House Democrats in the U.S. are working on plans to prevent President Trump from conducting military operations in countries like Venezuela, Greenland, Colombia, and Mexico. Their strategies include using war powers resolutions and controlling funding for foreign operations. Democrats see some bipartisan support and aim to act through congressional votes and public campaigns.
Key Facts
House Democrats want to stop potential military actions by President Trump in several countries, including Venezuela.
They plan to introduce a war powers resolution to prevent military operations in Venezuela without Congress's approval.
The Democrats are considering steps to cut funding for operations in countries like Greenland, Colombia, and Mexico.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized taking President Trump's threats seriously.
The Democrats aim to keep their resolutions simple to avoid failures that could encourage further actions by the administration.
Some lawmakers are considering using upcoming government funding deadlines as leverage.
Letters are being circulated to oppose military threats against specific countries, such as Mexico.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus plans to release recommendations on Latin America soon.
President Donald Trump's granddaughter, Kai Trump, shared that she had surgery on her left wrist to fix injuries. These injuries included damage to the stabilizing tissue of her ECU tendon and her triangular fibrocartilage complex. She announced this through an Instagram post and thanked everyone for their support.
Key Facts
Kai Trump is President Donald Trump's granddaughter.
She announced her surgery on Instagram.
The surgery was on her left wrist.
Injuries involved the stabilizing tissue of her ECU tendon.
The surgery also addressed her triangular fibrocartilage complex.
Kai is set to play golf at the University of Miami next year.
She expressed gratitude for the support received after her surgery.
The Trump administration has completed a plan to reduce regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This change aims to speed up federal approvals for energy and infrastructure projects by cutting back on environmental reviews.
Key Facts
The Trump administration plans to roll back regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of projects before approval.
The change aims to speed up federal approvals for energy and infrastructure projects.
Katherine Scarlett from the White House Council on Environmental Quality announced the finalized plan.
The goal is to simplify the environmental review and permitting process.
ICE agents shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation. Authorities say the woman tried to run over the agents with her vehicle. The event has led to public protests and political reactions, with details about the agent involved still unclear.
Key Facts
A woman died after being shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis during an immigration operation.
Authorities claim the woman tried to use her car as a weapon to run over the agents.
The shooting has sparked protests and political debate over federal immigration enforcement in U.S. cities.
The ICE agent's identity involved in the shooting is not confirmed.
Video footage shows agents approaching the vehicle as it reverses and then moves forward before shots are fired.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the ICE officer acted in self-defense.
A woman was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, leading to a division of opinion. Some supported the agent's actions as self-defense, while others, including Democratic leaders, criticized the response as excessive. The incident has sparked debate over sanctuary policies and ICE's role in such situations.
Key Facts
A 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Videos show the ICE agent shooting at a vehicle that was trying to drive away.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the shooting was in self-defense as the agent's life was threatened.
DHS described the woman's actions as "an act of domestic terrorism."
Democratic leaders in Minnesota, including Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, disagreed with DHS's account.
President Trump's supporters defended the ICE agent, saying the woman used her vehicle as a weapon.
The incident has led to discussions about sanctuary policies and the safety of federal agents.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis during a traffic stop. The incident took place near downtown Minneapolis and has resulted in protests and criticism from local officials. The woman was not the target of any law enforcement action, and an investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
An ICE officer shot a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis during a traffic stop.
The incident happened near a residential neighborhood close to where George Floyd was killed in 2020.
Minneapolis Police Chief stated the woman did not appear to be a target of the officers.
Mayor Jacob Frey and Senator Tina Smith criticized the incident, calling for caution and investigation.
The victim's name has not been released yet.
The woman's wife was in the car during the shooting and witnessed the event.
Congress has several important tasks to handle as they return from a break. These include overseeing U.S. actions overseas, preventing a government shutdown, addressing health care subsidy issues, managing retirements within Congress, and dealing with long-term financial challenges like Social Security and Medicare.
Key Facts
President Trump has announced plans for the U.S. to take significant actions in Venezuela, prompting Congress to review these overseas actions.
There is a need to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month, though many do not expect one to occur.
Congress is working on restoring expired health care subsidies from the Affordable Care Act, with a vote expected in the House soon.
A near-record number of Congress members are expected to retire, so decisions about future candidacies are pressing.
Social Security and Medicare face potential insolvency in eight years, highlighting financial challenges that Congress needs to address.
