Man detained after ‘spraying substance’ on Ilhan Omar

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar says she refuses to bow to “intimidation” after she was attacked while delivering an anti-ICE speech in Minneapolis, which has emerged as the focal point of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“I’ve survived war,” the Somali-born Minnesota Democrat told CNN after an assailant rushed at her with a syringe containing unknown liquid during a town hall Tuesday, interrupting her speech but leaving her unharmed.

“I’m definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think they can throw at me because I’m built that way,” she added.

Omar, who is frequently singled out for derision by Trump — including just hours before the attack — was addressing a crowded room when the assault occurred.

After calling on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment, a man seated near the front ran towards the podium. He shouted at the congresswoman and doused her with an unknown substance.

Soon after, the man — who has not been identified — was tackled to the ground and detained, video footage shows.

“Oh my god, he sprayed something on her!” a woman can be heard saying afterwards. Another urged her to seek immediate medical attention.

Omar, however, resisted efforts to move her offstage to safety. She returned to the microphone and said, “We’re going to keep talking,” adding, “Please don’t let them have a show.”

“Here’s the reality that people like this ugly man don’t understand,” she continued. “We are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us.”

She then reiterated her call for Noem to resign — as dozens of other Democratic and Republican lawmakers have done in recent days in response to her management of Trump’s immigration enforcement methods.

About an hour later, Omar’s office issued a statement condemning the man and confirming she was not injured.

“During her town hall, an agitator tried to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe,” the statement said. “Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. He is now in custody. The Congresswoman is okay. She continued with her town hall because she doesn’t let bullies win.”

The U.S. Capitol Police also released a statement, saying that the assailant, who is in custody, will “be met with swift justice.”

“We are now working with our federal partners to see this man faces the most serious charges possible to deter this kind of violence in our society,” the force said.

It added that lawmakers faced an uptick in threats in 2025.

The attack followed Trump’s repeated denouncements of Somali immigrants, who make up a significant minority of Minneapolis’s population. He has labeled them “garbage” and demanded that Omar be deported or face imprisonment.

Just hours before the assailant rushed the stage, he again singled out the Minnesota congresswoman.

“We need people to come in legally, but they have to show that they can love our country, not hate our country,” the Republican president said during an event in Iowa on Tuesday. “They have to show that they can love our country. They have to be proud. Not like Ilhan Omar… she comes from a country that’s a disaster. It’s not even a country.”

The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment on the attack and Trump’s remarks.

When asked by ABC reporter Rachel Scott late Tuesday if he had seen the video, the president is reported to have said: “No. I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud. I really don’t think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”

When asked again if he had seen the video, Scott said his response was: “I haven’t seen it. No, no. I hope I don’t have to bother.”

Still, the incident in Minnesota elicited condemnation from politicians across the political spectrum.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, called it “unacceptable.”

“Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis,” he said in a statement. “We can disagree without putting people at risk…This kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our city.”

Meanwhile, GOP Rep. Nancy Mace — who previously called for Omar to be deported — said she is “deeply disturbed” by Tuesday’s incident.

“Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric – and I do – no elected official should face physical attacks,” the South Carolina congresswoman said in a statement. “This is not who we are.”

The incident is just the latest flashpoint in Minnesota, where the Trump administration has deployed numerous federal immigration agents, resulting in hundreds of detentions and two deadly shootings.

On January 7, Renee Good, a mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in her vehicle. Three weeks later, on January 24, immigration officials killed Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, during a confrontation on a city street.

The shootings sparked disparate responses from elected officials, with Democrats condemning ICE and Republicans accusing the deceased individuals of acting inappropriately or violently. The incidents also triggered widespread protests in the state, and around the nation, leading to tense stand-offs between demonstrators and officers.

State and local officials have demanded that federal agents withdraw from Minnesota, accusing them of reckless behavior and of mounting an unconstitutional “invasion,” while the White House has vowed to ramp up its immigration enforcement operations while blaming Democrats for inciting anti-law-enforcement sentiment.

But, in recent days, the administration has signaled a desire to ease tensions in the state.

On Monday, Trump said he spoke with Democratic Governor Tim Walz about the unfolding situation in Minnesota. He described it as “a very good call,” and said, “we, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength.” He added that he is sending border czar Tom Homan to the state.

