A video post by Alex Honea about his mother's text message discussing the financial plans for his future wedding has attracted significant attention online. The post shows a humorous exchange between Alex and his mother, Julie, who is planning with their financial advisor for 2026. It reveals how Julie is trying to motivate Alex, who is surrounded by married friends, to think about marriage, while managing the family finances like a project.
Key Facts
Alex Honea, 25, shared a TikTok post about his mom's message regarding his wedding fund plans.
His mom, Julie, is planning for 2026 with their financial advisor and asked to push the wedding expense to 2027.
Julie explained that delaying the wedding fund would earn some interest.
Alex finds himself around married friends after attending a Christian college.
Alex's TikTok video has received over 646,000 views.
The message sparked online reactions, with some people surprised Alex had a wedding fund.
Alex sees his mother's message as humorous, not pressuring.
A massive winter storm is moving across the United States, affecting weather in many areas with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. It began in the southern Plains and is traveling toward the Midwest and Northeast, impacting travel and causing states to declare emergencies.
Key Facts
NASA satellite images show the storm's large scale and progression across the United States.
The storm started on January 23 in the southern Plains and Rockies.
Heavy snow and ice are impacting areas from Texas and Oklahoma to the Midwest and Northeast.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings affecting 140 million people, advising against travel due to safety risks.
Many states and the District of Columbia have declared states of emergency in anticipation of the storm's impact.
More than 8,000 flights have been canceled, disrupting air travel across the country.
The storm is expected to bring snow totals over a foot in some areas and significant ice accumulation.
Power companies and emergency services are preparing for potential outages due to ice on power lines and strong winds.
A new proposal in Congress aims to stop non-American citizens from getting federal benefits. This is part of President Trump's "America First" policy, which focuses on limiting federal spending to U.S. citizens. The bill, introduced by Republican Representative Glenn Grothman, has been sent to a House committee for review.
Key Facts
A new bill called H.R.7213 was introduced by Republican Representative Glenn Grothman to limit federal benefits to U.S. citizens only.
The bill has been sent to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Similar legislation by Representative Randy Fine was introduced to stop non-citizens from receiving federal welfare.
These efforts are part of a larger "America First" policy to prioritize U.S. citizens in federal spending.
President Trump’s administration aims to reduce federal benefits for immigrants, documented or undocumented.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) already limits Medicaid and SNAP benefits starting in 2026.
Critics argue that immigrants contribute significantly to federal revenues, including taxes that they may not benefit from directly.
The American Immigration Council has pointed out misinformation regarding immigrant access to benefits.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for several states in the U.S., advising people to avoid travel due to expected heavy snow, ice, and dangerous road conditions. These weather warnings could lead to significant disruptions, including power outages, and will remain in effect through the weekend.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued travel warnings due to winter storms and ice.
Warnings cover multiple U.S. states with heavy snow expected, particularly in Missouri, Southern Illinois, and parts of Kentucky.
Snowfall may reach 9 to 13 inches in some areas, with 5 to 8 inches expected in others.
There is a risk of sleet and freezing rain, making travel difficult or impossible at times.
Ice storm warnings are in effect for North Carolina, South Carolina, and northeast Georgia, with ice accumulation and potential power outages.
The storm warnings remain effective until late Sunday or Monday, depending on the region.
The NWS advises against travel, recommending caution and emergency supplies if travel is necessary.
Geoff Duncan, running for Georgia governor, vows to oppose ICE raids if elected. Duncan, once a Republican, has switched to the Democratic Party and plans to address issues like healthcare and affordability. He was previously Georgia’s lieutenant governor and now aims to build a broad coalition to win the election.
Key Facts
Geoff Duncan is running for governor of Georgia as a Democrat.
He plans to oppose U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Georgia.
Duncan previously served as Georgia's lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023.
He switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party due to disagreements with the party and President Trump.
Immigration issues were seen as a positive point for President Trump in the 2024 election.
Duncan wants to tackle affordability and healthcare issues during his campaign.
He is running in a competitive Democratic field with several candidates.
Duncan believes he can win by appealing to Democrats, independents, and dissatisfied Republicans.
Firefighters tackled a large fire on the top floors of a high-rise apartment building in the Bronx, New York City. Around 200 emergency workers responded to the 4-alarm fire, and local officials opened a center to help displaced families.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in a 17-story apartment building in the Bronx, New York City.
The fire was on the top two floors of the building.
