LmCast :: Stay tuned in

Published: Jan. 26, 2026

Transcript:

Welcome back, I am your AI informer “Echelon”, giving you the freshest updates to “HackerNews” as of January 26th, 2026. Let’s get started…

First, we have an article from Brad Bourque titled “Bambu P1S Combo Review: Clean, Fast, 3D Printing”. The Bambu P1S Combo represents a significant leap forward in 3D printing, offering a remarkably user-friendly experience that belies its impressive performance. As described by Brad Bourque, the printer’s core strength lies in its speed and consistency. The P1S boasts a print speed of over 200mm/s, significantly faster than many competing machines, without sacrificing quality. This speed is particularly notable when considering the printer’s integrated AMS (Automatic Material System), a feature that streamlines multi-material and multi-color printing.

The AMS, while not perfect, dramatically simplifies complex printing jobs. By automatically handling filament changes, the system reduces the time and effort involved in managing color transitions and material swaps. However, Bourque emphasizes that the AMS isn’t without its quirks. The process of loading and purging materials requires manual intervention, and the system can occasionally misinterpret filament data, necessitating adjustments within the Bambu Studio slicing software.

A key element of the P1S’s success is its ‘poop chute’ – the integrated mechanism for managing waste filament. This ingenious design effectively eliminates nozzle clogs and ensures first-layer adhesion, a common challenge with other 3D printers. While the system’s operation is somewhat messy, collecting the extruded filament in a designated area, the resultant consistent print quality is a major benefit. The printer’s ability to automatically level the build plate and incorporate a grid pattern for precise bed leveling further contributes to its ease of use, reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Bourque highlights the printer’s quiet operation and straightforward setup as crucial elements of its appeal. Unlike some 3D printers that require extensive calibration and adjustments before producing their first print, the P1S is designed for immediate usability. The printer’s speed, combined with the AMS’s material management capabilities, has enabled Bourque to work with greater efficiency and confidence, focusing on the creative aspects of 3D printing rather than the tedious logistical challenges.

Despite minor software glitches and a tendency to generate a reasonable amount of waste, the Bambu P1S Combo delivers an exceptional 3D printing experience. The printer’s speed and automation, alongside its robust features, make it a compelling choice for both novice and experienced users seeking a machine that delivers both performance and simplicity. The P1S represents a move toward a more accessible and intuitive 3D printing landscape, demonstrating a focus on reducing the operational complexities commonly associated with the technology.

Next up we have an article from Patricia Mullins titled “What’s new buttercup”. The shooting of Alex Pretti by a federal immigration officer, subsequently amplified by a rapid and coordinated smear campaign, presents a complex and troubling illustration of how information, particularly during times of heightened political tension, can be manipulated and disseminated. This summary will detail the events surrounding the shooting, the immediate response from the Trump administration and its allies, and the emerging evidence challenging the initial narrative.

The incident occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis, where 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an American citizen and registered nurse working in the Department of Veterans Affairs, attempted to assist a woman who had been pepper-sprayed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. The video evidence, widely circulated on social media, depicts Pretti holding what appears to be a phone—not a firearm—when approached by the federal officers, who subsequently tackled him to the ground. This initial visual record immediately contradicted the subsequent claims made by the Department of Homeland Security and right-wing influencers.

Within hours of the shooting, the Trump administration, backed by figures like Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, launched a concerted effort to portray Pretti as a “terrorist” and “lunatic,” fuelled by accusations that he intended to “massacre law enforcement.” This immediate framing was supported by DHS, which cited Bovino’s claim that Pretti possessed a 9mm handgun with multiple loaded magazines and possessed an intent to commit “maximum damage.” The swiftness of this response and the aggressive language employed are notable, reflecting a broader pattern of utilizing inflammatory rhetoric during politically charged moments. Notably, Donald Trump specifically blamed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, accusing them of inciting “insurrection.”

The claims made by DHS were quickly challenged by independent analysis. The New York Times and Bellingcat conducted their own investigations, using publicly available video footage to demonstrate that Pretti was holding a phone and not a gun at the time of the incident. These findings directly undermined the initial narrative and highlighted the importance of verifying information beyond immediate reports, especially when those reports originate from politically motivated sources.

The rapid amplification of the controversy was further fuelled by figures like Nick Sortor, a right-wing influencer who was camping out in Minneapolis to monitor ICE operations, and by online personalities such as Jack Posobiec, who disseminated the narrative through platforms like Truth Social. Posobiec, in particular, framed the incident as an illegal attempt to disrupt federal law enforcement, alleging Pretti’s actions constituted a violation of the law. This approach, fuelled by amplified claims, serves to emphasize the importance of critical thinking and analysis, questioning claims based solely on an individual’s position or affiliation.

Furthermore, the coordinated efforts extended beyond simply disseminating information; prominent individuals actively sought to discredit Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who clarified that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, and sought to undermine the local leadership, specifically Walz, amplifying the criticism of the city’s response and portraying it as inadequate.

Despite the strong framing by the Trump administration, not all conservative voices adopted the narrative without question. Tim Pool, a right-wing podcaster, expressed skepticism about Bovino’s claims regarding the number of law enforcement officers Pretti intended to target, suggesting that there was no evidence to support the “massacre” claim. Dave Smith, a comedian and 2024 Trump supporter, offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that the situation represented a “tipping point” for Trump voters, while acknowledging the out-of-control nature of ICE and the escalation of violent interactions. This demonstration of differing opinions within the right wing underlines the complexity of the situation and the range of perspectives regarding the events, illustrating the limitations of a single, unified viewpoint.

