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Thursday, January 29, 2026

Mauricio Pochettino signals the USMNT's search is over, with form and fitness now shaping World Cup decisions

January 29, 2026
Mauricio Pochettino signals the USMNT's search is over, with form and fitness now shaping World Cup decisions

With time running short until he must select hisWorld Cup squad, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday that, after assessing some 70 players over almost 16 months, the door is all but closed to new candidates. But paring down the list to 26 for this summer's soccer festival in North America remains very much a work in progress.

His final opportunity to see players together in person will come the last week of March for heavyweight friendlies againstBelgium and Portugal in Atlanta.

Then comes his much-anticipated World Cup announcement in late May. Certainly, the March roster will tell a lot — but not everything, he cautioned — about what to expect.

"It's true that now we are close to the World Cup," Pochettino said Thursday on a video call with reporters. "It's true it's going to be difficult to bring some new players, because I think we don't have time. But already we had time to assess all the players in a year and a half. I think we have a very good idea. Now it's about [wishing] our players will be fit and in very good form for us to select the right players."

Pochettino plans to name his roster for the next camp on March 17, six days before workouts begin in suburban Atlanta. Though most selections seem obvious, Pochettino has left high-profile players out of camps at times the past year.

Then there is the matter of injuries. Most of his regulars are healthy, but some are recuperating from setbacks. Most notably,Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams is sidelined with a knee ailmentand in a race against time to be ready for the March camp. Even if absent, though, he would remain high on the list for a World Cup slot.

With more to prove than Adams,striker Ricardo Pepi hopes to return soon from a broken forearm this monththat interrupted a fantastic run of success with PSV Eindhoven. Pepi is also reportedly a transfer target in England.

"We'll see how he's going to come back and start to play and to perform," Pochettino said of Pepi, who is among several strikers vying for probably three World Cup slots. "Of course, he's a player that is [on] our radar. Hope he can be fit."

CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 15: Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of United States, gives instructions to Tim Ream #13 during an international friendly match between United States and Paraguay at Subaru Park on November 15, 2025 in Chester, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Mark Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

No matter who is in camp in March, Pochettino wants his team to begin pivoting toward the World Cup.

"It's a great opportunity in March," he said. "The idea is that the World Cup will start in March, when we [are] all together, because it's time to show like we were showing in the last camp [in the fall] — our identity, our way to play in the way we want to perform in the World Cup."

The Americans hit their stride late in the year, defeating four World Cup-bound teams (Japan, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay) and tying another (Ecuador). The final match of 2025 was its best under Pochettino,a 5-1 rout of Uruguay in Tampa.

The four-month pause until the next international window fell at an inopportune time.

"How we finished 2025, you want to play the next week again to take advantage of the form and the belief and the energy from the group," Pochettino said. "It's really tough to spend all this time watching football, assessing players, having meetings, doing different things but no coaching. That is the most tough situation because we love to coach. We love to be on the grass."

Without any camps, Pochettino and his staff have closely monitored players in the thick of European club seasons. His Major League Soccer candidates, however, are just getting back up to speed in preseason.

Such players are not necessarily at a disadvantage for the March call-up, Pochettino said. "Maybe without games, you compensate with energy," he said. "They came from a period that they rest, they recover, and now they are charging the batteries to be full."

The MLS regular season won't begin until Feb. 21, though some teams will get started earlier as part of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

One key MLS-based player is reportedly leaving for the European circuit soon: right back Alex Freeman, who is expected to join Villarreal in Spain's La Liga from Orlando City. Such a move so close to the World Cup comes with some risk, because without regular playing time with a new club in midseason, Freeman could lose his grip on a U.S. roster slot.

Pochettino said Freeman called him to ask his opinion about the impending move.

"I am not concerned if some players are going to move in that transfer window," Pochettino said. "It's important the player feels happy, feels comfortable. … They want to improve. They want to grow. It's an amazing challenge we need to support, and help [him] into adapting the best possible way and to not lose focus."

