Democrats are trying to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem after a federal agent was involved in a deadly shooting. The effort faces long odds in a Congress where Republicans control both the House and Senate. The Department of Homeland Security called the move "silly" and said the focus should be on protecting people.
Key Facts
Democrats want to impeach Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security.
The call for impeachment follows a fatal shooting by a federal agent in Minneapolis.
Democratic Representative Robin Kelly announced the impeachment push.
House and Senate are both controlled by Republicans, making impeachment unlikely.
DHS dismissed the impeachment efforts as a distraction.
Kelly and other Democrats accuse Noem of misconduct and mismanagement.
Noem has previously faced an impeachment ultimatum from another Democrat.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus criticized Noem's response to the shooting.
A report from America's Health Rankings reveals the healthiest and least healthy states in the U.S. New Hampshire is ranked as the healthiest state, while Louisiana is the least healthy. The rankings are based on 50 measures across five categories of health.
Key Facts
New Hampshire is ranked as the healthiest state in the U.S. for the fourth year in a row.
The state's strengths include low non-medical drug use and high rates of high school completion.
New Hampshire’s weaknesses include high alcohol consumption and low public health funding.
Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Utah follow as the next healthiest states.
Louisiana is ranked as the least healthy state in the U.S.
The rankings consider factors such as Social and Economic Factors, Physical Environment, Behaviors, Clinical Care, and Health Outcomes.
Measures used in the rankings represent current health issues and are updated regularly.
The Trump administration has introduced new dietary guidelines as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.
President Donald Trump has announced a $200 billion plan to buy mortgage bonds to lower mortgage rates and make homes more affordable. The plan involves government-backed entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchasing these bonds. Experts are skeptical about its impact on the long-term mortgage market.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a $200 billion purchase of mortgage bonds.
The goal is to lower mortgage rates and make homeownership more affordable.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will handle the bond purchases.
Buying mortgage bonds gives banks more money to lend, which can lower borrowing costs.
Experts doubt the plan will significantly change long-term mortgage rates.
The average mortgage rate for a 30-year loan is currently 6.2%.
The $200 billion comes from a previous decision to keep Fannie and Freddie under government control.
Police in Columbus, Ohio are investigating the deaths of a married couple, Spencer and Monique Tepe. They were found with gunshot wounds in their home after a wellness check. The police believe solving the case may depend on a small detail from a witness or neighbor.
Key Facts
Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead from gunshot wounds in their home.
Their two children were unharmed.
Police believe the couple was killed between 2 and 5 a.m. on December 30.
A video reportedly shows a person of interest near the Tepes' home around this time.
No arrests have been made, and police have not yet identified a suspect.
A wellness check initially went to the wrong house, delaying the discovery.
A GoFundMe to support the Tepes' children has raised over $190,000.
Jonathan Ross, an ICE officer, was involved in a recent shooting in Minneapolis. He has a military background, serving in Iraq with the Army National Guard, and has worked in various roles within U.S. federal law enforcement. The shooting occurred when Ross attempted to arrest a suspect trying to drive away.
Key Facts
Jonathan Ross is an ICE officer who shot a woman in Minneapolis.
He served in the Indiana Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005.
Ross earned several medals for his military service, including the Iraq Campaign Medal.
He has worked with the Border Patrol and ICE, focusing on intelligence and fugitive operations.
Ross testified about his roles, including firearms instructor and SWAT team member.
He was involved in an incident where he was injured during an arrest attempt by a fleeing suspect.
Ross’s actions in the recent shooting have been legally defended by authorities, saying he acted lawfully.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has filed an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case about Mississippi's mail-in ballot rules. The case focuses on whether ballots postmarked by Election Day can be counted even if received up to five days later. The DNC argues that changing the current rules could make it harder for some groups to vote.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court case is named Watson v. Republican National Committee.
Mississippi allows absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five business days.
The DNC filed a brief to support the current counting rules, arguing they help military and overseas voters.
A federal trial court supported Mississippi's law, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit struck it down.
Mississippi appealed to the Supreme Court, saying the 5th Circuit's decision conflicts with federal laws.
About 30 U.S. states and Washington D.C. have similar mail-in ballot rules.
The Constitutional Accountability Center (CAC) also filed a brief, arguing in favor of Mississippi's rules.
The House of Representatives passed a group of three spending bills to fund parts of the federal government until September. This action is aimed at preventing another shutdown, as Congress needs to pass all spending bills before the January 30th deadline.
Key Facts
The House passed three spending bills that are important for funding the government.
These bills are meant to keep the government funded through September.
Congress has passed only three out of 12 necessary annual spending bills so far.
There is a deadline of January 30th to avoid a government shutdown.
Another shutdown could happen just weeks after a previous 43-day shutdown.
Both political parties support the spending bills in the House.
