A human rights lawyer criticized House Democrats for a social media post that mourned the deaths of two individuals in Minneapolis but did not mention others who died in incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this year. The lawyer argued that all deaths connected to ICE should have equal acknowledgment. Tensions are already high in Minneapolis due to ongoing federal investigations and deportation operations.
Key Facts
Lawyer Qasim Rashid criticized House Democrats for their social media post about two deaths.
The post did not mention other deaths linked to ICE in 2026.
Rashid says nine people have died due to ICE this year.
House Democrats asked for an independent investigation into the two deaths.
Tensions are rising in Minneapolis due to recent incidents and operations.
Rashid and others are calling for more comprehensive public acknowledgment of all ICE-related deaths.
The situation is gaining attention on social media, where users express varying opinions.
A survey by the Partnership for Public Service found low trust in political leadership among employees at U.S. immigration agencies, CBP and ICE, during President Trump's current administration. The survey shows employees lack confidence in leadership integrity and fear retaliation for reporting issues. There is concern about the work culture and employee protections in these federal agencies.
Key Facts
The survey took place from November 10 to December 19, 2025.
Only 21% of CBP employees and 9% of ICE employees trust their political leaders.
Trust levels in leadership at the agencies are about 20% for CBP and 12% for ICE.
Few employees believe they can report issues without fear of retaliation (23% for CBP, 18% for ICE).
Less than a quarter of CBP and about 20% of ICE respondents feel their work quality has improved.
The survey involved 1,121 Department of Homeland Security employees, including 395 from CBP and 56 from ICE.
The survey followed the cancellation of the 2025 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey by the Trump administration.
The White House has distanced itself from administration comments describing a shooting victim as a "domestic terrorist."
A pregnant woman in Mozambique gave birth during severe flooding that has caused widespread displacement. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, and aid agencies are working to reach those cut off by the water.
Key Facts
Severe flooding in Mozambique has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
A pregnant woman gave birth during the flooding.
Many areas are isolated, making it hard for aid workers to access them.
The flooding has resulted in significant humanitarian needs.
Efforts are underway to provide assistance to affected populations.
NASA is watching several asteroids that will come close to Earth soon. The largest asteroid, estimated to be about 1,640 feet wide, has a small chance of hitting Earth far in the future. Most of these space rocks are too far away to cause any harm now.
Key Facts
NASA tracks an asteroid named 2022 OC3 that is about 24 feet wide and will pass Earth at 311,000 miles away.
A different asteroid, called 2026 BK, will pass at 2,310,000 miles from Earth.
More asteroids will pass Earth soon, including 2023 RX1 within 2,090,000 miles, 2026 BF1 at 2,630,000 miles, and 2025 YQ12 at 2,860,000 miles.
Small asteroids, up to 30 feet wide, hit Earth about once every ten years, usually causing only minor disturbances like bright lights and noise.
An asteroid named 2024 YR4 was previously thought to have a chance to hit Earth in 2032; however, it is now considered unlikely.
Large asteroid Bennu has a one-in-2,700 chance of impacting Earth in 2182, possibly causing severe effects if it did.
Scientists from Pusan National University in South Korea studied Bennu's potential impact, predicting significant environmental changes if a collision occurs.
The U.S. Justice Department has released more than 3 million pages of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, a financier accused of sexually abusing young girls. This release is part of ongoing efforts to disclose what the government knew about Epstein's activities. The documents are being made public under a law created after public and political pressure.
Key Facts
The Justice Department released over 3 million pages of Epstein-related files.
These releases are part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates government disclosure.
The documents include photographs, interviews, call logs, and court records.
Flight logs in the documents show that President Donald Trump flew on Epstein's private jet in the 1990s.
Both Trump and former President Clinton are named in the files but are not accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 after being indicted on sex trafficking charges.
Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, was convicted of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence.
The Justice Department continues to review documents to redact sensitive information before public release.
Amedspor FC, a football club in Turkey's Kurdish-majority region, received a fine from the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for "ideological propaganda" supporting Kurdish forces in Syria. The fine was 802,500 Turkish lira (about $18,500), and the club president got a 15-day ban from football activities. The punishment was linked to a social media post featuring a Kurdish slogan.
Key Facts
Amedspor FC is a Kurdish football team based in Diyarbakir, Turkey.
The club was fined about $18,500 by the TFF for making propaganda supporting Kurdish forces.
The club's president received a 15-day suspension from football activities.
The issue involved a 20-second video clip on social media using a Kurdish slogan.
The Kurdish slogan in the video means "Woman, life, freedom" in English.
Hair braiding has become symbolic support for Syrian Kurds amid regional conflicts.
Amedspor FC is at the top of Turkey's second division and could move to the top league for the first time.
