Demonstrators clash with ICE in Minneapolis, intensifying protests
Protests intensified in Minneapolis as thousands of people clashed with ICE over enforcement tactics following a fatal shooting.
Jimmy Kimmel is making a business offer to the president.
The outspoken late night host criticized President Donald Trump for his administration’s response to protests in Minneapolis on an episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Thursday, January 15th.
Clashes between demonstrators and federal agents escalated in a Midwestern city Wednesday after federal agents shot and killed a Venezuelan man accused of fleeing a traffic stop and attacking officers. The shooting occurred a week after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman identified as Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation.
As tensions escalate in Minnesota, President Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would give him authority to deploy U.S. troops into the country.
“A good president today, a normal president, would try to find a way to de-escalate the situation, but not Donald,” Kimmel, 58, said, jokingly adding, “He’s heated up about everything but his wife.”
Jimmy Kimmel says: Late-night show host slams President Trump’s ‘war against Minneapolis’
Kimmel offered a series of past career awards in exchange for withdrawing ICE troops from Minneapolis in an unofficial attempt to quell the “unnecessary brutality” associated with President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
The TV host referenced President Trump’s recent award of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado’s 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, and brought up statuettes to persuade the president, including the 1999 Daytime Emmy Award, the Writers Guild of America trophy, the 2016 Webby Award, and the 2015 Soul Train Award for Best White Man.
“Mr. Trump loves awards. The only way to get him to do something is to give him an award,” Kimmel said. “The choice is yours. In exchange for leaving the people of Minneapolis alone, I will personally deliver some or all of these to the Oval Office.”
White House communications director Stephen Chan responded to Kimmel’s offer in a Friday
Jimmy Kimmel said of Donald Trump: TV host slams President Trump as a ‘lunatic’ for his response to ICE shootings
Kimmel’s latest attack on President Trump echoes his comments earlier this week.
In a late-night monologue on January 12, he condemned President Trump’s “continued war on Minneapolis” and praised “patriotic Americans” who protested ICE immigration enforcement after Goode’s death.
Kimmel also criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for doubling down on her accusation that Goode committed domestic terrorism during the standoff with ICE.
“This is what they want us to believe,” Kimmel said. “We need to portray protesters as violent and dangerous, even if they’re mothers in Hondas.”
This story has been updated to add new information.
Contributors: Christopher Cann, Thao Nguyen, Jeanine Santucci, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
Supergreens has been recalled in several states, including Washington state.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, dietary supplements are being recalled after 45 people in 21 states became infected with salmonella.
Fox – Seattle
Two hair growth treatment products were recently recalled due to a lack of child-safe packaging.
Approximately 41,900 units of RootStim Beard Growth Serum and Ruahouine Hair Growth Serum, both of which contain minoxidil, were affected by the recall, according to a notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The packaging for both RootStim Beard Growth Serum and Luauinu Hair Growth Serum are “not child-resistant,” as required by the Toxic Substances Prevention Packaging Act, and “there is a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children,” the notice states.
No incidents or injuries resulting from these recalls have yet been reported, the agency said.
Here’s what you need to know about the recall, including details on the affected products.
Further recalls: See recently recalled consumer products
Check which hair growth products are affected
Here are all the relevant product details you need to determine if your hair growth serum, whether for hair or beard, is affected by the recall.
RootStim Beard Growth Serum, 5% Minoxidil
Recall date: January 15, 2026
Affected units: Approximately 16,900
Product Description: All serums come in a black box with orange and white text and an orange mustache icon printed on the front panel. The bottle itself is black with a black spray cap, a clear top cap, and an orange and black wraparound label with the same information as the box.
Sold: Available online at Amazon.com from November 2024 to September 2025.
Ruahouine hair growth serum bottle
Recall date: January 15, 2026
Affected units: Approximately 25,000
Product Description: All serums come in a 2.11 fl oz amber dropper bottle. The labels wrapped around the bottles are printed with statements such as “Ruahouine,” “Minoxydil Hair Growth Serum,” and “5% Minoxydil With Biotin.”
Sold: Online at Amazon.com from January 2025 to July 2025.
How to improve the situation
The agency advises consumers to “immediately secure (both recalled products) and keep them out of sight and reach of children.”
Consumers who purchased RootStim Beard Growth Serum (Minoxidil 5%) should contact RootStim for instructions on how to receive a replacement product. Consumers are asked to discard the original bottle. Consumers can contact RootStim by email (finergraceing@gmail.com), online (rootstim.com), or by phone (202-743-1714) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Like RootStim customers, anyone who purchased a Ruahouine hair growth serum bottle should contact Ruahouine for instructions on how to discard the recalled bottle and receive a refund or replacement for the bottle.
Ruahouine consumers affected by the recall are asked to pour the contents of their bottles into a trash can, take a photo of the discarded bottle, and email it to ruahouine@gmail.com.
President Kennedy said he could not prove that the flu shot damaged his speech, but believed it was a “potential culprit.”
RFK Jr. hasn’t had a flu shot since 2005. Here’s why:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hasn’t had a flu shot since 2005 and blamed the vaccine for his voice condition.
WASHINGTON – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told USA TODAY that he stopped administering the flu shot in 2005 over concerns about side effects, including suspected damage to the voice.
Kennedy, 71, said he got a flu shot every year until the mid-1990s. But he said he stopped taking them permanently in 2005 as he became more aware of possible side effects.
President Kennedy’s speeches often sound strained and choppy due to a condition called paroxysmal dysphonia, also known as laryngeal dystonia. He could not prove that the flu vaccine was the cause of his symptoms, but said it was one potential reason.
“That’s why my voice is a mess,” Kennedy said on Jan. 16 in an exclusive interview for USA TODAY’s series “Extremely Normal.” “Do I know if it’s because of the flu shot I get every year? I don’t know. It’s possible. I can’t rule out a potential cause. I can’t prove it.”
The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation says the vaccine does not cause the condition and can actually prevent some forms of dystonia.
This anecdote is one reason President Kennedy is pushing for more research into vaccine side effects. He said that even after vaccines were approved with warnings, the extent of side effects and the number of people who would suffer from them remained unclear.
“We should have that data, but we don’t,” Kennedy said.
He denied being against vaccines.
“I’m never anti-vaccine. I’ve said that thousands of times,” Kennedy said. “My concern is that we need to do proper safety testing of the vaccines so that people understand the risks and so do we.”
The odds of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not in your favor
The odds of winning the jackpot with Mega Millions or Powerball are approximately 1 in 292 million. Here, we will introduce things that are more likely to be obtained than large sums of money.
A new lottery game is set to be available in more than 20 states across the country, with winners expected to become lifelong millionaires.
The new game, dubbed “Millionaire for Life,” was announced in a news release from the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) on Thursday, January 15th. Apart from Millionaire for Life, MUSL also oversees Powerball, Lotto America, and other lottery games.
The new game is set to replace two long-running games: Cash4Life, which paid winners $1,000 a day for life, and Lucky for Life, which gave winners $25,000 a year for life.
Those games are being phased out, but the new games will increase prizes to $1 million a year in lifetime prize money and a second-place prize of $100,000 a year, according to a news release.
“Millionaire for Life offers the best ‘for life’ prizes that players, especially young players, are attracted to,” Tom Seaver, chairman and senior director of the Colorado Lottery’s Millionaire for Life product group, said in a statement.
Here’s what players need to know about the new game.
more: A 20-year-old young man won the lottery. Her next move set social media abuzz.
How is the Millionaire for Life game played?
MUSL said details on how to play Millionaire for Life will be published online on February 12th. However, both the Montana and Wyoming lotteries provided more detailed information about how the games would be played.
