A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to appear in court. The judge wants an explanation for why detained immigrants have not received court hearings as required.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Minnesota is involved in this case.
The judge's name is Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz.
The issue involves detained immigrants not getting court hearings.
Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, is required to appear in court.
The judge mentioned the problem of not handling legal petitions properly.
The Trump administration is involved in actions related to detaining immigrants.
A federal judge in Minnesota ordered the Acting Director of ICE to explain in court why he should not be held in contempt for failing to comply with court orders regarding immigration cases. The judge criticized ICE for not providing required bond hearings for detained immigrants, leading to hardships for those involved. The court's order is an attempt to address ongoing failures to follow legal directions in immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Minnesota has called for ICE's Acting Director Todd Lyons to appear in court.
The court order accuses ICE of not following existing court orders related to immigration enforcement.
The judge's action is in response to ICE's failure to conduct timely bond hearings for detained immigrants.
The ongoing operations by ICE in Minnesota led to unrest, including the death of two U.S. citizens.
The judge expressed frustration with the Trump administration's handling of immigration cases.
The judge mentioned previous assurances from ICE to comply with court orders, which were not fulfilled.
If the petitioner, named Juan T.R., is released by January 30, the court appearance may be canceled.
Protesters in Minnesota made noise all night outside a hotel where they thought the Border Patrol chief was staying. They did this because one of the chief's agents was involved in a shooting incident that resulted in a civilian's death.
Key Facts
Protesters gathered outside a hotel in Minnesota.
They used pots and pans to make noise throughout the night.
The demonstration was directed at Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino.
Chief Bovino was believed to be staying at the hotel.
An agent under Bovino reportedly shot and killed a US citizen named Alex Pretti.
Greg Bovino has been reassigned from his position after the incident.
A report from the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity says that 25.2% of Americans are "functionally unemployed," meaning they can't find full-time jobs or earn very low wages. This rate is the highest since June 2021 and suggests that the true unemployment rate may be higher than official numbers show. The report highlights ongoing problems in finding full-time and well-paying jobs in the U.S.
Key Facts
25.2% of the U.S. workforce is considered "functionally unemployed."
This includes people who are jobless, can’t find full-time work, or earn poverty-level wages.
The term "True Rate of Employment" (TRU) reflects this broader measure of unemployment.
This is the highest TRU rate since June 2021.
Official unemployment figures from the U.S. government reported a rate of 4.4%.
The report states that Black and Hispanic workers have higher functional unemployment rates compared to white workers.
LISEP believes the official unemployment rate does not account for low wages or reduced hours.
A study by Afina, a filtered showerhead company, identified West Virginia as having the most violations of drinking water quality standards among all U.S. states. This study analyzed data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to find where drinking water contaminant levels are unlawfully high. The study raised concerns because the EPA is reviewing its drinking water standards, but some have questioned how the study was conducted.
Key Facts
West Virginia ranked lowest in drinking water cleanliness due to high levels of violations and contaminants.
The study used data sources from the EPA to evaluate water quality issues.
West Virginia had 28.80 violation points, indicating significant noncompliance with drinking water standards.
Oklahoma, Alaska, and Pennsylvania also had high levels of water quality violations.
Hawaii was rated as having the cleanest drinking water, with very low violation levels.
The EPA uses a point system to measure the degree of noncompliance across states.
Smaller, rural communities often face more challenges in meeting water quality standards.
Some experts question the methodology and completeness of the Afina study.
A new tax exemption allows seniors to deduct $6,000 from their taxes as part of the Working Families Tax Cut. This tax break, part of President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is available from 2025 to 2028 for seniors who meet certain income requirements. The exemption has sparked anger online as younger generations feel left out.
Key Facts
The $6,000 tax exemption is available for seniors aged 65 and older.
This benefit is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Trump.
Eligibility requires individuals to earn up to $75,000 or couples up to $150,000, with phase-out limits.
The deduction is for tax years 2025 through 2028.
The exemption has received criticism online for not benefiting younger families.
The exemption phases out entirely for single filers with income over $175,000 and couples over $250,000.
The act also includes other tax deductions, such as for qualified overtime pay.
Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for governor of Minnesota, has ended his campaign after a controversial shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis. The incident involved federal agents shooting Alex Pretti, which sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about federal operations in the city. Madel cited disagreements with the national Republican stance and the impact of immigration enforcement operations as reasons for stepping down.
Key Facts
Chris Madel was running for governor of Minnesota as a Republican.
Madel ended his campaign following a shooting by federal agents that resulted in the death of Alex Pretti.
The incident involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's "Operation Metro Surge" in Minneapolis.
Two people have been killed by federal agents in this operation since December.
Madel criticized the operation, calling it an overreach beyond public safety.
