This quick roundup highlights top stories from Jan. 22, 2026: Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his Trump investigations at a congressional hearing; an independent autopsy reported three gunshot wound paths in the death of Renee Good; and Iran’s prosecutor general declared antigovernment protests suppressed after a deadly crackdown. Other items include an ICE memo asserting broader home‑entry powers, U.S. outreach aimed at Cuba’s leadership, Moderna pausing new late‑stage vaccine trials, President Trump’s visible hand bruise in Davos, and a brief detention of Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee at LAX.
Thursday Mini-Report — Jan. 22, 2026: Smith Defends Probe, Controversial ICE Memo, Deadly Iran Crackdown and More
Today’s quick roundup of top developments from Jan. 22, 2026.
Jack Smith Hearing: Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith defended his investigations into Donald Trump during a public congressional hearing, telling lawmakers he acted without political bias and stands by the criminal charges he pursued.
Minneapolis Autopsy: A law firm representing the family of Renee Good, 37 — who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis — released preliminary results of an independent autopsy commissioned by her relatives. Romanucci & Blandin said the report identified three clear gunshot wound paths, including one that struck her head.
Iran Protests Declared Over: Iran’s prosecutor general, Mohammad Movahedi, told the judiciary’s Mizan News agency that antigovernment protests had been successfully suppressed after weeks of unrest and a crackdown that officials say left thousands dead. The government’s statement follows international concern and reports of heavy force used to quell demonstrations.
Controversial ICE Memo: An internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo obtained by The Associated Press indicates that federal immigration officers are asserting broad authority to enter private homes without a judge’s warrant, a departure from prior guidance intended to limit government searches and protect constitutional rights.
A demonstrator holds a sign with a photo of Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old woman fatally shot by an ICE officer, as he takes part in the nationwide "Stop ICE Terror" rally in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 20, 2026 in protest against US President Donald Trump's policies. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)(Roberto Schmidt / AFP via Getty Images)
U.S. Outreach to Cuba: Officials say the administration, encouraged by the reported ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, is seeking Cuban insiders who could help negotiate a transition away from Cuba’s Communist leadership by year-end. The effort, described by people familiar with the matter, is part of a broader diplomatic push with significant risks and uncertainty.
Moderna’s Trial Plans: Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel told Bloomberg TV that the company does not plan to invest in new late-stage vaccine trials, citing increasing opposition to immunizations among some U.S. officials as a factor in that strategic decision.
President’s Hand Injury: President Donald Trump appeared at a Davos event with a noticeable bruise on the back of his left hand, prompting questions about how the injury occurred amid renewed scrutiny of his health. The discoloration — described as deep purple, blue and red — was visible as he addressed world leaders during a signing ceremony for the newly formed Board of Peace, an advisory group intended to help oversee Gaza as part of a tentative ceasefire.
Athlete Held Briefly at LAX: San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, 26, was briefly detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport after arriving from Seoul due to a minor paperwork issue, the Giants’ general manager Zack Minasian said. The matter was quickly resolved and Lee was admitted lawfully.
See you tomorrow.
This article originally appeared on MS NOW.
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