Good morning, and happy Wednesday. Here are some of the stories we’re following today:
1. Epic snowstorm, record cold slams U.S.
More than 6 feet of snow fell Tuesday in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York. It left drivers stranded on the roads and forced Gov. Andrew Cuomo to declare a state of emergency in 10 counties. At least five deaths are being attributed to the storm. Another round of snow is expected Wednesday, and the below-freezing temperatures blanketing much of the country are expected to remain through the end of the week. Read more in NEWS.
2. Israelis remain defiant after synagogue attack
Worshipers on Wednesday returned to the scene of a deadly attack early Tuesday morning at a Jerusalem synagogue. Israel stepped up security amid the violence that left five people dead, including three rabbis. Three of the victims held dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship, and a fourth was a British national. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the demolition of the homes of the two Palestinian men suspected in the attacks. They were killed in a shootout with police. Read more in NEWS.
3. Senate fails to pass Keystone XL pipeline bill
Days of intense lobbying failed to secure enough votes to pass the controversial project, which would have allowed the building of an oil pipeline from the border of Kansas-Nebraska through the Plains and eventually into Canada. Environmentalists have said the production of the crude would only increase greenhouse gases. The bill ultimately failed by one vote, although the House had passed its version of the bill on Friday. Read more in POLITICS.
4. Model latest to accuse Bill Cosby of sexual assault
Janice Dickinson, a former judge on “America’s Next Top Model,” is the latest woman to publicly accuse Cosby of sexual assault. She claims it happened in 1982, and initially was going to write about it in her 2002 autobiography but was pressed by the comedian and his lawyers to drop it. Cosby’s lawyer said Tuesday that the allegation is a “complete lie.” Cosby, meanwhile, has scrapped an appearance on “The Late Show” and his Netflix special has been postponed amid the flurry of attention. Read more in POP CULTURE.
5. Tracy Morgan still recovering after bus accident
The “30 Rock” star is still feeling the effects of a highway bus crash in June that left him with a traumatic brain injury, his lawyer said in court Tuesday. Morgan also suffered a broken leg, nose and ribs, and has remained out of the public spotlight. Lawyers were in court for a scheduling conference in Morgan's lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc., whose truck was involved in the crash. One person on Morgan’s bus was killed. Read more in POP CULTURE.
6. Adrian Peterson suspended without pay
The Minnesota Vikings running back has been suspended without pay for the rest of the year, and won’t be considered for reinstatement until at least April 15. As a result, the NFL Players Association said it will appeal Peterson’s suspension on his behalf. The league made the decision after Peterson entered a no contest plea to misdemeanor reckless assault in the child-abuse case involving his 4-year-old son. Read more at NBC SPORTS.
And now this …
Boyan Slat, 20, is the youngest ever recipient of the U.N.’s top environmental award. He has a plan to clean up half of the world’s ocean garbage in the next 10 years. Here’s how: