Despite mainstream narratives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is largely targeting illegals who have pending criminal charges or convictions in the United States — in addition to the crime of being in the U.S. illegally. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said last month that the Department of Homeland Security law enforcement had arrested more than 600,000 illegals, 70% of whom had been charged or convicted of a crime in the United States. Additionally, as stressed by McLaughlin, that statistic pertains to charges or convictions only in the U.S., not other nations. Meaning, the percentage of criminals being targeted is likely even higher. “DHS is targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens — including murderers, rapists, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists,” McLaughlin said in a statement published in November. “[Seventy percent] of illegal aliens ICE arrested across the country have criminal convictions or pending criminal charges just in the U.S.” “This statistic doesn’t account for those wanted for violent crimes in their home country or another country, INTERPOL notices, human rights abusers, gang members, terrorists, etc.,” the assistant secretary explained. “The list goes on.” McLaughlin said that the U.S. is a “nation of laws,” and DHS is “committed to enforcing those laws, all of which are just.” This past week, a law enforcement agent went viral for addressing protesters and members of the media while agents were on duty. In this particular case, the agent said authorities were picking up a child sex offender, underscoring the absurdity of the protesters. “We’re here to arrest a child sex offender, and you guys are out here honking,” the agent says in the now-viral video. “That vehicle has been honking and impeding our investigation while we’re trying to arrest a child sex offender. That’s who you guys are protecting. Insane.” God bless the men & women of @ICEgov @CBP who risk their lives to arrest these criminals. pic.twitter.com/eDJQLCrjZh — Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) January 18, 2026 Moreover, DHS reports a massive 1,300% jump in assaults against ICE agents. Still, coordinated obstruction, protests, and riots against ICE agents have raged in liberal cities across the nation, most notably in Minneapolis. Liberal politicians and their counterparts in the legacy media have only emboldened such behavior, too, by dehumanizing ICE agents and ignoring or even supporting violence and obstruction efforts from anti-ICE activists. Related: How Ugly Images On TV Shape Immigration Politics

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When New Mexico rolled out its landmark universal child care program, most headlines focused on working parents. But tucked into the policy is a quieter, deeply meaningful change: grandparents who are raising their grandchildren can now access free child care, even if they are retired or no longer in the workforce. For thousands of families across the state, this shift is more than a regulatory tweak. It is a recognition of reality. New Mexico has the highest rate of grandparents and other relatives caring for children in the nation. Between 2021 and 2023, about eight percent of children in the state were living in kinship care, more than double the national average of three percent. Many of these grandparents stepped in during moments of crisis, often with little warning and limited financial support. Why grandparents were previously shut out In most states, child care subsidies are tied to work or school requirements. Caregivers must prove they are employed or enrolled in education to qualify. That framework left many grandparents out. As state officials gathered input from families over the past two years, the same story surfaced again and again. Grandparents who had taken on parenting roles later in life did not qualify for assistance because they were retired. Many were living on fixed incomes, facing the physical demands of caring for young children, and struggling to cover child care costs that can exceed $13,000 a year. New Mexico’s substance abuse crisis has intensified this need. According to the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, about 16 percent of the state’s adult, non-senior population struggles with substance abuse. In 2021, New Mexico ranked first in alcohol-related deaths and sixth in drug overdose deaths nationwide. These realities have pushed many grandparents into caregiving roles unexpectedly. At the same time, roughly one in three grandparents raising grandchildren in the state lives at or below the poverty line. A policy designed to reflect real families Under the new universal child care rules, grandparents with legal custody or kinship guardianship are explicitly exempt from work and school requirements. That change makes them newly eligible for free care. “We wanted grandparents to see