The ranks of US rabbis grow more diverse, with rising numbers of women and LGBTQ people

Rabbi Laura Geller recalls how of the 30 people in her class at Hebrew Union College, she was the only woman.

Women Rabbis

Ordained in 1976, she would go on to become one of the first women rabbis in the Jewish Reform Movement. Fifty years later, she's proud to have helped break that glass ceiling and pave the way for change.

Rabbis and rabbinical students in the United States are more diverse than ever today, with increasing numbers of women and LGBTQ+ people. Women from earlier generations who became rabbis marvel at the greater opportunities available for those pursuing clergy roles.

"Women have transformed Judaism," said Geller, rabbi emerita of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, California. "All the different kinds of movements have really noticed that Judaism needs to change because women's voices were ignored in the past."

Orthodox branches of Judaism generally don'tallow women to be rabbis, with some exceptions. But Reform and Conservative, the largest movements in the U.S., permit it, as does the growing nondenominational branch.

Nationwide, the Jewish community has become more diverse, so it makes sense that the rabbinate would be as well, said Janet Krasner Aronson, interim director of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University.

"A lot of people are entering the rabbinate and coming from very different backgrounds, and they really want to come in and shake things up a little bit," she said.

Rebecca Weintraub, associate rabbi of New York City's B'nai Jeshurun congregation, has witnessed this generational shift in liberal Jewish spaces. She is one of several women serving the congregation as rabbis.

"For a lot of the younger generation, when they think of a rabbi, many of them, in their mind, the picture is a woman," Weintraub said. "When I was growing up, when I would think of a rabbi, I'd think, man."

The changing face of the US rabbinate

An organization that supports and trains Jewish spiritual leaders — Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation — hasnew researchdocumenting the diversification of the U.S. rabbinate and its student pipeline. It recently surveyed stakeholders including rabbis, students, schools and other key Jewish institutions.

Atra's research affirms that men still make up the majority of the more than 4,000-strong non-Ultra Orthodox U.S. rabbinate, but women are now a sizable minority. There are also more LGBTQ+ people, Jews of color and members of interfaith households. That increased diversity also is present in non-Orthodox rabbinical schools, where women are in the majority.

"We see an opening that did not exist for populations that once were not able to become rabbis," said Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein, Atra's executive director. "We still don't have parity of rabbis in the field, but we do see that we have many more women in the seminary."

Among them isSarah Livschitz, who moved from New Zealand to Los Angeles to enroll in Hebrew Union College, where her student cohort is entirely female.

"It's normal to me that a woman would be a rabbi," said Livschitz, who will be ordained in May. "It's a different world that I live in than people sort of 30 years ago, even 10 years ago."

Signs of progress and ongoing challenges

Eleanor Steinman, senior rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom in Austin, Texas, views the increased diversity as a sign of thriving.

"The challenge to the rabbinate is that institutions, including synagogues, are not necessarily totally prepared for that diversity," said Steinman, who is gay and known for her social justice and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy in the Jewish community.

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Rabbi Tiferet Berenbaum, director of congregational learning and programming at Temple Beth Zion in Brookline, Massachusetts, recalled how nervous she was during her final year in rabbinical school. Berenbaum, who is Black and has done extensive anti-racism work in the Jewish community, was ordained in 2013.

"My Jewish experiences were pretty much all white," she said. "It was time to go into the job market, and that's when the voices really started to rise in my head: 'Who's going to hire a Black rabbi?' Not 'Who's going to hire a woman rabbi?'"

While serving in Wisconsin and New Jersey congregations, she encountered the rabbinate's patriarchal holdovers, including a lack of accommodations when she became a mother and her husband taking on the "rebbetzin" duties traditionally fulfilled by male rabbis' wives.

"Some of the earlier rabbis were really thrust into the deep patriarchy, where they were accepted but not really accepted, or accepted but forced to mold themselves to a masculine view of what is a rabbi," said Berenbaum, who is now one of three women rabbis in her congregation. "Whereas now women are able to just bring their full selves."

It's clear to some rabbinical students that following a career path paved by the female and LGBTQ+ rabbis that came before them has made their own pursuit easier. That's the case for Sarah Rockford, an LGBTQ+ student at the Conservative movement's Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

"My leadership is welcome, celebrated, and in some ways not treated as exceptional because of my gender or sexual orientation," she said. "We tend to forget how quickly things have changed."

