Leads:
- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has died from complication of COVID-19 at the age of 84. His family says he passed away this morning and that he was fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. They thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed and said "we have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American." Powell was a four-star general in the U.S. Army and the first African-American U.S. Secretary of State. He served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005.
- Parents across California plan to keep their kids home today in response to Governor Newsom’s recent announcement mandating COVID-19 vaccination for kids in Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Event Organizers argue they are fighting for the freedom to make medical choices for their children and "don't want to co-parent with the government." Earlier this month, Newsom announced students will be required to be vaccinated for in person learning starting the term following full FDA approval of the vaccine for their age. Based on current information from the FDA, the requirement is expected to apply to grades 7-12 starting on July 1, 2022.
- It’s called the Educational Freedom Act, and if approved by voters, the initiative would bring true school choice to all K to 12 students in the state who choose to opt-into the proposed program. Mike Alexander is Chair of Californians for School Choice. Alexander explains those who opt to establish an Educational Savings Account will be credited with the student’s share of what are known as Prop 98 funds, to the tune of $14,000.00 per year, so they can attend any accredited private or religious school of their choice.
- Nearly 40% of California state workers are not vaccinated, despite Governor Newsom's vaccine order. New data from the state Human Resources Department shows that fewer than two-thirds of state workers - about 62% -are vaccinated. 72% of all Californians are now vaccinated.
- Sierra-at-Tahoe posted on Facebook that crews have been working nonstop with hopes the resort can reopen. But at best, it will be a partial reopening. Over 100,000 fire-damaged trees in the area will be removed by PG&E, while Sierra-at-Tahoe teams repair chairlifts and navigate supply chain gaps, shipping issues and burned up land. While South Lake Tahoe's snowfall over the weekend usually brings more business to local ski resorts, the Sierra resort and others hit by the Caldor Fire are left with scorched terrain and empty lodges.
Extra Links:
- Comedian Jon Stewart said the media's hyper-focus on former President Trump is a mistake and that casting him as an "incredible supervillain" distracts from other threats.
- In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.) explains his resistance to government vaccine mandates.
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says he's not going to apologize to Tucker Carlson or anyone else for taking care of his premature newborn infant twins.
- Sen. Ron Johnson, (R-Wisc), argued against inflation being a 'high class problem.'