US Senate Votes To , Block Biden’s Vaccine Mandate.
The Biden administration's proposed mandate seeks to make certain private employers require their workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subjected to regular testing.
The Biden administration's proposed mandate seeks to make certain private employers require their workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subjected to regular testing.
Those who don't comply risk losing their jobs.
On Dec.
8, the Senate voted
52-48 to overturn that mandate.
All of the Senate Republicans were in favor, joined by two Democrats, Joe Manchin and Jon Tester.
All of the Senate Republicans were in favor, joined by two Democrats, Joe Manchin and Jon Tester.
Getting vaccinated should be a decision between an individual and his or her doctor.
It shouldn't be up to any politician, especially in a mandate coming down from that highest authority, the president, Sen.
Mike Braun, R-Ind., via statement.
Still, it is unlikely that the House would get on board with such a measure, .
And the Biden administration has said that the president would veto the bill if it made its way to him.
Several lawsuits have already been filed regarding the mandate.
Last month, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans said the mandate raises "serious constitutional concerns" and ordered the Biden administration to stop its implementation.
On Dec.
7, a Georgia district court judge halted the requirement that federal contractors must be inoculated by Jan.
4.
Last month, a federal judge blocked the mandate for health care workers in 10 states.
NPR reports that White House press secretary
Jen Psaki said the mandate will be
"vigorously defend[ed]" against legal challenges.
Federal Student Loan Repayment , Pause Extended Through August.
Federal Student Loan Repayment , Pause Extended Through August.
CNN reports the pause on federal student
loan repayments has been extended yet
again by the Biden administration.
Borrowers will now have until August 31
to forego student loan repayments.
The pause on loan repayments has
been in effect since the onset of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most recently, the freeze was
scheduled to expire on May 1.
President Biden believes the U.S. economy is on the rebound but acknowledged that...
... “we are still recovering from the pandemic and
the unprecedented economic disruption it caused.”.
That additional time will assist borrowers in achieving greater financial security and support
the Department of Education’s
efforts to continue improving
student loan programs. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
A handful of Democratic lawmakers, such as
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
have called on the president to
cancel $50,000 of student loan debt
for each borrower.
While campaigning for office, Biden vocally supported
student debt cancellation, but since becoming president,
he has avoided any executive action
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Senate Unanimously , Confirms Bridget Brink As, New US Ambassador to Ukraine.
Politico reports that the career Foreign Service officer, who is currently the U.S. ambassador to Slovakia,
was confirmed on the evening of May 18.
Politico reports that the career Foreign Service officer, who is currently the U.S. ambassador to Slovakia,
was confirmed on the evening of May 18.
Her appointment as ambassador to Ukraine follows a three-year period in which there has been no American envoy in Kyiv.
Her appointment as ambassador to Ukraine follows a three-year period in which there has been no American envoy in Kyiv.
Marie Yovanovitch, the previous ambassador to Ukraine, was removed from her post by President Donald Trump in 2019.
Marie Yovanovitch, the previous ambassador to Ukraine, was removed from her post by President Donald Trump in 2019.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke about the urgency of having an accomplished diplomat such as Brink in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke about the urgency of having an accomplished diplomat such as Brink in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.
To have an ambassador there at this critical time as the United States continues to help the Ukrainian people … is a wonderful thing, is a good thing, and will help advance the cause of peace, security and freedom, Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, via statement, as reported by Politico.
To have an ambassador there at this critical time as the United States continues to help the Ukrainian people … is a wonderful thing, is a good thing, and will help advance the cause of peace, security and freedom, Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, via statement, as reported by Politico.
I have every
confidence she will
be an outstanding
ambassador, Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader,
via statement, as reported by Politico.
Politico reports that the U.S. has also formally reopened its embassy in the war-torn country. .
Brink, who speaks Russian, was previously
the deputy assistant secretary in the
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
Brink, who speaks Russian, was previously
the deputy assistant secretary in the
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
She has also worked with U.S. embassies in Uzbekistan, Georgia, Cyprus and Serbia
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Rand Paul Delays Senate Vote , on US Aid to Ukraine .
Rand Paul Delays Senate Vote , on US Aid to Ukraine .
CBS News reports Paul has stalled an additional $40 billion in U.S. aid for Ukraine to assist in the fight against Russian invaders.
The Republican KY senator was the lone holdout in the Senate vote to approve the aid, which requires unanimous consensus.
No matter how sympathetic the cause, my oath of office is to the national security of the United States of America, Sen. Rand Paul, (R-KY), via CBS News.
We cannot save Ukraine by dooming the U.S. economy, Sen. Rand Paul, (R-KY), via CBS News.
Though Paul is calling for an
inspector general to analyze the spending, passage of the bill is expected.
Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle criticized Paul's move.
It's clear from the junior senator from Kentucky's remarks, he doesn't want to aid Ukraine, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D-NY), via CBS News.
All he will accomplish with his actions here today is to delay that aid, not to stop it, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D-NY), via CBS News.
They're only asking for the resources they need to defend themselves against this deranged invasion. And they need this help right now, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R-KY), via CBS News.
It bears directly on America's national security and vital interests that Russia's naked aggression not succeed and carries significant costs, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R-KY), via CBS News.
Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated in an interview that oversight of the bill "is critical" and is already included in its language.
That's why the package already includes millions of dollars
to support additional
oversight measures, Jen Psaki, Former White House Press Secretary, via CBS News.
... including additional funding for existing inspectors general and we encourage all senators to promptly pass the bill as it stands, we feel what's in
there [is] sufficient, Jen Psaki, Former White House Press Secretary, via CBS News
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Stocks Continue to Slip , on Wall Street, , Edging Closer to Bear Market.
On May 19, Wall Street saw stocks fall
in early morning trading, worsening
a slump experienced by major indexes.
On May 19, Wall Street saw stocks fall
in early morning trading, worsening
a slump experienced by major indexes.
ABC News reports that the drop
comes as record-high inflation
continues to weigh down the economy.
ABC News reports that the drop
comes as record-high inflation
continues to weigh down the economy.
The S&P 500 fell 0.4%
and is down almost 19% from
a record high set earlier this year.
The S&P 500 fell 0.4%
and is down almost 19% from
a record high set earlier this year.
ABC News reports that this is just
one point shy of the 20% drop
that defines a bear market.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average
dropped 0.9%, losing 279 points.
Target lost an additional 3.6%
just one day after losing a quarter
of its value due to a weak profit report. .
Investors have reportedly been spooked by rising
interest rates, record inflation, Russia's war in Ukraine
and strict COVID lockdowns halting China's economy.
Investors have reportedly been spooked by rising
interest rates, record inflation, Russia's war in Ukraine
and strict COVID lockdowns halting China's economy.
These fears have caused stocks
in everything from major tech companies
to traditional automakers to plummet.
These fears have caused stocks
in everything from major tech companies
to traditional automakers to plummet.
According to ABC, investors have been concerned
that soaring inflation and energy costs will
impact consumers' purchasing power.
The Federal Reserve aggressively raising
interest rates has also led to concerns that
the U.S. central bank could cause a recession.
The Federal Reserve aggressively raising
interest rates has also led to concerns that
the U.S. central bank could cause a recession
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Christine Quinn has an explanation for why she was on a film set 2 days after missing the "Selling Sunset" reunion due to having COVID ... saying she tested.. TMZ.com
The natural population change — the difference between live births and deaths — tanked in 2020 to -2.5, likely due in part to the pandemic which has claimed the lives of over a million people across the EU.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:46Published
In September 2020, Dr. Reddy's partnered with Russian Direct Investment Fund to conduct clinical trials of Sputnik V and distribute vaccine in India. DNA
Jen Psaki bid farewell to the White House Press Office Friday, giving her last briefing ... and it was both emotional and apolitical. Psaki psyched herself up to.. TMZ.com
House Votes To Allow , Congressional Staffers To Unionize.
Fox News reports that on the evening of May 10,
the House of Representatives passed a bill that
gives congressional employees the right to unionize.
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, issued a statement after the "historic" bill was passed by a vote of 217-202.
Today, the House took historic action paving the way for Congressional staffers to choose to join together in a union. By empowering staffers to advocate for themselves and each other, we take an important step to ensure the House is best able to serve the American people, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, via statement.
The Democratic House is committed to honoring their service, while ensuring the Congress is well-positioned to compete for outstanding and diverse staff. Last week, I was proud to announce that the House will set its first-ever pay floor, establishing a minimum annual salary of $45,000, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, via statement.
These new steps build on the actions that
I have been proud to take as Speaker to strengthen and diversify our Capitol Hill workforce, including establishing the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion to help
open the doors to public service for underrepresented communities, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, via statement.
Rep. Andy Levin, who authored the resolution, also issued a statement.
After 26 years, the House has finally provided its workers the fundamental human right to form a union without fear of retaliation. , Rep. Andy Levin, resolution author, via statement.
As someone who has spent decades in the labor movement and devoted their life to protecting and enhancing workers’ rights, this moment stands out as a major highlight, Rep. Andy Levin, resolution author, via statement.
According to current White House
Press Secretary Jen Psaki, President Biden
is also in favor of the resolution.
According to current White House
Press Secretary Jen Psaki, President Biden
is also in favor of the resolution
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Karine Jean-Pierre To Be , New White House Press Secretary.
