment, characterizing the agency as "a militia that kills" and stating they are "not welcome."
Sovereignty: The Italian government was forced to issue clarifications that the agents would remain within diplomatic premises to address concerns about overreach.
Note on Acronym Confusion
ICE (USA): Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
ICE (Italy): *Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero* (Italian Trade Agency).
*Current news refers exclusively to the U.S. law enforcement agency.*
Key Entities
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
U.S. Embassy in Italy
Municipality of Milan (Comune di Milano)
January 2026 Government Shutdown Threat & ICE Funding
Analysis: January 2026 Government Shutdown Threat & ICE Funding
The threat of a government shutdown on January 30, 2026, is real, but the Democratic threat to "defund" ICE is operationally empty. The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) provides ICE with $75 billion in independent, mandatory funding, insulating it from the current appropriations battle. The shutdown threat is a leverage play for oversight, risking funding for Defense, Labor, and Education.
The Immediate Situation (January 2026)
Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026.
The Catalyst: Two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis (Renee Good on Jan 7, Alex Pretti on Jan 24) have sparked outrage.
Democratic Strategy: Senate Democrats (Schumer/Murray) are blocking the DHS appropriations bill, demanding it be stripped from the broader package. They are refusing to vote for the "minibus" unless DHS is separated.
Republican Strategy: Republicans refuse to separate DHS from the broader package (Defense, Labor, Education), daring Democrats to initiate a shutdown.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBBA) Factor
The OBBBA, signed July 4, 2025, effectively pre-determined the outcome of this funding fight regarding ICE.
The "Slush Fund": The act included a $75 billion supplemental appropriation specifically for ICE/detention.
Mandatory Status: These funds are mandatory appropriations (multi-year availability up to 4 years), not discretionary annual funds.
Operational Impact: Even if the government shuts down on Friday, ICE operates at full capacity using OBBBA reserves. The agency is financially "bulletproof."
Strategic Analysis: Empty Threat vs. Real Leverage
| Aspect | Verdict | Reasoning |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Defunding ICE | EMPTY THREAT | ICE has ~$75B in OBBBA reserves. A shutdown does not stop operations or deportations. |
| Shutdown Risk | REAL THREAT | Funding for Military, Education, and Labor is at risk because they are bundled in the same bill. |
| True Goal | OVERSIGHT | Democrats are likely seeking policy concessions (body cams, de-escalation protocols, firings) rather than impossible budget cuts. |
Democrats are in a "weak hand" position regarding the money. They are threatening to shut down the Department of Education and the Pentagon to protest ICE, knowing ICE will remain open and funded via the OBBBA.
Minibus Bill Details
Analysis: January 2026 Minibus Bill & ICE Implications
The Jan 2026 "Minibus" (~$1.2T) bundles Defense, Labor, Transportation, and DHS appropriations. While the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) provides ICE with independent reserve funding, this minibus contains critical oversight mechanisms and policy riders (body cams, audits) that would be lost in a shutdown. A shutdown would close Education and Defense, but leave ICE operational *without* these new restrictions.
Composition of the "Minibus"
Passed by the House on Jan 22, 2026, the package combines four major appropriations bills:
Defense: ~$839 billion (Military operations, pay, intel).
Labor, HHS, & Education: ~$224 billion (Schools, medical research, labor).
Transportation & HUD: ~$103 billion (Highway funds, housing, FAA).
Homeland Security (DHS): ~$64.4 billion (The controversial wedge).
Direct Impact on DHS & ICE
Despite the OBBBA "slush fund," this bill contains three critical mechanisms affecting ICE:
A. Guardrails on OBBBA Cash
The bill attempts to rein in the $75 billion OBBBA reserve:
Mandatory Reporting: Requires monthly reports on *how* OBBBA funds are spent.
Audit Funding: Allocates $12.8 million for the DHS Inspector General to audit OBBBA spending.
Transfer Restrictions: Limits DHS's authority to move money between accounts without approval.
B. The Annual "Base" Budget
ICE Flat-Funding: Sets the annual operating budget at ~$10 billion.
Detention Cap: Restricts *annual* appropriation for detention to $3.8 billion, forcing reliance on OBBBA funds for excess (triggering the reporting requirements above).
C. Policy Riders (Concessions)
Includes mandates not present in the OBBBA:
Body Cameras: $20 million earmarked for ICE/CBP body-worn cameras.
De-escalation Training: Mandatory funding for training on public rights/de-escalation (response to Minneapolis shootings).
The Strategic Trap
The bundling creates a paradox where a shutdown hurts oversight more than operations:
If Passed: ICE gets funding but faces new oversight, audits, and body cam mandates.
If Failed (Shutdown): Dept. of Education and Pentagon close. ICE *remains open* using OBBBA reserves, but operates without the new oversight or body cam requirements.
