President Donald Trump signed an order to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, aiming to pressure Mexico and isolate Cuba further. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico had stopped oil shipments to Cuba by its own decision, not due to U.S. pressure. Trump also threatened Canada with a tariff on aircraft to escalate trade tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order to tariff goods from countries that sell oil to Cuba.
This action is intended to increase pressure on Mexico regarding its relations with Cuba.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported halting oil shipments to Cuba, stating it was Mexico's independent decision.
The U.S. already has economic sanctions enforced against Cuba.
After Venezuela's leadership change, Trump indicated that Cuba might also face significant change.
Trump also threatened a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft imports into the U.S.
The tariff threats against Canada are part of ongoing trade disputes.
A federal operation by U.S. immigration agents resulted in the shooting death of Alex Pretti, a nurse in Minneapolis. Health care organizations have condemned the violence and expressed concern over the impact of immigration enforcement on public health. Many groups are providing resources for medical facilities to prepare for encounters with federal agents.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minneapolis.
The incident involved CBP agents firing at least 10 shots in less than five seconds.
Health care organizations, including the American Nurses Association, have spoken out against the incident.
Save HHS, a coalition of health staffers, called federal immigration actions a public health emergency.
Data shows that 40% of immigrant adults reported negative health impacts related to immigration concerns.
Nearly 30% of immigrants have avoided or delayed medical care since January 2025.
Various guides for hospitals have been developed to handle federal agent encounters.
Health care workers are encouraged to establish protocols for staff interactions with law enforcement.
Iran's foreign minister criticized the European Union for calling the IRGC a terrorist group. The minister accused the EU of being hypocritical by protecting Israel in its actions in Gaza.
Key Facts
Iran's foreign minister spoke out against the European Union.
The EU designated the IRGC, Iran's military group, as a terrorist organization.
Iran accuses the EU of not holding Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.
The criticism focuses on perceived inconsistencies in the EU's foreign policy.
The IRGC stands for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of Iran's military.
Ex-Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke's legal team argued in a London court that she did not take bribes from industry insiders. The defense stated that Alison-Madueke reimbursed costs paid on her behalf because she could not maintain foreign bank accounts as a Nigerian minister. The trial centers on accusations of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery, with Alison-Madueke firmly denying the charges.
Key Facts
Diezani Alison-Madueke was Nigeria's oil minister from 2010 to 2015.
She has been accused of taking bribes, but her defense says she reimbursed money spent on her.
Nigerian ministers are not allowed to have bank accounts outside Nigeria.
Her defense claims these charges were delayed significantly, with her first arrest in 2015, yet charges only brought in 2023.
The court heard that those accused of giving bribes have not been charged or extradited.
Alison-Madueke's brother and a businessman are also on trial for related charges.
The defense argues the absence of certain records and materials places Alison-Madueke at a disadvantage in her trial.
House Democrats are discussing the possibility of impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, but they're taking a slow approach to ensure a thorough investigation. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says they aim for a successful vote, while currently coordinating with Rep. Robin Kelly, who leads the impeachment effort. A committee led by Jamie Raskin will investigate before any vote happens.
Key Facts
Support for impeaching Kristi Noem has grown among House Democrats.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wants to ensure a thorough investigation before any impeachment vote.
179 House Democrats have co-sponsored the impeachment articles against Noem.
Jeffries is coordinating the process with Rep. Robin Kelly.
The investigation will be led by Jamie Raskin, a House Judiciary Committee member.
Any impeachment vote will need support from some Republicans in the House.
Jeffries has not directly discussed impeachment with Republicans other than Speaker Mike Johnson.
Even if the House votes to impeach, the Senate needs a two-thirds majority to remove Noem.
Portions of Florida are preparing for unusually cold weather, with temperatures dropping below freezing over the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold watch, warning of potential risks like hypothermia and threats to crops and pipes due to the cold conditions.
Key Facts
An extreme cold watch is in effect for parts of Florida over the weekend.
Temperatures are expected to fall well below freezing in some areas.
Wind chills in northern and northeast Florida could feel as low as 7 degrees Fahrenheit.
Such cold conditions can cause frostbite in 30 minutes if skin is exposed.
Areas in the Florida Panhandle, northern and central Florida, and as far south as Palm Beach County, are affected.
This cold weather is rare for how far south the cold is reaching in Florida.
The coldest nights are expected from Saturday into Sunday and Sunday into Monday.
The cold is a concern for agriculture in the region.
A passenger on a United flight shared his frustration online after being forced to store his bag in a distant overhead compartment due to a woman's coat occupying nearby space. The discussion highlights a common issue with passengers using overhead bins for smaller items when space is limited. The conversation reflects ongoing concerns about proper usage of overhead storage during flights.