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Ranking 2026 NBA trade deadline candidates with Giannis, Towns, Davis

January 29, 2026
Ranking 2026 NBA trade deadline candidates with Giannis, Towns, Davis

Giannis Antetokounmpo and theMilwaukee Bucksare on the verge of a breakup after months of intense speculation about his future, and it is the potential move that looms over the entire NBA trade deadline this year.The Bucks are finally listening to offers for the two-time MVP, according to multiple reports, as the team's hopes of being an Eastern Conference contender again dwindle and Antetokounmpo is on the shelf with a calf injury.

Teams are lining up their best assets to try to pry Antetokounmpo away from Milwaukee beforethe Feb. 4 NBA trade deadline, with front offices willing to part with players and assets not previously mentioned as available with a superstar still in the back-end of his prime on the market.But that could also slow trade talks for other playersover the next week, as everybody holds off until Antetokounmpo's situation is resolved. The Bucks also may wait until the offseason to move Antetokounmpo, when draft picks are settled.

It nonetheless adds another layer to this year's NBA trade deadline and the list of notable players who could be on the move keeps growing. What happens in the coming days may shake up the playoff race and, in Antetokounmpo's case, change the trajectory ofthe only NBA franchise he's called home.

Here's a breakdown of the top candidates potentially available at the 2026 NBA trade deadline and how they rank:

The NBA has announced its starters for the 2026 All-Star Game. Starters were selected through a fan vote (50% weight), and a survey of NBA players (25%) and a media panel (25%). Players were selected without regard for position. See the five starters from each conference. <p style=Eastern Conference Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (second All-Star selection)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (third) Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (second) Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (fifth) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (10th) <p style=Western Conference Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (12th All-Star selection)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (fourth) Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers (sixth) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (second) Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets (eighth)

Giannis, Curry, Doncic highlight 2026 NBA All-Star Game starters

GIANNIS LANDING SPOTS:Best trade partners for Bucks

Other players to monitor:Ochai Agbaji,Jose Alvarado,Lonzo Ball,Nic Claxton,DeMar DeRozan,Ayo Dosunmu,Keon Ellis,Daniel Gafford,Jerami Grant,Jrue Holiday,De'Andre Hunter,Tyus Jones,Kyle Kuzma,Zach LaVine,Naji Marshall,Bennedict Mathurin,Khris Middleton,Malik Monk,Jusuf Nurkic,Immanuel Quickley,Chris Paul,Jakob Poeltl,Jordan Poole,Bobby Portis,Kristaps Porzingis,Collin Sexton,Dennis Schroder,Anfernee Simons,Jeremy Sochan,Nikola Vucevic,Coby White,Guerschon Yabusele

10.Jonathan Kuminga,Golden State Warriors

Golden State's situation at the NBA trade deadline changed whenJimmy Butler suffered a season-ending knee injury, but Kuminga is still a player who could be traded. He filled in well for Butler in one game before suffering his own knee injury that has him currently sidelined. Now, with Antetokounmpo talks heating up, the Warriors are being mentioned as a prime candidate to land the Bucks' superstar. That potential deal would likely include Kuminga's contract, which has a team option for next season.

9.RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are reportedly looking to upgrade their roster after a strong start to the 2025-26 season and their No. 3 overall pick from the 2019 NBA Draft could be the piece Toronto is willing to part with to find another player to team with Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji have also been mentioned as possible trade chips.

8.Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Sabonis has returned from a knee injury just as the Kings appear ready to move on from most of the veterans on their roster, including Zach Lavine and DeMar DeRozan. Sabonis is more intriguing because he's younger and more accomplished. But he has two more years left on his contract and serious defensive limitations that have muted his effectiveness in the playoffs. Sabonis is just a year removed from consecutive all-NBA nods and could help a playoff contender with a need at center. A trade involving Barrett has been mentioned as a possibility.

7.Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are listening to trade offers for Morant, though it's unclear exactly what his trade value is after several years marred by durability issues, off-court concerns and declining production. Morant indicated publicly he wants to remain in Memphis.He's injured againand unlikely to return before the trade deadline, complicating any potential deal. When properly motivated, the 26-year-old point guard can still impact NBA games in a major way.

