Trump becomes first U.S. president to be impeached twice
On Jan. 13, U.S. President Donald Trump became the first president of the nation to be impeached twice. The House of Representatives voted 232-197 to impeach Trump on the charges of inciting violence that led to the attacks by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol building. Only ten Republicans voted in favor of the impeachment, however those who did not vote in favor of the impeachment took time out of their arguments to criticize the president for his handling of the matter. The vote now goes onto the Senate, but Senate leader Mitch McConnell has already suggested that a vote will not occur until after future President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Biden campaign reveals $1.9 trillion relief package
On Jan. 15, Joe Biden revealed his $1.9 trillion relief plan for the United States economy. The plan would include direct payments of $1,400 to American citizens and $440 billion dedicated to small businesses, as well as an allotted $415 billion to fight the coronavirus with $20 billion of that being spent on vaccinating American citizens. The Biden campaign also announced that they would be retiring the name of the vaccination operation, “Operation Warp Speed,” that was put in place by the Trump campaign.
Former governor of Michigan faces charges over Flint water crisis
The former governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, is being charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty in relation to the Flint water crisis. The water crisis began in 2014 and left the city’s drinkable water contaminated with lead. Many people blame the contaminated water for an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease which ended up killing 12 people and a high infant mortality rate. In Michigan, these charges are considered a misdemeanor, but can result in up to a year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000.
The National Rifle Association of America files for bankruptcy
The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in court. The group intends to restructure and regroup their organization as a nonprofit in Texas, rather than remaining in their current location in New York. Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows the company to continue operating while paying off their debts.
