Key Takeaways
- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces a criminal investigation, which he publicly rebuked as potentially political.
- Anti-government protests are escalating in Iran, resulting in reports of up to 500 deaths and 10,000 arrests amid crackdowns.
- Tens of thousands protested ICE in Minneapolis after an agent fatally shot Renee Good, prompting a federal response.
- A historic Mississippi synagogue was targeted by arson, and President Trump's National Portrait Gallery portrait was updated.
- The Golden Globes awarded "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" its inaugural podcast award, alongside other film and TV honors.
Deep Dive
- Federal prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
- Powell issued a public rebuke, suggesting the action is politically motivated despite no one being above the law.
- The investigation reportedly focuses on Powell's statements about the Fed's building renovation.
- The Wall Street Journal reports the DOJ investigation is prioritized by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
- President Trump has frequently criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates faster.
- Anti-government protests in Iran have entered their third week, sparked by rising prices.
- The unrest is met with crackdowns and an internet blackout, with reports of up to 500 deaths and over 10,000 arrests.
- Iran's inflation rate is reported at 42.2%, with the Grand Bazaar joining protests by striking.
- Protests challenge theocracy, spreading to multiple cities with chants against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- President Trump has threatened action if the regime continues to kill protesters, unsettling regime leadership.
- Tens of thousands protested ICE's presence in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent.
- Demonstrations included confrontations, with federal agents reportedly using force.
- Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noam announced plans to send hundreds more agents to Minneapolis for a large-scale operation.
- Local and federal authorities are investigating discrepancies in the circumstances of Good's death.
- The Golden Globes awarded "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" its first-ever podcast award.
- Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director for "One Battle After Another."
- Tiana Taylor received best supporting actress, Timothy Chalamet for "Marty Supreme," and Rose Byrne best actress for "If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You."
- Awards were also presented to television shows "The Pit," "The Studio," and "Pluribus."