Micron Discloses $1.8 Billion Taiwan Deal as Protests Erupt in Minneapolis

Lead: Micron Technology has signed a $1.8 billion agreement to acquire a manufacturing site in Taiwan to expand its semiconductor capacity. Meanwhile, demonstrators clashed in Minneapolis during competing rallies over federal immigration enforcement and ICE operations.

What we know

• Micron Technology signed an exclusive Letter of Intent to purchase Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation’s (PSMC) P5 fabrication site in Tongluo, Taiwan, for $1.8 billion in cash SOURCE.
• Counter-protesters at Minneapolis City Hall chased away a small group of activists, including influencer Jake Lang, during a demonstration centered on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SOURCE.
• The initial pro-ICE and anti-Islam demonstration consisted of approximately 10 participants before they were outnumbered by counter-protesters; police monitored the scene from a distance SOURCE SOURCE.
• A survey by the Identity Theft Resource Center found that 80% of small businesses experienced cyberscams in the previous year, with nearly 50% involving AI-powered tactics SOURCE.
• The White House has reportedly threatened to withdraw its support for a pending cryptocurrency market structure bill SOURCE.
• The Dream Air SE headset debuted at CES 2026, featuring eye-tracking technology designed to adjust image resolution based on the user's focal point SOURCE.
• Independent Florida congressional candidate Mark Davis purchased the domain "nazis.us" and redirected all traffic to the Department of Homeland Security website SOURCE.
• Green Bay Packers CEO Ed Policy established a new reporting structure where head coach Matt LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst report directly to him SOURCE.

What we don’t know yet

• The specific legislative or policy objections causing the reported White House withdrawal of support for the cryptocurrency bill.
• The exact timeline for the final closing of the $1.8 billion transaction between Micron and PSMC.
• The status of contract extension negotiations for Matt LaFleur following recent organizational changes.

Why it matters

• The acquisition by Micron expands manufacturing infrastructure in Taiwan to address growing demand for AI-related hardware.
• Small businesses face heightened operational risks as 38% of scam victims report significant impacts from sophisticated AI fraud.
• Ongoing physical confrontations between ideological groups in major cities create immediate public safety challenges for local law enforcement.

What’s next

• Official statements expected from the White House or congressional leaders regarding the status of cryptocurrency regulations.
• Northeast weather services will monitor a second storm system expected to bring additional snowfall over the weekend.
• Final product specifications and pricing for AR/VR hardware are expected as CES 2026 concludes.
• Further clarification on the Green Bay Packers' front-office hierarchy and coaching staff contracts.