Warren Buffett Doubles Down on Occidental Petroleum Amid Stock Decline

A large-scale deportation operation targeting undocumented immigrants in Chicago has left many residents in fear and uncertainty. Over 5,500 arrests were made between January 23 and 29, significantly higher than earlier figures, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data. The raids coincide with increased rhetoric from the Trump administration regarding immigration, which many believe aims to create panic in immigrant communities. Individuals like Manuel, a Mexican waiter, express the anxiety felt within the community but also a determination to continue working despite the risks. "We are not criminals; we came here to build a life," he stated. Many parents are canceling significant family events, while businesses are shuttering, further straining an economy heavily reliant on immigrant labor. Activists in areas like Little Village are mobilizing to protect residents by sharing knowledge on how to respond to ICE encounters. According to Pastor Paco Amador, the raids have transformed community dynamics, resulting in empty schools and closed businesses as families opt to stay home. With immigration a pressing issue, the economic reliance on undocumented workers remains a critical reality for the city.

Recent deportation policies under President Donald Trump have intensified fear among Latino migrants in the United States, creating heightened anxieties within their communities. According to reports, the administration's goal is to execute what it calls "the largest deportation in history," with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem referring to undocumented individuals derogatorily as “trash.” Communities are witnessing the erosion of protections previously afforded to schools, hospitals, and churches from anti-immigrant raids. Many Hispanic migrants, fearful of being targeted based on appearance or language, are now considering emergency plans should they face detention. Over 11 million undocumented immigrants currently reside in the U.S.; however, with recent increases in immigration, estimates suggest the number could exceed 13 million. Civil rights organizations are urging families to prepare for the possibility of separation by assigning guardianship to trusted individuals, optimizing care for children in case of deportation. These developments reflect a broader trend of xenophobia and discrimination against Latino communities, prompting widespread discussions about the implications of the administration's actions.

A senior delegation from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration will commence negotiations in Saudi Arabia with representatives from Russia and Ukraine aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, U.S. officials announced on February 16, 2025. The team will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, among others. This initiative follows Trump’s recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to explore ceasefire discussions. Although the dates for the meetings remain undisclosed, Rubio's visit to Saudi Arabia was part of a broader Middle East tour that already included a stop in Israel. During a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Rubio reiterated Trump's commitment to resolving the conflict. Tensions have risen among Kyiv and its allies, who fear being sidelined in these negotiations following a significant escalation of hostilities reminiscent of World War II. The urgency of the discussions signals a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations and wartime diplomacy.