The game has two pools of numbers, similar to Powerball and Mega Millions, according to both state lotteries. The first has numbers from 1 to 58, and the second has numbers from 1 to 5. A lottery will select five numbers from the first pool and one from the second pool, named the Millionaire Ball.
If all five numbers from the first pool match the numbers from the second pool, the winner will win $1 million per year for life, but if only five numbers match, the winner will win $100,000 per year for life.
When is the Millionaire for Life game played?
According to MUSL, tickets for the new game will cost $5 and the draw for the game will be held daily starting Sunday, February 22nd at 11:15pm ET.
Where will the new lottery game be played?
Officials said new game tickets will be sold in the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Tickets will be sold in New York when they go on sale, the people said, but they are currently awaiting regulatory approval.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
Michael David McKee is accused of driving more than seven hours from his home in Chicago and fatally shooting Spencer and Monique Tepe in the middle of the night at their home in Columbus, Ohio.
Columbus Police Say Tepe’s Killing Was a ‘Targeted Attack’
The Columbus Police Chief announced that “multiple weapons” were recovered from the property of Michael McKee, the suspect in the deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe.
A grand jury has indicted a Chicago surgeon accused of killing his ex-wife and her new husband in Ohio on five counts.
Michael David McKee, 39, was charged Friday, Jan. 16, with four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated robbery, and the surgeon is accused of using a muffler during the shooting, according to the indictment.
If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of life in prison, but will be eligible for parole after 32 years.
McKee is accused of killing Spencer and Monique Tepe, who were found shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio, home on December 30. Their children, ages 1 and 4, were crying inside the home but were physically unharmed, as was the couple’s dog.
McKee was arrested in the Chicago area 11 days after the late-night attack and remains jailed awaiting extradition to his home state of Ohio. His lawyer said he would plead not guilty and remain silent if extradited to Ohio.
Here’s what we know about this incident.
Family: Monique Tepe was ‘afraid’ of her ex-husband
Mackie and Monique Tepe married in August 2015, but divorced less than two years later. According to court records obtained by USA TODAY, he maintains a home in Roanoke, Virginia, where he is doing his medical training, and neither was ordered to pay alimony.
A member of Tepe’s family told NBC News on January 14 that Mackey was emotionally abusive to Monique during their relationship, and that Monique was “willing to do anything” to get away from him.
Her brother-in-law, Rob Misley, said: “At the time of their marriage, she was terrified because he had threatened her life many times.” “She was not shy about telling people about her traumatic experiences with her ex-boyfriend and how emotionally abusive he was to her, which still affects her to this day.”
Misley said she was not aware of any physical abuse between Mackey and Monique Tepe or if there had been any recent threats. “If any of us had known that these threats were actually based on probabilities, we all would have acted differently,” he said.
Misley told Good Morning America that more than 1,000 people attended Tepes’ funeral, showing how kind and well-liked they were.
“We just want justice,” Misley said. “We want this person to take so much from so many people, not just our family. And of course, especially children. We want this person to pay for what they’ve done.”
What evidence do the police have in this case?
Police are releasing few details to protect Mr. McKee’s case, but said they believe he was in possession of the murder weapon.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said at a press conference Wednesday, Jan. 14, that one of the guns found in McKee’s Chicago apartment had a preliminary match to the crime scene.
“This was a targeted attack,” Bryant said.
Police also said surveillance camera footage shows McKee’s car arriving at Tepe’s home shortly before the murder and leaving shortly after. They tracked the vehicle to Rockford, where McKee worked.
Who are Spencer and Monique Tepe?
Spencer and Monique Tepe were murdered a month after their fifth wedding anniversary.
Monique Tepe said in her wedding vows that it was a “quite a journey” to get to Spencer.
“Countless bad Bumble dates, bad relationships, and a waterfall of tears,” she said, crying. “But it was worth all the cringing because it led me to you. Through all of this, I knew that God was leading me into my own person, and that when I met Him, it was going to be the most magical thing ever. And is that an understatement?”
During his vows, Spencer told Monique that she was his best friend.
“We are very lucky,” he said. “I promise to never stop loving you and always keep working on us…I promise to always do my best to keep you smiling because your smile is my favorite thing.”
The couple’s family released a statement to USA TODAY saying, “They were extraordinary people who lived lives filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others…We are heartbroken beyond words.”
They described Mr Spencer, 37, a former dentist, as a “devoted and proud father, loving partner and friend to everyone he met”, and Monique, 39, as “a loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her”.
They continued, “We continue to honor their lives and the light they brought to this world.”
There are no cheap Porsches, but this model is much cheaper than others.
Porsche expects market value to halve after billions of dollars in EV losses
Porsche is facing financial troubles after reporting billions of dollars in losses on investments in electric vehicles.
straight arrow news
Porsche makes luxury sports cars and SUV models, but these aren’t always affordable enough for the average American car buyer.
There is one SUV in the brand’s portfolio that stands out for its affordability.
Porsche’s reputation is built on class and performance, not affordability. Fortunately for consumers, there’s one Porsche car that costs far less than models like the 911 ($135,500), Panamera ($113,000), and Taycan ($105,800).
There’s only one brand new Porsche model with a starting price under $70,000. Here’s how the most affordable new Porsche for 2026 costs and how it compares to its segment rivals.
The 2026 Porsche Macan is the most affordable Porsche in 2026
Porsche’s small SUV Macan is the most affordable model in 2026. It sits below the Cayenne large SUV and is significantly more affordable than the Cayenne.
Prices for the 2026 Porsche Macan start at $65,400 for the gasoline model. Porsche also offers an electric version, starting at $80,300. The gasoline-powered Porsche Macan is powered by a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower. You get 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
2026 Porsche Macan standard equipment
10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
lane departure warning
Front/rear parking sensor
Sports steering wheel with paddle shift
Partial leather and Sporttex seats
all wheel drive
Porsche’s small SUV comes with a fair amount of standard features, but the best features are reserved for the more expensive upper trim levels.
Purchasing an SUV: Subaru Outback proves its reliability with 309,000 miles
Is the 2026 Porsche Macan worth the money?
Porsche’s Macan is affordable compared to other Porsche models, but it’s far from the most affordable model in its segment. Additionally, more affordable models come with better performance specs and standard features, making their price tags more difficult to justify for drivers who prioritize value.
If you want a value-for-money SUV, there are some more attractive options. If you’re looking for a new Porsche SUV that’s more affordable than the Cayenne and embodies the brand’s signature style, it’s a good option.
How does the Porsche Macan compare to its main rivals?
The small luxury SUV segment will be very competitive in 2026. With the German SUV topping the rankings for years, and newer, more disruptive models from brands like Genesis, it’s hard to beat.
In terms of affordability, the Macan is one of the most expensive models in its segment. The Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and BMW X3 all have more affordable starting prices. In terms of performance, some cheaper models produce as much or more horsepower than the Macan (as a base model). Porsche’s small luxury SUV is attractive, but it’s not the undisputed segment leader.
What is the best small luxury SUV in 2026?
There are several strong contenders for the title of best small luxury SUV of 2026, but a few models stand out from the crowd. Genesis’ small luxury SUV, the Genesis GV70, is the best model in its segment, according to a ranking list by Edmunds.
Pricing for the 2026 Genesis GV70 starts at $48,985. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower. This small luxury SUV gets about 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
The GV70 is also an “excellent luxury SUV with excellent style both inside and out, a good blend of maneuverability and comfort, and satisfying ease of use.” A review of the vehicle by MotorTrend says: The upper trim level GV70 model shines even further with better standard features and upgrades.
