A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the northern half of the United States, causing disruption to travelers' plans. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm, blizzard and high-wind advisories, with up to two feet of snow expected in some areas. Major airlines have issued weather waivers, and California is experiencing strong winds and power outages. Travelers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information on their flight status.
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Montana Senator Jon Tester has announced his intention to seek a fourth term in the U.S. Senate, a key race for Democrats to maintain their slim majority in 2024. Tester, a 66-year-old farmer, has held the seat since 2007 and is the only statewide elected Democrat in Montana, a state that typically elects Republicans by double-digit margins. He has been a vocal advocate for veterans, and has pushed for legislation to reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs.
President Joe Biden has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to suspend the last remaining U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control treaty, the New START treaty, which was signed in 2010. Putin announced the suspension of the treaty during his state of the nation address, raising tensions between the two countries. Biden, currently in Warsaw, Poland, called the decision a "big mistake" and Putin said Russia should be prepared to resume nuclear weapons tests if the U.S. did so first.
On Wednesday, February 22nd, Israeli forces conducted a major operation in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, resulting in the death of at least 10 Palestinians and injury of more than 100 others. The raid was conducted in order to target three suspects “planning attacks in the immediate future,” and has been met with international condemnation. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported that the death toll could rise as more information becomes available.
Laguna Beach, California has voted to ban the sale and public use of balloons in the city, taking effect in 2024. The decision has been met with mixed reactions from the community, with some in favor of the potential environmental and safety benefits and others concerned about the impact on local businesses. The ban is part of a larger effort to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the city's natural environment, as well as reduce the amount of trash in the ocean.
Shamima Begum, a British woman who left the UK to join ISIS at 15, has lost her appeal against the decision to revoke her British citizenship. The Special Immigration Appeals Commission ruled there was a "credible suspicion" that she was trafficked to Syria for "sexual exploitation" and the ruling does not determine if she can return to Britain. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with the UK government yet to comment.
A massive winter storm is set to hit the northern plains of the United States, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures. Almost 900 U.S. flights have been canceled and 75 million Americans are under winter weather alerts in 29 states. Residents are urged to take precautions and prepare for the storm, including stocking up on supplies and staying informed of the latest weather updates.
The Supreme Court is set to consider a case on Wednesday that could have far-reaching implications for social media companies, involving the family of a Jordanian citizen killed in a 2017 terrorist attack in Istanbul. The case will decide whether social media companies can be held liable for aiding and abetting a specific act of international terrorism. The outcome of the case could have major implications for how social media companies moderate user content and could open the door to more lawsuits against tech companies for their role in the spread of extremist content.