January 21, 2026
Historic: The VP and Second Lady Announce Pregnancy
“We’re very excited to share the news that Usha is pregnant with our fourth child, a boy.”
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance announcing they will welcome a baby boy this summer, due in late July. The news marks the first known time in modern U.S. history that a sitting Second Lady has become pregnant while her husband serves as vice president.
Historically, this has happened before:
- In 1862, Ellen Hamlin, wife of Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, gave birth to a son while he was serving under President Abraham Lincoln.
- In 1870, Ellen Colfax, the wife of Vice President Schuyler Colfax, gave birth to a son while he served under President Ulysses S. Grant.
- Earlier, in 1826 and 1829, Floride Calhoun — the wife of Vice President John C. Calhoun — gave birth while her husband served under Presidents John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson, respectively.
Learn More:
- Why Second Lady Usha Vance’s Pregnancy Is Historic (Time)
- Usha Vance announces she’s pregnant (The Hill)
Major Winter Storm to Affect Majority of Americans this Weekend
“Start preparations now for an impactful and prolonged winter storm and keep up to date with the forecast.”
The National Weather Service in a post on X, Wednesday concerning a major winter storm expected to impact the Plains, the Southeast, and the East Coast starting Friday. Meteorologist Ben Noll noted that “around 55 percent of all people living in the contiguous United States are forecast to experience snow, sleet or freezing rain simultaneously.” Low temperatures will continue through the end of the month, meaning snow and ice will stick around and power outages could be life-threatening in some areas.
Learn More:
- A whopper storm could soon engulf a 2,000-mile stretch with snow and ice (The Washington Post)
- Forecasters warn of a ‘potentially catastrophic’ storm from Texas to the Carolinas (AP)
Leaders Gather in Switzerland for World Economic Forum
“Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty; it is an urgent necessity.”
World Economic Forum President and CEO Børge Brende, ahead of the forum’s annual meeting. Hundreds of political leaders, heads of state, CEOs and others are gathering in Davos, Switzerland, this week to discuss issues shaping the global economy.
President Trump delivered an address to the forum Wednesday, shortly after his arrival, which was delayed due to a “minor electrical issue” on Air Force One. The plane returned to Washington and the president boarded another aircraft to make the trip.
Learn More:
- Over 60 heads of state are gathering at Davos 2026. Here’s what they’re saying (World Economic Forum)
- Watch Live: Trump addresses Davos economic forum as U.S. allies push back against Greenland takeover bid (CBS News)
Red Cross Declares ‘Severe Blood Shortage’ and Asks for Donations
“We are in urgent need of donors to help patients who are counting on lifesaving blood.”
The American Red Cross in a post on X, Tuesday, citing a 35% drop in its blood supply. The Red Cross says the shortage can be attributed to canceled blood drives due to severe weather and a shortage of healthy donors as the flu becomes widespread. People who are able to donate blood can find local blood drives on the Red Cross website.
Learn More: Red Cross announces severe emergency blood shortage, calls on Americans to donate (ABC News)
On the Calendar:
The Supreme Court takes up a major question about presidential power as justices hear oral arguments in Trump v. Cook — a case stemming from President Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in August.
Learn More:
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