Rockford credits strong female mentors for embodying how people from a variety of backgrounds can take on the role, such as Rabbi Rachel Isaacs of Beth Israel Congregation in Waterville, Maine. In 2011, Isaacs became the first openly gay rabbi ordained by the Conservative seminary.

"The Jewish community is far more diverse in every sense of the word than the Jewish community I was raised in," Isaacs said.

A demanding but meaningful calling

Many in the rabbinate are drawn to the deeply meaningful and fulfilling work. But it is also demanding.

"I love to teach, I love to pastor, I love to lead services. Even funerals — they're both sad but they're deeply meaningful. We're up front and center with the most important moments of people's lives," said Felicia Sol, the first woman to serve as senior rabbi in the almost 200-year history of New York's B'nai Jeshurun synagogue.

"Rabbis are being pulled in so many directions and pressured in so many ways that it's very frustrating and hard."

Some rabbis cite the challenge ofholding together congregationsduring times of heightened political divisions and growing tensions over theIsrael-Hamas war. Unsustainable expectations, emotional exhaustion and financial stress are commonplace, according to Atra's research.

"The biggest struggle is burnout," Isaacs said. "No matter how hard you try, the line or the boundary between the personal and the professional is extraordinarily fuzzy, which makes it very hard to unplug."

Steinman agrees. She felt called to become a rabbi as a teenager, wanting to teach and counsel a Jewish community. But she said it can be overwhelming: "When I tell people that I have one day off a week, they're shocked."

Rockford, who is preparing to become a rabbi in May, understands the challenges but remains optimistic.

"My hope for the rabbinate is that we continue to sort of ride this wave of diversifying the faces of people we look to as teachers, as rabbis and as spiritual leaders," she said. "The diversity of those voices makes our communities stronger and better prepared to thrive in the next 100 years."

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP'scollaborationwith The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

byCristiano Ronaldo

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 01, 2026

The ranks of US rabbis grow more diverse, with rising numbers of women and LGBTQ people

Rabbi Laura Geller recalls how of the 30 people in her class at Hebrew Union College, she was the only woman. ...

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Further Russia-Ukraine talks scheduled for next week, says Zelenskyy

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The next round ofpeace talksbetween Russian and Ukrainian delegations will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday.

Envoys from Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. had been expected to meet Sunday in Abu Dhabi to continue negotiations aimed at endingMoscow's all-out invasionof its neighbor.

"We have just had a report from our negotiating team. The dates for the next trilateral meetings have been set: Feb. 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine is ready for substantive talks, and we are interested in an outcome that will bring us closer to a real and dignified end to the war," Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post.

There was no immediate comment from U.S. or Russian officials.

On Saturday afternoon, top Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev said he had held a "constructive meeting with the U.S. peacemaking delegation" in Florida.

Officials have so far revealed few details of the talks in Abu Dhabi, which are part of a yearlongeffort by the Trump administrationto steer the sides toward a peace deal and end almost four years of all-out war.

While Ukrainian and Russian officials have agreed in principle with Washington's calls for a compromise, Moscow and Kyiv differ deeply overwhat an agreement should look like.

A central issue is whether Russia should keep or withdraw from areas of Ukraine its forces have occupied, especially Ukraine's eastern industrial heartland calledthe Donbas, and whether it should get land there that it hasn't yet captured.

Drones strike Ukrainian maternity hospital

Elsewhere, Russian attack drones struck a maternity hospital in southern Ukraine on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian emergency service reported.

In a Telegram post, it said the strike wounded three women in the hospital in the city of Zaporizhzhia, and also sparked a fire in the gynecology reception area that was later extinguished. Regional administration head Ivan Fedorov later said the number of injured had risen to six.

Days earlier,U.S. President Donald Trumpsaid Putin had agreed to temporarily halt the targeting of the Ukrainian capital and other cities, as the region suffers underfreezing temperaturesthat have brought widespread hardship to Ukrainians.

The Kremlin confirmed Friday it agreed to hold off striking Kyiv until Sunday, but refused to reveal any details, making it difficult for an independent assessment of whether the conciliatory step had indeed taken place.

In the past week, Russia has struck energy assets in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa and in Kharkiv in the northeast. It also hit the Kyiv region on Wednesday, killing two people and injuring four.

