Trump Acquitted

The Senate voted 52-48 and 53-47 to acquit President Trump on the two articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Mitt Romney (R-UT) was the only senator to go against party lines with his ‘Yes’ vote on the abuse of power charge.

Coronavirus Update

Wisconsin health officials confirmed the 12th case of the coronavirus in the U.S. on Wednesday. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledged $100 million towards the fight against the coronavirus as the WHO asked the global community for $675 million in aid.

China & U.S. Tariffs

On Thursday, China announced it will cut tariffs on $75 billion of U.S. goods in half, effective Feb. 14. The move is timed in conjunction with the U.S.’ decision in January to halve tariffs on $120 billion of Chinese goods also effective Feb. 14.

Money Talks

In its earnings call on Wednesday, Spotify disclosed plans to purchase The Ringer, a sports and entertainment media company best known for its 30-odd podcast titles (terms were not disclosed). Spotify also reported the amount of paying premium users increased to 124 million - the company hopes to end 2020 around 150 million.

LinkedOut

LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner announced his intentions to step down effective June 1 and become executive chairman. Weiner will be succeeded by Ryan Rolansky, the Microsoft-owned company’s senior vice president of product.

Just Do It

Nike announced that versions of its latest high-tech Alphafly sneakers will comply with new design restrictions introduced by the International Association of Athletics Federations last week. This means Nike’s new generation of long-distance running shoes (the Alphafly and the Vaporfly) will be allowed in the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Curious about the tech involved in Nike’s latest shoes? Check out an overview of the data behind the design.

Stand and Deliver

Chance Veazey was just starting college when a car accident completely altered his life. Chance had just been named a starter for the University of Georgia’s baseball team two days prior, but the accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Facing a long recovery ahead of him, Chance relied heavily on the support system of his best friends, family, and college sweetheart-turned-fiancé, Molly.

As they planned their big day, Chance was inspired by a video of another man in a wheelchair who was able to partake in a special wedding tradition with a little assistance. Chance had his two best friends hold him upright while he shared the first dance with Molly. As his new bride rested her head on Chance’s chest, his supporting groomsmen stood alongside him. More than a few tears were shed at the incredible display that showcased the true meaning of love and friendship.

Look for the Helpers

It’s hard enough when a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, but for one Florida family, things got even worse before they got better - the family-of-four’s minivan ran out of gas while they were en-route to the hospital. Thanks to the speed and skills of first-responders, the ailing family member was transported to the local hospital via ambulance - however, three remaining family members were left without transportation by the side of the road.

But the firefighters of Hernando County once again rose up to meet the challenge. They pushed the family’s minivan to a gas station, paid for the fuel, and even fixed a leaky tire. Thanks to Captain Dennis Noble and firefighters Joe Clark and Duane Norman, the family was grateful to be put back on the road again, finding some comfort in the help of strangers on a truly stressful day.