The Trump administration’s first Venezuelan oil sales have already generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
US seizes six Venezuelan tankers in the Caribbean
The U.S. military has seized six Venezuelan tankers in the Caribbean “without incident.”
Five Democratic senators sent a letter to executives at more than a dozen major banks asking whether the Trump administration had been “approached” to handle the proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan oil. The administration says it has already generated hundreds of millions of dollars.
The letter, sent by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Sheldon Whitehouse, Peter Welch, and Brian Schatz on January 15, asks banks whether they are financially supporting President Trump’s oil deals after the United States overthrew Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
“Given the rapidly evolving situation and the lack of clarity on the government’s plans regarding Venezuelan oil and the funds derived from oil sales, we write to seek answers,” the lawmakers said in the letter.
more: Two women vie for president of Venezuela, but Trump decides
The letter was addressed to the heads of 15 major banks, including Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, HSBC and JPMorgan. Spokespeople for both banks either declined comment or did not respond to questions from USA TODAY.
Since U.S. forces seized Maduro in a secret military operation on Jan. 3, President Donald Trump has said the U.S. would “run” Venezuela, including taking control of the world’s largest oil reserves.
In recent weeks, President Trump has teased the lucrative opportunity of unlocking Venezuela’s reserves in front of top U.S. oil companies in the wake of Maduro’s detention. On January 9, he welcomed oil company executives to the White House to lobby for “energizing the Venezuelan nation, restoring its economy, and creating massive wealth for corporations.”
The administration has secured its first sale of Venezuelan oil in a deal worth $500 million, and more similar deals are in the works, administration officials said this week. Some of those funds will be held in an account in the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, three sources told USA TODAY.
more: Venezuelan opposition leader visits the White House. The situation is as follows.
“To ensure the legitimacy and integrity of the final revenue distribution, all proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil and petroleum products will first be settled into U.S.-managed accounts at globally recognized banks,” a fact sheet released by the Department of Energy on January 7 said.
An executive order signed by President Trump on January 9 aimed at “protecting Venezuelan oil revenues” held by the Treasury Department called these funds “sovereign property of Venezuela controlled by the United States.”
The Trump administration has not detailed how the money from oil sales will be distributed, and the White House did not address USA TODAY’s questions about whether some funds are being held in banks in Qatar. The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the letter.
more: Why is the US so interested in Venezuelan oil? See these graphs.
Machado says he presented President Trump with Nobel Peace Prize medal
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado said she presented President Donald Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize medal during their meeting.
With Maduro gone, interim President Delcy Rodriguez is working to make Trump’s dream of American access to Venezuelan oil a reality.
In his first State of the Union address on January 15, Rodriguez called on Venezuela to stand up to the United States, but he also suggested regulatory reforms that would open up Venezuela’s oil fields to foreign investment.
The reforms will allow “these investment flows to be integrated into new areas, areas where investment has not been made before,” he said.
Student loan borrowers could face wage garnishment
Millions of Americans who are behind on their federal student loans could soon have their paychecks garnished as the U.S. Department of Education moves to resume aggressive collections.
Fox – 5 Atlanta
Student loan defaulters will be saved from wage garnishment for now.
The Department of Education announced it is suspending its plan to garnish other income, such as paychecks and tax refunds, for borrowers who default on their student loans. The department was scheduled to begin wage garnishments the week of January 7th.
The department said in a release that the moratorium will allow the department to “implement large-scale student loan repayment reforms,” including simplifying repayment options and providing additional opportunities for borrowers to rehabilitate their federal student loans.
There is no deadline for how long the moratorium will last, but the department said it will give financially strapped borrowers time to resolve defaults with federal loan servicers.
“After the Trump Administration implemented significant improvements to our broken student loan system, we determined that involuntary collection efforts, such as administrative wage garnishments and the Treasury Offset Program, would work more efficiently and equitably,” said Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent.
Your credit score is still at risk
Borrowers will be able to maintain their income for a little longer, but defaults will still be reported to credit institutions, the ministry warned.
“The department reports student loan defaults to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact a borrower’s credit report.” A drop in your credit score has lasting effects. Lenders use these to decide whether to approve a loan or credit card, and to determine interest rates and credit limits.
“People are most upset when they want to buy a home,” Michele Ranelli, TransUnion’s vice president and head of U.S. research and consulting, told USA TODAY late last year. “They saved money, did their research, and ultimately found a home within their budget. But when they try to get a mortgage, they find out their score is too low. This is something that will take time to recover and is a missed opportunity.”
How many Americans are in default?
By the end of 2025, more than 4 million Americans will technically be in default on their student loans, Ranelli said, meaning they are at least 270 days past due. It just hasn’t been reported to the credit bureaus yet for a variety of reasons, including processing delays, she said.
When finally reported, about 10 million borrowers, representing about 25% of the federal student loan portfolio, could default on their loans, the Education Department said. Experts say this is a record.
mixed reaction
Aissa Canchola Báñez, policy director for Protect Borrowers, which has fought to get the Trump administration to put a brake on wage garnishments, said the moratorium is a victory for struggling borrowers. The report estimated that a borrower defaults on a loan every nine seconds, “representing an unprecedented default crisis that is three times worse than before the pandemic.”
“At a time when the affordability crisis is mounting, the administration’s plan would have been economically reckless and risked pushing the nearly 9 million defaulted borrowers further into debt,” Canchola Báñez said.
Some supporters said the administration needed to go further. “While this is a welcome first step, it is only a temporary pause,” said Natalia Abrams, director and founder of the Student Debt Crisis Center. “The Department of Education must agree to provide comprehensive student loan debt relief and cease all collection actions going forward. No one should ever face the possibility of being deprived of their hard-earned wages or tax refunds.”
However, some analysts said the suspension was a loss for the country and its budget.
Maya McGinius, president of the nonprofit Board for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), called the move “outrageous.” “Not only will it increase costs for taxpayers, it will actually exacerbate affordability challenges by ballooning student loan burdens and putting upward pressure on interest rates and inflation.”
CRFB estimates that the U.S. could lose up to $5 billion a year in collections, swelling the loan balance.
“The loans should be repaid and the administration should start collecting them,” McGuineas said.
Medora Lee is USA TODAY’s money, markets and personal finance reporter. Please contact us at mjlee@usatoday.com. Subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday morning.
According to reports, the Justice Department has subpoenaed Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on charges of conspiracy to obstruct federal law enforcement in Minnesota.
Minnesota governor asks federal government to allow state to investigate ICE shootings
Gov. Tim Walz is emphasizing transparency and calling for Minnesota to play a role in the investigation into the ICE shooting that killed a 37-year-old mother.
Justice Department officials have opened an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in connection with charges of conspiracy to obstruct federal immigration enforcement in the state, Reuters and the Washington Post reported.
The investigation comes amid a growing feud between Minnesota Democratic leaders and President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security has sent thousands of agents to the state in what it calls the “largest immigration operation in history” to combat fraud in social welfare programs that officials say is linked to Somali immigrants.
Mr. Walz and Mr. Frey have called on immigration authorities to leave the state, especially in the wake of the shooting death of Renee Nicole Macklin Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
In a statement, Walz criticized the administration for the reported investigation.
“Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that it was Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponent is an authoritarian tactic,” the former vice presidential candidate said. “The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal officer who shot her.”
Justice Department officials said the investigation into Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer who shot and killed Good on January 7, is “baseless.” The Justice Department is instead investigating Goode’s widow, according to reports from the New York Times and NBC News. Joe Thompson, the acting Minnesota attorney appointed to investigate the state’s fraud scandal, and other federal prosecutors have resigned in protest.
