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.
A Republican congresswoman, Anna Paulina Luna, plans to file a resolution to impeach a federal judge due to delays in releasing government files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The files were supposed to be released under a law signed by President Donald Trump, but the Department of Justice cites the large volume of documents and victim privacy as reasons for the delay. The DOJ has released some documents but is still reviewing millions more.
Key Facts
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna wants to impeach Judge Paul Engelmayer due to document release delays.
The files are related to Jeffrey Epstein and were ordered to be released by a law signed by President Donald Trump.
The Department of Justice has released about 12,000 documents so far.
The DOJ says the delay is due to the large number of documents and the need to protect victim privacy.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The law requires full release of documents by December 19, 2025.
DOJ officials are reviewing over 5 million documents.
Luna accused Engelmayer of causing delays by ordering further document reviews.
A former ICE official warns that using Border Patrol agents for immigration enforcement within the U.S. could lead to more injuries or deaths. Concerns have intensified following a fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, amid increased scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement practices.
Key Facts
Darius Reeves, a former ICE official, discussed the risks involved when Border Patrol agents are used in interior immigration operations.
Concerns arose after a U.S. citizen, Renée Nicole Good, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
President Trump's administration continues to expand the role of Border Patrol in U.S. interior enforcement.
Reports show Border Patrol agents using aggressive tactics, which have led to protests and calls for reform.
Videos and reports highlight that individuals detained by Border Patrol in cities were later identified as U.S. citizens.
ICE and Border Patrol are separate agencies under the Department of Homeland Security, with distinct missions and training.
Critics argue that current enforcement practices disproportionately affect Black, Latino, and immigrant communities.
A powerful winter storm is expected to hit many parts of the United States, causing heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain. Several states have been issued winter storm watches by the National Weather Service. The storm could lead to dangerous travel conditions and infrastructure challenges over the coming days.
Key Facts
The winter storm will bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain starting Friday, affecting areas from the Southern Rockies to New England.
States with winter storm watches include Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and many others across the U.S.
Snowfall over 12 inches is expected in some places, creating likely travel disruptions.
Freezing rain could affect Southern Plains and Southeast regions, possibly leading to power outages and travel issues.
The storm's path and exact impact are still uncertain, so people are advised to prepare and monitor updates.
The Weather Channel has named this storm Winter Storm Fern.
The storm could have lasting effects, with some areas experiencing severe conditions for up to 36 hours.
Meteorologists warn of potential disruptions to travel, commerce, and supply chains due to the storm.
Representative Robin Kelly is leading an effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The impeachment push has gathered support from lawmakers across the country. The articles of impeachment accuse Noem of blocking oversight and misusing her position.
Key Facts
Representative Robin Kelly introduced impeachment articles against Kristi Noem on January 14.
The articles accuse Noem of obstruction of Congress, misuse of her position, and directing unlawful actions by ICE.
More than half of the House Democrats, 109 members, support the resolution.
A simple majority vote in the House could lead to impeachment, but a two-thirds Senate majority is needed to remove Noem from office.
Calls for impeachment intensified after an ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7.
A recent poll shows Noem has a low favorability rating among likely voters.
A Noem impeachment petition by the Democratic Coalition has around 29,000 signatures.
A strong winter storm, called Winter Storm Fern, is affecting much of the United States. It may stop travel in some areas because of freezing rain, heavy snow, and very low temperatures. Officials recommend that people get ready for possible power outages and cold weather that could last several days.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern is expected to impact over 180 million people from Texas to New England.
Some areas may see up to 20 inches of snow and wind chills as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Major cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte could face significant travel disruptions.
Residents are advised to gather essentials like flashlights, extra medication, non-perishable food, and warm clothing.
Power outages are possible, and extreme cold can be dangerous without proper heating.
Up to 4,000 flights might be canceled across the country due to the storm.
Authorities recommend staying indoors and monitoring local weather updates.
Subfreezing temperatures are predicted to last into early next week in some regions.