The only solution to Minneapolis, Minnesota, America, and the World - yes, it's Jesus
Big Tech AI and the Socials
CalwdBot
Engineering a Local-First Agentic Podcast Studio A Deep Dive into Multi-Agent Orchestration Microsoft Community Hub
Engineering a Local-First Agentic Podcast Studio: A Deep Dive into Multi-Agent Orchestration | Microsoft Community Hub
## Excerpt
The transition from standalone Large Language Models (LLMs) to Agentic Orchestration marks the next frontier in AI development. We are moving away from simple "prompt-and-response" cycles toward a paradigm where specialized, autonomous units—AI Agents—collaborate to solve complex, multi-step problems. As a Technology Evangelist, my focus is on building these production-grade systems entirely on the edge, ensuring privacy, speed, and cost-efficiency.
This technical guide explores the architecture and implementation of The AI Podcast Studio. This project demonstrates the seamless integration of the Microsoft Agent Framework, Local Small Language Models (SLMs), and VibeVoice to automate a complete tech podcast pipeline.
I. The Strategic Intelligence Layer: Why Local-First?
At the core of our studio is a Local-First philosophy. While cloud-based LLMs are powerful, they introduce friction in high-frequency, creative pipelines. By using Ollama as a model manager, we run SLMs like Qwen-3-8B directly on user hardware.
Architectural Comparison: Local vs. Cloud
Choosing the deployment environment is a fundamental architectural decision. For an agentic podcasting workflow, the edge offers distinct advantages:
DimensionLocal Models (e.g., Qwen-3-8B)Cloud Models (e.g., GPT-4o)LatencyZero/Ultra-low: Instant token generation without network "jitter".Variable: Dependent on network stability and API traffic.PrivacyTotal Sovereignty: Creative data and drafts never leave the local device.Shared Risk: Data is processed on third-party servers.CostZero API Fees: One-time hardware investment; free to run infinite tokens.Pay-as-you-go: Costs scale with token count and frequency of calls.AvailabilityOffline: The studio remains functional without an internet connection.Online Only: Requires a stable, high-speed connection.
Reasoning and Tool-Calling on the Edge
To move beyond simple chat, we implement Reasoning Mode, utilizing Chain-of-Thought (CoT) prompting. This allows our local agents to "think" through the podcast structure before writing. Furthermore, we grant them "superpowers" through Tool-Calling, allowing them to execute Python functions for real-time web searches to gather the latest news.
II. The Orchestration Engine: Microsoft Agent Framework
The true complexity of this project lies in Agent Orchestration—the coordination of specialized agents to work as a cohesive team. We distinguish between Agents, who act as "Jazz Musicians" making flexible decisions, and Workflows, which act as the "Orchestra" following a predefined score.
Advanced Orchestration Patterns
Drawing from the WorkshopForAgentic architecture, the studio utilizes several sophisticated patterns:
Sequential: A strict pipeline where the output of the Researcher flows into the Scriptwriter.
Concurrent (Parallel): Multiple agents search different news sources simultaneously to speed up data gathering.
Handoff: An agent dynamically "transfers" control to another specialist based on the context of the task.
Magentic-One: A high-level "Manager" agent decides which specialist should handle the next task in real-time.
III. Implementation: Code Analysis (Workshop Patterns)
To maintain a production-grade codebase, we follow the modular structure found in the WorkshopForAgentic/code directory. This ensures that agents, clients, and workflows are decoupled and maintainable.
Configuration: Connecting to Local SLMs
The first step is initializing the local model client using the framework's Ollama integration.
Based on WorkshopForAgentic/code/config.py from agent_framework.ollama import OllamaChatClient # Initialize the local client for Qwen-3-8B # Standard Ollama endpoint on localhost chat_client = OllamaChatClient( model_id="qwen3:8b", endpoint="http://localhost:11434" )
Agent Definition: Specialized Roles
Each agent is a ChatAgent instance defined by its persona and instructions.
Based on WorkshopForAgentic/code/agents.py from agent_framework import ChatAgent # The Researcher Agent: Responsible for web discovery researcher_agent = client.create_agent( name="SearchAgent", instructions="You are my assistant. Answer the questions based on the search engine.", tools=[web_search], ) # The Scriptwriter Agent: Responsible for conversational narrative generate_script_agent = client.create_agent( name="GenerateScriptAgent", instructions=""" You are my podcast script generation assistant. Please generate a 10-minute Chinese podcast script based on the provided content. The podcast script should be co-hosted by Lucy (the host) and Ken (the expert). The script content should be generated based on the input, and the final output format should be as follows: Speaker 1: …… Speaker 2: …… Speaker 1: …… Speaker 2: …… Speaker 1: …… Speaker 2: …… """ )
Workflow Setup: The Sequential Pipeline
For a deterministic production line, we use the WorkflowBuilder to connect our agents.