Fox News reports that on May 5, President Biden announced Jean-Pierre, who has been serving as principal deputy press secretary.
Fox News reports that on May 5, President Biden announced Jean-Pierre, who has been serving as principal deputy press secretary.
will replace Jen Psaki, who is leaving the
White House on May 13. .
I am proud to announce that Karine Jean-Pierre will serve as the next White House Press Secretary. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people, President Joe Biden, via statement.
Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration, President Joe Biden, via statement.
The president also thanked Psaki for having
"set the standard for returning decency, respect
and decorum to the White House Briefing Room." .
I want to say thank you to Jen
for raising the bar, communicating
directly and truthfully to the American
people, and keeping her sense
of humor while doing so. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I thank Jen her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward, President Joe Biden, via statement.
It was also announced on May 5
that Anita Dunn will return as a
senior advisor and assistant to the president.
It was also announced on May 5
that Anita Dunn will return as a
senior advisor and assistant to the president
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Confusion Lingers, as U.S. Court Lifts Federal Enforcement, of Mask Mandates.
On April 18, the United States ended federal
enforcement of mask mandates on major air carriers
and for passengers traveling through most airports. .
'The Washington Post' reports that different rules
at the nation's largest airports have
left passengers confused. .
'The Washington Post' reports that different rules
at the nation's largest airports have
left passengers confused. .
Despite a federal judge ruling to end the federal mask mandate for transportation, it remains unclear where and when people are still required to wear masks. .
On April 18, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle
of Florida ruled that the mandate exceeds the statutory authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On April 18, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle
of Florida ruled that the mandate exceeds the statutory authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On April 19, airports in Chicago, New York
and Philadelphia announced that
mask requirements would remain in place. .
Meanwhile, Amtrak, Uber
and Lyft all announced that masks
would be optional for passengers. .
'The Washington Post' reports
that many transit agencies across
the country have also made masks optional.
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority,
San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit System and the Chicago Transit Authority will continue to enforce a mask mandate. .
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority,
San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit System and the Chicago Transit Authority will continue to enforce a mask mandate. .
According to White House press secretary
Jen Psaki, the decision to appeal the ruling to end
the federal mandate is up to the Department of Justice.
According to White House press secretary
Jen Psaki, the decision to appeal the ruling to end
the federal mandate is up to the Department of Justice.
We’ve said from the start that our response
should be guided by the science and data
and by experts. Public health decisions
shouldn’t be made by the courts; they
should be made by public health experts, Jen Psaki, White House press secretary,
via 'The Washington Post'
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Biden Administration , Will Propose Minimum Tax , on Wealthiest Households.
NBC reports that the Biden administration will propose
a new minimum tax on the wealthiest households
in the United States in its fiscal 2023 budget. .
The Billionaire Minimum Income Tax plan
is reportedly expected to be released on March 28. .
The proposed plan would impose a 20% minimum
tax on U.S. households worth over $100 million. .
America’s imbalanced tax code means
that many millionaires and billionaires
end up paying lower tax rates
than middle class workers, White House fact sheet, via NBC.
The proposal is reportedly meant to put the U.S. government on more solid financial footing, , "building on the progress the Administration
has made to reduce the deficit.".
According to the White House, the proposed
plan could reduce the deficit by nearly
$360 billion over the next ten years. .
NBC reports that the new tax on the wealthy
would combine with other measures to
reduce projected deficits by over $1 trillion. .
The new budget also reportedly proposes, "additional smart, targeted investments designed
to spur durable economic growth, create jobs, reduce
cost pressures, and foster shared prosperity —
while more than fully offsetting their cost.".
In 2021, Senate Finance Committee Chair
Ron Wyden, D-Ore., unveiled the
so-called Billionaires Income Tax.
In 2021, Senate Finance Committee Chair
Ron Wyden, D-Ore., unveiled the
so-called Billionaires Income Tax.
However, the proposal to impose tougher
taxes on the 700 wealthiest Americans
failed to make progress. .
At the time, Senator Joe Manchin
denounced Wyden's proposal as divisive.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Elon Musk Says He
'Will Vote Republican,' , Can 'No Longer Support' Democrats.
Musk made the statements via Twitter on May 18.
In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party. , Elon Musk, via Twitter.
But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will
vote Republican, Elon Musk, via Twitter.
Now, watch their dirty tricks campaign against me unfold, Elon Musk, via Twitter.
Tesla stocks fell by nearly seven percent after the statements were published.
Musk's tweets come about a week after he stated he would reverse Twitter's ban of former President Donald Trump
if his deal to purchase the platform is finalized.
The billionaire has also criticized Twitter for being biased to the "far-left.".
The headquarters for the company is based in CA,
a state that is often considered a model for progressive politics in the U.S.
