Flags in New Jersey are flying at half-staff to honor the late Richard "Dick" Codey, a long-serving state legislator and former governor. The directive came from Governor Phil Murphy through an executive order following Codey's death on January 11. Codey served as an acting governor and was known for his work on mental health reforms and other state policies.
Key Facts
Richard "Dick" Codey was the longest-serving member of the New Jersey Legislature.
Flags in New Jersey are at half-staff from January 22 to January 24 to honor Codey's memory.
Codey died on January 11 at the age of 79.
He served as acting governor of New Jersey from November 2004 to January 2006.
Codey was known for his work on mental health reforms and a statewide indoor smoking ban.
His funeral arrangements included a lying in state, visitation, and a Mass of Christian Burial.
Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 413 to lower the flags.
Codey's family and colleagues praised his contribution to public service in New Jersey.
A major winter storm is causing travel disruptions across the U.S., leading airlines to cancel flights and offer travel waivers. The U.S. Department of Transportation mandates refunds for flights canceled or significantly delayed, regardless of the weather. Airlines are urging travelers to manage changes through apps and websites.
Key Facts
A winter storm is affecting travel across two dozen U.S. states.
Airlines including Delta, American, United, Southwest, and others are canceling flights and issuing fee-free travel waivers.
Travelers may face rebooking challenges due to ripple effects on airline networks.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to refund canceled or significantly delayed flights if passengers opt not to travel.
Refunds apply to both refundable and nonrefundable tickets under specific conditions.
Airlines are not obliged to provide hotel or meal vouchers for weather-related disruptions.
Passengers are encouraged to use airline apps and websites for managing flight changes and refunds.
Delta and American Airlines have specific policies for rebooking and refunds during the storm.
Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are planned across the United States. Activists call this an "economic blackout" to protest federal immigration enforcement. Events will happen in many cities on January 23rd, aiming to show support for immigrant communities and challenge ICE practices.
Key Facts
Events are planned in various cities across the U.S. on January 23rd, including rallies, walkouts, and boycotts.
These protests follow the shooting of two people in Minnesota during ICE enforcement actions.
The initiative is supported by labor unions, faith leaders, and community groups.
Organizers call for a "pause" in daily life, urging people not to work or shop to protest ICE actions.
Minnesota businesses are adjusting operations or closing on the protest day.
In New York City, a large march is planned, involving over 70 organizations.
Federal officials defend ICE operations, saying they follow immigration laws and aim at public safety concerns.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is gaining attention and increased odds of defeating Vice President JD Vance in a potential 2028 U.S. presidential election, according to prediction market data. Newsom's recent actions at the World Economic Forum have raised his profile, making him a standout Democratic contender. Prediction markets show Newsom's growing strength, ranking second behind Vance in terms of perceived likelihood to win.
Key Facts
Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California.
Prediction markets show Newsom's chances of beating JD Vance in 2028 are rising.
Currently, JD Vance leads the prediction market for the 2028 presidential election with 27%.
Newsom ranks second in the prediction market, with 20%.
The prediction market is a system where people buy and sell "shares" in outcomes, affecting the perceived likelihood of events.
Newsom's profile increased after criticizing President Trump and foreign leaders at the World Economic Forum.
More than $200 million has been wagered on who will win the 2028 presidential election.
Newsom is seen as a rising Democratic contender with growing popularity among bettors on prediction markets.
Videos on social media show people rushing to buy groceries as a big winter storm is set to hit parts of the U.S., potentially affecting over 160 million people. The National Weather Service predicts heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain in areas from the Southern Rockies to New England, causing possible severe travel and power disruptions. Stores like Walmart and Target are preparing their supplies to help affected communities.
Key Facts
A major winter storm is expected to impact over 160 million Americans.
The National Weather Service predicts widespread heavy snow and freezing rain.
Areas from the Southern Rockies to New England will be affected from Friday to Monday.
Parts of the Northeast and Ohio Valley may see over a foot of snow.
The storm may cause travel disruptions and power outages due to ice accumulation.
