Storm batters Istanbul, disrupts transport across western Türkiye

A powerful storm struck Istanbul on January 8, unleashing strong winds, towering waves, and widespread disruption to sea transport. The severe weather also impacted several other provinces across western Türkiye.

Following warnings issued by the Turkish State Meteorological Service, gale-force winds began sweeping through Istanbul during the morning hours. These conditions quickly intensified over the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea.

In Beşiktaş, large waves battered the shoreline, creating hazardous conditions along the coast. As a result, maritime operations came to a standstill due to treacherous sea conditions that made navigation impossible.

Passenger boat services between Beşiktaş and Kadıköy were suspended, with multiple cancellations also announced by various ferry lines. The storm’s impact has significantly affected daily commuting and sea transport in the region.
https://www.sott.net/article/503919-Storm-batters-Istanbul-disrupts-transport-across-western-Turkiye

Trump Vows to Hit Iranian Regime Over Massacres of Protestors

As the Islamic regime in Iran brutally suppresses protesters rising up against tyranny, former President Donald Trump has vowed to support the Persian people in their struggle for freedom. Speaking to Salem radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump promised to strike the Iranian regime for killing protesters—a tragic reality that has already unfolded, with dozens of civilians gunned down by the regime’s security forces.

The Islamic regime in Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and openly declares the United States as its primary enemy. For Ayatollah Khamenei, the U.S. is the “Great Satan.” President Trump commented on the regime’s situation, saying, “They’re not doing well. They’re doing very poorly. And I have let them know that if they start killing people, which they tend to do in their riots…”

On this topic, recent reports highlight a severe escalation in the crackdown. One post on X (formerly Twitter) stated: “Official war has been declared in Iran by the Islamic Republic. Basij security forces have been withdrawn from the streets, replaced with IRGC military to massacre the Iranian people across the country. Iranians need President Trump’s help.”

In a powerful symbolic gesture, a protester in Tehran renamed a street in the capital city after Donald Trump, while many other protesters pleaded with the U.S. president, “Don’t let them kill us.” Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, noted that Iranian protesters are increasingly appealing to Trump—thanking him and paying tribute through acts such as renaming streets.

There is hope that President Trump will follow through on his promise to strike the regime in support of freedom protesters. America has long stood as a shining city on a hill, representing liberty and independence from tyranny. It is in the United States’ interest that the terror-supporting Iranian regime—which backs many jihadi groups that attack American soldiers—should be toppled.

May God grant success to the Iranian people as they strive to free their country from the grip of the sharia dictatorship.
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/08/trump-vows-to-hit-iranian-regime-over-massacres-of-protestors-n4948050

3 Prime Video documentaries you’ll actually watch this weekend (January 9 – 4)

American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans

As a diehard Formula 1 fan, I’ve never been into watching NASCAR cars just (mostly) turn left. I know, I know, there’s more to it than that, but when I came across this bonkers feature sports documentary about the team that transformed a NASCAR into a vehicle that could survive the grueling and legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race, I was in.

American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans tells the true story of “Garage 56” and their breakneck 18-month mission to build and modify a stock Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 to compete with the high-performing and finely engineered machines of the legendary European race.

Spearheaded by NASCAR CEO Jim France and the top-tier Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR team, the 97-minute documentary talks to all the key players and goes behind the scenes to show how they built, tested, and troubleshooted the car to achieve their dream.

Oh, then there’s the drivers. The 24-hour endurance race requires three drivers, and Garage 56 features some of the best to do it — seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, 2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, and 2010 Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller, who all share their experience in the film.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a motorsports fan or not; American Thunder is a brilliant and exciting underdog story of how the team somehow fit this square peg into a round hole to run their car over 285 laps straight.

Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net

I saw Cirque du Soleil’s incredible flagship show O in Las Vegas many years ago, and I can honestly say that it is without a doubt the most incredible stage show I have ever seen.

