FEBRUARY 2020 NEWS RECAP

LOCAL NEWS:

20 year old UMass Boston student diagnosed with first case of coronavirus on the East Coast

The first case of the coronavirus in Massachusetts was confirmed on February 1st, 2020. There are currently fifteen cases nationwide. This was the first documented case on the East Coast. The UMass Boston student, in his 20s, had recently returned from a trip to Wuhan. He is currently in quarantine while recovering and his close contacts are being monitored as well. The risk to the general public along the East Coast remains very low.

New Hastings school addressing space and safety concerns

In the coming weeks, students at Maria Hastings Elementary School will attend class in a brand new building. The goal of the new school was to make space for increased enrollment and to create a safer space for students. Construction of the new school began in June of 2018 to replace the over 60-year-old building. In addition, the new school will be a Net Zero building, intended for eventually operating without the release of carbon dioxide emissions. The new school will mark the beginning of an effort to make all Lexington buildings Net Zero. Funding for this $65 million project came from a $16.5 million grant from the state and donations from Lexington residents.

Lexington resident named TIME’s 2020 dealer of the year

Ray Ciccolo, founder of Village Automotive Group, was nominated for Time Magazine’s 2020 Dealer of the Year award. This award is given to leaders in the automotive industry who demonstrate charitable spirit and give back to their communities. Ciccolo created the Ciccolo Family Foundation, which gives back to the Greater Boston Food Bank, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Salvation Army, numerous hospitals, universities, scholarships funds, and local charities. In addition, he has served on the board of the Global Smile Foundation since 1983. He has also helped in the annual Boston Volvo Thanksgiving 5K, Friends of Herter Park, the Maine Coast Heritage Trust conservation Campaign, and the Alliance for Children Foundation.

Lexington resident found guilty of insider trading with Vistaprint

Lexington resident Charlie Chen was found guilty of insider trading with Lexington-Based printing and marketing company, Vistaprint. Chen was close friends with a Vistaprint insider, allowing his wife to receive confidential information that helped him make $800,000 off of trades. When questioned in 2016, he denied knowing any Vistaprint employees closely. The jury found Chen guilty on all accounts and he faces potential disgorgement by the SEC and criminal charges of up to three times the amounts of his profit.

BIG HEADLINES:

Trump’s Impeachment trial ends in acquittal 

The Senate acquitted President Trump for two articles of impeachment on February 5th. After weeks of deliberation, the final vote required a two-thirds majority for impeachment but ultimately tallied 48-52 on abuse of power and 47-53 on obstruction. The votes followed party lines, with the exception of Republican Mitt Romney, who voted to convict Trump on abuse of power while acquitting him for obstruction. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated in a CNN interview that Trump was not acquitted because the Senate trial had lacked documents and witnesses, both of which she believes are necessary for a fair trial.

Coronavirus update

The coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China was officially named COVID-19 and deemed as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. As of February 27th, 2020, the number of cases totals 82,000, including 2,800 deaths mostly in mainland China. At the same, China has placed travel restrictions on cities including Wuhan and Beijing, as well as the entirety of Hubei province. A fourteen- day quarantine on a Diamond Princess Cruise traveling in Japan was broken by the US when the government evacuated hundreds of American passengers. Fourteen Americans aboard the cruise tested positive for coronavirus. The Japanese Health Ministry states there are 705 total confirmed cases from on the ship. As of February 29th, COVID-19 cases have also spread to Italy, Korea, and Iran, with numbers in the hundreds.

Trump’s response to the Coronavirus

In response to the widespread coronavirus outbreak now in Italy and Korea, major stock indexes including Nasdaq, Dow Jones, and the S&P 500 fell more than 10 percent in the past week. Particularly, the Dow experienced its worst drop in one day ever, falling 1,200 points on February 27th. In response to the crisis, Trump named Mike Pence as a coronavirus czar, or the one to lead the coronavirus response. The total number of American cases total to 60, with the first on American soil in California. Trump finally continues his claim that the risk to American people remain low. 

