Good morning. Here are the stories topping the weekend agenda.

Iran’s protest crackdown intensifies. ABC reports the death toll has risen as security forces move to crush demonstrations, while an Iranian rapper who escaped the unrest described scenes on the ground as “chaos.” [1] [2]

Minneapolis protest fallout and a legal check on tactics. Two children were hospitalized after federal agents deployed tear gas during immigration-related operations in Minneapolis, and former President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in the city, according to ABC’s coverage. A judge has since ruled federal authorities cannot detain or tear gas peaceful protesters there, AP notes, as federal scrutiny of Minnesota officials’ handling of immigration enforcement continues. [2] [3]

Public opinion and accountability. A majority of Americans say the ICE agent’s shooting of Derek Good was unjustified, according to ABC’s polling highlight. [2]

Health policy whiplash. Nearly 1.4 million fewer people signed up for Affordable Care Act coverage this cycle amid higher premiums, ABC reports, even as the network outlines what’s known so far about Trump’s new health care proposal. [2]

Science funding gets a boost. Congress has funded NASA’s budget, drawing reaction from Bill Nye as space advocates eye mission continuity and future priorities. [2]

Seoul’s reckoning. In a landmark case, a South Korean former president was sentenced to five years in prison over a martial-law episode, signaling judicial resolve to revisit abuses of power. [2]

Arctic geopolitics on the Hill. U.S. lawmakers met to discuss policy on Greenland amid new tariff threats from Trump—an unusual flashpoint where resource competition and trade brinkmanship intersect. [2]

Severe weather turns east. A powerful and deadly winter storm is pushing into the Eastern U.S., with hazards spanning heavy snow, dangerous ice, and travel disruption. [2]

Press freedom alarm in Bangladesh. Local journalists are demanding protection amid rising attacks, AP reports—part of a broader global trend of escalating risks for reporters. [3]

Venezuela watch. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado praised Trump’s stance, saying he “truly cares” for Venezuelans, ABC notes—an emblem of the opposition’s bid to keep Washington engaged. [2]

References

1. Death toll climbs in Iran as crackdown on protests continue – ABC News
2. ABC News Live Prime: Jan. 16, 2026 – ABC News
3. Journalists in Bangladesh demand protection amid rising attacks – AP News