The White House supports these bills and calls them "fiscally responsible."
Jesse Ventura, former governor of Minnesota, criticized President Donald Trump after an ICE officer shot a woman named Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. This incident has led to discussions about the use of force by immigration authorities and has raised questions about civil liberties in the U.S. Ventura also suggested he might run for governor again.
Key Facts
Jesse Ventura called President Trump a coward after an ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
The shooting involved Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen.
The Department of Homeland Security described the shooting as self-defense during a large ICE operation.
Local officials and the Minneapolis City Council have challenged DHS's version of events.
Ventura is a Vietnam veteran and previously served as Minnesota's governor.
Ventura hinted at running for governor again following the incident.
Demonstrations occurred at Roosevelt High School related to the ICE operations.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed anger and called the situation a tragedy.
A GoFundMe for Renee Nicole Good's family, who died after being shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, has reached $1.5 million. The incident has sparked national debate on immigration enforcement and law enforcement accountability. Questions remain about the circumstances of the shooting and policies under President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by an ICE officer during a traffic stop in Minneapolis.
A GoFundMe page raised over $1.5 million for Good's wife and child, far exceeding the $50,000 goal.
Good's shooting has led to protests and scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices.
The shooting occurred near the site of George Floyd's 2020 murder, adding to public outrage.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claims Good tried to run over the officer, prompting the shooting.
Minneapolis officials question the official account of the event, seeking more investigation.
Public figures like Rep. Ilhan Omar and President Donald Trump have voiced strong opinions on the event.
The incident has intensified debates over the role of federal agents in local communities.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a case involving the legal process for federal prisoners to challenge their convictions. Justice Neil Gorsuch disagreed with the majority opinion, stating they made a new legal rule about the court's authority. The case centered on whether certain laws about reviewing prisoner motions apply the same way to state and federal prisoners.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court case is called Bowe v. United States.
The case discusses how federal prisoners can motion to vacate, or overturn, their convictions.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the majority opinion; five Justices agreed with her view.
The majority ruled that a statute about state prisoners does not apply to federal prisoners.
Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote a dissent, disagreeing with the majority's interpretation.
Gorsuch argued that federal and state prisoners should be treated the same under this statute.
The case affects how prisoners can challenge their sentences, specifically under the 28 U.S.C. laws.
By 2026, 26 U.S. states will have banned students from using cellphones in K-12 schools during the entire school day. Some states have less strict rules, limiting phone use only during class. Many states let local school districts decide their own phone policies.
Key Facts
26 U.S. states have full bans on student cellphone use during school hours.
States with full bans include Texas, Florida, and New York, among others.
Some states like Arizona and Ohio only restrict phone use during class time.
A few states encourage local school districts to set their own rules rather than having a state-wide law.
75% of U.S. adults support banning phones during class according to a 2025 Pew Research Center study.
Some experts argue phones can be both helpful and disruptive in schools.
Critics worry that banning phones could limit communication during emergencies.
Some states have not set any state-wide cellphone use restrictions, leaving the decision to local districts.
A new bill introduced by Republican lawmakers aims to enhance the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in fighting financial crimes internationally. The bill is called the Trade Transparency Unit Strategy Act and seeks to improve how the U.S. collaborates with other countries in detecting and combating money laundering. It focuses on enhancing information sharing between U.S. agencies and international partners.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Trade Transparency Unit Strategy Act.
It was introduced by Senator Tim Sheehy and Representative August Pfluger.
ICE established Trade Transparency Units in 2004 to fight trade-based money laundering.
The program includes partnerships with 17 countries worldwide.
A 2023 report noted ICE lacks the necessary technology and resources to combat financial crime effectively.
The new bill aims to improve information sharing between U.S. and foreign customs agencies.
The bill seeks to address the limitations in funding and expertise that ICE currently faces.
Newsweek reached out to ICE for comments but no response was reported.
An Axios report stated that the Trump administration contacted the Secret Service about Marjorie Taylor Greene, suspecting she informed protesters of President Trump’s dinner plans. Greene denied the accusation, claiming she only suggested the restaurant and did not know about Trump’s reservation. "Code Pink" also denied the allegation.
Key Facts
An Axios report claimed that the White House alerted the Secret Service about Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Officials suspected she informed "Code Pink" protesters of President Trump's dinner plans.
The dinner at Joe’s Seafood was meant to highlight Trump's crime-reduction efforts in Washington.
Activists confronted President Trump during the meal.
Greene denied the leak, stating she just recommended the restaurant.
Greene claimed the Secret Service should have secured the venue better.
"Code Pink" also denied being tipped off about the dinner.
Greene suggested she was targeted for pushing the release of Jeffrey Epstein files.