Harvey Weinstein found guilty on 2 counts

Harvey Weinstein, an American film producer whose survivors sparked the #MeToo movement, was found guilty on 2 counts. The trial, that began on January 6th, found Weinstein guilty on criminal sexual assault in the first degree and rape in the third degree. On March 11th, he will be sentenced for a minimum of five years and up to 25 years.

NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson passes away

Katherin Johnson, NASA mathematician and visionary, passed away at 101 on February 24th at her retirement home in Newport News, Va. Johnson, spent her time at NASA calculating trajectories for the landing of Apollo 11 in 1969. Part of a group of black women mathematicians at NASA, was celebrated in the movie “Hidden Figures”. Through her time at the space program, almost no one knew her name; the age of Jim Crow and her sex kept her marganilized for a long amount of time.

POLITICS:

Trump travel ban expands to seven African countries

The Trump administration expanded their travel ban to seven African countries: Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan, Myanmar and Tanzania. The United States will not be issuing visas as a way towards citizenship for people from these countries. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Chad Wolf, stated that the countries did not meet the standard for security, thus not meeting the requirements for their visa eligibility

Trump gives annual State of the Union Address

President Trump delivered his third annual State of the Union Address on February 4th amid the impeachment trial. Trump celebrated the growth of the economy—particularly the new trade agreements with Canada, Mexico, and China. He also called upon lawmakers to support him in legislation banning unauthorized immigrants from government healthcare. Trump further claimed that ISIS had been completely destroyed by his drone strike on leader al-Baghdadi, which resulted in al-Baghdadi’s death. President Trump then granted radio personality Rush Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom. At the end of the speech, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tore her copy of the address, claiming that many parts were objectionable.

Roger Stone seeks lighter sentence against felony

Roger Stone, an American political consultant, seeks a lighter sentence after being convicted for seven felony charges that could result in up to 50 years in prison. Stone, a longtime friend of President Trump, was found guilty of lying to Congress and tampering with a witness during the 2016 presidential election. On February 12th, four federal prosecutors who requested a 7-9 year sentence withdrew from the case after a senior Justice Department official overruled them, recommending that Stone receive a shorter prison sentence. The final sentencing will occur on February 20th.

Trump’s Middle East peace plan rejected by Palestine

On January 29th, President Trump released an Israel-Palestine peace plan that would give Israel much of what it sought while providing Palestine limited sovereignty. The plan gives Israel control over Jerusalem and maintains its settlements in the West Bank. Trump also promised to invest 50 billion dollars in building the new Palestine state and US embassy. In response, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abba rejected the deal and severed ties with the US.

United Kingdom begins transition period after Brexit

The United Kingdom officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020. Brexit, or British exit, passed through popular vote in 2016, with 52% of the public vote opting for it. The United Kingdom will still follow all of the EU’s rules until December 31, 2020. During this transition period, Britain and the European Union will discuss their future relationship. Among other policies, a new free trade agreement will allow goods to move between countries without extra checks or charges.

Jeff Bezos gives $10 billion to climate change

The richest man on Earth and executive chief of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, pledged $10 billion to help fight climate change with his new Bezos Earth Fund. This money will fund scientists, activists, and nongovernmental organizations. This donation is not connected to Amazon but instead an act of philanthropy to help climate change, which Bezos cites as the greatest threat to our planet.

Congress passes anti-lynching bill 

On Wednesday, February 25th, the House passed legislation making lynching a federal hate crime. The House voted in 410 to 4 in favour of the act. The bill on lynching, a form of public execution often by hanging, was passed after a 100 years of efforts for 200 tries from when it was first introduced. The bill was named after Emmett Till, a 14 year-old african american boy who was lynched in 1955. 