President Donald Trump defended an ICE agent who shot and killed a woman during a raid in Minneapolis. The incident led to protests and criticism in the city. Trump stated the woman drove over the officer, and he supported the agent's actions as self-defense.
Key Facts
An ICE agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis during a raid.
This incident has sparked protests and criticism in Minneapolis.
President Trump said the woman "viciously" ran over the ICE officer.
Trump used social media to share his views on the incident.
He described the shooting as self-defense.
Trump criticized what he called the "Radical Left," blaming them for violence against law enforcement.
The incident occurred in a city previously in the news for the death of George Floyd.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a driver in Minneapolis. The incident happened during an immigration crackdown led by President Trump’s administration. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to discuss the situation in a news conference.
Key Facts
An ICE officer shot and killed a motorist in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
The officer claimed the shooting was self-defense.
Mayor of Minneapolis labeled the shooting as "reckless" and unnecessary.
Bystander videos show the SUV driving away just before shots were fired.
The vehicle collided with two parked cars after the shooting.
This incident is part of increased immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities.
The shooting is at least the fifth such incident since 2024.
Governor Tim Walz is holding a briefing to address the incident.
Mary Peltola, a former U.S. Representative, may run for the U.S. Senate from Alaska. Polls suggest she has a small lead over the current Republican Senator, Dan Sullivan. Poll findings and betting odds indicate a potentially competitive race, though Alaska has traditionally supported Republicans.
Key Facts
Mary Peltola is considering running for Alaska's U.S. Senate seat.
Current Senator Dan Sullivan faces reelection this year.
Polls show Peltola slightly leading Sullivan, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Alaska traditionally votes Republican, giving President Trump a 13-point victory in 2024.
Peltola won a special election in 2022 but lost reelection in 2024 by a narrow margin.
Betting odds vary, with some giving a slight edge to Peltola and others to Sullivan.
Political forecasters currently rate the race as leaning Republican.
Peltola's policies, especially on fisheries, are popular in Alaska.
The Trump administration has approved Iowa's request to have more control over how it spends federal education funds. This move is part of a broader effort to give states more power over education decisions.
Key Facts
The Trump administration approved Iowa's proposal for more control over federal education money.
Iowa is the first state to seek this type of exemption under the current administration.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon encouraged states to ask for such flexibility.
The exemption allows Iowa to bypass certain federal spending rules.
The administration's goal is to reduce federal involvement in local education.
Other states are expected to request similar flexibility in the future.
Darren Michael, a professor at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, regained his job and received $500,000 after being removed over a social media post related to Charlie Kirk. Michael was initially removed for allegedly sharing an insensitive post and later reached a settlement to return to his tenured position.
Key Facts
Darren Michael is an associate professor at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Tennessee.
The university initially removed Michael over a social media post connected to Charlie Kirk's death.
APSU and Michael reached a settlement, allowing him to return to his tenured position.
Michael will receive $500,000 as part of the settlement and reimbursement for counseling services.
The removal followed broader actions against staff for posts deemed inappropriate about Kirk's death.
Charlie Kirk was a co-founder of a prominent conservative group and was killed in 2023.
Other similar dismissals and lawsuits have occurred across the U.S. related to Kirk's death.
Videos shared online show an ICE agent shooting a woman in a car on a Minneapolis street. The FBI is investigating the incident as a fatal shooting by an ICE agent.
Key Facts
Videos show an ICE agent shooting a woman in a car in Minneapolis.
The FBI has started an investigation into the shooting.
The incident involved a maroon vehicle and ICE agents in a grey pickup truck.
The agents asked the person in the car to get out, and when the car tried to back up, an agent shot at it.
Passersby filmed the scene and expressed shock and anger.
The maroon car moved down the road before crashing into another vehicle.
Blood was visible in the snow near the crashed car.
An ICE officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calling it an act of domestic terrorism, stating the woman tried to ram officers during an immigration operation. Videos of the incident showed the woman trying to drive away before the shooting occurred. Local leaders criticized the federal immigration crackdown, which has heightened tensions in the area.
Key Facts
An ICE officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as domestic terrorism.
The woman allegedly tried to drive into the ICE officers.
Videos shared on social media show the car trying to drive away before shots were fired.
The shooting occurred near where George Floyd was killed in 2020.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the federal officers' actions and rejected the claim of self-defense.
The incident is linked to a broader immigration enforcement push by the Trump administration.
Tensions have been high due to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.
