President Donald Trump's approval rating among Hispanic and Latino voters has increased, according to a new poll by Emerson College. His net approval with this group improved from -29.7 points in December 2025 to -2.1 points in January 2026. Despite the increase, more Hispanic and Latino voters still disapprove of Trump than approve.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among Hispanic and Latino voters improved significantly from December 2025 to January 2026.
In the latest poll, 43.3% of Hispanic and Latino voters approved of Trump, while 45.4% disapproved.
The poll conducted in January 2026 surveyed 1,000 likely voters with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.
Trump’s increased support among Hispanic voters helped him win key states like Arizona and Nevada in the 2024 election.
Despite the increase, other polls show varied results, with some indicating lower support for Trump among Hispanic voters.
The YouGov and The Economist poll showed Trump with a -15 net approval among Hispanic voters.
Historically, Hispanic and Latino voters have supported Democratic candidates more, but recent elections show a more divided preference.
Don Lemon, a journalist, stated he will continue reporting after a judge declined to approve a complaint charging him because of his presence at a protest in Minnesota. The protest focused on immigration issues and occurred at a church linked to a local ICE official. Lemon says he was there to report, not to protest, and the charges were not pursued by a judge.
Key Facts
Don Lemon attended and streamed a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The protestors accused the church's pastor of leading a local ICE field office.
ICE operations in Minnesota increased recently, linked to Trump's immigration policies.
A judge did not sign the complaint charging Lemon for his attendance at the protest.
Lemon insisted he was present as a journalist and not part of the protest.
President Trump criticized Lemon, calling him a "loser" at a press briefing.
Attorney General Pam Bondi mentioned arrests linked to the protest and stated attacks on worship places are not tolerated.
Violent threats and derogatory remarks have been directed at Lemon online following the event.
Veterans in the U.S. will receive their disability payments for February 2026 on Friday, February 27. These payments help veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. The amount a veteran receives depends on the severity of their condition and whether they have dependents like a spouse or children.
Key Facts
Veterans will get their February 2026 disability payments on February 27.
Around 6.5 million U.S. veterans received disability compensation in 2024.
Payments support veterans with health issues caused by military service.
Eligible conditions include physical and mental health issues like PTSD and anxiety.
The severity of a veteran’s condition, indicated by a disability rating, determines payment amount.
Base monthly benefits start at $175.51 for a 10% disability rating.
Highest payment, $4,544.23, is for a 100% rating veteran with dependents.
Other VA programs include Veterans and Survivors Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, called anti-ICE protests "demonic" during a speech on a faith-based tour. These protests started after an ICE agent shot Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis, leading to widespread demonstrations. A judge in Minnesota has limited how federal agents can respond to nonviolent protests.
Key Facts
Erika Kirk called anti-ICE protests "demonic" during a speech in Los Angeles.
Protests began after an ICE agent shot and killed Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7.
Demonstrations are happening across the U.S. to demand changes in federal immigration policies.
A statewide economic protest in Minnesota is planned for January 23 against ICE.
Charlie Kirk, Erika's husband, founded Turning Point USA and was killed in 2025.
A federal judge in Minnesota has restricted the use of force like tear gas on nonviolent protesters.
Demonstrators in St. Paul disrupted a church service related to ICE’s actions.
Authorities have opened a civil rights investigation into protest disruptions in Minnesota.
Police arrested five people after a judge and his wife were shot at their home in Indiana. Three men face charges related to attempted murder, while two women face other legal charges. The judge and his wife are recovering, and the investigation continues.
Key Facts
Five people were arrested for the shooting of Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, at their Indiana home.
The shooting took place on January 18th in Lafayette, Indiana.
Judge Meyer, injured in the arm, and his wife, injured in the hip, are both in stable condition.
Three men, Raylen Ferguson, Thomas Moss, and Blake Smith, face attempted murder and other charges.
Two women, Amanda Milsap and Zenada Greer, are charged with bribery, obstruction of justice, and aiding a criminal.
The police thanked the community for their cooperation and mentioned more details will follow.
Thomas Moss was due for trial on other charges just after the shooting and had appeared before Judge Meyer in an earlier case.
