Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, has ended his campaign, criticizing the immigration enforcement operation in his state for going “far beyond” its stated focus. “I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so,” Madel said in a video posted to X. “I support the originally stated goals of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in locating and deporting the worst of the worst from our state, and I’ve seen many examples of ICE arresting non-U.S. citizens in Minnesota convicted of serious crimes, including murder, rape, and child sexual assault,” he continued. “No reasonable person should want these people here, and I am glad that they are gone. But Operation Metro Surge has extended far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats,” he added. “United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear,” Madel said. Watch his near 11-minute video below: I am ending my campaign for Minnesota Governor. I describe why in the below video. Please watch until the end. (It is 10 minutes, 52 seconds.) Thank you,Chris pic.twitter.com/2nfyAyTzNZ — Chris Madel (@CWMadel) January 26, 2026 NBC News shared further: He pointed to U.S. citizens carrying papers to prove their citizenship and Hispanic and Asian law enforcement officers who he says “have been pulled over by ICE on pretextual stops.” Madel, an attorney, also argued that “the national Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota.” His decision to drop out of the race marks some of the most pointed GOP backlash yet to Republicans’ handling of the killing of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent. Earlier this month, Madel said he helped ICE officer Jonathan Ross with paperwork to get Justice Department legal representation if he is sued or charged with a crime. Ross shot and killed Renee Nicole Good earlier this month, sparking a surge of protests. Madel’s decision comes as several Republicans in Congress have called for a full investigation into Pretti’s killing on Saturday. “The president posted something on Truth Social saying it was a time of reckoning and retribution on the citizens of my state, and I’ve seen that happen and I cannot be a part of it, and I can’t be a part of a party that’s a part of that,” Madel said on CNN. Footage below: Chris Madel: "The president posted something on Truth Social saying it was a time of reckoning and retribution on the citizens of my state, and I've seen that happen and I cannot be a part of it, and I can't be a part of a party that's a part of that" pic.twitter.com/aaPwQMz3F0 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 27, 2026 More from the Associated Press: Madel, 59, was a political newcomer making his first run for public office. He got into the race on Dec. 1. Madel brought 30 years of experience as an attorney to the race, including cases taking on corporate corruption. Madel also defended law enforcement officers, including the 2024 case of a Minnesota state trooper who fatally shot a Black man after a traffic stop. Prosecutors dropped charges against Trooper Ryan Londregan in the killing of Ricky Cobb II, saying the case would have been difficult to prove. Madel often referenced that victory in his brief campaign for governor, including in his video dropping out. Republicans were expecting the race for governor to be focused on Walz, who at the time was seeking a third term amid questions about how his administration handled welfare fraud. But the race shifted dramatically on Jan. 5 when Walz dropped out. That same week, the Trump administration sent thousands of federal officers to Minnesota. ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Good in Minneapolis two days later on Jan. 7. Madel agreed to offer pro bono legal advice to Ross, although no criminal charges or civil lawsuits have been filed. Madel said he was honored to help Ross, particularly during a gubernatorial campaign. “Justice requires excellent legal representation,” Madel said. Madel announced his decision ending his candidacy two days after a Border Patrol officer shot and killed Pretti on Saturday in Minneapolis.

President Trump on Monday said Congress and the Justice Department are “looking at” Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). “I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me. Separately, a major investigation is going on with respect to the massive 20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota, and is at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets,” Trump explained. “Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at ‘Congresswoman’ Illhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all,” he added. More from the New York Post: House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) previously told The Post that his panel was weighing a subpoena for Omar and her husband, Tim Mynett, who has had several lucrative businesses. The Republican chairman acknowledged he expects fierce pushback from both Omar and Mynett in the courts, as he and Oversight investigators seek to uncover what caused the “big spike” in the far-left pol’s assets. Mynett’s investment firm, Rose Lake Capital, had only $42.44 in its bank account as of 2022, per court filings as part of a lawsuit filed in South Dakota against a related company. Omar’s 2024 House financial disclosures, however, show Rose Lake Capital was worth up to $25 million. The Democrat has not disclosed a personal ownership stake in the firm, though spouses’ assets must be listed in the congressional disclosures. Other filings about Mynett’s additional business ventures — including a winery and pot farm that he has since abandoned — brought the couple’s total net worth to between $6 million and $30 million. “Somebody’s going to find out,” Comer has said of the surging asset values. “It’s either going to be my committee or the Ethics Committee.” “Sorry, Trump, your support is collapsing and you’re panicking. Right on cue, you’re deflecting from your failures with lies and conspiracy theories about me. Years of ‘investigations’ have found nothing. Get your goons out of Minnesota,” Omar responded. Sorry, Trump, your support is collapsing and you’re panicking. Right on cue, you’re deflecting from your failures with lies and conspiracy theories about me. Years of “investigations" have found nothing. Get your goons out of Minnesota. https://t.co/OXYdRIcdHB — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 26, 2026 NBC News shared further: Omar has disputed conservatives’ claims, amplified by Trump, about her net worth. In a video on social media in September, she said: “Last year, some GOP crazies said I was worth $83 million. Now they’re saying I’m worth over $30 million. The value range listed for the assets reflects the full cost assessment of the businesses, in which my husband is one of several partners, and does not reflect his individual share. PS: Keep wishing millions into existence so I could pay off these student loans.” Omar referred to her 2024 financial disclosure report, which all members of the House are required to file, which showed a Rose Lake Capital LLC listed as having a value of $5 million to $25 million. That was listed as “partnership income,” and it said “none” for income for Omar. It also listed ESTCRU LLC, which had a value of $1 million to $5 million. The actual income listed for Omar was between $5,000 and $15,000.