F-bombs were heard all over the country: Minneapolis mayor trying to break ICE
Minneapolis Mayor tells federal authorities: “I will not be intimidated”
Frey said in a statement shared with USA TODAY that he “will not be intimidated” by the Justice Department.
“This is a clear attempt to intimidate me as I stand up on behalf of Minneapolis, local law enforcement, and residents against the chaos and danger this administration has brought to our streets. I do not intend to be intimidated. My focus remains as always on keeping our city safe,” the mayor said.
He added: “America depends on leaders who govern with integrity and the rule of law. Our city and our country will not succumb to this fear. We are strong.”
Frey’s spokeswoman, Jess Olstad, said the mayor has not heard anything from the Justice Department.
The newly revealed investigation comes days after Walz called on Minnesotans on January 14 to record their calls with ICE agents working in the state. Americans have a First Amendment right to record government officials on duty in public. Good’s family said he was killed after stopping to “observe” ICE agents.
In response to questions about the investigation into Mr. Walz and Mr. Frey, Justice Department spokeswoman Natalie Baldassar said the department would not comment.
BYD is now the world’s top electric car seller, overtaking Tesla, which Elon Musk’s company has dominated for a decade. Bloomberg analyzes how the world’s richest person came in second place.
bloomberg
As the holiday season winds down and the new year begins, Barrett-Jackson’s Spring 2026 Collector Car Auction will be held at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The auction will begin on Friday, January 16th with a Rock the Block concert featuring performances by Cole Swindell and Chase Rice, and the auction will officially begin on Saturday, January 17th and end on January 25th.
“We will feature more than 2,000 coveted collector cars and trucks that will captivate the world’s most seasoned collectors, as well as capture the attention of first-time bidders,” Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, said in a press release on barrett-jackson.com.
“The diversity of our documentation, which includes no-reserve and select reserve consignments, is what sets Barrett-Jackson apart and defines our successful growth over the years. We have some very special vehicles and we look forward to meeting everyone in Scottsdale to start the 2026 collector car auction season together.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auto Auction.
Where is Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026?
The 2026 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auto Auction will be held at Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Arizona.
If you can’t come in person, you can watch it on TV or stream it.
What are the 2026 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale dates?
The 2026 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale dates are Friday, January 17th through Sunday, January 25th.
The fun begins on January 16th with the Rock the Block Party by Cole Swindell and Chase Rice.
Other events, including Coca-Cola Family Day, STEM Fest, Driving Experiences, Fantasy Bidding, Thrill and Dirt Rides, Exhibitor Market, Vehicle and Auto Bidding, begin on January 17th and run through January 25th.
For more information on the daily schedule, visit barrett-jackson.com.
In case you missed it: How to watch Barrett vs. Jackson Scottsdale 2026 on TV, live or streaming
How much are tickets to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale?
Tickets are on sale at barrett-jackson.com and can also be purchased at the gate.
Rock the Block Concert: Tickets start at $101.
All session passes: Valid from Saturday, January 17th to Sunday, January 25th. $251. $201 for seniors, military and first responders, free for children 12 and under.
1 day admission ticket: Prices vary depending on the day.
Saturday, January 17th (Coca-Cola Family Day): $33. $28 for seniors, military and first responders. $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Sunday, January 18th (Auction Preview Day): $31. $26 for seniors, military and first responders. $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Monday, January 19th (Auction): $27. $23 for seniors, military and first responders; $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Tuesday, January 20th (Auction): $37. $27 for seniors, military and first responders. $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Wednesday, January 21st (Auction): $43. $33 for seniors, military and first responders; $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Thursday, January 22nd (Auction): $55; $40 for seniors, military and first responders. $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Friday, January 23rd (Auction): $78. $66 for seniors, military and first responders; $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Saturday, January 24th (Auction): $91. $78 for seniors, military and first responders. $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Sunday, January 25th (Auction): $27. $23 for seniors, military and first responders; $10 for students, free for children 12 and under.
Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auto Auction
when: Saturday to Sunday, January 17th to 25th.
where: Westworld in Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road.
Admission fee: Daily general admission starts at $27 for adults.
detail: 480-421-6694, barrett-jackson.com.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, arts and culture for the Arizona Republic;azcentral.com. She writes about the latest news on video games, TV, and things to do in metro Phoenix.
In memory of Hollywood greats Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner
The tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and Michelle Reiner shocked the entertainment world and beyond.
Rob Reiner appears in “Mel Brooks: 99 Years Old”! An upcoming HBO documentary about the comedy legend goes even deeper.
The two-part documentary by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, premiering January 22nd and 23rd on HBO (8 p.m. ET/PT), focuses on the life and enduring charm of Mel Brooks, who turns 100 on June 28th.
Reiner, who tragically passed away along with his wife Michele Singer Reiner on December 14th, has shared some valuable insight about his father, Carl Reiner, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 98.
Carl Reiner was Brooks’ best friend and comedy partner for 70 years. The friendship and partnership was truly special. Rob Reiner offers the most scathing and authoritative take on this famous duo.
Reiner talks about first meeting Brooks when he was four years old, when the comedy writer was staying at his parents’ house. Since then, Brooks has become an integral part of the Reiner family.
The son also talks about how Carl Reiner plays straight men in skits with Brooks, such as the famous “Two Thousand Years Old Man.”
“My father was like a second banana. He never felt like he needed to be a star,” Reiner says in the documentary. “He’ll push Mel over the edge and make Mel explode with creativity and humor.”
Brooks, who lost his father to tuberculosis when he was two years old, looked up to his older brother, Carl Reiner.
“I always thought that even though Mel was about four years younger than my dad, he still saw my dad as a father figure,” says Reiner.
In the later years of their friendship, Carl and Mel spent most of their nights sitting at Reiner’s house, watching TV and movies while eating dinner on a TV tray.
“Mel was there when my dad passed away,” Rob Reiner said, describing how Brooks found his father collapsed in his home. “My father passed away shortly after that.”
Still, Brooks continued to visit friends.
“After my dad died, for months and months and months, (Brooks) would come over and sit there and watch TV and eat dinner, and he continued to do that for months and months,” Reiner says. “He was so close to his dad that he wanted to be close to him when he was gone.”
Choice HomeWarranty is one of the most budget-friendly home warranty companies, offering high coverage limits and low monthly costs. It has one of the most robust list of add-ons I’ve ever seen, although there are some notable exclusions.
If you’re considering the Choice Home warranty, here’s everything you need to know, including how much it costs, what it covers, and how it compares to its leading competitors.
choice home guarantee
The Choice Home warranty covers 18 systems and appliances in your home and is currently offering one month of free service for new subscribers.
Get a free quote
About Choice Home Warranty
Choice HomeWarranty is a home warranty provider founded in 2009 that covers all major appliances and their essential systems in your home (air conditioning, heating, plumbing, etc.). Coverage varies depending on whether you have a total plan or a basic plan, but both cover most of the major components of your home.
To see exactly how much your plan costs, you’ll need to request a free quote, but on average you can expect to pay between $47 and $57 per month. Costs vary depending on location and coverage.
Choice Home Warranty Pros and Cons
Strong Points:
Systems and appliances capped at $3,000
Wide coverage area at an affordable price
lots of addons
Cons:
no roofing
A comprehensive plan for air conditioners, refrigerators, and washer/dryers is required.
More exclusions than premium providers
The Choice Home warranty covers a huge number of home appliances and systems, setting us apart from our competitors. The two-plan approach is simple, and its services are easy to differentiate (the total plan includes air conditioning, refrigerator, and washer/dryer; the basic plan does not).
