Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the 89-year-old Democrat from California, has been hospitalized and is receiving treatment for shingles. She is currently in San Francisco and is expected to make a full recovery, though her absence from the Senate could have a significant impact on the Democratic Party's legislative agenda. Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and Feinstein's age puts her at a higher risk for complications.
News Mash
Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz and Jessica Garth from the State’s Attorney’s Office have announced the arrest of College Park, Maryland Mayor Patrick Wojahn on 56 counts of child pornography-related charges. Wojahn has resigned from his position and is currently in custody at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections. The City of College Park has expressed shock and disappointment at the news and is working with the police department to investigate the allegations.
The Supreme Court is considering a major elections case from North Carolina which involves the question of whether the North Carolina Supreme Court had the authority to throw out Republican-drawn congressional districts. The North Carolina Supreme Court is now dominated by conservatives and if it reverses its decision, it could moot the crux of the case that the Supreme Court had been considering. The Supreme Court has asked the parties involved to file new court papers on the impact of the North Carolina Supreme Court’s decision, which could have far-reaching implications for election law nationwide.
President Joe Biden has signaled his support for a Republican-backed effort to rescind a Washington, DC, crime law, which has been criticized for being too lenient. The measure is expected to come up for a vote in the Senate next week, with Biden's backing and that of 31 Democrats in the House. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has also expressed his support for the effort. It is unclear if the measure will pass, or if Biden will make any further comments on the issue.
The US Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued an advisory urging freight rail companies to inspect protective coverings over pressure relief valves in the wake of a February 3 train derailment in Ohio. This advisory follows the release of a toxic chemical and ongoing cleanup efforts, as well as concerns from area residents about air and drinking water safety. The PHMSA hopes to ensure that freight rail companies are taking the necessary safety measures to protect the public from any potential risks.
A man in Charlotte County, Florida has died from a rare brain-eating amoeba infection believed to have been contracted after rinsing his sinuses with tap water. The infection is caused by the single-celled organism Naegleria fowleri, which thrives in warm temperatures and is most commonly found in soil and fresh water. The Florida Department of Health is conducting an epidemiological investigation and urging people to take precautions to avoid infection.
The House Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Representative George Santos, focusing on whether he has engaged in any unlawful activity related to his 2022 congressional campaign, failed to properly disclose required information, violated federal conflict of interest laws, and/or engaged in sexual misconduct. The committee has not released any further details, and Santos has not yet commented on the investigation. It is unclear how long the investigation will take or what the outcome may be.
Alex Murdaugh, a former prominent attorney, is on trial for the double murder of his wife and son in South Carolina. The jury is made up of 11 members, with one alternate remaining after five jurors were removed from the panel over the six-week trial. Defense attorney Jim Griffin has accused law enforcement of botching the investigation and fabricating evidence to pin the crimes on Murdaugh. The jury is expected to begin deliberations soon and if convicted, Murdaugh could face life in prison.