Indiana's chief justice has voiced concerns about the safety of judges following this incident.
A mother in Massachusetts, Danielle Silva, received a funny text and photo from her husband, Connor, while she was out for dinner. Connor had trouble using a baby carrier properly, causing their baby to slide down his torso. The incident went viral on TikTok and entertained many users online.
Key Facts
Danielle Silva, a mother in Massachusetts, went out for dinner, leaving her baby with her husband, Connor Silva.
Connor sent Danielle a funny message and a picture showing that he struggled to use a baby carrier called a Solly Wrap.
The baby ended up sliding down Connor's torso instead of being positioned on his chest.
Danielle's phone had issues due to a Verizon outage, causing a delay in receiving the messages.
Connor tried to fix the baby carrier but eventually stayed seated to prevent the baby from slipping further.
Danielle shared the funny incident on TikTok, where the post went viral with over 1.3 million views.
Users found the situation amusing, and the comments were mostly positive.
Later, Danielle gave Connor a proper tutorial on how to use the Solly Wrap safely.
The Border Patrol chief, Greg Bovino, plans to speak about immigration operations in Minneapolis. This comes after ongoing protests in the city over immigration enforcement, following the death of Renee Good, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
Key Facts
Greg Bovino, Border Patrol chief, will hold a news conference on immigration in Minneapolis.
Protests are happening daily in Minneapolis and St. Paul after Renee Good was shot by an ICE officer on January 7.
Labor unions, progressive groups, and religious leaders encourage staying away from work and schools to protest immigration enforcement.
Over 100 groups are involved in mobilizing protests against ICE's presence in Minnesota.
Federal law enforcement presence has increased in the Twin Cities area for weeks.
Community members and activists are actively monitoring federal officers' actions.
Protesters demand that ICE leave Minnesota, applying pressure for change.
A labor and delivery nurse made inappropriate comments in a social media video about Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary. The nurse is no longer employed by the hospital where she worked after the incident gained negative attention. The hospital emphasized its commitment to professional and respectful conduct in healthcare.
Key Facts
A nurse posted a video online wishing harm to Karoline Leavitt during childbirth.
The video received public backlash and was shared by a Republican mayor on social media.
The nurse worked at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
The hospital confirmed the nurse is no longer employed after reviewing the situation.
Karoline Leavitt announced her pregnancy with a baby girl on Instagram.
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer criticized the nurse’s comments as inappropriate.
The nurse, identified as Lexie Lawler, received her nursing license in 2014.
Newsweek reached out to both the nurse and the White House for comments.
A 5-year-old boy's detention by ICE in Minneapolis raised concerns about immigration enforcement methods under President Trump's administration. Federal officials stated the boy was detained when his father, who was fleeing arrest, left him behind. This event highlights the administration's approach to keep families together before deportation.
Key Facts
ICE detained a 5-year-old boy after his father fled during an arrest in Minneapolis.
The boy's detention drew attention to immigration enforcement tactics under President Trump.
Federal officials denied claims that children are used as "bait" to catch parents.
The father and son are currently held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas.
Officials say the policy aims to deport children with their parents to avoid separation.
Critics argue that this policy negatively impacts children's health and well-being.
Vice President Vance defended the administration's actions, stating law enforcement must apply to all.
ICE detention centers hold families for an average of 20 to 49 days, depending on the facility.
House Republicans attempted to stop the enforcement of a rule requiring 'kill switch' technology in cars, which could track driver behavior and detect impairment. An amendment to block this mandate was introduced by Representative Thomas Massie but did not pass, with a vote of 164 in favor and 268 against. The technology is part of a law requiring the Department of Transportation to develop impaired-driving prevention systems.
Key Facts
House Republicans tried to block legislation requiring vehicle 'kill switch' technology.
This technology can monitor driver behavior and detect impaired driving.
Representative Thomas Massie proposed an amendment to prevent enforcing this mandate.
The vote on Massie's amendment was 164 in favor and 268 against.
The rule for the technology is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The amendment sought to stop federal funds from being used to enforce the mandate.
