Trump’s second impeachment trial results in acquittal
Trump was acquitted in his second impeachment trial on Feb. 13 after the Senate was short of the necessary two-thirds majority required to find him guilty, according to The New York Times. Despite the acquittal, this makes Trump the first president in our nation’s history to be impeached twice. With opening arguments concluding on Feb. 11, lawyers presented arguments on the alleged criminal acts committed by the president during his term. Trump was charged with inciting violence against the U.S. government. The alleged incitement refers to the riots at the Capitol by hundreds of Trump supporters last month, which caused significant damage to the Capitol and resulted in five deaths. On Friday, Feb. 12, Trump’s lawyers began their defense against these charges.
Ohio ends curfew in an effort to reopen businesses
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine elected to remove the statewide curfew beginning Feb. 11, after a previous curfew extension for non-essential restaurants and bars. Ohio residents question this move to lift COVID-19 curfew protocols despite the rising death toll. Mortality rates seemed to be on the decline until over 3,000 cases were discovered to have previously been overlooked. DeWine made this decision with the hope that it will stimulate the Ohioan economy. He and other officials attempted to placate criticisms with the reassurance that restrictions could be reinstated should infection numbers surge to a certain level.
Marjorie Taylor Greene removed from her committees following controversial statements
On Thursday, Feb. 11, the House of Representatives voted 230 to 199 in favor of removing Representative Majorie Taylor Greene from her position on the education and budget committees. This decision comes following a number of controversial statements from Greene, as well as some displays of erratic behavior. One such instance, perhaps the height of the controversy, was when a video surfaced of Greene trailing behind two Parkland shooting survivors while shouting claims that they were lying about the shooting. Greene has also previously spouted denials of the events of 9/11, agreed with calls for the execution of democratic leaders and has expressed past support of QAnon conspiracy rhetoric. Greene has renounced her support of such theories online. Though removed from her committee assignments, she maintains her position as a member of Congress.
Christopher Plummer’s passing
Canadian acting icon Christopher Plummer, 92, died on Feb. 5. Plummer was known for “Knives Out,” “All the Money in the World,” and his legendary role in “The Sound of Music.” Plummer worked as an actor for over 70 years and in that time scored over 60 nominations and 25 prestigious awards for his work in film and television. Christopher Plummer is survived by his wife, daughter, colleagues and the thousands of fans he touched with his storytelling.
