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1. Winter weather
Winter weather continues to wreak havoc in the US, with forecasts predicting more ice and low temperatures in the most affected states. Texas, which rarely gets this chilly, has been hit particularly hard. Cold temperatures have increased the demand for energy as well as frozen or overloaded energy sources, leaving millions of people in the dark and struggling to stay warm. The situation could have far-reaching repercussions as the US electricity industry seeks to cut carbon emissions in response to the climate crisis. Another consequence of the bad weather: Many cities and states have interrupted vaccination attempts. The winter storm has resulted in as many as 26 deaths.
2. Joe Biden
President Joe Biden set a new deadline at a CNN town hall last night: By the end of July, the US will have enough Covid-19 vaccine doses to vaccinate every American. He also said the nation could hope to be back to normal by next Christmas, adding that he didn’t want to over-promise. Those questions were among some that Biden addressed as president in his first town hall. He also clarified the confusion surrounding the reopening of schools, defended a call for a minimum wage increase, and insisted that the country was not divided. If you missed it, CNN’s Chris Cillizza has some takeaways on what matters most. Overall, Biden showed that “the days of denial of a presidential pandemic and indifference to American suffering are over,” writes CNN’s Stephen Collinson.
3. Coronavirus
Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was heralded as the prime example of crisis leadership last year, with his crisp briefings on the coronavirus and passionate calls to the federal government for more medical supplies. He even wrote a book of leadership lessons. Now, that’s all in doubt. Cuomo is at the center of a controversy over Covid-19 nursing home deaths, how they were counted, and how his administration handled requests for that data. A top aide earlier this month told state lawmakers his administration had delayed releasing nursing home data over concerns about a possible federal investigation by the Trump administration. Cuomo admitted a mistake this week, but ultimately defended the decision to delay the release of death data. Lawmakers from both sides have called for an investigation and restrictions on its executive powers.
4. Trump
The fallout from Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial continues. The former president went after Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday, who voiced a searing criticism of Trump just after he voted to acquit him. The insults Trump has leveled against McConnell come as the Republican Party in general is struggling to continue in Trump’s likeness or pave a path that deviates from the former president’s legacy. In other news, Trump’s longtime personal attorney Rudy Giuliani does not currently represent the former president in legal matters, an adviser said. Trump is facing multiple criminal investigations, civil investigations and defamation lawsuits by two women accusing him of sexual assault.
5. China
A US Navy warship has sailed through islands claimed by China in the South China Sea. It is the second time she has sailed in as many weeks, and comes as the Biden administration strengthens the US military presence in disputed waters. Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines also have claims to the Spratly Islands, where the US guided missile destroyer came close. Since taking office, the Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to US allies and partners in the region, as well as to protecting a free and open Indo-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 popularized salsa music in the US, dies at the age of 85
His contributions to the genre earned him the title “godfather of salsa”.
Restoration of slavery could have reduced Covid-19 transmission and US deaths, Harvard study says
It’s another powerful argument in the reparations case.
California condors at Oregon Zoo have laid nine eggs – a much-needed boost for the endangered species
Fingers crossed they all hatch into sweet little chicks.
Tourists taking selfies can spread Covid-19 among endangered gorillas
A friendly reminder to all zoo visitors: wear a mask.
JUST IN THIS
It is feared that dozens of students have been kidnapped after gunmen raided a school in Nigeria
At least one person was killed in the attack, a witness told CNN.
PROFILES IN ENDURANCE
February is Black History Month, and every day we highlight black pioneers in American history. Read more here.
Marsha P. Johnson, gay and transgender rights activist, 1945-1992
When police raided the New York gay bar known as the Stonewall Inn in 1969, Johnson was said to be one of the first to oppose them. The following year, she marched in 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 celebrity among the performers and outcasts of Lower Manhattan.
TODAY’S NUMBER
$ 500 million
That’s how much Citibank had tried to recoup after accidentally transferring a very large sum to lenders for the cosmetics company Revlon last year. On Tuesday, a judge ruled that the bank could not get the money back.
TODAY QUOTE
“I’m a hostage.”
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s billionaire ruler, who appears in secret recordings claiming she is being held in a villa converted into a prison with no access to medical assistance, according to a BBC documentary.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local weather forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
50 states, 50 accents
Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have an accent. Did these people understand your condition correctly? (Click here to view.)