Three things for February 26
1. Dr. Fauci announces new Johnson & Johnson Coronavirus vaccine
On Feb. 25, Dr. Anthony Fauci announced his anticipation for the Food and Drug Administration to approve a new form of the coronavirus vaccine. According to Fauci, this Johnson & Johnson variation should be used only under emergency circumstances.
The official vote for approving the vaccine will take place on Friday, Feb. 26. As of publication, there vaccines produced by two manufacturers which require two doses separated by three to four weeks. If approved, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will only require one dose.
The test results indicate an 86% success rate for this new vaccine. With new variants and mutations of the virus forming, Fauci warned the public to get their vaccines as quickly as possible.
2. Bruce Springsteen pleads guilty to alcohol charge
On Wednesday, Feb. 24, American singer Bruce Springsteen pleaded guilty to one of three charges made in November. On Nov. 14, Springsteen was arrested for consuming alcohol in a closed area.
Springsteen pleaded guilty to the charge and agreed to pay a $500 fine. The other two charges, for reckless driving and driving while intoxicated, were thrown out by the judge due to a lack of evidence. Springsteen’s blood-alcohol levels were below the legal limit.
The initial police report stated Springsteen was seen taking a shot of tequila before getting on his motorcycle with an empty 750 mL bottle of Patron nearby.
Springsteen met four of the six marks for intoxication and five out of eight in the walk-and-turn-test. It was also noted that his breath smelled of heavy liquor, and his eyes were glossy, according to NBC News.
3. Best Buy Cuts 5,000 jobs despite rise in sales
Despite the 89% rise in sales from November to January, Best Buy announced on Thursday, Feb. 25 they have cut 5,000 full-time jobs. The company noted more people are shopping online, so the need for in-store associates has declined.
This year alone, the company has 17% fewer employees than the year before. However, Best Buy has promised to replace the 5,000 full-time positions with 2,000 part-time roles.
These new jobs will entail aiding online shopping orders, prepping orders to be shipped and making sure curbside orders are intact.
The company is currently facing public backlash from social media users and employees. A petition calling for Best Buy to compensate wages due to hour cuts for employees has been circulating on social media. The petition claims that on Jan. 10, hours were significantly reduced in 150 stores. The petition was started by Shannon Fulfs, an employee from Nebraska.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Best Buy said, “We told petitioners that we disagree with their claim, but fully support their right to make it.”