Social media shows empty grocery store shelves as people stock up on essentials.
Walmart and Target have plans to keep important items available for communities.
The Weather Channel has named the system "Winter Storm Fern."
President Donald Trump suggested changing tax rules to allow people to claim depreciation on their primary homes, a type of tax deduction usually for business properties. This idea came up during his speech at the World Economic Forum and relates to wider discussions on housing affordability. The proposal has not yet been formally made into policy.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the idea of allowing depreciation deductions for personal homes at the World Economic Forum.
Currently, income-producing properties and a part of home business areas can be depreciated for tax benefits.
Depreciation is a tax deduction that lets property owners spread the property's cost over several years.
There is a process called 'depreciation recapture' where some tax benefits are reclaimed by the IRS when the property is sold for a profit.
Trump also commented on a plan allowing 401(k) retirement funds to be used as down payments for homes.
He expressed concerns that taking money from 401(k) accounts might not be beneficial because these accounts are performing well.
Shannon McGahn from the National Association of Realtors stated that updating tax rules could help middle-class homeowners and the overall economy.
Despite conversations, there is no official policy change proposed yet regarding home depreciation deductions.
A post on social media has gained attention for highlighting an act of kindness experienced by an immigrant in her first U.S. job. A coworker helped her understand a cultural reference instead of making her feel out of place. The story resonated with many, especially given the current challenges faced by immigrant communities in the U.S.
Key Facts
The post was shared on January 21 and received 91,000 views.
It recounts an immigrant's first job experience in the U.S.
A coworker helped her understand a reference from the film Mean Girls.
The immigrant felt welcomed instead of embarrassed due to the coworker's kindness.
The story comes at a time of heightened stress among immigrant communities.
A Pew Research Center survey found many Americans support deporting some or all immigrants living in the country illegally.
The survey also showed that a majority believe law enforcement should check immigration status during daily activities.
Social media users responded positively to the story of workplace kindness.
A Democratic candidate named Shawn Harris is running to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th district. Harris, a retired military officer and farmer, is focusing on job creation, healthcare access, and support for farmers and veterans. The special election is scheduled for March 10, and if needed, a run-off election will occur on April 7.
Key Facts
Shawn Harris is a Democratic candidate running to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th district.
Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress in January, prompting this special election.
The election is set for March 10, with a possible run-off on April 7 if no candidate wins a majority.
Harris plans to focus on job creation, healthcare improvements, and support for farmers and veterans.
Harris served 40 years in the military and retired as a Brigadier General.
He ran against Greene in a previous election, securing 36% of the vote.
Harris has raised the most money among candidates, with average donations of $21.
The district is historically conservative, posing a challenge for a Democratic candidate.
A U.S. federal appeals court is reviewing laws from Texas and Louisiana that require schools to display the Ten Commandments. These laws, passed by the governors of both states, have faced legal challenges claiming they violate the First Amendment, which prohibits government establishment of religion.
Key Facts
The case involves laws from Texas and Louisiana mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed these laws in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Both laws are challenged in court for potentially violating the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prevents the government from establishing a religion.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, based in New Orleans, is considering the case, which may eventually go to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Previous rulings have blocked the enforcement of these laws, pending further legal decisions.
The Establishment Clause originally applied to Congress but has been interpreted over time to apply to state governments as well.
Actress Jane Fonda spoke out about her concerns regarding the political situation in the United States during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She criticized what she views as authoritarian practices under President Donald Trump's administration, specifically mentioning actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Fonda called for unity, suggesting that political actions have crossed moral lines.
Key Facts
Jane Fonda is an 88-year-old Oscar-winning actress known for her political activism.
Fonda expressed her concerns about actions taken by President Trump's administration, especially focusing on ICE.
During her interview, Fonda labeled these actions as authoritarian and troubling.
She referenced specific incidents, like the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
The interview included a mention of 21-year-old Kaden Rummler, who was blinded by an ICE officer during a protest.
Fonda emphasized the need for unity, saying the issue transcends political party lines.
