It has been a wild 24 hours. Honestly, if you feel like the world is spinning a little faster than usual today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, you aren't alone. From the Department of Justice taking aim at the Federal Reserve to a massive protest movement in Iran that feels like it’s reaching a breaking point, there is a lot to unpack.
Basically, the "business as usual" vibe is nowhere to be found.
The biggest shocker hitting the top news today headlines involves a direct confrontation between the White House and the Federal Reserve. We’ve seen tension before, but nothing quite like this. The DOJ has officially confirmed it’s investigating Fed Chair Jerome Powell. They’ve issued subpoenas regarding a $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed's buildings in Washington.
Trump isn't holding back. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club earlier today, he called Powell "that jerk" and suggested he’d be gone soon. Wall Street is, predictably, freaking out.
The Fed Under Fire: Why This Matters for Your Wallet
It isn't just about office renovations.
While the DOJ focuses on subpoenas, Trump is also pushing for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%. Right now, the average is sitting around 22.3%. That is a massive gap.
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Wall Street executives are warning that this kind of interference could backfire, but for the average person struggling with debt, a 10% cap sounds like a lifeline. Central bankers globally are standing in "full solidarity" with Powell, worried that the Fed’s independence—the thing that keeps the economy stable—is being dismantled. If the Fed loses its ability to set rates without political pressure, the long-term inflation outlook could get messy.
What's Happening in the Streets of Iran?
While the U.S. bickers over interest rates, Iran is in the middle of what looks like a historic uprising.
Activists are reporting that the death toll from nationwide protests has climbed over 600. It’s brutal. The value of Iran’s currency has plummeted, and people have simply had enough. The government there has implemented a total internet shutdown, making it incredibly hard to get accurate info out, but the reports that do leak are horrific.
President Trump, speaking from Air Force One, claimed that Iranian leaders actually called him on Monday to negotiate. He’s already slapped 25% tariffs on any country doing business with Iran—a move that hits China and the UAE the hardest. It's a high-stakes game of chicken.
Ukraine’s Winter of Survival
In Europe, the situation in Kyiv is grim.
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Russia is "going all in" to destroy the power grid. It’s a strategy aimed at freezing the population into submission. On Tuesday, about 70% of Kyiv was left without electricity following a massive drone and missile barrage.
- The UK’s Response: Britain is pledging to develop new tactical ballistic missiles for Ukraine with a 300-mile range.
- The Ceasefire Talk: President Zelenskyy says they are talking to the U.S. daily, but Moscow isn't showing "sincere interest" in peace yet.
The Greenland Statehood Bill
Yes, this is actually happening.
Florida Representative Randy Fine introduced the "Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act" on Monday. The goal? Make Greenland the 51st U.S. state. It sounds like something out of a satire, but with the Arctic shipping lanes becoming more valuable, the administration views it as a "vital national security asset."
Denmark, understandably, isn't exactly jumping for joy at the idea.
Other Headlines You Should Know
- NYC Nurses Strike: About 15,000 nurses walked off the job at Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian. They’re fighting over staffing levels and health insurance. If you have an appointment in the city, check your status before you head out.
- Uganda Blackout: Ahead of Thursday’s election, Uganda has shut down the internet. President Museveni, who is 81, is seeking a seventh term.
- Space Force Switch: The U.S. Space Force just switched rockets for an upcoming GPS satellite launch, opting for a Falcon 9.
- Minnesota Lawsuit: The state of Minnesota is suing the DHS to stop a surge of 1,000 immigration agents being sent to the state. AG Keith Ellison claims the state is being targeted for its political views.
What Most People Get Wrong About Today's News
The temptation is to see these as isolated events.
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They aren't.
The investigation into the Fed, the tariffs on Iran, and the push for Greenland are all part of a broader "America First" re-alignment that is testing every international and domestic institution we have. When you see top news today headlines, look for the friction between traditional "independence" (like the Fed or the Pentagon) and executive power.
For instance, Senator Mark Kelly is currently suing the Pentagon. Why? Because Pete Hegseth censured him after Kelly appeared in a video telling troops not to follow "unlawful orders." It’s a constitutional mess that will likely end up in the Supreme Court.
Actionable Steps for the Week Ahead
The world feels volatile right now, so here is how you can practically manage the fallout from today's news:
- Review Your Debt: If the 10% credit card cap actually happens, it won't be overnight. If you're carrying a balance, don't wait for a law that might get tied up in court for years. Look into balance transfer options now while the market is still reacting to the news.
- Monitor Energy Costs: With the situation in Ukraine and Iran-related tariffs, global energy prices are likely to fluctuate. If you’re on a variable rate for home heating, consider locking in a fixed rate if the option is still available.
- Verify Your Sources: With internet shutdowns in Iran and Uganda, misinformation is rampant. Stick to outlets that have ground-level reporting or "on-the-record" statements from international bodies like the World Bank or the UN.
- Watch the Courts: The Mark Kelly vs. Pentagon case and the Minnesota vs. DHS lawsuit are the real bellwethers for how much the political landscape is actually changing. These rulings will affect federal authority for decades.
Keep an eye on the local headlines too—like the Kansas bill trying to delay school until after Labor Day. Sometimes the small stuff affects your Tuesday more than the global drama.
Stay informed by checking the primary sources directly when possible, such as DOJ press releases or official legislative trackers.