The New York City Fire Department described it as a 4-alarm fire.
About 200 fire and emergency crew members were involved in the response.
The address of the fire was 3585 Bivonia Street.
Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Borough President, announced efforts to support affected families, including a reception center for temporary housing services.
The situation is ongoing, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
President Donald Trump commented in an interview that NATO allies didn't engage in front-line combat during the Afghanistan war. Some U.S. veterans who served with NATO troops disagreed with his remarks. The BBC interviewed two veterans to understand their perspective.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump gave an interview on Fox Business.
He said NATO allies avoided front-line combat in the Afghanistan war.
The Afghanistan war took place from 2001 to 2021.
The BBC interviewed two U.S. veterans who served with NATO troops in Afghanistan.
The veterans voiced their disagreement with President Trump's comments.
FBI agent Tracee Mergen resigned after her investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, which involved a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, faced interference. The case had been reclassified as an assault-on-officer incident, leading to Mergen's resignation. This resignation has caused varied reactions, highlighting concerns about federal responses to law enforcement use-of-force incidents.
Key Facts
Tracee Mergen resigned from the FBI after trying to investigate the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer.
Mergen's investigation was initially a civil rights inquiry but was later reclassified as an assault-on-officer case.
The FBI blocked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from joining the investigation.
Several federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned over disputes related to this shooting.
The Department of Justice initiated separate inquiries into Renee Good's partner and Minnesota's Democratic officials regarding interference in immigration actions.
The resignation and the investigation shifts have sparked varied reactions online, with both praise and criticism.
Congress and public figures commented on the situation, reflecting differing views on the handling of the case.
The narrow Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives is facing challenges as lawmakers balance their duties with campaigning for upcoming elections. Speaker Mike Johnson is urging Republican members to prioritize attending House votes to maintain their majority. Absences could affect key decisions, like the recent vote on military actions involving Venezuela.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson leads a slim Republican majority in the U.S. House.
Republicans have 218 seats after recent changes, while Democrats have 213, with an expected gain in Texas.
GOP leaders are warning members to miss votes only for serious reasons.
Rep. Wesley Hunt was called back to D.C. to help defeat a vote on limiting President Trump's war powers in Venezuela.
Rep. Jim Baird, despite recent injuries, continues attending votes, setting an example for others.
Lawmakers often miss votes for campaign activities, especially during election seasons.
Balancing legislative duties with campaigning is challenging for many representatives.
Jury selection for Luigi Mangione's trial is scheduled to start on September 8. Mangione is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. The trial date depends on whether he will face the death penalty.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Jury selection is set to begin on September 8 in Manhattan federal court.
The trial start date is linked to the death penalty decision.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking the death penalty for Mangione.
Mangione's lawyers argue evidence from his arrest was unlawfully collected.
Key evidence includes a notebook and gun found during a backpack search.
Prosecutors claim the backpack search followed official procedures.
Mangione also faces separate New York state murder and other charges.
President Donald Trump commented on a major winter storm moving across the United States. He stated that his administration is ready to work with state and local officials to handle the situation, and FEMA is prepared to respond.
Key Facts
President Trump issued a statement about a significant winter storm affecting the U.S.
The storm includes snow, sleet, ice, and very cold temperatures.
It threatens widespread power outages for about half of the U.S. population.
President Trump posted his message on Truth Social.
The Trump Administration is coordinating with state and local officials.
A photo showing a five-year-old boy wearing a blue bunny hat being taken away by immigration agents has become a symbol of increased U.S. immigration raids. This incident happened outside the child's home in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Key Facts
A five-year-old boy wore a blue bunny hat.
Immigration agents took the boy outside his home.
This happened in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A picture of the incident was taken by a witness.
The photo has come to represent rising immigration raids in the U.S.
In Minneapolis, many businesses are temporarily closing as part of an economic protest against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This protest, called The Day of Truth and Freedom, involves various community groups and aims to stop ICE activities in the city. The protest includes events like marches and a push for Target stores to uphold certain legal protections.
Key Facts
Hundreds of businesses in Minneapolis are closing temporarily for a protest against ICE.
The protest is named The Day of Truth and Freedom and involves community groups, unions, and faith organizations.
The protest organizers are also encouraging people not to spend money as part of the demonstration.
Solidarity marches are planned in other major U.S. cities, such as New York City and Los Angeles.
A march in Minneapolis will conclude at the Target Center, a well-known arena.