Based on WorkshopForAgentic/code/workflow_setup.py from agent_framework import WorkflowBuilder # Building the podcast pipeline search_executor = AgentExecutor(agent=search_agent, id="search_executor") gen_script_executor = AgentExecutor(agent=gen_script_agent, id="gen_script_executor") review_executor = ReviewExecutor(id="review_executor", genscript_agent_id="gen_script_executor") # Build workflow with approval loop # search_executor -> gen_script_executor -> review_executor # If not approved, review_executor -> gen_script_executor (loop back) workflow = ( WorkflowBuilder() .set_start_executor(search_executor) .add_edge(search_executor, gen_script_executor) .add_edge(gen_script_executor, review_executor) .add_edge(review_executor, gen_script_executor) # Loop back for regeneration .build() )
IV. Multimodal Synthesis: VibeVoice Technology
The "Future Bytes" podcast is brought to life using VibeVoice, a specialized technology from Microsoft Research designed for natural conversational synthesis.
Conversational Rhythm: It automatically handles natural turn-taking and speech cadences.
High Efficiency: By operating at an ultra-low 7.5 Hz frame rate, it significantly reduces the compute power required for high-fidelity audio.
Scalability: The system supports up to 4 distinct voices and can generate up to 90 minutes of continuous audio.
V. Observability and Debugging: DevUI
Building multi-agent systems requires deep visibility into the agentic "thinking" process. We leverage DevUI, a specialized web interface for testing and tracing:
Interactive Tracing: Developers can watch the message flow and tool-calling in real-time.
Automatic Discovery: DevUI auto-discovers agents defined within the project structure.
Input Auto-Generation: The UI generates input fields based on workflow requirements, allowing for rapid iteration.
VI. Technical Requirements for Edge Deployment
Deploying this studio locally requires specific hardware and software configurations to handle simultaneous LLM and TTS inference:
Software: Python 3.10+, Ollama, and the Microsoft Agent Framework.
Hardware: 16GB+ RAM is the minimum requirement; 32GB is recommended for running multiple agents and VibeVoice concurrently.
Compute: A modern GPU/NPU (e.g., NVIDIA RTX or Snapdragon X Elite) is essential for smooth inference.
Final Perspective: From Coding to Directing
The AI Podcast Studio represents a significant shift toward Agentic Content Creation. By mastering these orchestration patterns and leveraging local EdgeAI, developers move from simply writing code to directing entire ecosystems of intelligent agents. This "local-first" model ensures that the future of creativity is private, efficient, and infinitely scalable.
Download sample Here
Resource
EdgeAI for Beginners - https://github.com/microsoft/edgeai-for-beginners
Microsoft Agent Framework - https://github.com/microsoft/agent-framework
Microsoft Agent Framework Samples - https://github.com/microsoft/agent-framework-samples
Unhinged
The iPhone as Satan's Tool and mark of the beast
Analysis: Is Modern Tech the "Mark of the Beast"?
[!SUMMARY]
This note explores the eschatological theory that modern smartphones (specifically the iPhone), AI, and digital commerce systems constitute the biblical "Mark of the Beast" (Revelation 13). While the visual "Apple" symbolism is textually weak, the functional arguments regarding economic exclusion, physical integration (hand/forehead), and AI ("Image of the Beast") are highly plausible. The critical missing link is the concept of Volition: identifying "Terms of Service" (ToS) as a modern form of binding religious covenant.
I. Textual & Visual Analysis
The "Forbidden Fruit" Symbolism
The Theory: The Apple logo (an apple with a bite) represents the Fall of Man in Eden, mocking God.
The Biblical Text: Genesis 3:6 uses the Hebrew word *peri* (fruit). The identification of the fruit as an "apple" is a Latin pun (*malus* = apple / *malum* = evil) popularized in the 4th Century.
Conclusion: The Bible never specifies an apple; thus, the logo is likely an ironic coincidence rather than a direct fulfillment of scripture.
The Location: Hand vs. Forehead
Scripture: Revelation 13:16 mentions the mark *epi* (on/upon) the right hand or forehead.
The Smartphone (Hand):
Argument: People hold phones constantly; they are functionally grafted to the hand.
Greek Analysis: The text uses ἐπί (epi) (on/surface) rather than ἐν (en) (in/within). While a chip *in* the hand fits the futurist narrative, a device *held* in the hand relies on the Hebrew idiom of the hand representing agency.
Smart Glasses (Forehead):
Argument: Emerging AR/VR tech (e.g., Apple Vision Pro, Meta Orion) places the digital interface directly over the eyes/forehead.
Biblical Parallel: A counterfeit of the "Frontlets" (Deuteronomy 6:8)—binding God's law on the forehead. The Beast binds a digital reality on the forehead.
II. The "Image" and The Number
The "Number of a Man" (666)
Text: Rev 13:18 — *"Count the number of the beast... it is the number of a man."*
Modern Interpretation: "Man" could refer to Humanity's Data. An AI trained on the sum total of human knowledge (LLMs) is effectively a digital "man."
