INSIDER
Election Day quiz: Which U.S. President are you?
Read full article: Election Day quiz: Which U.S. President are you?With all the stress of this year’s election season, we wanted to make sure you take some time for a little fun on election day. Answer a few short questions and find out which U.S. President you have the most in common.
Path to the Polls: Young voters may hold the key to the Oval Office
Read full article: Path to the Polls: Young voters may hold the key to the Oval OfficeOn this week's episode of Path the Polls, News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton and political analyst Daniel Cronrath discuss the role young voters will play in Vote 2024.
Biden is 'deeply concerned' about the release of secret documents on Israel's possible attack plans
Read full article: Biden is 'deeply concerned' about the release of secret documents on Israel's possible attack plansWhite House national security spokesman John Kirby says President Joe Biden is “deeply concerned" about the unauthorized release of classified documents on Israel’s preparation for a potential retaliatory attack on Iran.
Israel assures US it won't strike Iranian nuclear or oil sites, US officials say
Read full article: Israel assures US it won't strike Iranian nuclear or oil sites, US officials sayU.S. officials say the Biden administration believes it has won assurances from Israel that it will not strike Iranian nuclear or oil sites as it looks to strike back following Iran’s missile barrage earlier this month.
Biden signs temporary funding bill that avoids a shutdown before the election
Read full article: Biden signs temporary funding bill that avoids a shutdown before the electionPresident Joe Biden has signed a temporary government spending bill that keeps agencies operating into December, after Congress punted key spending decisions until after the November election.
Tourists can finally visit the Oval Office. A replica is opening near the White House on Monday
Read full article: Tourists can finally visit the Oval Office. A replica is opening near the White House on MondayA new tourist stop in Washington is offering visitors the next best thing to being in the Oval Office.
Biden speaks with Netanyahu as US prods Israel and Hamas to come to agreement on cease-fire deal
Read full article: Biden speaks with Netanyahu as US prods Israel and Hamas to come to agreement on cease-fire dealPresident Joe Biden has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the United States presses Israel and Hamas to agree to a “bridging proposal” that could lead to a cease-fire in the war in Gaza.
Philippines to host a US visa processing center for up to 300 Afghans resettling in America
Read full article: Philippines to host a US visa processing center for up to 300 Afghans resettling in AmericaThe Philippines has agreed to temporarily host a U.S. immigrant visa processing center for a limited number of Afghan nationals aspiring to resettle in America.
Biden signs order to establish 1908 Springfield race riot monument as he looks to burnish legacy
Read full article: Biden signs order to establish 1908 Springfield race riot monument as he looks to burnish legacyPresident Joe Biden has signed a proclamation to establish a national monument to commemorate the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Ill.
Biden signs bill strengthening oversight of crisis-plagued US Bureau of Prisons after AP reporting
Read full article: Biden signs bill strengthening oversight of crisis-plagued US Bureau of Prisons after AP reportingPresident Joe Biden has signed into law a bill strengthening oversight of the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons after The Associated Press exposed systemic corruption and abuse in the prison system.
Biden's speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power handoff
Read full article: Biden's speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power handoffPresident Joe Biden delivered a solemn Oval Office address Wednesday that laid out in the clearest terms yet why he abandoned his reelection campaign.
Gov. DeSantis says Donald Trump can still vote in Florida, calls case ‘easy to qualify for restoration of rights’
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis says Donald Trump can still vote in Florida, calls case ‘easy to qualify for restoration of rights’Following former President Donald Trump’s felony conviction of falsifying business records, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he hasn’t lost his voting rights in the state.
Democratic senators request meeting with Chief Justice Roberts over flags flown at Alito's homes
Read full article: Democratic senators request meeting with Chief Justice Roberts over flags flown at Alito's homesTwo Democratic senators are requesting a meeting with Chief Justice John Roberts after reports that two separate flags carried by rioters at the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol had flown outside of houses owned by Justice Samuel Alito.
Iraq's prime minister heads to Michigan to meet Arab Americans at a tense time for the Middle East
Read full article: Iraq's prime minister heads to Michigan to meet Arab Americans at a tense time for the Middle EastIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has visited Michigan to meet with the state's large Iraqi community and update them on escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Biden's latest plan for student loan cancellation moves forward as a proposed regulation
Read full article: Biden's latest plan for student loan cancellation moves forward as a proposed regulationPresident Joe Biden’s latest plan for student loan cancellation is moving forward as a proposed regulation, offering him a fresh chance to deliver on a campaign promise and energize young voters ahead of the November election.