that we see them and that we recognize they are doing hero’s work by taking care of their grandchildren,” said Elizabeth Groginsky, New Mexico’s cabinet secretary for early childhood education. Other states offer limited exemptions for kinship caregivers. Grace Reef, president of the Early Learning Policy Group, notes that 21 states have some version of this policy. But those exemptions are often buried in complex regulations. New Mexico’s approach stands out for its simplicity and scale. “New Mexico’s approach is simpler and more universally applicable to grandparents, helping reduce confusion and barriers for grandparents seeking child care access for their family,” said Anne Hedgepeth, senior vice president of policy and research at Child Care Aware of America. Early signs of impact Before the universal program launched, about 916 children in grandparent-led households received child care assistance in fiscal year 2025. In just the first three weeks of the new system, 61 additional grandparent-headed households were approved for care. For advocates and providers, the change is long overdue. Barbara Tedrow, who owns five child care centers in Farmington, said she often felt compelled to waive tuition for grandparents who suddenly found themselves caring for toddlers they could not afford to enroll. “They were older, and they weren’t working. They were in their 70s taking care of a two-year-old,” Tedrow said. “There was no way they could afford the tuition. So we as providers were normally just letting them come for free.” Tedrow added that consistent care is especially important for children who have already experienced trauma. “Let this child at least stay during their core hours getting fed, getting nurtured, educated, playing with other children their age,” she said. “‘I’m 70. I don’t know where to go find two-year-olds for my granddaughter to play with.’” What grandparents say they really need Jovanna Archuleta, early childhood program director at the LANL Foundation, said grandparents consistently emphasize flexibility. Many do not need full-day care every day. What they need is relief. “They need respite care,” Archuleta said. “They need drop-in spots and times where they can just have time for themselves.” One grandparent quoted in the LANL report described days packed with school drop-offs, meals, laundry, homework, and bedtime routines. “By the way I am 70 and a disabled vet, and a widow,” she wrote. Caring for young children is demanding at any age. For older adults, it can be even more physically and emotionally exhausting. The biggest challenge ahead: capacity Policy alone does not create child care slots. New Mexico now faces the challenge of building enough capacity to meet demand. Even before universal care, about 80 percent of children were eligible for assistance, yet only around 35 percent of eligible children under age five actually received it. Long waitlists, limited provider participation, and a shrinking number of home-based providers have all contributed to gaps. From 2010 to 2025, New Mexico saw registered home-based providers drop from 4,840 to just 821. To meet demand, the state estimates it needs 55 new child care centers and 1,120 additional home-based providers. To get there, New Mexico is offering low-interest loans from a $13 million fund to expand or build centers, raising reimbursement rates, and streamlining payments to providers. It has also reduced some barriers for home-based providers, though challenges remain. “The majority of those families live with extended family or roommates,” said Lucy Leon, a former home-based provider. “From the jump it’s like, ‘There’s no way I’m going to do a background check for my husband, my son, and much less a coworker.’ That’s another great barrier.” A model with national implications New Mexico’s universal child care program is funded through years of preparation, including oil and gas tax revenues and a voter-approved constitutional amendment championed by Latinas in the state. The early childhood fund has grown from $320 million in 2020 to $10 billion today. As states like New York and Georgia explore similar proposals, advocates are watching closely. Nationwide, the number of grandparents raising grandchildren has been rising for 25 years, driven in part by the opioid epidemic. “If we are going to invest a huge amount of money into a universal child care system, let’s hold an ambitious goal for what it delivers to families,” said Natalie Renew, executive director of Home Grown. “I don’t think it’s going to be easy, but I think it is possible.” For New Mexico’s grandparents, the message is already clear. The state has acknowledged their role, their sacrifice, and their need for support. And for families built on love rather than paperwork, that recognition matters.   Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM It’s the start of a new year, and your air fryer is probably still sitting proudly on the kitchen counter, waiting for its next round of sweet potato fries. But if your resolution was to “eat healthier” in 2026, you might want to ask yourself: Is your air fryer actually helping? Spoiler: It can, but only if you use it right. While air fryers are often hyped as miracle machines that turn junk food into superfood, the truth is, they’re only as healthy as what you put inside them. If you’re tossing in pre-fried nuggets and calling it clean eating, well, the air fryer can’t save you. But if you learn to use it wisely, it can definitely help you make lighter, faster, and still seriously tasty meals. Here’s what nutrition experts (and one very well-used test kitchen) say about getting the most out of your air fryer without giving up the foods you love. Why air frying is actually healthier when done right Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food, which means you get that crispy, golden finish without needing to deep fry. “Because you use little to no added fat, the calories and saturated fat in your meals can be greatly reduced compared to traditional frying,” says Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, and the Nutrition and Fitness Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Translation: crunch without the grease coma. Air frying has also been shown to reduce harmful air pollutants that can be released when you cook with lots of oil over high heat. Studies suggest it releases fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and less particulate matter than pan-frying, making it a win for your lungs and your arteries. Still, not everything that comes out of an air fryer gets a gold star. For example, bacon air-fried is still… bacon. (Sorry.) And yes, there’s some chatter around acrylamide, a chemical that forms when food is cooked at high heat, but there’s no solid research on its impact on humans yet. For now, experts agree: the overall quality of your diet matters far more than any one cooking method. 5 ways to make your air fryer meals actually healthy These tips from the pros will help you keep your food fresh, flavorful, and genuinely good for you. 1. Cook real food This may sound obvious, but your air fryer isn’t a magic wand. If you start with mystery meat or frozen snacks, don’t expect a miracle. Sassos recommends loading up on whole ingredients like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and even frozen veggies with just a spray of oil and seasoning. As for protein, lean meats like chicken breast, turkey, and fish get high marks. Just skip the pre-fried or sauce-laden options. “Chicken wings are a great place to start,” says Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab at Good Housekeeping. Her go-to method? Air fry them at 400°F for 20 minutes with just salt and a light oil coating. Simple. Delicious. Zero mystery ingredients. 2. Pick the right oil Yes, you still need oil, just less of it, and the right kind. “For higher-heat cooking above 350°F, avocado oil is a good option. For lower heat, go with extra-virgin olive oil,” says Caitlin Sloane, MS, RDN, a nutritionist based in Portland, Oregon. Both oils have anti-inflammatory benefits and support heart health. Papantoniou recommends Colavita olive oil spray, especially since it comes in fun flavors. Bonus tip: Use your own oil in a refillable sprayer to cut back even more. 3. Don’t drown your food A little goes a long way here. Think of oil as a supporting character, not the main event. A light spritz or quick brush is usually all you need. Papantoniou adds that if you’re cooking something frozen, processed, or naturally fatty, you can get away with even less oil. So no, your cauliflower doesn’t need to be swimming in EVOO. 4. Get the temperature right High heat isn’t always better. “Most foods work well at 400°F, but if something’s thick or takes longer to cook, drop it to 370–375°F,” says Papantoniou. Going hotter can lead to nutrient loss, and nobody wants dry salmon or burnt Brussels sprouts in the name of health. 5. Meal prep just got easier One of the biggest wellness wins of the air fryer? It makes home cooking faster and way less intimidating. “It’s a fast and easy cooking technique for busy individuals and families,” says Sloane, who notes that making meals less stressful is a health benefit in itself. Because yes, emotional wellbeing counts too. So, is air frying healthy? In short: it can be. Air frying cuts down on oil, simplifies cooking, and gives you full control over what goes in your meals; a big deal if you’re trying to clean up your eating habits. But let’s be real: healthy eating is about what you cook, not just how you cook it. Use fresh ingredients, quality oils, and a light hand, and your air fryer will be your best kitchen wingman in 2026. Just don’t expect your pizza rolls to magically turn into a superfood. But hey, enjoy them anyway.     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.