Overnight into Sunday, Russia launched 90 attack drones, with 14 striking nine locations, Ukraine's air force said in a Telegram post. A woman and a man were killed in an overnight drone strike in Dnipro, a city in eastern Ukraine, according to local administration head Oleksandr Hanzha.

Russian shelling also hit central Kherson, a city in southern Ukraine, soon after 7 a.m., seriously wounding a 59-year-old woman, according to a Facebook post by the municipal military administration.

Russia's Defense Ministry on Sunday morning said its forces had used operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile forces and artillery to strike transport infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces.

In a separate post Sunday, it said that Russian air defences shot down 21 Ukrainian drones flying over southwestern and western Russia. It did not mention any casualties or damage.

Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine athttps://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

byCristiano Ronaldo

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 01, 2026

Further Russia-Ukraine talks scheduled for next week, says Zelenskyy

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The next round ofpeace talksbetween Russian and Ukrainian delegations will take place on Wednesday a...

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Winter Storm Gianna Triggers Massive Pileup On North Carolina Interstate, Hundreds Of Flight Cancellations

Winter Storm Gianna has brought major travel issues to the South, including in North Carolina, where a massive pileup has left vehicles stranded on Interstate 85 while the National Guard responds to assist those trapped.

Local reports said the pileup involved as many as 100 vehicles and it wasn't immediately known how many injuries there were. The collision occurred in the northbound lanes of the interstate near Kannapolis, North Carolina, where at least 14.5 inches of snow have fallen Saturday during Winter Storm Gianna.

You can find all of Saturday's updates on the winter storm below:

(MORE:Winter Storm Gianna's Latest Forecast|Maps Tracker Page)

(03:05 p.m. EST) Updated Forecast For Winter Storm

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

Winter Storm Gianna continues to impact the Carolinas, Virginia and eastern portions of Tennessee and Georgia.

The highest snowfall totals of around 9 inches have been reported in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

Snowfall will continue across parts of Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia through the overnight hours. Widespread snowfall storm totals of 6-12 inches are expected, with isolated totals across North Carolina potentially exceeding a foot.

Winter storm warnings will begin to expire early Sunday morning as the storm heads away from the area. The storm could still graze eastern Massachusetts with snowfall, but the main impact to the Northeast will be gusty winds and coastal flooding.

(02:55 p.m. EST) Flurries Found In Florida

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

Although there are not expected to be significant impacts, flurries are falling as far south as northern Florida.

(02:47 p.m. EST) Over 2,000 Flight Cancellations Across The US Related To Gianna

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

According toFlightAware, more than 2,000 flights have been canceled in association with Winter Storm Gianna.

Over 800 flights have been canceled into and out of Charlotte, where parts of the city have seen over 4 inches of snow so far.

Atlanta has seen over 500 flights canceled into and out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport as snowfall continues to fall in the city.

(02:39 p.m. EST) Gwinnett County DOT Warns Atlanta Drivers To Stay Off Roads

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

Snow is sticking across some of the roads in eastern Atlanta as the storm continues to make the Southeast a winter wonderland.

The Gwinnett County Department of Transportation warns that multiple crashes have been reported in its jurisdiction. Conditions will continue to deteriorate across the metro Atlanta area with bands of snowfall shifting to the south and east through the day.

Winter storm warnings will last into very early Sunday as the center of the storm continues to move along the East Coast.

(02:29 p.m. EST) Beaver Stadium Does Hockey The Right Way

Penn State and Michigan State are facing off at historic Beaver Stadium for an outdoor hockey game, and the setup is absolutely perfect. This is what outdoor hockey is supposed to look like. You can't recreate this atmosphere indoors. A hockey purist's dream.

(02:15 p.m. EST) Interstate 85 Closed By Wreck In Spartanburg County, South Carolina

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

Heavy snow continues to blanket parts of South Carolina, causing hazardous driving conditions and reduced visibility.

Unfortunately, these conditions have caused a major wreck.

Snowfall continues to fall at around 1 inch per hour in this area, so driving is not recommended.

(02:00 p.m. EST) Nascar Race Postponed

From content writer Toby Adeyemi:

The Cook Out Clash has been postponed to Monday at 6 p.m. EST due to lingering winter weather in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, NASCAR announced. Snowfall hit the Piedmont region hard Saturday, creating difficult travel conditions throughout the weekend. Look at Bowman Gray Stadium — completely snowed in.

