5 things you need to know Tuesday: 'Miracle on the Hudson,' Barr confirmation, Rep. King vote

Confirmation hearing for attorney general nominee Barr 

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear Tuesday from William Barr, President Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee. Barr, who served as the attorney general under President George H. W. Bush, has been a major critic of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. If confirmed to succeed the ousted Jeff Sessions, Barr would have full authority over Mueller's inquiry. On Monday, Barr released written testimony to the committee stating his pledge to allow Mueller to complete his work. Along with the Russia investigation, other points expected to be brought up during the hearing include criminal justice overhaul and immigration policy. 

Rep. King faces disapproval vote over racial comments

Democrats in control of the House of Representatives have scheduled a Tuesday vote on a resolution of disapproval of Rep. Steve King over the Iowa Republican's comments on white supremacy. The decision to hold a vote came on Monday night, just as GOP leadership also decided not to give committee assignments to King, who has been in Congress since 2003. “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?” King said in an interview with the New York Times last week.

10 years ago, 155 survived the 'Miracle on the Hudson'

The sky was cold but clear a decade ago Tuesday when Flight 1549 took off from New York's LaGuardia Airport with 155 passengers and crew. “What a view of the Hudson today," pilot  Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger remarked to co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles. Less than a minute later, the plane collided with a flock of geese, knocking out both engines. Sullenberger took the controls and somehow brought the plane down in one piece onto the surface of the Hudson River. For Sullenberger, the "Miracle on the Hudson" brought instant fame and eventually a Hollywood film starring Tom Hanks. For the passengers, it led many to re-examine their lives. "Everything that I could think about was the things I was going to miss," said Tripp Harris, 47. "That fundamentally shifted my priorities."

Ford and Volkswagen expected to make major announcement 

Ford and Volkswagen plan an announcement Tuesday during the Detroit auto show regarding a possible alliance. The carmakers have been talking since June about several joint projects and joint development of a range of commercial vehicles.  Ford and VW sources have said in recent months that talks are proceeding as hoped. The companies also have said any partnership won't be a merger or include equity stakes. News of a potential announcement won praise from industry analysts, and some have said the alliance could result in more jobs. 

That was fast: Serena wins 49-minute Melbourne match

Serena Williams appears to be a woman on a mission at the Australian Open, which could be a good thing in her quest to earn a 24th Grand Slam title. Making her first appearance at the Down Under Grand Slam since she won the title while in her first trimester of pregnancy in 2017, Williams flew past fellow mom, Tatjana Maria of Germany, 6-0, 6-2 in 49 minutes. “That was one of the best matches of my career,” the 16th-seeded Williams said.