1 White House Distances Itself From Claims By DHS Secretary And Others On Pretti Shooting
President Trump announced yesterday that he is sending border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis amid growing outrage over the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents. Trump said Homan will report directly to him and manage ICE operations on the ground in Minnesota. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump said the administration is "reviewing everything" and will make a determination. His comments were a sharp contrast to those of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, FBI Director Kash Patel and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, who have defended the agents and labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist." Trump also spoke with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, saying the two "seemed to be on a similar wavelength." The administration is facing criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans.
2 Death Toll From Winter Storm Fern Rises To 29
The death toll continues to rise from Winter Storm Fern, with at least 29 deaths around the US attributed to the storm. Two of those deaths were in Texas, where two teenagers were killed in separate sledding accidents. In Arkansas, a 17-year-old boy died after being pulled into the snow by an ATV and hitting a tree. Three people ranging in age from 60 to 84 died in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania while removing snow. Eight people died in New York City, including a retired police officer who died on Long Island while shoveling snow. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said yesterday that the city is experiencing temperatures colder than any sustained period in eight years, and officials urged people to stay off the roads.
3 DOJ Charges 31 In ATM Malware Case
The Justice Department has charged 31 more people, many of them alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, in a scheme that stole millions from ATMs across the country, with more than 50 people now charged in the case. Court documents allege members used malware called Ploutus to force unauthorized cash withdrawals in a tactic known as "jackpotting." Groups would first check if law enforcement responded when an ATM was tampered with, then deploy the malware through a thumb drive. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called it a nationwide conspiracy to enrich the gang.