Gregory's Foods Inc. recalled some of its cookie dough because it has undeclared peanuts, which can cause severe allergic reactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeled the recall as Class I, the highest risk, meaning the product could cause serious health problems or death. The affected cookie dough was sold in several U.S. states and people are urged to return it for a refund.
Key Facts
Gregory’s Foods Inc. recalled its White Chocolate Macadamia Nut frozen cookie dough.
The recall happened because the dough actually held Monster Cookie Dough, which has peanuts not mentioned on the label.
The FDA issued this as a Class I recall, which is the most serious kind.
The mislabeled dough was sold in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.
This affected dough came in 2-pound 8.5-ounce bags with a best before date of December 6, 2026.
Peanut allergies can cause severe reactions, and this product error poses a serious risk to those with such allergies.
Consumers are advised not to eat it and to return it to get their money back.
Gregory’s Foods can be contacted for more information about the recall.
More people are leaving California than moving there, with many ex-residents relocating to states like Texas, Nevada, and Arizona. Census data and reports from U-Haul show a continued trend of out-migration from California. Several factors, such as high living costs and taxes, contribute to this trend, although immigration from outside the U.S. offsets some of the population loss.
Key Facts
Many Californians are moving to states like Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Florida, Oregon, and New York.
Texas had the most significant number of new residents from California, with over 77,000 people moving there in one year.
According to U-Haul, Texas and Florida are top destinations for U.S. movers.
Nevada has gained popularity, rising in U-Haul's rankings of states for in-migration.
U-Haul's data comes from over 2.5 million annual moves, but it may not directly reflect population growth.
High living costs, taxes, and housing expenses are reasons why Californians are leaving.
California has lost domestic residents but gained international migrants, offsetting some losses.
Between 2023 and 2024, California's net domestic migration was negative, but international migration was positive.
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified at a congressional hearing about his investigations involving President Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. When asked if he had any regrets, Smith expressed a wish to have shown more appreciation for his team. The investigations received renewed attention during the hearing.
Key Facts
Jack Smith is a former Special Counsel.
Smith was involved in criminal investigations related to President Trump during the 2024 campaign.
He testified at a congressional hearing.
Republican Representative Kevin Kiley asked Smith if he had any regrets.
Smith mentioned he regretted not thanking his staff enough.
The investigations have attracted new attention amid the hearing discussions.
A mother in Michigan was surprised by a call from her daughter's school about a failed hearing test, despite her daughter's known hearing condition. The child, Everly, has a condition called microtia, which affects ear development and hearing. The mother shared her experience on TikTok, and the video went viral, highlighting issues in medical screenings at schools.
Key Facts
The mother, Presley John, received a call from her daughter's school about a hearing test result.
Everly, her 8-year-old daughter, has microtia, a condition where the outer ear is underdeveloped.
Everly has Grade 1 microtia in her left ear and Grade 3 in her right ear, affecting her hearing.
Everly uses a hearing aid device attached to a headband to help her hear.
Despite knowing her daughter's condition, the call about a failed test surprised the mother.
Presley John shared her story on TikTok, gaining over 500,000 views.
The video highlighted issues with how disabilities are sometimes overlooked in schools.
Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before a House committee about his decision to charge President Donald Trump. He explained that there was strong evidence of criminal activity related to Trump's handling of classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Smith stated his belief that no one, regardless of political party, should be above the law.
Key Facts
Jack Smith served as a special counsel investigating President Trump's actions.
The investigation focused on Trump's handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Smith testified he had strong evidence of criminal activity "beyond a reasonable doubt."
He emphasized impartiality, saying he would bring charges against any president, Democrat or Republican.
Smith's investigations led to historic indictments, but these were halted once Trump returned to office.
Department of Justice policy does not allow prosecution of a sitting president.
Two protesters were arrested by the FBI for disrupting a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. The protest was aimed at a pastor who also leads an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office. The U.S. Attorney General and the FBI Director announced the arrests.
Key Facts
The protest took place at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The protesters were aiming to shame David Easterwood, the pastor and ICE field office leader.
The protest slogans included "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good."
Renee Good was the victim of a fatal shooting by an ICE agent on January 7.
The U.S. Attorney General identified Nekima Levy Armstrong as a key organizer of the protest.