The "Image that Speaks"
Text: Rev 13:15 — The Beast gives breath to the "Image of the Beast" so it can speak.
Tech Parallel: Generative AI / Chatbots. We now have non-living images (avatars/interfaces) that possess intelligence and speech, managing the global system.
III. Economic Control: "Cannot Buy or Sell"
The strongest argument for the smartphone/blockchain theory is the mechanism of exclusion.
Current State: Cash is legally valid but practically refused in many venues (stadiums, airlines).
Stablecoins: The rise of USDT/USDC as global payment rails implies a unified ledger.
The Kill Switch: Unlike cash, digital access can be revoked remotely. If participation in the economy requires a device (iPhone) and a platform (Apple Pay/Wallet), the provider holds absolute power over survival.
IV. Deep Dive: Terms of Service (ToS) as "Covenant"
The final requirement for the Mark is that it signifies worship or allegiance. How does a phone become an act of worship? Through the legal concept of the "Adhesion Contract."
The Ancient Context: Suzerainty Treaties
In the ancient Near East (and the Bible), a covenant was a treaty between a Greater King (Suzerain) and a Lesser King (Vassal).
Structure: The Suzerain sets the terms; the Vassal accepts them to receive protection.
The Sign: The covenant was often sealed with a mark or cutting.
The Modern Context: Clickwrap Agreements
Modern "Terms of Service" function as digital suzerainty treaties.
No Negotiation: The User (Vassal) cannot negotiate with the Platform (Suzerain). It is "Take it or Leave it."
Total Surveillance: Current ToS often grant the platform rights to data, voice, and location—attributes formerly known as "Omniscience" (attributed only to God).
The Theoretical "Mark" Scenario
For the iPhone/Tech to transition from a tool to "The Mark," the Terms of Service would need to introduce a clause of spiritual allegiance.
*Scenario:* A global crisis requires a new "Digital ID" to prevent fraud/terrorism.
*The Clause:* To activate the ID (and buy food), the user must agree to a ToS that explicitly denies civil liberties or religious exemptions, pledging loyalty to the central System (The Beast).
*The Trap:* Clicking "I Agree" becomes the modern equivalent of pinching incense to Caesar. It is a willful legal binding of the soul to the system for the sake of commerce.
Why Young Women Moved Left While Young Men Stayed Sane
Political Gender Divide in Young Adults
[!SUMMARY]
The tweet shares an article analyzing the growing ideological split between young men (trending right-wing) and young women (trending left-wing), based on a 2024 Financial Times piece, discussing causes like incentive structures, propaganda, and societal impacts.
Tweet Text
The extracted text from the tweet is a link to an X article: Article Link
Key Insights
Ideological Shift: Data shows young men increasingly identifying as right-wing, while young women move left-wing, marking a significant gender gap in political views.
Contributing Factors:
Propaganda portraying masculinity as toxic and promoting careerism over family for women.
Incentive structures such as no-fault divorce and women-targeted welfare programs encouraging state dependency.
Societal atomization making individuals easier to control, with equality narratives ignoring inherent gender differences.
Consequences: Radicalization of women, disengagement or backlash from men, crumbling family structures, and overall civilizational decline.
Sources
Original Tweet: https://x.com/IterIntellectus/status/2012220254504530043
Related Discussion: Similar Post by Author
Board of Peace
Putin to discuss use of frozen assets to support Board of Peace at meeting with US envoys
Putin to discuss use of frozen assets to support Board of Peace at meeting with US envoys
## Excerpt
Russian president says Moscow 'ready' to allocate $1 billion to Trump’s Board of Peace - Anadolu Ajansı
Climate Change
Doomsday Clock
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists & The Doomsday Clock
[!SUMMARY]
The Doomsday Clock is managed by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945 by Manhattan Project scientists. The clock's time is determined annually by the Science and Security Board (SASB) in consultation with a Board of Sponsors. As of January 2026, the clock sits at 85 seconds to midnight—the closest to global catastrophe in its history—driven by nuclear escalation, climate change, and disruptive technologies like AI.
The Organization
Founders: Scientists from the University of Chicago who worked on the Manhattan Project (including Eugene Rabinowitch and Hyman Goldsmith).
Mission: To equip the public, policymakers, and scientists with the information needed to reduce man-made threats to the existence of humanity.
The Decision Process
The clock is not set by a single individual but by a committee of experts.
Decision Makers: The Science and Security Board (SASB) composed of experts in nuclear technology, climate science, and global security.
Consultants: The Board of Sponsors, which includes multiple Nobel Laureates.
Timing: The decision is typically announced annually in late January.
Current Status (January 2026)
Time: 85 Seconds to Midnight.
Change: Moved forward 4 seconds from the 2025 setting (89 seconds).