The next day, the president told Fox News, “We’re going to de-escalate a little bit” in Minnesota, though he hedged his comments, insisting: “I don’t think this is a pullback.”

This shift in rhetoric comes as Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics are facing strong pushback in the court of public opinion. While about half of American voters support the president’s deportations, a sizable majority, 61 percent, believe that the strategies employed by ICE have gone too far, according to a recent Siena University poll.

Labour launches attack on Greens as pollster tips Polanski’s party to win crucial by-election

Labour has launched a social media attack on the Green Party amid warnings from pollsters and MPs that Zack Polanski’s party could win the Gorton and Denton by-election.

As voters prepare to go to the polls in the Greater Manchester seat on 26 February, Labour posted a video advert pleading with them not to turn their backs on the party and support the Greens.

The post highlights polling that shows Labour is the closest to rivalling Reform in the constituency, while attacking Green policies on legalising drugs.

It came as Sir Keir Starmer warned that only Labour not the Greens could stop Reform dividing the country as he prepared to fly to China.

He said: “There’s only one party to stop Reform and that’s the Labour party, and we can already see what the by-election is going to be about which is Labour values. Which are about delivering on the cost of living with a strong record actually in that constituency of what we’ve already done versus Reform.

“And you can see from their candidate what politics they’re going to bring to that constituency, the politics of division, of toxic division, of tearing people apart.

“That’s not what that constituency is about, it’s not what Manchester is about so this is a straight fight between Labour and Reform and there’s only one party that can stop the politics of Reform in the by election and that’s the Labour Party.”

But Labour MPs have privately briefed The Independent that they expect the Greens to be the beneficiaries of anger with Labour and a tactical anti-Reform vote at the by-election, which was triggered when former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne announced his resignation from Parliament.

It comes as deep divisions have broken out within Labour over Manchester mayor Andy Burnham being blocked as the candidate for the must-win seat, there is a fear that a so-called “Caerphilly scenario” will hit Labour and see voters tack to the Greens instead.

In the Caerphilly by-election for the Welsh Senedd last year Labour lost the seat it had held for more than a century, coming third to Plaid Cymru and Reform.

One Labour MP told The Independent: “I will campaign very hard for us to win but the leadership has made it very hard for us.”

Another said: “They want us to go and knock doors but we all know it is between the Greens and Reform. It’s Caerphilly all over again. The Greens winning is actually the worst case scenario because it confirms our vote is going to them.”

The concerns come as the Greens dramatically climb in the polls since the election of Mr Polanski as leader.

Professor Sir John Curtice told The Independent: “This could be a four-way fight between Labour, Reform, the Greens and George Galloway. The latter two will compete for and could split the Muslim vote as they did in the seat in 2024, doing a lot of damage to Labour.”

Pollster Lord Robert Hayward said: “I can foresee the Greens winning. I do think it’s worse for Labour because it identifies an English alternative to Labour on the left which the SNP and Plaid currently fulfil in Scotland and Wales.”

Mr Polanski recently told The Independent that he wants “the Greens to replace the Labour Party”.

But Labour is fighting back against the scenario with the new campaign video launched on Facebook and YouTube.

In it, voters are shown a New Statesman/Britain Predicts poll placing Labour in second place behind Reform UK, which declared Matt Goodwin as their candidate on Tuesday, with the Green Party far behind in third place.

Labour is directing voters to this video which will run as a non-skippable placement on YouTube. It was seen by more than 100,000 people in the first hour after being uploaded.

Last week a rattled Sir Keir took aim at the Greens for being “high on drugs and soft on Putin”.

However, Mr Polanski, whose party is set to finalise their candidate on Thursday evening, told The Independent that he is bullish about their chances in the by-election

He said: “It’s Greens vs Reform. We’re already seeing that on the doorstep. It’s absolutely game on. We plan to run this campaign like one has never been run before”

He added: “If you wanted a political story that defines politics in our world right now – this is it. Big money Vs community. We’re standing up for the UK versus them standing up for Trump. It’s hope versus hate. We have to win it.”

Explaining the new advertising campaign, a Labour insider said: “Zack Polanski has spent days trying to peddle false narratives. If he actually read what he’s posting, Polanski would notice that the Green Party are polling in third in Gorton and Denton. The Greens are simply not in the race.

“With Reform picking a candidate who is trying to drive a wedge between communities here in Manchester, we can’t risk the Greens letting Matt Goodwin in through the back door by misleading voters about the state of the race. The stakes are too high.

