A GoFundMe page supporting an ICE agent named Jonathan Ross, who shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, has raised more than $600,000. The incident caused public debate over the conduct of federal agents and President Donald Trump's administration policies. The fundraiser for Good's family raised over $1.5 million before closing, while donations for Ross continue amid controversy.
Key Facts
An ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, leading to public debates.
A GoFundMe page supporting Ross has raised over $600,000, with a notable $10,000 donation from billionaire Bill Ackman.
A separate GoFundMe for Good’s family raised over $1.5 million before closing.
GoFundMe's Trust and Safety team is reviewing fundraisers linked to the shooting to ensure compliance with their rules.
The platform prohibits raising money for legal defense if someone is formally charged with a violent crime; Ross has not been charged.
Vice President JD Vance defended Ross, stating he acted within his role as a federal law enforcement officer.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the defense of Ross's actions and called for a review of video evidence related to the incident.
In early 2025, the United States saw an increase in greenhouse gas emissions for the first time in three years. This rise was driven mainly by higher energy demands from data centers and cryptocurrencies, as well as a cold winter that led to more fossil fuel use for heating. Coal use increased by 13%, although solar power also saw significant growth.
Key Facts
US greenhouse gas emissions rose by 2.4% in 2025 after declining for two years.
Cold weather pushed up the use of natural gas and other fuels by almost 7%.
Coal use increased by 13% due to high electricity demand and expensive natural gas.
The rise in emissions was partly due to higher energy needs from data centers and cryptocurrency operations.
Solar power grew by 34% in 2025, the fastest rate since 2017.
Transport remained the biggest source of emissions in the US, but emissions from this sector stayed flat.
Hybrid and electric vehicles increased on the roads, with hybrids up 25% compared to 2024.
President Trump's climate policy changes had little immediate impact on emissions in 2025.
A shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis has sparked controversy and protests. Unlike local police shootings, ICE agent shootings are investigated internally by the federal government, which makes accountability more difficult to achieve. Under President Trump's administration, there has been less focus on investigating ICE compared to local police departments.
Key Facts
Renee Nicole Good was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
ICE shootings are mainly investigated by the federal government, not independent agencies.
ICE was created after the 9/11 attacks and is considered a young federal agency.
The Trump administration has stopped many Department of Justice investigations into excessive force by police departments.
Since early 2025, there have been at least seven ICE officer shootings.
Critics say ICE agents have detained U.S. citizens, allegedly based on racial profiling.
Minnesota officials are conducting their own investigation into the ICE agent's actions.
Past incidents, like Ruby Ridge, show how federal immunity can complicate legal proceedings against federal agents.
President Donald Trump plans to limit credit card interest rates to 10% for one year, starting on his inauguration date, January 20. He argues that high interest rates are unfair to Americans, but experts caution that the plan may reduce access to credit. Trump supports legislation in Congress to address these issues, but the plan requires cooperation from lawmakers to succeed.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year.
The cap is set to begin on January 20, the day of Trump’s inauguration.
The average interest rate on credit cards was about 22.83% as of August.
U.S. credit card debt reached $1.23 trillion in September.
Bipartisan support exists for lowering credit card costs, but experts warn the cap might limit credit access for some consumers.
Congress would need to pass a law for the interest rate cap to be legal; Trump supports related bipartisan bills.
One pertinent bill, the "Credit Card Competition Act," aims to stop hidden swipe fees imposed by companies like Visa and Mastercard.
President Donald Trump filed a $10-billion lawsuit against the BBC, claiming a documentary defamed him. The BBC plans to seek dismissal of the lawsuit, arguing that the court in Florida lacks authority over them and that Trump’s claims are unfounded.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves a BBC documentary episode titled "Trump: A Second Chance?" aired before the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Trump claims the documentary misrepresented his January 6, 2021, speech, implying he encouraged supporters to act violently.
The BBC apologized for the documentary in November, and two executives resigned.
Trump's lawsuit demands $5 billion for defamation and $5 billion for unfair trade practices.
The BBC argues the Florida court does not have "personal jurisdiction" over it since the documentary was not produced in Florida.
The BBC claims Trump has not provided evidence of "actual malice," a legal standard in defamation cases.
The BBC states the documentary did not air in the U.S. on BritBox, contradicting Trump's claim.
The BBC is requesting that other legal processes pause until the court decides on their motion to dismiss.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather warnings for parts of Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The warnings start on Tuesday, January 13, and may last until Thursday, January 15. People in these areas are advised to be ready for slippery roads and listen for updates.
Key Facts
Four U.S. states are under winter weather warnings: Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
In Alaska, up to 20 inches of snow and 65 mph winds are expected in some areas, making travel challenging.
Some areas in Michigan are forecasted to receive up to 6 inches of snow and 45 mph winds, affecting commutes.
Minnesota's Pine County could see up to 1 inch of snow and ice, leading to slippery roads.
Parts of Wisconsin may experience around 1 inch of snow and icy roads, impacting daily travel.
People in the affected areas are encouraged to monitor weather updates and practice caution when traveling.
The winter weather warnings are in place from January 13 to January 15, with specific timings varying by location.
President Donald Trump announced a "DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION" for Minnesota following protests after the death of a woman who was killed while driving towards an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Actions by federal immigration agents have resulted in clashes, leading Minnesota officials to file a lawsuit against the operation, claiming it is unconstitutional and harmful to communities.
Key Facts
President Trump made a statement about Minnesota facing a "DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION."
Protests erupted in Minnesota following the death of Renee Good.
The conflict involves federal immigration agents operating under Trump's mass deportation policy.
Minnesota officials, including Attorney General Keith Ellison, filed a lawsuit to stop the ICE operation.
Governor Tim Walz described the ICE surge as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
The lawsuit claims federal agents are causing harm through racial profiling and harassment.
There have been reports of ICE operations in schools and hospitals in Minnesota.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $68 million investment to help about 1,300 low-to-moderate-income households. This initiative aims to support homeowners, including seniors and veterans, by providing funds for critical home repairs and rental assistance.
Key Facts
New York is providing over $68 million to aid low-to-moderate-income households.
The funds target homeowners, seniors, and veterans for home repairs and safe housing.
Nearly 1,300 homes across New York will benefit from this initiative.
The funding is managed by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
Regions receiving funds include Capital Region, Long Island, and more, with amounts specific to each area.
Programs available include NYS HOME and Community Development Block Grant.
Eligible households must apply through local governments and nonprofits receiving the grants.
The aim is to tackle the housing affordability crisis in New York.
Flags in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Maryland are lowered to half-staff to honor individuals who made significant contributions or sacrifices. Each state governor ordered the flags lowered for a day or until a specified time in memory of these people. The practice is a way to show respect for their service and dedication.
Key Facts
Flags in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Maryland are at half-staff due to state orders.
Michigan honors former State Senator Joel Gougeon, who served in the Air Force and was a public servant.
Massachusetts honors Officer Stephen LaPorta, who died responding to a crash on January 7, 2026.
Maryland honors Detective Paul Hoke, who died from a medical emergency while on duty.
Michigan’s flags are lowered for one day, January 13, 2026, and will return to full-staff on January 14, 2026.
In Massachusetts, flags will stay half-staff until Officer LaPorta's funeral on January 15, 2026.
Maryland’s flags are lowered from sunrise to sunset on January 13, 2026.
The lowering of flags is a traditional way to honor those who have served or sacrificed for their communities.
The United States is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Somali nationals under TPS have been given a deadline of March 17 to leave the country, as conditions in Somalia are said to have improved.
Key Facts
The U.S. is ending TPS for Somali nationals.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made the announcement.
Somali nationals with TPS must leave the U.S. by March 17.
The decision is based on the report that conditions in Somalia have improved.
There are 2,471 Somali nationals with TPS in the U.S.
An additional 1,383 Somali nationals have pending TPS applications.
President Donald Trump was accused of posting sensitive jobs data before it was officially published. He shared a chart showing employment changes for 2025 on Truth Social using early information meant for private use. The White House is now reviewing protocols to handle data release following this incident.