6.Tyler Herro,Miami Heat

Herro is having an injury-riddled season, but he was an all-star last season and continues to be an effective offensive threat from multiple levels when he does play. The Heat have long been rumored as a team that would go all-in to get Antetokounmpo if he were made available, and they would certainly part with Herro to get a deal done.

5.Julius Randle,Minnesota Timberwolves

Randle has performed well with the Timberwolves since coming over in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade before the 2024-25 season and agreed to a 3-year, $100-million extension with Minnesota less than a year ago. But like Herro, Randle is on this list now because of recent developments surrounding Antetokounmpo. The Timberwolves are among the teams pursuing the Bucks' star and Randle (and perhaps Naz Reid and/or Jaden McDaniels) would likely have to be part of a potential deal to make it work.

4.Michael Porter, Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Porter has turned into a potential trade-deadline asset after taking on a leading role and producing a career year in Brooklyn following an offseason trade from the Nuggets. Porter's combination of size and shooting would help any contender, much like he did as a role player in Denver during its 2023 NBA title run.

3.Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

Trading Davis is complicated due to his ongoing hand injury, but he could be available for the postseason and remains a dominant two-way player when he's available. His lengthy injury history and contract, with two years and more than $120 million remaining after this season, will limit his options. But he could nonetheless alter the postseason picture if he goes to the right contender.

2.Karl-Anthony Towns,New York Knicks

There have been conflicting reports about Towns' potential availability at the NBA trade deadline over the past week, but Antetokounmpo's status change in Milwaukee means speculation about Towns' future with the Knicks will persist. If New York were to pull off an Antetokounmpo trade ‒ the Knicks reportedly held trade talks with the Bucks this past offseason – Towns would likely be the major salary in the deal. His transition under new Knicks coach Mike Brown hasn't gone as smoothly as hoped.

1.Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

There is little doubt at this point that Antetokounmpo is the biggest prize at this trade deadline and reports this week suggest he and the team have reached a breaking point after 13 seasons together. But it still remains to be seen if the Bucks can get the kind of haul they want, like a young star and a plethora of first-round picks. The Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors are considered serious suitors, according to ESPN, but the Bucks might be able to extract more by waiting to trade Antetokounmpo.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NBA trade deadline power rankings 2026: Ranking best players available

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US star Crystal Dunn announces retirement from soccer at age 33

January 29, 2026
US star Crystal Dunn announces retirement from soccer at age 33

PARIS (AP) — United States international Crystal Dunn has retired from professional soccer after a decorated playing career to spend more time with her family.

The 33-year-old New York native helped the U.S.win the 2019 Women's World Cupand thegold medal at the Paris Olympics.

"This decision has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished," she wrote in an Instagram post Thursday. "I've achieved nearly everything I dreamed of in this sport and gave all I had to give.

"I'm ready to embrace the life that awaits me on the other side," she continued. "I look forward to spending more time with my family and being a more present mom."

Dunn was under contract with Paris Saint-Germain, which said Thursday that both sides agreed to end their collaboration. A versatile player who contributed from multiple positions, Dunn had joined PSG in January 2025 after she left Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League. She made nine appearances for PSG, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

Dunn appeared in 160 games for the United States, scoring 25 goals.

"As one of the first Black stars of the U.S. Women's National Team, especially as a field player, Dunn has long been a role model to many young players of color across the country who aspired to reach the highest levels of the game," the U.S. soccer federation said in its announcement about Dunn's retirement.

"Dunn's career will be remembered for her versatility," the federation continued, "her tremendous one-on-one defending, her ability to perform far above her size (5-foot-1), her popularity among her teammates, her ability to inspire generations of U.S. Women's National Team players and for a heck of a lot of winning."