Significance: This represents the highest level of danger (closest to midnight) in the clock's history.
Risk Factors
Originally focused on nuclear war, the criteria for the clock have expanded to include:
Nuclear Risk: Expansion of arsenals, expiration of treaties (e.g., New START), and active conflicts involving nuclear powers.
Climate Change: The probability of irreversible climate outcomes.
Disruptive Technologies:
Artificial Intelligence: The spread of disinformation and "information armageddon."
Biosecurity: Threats from engineered pandemics.
Historical Context
Creation: The clock graphic was designed in 1947 by artist Martyl Langsdorf. The initial setting of "7 minutes to midnight" was an aesthetic choice that became a metric.
Safest Point: 17 minutes to midnight (1991), following the end of the Cold War.
Purpose: The clock serves as a metaphor and a "diagnosis" to spur political action, rather than a precise predictive tool.
Election Fraud
FBI agents raid election hub in Fulton County, Georgia
EU UK Ukraine and NATO
'British FBI' will free up forces to tackle everyday crime, home secretary says
National Defense Strategy Outline
Podcast Prep: 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS)
[!SUMMARY]
The 2026 NDS marks a definitive shift from global policing to a "Fortress America" approach. The strategy prioritizes Homeland Defense (including a "Golden Dome" missile shield) and deterring China via denial. It delivers a stark ultimatum to allies (specifically NATO) to hit 5% GDP spending or handle threats like Russia alone.
The Hook
The Pentagon has pivoted. The era of "global policeman" is over; the era of "Homeland First" has begun. The U.S. is securing the Western Hemisphere and telling allies to pay up or protect themselves.
Key Talking Points & Debate Angles
"Fortress America": Is abandoning the global policeman role a safety measure or an invitation for chaos?
The "Golden Dome": Is a comprehensive missile shield technically feasible or a budget black hole?
European Anxiety: How will NATO react to the 5% target and the U.S. step-back regarding Russia?
Specifics: Note the unusual specificity of naming locations like Greenland—this suggests a resource-heavy, geography-based strategy.
National Defense Strategy
Gay Patton
Treasury Cancels Contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton U.S. Department of the Treasury
Treasury Cancels Contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton | U.S. Department of the Treasury
## Excerpt
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent announced the cancelation of all contracts with consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton. The Treasury Department currently has 31 separate contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton totaling $4.8 million in annual spending and $21 million in total obligations. “President Trump has entrusted his cabinet to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and canceling these contracts is an essential step to increasing Americans’ trust in government,” said Secretary Bessent. “Booz Allen failed to implement adequate safeguards to protect sensitive data, including the confidential taxpayer information it had access to through its contracts with the Internal Revenue Service.”Most notably, between 2018 and 2020, Charles Edward Littlejohn — an employee of Booz Allen Hamilton — stole and leaked the confidential tax returns and return information of hundreds of thousands of taxpayers. To date, the IRS determined that the data breach affected approximately 406,000 taxpayers. Littlejohn has pled guilty to felony charges for disclosing confidential tax information without authorization.###
Podcast Circle Jerk
Reciprocal Lawsuits Between Former Employees and Mohawk House Sparta, NJ News TAPinto TAPinto
Judge Napolitano lived in Sussex County, NJ. He was a local celebrity in this deep red county in the northwest NJ. He would frequent the Mohawk House, a high end steakhouse in Sparta.
He got involved with a waiter there named James Kruzelnick, in 2014 according to court documents. Kruzelnick went to the Judge's home frequently. He asked the judge to help his brother in Texas get out of a legal jam. The judge initially said he would but then didn't/couldn't.
Things went sour between them. Not sure if the brother issue was the reason.
Kruzelnick was also doing drugs, selling in the bathroom at Mohawk House.
Kurzelnick alleges he was at the judge's house for dinner, sitting at the table as Nap was serving the meal. Nap, according to Kruzelnick, came out of the kitchen without pants attempting to solicit Kruzelnick (according to the waiter).
Another time Kruzelnick was hanging out in the pool at Nap's house, Nap decided bathing suits were optional. Kruzelnick reported to be offended by this supposed second attempt at initiating a homosexual relationship. (yet he kept returnining to Nap's home)
Kruzelnick eventually got fired from the Mohawk House and rallied other former employees to sue - thinking he would get a quick cash settlement. That didn't turn out well for him. His attorney hired a PR firm that promoted Kruzelnick's story. Because of the PR firm's actions the attorney was kicked out of court by the judge hearing the case. So clearly things changed in Kruzelnick's life.
In his suit in 2020, he names Nap.
Reciprocal Lawsuits Between Former Employees and Mohawk House | Sparta, NJ News TAPinto | TAPinto
## Excerpt
SPARTA, NJ- In what appears to be the latest in an escalating issue between former employees and the owner of the Mohawk House, Grey Bridge Public Relations firm announced a $15 million lawsuit...
