President Donald Trump announced plans to reduce federal law enforcement activity in Minnesota after two fatal shootings by federal agents. The incidents involved U.S. citizens and have led to significant public reaction and calls for reduced federal presence in the state. The White House is reviewing the operations in question and making some changes to address the situation.
Key Facts
President Trump said his administration would "de-escalate" federal action in Minnesota following two fatal shootings by federal agents.
The shootings involved an ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, and another citizen, Renee Nicole Good, which sparked public outcry.
President Trump distanced himself from earlier claims that described Pretti as an "assassin."
The White House acknowledged possible breaches in protocol in the shooting incidents and is reviewing the operations.
Tom Homan was sent to Minneapolis to manage operations, and the Border Patrol commander was reassigned.
Minnesota's governor and Minneapolis's mayor have called for fewer federal agents and more cooperation with local police.
Some federal agents are expected to leave parts of Minneapolis amid ongoing protests.
Amazon announced it is closing all Amazon Fresh supermarkets and Amazon Go convenience stores in the United States to focus on expanding its Whole Foods Market locations and enhancing same-day delivery services. Affected stores will close by early February 2026, with some U.S. locations remaining operational for a short period to meet local requirements.
Key Facts
Amazon will close 57 Amazon Fresh stores and 15 Amazon Go stores in the U.S.
Some closed locations will convert to Whole Foods Market stores.
The closures are part of Amazon's plan to prioritize higher-growth areas.
Amazon plans to open over 100 new Whole Foods stores in addition to its current locations.
The company is boosting investments in same-day delivery of fresh groceries.
Amazon's grocery delivery service now covers over 5,000 U.S. cities and towns.
"Just Walk Out" cashierless technology used in Go stores will continue to expand in other settings.
Amazon is planning to develop new retail store concepts and formats.
A plane crash in India has resulted in the death of Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state. The crash occurred when the plane attempted to land in Baramati, resulting in the deaths of four others, including staff and crew members.
Key Facts
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, died in a plane crash.
The flight originated from Mumbai and crashed while landing in Baramati.
The crash also killed two of Pawar's staff members and two crew members.
The Indian aviation authority, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, reported the incident.
President Donald Trump has downplayed concerns about the U.S. dollar's decline to a four-year low, stating the currency is "doing great." Experts, however, suggest economic and political issues are causing the dollar's fall, affecting trade and inflation, while increasing gold's value.
Key Facts
The U.S. Dollar Index dropped to its lowest point since February 2022.
President Trump stated the dollar is performing well despite its decline.
A lower dollar can make imports more expensive and affect inflation.
Some officials believe a weaker dollar can help boost exports.
Recent geopolitical tensions and tariffs might be affecting the dollar and boosting gold prices.
Experts note rising U.S. deficits and ongoing inflation are contributing to the dollar's weakness.
Gold prices have increased, moving inversely to the declining dollar.
The U.S. decided to increase tariffs on South Korean imports, which could impact trade relations.
Student groups plan a nationwide school walkout on January 30 to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They are urging people to skip work, school, and shopping to highlight immigration enforcement issues and recent fatalities linked to ICE operations. The protest includes planned demonstrations in various cities and guidance for organizing local actions.
Key Facts
Students across the U.S. are organizing a school walkout on January 30 to protest ICE.
The protest follows fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving ICE agents.
Organizers are calling for a "no work, no school, no shopping" day.
The event aims to draw attention to ICE funding and operations.
Somali and Black student groups in Minneapolis are leading the organization efforts.
The National Shutdown website provides resources and instructions for organizing protests.
Previous student protests received national media attention.
Participating groups include student associations and civil rights organizations.
Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula will compete in the semifinals of the Australian Open. Rybakina defeated Iga Swiatek, hoping for her second Grand Slam victory, and Pegula overcame Amanda Anisimova, advancing to her first Australian Open semifinal.
Key Facts
Elena Rybakina beat Iga Swiatek in straight sets at the Australian Open.
Rybakina aims for her second Grand Slam title, having won Wimbledon in 2022.
Jessica Pegula defeated Amanda Anisimova with a 6-2, 7-6 score.
Pegula has reached her first Australian Open semifinal without dropping a set.
Swiatek was working to achieve a career Grand Slam but lost.
Rybakina and Pegula have faced each other six times, each winning three matches.
The other semifinal match features Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina.
A security expert suggests Prince Harry should consider getting a restraining order against a woman who has been repeatedly coming close to him in the UK. The situation highlights concerns over his lack of police protection following his departure from royal duties in 2020. Prince Harry's security team supports the idea of reinstating his police protection to ensure safety for him and his family during visits to the UK.
Key Facts
Prince Harry is facing a potential security issue with a woman consistently appearing near him during UK visits.
A security expert advised that a restraining order might be necessary to prevent further incidents.
Prince Harry lost his Metropolitan Police protection in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties.
His security team argues the need to restore his police protection for family safety.
