In a hearing, former special counsel Jack Smith explained why President Donald Trump was the only defendant charged in the January 6 case. Although six co-conspirators were identified, Smith said Trump was considered the most responsible for the crimes.
Key Facts
Jack Smith investigated President Trump's role in the January 6 attack and the mishandling of classified documents.
Smith said Trump was the only person charged due to his high level of responsibility for the events.
Six co-conspirators were identified in the documents but not charged.
Smith suggested there was evidence to charge other people but the decision wasn't finalized.
Smith emphasized that charging decisions follow federal rules based on how responsible someone is.
Rep. Brad Knott questioned Smith about the decision in a congressional hearing.
Vice President JD Vance spoke in Minneapolis after a fatal shooting involving an ICE agent. The city has seen protests over immigration enforcement following the incident. Vance criticized the "far left" for opposing immigration actions.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance arrived in Minneapolis to speak about immigration issues.
A confrontation in Minneapolis led to an ICE agent fatally shooting Renee Good, a mother of three.
The city has experienced protests since this shooting event.
Vance blamed the "far left" for the unrest linked to deportation efforts.
He defended the ICE agent involved in the shooting, calling it a "tragedy of her own making."
Vice President Vance criticized opposition to immigration enforcement.
Vance's visit included meeting with ICE agents in Minneapolis.
The Supreme Court is discussing whether impeachment is a practical way to remove an independent official like Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook. Justice Brett Kavanaugh raised this question during a hearing about President Trump's authority to fire Cook over mortgage fraud allegations. The issue involves the limits of presidential power and how independent officials can be removed.
Key Facts
Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked about using impeachment to remove independent officials.
The Supreme Court is considering a case related to the presidential firing power.
President Trump attempted to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve due to allegations of mortgage fraud.
Lisa Cook denies the allegations against her.
Impeachment is described by attorney Paul Clement as a "backup" method for removal.
The discussion involves whether personal misconduct could lead to impeachment.
Justice Kavanaugh referenced previous arguments about impeachment not covering private conduct.
Lisa Cook is the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors.
A man named Ryan Gittens is asking a judge to release him from immigration detention. His green card was revoked in 2013 following a conviction, but he claims he cannot be deported and that his detention is illegal. Gittens is representing himself in the legal proceedings taking place in Louisiana.
Key Facts
Ryan Gittens had his green card revoked in 2013 after a judge found him eligible for deportation.
Gittens claims he cannot be deported and that ICE detaining him is illegal.
His case is being handled by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Gittens has been in ICE custody since July 29, 2025.
He previously spent time in ICE detention from 2011 to 2013 but was released with a final removal order.
Gittens states he has complied with ICE demands and has not committed any crimes since his release.
He suffers from spinal stenosis, a condition causing pain, and says he cannot receive regular medical treatment while in custody.
Gittens was originally convicted of conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance in 2007.
As Winter Storm Fern approaches, affecting regions from Texas to New England, Walmart and Target are preparing to supply essential items to impacted areas. Both retailers are ensuring that products like blankets, batteries, and food are available to meet increased demand due to the storm. Authorities advise citizens to stock up on emergency supplies, including water, food, and medication.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern is expected to hit large areas from Texas to New England.
Up to 180 million people could be affected by the storm.
Walmart and Target are preparing their stores to meet high demand for essential supplies.
Both companies are working with community partners to support local efforts.
People are advised to keep emergency kits ready, including flashlights and batteries.
The storm may cause empty store shelves as people buy supplies ahead of time.
Experts recommend preparing for possible power outages and staying indoors.
Drinking water, dried foods, and medication are highlighted as important supplies to stock.
President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase and its CEO, Jamie Dimon, claiming that the bank closed his accounts for political reasons. The lawsuit was submitted in a Miami, Florida court and involves some of Trump's hospitality businesses that previously banked with JPMorgan Chase.
Key Facts
President Trump filed the lawsuit in Florida state court in Miami.
The lawsuit targets JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon.
Trump's accounts with the bank were reportedly closed in February 2021.
Trump's legal team believes the account closures were politically motivated.
Trump has used JPMorgan Chase's services for years prior to this action.
JPMorgan Chase and Trump's legal representative, Alejandro Brito, were contacted for comments.
Photos of President Donald Trump with a bruise on his left hand surfaced while he attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The White House explained the bruise happened when Trump hit his hand on a table. Despite some public concern about his health, Trump and his doctors report that he is in good health.
