Democrats Battle Trump, Russians, and Skirts

Democrats in Virginia unveiled a proposed map designed to potentially win four more congressional seats in the upcoming midterm elections, while the White House declined to rule out the possibility of deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to polling locations. These developments come as the political landscape shifts, with a crowded primary in New Jersey and the ongoing Winter Olympics in focus.

The Virginia map, posted on the legislature's website, is a response to President Trump's redistricting efforts, according to NPR News. The current delegation in the House of Representatives includes six Democrats and five Republicans. Democratic Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas confirmed the map's unveiling.

Meanwhile, the White House addressed concerns about potential ICE presence at polling places. During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated she had not heard President Trump consider such a move, but she stopped short of ruling it out. "I can't guarantee an ICE agent," Leavitt said, when asked if she could assure the public that agents would not be at voting locations, as reported by Time. This followed comments by former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, who suggested on his podcast that ICE should be deployed to polling places.

In New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, eleven Democrats are competing in a special primary election, as detailed by NPR News. The winner will face the lone Republican candidate. This crowded primary highlights the state of the Democratic party.

The Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are also underway. While the figure skating events kick off on February 6th, Russia will be notably absent from the team event, according to Time. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) sanctioned Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which violated the Olympic Truce.

In the ice dance competition, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, a U.S. couple, are pushing boundaries with a matador-inspired routine, according to Time. "We love reinventing ourselves each season and giving the audience something new," Chock said.