1 Arctic Blast Sees 2,100+ Flights Canceled Nationwide Amid Snow, Ice
Millions are bundling up and trying to stay warm as a deep freeze blankets much of the nation. The cold temps are expected to drop low enough to break more than 300 records through tomorrow. Some areas could get more than a foot of snow. At least six inches already fell in Chicago where a plane slid off the runway yesterday. Meanwhile, icy roads are also causing havoc and the travel nightmare will only get worse. More than 21-hundred flights were canceled yesterday along with over 13-thousand delayed. And for clarity, freeze watches and warnings are in place from Colorado to Maine. As for what’s causing all the trouble, we can blame an "arctic airmass" that started in Siberia. At last check, officials are blaming four deaths on the conditions – from car crashes linked to the weather. Bottom line? If you’re in an affected area, pay attention to warnings – and if you’re flying to or through? Check with your airlines before you head to the airport.
2 More Transcripts Released In Impeachment Probe
House Democrats released transcripts from impeachment depositions of Catherine Croft and Christopher Anderson – the former advisors of Kurt Volker, the former U.S. envoy to Ukraine. In them, the pair detailed their concerns about the White House's decision to hold back military funding for Ukraine. Croft told lawmakers that she was worried President Trump would change his policy on Ukraine if Joe Biden turned out to be a credible Democratic presidential contender. Anderson explained how Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani worked to shape U.S. policy towards Ukraine based on Trump's political agenda. The impeachment effort against President Trump centers on the White House's decision to withhold congressionally approved aid to Ukraine in hopes the country would investigate Trump's political rivals. The White House eventually released the funding. The public hearings in the inquiry are scheduled for tomorrow and Friday. Up first, George Kent, a deputy assistant Secretary of State and Bill Taylor, a former ambassador and the top US diplomat in Ukraine. They’re set to together publicly at 10am ET. On Friday, Marie Yovanovitch, the former US ambassador to Ukraine is set to speak. So far, the whistleblower is not scheduled to testify.
3 Former President Jimmy Carter In Sick Bay
Former President Jimmy Carter may seem indestructible, but apparently, he’s not. Mr. Carter will apparently undergo brain surgery this morning to relieve pressure from bleeding after his recent falls. According to the Carter Center, the 95-year-old was admitted to Emory University Hospital yesterday evening ahead of the procedure. Carter is described as "resting comfortably" and his wife, Rosalynn, is said to be with him. This caps a rough two months for Carter. As you might recall, Carter fell twice last month – once leading to 14 stitches over his left eye and the second time the fall caused a minor pelvic fracture.