Widespread protests broke out across the United States after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot an American citizen named Alex Pretty in Minneapolis on Saturday. The incident marked the second death of a US citizen in the city this month involving ICE officers. The shooting occurred a day after about 10,000 people demonstrated in Minneapolis against the Trump administration’s strict anti-immigration operations.

Following the shooting, hundreds of protesters gathered at the scene, prompting ICE officers to fire tear gas and flashbang grenades. Demonstrations soon spread beyond Minneapolis to New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco. Federal officials claimed Pretty had a firearm, but local leaders questioned that assertion.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the incident as horrific and said the federal government could not be trusted to investigate it. He and other local officials demanded an immediate halt to anti-immigration operations.

A commentary published on January 25, 2026, in Amader Desh Online criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Gaza Peace Board,” describing it as an empty and unethical initiative that turns peace into a financial transaction. The article states that draft charters were quietly distributed to about 60 countries, seeking up to one billion dollars in membership fees. It argues that the proposal shifts from moral peacebuilding to a long-term management project over a devastated Gaza, without addressing justice or Palestinian self-determination.

According to the analysis, the board’s structure is financially driven, with membership determined by payment and authority concentrated in the chairman’s hands. Palestinians are excluded from decision-making, and the plan omits references to international law, the Geneva Conventions, or UN resolutions. The piece warns that the initiative bypasses the UN system to avoid accountability, creating a parallel governance model that privileges control and profit over transparency.

The article concludes that true peace in Gaza requires an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, accountability for crimes, and Palestinian-led reconstruction under international law, not externally imposed financial schemes.

The United States Department of Defense has announced a major shift in its strategic priorities under the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS), released on Friday. According to the document, China will no longer be considered the top defense priority for the U.S. military. The Pentagon plans to focus more on defending U.S. territory and the Indo-Pacific region while reducing the scope of military cooperation with allies in Europe and other regions. Partner nations are expected to take primary responsibility for their own defense, with the U.S. providing limited but strategically important support.

The 34-page report marks a significant departure from the 2018 NDS, which identified China as the primary long-term challenge and Russia as a severe threat. The new strategy describes Russia’s security risk as “steady but manageable” and emphasizes building a “respectful relationship” with Beijing based on strength rather than confrontation. Notably, the report omits any mention of Taiwan. It also highlights border security as a national priority, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

The revised strategy signals a more inward-looking U.S. defense posture, emphasizing domestic security and selective global engagement.

A massive snowstorm has severely disrupted the United States, affecting nearly 180 million people from New Mexico to New England under winter storm warnings. Around 13,000 flights have been canceled due to widespread snow and ice, and more than 100,000 customers have lost power. The National Weather Service forecast heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Saturday through Monday across the southern Rocky Mountains to New England.

At least a dozen states have declared emergencies as millions face power outages and travel disruptions. National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli warned that snow and ice will melt slowly, hindering rescue and recovery operations. President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for twelve states, including South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and others, with more declarations expected.

U.S. Interior Secretary Kristi Noem said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has pre-deployed relief supplies, personnel, and rescue teams across affected states, urging residents to stay indoors and make prudent decisions as the severe cold is expected to persist for several days.

A U.S. citizen was shot dead by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, sparking renewed protests across the city. Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the 37-year-old victim, identified as Alex Pretty, died in hospital after being shot on Saturday. Pretty, a Minneapolis resident, worked as a nurse in an intensive care unit. Demonstrators have called for the withdrawal of heavily armed federal forces from the city.

Federal agents and immigration officers have been deployed in Minneapolis for several weeks as part of an anti-illegal immigration campaign. The latest killing follows the January 7 death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer inside a vehicle, triggering daily protests. Last week, a Venezuelan national was also injured in a separate shooting incident.

The repeated shootings have intensified public anger and sustained demonstrations, with protesters demanding accountability and the removal of federal agents from Minneapolis streets.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that all goods entering the United States from Canada will face a 100% tariff if Canada completes a trade agreement with China. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said Canada must not act as a “drop-off port” for Chinese products entering the U.S., warning of severe consequences if it does.

