3 Things to Know Today

Vintage movie countdown, illustration

Photo: Science Photo Library RF

1 Proposal to Federally Decriminalize Marijuana Introduced

Draft legislation was introduced on Wednesday by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and a group of other Senate Democrats. This legislation would strike marijuana from the federal controlled substance lists, meaning it would be decriminalized at the federal level. A Senate majority leader backing legislation like this is significant. Schumer elaborated by saying “Today is a big day in the Senate. For the first time, I as majority leader, Senator Wyden as the Chairman of the Finance Committee and Senator Booker, one of the foremost champions for justice and equity here in the Senate, we are all joining together to release draft legislation to end the federal prohibition on cannabis. This is monumental because at long last we are taking steps in the Senate to right the wrongs of the failed war on drugs... I was the first Democratic leader to come out for the legalization of marijuana and I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate.” Schumer did also stress that this is still just a draft bill and is "going to be a process." At this point, they do not have the necessary votes needed, but he is not dismayed. "We’re going to show it to the others and say well what don’t you like, what do you like, and we’ll see if we can get the support,” he said.

2 Delta Variant Responsible for 58% of Covid Cases

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 58% of all COVID-19 cases in the United States are from the Delta Variant. This variant of COVID first found in India in October has spiked to 57.6% of new cases from just 31.1% from two weeks earlier. In late May, it was at just 3%. It was first detected in the states in March and has since been recorded in every state. The Delta Variant is now found in at least 104 countries. It is expected to soon be the dominant coronavirus variant. "The delta variant is ripping around the world at a scorching pace, driving a new spike in cases and death... In places with high vaccination coverage, Delta is spreading quickly; especially infecting unprotected and vulnerable people and steadily putting pressure back on health systems," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus said. "In countries with low vaccine coverage, the situation is particularly bad." The WHO and the CDC both state that this variant is more infectious than other strains and is especially dangerous to those who are not fully vaccinated. Preliminary data shows that it can increase the risk of needing hospitalization. Those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can breath a sigh of relief as it is highly effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalizations.

3 First Meeting of House Select Committee on Insurrection Set

The first hearing of The House select committee that is investigating the Capitol riot will be held on July 27. During this, the committee will hear directly from both Capitol and DC police officers who responded to the attack. This will be the first time that this committee is hearing public testimony from first responders. It also marks the start of the investigation. A witness list has not been provided, however CNN has found out that at least two police offers were reached out to to testify -- United States Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and and DC Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone. Officer Dunn fought off the pro-Trump mob while hearing racial slurs yelled at him. Officer Fanone was tased, beaten, and suffered a heart attack from the attack. Both officers have been vocal about this support of this investigation and even lobbied members of Congress to support legislation establishing this committee.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content

News Radio 1200 WOAI Podcasts

See All