Lindsey Vonn crashed during a downhill ski race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, just a week before the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics. She was airlifted from the course for medical checks after losing control and landing in the safety nets. The crash happened in difficult conditions, and Vonn's participation in the upcoming Olympics is uncertain.
Key Facts
Lindsey Vonn is a 41-year-old U.S. ski star who crashed in a World Cup race.
The fall happened in Crans-Montana in Switzerland during a downhill race.
Vonn was airlifted to get medical checks after the crash.
The race was canceled after Vonn's crash.
Vonn used her poles to steady herself after receiving medical help.
She was expected to be a major competitor in the upcoming Winter Olympics.
The crash took place in tough conditions with low visibility.
Vonn's first Olympic race is scheduled for February 8.
The deployment of a U.S. naval strike group to the Middle East indicates rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Iran's response to potential U.S. military actions might differ now due to ongoing domestic unrest and previous strategic retaliations. Protests in Iran have recently faced severe crackdowns, leading to increased internal pressure on the Iranian government.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has arrived in the Middle East, near Iranian waters.
This deployment comes amid violent crackdowns on protests in Iran.
President Trump has made threats against Iran in the face of Iran's domestic unrest.
Iran has a history of delayed and limited military retaliation against U.S. actions.
In June 2025, Iran warned the U.S. before a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base after U.S. strikes.
In January 2020, Iran provided advance warning before striking a U.S. base in response to a U.S. assassination.
Recent protests in Iran have been met with a severe crackdown, with reports of thousands killed.
Iranian authorities blame "terrorist groups" and Israel for the unrest, not accepting responsibility for the violence.
The Cleveland Browns appointed Todd Monken as their new head coach. His initial interaction with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders caused a stir among NFL fans due to a comment Monken made about wanting to draft Sanders previously. Fans expressed mixed reactions to Monken's remarks.
Key Facts
Todd Monken was hired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, marking his first head coaching role in the NFL.
Monken was previously the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
In a meeting with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Monken joked about wanting to draft him when he worked for the Ravens.
Fans reacted with skepticism and criticism, noting that the Ravens passed on drafting Sanders multiple times.
The Browns have two first-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft and several options at quarterback, including veterans and rookies.
Shedeur Sanders was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Browns, not the Ravens.
A widespread protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is happening today across the United States. The movement, which demands an end to funding for ICE, includes a call for "no work, no school, and no shopping." This effort follows incidents involving federal officers in Minneapolis that caused public outrage.
Key Facts
Over 300 locations across almost every state are hosting anti-ICE protests.
Organizers want to pressure leaders to stop funding ICE and remove agents from communities.
The protests began in Minnesota after fatal shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis.
The protests have expanded nationwide, with notable activities in states like California, Texas, and New York.
Student groups and businesses are participating with walkouts and closures.
The goal is to create an economic and social disruption to force political change.
The protests are taking place in 47 states and Washington, D.C.
California has a large number of planned events, including rallies and campus demonstrations.
A U.S. man shared his gym progress in a family group chat and was surprised by his in-laws' response, as they sent back their own weightlifting progress. The in-laws were inspired by their children and son-in-law to start focusing on their health and fitness. Their journey has improved their health and increased their confidence.
Key Facts
A man in the U.S. shared his gym progress with his family group chat.
His in-laws, Enzo Mariano and Sabrina, responded with their own gym updates.
This inspired them to focus on health, fitness, and longevity.
They began exercise not to compete but to stay healthy for their family.
Their fitness routine has resulted in both physical and mental health benefits.
Micaela, who shared the story, noticed her parents' confidence improved as they lifted more.
Her Instagram video received over 640,000 views and positive feedback from the fitness community.
The Atlanta Braves are not likely to keep Marcell Ozuna for the upcoming season. Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report suggests that Ozuna might sign a short-term deal with the Minnesota Twins.
Key Facts
Marcell Ozuna is a three-time All-Star baseball player.
He is entering his 14th season in Major League Baseball.
Last season, Ozuna hit 21 home runs with a batting average of .232.
The Minnesota Twins are predicted to possibly sign Ozuna as a free agent.
The Twins might consider trading Ozuna during the season if they sign him.
Target Field, the Twins' home stadium, is good for right-handed hitters like Ozuna.
Burkina Faso's military government has banned all political parties in the country. The ban involves transferring all party assets to the state and comes after the military seized power in 2022. The government plans to submit a law to the Transitional Legislative Assembly to formalize this change.
Key Facts
Burkina Faso's military government banned all political parties.
The ban transfers all party property to the state.
This move follows the military taking control in 2022.
Junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré is criticized for limiting dissent.
Interior Minister Emile Zerbo said the aim is to "rebuild the state."
He claims the political system was causing division among people.
Before the coup, more than 100 political parties were registered.
Traoré plans to extend the junta's rule for another five years.
