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1. Accusation
The second indictment on former President Trump begins today. It goes like this: things go on in the afternoon with up to four hours of debate, followed by a vote on the constitutionality of the trial (it just has to be a simple majority). Then we see up to a few days of arguments, followed by a period in which senators can question the legal teams. Then there will be more debate, closing arguments and deliberations. During the trial, senators and witnesses will revisit the events of the January 6 Capitol riot so things can get emotional. Senator Patrick Leahy, president of the Senate, will preside over the trial. Security around the Capitol is being stepped up ahead of the proceedings, with razor wire-covered fences threatening and members of the National Guard standing by.
2. Coronavirus
School districts across the U.S. are considering plans to start learning in person, including at some high schools in New York. But experts warn that it is extremely risky for local and state leaders to lift Covid-19 restrictions, due to the increasing threat of coronavirus variants. In fact, the Biden administration is considering more restrictions, such as a Covid-19 test requirement for domestic air travel. Meanwhile, other countries are seeing some improvements: Germany is seeing a drop in Covid-19 prevalence rates, and Iran and Peru are launching new vaccination initiatives. Drug manufacturer Pfizer says it is increasing its production rate to double vaccine production and keep pace with demand. In the US, coronavirus claimed the life of GOP representative Ron Wright, the first member of Congress to die after contracting the virus.
Stimulus
March 14. This is the date on which Democratic lawmakers hope to finally approve the long-awaited coronavirus relief bill. However, there is much to do. House committees intend to transfer their parts of the bill to the Budget Committee by February 16th. Then in the Senate, Democrats need the support of lawmakers who may be on the fence over certain provisions, such as moderate Senator Joe Manchin, who is protesting against raising the $ 15 minimum wage in the bill and disagrees with the proposed revenue thresholds. for the all-important check of $ 1,400.
4. Myanmar
Myanmar’s new military junta has warned the public not to “destroy” democracy, despite the fact that the outcome of democratic elections was overturned when it came to power last week. In the past four days, tens of thousands of people took part in protests against the February 1 coup. In response, the military has imposed new restrictions on public gatherings and introduced a curfew rule for large towns. It also warned that those who violate these rules or continue to protest could have consequences. A United Nations spokesman called the junta’s new measures in Myanmar “concerning”.
5. North Korea
North Korean hackers stole hundreds of millions of dollars in 2020 to fund the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, according to a confidential United Nations report. The report says that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s government has encouraged these operations to pay for weapons in violation of international law and to keep the country’s economy going. According to some estimates, hackers stole $ 316.4 million worth of virtual assets between 2019 and last November. At least one unnamed country said it was “very likely” that North Korea could mount 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 Browse
Tom Brady’s BOK status awakens the world’s imagination
Who would have thought that the modest kid from Michigan would become a seven-time Super Bowl champion?
This Mississippi city pays you a monthly allowance and moving expenses to move there
River views, southern sunsets and minimal cost of living? Sounds pretty nice.
This woman used Gorilla Glue instead of hairspray. She ends up in the hospital
A woman won a 6-digit lottery prize. The next day she won again
Some people have, literally, all the luck.
Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double says he struggles to keep up with the star’s muscular build
Imagine trying to fit the fitness routine of a man playing a literal god.
TER NAGEDAGTENIS
Mary Wilson, a founding member of ‘The Supremes’, has died at the age of 76. In addition to breaking down gender, racial, and social barriers with the legendary Motown group, Wilson was also a best-selling author, motivational speaker, businesswoman, and American cultural ambassador. .
PROFILE IN THROUGH
February is Black History Month and every day we highlight the black pioneers in American history. Learn more here.
Charles Richard Drew, scientist, 1904-1950
Drew is known as the “father of the blood bank” for his hand in developing America’s first large – scale blood bank program in the 1940s. Previously, 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 separating plasma and blood. This made it possible to store blood for a week – a major breakthrough for doctors treating wounded soldiers in World War II.
TODAY’S NUMBER
14
That’s how many people died in avalanches in the US last week, which set a tragic and unusual record.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“It is very sad where we are as a country, but we will continue to fight to save our country from this wannabe dictator.”
Velina Élysées Charlier, a Haitian activist, who is one of many who criticize Haitian President Jovenel Moise and demand his removal. Moise would retire at the weekend in line with the constitutional term limits, but Moise argued he would get another year in office due to a time technology. People are now appealing to the Supreme Court in Haiti to establish a transitional government and force Moise to leave.
TODAY’S WEATHER
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AND FINALLY
Pittypittypat
Everyone deserves something that makes them as happy as this drum makes this bird. (Click here to see.)