Biden administration announces new partnership with 50 countries to stifle future pandemics
Read full article: Biden administration announces new partnership with 50 countries to stifle future pandemicsPresident Joe Biden's administration is launching a program that will help 50 countries identify and respond to infectious diseases, with the goal of preventing pandemics like the COVID-19 outbreak.
Biden hosts Czech leader at White House to promote Ukraine aid amid holdup in Congress
Read full article: Biden hosts Czech leader at White House to promote Ukraine aid amid holdup in CongressPresident Joe Biden called on the House to immediately take up the Senate-passed supplemental legislation for Ukraine and Israel funding on Monday as he hosted Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in the Oval Office.
Biden acts to better protect Americans' personal data such as health records and finances
Read full article: Biden acts to better protect Americans' personal data such as health records and financesPresident Joe Biden is signing an executive order aiming to better protect Americans’ personal data on everything from biometrics and health records to finances and geolocation from foreign adversaries like China and Russia.
Biden's campaign joins TikTok, even as administration warns of national security concerns with app
Read full article: Biden's campaign joins TikTok, even as administration warns of national security concerns with appPresident Joe Biden’s 2024 campaign is now on TikTok, even though he has expressed national security concerns over the platform and banned it on federal devices.
Biden invites congressional leaders to White House during difficult talks on Ukraine aid
Read full article: Biden invites congressional leaders to White House during difficult talks on Ukraine aidPresident Joe Biden has invited the top four congressional leaders and other lawmakers to the White House on Wednesday as members have struggled to reach agreement on aid for the Ukraine war.
Pres. Biden remarks on administration efforts to tackle climate change
Read full article: Pres. Biden remarks on administration efforts to tackle climate changeA new international report says the world is off track in its efforts to curb global warming in 41 of 42 important measurements and is even heading in the wrong direction in six crucial ways.
Biden pledges at Americas summit an alternative to Chinese-led infrastructure and development loans
Read full article: Biden pledges at Americas summit an alternative to Chinese-led infrastructure and development loansPresident Joe Biden on Friday welcomed leaders from countries across the Americas to an economic summit by pledging to increase U.S. investment in the region in part to counter China’s influence.
Afghans who recently arrived in US get temporary legal status from Biden administration
Read full article: Afghans who recently arrived in US get temporary legal status from Biden administrationThe Biden administration is giving temporary legal status to Afghan migrants who have already been living in the country for a little over a year.
Trump refuses to say in a TV interview how he watched the Jan. 6 attack unfold at the US Capitol
Read full article: Trump refuses to say in a TV interview how he watched the Jan. 6 attack unfold at the US CapitolFormer President Donald Trump repeatedly declined in an interview aired Sunday to answer questions about whether he watched the Capitol riot unfold on television.
Biden administration to host state leaders Wednesday for summit on making child care more affordable
Read full article: Biden administration to host state leaders Wednesday for summit on making child care more affordablePresident Joe Biden’s administration is hosting state legislators from 41 states to the White House on Wednesday for discussions on how legislatures can make child care more affordable for families.
Israel's Herzog tells Biden its democracy remains sound amid US concerns over judicial overhaul
Read full article: Israel's Herzog tells Biden its democracy remains sound amid US concerns over judicial overhaulIsrael’s figurehead president Isaac Herzog sought to use an Oval Office meeting on Tuesday to assure President Joe Biden that Israel remains committed to democracy.
Biden is hosting Sweden's prime minister at the White House in a show of support for its NATO bid
Read full article: Biden is hosting Sweden's prime minister at the White House in a show of support for its NATO bidPresident Joe Biden has welcomed Sweden’s prime minister at the White House in a show of solidarity as the United States presses for the Nordic nation’s entry into NATO.
NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces
Read full article: NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forcesNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says Ukrainians are “making progress, making advances,” with their counteroffensive against Russian forces.
McConnell opposes Alabama Republican's blockade of military nominees over Pentagon abortion policy
Read full article: McConnell opposes Alabama Republican's blockade of military nominees over Pentagon abortion policySenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says he won’t support a fellow GOP senator’s blockade of military nominees, backing Democrats and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin who have said that the holdup is harming national security.
