Biden visits Pfizer manufacturing site amid vaccine delays; Biden: “I believe we’ll be approaching normalcy by the end of this year… but I can’t make that commitment to you”; Power grid operator urges Texans to conserve energy despite end to electricity emergency; Israel study: Covid infections plummeted 85% after first dose of Pfizer vaccine, Canada researchers find 90% drop; Thorny political issues hang over Garland’s confirmation hearing;

WH: Backlog of 6 million vaccine doses due to weather; Biden defends Covid aid plan, says “I’m open” to GOP’s suggestions on cutting costs responsibly; 5% of U.S. population fully vaccinated; Experts estimate 70-85% needed for herd immunity; Officials: Have to work “double time” to make up for vaccine delays; Biden says teachers should be a vaccine priority; CDC says it’s not a requirement for reopening schools; Texas hit by water, food shortages after days without power; Abilene, TX fire Chief: Elderly couple reluctant to leave their freezing home later found dead; Frozen fire hydrants slowed crews battling apartment fire; Sewage seeped into Texas city after water treatment plant knocked offline; Texas governor calls on execs of power grid operator to resign; About half of Texas’ population under boil water advisory; Biden’s pushes to unravel Trump foreign agenda; Biden WH willing to sit down for nuclear talks with Iran; U.S. rejoins Paris climate deal after exiting under Trump; Biden to world leaders: U.S. will “earn back” leadership position; Dem Senator Manchin to oppose Biden pick for budget office; Sen. Graham heads to Florida to meet with Trump this weekend; Sen. Graham heads to Mar A Lago to play peacemaker, as McConnell-Trump feud rages within GOP; Sen. Thune defends Republicans who voted to convict Trump; CDC Dir: Schools can open despite community spread if masks, social distancing, other protections are in place; Manhattan D.A. investigating possible fraud claims by former Pres. Trump; GOP Sens demand Garland commit to investigating Gov. Cuomo; Garland’s opening statement to focus on independent Justice Department;

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