Flood warnings are in effect for Mississippi, Louisiana, and Washington due to expected minor to moderate flooding. The National Weather Service advises people to avoid driving through flooded areas and to stay updated on local forecasts.
Key Facts
Flood warnings have been issued for Mississippi, Louisiana, and Washington from January 12.
The Skokomish River in Washington is expected to rise and cause moderate flooding in the Skokomish Valley.
Mississippi's Chickasawhay River at Leakesville and Leaf River near McLain are predicted to exceed flood levels, affecting several counties.
In Louisiana, the Tangipahoa River near Robert and the Tickfaw River near Montpelier are expected to rise, impacting roads and farmland.
The Bogue Chitto River in Louisiana is also forecasted to flood, with water levels affecting homes and roads.
A green card holder from Cameroon, Lukong Tanya, was detained by federal immigration agents at an airport in Missouri. He was returning from a trip to Mexico with his wife when Customs and Border Protection took him into custody due to his criminal record. Tanya remains in custody as he awaits removal proceedings.
Key Facts
Lukong Tanya, a green card holder, was detained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
Tanya and his wife were returning from a wedding anniversary trip to Mexico.
Customs and Border Protection detained him due to a criminal record, including drug-related charges.
Tanya was moved from a local jail to the Ste. Genevieve Detention Center, where he still is.
His wife, Whitney Robinson, reported unsanitary and cold conditions at the detention center.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that green cards can be revoked if laws are broken.
President Trump's administration is conducting large deportation operations, affecting some legal residents.
The U.S. Justice Department has started a criminal investigation involving Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Powell stated that federal prosecutors issued subpoenas concerning his testimony to a Senate committee about renovations at Federal Reserve buildings.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is looking into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
Powell's testimony to a Senate committee is part of the investigation.
The investigation relates to renovations at Federal Reserve buildings.
Powell described the investigation as "unprecedented."
Powell suggested the probe might be linked to President Trump, who has pressured him to lower interest rates.
President Trump has repeatedly called for lower interest rates and has publicly criticized Powell, even threatening to fire him.
President Trump’s administration has started a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The investigation involves Powell's role in renovations to the Federal Reserve’s headquarters and raises concerns about the independence of the U.S. monetary policy.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The investigation includes grand jury subpoenas linked to Powell's testimony.
The focus is on renovations at the Federal Reserve's headquarters in Washington, DC.
Powell mentioned the probe might affect the Fed's ability to make independent decisions.
This situation highlights a concern that politics may influence U.S. monetary policy.
The Federal Reserve sets interest rates based on economic conditions to serve the public interest.
Rahm Emanuel is exploring a possible run for president in 2028. He is focusing on education and trying to set himself apart from other Democratic candidates. Emanuel is known for his strong views and aims to appeal to voters by addressing internal party divides.
Key Facts
Rahm Emanuel is considering running for president in 2028.
He served as chief of staff under President Obama and an adviser to President Clinton.
Emanuel’s potential campaign focuses on education reforms like extending school days and teaching basics like phonics.
At a Mississippi event, he received positive feedback for his ideas, especially on banning social media for kids under 16.
Emanuel criticized the Democratic Party for being too aligned with tech companies.
Some Democratic operatives doubt he will run, but others believe he is serious about the possibility.
Emanuel is trying to influence the future direction of the Democratic Party.
The Trump administration plans to send more federal agents to Minneapolis after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed a woman there. Protests against immigration enforcement have taken place in several U.S. cities, with large gatherings in Minneapolis. The federal and local officials have differing views on the incident.
Key Facts
The Trump administration will send "hundreds more" federal officers to Minneapolis.
The action follows the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, which sparked protests.
The protests are against immigration enforcement, with large rallies in several U.S. cities.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated federal officers will arrive "today and tomorrow."
Local officials claim the woman posed no danger, while federal officials argue self-defense.
Minneapolis saw tens of thousands gather for anti-ICE protests.
Minneapolis police reported 31 arrests related to the protests.
The FBI and Minnesota state officials are conducting investigations into the shooting.
President Donald Trump stated he does not know about the Department of Justice's investigation into the Federal Reserve, despite it being reported that subpoenas were issued concerning its renovation expenses. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced the investigation while asserting that it might be linked to pressure from the administration to lower interest rates. The inquiry involves a renovation project exceeding its budget by $600 million.
Key Facts
President Trump said he has no knowledge of the DOJ's investigation into the Federal Reserve.
The DOJ issued subpoenas related to the Federal Reserve's office building renovations.
Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, mentioned the inquiry following his Senate testimony about the renovations.
President Trump asserts the investigation is not related to interest rates, despite Powell suggesting otherwise.
The Fed is conducting a $2.5 billion renovation project, which is $600 million over budget.
The Federal Reserve is funded by its operations, not taxpayer money.