Relations between Washington and Ottawa have become increasingly strained since Trump’s return to the White House in 2024, with disputes emerging over trade and other issues. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently described a “fracture” in the U.S.-led global system. During a visit to Beijing last week, Carney announced a “new strategic partnership” with China and an initial trade understanding aimed at reducing tariffs. Trump responded by calling the move dangerous and labeling Carney “governor,” echoing earlier remarks about Canada as a potential U.S. state.

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc countered that the China deal only addresses tariff issues and is not a free trade pact. Analysts cited in the report warned that continued tensions could create major uncertainty for both economies.

US President Donald Trump unveiled his new 'Board of Peace' at the Davos Economic Forum this week, declaring it a platform to end decades of global suffering and build lasting peace. The initiative, originally conceived during US-led efforts to end the Gaza war, was approved by a UN Security Council resolution but has since expanded into a broader global project. A leaked draft charter shows Trump will serve as lifelong chairman with sweeping powers, including appointing members, creating or dissolving sub-bodies, and naming his successor. Permanent membership reportedly costs $1 billion.

The launch drew mixed international reactions. Poland’s prime minister warned against manipulation, while Hungary’s Viktor Orbán praised Trump’s leadership. The UK, Sweden, and Norway voiced concerns or withheld participation, and a coalition of Muslim-majority nations joined citing hopes for Gaza’s reconstruction—though the leaked charter made no mention of Gaza. France’s Emmanuel Macron faced tariff threats from Trump for hesitating to join, and Slovenia called the move a dangerous interference in global order.

UN officials described the initiative as reflecting the UN Security Council’s failures but cautioned that inclusivity is vital. Secretary-General António Guterres lamented the rise of power politics over rule of law, while observers questioned whether Trump’s board could replace the UN.

More than 8,000 flights scheduled for the weekend were cancelled as a major winter storm swept across the United States, bringing heavy snow and dangerous ice from east Texas to North Carolina. According to FlightAware, at least 3,400 flights were delayed or cancelled on Saturday and over 5,000 were called off for Sunday. Roughly 140 million people from New Mexico to New England were under winter storm warnings, with forecasters warning that ice damage could rival that of a hurricane.

Snow began falling in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas on Friday as the storm combined with Arctic cold to engulf much of the country. Meteorologist Jacob Asherman described it as the season’s most intense storm, with wind chills dropping below minus 45 degrees Celsius in the Dakotas and Minnesota. The worst conditions were expected in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, where ice could reach an inch thick.

Governors in more than a dozen states declared emergencies or urged residents to stay home. President Donald Trump said federal agencies were coordinating with local officials, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani mobilized the city’s sanitation department for large-scale snow removal.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday against the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. Despite freezing temperatures dropping 29 degrees Celsius below zero, organizers said around 50,000 protesters took to the streets, demanding an end to harsh immigration measures. The demonstrators marched and gathered at the Target Center, calling for policy changes.

According to organizers and participants, several businesses across Minnesota closed for the day as workers joined the protest. The large-scale demonstration reflected growing opposition to the administration’s immigration enforcement actions. The protest took place just one day after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited Minneapolis to express support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, who he said were conducting an important operation to detain immigration law violators.

The timing of the protest, following the vice president’s visit, underscored the deep divisions over immigration enforcement in the United States and the public pushback against federal actions.

United States President Donald Trump has faced sharp criticism from British politicians after claiming that NATO forces stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the US had “never needed” NATO and suggested that allied forces were “a little off the front lines.” He also questioned whether NATO members would come to Washington’s aid if requested.

The comments triggered a backlash across the UK political spectrum, with critics citing the heavy losses suffered by NATO allies during the 20-year conflict. The United Kingdom lost 457 service personnel, while Canada, France, and Denmark also recorded significant casualties. Junior British minister Stephen Kinnock called Trump’s remarks “deeply disappointing,” emphasizing that European forces had paid a heavy price supporting US-led missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also reminded that NATO allies rallied behind the US after the September 11 attacks when Article 5 was invoked.