“That’s why it’s important that we cut out Polanski’s Westminster waffle – and tell it like it is direct to Mancunians. We know anti-social behaviour causes nuisance to people in their local communities. Therefore locals will be up in arms when they discover the Greens’ plans to legalise all drugs.”

They added: “The Greens are simply high on their own supply if they think Manchester is going to fall for it. Labour are the only party that can take on the divisive politics of Reform.”

British Army officer dies after live firing training incident

A British army officer has died following a live firing training incident, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, died on Sunday at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland, a major UK army training range.

He served as a Fire Support Commander within 129 (Dragon) Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.

The MoD described Capt Muldowney as an “immensely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a vigour that inspired those around him”.

An Army spokesperson said: “The circumstances surrounding Capt Muldowney’s death are being investigated, and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”

Commanding Officer of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Waller said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney.

“Known to all simply as Gilbert, he was an immensely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a vigour that inspired everyone around him.

“Professionally, Gilbert was an outstanding officer who consistently put his soldiers first. He led from the front in all that he did, a quality that defined his character.

“His leadership, courage, and sense of duty earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him.

He served all those under his command in a highly authentic manner, unapologetically himself – every day he displayed a level of spirit I continue to be in awe of

“Friends and colleagues will remember Gilbert for his easy-going nature, boundless energy, and infectious sense of humour.

“He had an extraordinary ability to lift spirits and make the best of any situation, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

“Gilbert was an unforgettable character and a rising star within the Army and the Regiment.

“His loss is deeply felt by his comrades and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.”

Captain Helen Brackenbury said “Gilbert was a truly kind person, highly competent and endearingly joyful”.

Capt Brackenbury added: “He served all those under his command in a highly authentic manner, unapologetically himself – every day he displayed a level of spirit I continue to be in awe of.

“It has been the pleasure of my career to have served alongside him, and I consider myself very lucky to have been his friend.”

Capt Muldowney joined the Army on January 5 2020, commissioning into the Royal Artillery on December 11 2020 after attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Labour councillors made ‘vile’ and ‘racist’ remarks in WhatsApp chat

Labour councillors made “vile” and “racist” remarks in a WhatsApp group chat that led to the sacking of the Labour minister who prompted the Gorton and Denton by-election, a damning report has found.

The fallout from the comments made in a group called “Trigger Me Timbers” last February saw Andrew Gwynne suspended from the Labour Party, after it emerged he wrote that he hoped a 72-year-old female constituent “croaks” before the next general election, after she dared to ask about her bins.

Now, an independent report for Tameside Council by investigator Linda Comstive has concluded that six councillors in the WhatsApp group had shown “complete disregard” for standards in public life, including one judged to have made “several remarks that a reasonable person would find racist”.

The findings will be a blow for Labour and come less than four weeks before the Gorton and Denton by-election expected on 26 February, to replace Mr Gwynne, who stepped down last week.

The contest has torn Labour apart after Sir Keir Starmer blocked Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing as a candidate, prompting claims of a “stitch-up” to prevent the prime minister from facing a leadership challenge if his rival were to return to Westminster.

The investigation into the WhatsApps conversations came after a formal complaint about Mr Gwynne and other Labour figures making “disgusting, racist, sexist, homophobic and vile comments”.

In total, 11 Labour councillors were suspended by the party over the revelations in February last year, but the investigation looked into six of them – Mr Gwynne’s wife, councillor Alison Gwynne, along with councillors Brenda Warrington, George Newton, Claire Reid, Jack Naylor and George Jones.

Among the report’s findings was that Mr Naylor made an antisemitic joke by changing the lyrics of an Elton John song to “And I guess that’s why she hates all the Jews” in one set of exchanges about an unnamed person.

In a statement, Mr Naylor offered a full apology, writing: “There is no justification for my involvement, irrespective of any inexperience – I take full responsibility for my actions; and for any offence caused, regardless of my intent, I am truly sorry.”

Meanwhile, Mr Newton was found to have “persistently abused and denigrated” individuals by using remarks that “a reasonable person would find racist”.

While Mr Newton said he regretted his “childish” language, he told the investigation that the remarks were meant as “private jokes on a private messaging platform”.

The WhatsApp chat also saw Mr Gwynne refer to someone as “too Jewish” while there were derogatory remarks about former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and former Labour MP Dianne Abbott.