Key Facts
The passenger was on a United flight and sat in seat 1A, a bulkhead seat where bags must be kept overhead.
A woman refused to move her coat from an overhead bin, causing the passenger to store his bag further back.
The incident started a debate online about the proper use of overhead bins.
Many people believe overhead bins should primarily be for bags, not coats or small items.
A poll shows that over half of Americans get annoyed when others don't follow flight attendant instructions or use more overhead space than needed.
With more people using carry-ons, overhead bin space has become more limited.
Newsweek reached out to the passenger for comment, but couldn't verify the full details.
A former Illinois deputy sheriff, Sean Grayson, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey. The incident led to protests and changes in police training and hiring practices. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder but initially faced charges of first-degree murder.
Key Facts
Grayson shot 36-year-old Sonya Massey in Springfield, Illinois, in 2024, after she called police to her home.
Grayson received a 20-year prison sentence for second-degree murder.
Massey had called the police because she feared there was a prowler outside her home.
During the incident, Grayson opened fire, hitting Massey three times after she picked up a hot pot.
Massey’s death led to protests and a wider discussion on police conduct towards Black residents.
The case prompted a U.S. Justice Department inquiry and new police de-escalation training requirements.
The Sangamon County introduced a law mandating full background checks for law enforcement job applicants, known as the Sonya Massey Act.
Yemen is experiencing increased conflict as previous allies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are no longer cooperating, leading to a struggle for control in the south and east of the country. The Houthis maintain control in the north, and fracturing alliances and air military presence are impacting millions of civilians who face hunger and displacement.
Key Facts
Yemen's conflict is becoming more intense.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE, former partners, are no longer working together.
The south and east regions of Yemen are in dispute.
The Houthis continue to hold the northern part of Yemen.
Alliances in Yemen are breaking apart, influencing the conflict.
Many civilians in Yemen are dealing with hunger and displacement.
The Houston Rockets will play the Atlanta Hawks in an NBA game at State Farm Arena. The Rockets have won 6 out of their last 9 games, while the Hawks are on a 4-game winning streak. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and Space City Home Network and is available for live streaming on Fubo.
Key Facts
The NBA game is between the Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks.
It takes place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
The game is scheduled for Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET.
Fans can watch on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and Space City Home Network.
The Rockets have a recent record of 6 wins and 3 losses.
The Hawks have a current 4-game winning streak.
Amen Thompson from the Rockets scored 25 points in their last game.
The Hawks are positioned 9th in the Eastern Conference, aiming for a playoff spot.
House Republicans have put forward a plan to change voting laws in the United States. The proposal includes stricter ID and proof of citizenship requirements, with some changes expected to start before the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
House Republicans proposed changes to U.S. voting laws.
Photo ID and proof of citizenship would be needed by 2027.
Proposed changes would affect vote-by-mail and ranked choice voting.
Some changes would begin before the next midterm elections.
President Trump supports these changes and emphasizes election integrity.
The proposal reflects Republicans' long-standing election reform goals.
Minneapolis is seeing protests organized by local groups who learned from past movements after the death of George Floyd. These groups, including rapid response networks and mutual aid organizations, are working together to create a lasting effort for community protection.
Key Facts
Protests in Minneapolis are organized by local rapid response networks and mutual aid groups.
The efforts are inspired by movements that started after George Floyd's death in 2020.
The focus is on building a long-term movement for community defense.
Alex Pretti, an observer, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents.
Marcia Howard, involved in local education and community work, is part of these efforts.
The article credits various producers and editors who worked on the related media content.
Israeli media report that a senior Israeli security source has acknowledged that over 70,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing war in Gaza. This number aligns with figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which have been largely accepted by the UN and other human rights organizations. The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, and Israel has questioned the accuracy of the death toll but now appears to recognize it.
Key Facts
Israeli media cite a senior security source acknowledging over 70,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza due to the war.
The Hamas-run health ministry reported these figures, which the UN and human rights groups also considered reliable.
The conflict began with an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Approximately 1,200 people died in the initial Hamas attack, with 251 taken hostage.
Israel launched a military response in Gaza following the attack.
The Israeli military traditionally disputed Hamas's death toll figures.
A senior source now suggests these figures are largely accurate, despite challenges in identifying combatants versus civilians.
The Israel Defense Forces have not made an official position on the latest figures.
The Doomsday Clock, which symbolizes global threats, is now closer to midnight than ever. Scientists attribute this to increased wars, nuclear tensions, weakening arms control agreements, climate change, and AI risks.
Key Facts
The Doomsday Clock is managed by atomic scientists.