Trump
Trump Accounts
Financial Benefits of Contributing to Trump Accounts
[!SUMMARY]
No direct financial ROI for individual investors. Contributing to another person's child's Trump Account is a gift, not an investment for the contributor. There is no federal tax deduction for individuals, and the funds become the irrevocable property of the child. The only exception is for employers, who receive specific tax benefits.
Individual Contributors: A "Pure Gift"
For friends, grandparents, or neighbors contributing to a child's account, the financial structure is straightforward but offers no personal monetary gain:
Zero Profit: You own 0% of the assets. All compound interest, dividends, and growth belong 100% to the child.
No Tax Deduction: Unlike some state 529 plans, contributions to Trump Accounts are made with after-tax dollars. You cannot deduct the $5,000 annual limit from your federal taxable income.
Irrevocable: Once deposited, the money is legally the child's property (custodied by parents until age 18).
The "Employer" Exception
Businesses are the only entity class that receives a tangible financial benefit from participating:
Tax-Free Contribution: Employers can contribute up to $2,500 per year to an employee's child's account.
Deductibility: This contribution functions as a deductible business expense for the company.
Tax-Advantaged for Employee: This amount is excluded from the employee's taxable income (unlike a standard bonus).
Estate Planning Strategy (High Net Worth)
For wealthy contributors, the benefit is strategic rather than immediate:
Gift Tax Exclusion: Contributions count toward the annual federal gift tax exclusion ($19,000 per recipient in 2026).
Estate Reduction: This allows older generations to move assets out of their taxable estate tax-free, reducing future estate tax liability, though it provides no liquidity or profit today.
Sources & Context
Legislation: *One Big Beautiful Bill Act* (Enacted July 4, 2025)
Program Details: Trump Accounts Overview (Vanguard)
Official Guidance: Trump Accounts Pilot Program (IRS)
Venezuela
Exclusive Citgo buys first Venezuelan oil since 2019 from Trafigura, sources say Reuters
Exclusive: Citgo buys first Venezuelan oil since 2019 from Trafigura, sources say | Reuters
## Excerpt
U.S. refiner Citgo Petroleum has bought Venezuelan crude oil for the first time since 2019, when it severed ties with its parent, state-run oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.
Clip Sources
VIDEO - 'Doomsday Clock' stands at 85 seconds to midnight - YouTube
'Doomsday Clock' stands at 85 seconds to midnight - YouTube
## Excerpt
The U.S.-based Bulletin of Atomic Scientists announced that the 'Doomsday Clock' stands at 85 seconds to midnight Tuesday – "the closest the world has ever b...
VIDEO - (11) kara scott nuremburg - Search X
(11) kara scott nuremburg - Search / X
## Excerpt
NYU Prof Scott Galloway Wants ‘Nuremberg Trials’ for ICE and Trump Officials When Dems Retake Power | Mike LaChance, The Gateway Pundit
NYU professor Scott Galloway recently appeared on the Pivot podcast with the absolutely miserable leftist Kara Swisher, and said that when Democrats retake power, he wants ‘Nuremberg Trials’ for ICE agents and people in the Trump administration.
Swisher agreed with him as she nodded along.
The Nuremberg Trials took place after World War II, when the Nazis were put on trial for war crimes involving the systematic murder of tens of millions of innocent people.
Galloway, Kara Swisher and other people like them are completely insane, not to mention reckless and dangerous.
Mediaite has details:
The Pivot podcast lambasted President Donald Trump following the shooting death of Alex Pretti last weekend, with co-host Scott Galloway arguing Democrats should put Trump administration officials on trial — just like the ones Nazi war criminals faced after World War II.
“I think there should be something equivalent to the Nuremberg Trials once this is all over,” Galloway said. “And to make it clear: once we’re back in power — which we will be — this is going to happen. And the statute of limitations on murder is never.”
He shared his suggestion on an “emergency” Pivot episode on Sunday, one day after Pretti was shot and killed after a fight with Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.
Galloway wasn’t the only one who saw parallels between the USA and Nazi Germany following the shooting, either.
His co-host Kara Swisher said Trump gets most of the heat for his administration’s immigration enforcement policies, but she does not want people to give adviser Stephen Miller a pass. She said Miller is like “Heinrich Himmler in the Nazi regime,” referring to the architect of the “Final Solution.”
This is such an insult to the survivors and families of survivors of the Holocaust.
And they’re not alone. This insane line of thinking is common on the left. Listen to this insane woman explain how they’re going to go door to door to go after all of the ‘Red Hats.’
Going door to door and rounding people up, you know, to fight fascism.
The irony is completely lost on them.
thegatewaypundit.com/2026/01/nyu-pr
VIDEO - $100 Silver is Crushing London’s Empire ft Tom Luongo - YouTube
$100 Silver is Crushing London’s Empire ft Tom Luongo - YouTube
## Excerpt
In this interview with Tom Luongo we discuss how the US & China are using silver to destroy the old system. SUPPORT ME HERE - https://ko-fi.com/cryptorichTom...