(01:40 p.m. EST) Atlanta Snow Day Done Right

From Content Writer Toby Adeyemi:

This is how you enjoy a snow day! Always have to keep a sled handy in case of a winter storm. Atlanta doesn't get snow often, but when it does, you make it count and this family nailed the assignment.

(01:20 p.m. EST) Good Snow Day Etiquette

From Content Writer Toby Adeyemi:

We all need to be a little more considerate during these cold times. Shoveling snow is hard work. Don't steal shoveled spaces or you might end up like this guy! Let's all practice good snow day etiquette.

(01:00 p.m. EST) Snow Piling Up Fast in Charlotte Metro

From Content Writer Toby Adeyemi:

Parts of the Charlotte metro have seen 4 inches of snow so far and road conditions will deteriorate through the day with much more snow on the way.

(12:45 p.m. EST) Parts Of Atlanta Stuck Out Of Snowfall

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

While Atlanta is beginning to see snowfall, it's not great for everyone in the city — including me.

I am one of the millions who are residing in a slot of dry, stable air that is delaying the snowfall. It is frustrating, but those of us across the eastern parts of the city should see snowfall in the coming hours.

(12:30 p.m. EST) Visibility Dropping Across Southeast

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

As snow falls and winds blow, visibility has dropped substantially across parts of the Southeast.

Charlotte's visibility has dropped to just a quarter of a mile. Other notable visibilities are listed below:

Greenville, South Carolina: 0.5 miles

Knoxville, Tennessee: 0.5 miles

Morristown, Tennessee: 1.0 miles

Columbia, South Carolina: 2.5 miles

Traveling on roads is not recommended as visibility drops can lead to dangerous pileups. Low visibility will likely further lead to more flight delays and cancellations.

(12:15 p.m. EST) Snow Has Landed Across Atlanta

From content writer Toby Adeyemi:

Snowfall has officially started in Atlanta. Residents across the metro are reporting flurries, and some areas are seeing a bit more than that. The cold temperatures aren't going anywhere through the weekend, so here's the play: Stay warm and stay home unless you absolutely have to leave.

(11:48 a.m. EST) Heavy Snowfall Expected For Carolina Piedmont Vicinity

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

The conditions across parts of the Carolinas could see a spike in heavy snowfall as conditions are becoming more favorable for intense snow bands.

The Weather Prediction Center warns that heavy snowfall rates over 1 inch per hour are expected in the Piedmont Vicinity between 1-4 p.m. EST.

(11:31 a.m. EST) Peep This Nearly Frozen River

From content writer Toby Adeyemi:

One of the best things about when the temperatures drop are the sights it creates. Take a look at the Genesee River in New York — something straight out of a movie.

(11:10 a.m. EST) Don't Try This At Home

From content writer Toby Adeyemi:

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Yes, the frigid temperatures do allow for liquids to freeze, but it might not be the smartest experiment to try out. A new trend on social media shows people tossing boiling water outside in hopes of creating a mist effect for a picture. Unfortunately, like this person had to learn, not everywhere is cold enough for this experiment and you can risk serious burns.

(10:44 a.m. EST) Updated Snowfall Totals

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

As snowfall continues to pile up across the Southeast, snowfall totals continue to increase. Below are the latest:

Balsam, North Carolina: 9.0 inches

Maggie Valley, North Carolina: 9.0 inches

Cosby, Tennessee: 8.0 inches

Jonesborough, Tennessee: 8.0 inches

Galax City, Virginia: 6.0 inches

(10:30 a.m. EST) Braves Fest Has Been Canceled

From content writer Toby Adeyemi:

The first major Atlanta event to be a casualty of this winter storm is Braves Fest, which is officially canceled. Over 75,000 people had tickets to meet players, get autographs and basically live out their baseball fan dreams this weekend. But the Braves weren't interested in getting news alerts about fans sliding across Interstate 285 trying to get a picture with Ronald Acuna Jr. Smart call — fan safety over everything.

(10:05 a.m. EST) In Tennessee, Snow Is Adding Up Again

This is just one area that's facing a major winter storm for two weekends in a row.

Do you have a photo of the winter storm today to share with other readers?Send me an emailand we may include it on the live blog today.

(09:45 a.m. EST) Travel Conditions Deteriorating Near Columbia, South Carolina

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

Travel conditions are being impacted along I-77 north, I-26 west and I-20 east traveling out of Columbia.