Key Facts
Photos show President Trump with a bruise on his left hand at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The White House Press Secretary said he bruised his hand by hitting it on a signing table.
Trump has been using a higher dose of aspirin daily, which can lead to easier bruising.
Trump is the oldest person to become U.S. President, leading to questions about his health.
His doctor reported Trump has a common circulatory condition but is in "excellent overall health."
Trump insists he is in "perfect health" and stated he has passed recent cognitive tests.
There is ongoing public and media scrutiny about the health of older political leaders.
A large winter storm is expected to affect many parts of the U.S. this weekend, causing major disruptions to air travel. The storm will move from Oklahoma and Texas towards the Northeast, impacting major airports across the country with delays and cancellations.
Key Facts
A winter storm is forecasted to disrupt air travel across the U.S., affecting major airport hubs.
The National Weather Service has issued watches and warnings for the storm.
The storm will initially impact Oklahoma and Texas, then move east through various regions.
Ice and snow will cause significant issues, especially in areas less prepared for severe winter conditions.
Major airports in Dallas, Atlanta, New York, and Boston, among others, are expected to face severe travel disruptions.
Delays and cancellations are likely due to runway conditions and airplane icing.
Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates and consider flexible travel plans.
There is a possibility of moderate or worse turbulence and closed airports during the storm.
President Donald Trump spoke about the countries the U.S. had bombed while leading up to the signing of a new initiative called the 'Board of Peace'. The event focused on highlighting these military actions.
Key Facts
President Trump is the current U.S. President.
He talked about the 'Board of Peace' during a public event.
At this event, he mentioned the countries the U.S. bombed under his administration.
The discussion took place just before signing a new initiative.
The name of the initiative is the 'Board of Peace'.
President Donald Trump criticized former special counsel Jack Smith during a public statement. Smith, who testified to the House Judiciary Committee, defended his investigations into Trump and stated that his actions were not politically driven. Some key witnesses in Smith's investigation were initially Trump supporters.
Key Facts
President Trump condemned Jack Smith's testimony, calling it a "Democrat scam."
Trump urged the Justice Department to examine Smith's work and called him "deranged."
Jack Smith testified that his investigations lacked political bias.
Smith mentioned that some crucial witnesses against Trump were his former allies.
Smith did not pursue an "insurrection" charge against Trump, as he found other charges more suitable.
This was Smith's first public testimony since exiting his special counsel role.
The testimony followed a closed-door session with legislators last month.
The article discusses whether Democrats should try to remove President Donald Trump from office using the 25th Amendment, due to concerns about his mental capacity. It explains that this process is nearly impossible because the president can resist and needs strong congressional support to succeed.
Key Facts
The 25th Amendment allows the vice president and the Cabinet to declare the president unfit to do the job.
President Trump has shown unusual behavior in public, raising concerns about his mental condition.
Many psychiatrists have identified signs of possible dementia in President Trump.
Trump reportedly lost focus during a White House meeting on oil, causing confusion.
A strange letter from Trump to Norway's prime minister increased calls for his removal.
Removing a president requires a letter from the vice president and a Cabinet majority.
Trump can counter removal by writing a letter asserting his capacity, and a two-thirds Congress vote is needed to override it.
The Cabinet is seen as supportive of Trump, influencing the practicality of removal attempts.
President Donald Trump proposed a temporary cap on credit card interest rates to help reduce financial burdens on Americans. Banking leaders and experts warn that this move could limit access to credit for many people and may not be implemented due to the need for congressional approval and industry resistance.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed capping credit card interest rates at 10% for one year.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said this could lead to a significant reduction in credit availability for 80% of Americans.
The plan is part of broader measures aimed at providing financial relief ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Experts doubt the plan can be enacted without congressional approval.
If implemented, banks might tighten lending rules or increase fees, impacting millions of Americans.
Some banking associations agree with Trump's goal of making credit more affordable but believe the cap would reduce access to credit.
President Donald Trump has added Siena polling to his defamation lawsuit against the New York Times. This lawsuit claims that the Times misrepresented polling data, portraying him negatively before the 2024 election. The legal action seeks to address these claims and revisit previously dismissed charges.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is suing the New York Times for defamation, seeking $15 billion.
The lawsuit now includes complaints about Siena polling, which Trump claims were biased against him.
A judge dismissed the original lawsuit, calling it "tedious and burdensome."
Trump argues that the polling misrepresented his support before the 2024 election, where he won.
