President Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, declined to comment on the shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, stating he wanted to wait for the investigation results. A new video shows Pretti involved in a clash with immigration officers shortly before the incident.
Key Facts
Tom Homan is the White House border czar managing ICE operations in Minnesota.
The incident involves the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents.
Homan was asked for comments on a video showing Pretti clashing with federal immigration officers.
In the video, Pretti is seen kicking the taillight off an SUV.
Homan stated he has a personal opinion but prefers to wait for the investigation outcome.
He expressed a general desire for no one to die during such operations.
President Donald Trump wants the United States to have complete access to Greenland. He has agreed on a basic plan to make this happen, building on past defense agreements with Denmark. The plan aims to increase security and strengthen ties with NATO allies.
Key Facts
President Trump expects the U.S. to gain full access to Greenland.
Jeff Landry, appointed to handle U.S. relations with Greenland, announced the news.
The plan builds on old defense agreements from 1941 and 1951 with Denmark.
Greenland is a large Arctic island, mostly covered in ice but holds strategic interest.
The U.S. has a military base in Greenland, called Pituffik Space Base.
European officials support a greater U.S. military presence if allies agree.
The U.S. aims to block Russian and Chinese influence in Greenland.
Climate change makes Greenland's resources more accessible, increasing global interest.
Kevin Owens is waiting to get medical clearance to compete in the WWE Royal Rumble 2026. He has not wrestled since March 2025 after having neck surgery. He might miss this year's Royal Rumble, which he has been a part of every year since 2019.
Key Facts
Kevin Owens needs medical clearance before he can wrestle at WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
Owens last wrestled in March 2025 and then had neck surgery.
He was supposed to fight Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 but had to stop due to his surgery needs.
If Owens misses Royal Rumble 2026, it will be the first time since 2019 he has not participated in the event.
Owens has appeared three times in the men's Royal Rumble match.
Owens previously won the WWE Universal Championship and often competes in big matches like ladders matches for championships.
A woman shared an experience on Reddit about a dispute on a flight from Los Angeles to Newark. A man became upset when she refused to switch seats with his wife, leading to a heated exchange after the flight landed. Witnesses reported the man's behavior to airline staff, and it remains unclear if any action will be taken.
Key Facts
The incident occurred on a flight from Los Angeles to Newark during a snowstorm.
The woman, who goes by Smart_Choice_317 on Reddit, had booked an aisle seat and declined a request to switch seats.
The man, whose wife was seated separately, became angry after the flight and made threatening comments.
Other passengers reported the man to a gate agent after witnessing the exchange.
The incident was discussed with more than 170 comments on Reddit, mostly condemning the man's actions.
Past stories about disputes over seat swaps on flights have also been highlighted.
It is not confirmed if the airline will address the incident further.
Many pubs and restaurants in Northern Ireland are concerned about rising property tax rates. These businesses face increased costs due to updated property valuations and the removal of temporary COVID-19 tax allowances. Higher rates could lead to more expensive prices for customers.
Key Facts
Pubs and restaurants in Northern Ireland are facing higher rates bills from April 1, following a new valuation list.
The valuation exercise, called Reval 2026, led to an 85% increase for hotels and a 47% rise for pubs.
Rates are a type of annual property tax that helps fund public services.
Businesses like the Harbour View Hotel and Galgorm resort have expressed concerns about managing these costs.
The removal of temporary COVID-related tax allowances has increased the financial burden.
Some businesses expect to increase prices for customers to cover these additional expenses.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill acknowledged the challenging situation for many in the hospitality sector.
President Donald Trump's border advisor, Tom Homan, announced an agreement with Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison. Minnesota county jails can now inform ICE about the release dates of certain immigrants considered public safety risks. The aim is to manage immigration enforcement more effectively in the state.
Key Facts
Tom Homan is the border advisor to President Donald Trump.
An agreement was made with Keith Ellison, Minnesota's Attorney General.
The agreement involves county jails notifying ICE about release dates of certain detainees.
ICE looks to prioritize immigrants seen as public safety or national security risks.
Homan is addressing issues in ICE operations in Minnesota after disorder led to incidents, including fatalities.
The agreement aims to reduce the number of ICE officers needed in Minnesota.
Homan acknowledged existing flaws in ICE operations during a press conference.
Senegal's football manager, Pape Thiaw, received a five-game ban due to incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. The Confederation of African Football fined Thiaw and several players for their actions during the match, which included a temporary walk-off in protest against a referee's decision. The bans apply only to matches under the African football body and do not affect upcoming World Cup preparations.
Key Facts
Pape Thiaw, manager of Senegal's football team, was banned for five games.
Thiaw was also fined $100,000 for "unsporting conduct."
The incident occurred during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, which Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco.
Senegal's players temporarily left the field after a controversial referee decision.
The game was delayed for 17 minutes before play resumed.
Senegal's forward Sadio Mane played a role in convincing players to return to the field.
Forward Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time.
Other Senegal players and Moroccan players also received bans and fines.