A severe winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and very cold temperatures to more than 170 million people across the United States. The storm is expected to impact travel, cause power outages, and close schools in various areas. Cold air from Canada will intensify the storm's effects, potentially making conditions dangerous for millions.
Key Facts
The winter storm will affect areas from Texas to New England between Friday and Monday.
More than 800 flights were delayed or canceled due to the storm's approach.
Oklahoma pretreated roads and is using state troopers and the National Guard to help drivers.
Schools in Oklahoma City and Houston were closed Friday due to the storm.
Temperatures could drop to wind chills as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota.
The storm could bring a foot or more of snow and create ice that adds weight to power lines and trees.
The cold could cause frostbite within 10 minutes in exposed skin in some areas.
The article discusses recent controversial shootings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, raising questions about their training in the use of deadly force and accountability. It reveals that ICE agents have historically been protected from prosecution, with documents indicating a lack of focus on de-escalation in their training.
Key Facts
An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, and another incident involved an ICE agent shooting a Latino man in the leg.
ICE agents shot at least 12 people in the past two years, with a history from 2015 to 2021 of 59 shootings, resulting in 24 injuries and 23 deaths.
No ICE agents faced criminal charges in the shootings examined in the report.
ICE training documents suggest that agents are taught to use force reactively and do not prioritize de-escalation techniques.
Trained agents are informed that they can use deadly force immediately if deemed necessary.
The Department of Homeland Security updated its Use of Force policy in 2023 to include mandatory de-escalation training, influenced by an Executive Order from President Biden.
Corey Lewandowski has continued his influential role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) despite being classified as a temporary government employee limited to 130 working days. He acts as a key adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and has been involved in various operations and contracts.
Key Facts
Corey Lewandowski is classified as a temporary government employee, limited to 130 days of work a year, but has worked throughout 2025 at DHS.
He acts as the de facto chief of staff to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and is influential in DHS operations.
Lewandowski was seen discussing DHS contracts, including those related to Palantir and a drone program, at an airport.
The DHS spokesperson stated Lewandowski does not receive a salary or federal benefits and serves voluntarily.
Lewandowski's work as a "special government employee" involved reporting complications and raised ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Lewandowski has not filed a public financial disclosure form, which is usually required for such positions.
Critics have raised concerns about conflicts of interest if Lewandowski receives income from vendors connected to DHS contracts.
Despite these concerns, Lewandowski denies any conflicts of interest and claims to have followed the necessary ethics procedures.
President Donald Trump's administration removed a slavery exhibit from Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park. The City of Philadelphia is suing, arguing that the removal was done without required consultation and that it removes important history. The removal was in line with a Trump executive order urging a focus on U.S. achievements and progress.
Key Facts
Philadelphia is suing President Trump's administration for removing a slavery exhibit.
The lawsuit is against the U.S. Interior Department and the National Park Service (NPS).
The exhibits taken down were part of the President’s House Site, a historical site in Philadelphia.
The removal followed an executive order by President Trump directing revisions to focus on American achievements.
Philadelphia argues the removal of the display was arbitrary and lacked the necessary consultation.
Video footage showed the exhibit panels being dismantled on Thursday.
The Interior Department stated the action aligns with reviewing historical materials to reflect shared national values.
The city is seeking a court order to restore the exhibit panels immediately.
Former U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before a House committee, explaining his reasons for prosecuting President Donald Trump in two federal cases: one about classified documents and another about efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Smith stated that his investigations were based on evidence, not political motives. Both cases were dropped after Trump was re-elected, as per Department of Justice policies.
Key Facts
Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee about his prosecution of President Donald Trump.
Smith investigated Trump in two cases: handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
The classified documents case involved 31 counts under the Espionage Act, with accusations of removing sensitive documents from the White House.
The election case centered on Trump's attempts to block the transfer of power after losing the 2020 election.
Trump faced charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy against the rights of voters.
Smith stated his actions were based on evidence and aimed to uphold the law, not influenced by politics.
Both cases were dropped after Trump's re-election in 2024, following DOJ policies regarding sitting presidents.
