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Tuesday 01.25.22

The federal tax filing season is underway. And even though the IRS still hasn't processed millions of returns from last year due to Covid-19 and a lack of funding, there are still ways to help ensure your tax filing experience is hassle-free. Here's what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On With Your Day.
 

By Alexandra Meeks

Ukrainian soldiers preparing for a possible invasion by Russian troops.

Ukraine

As many as 8,500 troops have been put on heightened alert for a possible deployment to Eastern Europe as Russian troops mass along Ukraine's border. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said yesterday that the "bulk of" the troops on alert were intended to bolster NATO's quick response force, but added they would be "postured to be ready for any other contingencies as well." NATO announced yesterday that some member countries are putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to eastern Europe. Separately, the US is keeping a close eye on potential Russian cyberattacks, which the Department of Homeland Security warned could occur if Moscow perceives that a US or NATO response to a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine would threaten Russia's long-term national security. 

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court announced yesterday it will reconsider race-based affirmative action in college admissions, a move that could eliminate campus practices that have widely benefitted Black and Hispanic students. Justices will hear challenges to policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina beginning next October, with a decision likely by June 2023. Also in the pipeline, the high court agreed to take up a case that could limit the federal government's jurisdiction over wetlands protected under the Clean Water Act. The case comes as the Biden administration actively tries to undo Trump-era rollbacks to federal protections. Separately, the Supreme Court declined to take up House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's challenge to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's proxy voting protocols that were put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Coronavirus

The Biden administration says it will not be enforcing the federal employee vaccine mandate amid ongoing litigation, after a Texas federal judge on Friday blocked the enforcement of the vaccine mandate for government employees. The move comes after the judge called the mandate an overstep of presidential authority, while striking down a separate mandate that had applied to private sector workers. Separately, a state supreme court judge struck down New York state's mask mandate yesterday, ruling that the governor and the New York State Department of Health did not have the authority to enact such a mandate without approval from the State Legislature.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso's army said it took control of the country yesterday, deposing President Roch Kabore, dissolving the government, suspending the constitution and shuttering its borders. The coup was announced on state television by Captain Sidsore Kader Ouedraogo, who said the military had seized power in response to the "ongoing degradation of the security situation" in the country and the "incapacity of the government" to unite the population. Sitting alongside him was Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, who was introduced as the country's new leader. Damiba was recently promoted by Kabore to commander of the country's third military region, which is responsible for security in the capital city of Ouagadougou, according to Reuters. There was no mention of Kabore's whereabouts. The president has not been seen in public since fighting broke out on Sunday around the presidential palace.

Boris Johnson

London's Metropolitan Police say they are investigating a "number of events" in Downing Street amid claims of Covid rule-breaking at the heart of the UK government, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces intense scrutiny for attending gatherings while the rest of his country was in lockdown. Johnson celebrated his birthday with a gathering at his official residence in June 2020 while the UK was in its first Covid-19 shutdown, a spokesperson said yesterday. For weeks, Johnson has been under pressure over alleged summer garden parties and Christmas gatherings held in Downing Street. Meanwhile, his approval ratings are plunging and there appears to be a growing sense among his ruling Conservative Party that he is becoming a liability.

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Highlights from Paris Fashion Week menswear shows

Kanye West and his new girlfriend Julia Fox stunned in matching denim outfits. Very trendy and very 80s, if you ask me. 

Saturn's 'Death Star' moon could harbor a hidden ocean

Yes, it looks strangely similar to the Death Star from the "Star Wars" movies, but a thick ice shell is protecting anything from getting in or out. Sorry, Han and Luke.

So many people want this truck that Ford stopped taking orders

Do we have any truck fans? This is the last week to get on the waiting list for this popular 2022 model.

Minnesota is currently running a poll to name it's new snow plows

What could be better than Plowy McPlowface? Here it is: Betty Whiteout

Krispy Kreme will give blood donors a dozen free doughnuts

Just show proof you're a donor to the American Red Cross or another blood donation organization and you get a free box of deliciousness. 

110,000

That's approximately how many deaths could be prevented each year in the US if adults over 40 added 10 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity to their normal routines, according to the study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

Gun violence is a public health crisis. There is no time to wait. We must act. The sea of violence comes from many rivers. We must dam every river that feeds this greater crisis.

-- New York City Mayor Eric Adams, announcing details of his administration's blueprint to combat gun violence, from increasing officers on patrol and combating the influx of guns into the city, to encouraging prosecutors to move forward earlier with gun charges.

Courageous baby penguin 
Start your day on a happy note. Watch this little cutie find the courage to make friends for the first time. (Click here to view)