It’s a surreal aquatic spectacle that takes place above, on, and in an enormous 25-foot-deep, 1.5-million-gallon pool in the Bellagio. The show features acrobats, swimmers, high-divers, aerialists, and more, as they fluidly move in and around the set.

Yep, it’s a true spectacle — and it almost went away forever.

Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net tells the true comeback story of the legendary show after it was shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting the careers and livelihoods of hundreds of employees at risk.

Sure, the 95-minute documentary is a bit of a promo for the show (who can blame them?), but it offers unprecedented access behind the scenes, with candid and emotional interviews with some of its performers, both in their homes and on set, as they cope with the uncertainty of the show and their futures.

The rehearsal and stage footage alone are worth the watch — I’d always wondered about the incredible feats of engineering involved in the production, as well as the technical precision required for it to be safe and run smoothly.

Without a Net more than delivers, as the crew and team work swiftly towards bringing the show back at the tail end of the pandemic. It truly is a unique look at the blood, sweat, and tears (and lots of water) that go into a world-class production.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the lookout for something enlightening this weekend, these documentary picks are all easy to watch, offering laughs, some high-speed thrills, and a true spectacle in the making.

Hopefully, one of these Prime Video docs will scratch whatever weekend itch you have.
https://www.howtogeek.com/prime-video-documentaries-weekend-binge-january-9/

Rivian Just Launched Its Most Aggressive Offer Yet, But Time Is Ticking

Well-qualified buyers can now take advantage of a rare 0 percent APR financing offer for up to 60 months (or 5 years) on select 2026 R1T and R1S models. This special deal notably applies to new 2026 R1 Dual Motor and Tri Motor vehicles equipped with the Large battery and Performance Upgrade.

While 0 percent APR deals were common in the pre-pandemic era, they have become increasingly rare as interest rates have climbed in recent years. This makes the current offer especially noteworthy for prospective buyers looking to save on financing costs.

### The Tax Credit Fallout

The timing of this financing offer is no coincidence. Fourth-quarter deliveries fell more than 31 percent year-over-year, while full-year 2025 sales dropped by 18.1 percent. Although the company indicated that the decline was expected, expectations alone don’t pay the bills.

### The Value of 0% APR Financing

While zero-percent APR financing doesn’t reduce the sticker price of a vehicle, over the course of five years it can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars compared to conventional loans. This significant saving may provide the incentive some customers need to make a purchase.

Whether this 0% financing offer will be enough to meaningfully move inventory remains to be seen. The key question is whether the company can adapt to the changing market conditions without compromising its financial health.
https://www.carscoops.com/2026/01/rivian-just-launched-its-most-aggressive-offer-yet-but-time-is-ticking/

Page Six staffers’ favorite fitness finds, from ‘unbeatable’ running shoes to the ‘most flattering’ leggings

A new year calls for new gear. Whether your 2026 goals entail crushing new workouts or simply stocking up on cute athleisure, Page Six’s shopping editors are here to help you find the best of the best. Below, our staffers share their favorite wellness and fitness finds—from Taylor Swift-approved leggings to cute socks that inspire stepping outside of your comfort zone.

**Booty by Brabant’s Croco Skin Seamless Leggings**
“I prefer my leggings with lighter compression; if putting them on feels like squeezing myself into a sausage casing, they’ll just gather dust in a drawer. That’s precisely why I’m such a fan of Booty by Brabant’s signature textured leggings. They come in just two sizes—one for XS-L and another for L-3XL—and are designed to stretch up and down to fit. They’re incredibly comfortable, the croc-effect texture is a compliment magnet, and the ultra-high waistband offers the perfect amount of coverage. You can actually give yourself a decent massage with them. I’ve even gifted a few sets to friends who just had to have them after trying mine.”
— Erica Radol, Commerce Reporter

**Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Running Shoe**
“An unbeatable shoe. It’s so comfortable to run on all terrain. I’ve done multiple races in them and my feet never hurt or get blisters after. They are the best for a reason!”
— Tori Schneebaum, Photo Director

