Three Things for February 7
1. President Biden releases plans to reduce gun violence
On Feb. 3, President Joe Biden met with other elected officials including New York City Mayor Eric Adams to strategize plans to reduce gun violence.
“Both leaders' plans, which dovetail on a number of strategies, including stopping the flow of illegal guns into the city, are scheduled to go into effect in the coming weeks,” reports ABC.
Adams revealed his Blueprint to End Gun Violence in New York City in January. His plans focus on intervention and prevention, while the Biden plan will work to "address the most significant drivers of violence" nationwide.
“Biden will also call on Congress to approve half a billion dollars in appropriations spending to states and localities. Roughly $300 million would be allocated for hiring more police officers, and the rest would be used for ‘evidence-based community violence interventions’," said the White House in a news release.
2. Shaun White announces Beijing Olympics will be his last competition
During a news conference on Saturday, Feb. 5, Shaun White announced the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be his last snowboarding competition.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist has made four previous Olympic appearances.
According to CBS, the athlete made the decision in November during a training stop in Austria.
“He was dealing with nagging remnants from injuries to his knee, and back and ankle. He got lost on the mountain with the sun going down. It was one of those rare times when snowboarding didn't feel fun anymore,” reports CBS.
White said the decision is “sad and surreal” but also “joyous.”
“I kind of reflected on things I've done and looked at the sun going down and went, 'Wow, next time I'm here, I won't be stressed about learning tricks or worried about some competition thing,” said White.
3. Queen Elizabeth II endorses Duchess of Cornwall
On Saturday, Feb. 5, Queen Elizabeth II shared her support for her daughter-in-law Camilla as a potential heir to the throne.
’”When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,” the Queen wrote. “And it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
The message was shared on the eve of the Queen’s 70th anniversary as monarch of the United Kingdom, reports AP News.
“The monarch met with members of the local community during a tea at Sandringham, her country estate in eastern England where she normally spends the anniversary,” reports AP News.
