The Trump administration decided that federal investigators would lead the investigation into a shooting by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, leaving local investigators out. This decision has led to criticism from some legal experts who feel it might affect public trust and the fairness of the investigation due to lack of cooperation between federal and local authorities.
Key Facts
The Trump administration removed local investigators from the investigation into the ICE officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis.
The shooting involved the killing of Renee Nicole Good, sparking political debate about the circumstances.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty expressed concerns about the lack of evidence sharing with local officials.
The FBI is handling the investigation but has not shared key evidence with local authorities, according to Moriarty.
President Donald Trump and other top officials have shown support for the ICE officer involved in the shooting.
The Justice Department attributes the lack of cooperation to remarks by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, expressing skepticism about self-defense claims.
Critics, including former prosecutors, argue that federal dominance in the investigation challenges the possibility of a fair inquiry.
New data shows credit scores have dropped in every U.S. state over the past year, indicating financial struggles for many people. States like Missouri, Georgia, and Delaware experienced the biggest declines, partly due to missed payments and increasing debt levels. President Donald Trump has suggested a cap on credit card interest rates to help consumers.
Key Facts
Average credit scores fell in all 50 U.S. states between 2024 and 2025.
Lower credit scores can make borrowing money more costly.
Credit scores depend on payment history and credit usage.
About 74% of Americans have at least one credit card.
Credit card interest rates are above 20%, making debt more expensive.
President Trump proposed a 10% cap on credit card interest rates.
Missouri saw the largest drop, with scores falling from 664 to 654.
Georgia and Delaware also had significant declines in credit scores.
Flags in Minnesota, Hawaii, and Maryland are being flown at half-staff to honor deceased public servants in these states. Each state governor made the order to recognize and remember these local heroes, with specific dates and individuals being honored.
Key Facts
Flags in Minnesota will be at half-staff on January 10, 2026, for Firefighter Andy Ziegler.
Ziegler served the Milaca Fire Department for 15 years and died on December 28, 2025.
Hawaii's flags will be lowered from January 9 to January 11, 2026, for Fire Chief Kazuo Todd.
Chief Todd died on December 14, 2025, and his funeral is on January 10, 2026.
In Maryland, flags have been lowered since January 7, 2026, for Detective Paul Hoke.
Detective Hoke died following an emergency on December 31, 2025.
These orders reflect a tribute to their service and are a common practice to honor public servants.
The flag-lowering will continue until further notice from the governors’ offices.
President Donald Trump announced a plan to prevent Wall Street firms from buying single-family homes to make them less expensive for families. This proposal aims to help families afford homes by giving them a better chance against big companies.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to stop Wall Street firms from buying single-family homes.
The goal is to make it easier for families to purchase these homes.
Companies like Blackstone often buy homes and rent them at high prices.
Renting a home can often be more expensive than buying it.
Trump's administration previously moved cannabis to a lower drug schedule.
He has also spoken about eliminating federal income tax.
Trump has a history of controversial business ventures, some of which failed.
A new video shows a Minnesota woman's encounter with an ICE officer before she was fatally shot. Public anger is growing as local agencies are excluded from the investigation. The U.S. government defends the officer, while local officials criticize federal handling.
Key Facts
A video shows the moments leading up to the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross in Minnesota.
The video was shared by a conservative news site and later by the Department of Homeland Security.
Local officials are upset because federal agencies are handling the investigation without involving them.
President Trump's administration supports the ICE officer, saying he acted in self-defense.
Local authorities and Minnesota's prosecutor have asked the public for any additional evidence related to the incident.
Renee Nicole Good was the fourth person killed by ICE agents since the start of an immigration crackdown last year.
Good's wife, present during the incident, said they were at the scene to support others and criticized the armed response by federal agents.
President Donald Trump has proposed a one-year cap of 10% on credit card interest rates, arguing that high rates are unfair to Americans. This proposal comes as an effort to lower borrowing costs, which currently average over 20%. The plan has received mixed reactions, with some fearing it could limit credit access.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year.
Nearly 74% of Americans have credit cards, accounting for 70% of retail spending.
Current average credit card interest rates are over 20%.
Bipartisan legislation in the Senate and House has previously aimed to set a 10% cap on credit card interest rates.
Critics say a cap could make it harder for people to get credit as lenders tighten borrowing criteria.
Some financial groups argue that lower interest rates could reduce credit availability for families and businesses.
President Trump had proposed similar ideas during his 2024 election campaign.
A video showing an ICE agent's shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis has caused debate about law enforcement tactics. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey disagrees with the claim that the agent acted in self-defense. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the agent was threatened and reacted in self-defense.
Key Facts
Renee Nicole Good was shot by ICE officer Jonathan Ross during a traffic stop in Minneapolis.
Good was an immigration activist, poet, and mother.
The shooting happened during a federal enforcement operation under President Donald Trump's administration.
New video footage shows Good's vehicle stopping, then reversing and moving forward before shots were fired.
