ICE Killed a Second US Citizen in Minneapolis — Prompting Demands for Answers

Good morning.

I made it home by the skin of my teeth yesterday morning. I was in Detroit for my sister-in-law’s baby shower — first-time aunt over here, and I wasn’t missing it — and I got lucky. More than 11,000 flights were canceled by Sunday, the most in a single day since the pandemic. My kids got the snow (aka remote learning) day they’d been hoping for, and I’m scrambling to remember every log-in they’ll need. Whatever happened to the snow days of yore? If you want to lean into your inner child today, we’ve got you covered: cozy recipes (number one is a hit in my house), hot cocoa — obviously — and movies for when it’s simply too cold to go outside. And for the shovelers out there (shout out to my husband, Tristram), these are the best stretches to help you recover. If you weren’t in the storm’s path, consider this your excuse to slow down anyway — no snow required. Now, let’s get to the news…

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

US News

ICE Killed a Second US Citizen in Minneapolis — Prompting Demands for Answers 

What's going on: In the past three weeks, federal agents in Minneapolis have killed two US citizens. The latest victim: 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at a local hospital for veterans. Similar to previous incidents involving ICE, what happened in the moments leading up to Pretti’s death is disputed. The Trump administration described Pretti as a “domestic terrorist.” Officials say agents acted in “self-defense” after Pretti approached them with a gun. But analysis of cellphone footage from the scene by multiple news outlets — including frame-by-frame breakdowns from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times — appear to strongly contradict the administration’s account. Videos showed that he never drew his weapon. Instead, Pretti (who’s only holding a cellphone in his hand) can be seen stepping between two civilians and a DHS agent, who grabs and sprays Pretti with a chemical agent. Approximately eight federal officers move in, pull Pretti to the ground, remove a gun from his waistband area, and fire about 10 shots — killing him.

Tell me more: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said Saturday that her department will lead the investigation into the killing. A judge has already barred the Trump administration from destroying any evidence from the scene after Minnesota prosecutors accused federal officials of withholding access to key information once again. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats vowed to strike down a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, increasing the chances of another government shutdown. And Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) called for a joint federal and state investigation — one of several GOP lawmakers to challenge the Trump administration’s narrative. The National Rifle Association (NRA) and other pro-gun groups, usually aligned with Trump, are also calling for a full probe. As protests continue, many are remembering Pretti as a caring person who wanted to make a difference. In a statement, his family described him as “a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for.”

Related: Trump Supporters Defended Kyle Rittenhouse — Why Aren’t They Backing Pretti’s Right To Conceal Carry? (USA Today)

The News in 5

🗞️ More than 60 CEOs — including those from Target, Best Buy, and General Mills — released a public letter calling for an “immediate de-escalation of tensions” in Minnesota.

🗞️ At least 13 people died after a crippling winter storm brought freezing temperatures and heavy snow.

🗞️ The White House hosted a private viewing of First Lady Melania Trump’s documentary over the weekend — and the guest list is truly something.

🗞️ French President Emmanuel Macron wants to fast-track a social media ban that goes further than Australia’s measure.

🗞️ Super Bowl LX is set. Guess some superstitions are right.

Health

The Postpartum Psychosis Debate

What's going on: The postpartum period can feel overwhelming. In some cases, it can also become dangerous, including when rare-but-serious postpartum psychosis sets in. That’s why, for the last five years, a group of women’s health experts has rallied to have postpartum psychosis listed as its own diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Despite consensus that the condition is real, the divide comes down to classification. DSM committees remain split over how to categorize postpartum psychosis, especially at a time when the bar for adding new diagnoses is high. But advocates argue women’s health can’t wait. Postpartum psychosis often affects women with no history of mental health conditions, frequently leads to misdiagnosis, and can involve severe symptoms such as delusions and paranoia.

What it means: Some doctors say DSM recognition could lead to more clinician training, additional research funding, and a greater understanding from judges in criminal cases related to the condition. Critics counter that adding the diagnosis now could narrow treatment options or cause harm if clinicians apply it too rigidly before the condition is fully understood. As this plays out, if you’re concerned that you or someone you love may be experiencing postpartum psychosis, experts say early support can make a critical difference. Specialized perinatal psychiatrists are best equipped to assess symptoms and guide treatment. If that care isn’t immediately available, postpartum mood disorder hotlines, emergency departments, and perinatal mental health organizations can connect families to urgent support and next steps.

Related: Black Midwife’s Death Exposes Persistent Racial Disparities in Maternal Care (PBS)

Health

Did Scientists Discover a New Key to Longevity?

What’s going on: Think about the workout you never skip — the Pilates class locked into your calendar or the daily walk that happens no matter what. That kind of consistency feels like a win, but a new study suggests repeating the same type of movement may not give your body the full payoff. Researchers at Harvard University followed nearly 111,000 nurses and health professionals for 30 years and tracked their time spent doing exercises like walking, strength training, gardening, stair climbing, tennis, and yoga. Those with the most varied routines had a 19% lower risk of premature death than those with the least variety, even when total exercise time was about the same.

What it means: You don’t need to abandon what already works. Keep the elliptical and go-to ’90s pop playlist or the yoga class where you already have a favorite mat spot. Science isn’t asking you to overhaul your routine — just to widen it. A little variety helps pull the body out of autopilot. Cut five minutes from your usual workout and add something different. Take the stairs. Spend time in the garden (yes, it counts). Try a new class now and then, whether at your gym or through a service like ClassPass. And the best part? You don’t have to work out longer. (We checked.) Variety does the heavy lifting.

Related: The Four Habits That Matter Most for a Happier, Long Life (TIME)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ American Idol is back, with a new twist. Yes, somehow that show is still going.

🗓️ Paris Haute Couture Week begins today. The price tags may hurt, but the eye candy is free.

🗓️ ​ It may be National Bubble Wrap Day, but it's still worth keeping it away from your kids.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Know It All

Free solo climber Alex Honnold scaled one of the tallest skyscrapers on earth over the weekend. How long did it take him?

Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Mallory Simon, Molly Longman, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Marina Carver. Fact-checked by Sara Tardiff.