politics
Politics does not dictate our collective cultural mindset as much as it simply reflects it; We've got to look in the mirror sometimes, and we've got one.
Don Lemon Hires Federal Prosecutor Who Quit Over Immigration Crackdown. AI-Generated.
Former CNN anchor and longtime journalist Don Lemon has taken a striking new step in his legal defense by enlisting a veteran federal prosecutor who resigned from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota amid mounting tensions over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies and handling of high-profile investigations. The move underscores the high stakes of Lemon’s federal case, which has drawn national attention and raised questions about press freedom, prosecutorial discretion and political influence within the Justice Department. Lemon, who now works as an independent journalist, was indicted earlier this year along with eight others for his alleged role in a January 18 protest that disrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Federal prosecutors allege the group conspired to interfere with worship and intimidate congregants, invoking a 1994 civil rights statute typically used to protect access to reproductive health clinics but also applicable to places of worship. Lemon asserts he was present only in his journalistic capacity, livestreaming the event as part of his reporting work. Unexpected Legal Reinforcement In a notable twist, Lemon has added Joseph H. Thompson, a former interim U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, to his defense team. Thompson had served nearly 17 years in the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office and held senior leadership positions, including acting U.S. Attorney, before resigning in January amid internal disagreements over how federal authorities were handling immigration-related cases and certain investigations. A court filing earlier this week confirmed that Thompson will appear as counsel of record for Lemon, joining powerhouse defense attorney Abbe Lowell in representing the journalist in federal court. Lowell is known for representing high-profile clients in politically charged cases and is expected to lead the defense strategy. Thompson’s decision to switch sides — from federal prosecutor to defense counsel — against the very office he once helped lead adds an unusual dynamic to the case. It pits Lemon’s defense team directly against seasoned federal attorneys with whom Thompson once worked, potentially reshaping legal tactics and courtroom dynamics. The Washington Post Why Thompson Resigned Thompson’s departure from the U.S. Attorney’s Office last month came amid a broader wave of resignations by senior prosecutors reportedly frustrated by directives from Justice Department leadership under the Trump administration. Several prosecutors, including Thompson and at least five colleagues, stepped down after disputes over the department’s immigration enforcement strategy and its approach to investigating the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. The Guardian Moody ideological differences reportedly emerged after Justice Department leaders overruled more experienced prosecutors who sought to pursue a legal inquiry into the killing of Good. Instead, the department directed focus toward other aspects of related matters, prompting Thompson and others to resign in protest, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The Guardian After leaving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Thompson partnered with another former federal prosecutor, Harry Jacobs, to establish a private law firm — Thompson Jacobs PLLC — that focuses on complex litigation, white-collar defense and crisis management. His move into private practice and immediate involvement in Lemon’s defense marks a swift pivot from public service to high-stakes criminal defense. wfmd.com Charges Against Lemon Lemon faces federal civil rights charges, including conspiracy and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, for his activities at the protest. Prosecutors allege that Lemon’s presence and actions during the event contributed to the disruption of religious services and intimidation of worshippers. The FACE Act has not commonly been applied in the context of religious gatherings, making its use in this case particularly noteworthy. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul Lemon has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he was acting as a journalist documenting events, not participating in them. “I went there to be a journalist,” Lemon said in previous statements, emphasizing his First Amendment rights and arguing that the charges represent an unprecedented attack on press freedom. The Guardian The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned on February 13 in federal court in St. Paul. Legal experts have suggested that the case could set significant precedent regarding the boundaries of journalistic activity and legal accountability when reporters cover volatile protests. The Washington Post Broader Implications The hiring of Thompson highlights broader concerns within elements of the legal community about the Justice Department’s prosecutorial priorities, particularly around immigration enforcement and civil liberties. Several former prosecutors have expressed unease about the department’s strategy, suggesting that Lemon’s case could be part of a larger pattern of federal attention on politically sensitive protests. As the case unfolds, Thompson’s insider perspective on the federal system — including knowledge of prosecutorial strategies and internal decision-making — is expected to be a valuable asset to Lemon’s defense. Observers note that Thompson’s participation could enhance Lemon’s ability to challenge the government’s legal approach and bolster arguments about constitutional protections for journalists. wfmd.com For Lemon, already a polarizing figure in media and politics, the move to bring in a former senior prosecutor underscores the seriousness of the legal battle ahead. With constitutional freedom of the press and civil liberties at the center of the dispute, the courtroom clash is likely to attract national scrutiny as one of the more closely watched legal fights of 2026.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 2 hours ago in The Swamp
Demand for Home Loans in UAE Grows as More Residents Shift to Buying: RAKBank CEO. AI-Generated.