This expanded coverage is generally more affordable than other brands we’ve reviewed. American Home Shield plans start at $100 per month, while Choice HomeWarranty’s total plan costs $57.
The Choice Home warranty also has generous appliance coverage limits of up to $3,000 per appliance. Select HomeWarranty, which offers a similarly priced plan, pays only $500 per appliance. American Home Shield pays $4,000 per appliance, which is considered twice the industry average.
Choice HomeWarranty is generally well-reviewed among the major sites. The Better Business Bureau gives the company a B rating, noting more than 11,000 complaints over the past three years. Consumer Affairs gives this company a 4-star rating after over 73,000 reviews. Consumers appreciate the breadth of coverage and ease of filing claims that total plans offer.
Common complaints across both sites include frequent claim denials, long customer service wait times, and poor contractor performance. However, it’s worth noting that these are complaints common to all home warranty companies, not just Choice HomeWarranty.
Data was accurate as of January 16, 2026.
Choice Home Warranty Alternatives
Choice Homewarranty is an affordable option, but it’s not cheap considering the wide range of coverage it offers.
USA TODAY recommends First Premier Home Warranty as the best provider of budget-friendly coverage. Usually between $45 and $52 per month. Appliance limits are the same as Choice HomeWarranty ($3,000), but system limits are half the limits offered by Choice ($1,500). Service fees are also low: First Premier costs only $75 compared to Choice’s $100.
USA TODAY’s top choice for home warranty companies is Super Home Warranty. Prices range from $52 to $116 per month, which is considerably more expensive than Choice Home Warranty. You may find it difficult to accept its high cost, but it comes with a more extensive menu of options. Covers 26 systems and appliances with unlimited system coverage limits (whereas the Choice Home warranty is capped at $3,000 per system).
Choice Home Warranty Plans and Prices
Choice HomeWarranty has two plans: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Both have a $3,000 limit for both systems and appliances. Both include a $100 service fee when a technician visits your home.
Choice Home Guarantee Basic Plan
The Basic plan covers a variety of systems and appliances in your home and is available for as low as $47 per month, depending on location. Costs also vary depending on whether you choose additional coverage. You can get a free quote from the brand’s website.
The basic plan includes the following:
heating system
electrical system
piping system
Piping stoppage
water heater
jet bath
oven/range/stove
cook top
dishwasher
built-in microwave
Garbage disposal
duct work
garage door opener
ceiling fan and exhaust fan
Choice Home Warranty Total Plan
The Choice Home Guaranteed Total Plan includes everything in the base plan, plus:
air conditioning system
refrigerator
clothes washing machine
clothes dryer
High-end plans cost up to $57 per month, depending on your location.
Choice Home Warranty Additional Coverage
Whether you choose the Basic Plan or Total Plan with Choice Home Guarantee, you have the option to add additional coverage if needed, including:
pool/spa
central vacuum
second refrigerator
well pump
Limited roof leakage
freestanding freezer
drain pump
purification system
Septic tank pumping
Adding coverage to your plan will increase your monthly premium. SafeWise reports that the cost of each add-on ranges from $3.33 to $15, depending on your region.
Choice Home Warranty Discount
Sign up today and get one month of Choice HomeWarranty services for free. The site says the promotion is available to anyone who signs up for a one-time home warranty plan.
Choice HomeWarranty often partners with coupon sites like Groupon and RetailMeNot that offer additional benefits. Right now, you can get $100 off your home warranty plan through Groupon.
choice home guarantee
Right now, you can save $100 on a home warranty plan when you sign up through Groupon.
$100 off with Groupon
Depending on your location, you may also receive discounts through AAA.
What does the Choice Home warranty cover?
Choice Home coverage covers up to 18 systems and appliances in your home, plus an additional nine add-ons for an additional fee. A complete list of covered areas can be found above, but this site details exactly which components are covered within each system and appliance.
The Choice Home warranty service terms and conditions explain that all components and parts are covered in the following areas:
Clothes dryer (total plan only)
Clothes washing machine (total plan only)
built-in microwave
oven/range/cooktop
dishwasher
Garbage disposal
Ceiling fan/exhaust fan/attic fan
The following scopes are excluded.
Refrigerator (total plan only): Excludes AV equipment and internet connection equipment
Garage door opener: door, excluding door track assembly
Air Conditioning/Heating/Duct Equipment: Excludes a critical list of components such as plumbing, well pumps, window units, and lines. Check the complete list here.
Water heaters: excluding fuel tanks, secondary holding tanks or storage tanks, etc. – check the full list here
Electrical systems: Excludes circuit overloads, faceplates, and anything related to solar power systems.
Plumbing Systems/Outages: Excludes a critical list of components, including damage due to collapse, damage, or breakage of drain pipes. sink. shower. Septic tank. Others – check the full list here
The company says coverage officially begins 30 days after receiving your contract fee, so you should be careful not to file a claim before then. It also states that it only covers systems located on the foundation of a home or in a detached garage, and does not include systems characterized by conditions known at the time of the contract.
Choice Home What is not covered by the warranty?
The Choice Home warranty covers systems and appliances that fail during your service contract, but there is a long list of exclusions you should check before signing. Coverage also varies by state, so be sure to request a free quote and carefully read Section C (Coverage) of our Terms of Use.
Choice Home’s warranty does not cover routine maintenance. We also do not warrant items that fail due to misuse, abuse, neglect, or physical damage.
Additionally, this brand does not cover systems or appliances that are under manufacturer warranty (or those that have been recalled).
Choice Home How to claim a warranty
When you sign up for the Choice Home Warranty, you are granted access to our customer portal where you can request service and file a claim. An email address and policy number are required to enter the portal.
If you experience a problem with your system or appliance, you should request service immediately. The brand claims that you can contact the service provider within four hours of receipt and expect to hear back from the contractor within 48 hours after that (though it may take longer). A complaint from the BBB details instances in which consumers had to follow up with Choice HomeWarranty multiple times to receive service providers.
Choice Home Warranty Availability
The Choice Home Warranty is available in all 50 states, but terms of service vary by state. California and Georgia have their own agreements for review, but the General Terms and Conditions agreement points out some state-specific quirks to look for when considering Choice HomeWarranty.
How USA TODAY rates Choice Home guarantees
Our USA TODAY team has developed a rigorous methodology for reviewing home warranty companies like Choice HomeWarranty. We independently review and rate warranty services, consult experts, and compare top companies against each other. Although Choice Homewarranty didn’t rank on our list of best home warranty companies, we evaluated it against the same rubric in this review.
Bottom line: Is the Choice Home warranty right for you?
If you’re considering a home warranty, Choice HomeWarranty offers a combination of affordability and thorough coverage. As with any service contract, you should carefully review the list of what’s included and what’s excluded, but the list of included systems and appliances is one of the most comprehensive we’ve seen.
Choice Homewarranty has a solid reputation among other home warranty providers, offering a rare one-month free trial and maintaining a transparent list of everything it will and won’t do as part of your contract.
choice home guarantee
The Choice Home warranty covers 18 systems and appliances in your home and is currently offering one month of free service for new subscribers.
Get a free quote
FAQ
Is the Choice Home warranty good?
Among other home warranty providers, Choice HomeWarranty has a strong reputation. However, there are many common complaints that are common to all warranty providers. Consumers are reporting slow response times, dissatisfaction with service providers, and disappointment with no coverage.
Is Choice Home Warranty being sued?
Yes, Choice HomeWarranty was sued in November 2025 by a group of voters who claimed the company violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) with unsolicited promotional text messages.
Is the Choice Home warranty a scam?
