US News Roundup: Aid to Ukraine, Biden's Memory, Trump's Eligibility, and Super Bowl
The fate of $60 billion in US aid to Ukraine remains uncertain until next week when Congress reconvenes.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden erupted after a prosecutor's report suggested he may have memory issues due to his age.
Ukraine Aid Stalled:
Despite bipartisan support for aiding Ukraine in its war against Russia, the $60 billion package has not been approved. The sticking point is border security provisions included in the bill. Republicans attempted to vote on the aid separately, but Democrats opposed the move. Biden has said the Ukraine and Israel aid will remain linked to border security measures, which Republicans criticise. Discussions will continue next week. The US is facing an unprecedented migrant crisis. Last year, about 2.5 million people crossed the southwest border illegally.
Biden Rejects Memory Concerns:
"I know what the hell I am doing," Biden responded at a press conference. A prosecutor investigating Biden's handling of classified documents wrote in a report that he did not recommend pursuing charges because Biden may have memory issues due to his age. The report cited a five-hour interview in which the prosecutor observed Biden's memory had declined.
Trump's Eligibility at Stake:
While Biden avoids prosecution, his 2020 presidential rival, Donald Trump, faces potential disqualification from future elections. After losing presidential immunity, Trump is facing criminal charges for conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. He now awaits a Supreme Court decision on his eligibility to run for office again. The justices hear arguments on whether Article 3 of the 14th Amendment bars Trump from holding office because of his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. If the nine justices allow the article to be applied, Trump will be removed from ballots in Colorado, and other states could follow, effectively ending his campaign.
Mother Convicted in School Shooting:
In a first for the US justice system, a mother whose son fatally shot four classmates was found guilty of manslaughter by recklessness. She faces up to 15 years in prison. Her husband, the boy's father, will be arraigned next week and faces the same sentence. The parents are accused of buying their son a gun despite knowing he had behavioural problems. In November 2021, the 15-year-old boy brought the gun to school and killed four students. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Super Bowl LVII: Chiefs vs. 49ers:
Football fans worldwide are glued to their screens for Super Bowl LVII, the most anticipated event in American football. The National Football League championship game takes place in Las Vegas, with the Kansas City Chiefs facing the San Francisco 49ers. Besides the game, the halftime show is a major attraction, featuring renowned artists for a 30-minute performance. This year, Usher and Post Malone are the special guests.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