Fernández, Biden hold talks amid Argentina's economic strain
Read full article: Fernández, Biden hold talks amid Argentina's economic strainPresident Alberto Fernández of Argentina has used a White House meeting to spotlight the economic strain his country faces as he looks for President Joe Biden to back Argentina’s effort to renegotiate with the International Monetary Fund on terms of $44 billion debt.
Analysis: Biden, Zelenskyy try to keep Congress from balking
Read full article: Analysis: Biden, Zelenskyy try to keep Congress from balkingVolodymyr Zelenskyy’s dramatic visit to Washington is a moment for the White House to demonstrate to Russia’s Vladimir Putin that the United States will sustain its commitment to the war for “as long as it takes.”.
Italian leader urges Ukraine ceasefire in visit with Biden
Read full article: Italian leader urges Ukraine ceasefire in visit with BidenPresident Joe Biden has hosted Italian Premier Mario Draghi at the White House as the U.S. works to maintain trans-Atlantic unity over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
WH environmental justice advisors press for Justice40 action
Read full article: WH environmental justice advisors press for Justice40 actionKey members of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council say they plan to use $14 million from the Bezos Earth Fund to make sure the Biden administration follows through on its Justice40 initiative, a commitment that 40% of benefits from all climate and environment investment go to disadvantaged communities.
Biden raises concerns to Ethiopian PM about Tigray conflict
Read full article: Biden raises concerns to Ethiopian PM about Tigray conflictPresident Joe Biden expressed concerns on Monday to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed about detentions and civilian killings in the conflict in the country's Tigray region, while commending Abiy for the recent release of several political prisoners.
Biden to tour tornado damage in Kentucky on Wednesday
Read full article: Biden to tour tornado damage in Kentucky on WednesdayPresident Joe Biden said Monday that he will travel to Kentucky on Wednesday to view damage from last week’s devastating tornadoes that killed at least 64 people and displaced thousands more.
UK's Johnson concedes US trade deal not in the offing
Read full article: UK's Johnson concedes US trade deal not in the offingBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson has conceded that a post-Brexit trade deal with the U.S. is not imminent as he voiced confidence that the decades-long U.S. ban on the import of British lamb would be lifted.
Refugees arriving in US unlikely to exceed cap set by Trump
Read full article: Refugees arriving in US unlikely to exceed cap set by TrumpPresident Joe Biden faced fierce blowback from fellow Democrats and refugee advocates for considering keeping his predecessor’s record-low cap of 15,000 for admitting refugees this budget year.
Yellen: Biden's phased-in spending plan won't fuel inflation
Read full article: Yellen: Biden's phased-in spending plan won't fuel inflationTreasury Secretary Janet Yellen says President Joe Biden’s massive proposed spending on infrastructure, families and education won’t fuel inflation because the plans would be phased in gradually over 10 years.
Biden OKs more foreign seasonal workers as economy improves
Read full article: Biden OKs more foreign seasonal workers as economy improvesPresident Joe Biden’s administration announced an increase Tuesday in the number of temporary seasonal workers who will be allowed to work in the U.S. this year as the U.S. economy recovers from the pandemic.
Biden to America after Floyd verdict: 'We can't stop here'
Read full article: Biden to America after Floyd verdict: 'We can't stop here'President Joe Biden says the conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd “can be a giant step forward” for the nation in the fight against systemic racism.
Feds weighing how to respond after verdict in Chauvin trial
Read full article: Feds weighing how to respond after verdict in Chauvin trialThe Biden administration is privately weighing how to handle the upcoming verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, including considering whether President Joe Biden should address the nation.
US to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11
Read full article: US to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11U.S. officials say President Joe Biden will withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America that were coordinated from that country.
Biden announces huge infrastructure plan to 'win the future'
Read full article: Biden announces huge infrastructure plan to 'win the future'Biden hopes to pass an infrastructure plan by summer, which could mean relying solely on the slim Democratic majorities in the House and the Senate. “Ninety-one Fortune 500 Companies, including Amazon, pay not a single solitary penny in income tax,” Biden said. “Wall Street didn’t build this country," Biden said. The new construction could keep the economy running hot, coming on the heels of Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. But we have to get it done.”AdDemocratic leaders embraced Biden’s plan Wednesday.
