The U.S. Postal Service has introduced a new stamp to mark Colorado's 150th anniversary as a state. Featuring a photograph by John Fielder, the stamp celebrates Colorado's landscapes and is sold as a Forever stamp, meaning it will always be equal in value to current 1-ounce First-Class Mail postage.
Key Facts
The new stamp celebrates Colorado's 150 years as a U.S. state.
It features a photo by John Fielder taken in the Weminuche Wilderness.
The stamp was designed by USPS art director Derry Noyes.
Forever stamps stay equal in value to the current first-class mail rate.
The stamp costs 78 cents each or $15.60 for a pane of 20.
16 million Colorado Statehood stamps have been printed.
The first-day-of-issue ceremony occurred in Denver on January 24, 2023.
Customers can buy the stamps at post offices or online.
A massive winter storm in the United States has caused at least 10 deaths and left nearly a million people without power. Many states, including Washington, DC, have declared emergencies due to the severe weather. Officials warn that dangerous cold temperatures may continue for several days.
Key Facts
At least 10 people have died across the U.S. due to the storm.
Nearly a million people are without power because of the storm's impact.
At least 20 states and Washington, DC, have declared emergencies.
The storm brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain across a wide area.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported five outdoor deaths, possibly due to the weather.
In Texas, three people died, including a teenager in a sledding accident.
Louisiana reported two deaths from hypothermia.
More than 840,000 power outages occurred, mostly in the South.
Airports in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, canceled almost all flights.
The storm stems from a stretched polar vortex bringing Arctic cold southward.
The FDA has announced a recall of several metal cookware items made by IKM due to high levels of lead. These cookware items could potentially contaminate food with lead, which is harmful to health.
Key Facts
The FDA found elevated lead levels in some aluminum and brass cookware products by IKM.
IKM, located in San Jose, California, recalled the items on January 23, 2026.
Four specific items were recalled: an aluminum kadai, a brass tope, a brass pot, and an aluminum saucepan with a wooden handle.
Lead exposure is harmful, especially to children and pregnant women, and can cause various health issues.
The recalled cookware was sold in California in multiple cities, including San Jose and Sacramento.
Consumers are advised to return the cookware for a full refund.
As of the announcement, no illnesses had been reported.
Law enforcement and experts are questioning the Trump administration's explanation for the federal officers' shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Video footage from bystanders seems to show a different version of events, and there are concerns about the lack of a civil rights investigation.
Key Facts
Federal officers shot and killed a man named Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Bystander videos of the shooting differ from the government's statements about what happened.
Some law enforcement leaders are worried about these discrepancies.
The Trump administration has not started a civil rights investigation into the incident.
There are complaints about the federal government stopping Minnesota from investigating the shooting.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police wants the White House to start talks between different law enforcement groups.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a man named Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, leading to calls from several Republican lawmakers for a deeper investigation. They are questioning how the federal immigration officers handled the situation and want to evaluate the tactics used. Videos of the incident have raised questions about the event's circumstances.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis.
Several Republicans, including members of Congress, are calling for a deeper investigation into the incident.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned that Pretti had approached officers with a gun.
Video footage shows Pretti holding a phone but not brandishing a gun during the conflict.
Some Republicans are concerned about the impact on public trust in ICE and DHS.
There are calls for federal and state investigations to ensure impartiality.
President Trump and his administration support their immigration enforcement actions, blaming local Democrats for not cooperating.
Senators and other officials express worry about excessive force and the right to protest.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed by federal immigration agents during a protest in Minneapolis. This event has sparked public outcry, especially due to conflicting accounts of the situation and Pretti's status as a lawful gun owner. The incident has led to tributes and criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen.
He was shot dead by federal immigration agents on January 24 during a protest.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed Pretti had a handgun, but video evidence shows he was holding a phone.
Pretti legally owned a gun and had a permit to carry it.
His death followed another controversial shooting by immigration agents in Minneapolis.
National Nurses United opposes ICE and calls for its abolition, citing Pretti’s death.
Pretti was a nurse at the VA hospital and a member of the American Federation of Government Employees.
The university he attended and local businesses have paid tribute to him, expressing sorrow and anger over his death.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche disagrees with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's remarks about a shooting incident involving Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Blanche does not label the incident as domestic terrorism, whereas other Trump administration officials have made that claim.
Key Facts
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke on the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Blanche disagrees with describing Pretti's case as domestic terrorism.
Blanche stated more video evidence is needed to understand the situation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Pretti a domestic terrorist.
Noem described domestic terrorism as violence against the government for ideological reasons.
The shooting involved federal agents and is still under investigation.