Quinton Aaron, an actor known for playing Michael Oher in “The Blind Side,” is reportedly fighting for his life in an Atlanta hospital. The 41-year-old experienced a mysterious neck pain and collapsed at his home. According to Fox News, Aaron’s medical episode was caused by a “severe blood infection.” Although his recovery progress is “day by day,” there are some positive signs. His wife, Margarita Aaron, told TMZ that he’s partially breathing on his own. EXCLUSIVE: The "Blind Side" actor Quinton Aaron is currently on life support and is partially breathing. Details: https://t.co/YlDGqIeycI pic.twitter.com/utZq3JhRzk — TMZ (@TMZ) January 26, 2026 Fox News shared further details: Doctors are not yet sure what caused the infection and continue to run tests to determine the root of the cause. While Aaron’s medical team said his status is “day by day,” Margarita remained optimistic about his prognosis and said her husband is “a very strong fighter.” “After the 911 call, we went to the hospital and the doctors determined to put him on an endotracheal tube because his breathing was a little sporadic,” Margarita said. “They’re continuing to run tests right now to find out what the root cause of the issue is.” She added, “He’s still on antibiotics, blanket antibiotics to just cover whatever the issue might be with regard to his blood.” The veteran is “making significant progress” each day with “little moments where he’s moving his fingers or trying to open his eyes.” “He opened his eyes today and gave a thumbs up,” she told the outlet. “He’s showing a lot of improvement. We all have faith in God that he will walk out of here fully recovered,” she added. NEW: "The Blind Side" actor Quinton Aaron, who played Michael Oher, is on life support, according to TMZ. The 41-year-old has been in the hospital for four days after collapsing at his home, his wife says. Aaron's wife, Margarita, told the outlet that her husband woke up… pic.twitter.com/Z8Yu49yy3t — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 27, 2026 TMZ has more: Margarita tells us her husband woke up one morning feeling sore but thought it was from a bad sleep … a few days later, with pain still in his neck and his back, Quinton was walking up the stairs when he lost feeling in his legs. Quinton’s wife, who is a registered nurse, says she rushed to his side and helped him up the stairs … he laid down, and she called 911 … with Quinton slipping in and out of consciousness on his way to the hospital, where doctors recommended life support.

