The White House said on Thursday a severe winter storm engulfing Texas and nearby states was the type of extreme weather event that climate change is triggering, rejecting assertions by Texas officials that "green energy" caused widespread power outages.
The White House on Thursday blamed climate change for the severe winter storm engulfing Texas and nearby states.
It was a stark rejection of what some Texas officials are saying that "green energy" was to blame for power outages.
By late Thursday some 325,000 households were still without power, down from several million the day before.
In a phone briefing, White House advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall told reporters that "the extreme weather events that we're experiencing this week... do yet again demonstrate to us that climate change is real and it's happening now." She added the storm had exposed weaknesses in American power grid infrastructure that needed to be addressed.
Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott had blamed the crisis earlier this week on Democratic efforts to replace fossil fuel with green energy sources.
Though on Thursday White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki noted that's not what the state's power agency said.
"Numerous reports have actually shown the contrary, that it was failures in coal and natural gas that contributed to the state's power shortages and officials at Electric Reliability Council of Texas which operates the state's power grid have gone so far as to say that failures in wind and solar were the least significant factors in the blackouts." U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Abbott late on Thursday, according to a White House statement, to discuss how the federal government could help meet the critical needs of those affected.
The White House said Biden would also ensure to improve "critical infrastructure so that it can be prepared to meet a full spectrum of challenges that we're likely to face." Earlier this year, Abbott had fought Biden's green energy push by pausing new oil and gas leases, and cutting fossil fuel subsidies.
He also did not initially acknowledge Biden's 2020 election win.
Another week's just around the corner ... but, before we dive into another hectic seven-day stretch, let's look back at the week that was. On "TMZ Live," Harvey.. TMZ.com
Go behind closed doors as Kim Kardashian joins Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House for a crucial roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform. Witness their collaborative efforts and passionate advocacy for second chances and meaningful change.
#KimKardashian #KamalaHarris #WhiteHouse #WhiteHouseRoundTable #JoeBiden #TheKardashians #VPKamalaHarris #Oneindia
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Kim Kardashian went back to the White House to advocate for criminal justice reform -- only here, it was with Biden's camp ... proving she's loyal to the cause,.. TMZ.com
Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production.
On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. .
This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse.
Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a
great return" on the government's investment.
A factory will also be built in
Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. .
That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029.
The White House estimates that
the projects could create 20,000 jobs
in construction and manufacturing.
in addition to "tens of thousands of
indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. .
The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
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
Walmart Reverses Course, , Closes Down Its , Walmart Health Division.
NBC reports that Walmart has announced
it will close all 52 of the doctor-staffed
health clinics the company operates.
The announcement comes as
part of the company's decision to
shut down its Walmart Health Initiative.
Clinics that will close down are located in
Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas. .
On April 30, the company also said it would
begin winding down its virtual care service.
The decision to end the Walmart Health Initiative
will not reportedly impact Walmart
pharmacies and vision centers.
Walmart said that it will work to direct current patients
to other providers covered by their insurance
networks to ensure they continue to receive care.
NBC reports that the news comes as a swift
reversal of Walmart's plan to expand its number
of doctor-staffed clinics to 70 by the end of 2024.
Through our experience managing
Walmart Health centers and
Walmart Health Virtual Care,
we determined there is
not a sustainable business
model for us to continue, Walmart statement, via NBC.
Other nontraditional health care
providers have also been forced to
reconsider their plans in recent years. .
Last month, Walgreens announced that it would
close 140 of the company's primary care clinics,
along with plans to shut down 20 more.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Galveston, TX is returning fire after Charles Barkley took a shot at their "dirty" beaches on national television ... with the city clapping back, saying.. TMZ.com
Selena Quintanilla's brother, A.B., III is offering up an apology after losing it on fans this weekend during a music festival in Texas ... and he's blaming the.. TMZ.com
Artists and Speakers Boycott SXSW , in Protest of Military and Defense Industry Sponsorships.
As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on,
dozens have canceled their South by Southwest appearances to protest event sponsorships from defense companies
and the U.S. Army, CNN reports. .
As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on,
dozens have canceled their South by Southwest appearances to protest event sponsorships from defense companies
and the U.S. Army, CNN reports. .
The protest is meant to show solidarity
with Palestinians in Gaza.
The protest is meant to show solidarity
with Palestinians in Gaza.
A music festival should not include
war profiteers. I refuse to be
complicit in this and withdraw
my art and labor in protest, Singer-songwriter Ella Williams, via Instagram.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took to social
media to respond to the protest.
Bye. Don’t come back, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, via X.
We are proud of the
U.S. military in Texas. If you
don’t like it, don’t come here, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, via X.
However, SXSW "does not agree" with Abbott's approach, CNN reports. .
We fully respect the decision
these artists made to exercise
their right to free speech, SXSW organizers, via statement.
The defense industry has historically
been a proving ground for many of
the systems we rely on today. , SXSW organizers, via statement.
These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe it’s better to understand how their approach will impact our lives. , SXSW organizers, via statement.
The Army’s sponsorship is part of
our commitment to bring forward
ideas that shape our world, SXSW organizers, via statement.
The annual Austin, Texas,
festival lasts until March 16
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that India, China, Russia, and Japan are struggling economically because "they're xenophobic" and "don't want immigrants". "Why.. IndiaTimes
A recent poll highlights the stark differences between supporters of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, based on the media they consume. Join us as we delve into the impact of media preferences on political sentiment and explore how non-political news followers perceive the candidates. Stay tuned for insightful analysis and discussion on this revealing poll data.
#JoeBiden #DonaldTrump #BidenSupporters #TrumpSupporters #USElectionsPoll #USPresidentialElections #BidenvsTrump #USMedia #Oneindia
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Kamala Harris sat down with Drew Barrymore to stump for Joe Biden -- and there were some interesting takeaways ... including how she laughs, and a new nickname... TMZ.com
US President Biden reaffirmed opposition to Israel's planned invasion of Gaza's Rafah during a call with PM Netanyahu. International pressure mounts for a ceasefire amid concerns for over a million Palestinians. Qatar mediates, urging sincerity. Hamas releases videos, urging Israel's concessions. Biden urges enhanced humanitarian aid delivery.
#USPresident #JoeBiden #Gaza #GazaInvasion #Qatar #BenjaminNetanyahu #RafahInvasion #rafahnews #Worldnews #Oneinda #Oneindia news
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President Joe Biden put on his comedy hat at the White House Correspondents' Association's annual dinner Saturday – throwing a major barb at Donald Trump for.. TMZ.com
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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George Santos breathed new life into his old drag queen persona -- bringing back his old shtick in a new video ... where he seems inclined to say hello for some.. TMZ.com
At a media dinner in Washington on Saturday night, US President Joe Biden used his opportunity at the podium to to call on foreign governments to release detained journalists and roast his presumptive Republican running-mate Donald Trump over his age and literary tastes.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 00:54Published
Watch as President Biden delivers a humorous election-year roast, taking playful jabs at his Republican rival, Donald Trump, during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Amidst political banter, Biden's remarks offer a lighthearted moment in the midst of the campaign season. Tune in for the best moments from the event!
#WhiteHouse #CorrespondentsDinner #USNews #JoeBiden #DonaldTrump #BidenvsTrump #BidenvsTrump #ProPalestineProtestUS #IsraelHamasWar #Oneindia
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This woman returned to her place in Texas after a winter storm. She sounded heartbroken after looking at the condition of her new house. Water had seeped into her property as the pipes burst due to..
Credit: The White HouseUS president Joe Biden has had his first bilateral meeting with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau virtually, with the coronavirus pandemic stripping the occasion of its..
Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:34Published
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