Attorneys general in five states filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration for pausing funds meant for public benefits. The Trump administration claims the pause is due to concerns about fraud in these programs, which help low-income families. The states argue this action is unconstitutional and are asking a court to lift the freeze and release the funds.
Key Facts
Five states involved in the lawsuit are California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, and New York.
The Trump administration has frozen funds for programs that help low-income families, citing fraud concerns.
Programs affected include those providing child care subsidies and cash assistance.
New York Attorney General Letitia James leads the lawsuit, calling the freeze an unconstitutional overreach.
The lawsuit requests the court to stop the freeze and release funds.
California's attorney general mentioned that half of the frozen $10 billion funds were for California programs.
The administration's action follows a video alleging large-scale fraud in child care programs in Minnesota.
The video mentioned day care centers in Minneapolis, run by the Somali community, as involved in fraud.
A protest against the death penalty is planned outside a court during Luigi Mangione's hearing. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and faces charges with the possibility of the death penalty. The protest highlights ongoing debates in the U.S. about the use of the death penalty.
Key Facts
A protest against the death penalty will be held during Luigi Mangione's court hearing.
Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.
He was arrested in Pennsylvania and faces charges in New York and Pennsylvania.
Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Mangione.
The protest is organized by Death Penalty Action and will take place outside the U.S. District Court in New York.
Mangione's legal team is trying to dismiss two federal charges against him.
The case brings attention to larger debates about the fairness and use of the death penalty in the U.S.
New York, where Mangione's case is taking place, does not have capital punishment.
Renee Nicole Good, a poet from Minneapolis, was shot and killed by an ICE officer. The incident led to protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies. The officer claimed self-defense, while others have disputed this, calling for an investigation.
Key Facts
Renee Nicole Good was a 37-year-old poet, wife, and mother from Minneapolis.
Good was shot by an ICE officer while she was in her car in Minneapolis.
The shooting happened during immigration enforcement operations under President Trump's administration.
The Department of Homeland Security claims the officer acted in self-defense.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other Democrats have criticized ICE's actions.
Protests erupted nationwide in response to the shooting.
Good won the 2020 Academy of American Poets Prize for her poem.
The poem “On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs” was selected from about 24 submissions.
Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by an immigration agent while in her car. This incident has caused protests and debates about the circumstances of her death. President Trump and officials have said the ICE agent acted in self-defense, while local reports and video footage suggest otherwise.
Key Facts
Renee Good was shot and killed by an immigration agent in her car on Wednesday.
She had a history of community service and was remembered for her Christian missionary work in Northern Ireland.
Friends described Good as nurturing and committed to youth outreach and Bible study programs.
She was originally from Colorado Springs and had three children.
President Trump stated that Good was acting violently when the agent shot her.
Video footage of the incident contradicts the administration's account.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced he will run for a second term. His successful first term has caught the attention of the Democratic Party as he may be considered for the 2028 presidential election.
Key Facts
Josh Shapiro is the Governor of Pennsylvania.
He is running for a second term as governor.
Pennsylvania is considered an important state in elections.
Shapiro's work in his first term has gained him recognition in the Democratic Party.
He is seen as a possible candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
Shapiro made his re-election announcement in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
A set of products sold on Amazon has been recalled across the United States due to potential risks of injury or death to children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recalled items include dressers, a toy, and a baby lounger, all of which do not meet safety standards.
Key Facts
The recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The products include Rattan 6-drawer dressers, Vasicar 18-drawer dressers, a Lterfear multifunction pounding game, and Joyful Journeys baby loungers.
The dressers can tip over if not anchored, posing a risk of injury or death.
The pounding toy contains high-powered magnets that could be dangerous if swallowed.
The baby loungers have low sides and wide ends, which are considered unsafe for infant sleep.
About 870 Rattan dressers and 4,155 Vasicar dressers are affected by the recall.
Approximately 3,500 Lterfear toys and 9,300 Joyful Journey loungers are impacted.
No injuries or incidents have been reported as of January 8, 2025.
President Trump had a conflict with former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after an incident where protesters disrupted his dinner at a D.C. restaurant. The White House suspected Greene might have informed activists about Trump's visit, but Greene denied this. The situation added tension to their already strained relationship.
Key Facts
President Trump had a surprise visit to a D.C. restaurant last fall, which ended with protesters near his table.
The White House suspected Marjorie Taylor Greene tipped off the protesters but provided no direct evidence.
Greene denied telling anyone about Trump's dinner plans and called it a "dangerous lie."
Protesters from the group Code Pink confronted Trump during the dinner.
Trump aides questioned how the group learned about the dinner, as it was unannounced.
Trump requested an investigation into Code Pink following the incident.
The Secret Service did not confirm if they were investigating Greene.
Greene has a known friendship with Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin, sharing similar views on certain foreign policy issues.