**Balega Blister Resist Socks**
“I am a big runner, but my feet aren’t. I have gotten blisters my whole life with any combination of shoes, socks, and insoles I’ve tried. These socks are the most helpful piece of apparel to fight against it, and I recommend them to anyone prone to blisters. They’re the worst!”
— Lindsey Kupfer, Deputy Editor

**lululemon Like a Cloud Bra**
“To be clear, wearing a bra sucks especially when you’re working out. That said, true to its name, this one truly delivers cloud-like comfort and is pretty much the only sports bra I’ll wear now. It’s so soft, smooth, and comfy (without sacrificing support) that I can sleep in it—and have, on many overnight flights in recent years!”
— Elana Fishman, Style & Shopping Director

**Beyond Yoga Spacedye Practice Bootcut Pant and Cropped Tank**
“I have a full-blown obsession with Beyond Yoga. This is by far the most flattering workout set I’ve ever worn. It’s thick but breathable and truly snatches you in.”
— Brooke Matalon, Social Media Manager

**Alo Gold Rush Puffer**
“Alo’s layers are unbeatable. I get so many compliments on this puffer. Pro tip: It can even be scrunched down to the size of a (large) purse, perfect for on-the-go days or gym trips.”
— Hannah Southwick, Associate Shopping Editor

**Adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost DNA Sneakers**
“I never spent this much on sneakers before, but since buying them, I can’t imagine wearing any other pair. They have excellent impact cushioning without being so bouncy that they’re unstable for weight lifting. They last far longer than less pricey sneakers I’ve purchased and look cute enough that I don’t feel like I’m wearing trainers when I throw them on with jeans. Since switching to this pair, my knees no longer get sore after long cardio sessions, and even trail jogs feel effortless.”
— Erica Radol, Commerce Reporter

**lululemon The Mat**
“I’ve had this yoga mat for six years now, and you would never know by looking at it. I do hot yoga and hate putting on a towel to cover the mat, but this one is so moisture-wicking that I can do a full class without a yoga towel and won’t be slipping and sliding all over the place!”
— Brooke Matalon, Social Media Manager

**Hoka Clifton 10 Running Shoe**
“Power walking is my exercise of choice; I try to log around 10,000 steps per day (sometimes more on weekends), which means I go through sneakers pretty fast. Thanks to their thick, pillowy soles, Hokas tend to last longer than most of the other walking shoes I’ve tried. They’re so comfortable and cushioned, it truly feels like you’re walking on clouds.”
— Elana Fishman, Style & Shopping Director

**Ka’Chava All-In-One Nutrition Shake (15 Servings)**
“I’m a smoothie girl who loves the convenience and nutritional profile of a shake. I have a few go-to plant-based favorites but recently got hooked on Ka’Chava’s complete version. It doesn’t give me any digestive issues and tastes really good, even if I just use water and some frozen fruit! Since I’m ramping up my 2026 fitness goals, it’s a pantry staple.”
— Erica Radol, Commerce Reporter

**Alo Runner**
“These are the perfect hot girl walking shoes. They are incredibly light and breathable but also keep you stable and cushioned. I’m not a runner, but these have never let me down on a long walk or a 12-3-30 treadmill session!”
— Brooke Matalon, Social Media Manager

**Old Navy Puff Active Tote**
“I’m almost always schlepping multiple bags in the morning, and this new puffer tote from Old Navy has become one of my go-tos. It’s not unwieldy but still big enough to store even my knee-high boots and bulky sweaters after winter workouts. Plus, it’s cute!”
— Hannah Southwick, Associate Shopping Editor

**Roots Active Warm Full Zip Jacket**
“I started running this past year, but running in cold NYC can be BRUTAL. Thankfully, I found this jacket from Roots. I am obsessed! It’s warm, breathable, and perfect for early-morning runs in Central Park.”
— Tori Schneebaum, Photo Director

**Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise 7/8 Legging**
“Athleta’s leggings aren’t just buttery soft, they also provide the perfect amount of support and flattering lift. The perfect combo!”
— Hannah Southwick, Associate Shopping Editor

**Amazon Basics Neoprene Weights**
“I love using 5-pound weights for some light sculpting. It’s amazing how wobbly your arms can feel while trying to tone up your triceps—or as we call them in Australia, tuck shop lady arms.”
— Nicki Gostin, Sr. Reporter

**Peloton Cadent Strappy Y-Back Bra**
“I have been buying every version of this sports bra for years because it’s so comfortable and supportive. I wear them every single day and they’re great both for working out and when you’re out and about.”
— Lindsey Kupfer, Deputy Editor

**“400 Knitting Stitches” by Potter Craft**
“Wellness also includes your mental health, and I promise you that nothing is better for anxiety and gloom than knitting. There are tons of studies on how knitting is soothing, and the best part is, it can be done while you watch ‘Mad Men’ or ‘Heated Rivalry’ for the 10th time.”
— Nicki Gostin, Sr. Reporter

**Souls I’m Literally Just A Girl Grip Socks**
“These socks single-handedly made me want to try Pilates. They’re so cute, and a new workout item is the perfect motivation to actually get out and do it. Trying Pilates for the first time was scary, but feeling cute and prepared made it easier to step out of my comfort zone!”
— Jacquelyn Kozak, Sr. Photo Editor

Why trust Page Six Style Shopping? Because we test, we try, and we only share what truly delivers on comfort, style, and performance for your wellness journey. Here’s to a healthy, stylish, and motivated 2026!
https://pagesix.com/2026/01/07/style/page-six-editors-favorite-wellness-and-fitness-finds-for-2026-tried-and-tested/

Rooted in Christ, Building for the Future

By David Cooley

It’s a new year—a fresh start—and *The Catholic Telegraph* has a new cover design to support our exciting and bold initiative to help build up the Kingdom of God in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

For five years now, *The Catholic Telegraph* as a magazine has been “bringing faith into the home,” and that is something we will always strive to do. Yet, we know that while everything begins in the home—the place where we nurture our faith and the faith of our family—we can’t just stay within its confines and comforts.

As Christians, we are called to go out into the world and bring the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our community and everywhere we go! Mission territory awaits right outside the front door, and we want to partner with you on that Christian adventure.

And so, we decided this year on the theme “Building the Kingdom.” We will do our best each month to expand on that theme with stories and articles to inform and inspire.

My team and I have talked at length about our mission to evangelize, and our new cover is just one way through which we hope to reach more people. We seek to lead with beauty and include more information on the cover to encourage people to not only open and read it, but also share it with another person who might find it interesting or helpful.

Additionally, we hope to expand our reach through the various channels available to us. Whether we like it or not, the digital arena is also mission territory and, on the positive side, allows us more flexibility and space than the printed page.

Sharing the Gospel in today’s world is not for the faint of heart but for the brave and joyful. We often find ourselves in environments that are indifferent or even hostile.

We are all called to build the Kingdom, but the task is sometimes daunting and overwhelming, leaving us uncertain of where or how to begin. It’s always a good idea to start small.

If we are building something beautiful for God, let’s do it brick by brick; with one small action at a time, focusing on one person at a time. This might be reaching out to a neighbor in need, getting more involved at our parish, starting a new apostolate, or simply setting aside more time to pray and inviting others to join us.

Whenever I get overwhelmed, I like to remember Mother Teresa’s famous quote:
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

When constructing a building or bridge, the work is done board by board, brick by brick. It’s a good analogy and a reminder to take things one step at a time.

The worker’s key task when building is ensuring the foundation is strong. If we are to help build God’s Kingdom here on earth, we must have Christ as the foundation, the cornerstone upon which we build.

If we keep Christ at the center of everything we do, we can at least know we are on the right track even if we don’t see the results we hoped for.

I’ll close with another quote from Mother Teresa:
“God doesn’t ask that we succeed in everything, but that we are faithful.”

