President Joe Biden told congressional Democrats on Wednesday he would not back down on including $1,400 checks for struggling Americans in his COVID-19 relief plan but would consider tighter limits on who gets them.
You'd get Republican support?" BIDEN: “I think we'll get some Republicans.” U.S. President Joe Biden during a meeting with congressional Democrats on Wednesday promised he would not back down on including $1,400 checks for struggling Americans in his COVID-19 relief plan but would consider tighter limits on who gets them.
White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki emphasized that point at Wednesday’s briefing: “So further targeting means not the size of the check, it means the income level of people who receive the check.
And that's something that has been under discussion, has been a conclusion, but certainly is open to having that discussion.” Biden's proposal mirrors income requirements in previous COVID-19 bills that would provide payments to individuals making up to $75,000, and couples $150,000, a year.
Biden held a conference call with House Democrats and talked with Democratic senators at the White House as the party prepared to use a procedural maneuver to push his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package through without Republican votes if necessary.
In the call with House Democrats, Biden emphasized the need "to ensure that we keep the promise" on getting $1,400 checks to Americans after people received $600 in a previous COVID-19 relief package.
Republicans overall have balked at the price tag and pointed to the $4 trillion in COVID-19 aid passed last year.
MCCONNELL: "They've chosen a totally partisan path..." Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Democrats' decision to press ahead with a framework that allows the eventual bill to pass with a simple majority, calling it a "partisan jam." Biden met with a group of 10 moderate Republican senators on Monday to discuss their much smaller counter-proposal, but Biden rejected it.
Biden said he still wanted to garner bipartisan support for his plan, which includes more money for vaccines and additional unemployment benefits.
Biden might win over some Republicans if he makes modifications, but if there are no changes, Senator Mitt Romney said Wednesday, "I would predict not a single Republican’ will support Biden's plan.
FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Looks to Energize , Young Voters With Earth Day , Solar Energy Grants.
Biden Looks to Energize , Young Voters With Earth Day , Solar Energy Grants.
NBC reports that President Joe Biden will mark
Earth Day with the announcement of $7 billion
in federal grants for residential solar projects.
NBC reports that President Joe Biden will mark
Earth Day with the announcement of $7 billion
in federal grants for residential solar projects.
The grants will bring solar energy
to over 900,000 households in both
low- and middle-income communities. .
According to senior administration officials, the
projects receiving additional funding will reduce emissions
by 30 million metric tons and save $350 million every year. .
According to senior administration officials, the
projects receiving additional funding will reduce emissions
by 30 million metric tons and save $350 million every year. .
NBC reports that solar power has gained
traction as a clean energy source that could
help reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.
However, the high cost of initial installation
makes solar energy inaccessible
for many households in the U.S.
However, the high cost of initial installation
makes solar energy inaccessible
for many households in the U.S.
49 of the new grants will be awarded at
the state level, six more will serve Native American
tribes and another five are multi-state awards.
The grants will be used for renewable
investments that include rooftop solar
and community solar gardens. .
The grants will be used for renewable
investments that include rooftop solar
and community solar gardens. .
Officials say that the latest environmental
announcements are part of an effort to energize
young voters ahead of his upcoming reelection campaign.
Biden also reportedly plans to expand the
American Climate Corps green jobs training program,
which was created last year by executive action. .
Biden also reportedly plans to expand the
American Climate Corps green jobs training program,
which was created last year by executive action. .
The corps, which will offer nearly 2,000 positions across
36 states, is meant to offer young Americans the chance
to help enact the Biden administration's climate agenda. .
The corps, which will offer nearly 2,000 positions across
36 states, is meant to offer young Americans the chance
to help enact the Biden administration's climate agenda.