The FBI Director named Chauntyll Louisa Allen as another suspect arrested for violating the FACE Act.
The FACE Act is a U.S. law protecting access to reproductive health services and religious services.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that attacks on places of worship are not tolerated.
After President Donald Trump's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, there have been calls from some people, including some Democrats, to use the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. The speech included some mistakes and controversial comments, leading to concerns about his ability to serve as president. However, his Cabinet and White House staff continue to support him, making it unlikely that the 25th Amendment will be invoked.
Key Facts
President Trump gave a speech in Davos, Switzerland, where he mixed up Greenland with Iceland.
Some people, including Democrats, are calling to use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.
The 25th Amendment allows for the removal of a president if they are unable to perform their duties.
Trump's speech involved criticisms of European leaders and included controversial remarks.
Democratic politicians, like George Conway and some members of Congress, have voiced concerns about Trump's behavior.
Trump's Cabinet, including Vice President JD Vance, would need to agree to invoke the 25th Amendment, which is considered unlikely.
White House officials stated that Trump's speech was a success, despite differing opinions on social media.
An Army veteran in the U.S. is preparing to move to Brazil after her husband, Matheus Silveira, was detained by immigration officers during his green card interview in San Diego. Matheus, who overstayed his visa, has been granted voluntary departure and will be barred from returning to the U.S. for 10 years. The couple plans to start a new life in Rio de Janeiro.
Key Facts
Hannah Silveira, an Army veteran, plans to move to Brazil after her husband's detention.
Matheus Silveira was taken by ICE agents during a green card interview for overstaying his visa.
The interview was at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in November.
Matheus was granted voluntary departure from the U.S., avoiding deportation.
He has relayed poor living conditions at the Otay Mesa Detention Center.
Under the departure agreement, Matheus cannot return to the U.S. for 10 years.
The couple had planned to start a family in Minnesota but will now live in Rio de Janeiro.
Matheus had been previously arrested for driving under the influence.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is auctioning off vehicles through an online platform amid its immigration enforcement operations. This auction, conducted by Apple Auctioneering Co., includes vehicles seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The auction takes place only online, and buyers must pick up items locally.
Key Facts
DHS is holding an online auction to sell seized vehicles through Apple Auctioneering Co.
The auction is for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under DHS.
The auction started on January 20 and will soft close on January 27 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
A "soft close" extends the auction by three minutes if a new bid comes in during the last three minutes.
The auction is online-only, and buyers must pick up the vehicles themselves.
Vehicles range from 1999 to 2019 models, including cars, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles.
Buyers must provide valid identification, like a driver's license, to participate.
The auction occurs while DHS faces criticism over its immigration enforcement actions.
Villanova University and Wiley University temporarily shut down their campuses following threats of violence. The universities contacted the FBI to investigate these threats, prioritizing safety for their communities.
Key Facts
Villanova University is in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Wiley University is located in Marshall, Texas.
Both universities received threats of violence on a Thursday.
Villanova closed its campus after a threat to one of its academic buildings.
Wiley University suspended all campus activities and involved the local police.
The FBI is investigating the threats at both universities.
Villanova issued an alert at 7:20 a.m. ET, mentioning the threat's unclear validity.
Campus communities were advised to limit movement during the situation.
A federal officer fired shots during a U.S. immigration operation in Southern Los Angeles, but no civilians were hurt. The incident involved a suspect who allegedly used his car against law enforcement. This follows a series of similar incidents involving immigration agents.
Key Facts
Shots were fired by a federal officer during a U.S. immigration operation in Willowbrook, Los Angeles.
The incident happened early in the morning near 126th Street and Mona Boulevard.
No civilians were injured, but a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was hurt.
The suspect, William Eduardo Moran Carballo, is accused of being part of a human smuggling operation.
Carballo allegedly used his car to try to hit law enforcement, leading officers to fire shots.
Carballo was not hit by gunfire and tried to run away but was eventually caught.
Local law enforcement secured the area after the shooting and vehicle crash.
The Department of Homeland Security has reported an increase in suspects using vehicles to evade arrest.