A judge ruled that federal prosecutors can't pursue the death penalty against Luigi Mangione for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The judge dismissed the federal murder charge but kept stalking charges, which could lead to a life sentence.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione was involved in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Federal prosecutors wanted to seek the death penalty against him.
A judge found the federal murder charge against Mangione flawed and dismissed it.
Stalking charges against Mangione remain, and they could lead to a life sentence.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both federal and state murder charges.
The state charges against Mangione could also result in a life sentence.
The Trump administration called the murder a "premeditated, cold-blooded assassination."
A judge overseeing the Luigi Mangione case has decided to drop charges that could lead to the death penalty. The judge found that the federal murder charge against Mangione was flawed. The trial is expected to start in October.
Key Facts
A federal judge dismissed death penalty charges in the Luigi Mangione case.
The judge stated that the federal murder charge was technically flawed.
The judge left the stalking charges in place but agreed with Mangione's lawyers that these should not result in a death penalty.
Evidence seized from Mangione's backpack will still be used in court.
The trial is set to begin in October after jury selection in September.
This decision marks an important development in Mangione's legal case.
The New York Yankees decided not to sign Bo Bichette and instead chose Cody Bellinger. They believed Bichette didn't fit well into their roster due to defensive concerns and existing player commitments.
Key Facts
The Yankees signed Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract.
Bo Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets.
Bichette played shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays but faced criticism for his defense.
The Yankees did not see Bichette as a good fit for their team.
Bichette is expected to play third base for the Mets due to defensive challenges at shortstop.
The Yankees felt committed to Ryan McMahon, who already plays in Bichette's potential position.
Anthony Volpe, despite a poor offensive record, remains favored by the Yankees for his potential as a defender at shortstop.
Stephen Jones, a 28-year-old pitcher, has left the San Diego Padres and signed a new deal with the Miami Marlins. Jones previously played in minor leagues but hopes to reach the major leagues with this new opportunity.
Key Facts
Stephen Jones signed a minor-league deal with the Miami Marlins.
He also received a non-roster invitation to spring training in Florida.
Jones joined the Padres in January last year after being released by the Colorado Rockies.
He performed well in Double-A with a 3.64 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 54 1/3 innings.
Jones struggled in Triple-A, with an ERA over 13, leading to his release by the Rockies.
The Miami Marlins are in a rebuilding phase, increasing Jones' chances to possibly join the big leagues.
Jones was originally drafted by the Rockies in the 21st round out of Samford in 2019.
Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator, is reportedly interested in selecting a pass rusher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision contrasts with many NFL analysts who expected the Vikings to choose a cornerback. The team had a strong pass rush last season.
Key Facts
Brian Flores re-signed as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings on January 21.
He reportedly wants the team to draft a pass rusher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Analysts expected the Vikings to choose a cornerback instead.
The Vikings had the fourth-most sacks in the NFL during the 2025 season, with 49 total sacks.
Andrew Van Ginkel, who recorded seven sacks last season, is in the final year of his contract.
Dallas Turner, a first-round pick in 2024, led the Vikings with eight sacks in 2025.
The article discusses Kanye West's (also known as Ye) controversial public behavior and his recent attempts to make amends, especially with the Jewish community, for past statements and actions seen as antisemitic. It explores his mental health issues, specifically a frontal-lobe injury he claims was diagnosed in 2023, which he says contributed to his actions and bipolar disorder diagnosis.
Key Facts
Kanye West, also known as Ye, became famous with his debut album "The College Dropout" in 2004.
Ye was initially known for his unique style and public statements, like criticizing George Bush during Hurricane Katrina.
Ye supported Donald Trump in his 2016 presidential campaign.
In recent years, Ye made antisemitic and misogynistic remarks, prompting backlash.
Since November 2025, Ye has apologized and worked to repair relations with the Jewish community, meeting with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto.
Ye revealed a previously unknown frontal-lobe brain injury from a 2002 car crash, which he claims affected his mental health and contributed to his bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2023.
Ye once praised Hitler according to a CNN report, and his controversial views appeared in a music project in 2025.
Despite his apologies, Ye's past actions continue to influence public perception.
A video showed a German comedian trying to raise a U.S. flag in Greenland's capital as part of a comedy skit. This act caused upset because it comes at a time of strained relations between the U.S. and Greenland. The comedian was fined, and local officials expressed dissatisfaction with the stunt.
Key Facts
A video was shared showing a man trying to raise an American flag in Nuuk, Greenland.
The video was part of a comedy skit by German comedian Maxi Schafroth for a show called Extra 3.
The comedian impersonated a U.S. official during the skit.
Police fined the production team, and an investigation was launched.
The skit occurred during a time of tense relations between the U.S. and Greenland.
Avaaraq Olsen, a Greenland official, criticized the act for unsettling local residents.
The production team expressed regret if any negative impression was made on Greenlanders.