A massive winter storm has impacted the southern and eastern United States, causing heavy snowfall, power outages, and travel disruptions. At least 13 people have died due to weather-related incidents.
Key Facts
The storm brought deep snow, over a foot, from Arkansas to New England.
At least 13 deaths have been linked to the storm's conditions.
More than 800,000 power outages were reported, mainly in the South.
The storm caused over 4,400 flight delays and cancellations across the country.
New England was expected to see more light to moderate snow through Monday evening.
Ice and freezing rain were part of the storm, contributing to hazardous conditions.
Schools and various services closed due to the severe weather conditions.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former U.S. representative, warned that Americans might be pushed toward civil conflict following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis. Pretti's death and a prior similar incident have raised concerns about federal agents' actions, sparking protests and debates. Greene's remarks highlight growing divisions within the political right, especially among Trump supporters.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti, a U.S. intensive care nurse, was shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis.
This incident marks the second shooting by a federal immigration officer in the city in January.
Marjorie Taylor Greene called for people to think critically about these incidents, suggesting they could incite a larger conflict.
Greene supports border security and law enforcement but also defends the right to bear arms and free speech.
Homeland Security claims Pretti had a firearm and resisted officers, but witnesses and his family dispute this.
Protests have erupted nationwide, questioning the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Various figures, including politicians, have voiced differing opinions on the issue.
President Donald Trump has criticized Democratic leaders in response to the events.
A judge is set to hear a case about stopping an immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The crackdown has led to two fatal shootings by government officers. Minnesota and its cities are suing the government to stop the crackdown and return things to how they were before.
Key Facts
A federal judge will hold a hearing on whether to temporarily stop an immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
Two people have been fatally shot by government officers during the crackdown.
The state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are suing the Department of Homeland Security.
The lawsuit was filed after a woman named Renee Good was shot by an Immigration and Customs officer.
Another person, Alex Pretti, was shot by a Border Patrol officer, increasing urgency for action.
The crackdown is part of an operation called Metro Surge, started by the Trump administration on Dec. 1.
The hearing is scheduled in federal court in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat, plans to attend the hearing personally.
President Donald Trump announced that he is sending Tom Homan, his border policy officer, to Minnesota. Homan, who is thought to be a competitor to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, will report directly to the President.
Key Facts
President Trump is sending Tom Homan to Minnesota.
Tom Homan is President Trump's "border czar."
President Trump described Homan as "tough but fair."
Homan is viewed as a possible rival to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Kristi Noem is facing pressure due to clashes involving federal immigration officers.
Homan has not previously worked in Minnesota but is familiar with people there.
A U.S. citizen acting as a legal observer during an immigration operation claimed that an ICE agent threatened to place her on a terrorist watch list. She witnessed the operation in Maine, where ICE agents detained two people. ICE stated the operation was part of a larger effort to arrest individuals without legal status in the country.
Key Facts
A U.S. citizen and legal observer reported that an ICE agent threatened her during an immigration operation in South Portland, Maine.
The incident occurred at a Home Depot where ICE vehicles surrounded two detained individuals.
The observer recorded the scene but was allegedly blocked and threatened by agents.
The Department of Homeland Security stated there is no "domestic terrorists" database managed by them.
Agents in SUVs with weapons forced the public to stay back from the scene.
ICE confirmed the operation is part of "Operation Catch of the Day" targeting individuals without legal status.
Past incidents involving ICE have included violence and heightened community fears.
ICE operations are following President Trump's mass deportation policies.
Hundreds of people protested in Minneapolis after an ICE officer fatally shot a U.S. citizen named Alex Pretti. This incident is the second time a federal officer has shot and killed someone in Minneapolis this month.
Key Facts
People protested in Minneapolis against a fatal shooting involving ICE.
Alex Pretti, who was killed, was a U.S. citizen.
This is the second shooting death involving a federal officer in the city this month.
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency.
The protests took place on a Sunday.
Demonstrators are asking for justice in response to the shooting.
Jamie Lee Curtis shared a strong message on Instagram after protests began in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by ICE agents. Officials claimed Pretti was armed, but video footage and his family's statements contest this, asserting he was holding a phone, not a weapon. This incident follows another controversial ICE-related shooting in Minnesota, prompting widespread protests and public backlash.
Key Facts
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was shot by ICE agents on January 24 in Minnesota.
ICE claimed Pretti was armed with a handgun during the encounter.
Video footage and Pretti's family argue he was holding a phone, not a gun.
Jamie Lee Curtis posted about the protest on Instagram with the caption "THIS IS AMERICA!"
A GoFundMe for Pretti's family quickly surpassed $1 million for funeral and legal costs.