The bans do not affect Senegal's preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Residents of a small apartment building discovered Vaseline smeared on their doorknobs, deadbolts, and peepholes, except for one unit. People online suggested it could be either a prank or a way for burglars to see if tenants are away. The police have been informed, and residents are considering adding security measures.
Key Facts
Residents found Vaseline on their doorknobs and peepholes, but one unit was not affected.
The building has no secured entry, meaning anyone can enter.
A police report was filed after the incident.
Some Reddit users think the Vaseline could be a burglary tactic.
The landlord and police have been notified about the situation.
Security cameras and other protection measures are being considered by residents.
The incident is causing concern among the building's tenants.
The Trump administration is spending $93 million each month to deploy the National Guard in various U.S. cities. This includes a large presence in Washington, D.C., and Memphis, with smaller deployments in Texas. The costs cover personnel pay, healthcare, lodging, meals, and transportation.
Key Facts
National Guard deployments in U.S. cities cost $93 million per month.
Washington, D.C., commitment costs $55 million monthly for about 2,950 personnel.
Memphis deployment costs $28 million monthly for 1,500 personnel.
Texas involves 200 Guard members costing $4 million monthly.
Daily cost per Guard member ranges from $522 to $607, depending on the city.
The CBO provided these figures at the request of Senator Jeff Merkley.
Deployments were halted in some cities by courts but still incurred costs due to ongoing activations.
Future deployment costs in low-cost cities could be about $18 million monthly, higher in places like Washington, D.C.
The IRS is facing challenges for the 2026 tax season due to a 27% reduction in workforce and complex new tax laws. National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins warned that these issues might make filing more difficult for taxpayers. The IRS processed over 165 million tax returns in 2025, with most being filed electronically.
Key Facts
The IRS is starting the 2026 tax season with about 74,000 employees, down from 102,000 at the beginning of the previous year.
The IRS processed more than 165 million individual returns in 2025, with roughly 94% filed electronically.
The average tax refund in 2025 was $3,167 for about 104 million people.
Delays were experienced by 3.6 million taxpayers last year, with e-filed returns taking about seven weeks and paper returns 14 weeks to process.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced complex new eligibility rules for deductions and benefits, potentially causing errors.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and IRS CEO Frank Bisignano say the IRS is prepared, but internal reports highlight concerns about unprocessed returns and staff shortages.
Collins emphasized the importance of quick and effective IRS assistance for taxpayers facing problems due to these issues.
Absolut Vodka and Tabasco have introduced a new beverage called "Absolut Tabasco," which combines Absolut Vodka with Tabasco hot sauce flavors. The product is set to launch in over 50 markets globally, including the U.S. and U.K., starting February 2026.
Key Facts
Absolut Vodka and Tabasco teamed up to create a new chili pepper–flavored vodka called "Absolut Tabasco."
The vodka is made by blending Absolut Vodka with the essence of aged red pepper mash from Tabasco Sauce.
The vodka is gluten-free, contains no added sugar, and has an alcohol content of 38%.
Absolut Tabasco will be available in over 50 markets worldwide from February 2026.
The vodka bottle combines elements of Absolut's and Tabasco's branding, including logos and color schemes.
The release aims to cater to a growing demand for spicy drinks, with expected sales growth of 27% by 2029.
Absolut suggests using the vodka in cocktails like Bloody Marys, Spicy Vodkaritas, and Spicy Lemonade.
Delta Air Lines focuses on training and technology to improve customer service and operational performance. The airline is recognized as a trusted brand in the U.S., winning awards in several categories for service and loyalty programs. Delta invests in upgraded seating, modern planes, and feedback systems to meet the growing demands of travelers.
Key Facts
Delta Air Lines is a 100-year-old commercial airline.
The company won four awards in Newsweek’s 2026 Most Trusted Brands in the U.S.
Delta was recognized as the best airline for customer service, domestic travel, and international travel.
Its SkyMiles program was ranked top for airline loyalty programs.
Delta uses facial recognition technology to speed up bag drops and security checks.
The airline invests in premium seating, free Wi-Fi, and improved entertainment systems.
Delta gathers customer feedback through post-flight surveys and other channels.
Delta’s Operations & Customer Center (OCC) uses advanced technology for 24/7 monitoring of operations.
The Washington Nationals reportedly signed Sergio Alcántara, a utility infielder, to a minor-league deal. Alcántara, who has played in Major League Baseball with several teams, brings experience and is expected to participate in spring training.
Key Facts
Sergio Alcántara is a utility infielder with four partial seasons of MLB experience.
He previously played for teams like the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Francisco Giants.
Alcántara played one major league game last season for the Giants.
He was with the Arizona Diamondbacks' Triple-A team for the rest of the season, posting a .904 OPS in 45 games.
Alcántara is known for his defensive skills, especially at shortstop.
The Nationals President of Baseball Operations is Paul Toboni.
Alcántara's best MLB season was in 2021 with the Cubs, with a 0.4 bWAR in 89 games.
He has played 359 Triple-A games over four seasons.