Demand for home loans in the United Arab Emirates is gaining significant momentum as more residents choose to transition from renting to owning property, according to Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBANK. The shift—driven by changing demographics, improving affordability and lower borrowing costs—is reshaping the UAE’s residential financing landscape and fueling optimism among lenders and developers alike. Khaleej Times Speaking in an interview with Khaleej Times, Ahmed said that the bank is witnessing “very strong” demand for mortgage and personal loans as the cost of financing continues to decline and rents climb across major emirates. “As the cost of financing for borrowers is coming down, the attractiveness of financing is also increasing,” he noted, adding that this dynamic is encouraging more long-term residents to buy property. Khaleej Times From Renting to Owning: A Changing Trend According to RAKBank’s CEO, many expatriates and UAE residents now view property ownership as a key milestone after spending several years in the country. Ahmed estimates that on average, residents take about 4.4 years to move from renting to buying, a trend he attributes to rising rental costs and a perception of better value in homeownership. Khaleej Times The traditional model of long-term rental living is gradually shifting. Rising rental prices in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have made buying an increasingly attractive option, especially when monthly mortgage costs begin to align with – or even undercut – rental payments in key segments of the market. arabianbusiness.com This shift is reinforced by other recent data showing that sales listing interest has grown sharply, while rental demand has slowed, suggesting that home ownership is becoming the preferred choice for many. New residents, especially those who plan to stay long-term, are factoring ownership into their financial plans sooner than in previous cycles. Khaleej Times A Supportive Financial Environment The UAE’s Central Bank has also played a role in this transformation. In line with global monetary policy shifts—particularly those influenced by the US Federal Reserve—the Central Bank of the UAE reduced its key policy rate from 4.40% in Q2 2025 to 4.15% by the end of the third quarter. That decrease has helped ease borrowing costs for home buyers and improved market sentiment. Mortgage activity statistics support this trend. In Abu Dhabi during the first three quarters of 2025, apartment mortgages grew by nearly 117%, more than doubling year-on-year, while villa mortgages rose by 56.5%. In Dubai, villa and apartment mortgage activity also recorded increases, underscoring sustained demand across property types. Khaleej Times At RAKBank specifically, gross loans and advances expanded by 12% year-on-year to AED 55.9 billion in 2025. Personal loans and advances jumped to AED 25 billion, reflecting strength in both mortgage and expatriate lending, while business banking loans also saw notable growth. Khaleej Times Who’s Buying and Why Ahmed identified three primary categories of home buyers now active in the UAE market: Affluent newcomers who buy property immediately upon relocation due to confidence in the UAE’s long-term prospects. Investors, particularly those buying off-plan units to capture returns from a booming real estate sector. Professionals and long-stayers, including skilled workers and digital nomads who live and work in the UAE for several years before entering the property market. Khaleej Times Interestingly, he noted that a significant segment of affluent individuals purchase property almost immediately after arriving, underscoring the appeal of UAE residency and long-term settlement. Khaleej Times This shift in buying behaviour also mirrors broader demographic changes. The UAE’s population is increasingly composed of young, skilled professionals and family units, aided by schemes like the Golden Visa that attract long-stay residents. Ahmed pointed out that the average age of new arrivals has dropped to around 31.6 years, and more female residents are entering the market—factors that are reshaping housing demand and financing needs. Khaleej Times Policy and Market Impact Analysts say that the steady increase in homeownership interest aligns with government-led initiatives aimed at expanding residential accessibility. For instance, Dubai launched a First-Time Home Buyer Programme, which over six months facilitated sales worth over AED 3.25 billion and helped thousands of residents step onto the property ladder. Programs like this demonstrate policy efforts to make homeownership more attainable for long-term residents. The Times of India Moreover, a broad shift in market sentiment—where buyers prioritize stable long-term residence over speculative investment—signals maturity in the UAE’s real estate sector. Recent data from digital real estate platforms suggest that many residents now plan to buy within the next six months, and sales interest is outpacing rental activity. Khaleej Times Outlook and Challenges While demand for housing loans is rising, affordability remains tied to broader economic factors such as income levels and interest rates. Industry experts note that mortgage options are becoming more accessible, but debt servicing, deposit requirements and long-term financial commitments still shape buyer decisions. thenationalnews.com For RAKBank, the uptick in mortgage demand comes alongside growth in other credit segments, including personal loans and credit card spending—suggesting broad confidence in the UAE’s economic direction. Ahmed also praised regulatory frameworks that have helped strengthen the banking sector’s resilience and adaptability during this evolving cycle. Khaleej Times As the UAE continues to attract global talent, investors and long-term residents, the trajectory toward increased homeownership – supported by favorable financing trends – is expected to persist into 2026 and beyond.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 2 hours ago in The Swamp
Trump Administration Links El Paso Airspace Closure to Mexican Cartel Drone Incursion. AI-Generated.
Introduction On February 11, 2026, the skies above El Paso, Texas, were abruptly grounded when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a rare airspace closure over El Paso International Airport and surrounding areas. Initially planned to last 10 days, the closure was lifted within hours, leaving travelers, airlines, and local authorities scrambling for answers. According to Trump administration officials, the unusual action was tied to a suspected incursion of Mexican cartel drones into U.S. airspace. This incident highlights the growing intersection of national security, border enforcement, and aviation safety, raising questions about preparedness and transparency.
By Ayesha Lashariabout 17 hours ago in The Swamp