Beyond bridges: Biden redefines infrastructure to add people
Read full article: Beyond bridges: Biden redefines infrastructure to add people(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – Beyond roads and bridges, President Joe Biden is trying to redefine infrastructure not just as an investment in America the place, but in its workers, families and people. “He’s talking about physical infrastructure and we’re talking about human infrastructure,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said in an interview Tuesday. The White House is taking a two-pronged approach to this next big package. Biden's approach is about “making an investment in America,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. AdAs the committees in Congress begin to tackle individual provisions — including those on transportation, China and others — the White House will encourage those efforts.
Biden to nominate 3 federal prosecutors for New York offices
Read full article: Biden to nominate 3 federal prosecutors for New York officesFILE - In this March 17, 2021 photo, President Joe Biden speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Biden intends to nominate three African American prosecutors to run the U.S. attorneys offices in New York, including the first Black man to run the Southern District of New York. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden is expected to nominate three prosecutors to run the U.S. attorney’s offices in New York state, including the first Black man to run the Southern District of New York in Manhattan and the first Black woman to head the Western District in Buffalo. Ross, a longtime federal prosecutor, is expected to run the office in the Buffalo-based Western District. Brooklyn federal prosecutors have been examining the state’s handling of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes in a probe that drew public attention after a top aide to New York Gov.
Pace of spending for pandemic aid? Try $43,000 every second
Read full article: Pace of spending for pandemic aid? Try $43,000 every second(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)BALTIMORE – To pay out his coronavirus relief package, President Joe Biden must spend an average of $3.7 billion every day for the rest of this year. Schools and state and local governments also might spread out spending to well after most of the country is vaccinated. “To do that, we’re going to need your input and advice.”The Biden package also introduces about $140 billion in temporary tax credits. First is the reduction in child poverty promoted by the Biden team through the tax credits and other aid. But the spending in the Biden package also reflects how much has changed after the nation went into lockdown a year ago.
The Latest: Biden urges Americans to 'stick with the rules'
Read full article: The Latest: Biden urges Americans to 'stick with the rules'President Joe Biden arrives to speak about the COVID-19 pandemic during a prime-time address from the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 11, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – The Latest on President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package (all times local):8:30 p.m.President Joe Biden is urging Americans to “stick with the rules" as he wraps up his address to the nation on the one-year anniversary of the beginning of coronavirus pandemic. __8:05 p.m.President Joe Biden is delivering a somber but optimistic message on the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic. Biden says, “We all lost something, a collective suffering, a collective sacrifice.”Ad__6:40 p.m.President Joe Biden is planning to announce during his prime-time address Thursday night that he’ll deploy 4,000 additional U.S. troops to support coronavirus vaccination efforts. The officials say the president will also say that there is a good chance Americans will be able to safely gather in small groups by July 4.
Pace of spending for pandemic aid? Try $43,000 every second
Read full article: Pace of spending for pandemic aid? Try $43,000 every second(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)BALTIMORE – To pay out his coronavirus relief package, President Joe Biden must spend an average of $3.7 billion every day for the rest of this year. Schools and state and local governments also might spread out spending to well after most of the country is vaccinated. “To do that, we’re going to need your input and advice.”The Biden package also introduces about $140 billion in temporary tax credits. First is the reduction in child poverty promoted by the Biden team through the tax credits and other aid. But the spending in the Biden package also reflects how much has changed after the nation went into lockdown a year ago.
$1,400 individual checks may start arriving this weekend, White House says
Read full article: $1,400 individual checks may start arriving this weekend, White House saysWASHINGTON – The White House said Thursday the $1,400 direct payments for most Americans funded by the American Rescue Plan will start showing up in bank accounts as early as this weekend. Press secretary Jen Psaki said the government will make the first direct deposits this weekend. President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan in the Oval Office on Thursday. Besides the $1,400 direct payments to individuals, the plan includes money to help distribute coronavirus vaccines, provide relief to homeowners and renters, help reopen schools, provide aid to state and local governments, and an expansion of the child tax credit, among other features. AdRELATED | Biden signs $1.9T relief bill before speech to nation
Biden joining summit with key Asia-Pacific 'Quad' leaders
Read full article: Biden joining summit with key Asia-Pacific 'Quad' leadersPresident Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Washington. Biden is returning to the White House after visiting W.S. Known as the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,” representatives for the four member nations have met periodically since its establishment in 2007. She added that the leaders are expected to discuss everything from the threat of COVID-19 to economic cooperation between the nations and climate policy. Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will all participate in the summit.