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Papua New Guinea's prime minister has accused Joe Biden of insulting his country after the US president implied his uncle had been eaten by cannibals on the.. Sky News
WHO consultation proposes 'through the air' descriptor for disease transmission, aiming to clarify pathogen transmission methods. Experts like Dr Neeraj Nischal.. IndiaTimes
An osprey who rose to fame as an online star during the first COVID lockdown has welcomed the earliest egg of the season in the Scottish Highlands. Sky News
These Foods Will Either
Boost or Drain Your Energy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it can be a struggle to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
While a cup of coffee can provide a
much-needed boost of energy, experts say eating the
right food is actually a better option. .
Here are 10 foods that'll either boost or drain your energy,
according to three registered dietitian nutritionists. .
1. Black Beans
(Energy Booster) .
2. Caffeine/Energy Drinks
(Energy Drainer).
3. Bananas
(Energy Booster).
4. Candy
(Energy Drainer).
5. Eggs
(Energy Booster).
6. Steak
(Energy Drainer).
7. Water
(Energy Booster).
8. Fruit Smoothies
(Energy Drainer).
9. Pistachios
(Energy Booster).
10. Low-Calorie
Frozen Meals
(Energy Drainer)
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
House GOP Advances Aid Bills , for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.
The foreign aid bills were advanced by a
9-3 vote, thanks to the help of four Democrats on the committee, CBS News reports. .
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández.
Conservatives who voted against the bills,
because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. .
Conservatives who voted against the bills,
because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. .
A final vote on the foreign aid package
will take place on April 20. .
The three bills would support Israel,
Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion,
$60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. .
The three bills would support Israel,
Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion,
$60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. .
The three bills would support Israel,
Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion,
$60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. .
$9.1 billion of the Israel package would go toward Palestinian humanitarian efforts. .
A fourth bill seeks to allow the sale of Russian oligarchs' assets that have been frozen in order to continue funding Ukraine.
possibly "force the sale of TikTok
and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. .
possibly "force the sale of TikTok
and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. .
Some far-right Republicans have threatened to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position for supporting additional Ukraine funding.
Johnson defended his actions, calling lethal aid for Ukraine "critically important.".
If I operated out of fear over
a motion to vacate, I would
never be able to do my job, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement.
Look, history judges us for what we
do. This is a critical time right now
critical time on the world stage. , House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement.
I could make a, you know I can make
a selfish decision and do something that, that's different. But I'm doing here
what I believe to be the right thing, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
South Korea’s Opposition , Dominates Parliamentary Elections.
South Korea's Democratic Party won
"175 seats in the 300-member single-chamber parliament" on April 10, NPR reports.
The ruling right-wing People Power Party became a smaller minority with only 108 seats. .
The outcome is considered to be a blow to conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The country's prime minister and
other presidential officials offered
to resign after the crushing defeat. .
The country's prime minister and
other presidential officials offered
to resign after the crushing defeat. .
I apologize to the people on behalf
of our party, which wasn’t good
enough to win the people’s choices, Han Dong-hoon, People Power Party leader, via statement.
While Yoon said that he intends to
"humbly uphold" the will of the people
as indicated by the election results, .
it is not known if he will accept his
staff's offers to resign. .
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader who
is considering running for president again, .
said there is a need for both parties to
"pull together" to "resolve economic
and public livelihood problems.".
The results of the parliamentary
elections are not the victory by
the Democratic Party, but the
great victory by our people, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader.
Now, the elections are over. Both
the ruling and opposition political
parties must pull together all their
strength to resolve economic and
public livelihood problems, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader.
According to the National Election Commission, voter turnout reached its
highest level in over three decades for
a parliamentary election, NPR reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Donald Trump Says States , Should Decide Abortion Legislation.
On April 8, the former president set
the record straight about where he
stands on abortion rights, CNN reports. .
My view is now that we have abortion
where everyone wanted it from a legal
standpoint, the states will determine by
vote or legislation, or perhaps both. , Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
And whatever they decide must
be the law of the land. In this
case, the law of the state, Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
Many states will be different. Many will
have a different number of weeks, or
some will have more conservative than
others, and that’s what they will be. , Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
At the end of the day, this is all
about the will of the people, Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
Trump also said he was "proudly the
person responsible" for Roe v. Wade
being overturned in 2022.
