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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
January 29, 2026

Executive Summary

A political crisis consumes Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, as a new video of his prior aggression emerges, anti-ICE riots erupt, and Governor Tim Walz announces he will not run for office again. President Trump reports securing a one-week pause in Russian attacks on Ukraine after a call with President Putin. The Supreme Court will hear President Trump’s E. Jean Carroll appeal, while new filings from Ghislaine Maxwell allege 25 Epstein accomplices had “secret settlements.” A “bombshell” FCC report accuses California of massive fraud, collecting funds for over 94,000 deceased individuals.

1. Domestic Flashpoint: The Minnesota Crisis

1.1. New Video Emerges in Fatal CBP Shooting of Alex Pretti

The federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents in Minneapolis has been dramatically reshaped by a viral video, its authenticity reportedly confirmed by the BBC [1]. The footage, filmed 11 days before the fatal incident, allegedly shows Pretti spitting at federal agents and then violently kicking and damaging the tail light of their SUV [2, 3]. This new evidence, establishing a prior history of aggression, is heavily influencing the narrative as anti-ICE riots have broken out. In response, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that 16 individuals have been arrested and are facing federal charges for attacks on federal officers [4].

Citations:
[1] BREAKING: BBC Confirms Authenticity of Viral Video Appearing to Show Alex Pretti Kicking Agents’ Car 11 Days Before Shooting, https://www.mediaite.com/politics/breaking-bbc-confirms-authenticity-of-viral-video-appearing-to-show-alex-pretti-kicking-agents-car-11-days-before-shooting/
[2] Video appears to show Alex Pretti spit at federal agents, violently damage SUV days before fatal CBP shooting, https://www.foxnews.com/us/video-appears-show-alex-pretti-spit-federal-agents-violently-damage-suv-days-before-fatal-cbp-shooting
[3] Alex Pretti appears to spit at ICE, kick out tail light in previous Minneapolis confrontation before he was shot by Border Patrol, https://nypost.com/2026/01/28/us-news/alex-pretti-appears-to-spit-at-ice-kick-out-tail-light-in-previous-minneapolis-confrontation-before-he-was-shot-by-border-patrol/
[4] 16 people arrested for attacks on federal officers in Minnesota, Pam Bondi announces, https://www.fox9.com/news/16-people-arrested-attacks-federal-officers-minnesota-pam-bondi-announces

1.2. Federal-Local Standoff Intensifies, Gov. Walz Steps Down

The crisis has morphed into a direct federal-local standoff. President Trump issued an ultimatum to Minnesota: surrender all “criminal illegal aliens” for federal processing or face a continued federal law enforcement presence [1]. The local reaction has been volatile, with a Twin Cities police union chief publicly attributing recent “deaths” to the leadership of Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey [2]. Amid the escalating tensions, ICE officers in the city have been formally directed to avoid engaging with “agitators” [3]. In a major political fallout, Governor Walz announced he is “done with politics” and will “never run for office again” [4]. Adding to the federal presence, Tom Homan, a prominent voice on immigration enforcement, is reportedly on the ground in Minneapolis, vowing not to surrender to the “chaos” [5].

Citations:
[1] Trump Issues Ultimatum to Minnesota: Surrender Criminal Illegal Aliens or Face Continued Federal Presence, https://www.citynewsokc.com/news/trump-issues-ultimatum-to-minnesota-surrender-criminal-illegal-aliens-or-face-continued-federal-presence/article_874a1588-c061-4e4a-a252-2aaddc141d30.html
[2] Twin Cities Police Union Chief: These Deaths Are On Walz, Frey, https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2026/01/29/twin-cities-police-union-chief-these-deaths-are-on-walz-frey-n3811330
[3] ICE officers in Minnesota told not to interact with ‘agitators’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/us-news/ice-officers-in-minnesota-told-not-to-interact-with-agitators/
[4] Tim Walz says he’s done with politics: ‘I will never run for office again’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/tim-walz-says-hes-done-politics-i-never-run-office-again
[5] Tom Homan Vows Not To Surrender Immigration Enforcement While Chaos Ensues In Minnesota, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/29/tom-homan-minnesota-ice-press-conference/

1.3. Legal and Media Battles Erupt

The fallout extends into legal battles and intense media scrutiny. Alex Pretti’s family has retained attorneys previously connected to the George Floyd case, signaling a high-profile legal fight [1]. Meanwhile, one report claims CBS viewers are demanding the network “tell the truth” after it allegedly cut short a broadcast of the viral Pretti video [2]. An activist group identified as “50501” has reportedly called for a “nationwide protest” scheduled for “tomorrow,” indicating potential for wider unrest [3]. Sidelined Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, in his first public statement since his removal from Minneapolis, praised the “mean green machine” of federal agents, hinting at internal friction over the crisis response [4].

