Three things for November 22
1. Kyle Rittenhouse cleared of all charges
On Friday, Nov. 19, Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of all seven charges against him, including two homicide charges. Rittenhouse’s trial began in the summer of 2020 during the racial injustice protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Rittenhouse’s charges consisted of two counts of first-degree homicide, one count of first-degree attempted homicide, two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, one count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18 and one count of failure to comply with an emergency order from state or local government. Rittenhouse was charged with five felonies and found not guilty on all counts.
Additionally, Rittenhouse’s possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor charge was dismissed along with his failure to comply with a city-wide curfew.
Rittenhouse would have served a 65-year prison sentence if he had been found guilty of even one count of first-degree intentional homicide and use of a dangerous weapon.
Following the verdict on Friday, hundreds of people took to the streets to protest in various cities. Law enforcement in Portland declared a riot Friday night as about 200 demonstrators protested Rittenhouse’s acquittal. About 1,000 people marched through downtown Chicago on Saturday afternoon, organized by Black Lives Matter Chicago and other local activist groups, reports AP News.
For full coverage of the Rittenhouse trial and reactions, view the AP News website.
2. El Salvador to build cryptocurrency-fueled city
On Saturday, Nov. 20, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced his government will build an oceanside “Bitcoin City” at the base of a volcano.
The city will be built near the Conchagua volcano to take advantage of geothermal energy to power both the city and Bitcoin mining — the energy-intensive solving of complex mathematical calculations day and night to verify currency transactions, reports AP News.
The government is backing Bitcoin with a $150 million fund. To incentivize Salvadorans to use it, the government offered $30 worth of credit to those using its digital wallet.
Critics have warned the currency’s lack of transparency could attract increased criminal activity to the country.
To read more, view the full AP News article.
3. Cardi B hosts the 2021 American Music Awards
Cardi B, a five-time AMA winner herself, hosted the American Music Awards show on Sunday night.
“When I received the invite to host the AMAs, I was so excited,“ Cardi B said. “I’m ready to bring my personality to the AMAs stage!”
This is not Cardi B’s first time on the AMAs stage, however. In 2018, Cardi B performed her Grammy-nominated song “I Like It” with J Balvin and Bad Bunny. Cardi B is also the first female rapper to win the AMA for favorite hip-hop song twice.
“We are immensely excited to have the dynamic Cardi B bring her infectious energy to the American Music Awards as a first-time host,” said AMAs Executive Producer Jesse Collins. “She will excite the viewers, push the limits and deliver a show that will be remembered forever!”
BTS took home the prestigious artist of the year award, as well as favorite pop duo or group and favorite pop song for “Butter.”
Megan Thee Stallion also received three wins for favorite trending song for “Body,” female hip-hop artist and hip-hop album for “Good News.” Doja Cat had the same amount of honors, winning collaboration of the year for “Kiss Me More” with SZA, as well as favorite female R&B artist and R&B album for “Planet Her.” Olivia Rodrigo, meanwhile, won new artist of the year, reports Variety.
The show aired live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. and is now available for streaming on Hulu.
For a full list of winners, click here.