The woman involved is known to UK authorities, including the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC) and Metropolitan Police.
Restraining orders can be challenging to enforce, often due to mental health considerations.
The UK Home Office is currently assessing the security risk to Prince Harry during his UK stays.
France issued a travel advisory telling its citizens to avoid downtown Minneapolis due to protests related to President Trump's immigration actions. The advisory recommends staying informed and avoiding large gatherings. Germany also warned its citizens to be cautious in the U.S. under similar circumstances.
Key Facts
France has advised its citizens not to go to the city center of Minneapolis.
The warning is connected to protests about immigration enforcement by President Trump.
The advisory was posted on the French foreign ministry's website on January 24.
The advisory suggests staying informed and avoiding large crowds.
Germany also issued a warning about potential risks in the U.S., specifically mentioning Minneapolis.
The situation is ongoing and updates are expected.
The United States plans military exercises in the Middle East to show military strength amid tensions with Iran. This follows President Donald Trump's deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and statements about possible U.S. military action if Iran continues its crackdown on protests.
Key Facts
The U.S. will conduct military drills in the Middle East, but the exact dates, locations, and assets involved have not been disclosed.
President Trump deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, to the region.
Trump warned Iran of U.S. intervention if the violent suppression of protests continues.
The USS Abraham Lincoln comes with fighter jets and nearly 5,000 sailors and is accompanied by guided missile destroyers.
An F-15E Strike Eagle squadron is also deployed in the area.
Regional exercises will include allies and aim to demonstrate combat capabilities under tough conditions.
Iran has made statements about the consequences of any attacks on its leadership.
U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have refused to allow their airspace for military action against Iran.
Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, India, died in a plane crash along with four others. The crash happened at the airport in Baramati, where the plane was headed, after taking off from Mumbai. The cause of the crash is not yet known.
Key Facts
Ajit Pawar was the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, a state in India.
Pawar and four other people died in a plane crash.
The crash took place at the airport in Baramati, Maharashtra.
The plane took off from Mumbai, India.
The cause of the crash has not been confirmed yet.
Two of Pawar's staff members and two crew members also died in the crash.
Visuals from the crash site show the plane wreckage in smoke and flames.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the crash on social media.
A photo of President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin is displayed in the White House, sparking concern just before negotiations for peace in Ukraine start. The photo, taken during a meeting in Alaska in 2025, is seen by some as a sign of the U.S. moving closer to Russia, causing worry among Ukrainians and some U.S. officials.
Key Facts
A photo of President Trump and Russian President Putin is shown in the White House.
The photo was taken in August 2025 at a military base in Alaska.
The photo's placement has caused concern, especially because peace talks for Ukraine are about to begin.
The image also includes a photo of Trump with his grandchild, situated below the photo with Putin.
Some people, such as Senator Mark Warner, see the photo as indicative of the U.S. favoring Russia.
This is a developing news story, indicating more updates might follow.
Martha Stewart's granddaughter urged her to speak out about growing criticism against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Stewart's public response came after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during a federal enforcement action. The incident has led to increased scrutiny of ICE and calls for changes in immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Martha Stewart's granddaughter, who is 14, asked her to speak about the backlash against ICE.
Alex Pretti was killed during a federal immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis.
The incident has led to widespread criticism of ICE and increased calls for reforms.
Democrats are calling for the abolition of ICE, while numerous companies want less aggressive enforcement in Minnesota.
Martha Stewart expressed sadness about the situation and shared her granddaughter's message on Instagram.
Other public figures like Natalie Portman and Katy Perry have also spoken against ICE's current actions.
There is pressure on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding how ICE handled the incident.
President Donald Trump has proposed a "Board of Peace" for rebuilding Gaza, but many European countries are hesitant or have declined to join. The board is seen by some as potentially undermining the United Nations, even as it forms part of Trump's broader foreign policy efforts. Hungary and Bulgaria are the only European Union countries that have agreed to participate, while others like France have refused.
Key Facts
President Trump launched a "Board of Peace" to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza.
Hungary and Bulgaria are the only EU countries that accepted the invitation to join the board.
France declined, citing concerns over the board's potential to challenge the United Nations' principles.
Denmark was not invited due to past diplomatic tensions over Greenland.
Trump signed the board's charter at the World Economic Forum in January.
The board is seen by some as a possible attempt to do the UN's job, which has caused concern.
Trump invited Russia, despite its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Board members are expected to contribute $1 billion each, without details on how funds will be used.
The Doomsday Clock, a symbol showing how close humanity is to catastrophe, has been set to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026. This is the closest it has been since the clock started in 1947. Scientists cite increased global threats, such as nuclear tensions, inadequate climate action, and new dangers from artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
The Doomsday Clock now stands at 85 seconds to midnight for 2026, the closest in its history.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists sets the clock each year to indicate global threats.
The organization cites worsening international cooperation on nuclear weapons, climate change, and biotechnology as concerns.
New threats from artificial intelligence were also mentioned as a reason for moving the clock closer to midnight.