He went on to say that the decision removed the issue from "federal hands and brought it into the hearts, minds and vote of the people in each state.".
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said that her organization was "deeply disappointed"
by what Trump had to say, CNN reports. .
Saying the issue is ‘back to the states’
cedes the national debate to the Democrats
who are working relentlessly to enact
legislation mandating abortion throughout
all nine months of pregnancy. , Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life
America president, via statement.
If successful, they will wipe
out states’ rights. , Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life
America president, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A recent poll suggests that Donald Trump holds a lead over Joe Biden in six of the seven swing states, with margins ranging from 2 to 8 percentage points. Negative perceptions of Biden's performance outweigh positive ones in several states, while Trump is seen as a better fit for the presidential role, particularly regarding mental and physical health.
#DonaldTrump #JoeBiden #BidenvsTrump #Trump #USelections #PresidentialElections2024 #USelections2024 #Biden2024 #Trump2024 #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Title IX Regulations Add Protections , for Transgender Students.
Title IX prohibits "sex-based discrimination at government-funded schools," 'The Hill' reports. .
On April 19, the Biden administration revealed the last of its changes to the federal civil rights law. .
The new regulations expand how sex discrimination is defined, now including
sexual orientation and gender identity. .
These final regulations build on the
legacy of Title IX by clarifying that
all our nation’s students can access
schools that are safe, welcoming,
and respect their rights. , Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, via statement.
The update also reinstates "protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment" which were changed under President Trump, 'The Hill' reports.
Catherine Lhamon, the Education Department’s assistant secretary for civil rights, .
says the new rules will help schools
respond to "all sex discrimination,
not limited to sexual harassment.".
Biden's final changes to Title IX
are sure to be condemned by Republicans
who view transgender protections as failing
to protect cisgender women and girls.
The new changes will take effect Aug. 1.
The Biden administration has not yet finalized an additional rule pertaining to sports eligibility. .
Since 2021, 24 states have passed laws prohibiting transgender student-athletes from playing on
sports teams that align with their gender identity
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
House Republican leaders have lambasted President Joe Biden for his perceived inaction in enforcing existing measures against Iran. Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, voiced concerns over the administration's policies allegedly facilitating Iran's oil sales, which fund terrorism. The Biden administration faces mounting pressure to deter future attacks without exacerbating regional tensions or antagonising China, a major buyer of Iranian oil.
#Biden #BidenSanctions #BidenIraq #AlSudani #BidenGaffee #USnews #Politics #IsraelIran #IranAttacksIsrael #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Rob Schneider is calling BS on the notion he bombed in front of a bunch of Republican lawmakers -- calling the report a hit piece ... and even labeling it as.. TMZ.com
Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt – no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
There’s no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , “We know what Republicans are going to do; we can’t
stop them from that. But it’s also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will address the Republican-led US Congress on Thursday amid continued scepticism of the role of the US in international conflicts such as the Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:20Published
Mitch McConnell , Backs Trump Despite , Acrimonious Relationship.
On March 6, Mitch McConnell, the United States
Senate's leading Republican, endorsed
Donald Trump's bid for the 2024 election.
On March 6, Mitch McConnell, the United States
Senate's leading Republican, endorsed
Donald Trump's bid for the 2024 election.
It is abundantly clear that
former President Trump has
earned the requisite support of
Republican voters to be our nominee
for President of the United States, Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate leader, via 'The Guardian'.
It is abundantly clear that
former President Trump has
earned the requisite support of
Republican voters to be our nominee
for President of the United States, Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate leader, via 'The Guardian'.
'The Guardian' reports that the news comes after
Trump dominated Super Tuesday primaries,
and Nikki Haley pulled out of the race. .
'The Guardian' reports that the news comes after
Trump dominated Super Tuesday primaries,
and Nikki Haley pulled out of the race. .
