House Democrats are debating how to respond to public anger over ICE following a fatal incident in Minneapolis. Some Democrats propose policy changes and oversight, while others are cautious about the political impact in swing districts. The divide highlights ongoing differences within the party on strategy and messaging.
Key Facts
The debate follows the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, which increased public demands to change how ICE operates.
Rep. Robin Kelly wants to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, but Rep. Susie Lee warns it could harm Democrats in crucial districts.
Rep. Ritchie Torres is proposing the Quick Recognition Act to increase transparency of ICE agents.
Some Democrats want to use funding laws to limit ICE's power, while others strongly oppose ending ICE’s funding.
There are mixed views within the Democratic Party on how much the ICE issue should lead their agenda.
Despite the internal arguments, some Democrats focus on broader issues like health care and economic concerns.
Efforts for significant ICE reform are considered unlikely, but some adjustments may be pursued.
The third annual mullet contest took place at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, where about 150 people competed. Contestants were judged based on their haircuts, how they presented themselves, and their overall dedication to having a mullet hairstyle.
Key Facts
The event was held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.
About 150 people took part in the mullet contest.
More than a thousand people attended as spectators.
Participants were judged on three main criteria: haircut style, presentation, and commitment to the mullet.
This was the third year the contest has been held.
Governor Kay Ivey will give her last State of the State address as Alabama's Legislature starts its 2026 session. The speech will be broadcast live by Alabama Public Television, and Ivey will highlight her achievements in areas like education and infrastructure. She plans to recognize special guests at the event for contributions to the community.
Key Facts
Governor Kay Ivey will deliver her ninth and final State of the State address.
The Alabama Legislature begins its 2026 Regular Session.
Alabama Public Television will stream the speech live.
Ivey's speech will likely highlight her achievements in education and infrastructure.
Rodney Smith Jr., founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, will be a special guest.
Smith's initiative started as a project to help an elderly neighbor and grew into a nationwide free lawn care program.
Students from Booker T. Washington K-8 School, recognized as a "turnaround school," will also be special guests.
Ivey plans to showcase positive achievements across Alabama as part of her legacy.
Bruce Blakeman, a Republican candidate for governor in New York, showed better poll numbers against incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul after Elise Stefanik suspended her campaign. An endorsement from President Donald Trump has supported Blakeman's run. Despite this, Hochul still leads Blakeman in recent polls by a significant margin.
Key Facts
Bruce Blakeman is running as a Republican candidate for governor in New York.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Blakeman.
A John Zogby Strategies poll shows Hochul leading Blakeman, 53% to 39%.
Including independent candidate Larry Sharpe in the poll changes Hochul's lead to 49%, Blakeman's to 34%, and Sharpe with 8%.
The Zogby poll surveyed 844 likely New York voters and has a margin of error of ±3.4 percentage points.
A previous Siena College poll showed Hochul with a lead of 50% to 25% over Blakeman before Stefanik withdrew from the race.
Hochul's job approval in the Siena poll was 52% approve to 39% disapprove.
Blakeman's political profile is closely aligned with Trump's policies.
The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants in the U.S., which means around 2,500 Somalis may lose their work permissions and could be deported. This change is based on an assessment that conditions in Somalia have improved. The decision affects a significant Somali community in Minnesota.
Key Facts
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants in the U.S. is ending.
Roughly 2,500 Somali immigrants could be eligible for deportation starting March 17.
The U.S. government says conditions in Somalia have improved, so TPS is no longer needed.
TPS prevents deportation to countries considered unsafe.
The move includes increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to Somali immigration.
Previous efforts to end TPS for countries like Haiti have faced legal challenges.
President Donald Trump announced plans to stop federal payments to sanctuary cities starting February 1 and proposed actions to combat fraud in Minnesota. He introduced measures for returning immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally and mentioned a new legal team targeting fraud and revoking citizenship for naturalized immigrants involved in scams.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to stop federal payments to sanctuary cities on February 1.
Sanctuary cities refer to places that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Trump directed states like California to return people who entered the U.S. illegally.
Nearly 8,000 Small Business Administration loans in Minnesota are under suspension due to suspected fraud.
The Justice Department has charged almost 100 people related to these fraud cases.
A new Justice Department legal team will focus on fighting fraud.
Trump’s administration aims to revoke citizenship from naturalized immigrants involved in fraudulent activities.
A well-known meteorologist, Matt Devitt, was suddenly fired from a Florida news station called WINK News. Devitt had worked at the station for 10 years. Reports suggest he was let go for taking extra time during his breaks to help his wife with their newborn baby, but this has not been independently confirmed.
Key Facts
Matt Devitt was the Chief Meteorologist at WINK News, a television station in southwest Florida.