'99.9%, have been engaging in peaceful protest'

A cat waited at a shopping center until a kind woman approached. He leaned into her, ready for change. BartSouthern Arizona Cat RescueA few months ago, a tabby cat was found at a shopping center, lying quietly in the shade near a window.When Maria, an animal rescuer, was alerted about the cat, she rushed over and was relieved to find him still there. Unsure whether he was feral or friendly, she approached slowly, careful not to frighten him."When she extended her hand for him to sniff and see how he would react, he leaned his head into it as if to say, I need help," Southern Arizona Cat Rescue (SACR) told Love Meow. Southern Arizona Cat RescueThe tabby allowed his rescuer to scoop him up and place him into a carrier, as if he understood he was finally in good hands.Once settled into foster care, the cat, named Bartholomew (or Bart), revealed what a love bug he truly was. The moment he was touched, he began kneading with his paws and purring loudly. For the first time in a long while, he could sleep soundly in a cozy bed for as long as he pleased. Southern Arizona Cat RescueWith the support of SACR, Bart was cleaned up, vetted, neutered, and treated for a wound behind his ear. They discovered he had diabetes and needed extensive dental work. "He was the best patient, stealing everyone's hearts with his head butts and sweet demeanor."He began receiving daily insulin and treatment for an ear infection. He took everything in stride, constantly purring and seeking affection. Southern Arizona Cat Rescue"No shock at all, he is also FIV+. We see this often with older intact toms who have had a street life, especially those with longer healing wounds." With proper care and an indoor lifestyle, cats with FIV can thrive and live long, healthy lives.Through it all, Bart remained in good spirits. His ear infection cleared, and his once-thin frame filled out beautifully. Southern Arizona Cat RescueAfter a much-needed dental procedure, Bart no longer had any teeth, but he was finally free from pain. "He was so loving with how he would look into your eyes. He was laid-back but had playful spurts. No human food was safe. He was like a shark for treats."Bart blossomed into a confident, handsome cat with a charming, raspy meow. Southern Arizona Cat RescueHe loved lounging in cozy spots, especially when his people were close by. No longer wandering the streets or struggling to survive, he fully embraced the comfort of indoor life.Feeling better than ever, Bart often curled up beside his human, purring himself to sleep. Southern Arizona Cat RescueWhen Bart was ready for his next chapter, he moved to Hunter's Kitten Lounge, SACR's cat lounge, to meet potential adopters. He didn't have to wait long. "His adopter met him at the lounge and fell in love."His new mom, a nurse, understood his medical needs and felt confident managing his care. "She was waiting for a solo older kitty to spoil and love. Medical issues were not a problem." Bart has found his forever homeSouthern Arizona Cat RescueNow, Bart reigns as the king in his forever home. He supervises his human from room to room, always ready to offer cuddles and purrs. It's hard to believe he's the same cat that was once spotted outside a shopping center.He has transformed into the perfect lounge companion, bringing joy to everyone he meets. Southern Arizona Cat RescueThanks to a compassionate rescuer and many dedicated volunteers, Bart was saved, healed, and matched with his dream home. Today, he's living the best life he was always meant to have. Southern Arizona Cat RescueShare this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Southern Arizona Cat Rescue on Instagram @sacatrescue and Facebook.Related story: Cat Curled Up Outside House on Bitter Cold Day, When the Door Opened, He Walked in Ready for Change

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When Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. flipped the food pyramid upside down, he exposed a decades-old government lie — and “Culture Apothecary” host Alex Clark tells Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck that the government hid the truth for a reason.“When I was growing up, the food pyramid, it just came out in the '90s. This was in every single textbook in public schools. And it really wasn’t designed for health, like we all thought. Come to find out, it was all designed for profit,” Clark tells Glenn.“It was not just bad science. It was completely rigged. So the dietary guidelines were written by these committees that were riddled with conflicts of interest. They were people that were tied financially to grain producers, the sugar interest groups, ultra-processed food companies,” she continues.At the base of the food pyramid, Americans were told they needed to be consuming 11 servings of grains per day.“They were shelf-stable and they were really profitable. So that had nothing to do with health,” Clark says.“We were also told that fat was the enemy. So I’m sure you remember, Glenn, like everyone was saying low-fat,” she adds.