— David Cooley
https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/rooted-in-christ-building-for-the-future/103592

Gerard Butler & Crazed Chimp No Threat To ‘Avatar: Fire And Ash’ In Fourth Weekend At Box Office; James Cameron Pic Eyes $20M+ – Preview

Holiday moviegoing continues strong, especially with 76% of colleges on break this Friday. Studios are targeting an older male demographic with two new releases: the Lionsgate-STX co-production *Greenland 2: Migration* and Paramount/18Hz’s monkey horror movie *Primate*.

20th Century Studios’ *Avatar: Fire and Ash* is set to prevail in its fourth weekend with an estimated $20 million+, while *Greenland 2* and *Primate* are each expected to earn between $8 million and $10 million.

**Avatar: Fire and Ash**
James Cameron’s highly anticipated threequel has already surpassed $1 billion globally and currently holds a running domestic cume of $311.8 million in North America. The film continues to attract audiences with its Imax, full 3D suite, and 4D/Screen-X/D-box premium auditorium showings.

**Greenland 2: Migration**
Don’t underestimate the overperformance of *Greenland 2*, which is playing in 2,700 theaters. Gerard Butler’s solid older male fan base is driving interest. A year ago, his Lionsgate sequel *Den of Thieves: Pantera* opened to a strong $15 million—just $200K shy of its pre-COVID-19 2018 first installment.

The original *Greenland* is currently among the top-ranking titles on HBO Max’s streaming platform. The sequel, directed by Ric Roman Waugh, had a production budget of $12 million and around $20 million in stateside P&A.

*Greenland 2* follows the surviving Garrity family as they leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across decimated, frozen Europe in search of a new home. The film is rated PG-13 and begins previews on Thursday at 2 PM. It’s considered the top choice for men over 25, though pacing slightly behind *Den of Thieves 2*.

Released in late summer 2020 during theater lockdowns, the original *Greenland* grossed $53.2 million abroad and secured a lucrative pay-TV and streaming deal with HBO Max worth around $25 million—a desirable acquisition price for indie films today.

Currently, there are no Rotten Tomatoes critic or audience scores available for the sequel.

**Primate**
*Primate* marks the first theatrical release from Walter Hamada’s genre label 18Hz at Paramount. Directed and co-written by Johannes Roberts, the horror film centers on a group of friends whose tropical vacation takes a terrifying turn when their chimpanzee companion loses control.

The film generated buzz at Fantastic Fest in September and holds a strong 90% fresh critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. It is opening wide in 2,900 theaters, with previews starting Thursday at 7 PM.

Like *Greenland 2*, *Primate* appeals primarily to men over 25. However, it trails slightly behind NEON’s *The Monkey*, which had a $14 million opening—a horror film from last year also involving banana-eating primates.

Internationally, *Primate* will debut this week in 26 markets, including Mexico. Thirty-four additional markets will follow, with releases in France on January 21, Australia on January 22, Germany, Italy, and Brazil on January 29, the United Kingdom on January 30, and Spain on February 6.

**Other Releases**
– *Is This Thing On?*, a dramedy starring and directed by Bradley Cooper and featuring Will Arnett as a guy navigating divorce and finding solace in stand-up comedy, opens wide this weekend at 1,200 theaters. The film holds an 86% critics and 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Having grossed $1 million in 18 days from 33 theaters, it is expected to earn single-digit millions this weekend.

– *I Was a Stranger*, an Arabic drama starring Omar Sy and Jay Abdo and distributed by Angel Studios, opens in 1,400 theaters this weekend.

This weekend’s slate reflects continued interest in both blockbuster and genre fare, with particular attention to films resonating with mature male audiences during the holiday college break.
https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-avatar-3-greenland-2-primate-preview-1236665916/

Top US Exchange Puzzled by XRP Rally

Gemini, the Winklevii-founded cryptocurrency exchange, recently used Grok, xAI’s chatbot, to highlight the significant price movement of XRP. The popular US trading platform asked the chatbot to explain the reasons behind the impressive pump in the token’s value.