Her remarks received mixed reactions from the public on social media, with some supporting her and others criticizing her stance.
The White House previously defended President Trump's commitment to free speech in response to similar criticisms.
Social Security payments in February 2026 will follow a set schedule, with most payments based on the recipient's birthdate. The Social Security Administration provides payments throughout the month to ensure recipients receive their money on time.
Key Facts
Over 70 million people in the U.S. receive Social Security payments monthly.
Payments are distributed across the month, primarily based on the recipient's birthdate.
SSI payments for February 2026 will come one day early, on January 30.
SSI payments for March 2026 will be issued on February 27, 2026.
Social Security recipients are advised to wait up to three business days if payments do not arrive on time.
Social Security amounts vary based on work history, claiming age, and other factors.
The average monthly benefit for retired workers as of December 2025 was $2,071.30.
ICE officers detained a five-year-old boy in Minnesota while targeting his father for arrest. The boy was used to gain entry to the home as part of the operation. The family has an active asylum case in the U.S.
Key Facts
ICE officers detained a 5-year-old boy named Liam Conejo Ramos in Minnesota.
Officers used the child to help them reach his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who is involved in an asylum case.
The family arrived in the United States in 2024 and has not been ordered to leave.
ICE stated they did not target the child but aimed to arrest his father from Ecuador.
Liam and his father were taken to a detention facility in Dilley, Texas.
Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent reported that three other students had been detained recently.
A lawyer working on immigration cases reported worsening conditions for children in detention facilities.
Vice President JD Vance commented on the situation, questioning the alternatives available to federal agents.
Civil rights leaders in the U.S. say the country is facing multiple challenges to civil rights and democratic norms under President Trump's second term. They are taking action by organizing, suing, and addressing issues at the state and local levels rather than waiting for federal intervention. The leaders are concerned about threats to equality and freedom, citing recent actions affecting minority and marginalized communities.
Key Facts
Civil rights leaders are worried about threats to democracy and civil rights enforcement in the U.S. under President Trump's administration.
They are using legal action and organizing efforts to address these issues instead of relying on federal government support.
More than 30 civil rights leaders joined a roundtable to discuss protecting diversity and civil rights.
Illinois and Minnesota are among the states responding to perceived federal overreach with legal actions.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul highlighted recent law enforcement strategies in Chicago and Minneapolis as areas of concern.
Asian American leaders noted their omission in national civil rights discussions, despite facing related challenges.
Civil rights enforcement is becoming more focused on actions in courts and local governments rather than federal rhetoric.
Leaders are planning a pledge campaign to urge voters not to support politicians who do not explicitly endorse civil rights and equality.
The House of Representatives stopped a resolution aiming to limit President Trump's power to take military action in Venezuela without Congress's approval. The vote was tied at 215-215, failing to pass, with only two Republicans supporting the measure led by a Democrat. This follows a similar situation in the Senate where President Trump also blocked a resolution with the help of Republican support.
Key Facts
The House voted on a resolution to limit President Trump's military action in Venezuela without needing Congress's approval.
The resolution did not pass because of a 215-215 tie.
Only two Republican representatives, Thomas Massie and Don Bacon, supported the Democratic-led resolution.
A related resolution in the Senate was also recently blocked by President Trump's allies.
Trump's administration had previously captured Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro.
Some GOP members, like Rep. Wesley Hunt, returned to vote after being absent to help defeat the resolution.
The resolution was closely watched and debated in the House.
President Trump criticized Republican senators who initially supported the resolution in the Senate.
Two Republican lawmakers voted with Democrats to try to limit President Donald Trump's power to send U.S. troops into Venezuela. The resolution was defeated due to a tied vote in the House. This vote reflects ongoing debates about presidential power in foreign military operations.
Key Facts
Two Republican lawmakers voted with Democrats in the House to try to limit President Trump's military powers concerning Venezuela.
The resolution failed because of a 215–215 tie, which did not reach the majority needed for approval.
The resolution aimed to require President Trump to get Congress's approval before major military actions in Venezuela.
