A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near Great Falls, Montana, about 7.5 miles north-northeast of Malmstrom Air Force Base on January 29, 2026. The earthquake was felt in the surrounding areas but did not cause any significant damage or injuries.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.2.
It occurred near Great Falls, Montana, close to Malmstrom Air Force Base.
The quake happened on January 29, 2026.
The depth of the earthquake was about 12 kilometers, making it relatively shallow.
No significant damage or injuries were reported immediately following the quake.
Montana experiences earthquakes, but they are less common than in some other U.S. states.
The state has seen damaging earthquakes in the past, like the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake.
The Los Angeles Lakers might ask LeBron James to take a big salary reduction as he becomes a free agent this summer. James, currently earning $52 million a year, is considering whether to continue playing with the Lakers or in the NBA after this season. His decision is significant given his long and successful career.
Key Facts
LeBron James may be asked by the Lakers to take a pay cut to stay with the team.
James is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming summer.
He is currently earning $52 million this season, a large part of the Lakers' salary budget.
James has an option for the 2025-26 season but hasn't signed a long-term contract.
Decision about his future is expected soon, as free agency and trade deadlines approach.
LeBron James is a 41-year-old with many career achievements in the NBA.
James has not yet decided if he will continue playing next season.
Two cats were left at a Philadelphia cat café with notes explaining the owner could no longer care for them due to homelessness. The cats, named Lilith and Sweet Pea, are struggling to adjust to their new environment and need a foster home where they can feel safe and calm. The café has shared this story hoping to find a solution for the cats.
Key Facts
Two cats, Lilith and Sweet Pea, were left at a cat café in Philadelphia.
Their owner left notes explaining she became homeless and couldn't take care of them.
Lilith is acting scared and aggressive, while Sweet Pea is friendlier but still unpredictable.
The café believes the cats would do best in a quiet and calm foster home.
The story was shared widely on Facebook, reaching many people who might help.
A possible foster has shown interest but cannot take them until February.
The café stresses the importance of patience and understanding for the cats.
The European Union has added Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list. This step was taken due to Iran's harsh response to protests, which resulted in many deaths. The decision includes sanctions like travel bans and asset freezes.
Key Facts
The EU put the IRGC on its terrorist list in response to Iran's crackdown on protesters.
Thousands of protesters were reportedly killed by IRGC and security forces.
Sanctions on the IRGC include travel bans and asset freezes.
EU foreign ministers supported the move, comparing it to the IRGC being at the same level as jihadist groups.
France initially hesitated but now backs the decision.
The EU also sanctioned other entities and individuals involved in the unrest.
President Trump announced U.S. military movements towards Iran, urging them to negotiate.
Iran's government expressed readiness to respond to any military actions from the U.S.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create the Great American Recovery Initiative. This initiative aims to improve how the federal government addresses substance abuse issues in the U.S. by coordinating resources and working with different organizations.
Key Facts
The Great American Recovery Initiative is a plan to address substance abuse in the U.S.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to start this initiative.
The plan seeks to better align federal resources and set national goals.
Efforts include raising awareness and advising on treatment strategies.
The initiative involves state and local governments, community groups, and businesses.
This move comes as the federal agency responsible for substance abuse response has faced recent disruptions.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration had 2,000 grants canceled, then reinstated shortly after.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest involved a police recruit in New Orleans who had a valid Social Security number and driver's license. He was ordered for deportation despite passing initial checks for immigration status and criminal history. This follows recent deportation actions under President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
A police recruit in New Orleans was detained by ICE for deportation.
The recruit had a valid driver’s license and Social Security number.
He began the hiring process with the police in June of the previous year.
A judge ordered his removal on December 5.
The recruit passed the E-Verify system, which checks immigration status.
The recruit has been in the United States for 10 years.
Immigration enforcement is a focus of President Donald Trump's administration, with over 605,000 deportations since January 2025.
The New Orleans Police Department found no prior criminal history for the recruit.
The FBI carried out a search at the election headquarters in Fulton County, Georgia, seeking ballots from the 2020 election. President Trump has been promoting claims of widespread election fraud related to 2020, and is using federal resources to investigate those claims.
Key Facts
The FBI executed a search warrant in Fulton County, Georgia, aiming to find ballots from the 2020 election.
Fulton County includes most of the city of Atlanta.
President Trump claims there was widespread fraud in the 2020 election.
These claims continue despite Trump's loss in the 2020 election.
