This roundup highlights major stories from Jan. 19, 2026, including a deadly high-speed train collision in southern Spain that killed at least 40 people and U.S. retaliatory strikes in Syria that killed an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader linked to a recent ambush. A federal judge in Minnesota limited immigration agents’ actions toward protesters, and the Education Department paused certain student-loan collections. Other items include President Trump’s call for new leadership in Iran, Jerome Powell’s planned Supreme Court appearance, and the closure of The Trump Store in suburban Philadelphia.
Monday Mini-Report — Jan. 19, 2026: Deadly Spain Train Crash, U.S. Strikes in Syria, Student-Loan Pause and More
Today’s quick roundup of notable developments from Jan. 19, 2026.
Spain Train Collision: Spanish authorities are investigating a high-speed collision between two trains in southern Spain that occurred overnight and killed at least 40 people. Survivors described harrowing scenes, including bodies thrown from mangled rail cars, as investigators work to determine the cause.
U.S. Strikes in Syria: U.S. forces launched a third round of retaliatory strikes in Syria that officials say killed an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader. U.S. authorities said the leader had direct ties to an Islamic State-associated militant blamed for last month’s ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter.
Minnesota Ruling on Immigration Agents: A federal judge in Minnesota issued limits on how immigration agents may engage with protesters, ruling Friday after weeks of heightened tensions between demonstrators and federal officers in the state.
Trump on Iran’s Leadership: President Donald Trump told POLITICO that "it’s time to look for new leadership in Iran," calling for an end to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s 37-year rule as nationwide protests that had pressed for change appear to have subsided.
Student Loan Enforcement Pause: The Education Department announced Friday it will suspend tax-refund seizures and wage garnishments for borrowers in default on student loans. The move pauses involuntary collections after a recent decision to resume them, effectively rolling back that enforcement step amid ongoing economic concerns for many Americans.
U.S. Policy Toward Myanmar: Reporting indicates that after decades in which Republican leaders highlighted support for Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, the administration has shifted its posture amid questions about the country’s contested elections process.
Powell at the Supreme Court: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell plans to attend Supreme Court oral arguments Wednesday in a case tied to the attempted firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook — an uncommon public show of support from the central bank’s chair.
Trump’s "Board of Peace": President Trump sent invitations to world leaders over the weekend to join a new "Board of Peace," described as an international peace-building organization. Reports say a permanent seat on the board would cost countries $1 billion.
Maternal Health Tragedy: A report in a broader investigative series details a pregnant woman at risk of heart failure who was unable to get urgent treatment and died while awaiting an abortion, highlighting ongoing gaps in emergency and reproductive care.
The Trump Store Closing: The Trump Store, an 800-square-foot merchandise shop in a suburban Philadelphia strip mall that sold hats, watches and other Trump-branded items and drew MAGA supporters for six years, is closing. Owner Mike Domanico, 56, said declining sales prompted the decision.
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