US shifts state grant focus to extremism, cyberthreats
Read full article: US shifts state grant focus to extremism, cyberthreatsAbout half of the money covered comes from two widely used grants: the State Homeland Security Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative. AdThat translates into at least $77 million to address domestic extremism, funds that Mayorkas said can be used to improve intelligence sharing across state lines, training and public awareness. AdConcerns about domestic extremism have been mounting in recent years. DHS listed domestic violent extremism, particularly by white supremacists, as among the top threats facing the nation late last year, and in January for the first time used a national terrorist advisory to warn about domestic extremism. In the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection, Republicans and Democrats in Congress have called for increased focus on domestic extremism.
Biden orders a review of US supply chains for vital goods
Read full article: Biden orders a review of US supply chains for vital goods(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday intended to boost manufacturing jobs by strengthening U.S. supply chains for advanced batteries, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and semiconductors. There are 12.2 million manufacturing jobs in the United States, down from 17 million in 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. AdBiden's team declined to say how many manufacturing jobs could be created, only that the benefits would extend past factory work. AdThe chip shortage has cost the global auto industry the production of about 1 million vehicles, according to IHS Markit. Moody's predicts that the chip shortage will cost Ford and General Motors about one-third of their pretax earnings this year.
Biden defends progress on COVID as weather delays 6M shots
Read full article: Biden defends progress on COVID as weather delays 6M shotsHe went on to say that by the end of July his administration can deliver 600 million doses for Americans. But “it's one thing to have a vaccine available, the problem was how to get to people's arms.”The Pfizer plant Biden toured, near Kalamazoo, produces one of the two federally approved COVID-19 shots. "I would’ve gotten there some way.”AdWhite House adviser Slavitt said the 6 million doses delayed won’t spoil and the vaccine is “safe and sound” under refrigeration. Slavitt said about 1.4 million doses were being shipped Friday as the work of clearing the backlog begins. The Virginia Department of Health reported that it was expecting delays on about 90% of its expected 120,000 doses this week and warned that delays could cascade into next week.
US reverts to targeted immigration enforcement under Biden
Read full article: US reverts to targeted immigration enforcement under BidenPresident Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with labor leaders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – Immigration enforcement in the U.S. would be more targeted under President Joe Biden than under his predecessor, with authorities directed to focus on people in the country illegally who pose a threat, according to guidelines released Thursday. The guidelines set a new course for U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement, which drew fierce criticism under President Donald Trump for arresting and removing anyone in the country illegally regardless of criminal history or community ties. Under Biden, ICE would primarily apprehend and remove people who pose a threat to national security, committed crimes designated as “aggravated” felonies or recently crossed the border. AdTrump, whose administration took hundreds of measures to restrict both legal and illegal immigration, early on directed ICE to apprehend anyone who was in the country illegally.
Biden's Medicare pick would be 1st Black woman to hold post
Read full article: Biden's Medicare pick would be 1st Black woman to hold postThe agency oversees government health insurance programs covering more than 1 out of 3 Americans and is a linchpin of the health care system. CMS also plays a central role in the nation’s $4 trillion health care economy, setting Medicare payment rates for hospitals, doctors, labs and other service providers. The agency also sets standards that govern how health care providers operate. “She is well-respected and liked by the department veterans who have worked with her in the past.”Years ago, Brooks-LaSure worked with Biden's nominee to run HHS, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. AdUnder Biden, Brooks-LaSure will be expected to grow Obamacare enrollment by promoting HealthCare.gov and trying to persuade holdout states to adopt Medicaid expansion.
Biden extends pandemic help for homeowners, renters wait
Read full article: Biden extends pandemic help for homeowners, renters waitFILE - In this Jan. 28, 2021 file photo, President Joe Biden signs a series of executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Biden campaigned on raising the national minimum wage to $15 per hour and attached a proposal doing just that to the $1.9 trillion coronavirus pandemic relief bill. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden is extending a ban on housing foreclosures to June 30 to help homeowners struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. The White House says more than 10 million homeowners are behind on mortgage payments and Biden's actions are to help keep people in their homes amid “a housing affordability crisis” triggered by the pandemic. The actions announced Tuesday don’t address a federal moratorium through March 31 on evictions of tenants who’ve fallen behind on rent.