Citations:
[1] Alex Pretti’s Family Hires Attorneys Connected To George Floyd, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/28/alex-prettis-family-hires-attorneys-georgia-floyd/
[2] CBS viewers demand network ’tell the truth’ after cutting off Alex Pretti video, https://www.the-express.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/197581/cbs-viewers-alex-pretti-truth
[3] 50501 is organizing a “nationwide protest” tomorrow, /r/Conservative/comments/1qqbrp5/50501_is_organizing_a_nationwide_protest_tomorrow/
[4] Sidelined Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino praises ‘mean green machine’ in first public statement since leaving Minneapolis, https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/us-news/sidelined-border-patrol-chief-greg-bovino-praises-mean-green-machine-in-first-public-statement-since-leaving-minneapolis/

2. Immigration and Border Security

2.1. Administration Touts Mass Deportations, ‘Remain in Mexico’ to Resume

The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration posture continues on a national level. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is citing the deportation of 3 million undocumented immigrants, coinciding with a Census Bureau announcement of “negative net-migration” [1]. In a major policy shift, a Latin Times report indicates the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program is slated to resume the removal of asylum seekers as early as this week [2]. The administration continues its public relations campaign with a video honoring Megan Bos, an American citizen from Illinois described as a victim of a crime committed by an undocumented immigrant [3], and with daily ICE press releases publicizing arrests of individuals described as the “worst of the worst” [4].

Citations:
[1] Census Bureau announces ‘negative net-migration,’ as DHS cites 3 million illegal immigrants deported, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/census-bureau-announces-negative-net-migration-dhs-cites-3-million-illegal-immigrants-deported
[2] ‘Remain in Mexico’ Program Set to Resume Asylum Seeker Removals This Week: Report, https://www.latintimes.com/remain-mexico-program-set-resume-asylum-seeker-removals-this-week-report-593933
[3] WHY WE FIGHT: Department of Homeland Security Releases Video Honoring the Life of Megan Bos, a Victim of Illegal Alien Crime in Democrat-led Illinois, https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/01/28/why-we-fight-dhs-releases-video-honoring-life-megan-bos-victim-illegal-alien-crime
[4] ICE reveals ‘worst of the worst’ arrests in just one day after rounding up ’thugs’ convicted of vile crimes, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ice-reveals-worst-of-the-worst-arrests-in-just-one-day-after-rounding-up-thugs-convicted-of-vile-crimes

2.2. Organized State and Local Resistance to Federal Agents

Federal enforcement is being met with organized official opposition. A group of “Soros-Backed” District Attorneys has reportedly launched with the purpose of prosecuting federal immigration agents, with one quoted threatening to “Hunt you down the way they hunted down Nazis” [1]. This legal strategy is paralleled by operational resistance, as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has publicly confirmed he is coordinating with other Democratic mayors to actively thwart ICE operations [2]. This strategy of local resistance is contrasted with Texas, where one report claims “full COOPERATION” has enabled the state to conduct nearly 25% of daily ICE arrests nationwide with minimal conflict [3].

Citations:
[1] Soros-Backed DAs Launch Group To Prosecute Federal Immigration Agents: ‘Hunt You Down the Way They Hunted Down Nazis’, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/soros-backed-das-launch-group-to-prosecute-federal-immigration-agents-hunt-you-down-the-way-they-hunted-down-nazis/
[2] Brandon Johnson Says He’s Coordinating With Other Democrat Mayors To Thwart ICE, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/28/brandon-johnson-admits-hes-coordinating-with-other-democrat-mayors-to-thwart-ice
[3] BOOM! Texas alone accounts for nearly 25% percent of NATIONWIDE daily ICE arrests — no riots, practically no violence, because there’s full COOPERATION Red states do it right., https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2016497690817736749

3. International Affairs and National Security

3.1. Ukraine War: Trump Announces Pause, Musk Thwarts Drone Attack

Significant new developments are shaping the war in Ukraine through both diplomacy and technology. President Trump stated that he personally secured a temporary halt in Russian attacks, saying, “I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week. It’s extraordinarily cold — record-setting cold over there” [1]. In a separate theater, a report claims Elon Musk intervened to prevent “Russian killer drones from hijacking Starlink to strike Ukrainian cities,” highlighting the critical role of private infrastructure in the conflict [2]. This comes as a Euronews report claims Russia has suffered more combat losses in this war than any country has in a single conflict since WWII [3], while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán launches a petition to block further EU funds for Ukraine [4].