Choice HomeWarranty is not a scam, but like other home warranty providers, it has dealt with allegations of frustrating business practices, including denying legitimate claims and sending unprepared service providers.
Which is better: American Home Shield or Choice Home Warranty?
If you want more comprehensive coverage with higher cost limits, American Home Shield is better (but more expensive). If you want an inexpensive plan with solid coverage and acceptable cost limits, Choice Home Insurance is a better option (but with less coverage).
Check out USA TODAY’s complete comparison between the two companies.
When asked about 5G towers, Kennedy cited research suggesting a link to cancer and tumor growth. However, the World Health Organization found that “there is no association between mobile phone use and brain tumors.”
RFK Jr. says electromagnetic waves are a big health concern
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed concerns about 5G tower and cell phone radiation in an exclusive interview with USA TODAY.
WASHINGTON – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told USA TODAY that “electromagnetic radiation is a serious health concern” a day after the department launched a study on cell phone radiation.
“Generally speaking, electromagnetic radiation is a huge health concern,” Kennedy said in an exclusive interview when asked about concerns about 5G towers. “I’m very worried about that.”
Under the Make America Healthy Again movement, 22 states have restricted cell phone use in schools to promote children’s health, the department said. Since 2022, there has been a major movement to ban the use of cell phones in classrooms in K-12 schools across the country. However, this is to curb the impact of social media on mental health, prevent cyberbullying and being constantly online, and not electromagnetic radiation.
more: RFK Jr. explains why he stopped getting the flu shot in 2005
Mobile carriers’ 5G networks promise faster connections, but have been the target of skeptics who claim they have negative health effects. USA TODAY previously debunked online claims that 5G is dangerous.
The Food and Drug Administration under the Kennedy administration removed an old web page that said cell phones were not dangerous.
“While the FDA has removed a web page with outdated conclusions about cell phone radiation, HHS is working on research on electromagnetic radiation and health research to identify gaps in knowledge, including new technologies, to ensure safety and effectiveness,” said Andrew Nixon, a spokesman for the agency.
President Kennedy elaborated on his health concerns in an exclusive interview for USA TODAY’s “Extremely Normal” series, describing “more than 10,000 studies” documenting the negative effects of electromagnetic radiation, including cancer, tumor growth and DNA damage.
“Electromagnetic waves can be harmful depending on your pulse rate and wavelength,” Kennedy says. “Some of them are very malicious.”
The World Health Organization determined that the health concerns were not justified after it commissioned a study in which experts from nine countries analyzed 63 studies on mobile phones and cancer from 1994 to 2022. The study was published in the scientific journal Environment International in September 2024.
“Researchers found no association between mobile phone use and brain tumors,” the WHO said.
Machado says he presented President Trump with Nobel Peace Prize medal
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado said she presented President Donald Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize medal during their meeting.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado awarded President Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize.
The gesture appears to be an attempt by President Trump to gain support for his party in Venezuela’s leadership transition.
The Nobel Institute said the Nobel Prize cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to another person.
President Donald Trump met with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado on January 15, and she handed him the Nobel Peace Prize, which she had won several months earlier.
Machado won the Peace Prize for his work fighting for democracy “in the face of Venezuela’s growing authoritarianism,” according to the Nobel Prize support website. The Trump administration at the time said the commission was “prioritizing politics over peace” by not awarding the award to President Trump, who has repeatedly lamented that he may never be able to receive the award.
But now he has the medal, housed in a large gold-framed case with a certificate that reads, “Presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the people of Venezuela in recognition of President Trump’s principled and decisive actions to secure a free Venezuela.”
Why did she hand over the prize? Here’s what we know.
more: Venezuelan opposition leader visits the White House. The situation is as follows.
Why did Machado give Trump the Peace Prize?
The gesture appears to be an attempt to gain support from President Trump as Venezuela faces a leadership change following the U.S. detention of President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump and Machado’s lunch meeting came weeks after Maduro was brought to the United States on drug trafficking and corruption charges. Maduro took office in 2013 and has presided over the collapse of Venezuela’s economy.
Machado, who heads the opposition party, said he would run against Maduro in the 2024 general election, but his candidacy was blocked and he supported his party’s alternative candidate, Emundo González Urrutia. Both Mr. Maduro and Mr. Gonzalez have declared victory in 2024, but many foreign leaders, including Mr. Trump, have questioned or denied the legitimacy of Mr. Maduro’s victory. Election observers around the world also found overwhelming evidence that Mr. Machado’s party won but Mr. Maduro refused to relinquish power.
Many expected either Machado or González to take over after Maduro’s ouster, but instead Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, became interim president. Machado has been trying for months to win Trump’s support, including dedicating the Peace Prize to him when he won it in October.
“We are ready and willing to serve our people according to our mission,” he said in a Jan. 7 interview on CBS.
Meanwhile, President Trump praised Rodriguez’s cooperation as the United States begins selling Venezuelan crude oil.
Will Trump keep the Peace Prize?
Yes, the White House has confirmed that President Trump will keep the award, USA TODAY reported on January 16th. President Trump has long wanted the Nobel Peace Prize, mocking and questioning why former President Barack Obama won it in his first year in office. President Trump has said he is confident he won’t win no matter what, but many people are making noise about his nomination.
On January 15, President Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Maria awarded me the Nobel Peace Prize for all my accomplishments. A great act of mutual respect. Thank you, Maria!”
However, Norway’s Nobel Institute issued a statement saying it could not award the prize before Machado handed over the medal.
“The facts are clear and well established. Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to anyone else,” the statement said. “This decision is final and forever in effect.
Machado leaves with gift bag signed by President Trump
Trump wasn’t the only one to receive gifts at the luncheon.
An image of Machado leaving the White House shows her carrying a red gift bag with a golden Trump signature on the outside. The White House did not immediately respond to questions about whether Trump gave her anything that may have been in the bag.
Although President Trump is constitutionally limited to two terms, he has been photographed showing off his hat collection, including a “Trump 2028” hat, at White House meetings with other foreign leaders.
Contributed by: Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Francesca Chambers, Joey Garrison, Michael Collins, USA TODAY
Kinsey Crowley is a Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact KCrowley@usatodayco.com. follow her X (Twitter), blue sky and TikTok.
President Trump’s latest naming recognition is a four-mile stretch of Florida road that connects Palm Beach International Airport to his resort town of Mar-a-Lago.
‘Donald J. Trump Presidential Boulevard’ officially unveiled in Florida
A four-mile road leading to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, is now named after the president.
WASHINGTON – Presidents typically wait until they leave the White House or die to have streets and buildings named after them.
But Donald Trump is different.
Fresh out of the Kennedy Center and rebranded under his own name, Trump received his latest naming certification at 4 Mile Southern Boulevard (now known as Presidential Donald J. Trump Boulevard) in Palm Beach, Florida.
On January 16, President Trump attended a ceremony to officially announce the renaming of Florida’s state government at the Mar-a-Lago Resort in Palm Beach.
“This is an important sign,” President Trump said, posing for a photo in front of a large sign placed on the street.
The state highway, named after President Trump, connects Palm Beach International Airport, where Trump lands on Air Force One, with his home and resort in Mar-a-Lago. When President Trump travels to and from Mar-a-Lago on weekends and holidays, his fans and enemies alike often greet him along the way.
Republicans in the Florida Legislature passed a bill to name the thoroughfare after President Trump. The West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County Regional Commission subsequently approved the proposal.
“When we first introduced this language, we were told that it’s not allowed, we can’t do that,” Republican Rep. Meg Weinberger of Florida, the sponsor of the naming bill, said in introducing President Trump. He said it would take “determination” to approve the measure in a larger bill that includes road name changes across the state.