LeBron James plans to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers through the current season. Though there was speculation about his future with the team, he has a no-trade clause, giving him control over his contract status. LeBron will become a free agent after this season, raising questions about where he will play next.
Key Facts
LeBron James is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
He has a no-trade clause in his contract, allowing him to decide if he wants to move teams.
Despite speculation, LeBron is focused on finishing this season with the Lakers.
LeBron will become a free agent during the summer.
There is discussion about LeBron potentially playing for another team next year.
The Lakers may be preparing for a future without LeBron, possibly focusing on Luka Doncic.
LeBron has time to consider retiring or changing teams after this season.
President Donald Trump announced new savings accounts called "Trump Accounts," which include financial support from businesses and individuals. These accounts will receive a $1,000 start from the government and are designed to grow over time. Many companies and wealthy individuals have pledged to match contributions to boost the accounts' funds.
Key Facts
Trump Accounts will start with a $1,000 contribution from the federal government.
The accounts were authorized under a law signed by President Trump in July.
They are available for contributions starting July 5 and are for children born between 2025 and 2028.
Dozens of major companies, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Visa, will match employee contributions.
Billionaires like Michael Dell and Ray Dalio have pledged additional funds to support children's accounts in specific income areas.
Brad Gerstner and Erika Kirk also announced contributions to children's Trump Accounts.
The initiative was described by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as a key policy for America's future.
In December 1999, thousands protested in Seattle against the World Trade Organization's (WTO) first U.S. summit, highlighting early global trade disagreements. The protests influenced future political dynamics and anti-globalization sentiments, some of which echo in current politics and protests around similar themes.
Key Facts
The protests took place in Seattle in December 1999 during the first U.S.-hosted WTO meeting.
Protesters opposed the globalization of trade and perceived loss of control to an unelected, international organization.
The protests were called the "Battle of Seattle" and involved clashes between demonstrators and police.
The event highlighted the start of new protest styles, using networks and media to organize and spread messages.
The movement succeeded in temporarily shutting down the WTO conference.
The protests foreshadowed themes and tactics seen in later political and social movements, including those in the "America First" era.
A woman left her kitchen faucet running during a cold snap to prevent pipe freezing, but it froze and formed a large icicle. The video of this incident, shared on TikTok, went viral with many viewers offering advice. Experts confirm that dripping faucets can prevent pipes from bursting, but proper setup is crucial.
Key Facts
A TikTok user shared a video of her faucet's drip turning into an icicle.
The video has over 15 million views and prompted various advice from viewers.
Experts say that dripping faucets keep water moving, reducing freezing chances.
It's important to let faucets drip correctly to prevent pipe pressure and possible bursting.
Home experts advise to use the cold tap farthest from the water heater to drip.
Leaving both hot and cold taps open helps with pipes in vulnerable locations.
Poorly insulated pipes can still freeze despite running water.
The City of Washington Terrace explains a dripping faucet relieves pressure between ice and the tap.
There are calls from some Democrats to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a shooting in Minnesota. At the same time, President Trump's administration claims that America is safer now, with crime rates, including murder, at historic lows. Despite these claims, reports suggest unresolved crimes remain an issue, with many violent offenses not resulting in arrests.
Key Facts
Some Democrats want to abolish ICE, calling it a violent and lawless agency.
The Center for American Progress released a report calling for more support for local police to solve crimes faster.
The report criticizes ICE operations as damaging to local law enforcement efforts.
President Trump claims the U.S. crime rate is at its lowest in over 100 years.
Homicides in major cities reportedly declined by 21% in 2025.
There is criticism that the decrease in crime does not mean crime-solving has improved.
The FBI stated that a low percentage of crimes were solved in 2024.
Research suggests effective and targeted policing helps reduce violence.
New data confirms that cycling is still one of the most energy-efficient ways to travel. Walking requires more energy compared to cycling on flat surfaces at leisure speeds. Both walking and cycling offer health benefits, but cycling provides speed and intensity while walking is easy to include in daily routines.
Key Facts
Cycling remains a highly energy-efficient way for people to move.
Walking requires more energy than cycling at leisurely speeds on flat surfaces.
Cycling allows for covering more ground and can vary in intensity.
Walking is easily accessible and can fit into everyday life without special equipment.
Cycling can be costly and finding safe routes might be challenging.
Walking takes more time to achieve significant cardiovascular benefits.
A London bus driver, Mark Hehir, was fired after chasing and punching a thief who stole a passenger's necklace. The decision came after a tribunal concluded he used too much force during the incident, despite acting in self-defense.
Key Facts
Mark Hehir was a bus driver in London for the Metroline company.
He chased and punched a thief who stole a necklace from a passenger.
He claimed he acted in self-defense after the thief returned to the bus.
After the incident, Hehir was arrested but later released without charges.
Metroline suspended Hehir, citing excessive use of force and leaving the bus unattended.
A tribunal upheld the dismissal, agreeing with the employer's decision on misconduct.
The tribunal noted that the man returned to the bus intending to apologize, but Hehir's reaction was disproportionate.