Citations:
[1] Trump says Putin agreed to a 1-week pause in Ukraine attacks after his personal phone request – “I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week. It’s extraordinarily cold — record-setting cold over there.”, https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/us-news/trump-says-putin-agreed-to-a-one-week-ceasefire-in-ukraine-after-his-personal-phone-request/
[2] Elon Musk stops Russian killer drones from hijacking Starlink to strike Ukrainian cities, https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/us-news/elon-musk-shutting-down-starlink-on-russian-killer-drones/
[3] Russia suffers more losses in its war against Ukraine than any other country since WWII — report, https://www.euronews.com/2026/01/28/russia-suffers-more-losses-in-its-war-against-ukraine-than-any-other-country-since-wwii-re
[4] Orbán Launches Petition Against EU Funds for Ukraine Ahead of Elections: “95% of Hungarians have rejected Ukraine’s fast-tracked EU membership because they want to protect our farmers, the safety of our families, and peace in Hungary. “, https://x.com/i/trending/2016825630348763497

3.2. Iran and China Relations

U.S. posture towards Iran and China is marked by new actions and allegations. In a major policy shift, the European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization [1]. In parallel, the U.S. is officially demanding that Iran halt the planned execution of 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi [2]. Regarding China, a New York Post headline alleges that the country has “supercharged ‘birth tourism’” to fraudulently secure American citizenship for “up to 1.5 million babies” [3]. On a human rights front, the U.S. has reportedly granted asylum to a Chinese man who was instrumental in exposing Uyghur concentration camps [4].

Citations:
[1] At Last EU Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guards As Terrorist Organization, https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-designate-irgc-iran-terrorist-organization/33663894.html
[2] US demands Iran halt execution of 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/state-department-demands-iran-halt-execution-19-year-old-wrestling-star-ioc-remains-silent
[3] How China supercharged ‘birth tourism’ and scammed American citizenship for up to 1.5 million babies, https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/opinion/how-china-supercharged-birth-tourism-and-scammed-american-citizenship-for-up-to-1-5-million-babies/
[4] U.S. Grants Asylum to Chinese Man Who Exposed Uyghur Concentration Camps, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/01/29/u-s-grants-asylum-to-chinese-man-who-exposed-uyghur-concentration-camps/

4. Law, Justice, and Accountability

4.1. Supreme Court to Hear Trump Appeal; New Epstein-Maxwell Allegations

Two legal cases of major national significance are advancing. The Supreme Court is set to review a petition filed by President Trump concerning the judgment in the E. Jean Carroll case, bringing the dispute to the nation’s highest court [1]. Separately, explosive new claims have emerged from Ghislaine Maxwell in newly filed court papers. She alleges that 25 of Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplices were able to reach “secret settlements” after facing abuse allegations, suggesting a wider conspiracy than previously known [2].

Citations:
[1] Supreme Court to review Trump petition on E Jean Carroll judgment, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/supreme-court-review-trump-petition-e-jean-carroll-judgment
[2] Ghislaine Maxwell claims 25 Jeffrey Epstein accomplices reached ‘secret settlements’ after abuse allegations: court papers, https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/us-news/ghislaine-maxwell-claims-25-jeffrey-epstein-accomplices-reached-secret-settlements-after-abuse-allegations-court-papers/

4.2. FCC Alleges Massive Fraud in California; State Denies Wrongdoing

A “bombshell” report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) accuses California of massive fiscal fraud, alleging the state collected millions in federal funds for phone and internet services for over 94,000 deceased individuals [1]. The state’s denial of wrongdoing has drawn a sharp rebuke from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who accused Governor Gavin Newsom of “misleading the public,” setting up a direct confrontation between the federal agency and the state’s leadership [2].

Citations:
[1] California collected millions for 94,000 dead people’s phone and internet services, bombshell FCC report finds, https://nypost.com/2026/01/28/us-news/california-took-in-millions-for-94000-dead-peoples-phone-and-internet-service/
[2] Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr accused California’s Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom of “misleading the public” after the state denied wrongdoing in a federal investigation that found millions in taxpayer dollars were paid out for phone lines tied to dead people., https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/us-news/fcc-chief-brendan-carr-rips-gavin-newsom-over-cali-dead-people-phone-blunder/

5. Domestic Politics and Administration Initiatives

5.1. Trump Administration Unveils Economic and Justice Initiatives

The Trump administration is actively rolling out domestic policy priorities. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is championing the new “Trump Accounts” program as potentially the president’s “most enduring legacy” and the “biggest merger in history’ between Wall Street, Main Street” [1]. The program received a high-profile boost from a Times Square billboard featuring musician Nicki Minaj joining forces with the president on a “kid initiative” [2]. In a separate move, President Trump has nominated the first-ever Assistant Attorney General for national fraud enforcement, signaling a structural push to combat systemic fraud [3].