The city is under a winter storm warning until Sunday morning, where 5-9 inches of snowfall is possible.

Snowfall is accumulating on bridges and overpasses due to bridges freezing first in cold conditions.

(09:25 a.m. EST) How To Shovel Snow Safely

From content writer Toby Adeyemi:

A lot of people getting snowfall this week probably aren't used to having to shovel snow. We have you covered with a few safety tips.

• Get it done early. Freshly fallen snow is light and fluffy — way easier to move than that half-melted, refrozen snow that shows up later.

• Layer up smart. Multiple layers, but skip cotton as your base since it soaks up sweat and leaves you cold and damp.

• Hydrate like it's July. You might not feel thirsty in the cold, but your body's still working — drink water or a sports drink.

• Watch for ice. When temps drop back down, that melted snow refreezes into black ice you may not see, so step carefully.

• Bottom line: Work smart, stay warm, stay safe.

• Use a leafblower. Yes, they aren't just for leaves in this instance! Your back will definitely thank you.

(08:55 a.m. EST) Talk Of A Dry Slot, Two Bull's-eyes?

From senior digital meteorologistJonathan Belles:

If you're trying to look for who will get the most snow, Gianna brings an extra challenge. They may actually be two distinct areas with heavy snow: one near the coast in eastern North Carolina and another one between upstate South Carolina and the southern Appalachians. Of course, mountains being in play always amps the totals there, but there is some meteorology in play, too.

See, winter storms like this one aren't two-dimensional. They're more like ogres with layers.

On the Outer Banks, we'll be watching Gianna's low-pressure system crank by Sunday morning, with heavy snow and strong winds. But before that, we'll be watching another low-pressure system some 20,000-30,000 feet up, creating its own snow today, closer to the Smoky Mountains.

In between the two, there is expected to be a band of drier air that will limit snowfall, likely in the area of the North Carolina Triangle. You can see it in yellow in the satellite image below.

(08:30 a.m. EST) Snow Has Made It To Charlotte

From content writer Toby Adeyemi:

Charlotte, North Carolina, is looking like a winter wonderland with their snowfall. It started around 6 a.m. and it's not going anywhere fast! Charlotte can expect up to 8 inches of snow today.

(08:12 a.m. EST) When Will Artemis II Launch?

From managing editorSean Breslin:

With temperatures plunging in Florida this weekend, that has put the launch of NASA's Artemis II rocket in question.

"NASA is targeting Monday, Feb. 2, as the tanking day for the upcoming Artemis II wet dress rehearsal at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida,as a result of weather," according to a release. "With this change, the first potential opportunity to launch is no earlier than Sunday, Feb. 8."

The timeline was changed due to the arctic cold outbreak that could affect hardware capabilities as engineers make final preparations for the launch. Temperatures at Cape Canaveral, Florida, are expected to dip to freezing or colderin each of the next two nights.

When Artemis II launches, it will be the first crewed mission to the moon in more than a half-century.

(07:46 a.m. EST) A Live Camera To Keep An Eye On

From producerCarmen Molina:

Do you want to see Winter Storm Gianna moving through the Carolinas? You can watch it live through the lens of a high-definition live streaming camera in Brevard, North Carolina. The camera can be found atExploreBrevard.com.

(07:31 a.m. EST) See The Snow In North Georgia

From writer Toby Adeyemi:

Blairsville, Georgia, has seen noticeable snowfall since the early morning hours and it's quite the sight. It's also starting to stick to the roads, so if you are leaving your home, please be careful. Snow is expected to continue throughout the day and push southward in the state, including into metro Atlanta.

(07:11 a.m. EST) Snowfall Spreading To North Georgia

From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford:

Snowfall has begun to move into north Georgia and will continue to spread south into metro Atlanta through the day.

Winter storm warnings are expected to remain until early Sunday for the majority of Georgia. The heaviest snowfall is expected across northeastern Georgia, where widespread totals of 3-6 inches are expected. Isolated totals could even exceed 6 inches.

Gusty winds could make travel very dangerous, so travel is not recommended.

(06:52 a.m. EST) 'Travel Is Not Advised' In Pigeon Forge

There's nothing that screams "Pigeon Forge" more than a Dollywood sign. But this morning, roads in the East Tennessee town were covered in snow, and that's bound to cause problems today.

