Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 It's Winter Storm Weekend For Most Of America
The massive winter storm that’s been the topic of conversation this week will make itself felt over 2-thousand miles of the US starting today. Starting in Texas and Oklahoma later today, the system will spread snow, ice, and sleet from central New Mexico into Central Virginia tomorrow. The storm is expected to push into the Northeast on Sunday, where the forecast for total snow accumulation calls for up to 18 inches in some areas. Wind chills are expected to get as low as 50 below zero in the Upper Midwest, where an exploding tree advisory has been issued. As of last night, eleven states had already declared states of emergency in advance of the storm. Chicago Public schools have canceled all classes and after-school activities today due to a forecast that includes wind chills as low as -35.
2 House Approves Final Funding Package, Sends It To The Senate
The House approved the final legislation needed to fund the government through September yesterday, sending the package to the Senate just days before the Jan. 30th deadline to avoid a partial shutdown. In a 341-88 vote, lawmakers passed a three-bill package covering the departments of Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. A separate measure funding the Department of Homeland Security passed 220-207 along more partisan lines. Many Democrats opposed the DHS bill because it didn't include major reforms to ICE following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Democrats did secure some concessions, including new reporting requirements, training benchmarks for officers, and $20 million for body cameras for immigration enforcement agents. The bills now head to the Senate, where lawmakers must move quickly with the brewing winter storm threatening to delay their return to Washington.
3 Administration Makes Several Arrests In Connection With Minnesota Church Protest
Federal agents arrested three protesters in connection with a demonstration that disrupted Sunday service at a Minneapolis-area church. Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Allen, and William Kelly were taken into custody by FBI and Homeland Security agents. The protesters objected to the church's pastor, David Easterwood, who they say also works as the acting director of an ICE field office. A federal judge rejected a criminal complaint against journalist Don Lemon, who said he was at the protest to report on it. Videos showed demonstrators chanting "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a photo of Armstrong's arrest, saying religious freedom is the bedrock of the United States.