Here’s what you need to know to Get maximum performance and start your day.
(You can also receive “5 things you need to know today” daily in your inbox. Sign up here.)
1. Inauguration
In Washington, DC, and in several states across the country, officials are increasing security ahead of tomorrow’s presidential inauguration. The head of the DC National Guard said the FBI is examining troops involved in security on the US Capitol to avoid internal threats. However, there is no intelligence indicating that such a threat is ongoing, said the interim defense secretary. Minor protests erupted in some state capitals over the weekend, including crowds of armed protesters who met yesterday in Richmond, Virginia. Meanwhile, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has officially resigned from the Senate in anticipation of her new position, and Melania Trump will break the tradition by not inviting her successor, Jill Biden, to visit the White House chambers.
2. Transition to the White House
President Trump is expected to issue about 100 pardons and commutations today, his last full day in office. The list of leniency actions allegedly includes white-collar criminals and high-profile rappers, but so far neither Trump nor his family members (there have been conversations about Trump forgiving himself after the Capitol riots). The president also wanted to disclose information related to the Russian investigation before leaving office, but over time, it is unclear whether this will be done. Even after leaving office, Trump has at least one thorny battle waiting for him: his impeachment trial, which is likely to begin in the Senate soon. Speaking of the Senate, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell are working out a plan for how the evenly divided Senate will be run. Democrats will do the programming and each party will likely have an even number of seats on the committee.
3. Coronavirus
China and the World Health Organization could have acted more quickly and strongly to contain the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. This is the conclusion of the Independent Pandemic Preparedness and Response Panel, based in Switzerland. The panel also said that the world needs a “global redefinition” of how to deal with such situations. In the USA, there is bad news and, well, a little less bad news. More than 60% of all Covid-19 cases across the country have been reported since election day, leading to nightmare infection rates. However, cases have dropped 11% since the peak last week. Experts say it is too early for optimism, as such a decline may not be sustainable. Also in China, a dangerous situation is unfolding with state media launching disinformation campaigns to answer questions about the effectiveness of the coronavirus vaccine produced by the Chinese medical company Sinovac.
4. Russia
Alexey Navalny was ordered to remain in custody for 30 days after returning to Russia this weekend. The Kremlin critic was arrested immediately after flying from Germany to Moscow, and then subjected to a surprise hearing yesterday. Navalny was placed on the country’s federal wanted list last month for violating parole terms related to a 2014 fraud conviction, which he dismisses as politically motivated. Only five months have passed since Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. Several Western officials and Navalny himself openly blamed the Kremlin for the act. After his hearing yesterday, Navalny urged his followers to “not be silent” and take to the streets. A national demonstration is being organized to demand his release.
5. Uganda
Most of Uganda is back online after a five-day internet crash, which critics are calling “the classic pre-meditated and pre-election Internet blackout case”. Ugandans recently held their presidential election and Internet connectivity was restored after current President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner for a record sixth term. His opponent, Bobi Wine, a singer who became a politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, protested the results and said he had evidence of fraud and intimidation. Wine is under house arrest after the military surrounded his home on Friday, he said. Heavily armed police and military invaded his party’s offices in Kampala yesterday. Museveni’s house arrest against Wine and the Internet blockade were met with international condemnation.
BREAKFAST RESEARCH
Even a small portion of fried food can increase the risk of heart disease, says study
Terrible news for the recent fried chicken sandwich wars.
He flew to Paris to surprise his girlfriend. She flew to Edinburgh to surprise him
Man ‘lived undetected at Chicago airport for 3 months’
He said he was afraid to come home because of Covid-19, but, frankly, it scared him.
Oscar Mayer hiring team to drive his Wienermobile in the USA
And they say that there is no perfect job!
For all your 2021 stress relief needs, there is a hotline that encourages people to call and shout
“Hello, yes, I would just like to … AAAAAAAaAAAAAaaaGGGHHHHHH.”
TODAY’S NUMBER
$ 12.2 million
That’s the depth of the deficit the National Rifle Association operated in 2019. The NRA filed for bankruptcy over the weekend, after changes in leadership and allegations of financial mismanagement in recent years.
TODAY’S QUOTES
“My father has always believed in the people of our nation. Certainly, he would be very disappointed in the way we choose to conduct ourselves at this specific time.”
Martin Luther King III, the eldest son of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, about what he thinks his father would have to say about the current political climate in the United States
TODAY’S CLIMATE
Check your local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
Sit by the water, pet a cat
It looks like it’s going to be a stressful week. Better to enjoy a beautiful view of the waterfront and some feline friends when you can. (Click here to view.)