Joe Biden won big on Super Tuesday
After he lost to Bernie Sanders in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, Biden’s campaign seemed to be running out of momentum earlier this month. Nonetheless, the former Vice President received a surge of support on Super Tuesday and won nine states, pushing him ahead of Sanders by several delegates.
Sanders still managed to win California, the state with the most delegates overall.
… plus Michael Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, and Elizabeth Warren dropped out
Michael Bloomberg and Pete Buttigieg dropped out of the Democratic race and endorsed Joe Biden in an apparent attempt to unite the moderate vote. Elizabeth Warren dropped out after Super Tuesday after it became clear that she would not collect enough delegates to secure the nomination but has yet to endorse another candidate.
On Sunday, Senator Kamala Harris also endorsed Biden.
Nate Woods was executed
And it is done.
The State of Alabama just executed an innocent man. Nate Woods is dead.
We are crushed that Nate experienced this grizzly injustice and crushed for his family.
This is a modern day lynching. He broke no laws, at all. Never fired a gun. And surrendered.
— Shaun King (@shaunking) March 6, 2020
On Thursday, Nathaniel Woods was executed by lethal injection in Alabama, which is the only state that does not require a unanimous vote by a jury to sentence someone to death. Woods was convicted of killing three cops in Birmingham in 2004; his case was controversial because it was unclear whether or not he had actually committed the murders. A co-defendant of Woods claimed that Woods ran away when the shooting began and a campaign called for the forty-three year old’s release. Leading up to his execution, several celebrities including Kanye West, Martin Luther King III and Shaun King spoke out in support of Woods.
President Trump signed an $8.6 billion emergency aid bill
As novel coronavirus cases in the U.S. continue to rise, President Trump signed a bill that will inject $8.6 billion towards efforts to combat the virus. The White House has faced criticism around the shortage of testing kits and has been accused of downplaying the seriousness of the pandemic.
Virginia became first southern state to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors
Proud to sign 68 more bills into law, including legislation to end the dangerous practice of “conversion therapy” for minors, accommodate working parents in state buildings, and help returning citizens reintegrate into society. See the full list here: https://t.co/nRe3McbqAI pic.twitter.com/DVLstbBeVY
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) March 3, 2020
On Monday, Virginia became the first Southern state to outright ban conversion therapy on minors, joining 19 other states to do so. Conversion therapy falsely assumes that being gay or transgender is a mental disorder that can be “cured” through prayer, self-control, or even corporal punishment.
“Conversion therapy is not only based in discriminatory junk-science, it is dangerous and causes lasting harm to our youth,” Governor Ralph Northam said in a statement.
Arizona Passed a bill that could ban trans women from competing in women’s sports
Arizona’s House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday that could prevent trans women from competing in female sports. House Bill 2706 or the “Save Women’s Sport Act” would require sport associations to consider someone’s gender in terms of their biological sex rather than gender identity. The bill will become law if it is passed by Arizona’s Senate.
Drag Race Star Sherry Pie apologized for “catfishing” aspiring actors
Joey Gugliemelli, popularly known by his Drag persona Sherry Pie, was accused of pretending to cast aspiring actors for gigs that did not exist. Five actors have spoken publicly about Gugliemelli’s behavior, including one man who said he masturbated in front of a camera as part of the casting process. On Thursday, Joey posted an apology on Facebook.
“I want to start by saying how sorry I am that I caused such trauma and pain and how horribly embarrassed and disgusted I am with myself,” he wrote. “I have been seeking help and receiving treatment since coming back to NYC.”
Music + Entertainment
Mayor of Austin cancelled SXSW
Without SXSW, some in our community could really feel the pinch. You can help. Go out to eat, drink & listen to live music. Support the artists, businesses, and working people who make Austin special. Want to do more? Contribute here: https://t.co/IWTo5ysWH1 #StandWithAustin pic.twitter.com/kGlMWH3HBb
— Mayor Adler (@MayorAdler) March 7, 2020
South by Southwest, the popular Austin event that brings thousands of artists from around the world to that city each year, has been cancelled amidst coronavirus fears. Mayor Steve Adler ordered the cancellation after declaring a local disaster, even though the virus has not yet reached Austin.
Jhené Aiko released her new album