VIDEO - Bill Belichick's first-ballot snub 'WATERS DOWN THE HALL OF FAME' 😳 - Swagu First Take - YouTube
Bill Belichick's first-ballot snub 'WATERS DOWN THE HALL OF FAME' 😳 - Swagu | First Take - YouTube
## Excerpt
Stephen A. Smith, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo and Marcus "Swagu" Spears join Shae Cornette on First Take to react to Bill Belichick, who ranks first among head coa...
VIDEO - Can trees really explode in severe cold - YouTube
Can trees really explode in severe cold? - YouTube
## Excerpt
You may have seen the viral claim that trees can explode in extremely low temperatures. We asked an expert if that's true.➡️Subscribe to 13 ON YOUR SIDE for ...
VIDEO - China removes top military general over legal, discipline violations - YouTube
China removes top military general over legal, discipline violations - YouTube
## Excerpt
Over the weekend China announced it was investigating the military’s top general, Zhang Youxia, over suspected violations of discipline and law. Youxia is th...
VIDEO - Dallio breakdown of Fiat money
VIDEO - Erik Schmidt explains how Obama and Biden weaponized government agencies against Trump
## Excerpt
2,616 likes, 176 comments - patriotsmindset on January 26, 2026: "NOT the Soviet Union.
Sen. Eric Schmitt says federal power was turned into a political weapon – and he lays out the timeline in plain English. Agree or disagree, you should hear the argument start to finish.
This is why so many Americans don’t trust the “institutions” anymore. If one side gets a free pass and the other side gets prosecuted, the country doesn’t survive that.
Watch the full clip now. Tomorrow I’ll post the shorter “viral” cut – but this longer version shows what he’s actually claiming.
What part hit you hardest?
MAGA #AmericaFirst #PatriotMindset".
VIDEO - Europe’s dependence on the US underlined by NATO Secretary General • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Europe’s dependence on the US underlined by NATO Secretary General • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, often called the 'Trump whisperer', addressed the European Parliament emphasizing that Europe cannot defend itself without...
VIDEO - EV Battery Breakthrough! Donut Lab Solid-State Battery & CEO interview! - YouTube
EV Battery Breakthrough! Donut Lab Solid-State Battery & CEO interview! - YouTube
## Excerpt
At CES, Donut Lab unveiled the world's first solid-state EV battery in a production vehicle! The battery will be in Verge Motorcycles in the first quarter of...
VIDEO - Fact check Is the EU launching a social media platform called 'W' - YouTube
Fact check: Is the EU launching a social media platform called 'W'? - YouTube
## Excerpt
Fact check: Is the EU launching a social media platform called 'W'? Viral posts claiming the EU is launching its own social media platform to counter X, in t...
VIDEO - FBI searching Georgia election site for 2020 election records, county officials say - YouTube
FBI searching Georgia election site for 2020 election records, county officials say - YouTube
## Excerpt
Fulton County, Georgia, officials said Wednesday that the FBI seized original 2020 voting records while serving a search warrant at the county's Elections Hu...
VIDEO - General strike
VIDEO - Greenland What do we know about ongoing NATO-US talks for a framework • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Greenland: What do we know about ongoing NATO-US talks for a framework? • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
French President Emmanuel Macron will be hosting the leaders of Denmark and Greenland on January 28 to reaffirm support for the territory's sovereignty and t...
VIDEO - Health insurers tumble after Trump proposes keeping Medicare rates flat
Health insurers tumble after Trump proposes keeping Medicare rates flat
## Excerpt
Shares of large Medicare plan providers Humana, CVS Health and UnitedHealth Group plunged in extended trading.
VIDEO - ICE influencers, a world-record trade surplus, and the moon goes nuclear The Indicator from Planet Money NPR
ICE influencers, a world-record trade surplus, and the moon goes nuclear : The Indicator from Planet Money : NPR
## Excerpt
Welcome back to Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news.
On today’s episode: Influencers for ICE, China’s tremendous trade surplus, and America heads back to the moon.
Related episodes:
We resolve to watch these 2026 indicators
China's trade war perspective
Who owns the moon?
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Vito Emanuel. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
On today’s episode: Influencers for ICE, China’s tremendous trade surplus, and America heads back to the moon.
Related episodes:
We resolve to watch these 2026 indicators
China's trade war perspective
Who owns the moon?
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Vito Emanuel. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
VIDEO - ICE not welcome in Milan to assist with Winter Olympics security, says mayor • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
ICE "not welcome" in Milan to assist with Winter Olympics security, says mayor • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
Italians have expressed outrage at the inclusion of an ICE branch in ensuring security during Milan's Winter Olympics. Although the officers in question work...