Before Gotham, Dunn played for the Portland Thorns, taking most of 2022 off for the birth of her son Marcel. She also had stints with the North Carolina Courage, Chelsea, and the Washington Spirit.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Zayn Malik Jokes About Ticket Prices for His Vegas Residency amid Drama Surrounding Harry Styles' Upcoming Shows

January 29, 2026
Zayn Malik in May 2024; Harry Styles in February 2023 Noam Galai/Getty;Michael Buckner/Variety/Getty

Noam Galai/Getty;Michael Buckner/Variety/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Zayn Malik made a joke seemingly referencing the drama surrounding ticket prices for Harry Styles' Together Together shows

  • The "Pillowtalk" singer spoke about his own ticket prices at one of his recent residency performances at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas

  • Fans have been reacting to Styles' ticket prices on social media

IsZayn Malikthrowing shade atHarry Styles?

The "Pillowtalk" singer joked on stage at one of his recent residency performances at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas about the price fans paid to be there — as Styles is sparking drama over the cost of tickets for his upcoming Together, Together concerts.

"I just want to say a big, big thank you to each and every one of you for being here tonight," said Malik,according to a fan video posted to TikTok. "You could've been anywhere but you've decided to spend your night with me."

Zayn Malik in January 2026 Denise Truscello/Getty

Denise Truscello/Getty

"Hopefully the ticket prices weren't too high," he added with a playful shrug. "Just saying."

Malik is in the midst of his seven residency shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM, which continues through Jan. 31.

His comments on ticket prices come after his fellow former One Direction member Styles announced his upcoming global Together, Together run of shows — including 30 dates at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Presales for the shows kicked off this week, and Ticketmaster informed fans of prices for the MSG shows as they waited in the queue to purchase with a statement: "Tickets for this event have been priced in advance by the tour from $50 – $1,182.40, including service fees. Ticket prices will not change during the presale or onsale. Price ranges do not apply to VIP packages. Tickets are subject to availability."

Fans quickly shared their reactions to the MSG prices on social media. "harry better be doing a three hour eras tour style show and bringing out louis, niall, and zay — n for an encore for these prices,"wrote one X user.

Harry Styles in April 2022 Kevin Mazur/Getty

Another fan saidon the social media platform, "and stop f---ing buying these crazy ass priced tickets all you're doing is giving them the okay that these prices are acceptable in this economy and it's f---ing NOT. no one should EVERRRR have to pay a f---ing months rent just for one show IN THE PIT. FIX THIS S--- HARRY."

In a different post on X,one Styles fan wrote, "and i know artists make majority of their money touring now but harry isn't some indie artist he's one of the most established acts and has been for well over a decade now there's no need for these prices beyond corporate greed."

Styles' Together, Together shows at MSG run from August through October. He'll also perform in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, Melbourne and Sydney as part of the Together, Together run. According toThe Hollywood Reporter, non-VIP tickets for Styles' U.K. range from around $60 to $1000.

The performances will support his upcoming album,Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., which comes out March 6.

Read the original article onPeople

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Sydney Sweeney and the Naked Truth of Modern Celebrity

January 29, 2026
Sydney Sweeney and the Naked Truth of Modern Celebrity

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Harper's Bazaar sydney sweeney lingerie brand syrn

Sydney Sweeney is a marketing machine. Since she became a household name, the actor has partnered with a seemingly endless list of brands that include Miu Miu, Guess, Samsung, Ford, Baskin & Robbins, Kérastase, and Armani Beauty. Some of her endorsements have been, shall we say,unexpected. In 2024 she was announced as the global spokeswoman, or "director of Dude," for HeyDude, a brand best known for its boat shoes.

Now, Sweeney is launching her own brand. Syrn (pronounced "siren") is a lingerie brand for bodies who are traditionally underserved. The initial launch includes a collection of lace-trimmed underwear and comfortable bras in a range of 44 sizes (30B to 42DDD), most of which are under $100. This new venture reveals the naked truth about modern celebrity, where creating art is a stepping stone to releasing a product—and, hopefully, making bank.

