April 27, 2021
Across the U.S., many important events take place, such as the Derek Chauvin trial and the Johnson & Johnson investigation.
On April 20, former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges against him: second-degree manslaughter, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder.
Chauvin could receive up to 10 years in prison for manslaughter, 40 years for second-degree murder, and 25 years for third-degree murder. According to CNN, his sentencing hearing will take place on June 16.
Thomas Lane, Alexander Kueng, and Tou Thao, the former officers who were on scene alongside Chauvin the day of George Floyd’s murder, have pleaded not guilty. Their joint trial will occur later in August.
During a virtual summit consisting of 41 world leaders, President Joe Biden called for further climate action, pledging that the U.S. would cut its emissions in half by the end of the decade.
Other countries followed suit, committing to more drastic cuts as well, although some chose not to announce new commitments. Despite this, Biden stressed global responsibility throughout the Leaders Summit. Still, Biden acknowledged the U.S.’ role in contributing to climate change. However, many have noted that Biden’s promise requires the approval of Congress before policies can be implemented.
While some believe that the goals set are ambitious but achievable, others expressed serious doubts and concerns. Still, even with these new pledges, some climate activists claim that the new targets are not enough, and the U.S. can do more to address the climate crisis.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted their 11-day pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Friday.
Although the vote was not unanimous, with 10 out of 15 committee members voting to lift the pause, Johnson & Johnson vaccinations have resumed. Now, the vaccine will be tagged with a new safety label to indicate the risk of a rare blood clotting syndrome for women under the age of 50. The vaccine’s original recommendation of its authorization for people 18 or older remains the same.
