National

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, has passed away at the age of 84. Jackson's enduring legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights, which has left an indelible impact on American society.

The Department of Justice has disclosed a list of "politically exposed persons" from the extensive files associated with its investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. This list encompasses presidents, business leaders, government officials, and cultural icons, though the extent of their connections to Epstein remains unspecified.

Trahern Crews, a prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement in Minnesota, was apprehended by federal agents on January 30, 2026. His arrest, alongside eight other activists and journalists, followed their participation in a protest at a St. Paul church on January 18, where a pastor holds a position as acting field office director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Trump administration has leveraged the Solicitor General's office to advocate for culture war cases that align with the president's agenda at the Supreme Court, submitting five unsolicited briefs supporting conservative groups in cases concerning firearms, religious freedoms, and environmental policy.

The Department of Homeland Security is poised to experience a partial government shutdown as Congress has not secured funding for the agency. Despite this, the majority of DHS employees will continue their duties, although only 44,500 will receive pay through alternative appropriations.

The Trump administration has finalized a rule revoking the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate climate pollution, a decision President Trump described as a "giant scam." This action is anticipated to encounter legal challenges from environmental organizations, who argue it undermines established climate policy.

A proposed merger between two major rail carriers presents an opportunity to alleviate truck traffic, enhance air quality, and decrease transportation expenses for families. This development underscores the significance of freight rail policy as a critical factor in community health, urban quality of life, and equitable opportunities.

Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, is set to appear in a Minnesota courtroom to face federal charges related to his alleged involvement in a protest at a St. Paul church. The incident, which was livestreamed, reportedly disrupted a service.

The Trump administration's strategy on immigration and employment has not yielded the anticipated benefits for American workers. Instead, the nation faces slower wage growth, reduced job opportunities, and an increased unemployment rate, driven by diminished demand and prevailing economic uncertainty.

Despite the availability of IRS-approved free tax preparation programs, millions of US households continue to pay for tax services. The complexity of the tax code and challenges in navigating these free options may deter eligible filers from utilizing them.