Key developments: renewed unrest in Minneapolis and a presidential threat to invoke the Insurrection Act; growing tensions over Greenland as several European militaries join Danish exercises; and a White House meeting where Venezuela’s María Corina Machado presented her Nobel medal to President Trump. Public-health officials warn of a severe flu season for children, with at least 17 pediatric deaths reported so far. Tehran shows early signs of normalcy after protests, but international concern remains amid reports of roughly 2,400 fatalities.
5 Things To Know — Jan. 16: Minneapolis Unrest, Greenland Tensions, Nobel Medal Moment, Flu Toll, Iran Crackdown
President Trump meets with María Corina Machado in the Oval Office on Thursday. - White House
A new CNN poll shows most Americans still view the economy as the nation’s top issue, and 64% of respondents say President Donald Trump has not done enough to bring down everyday prices. Below are the other major developments to know this morning.
Minneapolis Protests and the Insurrection Act
Tensions flared again in Minneapolis after a federal immigration officer was involved in a second shooting in just over a week. President Trump responded by threatening to invoke the centuries-old Insurrection Act, which could permit the deployment of U.S. troops to Minnesota. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the law “a tool at the president’s disposal,” saying the warning "spoke very loud and clear to Democrats across this country." The president has threatened to use the statute previously, including during anti-ICE demonstrations in Portland and amid unrest after George Floyd’s death.
Greenland: European Troops Join Danish Exercises
Small contingents of European military personnel — from Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, the Netherlands and Finland — are deploying to Greenland to take part in joint exercises with Denmark. Analysts say the moves are largely symbolic but notable amid rising tensions within NATO after President Trump said that “anything less” than U.S. control of Greenland is “unacceptable.” Officials from Denmark and Greenland met with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio; those talks yielded few concrete outcomes.
Nobel Medal Moment: Machado Meets Trump
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado visited the White House and presented President Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. The Nobel committee has been explicit that medals cannot be legally transferred or shared, but Machado gave the medal during their meeting. Trump reportedly gave Machado a gift bag and reiterated support for a “new, genuine electoral process” in Venezuela. Machado is seeking international backing as she positions herself to lead Venezuela following Nicolás Maduro’s ouster, although Trump has expressed doubts about her leadership abilities.
Flu Season: Children at Greater Risk
Health officials say influenza is widespread among adults across the United States, and children remain particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes. At least 17 children have died from flu complications so far this season, a toll expected to rise as more states report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last season set a grim record with 289 pediatric flu deaths. One grieving mother urged parents to vaccinate:
“Honestly, just get your flu shots. Even if it doesn’t work this year, maybe it could have helped her a little bit.”
Iran: Slow Return to Normal, Continued International Concern
Tehran shows early signs of returning to normal after weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations, but many Iranians remain wary of possible U.S. intervention. The White House said President Trump has not ruled any options out and warned of “grave consequences” if killings continue. The U.S. military is reportedly moving a carrier strike group to the Middle East amid the tensions. A U.S.-based rights group estimates at least 2,400 protesters have been killed since the crackdown began, and a weeklong communications blackout remains in effect.
Other Headlines and Features
The end of production for the Nissan Versa means there are no longer new cars available for under $20,000, removing one of the most affordable options for budget-minded buyers.
In lifestyle and features: a guide with 11 simple tips to build a distinctive personal wardrobe, and a look at why Bangladesh — despite tigers, beaches and natural beauty — has yet to become a mainstream tourist destination.
Science news: a new study suggests Tyrannosaurus rex lived longer and took more time to reach its full size than previously thought.
Legal and sports updates: more than a dozen NCAA basketball players have been charged in a probe alleging game rigging. There’s also a quick quiz asking which wireless carrier experienced a multi-state outage this week.
Check your local weather forecast for today’s conditions.
In Japan, the leader usually presents the trophy at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, but the country’s first female prime minister is expected to skip the ceremony; CNN’s Hanako Montgomery explains why.
Today’s edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN’s Andrew Torgan. For more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com.
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