Overview of Tom Homan Dispatched to Minnesota, Winter Storm Deaths, Kanye West Apologizes Again: AM Update 1/27
This AM Update (SiriusXM, host Megan Kelly) covers four major stories: the federal response and leadership changes after the shooting of anti-ICE activist Alex Preddy in Minnesota (Tom Homan dispatched), a deadly nationwide winter storm (including a private jet crash in Maine), political strain between Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez and the U.S., and rapper Ye (Kanye West) issuing a renewed apology for past antisemitic comments and erratic behavior. The bulletin also includes key numbers, notable quotes, and immediate implications for each story.
Key stories (high level)
- Federal leadership shifts after the Alex Preddy shooting in Minneapolis: Tom Homan named point person to coordinate federal-state cooperation; some federal agents reportedly preparing to leave Minnesota as tensions ease.
- Winter storm aftermath: at least 29 storm-related deaths across many states, massive outages and travel disruptions, and a private jet crash in Bangor, Maine that killed all six aboard.
- Venezuela/U.S. relations: Acting president Delcy Rodríguez pushes back rhetorically against Washington while appearing to comply with U.S. demands; reports of political prisoner releases and a possible White House visit.
- Ye (Kanye West) apology: Full-page Wall Street Journal letter attributing prior antisemitic behavior to an undiagnosed brain injury and bipolar/mania; pledges treatment and accountability; new album “Bully” due Friday.
Details and context
Minnesota — Tom Homan dispatched after Preddy shooting
- Incident: Alex Preddy, identified as an anti‑ICE agitator, was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents while resisting arrest. Video showed agents recovered a concealed handgun; footage also suggested the weapon was concealed as agents initiated the arrest.
- Early reactions: DHS leaders (including Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino) initially used strong language — calling Preddy a “domestic terrorist” and asserting he “brandished his firearm” — statements later softened as video circulated and no evidence supported some early claims.
- Federal response: President Trump announced Tom Homan will go to Minneapolis to coordinate with state/local authorities and report directly to the president. The White House framed Homan as experienced in immigration enforcement; press secretary Caroline Levitt described him as the point person to “subdue the chaos.”
- Signs of de‑escalation: Governor Tim Walz described a “more collaborative tone,” and multiple outlets reported Commander Bovino and some federal agents preparing to leave Minnesota. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended Bovino’s role publicly.
Winter storm — deaths, outages, travel disruptions, and Maine plane crash
- Death toll: Associated Press reported at least 29 storm-related deaths nationwide (states include PA, TN, LA, TX, MS, KS, MA, AR, NY, NJ); causes included sledding accidents tied to vehicles, hypothermia, car crashes, snowplow incidents, and heart attacks from shoveling.
- Power and population impacts: Over 700,000 customers without power across TX, LA, MS, and TN. More than 200 million people under cold alerts; snow reported across half the continental U.S., with foot+ accumulations in at least 19 states.
- Travel: FlightAware reported 6,000+ canceled flights and ~21,000 delayed. Dallas‑Fort Worth led cancellations.
- Maine private jet crash (Bangor): A Bombardier Challenger 600 reportedly flipped during takeoff and caught fire; all six aboard died. Preliminary FAA data: plane veered right at takeoff and flipped at ~175 mph. Bangor is a refueling stop for transatlantic private flights; flight reportedly destined for Paris. One victim identified as Tara Arnold (46). Weather at crash time: wind chill ~‑13°F, light snow, 10 mph winds. Bombardier Challenger 600 has past incidents tied to ice buildup; investigators are examining whether conditions contributed. Bangor Airport closed until at least Wednesday.
Venezuela — Delcy Rodríguez’s posture and U.S. leverage
- Background: Following U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier this month (as reported in the bulletin), Delcy Rodríguez (Maduro’s former VP) was sworn in and has been publicly balancing defiance and cooperation with the U.S.
- Recent actions: Rodríguez publicly warned against Washington dictating Venezuelan politics but also has overseen releases of political prisoners (reportedly 626 released, then another 104). Reports of a leaked call suggested regime officials were under intense pressure to decide quickly after the raid.
- U.S. ties: President Trump publicly praised the prisoner releases and signaled Rodríguez may visit the White House — which would be the first sitting Venezuelan leader to do so in over 25 years.
Ye (Kanye West) apology and explanation
- Format: Full‑page Wall Street Journal letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt.”
- Claims: West (now legally Ye) says a 2002 frontal lobe injury went undiagnosed until 2023 and contributed to bipolar disorder; he describes a four‑month manic episode in early 2025 marked by psychotic, paranoid, and impulsive behavior.
- Past actions summarized: Posting Nazi and pro‑Hitler statements on X in 2025, selling swastika T‑shirts (including wearing them publicly), releasing a song called “Heil Hitler,” and multiple cycles of offensive rhetoric and apologies over recent years.
- Current stance: He says he is “not a Nazi or an anti‑Semite,” expresses remorse, credits his wife Bianca Sensori for urging him to get help, promises accountability and treatment, and asks for patience as he seeks recovery. New album “Bully” is set to release Friday.
Notable quotes
- White House on Homan: “He is tough but fair and will report directly to me.” (President Trump via Truth Social)
- DHS initial framing: Kristi Noem: “this looks like a situation where an individual arrived...to inflict maximum damage...to kill law enforcement.” (later softened)
- Ye: “I am not a Nazi or an anti‑Semite. I love Jewish people.” and admitting mania led him to “gravitate toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika.”
Key numbers and quick facts
- Storm-related deaths: at least 29 nationwide (multiple states).
- Flights canceled/delayed: ~6,000 canceled, 21,000 delayed (FlightAware).
- Power outages: >700,000 customers in TX/LA/MS/TN.
- Cold alerts: >200 million people under cold alerts.
- Plane crash victims: 6 dead (Bangor, Maine); aircraft reported as Bombardier Challenger 600.
- Venezuelan prisoners reportedly released: 626 + 104 (as reported).
- Ye’s album “Bully” due: Friday.
Takeaways — what to watch next
- Minnesota: Whether federal-state coordination actually reduces street tensions and whether internal DHS criticisms over early public statements prompt leadership or policy changes.
- Investigation outcomes: FAA/NTSB findings on Bangor crash (weather/ice vs. mechanical/operational causes).
- Storm aftermath: Additional fatalities or infrastructure impacts as power restoration and travel resume.
- Venezuela diplomacy: Whether a White House visit for Delcy Rodríguez happens and how prisoner releases proceed — a key barometer of U.S.-Venezuela cooperation.
- Ye: Public and industry response to his renewed apology and the commercial/media reaction to his new album release.
Recommended actions (for listeners)
- Travelers: Expect continued cancellations/delays; check airlines and airports before travel and avoid nonessential trips in affected regions.
- Winter safety: Avoid risky sledding tied to vehicles; don’t overexert when shoveling snow; heed local cold/shelter advisories.
- Follow-ups: Watch for official investigation reports (FAA/NTSB, DHS internal reviews) for authoritative conclusions on the plane crash and Preddy shooting.
Where to find more
- Original AM Update airs on The Megan Kelly Channel (SiriusXM) and is available on YouTube/podcast platforms for the full audio.