FLORIDA Gov. Ron DeSantis finished second in the Iowa caucus. (Shutterstock).

Attention is now turning to New Hampshire in the aftermath of former president Donald Trump’s victory in the Iowa Republican Presidential caucus.

The presidential primary in the Granite State is Tuesday, Jan. 23. The results from Iowa showed Trump with 51 percent support, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 21 percent and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley at 19 percent.

New Hampshire is different demographically from Iowa, so a Trump victory might settle the Republican nomination if he can succeed there.

After a poor showing, Vivek Ramaswamy announced he would suspend his campaign for the 2024 GOP nomination. Haley’s announcement that she would not participate in the next Republican debate unless Trump participated led to its cancellation.

Houhti targets hit by U.S. missiles

Continuing a pattern of military responses to attacks by Houthi missiles, the U.S. launched another strike against that rebel group that controls much of Yemen.

The Houthi continue to fire missiles at commercial vessels in and near the Red Sea. On Tuesday a Greek-owned cargo vessel was damaged; a Monday a U.S-owned ship was struck and suffered minor damage.

“We’re not looking for a war; we’re not looking to expand this,” said John K. Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council.

The Houthis claim they are acting in support of Palestinians in Gaza, but most of the attacks have been on ships from nations with no direct connection to the conflict.

Freezing weather still lashing U.S.

THE WINTER STORM has slammed most of the nation (Shutterstock).

The “Arctic blast” of freezing weather continues to slam the country, affecting 80 percent of the United States. Authorities say at least seven people have died from the severe frost and snow.

Effects of the weather include the issuing of emergency orders and travel advisories in 23 states, affecting around 200 million people.

The National Weather Service says that the storm system is striking from Maryland to New Orleans, dumping snow and freezing rain. Other areas are affected in different ways: thunderstorms and tornados in Florida, avalanches in Colorado and Utah. Schools have been closed in 10 states.

Biden: U.S. doesn’t back independent Taiwan

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN (Shutterstock).

The United States doesn’t support the independence of Taiwan, President Joe Biden said Tuesday.

Biden’s comments came after the victory of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate, Lai Ching-Te. He rejected overtures from China and promised to “stand up” to Beijing.

While the U.S. doesn’t officially support Taiwan as an independent nation, it has unofficial relations with the island and supplies arms and pledges of defense from attack.

China claims that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan became the vestige of the Republic of China after the victory of Communist Chinese forces in 1949.

Weather: Some rain on the way

Some of the wet stuff is headed toward our West Orange County area. Cloudy skies are forecast for Wednesday with a daytime high of 63 with an overnight low of 53. Partly cloudy conditions will move in on Thursday with a high of 70 (51). Cooler temperatures should arrive on Friday with clouds and temps of 67 (53). On Saturday, expect light rain in the afternoon with temps of 65 (55).