1 Officials Still Aren’t Sure When Texans Will Be Back Online
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is promising more power is coming to his beleaguered state. He told reporters today a coal-fired plant and nuclear plant are online, which will help those who can't turn on the lights. Abbott says mechanical issues at natural gas generators and frozen-over wind generators were keeping thousands of megawatts of electricity from being delivered. Maybe so, but energy officials admit they aren't sure when power will be completely restored - they're hoping by Saturday. Texans are facing their fifth straight day of sub-freezing temperatures. At least 20 people have died as a result of the storm this week. Meanwhile, the White House says FEMA is working closely with states that have been impacted by severe winter weather. Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that FEMA is supplying generators, water, and blankets to parts of Texas.
2 White House: Teacher Vaccinations Should Be Prioritized, Not Mandated
The White House thinks vaccinations of teachers should be prioritized, but not mandated. That’s the word from Press Secretary Jen Psaki echoed comments by President Biden and Vice President Harris about coronavirus vaccinations during her daily briefing. Psaki said there are many things that have to fall into place before schools can be fully reopened. That includes good ventilation and solid plans for social distancing and wearing facemasks. Psaki said the goal is to get kids back in classrooms full-time, but stressed it needs to be done safely. Psaki said school districts need money and she promoted the new coronavirus stimulus package that's making its way through Congress. She also insisted the White House cannot predict when things in the U.S. will start feeling normal again.
3 Rush Limbaugh Loses Cancer Battle At 70
Equally loved and loathed by millions, Rush Limbaugh was an icon in the world of broadcasting and yesterday, the 70-year-old passed away after a year-long battle with advanced lung cancer. His wife, Kathryn, made the announcement herself from the microphone her husband used every day. Since achieving radio syndication stardom in the late 80's, Mr. Limbaugh grew into the most listened-to radio show in the U.S. His mark on the medium of radio was unmistakable – as his show is estimated to have attracted between 15-and-20 million listeners a week. Limbaugh is credited for fueling the rise of conservative talk on radio, generating millions of dollars in revenue for stations. Last February, President Trump awarded Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his final State of the Union address. He is survived by third wife Kathryn, he doesn’t have any children.