An ICE agent named Jonathan Ross, who was involved in a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, might file a defamation suit against people who called him a "murderer." The incident involved the shooting of Renee Nicole Good, which federal agents claim was self-defense, but others, including some politicians, have criticized as murder. The FBI is leading the investigation and has excluded Minnesota state investigators from accessing key case materials.
Key Facts
Jonathan Ross is an ICE agent involved in the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good.
The shooting happened during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
Federal authorities claim it was self-defense, while critics, including some lawmakers, describe it as murder.
No criminal charges have been filed against Ross or any ICE agent involved.
The FBI is leading the investigation, excluding Minnesota state investigators from the process.
Some politicians, like Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley, publicly labeled the incident as murder.
The potential defamation suit by Ross would address the public and online accusations against him.
During an interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commented on President Donald Trump's diet, suggesting it includes unhealthy foods like McDonald's and KFC when he's on the road. However, Kennedy Jr. noted that Trump generally eats well at home and maintains good health despite his age.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed President Trump's diet in a podcast interview.
Kennedy Jr. said Trump eats fast food like McDonald's and KFC when traveling.
At home, Trump reportedly eats healthier meals.
Kennedy Jr. described Trump as having "incredible health."
Trump is 79 years old and has faced questions about his stamina.
Kennedy Jr. mentioned that Trump's testosterone levels are high for his age.
Trump claims he is in "perfect health" and passed cognitive tests.
Trump's doctor stated he is in "excellent overall health."
A woman in Florida, Taylor Giany, found a hidden letter from her late grandfather in an old photo album. The letter, which was discovered decades after being written, brought her comfort during a difficult time in her life. She shared her discovery on TikTok, receiving widespread attention and hoping to provide comfort to others.
Key Facts
Taylor Giany found a letter from her grandfather hidden in a photo album.
Her grandfather passed away in 2003, but the letter was written before his passing.
The letter contained a message intended directly for Giany, expressing love and fond memories.
Giany discovered the letter during a challenging period after the sudden death of her father in 2015.
She shared the letter on her TikTok account, gaining over 640,000 views.
The video aims to comfort others who have lost loved ones.
Giany's story highlights how unexpected reminders can bring comfort and affirm love.
President Donald Trump has announced a plan for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds to lower homeownership costs. An economist warns that this plan might raise house prices by increasing demand. Some experts argue this may not significantly improve affordability for first-time buyers.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to lower home loan costs through a $200 billion mortgage bond purchase initiative.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the agencies tasked with carrying out this plan.
The plan aims to reduce mortgage rates and make homes more affordable.
Mark Zandi from Moody's Analytics argues the plan might increase home prices due to higher demand.
The initiative could worsen the housing supply shortage in the U.S.
Recent mortgage rates have fallen below 6%, partly credited to the plan's announcement.
Experts believe the plan might offer only minimal impact on long-term housing affordability.
Multiple states in the U.S. have received winter storm warnings and weather advisories. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that some areas could see up to 20 inches of snow and winds reaching 60 mph. These conditions are expected to last from Wednesday into Friday.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings and advisories affect several U.S. states.
Tennessee, Alaska, Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Kentucky will experience wintry conditions.
Alaska may receive up to 20 inches of snow with winds of 65 mph.
Indiana could experience "whiteout conditions" with 6-8 inches of snow and winds up to 40 mph.
North Carolina may see up to 12 inches of snow and 45 mph winds, potentially causing power outages.
Michigan counties forecast 6-8 inches of snow with winds of 40 mph, causing visibility issues.
Snow levels vary across states, with some areas reaching up to 10 inches by Thursday or Friday.
President Trump's approval rating among male voters has fluctuated in recent polls, with slight changes observed over several weeks. Young male voters, particularly those from Generation Z, show a gradual increase in support for Trump. These changes could affect political strategies as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among men has shifted recently, based on three Economist/YouGov polls.
In the December 26-29 poll, 45% of men approved of Trump, 50% disapproved, and 5% were unsure.
In the January 2-5 poll, approval increased to 47% for men, with 49% disapproving and 4% unsure.
The January 9-12 poll showed a decline in approval to 44%, with disapproval at 50% and 6% unsure.
Among Gen Z voters (ages 18-29), Trump's approval increased from 26% in December to 32% in January.
Gen Z disapproval decreased from 69% to 62% over the same period.
A Harvard Youth Poll found 32% of Gen Z males approved of Trump, with 62% disapproving.
President Donald Trump responded to a Ford worker, TJ Sabula, who heckled him during a plant tour by raising his middle finger. Sabula, a United Auto Workers member, was suspended pending an investigation by Ford. The incident relates to criticism of Trump's handling of releasing files connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
TJ Sabula is a Ford worker and member of United Auto Workers Local 600.
Sabula heckled President Trump during his visit to a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan.
Trump responded to the heckle by raising his middle finger.
Sabula claims he faced suspension from his job and believes it may be politically motivated.
The heckling referenced Trump's handling of issues related to Jeffrey Epstein.
A GoFundMe page raised over $130,000 to support Sabula.
The White House described Sabula as a "lunatic," dismissing the heckler's actions.
