More money, more problems. Editor’s Warning: Mentions of death and violence.
Happening in the World: In Canada, many areas are experiencing overwintering fires also known as Zombie Fires. These are flameless smolders that burn below the surface of the ground. The thick snow in Canada and peat moss soil that is common in the forests allow the fires to continue to burn by insulating the fire. In British Columbia, there are a record 106 fires burning in the region. (BBC)
Happening in the US: On Friday, a judge declared the trial of Jason Meade, a former Ohio sheriff’s deputy, a mistrial due to the jury failing to reach a verdict. Meade was charged with murder and reckless homicide after killing Casey Goodson Jr., in Columbus Ohio. Goodson Jr., was a 23 year old Black man that was trying to enter his grandmother’s house when the former deputy, who is White, shot Goodson Jr. six times. (NBC)
Happening in NYC: In a civil business fraud trial, Judge Arthur Engoron ordered former President Donald Trump and The Trump Organization to pay over $450 million in damages for conspiring to manipulate his net worth. Trump and his company are also banned from applying for any bank loans for three years and he will not be allowed to do business in the state of New York for that time. Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr. were also ordered to pay $4 million each. (NYT)
Happening in Our Community: On Monday, February 19th, Columbia University will host a “Music Monday” concert at The Forum. The concert is free and open to the public as it takes place monthly on the ground floor Atrium on Monday evenings. This month, the concert will feature Elissa Carmona and Morrisania Band Project. (Columbia University Events)
Header image via Bwarchives