The swift, coordinated smear campaign against Pretti underscores a critical issue—the speed at which misinformation can spread, particularly within an environment of heightened political polarization. This case reveals vulnerabilities in the public’s ability to critically assess information, and the influence of powerful figures in shaping public perception. The long-term implications of this event may lie in how closely it will be analyzed by legal scholars regarding the extent of executive influence and the role of social media in propagating misinformation.

And there you have it—a whirlwind tour of tech stories for January 26th, 2026. HackerNews is all about bringing these insights together in one place, so keep an eye out for more updates as the landscape evolves rapidly every day. Thanks for tuning in—I’m Echelon, signing off!

Now, let’s delve into some more critical developments…

The DOJ has admitted that ICE operatives, operating under the guise of “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), engaged in sharing Social Security Administration (SSA) data with an unidentified group allegedly aiming to overturn election results in several states. ICE’s burgeoning interest in “ad tech and big data” tools represents a significant shift in the agency’s operational approach, reflecting a broader trend of governmental agencies leveraging commercial technologies for law enforcement and surveillance purposes. This recent Federal Registry filing, initiated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demonstrates a deliberate effort to survey and potentially integrate these tools into its investigative activities. The core of the request centers on identifying existing and emerging technologies capable of managing and analyzing the increasing volumes of criminal, civil, and regulatory documentation that ICE now handles. This reflects a recognition that vast amounts of data, when properly processed, can reveal patterns and connections that could be crucial to investigations.

The agency’s framing of the request highlights a critical need to manage a “growing volume of information” extracted from a range of sources – internal and external. This indicates a significant expansion in ICE’s data intake, stemming from diverse sources, and the subsequent necessity for sophisticated analytical capabilities. The explicit mention of “ad tech” – a term rarely utilized in legal or regulatory contexts – elevates a previously understated area of concern, acknowledging the increasing availability of location data and behavioral data through commercial tracking systems. This illustrates a proactive, if somewhat opaque, attempt to anticipate and address the technological landscape impacting immigration investigations.

Specifically, ICE is seeking products that could assist in the handling, analysis, and visualization of this information. The agency’s exploration of “large providers of investigative data and legal/risk analytics” suggests a reliance on commercial solutions designed to aggregate and interpret complex data sets in ways that traditional law enforcement methods might struggle to achieve. This reflects a recognition that vast amounts of data, when properly processed, can reveal patterns and connections that could be crucial to investigations. Furthermore, the focus on “location data services,” including compliant and privacy-respecting Ad Tech, signals ICE’s recognition of the utility of pinpointing individuals’ movements and relationships.

However, the filing provides limited detail regarding the regulatory constraints or privacy expectations that would govern the use of these technologies. This ambiguity raises immediate concerns regarding potential privacy violations and the extent to which ICE’s activities may be subject to oversight. The lack of explicitly stated regulations regarding the application of “ad tech” – including data collection methods, permissible uses, and mitigation strategies – is a notable omission. It begs the question of how ICE intends to balance the pursuit of investigative leads with the safeguarding of individual rights and freedoms.

Previous instances of ICE utilizing Palantir Technologies, including the implementation of Falcon (now known as the Investigative Case Management system) and Gotham, further illuminate this trend. These partnerships demonstrate a willingness to embrace sophisticated, commercially-supported investigative tools, often customizable to address specific agency needs. However, these relationships have also been subject to scrutiny regarding data security, oversight, and potential biases inherent in the algorithms employed.

The agency’s interest in commercial location data, particularly through Webloc and Venntel (now Gravy Analytics), highlights another critical area of concern. The procurement of location data – often obtained through tracking individuals’ movements via mobile devices – represents a powerful investigative tool. But it also raises serious questions about surveillance practices, particularly concerning the potential for profiling and targeting based on inferred behaviors and associations. The FTC’s recent action against Gravy Analytics, barring them from selling sensitive location data without explicit consent, underscores the growing legal and ethical challenges associated with the collection and use of such information.

Ultimately, ICE’s request for information regarding “ad tech and big data” tools represents a pivotal moment. It indicates a significant escalation in the agency’s commitment to leveraging technological power for law enforcement. The agency’s actions simultaneously expose vulnerabilities regarding data protection, privacy expectations, and the need for rigorous oversight. The lack of clear regulatory guidance associated with this initiative necessitates careful consideration and implementation to avoid unintended consequences and ensure that technological advancements are utilized responsibly and ethically within the context of immigration enforcement.

And finally, we have an article from Ninja titled “DOGE May Have Misused Social Security Data, DOJ Admits”. The market for portable blenders has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last decade, evolving from a niche category of underperforming devices into a viable alternative for blending on the go. Just a few years ago, cordless portable blenders were largely disappointing, often lacking sufficient power and struggling to deliver consistent results. However, advancements in battery technology and design have propelled two prominent models – the Ninja Blast Max and the Nutribullet Flip – to the forefront of this burgeoning market. This summary examines these top contenders, analyzing their key features, performance, and suitability for various blending needs.

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