Jack Wayne Reeves, a convicted serial killer serving time in Texas, is eligible for parole on February 6. Reeves was convicted of multiple murders, including those of his second and fourth wives. His case gained public and media attention over the years, being featured in books and TV shows.
Key Facts
Jack Wayne Reeves is eligible for parole next month in Texas.
He is serving two sentences: one for 35 years and another for 99 years.
Reeves was convicted for the murders of two of his wives and a man in Italy.
His case has been featured in TV shows like "Exhumed" and "Forensic Files."
Despite attention, his lawyer doubts he will be granted parole due to the nature of his crimes.
Reeves's second wife's death was initially considered a suicide, but her body was exhumed, leading to his conviction.
Reeves's fourth wife was reported missing in 1994 before he was charged with her murder.
A new mutation of the flu virus has caused a sharp increase in flu cases in the U.S., with hospitalizations reaching over 33,000 by the end of 2025. This year's flu vaccine does not fully match the dominant strain but still offers protection against severe illness and death, according to doctors.
Key Facts
U.S. flu cases have risen dramatically, with over 11 million people affected and more than 5,000 deaths reported this flu season.
Hospitalizations increased from under 7,000 in early December to over 33,000 by the end of 2025.
The surge is connected to a new mutation of the influenza A virus called "subclade K," which the current vaccine does not cover well.
Each year, scientists predict which virus strains to include in the flu vaccine months in advance.
The current vaccine covers three strains: two strains of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and one strain of influenza B (Victoria lineage).
Despite the mismatch with the new strain, doctors recommend getting vaccinated, as it reduces the risk of severe illness and death.
The flu vaccine provides protection against other circulating flu strains, not just the new, mutated one.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans to call a special session in April for the state legislature to redraw congressional districts. This move comes as Florida and other states reevaluate their district boundaries, potentially affecting elections. The governor is waiting for a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on a voting rights case that could influence the redistricting process.
Key Facts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will call a special session in April to redraw congressional districts.
The redistricting process is happening before the usual schedule (mid-decade).
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on a case involving the Voting Rights Act, which could impact how districts are drawn.
Florida's legislature is mainly led by Republicans.
Currently, 20 out of 28 congressional seats in Florida are held by Republicans.
Changes to Florida’s districts could impact the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 2010, Florida voters approved a rule against gerrymandering, but recent district maps have sparked legal challenges.
An incident in Minneapolis involved an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shooting a woman during an immigration operation. The city's Mayor, Jacob Frey, expressed strong criticism towards ICE and demanded their removal from Minneapolis. The incident occurred when the woman allegedly attempted to drive her vehicle towards law enforcement officers.
Key Facts
An ICE agent shot and killed a woman during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
The woman was reportedly trying to drive her vehicle at law enforcement officers.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized ICE and told them to leave the city.
The shooting happened in a residential area, with videos showing the scene afterward.
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement about the shooting.
Videos online show the woman's vehicle crashing into a phone pole following the gunfire.
This event led to public and political reactions, covered in various media outlets.
In Minneapolis, an ICE agent shot and killed a woman, leading to reactions from local officials and political figures. The Department of Homeland Security stated the action was in self-defense, while local leaders criticized ICE's presence in the city. The incident heightened tensions, with protests occurring at the shooting site.
Key Facts
An ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.
The Department of Homeland Security said the shooting was in self-defense, claiming the woman posed a threat by attempting to run over officers with her vehicle.
Representative Ilhan Omar and Governor Tim Walz criticized ICE's actions and presence in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanded ICE agents leave the city.
The DHS blamed sanctuary policies and politicians for increased violence against federal agents.
The Minneapolis Police Department called the location an active crime scene.
Protests formed at the scene shortly after the shooting, with people throwing snowballs at agents.
DHS reported a significant rise in assaults and threats against their officers.
A Los Angeles judge postponed Nick Reiner's arraignment for allegedly killing his parents because his lawyer stepped down from the case. The arraignment is now set for February 23. Reiner is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and has not entered a plea.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner is accused of killing his parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner, on December 14.
A judge delayed his arraignment to February 23 after his lawyer recused himself.
Reiner remains in custody without bail and faces severe penalties if convicted.
His charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances.
Reiner has spoken about past struggles with addiction and homelessness.
No plea has been entered by Reiner yet on these charges.
Prosecutors have not decided if they will seek the death penalty.
Police had been called to the family's home multiple times in the past years for various reasons.