Sweeney's penchant for endorsements has not gone unnoticed. "It seems like she's not ashamed or embarrassed by promoting all of these different projects," Priya Rao, the executive editor ofThe Business of Fashion,toldtheNew York Timeslast year. "Historically, celebrities were taught it was tacky to do too much, to be everywhere all at once." Rao is correct that the previous approach to endorsements was "less is more"—fewer deals with bigger brands. But then reality TV and social media came along, creating the "attention economy," where even negative attention can be converted to engagement and profit.

Last summer, we saw this cycle in action when Sweeney'scampaignfor American Eagle sparked weeks of fraught online discourse. The ads were accused of nodding to white supremacist language, which made the podcast-pilled MAGA right (briefly) rally around her. Suddenly,shewas the one being endorsed—byPresident Trump, no less. In the midst of the debacle, American Eagle's stock surged by24 percent.

Kim Kardashian and her siblings created the blueprint for this new era, where stardom is all about being seen as much as possible. Like Sweeney, Kardashian endorsed many brands and products before fronting her own: First, a bizarrelylucrativemobile game, then her own beauty and fragrance brands, and finally the moment she hit the jackpot: Skims, the shapewear brand currently valued at$5billion. It is no coincidence that Kardashian's billion-dollar breakthrough was with a brand that centered her body, which has been constantly fixated upon, vilified, idolized, and objectified. With Syrn, Sweeney seems to be taking control of the internet's absurdobsessionwith her breasts by monetizing it herself, while also—but also attempting to become a serious entrepreneur by filling a need in the market.

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The main difference between these women is that Kardashian used business as a way of demanding legitimacy in an industry where she was originally derided for not having a "talent." But even Sweeney's detractors would be foolish to argue that she's not talented. Why is a gifted actor emulating a reality star?

Two words:money, honey. Back in 2022, as Sweeney's star was rising, she got her first taste of controversy when she spoke about her finances inaHollywood Reporterinterview. She said she worked so much—on HBO dramasEuphoriaandThe White Lotus, and themade-for-airplanerom-comAnyone But You— because she couldn't afford not to. Unlike the nepo babies surrounding her, she didn't come from generational wealth. This prompted online backlash, but it's factually true that Hollywood stardomdoesn't pay like it didin the 2000s and 1990s. (Unless you're willing to do back-to-back Marvel movies—or whatever it is Dwayne Johnson actually does.)

The unspoken truth of celebrity today is that you no longer getrichrich—never have to work again wealthy—by making art. That's probably why Rihanna has spent the last decade working on beauty and fashion brands instead of releasing new music, and why Ryan Reynolds is investing in soccer clubs, F1 teams, tech companies, and gin brands, rather than filming a sequel toThe Proposal. (One day, our prayers will be answered.) Kardashian became a billionaire years before her one-time nemesisTaylor Swift, who is quite possibly the most commercialized musician in the world, and evenBeyoncé, who is approaching 30 years of pop stardom. The new dream is to use your celebrity to found a billion-dollar brand then ride off into the sunset.

2025 vanity fair oscar party hosted by radhika jones arrivals

Might Syrn become the next celebrity mega-brand? I'm not the intended market, of course, but I can't escape the feeling that it feels a little rushed. The logo, in particular, looks like a detox smoothie brand—a pyramid scheme that would trick your auntie into investing her life savings after spending too much time on Facebook. Still, the brand reportedly has the backing of Jeff Bezos, one of the world's richest people. And at this point, it's obvious that one of Sweeney's core talents is generating attention—that's a very valuable skill.

I'm not calling her out here, by the way. Hollywood is notorious for putting talented women out to pasture, and there seems to be a wider acceptance of celebrities selling out these days. (Perhaps it's a "recession indicator"?). Besides, after a period where Sweeney has hurtled between beingaccusedof endorsing eugenics, a brutalbox office flop, and most recentlyThe Housemaidbecoming an unexpectedcommercial smash, she's learning that Hollywood stardom is unpredictable. But mogul-dom? That might be a smoother ride.

