When you look back at the top events and stories of the first month of 2019, which story do you think most captured America’s attention? Was it the government shutdown? Or perhaps the latest updates on the Jayme Closs abduction?
While MSN readers certainly poured through news about a whistleblower in the White House, the meteor strike on the moon, and Trump’s deal to end the government shutdown, the top five stories may surprise you. From the threat of a blockbuster snowstorm to the news of a UPS driver-turned-hero, let’s review your favorites from January.
#5: Blockbuster Storm Delivers an Arctic Blast
In the middle of January, a ‘blockbuster’ storm threatened to drop as much of 40 inches of snow in New England, along with the coldest temperatures of the season. Meteorologists predicted that 200 million people would wake up to below-freezing temperatures, as far south as Florida.
Forecasters blamed the cold weather on the fracturing polar vortex, which pushed frigid air from the Arctic into the U.S.
Wondering if you’re going to see more frigid temperatures in the future? Stay up-to-date on the latest forecasts with MSN’s Severe Weather Guide.
#4: Ranchers Near Arizona-Mexico Border Weigh in on Border Wall
A GOP delegation made a visit to the Arizona-Mexico border in late January, visiting Border Patrol agents and ranchers, as well as Sue and Jim Chilton. The Chiltons own thousands of acres of land near the border and they’re increasingly concerned about border security. Sue Chilton told the delegation that she’s primarily seen men crossing her property and believes the route is used for smuggling drugs and humans.
The GOP delegation also toured parts of the border where barbed wire and ropes held fences together. Border agent Art Del Cueto said 40% of the illegal drugs smuggled into the U.S. come through this exposed part of the border.
As reported in this story, not everyone agrees with Trump’s idea of building a wall. Nogales Police Chief Roy Bermudez said a border wall would delay, but not stop migrants from crossing and the focus should be adding more agents and buying better technology.
#3: FDA Recalls Blood Pressure Medication
In mid-January, a drug company announced the recall of eight more lots of irbesartan blood pressure medication, after testing revealed the drugs contained trace amounts of a carcinogen. The drugs were made by a factory in China that has been linked to several recalls of commonly prescribed blood pressure drugs since July.
People who are currently taking blood pressure medication should check the FDA’s website for a full list of recalled drugs. Patients should talk with their doctor before discontinuing the use of any medication.
#2: Clemson Quarterback Refutes Fake Quote
President Donald Trump invited the college football national champions from Clemons University to the White House for a meal of American fast food. Trump said of the visit, “We went off and we ordered American fast food, paid for by me. Lots of hamburgers, lots of pizza.”
After the visit, a tweet was posted by an unverified account, claiming to belong to Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence: “President Trump got all our favorite foods, it was the best meal we ever had. Then we go and see the coastal elite media trashing it for not being organic vegan. We’re football players, not bloggers. This was a perfect blue collar party.”
Lawrence later refuted that tweet by saying: “I never said this by the way… I don’t know where it came from. However the trip to the White House was awesome!”
#1: UPS Delivery Man Becomes a Hero
Your most-read story of the month features the heroic efforts of one man. As UPS delivery driver Ryan Arens delivered packages in Bozeman, Montana, he saw something moving in a frozen pond. Once he got closer, he realized that a dog named Sadie was in the pond, struggling to stay afloat.
Arens immediately jumped into action, “I went down, and at that point, I just swam out to the dog and grabbed her collar — thank God she had a collar on — and swam back to the ice,” Arens said.
After rescuing Sadie from the icy pond, Arens took her to a neighbor’s home to warm her up near a wood stove. Had the dog stayed in the frozen water just a few moments longer, she likely would’ve had a heart attack. After making a full recovery, Arens was able to visit Sadie and snap a photo with her.
The News You Love
The top stories of the month provided important weather and blood pressure medication news, gave you insights into Mexico border security, set the record straight for a Clemson football player, and brought you the good news of a heroic effort by a UPS driver.
We look forward to discovering more about our world with you as we explore the events February will bring.
