President Trump showed signs of wanting to ease tensions in Minneapolis after a second deadly shooting by federal immigration agents. Despite this, there were no major visible changes in the situation on the streets.
Key Facts
President Trump talked about easing tensions in Minneapolis.
This followed a second deadly shooting by federal immigration agents.
There were ongoing clashes and protests in Minneapolis.
Trump sent his top border advisor to lead immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
The president made positive remarks about Minnesota's governor and mayor.
Trump and Governor Tim Walz had a phone call and found some agreement.
Trump also had a good discussion with Mayor Jacob Frey, mentioning progress.
President Trump recently criticized Minnesota officials, raising tensions that had briefly eased after attempts to reduce conflict following two deadly incidents involving federal agents. Trump's comments about Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Representative Ilhan Omar have added to the unrest. Despite some federal agents leaving the state, political disagreements continue, including Governor Tim Walz's skepticism about the effectiveness of current federal measures.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Minneapolis officials on social media, saying Mayor Jacob Frey was "PLAYING WITH FIRE!"
Trump also made comments about Representative Ilhan Omar, claiming without evidence that she staged an attack against her.
Federal agents were sent to Minnesota after two deadly shootings involving them, leading to public outcry.
The White House faced criticism from both parties for the federal agents' actions and later announced changes to their operations.
Some federal agents, including the Border Patrol chief, started leaving Minnesota this week.
The operation is now overseen by Tom Homan, focusing on targeted enforcement.
Governor Tim Walz expressed cautious optimism after communicating with Homan but noted no substantial changes had yet occurred.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also faced criticism related to the situation.
The New York Jets fired over one-third of their assistant coaches after a disappointing season with a 3-14 record. The team ranked low in both offense and defense under head coach Aaron Glenn. They quickly hired Brian Duker as the new defensive coordinator.
Key Facts
The New York Jets ended the season with a 3-14 record.
They secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The team ranked 29th in total offense and scoring offense.
They ranked 25th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense.
Head Coach Aaron Glenn fired over one-third of the assistant coaches.
Nine out of 23 assistant coaching positions need new hires.
Brian Duker was hired as the new defensive coordinator.
Brian Duker previously worked with the Miami Dolphins and has history with Aaron Glenn.
The U.S. is debating a spending bill that includes significant funding for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. If the Senate does not approve the bill, a partial government shutdown could start on Saturday. ICE's budget is now larger than the annual military budgets of several countries.
Key Facts
ICE's annual budget now exceeds $29 billion.
This budget is higher than the entire defense budgets of countries like Denmark and Romania.
Seven House Democrats and Republicans supported a $64.4 billion spending bill for Homeland Security, including $10 billion for ICE.
The Senate has not yet approved the spending bill; failure to pass it by Saturday could lead to a government shutdown.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act increased ICE funding to around $75 billion over four years.
ICE has expanded its operations, increasing detention capacity and hiring more agents.
ICE's current budget allows flexible spending, with the majority being "unobligated," meaning it can be used as needed.
A small commercial plane with 15 people on board disappeared while flying over northeastern Colombia. The plane lost contact during its flight from Cúcuta to Ocaña and vanished from radar in a mountainous area known for the presence of illegal armed groups.
Key Facts
A small commercial plane, Flight NSE 8849, was going from Cúcuta to Ocaña in Colombia.
The plane went missing on Wednesday while flying over northeastern Colombia.
The last communication with the plane was at 11:54 a.m. local time.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft 1900, was carrying 13 passengers and 2 crew members.
Among the passengers were lawmaker Diogenes Quintero and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo.
The area where the plane disappeared has illegal armed groups like the National Liberation Army.
Colombian aviation and military authorities have started a major search operation.
A new winter storm is forecast to hit the Southeast and Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. this weekend, following the recent Winter Storm Fern. Weather predictions suggest the storm will bring snow and strong winds, particularly impacting areas like North Carolina and Georgia. No advisories have been issued yet, but weather offices are issuing hazards outlooks as the storm approaches.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service has released maps showing the path of an incoming winter storm.
The storm is expected to affect the U.S. Southeast and Eastern Seaboard this weekend.
Areas hit by last weekend's storm, such as Texas and Tennessee, will likely see less impact this time.
The storm is expected to start impacting the South and Mid-Atlantic by Friday.
On Saturday, South Carolina and North Carolina have a 95% chance of severe weather impacts.
The storm will move along the East Coast and start exiting the U.S. by Monday.
Weather offices are issuing hazardous weather outlooks but no official advisories or warnings yet.
There is potential for snow and low temperatures, with wind chills possibly dropping below zero.
A foster mom named Kayleen gave her rescued labradoodle, Heidi, a kiss for the first time, and Heidi's positive reaction caught people's attention online. Heidi is an 11.5-year-old dog rescued from a breeder, and the interaction between her and Kayleen received a lot of views and likes on TikTok. Kayleen fosters dogs through an organization called Arizona Poodle Rescue.
