SCOOP: Americans Killed In Action; Seeking New Eyes On Old Problems
What new eyes do we need on old challenges to create solutions? We ask this question as we look at two of the biggest developing headlines this week: American service members killed in action in the Middle East by Iranian-backed militants and the ongoing coverage of the U.S. borders.
⭐️ Quote To Start Your Week:
“I feel like a 10-year-old going on a treasure hunt.”
Tony Romeo discussing his recent discovery; did he find Amelia Earhart’s missing plane? Romeo, a pilot and former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer turned commercial real-estate investor, funded his own search for Earhart’s plane – which hasn't been seen since she disappeared on her flight around the world in 1937. Last month, Romeo returned from his search with a sonar image of an object resembling an airplane located about 100 miles from the destination Earhart never arrived at – Howland Island. This find will take follow-up but it captured the attention of experts (and us!).
🗓 THE WEEK AHEAD:
Monday: Looking to get a head start on taxes? The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting 2023 federal income tax returns today. Tax Day falls on April 15. Click here for other important tax dates.
Tuesday: The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee considers a resolution that could further the potential impeachment process of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas. The Republican-led committee accuses the cabinet member of “lawless behavior” for decisions made at the U.S. border. More on the border below. Meanwhile, on this day in 1815, the U.S. government purchased Thomas Jefferson’s library – marking the beginning of the incredible rebuild for the Library of Congress, now the world’s largest library.
Wednesday: The Federal Reserve concludes its first interest rate meeting of the year. While economists largely do not expect a change in interest rates at this meeting, we may get a better idea about when the Fed could announce rate cuts – something they’ve indicated at in recent meetings.
Thursday: The first day of February! You’ll have one extra day this month on February 29th, as 2024 marks a leap year – which happens only every four years. How will you spend it?
Friday: Happy Groundhog Day! Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Legend has it, if he sees it, we’ll encounter six more weeks of winter. The tradition dates to 1887, though data from the past decade indicates that Phil has only gotten his prediction right around 40% of the time. Also happening, the federal government will release the January jobs report, giving us a helpful snapshot of the labor market heading into the rest of the year.
Saturday: South Carolina holds its Democratic primary – marking the first primary for the Democratic presidential nomination. The Republican primary takes places in South Carolina later in February.