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The truck displayed a sign with the message against both the current regime and a historical reference to a U.S.-backed 1953 coup in Iran.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".
Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to protests in the state following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota. Abbott stated that Texas will not tolerate violent protests, while law enforcement took measures to maintain order during demonstrations. The incident has led to increased scrutiny of ICE and its actions under President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minnesota.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Texas officials will not allow violent protests.
The Texas Department of Public Safety police detained several people during protests in Austin.
ICE claimed that Good was involved in anti-ICE activities, which has been disputed by Minnesota officials.
Protests have occurred in several states, including Minnesota and Texas.
The FBI is investigating the shooting in Minnesota.
Some Democratic leaders are criticizing ICE's actions and considering reducing DHS funding.
The U.S. FDA has recalled several dietary supplements after finding they contain hidden pharmaceutical drugs and allergens. These undisclosed ingredients can pose serious health risks. Affected companies are notifying customers and stopping sales and distribution of the products.
Key Facts
The FDA found undeclared prescription drugs and allergens in several dietary supplements.
"Silintan" capsules were recalled for containing meloxicam, a prescription drug that can cause serious side effects.
HerbsForever products were recalled due to undeclared wheat, a risk for people with allergies.
"Modern Warrior Ready" capsules were pulled from shelves for containing tianeptine, 1,4-DMAA, and aniracetam, which are not approved for supplement use in the U.S.
No illnesses or adverse effects have been reported from the recalled products at the time of the recall.
Affected companies are contacting customers and have stopped product sales and distributions.
Consumers are advised to stop using these recalled products immediately.
Protests occurred in the U.S. after an ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Demonstrators across the country demanded changes to immigration enforcement policies. The incident sparked national attention and discussions about the use of force.
Key Facts
Renee Nicole Good was shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Protests took place in several U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, DC, and Boston.
Over 1,000 events were planned under the slogan “ICE, Out for Good” to oppose immigration policies.
The Trump administration called Good a “domestic terrorist,” but local officials disputed this claim.
Footage reportedly shows that Good's vehicle did not pose a threat when she was shot.
Concerns were raised because local law enforcement agencies were not included in the FBI’s investigation.
Renee Nicole Good was the fourth person killed by federal immigration agents since the start of the deportation campaign under President Trump.
The “No Kings” movement, known for opposing Trump, helped organize the protests.
The Trump administration has asked all 50 states to provide voter information, aiming to verify voter roll accuracy. Texas is one of 13 states that agreed to give this data, while others refuse due to privacy concerns. Some organizations and officials criticize the requests as potential interference in elections.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration asked all states for voter data like birth dates and social security numbers.
Texas is one of the states that has agreed to provide this data.
The Justice Department sued over 20 states for not complying, mainly those led by Democrats.
So far, 13 states have agreed to hand over voter rolls.
Federal law limits voter roll changes close to elections, leading to legal scrutiny.
The Democratic National Committee expressed concerns about potential legal violations in Texas.
The Brennan Center for Justice criticized the administration's actions as a threat to election integrity.
A Las Vegas mother shared a viral video of her family's dog, Bella, reacting emotionally when smelling the belongings of her late daughter, Ariana. Ariana, who faced significant medical challenges, passed away unexpectedly during a family vacation. The family cherishes these belongings for their strong connection to memories of Ariana, with Bella, Ariana's 'soulmate' dog, engaging in the grieving process.
Key Facts
Lauren Taylor, a mother from Las Vegas, shared a video of her dog Bella smelling her late daughter's belongings, which went viral.
Ariana, Lauren's daughter, passed away while the family was on vacation in Florida.
Lauren preserved Ariana's belongings to maintain the scent and connection to her.
Bella, a Maltese and Yorkshire terrier cross, had a close bond with Ariana and now spends much time on her bed.
Ariana was born prematurely at 26 weeks and spent 117 days in the NICU.
The Instagram video has garnered over 367,000 views, with many users offering condolences.
The family includes Lauren, her husband Jason, another daughter Kyra, and a newborn son, Callan James.
President Donald Trump's border czar defended ICE after an agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis. The incident sparked protests across the U.S. and has increased scrutiny of ICE's operations. An FBI investigation is underway to examine the circumstances of the shooting.
Key Facts
An ICE agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman named Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
The Trump administration claimed the agent acted in self-defense, saying Good tried to run over the agent.
Minnesota officials, including the governor and mayor, disputed the administration's account.
Large protests took place across the U.S. following the shooting.
ICE and its operations are now under closer examination due to the incident.
Some Democrats are considering reducing funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The FBI is leading the investigation, but there are calls for local agencies to be involved.
Protesters have been urged by Minnesota officials to remain peaceful during demonstrations.
A woman in California found a French bulldog abandoned outside her house. Security camera footage showed the dog was left by a minivan in the middle of the night. A rescue organization later took the dog, and she is now doing well and looking for a new home.
Key Facts
A dog was abandoned in front of a woman's house in Duarte, California.
The woman, Jasmine Gutierrez, heard the dog barking and checked her security camera.
The video showed the dog was left by a minivan at 2:16 a.m.
Gutierrez sheltered the dog with blankets and food after coaxing it for an hour.
The dog's abandonment video was posted on TikTok to find the person responsible.
A rescue group called Hand In Paw took the dog for care.
The dog is healthy and will soon be available for adoption.
Winter storm warnings have been issued for Maine, Michigan, and Alaska. The National Weather Service warns that these storms could bring heavy snow and high winds, making travel very dangerous from January 11 to January 12.
Key Facts
Up to 9 inches of snow is expected in parts of Maine, which could make travel extremely dangerous.
Michigan could see up to 1 inch of snow and 30 mph winds in certain areas.
Alaska may experience up to 10 inches of snow and winds up to 45 mph, significantly reducing visibility.
The National Weather Service advises people to prepare by having flashlights, extra batteries, food, water, and first-aid supplies.
Drivers are advised to carry a winter survival kit that includes blankets, extra clothing, and high-calorie food.
Heavy snow can cause power outages, collapse roofs, and block roads, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions.