Key Facts
Heidi is an 11.5-year-old labradoodle rescued from a backyard breeder.
Kayleen started fostering Heidi on December 31.
Heidi was initially very shy and scared around people.
Kayleen kissed Heidi for the first time on January 23, which surprised her with Heidi's positive response.
The TikTok video of the kiss received 612,500 views and 88,000 likes.
Kayleen fosters dogs through Arizona Poodle Rescue.
There have been many inquiries about adopting Heidi since the video went viral.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the U.S. Senate about the operation to abduct Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Rubio defended the operation, citing Venezuela's strategic risk to the U.S. due to its ties with countries like Iran and Russia. He discussed the objectives of stabilizing Venezuela and avoiding a civil war.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State and testified before the Senate.
The hearing focused on the U.S. operation to abduct Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela.
The operation has been criticized as a violation of international law.
Rubio argued Venezuela poses a strategic risk due to its relations with countries like Iran and Russia.
He outlined U.S. goals for Venezuela, including preventing civil war and stabilizing the oil industry.
There was concern about the cost of the operation and military activities, estimated at $1 billion.
President Trump continues to work with the current Venezuelan government led by Delcy Rodriguez.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen highlighted concerns about the operation’s cost and its impact on American citizens.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer listed demands to change how immigration enforcement is handled as a government shutdown nears. Democrats want changes at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are withholding votes needed to keep the government open unless their demands are met. Republicans are cautious about reopening talks, fearing it could delay funding legislation.
Key Facts
A partial government shutdown may happen soon if funding isn't secured.
Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, want changes to ICE enforcement practices.
Democrats' demands include using body cameras and having agents clearly identify themselves.
Democrats say they won't support funding without these changes.
Republicans warn that reopening negotiations might hinder passing the funding bills.
Senate Democrats met ahead of a critical funding vote to discuss their stance.
The White House's engagement in negotiations is uncertain.
Procedural obstacles in the Senate could delay funding past the deadline.
The New York Knicks are reportedly downplaying interest in trading NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns, but some teams believe he might still be available. The Knicks are considering roster changes as the trade deadline nears, possibly using Towns in a deal to improve their team or acquire another star player.
Key Facts
The New York Knicks might trade NBA All-Star player Karl-Anthony Towns.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Knicks are downplaying trade rumors around Towns.
Despite official statements, some teams believe Towns is still a trade possibility.
The Knicks rank 16th in defensive performance and are exploring options to enhance their team.
Trade rumors include Karl-Anthony Towns potentially being involved in a deal for another star player like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Towns has been with the Knicks for two seasons and helped them reach the conference finals last year.
The Knicks are assessing their team needs, focusing more on improving defense and bench strength.
Chas McCormick, who played for the Houston Astros and won the World Series in 2022, signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs. McCormick is joining the Cubs' spring training camp on a minor league contract.
Key Facts
Chas McCormick was part of the Astros' 2022 World Series winning team.
McCormick signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent.
His contract includes an invitation to the Cubs' spring training camp.
McCormick played 500 regular season games with the Astros.
He is known for his center field defense and did not make an error in 289.1 innings last year.
The Cubs have strong defensive players in center field, like Pete Crow-Armstrong.
McCormick's addition ensures backup for the center field position if needed.
A trial is starting where a woman claims social media companies made their platforms addictive to children, causing harm. This case is part of a larger group of lawsuits against major social media companies. The lawsuit argues these companies designed their apps to hook young users, similar to slot machines and cigarette marketing.
Key Facts
A California woman, K.G.M., claims social media apps caused her addiction and harm since childhood.
Her case is part of a larger group of lawsuits involving thousands of plaintiffs.
Major companies like Meta, ByteDance, Snap, and Google are named as defendants.
Snap and TikTok have settled their cases, but Meta and YouTube continue to face trial.
The lawsuit argues social media platforms are purposely designed to be addictive, especially to minors.
Social media companies argue there is no clear definition or legal recognition of social media addiction.
The companies also challenge the claim that their products specifically caused any addiction.
Fulham has agreed to pay £27 million to Manchester City for Oscar Bobb, a winger. Bobb has not played much for City this season and is moving to Fulham where he will join his fellow Norwegian, Sander Berge.
Key Facts
Fulham will pay £27 million to Manchester City for Oscar Bobb.
Bobb missed almost all of last season due to a leg injury.
He has played in 15 games this season for Manchester City but did not score any goals.
Bobb is moving because Manchester City signed another player, Antoine Semenyo, in January.
Fulham is currently seventh in the Premier League.
Bobb has played six times for Norway this year and helped them qualify for the World Cup.
Fulham also wants to buy Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven for £28 million.
The Buffalo Bills have released their head coach, Sean McDermott, after nine years. McDermott has already declined an NFL job offer and is expected to take a break before re-evaluating his future in 2027. Joe Brady has been promoted to head coach of the Bills, signing a five-year contract.
