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Senate Republicans signaled they will press ahead with the six‑bill spending package the House approved, refusing to strip Homeland Security funding, and urged Democrats to “find a path” to avoid a lapse. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, vowed to withhold votes for any package that includes funding for DHS and ICE after two fatal Minneapolis shootings by federal agents — including the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti — and demanded reforms and accountability. The standoff raises the risk of a partial government shutdown ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline as leaders scramble for a compromise and public outrage. (cbsnews.com)

On January 25, 2026, President Donald J. Trump posted on Truth Social urging Congress to pass legislation to end “sanctuary cities,” calling them the “root cause” of immigration-related violence and public-safety problems. He cited ICE arrests in five Republican-run states (150,245) and demanded Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other Democratic officials turn over criminal noncitizens to federal authorities. Trump framed the push as part of a broader rapid-deportation effort and insisted local police must cooperate with federal agents, urging Democrats to partner with his administration to “make America safe.” The message prompted reactions from local leaders nationwide. (justthenews.com)

RT by @GuntherEagleman reports Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said anyone who damages the national flag will face punishment under a proposed new law and that she wants it enacted to “protect Japan’s honor.” (bloomberg.com) The move follows a Sanseito bill filed Oct. 27, 2025, to criminalize desecration of the Hinomaru, proposing up to two years’ imprisonment or a ¥200,000 fine. (nippon.com) The ruling LDP and coalition partner Japan Innovation Party have signalled support and aim to take up similar legislation in the 2026 Diet session. (monitor.civicus.org) Human rights groups and critics warn the proposal could chill protest and free expression and debate. (hrw.org)

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced plans to criminalize damage to the national flag, saying offenders will be punished and framing the measure as necessary to protect Japan’s honor. The proposal follows an October 2025 bill from the Sanseito party and a coalition agreement to introduce a new offence during the 2026 Diet session. Draft penalties include up to two years’ imprisonment or fines (about ¥200,000). Rights groups and critics warn the law would curb free expression and could conflict with international rights commitments. The move has provoked widespread domestic debate and some international concern over Japan’s shifting political course. (monitor.civicus.org)

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes ignited outrage after telling KPNX interviewer Brahm Resnik that Arizona’s “stand your ground” law could allow civilians to use deadly force against unidentifiable, masked ICE agents, saying, “if somebody comes at me wearing a mask…I can’t tell whether they’re a police officer.” Her remarks prompted swift criticism from law-enforcement groups and Republican officials as encouraging violence. Mayes said she wasn’t urging shootings and launched a portal to report alleged ICE misconduct. I could not verify reports that her top police liaison resigned; multiple local and national outlets covering the comments do not report any resignation. (foxnews.com)

On January 24, 2026, federal immigration agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during an ICE operation, sparking large protests and outrage. Gov. Tim Walz demanded federal agents leave Minneapolis and criticized the operation, and ordered the Minnesota National Guard to stage and assist local law enforcement to protect public safety. Videos and witnesses dispute federal claims that Pretti posed a threat; federal authorities say agents fired in self‑defense. Protests spread nationwide, officials pressed for investigations, and state leaders sought preservation of evidence as tensions escalated between local and federal authorities. Officials vowed investigations; communities called for justice immediately. (apnews.com)

Breaking: Hundreds of demonstrators stormed Minneapolis streets after a fatal federal immigration-related shooting, chanting “SHUT IT DOWN” and “NO MORE MINNESOTA NICE,” clashing with officers and prompting calls online to “Invoke the Insurrection Act.” (quorumreport.com) Some outlets and social posts alleged that George Soros paid rioters, but major fact‑checkers say no verified evidence shows Soros or his foundations directly paid protesters. (politifact.com) The president threatened federal intervention as tensions escalated; local officials demanded investigations into the shooting and urged calm. Events are developing; many viral claims remain unverified and are under review by reporters and fact‑checkers. Check trusted news sources for updates.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents during a January 24 operation in Minneapolis, an incident captured by bystander video and sparking protests. (apnews.com) His parents released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken but also very angry,” calling him a “kindhearted soul” who cared for veterans and insisting he held only a phone, hands raised while trying to protect a woman, publicly dismissing administration claims that he was a gunman as “sickening lies.” (theguardian.com) Homeland Security and Border Patrol say he approached officers with a 9mm; witnesses and footage dispute that account. (people.com)