Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Jan 30, 2017

Political Racket /Dirty Tricks:

Some Democratic members of Congress will host a rally tonight at the U.S. Supreme Court to protest PRESIDENT TRUMP's temporary ban on nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries entering the United States. In a letter to House Democrats, Minority Leader NANCY PEOLOSI said, "Tomorrow at 6:00 p.m., House and Senate Democrats will gather for a press event in front of the steps of the Supreme Court to demand the President withdraw his disreputable executive order. All Members are urged to come to express our solidarity."
She added, "We are witnessing an historic injustice unfold, and we must keep the pressure on."
Hoping to take legislative action, Senate Minority Leader CHARLES SCHUMER of New York added, "If we get a few more Republicans, I think we might be able to pass legislation to overturn it... It will be up to getting more Republicans." (Pacelli)

CA Democratic Sen. DIANNE FEINSTEIN plans on introducing two bills today responding to PRESIDENT TRUMP's executive action on immigration and refugees. In a tweet, she said, "The first bill immediately rescinds the order. The second limits executive authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act."
Feinstein said her bills would prevent Trump from unilaterally barring factions of immigrants. (Pacelli)

On, off and way-off-Broadway:

The Broadway musical, "Hamilton" was part of an $81-million dollar Ponzi scheme. The New York Times says two men were arrested Friday and charged with operating a hedge fund to raise money from investors to buy and resell tickets for popular Broadway shows, including "Hamilton." The money was also used for personal items and investors never saw a penny. (Marino)

Fashion Emergency:

JENNIFER LOPEZ launched a new shoe collection last weekend at the Neiman Marcus store in Beverly Hills, California. The UK's Daily Mailreports big-time friends like VIVICA A. FOX, FRENCH MONTANA and MARY J. BLIGE showed up for the bash and the diva feels "very fortunate" to collaborate with an "amazing artist" like designer GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI on the project.
J-Lo fessed up that she grew up "with holes in my shoes," but her new kicks ain't exactly bargain basement goods --they start at $795 per-pair and go up to $2,995. (Lee)

Animal Stories:

A panda is missing from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk.
But, officials believe the missing 19-month-old red panda --named SUNNY-- couldn't have gone that far. In fact, after searching the vicinity surrounding the zoo, experts are convinced the tree-dweller is hiding somewhere inside the zoo itself. Police say search dogs sniffing for the panda have also indicated he is somewhere nearby.
The zoo admits they've received several calls from locals who thought they'd spotted Sunny around town. But, those sightings all turned out to be raccoons. The red panda was last seen a week ago. (Still)