"Travel is not advised at this time so crewscan safely treat area roads," said the Pigeon Forge Police Department in a Facebook post. "Many roads are slick and unsafe."

The department urged everyone to stay home today if possible. Nearby Gatlinburg has already reported 2.5 inches of snow.

(06:31 a.m. EST) Here's Who Has The Most Snow So Far

According to snow observations from the National Weather Service, several locations in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina saw more than 5 inches of snow yesterday into this morning.

- Near Faust, North Carolina: 6.8 inches

- Bristol, Tennessee: 5.3 inches

- Near Surgoinsville, Tennessee: 5.3 inches

- Liberty, Tennessee: 5 inches

(06:06 a.m. EST) Cold Alerts Map Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree Again ...

... and this doesn't even include the winter storm advisories and warnings. Luckily, meteorologistCaitlin Kaisercompiled everything in a way that makes sense — head over to ourmaps tracker pageto see everything related to this winter storm and cold outbreak.

(05:52 a.m. EST) Gianna Brings A Mess To A Region Already In Bad Shape

This weekend's winter storm will track across some of the same areas hit hard by last weekend's Winter Storm Fern. But luckily, in most of the states hit hardest by Fern — Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana specifically — additional impacts aren't expected from Gianna. That trio of states still has more than 150,000 homes and businesses without power this morning, according toPowerOutage.us.

It has been a very cold, frustrating week for those customers, and a long week for crews who have worked around the clock to restore power and clear tree damage caused by last weekend's ice storm.

(05:30 a.m. EST) Cancellations Mounting At Southern Airports

As we start the morning's coverage, there are already hundreds of flight cancellations at two major hubs in the South. According to the flight-tracking websiteFlightAware, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International and Charlotte Douglas International are No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation with more than 500 flights canceled into and out of each airport today.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a distant third with 120 flights canceled so far. Earlier this week, Hartsfieldled the country in cancellationsdue in part to the ice brought by Winter Storm Fern.

byCristiano Ronaldo

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 01, 2026

Winter Storm Gianna Triggers Massive Pileup On North Carolina Interstate, Hundreds Of Flight Cancellations

Winter Storm Gianna has brought major travel issues to the South, including in North Carolina, where a massive pileup has...

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New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests

A new government memo disclosed in federal court granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers more leeway to carry out warrantless arrests of those suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.

The directive expands the grounds ICE agents and officers can cite to conclude that getting an administrative immigration arrest warrant for someone they encounter during an operation would give that person an opportunity to flee while a warrant is sought.

The memo suggests the rules are designed to give ICE greater flexibility to quickly arrest unauthorized immigrants who are not the original targets of an operation but are nonetheless encountered and found to have violated U.S. immigration law. Those detentions are known as "collateral arrests," and typically involve immigrants accused of civil immigration violations but who lack serious criminal histories or any at all.

The memo was issued by acting ICE director Todd Lyons on Wednesday and submitted to a federal court in Minnesota on Friday. Its contents were first reported by The New York Times.

Under U.S. immigration law, immigration officers typically need an administrative warrant before making an arrest. Those warrants are signed by employees of ICE, typically agency supervisors, and not judges, unlike judicial warrants.

But the law allows immigration agents to conduct warrantless arrests if they suspect someone is in the U.S. illegally and determine that person is likely to escape before a warrant can be issued.

Through his memo, Lyons broadened the interpretation of "likely to escape," dismissing a previous definition ICE relied on that he said was "unreasoned" and "incorrect." That prior interpretation of "likely to escape" was based on a determination that someone was a "flight risk," or unlikely to comply with immigration proceedings, like attending court hearings.

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But Lyons said someone is "likely to escape" if they are unlikely to remain at the location where they were encountered.

"An alien is 'likely to escape' if an immigration officer determines he or she is unlikely to be located at the scene of the encounter or another clearly identifiable location once an administrative warrant is obtained," he wrote.

To make such determinations, Lyons said ICE agents should weigh different factors, including whether the subjects have refused commands or tried to evade officers; if they're in a car; if they possess documents that could be fraudulent; and if they could be prosecuted for illegally entering or re-entering the country.

Backlash over ICE activity has intensified in recent weeks amid an unprecedented deployment of federal agents in the Minneapolis region, where local leaders and residents have denounced the agency's actions and operations as heavy-handed. Tensions there have been further inflamed by the fatal shootings ofRenee GoodandAlex Pretti, two U.S. citizens and Minneapolis residents, at the hands of federal agents.