Key Facts
President Trump shared a graph on Truth Social showing employment data before its official release.
The data involved came from a jobs report by the Department of Labor.
Sensitive job data is usually given to the White House under strict confidentiality before public release.
The early release of this data could influence financial markets.
After official release, job additions were slightly below expectations, with 50,000 new jobs in December.
Trump's post was liked nearly 18,000 times on Truth Social.
The White House said they will review data release protocols after this incident.
A study by WalletHub ranked U.S. states based on factors that affect family living conditions like affordability, education, and safety. Massachusetts scored the highest as the best state to raise a family, while New Mexico ranked the lowest.
Key Facts
Massachusetts is ranked as the best U.S. state for raising a family in 2026.
The study used 50 indicators including health, education, and cost of living.
New Mexico was ranked as the worst state for families.
Massachusetts scored high due to strong jobs, good health outcomes, and top-ranking public schools.
Minnesota and North Dakota also ranked highly for family living conditions.
Federal and national organization data were used in the analysis.
Factors like family income, housing costs, and crime rates were considered.
The study aims to help families and policymakers with data-driven insights.
California is considering a new tax proposal targeting billionaires to raise funds for public services. Some billionaires have expressed concerns that the wealth tax might lead them to leave the state, which could reduce California's tax revenues. The proposal suggests a one-time 5% tax on individuals with a net worth over $1 billion.
Key Facts
California has the most billionaires of any U.S. state, with over 80 on the Forbes 400 list and around 200 in total.
The proposed tax, called the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, would see a 5% tax on assets for those worth over $1 billion.
The tax could be paid over five years as an option.
Supporters believe the tax could raise billions for health care, education, and other public services.
Opponents, including some billionaires, warn it could drive wealthy residents out of California.
Oculus founder Palmer Luckey and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman criticized the proposal for potential economic harm.
Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and former "Shark Tank" investor Mark Cuban expressed concerns about wealth taxes.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted that his wealth is tied up in stocks, not cash.
Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla predicted key business figures could leave California.
Nvidia founder Jensen Huang expressed support for the proposal.
Thousands of people in California, Florida, and Texas have been warned by the National Weather Service to stay out of the water because of dangerous waves, high surf, and rip currents. These conditions can lead to drowning and other serious accidents. The advice includes staying close to lifeguards if swimming and specific instructions for what to do if caught in a rip current.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service warned about dangerous sea conditions in California, Florida, and Texas.
High surf and rip current warnings are issued for specific beaches in these states until Tuesday night.
In California, waves could reach up to 12 feet, increasing the risk of drowning.
Florida beaches are under high rip current risk, with a warning that rip currents can sweep swimmers out to sea.
Some Texas coastlines have a rip current warning in effect.
Swimmers caught in rip currents are advised not to fight against it and to swim parallel to the shoreline.
If unable to escape a rip current, swimmers should tread water, stay calm, and call for help.
It is advised not to personally attempt rescues, but to contact lifeguards or call 911 for help.
Minnesota has sued the Trump administration due to a strict immigration enforcement operation in the state. Local authorities and citizens have raised concerns about federal agents' actions, which they describe as aggressive and unconstitutional. The lawsuit followed a controversial increase in immigration agents, leading to protests after an ICE agent fatally shot a Minneapolis woman.
Key Facts
Minnesota's Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are suing the Trump administration.
The lawsuit aims to stop a federal immigration operation.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are involved in a crackdown described as the largest ever by the Department of Homeland Security.
An ICE agent fatally shot a Minneapolis mother of three, Renee Nicole Good, leading to protests.
Minnesota's Attorney General claims federal actions are unconstitutional and aggressive.
Over 1,000 Border Patrol officers were reportedly added to existing agents in Minnesota.
The crackdown particularly affects communities like the Somali community in Minneapolis.
Local leaders report disruptions in daily life and fear among citizens.
The Trump administration faced criticism for a social media post by the Department of Homeland Security that included a phrase linked to white nationalist groups. The post intended to recruit Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents but received backlash because of its wording. Another post from the Department of Labor also drew criticism for similar reasons.