### A Major Partnership

The close relationship between Gemini and the XRP community stems from a formal business partnership established in late 2025. In August 2025, Gemini and Ripple officially collaborated to launch the “XRP Edition” of the Gemini Credit Card. Tyler Winklevoss actively promoted this card to the community, with Ripple executives joining the campaign to boost enthusiasm.

Furthermore, reports around Gemini’s IPO plans revealed that Ripple had extended a $75 million credit line to Gemini, which is expandable up to $150 million. This financial backing underscores the strong ties between the two companies.

Earlier, both Gemini and Ripple had been involved in high-profile, expensive legal battles with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Tyler Winklevoss publicly defended Ripple, even arguing that the Oregon Attorney General should be impeached for labeling XRP a security, especially after a federal judge ruled otherwise.

Gemini was also one of the first major exchanges to integrate RLUSD, Ripple’s USD stablecoin, as a base currency for trading, further strengthening their partnership.

### Technical Caution

Despite XRP’s impressive percentage gains, caution remains warranted. As reported by U.Today, legendary trader John Bollinger recently ranked XRP’s technical setup lower than that of Bitcoin. He pointed out that XRP’s price experienced an almost vertical ascent without establishing a “firm support base” beneath it.

Because of this lack of solid support, XRP is vulnerable to a sharp pullback, and traders should approach with careful consideration.

This strategic partnership and recent market activity highlight the strong connection between Gemini and Ripple but also serve as a reminder to monitor technical indicators closely.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/top-us-exchange-puzzled-by-xrp-rally/

‘A decision I needed to make’: Cook County Board candidate suspends campaign to fight indictment

The phone rang for Catherine “Cat” Sharp late last October, while she sat at her desk at work, back when news swirled daily about the Trump administration’s deportation campaign around Chicago. The call appeared to be from the federal government. But as chief of staff for Chicago’s 40th Ward alderperson, that didn’t seem unusual. So she picked up. “They identified themselves as the FBI,” said Sharp, who was also running as a Democrat for Cook County Board, “and informed me that they were asking for me to turn myself in the next morning.” News soon broke that Sharp and five others, dubbed the “Broadview Six”, faced a conspiracy indictment tied to protests in Broadview against “Operation Midway Blitz.” But it wasn’t until Monday, two months later, that Sharp announced the suspension of her campaign for the Cook County Board’s 12th District seat to focus on her legal defense in a case criticized as an attack on the First Amendment. Sharp, 29, explained her decision in an interview Tuesday with the Chicago Sun-Times. She acknowledged the financial cost of simultaneously running a campaign and mounting a defense in federal court. But she also said that her initial phone call from the FBI came as a “huge shock” one that she’s still processing. And, she added, “it is hugely stressful to feel that my freedoms are under threat.” “To be a single person, being up against the Trump administration and the federal government, is hugely stressful and has interrupted my ability to really be able to run a campaign that I’m proud of,” Sharp said. “I’m very lucky that I have amazing friends and family members who have been there for me as I’ve been navigating this,” she added. The case against Sharp is among the most high-profile criminal prosecutions, unrelated to immigration, brought in federal court as a result of “Operation Midway Blitz.” Also charged is Kat Abughazaleh, another Democrat running for Illinois’ 9th District congressional seat. So is Oak Park village trustee Brian Straw, 45th Ward Democratic committeeperson Michael Rabbitt, musician Joselyn Walsh and Andre Martin. Each of them face a prison sentence of up to seven years. Four of the six are Democratic politicians, and defense attorneys have said they may file a “selective prosecution motion.” So far, they’ve asked prosecutors for any “White House communications” tied to the case. The 11-page indictment against Sharp and her co-defendants alleges that, while an agent drove a vehicle toward the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in suburban Broadview on Sept. 26, the six and others surrounded it. Members of that group allegedly banged on the vehicle, pushed against it, scratched it and even etched the word “PIG” onto it. They also allegedly broke a side mirror, a rear windshield wiper and forced the agent “to drive at an extremely slow rate of speed.” Much of what happened was caught on video, though defense attorneys say it doesn’t tell the whole story. Sharp declined during Tuesday’s interview to discuss the allegations. U. S. Attorney Andrew Boutros has said that “all federal officials must be able to discharge the duties of their office without confronting force, intimidation or threats.” Still, federal cases brought against “Operation Midway Blitz” protesters have been viewed with some skepticism. Among at least 31 defendants, charges have already been dropped against 14. No one has been convicted. Abughazaleh took the rare step in October of announcing the federal charges on social media and promised her followers regular updates about the case. But Sharp, when asked Tuesday whether she felt the indictment helped her campaign said, “I certainly was told that.” “But overall I mean, as evidenced by me suspending the campaign it was not beneficial,” Sharp said. She said she was conscious that some might see her as being bullied out of the race by the Trump administration. But she said she wanted to “push back against that.” “In the last couple months, with Midway Blitz, I’ve been really proud to have organized Know Your Rights town halls and get neighbors more engaged,” Sharp said. “. In suspending my campaign, I’m going to have more availability to recommit to that work.” In her statement Monday night, she added that, “I’m not going anywhere.” And she promised to continue her work as chief of staff for Ald. Andre Vasquez. She also said she’d been trying, in the last two months, to balance “two hugely stressful things.” That includes her campaign “where every moment that you’re not spending knocking on doors and trying to raise funds for the campaign feels like you’re not doing enough.” She insisted she could only speak about her own experience acknowledging it’s “only a small piece of what other families are having to navigate right now in Chicago, and across the country” while being targeted by immigration authorities. But going into the holiday season, when family is the top priority, Sharp said, “it just resonated a bit more that this is a decision I needed to make. “To put myself, my loved ones and my family first.”.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/06/cook-county-board-candidate-suspends-campaign-to-fight-indictment

