The following is a rundown of the day’s news drawn from other media sources with topics curated just for Money and Markets readers: The Olympics crisis, personal security and freedom, and deadly weather.
Olympics crisis
 |
Islamic Video Warning on the Olympics
In a video posted on a well-known jihadi forum, two men identified as Volgograd bombers spoke of bombings and warned of more. “We’ve prepared a present for you and all tourists who’ll come over. If you hold the Olympics, you’ll get a present from us for the Muslim blood that’s been spilled.”
U.S. Studying Plans to Rescue Americans if Terrorists Strike Sochi Olympics
The officials believe there would be major obstacles to mounting a large-scale rescue effort as Russia has historically been reluctant to allow foreign military forces — especially those of the U.S. — on Russian territory, according to a source familiar with Obama administration discussions.
Russia Reluctant to Allow U.S. Forces in During Olympics
Russians apparently don’t see any need to let U.S. security personnel in on every plan or piece of intelligence. U.S. officials said they are concerned that if they complain too much, the Russians could restrict even more the number of armed U.S. personnel allowed to be in the country.
Sen. Angus King: ‘I’d Stay Home’
“It’s just such a rich target,” King said in an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “It would be a stretch, I think, to say I’d send my family.” King’s comments come amid increased concerns from some U.S. officials that Russia hasn’t done enough to combat the possibility of a terrorist attack.
Personal security and freedom
 |
Gov. Cuomo: ‘Extreme’ Pro-lifers Unwelcome in New York
“Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are? Because if that’s who they are and they’re the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that’s not who New Yorkers are.”
Glenn Beck to Gov. Cuomo: Are Our Tax Dollars Not Welcome Here?
In an open letter, Mercury Radio founder and CEO Glenn Beck is asking New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo if his right-leaning company is still welcome in the state, after the Democrat said Friday that “extreme” conservatives have no place in New York.
Sean Hannity to Leave New York After Andrew Cuomo’s Anti-Conservative Rant
“Gov. Cuomo, I’m going to leave and I’m taking all of my money with me — every single solitary penny. And, by the way, governor — there’s a whole bunch of people that work for me and benefit because I do two shows. Some of them will be out of work, governor. I’m sure you’ll take care of them.”
Jaywalking C rackdown in New York City
Nine people have died while crossing the street in New York City this month. Authorities have started a crackdown on jaywalkers in an effort to stem the problem. The blitz of tickets, which cost $40 to $100 depending on the violation, started after the latest death on the Upper West Side.
Two-Thirds of Israelis Think Obama Will Let Iran Go Nuclear
According to a new poll, a huge majority of Israelis do not trust President Obama with regard to Iran, and believe he will allow Iran to go nuclear. Only 22 percent of Israeli voters believed that Obama would “ensure that Iran does not achieve a nuclear weapon.”
Snowstorms continue to rage
 |
Snowstorm to Hit DC, Philly, NYC on Tuesday
According to Winter Weather Expert Brian Wimer, “For Washington, D.C., this could be the biggest storm since Jan. 26, 2011, when about 5 inches of snow fell.” Accumulations of 6-12 inches are forecast over a heavily populated part of the mid-Atlantic to southeastern New England.
Dangerous Cold Headed Back to Midwest, Northeast
The polar vortex is headed southward once again, returning dangerously cold air to the Midwest and Northeast in the upcoming days. The polar plunge that invaded the Upper Midwest on Monday will continue to spread across more of the eastern half of the U.S. through Tuesday night.
Propane Shortage Adds to Winter Woes
More than 14 million families across the U.S. use propane to fuel their furnaces, according to the Propane Education & Research Council. In many states, residents are being urged to cut down on propane usage since supplies are limited.
Temperatures Hit -41 in Swedish Cold Snap
The village of Karesuando, right at the very northern tip of Sweden, clocked the epic cold temperature during Sunday. The temperature of -41.2C was a record for that region, which is on the Finnish border.
Best wishes,
The Money and Markets Team
