This compact briefing highlights major law-enforcement, public-health and geopolitical developments. Key items include administrative leave for DHS officers after the Alex Pretti shooting, the FBI taking the lead in the investigation of Rep. Ilhan Omar being sprayed with liquid, and a Russian drone strike that killed five passengers in Kharkiv. Domestically, a severe measles outbreak in South Carolina and a sharp drop in U.S. consumer confidence underscore growing public-health and economic concerns.
Mini-Report — Jan. 28, 2026: Measles Surge, Deadly Drone Strike, FBI Probe of Attack on Rep. Omar
Today’s quick collection of headlines and brief updates.
DHS Officers Placed On Paid Leave After Fatal Shooting
An official with direct knowledge told MS NOW that two Department of Homeland Security officers involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti were placed on immediate paid administrative leave for three days. The source said the leave took effect immediately after the incident while internal and criminal inquiries continue.
FBI Leads Investigation After Rep. Ilhan Omar Is Sprayed With Liquid
Minneapolis police reported that the FBI has assumed lead responsibility for the criminal investigation after Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown liquid while speaking at a Jan. 27 town hall. Authorities are treating the incident as an assault and federal agents are conducting the probe.
Russian Drone Strike Kills Five On Passenger Train In Kharkiv Region
Prosecutors said a Russian drone strike on a passenger train in northeastern Ukraine killed five people. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the attack as terrorism. Officials reported that fragments from five bodies were recovered at the scene near a village in Kharkiv region.
South Carolina Measles Outbreak Reaches 789 Cases
Health officials say measles in South Carolina has infected at least 789 people, making it the largest measles outbreak in the United States in the 21st century. That tally surpasses the 2025 West Texas outbreak, which sickened 762 people and resulted in two child deaths.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Falls To Long-Term Low
U.S. consumer confidence plunged in January to its lowest level in more than 11½ years amid growing concerns about a sluggish labor market and persistent price pressures. Economists warn the decline could prompt households to reduce spending, slowing economic momentum.
DUBLIN, IRELAND - DECEMBER 2: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seen during a statement to the media following a meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach Micheal Martin at a government building, on December 2, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. The Ukrainian president and First Lady meet Ireland's Taoiseach for a bilateral meeting and inspects troops with the newly inaugurated Irish president Catherine Connolly. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)(Charles McQuillan / Getty Images)
California Sues Federal Government Over Pipeline Restart
The State of California filed suit against the federal government challenging plans to restart an oil pipeline project that has been on hold since a major 2015 spill. The lawsuit argues the restart poses environmental and public-health risks that were the basis for prior restrictions.
ICE Agent Denied Entry At Ecuadorian Consulate In Minneapolis
Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent sought to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday but was prevented from entering by consulate staff. The ministry said the agent was denied access to the premises.
Ottawa Clarifies Call With President Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters he spoke with President Trump and stood by his remarks urging smaller powers to resist economic coercion. Carney’s comments were issued after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Carney had walked back his Davos statements during the Oval Office call.
U.S. Dollar Posts Sharp One-Day Drop
The U.S. dollar recorded its largest one-day decline since last April’s tariff-related market turmoil after President Trump said he was unconcerned about the currency’s recent slide. Markets reacted sharply to the remarks, which some analysts said signaled a lack of concern about currency volatility.
U.S. Population Nears 342 Million; Growth Slows
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the nation’s population approached nearly 342 million people in 2025, but year-to-year growth slowed. Officials attributed part of the slowdown to reduced immigration tied to the administration’s tougher immigration policies.
TikTok Reports Technical Problems After Suppression Claims
TikTok acknowledged technical problems after some users accused the platform of suppressing posts related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the Minneapolis shooting. The company said it was investigating the issues as users raised concerns about content visibility.
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