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Jamie Ross and Izin Akhabau">

By Jamie Ross and Izin Akhabau

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Good morning. It’s Friday, Jan. 23, and we were fascinated by this data dive on falling U.S. crime rates. There’s a tool to search homicide rates in 52 cities. Now let’s catch up.

Minnesota residents are planning a general strike today to protest ICE.

What to expect: Organizers have urged people to boycott work and shopping. Anger in the state intensified this week after an image of a 5-year-old boy held by ICE went viral.
Yesterday: Vice President JD Vance appealed for calm in Minneapolis, marking a tonal switch. But the White House also posted this doctored photo portraying a protester in tears.
In related news: A judge rejected federal efforts to charge journalist Don Lemon.

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President Donald Trump rescinded Canada’s invitation to his Board of Peace.

Why? Trump didn’t explain in his Truth Social post. But the move came after he and Prime Minister Mark Carney traded barbs in speeches at the World Economic Forum this week.
What is the Board of Peace? Trump officials have advertised it as a tool to resolve global conflicts. It has received a mixed reception — see which nations agreed to join here.

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Former special counsel Jack Smith testified in Congress yesterday.

Smith charged Trump in two felony indictments — the first focused on his alleged mishandling of classified documents, the second on his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)

Key takeaways: Smith defended his derailed efforts to prosecute Trump. In a contentious showdown with lawmakers, Smith said Trump “willfully broke laws” he swore to uphold.
In related news: Trump sued JPMorgan Chase, alleging the bank improperly closed his accounts in 2021 and sought to “blacklist” him. He is seeking at least $5 billion in damages.

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One of the biggest winter storms in years starts today.

Winter storm impacts will be widespread from the Southwest to New England in the days ahead. (Ben Noll/The Washington Post)

Over the next four days: More than 200 million Americans could be impacted by snow, ice or extreme cold. Find out what to expect in your area with our city-by-city forecast.
Take care: Shoveling snow can strain your heart — follow this expert advice.
In Texas: Sen. Ted Cruz (R) is again being mocked online after being spotted flying away from his state as residents face the dangerous storm.

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The National Park Service removed a slavery exhibit from a Philadelphia park.

Yesterday: Staff at Independence Park dismantled an exhibit on George Washington’s slave ownership. It follows an order from Trump to restore “sanity” to U.S. history.
In D.C.: A judge yesterday questioned whether Trump is legally allowed to build a planned White House ballroom. Historic preservationists are suing to halt the project.

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“Sinners” broke the record for the most Oscar nominations.

Out in front: Ryan Coogler’s wildly entertaining vampire flick earned 16 nods, followed by Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” with 13. See all the nominees here.
A major snub: “Wicked: For Good” was shut out completely — catch up on all the biggest surprises with our eight nominations takeaways. The ceremony takes place March 15.

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A 14-day exercise could help you feel more hopeful this winter.

If you can, you should write down what emotions you felt while experiencing nature. (Smileus/iStock)

For many of us: Winter is something to be endured, mostly indoors. Post columnist Dana Milbank said he spent much of his life counting the days until springtime.
How to rebuild hope: Try the Noticing Nature Intervention, observing one thing in nature every day for 14 days. Milbank tried it out — it had a profound impact.