Italy but make it a Super Mario Bros. version.

Editor’s Warning: mentions of violence

Happening in the World: Mario Draghi was sworn in as Prime Minister of Italy on Saturday inspiring hope within the nation that their financial qualms will soon be solved. Mr. Draghi (affectionately nicknamed “Super Mario”) formed a more united administration and has backing across various political parties. Mr. Draghi was credited with saving the euro when he was president of the European Central Bank and Italians are now hoping he still possesses the same economical prowess to help Italy out of its financial crisis. (BBC)

Happening in the US: On Saturday, the Senate voted to acquit former President Donald Trump. In his second impeachment trial, President Trump was found not guilty of inciting the riots on the US capitol. The final vote was 57 guilty to 43 not guilty, with seven Republicans crossing lines, voting to convict. This number is vastly bigger than the Republican guilty vote in Trump’s last impeachment trial where only one Republican (Senator Mitt Romney of Utah) voted to convict. (CNN)

Happening in NYC: Given the recent string of stabbings on the A line, the NYPD has decided to increase its presence along subway lines. 500 police officers will be placed along all 472 subway lines (including the A line) to help combat this uptick in violence. (Gothamist)

Happening in our community: Although there is not a lot going on today, tomorrow the Earth Institute will present “Difficult Conversations: Going the Distance with Climate Disbelief” featuring reporter David Schechter. Schechter, a prize-winning journalist, will discuss the connections between complexity and consequence and is sure to share lots of valuable insight. The event is Monday, February 15th, from 1 pm to 2 pm. Learn more here.

Opening line of the week: “In a castle of Westphalia, belonging to the Baron of Thunder-ten-Tronckh, lived a youth, whom nature had endowed with the most gentle manners.” – Voltaire, Candide.

the squad via pixabay