VIDEO - India-EU finalise landmark trade deal Agreement comes after two decades of negotiations - YouTube
India-EU finalise landmark trade deal: Agreement comes after two decades of negotiations - YouTube
## Excerpt
India and the European Union have finalised a landmark trade deal after nearly 20 years of negotiations. Both sides hope it will help shield against an uncer...
VIDEO - Interim Venezuelan leader says it's been enough orders from Washington • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Interim Venezuelan leader says it's been "enough" orders from Washington • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
In Venezuela, the post-Maduro transition is underway. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently touted quick progress and opening communication channels bet...
VIDEO - Iran’s leadership sends defiant warning to the US - YouTube
Iran’s leadership sends defiant warning to the US - YouTube
## Excerpt
CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen reports from the Iranian capital where a bloody crackdown on protests left thousands dead earlier this month. CNN operates in Tehran ...
VIDEO - Largest cocaine seizure in Portugal sheds light on use of narcosubmersibles • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Largest cocaine seizure in Portugal sheds light on use of narcosubmersibles • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
After the discovery by Portuguese officials of nine tonnes of cocaine on board a submarine off the coast of the Azores, the focus has turned to submersibles ...
VIDEO - Meta & Microsoft earnings reports underline huge AI spending, raise profitability questions - YouTube
Meta & Microsoft earnings reports underline huge AI spending, raise profitability questions - YouTube
## Excerpt
Both Meta Platforms and Microsoft shared their latest quarterly results on Wednesday and showed they are still planning on sustained spending on artificial i...
VIDEO - Molly Ringwald Reel
VIDEO - Prediction Market Sites are taking over Washington and Earning People Big Money - YouTube
Prediction Market Sites are taking over Washington and Earning People Big Money - YouTube
## Excerpt
Will the U.S. Government shut down on Saturday? Who will be the first to leave the Trump Cabinet? Will UFC host at fight on the White House? Will Karoline Le...
VIDEO - President Trump urges families to open Trump Accounts as tax season begins - YouTube
President Trump urges families to open Trump Accounts as tax season begins - YouTube
## Excerpt
Under Trump's signature tax and spending legislation, starting this July the federal government will deposit $1,000 for every baby born between 2025 and 2028.
VIDEO - Social media companies face landmark trial over youth addiction claims - YouTube
Social media companies face landmark trial over youth addiction claims - YouTube
## Excerpt
TikTok agreed to settle a landmark social media addiction lawsuit just before the trial kicked off, the plaintiff’s attorneys confirmed. The social video pla...
VIDEO - Starmer Tries to Ban X Over a BIKINI! Grok Parody Song - YouTube
Starmer Tries to Ban X Over a BIKINI! Grok Parody Song - YouTube
## Excerpt
Update: Just hours before this video went live, Ofcom launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s X over Grok’s AI-generated deepfake images under the O...
VIDEO - Tension stays high between Iran and the US as Trump threatens attack • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Tension stays high between Iran and the US as Trump threatens attack • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
Iran says it will "respond like never before" in the event of a US attack. The comments come from the Iranian mission to the UN after Donald Trump renewed hi...
VIDEO - The World's First True Artificial Superintelligence Asinoid by ASILAB - YouTube
The World's First True Artificial Superintelligence | Asinoid by ASILAB - YouTube
## Excerpt
ASILAB is excited to introduce Asinoid – the world's first true artificial superintelligence built on the architecture of the human brain. Designed to think,...
VIDEO - TikTok apologizes after thousands of users in the US report outages - YouTube
TikTok apologizes after thousands of users in the US report outages - YouTube
## Excerpt
The company says the issues were because of a power outage at a U.S. data center.
VIDEO - Trump administration seeks de-escalation in Minneapolis amid backlash • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Trump administration seeks de-escalation in Minneapolis amid backlash • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
US President Donald Trump said on January 27, a “big investigation” was underway into the killing of protester and ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in...
VIDEO - Trump tax records Treasury cancels Booz Allen contracts
Trump tax records: Treasury cancels Booz Allen contracts
## Excerpt
Booz Allen employee Charles Edward Littlejohn also had leaked tax records of Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Tesla chief Elon Musk to a news outlet.
VIDEO - US government shutdown looms as Democrats reject DHS funding over ICE issues • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
US government shutdown looms as Democrats reject DHS funding over ICE issues • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
## Excerpt
A US government shutdown is increasingly likely as Democratic Senators refuse to approve the DHS funding bill, following the fatal shooting of a second US ci...
VIDEO - Ye, formerly Kanye West, buys page in The Wall Street Journal to apologize to 'Those I've Hurt' - YouTube
Ye, formerly Kanye West, buys page in The Wall Street Journal to apologize to 'Those I've Hurt' - YouTube
## Excerpt
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is apologizing for his antisemitic remarks and other outlandish behavior in recent years.