He highlighted concerns about civil rights and the constitutionality of home raids using civil warrants.
The shooting of Pretti, a licensed gun owner, led to criticism of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's response.
Several Republicans, including some senators, expressed concerns about the federal response and the right to bear arms.
Target employees are asking the company to take action against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following incidents in Minnesota. They want Target to make a public statement, stop ICE agents from being on their property, and reconsider their support for policies that align with ICE. The workers' concerns highlight ongoing tensions about immigration enforcement and corporate responsibility.
Key Facts
Target employees are urging the company to oppose ICE activities and limit their presence on Target properties.
A group of over 275 workers signed a letter criticizing Target's past actions related to diversity and political contributions.
The letter asks Target to issue a public statement against ICE's current operations in Minnesota.
Video surfaced of ICE agents allegedly detaining two Target employees, who are U.S. citizens, at a store.
Protests occurred at Target stores, with demonstrators opposing ICE's presence at these locations.
Target’s Chief HR Officer stated the company tries to minimize conflicts with enforcement agencies.
An internal memo from Target's leadership addressed the situation but did not specifically mention changes regarding ICE.
Health professionals and coworkers honored ICU nurse Alex Pretti as his body was removed from a hospital. Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a federal agent during an immigration operation in Minneapolis, causing significant public anger in the U.S.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse.
He was 37 years old.
He was shot dead by a federal agent.
The incident occurred during an immigration enforcement action.
The event took place in Minneapolis.
There has been widespread outrage across the U.S. about his death.
Health professionals and coworkers held a tribute for him at the hospital.
The Trump administration is changing its immigration enforcement leadership in Minneapolis. Gregory Bovino is leaving, and Tom Homan is taking over the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. This move comes after the controversial shooting of Alex Pretti.
Key Facts
Gregory Bovino is leaving his position in Minneapolis due to reactions after Alex Pretti's shooting.
President Trump appointed Tom Homan to manage ICE operations in Minnesota.
Trump met with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and aide Corey Lewandowski for a lengthy discussion.
Minnesota's Governor, Tim Walz, called his talk with Trump productive, mentioning investigations and plans to reduce agents.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said some federal agents will start leaving the city.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Democrats for the shooting.
A federal judge considers Minnesota's request to keep evidence in Pretti's death.
Minnesota and local areas are legally opposing the presence of 3,000 immigration agents.
A winter storm named Fern caused severe weather across the United States over a weekend, resulting in at least 30 deaths. The storm affected a large area, particularly the Northeast, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain impacting around 190 million people. Several deaths were reported in states such as New York, Tennessee, and others due to various storm-related causes, including accidents and exposure to cold.
Key Facts
At least 30 people died in the United States due to a winter storm named Fern.
The storm moved from the south-central U.S. to the Northeast, affecting approximately 190 million people with snow and ice.
Eight people died outdoors in New York City during the storm.
Tennessee confirmed three deaths related to the storm.
In Massachusetts, a woman died after a snowplow accident, while her husband was injured.
Three deaths in Pennsylvania were linked to people shoveling snow.
Louisiana reported three deaths, including two from hypothermia and one from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other states, including Mississippi, New Jersey, South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Texas, also reported storm-related fatalities.
Federal officers in Minneapolis claimed they were looking for a dangerous suspect, José Huerta-Chuma, but records showed he had only minor offenses. During a related operation, nurse Alex Pretti, who had no criminal record, was shot and killed. The operation, part of a larger immigration enforcement effort, has faced criticism for its tactics and the nature of its arrests.
Key Facts
Federal officers in Minneapolis described suspect José Huerta-Chuma as a violent offender.
Minnesota records show Huerta-Chuma had only misdemeanors, not felonies.
An ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed during the operation.
The operation was part of a larger immigration effort named Operation Metro Surge.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the operation as necessary for public safety.
President Donald Trump stated that numerous criminals were removed through the operation.
Critics, including the ACLU, argue the actions of ICE and Border Patrol are dangerous.
About 3,000 arrests were made in six weeks, but detainees included those without violent records.
A powerful winter storm named Fern has caused major disruptions in the United States, including many flight cancellations and power outages. As of early Tuesday, hundreds of flights have been canceled or delayed, and several states have declared emergencies. The storm has also caused deaths and left many homes without electricity.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern has led to flight cancellations and delays starting from Friday.
On Tuesday morning, there were 847 flight delays and 1,298 cancellations in the U.S.
Over the weekend, more than 10,000 flights were canceled.
At least 18 states and the District of Columbia have declared states of emergency.
The storm has caused at least 29 deaths, some while people were trying to clear snow.
Power outages have affected hundreds of thousands of homes, notably in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
More than 5,300 National Guard members from 15 states are helping with the storm response.
Major airports affected include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Phoenix (PHX).
