Trayvon Martin would turn 23 this week—
Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by a police officer nearly six years ago. On Feb. 5 he would have turned 23. According to Martin’s dad, his son, then a teenager, stepped out from The Retreat at Twin Lakes community for snacks around 7 p.m. that February evening during the halftime of the NBA All-Star Game. Trayvon, who was unarmed, then came across George Zimmerman, who called 911 about seeing a “suspicious person in the area.” Zimmerman then fatally shot Martin who was only 17. A court found Zimmerman not guilty of second-degree murder. The death of Martin sparked national outrage and spurred what we know today as the Black Lives Matter movement. Since that day, #JusticeForTrayvon has grown into a global cause in the movement to protect black lives.
Black Lives Matter Activist Killed—
Charleston Black Lives Matter leader Muhiyyidin Moy was shot and killed Tuesday Feb. 6 in New Orleans, LA. Authorities have released information related to Moy’s murder, detailing that he sustained a gunshot to the thigh at approximately 1 a.m. It was further reported by his niece that the incident happened while he was riding his bike. Moy was transported to an area hospital soon after the incident, but due to the severity of his wounds, he was unable to be saved. A suspect responsible for the crime has not yet been accounted for. Moy was an active member within the Black Lives Matter movement. He is known publicly for jumping a barricade during a protest to take down a Confederate flag, an action for which Moy was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Though authorities condemned his actions, some designate this as a memorable and progressive moment for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Eagles beat Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII—
The Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots in the 2018 Super Bowl 41-33. While Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were looking to win their sixth championship together, Nick Foles was looking to win his first ring and do what many quarterbacks have failed to do: beat Tom Brady. The Eagles took the lead from the start of the game and kept it until late fourth quarter when Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski connected on a touchdown that put the Patriots ahead until the Eagles scored again and Brandon Graham, their defensive end, made Tom Brady fumble the football. The Eagles ran the clock down to where the Patriots could run a couple of plays but the time ran out and the Eagles won. It was an exciting victory for the team, whose fans proceeded to riot in the streets following the win. Eagles quarterback Nick Foles was named MVP.
Donald Trump Gives First SOTU Address—
Donald Trump gave his first State of the Union address last Tuesday. The U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 3, says, “The president shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” President Trump addressed how “united” we have been as a country. He also discussed jobs, the current economy, infrastructure, immigration, the new tax cut plan and even the possibility of giving prisoners a second chance at life. The president said he believes that his union address was perfect, while some democrats may disagree. ere was controversy with democrats not clapping after Trump’s speech. Trump suggested their failure to support him during the address could be considered “treason,” though many didn’t assign much weight to that claim.
Dow drops, resuming rise back up again—
Following several days of wild swings, the Dow Jones finished Tuesday evening sharply higher than it had been earlier in the day, when it took a triple-digit loss. That decline has been attributed to Friday’s unemployment report, which showed that wages grew significantly in January. While increased wages are good news for workers, experts say they’re indicative of market inflation which usually means the Federal Reserve will begin increasing interest rates. Increased rates could lead to a slowing of economic growth and increased borrowing rates for things like home mortgages, car loans and credit card debt. Others say the drop in the Dow was accelerated by the widespread use of exotic, leveraged securities that lose value when market volatility spikes, as it has in recent days.
Seattle Bus Drivers are Still on Strike—
Seattle Bus Drivers have been on strike since Thursday, Feb. 1, after a contract negotiation with First Student failed. The bus drivers that are on strike want a better retirement plan and a more affordable health care plan, but the company believes that the plan offered is fair and should work for everyone. e 12,000 students that rely on the bright yellow school buses to take them to their schools continue have to find an alternative way to get their, such as coordinating rides between parents. Despite the strike, some bus drivers still show up, but special-education students and underserved communities get priority in these scenarios. Still, the majority of the students are left without transportation.
