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1. Accusation
The second impeachment trial against former President Trump begins today. Here’s how it goes: In the afternoon, it gets underway with a debate of up to four hours, followed by a vote on the constitutionality of the process (only a simple majority is needed). Then we’ll see up to a few days of arguments, followed by a period where senators can question the legal teams. Then there will be more debate, closing arguments and deliberation. During the trial, senators and witnesses will revisit the events of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, so things could get emotional. Senator Patrick Leahy, pro tempore president of the Senate, will chair the trial. Security around the Capitol is being strengthened ahead of the proceedings, with barbed wire fences in the foreground and National Guard members standing by.
2. Coronavirus
School districts in the US are considering plans to resume personal learning, including in some New York City high schools. But experts warn that it is extremely risky for local and state leaders to lift the Covid-19 restrictions now due to the growing threat of coronavirus variants. In fact, the Biden government is considering more restrictions, such as a Covid-19 test requirement for domestic air travel. Meanwhile, other countries are seeing some improvements: Germany sees a drop in the incidence of Covid-19, and Iran and Peru are introducing new vaccine initiatives. Pharmacist Pfizer says it has increased its production speed to double vaccine production and keep up with demand. In the US, the coronavirus has claimed the life of GOP Representative Ron Wright, the first sitting member of Congress to die after contracting the virus.
3. Stimulus
March 14. That’s when Democratic lawmakers hope to finally pass the long-awaited coronavirus bill. However, there is still much to be done. House committees aim to get their parts of the bill to the Committee on Budgets by February 16. Next, Senate Democrats need the support of lawmakers who might be on the fence about some provisions, such as moderate Senator Joe Manchin, who opposed the $ 15 minimum wage increase that was included in the bill and is not agree with some of the suggested income thresholds for that all-important $ 1,400 stimulus check.
4. Myanmar
Myanmar’s new military junta has warned the public not to “destroy” democracy, despite wiping out the results of democratic elections when it took power last week. In the past four days, tens of thousands of people have participated in protests against the February 1 coup. In response, the military imposed new restrictions on public gatherings and imposed curfews for major cities. It also warned that those who break these rules or continue to protest could be affected. A United Nations spokesperson called the new measures taken by the junta in Myanmar “worrying”.
5. North Korea
In 2020, North Korean hackers stole hundreds of millions of dollars to fund the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, according to a confidential United Nations report. The report says the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un encouraged these operations to pay for weapons that violate international law and sustain the country’s economy. According to some estimates, hackers stole virtual assets worth $ 316.4 million dollars between 2019 and November last year. Now at least one unnamed country has said it is “highly probable” that North Korea could place a nuclear device on a ballistic missile of any range. The report containing this information has yet to be released and it is unclear how North Korea and other countries will respond to the leak.
BREAKFAST LEAF
Tom Brady’s GOAT status captures the imagination of the world
Who would have thought that the humble Michigan boy would become a seven-time Super Bowl champion?
This Mississippi town pays you a monthly stipend and moving expenses to move there
River views, southern sunsets, and minimal cost of living? Sounds pretty good.
This woman used Gorilla Glue instead of hairspray. She ended up in the hospital
A woman won a six-figure lottery prize. The next day she won again
Some people are literally lucky.
Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double says he’s struggling to keep up with the star’s muscular mass
Imagine trying to emulate the fitness routine of a man playing a literal god.
IN MEMORY
Mary Wilson, one of the founders of ‘The Supremes’, has passed away at the age of 76. In addition to breaking gender, racial and social barriers with the legendary Motown group, Wilson was also a best-selling author, motivational speaker, businesswoman, and American cultural ambassador.
PROFILES IN ENDURANCE
February is Black History Month, and every day we highlight black pioneers in American history. Read more here.
Charles Richard Drew, Scientist, 1904-1950
Drew is known as the ‘father of the blood bank’ for his contribution to the development of America’s first large-scale blood bank program in the 1940s. Before that, Drew was the first black student to earn a medical doctorate from Columbia University, where his interest in the science of blood transfusions led to pioneering work in separating plasma from blood. This made it possible to store blood for a week – a huge breakthrough for doctors treating wounded soldiers in World War II.
TODAY’S NUMBER
14
That’s the number of people who died in avalanches in the US last week, setting a tragic and unusual record.
TODAY QUOTE
“It’s very sad where we are as a country, but we will keep fighting to save our country from this wannabe dictator.”
Velina Élysées Charlier, a Haitian activist, who is one of many to criticize Haitian President Jovenel Moise and call for his removal. Moise was due to step down over the weekend in accordance with constitutional term limits, but Moise has argued that he will be in office for another year due to a technical problem. People are now appealing to the Haitian Supreme Court to install a transitional government and force Moise to leave.
TODAY’S WEATHER
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AND FINALLY
Pittypittypat
Everyone deserves something that makes them so happy when this drum makes this bird. (Click here to view.)