It should come as no surprise, that as
nominee, he will have my support, Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate leader, via 'The Guardian'.
During his presidency, we worked
together to accomplish great things
for the American people including
tax reform that supercharged our
economy and a generational change
of our federal judiciary – most
importantly, the Supreme Court, Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate leader, via 'The Guardian'.
Trump and McConnell fell out over Trump's challenge
of the 2020 election results, which led to the
January 6 riot at the U.S. Congress.
Trump and McConnell fell out over Trump's challenge
of the 2020 election results, which led to the
January 6 riot at the U.S. Congress.
Ultimately, McConnell voted to acquit Trump
during the former president's impeachment trial.
Last week, McConnell said he plans to step down
as leader at the end of 2024, following elections
which the GOP hopes will give them control of the Senate.
McConnell is the longest-serving
Senate party leader ever, after
first becoming a senator in 1985. .
'The Guardian' reports that the current
list of contenders to replace McConnell
include John Thune of South Dakota
and John Cornyn of Texas. .
'The Guardian' reports that the current
list of contenders to replace McConnell
include John Thune of South Dakota
and John Cornyn of Texas.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
John Cornyn Wants to Be , the Senate’s Next GOP Leader.
On Feb. 28, Mitch McConnell announced that he
is stepping down as Senate Minority Leader.
The next day, Sen. Cornyn threw hit hat into the
ring to succeed McConnell, 'The Hill' reports. .
I am asking my Republican colleagues
to give me the opportunity to
succeed Leader McConnell, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
Throughout my time I’ve built a track
record of listening to colleagues and seeking
consensus, while leading the fight to stop
bad policies that are harmful to our
nation and the Conservative cause, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
The Republican from Texas went on to
call the Senate "broken" and said he
could perform a "major role" in fixing it. .
From experience, I have learned what
works in the Senate and what does not,
and I am confident Senate Republicans can
restore our institution to the essential role
it serves in our constitutional republic, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
We will improve communication,
increase transparency, and ensure
inclusion of every Member’s
expertise and opinion. , Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
We will restore the important role of
Senate committees and reestablish the
regular appropriations process, rather
than lurch from one crisis to another, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
While Cornyn is the first candidate to
announce an official bid for the position, .
other senators that are expected to
make a run for leader include John Thune
and John Barrasso, 'The Hill' reports. .
other senators that are expected to
make a run for leader include John Thune
and John Barrasso, 'The Hill' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
McConnell to Step Down , as Senate Republican Leader.
The Senate's longest-serving leader
ever, Mitch McConnell, will step
down in November, AP reports.
The 82-year-old made the
announcement on Feb. 28.
One of life’s most underappreciated talents
is to know when it’s time to
move on to life’s next chapter, Mitch McConnell, via statement.
So I stand before you today ... to
say that this will be my last term
as Republican leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, via statement.
While McConnell will no longer serve as the Senate's Republican leader, he will complete his term,
"albeit from a different seat in the chamber," he said.
That term ends in January 2027.
President Biden, 81, commented
on the development.
I’ve trusted him and we have
a great relationship. We fight like
hell. But he has never, never,
never misrepresented anything, President Joe Biden, via statement.
According to McConnell's aides, the
announcement was not related to health issues.
As I have been thinking about when I would
deliver some news to the Senate, I always
imagined a moment when I had total clarity
and peace about the sunset of my work, Mitch McConnell, via statement.
A moment when I am certain I have
helped preserve the ideals I so
strongly believe. It arrived today, Mitch McConnell, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
President Biden was in the Situation Room at the White House throughout Saturday evening watching, in real time, Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel unfold. Sky News
Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tells CNN’s Dana Bash that President Biden is open to Republican ideas on covid relief but believes “there is an urgency” to passing the bill now.
In brief remarks on Saturday from the White House's Roosevelt Room, Biden said he called House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to thank her for her support and urged the Senate to take up the American Rescue Plan..