Midday Roundup: Weathermen work overtime as winter arrives early

Brrrrrrr. New Yorkers are digging out from an unwelcome blanket of snow this morning as unseasonably cold temperatures set most of the country shivering. As much as 4 feet of snow fell in Buffalo, N.Y., trapping people in their houses and stranding motorists on the highway. State troopers on all-terrain vehicles delivered supplies to people who spent all night in their cars. Six people have died so far in New York, New Hampshire, and Michigan. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency as the state deployed 526 plows, 74 large loaders, 1,247 operators, 17 large snow blowers, and four truck-mounted snow blowers. More snow is expected tomorrow. Temperatures throughout the country are between 15 and 35 degrees below average for this time of year.

Immigration order. Either Thursday or Friday, President Barack Obama plans to unveil his executive order easing immigration restrictions for millions of people in the country illegally, according to unnamed White House sources. The president is traveling to Las Vegas on Friday, although details of the trip are scarce. The planned order would give parents of legal immigrants or permanent residents permission to stay in the country, administration sources say. The details haven’t been finalized, including how long parents would have to live in the country before qualifying. The order also could include additional measures to strengthen border security.

Death sentence. A court in Pakistan has sentenced to death four men for the brutal murder of a 26-year-old woman who defied her family’s wishes to marry the man she loved. Farzana Parveen, who was pregnant, was on her way to court to swear she had not been kidnapped or forced into the marriage when a mob attacked her. Parveen’s father, brother, cousin, and ex-husband were held responsible for the killing. Another cousin was sentenced to 13 years for his participation in the attack. Although “honor killings” are common in Pakistan—3,000 have been recorded since 2008—Parveen’s attack in broad daylight in a fairly liberal city shocked the country and sparked worldwide condemnation. Her relatives’ lawyer said the men plan to appeal.

More accusations. Two more women have come forward to accuse Bill Cosby of rape, and streaming service Netflix announced today it would postpone a planned special featuring the comedian. Bill Cosby 77 was scheduled to be released next week. Cosby has categorically denied allegations from six women who said he attacked them after putting drugs in their drinks. Not all the claims are new, but they made headlines again after another comedian called Cosby a rapist during a recent standup performance in Philadelphia. Cosby did settle a 2006 sexual assault claim that resulted in a civil case against him. He has never faced any criminal charges over the incidents.

Windfall. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has announced a financial windfall from an investment critics said was too risky for a nonprofit to take. About 15 years ago, the foundation gave $150 million to a small biotech company developing a drug to fight the deadly lung disease. Now the foundation is selling its royalty rights to the medication for $3.3 billion. But the deal is not without controversy. The drug, Kalydeco, costs about $300,000 a year. Critics suggest the foundation could have cut the price if it agreed to accept less in royalties from the sales. Foundation executives say they have no control over the drug’s price and insist the medication is good news for those suffering from cystic fibrosis.