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“Summer House”'s Kyle Cooke Opens Up About Split from Wife Amanda Batula: 'Weight Has Been Lifted'

January 29, 2026

Jocelyn Prescod/Bravo

People Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula Jocelyn Prescod/Bravo

NEED TO KNOW

  • Kyle Cooke said that he and Amanda Batula have been able to "embrace this next chapter" after announcing their split on Jan. 19 after four years of marriage

  • The exes appeared together at a 92NY event ahead of the season 10 premiere of Summer House on Wednesday, Jan. 28

  • Batula also revealed that she and Cooke are still friends who "laugh and joke around with each other"

Afterannouncing their divorce,Kyle CookeandAmanda Batulaare feeling relieved.

The former couple, along with theirSummer Housecastmates, took to the stage at 92NY on Wednesday, Jan. 28, for a conversation about the Bravo show's upcoming season 10 premiere. It was one of their first public appearances since revealing their decision to split after more than four years of marriage.

"I don't think anything can kind of prepare you for a big public breakup," Cooke, 43, toldAccess Hollywood's Emily Orozco, who was moderating the event. "But I think that more important than anything is just making sure that Amanda is good, and it's just been amazing having her support, because it is not easy."

"We put it all out there — the good, the bad and the ugly," he continued. "So we just appreciate everyone acknowledging what we're going through, and it ain't easy."

Amanda Batula; Kyle Cooke Jamie McCarthy/Getty (2)

Jamie McCarthy/Getty (2)

Orozco later commended the pair for remaining respectful of one another despite no longer being romantically involved, which Batula, 34, attributed to the "foundation" of their relationship.

"I think it is, we started off with a good friendship there and a foundation where we're able to just laugh and joke around with each other," she explained.

"In a weird way, these last couple months, we have been able to laugh a little bit more and embrace this next chapter," Cooke added. "It's felt like a weight has been lifted up."

The exes also offered an update on "co-parenting" their two dogs,Reese and Ryder.

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"They're very happy. They actually love being separated and then having some time together," Batula laughed. "They get tired of each other and then they're like, eh, we're done. And then they wanna go their separate ways."

She went on to joke that the pups "like their alone time, like their mom."

Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty

Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty

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Cooke and Batula announced that they were parting ways on Jan. 19 in a joint statement shared to theirInstagram Stories.

"After much reflection, we have mutually and amicably decided to part ways as a couple," they wrote. "We share this with a heavy heart and kindly ask for your grace and support while we focus on our personal growth and healing."

"It feels ironic to ask for privacy during this time since we've always tried to be open and honest about our relationship, but your kindness and respect will go a long way as we try to navigate our next chapter," the statement concluded, signed "Amanda & Kyle."

They first met in the summer of 2015, shortly before theSummer Houseseason 1 premiere, and made their relationship official the next summer in a conversation documented on the show. They gotengagedin September 2018 andtied the knotin September 2021 in an outdoor ceremony at Batula's parents' home in New Jersey.

Summer Houseseason 10 premieres Feb. 3 on Bravo.

Read the original article onPeople

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Trump official says ICE in Minneapolis will be targeted, vows changes on ground

January 29, 2026
Trump official says ICE in Minneapolis will be targeted, vows changes on ground

By Brad Brooks and Ted Hesson

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan 29 (Reuters) - U.S. border czar Tom Homan, newly installed as commander of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis, said on Thursday that federal agents would focus on targeted operations, shifting away from the broad street sweeps that have drawn widespread outrage.

Homan also said he would reduce the 3,000-strong force of agents deployed to the city if ​he received "cooperation" from state and local leaders, noting he has had productive meetings with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both vocal critics of the surge.

"We can do better," he said at ‌a press conference, in a rare acknowledgment from a Trump official that the operation has not been perfect. "We made some significant gains, significant coordination and cooperation, and you're going to see some massive changes occurring here in this city."

Homan's public remarks - his first since Trump dispatched him to ‌the city on Monday in response to the national outcry - suggested a continued effort to de-escalate from the administration, which has been under intensifying political pressure after two U.S. citizens were shot dead by federal agents.