Greeley Forward touts $2.92B economic impact of Catalyst

**Greeley Forward touts $2.92B economic impact of Catalyst Group, challenges Greeley Demands Better to debate ahead of Feb. 24 election**

Proponents of the Cascadia and Catalyst projects in west Greeley are highlighting a potential $2.92 billion economic impact and are challenging opponents to a public debate before the February 24 election.

Supporters argue that the projects would bring significant business growth, job opportunities, and boost the local economy. Both the Cascadia and Catalyst initiatives have become central topics in the upcoming Greeley election, sparking vigorous discussion and community interest.

However, the proposals have drawn criticism from the group Greeley Demands Better, who voice concerns about potential negative impacts, including environmental and infrastructure issues. Amid the acrimony, Greeley Forward, representing Catalyst Group proponents, is urging an open debate to address these concerns and provide voters with clear, transparent information.

**Access Award-Winning Business News**

This content is exclusive for subscribers. Continue reading for less than $3 per week and gain full access to a month of award-winning local business news, trends, and insights. Stay informed with the latest developments affecting Greeley and Northern Colorado.

Already a paid subscriber? [Log in here.]

**Related Posts**
– Early-bird pricing ends at midnight Friday for BizWest’s 2026 Northern Colorado Economic Forecast.
– The newest version of the Greeley City Council, including two new members and mayor, are set to tackle major issues.
– Ongoing acrimony surrounds the proposed Cascadia and Catalyst projects in west Greeley.
– An ambitious 27-year-old is ready to launch a new local venture next month.

**About the Author**

Christopher Wood is editor and publisher of BizWest, the regional business journal covering Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer, and Weld counties. Wood co-founded the Northern Colorado Business Report in 1995 and previously served as publisher of the Boulder County Business Report before the two publications merged to form BizWest in 2014.

A Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Wood has won numerous awards from the Colorado Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Alliance of Area Business Publishers.
https://bizwest.com/2026/01/05/greeley-forward-touts-2-92b-economic-impact-of-catalyst/

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