Ford has not commented on the specifics of the disciplinary action against Sabula but emphasized respect as a core company value.
As flu season intensifies, Dr. Robert Biernbaum outlines eight simple habits to help people avoid getting sick. The CDC reports millions affected by the flu this season, with many cases leading to hospitalizations and deaths.
Key Facts
The CDC estimates at least 15 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths in the U.S. this season.
Dr. Robert Biernbaum shares eight daily habits to reduce flu risk, such as frequent hand washing and staying home when sick.
Less than half of U.S. adults received a flu shot last season, according to the CDC.
Biernbaum advises keeping hand sanitizer and wipes for high-touch surfaces like gas pumps and doorknobs.
He emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with vaccines and prioritizing the immune system with sleep and a healthy diet.
Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily can help prevent dehydration and flush out toxins.
Managing stress is crucial as it affects immune function; practices like deep breathing can help.
Avoiding touching the face can reduce the entry of germs into the body, limiting flu transmission.
The Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, focusing on a costly headquarters renovation. President Trump has criticized Powell, arguing the probe is aimed at pressuring the Fed to lower interest rates. This situation has caused political tension and market instability.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over a headquarters renovation that went $700 million over budget.
President Trump argues the investigation is meant to pressure the Fed into lowering interest rates.
President Trump has publicly criticized Powell and suggested he will be replaced soon.
Powell's term as Fed Chair ends in May, but he can remain on the Board until 2028.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro issued subpoenas to the Fed, causing political backlash and market volatility.
Powell has accused President Trump of using criminal prosecution as a tool to intimidate the Fed.
Some politicians, including Republican Senator Thom Tillis, have pledged to oppose Fed nominees until the investigation concludes.
Eight U.S. states reduced their income tax rates starting January 1, in efforts to boost their economies. The changes aim to make these states more appealing to investors and attract job seekers. States like Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and others adjusted their tax rates, some shifting to single-rate systems or continuing planned reductions.
Key Facts
Eight states lowered their income tax rates as of January 1.
The states are Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oklahoma.
Ohio moved to a single-rate income tax system at 2.75%.
Oklahoma reduced its tax brackets from six to three and lowered the top rate to 4.5%.
Indiana's flat rate dropped from 3% to 2.95%, with plans to further reduce to 2.9% by 2027.
Kentucky lowered its flat rate to 3.5% from 4%.
Mississippi completed a phased reduction to a flat rate of 4%.
Montana's top rate dropped to 5.65%, with plans to reduce to 5.4% by 2027.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities expressed concerns about large tax cuts and their impact on communities.
The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for Mississippi, Louisiana, and Washington due to rising river levels. Residents in affected areas are advised to avoid driving through flooded roads and stay cautious, especially at night. Several rivers in these states have risen above flood levels, leading to localized flooding, with water levels expected to gradually fall by the weekend.
Key Facts
Flood warnings are in effect for Mississippi, Louisiana, and Washington.
The Chickasawhay River in Mississippi is forecasted to crest and then recede below flood stage by Saturday.
In Louisiana, the Tangipahoa River and the Bogue Chitto River have surpassed flood levels, impacting low-lying areas.
The Pearl River in Louisiana is expected to crest at 15 feet before falling by Friday morning.
The Skokomish River in Washington is causing flooding of pasture lands and roads, but is expected to drop below flood level soon.
The NWS advises against driving through flooded areas and encourages vigilance, especially at night.
Residents should monitor local forecasts as flooding is expected to continue into the weekend.
Federal agents in Minneapolis used flashbang grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. The protests follow the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, which has sparked controversy and calls for an independent investigation. The Department of Homeland Security plans to send more immigration officers to Minnesota, even as local governments seek to limit federal enforcement efforts.
Key Facts
Federal agents used flashbangs and tear gas on protesters outside a federal building in Minneapolis.
Protests began after Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer on January 7.
President Donald Trump’s administration says the officer acted in self-defense.
Local officials dispute this claim and want an independent investigation.
Over 2,000 immigration arrests have occurred in Minnesota since early December.
The Department of Homeland Security is sending more than 2,000 agents to the state.
A survey found most Americans think the force in the shooting was not justified.
The state and local governments have filed a lawsuit to limit federal agents' actions.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to address the ongoing housing crisis in the United States. His proposals include banning corporate investors from buying single-family homes and directing federal support for mortgage-backed securities. These measures aim to make homes more affordable, though experts have differing opinions on their effectiveness.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to introduce significant housing reforms in 2025 to address rising home prices and mortgage rates.
One proposal is to ban large corporate investors from purchasing single-family homes.
Corporate investors accounted for 10.8% of home purchases in mid-2025, with most being small-scale investors.
Since 2022, activity by large corporate investors has been declining.
Opening federal land for residential building is another option Trump is considering, but it faces challenges due to location issues.
Discussions on these housing measures are ongoing, with further announcements expected this year.
A man posted on Reddit about his stay-at-home wife's expectation for an equal split of household chores, even though he works full-time and pays all household expenses. The discussion sparked a debate online about the fairness of chore distribution when one partner stays home by choice. The couple decided to see a therapist to address their differences.
