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.
President Trump is visiting a Ford factory in Dearborn, Michigan, to talk about his plans to help U.S. manufacturing. During his trip, he will also speak at the Detroit Economic Club to address concerns about jobs and rising prices.
Key Facts
President Trump will visit a Ford factory in Dearborn, Michigan, that produces F-150 trucks.
The F-150 is the best-selling vehicle made in the U.S.
Trump is promoting his efforts to strengthen American manufacturing.
He will give a speech at the Detroit Economic Club.
There are concerns about job market weaknesses and increasing prices.
A criminal investigation involving Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is ongoing, with President Trump seeking more influence over the Federal Reserve.
U.S. Marshals are helping locate actor Timothy Busfield, wanted on charges of child sexual abuse. An arrest warrant was issued after reports that Busfield abused child actors on a TV show set. The investigation involves accusations of past misconduct.
Key Facts
U.S. Marshals joined the search for Timothy Busfield after New Mexico issued an arrest warrant.
Busfield is accused of sexual contact with minors and child abuse.
The allegations come from a family whose children worked on a TV show directed by Busfield.
The children reportedly disclosed abuse from November 2022 to Spring 2024.
Busfield claimed parents had conflicts about casting decisions on the show.
Previous accusations against Busfield in 1994 and 2012 did not lead to charges.
Warner Bros. Television stated it takes allegations seriously and is cooperating with the investigation.
The Albuquerque Police Department and U.S. Marshals are coordinating efforts to apprehend Busfield.
U.S. immigration agents were involved in a confrontation with protesters in Minneapolis following the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer. At the same time, officials in Minnesota filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop the planned increase in immigration agents, arguing it was illegal.
Key Facts
Immigration agents faced off with protesters in Minneapolis.
The clash happened after an ICE officer shot Renee Good.
Minnesota is suing the Trump administration.
The lawsuit aims to stop a planned increase of immigration agents in the state.
Minnesota officials argue that this deployment is not legal.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have decided not to testify in a congressional investigation related to Jeffrey Epstein. They reject the subpoena from a Republican-led committee as legally invalid. The committee plans to start contempt of Congress actions against them.
Key Facts
Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse to testify in a congressional investigation.
The investigation is related to Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with a controversial history.
A Republican-controlled committee issued the subpoena to the Clintons.
The Clintons called the subpoena "legally invalid."
Republican Representative James Comer chairs the House Oversight Committee.
The committee aims to start contempt of Congress proceedings against the Clintons next week.
Contempt of Congress is a legal process that can lead to punishment if someone does not cooperate with Congress.
Bill and Hillary Clinton informed the House Oversight Committee they would not attend depositions about their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The committee, led by Representative James R. Comer, may start contempt proceedings against them for not complying. The Clintons argue the subpoenas are not enforceable and believe the investigation is politically driven.
Key Facts
Bill and Hillary Clinton refused to attend scheduled depositions for an investigation into Epstein.
Representative James R. Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, is leading the inquiry.
The committee's focus is on the Clintons' and other Democrats' associations with Epstein, rather than President Trump.
Comer had set deadlines for their depositions and warned of contempt of Congress proceedings if they did not comply.
The Clintons sent an eight-page letter contesting the subpoenas as invalid.
They provided sworn statements instead of in-person testimony.
The House committee has delayed the depositions twice due to scheduling issues.
A spokesperson for the committee stated the Clintons are legally required to appear and might face legal action if they don't.
Arizona is considering a new law, known as the RAPID Act, that would lift speed limits on some rural highways during the day. This proposal aims to create speed-free zones similar to Germany's Autobahn system. The law, if passed, would start with a trial period on a section of Interstate 8.
Key Facts
Arizona is debating House Bill 2059, called the RAPID Act.
The law would allow "derestricted" speed zones, with no daytime speed limits on certain rural highways.
These speed zones would not be near cities or on highways with high accident rates.
At night, a speed limit of 80 miles per hour would apply in these zones.
The RAPID Act is based on a similar system once in place in Montana.
A pilot program on a stretch of Interstate 8 will test the impact of the law.
The pilot will include regular safety checks and public education on driving rules.
If successful, this program might influence other states' laws.
A political candidate in Florida, James Fishback, has proposed a 50% "sin tax" on earnings from the OnlyFans platform for those living in Florida. He suggests the tax would discourage the use of OnlyFans while raising funds for education and other state programs. This proposal has sparked varied reactions, including skepticism about government involvement in such matters.
Key Facts
James Fishback, a candidate for Florida governor, proposed a 50% tax on OnlyFans creators' income.
OnlyFans is known for adult content and made $701 million in dividends in 2024.
The proposed tax aims to discourage use of the platform and generate state revenue.
