- Black History Month begins today. The first black heritage month celebration in America took place in 1976 [1] and was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford that same year. People are honoring the day on social media, sharing pictures of icons like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, and former President Barack Obama.
- Hillary Clinton will publish a book of essays this Fall. According to a press release, the Simon & Schuster book of essays is inspired by quotations [2] she's collected over the years, including during the 2016 campaign. The publisher will also release an illustrated version of her 1996 novel It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us for kids. Clinton's schedule for 2017 is quite busy — she will also give a commencement speech at her alma mater Wellesley later this year and speak at a few other events.
- Beyoncé is pregnant with twins [3]. The singer made the announcement on Instagram, writing, "We have been blessed two times over." She and her husband, rapper Jay Z, have a daughter, Blue Ivy, who is 5 years old.
- Trump's attorney general pick, Jeff Sessions, cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee [4] after senators voted along party lines. His confirmation will now be sent to the Senate floor. Republican senators also ignored a Democratic boycott of Tom Price, Trump's pick for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and treasury secretary nominee Steve Mnuchin. Their confirmations will also be sent to the Senate floor [5].
- Joe and Jill Biden will launch the Biden Foundation [6], aimed at promoting equality. The Bidens announced their new charitable venture via video and said they hope to resume the efforts they began in the White House. "We will continue our work to ensure that everyone, no matter their income level, race, gender, age, or sexuality, is treated with dignity and gets a fair shot at achieving the American dream," the announcement said.
- Sarah Koenig, the host of the popular podcast Serial, is producing another true crime series [7]. Based on a double murder in a rural Alabama town, all the episodes will be released at once this Spring. Koenig will team up with her Serial coproducer Julie Snyder for the show called S-Town.