Weinberger told the president: “We need to honor and honor you and your family for everything you have done for us and our country.”
Trump, who used his name on a skyscraper during his real estate days, has been active in his first year in the White House to put his name on various landmarks and programs.
Most controversially, the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted in December to rename the national institution of music, arts, and culture the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Memorial Center. The move is being challenged in court by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), a member of the board.
There is also the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, a transit corridor mediated by the United States that connects Azerbaijan and Turkey via Armenia. The U.S. Institute of Peace is renamed the Donald J. Trump Peace Institute. A new “Trump Account” for newborn babies. And the Trump Gold Card is designed to help wealthy foreigners pay to remain in the United States legally.
Contributed by: USA TODAY Network’s Palm Beach Post
BYD is now the world’s top electric car seller, overtaking Tesla, which Elon Musk’s company has dominated for a decade. Bloomberg analyzes how the world’s richest person came in second place.
bloomberg
There are several options for watching auctions on TV, both live and streaming, whenever it’s convenient for you.
The Barrett vs. Jackson Scottsdale livestream is available anytime at www.barrett-jackson.com.
You can also watch with the FYI app on your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, or Chromecast. For more information, please visit www.fyi.tv/apps.
The annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auto Auction in Arizona is a car enthusiast’s dream come true, featuring hundreds of unique and expensive cars, fun car-themed events and activities, and plenty of gear for purchase.
If you’re bummed that you won’t be able to attend Westworld in Scottsdale in person from January 17th to 25th, don’t worry, you won’t have to miss out on all the fun. There are several options for watching auctions on TV, both live and streaming, whenever it’s convenient for you.
Here’s how to watch and stream the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026 auction.
Where can I watch Barrett vs. Jackson Scottsdale 2026?
The Barrett vs. Jackson Scottsdale livestream is available anytime at www.barrett-jackson.com.
If you have a cable subscription, you can log in and watch at www.fyi.tv/shows/barrett-jackson-auction.
You can also watch with the FYI app on your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, or Chromecast. For more information, please visit www.fyi.tv/apps.
Visit play.history.com/live and log in with your cable provider credentials to watch History Channel online. You can also watch it on the History Channel app on your smart device.
How to watch the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction live on TV
Here is Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale’s 2025 streaming and TV schedule: All times are in MST.
Saturday, January 17th
The Barrett-Jackson Cup Parade will be held on the Barrett-Jackson Livestream from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Sunday, January 18th
This is a Bidder Preview Day and no livestream will be available.
In case you missed it: These are the hottest cars at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026
Monday, January 19th
Barrett-Jackson livestream from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, January 20th
Barrett-Jackson’s livestream runs from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FYI: 3pm to 8pm with encore from 8pm to 10pm
Wednesday, January 21st
Barrett-Jackson livestream from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
FYI: 2pm to 8pm with encore from 8pm to 10pm
Thursday, January 22nd
Barrett-Jackson livestream from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FYI: 2pm to 8pm with encore from 8pm to 10pm
Friday, January 23rd
Barrett-Jackson livestream from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
From 12pm to 5pm on the History Channel.
For reference, from 5pm to 10pm.
Saturday, January 24th
Barrett-Jackson livestream from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
on the History Channel from noon to 10 p.m.
Sunday, January 25th
Barrett-Jackson livestream from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Barrett-Jackson LIVE Super Saturday Encore Presentation (FYI, 12pm to 10pm)
Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auto Auction
when: Saturday to Sunday, January 17th to 25th.
where: Westworld in Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road.
Admission fee: Daily general admission starts at $27 for adults.
detail: 480-421-6694, barrett-jackson.com.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, arts and culture for the Arizona Republic;azcentral.com. She writes about the latest news on video games, TV, and things to do in metro Phoenix.
Wendy’s announces closure of approximately 300 stores nationwide
Fast food chain Wendy’s plans to close hundreds more just a year after closing 140 stores.
Just over two weeks into the new year, multiple fast-food and fast-casual chain restaurants across the country have announced plans to downsize, with some saying they intend to focus resources on their top-performing locations.
Restaurants that have announced closures include Noodles & Co., Red Robin and Wendy’s.
Noodles & Company confirmed in a January 12 news release that it will close 33 company-owned restaurants and nine franchised restaurants in 2025. An additional 30 to 35 stores are likely to close next year, the company said.
From McDonald’s to Diet Coke: See President Donald Trump’s love of fast food
Noodles & Company CEO and President Joe Christina said the company’s restaurant sales were up more than 7% in the fourth quarter, and the decision to close some locations was made with caution. He added that closing some restaurants will help strengthen the brand and its finances.
“Our fourth-quarter results confirm that Noodles can drive significant sales growth by focusing resources on restaurants with the greatest opportunity to improve performance,” Christina said in a news release. “This performance gives us further confidence as we continue to refine our portfolio for 2026.”
USA TODAY reached out to Noodles & Company for a complete list of closures, but has not yet received a response.
Here are other restaurants that have recently announced closures and what we know so far.
Wendy’s: Wendy’s to close approximately 300 stores nationwide from the end of 2025
Back in November, Wendy’s interim CEO Ken Cook told investors on a quarterly earnings call that the company planned to close a “mid-single-digit percentage” of stores. At that time, Wendy’s had about 6,000 stores nationwide, and the closures could range from about 240 to 360 stores.
Cook said part of the plan includes improving technology and equipment at some locations and transferring underperforming locations to new operators or closing locations. He said closures are expected to begin during the fourth quarter of this year.
When contacted by email in early January, Wendy’s declined to share a complete list of closings. But the company said it is working to ensure “restaurant scale that continues to provide a great experience for our customers and benefits our franchisees.”
Wendy’s said in a statement that underperforming restaurants may close as part of this strategy.
Stores that closed in late December include Wendy’s stores in Levittown, Pennsylvania, West Lafayette, Indiana, and Stockton, California, according to the Bucks County Courier Times, Lafayette Journal & Courier, and Stockton Record, all members of the USA TODAY Network.
Red Robin may not close as many stores as previously planned
In February 2025, Red Robin announced plans to close about 70 unprofitable stores to pay off debt. Later that year, the burger restaurant said on an earnings call that its attempts to improve performance at some locations had been so successful that it didn’t have to close as many locations.
When asked for updated store closure numbers and a list of locations on Jan. 15, Red Robin provided USA TODAY with an update on the company’s second quarter and pointed out areas for improvement.
“Building on this momentum, Red Robin delivered strong financial results in the third quarter of 2025, including stronger than expected comparable restaurant revenue, restaurant-level profitability, and customer traffic,” the company said in a Jan. 15 statement. “Red Robin plans to report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results in the first quarter of 2026.”
Starbucks: “There are no plans for large-scale closures in 2026”
Starbucks recently made headlines for potentially closing its doors at the end of 2025, but the company acknowledged in a statement to USA TODAY on Jan. 16 that previous reports that the coffee company would close 400 stores were “misrepresented.”
Starbucks said it will close 400 stores in the fall of 2025.
“As part of our normal operations, we regularly evaluate our coffeehouses to determine how best to meet the needs of our customers, but we have no plans for any major closures in 2026,” Starbucks said in a statement.
Other closures: These companies will close their stores in 2026. Check out the list.
In late September 2025, Starbucks CEO Brian Nicol announced that the company was reviewing its U.S. portfolio and would close stores that did not provide the environment and financial benefits the company desired.