Recent U.S. actions included a raid in Venezuela to capture leader Nicolás Maduro and statements about Venezuela’s oil.
The Trump administration stated there are no U.S. troops in Venezuela and promised to seek authorization for major operations.
Vice President JD Vance recently broke a tie in the Senate on a similar measure regarding Trump's war powers.
The debates highlight bipartisan concerns about the scope of presidential war powers.
Former special counsel Jack Smith testified to Congress that President Donald Trump was responsible for the violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Smith claimed to have strong evidence of Trump's involvement in attempts to overturn the 2020 election and improperly handling classified documents. Trump denied the charges, which were dropped when he became president again in 2024.
Key Facts
Jack Smith, the former special counsel, testified about President Trump's alleged criminal activities related to the Capitol riot.
Smith stated he had convincing evidence against Trump for trying to overturn the 2020 election and for keeping classified documents.
President Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were later dropped when he returned to office.
Smith claimed he had no regrets in charging Trump and believed the evidence justified legal action.
Smith asserted that the events on January 6 were for Trump’s benefit and would not have occurred without him.
There is a Partisan view among lawmakers, with Republicans claiming the charges are politically motivated while Democrats support the investigations.
The White House confirmed using a digitally changed photo of Nekima Levy Armstrong from a protest in Minnesota. The altered image showed Armstrong appearing distressed, which differed from an earlier version showing her calm. There is concern about the use of altered media by the White House.
Key Facts
The altered photo of Nekima Levy Armstrong was posted on the White House's official account on X.
Armstrong was involved in a protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Two versions of the photo exist: one showing Armstrong calm and another altered one where she's distressed.
Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, reposted the altered image.
The White House redirected media inquiries to a statement by Deputy Communications Director Kaelon Dorr.
Armstrong was arrested and accused of organizing what was termed as "Church Riots" in St. Paul.
The use of altered images on social media has raised concerns about their impact on public perception.
The incident occurs amid tensions after a controversial incident involving an ICE agent in Minnesota.
Some of President Trump's appointees raised questions about the size and design of a White House ballroom project. They generally supported the project, but there was also public criticism and legal challenges.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to build a new ballroom at the White House.
Some of his appointees asked about the big design and size of the ballroom.
The Commission on Fine Arts discussed the project and public comments about it.
Some comments from the public were mostly negative.
There is currently no immediate threat to the continuation of Trump's project.
Historic preservationists have asked a court to slow down the project.
The construction will more than double the size of the White House's former space.
A confrontation happened during a House Judiciary Committee hearing involving former police officer Michael Fanone and conspiracy theorist Ivan Raiklin. Fanone confronted Raiklin, accusing him of past threats and using strong language. Fanone's colleagues helped to calm the situation, and the hearing continued.
Key Facts
The altercation took place during a recess in a House Judiciary Committee hearing with Jack Smith.
Michael Fanone, a former Metropolitan Police officer who defended the Capitol on January 6, confronted Ivan Raiklin.
Fanone accused Raiklin of threatening him and his family.
Raiklin is known for promoting 2020 election conspiracy theories.
The confrontation escalated, needing Fanone's former police colleagues to intervene.
Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan called the hearing back to order after the incident.
Fanone testified to the January 6 Select Committee in 2021 about the events at the Capitol.
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly defeated a resolution that would have limited President Trump's ability to deploy military forces to Venezuela. The vote was tied, highlighting some Republicans' concerns about Trump's military actions in the Western Hemisphere. The resolution aimed to ensure congressional approval before any major military operation in Venezuela, despite no current U.S. troops being on the ground there.
Key Facts
The House narrowly rejected a resolution to limit Trump's military actions in Venezuela.
The vote ended in a tie after a last-minute vote by Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt.
Two Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.
The resolution required Trump to remove U.S. troops from Venezuela, though none are currently reported there.
The Trump administration claimed no U.S. troops are in Venezuela and promised to seek Congress's approval for major actions.
The vote reflects wider debates on Trump's foreign policy and his use of military power.
Senate Republicans previously dismissed a similar resolution with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie.