Other UK politicians, including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, criticized Trump’s comments by pointing to his history of avoiding military service during the Vietnam War, calling his questioning of NATO sacrifices unacceptable.

U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Canada for opposing the proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defense system in Greenland, warning that Beijing could 'devour' Canada within a year. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump said Canada was rejecting U.S. security in favor of closer business ties with China. He argued that the Golden Dome would protect Canada and accused Ottawa of benefiting from U.S. defense without gratitude.

Trump’s comments came amid rising tensions between Washington and Ottawa following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump reiterated that Canada survives because of U.S. protection, while Carney rejected the claim, asserting that Canada’s success stems from its own people.

The dispute highlights growing friction between the two neighbors over defense cooperation and trade alignment, as Canada continues to balance its economic relationships with both the United States and China.

U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn Canada’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, formed under the interim administration of Gaza. The decision came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized powerful nations during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, accusing them of using economic ties as weapons and tariffs as tools of pressure. Within hours, Trump announced on Truth Social that Canada’s invitation had been revoked, adding that Canada “survives because of the United States.”

The Peace Board, led by Trump, includes Argentina, Bahrain, Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey, while the United Kingdom, France, and Italy have not yet joined. Initially created to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza, the board’s mission has since expanded to address conflicts in other regions. Permanent membership requires a contribution of one billion dollars.

The United Nations Security Council approved the board’s formation as part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan. UN spokesperson Rolando Gomez stated that the organization’s engagement with the board will remain limited to the Gaza context.

The United States is considering a complete withdrawal of its troops from Syria following the collapse of the YPG and SDF forces and the takeover of northeastern Syria by President Ahmed al-Shara. The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the Pentagon is reassessing the effectiveness of its ongoing mission in Syria amid rapidly changing developments. Citing three U.S. officials, the report said questions have arisen about the justification for maintaining American troops after the SDF’s defeat.

According to the report, senior U.S. officials see no reason to keep troops in Syria if the SDF fully disintegrates. The Pentagon had previously stated in July that around 1,500 U.S. troops were deployed in Syria. Earlier, after beginning his second term in January, President Donald Trump said he would make a decision regarding the troop deployment. When asked about the matter, a Pentagon official told Anadolu Agency that they had no comment and do not speculate on future operations or hypothetical situations.

The report indicates that the Pentagon’s reassessment could lead to a significant shift in U.S. military engagement in Syria if the withdrawal proceeds.

The United States has formally completed its withdrawal process from the World Health Organization (WHO), according to an announcement made on Thursday by President Donald Trump’s administration. The move comes one year after Trump signed an executive order initiating the withdrawal. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the State Department jointly confirmed the decision.

An HHS senior official stated that the WHO had deviated from its core mission and acted against U.S. interests in protecting American citizens. The Trump administration’s main criticism centered on the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the organization of delaying the declaration of a global health emergency. The administration also claimed that the WHO unfairly criticized Trump’s early travel restrictions on certain countries.

HHS further argued that countries like China contribute less financially to the WHO than the United States, yet no American has ever held the position of Director-General. Public health experts criticized the withdrawal, warning that it could weaken the U.S. response to future health crises.

US billionaire Elon Musk joked that President Donald Trump’s newly formed ‘Peace Board’ should have been named the ‘Piece Board’ instead. Speaking at a World Economic Forum panel in Davos, Switzerland, alongside BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Musk made the remark while discussing Trump’s initiative. His comment drew laughter from the audience, and he added that what he truly wanted was peace.

Musk, known as a Trump ally, had previously experienced a rift in their relationship before reconciling. His latest comment came after that reconciliation, suggesting a lighthearted jab rather than a serious criticism. Earlier, Musk had described the Davos conference as “boring” in a post on social media platform X.

The exchange highlighted Musk’s continued prominence at global economic events and his willingness to make provocative remarks about political figures, even those with whom he shares a generally friendly relationship.