Funds from the tax would support education, crisis pregnancy centers, and mental health initiatives.
Fishback announced his proposal on a conservative YouTube channel.
A sin tax is typically imposed on activities like tobacco and alcohol, which are seen as harmful.
About 70% of OnlyFans creators are women, while most users are men.
The proposal has received mixed reactions from the public and online commentators.
A recent poll shows that most Americans believe an ICE agent was not justified in fatally shooting Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. The incident has led to public protests and calls for a comprehensive investigation, with opinions divided along party lines.
Key Facts
A YouGov survey found that 52% of participants think the ICE agent's use of force was not justified.
The shooting occurred in Minneapolis, leading to local protests.
The Trump administration claims the agent acted in self-defense, while local officials disagree.
Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, have criticized ICE's actions.
53% of survey respondents believe the agent should face criminal charges.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is not involved in the federal investigation.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced additional law enforcement agents would be sent to Minneapolis.
160 members of Congress called for an unbiased investigation.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer training time has been reduced, and this change has been linked to decisions made during President Trump's administration. The reduction in training time has raised concerns, especially after a fatal shooting involving an ICE officer. Various reports differ on the exact number of training days and reasons for the change.
Key Facts
ICE officer training time has been reduced from the previous five months.
President Donald Trump's administration made the decision to reduce the training duration.
There are conflicting reports about the current length of the training; some say it is 47 days, while others report different durations.
The reduction in training time has been linked to the decision to eliminate Spanish-language courses.
The exact rationale behind the specific number of training days remains unclear, with some speculation it relates to President Trump's status as the 47th U.S. president.
The ICE officer involved in the recent shooting had been trained under the older, longer requirements.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputes some reports about the training schedule, stating it now spans eight weeks.
Public figures and organizations have called for an investigation into the incident involving the ICE officer.
A New York City Council worker, Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The New York City Council states he had cleared all background checks and had documentation to work in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, claims he was in the U.S. illegally and had a criminal record.
Key Facts
Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez works for the New York City Council.
He was arrested by ICE during a routine immigration appointment in Bethpage, New York.
The New York City Council claims Rubio Bohorquez had cleared all background checks and was authorized to work in the U.S.
DHS asserts that Rubio Bohorquez was in the U.S. illegally and had a prior arrest for assault.
Rubio Bohorquez entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa in 2017 and was supposed to leave by October 2017.
DHS states he had no work authorization, while the Council says he received Temporary Protected Status and an Employment Authorization Document in 2023.
President Trump’s administration focuses on strict immigration policies, including deportations and ending benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Keith Porter Jr. was fatally shot by an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve. Two GoFundMe campaigns to support Porter's daughters have raised over $312,000. The incident is part of a series of shootings involving federal agents since President Trump started his second term.
Key Facts
Keith Porter Jr. was shot by an off-duty ICE officer on New Year's Eve.
Two fundraisers have collected over $312,000 to support Porter's daughters, aged 10 and 20.
The incident happened when Porter allegedly fired a gun into the air.
An off-duty ICE agent reportedly confronted Porter and fired after Porter did not follow orders to put down the weapon.
Porter's daughter posted a viral TikTok video about her father's death, which got nearly 7 million views.
The shooting has led to questions about the use of force by federal agents.
Porter's family described him as a "warm, generous, kind, and gentle soul" on the GoFundMe page.
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly is suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over an attempt to demote him. Kelly claims the Pentagon acted illegally after he criticized the Trump administration. The case involves concerns about free speech and military procedure.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy captain, filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Kelly claims the Pentagon tried to demote him because he criticized President Trump's administration.
Kelly and other Democrats made a video telling military personnel they could refuse illegal orders, which upset Trump.
President Trump accused Kelly of "sedition" and suggested legal action against him.
Kelly argues the demotion attempt violated his free speech rights and did not follow military rules.
The Pentagon and White House have not commented on the lawsuit.
Kelly was an astronaut before being elected Senator for Arizona in 2020.
Kelly and his wife founded a gun safety group; his wife survived a shooting in 2011.
Jack Smith, a former special counsel from the Justice Department, will testify publicly about his investigations into President Donald Trump on January 22. Smith previously led investigations regarding classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, which resulted in two indictments that were later dropped.
Key Facts
Jack Smith is a former special counsel from the Justice Department.
He will testify publicly next week about his investigations into President Trump.
The public testimony is scheduled for January 22 before the House Judiciary Committee.
Rep. Jim Jordan confirmed Smith's appearance during a TV interview.
The investigations included Trump's handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
Another investigation covered Trump's attempts to change the results of the 2020 election.
Smith's investigations led to indictments, which were dropped after Trump's 2024 election victory.