Key Facts
A man works full-time and handles all financial expenses in the household.
His wife chose to stay home to raise her 10-year-old son from a previous relationship.
The couple disagrees on splitting household chores evenly, leading to tension.
The husband believes he already contributes through yard work, repairs, and managing finances.
The post received over 10,000 comments and upvotes, showing varied opinions.
Some commenters argue that stay-at-home partners should manage most household tasks.
The couple plans to attend therapy to resolve their differences.
The husband stated divorce is a possibility if issues are not resolved.
A Threads post about a server's note on a receipt, after a customer left no tip, has sparked discussion about tipping culture in the U.S. This incident highlights ongoing debates about whether tipping should be an obligation, as many Americans express mixed feelings about current tipping practices.
Key Facts
The Threads post shared by @lionellsaidit2 received 4.5 million views.
The customer wanted to tip in cash but left the tip line empty, prompting a note from the server.
The note said, "Learn to TIP. It’s not my job to serve you FOR FREE!"
A Pew Research Center study found that 72% of U.S. adults face more tipping requests today than five years ago.
57% of Americans would tip 15% or less, while only 25% tip 20% or more for an average sit-down meal.
Tipping wages in the U.S. are often below minimum wage, with servers depending heavily on tips.
The debate highlights varied perspectives: some see tipping as optional, while others argue it is crucial for servers' income.
President Donald Trump spoke about the shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota. He expressed condolences to her father, who supports Trump. The incident has sparked differing responses from political leaders and witnesses.
Key Facts
President Trump addressed the father of Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent.
The shooting happened in Minnesota as Good sat in her car.
Video footage shows the ICE agent firing at Good's vehicle as it moved.
The agent's actions have been defended by the Department of Homeland Security and Vice President JD Vance.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other Democrats criticized the incident, suggesting Good was trying to leave the scene.
Renee Good's father is described as a strong supporter of President Trump.
Witnesses claim that Good was shot in the head before crashing her car.
In recent special elections, Republicans won one seat and lost another. In Connecticut, the Democratic candidate won, while in Alabama, the Republican candidate secured a victory. These elections are being watched to gauge public support for President Trump as the midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
Republicans and Democrats each won one special election on Tuesday.
In Connecticut State House District 139, Democrat Larry Pemberton defeated Republican Brandon Sabbag with 64.5% of the vote.
In Alabama State House District 63, Republican Norman Crow won with 64.5% of the vote against Democrat Judith Taylor.
Over 95% of the votes were counted in both elections according to the AP.
These elections serve as a measure of public support for President Trump during his term.
The outcomes are significant as the GOP aims to maintain its slim majority in Congress during upcoming midterm elections.
President Trump has expressed concern over potential Republican performance in the midterms.
The U.S. Supreme Court is examining cases about whether transgender women and girls can participate in female sports teams at schools. Many justices seem to support keeping state bans on transgender athletes. The court heard arguments about such bans from two states, Idaho and West Virginia.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court considered cases about transgender athlete bans from two states, Idaho and West Virginia.
Both states have rules that sports teams should be based on the sex recorded at birth.
In Idaho, a transgender college student argues that the ban violates her equal rights.
In West Virginia, a high school student claims the ban goes against federal civil rights law.
The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority.
Idaho was the first state to ban transgender women and girls from female sports teams in 2020.
More than 24 states have similar laws restricting transgender athletes.
Arguments focused on topics like physical advantages and the impact on women's sports.
Billionaire Bill Ackman responded to criticism of his $10,000 donation to support an ICE agent involved in a fatal shooting. Ackman stated his donation was for legal defense, not a political statement. The shooting has sparked debate, with federal and local authorities providing differing views on the incident.
Key Facts
Bill Ackman donated $10,000 to support an ICE agent named Jonathan Ross.
The donation was for Ross’s legal defense concerning a fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
Social media criticized Ackman, claiming he was rewarding the agent.
Ackman insists his intention was not political but to ensure a fair legal process.
The agent, Jonathan Ross, has not been charged with any crime.
President Trump’s administration defends Ross's actions, citing self-defense.
Local authorities and Minneapolis's mayor dispute the self-defense claim.
GoFundMe is reviewing the fundraiser for Ross to ensure it follows their rules.
A Florida politician, James Fishback, proposed a 50% tax on income from OnlyFans content creators, calling it a "sin tax" aimed at discouraging such behavior. Sophie Rain, a successful OnlyFans creator, criticized the proposal, arguing that it unfairly targets individuals trying to make a living while large corporations avoid proper taxation.
Key Facts
James Fishback is a candidate for governor in Florida and suggests a 50% tax on OnlyFans creators' income.
Fishback calls this tax a "sin tax" intended to reduce the number of people engaging in online adult content creation.
Sophie Rain is a well-known OnlyFans content creator who earned over $95 million last year.
Rain criticized the proposed tax, saying it targets individuals earning a living while large corporations avoid taxes.
Fishback referred to OnlyFans as an "online degeneracy platform."
Currently, Fishback has low support in the polls, trailing behind Byron Donalds.
Fishback mentioned the tax proposal in an interview with a right-wing YouTube channel.
