A U.S. budget watchdog criticized the Trump administration for delaying student loan collections from borrowers who have defaulted on their loans. The Department of Education announced a pause in wage garnishments to allow time for new repayment reforms. Critics believe this pause might cost the government billions annually and is seen as a continuation of earlier student debt relief efforts.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration delayed plans to collect overdue student loans through wage garnishments.
The pause aims to give the Department of Education time to introduce new repayment options for borrowers.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) criticized the pause, saying it resembles previous deficit-increasing actions.
Americans owe approximately $1.7 trillion in student loan debt.
The latest pause halts both wage garnishments and tax refund seizures.
Critics like the CRFB argue that halting collections could result in a loss of up to $5 billion per year for the government.
The Department of Education believes this is a step towards a fairer and more efficient student loan system.
Native American tribes are expressing concern over U.S. immigration authorities' actions, following reports of members being questioned and detained by ICE. Tribal leaders are urging their members to carry identification to avoid being mistakenly detained. The situation has led to increased scrutiny of ICE's practices and recent incidents involving its agents.
Key Facts
Native Americans are raising concerns over ICE operations impacting their communities.
Tribal leaders report that members have been questioned and detained inappropriately.
ICE is accused of using intimidation and racial profiling in these operations.
The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians criticized ICE's actions as causing fear and anxiety.
President Trump’s broader immigration policies are facing increased scrutiny.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe President initially claimed detentions but later sought to verify these reports.
Native American communities have been advised to carry identification and document encounters with authorities.
A federal judge in Minnesota has limited the actions of U.S. immigration agents during protests in the state. The judge's order came after tensions rose following an immigration agent's fatal shooting of a local resident. The ruling prevents agents from taking action against peaceful protesters without clear suspicion of a crime.
Key Facts
A Minnesota judge has restricted how U.S. immigration agents can act during protests.
The ruling came after an ICE agent fatally shot a protester named Renee Nicole Good.
The court order bans agents from using force such as pepper spray and tear gas on peaceful protesters.
Agents are not allowed to arrest peaceful protesters unless they are suspected of a crime.
The Department of Homeland Security has 72 hours to comply with the new rules.
This legal decision is seen as a win for activists opposing the immigration agents' presence in Minneapolis.
Nearly 3,000 immigration agents have been deployed to Minnesota, which is more than the local police force.
President Trump mentioned the possible use of the Insurrection Act to use military forces to manage the situation.
The article discusses two recent shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, one resulting in a death and the other causing injury. There are calls for transparency in the investigations to ensure public trust, but concerns arise as federal agencies manage evidence and control the investigation narrative. Questions center around the justification for using deadly force and the need for clear communication with the public.
Key Facts
Two shootings in Minneapolis by federal agents have sparked national attention.
One shooting resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good; another injured a man.
Federal officials claimed self-defense in both incidents.
Local leaders seek involvement in the investigations but report being excluded by federal agencies.
There is a call for transparency and cooperation between federal and state agencies.
Questions focus on whether deadly force was necessary and if it could have been avoided.
Public trust in law enforcement investigations is deemed critical, with concerns about political influences affecting outcomes.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are reportedly under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for allegedly obstructing federal law enforcement through public statements. This investigation comes amidst reports of violent immigration raids and a recent fatal shooting by a federal officer in Minneapolis. Mayor Frey and Governor Walz have both stated their commitment to protecting their communities.
Key Facts
Mayor Jacob Frey says he won't be intimidated by a reported investigation by the Trump administration.
The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly investigating Frey and Governor Tim Walz for impeding federal law enforcement.
This probe relates to their public comments against immigration raids in Minneapolis.
The investigation was first reported by CBS News, but the Justice Department has not confirmed it publicly.
Federal officials claim that an ICE officer shot a Minneapolis resident last week in self-defense.
The shooting involved four gunshots, and the victim was pronounced dead shortly after.
Top Trump officials claim ICE officers have "absolute immunity" for their actions.
Governor Walz criticized the use of the justice system to target political opponents.
New York City police are looking for suspects after a group of masked individuals stole Pokémon items from a store in Manhattan. The robbery happened on January 14, and the suspects took about $100,000 worth of merchandise without injuring anyone. Police are still investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made yet.
Key Facts
The robbery occurred at the Poké Court store in Manhattan, New York City.
Three masked individuals entered the store and stole Pokémon merchandise.
They smashed glass displays and seemed to have a weapon.
The value of the stolen items is about $100,000.
No one was hurt during the incident.
Police have not yet made any arrests.
The robbery took place on Wednesday, January 14.
New York City police are actively searching for the suspects.
A meeting between Tucker Carlson and President Donald Trump at the White House caused backlash among some conservatives. The visit sparked criticism from certain MAGA supporters who believe it might affect Vice President J.D. Vance's chances for a 2028 presidential run. There is also division within the conservative movement over U.S. foreign policy, which might impact the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Tucker Carlson met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.
Laura Loomer, a known MAGA influencer, criticized the meeting, suggesting it could harm Vice President J.D. Vance's potential 2028 presidential run.