A charity worker told Ms Comstive that one elderly Labour supporter, who is neurodivergent, was left “distraught” over being called a “terrible name” in the WhatsApp group. It was claimed that teenagers had since hounded him in the street with the insult.

They said: “People in the community feel that there is no one they can turn to, as there is no local Labour councillor representing them and no Labour MP; they are too scared of having their coffee morning resources taken away or bins not emptied. They have been told if you do not vote for us (ie Labour), you will be dead.”

Ms Gwynne and Ms Reid, who has since stepped down as a councillor, were suspended by the party for six months.

Mr Gwynne apologised for the content of the group chat when he stepped down as an MP, citing health reasons.

The Labour Party has declined to comment.

Musetti retires from two sets up to send ‘lucky’ Djokovic through

Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after his opponent Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured while two sets up.

The Italian fifth seed, 23, raced into a 6-4 6-3 lead, playing brilliant tennis, but began to struggle after noticing pain in his leg at the beginning of the second set. The issue became worse at the start of the third, leaving Musetti unable to run, and he retired while 3-1 down.

“I don’t know what to say except I feel really sorry for him and he was a far better player,” Djokovic said. “I was on my way home tonight. Being in quarters of a grand slam, two sets to love up and being in full control, so unfortunate. He should have been a winner today, there’s no doubt.”

Djokovic’s latest pursuit of a 25th grand slam title was also aided by a walkover in the fourth round, as Jakub Mensik pulled out of the tournament due to injury, and the 38-year-old will now play either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the semi-finals. “I’m just extremely lucky,” Djokovic said. “I’m going to do my best to use it.”

Earlier, Elena Rybakina ended Iga Swiatek’s career grand slam attempt with a 7-5 6-1 victory in the women’s quarter-finals. Rybakina, the 2023 runner-up, will play sixth seed Jessica Pegula , who reached her first Australian Open semi-final with a 6-2 7-6 win over Amanda Anisimova.

Follow latest score updates from the Australian Open, below

What the future of travel looks like in 2026

Are we done with viral hotspots? According to travel comparison site KAYAK’s WTF (that’s What The Future, by the way) 2026 trends report, the era of copy-paste travel may finally be winding down. Not because people are travelling less – quite the opposite – but because they’re travelling differently.

Drawing on billions of user searches, an independent survey from more than 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travellers – including over 2,000 next-gen UK travellers – and exclusive TikTok community insights, KAYAK’s report shows a shift away from headline destinations and performative travel. In their place? Shorter breaks, quieter cities, better value and experiences that feel personal rather than pre-approved.

Here’s what that looks like in practice, and where those trends could take you.

The next “it” destination, it turns out, is the one you haven’t already seen 50 times on your phone. According to KAYAK, 71 per cent of Gen Z and 75 per cent of Millennials actively want to visit places they’ve never been before, while TikTok posts tagged #hiddengems are up more than 50 per cent. Saturation is the new turn-off.

Cork fits that brief neatly. Long treated as a stopping point on the way to somewhere else, Ireland’s second city still flies under the algorithmic radar. Yet it rewards curiosity in small, satisfying ways: a walkable centre, a burgeoning food scene and easy access to coastline and countryside without the fanfare.

Base yourself near Shandon rather than around the busier quays, and start the day with a stroll along the River Lee before the city fully wakes up. For dinner, follow locals to the English Market at lunchtime, then head out to Ballycotton or Garretstown the next morning.

Travellers aren’t cancelling trips in 2026, they’re financing them more creatively. Nearly 30 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial travellers say installment plans will determine how many trips they take, while KAYAK data shows international fares from the UK sitting almost exactly where they were last year. Add a 52 per cent rise in the use of flight price alerts and the picture becomes clear: deal-hunting has gone mainstream.

This shift favours cities that deliver substance without sticker shock. Bilbao still fits the bill, but it’s the city’s everyday pleasures that offer the real value. Skip the Guggenheim café and eat at Gure Toki or Sorginzulo for pintxos done properly. Better still, cross the river into Deusto at lunchtime, where menus del día feel resolutely local and prices soften noticeably. Savvy travellers are stretching budgets without sacrificing experience, and places like Bilbao are making it easy for them.