“Yeah, and we got fat once everybody started going low-fat,” Glenn chimes in.“Yes! So we were told butter was bad, eggs were the enemy, beef, you know, red meat was bad for you, they’re all dangerous,” Clark responds.“It all kind of ends up leading to higher rates of heart attacks and heart disease, and the group eating less fat had more heart attacks. And they buried this data for 16 years. We knew that this was happening,” she explains.“This is why the new dietary guidelines matter so much. … For the first time maybe ever, Glenn, the government is telling parents the truth, at least about this,” she adds.Want more from Glenn Beck?To enjoy more of Glenn’s masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis, and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

An Oklahoma man who tried to commit suicide in jail after being accused of monstrous sexual abuse of his 12-year-old stepson is brain-dead, according to police.George Franklin Cole Jr., 43, and Kimberly Cole, 33, were arrested after their son went missing for nine days from their Chickasha home on Jan. 11.The state was likely to take him off of life support and declare him dead.When volunteers found the boy at the family's farm, he told investigators that he had run away to escape after years of torment at the hands of his mother and his stepfather. The stepfather had stabbed and tased the boy after binding him with zip-ties and handcuffs, according to the boy. He had also beaten the boy with a nightstick and abused him with a cattle probe.He was charged with 14 felonies that included eight counts of child abuse, one count of child sexual abuse, three counts of child neglect, and conspiracy.The mother was charged with similar charges, including crimes against nature related to bestiality.Caddo County district attorney Jason Hicks said the stepfather tried to commit suicide by hanging after he returned to his cell on Jan. 12 from his first court appearance.On Friday, the county confirmed to KFOR-TV that the man had been pronounced brain-dead.A motion to modify bail for the man said that he had been in critical condition since the suicide attempt and had been on life support. The state was likely to take him off of life support and declare him dead.RELATED: Ohio woman pleads guilty to horrific child sex abuse charges and bestiality — and will testify against husband If he dies, the charges will die with him. If he is able to survive, then the charges can be revived against him. The mother will face her own charges related to the alleged abuse of her child. The boy's biological father is trying to regain custody of his son. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Police in Redlands, California, said officers responded to a call of shots fired shortly before midnight Thursday at a home in the 1500 block of Church Street. Redlands is about 15 minutes southeast of San Bernardino.Police said the homeowner arrived at his residence and armed himself with a handgun before checking his house — after which he confronted an intruder, who pointed a shotgun at the homeowner.'Mr. Carrion should have been IN Church, not ON Church Street.'The homeowner won the gun battle.Police said the homeowner shot the intruder and then immediately exited the residence to call 911.Arriving officers cleared the home and followed a blood trail that led to the back yard, where they found the suspect suffering from a single gunshot wound, police said.What's more, the suspect had property from the home on his person, police said.Police also recovered the shotgun, which the suspect found inside the home in question, authorities added.RELATED: Armed, masked crooks trying to steal car encounter gun-toting homeowner, cops say — and the homeowner isn't playing around Image source: Redlands Police Daniel Torres Carrion, 52, of Redlands was arrested for attempted robbery, burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.Carrion later was discharged from the hospital and booked at West Valley Detention Center, where he was being held in lieu of $300,000 bail, police said.Those with information about the incident or other suspicious activity are asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at 909-798-7681, ext. 1, KTLA-TV reported.Nearly 400 comments have hit the police department's Facebook page in regard to the shooting as of Monday night. The following are a few highlights:"Give the homeowner a cigar!" one commenter exclaimed. "Fantastic, I'll be glad to help buy another box of shells.""It's why I carry," another user acknowledged. "I don't have to go find my gun in the house; it's on my hip.""Mr. Carrion should have been IN Church, not ON Church Street," another commenter quipped."Wonder how long before the burglar's family is in the news complaining that the homeowner should have just let him rob the place?" another user wondered. "That he had no right to shoot him.""Stand your ground! Protect your person and property!" another commenter declared.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!