Key Facts
The Buffalo Bills let go of head coach Sean McDermott after their playoff loss to the Denver Broncos.
Sean McDermott was offered a position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but turned it down.
McDermott is expected to take a year off from coaching and reconsider his options in 2027.
Joe Brady, previously the offensive coordinator, is now the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
Joe Brady signed a five-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.
Joe Brady is currently the youngest coach in the NFL.
Joe Brady will focus on creating an offense around quarterback Josh Allen's strengths.
The UK plans to expand the use of facial recognition technology, using software from a company linked to Israel's operations in Gaza. This decision has raised concerns about privacy and the accuracy of the technology. The UK will increase the number of facial recognition vans from 10 to over 50.
Key Facts
The UK will use AI facial recognition technology from the company Corsight AI.
Corsight AI is connected to Israeli operations in Gaza.
British police will increase the number of facial recognition vans nationwide from 10 to over 50.
Digital Barriers, a UK company, and Corsight AI have secured a £20 million ($27.6 million) contract for this rollout.
There are concerns about privacy and the technology's accuracy due to past issues experienced in Gaza.
Corsight AI's board includes former Israeli intelligence and security officers.
Israeli officials and civil liberties groups have expressed concerns about the technology's reliability and ethical implications.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has expressed confidence about being the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite concerns about his height. Official measurements at the Senior Bowl showed Pavia is 5-foot-8, which is shorter than initially reported and has led to doubts about his suitability for a professional football career. Pavia remains unfazed by these concerns and is preparing for the upcoming draft.
Key Facts
Diego Pavia is a quarterback from Vanderbilt University.
His official height was measured at 5-foot-8 during the Senior Bowl.
Height concerns have raised doubts about his NFL prospects, as few successful quarterbacks are that height.
Pavia believes he is the best player available in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He joked about his height measurement, claiming he is actually 5-foot-10.
Pavia has a history of overcoming doubt, winning SEC Player of the Year with Vanderbilt.
He participated in the Senior Bowl to demonstrate his skills.
The NFL Draft where Pavia hopes to be selected will take place in April.
President Donald Trump is receiving criticism from some Republicans and gun rights supporters because of his recent comments about gun control after a shooting in Minneapolis. Trump, who often supports the Second Amendment, expressed concerns about people having guns in certain situations, causing disagreement among his supporters. This comes after two fatal shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
President Trump is facing criticism from Republicans and Second Amendment supporters.
An immigration agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, and another citizen was shot earlier in Minneapolis by a federal officer.
Trump stated, “You can't have guns. You can't walk in with guns," which upset some of his supporters.
Trump has historically expressed support for some gun restrictions, like background checks.
In 2017, Trump rolled back an Obama-era gun regulation concerning mental illness.
Trump has pointed to mental health issues as a reason for mass shootings in the U.S.
He has shown support for background check legislation in the past, especially after mass shootings.
The article explains a promotion for fantasy sports players using the Underdog promo code "NEWSWEEK." By spending $5 on a fantasy sports entry, participants receive $75 in additional entries. This promotion can be used for NBA games, Super Bowl picks, and other sports.
Key Facts
The Underdog promo code "NEWSWEEK" gives users $75 in bonus entries for a $5 play.
The offer applies to NBA games, Super Bowl picks, and other sports.
New users must register and make a deposit to get the bonus.
Users can choose a "max" or "flex" payout option for their entries.
The promotion features popular athletes like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if users sign up through provided links.
The process involves setting up an account, entering personal information, and using the promo code.
The Philadelphia Phillies are considering signing a free-agent starting pitcher before the 2026 season starts. They currently have several strong pitchers but lost Ranger Suarez in free agency and may be without Zack Wheeler at the beginning of the season due to surgery. Adding another pitcher could strengthen their chances in the National League East.
Key Facts
The Phillies might sign a starting pitcher before the 2026 season begins.
They lost Ranger Suarez to free agency and Zack Wheeler might miss early games after surgery.
Phillies had the second-best pitching rotation in MLB last season with a 3.53 ERA.
Current pitchers include Cristopher Sanchez, Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and others.
The team is considering several free-agent options, including Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, and Chris Bassitt.
Signing a new pitcher could help the Phillies compete in their division and aim for the postseason.
A new AI model called AlphaGenome, developed by Google's DeepMind, helps scientists understand DNA better. It can predict how small changes in genetic code affect health and diseases. This tool is expected to assist in studying genetic diseases and developing new medicines.
Key Facts
AlphaGenome is an AI model from Google's DeepMind that analyzes DNA.
It helps scientists study the "dark genome," which makes up 98% of our DNA and is not well understood.
The model can predict where genes are and what effects the 'dark genome' has, such as on gene expression and splicing.
It can analyze one million letters of genetic code at a time.
The AI tool is used to identify mutations that could cause diseases like cancer or alter risks of conditions like obesity.
Over 3,000 scientists have used AlphaGenome since it became available for non-commercial use.
AlphaGenome could help in drug discovery by identifying important genetic variants.