The protest especially targets Target stores, urging them to uphold Fourth Amendment protections.
Two incidents involving federal agents at Target stores in Minnesota are highlighted as concerns by organizers.
In Minnesota, many businesses are closing as part of a protest against increased immigration enforcement by ICE. Organizers have asked people to avoid work, school, and shopping to show their opposition. The protest includes rallies in cities like St. Paul and Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement has been strong.
Key Facts
Businesses in Minnesota are shutting down to protest ICE's presence.
The protest aims to oppose ICE's enforcement actions in the state.
Rallies are organized in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
ICE's actions are part of "Operation Metro Surge," with thousands of officers deployed.
Over 10,000 "criminal illegal aliens" have reportedly been arrested in Minnesota since President Trump’s return to office.
The killing of Renee Good has intensified protests throughout the state.
Some protests have resulted in clashes between demonstrators and federal officers.
Business owners like Corey Lamb believe ICE raids economically affect their communities.
A major winter storm is expected to affect over half of the United States this weekend. This storm could lead to difficult travel, cancelled flights, power outages, and risks such as hypothermia due to extreme cold.
Key Facts
A large winter storm is expected to hit more than two dozen states in the U.S.
The storm is anticipated to bring freezing rain, ice, and snow.
It will occur between Friday and Monday.
This weather event could cause dangerous travel conditions.
Flight cancellations are expected due to the storm.
There is a possibility of power outages in affected areas.
People could face health risks like hypothermia because of the cold temperatures.
A massive winter storm is expected to affect over 160 million Americans, leading to potential power outages. This storm marks the first major test for FEMA since staffing reductions during President Trump's administration. FEMA is preparing by deploying teams and coordinating with states for response efforts.
Key Facts
Over 160 million people in the U.S. could experience severe winter weather this weekend.
Utility companies warn of possible dangerous and life-threatening power outages.
This storm is the first significant multistate activation for FEMA since staffing cuts during President Trump's administration.
FEMA has deployed over 20 staff to state emergency operations centers and has several Incident Management Assistance Teams ready.
Economists compare the impending storm to the Texas freeze in February 2021, which resulted in over 200 deaths due to power failures.
President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously considered dismantling FEMA.
FEMA's workforce reductions included about 300 staff cuts this month, with some reductions paused ahead of the storm.
FEMA and its infrastructure and response programs faced cuts, but a coalition of states successfully blocked some reductions.
President Donald Trump's administration has increased the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Maine as part of a mass deportation effort. Details about the specific targets and locations remain unclear, prompting questions from state officials.
Key Facts
ICE agents are now more visible in Maine.
This is part of President Donald Trump's mass deportations plan.
State and local officials do not have detailed information about who is being targeted.
Democratic Governor Janet Mills expressed concern and confusion about the operation.
Officials have reached out to understand why Maine is being specifically targeted now.
A large protest took place in the Twin Cities against the Trump Administration's immigration policies and increased ICE presence. The protest was part of a broader strike supported by labor leaders and religious groups.
Key Facts
A protest occurred in the Twin Cities against immigration policies.
The protest focused on President Trump's administration's actions.
ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, increased its activities in the area.
Labor leaders supported the protests.
Religious groups also backed the event.
It took place on a day when many people walked out from their jobs as a sign of protest.
Special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro covered the event.
A 5-year-old boy in the Columbia Heights School District was detained by ICE agents during operations in the Twin Cities. The superintendent of the school district, Zena Stenvik, commented on the situation.
Key Facts
ICE operations in the Twin Cities led to detentions.
A 5-year-old boy from the Columbia Heights School District was detained.
The incident involved federal agents.
Superintendent Zena Stenvik spoke about the situation.
The detentions are affecting children in the area.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has encouraged families to apply for the city’s free child care program as the deadline approaches. The program is part of New York City’s commitment to supporting its diverse population, particularly immigrants. This announcement comes amid federal immigration enforcement activities in major cities, including actions affecting children.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is promoting New York City's free child care program.
The child care application deadline is February 27.
This initiative aims to provide universal child care for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Families with 3- or 4-year-olds can apply for the program through myschools.nyc.
The initiative is supported by Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul and expands to include 2-year-olds.
The promotion of this program occurs as immigration enforcement actions are taking place in major cities, including a recent case involving a 5-year-old in a Minneapolis suburb.
New York City has policies in place as a sanctuary city, offering certain protections to immigrants.
