The top news stories of the week:

Trump’s impeachment 

A week after a mob breached the Capitol, and with just a week left in his term, Trump has become the first president to ever be impeached twice. He has been charged with “incitement of insurrection” in his effort to overturn election results. More members of the Republican Party voted to charge Trump than in any other impeachment, with 10 of them joining 222 Democrats in supporting a single article of impeachment. Once the article heads to the Senate, lawmakers will decide whether or not to convict Trump and remove him from office. 

Biden’s Covid-19 relief plan 

President-elect Biden has revealed details of a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, labeled the “American Rescue Plan,” in efforts to support businesses and households during the pandemic and to help the country recover from the economic devastation brought along with it. The plan includes an increase in weekly unemployment benefits, an increase in minimum wage to $15 per hour, $50 billion towards Covid-19 testing, $170 billion for both K-12 schools and institutions of higher education, and more. Biden claims that boosting the economy is one of his top priorities once he takes office next week on January 20. 

2020 tied for the hottest year on record 

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2020 has tied with 2016 as the warmest year on record, based off of earth’s global average temperature. Along with many other unfortunate circumstances, 2020 also saw historic, intense wildfires which scientists say is a result of the warming climate. Since 2014, the world’s seven hottest years have taken place consecutively. Also, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), oceans were also exceptionally warm in 2020, reaching record-high surface temperatures. 

Over 100 arrested from Capitol riot 

Since the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, the FBI has identified over 200 suspects and over 100 have been arrested, many of which have been charged with misdemeanors and felonies; the FBI suggests that more will follow. Many states are enhancing security measures in an effort to prevent possible violence and protests amidst inaugural ceremonies. Early this week, the FBI warned of potential protests nationwide. During the inauguration, the FBI will operate a round-the-clock command post at headquarters to monitor threats. 

U.S. unemployment claims rise 

This past week U.S. unemployment has seen a spike; the amount of people seeking aid rose to 965,000: the highest level of unemployment claims since late August. As the pandemic continues to weigh on the American economy, many continue to struggle to find work. President-elect Biden plans on pushing for a new stimulus package which will help workers and employers, and provide aid to small businesses as well as local and state governments.