LOOKING TOWARDS 2020:

Hillary remarks on Bernie again, Rashida Tlaib boos her

Hillary Clinton criticized presidential candidate Bernie Sanders in an interview in January, calling him a “career politician” whom “nobody likes.” In a Bernie Sanders rally in Iowa, Rep. Rashida Tlaib led the crowd to boo Clinton for her comments. Later, Rep. Tlaib expressed regret at booing Hillary during the rally.

Iowa caucus results

Peter Buttigieg won the most state delegates during the Iowa Caucus (13 delegates), with Bernie Sanders in a close second (12 delegates), Warren in third (8 delegates), and Biden in fourth (6 delegates). Sanders won the state-wide popular vote by 2,580 votes. President Donald Trump easily won the Republican Primary. The Iowa Caucus results are currently being recounted.

Iowa: technology trouble, late results, calls to end Iowa’s early caucus

During the Iowa caucus, the app for tabulating votes failed, delaying the results for days. While the app was recording votes correctly, it only reported partial data. Many are calling for Iowa and New Hampshire not to be the first two states in the Democratic nominating process, arguing that the results are not reflective of the larger Democratic electorate. 

Democratic debate recap

Six candidates qualified for the Nevada Democratic debates. Mayor Bloomberg made his first debate appearance. He was attacked on his tax return disclosure practices, treatment of women, and record of stop-and-frisk policy. Sen. Klobuchar and Mayor Peter Buttigieg shared a tense moment over Sen. Klobuchar, who forgot the name of Mexican President Obrador. During the final moments of the debate, protestors interrupted former Vice President Joe Biden in his closing statements. 

New Hampshire primary results

Sen. Bernie Sanders won the New Hampshire democratic primaries with 76,324 votes. Mayor Pete Buttigieg followed closely behind at 72,457 votes. Both Sanders and Buttigieg received nine delegates from the New Hampshire primaries. Sen. Amy Klobuchar came in third with six delegates. All other candidates received zero delegates from New Hampshire.

Yang, Bennet, Deval Patrick, Buttigieg drop out

Andrew Yang, Michael Bennett, and Deval Patrick dropped out of the democratic race after gaining zero delegates during the New Hampshire primary and Iowa caucuses. Yang captured 2.8% of the votes in New Hampshire, while Patrick and Bennett received less than 0.5%. After a poor performance in South Carolina, Mayor Pete Buttigieg also dropped out on March 1. 

Nevada Primary Results

Sen. Bernie Sanders won the Nevada democratic primaries with 46.8 percent of the votes, receiving 24 delegates. Former Vice President Joe Biden followed with 20.2 percent of the votes, receiving 9 delegates. Mayor Pete Buttigieg was third (3 delegates) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren was fourth (zero delegates).

South Carolina Primary Results

Former Vice President Joe Biden won the South Carolina democratic primaries with 48.4% of the voters, receiving 35 delegates. Sen. Sanders was second at 19.9% and 13 delegates. All other candidates received zero delegates from South Carolina. 

Latest National Polling 

Average of national polls from YouGov, M. Consult, FOX News, The Hill, and Reuters show Sen. Sanders leading in the Democratic Primaries at 29.6%. Biden follows at 18.8%, Bloomberg at 16.4%, and Sen. Warren at 11.8%. All other candidates are at less than 5% in polling.

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT:

Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV with halftime show from Shakira and Jennifer Lopez

This year’s Super Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, resulted in a 31-20 win for the Kansas City Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers. It was the Chief’s first Superbowl win in 50 years. In addition, the halftime show featured performances from Shakira and Jennifer Lopez that included many throwback songs.

Independent Spirit Film Awards surprised with gay tribute featuring Laura Dern

This year’s Independent Spirit Awards got a special performance from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angelos. They performed a hilarious tribute to the gayest moments of film of 2019 that centered around actress Laura Dern. This was certainly an unexpected performance, but she seemed to love it. The actress has had a lot of success this award season, picking up a Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics Choice Award, and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Marriage Story.