He was abruptly dismissed from his position last Thursday.
Devitt shared his unexpected departure on social media and received a large amount of support.
The reason for his firing reportedly involved taking longer breaks to assist his wife with their newborn.
The station's management has not publicly commented on his termination.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich criticized the decision and called for Devitt's reinstatement.
WINK News has not confirmed or denied the reasons for the firing.
Devitt's post drew significant public reaction, with 80,000 reactions and 28,000 comments on Facebook.
A county clerk in Michigan reported that non-citizens were mistakenly included in a jury pool. This mistake happened because citizenship status was not correctly marked in the state database used to summon potential jurors. The clerk also found that some of these non-citizens were registered to vote, which could lead to legal issues.
Key Facts
The jury pool in a Michigan county included some non-citizens.
Citizenship is required to serve as a juror in Michigan.
239 non-citizens were found in the jury pool over four months.
Some of these non-citizens were registered to vote.
Voting and jury duty are only for U.S. citizens in Michigan.
Non-citizens getting driver’s licenses can accidentally be registered to vote.
The Michigan Department of State investigates voting fraud reports.
The clerk wants better verification for citizenship in driver’s license databases.
Support for abolishing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota. A new poll shows more people now favor getting rid of the agency. Some Democrats are renewing calls to dismantle ICE, but centrist Democrats caution against it.
Key Facts
An ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota, leading to increased criticism of ICE.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Good tried to use her car as a weapon.
Critics argue video footage shows Good was trying to drive away, suggesting the shooting was unnecessary.
Progressive Democrats have long called for abolishing ICE, but it lacks wider support among centrist Democrats.
A recent poll by YouGov and The Economist found 46% support for abolishing ICE, with 43% opposed.
Independents, a significant voter group, showed 47% support for abolishing ICE.
Only 15% of people who supported President Trump in 2024 favor abolishing ICE.
The poll surveyed 1,602 adults from January 9 to January 12, 2026, and shows an increase in support compared to a 2025 poll.
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have been exchanging private text messages despite past public disagreements. Their communication started after Mamdani visited the Oval Office, and it has continued even as Mamdani criticized a U.S. military action in Venezuela. News outlets have reached out for comments on their communication and Mamdani's opposition to the strike.
Key Facts
President Trump and Mayor Mamdani are engaging in private text communication.
Their relationship started after Mamdani's visit to the Oval Office.
Despite past public insults, they have developed an ongoing dialogue.
Mamdani criticized U.S. military strikes on Venezuela.
President Trump mentioned taking oil resources worth $4 billion from Venezuela.
Mamdani opposes the attack as an act of war without international or federal approval.
The situation regarding Venezuela and their communications is ongoing, with news outlets seeking further comments.
Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned. This happened as the Justice Department looks into the actions related to Renee Good's widow but delays investigating the ICE agent involved in her shooting.
Key Facts
Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned on Tuesday.
The resignations relate to a Justice Department investigation into Renee Good's widow.
The Justice Department has not yet investigated the ICE agent who shot Renee Good.
Joe Thompson, a U.S. Attorney in Minnesota, was one of those who resigned.
The New York Times reported these resignations, citing anonymous sources.
Newsweek has reached out to the Justice Department for comments but awaits a response.
Federal agents used tear gas and an eye irritant during clashes with protesters in Minneapolis. The protests are against President Trump's immigration enforcement actions, which are now being challenged in court by Minnesota and two mayors.
Key Facts
Federal officers used tear gas and an eye irritant on protesters in Minneapolis.
The protests are against President Trump’s immigration enforcement actions.
Students participated by walking out of a suburban school in protest.
Minnesota and two mayors are asking a judge to stop the immigration enforcement.
No court hearing has been scheduled yet.
Gas clouds were seen near where an immigration agent shot Renee Good last week.
Protesters often boo and blow whistles when agents are seen in unmarked vehicles.
The article discusses changes at the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) under President Trump. The agency has shifted its focus from prioritizing equity and diversity to emphasizing traditional research methods and improving health outcomes for all Americans.
Key Facts
The AHRQ is a U.S. agency responsible for research on health care quality and effectiveness.
Before 2015, AHRQ focused on practical, evidence-based health services research.
The focus shifted under the Biden administration to prioritize equity and systemic inequities.
Equity and diversity became central to grant funding during the Biden era, affecting research priorities.
Under President Trump, AHRQ returns to emphasizing traditional methods and outcomes over equity initiatives.
The shift under Trump aims to improve health outcomes for all Americans, not just specific groups.
This change has caused concern among researchers who advanced during the equity-focused period.
The Trump administration is facing criticism for using slogans that some say are similar to Nazi phrases. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have used statements that drew comparisons to historical Nazi slogans. President Donald Trump and other officials have rejected these claims, saying they are not influenced by Nazi ideology.
