Domestic:
On Feb. 13, the U.S. Senate acquitted former U.S. President Donald Trump of inciting violence leading up to the Jan. 6 riot and breeching of the U.S. Capitol. This brought the end to Trump’s second impeachment trial. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that Congress will further investigate by establishing an “outside independent” commission.

A deadly snowstorm has swept across the South, causing school and government closures, slick roads and power outages. On Sunday, southern Texas received as much as six inches of snow. By Monday, the storm had moved into Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and parts of northern Georgia. So far, at least 21 deaths have been reported.

International:
Protests demanding democratic rule persist in Myanmar after last week’s military coup. Queues have formed outside of banks as people fear further instability. Recent reports say police have been using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. On Monday, Feb. 15, Myanmar’s military announced penalties of up to 20 years in prison for those opposing the coup leaders. Access to the internet was cut off for two nights but was restored on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

British scientists are finding increasing evidence that the COVID-19 variant originally found in Britain is not only 30-70% more easily transmissible, but is also 30-70 percent more deadly than other versions of the virus. A study by the government released on Feb. 12 indicated that there was a higher rate of hospitalizations with the new strand. The reasons for the higher death rates is not completely clear.