92nd Oscars: Parasite makes history and names left out of In Memoriam tribute

Parasite won big and made history at the 92nd Oscars. It was the first non-English film to win the award for Best Picture, the highest honor at the Academy Awards, and also received three other accolades. This film took home the most awards with additional Directing, International Feature Film and Writing (Original Screenplay) awards. Each year, the award show also honors those who have passed away in the In Memoriam tribute. This year, many viewers were confused and angered as to why Riverdale’s Luke Perry and Disney Channel star Cameron Boyce were left out of the tribute. The Academy officially released a statement as to why these actors were left out, saying that many people get requested and they only have a limited amount of time.

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner expecting first child

The Jonas Brothers singer and Game of Thrones star are expecting their first child. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner got married in two ceremonies late in 2019, first informally in Las Vegas and then again more traditionally in France. Turner’s due date is rumored to be later this summer.

Euphoria costars Zendaya & Jacob Elordi spark dating rumors

Euphoria co-stars, Zendaya and Jacob Elordi have recently been seen out together a lot, sparking rumors of a new budding relationship. Although the two of them have not confirmed it, fans have been speculating over pictures of the two spending time together. When asked, Elordi said Zendaya was like his sister and Zendaya said he was her best friend. However, others say they have been dating quietly for months ever since the first season of the series ended.

Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union introduce trans daughter, Zaya, to the public

Former NBA star, Dwayne Wade, recently opened up about his trans daughter on the Ellen Show, showing immense support for her. Zaya says that she had known about her true gender identity when she was just three years old, identifying as a straight trans girl. As public figures, Dwyane Wade and wife Gabrielle Union urge parents in similar positions to do their research and have open minds when discussing gender with their children.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before sequel, P.S. I Still Love You is released two days before Valentine’s Day

P.S. I Still Love You, the long awaited sequel to the romcom To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, was released on February 12th, two days before Valentines Day. This film is a continuation of Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky’s new relationship. In the previous movie, Lara Jean’s love letters were sent out by her sister. This time, it is John Ambrose McClaren who reappears and works with Lara Jean, giving rise to new conflicts with her past love interest. The third installment of this series, Always and Forever, Lara Jean, has already entered production and is expected to be released later this year.

WHOLESOME NEWS:

Groundhog day

Groundhog day, a popular American tradition, occurred this year on February 2nd. The Pennsylvania groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, is the most famous groundhog who predicts the future weather. The results were that he did not see its shadow, predicting an early spring rather than six more weeks of winter.

Hair Love director, Matthew A. Cherry, predicted Oscar win years ago

Matthew A. Cherry, American film writer and director, won his first Oscar for his animated short film Hair Love. The animation is about a black father learning how to do his daughter’s hair. This simple yet powerful film gained national attention and was nominated for an Oscar. Eight years ago he tweeted that he would be nominated for and claim an Oscar. In 2016, Cherry shared on Twitter an idea for a short film that greatly resembles the concept of Hair Love.

Zamboni driver wins big at NHL game after being put in as an emergency goalie

Dave Ayres, a zamboni driver, saved the day for the California Hurricanes when he stepped into goal after the two previous goalies had been injured. He led the team to victory against the Maple Leafs in a 6-3 win, blocking eight of ten shots in the last half hour.

Italian restaurant makes 103 meter long pizza to fundraise for firefighters in Australia

An Italian restaurant in Australia made a 103 meter long pizza to raise money for Australian firefighters currently battling the wildfires. The 4,000 slice pizza took four hours to make and the proceeds went to the New South Wales Rural Fire service.

College professor makes coloring book for student’s son

Professor Michas made a coloring book for student, Olivis Morgan, who brought her son to class, promising good behavior. He offered to bring something for her son to color and made a coloring book that matched the day’s lesson.

by MICHELLE WU, AUSTIN LI, & EVAN LI