FBI Director Kash Patel spoke about supporting the Second Amendment, which gives people the right to own guns. He advised people to avoid bringing loaded guns to protests due to safety concerns. This comes after a lawful gun owner was shot by a federal agent during a protest in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the Director of the FBI and commented on gun rights related to protests.
He emphasized support for the Second Amendment, which allows people to own guns.
Patel advised against bringing loaded weapons to potentially dangerous protests.
His remarks followed criticism after a lawful gun owner was killed at a Minneapolis protest.
Several gun rights groups disagreed with Patel's comments, saying they might harm gun rights.
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus stated that state law does not prohibit carrying guns at protests if you have a permit.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) also voiced concerns about Patel's comments.
Alexander Vindman, a former U.S. Army officer and national security official who became known for his role in the first impeachment of President Donald Trump, has announced that he is running for the U.S. Senate in Florida as a Democrat.
Key Facts
Alexander Vindman is a U.S. Army veteran.
He previously served as a national security official.
Vindman was involved in the first impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
He announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Florida.
Vindman is running as a member of the Democratic Party.
The news was reported by Newsweek as a breaking story.
The article discusses support for Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino from MAGA social media users following reports he might leave his position in Minnesota. Conflicting reports emerged about Bovino's status after an incident where a federal immigration agent shot and killed an intensive care nurse in Minnesota. Despite the reports, the White House confirmed Bovino remains in his role, and President Trump sent an official to Minnesota to oversee immigration operations.
Key Facts
MAGA supporters are backing Greg Bovino after reports he might leave his post in Minnesota.
Bovino is the chief patrol agent of the El Centro Sector in Southern California.
Confusion arose after Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, was killed by a federal agent in Minnesota during immigration enforcement.
There were conflicting accounts about whether Pretti was armed and resisted officers.
The White House confirmed Bovino had not been removed from his duties.
President Trump sent Tom Homan to Minnesota to manage ICE operations.
Debates are ongoing within the political right regarding the incident and responses to it.
President Trump's approval rating on immigration has dropped to its lowest point ever, according to a new poll. The survey results come amid public backlash after two fatal shootings linked to immigration enforcement. More than half of the poll respondents believe immigration officials have been too aggressive in their actions.
Key Facts
President Trump’s immigration approval rating is now at 39%.
This rating dropped from 41% earlier in the same month.
The drop follows incidents where immigration agents were involved in two fatal shootings.
One of the victims was Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse shot by a border agent.
Another victim, Renee Nicole Good, was shot by an ICE agent earlier in the month.
More than 58% of people surveyed think immigration enforcement has been too harsh.
President Trump plans to send his border adviser, Tom Homan, to Minneapolis.
An additional poll found similar sentiments about immigration enforcement.
Protesters gathered outside a Minneapolis hotel where President Trump's senior immigration official, Gregory Bovino, was believed to be staying. The demonstration followed tension in the city after a second fatal shooting by federal agents. Officials expect Bovino to leave Minneapolis soon.
Key Facts
Protesters were outside a hotel in Minneapolis.
They believe Gregory Bovino, a senior immigration official under President Trump, was staying there.
The demonstration was against ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Tensions increased in the city after a fatal incident involving federal officers.
Immigration agents are reducing their presence in Minnesota after recent fatal shootings involving federal agents led to public criticism. City and federal officials confirmed some agents will leave the state, following calls for independent investigations and conversations between local leaders and President Trump. The shootings sparked bipartisan demands for greater accountability and an investigation into the incidents.
Key Facts
Federal agents are starting to leave Minnesota amid criticism following fatal shootings.
On January 7, an ICE agent fatally shot Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
On January 24, agents were involved in another fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Public outcry has led to calls for independent investigations into both incidents.
Democratic and some Republican lawmakers want transparency on the use of force.
President Trump and Minnesota officials discussed reducing the federal agent presence.
Operation Metro Surge, involving many federal agents, has been criticized for its scope.
Conversations between Minnesota leaders and President Trump signaled a potential shift in immigration enforcement strategies.
The tax season for 2025 has begun in the United States, with the IRS now accepting tax returns. Several new tax deductions and changes are available this year due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump. Taxpayers can also find various options for filing their returns and getting assistance.
Key Facts
Tax season began on January 26 and ends on April 15.
The IRS expects around 164 million individual tax returns for 2025.
A new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces changes, including special deductions for seniors and workers with tips or overtime pay.
Seniors can now claim a $6,000 deduction on Social Security income taxes if they're 65 or older.
Tipped workers can deduct up to $25,000 annually on taxes.
The IRS Free File program offers free tax software for eligible people.
President Trump’s order will gradually stop paper refund checks; electronic payment is needed for refunds.
Refunds can be tracked using IRS tools like Where's My Refund? and the IRS2Go app.