The meeting happened amid divisions in the MAGA movement over U.S. foreign policy in Israel and the Middle East.
Images posted online showed Carlson speaking with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
The Anti-Defamation League criticized the meeting, pointing to Carlson's past controversial statements.
Tucker Carlson has faced criticism from other conservatives like Mark Levin and Ben Shapiro for his views.
The MAGA movement is experiencing internal conflicts that could weaken its influence in upcoming elections.
A couple named Carly and Leon found a way to strengthen their marriage by setting aside four hours every Friday just for themselves. This dedicated time helped them reconnect without any pressure or distractions. They found that simple togetherness improved their relationship.
Key Facts
Carly and Leon have been married for 15 years and faced challenges like miscarriages and financial issues.
Carly noticed their marriage was at risk when she found herself saying she didn’t think it would survive having another child.
They now reserve four hours every Friday afternoon just for them, without children or phones.
Their time together is focused on being side-by-side without specific expectations.
The couple initially didn't talk much during these times but allowed natural interactions to occur.
Consistently dedicating this time has helped them feel closer and brought back laughter.
The couple avoided traditional date nights, which felt forced, and instead opted for low-pressure activities.
They noticed it was easy to skip these sessions but committing to them has had significant positive effects.
President Donald Trump's approval rating stands at 39% according to a CNN poll, with a significant decline noted among independent voters. The poll indicates widespread dissatisfaction with his presidency and issues like the economy, which many people see as worsening. This trend poses potential challenges for the Republican Party in upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump has an approval rating of 39% in a recent CNN poll.
The poll included 1,209 adults and had a margin of error of ±3.1%.
58% of respondents described Trump's first year back in the White House as a failure.
Trump's approval among independents is at 29%.
55% of Americans think Trump's policies are making economic conditions worse.
Almost 9 in 10 Republicans support Trump, while only 30% of Latinos, adults under 35, and 26% of people of color approve.
58% of respondents believe Trump is using presidential power excessively.
Other surveys confirm a low approval trend, with one showing a net approval rating of –18.
The article provides guidance from a child psychologist on how parents can discuss Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with their children. It emphasizes the importance of open communication, using age-appropriate language, and validating children's feelings about what they see in the media related to ICE activities.
Key Facts
Ice (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is widely discussed in the US and children may see related media content.
A clinical psychologist, Dr. Anna Batho, states it’s better to talk about difficult topics with children rather than avoid them.
Parents should choose a calm moment to discuss ICE and begin by listening to what their child already knows or thinks.
Dr. Batho advises against forcing the conversation if the child isn’t interested or concerned.
When explaining, parents should use clear, age-appropriate language and avoid confusing terms.
It's important for parents to check in with children after discussions to validate their feelings.
Keeping communication open is crucial, so children feel they can talk about their concerns anytime.
Parents can help children return to a sense of normalcy by engaging them in familiar activities or comforting actions.
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have reached their lowest during his second term, according to recent national polls. These polls show a decline in public confidence, which could affect the upcoming 2026 midterm elections and his policy agenda.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating has dropped to its lowest during his second term.
A Marist Poll shows 38% approval and 56% disapproval, giving a net rating of -18.
An Economist/YouGov poll records 40% approval and 54% disapproval, netting -14.
The AP-NORC poll reports 40% approval and 59% disapproval, netting -19.
Polls indicate a significant decline among key groups, like working-class Americans.
These polls were conducted in early January 2026, with similar findings across different surveys.
All polls have a margin of error around ±3.3 to ±3.9 percentage points.
The polling data reflects challenges for Trump concerning major issues like the economy and immigration.
Michael Cohen, President Trump's former lawyer, stated he felt pressured by New York prosecutors to provide negative testimony against President Trump. President Trump responded on social media, criticizing the prosecutors and the legal proceedings against him.
Key Facts
Michael Cohen was President Trump's former attorney.
Cohen claimed he was pressured by prosecutors in New York to give testimony against President Trump.
Cohen shared his feelings about this pressure in a post on Substack.
President Trump reacted to Cohen's claims on Truth Social.
Trump criticized the investigators, calling them "Radical Left people."
Trump described the legal actions against him as a "SET UP."
He said New York courts are "embarrassed by what has happened."
A federal judge ruled that ICE agents cannot retaliate against peaceful protesters in Minnesota. The decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed on behalf of individuals who claimed they were unfairly treated by ICE agents during immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
A federal judge barred ICE agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters in Minnesota.
Six people filed a lawsuit claiming ICE agents arrested and pepper-sprayed them for observing or criticizing the government.
The judge's order stops ICE from arresting or using pepper spray on peaceful protesters.
The order also prevents ICE from stopping drivers who are safely following ICE vehicles.
This ruling follows a similar decision in Chicago where federal agents were restricted after being accused of using excessive force.
The ACLU filed the lawsuit on December 17 on behalf of six U.S. citizens.
President Trump mentioned possibly invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow sending soldiers to Minnesota.