This shooting happened after another ICE-involved fatality in Minnesota, leading to protests.
Renee Nicole Good, another victim, was shot by ICE on January 7 while in her car.
Both shootings have been criticized by state officials and have fueled public anger and protests.
A winter storm named Fern has caused many schools in the U.S. to close or switch to online learning on Monday. The storm brought heavy snow and ice from the southern Plains to New England, affecting millions of people.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern led to school closures in multiple states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, and others.
In Texas, cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin saw numerous school districts close.
Oklahoma reported widespread school closures, affecting both public and private institutions.
Kansas has over 60 school closures, including several Catholic and public school districts.
Missouri reported about 15 districts closing by Sunday afternoon and more closures followed.
Tennessee experienced over 300 school closures statewide due to the storm's impact.
The storm affected the Midwest, with more than 50 school closures in the Chicago area alone.
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia saw over 200 institutions closed or going virtual due to weather conditions.
A mother in New York explains why her family of five chooses to live in a two-bedroom apartment, with all three children sharing one room. She highlights the benefits of shared living, such as fostering communication and respect among her children.
Key Facts
Sarah Almodovar, her husband Peterson, and their three kids live in a two-bedroom apartment in Washington Heights, Manhattan.
The family intentionally chooses to share a small living space to emphasize relational closeness.
Each child has a personal space within a shared room, using triple bunk beds.
The family believes that boundaries and communication are more important than having separate rooms for privacy.
Their apartment is about 720 square feet and has been customized with DIY projects over the years.
Sarah's social media reel about their living arrangement was viewed over 24,000 times.
Many other parents shared similar living experiences and arrangements.
The family believes fulfillment comes from relationships and cooperation, not accumulating possessions.
A federal employee union has filed a complaint against the Trump administration, alleging that new policies will make it harder for workers, particularly those with disabilities, to receive workplace accommodations like telework. They claim these changes violate laws that require reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. The union plans to pursue formal arbitration to address these issues.
Key Facts
The complaint was filed by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).
The policies in question involve the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and access to telework.
The new policy requires higher-level approval for telework requests by employees with disabilities.
The union argues this could delay requests and discourage employees from seeking telework accommodations.
HHS has allegedly not responded to the union's grievance.
The Trump administration is also ending remote work for government staff and has implemented other workforce changes, like hiring freezes.
The NTEU plans to seek arbitration to determine if HHS violated their agreement to negotiate policy changes with the union.
President Donald Trump said the government is looking into the case of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who was shot by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis. The incident is drawing attention from politicians and the public, with discussions about federal law enforcement practices and potential government actions.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that his administration is reviewing the case of Alex Pretti's shooting.
Alex Pretti, a nurse, was shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized federal agents for being "untrained."
Eyewitness videos reportedly show events different from the official account.
Over 100 lawmakers are supporting an impeachment resolution against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Senate Democrats are considering blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which could lead to a government shutdown.
A GoFundMe for Alex Pretti’s family has raised over $1 million.
Some former presidents, like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, have publicly criticized federal tactics after Pretti's death.
President Trump's administration and his supporters shared false information about the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Video evidence shows that Pretti was helping a woman before he was shot by Border Patrol agents, contrary to claims that he was attacking them. The misrepresented details raise concerns about spreading misinformation.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration and MAGA allies spread false claims about Alex Pretti's shooting.
Alex Pretti was a nurse and had a legal permit for his gun.
By video, Pretti tried to help a woman before agents tackled and shot him.
Some officials wrongly claimed Pretti was violent and tried to kill agents.
Video analysis showed Pretti's gun was taken by agents before he was shot.
Misinformation suggested Pretti was an "illegal alien" and a "terrorist."
Pretti’s parents condemned the administration's untrue statements.
Similar unproven claims were made about another shooting involving Renee Good.
President Trump faces criticism following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minneapolis. The deployment of ICE agents in the city has led to violent confrontations and public unrest. While Trump has defended ICE, there are growing calls for him to withdraw the officers to restore public safety and address political and constitutional concerns.
Key Facts
ICE officers shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, both U.S. citizens, in Minneapolis.
Alex Pretti, a nurse, was recording ICE officers and carrying a licensed handgun when he was shot.
Renee Nicole Good was killed by an ICE agent during an immigration operation.
President Trump has defended the use of ICE in Minneapolis and is considering withdrawing them.
Trump mentioned a potential use of the Insurrection Act to deploy troops against domestic protesters.
The deployment has led to increased civil disobedience and a drop in public trust in law enforcement.
Minneapolis officials have called for ICE to leave, citing violations of local governance.
The situation raises concerns about U.S. standing on human rights and democratic norms internationally.