The Department of Homeland Security describes Good's actions as an attempt to harm officers, calling it domestic terrorism.
Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed claims of self-defense, criticizing the agent's conduct in the video.
Minneapolis officials want a fair investigation, potentially involving the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
DHS maintains that the officer acted in self-defense, citing the threat to his and others' safety.
President Donald Trump encountered two legal setbacks on the same day. One judge blocked his administration from withholding federal election funds from some states, while another judge halted the freezing of $10 billion in social services funding to certain states.
Key Facts
A U.S. district judge stopped the Trump administration from restricting federal election funding for states.
A separate federal judge in New York blocked a freeze on $10 billion in funding for childcare and social services for five Democratic-led states.
The election funding ruling involved states that use vote-by-mail, like Washington and Oregon.
Judge John Chun found that the Trump administration's actions exceeded its authority by trying to enforce new conditions on federal funds.
Judge Arun Subramanian's ruling prevents the Trump administration from withholding money for social services as a legal challenge proceeds.
The second ruling responded to a lawsuit claiming the freeze would harm families in New York, California, Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado.
The Trump administration linked its decision to allegations of fraud in Minnesota's social programs.
President Trump's actions were seen as attempts to exert pressure on states regarding elections and funding.
The Trump administration has stopped federal funding for SNAP (food assistance) and other agriculture programs in Minnesota because of a large fraud investigation. The suspension affects over $129 million in funds due to concerns about financial mismanagement and failure to prevent fraud. Officials first noticed significant welfare fraud in the state in 2022, leading to numerous charges and ongoing investigations.
Key Facts
The Trump administration halted over $129 million in agriculture funding to Minnesota.
The suspension affects SNAP benefits, which help low-income people buy food.
Around 453,900 people in Minnesota receive SNAP benefits.
Federal authorities found large-scale welfare fraud in Minnesota in 2022.
78 people have been charged in connection with the fraud scheme.
There are allegations of poor financial management in Minnesota and Minneapolis.
The USDA asked Minnesota to verify SNAP recipient eligibility, but the state did not comply.
SNAP fraud can happen through misrepresentation, illegal trading of benefits, or theft.
President Donald Trump faces a challenge in balancing keeping home values high while trying to make homes more affordable for first-time buyers. A shortage of homes is contributing to high prices, and experts suggest that building more housing, especially multi-family homes, could help. Lowering mortgage rates and reducing tariffs on construction materials are other ways experts believe could improve affordability.
Key Facts
President Trump acknowledges a conflict between maintaining high home values and improving housing affordability.
Experts say a lack of housing is causing high prices, suggesting the U.S. needs 3 to 4 million more homes.
As of November, the median sale price of a home in the U.S. was $433,261, a slight increase from the previous year.
Higher density housing, like townhomes, could lower entry costs for new buyers.
Encouraging dense housing and avoiding policies that affect livability could help solve the issue.
Reducing mortgage rates and tariffs on construction materials could also aid affordability.
The average mortgage rate for a 30-year loan was 6.15% as of late December.
Many Americans are experiencing financial difficulties, with essential costs rising faster than wages. A survey showed that people are spending less and using savings or taking on debt to cope. Despite inflation slowing down, the cost of living remains high for many.
Key Facts
A survey by Resume Now involved 1,011 employed Americans.
Only 17% feel secure enough to save after covering essentials.
Nearly two-thirds say everyday essentials are their main financial burden.
92% have cut back on spending, even on necessary items.
Only 12% of respondents say their wages have kept up with inflation.
In 2025, 49% of survey participants used savings, and 24% took on debt.
60% of people could only cover three months of expenses if they lost their income.
40% cut back on grocery spending, and over 20% delayed medical care due to cost.
Hundreds of protesters in Minneapolis stormed a hotel after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good. This incident sparked ongoing protests against ICE and federal immigration policies. The protests led to property damage and clashes with police.
Key Facts
An ICE officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman, during a confrontation.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Canopy by Hilton Hotel, believing ICE agents were staying there.
Protesters caused damage by breaking windows and spraying graffiti.
Police deployed about 100 state troopers to disperse the crowd.
Video footage shows Good in a vehicle after a confrontation with the ICE officer.
Authorities claim Good attempted to run over the officer; local leaders dispute this.
The protests have drawn national attention and focus on federal immigration enforcement.
Actress Ashley Tisdale wrote about leaving her mom group, feeling excluded from events and noticing a shift in group dynamics. Similar experiences are shared by other moms who feel these groups can become toxic due to gossip and social pressure. Experts say mom groups can start with the goal of support but can develop negative dynamics over time.
Key Facts
Ashley Tisdale shared her experiences in an essay about exiting a mom group.
Tisdale felt left out of group events like birthdays and dinners.
Other moms, like Leslie Dobson, also felt the group dynamics became negative.
Dobson mentioned feeling social pressure and neglecting her own and her children's needs.
Dr. Ashwini Nadkarni explained that mom groups are for support but can become toxic.
Toxic behaviors may include gossip and "us versus them" dynamics within subgroups.