Key Facts
The Department of Homeland Security posted, "We’ll have our home again," on social media, which drew criticism because it is used in white nationalist spaces.
The phrase comes from a song with ties to white nationalist groups, but there is no historical evidence linking it to the Ku Klux Klan.
By early Tuesday, the DHS post was viewed 6.9 million times.
The Department of Labor posted a phrase similar to Nazi propaganda which was viewed more than 10 million times and criticized for Nazi associations.
These posts came after protests erupted following incidents involving ICE agents and federal agents in Minnesota and Oregon.
DHS stated the Minnesota shooting was in self-defense, while criticism from figures like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has emerged against ICE’s actions.
The song featuring the controversial phrase has been performed by various artists and was uploaded by a group called Pine Tree Riots on YouTube.
Comments on the song's YouTube video link it to violent and racist rhetoric.
The EPA announced it will not approve Colorado's plan to close certain coal plants. The decision is based on the state's lack of full consent from the plants and non-compliance with the Clean Air Act. The EPA wants to ensure reliable and affordable energy for Colorado.
Key Facts
The EPA plans to disapprove Colorado's plan to close several coal power plants.
The plan aimed to control pollution and improve air quality in national parks and protected areas.
The EPA claims Colorado's plan doesn't meet Clean Air Act requirements.
Colorado's plan involved closing some power plants without their consent.
There are concerns that plant shutdowns could disrupt the power grid.
The EPA emphasizes the need for reliable, affordable energy in Colorado.
If Colorado does not revise its plan, the EPA may impose a federal plan in two years.
Two U.S. citizens working at a Target store in Minnesota were detained by federal agents during an immigration operation, causing injuries and leading to their release later on. The operation sparked protests and concerns about increased federal enforcement in the community. State Representative Michael Howard criticized the actions and the impact on civil rights.
Key Facts
Two citizens were detained by federal agents at a Minnesota Target store during an immigration operation.
The Department of Homeland Security mentioned an arrest related to assaulting federal officers.
Video footage shows one person shouting about being a U.S. citizen while being detained.
There were protests outside the Target store, demanding respect for workers' rights.
DHS claims the arrests were due to one person resisting and using profanity.
The incident is part of a broader increase in federal immigration actions in Minnesota.
Local leaders and citizens have raised concerns over civil rights violations and racial profiling.
YouTuber Nick Shirley plans to release a new video about alleged fraud in Minnesota's daycare centers. His previous video claimed that these centers received government money without providing services, attracting attention from politicians and the public. The allegations have led to increased scrutiny and investigations in the state.
Key Facts
Nick Shirley is a YouTuber who made a video about alleged daycare fraud in Minnesota.
His first video, lasting 42 minutes, went viral and claimed that nearly a dozen daycare centers were not providing services despite receiving taxpayer funds.
The video prompted the Department of Homeland Security to start a large immigration operation in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will not seek reelection amid the rising fraud scandal.
Shirley plans to release a follow-up video and has posted a teaser image for it online.
The daycare center in question, the Quality Learning Center, is accused of being inactive while receiving $4 million in state funding since 2025.
In reply, the center stated there was no fraud and images showed children visiting it.
Investigations have revealed further possible welfare fraud, with billions in federal funds potentially stolen in Minnesota since 2018.
President Donald Trump announced plans to work with U.S. tech companies to prevent increases in electricity bills linked to AI data centers. Microsoft is the first company to commit to this effort, aiming to cover utility costs in some areas. This move responds to concerns that data centers significantly increase local utility bills.
Key Facts
President Trump is working with tech leaders to prevent higher electricity bills due to AI data centers.
Microsoft is the first company to commit to this initiative, planning changes to manage costs.
The U.S. has the most data centers globally, with high electricity use contributing to increased local utility bills.
Data centers in the U.S. used 183 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, over 4% of the nation's total electricity consumption.
Three U.S. senators are investigating if tech companies are passing data center costs to consumers.
Senate letters question companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta regarding utility cost hikes.
Microsoft plans to cover some local utility costs, such as in Wisconsin, but has not committed to doing so nationwide.