“Each year, we open and close coffeehouses for a variety of reasons, from business performance to lease expirations,” Nicol said, adding that Starbucks plans to end fiscal year 2025 with 18,300 company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada.
“In 2026, we will continue to invest in our business and increase the number of coffee houses we operate,” Nikkor continued. “Over the next 12 months, we will renovate more than 1,000 locations to introduce greater texture, warmth and layered design.”
Contributors: Jonathan Limehouse, Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY. JD Mullane, Bucks County Courier Times. Gillian Ellison, Lafayette Journal & Courier, & Angelidet Rocha, Stockton Records
Saleen Martin is a reporter for USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia (757). Email sdmartin@usatoday.com.
Good morning and Happy Friday! I’m Betty Lynn Fisher for Friday’s consumer edition of “The Daily Money.”
Texas resident Zoe Dippel and her sister-in-law were taking a walk down memory lane, looking through old family photo albums, when they pulled out a long grocery receipt. Dippel’s mother-in-law had saved receipts for 122 items she bought for her young family, including twins, in 1997.
What’s the total? $155.34.
Dippel’s two TikTok videos, comparing prices in 1997 and 30 years later, have gone viral and have been viewed by more than 3.4 million people so far.
She was surprised by some price increases, such as a 72-pack of Pampers diapers more than doubling from $12.99 to $31.47.
“To me it’s just crazy,” Dippel told USA TODAY of the price increase.
How much does that grocery cart built in 1997 cost now?
Can you hear Verizon?
Were you among the more than 1.5 million Verizon customers across the United States caught up in the nation’s worst wireless network outage on January 14? Verizon is offering a $20 credit to customers affected by the seven-hour outage. Here’s how to get it:
Can a VPN help you get travel benefits?
USA TODAY travel writer Nathan Diller tested whether using a VPN could save you money on travel. Find out if it worked.
📰 Consumer stories you can’t miss 📰
Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her at @blinfisher on X, Facebook and Instagram and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky.. Sign up for free The Dai
The Trump administration supports Bayer’s argument that it cannot sue for failing to warn that Roundup could cause cancer.
How are Supreme Court justices nominated, confirmed, and opposed?
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WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court will decide whether to block thousands of lawsuits alleging Monsanto Co. failed to warn people that its popular herbicide could cause cancer.
The court agreed on January 16 to review a lower court’s decision upholding a $1.25 million judgment against Monsanto’s parent company, Bayer. This is just one of many lawsuits the company is fighting.
A St. Louis jury sided with John Darnell, arguing that Darnell’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was caused by exposure to the herbicide Roundup.
Darnell argued that Monsanto should have warned consumers that Roundup could be carcinogenic or that they should wear protective equipment when using Roundup.
more: Trump administration backs Bayer proposal to limit Roundup lawsuits
Bayer said such a warning is not only not required by the Environmental Protection Agency, but would also violate federal law.
The position has changed since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, and the Justice Department now says the Supreme Court should get involved.
U.S. Attorney General John Sauer said in court that the EPA had approved the label without a cancer warning and that Monsanto could not change the label without EPA approval.
“After careful scientific review and evaluation of hundreds of thousands of public comments, EPA has repeatedly determined that glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans, and EPA has repeatedly approved Roundup labels that do not contain cancer warnings,” Sauer wrote.
Sauer said companies should not be subject to different labeling requirements in 50 states.
Mr. Darnell’s lawyers argued that Mr. Darnell relied not only on the label, but also on Monsanto’s advertisements touting Roundup as safe to spray without protective equipment.
The case against Monsanto began in 2015, when the World Health Organization said a key ingredient in Roundup was “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has discontinued the use of glyphosate in Roundup, which is sold to customers for use on lawns and gardens, even though it claims it is safe for people to use. But Bayer has said it may remove glyphosate from agricultural markets, citing the threat posed by the more than 100,000 lawsuits it faces.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and other agricultural groups said in court that glyphosate is “essential to sustaining American agriculture in the 21st century.”
“Removing glyphosate from the market would pose an immediate and catastrophic risk to America’s food supply,” the organizations said in a filing supporting Bayer.
Bayer, which has already paid billions of dollars in settlements from Roundup lawsuits, is pushing state legislatures to pass legislation that would protect Bayer from liability.
Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said the Supreme Court’s appellate decision was “an important step in a multi-pronged strategy to significantly contain this litigation.”
“It’s time for America’s legal system to establish that companies should not be penalized under state law for complying with federal warning label requirements,” Anderson said in a statement.
The court is expected to hear oral arguments in Monsanto v. Darnell this spring and issue a decision by late June or early July.
After Zoe Dippel found a 1997 HEB receipt for 122 items totaling $155, she decided to compare current grocery prices to prices in the 1990s.
For Zoe Dippel, a walk down memory lane looking through her family photo albums became a simple lesson about inflation.
Dippel, a 24-year-old dental hygienist who lives near Austin, told USA TODAY that she was flipping through her sister-in-law’s baby album when the envelope fell out.
“When we open it, the first thing you see is an ultrasound of her as a baby, because she was a twin,” Dippel said. “[Then]we pull out the receipt and we’re like, ‘Oh my God, this is a huge receipt. This is so long.'” And I ask, “What’s the date?” ”
The receipts they found were for 122 items ordered from HEB, a Texas grocery store, shortly after my sister-in-law was born. The price for this bulk order in 1997 was $155.34. But after Dippel posted a video of her find on TikTok, she decided to find out how much the same order would cost now. Her two videos about receipts from 1997 have gone viral, with a combined 3.4 million views as of January 16th.
She discovered that the same order would have cost $504.11 with HEB’s curbside pickup.
“It’s just crazy to me,” Dippel said of the price hike.
Dippel told USA TODAY that the exercise made him question how people will be able to buy basic necessities. The issue has taken center stage in politics following the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent period of inflation.
“I think about people who don’t have the privilege of going to college and having a good career,” Dippel said. “I think about people who work in, say, fast food restaurants or HEBs or grocery stores. I think about them making $15 an hour. I think, ‘How can people survive?’
Prices at the aisle: Food prices rose even though US inflation remained stable in December
What was on the receipt?
Dippel provided USA TODAY with a spreadsheet showing a comparison between 1997 receipts and modern-day curbside pickup orders. She said she couldn’t find an exact match for each item, but looked for the closest equivalent if necessary.
Notable price increases include a nearly $8 price increase on frozen corn dogs and a jar of baby food from 55 cents to $1.97. A package of 78 Pampers diapers more than doubled in price from $12.99 to $31.47. Folgers French Roast Coffee is now $14.57, down from $7.99. And kids applesauce went from 45 cents to $2.07.
USA TODAY reached out to HEB for comment but did not receive a response.
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How have food prices changed?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Inflation Calculator, $1 in June 1997 will have the same purchasing power as $2.02 in December 2025, the last month for which the calculator is available. This is a difference of 102% from 1997 to 2025. Dippel’s latest calculations show a 224% increase in costs from $155.34 in 1997 to $504.11 today.
The all-category grocery price index compiled by Datasembly fell 5% year-over-year in the week ending Jan. 10, but was still 28% higher than before the pandemic, according to USA TODAY’s grocery tracker.
In a Swiftly survey conducted last month, 68% of shoppers said they were struggling to buy groceries. Over the past 12 months, household food spending increased by 2.4%.
Household food costs rose 0.7% in December, higher than the most recent monthly increases of 0.3% in September and 0.6% in August, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report.
Cardiff founder and CEO William Stern said in a memo to USA TODAY that politicians may “score a victory” with lower-than-expected inflation, but that “only means prices have stopped rising.”
“They never came down…and the family feels that way every time they check out,” he said.