The Bulletin highlighted 2025 conflicts, including Russia's war on Ukraine, India-Pakistan clashes, and US-Israel actions in Iran.
The organization criticized national and international responses to climate change as insufficient.
Renewable and nuclear energy surpassed 40% of global electricity generation in 2024.
The Doomsday Clock has shifted over the years, reflecting changes in global security and environmental risks.
A federal immigration operation in Minneapolis led to the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal agents. This incident sparked a public outcry and protests, forcing the White House to reconsider its immigration enforcement strategy in the area. President Trump has responded by making personnel changes and reducing the presence of federal agents.
Key Facts
Two U.S. citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, died after being shot by federal agents in Minneapolis.
These events have caused protests and criticism of the government's immigration policies.
The operation in Minneapolis was part of a larger effort called Operation Metro Surge, deploying over 3,000 agents.
The original investigation targeted alleged welfare fraud in the Somali community but was overshadowed by the shootings.
President Trump ordered changes, including reducing agents in the Twin Cities and replacing leadership on the ground.
Greg Bovino, previously in charge, was removed, with Tom Homan appointed to manage efforts locally.
The controversy mirrors backlash from previous federal immigration operations in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
The Spanish government plans to give legal status to up to 500,000 undocumented migrants. These individuals will be able to live and work legally for up to one year if they meet certain conditions. This move is different from many countries that are tightening immigration rules.
Key Facts
Spain will grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants.
Eligible migrants can receive up to one year of legal residency and work permission.
Migrants must prove they've been in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record.
Applications for legal status can be made from April to the end of June.
This policy contrasts with immigration crackdowns in the U.S. and some European countries.
Many migrants in Spain come from Latin America or Africa and work in key economic sectors.
Spain has implemented similar measures six times between 1986 and 2005.
Some political groups support the move, while others criticize it, fearing increased immigration rates.
The Empire State Child Credit in New York has been expanded to provide more financial support to families with young children. These changes mean families can receive larger tax credits, especially those with children under 4 years old, starting in the 2026 filing season. The expansion also allows low- and middle-income families to benefit more from these credits.
Key Facts
The Empire State Child Credit expansion was announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Families with children under 4 years old can receive up to $1,000 per child.
Families with children between 4 and 16 years old can receive up to $330 per child in the 2026 filing season, increasing to $500 in the following year.
The minimum income requirement for receiving the credit has been removed, allowing more low-income families to benefit fully.
Families earning up to $110,000 (jointly) can still claim the full credit; higher incomes may receive partial benefits.
The expanded credit is expected to almost double the average payout from $472 to $943.
Analysts estimate that the expansion could reduce child poverty in New York by more than 8%.
To qualify, filers must be full-year New York residents with a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
The Iranian foreign minister stated that Iran has not requested talks with the U.S. and called for the U.S. to stop making war threats. This comes after President Trump claimed Iran was ready to make a deal to prevent U.S. strikes.
Key Facts
Iran's foreign minister is Abbas Araghchi.
Araghchi said Iran has not asked for negotiations with the U.S.
President Trump stated that Iran is ready to make a deal.
U.S. warships have moved into the region, described by President Trump as an "armada."
Araghchi noted ongoing contact with friendly intermediaries but no decision to negotiate.
Araghchi called for diplomacy without military threats or excessive demands.
Negotiations should be based on mutual respect and interests, according to Araghchi.
UPS, a major package-delivery company based in Georgia, plans to cut up to 30,000 jobs to save money and increase profits. The company aims to achieve $3 billion in savings by 2026 through measures such as reducing reliance on Amazon, offering voluntary buyouts, and closing some buildings.
Key Facts
UPS will cut up to 30,000 jobs to save money and increase profits.
The company aims to save $3 billion by 2026.
UPS plans to reduce its dependency on Amazon deliveries.
Voluntary buyouts and job cuts through attrition will be offered.
24 buildings will close in the first half of the year, with more closures possible later.
The company previously saved $3.5 billion in 2025 through similar measures.
Teamsters union president criticized the job cuts.
UPS expects revenues to reach $89.7 billion in 2026.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for Michigan, Alaska, and New York. These states could see up to 12 inches of snow and strong winds that may cause difficult travel and reduced visibility. The National Weather Service has issued these warnings to prepare people for potential blizzard conditions.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service predicts up to 12 inches of snow and 60 mph winds in some areas, leading to possible blizzard conditions.
Michigan could see up to 9 inches of snow, affecting places like Luce and Alger Counties, with travel issues expected.
Alaska's eastern range and parts of the Susitna Valley could experience up to 12 inches of snow and 60 mph winds, potentially causing travel disruptions.
New York, including Onondaga County, might receive 3-6 inches of snow, impacting areas like Baldwinsville.
Strong winds and heavy snow are expected to create low visibility, making travel very difficult in affected regions.
Visibility in some areas could drop to less than a quarter of a mile due to blowing snow.
