Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Thursday, February 4, 2021:
COVID-19: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The federal government will open its first mass vaccination sites in California as it moves to take a larger role in vaccine deployment under the Biden administration. The first site at Oakland Coliseum aims to do 6,000 shots a day starting Feb. 16. An early study of the AstraZeneca vaccine suggests it not only protects against infection but also reduces transmission. That shot has not been submitted to the FDA for approval, and the consensus is that it’s unlikely to get the go-ahead in the U.S. before April. Meanwhile, Dr. Fauci said there have been “no red flags” among the 10,000 or so pregnant women who have been vaccinated thus far. KAISER HEALTH NEWS
FUTURE OF GOP
House Democrats will force a full vote today on whether to strip Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green of her committee assignments based on her past embrace of conspiracy theories and calls of violence. The freshman congresswoman from Georgia has endorsed the execution of top Democrats, suggested that the Newtown and Parkland school shootings were fake, and said a laser beam controlled from space by Jewish bankers was responsible for the California wildfires. Green was officially condemned by Republican leadership, but not punished -- and reportedly received a standing ovation from half the House GOP conference. At the same time, Rep. Liz Cheney survived an attempt by some House Republicans to strip her of her leadership position for voting to impeach President Trump. POLITICO
CAPITOL FALLOUT
Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died from injuries sustained during the riot last month, has been laid to rest along America’s war dead at Arlington National Cemetery. Earlier, Sicknick’s remains were laid in honor under the Capitol Rotunda, where lawmakers and colleagues paid their respects. Investigators are reportedly having a hard time building a murder case against anyone for Sicknick’s death because they haven’t found the moment he was fatally injured on any video or photos from that day. Meanwhile, the Justice Dept. charged two more men with conspiracy for trying to block the certification of the election. CNN
DEEP FREEZE COMING
It’s about to get very cold. A blast of Arctic air courtesy of the polar vortex is bringing sub-zero highs to the Midwest this weekend before it spreads south and east. Based on current forecasts, every single state will clock below-freezing temps on Monday morning. The cold will linger too, probably at least through next week. CHECK YOUR FORECAST
AUTO SHAKEUP
Days after GM shocked the auto industry with its aggressive timeline for electrification, the German car giant Daimler announced a major restructuring in a move toward zero emissions. Daimler will take the Mercedes-Benz name and focus exclusively on battery and self-driving technology for passenger cars. It will spin off its truck unit into a separate company called Daimler Trucks, which will continue work on hydrogen fuel cell power. Many believe fuel-cell to be the future for the truck and bus industries because it’s lighter and faster to refuel. MOTOR1
CHEDDAR EXCLUSIVE: REDDIT HEARING
Rep. Maxine Waters, the chair of the House Financial Services Committee, told Cheddar that she plans to call Keith Gill -- the now famous Reddit trader known as DeepF--Value who made millions on his GameStop bet -- to testify to Congress, along with the CEO of Robinhood and a rep from GameStop. That hearing is scheduled for Feb. 18: WATCH THE INTERVIEW
ROBOT DOG
Boston Dynamics’ terrifying/mesmerizing robot dog Spot is getting an upgrade that will let it open doors, turn valves, pick up laundry and complete a number of other household tasks. The arm attachment snaps onto Spot’s “body” to give it more range of motion. These robots are no longer just the stuff of nightmares, either; the company is selling them to the public for $75K and says 400 have been shipped to date. SEE IT IN ACTION
GOLDEN GLOBE NOMS
Awards season is here, better late than never. The Golden Globes nominations are out, and Netflix is dominating the race this year. The streamer picked up 48 nominations, including six for David Fincher’s Mank and another six for The Crown. Emily in Paris got a nod for Best TV Series, but the hugely popular Bridgerton was shut out. HBO had a strong showing for The Undoing, and HBO Max was recognized for The Flight Attendant. The Globes will air Feb. 28, about two months before the Oscars. SNUBS & SURPRISES
MORGAN WALLEN DROPPED
Morgan Wallen, one of the biggest up-and-coming stars in country music, is one again in trouble after TMZ published a video showing him using the N-word as he returned to his house after a night out. Wallen’s label has suspended him and his music has been removed from radio and streaming playlists (Pandora took his catalog offline; Spotify and Apple just took his songs off their popular country playlists). Wallen, who was yanked from his SNL appearance in the fall after breaking COVID protocols, has apologized. TMZ
LEFTOVERS: CEASEFIRE
Before Tom Brady came along, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' biggest claim to fame was probably the 100-foot replica pirate ship in the end zone that fires fake cannons every time the Bucs score a touchdown or make a big play. By coincidence, the Bucs are both hosting and playing in the Super Bowl, but the NFL has put the kibosh on the pirate ship. The league says there will be no cannon fire on Sunday in order to make the game as neutral as possible. CBS SPORTS
Listen to the N2K Podcast! Looking for more context and analysis on the big stories of the day? Check out our podcast! Hosts Jill and Carlo break down the headlines, every weekday morning Listen on Apple or Spotify, or watch on YouTube, and send us your feedback!