The DOJ's Attorney General Pam Bondi has instructed attorneys to prioritize cases involving taxpayer money abuse.
Powell's term as chair ends in May 2026, but he remains on the board till 2028.
Secretary Kristi Noem announced new rules requiring Congress members to request visits to ICE detention centers seven days in advance. The change follows a rise in visit attempts and a recent court ruling stating lawmakers must have access without prior notice. The policy uses a funding rule from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" to limit spontaneous visits.
Key Facts
Homeland Security updated rules for Congressional visits to ICE centers with a seven-day notice requirement.
A federal judge had previously allowed visits without notice.
The new rule relies on a funding provision from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."
The rule change occurred after three Minnesota Democrats were denied access to a facility.
The change follows an incident where an ICE officer shot a Minnesota woman, raising tensions.
Lawmakers argue they have a legal right to oversee conditions in these facilities.
Rep. Joe Neguse plans to challenge the new policy in court.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that the Department of Justice sent grand jury subpoenas to the Federal Reserve, threatening an indictment over his Senate testimony. Powell suggested that this action relates to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, not his testimony. He emphasized his commitment to performing his duties without political influence.
Key Facts
Jerome Powell is the Chair of the Federal Reserve.
The Department of Justice sent subpoenas to the Federal Reserve.
The subpoenas threaten a criminal indictment over Powell's Senate testimony last June.
Powell's testimony included discussions about renovating Federal Reserve buildings.
Powell claims the indictment is a result of the Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates.
He has served under four U.S. administrations.
Powell stated he will continue his role with integrity and focus on public service.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended a fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and plans to send more agents to the city. The shooting of Renee Nicole Good has led to differing accounts of the incident, with some calling it self-defense and others questioning the government's narrative. The incident has sparked protests and increased tensions between Minnesota officials and the federal government.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem is the Homeland Security Secretary.
A fatal shooting involving ICE agents occurred in Minneapolis, involving Renee Nicole Good.
Noem called Good’s actions an "act of domestic terrorism" soon after the event.
State investigators claim they were blocked from accessing case materials and evidence.
Video footage suggesting a different story has been circulating, showing Good waving vehicles past her own.
The shooting has led to protests against ICE and wider tensions between local and federal authorities.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith and Representative Ilhan Omar have criticized the federal government’s handling of the case.
The identity of the ICE agent involved was reported as Jonathan Ross by several media outlets.
A U-Haul truck drove through a crowd at an Iran pro-regime change protest in Westwood, California. The rally was in support of Iranian protesters and opposed to the Iranian government.
Key Facts
A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd at an Iran pro-regime change rally in California.
The truck displayed a sign with the message against both the current regime and a historical reference to a U.S.-backed 1953 coup in Iran.
The term "mullah" on the truck refers to Muslim religious leaders.
The protest in Westwood aimed to show support for Iranian protesters facing government crackdowns.
The event was reported as a breaking news story by NBC Los Angeles.
An investigation by ProPublica revealed that the FDA does not often test the quality of generic drugs. Although the FDA claims generic drugs are of high quality like brand-name drugs, the investigation raises doubts about this.
Key Facts
About 90% of prescriptions in the U.S. are filled with generic drugs.
The FDA states that approved generic drugs have the same quality as brand-name drugs.
A ProPublica investigation found the FDA rarely tests the quality of these drugs.
Debbie Cenziper, an investigative reporter, discussed these findings.
This raises concerns about the actual quality control of generic drugs.
The U.S. government plans to send more federal officers to Minnesota following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer. Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, stated that hundreds more officers would arrive to ensure ICE and Border Patrol can operate safely in Minneapolis amid ongoing protests and political tensions.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem is the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security.
The U.S. government will deploy more officers to Minnesota after the shooting of Renee Nicole Good.
Renee Nicole Good was shot by an ICE officer, Jonathan Ross.
The Trump administration defends the ICE officer despite protests.
There is an ongoing investigation in Minnesota regarding alleged welfare fraud involving federal funds.
Noem criticized local officials, saying they are not cooperating with federal law enforcement.
The administration claims ICE officers have "absolute immunity" while performing federal duties.
People who interfere with ICE officers could face arrest and criminal charges.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be reformed and not abolished. She also mentioned she might not support funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless changes are made in ICE. Her comments come after an ICE-related incident in Minnesota, as well as a national debate over ICE's role.
Key Facts
Senator Tina Smith is a Democrat from Minnesota who supports reforming ICE rather than abolishing it.
Smith may withhold her vote on the Department of Homeland Security’s budget until ICE is reformed.
The statement follows an incident where ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
Officials said the shooting was in self-defense, but critics, including local leaders, question the investigation's fairness.
The FBI is handling the investigation after federal authorities blocked state investigators.
A new poll shows that 52% of Americans disapprove of ICE's job performance.