FEDERAL OFFICERS TOLD NOT TO ENGAGE 'AGITATORS'

Newly issued internal guidance from a high-ranking Immigration and Customs Enforcement official directs federal officers to refrain from unnecessary communication and engagement with "agitators" to avoid "inflaming the situation."

The directive, reviewed by Reuters late on Wednesday, also orders ICE officers to only target immigrants who have records of criminal charges or convictions, a departure from earlier tactics that included randomly stopping people on the street to demand documented proof of legal U.S. residence or citizenship.

Echoing that directive, Homan said agents would prioritize those who pose a threat to ⁠public safety or national security, though he was careful to emphasize that the Trump ‌administration remains committed to deporting all immigrants living in the country illegally.

"We're not surrendering our mission at all, we're just doing it smarter," he said.

He also pushed for more access to Minnesota jails for ICE agents so they can pick up targeted immigrants when they are released from local custody, which he said would lessen the need for more disruptive and ‍dangerous street sweeps.

Separately, the Justice Department charged a man who squirted a liquid on Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar during a Tuesday evening town hall in Minneapolis, which is in her district, with assaulting or intimidating a U.S. official. The incident underscored the charged politics at play in Minneapolis.

The liquid, which Anthony Kazmierczak is accused of spraying on Omar using a syringe, was apple cider vinegar, according to a criminal complaint.

Omar, a frequent target of Trump's, blamed the president's "hateful rhetoric" for the attack. Kazmierczak, who has expressed support for ​Trump on social media, has two prior convictions for drunk driving, records show. It was unclear whether he had an attorney.

Trump, who has called Omar "garbage," dismissed the attack and suggested without evidence that the congresswoman had staged it.

'SEASONED ‌AGENT' INVOLVED IN PRETTI SHOOTING

Minneapolis has been gripped by widespread protests since Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot dead behind the wheel of her car by an ICE agent on January 7.

Public outrage deepened after federal agents shot dead Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, on Saturday morning.

In both cases, Trump administration officials immediately defended the federal agents involved in the shootings and denounced both Good and Pretti as "domestic terrorists" who they claimed were threatening law enforcement.

Multiple video recordings of the two incidents contradict the notion that either Good or Pretti intended to harm anyone.

Little is known about the two agents who fired 10 times at Pretti: a Border Patrol agent and an officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations, which handles customs screenings.

The government has not named the agents, who were masked, or offered details about their backgrounds. During Trump's nationwide crackdown, federal immigration agents often have worn masks to conceal ⁠their identities or clothing with no clear name identification or agency.

Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council, a union representing ​Border Patrol agents, said the border agent involved in Pretti's shooting had about eight years of experience, extensive use-of-force and firearms training and ​crowd-control training in a border context.

"This wasn't a rookie agent that was out there, this was a seasoned agent," said Perez, who declined to name the agent for his safety.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

PRETTI, AGENTS HAD EARLIER CONFRONTATION

Newly unearthed videos verified by Reuters show Pretti had a physical confrontation with federal agents 11 days ‍before he was shot. In the videos, Pretti, wearing some ⁠of the same outerwear he had on when he was killed, can be seen cursing, shouting and spitting at a vehicle before kicking and shattering a taillight as it begins to leave the scene.

Several agents stop the SUV, get out and push Pretti to the ground, as others fire gas into a crowd of protesters. Eventually, the agents let Pretti walk away, and what appears to be a gun can be seen ⁠tucked into his waistband.

Videos of the killing on Saturday show an agent pulling a gun from Pretti's waistband after he has been restrained on the ground, seconds before another officer fires the first shot into the back of Pretti, now unarmed.

Pretti had a legal license to carry ‌a concealed weapon.

(Reporting by Brad Brooks in Minneapolis and Ted Hesson in Washington; Writing by Joseph Ax and Steve Gorman; Additional reporting by Kristina Cooke, Susan Heavey, Doina Chiacu, Jonathan Allen, Jarrett Renshaw, ‌Andrew Hay, Marine Delrue, Maria Paula Laguna, Fernando Robles and Gerardo Gomez; Editing by Paul Thomasch, Nick Zieminski, Rod Nickel)

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