According to the dismissed lawsuit, Trump claims the New York Times tried to silence his viewpoint.
The Times and Siena College polls showed varied support between Trump and his opponent, Kamala Harris, across different issues.
In the 2024 election, Trump won several key states that polls showed as contentious.
A Cuban immigrant named Geraldo Lunas Campos, who was held in a Texas immigration facility, died due to asphyxia, and the death was ruled a homicide. The incident occurred after a confrontation with guards who allegedly restrained him, leading to his inability to breathe.
Key Facts
Geraldo Lunas Campos was a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant.
He died on January 3 while in solitary confinement in Texas.
An autopsy found that his death was due to asphyxia and classified it as a homicide.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that he was attempting suicide.
A witness reported that at least five guards restrained him and one put an arm around his neck.
The witness claimed he was handcuffed during the incident.
Protests and other events are planned across Minnesota this weekend to oppose federal immigration enforcement. Tensions have risen following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an immigration officer. The protests are responding to actions by the federal government and the recent court ruling allowing federal officers to take action against protestors.
Key Facts
Protests are organized in Minnesota in reaction to federal immigration actions.
The events follow the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent.
The federal government claims Good was a "domestic terrorist" attempting to attack an officer.
A U.S. appeals court recently allowed federal officers to detain and use tear gas on peaceful protestors.
On Friday, a rally is scheduled in downtown Minneapolis at 2 p.m.
A "statewide day of non-violent moral action" is planned for January 23.
Over 450 businesses plan to close in support of the general strike.
A vigil in Brainerd and a silent auction in St. Paul's are among other weekend activities.
A severe winter storm, named Winter Storm Fern, is expected to cause significant power outages across a large portion of the United States. The storm will bring heavy ice and snow, affecting states from Texas to North Carolina, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Power outages may last for several days, and authorities warn of potentially dangerous conditions due to extreme cold.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern is set to move from Oklahoma and Texas to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S.
The storm may cause power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of people.
Ice accumulation is a major concern as it could break power lines.
Major cities at risk include Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
Temperatures in some areas may drop below freezing for several days.
Wind chills could reach as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Northern Plains.
Warnings are in place for extreme cold and potential life-threatening conditions.
School cancellations and airport closures are expected due to the storm.
Josh Paul, a former director at the U.S. Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, resigned in 2023 to protest U.S. policy supporting Israel's actions in Gaza. He co-founded an organization, A New Policy, aiming to change U.S. policy towards Palestine and Israel.
Key Facts
Josh Paul was a director at the U.S. Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
In 2023, he resigned to protest the U.S. support for Israel's actions in Gaza.
Paul co-founded a group called A New Policy.
A New Policy seeks to change U.S. policy towards Palestine and Israel.
Paul discusses lessons Washington might learn and the risk of repeating past mistakes.
Jack Smith, a former special counsel, spoke to a House committee about his concerns that Americans may take the "rule of law" for granted. He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law needs everyone's commitment and active support.
Key Facts
Jack Smith is a former special counsel.
Smith spoke to a House committee on Thursday.
He expressed concern that Americans might not fully appreciate the "rule of law."
Smith mentioned his experiences with the rule of law in other countries.
The hearing was about President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents and the Jan. 6 attack.
Smith stressed that the rule of law requires collective effort to work.
He noted that public service can be hard and may have consequences.
President Donald Trump's approval rating is low in key states where Democrats are trying to gain Senate seats in the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats need to win additional seats to take control of the Senate, but face challenges, especially in states that supported Trump in the 2024 election.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is low in states with important Senate races.
Democrats need to win three more Senate seats to tie with Republicans and four to gain a majority.
The 2026 midterm elections are critical for Democrats aiming to regain Senate control.
Democrats are targeting states like Maine and North Carolina as potential wins.
Main focus areas affecting voter decisions include economy, health care, and immigration.
Republicans are looking to win seats in states currently held by Democrats, like Georgia and Michigan.
Alaska is classified as a Lean Republican state where Trump has a slight net approval.
Federal immigration officers are now claiming they can enter homes without a judge's warrant if they have an administrative warrant. This change is detailed in an internal memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and reflects a shift in enforcement by President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Immigration officers believe they can enter homes without a judge's warrant.
ICE relies on an administrative warrant for entering homes.
The internal memo was obtained by The Associated Press.
This change reverses previous guidance on respecting constitutional search limits.
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
President Trump's administration is increasing immigration arrests.
This change affects enforcement tactics, including in cities like Minneapolis.
