New caucus in Congress condemns poisoning of Iranian girls
A new bipartisan caucus in Congress is condemning the Iranian government over the recent poisoning of school girls in the country, amplifying the growing criticism in Washington against the Islamic Republic and its disregard for human rights.
White House to host July 4 โindependence from virusโ bash
President Joe Biden wants to imbue Independence Day with new meaning this year by encouraging nationwide celebrations to mark the countryโs effective return to normalcy after 16 months of coronavirus pandemic disruption and more than 600,000 lives lost.
Major snowstorm heads to Northeast after blanketing Midwest
It was already impacting coronavirus vaccinations in New York and New Jersey, with appointments for Monday needing to be canceled and rescheduled. The storm system blanketed parts of the Midwest in the most snow some places had seen in several years. In Wisconsin, snow depths in some counties near Lake Michigan had reached more than 15 inches (38 centimeters), and the snow was still falling. AdThree to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters) of snow arrived in central Ohio by early Sunday, making for some slippery roads. Much of the region could see blizzard-like conditions, with a foot to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) of snow.
White House begins talks with lawmakers on COVID-19 relief
At least a dozen senators met for an hour and 15 minutes in a virtual call with White House National Economic Council director Brian Deese and other senior White House officials. Many hope to approve a relief package before former President Donald Trump's trial, which is set to begin in two weeks, overtakes Washingtonโs attention. Senators also wanted more data on how the White House reached the $1.9 trillion figure. โIt was about how can we work together to help the people of this country.โWhite House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients and White House legislative affairs director Louisa Terrell also joined the call. โWeโre going to continue to push because we canโt wait,โ said White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Inauguration recap: Joe Biden sworn in as 46th U.S. president
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON โ The Latest on Joe Biden's presidential inauguration (all times local):10:15 p.m.Fireworks lit up the sky behind the Washington Monument to mark the end of Inauguration Day for President Joe Biden. The Senate has voted to confirm Avril Haines as the new director of national intelligence, giving President Joe Biden the first member of his Cabinet. Workers removed the giant sign from the departmentโs C Street lobby on Wednesday shortly after President Joe Biden was inaugurated. ___5:20 p.m.President Joe Biden has signed a series of executive orders from the Oval Office hours after his inauguration. The highest-ranking Black member of Congress says former President George W. Bush lauded his role as a โsaviorโ in helping get President Joe Biden elected to the White House.
Hollywood on the Potomac: A-list turns out for Biden-Harris
A full-throated, supremely confident Lady Gaga belted out the national anthem at President Joe Biden's inauguration in a very Gaga way โ with flamboyance, fashion and passion. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. He had performed during the inaugural celebration for Obama in 2009, but turned down a chance to perform for Trump in 2017, citing a scheduling conflict. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his โLand of Hope and Dreamsโ in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Thousands march in Washington to pray and show Trump support
Followers of Franklin Graham march from the Lincoln Memorial to Capitol Hill, during the Prayer March at the National Mall, in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)WASHINGTON โ Thousands of people packed the National Mall in downtown Washington on Saturday to pray and show their support for President Donald Trump. The march, which stretched from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol, was held just hours before Trump was set to announce he was nominating a conservative judge for the Supreme Court. Some sported red caps with the words โLetโs Make America Godly Again,โ a play on Trumpโs signature MAGA caps. Vice President Mike Pence, speaking from the steps of the memorial, said he came to extend Trumpโs โgreetings and gratitudeโ and asked them to pray for the new Supreme Court nominee.
From big cities to backyards, July 4 not usual blowout bash
The fireworks were not announced until an hour or so before to avoid attracting large crowds during the coronavirus pandemic. This is traditionally a weekend for gathering in large groups for historic ceremonies and social events, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said. The Fourth of July remains a party, though Americas 244th birthday wont be the usual blowout bash. Fireworks will still crackle over the National Mall in Washington and other places, though with fewer people packed together watching them. But whether its big cities or small towns bursting with pride, theres a desire to make sure some show goes on, no matter what it looks like.
Trump's DC July 4th: fireworks and face masks
A mile-long firing of 10,000 fireworks would be the largest in recent memory, Bernhardt said. The Trump administrations Salute to America comes as Americans are dealing with surging cases of COVID-19 and a resulting recession and wave of unemployment. Bernhardt said authorities planned to have 300,000 face coverings on hand to give away at the National Mall. The Interior Department said visitors would be encouraged to wear masks and keep a six-foot distance from one another. Like last year, donations are helping support part of the cost of the July 4th events, Bernhardt said.
Watchdogs: Trump's Independence Day gala in 2019 cost $13M
All rights reserved)Government watchdogs say President Trumps Fourth of July gala in the nations capital last year cost taxpayers more than $13 million, twice as much as previous celebrations. Trumps desire to have Department of Defense military vehicles participate helped drive up the cost, according to the Government Accountability Office. Some other costs, such as for military flyovers of the National Mall, were not included in the estimate, the report said. Trumps military-focused Independence Day event went beyond the traditional concert and fireworks of years past. The GAO estimated that holiday celebrations from 2016 to 2018 cost from $6 million to $7 million annually.