Forget souvenirs. In 2026, it’s goosebumps people are packing for. More than half of travellers say natural wonders will shape their plans, and 34 per cent list awe-inspiring experiences as a top priority. That’s driving renewed interest in northern landscapes, but not always the obvious ones.

While Tromsø continues to top bucket lists, travellers looking for something fresher are turning towards Christchurch, New Zealand as a gateway rather than a destination in itself. From here, the night skies of the Canterbury plains offer serious dark-sky credentials without the premium price tags of more famous stargazing spots. Pair it with a drive to Lake Tekapo or a night at Mt John Observatory, and prepare to be amazed as the universe puts on one of its more impressive galactic light shows.

AI has officially replaced your mate who “went once and loved it”. Nearly six in 10 travellers say they’d change destination if AI suggested somewhere better, and half would do so for a better deal. Notably, 44 per cent of AI prompts are now about value, not inspiration.

AI can also steer travellers toward lesser-visited cities that prioritise authentic, local experiences over familiar tourist circuits. Fukuoka, in particular, remains one of the country’s most liveable and engaging destinations, offering a compelling blend of modern convenience and rich cultural heritage. Base yourself near Hakata Station for better-value hotels, then eat like a local at the yatai food stalls along the Naka River. It’s informal, affordable and far more revealing than a booked-out tasting menu. Leveraging AI-led planning tools helps today’s savvy travellers to unlock the city’s true potential, moving beyond generic guidebook recommendations.

Luxury, redefined, looks suspiciously like a good night’s sleep. KAYAK’s report shows 69 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials travel primarily for mental reset, while wellness-led luxury continues to rise. The emphasis has shifted from showing off to switching off.

The Greek island of Zakynthos excels here, particularly inland. Head to villages such as Kiliomenos, where evenings are cooler and dinner at family-run tavernas like Latas stretches lazily into the night. No playlists, no dress code, just plates refilled without fuss. For one in five travellers, it’s the small comforts that matter most: a quiet morning, decent coffee, and nowhere you’re expected to be. Wellness travel isn’t about spa breaks and luxury escapes anymore; it’s about coming back better than you left.

The big-city rush is out. In 2026, 84 per cent of younger travellers say they’d rather visit a smaller city or rural area than a major hub. Lower prices help, but the real appeal is authenticity that doesn’t need explaining.

Bastia, in northern Corsica, perfectly exemplifies the trend. Mornings on the old port unfold naturally with fishermen unloading and café chairs scraping into place. Walk up to the Citadelle before the heat builds, then lunch at U San Ghjuvà for unfussy Corsican cooking. These are places where life hasn’t been edited for visitors. Yes, social media still nudges people towards them, but only once they’re already halfway there.

In 2026, the destination is wherever the action is. An overwhelming 95 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials plan to travel for a major event, whether that’s a concert, a sporting tournament or a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Cities that flex around calendars are winning. In Canada, Toronto works as a terrific base. But those thinking ahead are looking beyond the obvious to places like Halifax, where festivals, touring acts and sporting events are easier to access and far less inflated by demand. Stay near the waterfront, eat at The Bicycle Thief, and let the event anchor the trip rather than dominate it.

Over half of travellers say slower travel helps clear their head, and #slowtravel content has surged by almost 330 per cent on TikTok. But the aim isn’t inactivity, more a break from decision-making.

The Azores remain a benchmark, but similar benefits can be found in places like Praia in Cape Verde. The rhythm is gentle, the beaches walkable, and long lunches at Quintal da Música turn into evenings almost by accident. Headspace holidays aren’t about ticking boxes, they’re about removing friction and the demand for constant optimisation.

Adventure hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply grown up. Nearly one in four travellers now combine light outdoor activity with proper rest, while searches for amenities like terraces, hot tubs and gyms continue to rise. The Great Outdoors is now more likely to be paired with a Quite Decent bottle of wine.

Hilo, on Hawaii’s Big Island, captures that softer approach to adventure perfectly. Base yourself here and mornings might mean walking the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or taking an easy hike through the stunning scenery of Akaka Falls rainforest. Afternoons are for slowing down: soaking in naturally warmed ocean pools, lingering over poke bowls or fresh fish, and letting yourself reset.

Who says holidays have to be long? Nearly two-thirds of travellers plan to take several shorter trips in 2026, with searches for one-to-four-day breaks continuing to rise. The appeal is immediacy: quick resets, minimal planning and maximum reward.

