What we’re reading: HBCU’s report bomb threats, Tom Brady retires at age 44

By Alexis Berry

Published Feb 1, 2022

FILE – A graduation-themed printed mural is seen on the Howard University campus, July 6, 2021, in Washington. At least six historically Black universities in five states and the District of Columbia were responding to bomb threats Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 with many of them locking down their campuses for a time. Howard University was also the subject of a bomb threat before dawn, but later gave an all-clear to students and staff, WTOP reported. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Bomb threats at historically Black colleges

More than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) reported bomb threats on the first day of Black History Month, according to NPR.

Colleges that received threats include Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi and Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida.

Officials from the targeted universities have ordered lockdowns and canceled classes due to the threats.

The FBI said it is aware of the threats and is working with local law enforcement to help the targeted campuses, per NPR.

(3) Please shelter in place for your safety. The vicious and racially motivated targeting of Florida’s first HBCU is extremely unsettling for our community. Law enforcement is currently investigating this threat and your safety is our paramount concern.
— A. Zachary Faison, Jr. (@MillennialPrez1) February 1, 2022

Putin speaks at news conference regarding U.S. and Russian tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban during their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

According to the New York Times, President Vladimir Putin spoke on the tensions between the United States and Russia regarding Ukraine at a news conference on Feb 1, 2022.

Putin said the United States wants to create grounds for tougher sanctions and push Russia into an armed conflict that it does not want.

The news conference came after a heated clash of diplomats on Jan 31.

Diplomats from the United States and Russia sparred in a debate over Ukraine and Russian border tensions at a United Nations Security Council meeting. The United States said Russia is positioned to possibly invade Ukraine, while Russia denied this allegation.

Legendary quarterback Tom Brady officially retires at 44 years old

FILE – In this Feb. 7, 2021, file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the team’s NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Tampa, Fla. Tom Brady has retired after winning seven Super Bowls and setting numerous passing records in an unprecedented 22-year-career. He made the announcement on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, in a long post on Instagram. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, Tom Brady, officially announced his retirement from the NFL, according to CNBC.

Brady had a 22 season career consisting of seven Super Bowl wins — five with the New England Patriots and the most recent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Appearing in the Super Bowl 10 times, winning five Super Bowl MVP awards and making 15 Pro Bowl appearances, Brady leaves the NFL labeled by many as one of the greatest to play the game.

The 44-year-old announced the decision through a lengthy statement on his social media, writing that he will not “make that competitive commitment anymore.”

In his retirement announcement, Brady thanked the Buccaneers organization, the team’s head coach and fanbase and his family. Brady excluded the Patriots organization and head coach, Bill Belichek from his announcement.

“I have loved my NFL career,” Brady wrote on social media. “Now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.”

New Orleans schools mandate vaccinations

Third-grader Nila Carey, 8 bravely looks away as she gets her COVID-19 vaccine from LPN Sandra Castro. Carey said, “I watch the news. I know what’s going on. My mom told me to be brave. I want to be safe. I want to protect my friends.” Carey was one of dozens of students receiving their COVID-19 vaccination at KIPP Believe Charter School in New Orleans on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. Students in New Orleans will be required to get vaccinated against the coronavirus as of Feb. 1 as the city becomes one of the first big districts in the country to implement a vaccine requirement to go to school. (AP Photo/Ted Jackson)

The New Orleans school district became the nation’s first major school district to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, according to NPR; however, guardians may opt out fairly easily

Children five and up are required to be vaccinated, and officials have been instructed to ask parents for proof of vaccination beginning Feb 1.

Louisiana Health Department guidelines said parents can obtain waivers from any immunization simply by citing medical, religious or philosophical objections.

Schools in Washington, D.C. plan to implement a similar mandate come March.

Parents of young children in New Orleans express mixed feelings about the mandate. The Cowen Institute, a Tulane-based group that focuses on researching education issues, found that vaccine mandates for students were opposed by 48% and supported by 44% among New Orleans parents.