The plunging polar vortex is bringing subfreezing temperatures to some of the southernmost points of the U.S. A forming storm system is threatening to dump snow on parts of Texas and Oklahoma, while communities in Louisiana and Florida may see frigid cold.

Israel’s military says it is conducting “targeted strikes” against Hamas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

The Taliban have released two American detainees held in Afghanistan.

NEW YORK – If there's one thing clear after White House press secretary Jen Psaki's first session with reporters on Wednesday, it's that she's determined to minimize drama in the briefing room. The 42-year-old Psaki (pronounced SOCK-eee) was a State Department spokesperson and White House communications director in former President Barack Obama's administration. Psaki showed a bone-dry wit when one reporter asked if Biden planned to keep the new color scheme that Trump ordered for Air Force One. CNN's chief White House correspondent, Kaitlan Collins, pointed to the lack of attacks on reporters coming from the podium. “This is the way it should have been for four years with President Trump.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Kamala Harris and Mike Pence will be separated by a see-through barrier to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission at Wednesday’s vice presidential debate. The debate in Salt Lake City will come less than a week after President Donald Trump tested positive for the virus. It is the only planned debate between the two vice presidential contenders and will take on heightened attention following the president's diagnosis. Pence will appear despite recent exposure to people who have tested positive for the virus, though he has not tested positive. The president's diagnosis puts a new spotlight on the vice presidential debate and on the continued presence of the virus, a key campaign message for Biden and Harris.