1 Trump Impeachment Trial Will Continue
Former President Trump's Senate impeachment trial resumes at 11 am today. This, as Senators have given the green light to proceed after hearing arguments on the constitutionality of the trial. The vote was 56-44 with six Republicans voting with all Democrats. A single House article of impeachment accuses Trump of inciting the violent and deadly attack at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. Trump headlined a huge rally near the White House before the Capitol assault and urged supporters to march to the Capitol. What happened after that is precisely what was bandied about yesterday as both sides laid the groundwork for the coming days. Democratic House impeachment managers noted that Trump was still president at that time of the Capitol attack and was impeached by the House for his conduct, while in office. Further, they maintain that the notion that a President can commit an impeachable offense in his final days in office and not be held accountable is wrong. Punctuating their argument, House managers offered a dramatic 13-minute video which edited clips of the Capitol assault with President Trump’s remarks folded in. You can watch the entire video on the right. For their part, Trump lawyers argued that the ex-president cannot be tried because Trump is no longer in office. They also attempted to conflate the proceedings with the usual partisan bickering on Capitol Hill, but also, suggesting that what Americans are seeing now is simply a continuation of what Dems have been up to since Trump took office.
2 MN Governor Confirms Bombs Used In Clinic Attack
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is confirming bombs were used in an attack at a health clinic in Buffalo, Minnesota yesterday morning. Walz says the suspect opened fire and set off the improvised explosive devices at the Allina Clinic. Officials say five were shot – one of those people has died, while three others remain critical. According to police, 67-year-old Gregory Ulrich is well-known to law enforcement and had been banned from the facility. In fact, there was a restraining order against him. While no motive has been confirmed, sources say that Ulrich was “unhappy” with the care he received. While details regarding exactly what happened – including who was shot – haven’t been released, others say there are concerns about explosives being placed around the city. Perhaps worse? The weapon Ulrich allegedly used was legally purchased – when he has a history of mental health issues. The ATF and FBI are assisting local police in the investigation as Ulrich remains in custody.
3 Annual COVID-19 Shots Considered A Likely Possibility
People may need to get a COVID-19 shot every year. That’s the word from Johnson and Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky, who tells CNBC that the vaccine against the coronavirus may become seasonal, just like the flu shot. Public health experts believe the virus is here to stay, although eventually at lower levels. That means vaccine makers will have to continually watch for new variants of the virus so the shots can stay effective. Johnson and Johnson's vaccine, which only requires one dose, could get FDA approval this month. Meanwhile, the FDA is authorizing a new antibody drug from Eli Lilly for emergency use. The therapy uses a combination of two drugs to treat less severe cases of the coronavirus, but are at high risk of a more serious case or hospitalization. Those aged 12 and older can use the treatment.