Biden administration to undo Medicaid work requirements
Read full article: Biden administration to undo Medicaid work requirements(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – The Biden administration is moving to roll back Medicaid work requirements in its latest effort to undo a controversial Trump-era policy. Federal health officials planned Friday to inform 10 states that they would revoke permissions granted by the Trump administration to impose such requirements, according to a Biden official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal plans. Officials were also set to withdraw the past administration’s invitation for states to apply for approval for work requirements. AdThe Trump administration allowed states to require “able-bodied” adults drawing Medicaid benefits to work, volunteer or study. Before the pandemic, nearly 20 states had tried to implement requirements after the administration invited them in 2018 to submit such proposals.
Biden: Governors, mayors need $350 billion to fight COVID-19
Read full article: Biden: Governors, mayors need $350 billion to fight COVID-19As part of a $1.9 trillion coronavirus package, Biden wants to send $350 billion to state and local governments and tribal governments. But state governments have shed 332,000 jobs since the outbreak began to spread last February, and local governments have cut nearly 1 million jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Congress provided $150 billion in direct assistance to state and local governments in an earlier relief package signed into law last March. Rep. James Comer, the ranking Republican, said states still have money to spend from the relief package Congress passed last March. Ad“Despite this surplus, California is still receiving an additional $41.2 billion in taxpayer dollars from this $350 billion slush fund,” Comer said.
The Latest: Dems end opening arguments in Trump trial
Read full article: The Latest: Dems end opening arguments in Trump trialFrom left, David Schoen, Bruce Castor and Michael van der Veen, lawyers for former President Donald Trump, arrive at the Capitol on the third day of the second impeachment trial of Trump in the Senate, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)WASHINGTON – The Latest on former President Donald Trump's second Senate impeachment trial (all times local):4:30 p.m.House Democrats prosecuting President Donald Trump’s impeachment have wrapped up their opening arguments. Read more:— Trial highlights: Harrowing footage, focus on Trump’s words— ‘Distressing and emotional’: Senators relive horror of riotAd— Did someone say impeachment? ___2 p.m.Lawyers for former president Donald Trump are planning to begin and wrap up their defense in his impeachment trial in less than a day, using far fewer than their allotted argument hours. The rules for the trial gave both sides two days for arguments, lasting up to eight hours each day.
Biden thinks impeachment video may have swayed `some minds'
Read full article: Biden thinks impeachment video may have swayed `some minds'President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with lawmakers on investments in infrastructure, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, in Washington. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said later that “the footage was just a reminder of how shocked and saddened” Biden was on the day rioters stormed the Capitol. It also reflects a belief among White House aides that the chattering classes in Washington and on Twitter are often far removed from the realities of everyday Americans. With the Senate occupied by impeachment, White House legislative affairs staffers were working with House committee members on the COVID-19 legislation. Engel suggested that Biden continue to focus his message on Americans, rather than wade into fights on Capitol Hill.
President Biden signs executive order to expand refugee program
Read full article: President Biden signs executive order to expand refugee program“They hear the story from us, not others tell the stories of us, and make that connection to build a safer and more welcoming community in Jacksonville,” Alawee said. Their lives are on display days after President Joe Biden signed an executive order that aims to expand refugee resettlement and improve elements of the program. “I am an immigrant and I do think immigrants, when they come to The United States, they see a raw and fresh start. Therefore, they work hard, they contribute, contribute to this country.”State Department data shows the United States admitted 1,500 refugees in the current fiscal year. Jacksonville residents are invited to reconnect and learn about their refugee and immigrant neighbors through the Journey to Jacksonville exhibit.
Pentagon deploys troops to fuel COVID-19 vaccine drive
Read full article: Pentagon deploys troops to fuel COVID-19 vaccine drivePresident Joe Biden has called for setting up 100 mass vaccination centers around the country within a month. AdMilitary troops will staff one of the two California centers, FEMA and Pentagon officials said. Each of the Pentagon's five military teams includes 222 personnel, including 80 who will give the vaccines, as well as nurses and other support staff. AdGen. Dan Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said the Guard has the ability to field about 200 additional teams. Training other medical personnel to give the vaccination shots, he said, would potentially provide more.
