Who’s in the hot seat…Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ). Over the weekend, federal prosecutors indicted the three-term senator and his wife on bribery charges. The Justice Dept alleged Menendez used his role as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to sign off on an arms deal and hand over sensitive government information in exchange for gold bars, around $500,000 in cash, a luxury car, and more. Menendez has called the allegations “baseless.” Now, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle — including the NJ delegation — are calling on Menendez to give up his seat with 2024 just around the corner. This is reportedly the third time that Menendez has been investigated and appears to be the first sitting senator in US history to be indicted on two different criminal allegations.
Where tensions are rising...Nagorno-Karabakh. Yesterday,hundreds of ethnic Armenians fled the disputed region to nearby Armenia days after Azerbaijan launched an offensive to reclaim the territory. It ended in a ceasefire. The two countries have been disputing over the region — internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan — since the late 1980s. Now, ethnic Armenians say thousands are in the area without food or water, and their only option is to flee. Azerbaijan said it wants to reintegrate the Armenians as “equal citizens,” but many fear ethnic cleansing is next. Armenia said it’s prepared to welcome 40,000 families.
What’s debuting at the White House…The Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Over the weekend, President Biden unveiled the office that aims to reduce the epidemic of gun violence in the US. VP Kamala Harris will oversee the new office, which will “centralize, accelerate and intensify” the admin’s push to curb gun violence. The White House said the office will work to implement Biden’s executive orders on gun violence, which include more background checks. Biden called the move “the first steps toward what is needed.” ...Oh and speaking of the Biden admin, starting today, it's giving out free COVID tests. Each household will be able to order up to four COVID tests for free. Order yours here.
Who made history…Tigst Assefa. Yesterday, the Ethiopian runner broke the women’s marathon world record by more than two minutes in Berlin. Assefa won last year’s Berlin Marathon as well. Going for gold.
Who might be banking on a new love...Pete Davidson and Madelyn Cline.
Who’s saying “Yeah!” to the Super Bowl…Usher. | 