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byCristiano Ronaldo

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 01, 2026

New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests

A new government memo disclosed in federal court granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers more leeway to c...

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New US envoy to Venezuela arrives in Caracas as administration aims to reopen embassy

Laura F. Dogu, the United States' new top envoy to Venezuela, arrived in Caracas on Saturday as the Trump administration aims to reopen an embassy there for the first time in nearly seven years.

"I just arrived in Venezuela. My team and I are ready to work," Dogu said in asocial media post. It included two photos of the new envoy getting off a plane and walking on the tarmac.

In response to a request for comment on how long Dogu will be staying in the country, a State Department official said, "She will work with individuals from the private and public sector, as well as civic society, to advance the President and Secretary's three-phased plan for Venezuela."

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto celebrated Dogu's arrival, saying in asocial media postthat he welcomes her "as part of the working agenda" between the US and Venezuela governments "aimed at establishing a roadmap for work on matters of bilateral interest, as well as addressing and resolving existing differences through diplomatic dialogue and on the basis of mutual respect and international law."

Dogu is the chargé d'affaires to the US Venezuela Affairs Unit, which is based in Colombia.

Her arrival in Caracas marks a significant public step towards the restoration of US-Venezuela relations. The US withdrew its diplomats and suspended operations at the embassy in Caracas in 2019. Earlier this month, a US State Departmentteam traveled to Venezuelafor the first time sinceNicolás Madurowas captured, according to a US official.

Her arrival also comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a Senate hearing on Wednesday that Dogu would "ultimately" lead from Caracas and that the US wouldestablish a diplomatic presencein Venezuela "very quickly."

Earlier this week, the State Department informed Congress that it plans to use a "phased approach" to potentially resume services at the embassy, which could includeopening a temporary facility.

The CIA is also working to establish a permanent US presence on the ground in Venezuela,CNN exclusively reportedearlier this week.

Following the capture of Maduro earlier this month, the US has looked to establish and expand its footprint in the country. President Donald Trump said in the aftermath of Maduro's ouster that his administration would "run" the country and assert control over its oil production.

Trump said Thursday that the US would be "opening up" the commercial airspace above Venezuela, even though it is not technically considered closed.

Venezuela's acting government, led by former Maduro deputy Delcy Rodríguez, has recently made moves favorable to Washington, includingapproving a law changethat will make it easier for foreign companies to take part in the country's oil industry.

Rodríguez this week alsoproposed an amnesty lawthat could lead to the release of hundreds of political prisoners and announced the closure of a notorious detention center. US authorities said the same day that Venezuela had released all known US citizens held in the country. The Trump administration has demanded the release of all political prisoners.

Dogu is a veteran diplomat who previouslyservedas the ambassador to Honduras and Nicaragua. She also currently serves as a foreign policy advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

CNN's Dalia Abdelwahab, Jennifer Hansler, Stefano Pozzebon and Uriel Blanco contributed to this report.

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byCristiano Ronaldo

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 01, 2026

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'Dedicated' Police Officer and Mom, 42, Killed in Crash Involving Suspected Drunk Driver: 'A Profound Loss'

Nassau County Police Medic Assoc.

NEED TO KNOW

• Patricia Espinosa, a 42-year-old Nassau County Police officer and mother of one, was killed in a crash involving a suspected drunk driver on Saturday, Jan. 31

• She is being remembered as a "dedicated public servant" who served her community "with courage and compassion"

• Matthew Smith, 20, has been charged with a DWI in connection with the fatal crash

A New York community is mourning the loss of a "dedicated" police officer, who was killed in a crash involving a suspected drunk driver while on her way to work.

Patricia Espinosa, a 42-year-old officer with the Nassau County Police Department, was driving a 2019 Alfa Romeo westbound on Route 347 in Suffolk County, N.Y., at 6:06 a.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 31, when the incident occurred, per apress releasefrom the Suffolk County Police.

Twenty-year-old Matthew Smith of Hauppauge, N.Y., was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Alexander Avenue when he failed to stop at a red light and struck Espinosa's vehicle, police said.

Nassau County Police Medic Assoc.

Espinosa was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, per the release. Smith and his passenger, John Andali, 25, of Centereach, N.Y., were both transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Smith has since been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), per the Suffolk County Police. Both vehicles involved in the fatal crash have been impounded, and an investigation is underway.

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Following Espinosa's tragic death, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from Monday, Feb. 2, until the late police officer's burial.

"Heartbroken over the passing of Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, a beloved member of the Fifth Precinct," Blakeman wrote onInstagram. "I had the honor of marching with her in the Puerto Rican Day parade. Condolences to her husband Police Officer Francisco Malaga and her brother Police Officer Christian Almeida."

Bruce Blakeman/Instagram

Blakeman's tribute was accompanied by a photo of himself posing with a group of police officers at the parade, including Espinosa, who had worked for the Nassau Police Departmentsince 2017.

In alengthy statementon Facebook, Tommy Shevlin, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, remembered Espinosa as a "dedicated" police officer who "served with honor, courage and compassion."

"Her death in a violent crash caused by a driver charged with DWI is a profound loss to our department, our county, and every community she protected," he continued.

Shevlin went on to share that Espinosa leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, named Mia, "who will grow up knowing her mother was a hero."

"Patricia understood the sacrifices of this profession not just as an officer, but as a wife, a sister, and a mother in blue," he wrote. "That her life was taken in such a senseless act makes this loss even more painful."

Nassau County Police Medic Assoc.

Shevlin concluded: "We stand shoulder to shoulder with her family and our brothers and sisters in uniform, and we will honor her legacy by never forgetting her service, her sacrifice, and the family she leaves behind."

The Nassau County Police Medic Association also shared atributeto Espinosa on Facebook, writing: "We mourn the loss of Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, who was tragically killed this morning in an auto accident while on her way into work. Officer Espinosa, a beloved member of the 5th Precinct, was a dedicated public servant and cherished colleague, serving her community with courage and compassion."

The Suffolk County Police are asking anyone with information on the crash to call the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6553.

Read the original article onPeople

byCristiano Ronaldo

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 01, 2026

'Dedicated' Police Officer and Mom, 42, Killed in Crash Involving Suspected Drunk Driver: 'A Profound Loss'

Nassau County Police Medic Assoc. NEED TO KNOW Patricia Espinosa, a 42-year-old Nassau County Police officer and mother of one, was kille...

Read More

LIVE UPDATES: Winter Storm Gianna Batters The Carolinas; Power Outages Rising

Winter Storm Gianna has been as fierce as advertised in much of the Southeast, bringing more than a foot of snow to parts of Tennessee and North Carolina and triggering travel nightmares on the region's busiest roads.

(MORE:Latest Forecast For Gianna|Maps Tracker)

We're seeing more power outages and other headaches as this storm intensifies into a "bomb cyclone," so stay with us all day for the latest news, and refresh this page frequently to reveal new updates.

(06:52 a.m. EST) 800-Plus Flights Canceled In Charlotte Again Today

One day after nearly 1,100 flights were canceled into and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Gianna's not done hindering air travel in the city where up to a foot of snow fell yesterday.FlightAwaredata shows that more than 800 flights into and out of the airport will not be happening today.

If you have a flight that involves Charlotte today or tomorrow, it's best to check with your airline before you head to the airport.

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Here's something you don't see every day — Miami has dipped into the mid-30s this morning.

(06:13 a.m. EST) Not A Beach Weekend In North Myrtle Beach

Several inches of snow have fallen in North Myrtle Beach, and this scene paints a pretty good picture of why this beach destination wasn't looking too beachy overnight:

Just north of there, snow totals were impressive: 5 inches in Little River, and 12 inches in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

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Late last night, we told you about a major pileup involving about 100 vehicles along Interstate 85 near Kannapolis, North Carolina. According to the Charlotte Observer, the interstatewas reopened at around 9 p.m.after police, fire and the National Guard worked to clear the scene.

The good news: There did not appear to be any serious injuries from the massive collision.

The bad news: It was one of 750 collisions reported to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol by Saturday night.

(05:47 a.m. EST) Power Outages Rising

With a windy system, power outages are always bound to happen. According toPowerOutage.us, here's where we're seeing the highest number of outages in the path of Gianna:

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• South Carolina: 4,800

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byCristiano Ronaldo

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 01, 2026

LIVE UPDATES: Winter Storm Gianna Batters The Carolinas; Power Outages Rising

Winter Storm Gianna has been as fierce as advertised in much of the Southeast, bringing more than a foot of snow to parts...

Read More