1. Insert: wellness-winter-storm-power.jpg Tens of millions of Americans are digging out from a massive and historic winter storm. A staggering 250 million people are under advisories for dangerous cold temperatures and almost 1 million people are without power as the country digs out from a generational storm that dumped snow, sleet and ice across a giant swath of the country. Even worse? Another potential massive winter storm may be on tap for next weekend. Winter storms are nothing new, but in a world where we are increasingly reliant on the electrical grid these storms are getting even more deadly. In 2021, a February ice and snowstorm, which devastated Texas and other parts of the American south, killed hundreds of people and left almost 10 million without power. Winter storms aren’t going away, which is why you should be prepared! While most Americans understand why it is so important to be prepared. It is why so many Americans have stockpiled guns, ammo, food and other supplies, far too many are failing to stockpile one of the single most important items – prescription medication. TWO STEP PROCESS FOR BEING PREPARED Whether it’s a winter storm or an earthquake or a man-made disaster, we know that the next crisis is just around the corner, and we know – sadly – that we simply can’t just trust the government to keep us safe. Which is why every single American should be prepared! With The Wellness Company’s Medical Emergency Kit and their First Aid Emergency Kit, you and your family CAN be prepared for whatever mother nature dishes out this winter – or any time of the year! STEP 1:  STOCKPILE PRESCRIPTION MEDS If you really want to be prepared, if you really care about keeping your family safe, then you should be stockpiling prescription medications. This medical emergency kit contains an assortment of life-saving prescription medications – including ivermectin, amoxicillin, and Z-pak. The Medical Emergency Kit includes a guidebook to aid in the safe use of these life-saving medications. This kit is prescription-only – you can’t find it in any store or pharmacy. Simply fill out a short questionnaire after purchase and a trusted Wellness Company doctor will confirm your suitability and issue your prescription Medical Emergency Kit. 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Approximately 200,000 Tennessee residents remain without power after a winter ice storm wreaked havoc on parts of the United States. “Tennessee is facing a winter disaster unfolding in real time. Residents describe the scene as a ‘warzone’, with loud explosions echoing through neighborhoods as ice-laden trees and power lines continue to snap and fall,” meteorologist Max Velocity said. “More than 200,000 people across Tennessee remain without power, many of them stuck in dangerously cold homes with no heat as temperatures drop. Emergency crews are overwhelmed, travel is nearly impossible in some areas, and restoration efforts could take days,” he added. Tennessee is facing a winter disaster unfolding in real time. Residents describe the scene as a "warzone", with loud explosions echoing through neighborhoods as ice-laden trees and power lines continue to snap and fall. More than 200,000 people across Tennessee remain without… pic.twitter.com/aDQIRCOvnh — Max Velocity (@MaxVelocityWX) January 26, 2026 The Tennessean listed the following power outages: Nashville Electric Service – 157,656 Middle Tennessee Electric – 6.805 Cumberland Electric Membership Corp. – 16,310 Dickson Electric System – 10,829 Duck River Electric Membership – 2,283 “It’s imperative to ensure your home is ready to receive power. If weatherheads, power masts, or meter bases are damaged, our crews cannot safely reconnect power. NES maintains and repairs the lines leading to a customer’s home, but homeowners are responsible for the equipment on the house. If home equipment repairs need to be made, we strongly suggest contacting a licensed electrician for those repairs,” Nashville Electric Service stated. #NESOutageAlert January 26 12pm Work continues at this hour to restore power to customers across Music City. Below are the latest numbers. PLEASE NOTE: It's imperative to ensure your home is ready to receive power. If weatherheads, power masts, or meter bases are damaged, our… pic.twitter.com/OSgCflgr5Y — Nashville Electric Service (@NESpower) January 26, 2026 Footage from the Volunteer State circulated on social media: Franklin, Tennessee ice storm damage. It looks like a war zone all over Nashville area with trees collapsing under massive amounts of ice. It may get worse as temperatures are now dropping and winds are increasing. pic.twitter.com/UpA1BzaZEM — Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 25, 2026 THE STORM TURNED THE ROADS INTO CHAOS This is the view from inside a working snowplow.Ice-loaded trees snapping, routes vanishing, roads turning impassable block by block. This is what crews are pushing through in real time. Franklin, TN#IceStorm #WinterStorm… pic.twitter.com/v1ST6e03xP — Michael Bradbury (@MrMBB333) January 26, 2026 #Nashville having a rough time with this storm! Check out the images my brother sent me. Numerous trees down, and power out for many #weather #tnwx #Tennessee #ice pic.twitter.com/43gF36h8BU — Anthony Baglione WX (@wx_anthony) January 26, 2026 More from The Tennessean: Crews have continued to work around the clock to make repairs and restore outages after freezing rain and ice impacted Middle Tennessee Jan. 24-25. NES reported at least 76 broken power poles and more than 70 distribution circuits out on Jan. 25. The National Weather Service called what happened overnight in and around Nashville a flash freeze. When you have snow, rain and sleet hanging around, and the temperature drops into the single digits, that is the recipe for a flash freeze. Any partial melting from Jan. 25 will become solid ice today. That leaves the roads and highways even more dangerous than before. The NWS says pets need to come inside. Pipes need to be dripped. NES has warned it may be several days before power can be restored. The winter storm also created brutal conditions in Mississippi, leaving approximately 150,000 residents without power. Mississippi County Devastated By Ice Storm, Thousands Without Power WZTV noted: More households are slowly getting their electricity back on, with the Nashville Electric Service outage map showing 157.000 customers without power as of 4:20 p.m. This number decreased from Sunday night, when 230,000 customers were impacted by the storm and 170,000 from earlier this morning. According to NES, teams worked throughout the night to repair damage and restore power after freezing rain and ice severely impacted the service territory. As of early Wednesday morning, power has been restored to approximately 60,000 customers. Restoration efforts remain ongoing, with crews working extended 14–16-hour shifts in rotating teams to address remaining outages as quickly and safely as possible.