Citations:
[1] Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: ‘Trump Accounts’ May Be President’s ‘Most Enduring Legacy,’ ‘Biggest Merger in History’ Between Wall Street, Main Street., https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/28/exclusive-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-trump-accounts-may-be-presidents-most-enduring-legacy-biggest-merger-in-history-be/
[2] Billboard touting ‘Trump Accounts’ airs in Times Square — as Nicki Minaj joins forces with prez for kid initiative, https://nypost.com/2026/01/28/us-news/billboard-touting-trump-accounts-airs-in-times-square/
[3] Trump nominates first-ever assistant Attorney General for national fraud enforcement, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/all-things-trump/trump-nominates-first-ever-assistant-attorney-general-national

5.2. Scrutiny of Political Figures

Several political figures are drawing headlines for personal and political controversies. Reports detail Hunter Biden’s comments about his 7-year-old daughter, quoted as saying it does not matter that he “ghosted” her because he “never agreed to be part of her life” [1]. Meanwhile, Representative Ilhan Omar is the subject of multiple reports, including the sudden disappearance of her winery from the internet [2], and a statement from President Trump calling her a “fraud” [3]. In a clarification of a recent incident, a “mysterious liquid” sprayed on Rep. Omar was identified as apple cider vinegar [4].

Citations:
[1] Hunter Biden says it doesn’t matter that he ‘ghosted’ daughter, 7, with ex-stripper because he never agreed to be part of her life, https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/us-news/hunter-biden-fires-back-at-ex-stripper-lunden-roberts-demands-that-he-meet-with-their-7-year-old-daughter/
[2] Ilhan Omar’s Winery Disappears…Literally Gone From the Internet and Archives, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2026/01/29/ilhan-omars-winery-disappearsliterally-gone-from-the-internet-and-archives-n3811311
[3] Trump Calls Ilhan Omar a Fraud As the Left Can’t Stop Inventing Heroes, https://redstate.com/eli-shepherd/2026/01/29/trump-calls-it-a-fraud-as-the-left-cant-stop-inventing-heroes-n2198588
[4] Mysterious Liquid Sprayed On Ilhan Omar Identified (Apple Cider Vinegar), https://dailycallernewsfoundation.org/2026/01/28/ilhan-omar-liquid-identified-apple-cider-vinegar/

6. Economy, Culture, and Media

6.1. Economic Indicators and Cultural Divides

Positive indicators are emerging from the U.S. manufacturing sector, with one report of a “Tariff Victory” as U.S. steel production surpassed Japan’s for the first time since 1999 [1], and another noting U.S. factory productivity figures have been revised upwards on the strength of durable-goods output [2]. The nation’s deep cultural polarization is being reflected by high-profile artists. Musician Nicki Minaj has publicly aligned with President Trump, flashing a “Trump immigration ‘Gold Card’” [3], while Bruce Springsteen has reportedly released an ICE protest song titled ‘Streets Of Minneapolis’ [4].

Citations:
[1] Tariff Victory: U.S. Beats Japan in Steel Production for First Time Since 1999, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/29/tariff-victory-us-beats-japan-steel-production-first-time-since-1999/
[2] U.S. Factory Productivity Revised Higher on Stronger Durable-Goods Output, https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2026/01/29/u-s-factory-productivity-revised-higher-on-stronger-durable-goods-output/
[3] Nicki Minaj flashes Trump immigration ‘Gold Card’: ‘Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/29/us-news/nicki-minaj-flashes-trump-immigration-gold-card-after-summit-with-prez/
[4] Bruce Springsteen Releases ICE Protest Song ‘Streets Of Minneapolis’, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/01/28/bruce-springsteen-releases-anti-ice-protest-song-streets-of-minneapolis/

6.2. The Media and Information Battlefield

Information platforms are becoming battlegrounds in the ongoing political conflicts. Tech giant Meta has reportedly blocked users from sharing an “ICE List,” which was an apparent attempt to doxx and expose the identities of federal agents [1]. This points to what another report describes as a “battle over knowledge” on platforms like Wikipedia, where an analysis highlights ideological struggles to control narratives on public encyclopedias [2]. On broadcast media, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld drew attention for an on-air confrontation where he told a colleague, “If you want to cry about murderers and rapists do it on your own time!” [3].

Citations:
[1] Meta Blocks Leftists from Sharing ‘ICE List’ Attempting to Expose Identity of Federal Agents, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2026/01/29/meta-blocks-leftists-from-sharing-ice-list-exposing-identities-of-federal-agents/
[2] Zionism as a Case Study in the Battle over Knowledge: Wikipedia, Grokipedia, and Justapedia, https://www.inss.org.il/publication/zionism-wiki
[3] Greg Gutfeld: “I’m back to correct the record that people need to hear! I don’t care about this performance any more, Jessica. It’s done. If you want to cry about murderers and rapists do it on your own time!”, https://x.com/GuntherEagleman/status/2016638270403117066

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