5 things to know for January 22: Covid-19, White House, Capitol riot, Uganda, China

More executive orders are expected today, as Biden continues to quickly reverse the policies of his predecessor. One request focuses on raising the minimum wage to $ 15 for the federal workforce and the other on expanding assistance to needy Americans. The Biden government also has hard work elsewhere. In the coming days, the Justice Department is expected to decide what to do with the cases in which it is expected to defend former President Trump. The White House has also ordered an intelligence review of Russian offenses, including the recent SolarWinds hack, while seeking an extension of the New START Treaty, a nuclear weapons control agreement with Russia that expires next month. Also on Biden’s list of foreign policy tasks: finding ways to deal with rising tensions with China and Iran and dealing with North Korea’s growing nuclear threat.

Seven Democratic senators requested an investigation by the Republican Sens Ethics Committee. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz to find out if their objections to the Electoral College votes may have contributed to inciting the violent Capitol insurrection. So far, prosecutors have accused more than 120 people and may soon bring more serious charges, including conspiracy. As the investigation progresses, new evidence reveals that protesters attacked and threatened police officers with flagpoles and extinguishers, launched insults and made their violent intentions clear. Meanwhile, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell has proposed delaying Trump’s impeachment trial until mid-February to allow Trump’s legal team time to prepare. Trump was accused by the House in his final days in office for his alleged role in inciting insurrection.

An increasing number of international voices, including the United States, the European Union and human rights groups, are calling for an investigation into the abuses and electoral violence in Uganda, which left more than 40 dead before the vote. During the election, opposition candidates were harassed, the media was repressed by the government and observers’ offices were raided, the EU Council of Ministers said. Human Rights Watch says there have been incidents of violence and human rights violations as well. Uganda’s longtime leader, President Yoweri Museveni, has been declared the winner for a record sixth term amid an internet blackout and allegations of abuse. His opponent, Bobi Wine, has been under house arrest since the military surrounded his home a week ago.

Twenty-two miners were trapped underground for nearly two weeks after an explosion at a gold mine in eastern China, and officials say it may take another two weeks to remove them. At least 11 of the 22 miners – who are trapped in different areas – are alive, and most of them are receiving food, medical supplies, blankets and lots of nutrient solution through a well. Authorities say rescue workers will have to drill 70 tons of wreckage to reach the miners. Explosions and deaths are not uncommon in Chinese mines. In September, at least 16 coal mine workers died after being arrested and exposed to carbon monoxide. In 2016, a gas explosion killed dozens of workers at another coal mine.

All the glamor of wine on a plane … without the plane.

Oh the tonne it’s bubbling with emotion!

The show remains a modern oracle.

No one can escape the curse of casual business sweat pants.

You monsters! Let the bees sleep!

It’s about how many years in prison the former head of the Vatican bank, Angelo Caloia, was convicted of money laundering and qualified embezzlement. He is the highest Vatican official to be convicted of a financial crime. Your lawyer is appealing the sentence.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who says he takes no pleasure in contradicting former President Trump when discussing the coronavirus and seemed relieved by the recent change of the guard

A brave and somewhat frightening question. We must know. (Click here to view.)