Smith resigned shortly before Trump's second inauguration in January 2025.
An American mother, Tanya Rasmussen, moved her family from the United States to the Netherlands due to concerns about rising living costs, educational uncertainties, and a perceived decline in public services. Her decision followed the 2024 U.S. election and was driven by a desire for a safer and more sustainable environment for her children. Tanya shared her experiences on Instagram, where her story gained significant attention.
Key Facts
Tanya Rasmussen is 38 years old and has three children with her husband, Rodney.
The family lived in Seattle before relocating to the Netherlands.
Tanya cited rising expenses, educational concerns, and safety issues as reasons for the move.
She was worried about reduced government spending on public services like parks and education.
Tanya's story received 1.4 million views on Instagram.
In the Netherlands, the family experiences a slower-paced life with more sustainable living practices.
Tanya's children are learning Dutch and have more independence thanks to safe local infrastructure.
Tanya views the move as choosing a hopeful future for her children, despite missing family and friends in the U.S.
A fundraiser raised over $200,000 to help a family after immigration authorities detained a 5-year-old boy, Liam, and his father in Minnesota. The detentions occurred as part of Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement effort by federal agencies. The situation gained attention due to the child's young age and accompanying legal and public responses.
Key Facts
A fundraiser on GoFundMe called "Help Bring 5-Year-Old Liam Home" collected over $200,000.
Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian were detained outside their Minnesota home on January 20.
Federal operation, Operation Metro Surge, aims to enforce immigration laws in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.
They were taken to a family detention center in Texas.
The family has an active asylum application and no existing deportation order.
The incident drew criticism and protests due to the involvement of a young child.
ICE stated they intended to arrest only the father and not specifically target the child.
Immigration enforcement has sparked mixed reactions from public and government officials.
SNAP, also known as food stamps, provides federal aid to help people buy food, but each state sets its own schedule for distributing payments. SNAP payments for February 2026 will vary by state, with dates ranging throughout the month. The program, helping around 42 million Americans, has recently changed, including limits on what can be purchased and new work requirements.
Key Facts
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal food aid program.
SNAP benefits are distributed by states and payment dates vary.
In 2023, the average monthly SNAP payment was $332.
Some states issue payments based on the recipient's last name or case number.
Example payment dates include Alabama (Feb 4-23), California (Feb 1-10), and Florida (Feb 1-28).
About 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits.
Recent changes to SNAP include purchase restrictions and new work requirements for recipients.
Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton may face criminal contempt charges for ignoring subpoenas related to a congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The House Oversight Committee voted to refer the Clintons for potential contempt charges, but a full House vote and Justice Department decision are needed to proceed. The Clintons deny wrongdoing and say the demands for their testimony are politically motivated.
Key Facts
The House Oversight Committee passed resolutions for contempt charges against Bill and Hillary Clinton.
The resolutions relate to the Clintons not responding to subpoenas in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
For contempt charges to proceed, the full House must vote, and the Justice Department must decide on prosecution.
Penalties for contempt of Congress can include fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in prison.
The Clintons have consistently denied any wrongdoing linked to Epstein.
Former Trump advisers Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro were previously convicted of contempt for defying House subpoenas.
Legal experts suggest any trial against the Clintons could be brief due to a lack of defense.
Several USCIS offices in the Midwest have closed temporarily due to severe weather. The National Weather Service has warned of extremely cold temperatures, bringing risks of frostbite and making travel unsafe. These closures affect immigration services like applications for citizenship and green cards.
Key Facts
USCIS offices in multiple Midwest states, including Illinois and Minnesota, are closed due to extreme cold weather.
The affected offices include both field offices and application support centers.
The National Weather Service issued warnings about dangerous wind chills in several states.
Locations affected include Chicago, Des Moines, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Sioux Falls, and Milwaukee.
Asylum offices in Chicago and Milwaukee are also closed.
USCIS advises individuals to check office status online before visiting.
The Trump administration tightened rules for legal immigration, impacting visa processing.
Increased ICE activity at USCIS offices has led to some migrants being detained during appointments.
