JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1031

Minneapolis. Three Minnesota Democratic members of Congress were denied entry to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center at the Whipple Federal Building on Saturday after officials rescinded a visit invitation, lawmakers said. The tour followed protests after the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent and coincided with a reported surge of federal immigration agents under Operation Metro Surge. The Department of Homeland Security described the operation as its largest in the state. A Jan. 8 memo reportedly required seven days' notice for visits and procedural limits. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Columbus, Ohio — Police arrested a Chicago man this week and charged him with killing a married couple found shot inside their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30. Court records identify 39-year-old Michael David McKee as the ex-husband of Monique Tepe; investigators say surveillance footage and vehicle tracking linked McKee to the scene. Officers found Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, dead and their two young children unharmed. Authorities booked McKee in Winnebago County, Illinois, and scheduled extradition and court appearances. The investigation remains active with evidence collection ongoing, publicly documented. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday declaring a national emergency to protect Venezuelan oil revenues held in U.S. Treasury accounts from judicial attachment or seizure. The order blocks attachment, judgment, lien, execution, garnishment and other judicial processes against funds described as Foreign Government Deposit Funds, and prohibits transfers or dealings absent specific authorization. The action followed a White House meeting with U.S. oil executives and mirrors longstanding U.S. sanctions and concerns about Venezuela’s political and economic instability. Companies such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips previously exited Venezuela; Chevron remains licensed. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MINNEAPOLIS: Tens of thousands marched through Minneapolis on Saturday to protest the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during a federal operation this week. Local authorities opened investigations while federal officials defended the agent and cited self-defense claims. Demonstrators chanted for abolition of ICE and joined more than 1,000 rallies nationwide. Bystander video and state leaders offered conflicting accounts, and Minnesota officials criticized the deployment's scale. Protests spread to multiple cities as calls for accountability continued. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON, Members of Congress this week debated consequences after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minnesota woman, prompting protests and calls for accountability. Lawmakers demanded a full investigation, changes to raid policies, potential defunding of ICE operations, and consideration of impeachment for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called the incident "a complete and total disgrace," and pledged forceful responses. The case generated dueling narratives across parties as officials, advocates, and protesters sought oversight of deportation operations. Reporters cited statements from lawmakers and protests. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump met oil executives at the White House on Friday and urged US energy firms to invest up to $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry after US forces captured Nicolás Maduro earlier week. He said the United States would choose which companies may operate in Venezuela, guarantee their security, and arrange deliveries of Venezuelan crude to US refineries. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cited record US oil and gas production, and some executives expressed caution about investment without reforms. Trump said the US would handle sales of sanctioned barrels. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Chowchilla, California, A Los Angeles nonprofit deployed virtual reality headsets at Valley State Prison last month, enabling incarcerated men to experience international locations and practical scenarios. During a weeklong program, participants, including Jacob Smith who has served two decades, donned headsets to view high-definition scenes such as Bangkok and simulated job interviews. Program organizers said the initiative aims to offer brief psychological respite and expose inmates to real-world situations to help build reentry skills. Sessions occurred in a supervised common area and reportedly produced positive reactions among participants. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research and independent program evaluations.

Detroit. Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Southwest Detroit this week to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Demonstrations and vigils also occurred in Denver, New York, New Orleans and Charleston as organizers demanded accountability, justice and policy change. Local elected officials, activists and immigrant-rights groups spoke at rallies and called for investigations; some federal and local officials disputed initial accounts. Protests included speeches, chants and calls to end ICE operations. Advocates demanded arrests, oversight, and policy attention immediately. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Birmingham, Indianapolis, Washington and multiple regional centers reported rain, gusty winds, and transitions to snow this week as fronts moved across the United States. Forecasters issued flood watches in central Alabama with 2–5 inch localized totals and warned of gusts up to 40 mph; many areas will see cooler air follow. Local advisories urge residents to avoid flooded roadways and monitor National Weather Service updates Tuesday into the coming week. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON, President Donald Trump announced on Jan. 9 that he will cap credit card interest rates at 10 percent for one year, to take effect Jan. 20, 2026. He posted the proposal on Truth Social and the White House amplified the message on social media. Trump accused credit card firms of 'ripping off' consumers and blamed prior administration policies. He did not provide enforcement details or cite specific legislation, and analysts noted any permanent change would require congressional approval. The announcement followed; lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about high rates. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.