Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Biden Delivered State Of The Union Last Night
President Joe Biden gave the annual State of the Union address last night in a 73-minute speech in front of lawmakers, esteemed guests and American viewers at home. In his second State of the Union address, the President claimed credit for progress made during his first two years in office while stressing the job isn’t finished yet. He hit on issues like the economy, reproductive rights, and police reform. The President kicked off the speech by appealing to bipartisanship, telling Republicans he wants to work together instead of "fighting for the sake of fighting." Special Guests – U2 frontman Bono was in attendance, sitting near First Lady Jill Biden. He was reportedly there for his work with global health and AIDS relief initiatives. Brandon Tsay, the young man who disarmed the Monterey Park gunman last month was there as was the family of Tyre Nichols. Each was singled out and applauded during the speech.
2 The Turkey-Syria Earthquake Death Toll Is Approaching 8,000
Nearly 8,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured by the horrendous earthquake that leveled parts of Turkey and Syria Monday. Agencies have also warned that the death toll could rise even higher in the coming days. Not only was the 7.8 magnitude earthquake one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit this region, but the aftershocks were almost as devastating. Those clocked in at 7.5 and 6.7. How powerful is a 7.8 earthquake? The USGS reports that the quake in southern Turkey could be felt in Israel and Lebanon, hundreds of miles away. Rescuers are now doing their best to pull survivors from the debris as more than 5,700 buildings in Turkey have collapsed, according to the country’s disaster agency.
3 Memphis Investigating Eight More Officers In Tyre Nichols Incident
Eight more officers with the Memphis Police Department will likely be charged following the death of Tyre Nichols. Memphis City Attorney Jennifer Sink said at a council meeting yesterday that these officers are expected to receive a statement of charges for "policy violations". She said she could not publicly identify the officers because the investigation is still ongoing. But Sink did say she believes the officers will be served by the end of the week and that hearings could take place by next week. In terms of the caliber of officers the department was attracting, reports are coming out that former Memphis police recruiters were so desperate to fill jobs the past few years that it drove the department to lower its standards. Alvin Davis, a former lieutenant in charge of recruiting disclosed the department “would allow just pretty much anybody to be a police officer because they just want these numbers.” He added, “They’re not ready for it.” Davis ended up retiring last year out of frustration. Another former recruiter who left the department told the AP that more and more recruits are coming from jobs at the McDonald’s and Dunkin’ drive-thrus and that in one case, an exotic dancer turned in an application as well.