News Roundup 02/04/19
1. New England Patriots defeat Los Angeles Rams
On Feb. 3, the New England Patriots won 13-3 against the Los Angeles Rams, making it the lowest scoring in Super Bowl history. The last time the two teams faced each other in the Super Bowl was back in 2002 when they were in St. Louis and Patriots were considered the “underdog”. According to NPR, the game was a slow-moving game since neither teams made a touchdown in the first three quarters, making it another first in Super Bowl history. Super Bowl LIII is the team's sixth championship victory since 2002. The Patriots are now tied for the most Super Bowl victories with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Source: NPR
2. Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring
Since 1887, thousands of visitors partake in the annual Groundhog Day festival at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. On Feb. 2, the world's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow therefore predicting an early spring. As stated by the folklore, if the Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will make an early appearance. Apparently, it is the 19th time in the 133-year-old tradition that the groundhog has predicted an early spring. According to Stormfax Almanac's data, Phil's predictions have only been correct 39 percent of the time.
Source: NPR
3. Member of Manson Family seeks parole
Leslie Van Houten, the youngest of Charles Manson’s followers, was recommended for parole after serving more than four decades in the California Institute for Women in Corona. She was convicted for the 1969 murders of a wealthy grocer, Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, when she was 19-years-old. Van Houten has been recommended for parole twice, Jan. 2018 being the most recent, and has been vetoed by then-Governor Jerry Brown for each. As of Jan. 30, Van Houten’s case must withstand a 150-day process, which will then be reviewed by Governor Gavin Newsom before he makes a decision to grant her parole or veto the recommendation.
Source: AP News
4. Elephant seals takeover beach during government shutdown
The aftermaths of the government shutdown are still rolling out and one of those aftermaths occurred in Northern California. A group of elephant seals took over a popular tourist known as Point Reyes National Seashore. Naturally since there was no staff present to stop the animals from invading the beach, the elephant seals have now taken up residency on the beach and the parking lot attached to it. The animals were discovered lounging in the sand by the staff on Sunday, Jan. 27, after the government had reopened. As of now there are no plans to move the elephant seals from the popular tourist destination.
Source: AP News
5. 84 priest are accused of sex abuse in San Bernardino County
On Thursday Jan. 31, a news conference was held by a law firm that represents the California survivors of child sexual abuse by Catholic priest in Ontario. A 70-page report was presented detailing abuse, assignment history, and background information of 84 clergy members of the Diocese of San Bernardino. As of Nov. 2018, the Diocese has only released a list of 35 priest who have been accused of sexually abusing children since 1978. Attorneys are demanding that Bishop Gerald Barnes release the other names of the priests and Church officials who have been accused.
Source: LAist