Legal opinions prevent indicting a sitting president, affecting the decision to drop the indictments.
High-profile cases for three Texas death row inmates will have appeals heard in 2026. Scheduled executions in Texas for four other inmates are also set for the same year. Texas continues its trend of fewer executions despite historically high numbers compared to other states.
Key Facts
Appeals for death row inmates Robert Roberson, Brittany Holberg, and David Wood are scheduled for 2026.
Texas has four executions planned for 2026: Charles Victor Thompson, Cedric Ricks, James Broadnax, and Edward Busby.
Texas has historically conducted the most executions in the U.S., with 596 from 1977 to 2025.
In 2025, Texas had five executions, while Florida led the U.S. with 19.
Robert Roberson's case was stayed in 2025 under Texas' "junk science" law, questioning debunked evidence used in his conviction.
Brittany Holberg's 1998 murder conviction was overturned in 2025 due to undisclosed informant involvement.
David Wood's execution was paused in 2025 as the court reviews claims of false testimony and suppressed evidence.
President Donald Trump's popularity has decreased, ranking him 18th among U.S. politicians; Senator Mark Kelly is now slightly more popular at 16th. A recent YouGov poll shows changes in their popularity compared to a previous quarter. This follows a conflict between Kelly and the Trump administration related to military orders and a legal case.
Key Facts
President Trump ranks 18th with a 33% positive opinion in the latest YouGov poll.
Senator Mark Kelly ranks 16th with a 34% positive opinion.
The poll marks a change from Q3 2025, when Trump was 13th and Kelly was 20th.
Barack Obama is the most popular, with a 60% positive opinion in the Q4 2025 poll.
Kelly has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration.
He argues the administration is retaliating against him for political speech.
Kelly's lawsuit follows a dispute over comments on military orders.
The YouGov poll is based on daily surveys and reflects a 90-day period.
President Donald Trump is visiting Detroit to speak at the Detroit Economic Club about the economy. He will also tour a factory in Dearborn that is increasing its workforce to produce more Ford F-150 trucks. Trump aims to show that his economic policies are helping people ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump will speak at the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday.
He will begin his speech at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Trump plans to visit a Dearborn factory that is hiring more workers to make Ford F-150 trucks.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, mentioned he will discuss positive economic news like lower mortgage rates.
The visit comes before the midterm elections, where economic policies are a focal point.
Mortgage rates have dropped to below 6%, which will be part of Trump's talking points.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) plans to invest a significant amount of money in voter registration in key states like Arizona and Nevada. This move aims to reduce their need to rely on nonprofits that cannot campaign, allowing them to have a direct influence while registering voters. The effort is essential as the 2026 midterm elections approach, and the DNC wants to challenge President Donald Trump's influence.
Key Facts
The DNC will invest a large sum in voter registration efforts.
Arizona and Nevada are the initial focus states for this initiative.
The DNC aims to reduce dependency on nonprofits for voter registration.
Nonprofits cannot campaign, so the DNC wants more direct voter involvement.
Senator Ruben Gallego highlighted the importance of this effort in Arizona.
The campaign intends to counter a significant Republican voter advantage.
The effort is strategic for the approaching 2026 midterm elections.
Tensions have grown in Minnesota due to protests against U.S. immigration agents following a fatal shooting. Federal agents used tear gas against protesters, while state and city leaders filed a lawsuit challenging the immigration crackdown. The Trump administration says the increased enforcement is necessary, but local leaders disagree.
Key Facts
Protests in Minnesota are happening because of actions by U.S. immigration agents.
A Minneapolis woman died in a shooting involving an immigration officer, leading to further protests.
Federal authorities used tear gas to control protesters in multiple cities.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to send over 2,000 immigration officers to Minnesota.
Minnesota, along with Minneapolis and St Paul, filed a lawsuit against this increase in enforcement.
The lawsuit claims that the federal actions are against constitutional rights, like free speech.
The Trump administration defends the actions of immigration agents, stating safety concerns.
The incident with the woman, Renee Nicole Good, has sparked protests and vigils nationwide.
Social Security payments for January 2026 will be distributed this week. These payments include a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to help offset inflation. The adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index, which measures changes in the cost of living.
Key Facts
Over 70 million Americans rely on monthly Social Security payments.
The payments this week are the first for 2026, incorporating a 2.8 percent COLA.
The COLA aims to help beneficiaries cope with rising costs like food and housing.
The SSA uses data from the Consumer Price Index to calculate the annual COLA.
Beneficiaries receive payments on different dates based on their birthdays.
The average retirement benefit will increase by about $56 a month due to the COLA.
Medicare Part B premiums are expected to increase by nearly 10 percent.
Payments are scheduled for January 14, 21, and 28, depending on birth dates.
