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1. Winter weather
Winter weather is still wreaking havoc in the US, with forecasts predicting more ice and low temperatures in the countries most affected. Texas, which rarely gets so chilly, has been hit particularly hard. Cool temperatures have increased the demand for power, as well as frozen or overworked energy sources, leaving millions of people in the dark and struggling to warm up. The situation could have far-reaching consequences if the US power industry tries to reduce carbon emissions due to the climate crisis. Another consequence of the bad weather: many cities and states took a break over vaccination. The winter storm resulted in at least 26 deaths.
Joe Biden
President Joe Biden set a new deadline at a CNN City Hall last night: By the end of July, the US will have enough doses of Covid-19 vaccine to vaccinate every American. He also said that the country hopes to be normal again by next Christmas, adding that he did not want to promise too much. These questions were among several that Biden addressed in his first town hall as president. He also clarified confusion over the reopening of schools, defended a call for a minimum wage increase and insisted that the country is not divided. If you missed it, CNN’s Chris Cillizza has some takeaways on what matters most. Overall, Biden has shown that “the days of denial of the presidential pandemic and indifference to America’s suffering are over,” writes Stephen Collinson, CNN.
Coronavirus
New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo was announced last year as the textbook example of crisis leadership with his clear coronavirus briefings and a passionate appeal to the federal government for more medical supplies. He even wrote a book with lessons on leadership. Now it’s all in question. Cuomo is at the center of a controversy over deaths in Covid-19 in nursing homes, how it was counted and how his administration handles requests for the data. A leading assistant told lawmakers earlier this month that his government had delayed the release of nursing home data over concerns about a possible federal investigation by the Trump administration. Cuomo admitted some guilt this week, but eventually defended the decision to postpone the release of data on deaths. Lawmakers from both parties have called for an investigation and restrictions on his executive powers.
4. Trump
The outburst over Donald Trump’s second indictment continues. The former president went after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday, who voiced blatant criticism of Trump just after he voted to acquit him. The insults Trump has leveled at McConnell come because the Republican Party is generally grappling with whether they want to continue in Trump’s parable or pave the way for the former president’s legacy. In other news, Trump’s longtime personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani does not currently represent the former president in any legal cases, an adviser said. Trump faces several criminal investigations, civil investigations and defamation cases by two women accusing him of sexual assault.
5. China
A U.S. Navy warship has sailed through islands claimed by China in the South China Sea. It is the second of such a voyage in as many weeks, and the Biden government is increasing its US military presence in the disputed waters. Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines also have claims on the Spratly Islands, where the U.S. destroyer came close with guided missiles. Since taking office, Biden’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to US allies and partners in the region, as well as to protect a free and open Indian Pacific. China claims that US naval operations in the South China Sea are fueling tensions and violating its sovereignty.
BREAKFAST Browse
Rihanna posed topless with a pendant depicting the Hindu god Ganesha, and some people are not happy
Some Hindus accuse the singer of cultural appropriation and religious insensitivity.
Johnny Pacheco, who made salsa music popular in the US, dies at 85
His contributions to the genre earned him the title “godfather of salsa”.
Compensation for slavery could have reduced the transmission of Covid-19 and deaths in the US, says the Harvard study
This is another powerful argument in the case for compensation.
Condor in California at the Oregon Zoo laid nine eggs – a much-needed boost to the endangered species
Fingers crossed, everyone hatches into lovely baby chicks.
Selfie-taking tourists can spread Covid-19 to endangered gorillas
A friendly reminder to all zoo visitors: please wear a mask.
THIS IS JUST IN
Dozens of students are feared abducted after gunmen storm a school in Nigeria
At least one person was killed in the attack, a witness told CNN.
PROFILE IN THROUGH
February is Black History Month, and every day we highlight black pioneers in American history. Learn more here.
Marsha P. Johnson, gay and transgender rights activist, 1945-1992
When police raided the gay bar in New York, known as the Stonewall Inn, in 1969, Johnson was apparently one of the first to resist. The following year, she walked into the city’s first Gay Pride event. She helped open a shelter for LGBTQ youth and advocated for sex workers and people living with HIV / Aids. Her activism made her a minor notoriety among the artists and outcasts of Lower Manhattan.
TODAY’S NUMBER
$ 500 million
This is how much Citibank tried to get back after it incorrectly paid a very large amount to credit providers for the cosmetics company Revlon last year. A judge ruled Tuesday that the bank could not get the money back.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“I’m a hostage.”
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, a daughter of the billionaire ruler of Dubai, who appears in secret recordings and claims she is being held in jail without access to medical aid.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check out your local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
50 states, 50 accents
Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have an accent. Did these people get your state right? (Click here to see.)