Milan makes for an excellent Nanocation. Trains run on time, neighbourhoods are compact, and finding good food rarely requires much research. Rather than chasing the Duomo and moving on, spend a night in areas like Isola or Porta Venezia, where the city feels lived-in rather than visited. Grab a seat for aperitivo along the Navigli as the working day winds down, eat late without ceremony, and walk everywhere. Milan rewards restraint; do it right, and even 24 hours can feel like a proper break.

With billions of user searches across its platforms, KAYAK helps travellers find their perfect flight, stay, rental car or holiday package. Download the app here and start exploring.

Border Patrol shoots suspect in alleged federal officer assault: FBI

One person was critically injured Tuesday in Arivaca, Arizona, during a shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol after what an FBI spokesperson described as an “alleged assault on a federal officer.”

The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. near milepost 15 of West Arivaca Road, located near the U.S.–Mexico border. Federal agents were trying to detain the man — identified as 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel — when he opened fire at a Border Patrol helicopter, the FBI said, according to the Associated Press.

The agents fired back, injuring the Arizona man, who was later transported to a hospital in critical condition by the Santa Rita Fire District. He was recovering from surgery as of Tuesday night.

Authorities said the man has a criminal history, including possessing a warrant for escape tied to a smuggling conviction. He is expected to be charged criminally.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is working with the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection as the investigation continues.

Further details about how the shooting began and whether any federal officers were injured have not been released.

The Independent has contacted ICE, Border Patrol and the White House for comment.

The shooting comes amid growing tensions across the country following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during operations by Border Patrol and ICE.

This month, federal immigration officers in Minneapolis shot and killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in separate incidents, sparking large protests and public outcry.

The killings have drawn national attention as protesters and legal observers confront enforcement actions they view as excessive, while the Trump administration has publicly defended the officers’ actions.

The incidents have fueled increased criticism of the Department of Homeland Security, including calls to fire or impeach Secretary Kristi Noem. Since September, federal immigration officers have shot 12 people amid expanded DHS deportation operations across the country.

Tuesday afternoon, President Donald Trump told reporters, “I think she’s doing a very good job,” when asked if Noem would step down as a result of the violence arising from protesters clashing with federal agents in Minneapolis.

Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump called for unity and peaceful protesting in Minneapolis during a morning appearance on “Fox & Friends” to promote her upcoming documentary Melania.

“I’m calling for unity. I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor, and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots. I’m against the violence, so please, if you protest, protest in peace. And we need to unify in this time,” Melania Trump said.

Major UK airline rapped over ‘misleading’ baggage claim

EasyJet has been reprimanded by a regulator after its claim that adding large cabin bags to flight bookings cost “from £5.99” was deemed “misleading”.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found “insufficient evidence” that this price was genuinely available “across a range of flight routes and dates”.

The ASA has now banned the airline from using the phrase in marketing communications.

EasyJet must ensure that any future “from” prices for large cabin bags reflect a lowest price accessible “across a significant proportion of flights“.

Large cabin bags are designed for overhead lockers, with most low-cost airlines charging extra for them.

EasyJet told the regulator its advertised price was accurate and available on various routes, but acknowledged prices varied due to availability, demand, and operational costs.

It added that the actual price for a particular booking was clearly displayed before purchase to ensure transparency.

The ASA’s ruling on easyJet follows an investigation by consumer group Which? finding the price for adding a large cabin bag was more than £5.99 on all 520 easyJet flights analysed.

The lowest price found was £23.49 and the average was £30.

Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: “It’s frankly astonishing that airlines think they can ignore the rules and mislead customers with unattainable prices, so it’s absolutely right that the ASA has made this ruling against easyJet as a result of our complaint.

“Our recent investigation found that there is a culture of airlines using low headline fares – then charging exorbitant prices on top to take a standard cabin bag.

“The easyJet cabin bag prices we collected were typically five times as much as the ‘from £5.99’ it claimed.

“When booking a trip, customers should consider choosing an airline without cabin bag add-ons as it may work out cheaper.”

EasyJet said in a statement: “We always aim to provide clear information to our customers on pricing, and the purpose of this page was to display factual information on fees and charges to customers.

“We always have some large cabin bags available for the lowest price.

“In light of the ASA’s feedback we have made some changes to the page to ensure the information is as clear as possible for consumers.”