Biden ending US support for Saudi-led offensive in Yemen
Read full article: Biden ending US support for Saudi-led offensive in YemenThe reversal of policy also comes as a rebuke to Saudi Arabia. Saudi state media focused on that part of Biden's announcements Thursday. The Houthis have launched multiple drone and missile strikes deep into Saudi Arabia. The weeks-old Biden administration has made clear that shifting its stance toward the Yemen war, and toward Saudi Arabia over the Yemen offensive and other rights abuses, was a priority. A career foreign service member, he has served in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other countries in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Yellen warns of 'tough months' ahead, urges congress to act
Read full article: Yellen warns of 'tough months' ahead, urges congress to actTreasury Secretary Janet Yellen listens during a meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned of “tough months ahead” with COVID-19 continuing to flare, making it critical that Congress pass President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion relief package. In her first public interview since becoming Treasury secretary last week, Yellen said that Biden is willing to cooperate with Republicans to pass the measure on a bipartisan basis. “This is really an urgent need and we need to act big,” Yellen said Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America. “We've got some tough months ahead” until we get control of the pandemic.
US ends deal with Arizona restricting Biden on immigration
Read full article: US ends deal with Arizona restricting Biden on immigrationSecretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas looks on as President Joe Biden signs an executive order on immigration, in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, in Washington. The agency's action was revealed Wednesday as Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, sued to stop newly confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas from carrying out Biden's 100-day moratorium on deportations. It's not clear what has happened with the agreements signed elsewhere. The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. The agreements would remain in place for eight years unless Homeland Security moves to challenge them by Feb. 17, which is 30 days after Cuccinelli signed them.
Biden set to boost US refugee admissions after Trump cut
Read full article: Biden set to boost US refugee admissions after Trump cut(AP Photo/Omar Akour)WASHINGTON – The Biden administration is preparing to notify Congress and others that it will dramatically increase U.S. admissions of refugees. Former President Donald Trump had drastically reduced the refugee admissions cap to only 15,000 before he left office. AdThe sources said Biden would not necessarily override the record low cap of 15,000 that Trump set for the current budget year. “We hope that President Biden will substantially raise the refugee admissions goal immediately, as he consistently committed to on the campaign trail," said Sunil Varghese of the New York-based International Refugee Assistance Project. The Trump administration had put in place extreme background checks that had brought the program to a standstill, advocates say.
Biden threatens sanctions on Myanmar after military coup
Read full article: Biden threatens sanctions on Myanmar after military coupPresident Joe Biden delivers remarks on health care, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Monday threatened new sanctions on Myanmar after its military staged a coup and arrested the civilian leaders of its government, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Biden assailed the country's army for the coup, calling it a “direct assault on the country’s transition to democracy and rule of law.” The coup in Myanmar, also known as Burma, has also been roundly condemned internationally. “The United States removed sanctions on Burma over the past decade based on progress toward democracy,” Biden said in a statement. She had lived under house arrest for years as she tried to push her country toward democracy and then became its de facto leader after her National League for Democracy won elections in 2015.
Biden faces scrutiny over reliance on executive orders
Read full article: Biden faces scrutiny over reliance on executive ordersPresident Joe Biden signs a series of executive orders on health care, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)President Joe Biden and aides showed touches of prickliness Thursday over growing scrutiny of the new president’s heavy reliance on executive orders in his first days in office. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday that Biden’s early reliance on executive action is at odds with the Democrat’s pledge as a candidate to be a consensus builder. Biden and aides, including top White House economists, have said that they believe executive action is a pale substitute for legislative action. But McConnell was far more understanding of Trump’s decision to use executive orders to get around Congress at various points in the Republican’s presidency.
Biden rescinds abortion restrictions on US foreign aid
Read full article: Biden rescinds abortion restrictions on US foreign aidPresident Joe Biden delivers remarks on health care, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Thursday rescinded a regulation that barred U.S. foreign aid from being used to perform or promote abortions. His decision, while expected, was cheered by abortion-choice advocates and some humanitarian groups and denounced by anti-abortion groups. Critics of Trump's policies say they had hurt women’s reproductive health care and contributed to poverty worldwide. Abortion-rights groups and Democratic lawmakers hailed it as key to improving women's lives, while anti-abortion groups denounced it as immoral and unnecessary.