Key Facts
Critics have accused President Trump's administration of using language reminiscent of Nazi slogans.
The Department of Homeland Security used the phrase "One of ours, all of yours," which some say is linked to Nazi actions during the Lidice massacre.
Tom Morello, a guitarist, publicly criticized the DHS through social media.
Hunter College history professor Benjamin Hett stated that the exact origin of the DHS phrase is unclear.
The Department of Labor used a slogan similar to a famous Nazi phrase about people, state, and leader unity.
Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut, also criticized the use of a similar slogan.
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have denied comparisons to Nazis, stating they oppose Nazi ideology.
NBC decided not to air an episode of "Law & Order: SVU" featuring Timothy Busfield because he is facing allegations related to child abuse. An arrest warrant has been issued for Busfield on charges involving two minors. The situation highlights ongoing issues in the entertainment industry with allegations of misconduct.
Key Facts
NBC removed an episode of "Law & Order: SVU" featuring Timothy Busfield due to child abuse allegations.
An arrest warrant was issued for Busfield in New Mexico on charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse.
The episode that was removed was initially scheduled to air on January 22 but will now air on January 15 with a different episode.
A mother reported Busfield's alleged misconduct while filming the TV show "The Cleaning Lady."
Busfield denies the allegations, claiming it relates to casting changes on the show.
Warner Bros. Television is cooperating with the investigation and emphasizes child safety in productions.
NBC and Warner Bros. have made no further public comments on the matter.
Busfield is currently under active investigation, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
President Donald Trump might consider using the Insurrection Act to send troops to Democratic cities after an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. The Trump administration defended the ICE officer, while critics and local leaders condemned the action. Experts suggest Trump could use this situation to strengthen his political position ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump may use the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Democratic-led cities.
Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was shot by ICE officer Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis.
The Trump administration defended the officer, claiming Good attempted to run over law enforcement.
Critics, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, called the shooting "reckless."
The administration announced plans to send more federal officers to Minneapolis.
Experts suggest Trump's actions could create an atmosphere of fear before the 2026 midterms.
The Insurrection Act allows military use for domestic law enforcement duties.
Trump's potential deployment of troops is seen as an attempt to influence election outcomes.
President Donald Trump has proposed a temporary cap on credit card interest rates at 10% for one year to help U.S. consumers. The proposal aims to address high-interest rates charged by credit card companies, but it faces criticism from banking groups who warn it could limit access to credit.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year.
The proposal aims to reduce the financial burden on Americans using credit cards.
Credit card debt in the U.S. is at a record $1.23 trillion, with rising delinquencies and defaults.
Banking groups warn that the cap could reduce credit availability for families and small businesses.
Experts are divided on the proposal, questioning its enforceability and potential negative impacts.
Some believe a rate cap could help people pay off existing credit card debt more quickly.
Opponents argue that the cap might push consumers toward more costly and less regulated lending options.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will deliver his last State of the State address at 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday. He cannot run again because he has reached the term limit. Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill will become the next governor of New Jersey on January 20.
Key Facts
Gov. Phil Murphy will give his final State of the State address.
The address will take place at 3 p.m. EST.
Gov. Murphy is finishing his second four-year term, which is the limit.
U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, won the governor's race in November.
Mikie Sherrill will be inaugurated as governor on January 20 in Newark.
The event will be live-streamed by NJ Spotlight News.
President Donald Trump has proposed capping credit card interest rates at 10 percent for one year. A new poll shows that 64 percent of Americans support this idea, including a majority of Democrats, Republicans, and independents. The proposal has bipartisan backing in Congress, though some critics express concern it might limit credit card access.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a 10 percent cap on credit card interest rates for one year.
A recent poll shows 64 percent of Americans support the cap, including majorities across political groups.
The poll surveyed 3,801 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that 74 percent of Americans have at least one credit card.
Lawmakers such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Anna Paulina Luna support similar measures in Congress.
Critics worry the cap could make it harder for people to qualify for credit cards.
Financial organizations suggest that the cap might reduce credit availability and harm small business owners.
President Donald Trump expressed support for a proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, which has support from progressive Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. They hope to make credit card costs more affordable for Americans. However, it is uncertain if this proposal will have enough support to pass in Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump announced support for a cap on credit card interest rates at 10%.
Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren support this cap and are known for their consumer protection efforts.
Trump and Warren discussed credit card rates and housing affordability during a phone call.
A bill to cap interest rates at 10% for five years was introduced by Sanders and Republican Senator Josh Hawley.
Critics worry the cap might make it harder for people to get credit cards.
Data shows the average credit card interest rate is 19.65%.
Trump’s stance aligns with some progressive views despite past differences.
