News

News

January 13, 2026

Trump to cut federal payments to sanctuary cities starting Feb 1 over immigration policies

President Donald Trump said his administration will cease federal payments to sanctuary cities and states with sanctuary policies starting Feb. 1, while citing jurisdictions that protect criminals and fuel fraud and crime.

Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump said the move was aimed at cities and states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and in the administration’s bid to stamp out fraud.

“Starting Feb. 1, we’re not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens. And it breeds fraud and crime and all the other problems that come. So we’re not making any payment to anybody that supports sanctuary.”

Trump also criticized Minnesota officials while discussing what he described as widespread fraud in the state.

“We have also suspended payments tied to suspected scammers in Minnesota, of which there are many,” Trump said. “It’s a great state. It was a great state. Now it’s getting destroyed by that stupid governor.”

Trump went on to accuse Gov. Tim Walz of corruption and said the level of fraud could not have gone unnoticed by state leadership.

People inside Iran describe heavy security and scattered damage in first calls to outside world

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranians made phone calls abroad for the first time in days Tuesday after authorities severed communications during a crackdown on nationwide protests. Activists say the protests have killed at least 646 people. Witnesses describe a heavy security presence in central Tehran, with burned-out buildings and smashed ATMs. People remain concerned about what comes next, including the possibility of strikes after U.S. President Donald Trump said he could use the military to defend peaceful protesters. Meanwhile, pro-government demonstrators flooded the streets Monday in support of the theocracy. Iranian state television aired chants from the crowd.

Trump holds off on military action against Iran’s protest crackdown as he ‘explores’ Tehran messages

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has arrived at a delicate moment as he weighs whether to order a U.S. military response against the Iranian government over its crackdown on protests. Trump has repeatedly threatened Tehran with military action if the Islamic Republic was found using deadly force against antigovernment protesters. But now, with Iranian officials indicating they want to have talks with the White House about the protests, the U.S. military appears to be on standby mode. Trump said Monday he would slap 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran, a move that could affect China, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

Tensions flare in Minnesota as protesters and federal agents repeatedly square off

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Days of demonstrations against immigration agents and a new lawsuit have left Minnesota tense. Federal authorities used tear gas on Monday to break up crowds of whistle-blowing activists. The state, joined by Minneapolis and St. Paul, sued the Trump administration Monday to try to halt or limit the enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security has pledged to send more than 2,000 immigration officers into Minnesota in what Immigration and Customs Enforcement has called its largest enforcement operation ever. Homeland Security says it has made more than 2,000 arrests in the state since December.

Wisconsin Gov. Evers casts doubt on his lieutenant governor’s ICE proposal

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is questioning whether a proposal from his own lieutenant governor to ban federal immigration enforcement actions around courthouses, schools and other locations can, or should, be done. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for governor this year after Evers decided against seeking a third term. Rodriguez proposed Monday that civil immigration enforcement actions in Wisconsin should be banned around courthouses, hospitals and health clinics, licensed child care centers and day cares, schools and institutions of higher learning, domestic violence shelters and places of worship.

Top central bankers express ‘full solidarity’ with Fed Chair Powell in clash with Trump

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Central bankers from around the world have expressed full support for U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. This comes after President Donald Trump escalated his confrontation with the Fed by threatening criminal charges. The central bankers, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, emphasized the importance of central bank independence for economic stability. 

Russia launches another major strike on Ukraine’s power grid in freezing temperatures

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched another major drone and missile attack on Ukraine that targeted the country’s power grid in freezing temperatures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that Russia fired nearly 300 drones, 18 ballistic missiles and seven cruise missiles at eight regions overnight. A strike in the Kharkiv region killed four people. The attack left several hundred thousand households without power in the Kyiv region. Russia launched a similar attack four days earlier in which Moscow used a powerful hypersonic missile. The U.S. has accused Russia of escalating the conflict. Ukraine is seeking quicker air defense deliveries from the U.S. and Europe to counter the attacks.

Sen. Kelly sues the Pentagon over attempts to punish him, declaring it unconstitutional

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly has sued the Pentagon over attempts to punish him for his warnings about illegal orders. He’s claiming the Trump administration trampled on his constitutional rights to free speech. Kelly, a former Navy pilot who represents Arizona, is seeking to block his censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week. Hegseth said he censured Kelly over his participation in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders. A federal judge scheduled a hearing Thursday on Kelly’s request for a temporary restraining order against the Pentagon.

Cuba’s president says no current talks with the US following Trump’s threats

HAVANA (AP) — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says his administration is not in talks with the U.S. government. This comes a day after President Donald Trump threatened Cuba following the U.S. attack on Venezuela earlier this month. Díaz-Canel emphasized on Monday that relations must be based on international law, not hostility or threats. He expressed willingness for dialogue with the U.S. based on mutual respect and sovereignty. Trump has suggested Cuba “make a deal” before it’s too late. Díaz-Canel’s statements were reposted by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez. The situation remains tense, with Cuba facing significant economic challenges due to U.S. sanctions.

 

 

 

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