It has reached its closest point ever to midnight.
The clock represents threats to global safety.
Reasons cited include more wars and nuclear tensions.
Weaker agreements on arms control contribute to the risk.
Climate change and AI risks are also significant factors.
The information comes from a broadcast featuring various experts.
Ernie Hudson, known for his role in "Ghostbusters," will voice the character Combat Carl in "Toy Story 5." He replaces Carl Weathers, who passed away in 2024. The movie is set to be released on June 19, 2026.
Key Facts
Ernie Hudson is joining "Toy Story 5" as the voice of Combat Carl.
Carl Weathers, who previously voiced Combat Carl, passed away in 2024 at the age of 76.
Ernie Hudson learned about his new role from fans, not the studio.
"Toy Story 5" will be released in theaters on June 19, 2026.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will reprise their roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear.
Other cast members include Greta Lee, Conan O'Brien, and Joan Cusack.
Combat Carl is an action figure character inspired by the G.I. Joe toys.
A Waffle House employee worked almost 24 hours straight during a snowstorm because no one else could get to the store. The situation raised concerns about Waffle House's policy to stay open during emergencies and its impact on employees' working conditions. Some Reddit users criticized the company for not having a better plan during extreme weather.
Key Facts
A Reddit user's boyfriend, working at Waffle House, had to work nearly 24 hours during a snowstorm.
The heavy snowfall created between 14 and 17 inches of snow, preventing other staff from reaching the store.
The employee picked up multiple shifts, and both he and the store manager stayed on duty for about 18 hours.
Waffle House reportedly has a policy to stay open during disasters, leading to potential strain on employees.
OSHA regulates workplace safety and expects businesses to maintain safe conditions, including during severe weather.
The article discusses that workers have the right to consider leaving a job if extreme conditions arise.
Newsweek reached out to Waffle House for comments but could not verify the details of the case.
The Miami Heat will play against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The game will take place at the United Center at 8:00 PM ET and can be watched on the FanDuel Sports Network Sun and Chicago Sports Network Plus, or streamed on Fubo.
Key Facts
The Miami Heat will face the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.
The game is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
The match can be watched on FanDuel Sports Network Sun and Chicago Sports Network Plus.
The game is available for live streaming on Fubo, with a free trial option.
The Miami Heat recently lost to the Orlando Magic with a score of 133-124.
Simone Fontecchio and Norman Powell were key players for the Heat in their last game with 23 and 22 points, respectively.
The Chicago Bulls are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls need wins to improve their position for the playoffs, having recently lost a close game to the Indiana Pacers 113-110.
The European Union labeled Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "terrorist organization" due to its role in violent crackdowns on antigovernment protests in Iran. In response, Iran criticized the EU, accusing it of selective outrage and increasing regional tensions. Meanwhile, the EU introduced sanctions against several Iranian officials linked to human rights abuses.
Key Facts
The European Union called the IRGC a "terrorist organization" over its actions against protests in Iran.
EU foreign ministers made the decision, highlighting the need to respond to repression.
Iran's IRGC is an elite military group directly reporting to the country's Supreme Leader.
The EU also imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and six entities for their roles in human rights violations.
Iran reported over 3,100 deaths amid protests, while a separate human rights group noted over 6,300 fatalities.
Iranian officials criticized the EU's stance as hypocritical, emphasizing their perceived bias.
The tension escalates amid a reported U.S. military build-up in the Middle East.
President Trump has recently issued warnings to Iran, citing its nuclear program and protest crackdowns.
President Trump's top immigration official announced that there will be significant changes in Minnesota related to immigration. Some federal agents in Minnesota may eventually leave if state and local leaders cooperate.
Key Facts
President Trump's immigration enforcement team plans big changes in Minnesota.
These changes include pulling some federal immigration agents out of the state.
State and local officials want more substantial changes from the federal government.
Geoff Bennett talked about legal and constitutional issues with Paul Butler.
Paul Butler is a former federal prosecutor and now teaches at Georgetown's Law Center.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed a bill called the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, which aims to stop U.S. funds from ending up with the Taliban. All Democrats on the committee voted against this bill. The bill would require the U.S. government to track and reduce money flowing to the Taliban, even indirectly.
Key Facts
The bill is called the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act.
Weekly shipments of approximately $40 million go to Afghanistan's Central Bank.
Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted against the bill.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would need to report and create strategies to stop funds from reaching the Taliban.
The U.S. prohibits direct funding to the Taliban, but money reportedly reaches them through other organizations.
A report in 2025 found that $10.72 billion has gone to Afghanistan since the Taliban took over, with $3.83 billion from U.S. taxpayers.
The bill needs wider Senate approval to become law.