President Trump mentioned possible charges related to election issues at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The current investigation reflects Trump's continued focus on the 2020 election results.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' president, Stan Kasten, is confident about the team's high spending on top baseball talent. The Dodgers recently signed players Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz for $309 million combined, aiming to stay competitive in Major League Baseball. Kasten attributes the team's financial strength to its large market and successful management.
Key Facts
The Dodgers recently won back-to-back World Series titles.
The team signed Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz for a total of $309 million.
The Dodgers see themselves as a top franchise aiming to compete every year.
Stan Kasten believes their large market gives the Dodgers a financial advantage.
The team was bankrupt in 2011 but has financially improved since then.
Kasten is unapologetic about the Dodgers' high spending strategy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to discuss strengthening UK-China relations. They aimed to improve ties between their countries amid global challenges, without directly referencing U.S. President Trump. The meeting produced agreements on trade and facilitated more tourism between the two nations.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the first British Prime Minister to visit China in eight years.
Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer discussed forming a "strategic partnership."
The meeting aimed to reset relations after tensions over issues like Chinese spying allegations and China's role in Hong Kong.
The leaders met for 80 minutes, which was longer than planned.
Agreements from the meeting included lowered Chinese tariffs on Scotch whisky and 30-day visa-free travel for UK tourists and business visitors.
Starmer addressed human rights issues during his discussion with Xi.
China's planned embassy expansion in London has sparked security concerns in the UK.
Starmer highlighted the importance of China in driving economic growth for the UK, amid a challenging economic situation.
German soccer player Leon Goretzka commented on President Trump's impact and discussed the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Goretzka views European teams, including Germany, as strong contenders in the tournament. The event, taking place from June 11 to July 19, faces calls for a boycott from some figures in soccer, including former FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Key Facts
Leon Goretzka is a midfielder for Germany and Bayern Munich.
Goretzka said President Trump made Europeans feel more united.
The FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11.
Goretzka believes European teams remain strong in soccer.
Some people are calling for a boycott of the World Cup.
Oke Gottlich, a German soccer official, suggested discussing a boycott.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also supported questioning the World Cup.
Germany will compete in Group E with Ivory Coast, Curacao, and Ecuador.
US Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her candidacy for governor of Minnesota. The current governor, Tim Walz, is not running again due to criticism over a fraud scandal. Klobuchar aims to address political divisions and recent violence in the state.
Key Facts
Amy Klobuchar is currently a US Senator from Minnesota.
She announced she will run for governor of Minnesota.
The current governor, Tim Walz, decided not to run for re-election after criticizing his handling of a fraud scandal.
Klobuchar emphasized unity and working together in her announcement.
Recent federal operations in Minnesota have faced criticism for violent incidents.
US President Donald Trump has pledged to reduce tensions in the state.
Klobuchar is considered a strong candidate for the governor's race in November.
No Republican has won a statewide race in Minnesota since 2006.
In Minneapolis, volunteers from the community are actively warning immigrants about approaching immigration agents as part of the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge. The operation has led to thousands of arrests and a strong reaction from local volunteers who provide support and track the movements of immigration agents in the city.
Key Facts
Operation Metro Surge is an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Over 3,400 people have been arrested since the operation began.
ICE operations focus on arresting individuals who are undocumented immigrants, with 3,000 officers involved.
Community volunteers are actively tracking ICE agents and warning immigrants.
The operation has caused fear in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods, leading some to avoid medical care and keep children home from school.
Activists use encrypted apps to communicate and organize protests against the enforcement actions.
Federal agents have conducted aggressive operations, sometimes without proper warrants, leading to community backlash.
The transfer of a senior Border Patrol official occurred following public outcry and a fatal shooting related to the operation.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and a Virginia district court are in conflict over the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as a prosecutor, which a judge found unconstitutional. The DOJ is contesting the court orders, but Halligan eventually stepped down. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between courts and the Trump administration over legal appointments.
Key Facts
Lindsey Halligan was removed from her position as prosecutor in a Virginia district after a judge ruled her appointment unconstitutional.
The Department of Justice is in conflict with the court over these rulings.
Halligan's appointment led to the dismissal of charges against ex-FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The government did not try to halt the judge's ruling but continued to challenge it.
U.S. District Judge David Novak criticized the DOJ for ignoring court orders.
The DOJ views the situation as part of a broader struggle with what it sees as "rogue" judges.