The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for possibly obstructing federal immigration agents. This comes after an incident involving an ICE agent fatally shooting Renee Good in Minneapolis, which led to protests. The inquiry focuses on whether Walz and Frey tried to stop federal agents from doing their jobs.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is investigating two Minnesota officials, Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey.
The investigation concerns alleged obstruction of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The inquiry follows the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, leading to protests.
Good was reportedly shot at least three times, and there are conflicting reports about her actions.
The specific law involved is 18 U.S.C. § 372, which relates to obstructing federal officers.
Governor Walz and Mayor Frey have expressed strong opposition towards ICE's presence in Minneapolis.
Protests in Minneapolis continued after the details of Good's death were released.
President Trump criticized local leaders and protesters, ruling out using the Insurrection Act to deploy troops.
President Donald Trump has proposed a temporary cap on credit card interest rates at 10% to help Americans managing credit card debt. The proposal has faced opposition from banks, which argue that it could reduce access to credit and negatively affect consumers. The U.S. credit card debt has been rising, with interest rates averaging around 22% as of November.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10% starting January 20.
Credit card debt in the U.S. has surpassed $1 trillion, with interest rates averaging 22% as of November.
37% of U.S. adults carry a balance on their credit cards.
Banks argue that the cap could reduce consumers' access to credit and might lead to higher fees elsewhere.
The proposal has faced pushback from bank executives, who say it could lead to legal challenges.
Interest charges are a major revenue source for banks, totaling $160 billion in 2024 per the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Critics say the cap may not significantly help consumers already struggling with debt.
Some suggest banks might cut costs internally to offset potential revenue losses.
The Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The investigation is about claims that they are blocking federal law enforcement in their state.
Key Facts
The investigation was started by the Justice Department.
Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey are under investigation.
They are accused of obstructing federal law enforcement officers.
This follows an incident where an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.
Governor Walz stated he had not received any official notice about the investigation.
The announcement was first reported by CBS.
Governor Walz commented on the investigation, calling it a misuse of the justice system.
The investigation is a new step in ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota leaders.
President Donald Trump plans to pardon Wanda Vazquez Garced, the former governor of Puerto Rico, after she reached a plea deal related to a corruption case. Vazquez was accused of agreeing to fire a commissioner in exchange for campaign support. This pardon is part of President Trump's broader use of pardons for political allies.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump will pardon Wanda Vazquez Garced, former governor of Puerto Rico.
Vazquez was involved in a corruption case and made a plea deal.
The case involved firing a commissioner in exchange for campaign contributions.
CBS News first reported the impending pardon.
Trump has frequently pardoned political allies and supporters.
Trump previously removed Democratic members from Puerto Rico's financial oversight board.
Vazquez served as governor of Puerto Rico from 2019 to 2021.
Vazquez is a member of Puerto Rico's New Progressive Party, which supports US statehood for the island.
MAGA influencers are publicly challenging GOP lawmaker Brian Mast over who should control AI chip sales to China. The disagreement centers on Mast's proposed AI Overwatch Act, which some claim could negatively impact U.S. interests.
Key Facts
MAGA influencers including Laura Loomer and David Sacks are opposing the proposed AI Overwatch Act.
Brian Mast is a Florida Republican and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The bill aims to regulate the sale of AI chips to China but has not yet left committee.
Critics, including Sacks, claim the bill could weaken President Trump's foreign policy.
Mast insists the bill supports U.S. industry while preventing job loss to foreign competitors.
The debate has implications for the tech industry, involving companies like Nvidia and Huawei.
Concerns over AI and foreign policy have created divisions within the Republican Party.
Trump recently signed an executive order to override state AI laws, which some states are opposing.
A federal judge has issued a legal order against President Donald Trump's administration concerning actions by immigration officers during protests in Minnesota. The order stops federal agents from using certain forceful tactics against peaceful protesters. This action follows a shooting in Minneapolis that sparked national debate over immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
A federal judge issued an order against President Trump's administration on protester treatment.
The order stops federal immigration agents from using pepper spray and crowd-dispersal tools on peaceful protesters.
Agents are also restricted from stopping or detaining protesters in vehicles unless they are causing serious obstruction.
The order is a response to a high-profile shooting by an immigration officer in Minneapolis.
The judge who issued the order, Katherine Menendez, was appointed by former President Joe Biden.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that peaceful assembly is protected, but rioting and obstructing law enforcement are criminal acts.
The order is part of a preliminary injunction affecting Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative involving immigration enforcement.
Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut commented on reports that President Trump's Department of Justice is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The investigation looks into whether these leaders tried to obstruct federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. This is part of a broader conversation about immigration and state versus federal powers.
Key Facts
Reports say the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey.
The focus is on whether they conspired to block federal immigration authorities.
The investigation follows the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal officer in Minneapolis.
A specific law, 18 U.S.C. § 372, may have been violated, which involves impeding federal officers.
Senator Chris Murphy described the situation as resembling totalitarian actions.
The Department of Homeland Security criticized Walz and Frey for allegedly supporting resistance against federal agents.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized supporting federal officers and prosecuting anyone obstructing them.
Mayor Frey stated he would continue to focus on city safety, despite what he calls intimidation attempts.