Biden opens 'Obamacare' window for uninsured as COVID rages
Read full article: Biden opens 'Obamacare' window for uninsured as COVID ragesAdThe Biden administration has ample resources for marketing, said Karen Pollitz, a health insurance expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. “The reason it wasn’t spent is the Trump administration spent its time in office cutting services that support consumer enrollment,” Pollitz said. He cited a Trump policy that allows employers to provide tax-free money for workers to buy individual plans. AdThe idea of reopening Obamacare's health insurance markets in the pandemic has had broad support from consumer, medical, and business organizations. As the number of uninsured Americans grew because of job losses in the pandemic, the Trump administration resisted calls to reopen HealthCare.gov.
On Day One, Biden targets Trump policies on climate, virus
Read full article: On Day One, Biden targets Trump policies on climate, virusThe 15 executive actions, and two directives, amount to an attempt to rewind the last four years of federal policies with striking speed. Only two recent presidents signed executive actions on their first day in office — and each signed just one. Among the executive actions signed Wednesday was one requiring masks and physical distancing on federal property and by federal employees. But Biden's blitz of executive actions went beyond the pandemic. His press secretary, Jen Psaki, held a briefing for reporters, a practice the Trump White House had all but abandoned in the final two months of the presidency.
Top military leaders remind troops of limits of free speech
Read full article: Top military leaders remind troops of limits of free speechA memo signed by all members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also reminded military members that Joe Biden was duly elected as the next president and will be sworn in to office on Jan. 20. The memo was unusual in that the military leadership, including Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, felt compelled to remind service members that it is wrong to disrupt the constitutional process. The Joint Chiefs memo did not allude directly to the question of military involvement. "The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection. “As service members, we must embody the values and ideals of the nation.
Pelosi's talk of limits on Trump nuke power raises old worry
Read full article: Pelosi's talk of limits on Trump nuke power raises old worryIt also resurfaces a question with no certain answer: What would happen if a military commander determined, based on legal judgment, that a president's nuclear launch order was illegal? Trump has given no indication he is considering using nuclear weapons, but Pelosi expressed worry that an “unhinged” president might start a war. “He answered her questions regarding the process of nuclear command authority,” Butler said, declining to reveal details. The current arrangement in which sole authority to order a nuclear launch rests with the president is not written in law. Also in November 2017, the Air Force general who was commanding Strategic Command at the time raised the possibility of having to refuse an illegal launch order.
Pelosi's talk of limits on Trump nuke power raises old worry
Read full article: Pelosi's talk of limits on Trump nuke power raises old worryIt also resurfaces a question with no certain answer: What would happen if a military commander determined, based on legal judgment, that a president's nuclear launch order was illegal? Trump has given no indication he is considering using nuclear weapons, but Pelosi expressed worry that an “unhinged” president might start a war. “He answered her questions regarding the process of nuclear command authority,” Butler said, declining to reveal details. The current arrangement in which sole authority to order a nuclear launch rests with the president is not written in law. Also in November 2017, the Air Force general who was commanding Strategic Command at the time raised the possibility of having to refuse an illegal launch order.
Trump threatens to torpedo COVID relief with new demands
Read full article: Trump threatens to torpedo COVID relief with new demandsIn addition, because lawmakers linked the pandemic relief bill to an overarching funding measure, the government would shut down on Dec. 29. Lawmakers spent months in a stalemate over pandemic relief funds, even as COVID-19 cases soared across the country. Republicans have been reluctant to spend more on pandemic relief and only agreed to the big year-end package as time dwindled for a final deal. Several Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have begun to gingerly break with Trump and acknowledge his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, a step Trump has refused to take. Shortly after castigating the relief bill, Trump challenged McConnell and Sen. John Thune, the No.
Trump pardons 15, commutes 5 sentences, including GOP allies
Read full article: Trump pardons 15, commutes 5 sentences, including GOP alliesHe and his allies have discussed a range of other possibilities, including members of Trump's family and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani. Trump also commuted the sentences of five other people, including former Rep. Steve Stockman of Texas. Trump also announced pardons for two people entangled in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Trump has granted about 2% of requested pardons in his single term in office — just 27 before Tuesday's announcement. Bush, another one-term president, granted 10% of requests.