Chief Judge M. Hannah Lauck posted a vacancy for Halligan's position, asserting the court's authority.
The matter is part of broader issues with legal appointments under the Trump administration, bypassing Senate confirmation.
A seven-year-old British girl named Inaayah Makda disappeared after being swept out to sea during a family vacation in Casablanca, Morocco. Her parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda, were also pulled into the water by a wave, and efforts to find her are ongoing with the help of a private search operator. The family's local Member of Parliament is working with UK authorities to support the search.
Key Facts
Inaayah Makda, a 7-year-old girl from Blackburn, England, went missing in Casablanca, Morocco.
She was swept out to sea by a large wave while sitting on the rocks with her parents.
Her parents were also knocked into the sea but couldn't find her.
The family had just begun a week-long vacation in Morocco when the incident happened.
A private search operator using a helicopter is involved in the search for Inaayah.
Inaayah is described as a "lovely, bubbly, cheeky little girl" by neighbors.
UK authorities, including the Foreign Office, have been informed and are involved in supporting the search.
The tide came in quickly, surprising the family, and there were no warning signs on the beach.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino commended federal immigration officials at Mount Rushmore, comparing them to the presidents depicted there. His comments come amid controversy over immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis following several shootings, including the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. Senate Democrats have blocked a funding package due to concerns about funding for DHS and ICE.
Key Facts
Greg Bovino, Border Patrol Chief, spoke at Mount Rushmore, likening immigration agents to the presidents carved there.
Bovino praised immigration officials in Minneapolis in a video shared by conservative influencer Nick Sortor.
Controversy has arisen in Minneapolis due to the shooting of Alex Pretti by an ICE agent, among other incidents.
Pretti's family disputes official accounts, claiming he was unarmed and protecting a woman when shot.
The Trump administration made changes in immigration leadership, appointing Tom Homan to replace Bovino in Minnesota.
Senate Democrats blocked a funding package due to its DHS and ICE allocations, risking a partial government shutdown.
An investigation into the shooting of Alex Pretti is currently ongoing.
White House press secretary affirmed Bovino's continued role in immigration enforcement nationwide.
Reports suggest that two NXT wrestlers, Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice, may participate in the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh. Jordan has had notable success in NXT, and Vice is gaining recognition in both NXT and AAA wrestling promotions.
Key Facts
Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice are expected to be surprise entrants at the WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
The event will take place in Riyadh on a Saturday.
Kelani Jordan was the first NXT Women's North American Champion.
Jordan held the NXT championship for 140 days and has also been a TNA Knockouts Champion.
Lola Vice is gaining popularity in NXT and AAA despite not having won any WWE titles yet.
WWE stars, including NXT talent, are already in Riyadh for the event.
WWE officials reportedly have a high opinion of Lola Vice's performances.
The New York Yankees traded left-handed pitcher Jayvien Sandridge to the Los Angeles Angels for cash. In a related move, the Angels designated pitcher Osvaldo Bido for assignment. Sandridge had a brief stint in the major leagues and primarily played in the minor leagues last season.
Key Facts
The Yankees traded pitcher Jayvien Sandridge to the Angels.
In exchange, the Yankees received cash considerations.
The Angels designated pitcher Osvaldo Bido for assignment after acquiring him from the Miami Marlins.
Sandridge is the second Yankees pitcher acquired by the Angels in two days.
Sandridge appeared briefly in major league games last year, allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Originally drafted in 2018 by the Baltimore Orioles, Sandridge has played for four different organizations.
Last season, Sandridge played in Triple-A, recording a 4.55 ERA across 34 games.
He signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in February 2025.
The United States is increasing its military presence near Iran. President Trump stated that a large number of military forces are gathering in the area, and the U.S. is prepared to take action against Iran if necessary.
Key Facts
The U.S. is building up military forces near Iran.
President Trump mentioned a "massive armada" in the region.
The buildup is due to increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The U.S. has made threats against Iran if it doesn't meet certain demands.
This situation represents an escalation in U.S.-Iran relations.
President Donald Trump discussed housing prices during a Cabinet meeting. Home sales in December had their strongest increase in three years, but overall growth was just 1.4% compared to the previous year.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about raising housing prices.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner reported strong home sales in December.
The National Association of Realtors confirmed a rise in home sales to 4.35 million units.
This increase is nearly the highest in three years.
Home sales growth from the previous year was 1.4%.
The housing market is a concern for U.S. consumers.