Support for abolishing ICE within the Democratic Party has grown, adding pressure on party leaders.
President Donald Trump responded to a social media joke about Secretary of State Marco Rubio becoming the president of Cuba, saying it "sounds good to me." This remark came amid discussions about the U.S. removing Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela and the potential impact on Cuba, as Cuba's economy heavily relied on Venezuelan oil. President Trump has expressed concerns about Cuba's current situation and suggested future U.S. discussions about the country.
Key Facts
President Trump commented positively on a social media joke about Marco Rubio becoming Cuba's president.
Marco Rubio is currently serving as the U.S. Secretary of State.
The U.S. recently removed Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela through a military operation.
Maduro is facing trial in New York City for charges related to narco-terrorism.
The U.S. plans to manage Venezuela and utilize its oil reserves.
Trump's administration is focusing on issues in the region, including the situation in Cuba.
Marco Rubio has held multiple roles in the Trump administration, including acting national security adviser.
Rubio is the first Latino Secretary of State, with a background connected to Cuban exiles.
A woman in Nevada, Annie Todt, decided to adopt her foster sons, Kingston and Tyson, after caring for them. Her father was very happy about the news, and both boys have settled in well with the family.
Key Facts
Annie Todt and her husband fostered seven children before adopting.
Kingston and Tyson had no relatives who could take them, leading to the adoption.
Annie first met Kingston as a baby, and he is described as shy and kind.
Tyson initially faced medical challenges but has since improved significantly.
Annie’s father was excited about the adoption and has a close relationship with the boys.
The family shares many activities together, like hiking and playing baseball.
The brothers are bonded closely, attending the same school and therapy sessions.
Their older sister, Tinlie, is also an active part of their lives.
Housing prices in the United States are predicted to rise modestly through 2026, but inflation might outpace these increases, resulting in a slight real-term decline. Notable growth is expected in the Northeast and Midwest regions, while areas like Texas and coastal Florida may experience a cooling in the market. Some cities, such as Toledo, Ohio, are predicted to see significant home price growth.
Key Facts
Home prices are expected to rise by 2.2% through 2026, according to Realtor.com.
Inflation is projected to outpace home price gains, effectively leading to lower inflation-adjusted prices.
The Northeast and Midwest regions are expected to have the biggest home price increases.
Home prices in Toledo, Ohio, are projected to grow by 13.1%.
The median sale price of a U.S. home was $433,261 as of November.
Housing markets in the Midwest and Northeast have strong demand due to low inventory.
Regions like Texas and coastal Florida might see home price declines due to higher inventory.
President Donald Trump used the U.S. military to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro without Congress's approval, sparking debate over the War Powers Act. Trump called the Act unconstitutional, but courts have not settled this issue definitively. Congress and the President have long disagreed on who can declare war.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered a military action in Venezuela without Congress's approval.
He claimed the War Powers Act is unconstitutional, violating Article II of the Constitution.
The War Powers Act requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of military action.
The Act also demands the end of military operations within 60 days without Congress's approval, with some exceptions.
Courts have avoided making a legal decision on the War Powers Act's constitutionality.
The U.S. Senate moved to limit further military action in Venezuela without Congress's approval, but success is uncertain.
Presidents and Congress have historically disagreed on war declarations, with the last formal declaration made in World War II.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, introduced a new policy that restricts congressional visits to immigration detention centers. The policy requires lawmakers to give one week's notice before visiting, which led to three Minnesota House Democrats being denied entry to a facility in Minneapolis. This policy change follows a controversial ICE incident in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem is the Homeland Security Secretary who introduced a new policy restricting congressional visits to ICE facilities.
Lawmakers must now give a week's notice before making oversight visits to these facilities.
This policy was revealed when three Minnesota Democrats were denied entry to an ICE detention center.
The new policy comes after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, causing public protests.
A federal judge previously rejected a similar policy requiring notice for visits.
Noem plans to use funding from President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill to implement this policy, avoiding existing spending laws.
Democratic lawmakers have criticized this move, claiming it obstructs congressional oversight duties.
The United States Homeland Security Secretary labeled Renee Nicole Good's actions, before her death in an incident with an ICE officer, as "domestic terrorism". Minnesota officials disputed this account, stating that videos showed Good trying to drive away from the scene. The Trump administration has used similar language in past immigration-related incidents.
Key Facts
Renee Nicole Good was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called her actions "domestic terrorism".
Officials in Minnesota disagreed, citing videos showing she tried to leave the area.
President Trump's administration has used the term "domestic terrorism" in other immigration enforcement actions recently.
Good was a mother of three and had no criminal background.
The federal government does not have a charge specifically for "domestic terrorism".
There are different definitions of "domestic terrorism" used by federal agencies like the FBI and DHS.
Experts say there is confusion about what legally qualifies as "domestic terrorism".
