5 things to know for February 9: Impeachment, Covid-19, Stimulus, Myanmar, North Korea

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1. Deputy

The second trial for the removal of former President Trump begins today. This is what will happen: things will start in the afternoon with a maximum of four hours of debate, followed by a vote on the constitutionality of the trial (it only needs a simple majority to approve it). Then we’ll see up to a few days of arguments, followed by a period in which senators can question legal teams. Then there will be more debate, final arguments and deliberations. During the trial, senators and witnesses will review the events of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, so things can get emotional. Senator Patrick Leahy, pro tempore president of the Senate, will preside over the trial. Security around the Capitol is being tightened before the procedure, with razor-wire fences looming and National Guard members next to it.

2. Coronavirus

U.S. school districts are considering plans to restart face-to-face learning, even in some middle schools in New York City. But experts warn that it is extremely risky for local and state leaders to lift Covid-19 restrictions right now because of the increased threat of coronavirus variants. In fact, the Biden administration is considering further restrictions, as a test requirement for Covid-19 for domestic air travel. Meanwhile, other countries are seeing some improvements: Germany is experiencing a drop in Covid-19 incidence rates and Iran and Peru are launching new vaccination initiatives. Pharmacist Pfizer says it has increased its production rate to double vaccine production and keep up with demand. In the United States, the coronavirus has claimed the life of Republican Party representative Ron Wright, the first member of Congress to die after contracting the virus.

3. Stimulus

March 14 is the date Democratic lawmakers hope to finally pass the long-awaited coronavirus relief bill. Before, however, there are many things to do before. The House committees aim to get their parts of the bill to the Budget Committee on February 16th. In the Senate, Democrats need the support of lawmakers who may be on the brink of some provisions, such as moderate Sen. Joe Manchin, who has argued against raising the $ 15 minimum wage included in the bill and not agrees with some proposed revenue thresholds for this important $ 1,400 stimulus.

4. Myanmar

Myanmar’s new military junta has warned citizens not to “destroy” democracy, despite overturning the results of democratic elections when it took power last week. In the last four days, tens of thousands of people have taken part in protests against the February 1 coup. In response, the military imposed new restrictions on public meetings and instituted a curfew for major cities. He also warned that those who violate these rules or continue to protest could suffer consequences. A UN spokesman described the new Myanmar board’s measures as “worrying”.

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 UN 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 help the country’s economy stay afloat. According to some estimates, hackers stole $ 316.4 million worth of virtual assets between 2019 and last November. Now, at least one unnamed country has said it is “very likely” North Korea could mount a nuclear device on a ballistic missile of any range. The report containing this information has not yet been published and it is unclear how North Korea and other countries will respond to the leak.

EXPLORE BREAKFAST

Tom Brady’s GOAT status captures the imagination of the world

Who would have thought that the modest boy from Michigan would end up being a seven-time Super Bowl champion?

This city of Mississippi will pay you a monthly fee and travel expenses to move there

River views, sunsets in the south and minimal living costs? Sounds pretty cute.

This woman used Gorilla Glue instead of hair spray. He ended up in the hospital

Video of hairspray with gorilla glue

One woman won a 6-figure lottery prize. The next day he won again

Some people are literally lucky.

Chris Hemsworth’s double trick says he’s struggling to keep up with the star’s muscle volume

Imagine trying to match the physical routine of a man playing a literal god.

IN MEMORY

Mary Wilson, a founding member of “The Supremes,” has died at the age of 76. Aside from breaking down gender, racial, and social barriers with the legendary Motown group, Wilson was also a sales author, motivational speaker, businesswoman, and cultural ambassador to the United States. .

PERSEVERANCE PROFILES

February is the month of black history and every day we highlight the pioneers of black in American history. More information here.

Charles Richard Drew, scientist, 1904-1950

Drew is known as the “father of the blood bank” for his hand in developing the first large-scale blood bank program in the United States in the 1940s. Earlier, Drew was the first black student to earn a doctorate in medicine from Columbia University, where his interest in the science of blood transfusions led to innovative work separating plasma from blood. This made it possible to store blood for a week, a breakthrough for doctors treating wounded soldiers in World War II.

TODAY’S ISSUE

14

That’s how many people died last week in avalanches in the US, setting a tragic and unusual record.

TODAY’S BUDGET

“It is very sad where we are as a country, but we will continue to fight to save our country from this yearning dictator.”

Velina Elysées Charlier, a Haitian activist, who is one of many who criticizes Haitian President Jovenel Moise and calls for his removal. Moise had to leave the weekend according to the constitutional term limits, but Moise has argued that he will get one more year in office due to a technical time. Now people are asking the Haitian Supreme Court to install a transitional government and force Moise to leave.

TODAY’S WEATHER

Check out the local forecast here >>>

AND FINALLY

Pittypittypat

Everyone deserves something to make them happy like this drum does to this bird. (Click here to see it.)

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