February 2021 Current Events: US News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the US news events you need to know so far for February 2021:
- Coronavirus Updates
- Shooting in Oklahoma
- Coronavirus Updates (2)
- Buccaneers Win Super Bowl
- Trump Impeachment Trial Begins
- Coronavirus Updates (3)
- Coronavirus Updates (4)
- Marijuana Decriminalized in New Jersey
Coronavirus Updates
On February 1, the Chicago Teachers Union and officials failed to meet a Covid reopening agreement, pushing the start date back a day. Thousands of students are now scheduled to start school on February 2, as the two groups work towards an agreement. On February 3, a federal judge in Oregon ruled that all inmates must receive the vaccine immediately, moving them ahead of senior citizens in the state. The judge justified his decision, claiming that inmates live and work in closer quarters and are especially vulnerable. On February 3, states took back vaccines after hundreds of thousands of doses were not used by the federal government. The doses were originally planned for employees in long-term care facilities. On February 4, California, which has seen an increase in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, announced a new vaccination program that will be able to administer a large number of doses. Oakland Coliseum and the University of California, Los Angeles have now become vaccination sites. On February 5, hackers in Pennsylvania intercepted a Covid-19 vaccine hotline. The service was meant to help people 65 and older schedule their appointments to get the vaccine. The hacker diverted many calls without the callers knowing, according to an official report. On February 6, Kroger announced it will pay employees $100 if they get the Covid-19 vaccine. On February 6, the US numbers looked hopeful as cases went down and vaccinations went up. This bright spot follows a dark one, as January was the deadliest month thus far. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Shooting in Oklahoma
On February 4, a man was charged with six counts of murder after fatally shooting five adults and one child. The suspect, a 25-year-old man, has also been charged with shooting with intent to kill after another victim ended up in the hospital. Police are still searching for a motive and the suspect has since pleaded not guilty. (CNN)
Photo Source: Muskogee County Sheriff's Office via AP
Coronavirus Updates (2)
On February 7, a published study showed that the new UK variant of coronavirus is rapidly moving through the US. This strain is thought to be more contagious and cases are doubling every ninth day. The spread of the new strain is causing more vaccine panic as officials work to get the majority of people vaccinated. On February 8, some New York City schools announced that they will bring middle school students (sixth to eighth grade) back February 25. It has been months since those students have attended school in person. On February 12, the CDC announced a new Covid-19 school opening guidance, which puts about 99% of the US children in a “red zone,.” which means the area has a high transmission rate. The guidance recommends remote learning for middle and high schoolers and hybrid learning for elementary schoolers in these high transmission areas. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan
Buccaneers Win Super Bowl
On February 7, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl LV, giving the team its second win and Tom Brady his seventh. The Kansas City Chiefs, who didn’t score a single touchdown during the game, lost 31-9. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Trump Impeachment Trial Begins
On February 9, the Senate ruled that the impeachment trial against former President Trump is constitutional. The House managers will have 16 hours each to present their cases. On February 10, House Democrats previewed a video of the January 6 riot at the Capitol and urged Senators to take responsibility for the insurrection. On February 13, former President Trump was acquitted for the second time in a landmark Senate trial. Even though many Republican members stated that Trump was not guilty for the January 6 riot, they mentioned a lack of desire for Trump to continue to be “head” of the Republican party. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Coronavirus Updates (3)
On February 17, Florida Governor DeSantis threatened to pull vaccines after he was accused of favoring people politically and also favoring the wealthy. The backlash came after DeSantis made the decision to set up a clinic in the affluent Manatee County and only allow those in surrounding zip codes to receive the vaccine. On February 17, researchers announced that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be up to 94% effective against the new strains of coronavirus, including the variant discovered in South Africa. On February 17, it was reported that New York is suing Amazon for “flagrant disregard” of the safety and health concerns brought about by the pandemic. Amazon has faced criticism from workers around the world and is attempting to stop the lawsuit with its own legal tactics. On February 20, a Palm Beach hotel fell under investigation after Governor DeSantis held a large, maskless event that nearly 100 people attended. A mask mandate in the county requires facial coverings until mid-March. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Chris O'Meara
Coronavirus Updates (4)
On February 22, the US surpassed 500,000 deaths due to Covid, a grim milestone reached by the country with the highest death toll. On February 24, the FDA announced that Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine meets the requirements for emergency use. The efficacy of the vaccine is about 70^ and no major side effects or health concerns were reported. The committee will meet in the next two days to determine whether the vaccine will be authorized for emergency use or not. On February 26, the FDA advisers recommended authorization for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The FDA is currently working towards the last steps to authorize the decision, which will allow those older than 18 to be vaccinated by a single dose. (CNN)
Photo Source: STRF/STAR MAX/IPx
Marijuana Decriminalized in New Jersey
On February 24, New Jersey became another state to decriminalize marijuana for those 21 and over. The bill signed also seeks to legalize and regulate the substance as well as clarify possession penalties for users 21 and older. The bill comes after voters favored its legalization on the 2020 ballot. (CNN)
Photo Source: STRF/STAR MAX/IPx
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