Dobson decided leaving the group was better for her family's well-being.
President Donald Trump is experiencing more opposition from some Republicans in Congress. These disagreements involve issues on both domestic and foreign policies, including his actions on Venezuela and Greenland. Despite the resistance, Trump still has significant support within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
President Trump is facing increased opposition from Republicans in Congress.
Recent disputes include Trump's vetoes on bills related to a Colorado water project and tribal lands in Florida.
Attempts to override Trump's vetoes received bipartisan support but not enough to succeed.
Five Republican senators supported limiting Trump's military actions in Venezuela.
Trump's comments on potentially using military action to annex Greenland have been criticized by various Republican leaders.
Some experts note that despite the pushback, Trump continues to hold significant influence in the GOP (Republican Party).
An immigration agent in Portland, Oregon, shot a man and woman during a traffic stop, with officials stating they have connections to a Venezuelan gang. The agent fired after the driver reportedly tried to run him over. Both individuals are in the hospital recovering, and investigations are ongoing.
Key Facts
A U.S. immigration agent shot a man and woman in Portland, Oregon, during a traffic stop.
Officials say both had links to a Venezuelan gang called Tren de Aragua.
The agent reportedly fired his gun after the driver attempted to run him over.
The driver is identified as Luis David Nino-Moncada, who entered the U.S. without documentation in 2022.
The passenger is identified as Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, who also entered the U.S. without documentation in 2023.
Zambrano-Contreras is alleged to have been involved in a prostitution ring and a prior shooting.
Both individuals drove to an apartment complex and called for medical help after the incident.
It's unclear if they will face criminal charges related to this event.
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot freeze around $10 billion in funds meant for child care and social services in five states. The funds are for programs supporting low-income families and people with disabilities and will be released for at least the next two weeks.
Key Facts
A federal judge stopped the Trump administration from freezing $10 billion for child care and social services.
The states involved are California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York.
The Department of Health and Human Services claimed the freeze was due to fraud in the child care system.
The lawsuit claims the freeze resulted from misinformation and political actions, not fraud.
The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Illinois Attorney General criticized the Trump administration's decision as unjustified.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the ruling.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced new lawsuits against President Donald Trump's administration. The lawsuits are about stopping construction on offshore wind projects in New York due to national security concerns. These projects are expected to provide power to over a million homes.
Key Facts
Letitia James is the New York Attorney General.
She filed lawsuits against President Trump's administration.
The lawsuits concern offshore wind projects in New York.
These projects aim to power over one million homes.
The U.S. Department of the Interior suspended the projects citing national security.
James argues the halt endangers jobs, power supply, and climate progress.
The State of New York believes the projects passed necessary reviews.
The projects are named Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind.
Court records point to an ICE agent named Jonathan Ross who was reportedly involved in a shooting in Minneapolis, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was killed. The same agent, according to court documents, was previously injured in June when he was dragged by a car during an investigation. The incident has caused a public debate in the U.S. over the agent's actions.
Key Facts
An ICE agent shot a woman named Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
Court records suggest the agent was Jonathan Ross.
Ross was previously injured in June when a car dragged him during an investigation.
He suffered a significant arm wound that required over 50 stitches.
Ross has worked with ICE in Minnesota since 2017.
He is part of a specialized ICE team dealing with high-risk warrants and deportations.
In June, during an investigation, Ross was injured while trying to arrest a man named Roberto Carlos Muñoz.
The June incident resulted in Muñoz being found guilty of assault on a federal officer.
The White House defended an ICE agent involved in a fatal shooting in Minnesota and criticized Democrats for their comments against the agency. The statement highlighted incidents where Democrats allegedly made negative remarks about ICE agents. It also connected these remarks to increasing divisions between political parties over law enforcement actions.
Key Facts
The White House released a statement supporting an ICE agent involved in a fatal Minnesota shooting.
The shooting resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good.
Democrats have criticized ICE and called for the prosecution of the involved agent.
The statement accused Democrats of making harmful comments about ICE 57 times.
The White House's statement was linked to National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
The statement mentioned several Democratic politicians, including Governor Tim Walz and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Vice President JD Vance defended the ICE agent, saying Good's death was self-inflicted.
President Trump commented on the incident, suggesting the agent acted in self-defense.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have developed a tense relationship marked by public insults. This conflict has made it harder for Congress to function smoothly, especially during election times and government shutdowns. The tension increased as Republicans and Democrats blamed each other's leaders for being ineffective and heavily influenced by President Trump.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the House Speaker, and Hakeem Jeffries is the Minority Leader.
Their relationship has become strained, affecting Congressional operations.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has criticized Jeffries, calling him the "so-called 'leader'".
There has been a long government shutdown and issues with mid-cycle redistricting.
President Trump has joked about his influence over Johnson, calling himself "the speaker and the president."
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has labeled Johnson as the "deputy speaker."
Previously, in 2024, Johnson and Jeffries had a positive, cooperative relationship.
Both parties have issued strong statements criticizing each other's leadership.