CA is also the largest market for Tesla cars.
Musk recently moved the
Tesla headquarters to TX, which is known for its conservative politics. .
Many Twitter users seemed to mock the news that Musk would vote Republican.
Poor Elon might only be the 2nd or 3rd richest man in the
world now, Twitter user.
Poor Elon. No liberals are going to buy his cars anymore, when there's so many nicer options, Twitter user.
The Tesla CEO's mother hit back at the tweets, referring to them as "nasty comments" and "troll or bot" accounts.
Musk's $44 billion deal to purchase Twitter has stalled in recent days
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Elon Musk might be on the fence about Twitter, but he knows exactly where he stands politically ... he's going full Republican. The world's richest man says he's.. TMZ.com
US Supreme Court Rules on , Campaign Loan Repayment Limits, , a Victory for Sen. Ted Cruz.
NBC News reports the
United States Supreme Court ...
... nixed federal restrictions on political candidates who self-finance their campaigns.
The ruling is a win for Senator Ted Cruz,
the Republican from Texas who
challenged the restrictions.
Ruling 6-3, the court says the law,
enacted in 2002, was a direct violation
of a candidate's free expression.
The U.S. Supreme Court said as
money buys candidates the ability
to spread their message.
limiting a candidate's expenses
implicates the First Amendment.
According to NBC News, Cruz self-financed $260,000 for his re-election campaign in 2018.
The senator went above financial campaign limits to trigger a Supreme Court response.
US Chief Justice John Roberts said such limits
on self-financing increased the risk that
candidates wouldn't be repaid if they
loaned their campaigns too much.
That risk in turn may deter
some candidates from loaning
money to their campaigns when
they otherwise would, reducing
the amount of political speech, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts,
writing for the court's majority, via NBC News
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Trump-Backed
Candidate JD Vance , Wins Ohio GOP Senate Primary.
Trump-Backed
Candidate JD Vance , Wins Ohio GOP Senate Primary.
The author of 'Hillbilly Elegy' won the
OH GOP Senate Primary on May 3.
The author of 'Hillbilly Elegy' won the
OH GOP Senate Primary on May 3.
Vance trailed in the polls for much of the race.
It was not until former President
Donald Trump endorsed the candidate
that he began to take the lead.
It was not until former President
Donald Trump endorsed the candidate
that he began to take the lead.
[Trump's endorsement] propelled [Vance] into a commanding first place finish, Trump Spokesperson, via AP .
Vance was once an outspoken critic of Trump, but stated he was wrong after receiving Trump's endorsement.
The OH primary is widely seen as an
indicator of the scale of Trump's influence
on the Republican party.
Now this campaign, I really think, was a referendum on what kind of a Republican Party we want, and what kind of a country we want, J.D. Vance, OH GOP Senate Primary Winner, via AP .
The primary was marked by extremes, with the GOP candidates coming close to physical attacks during the debate.
The primary was marked by extremes, with the GOP candidates coming close to physical attacks during the debate.
Vance will face Rep. Tim Ryan, (D-OH),
in the general election, in which the
GOP candidate is favored. .
Vance will face Rep. Tim Ryan, (D-OH),
in the general election, in which the
GOP candidate is favored. .
I am absolutely in my bones certain that we can do this if we come together, and it’s not about finding our differences. It’s not about hate, Tim Ryan, Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate OH, via AP .
OH Democratic strategists acknowledge that their chances of winning the election are slim, but say the possibility remains.
By all rights, history tells us that the Democrats are going to lose control of the House, Dale Butland, OH Democratic Strategist, via AP .
By all rights, we should lose control of the Senate, too. , Dale Butland, OH Democratic Strategist, via AP .
However, the only thing that could save us is if the Republicans nominate a bunch
of far-right crazies that are unacceptable in a
general election, Dale Butland, OH Democratic Strategist, via AP
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VP Kamala Harris , Tests Positive for COVID.
On April 26, the vice president's office announced Harris has tested positive for COVID-19.
Press secretary Kirsten Allen said Harris “will isolate and continue to work from the vice president’s residence.”.
Allen also said that "due to their respective recent travel schedules," Harris hasn't been in close contact with the president or first lady.
CNBC reports that the vice president is the highest-ranking Biden administration official to have contracted COVID.
The president, despite coming into contact with those who later tested positive, has not yet caught COVID.
Both the president and vice president are vaccinated and fully boosted.
Although she tested positive on both rapid and PCR tests, Harris is not exhibiting any symptoms.
Also on April 26, Democratic senators
Chris Murphy and Ron Wyden both announced they had positive COVID tests.
Also on April 26, Democratic senators
Chris Murphy and Ron Wyden both announced they had positive COVID tests.
CNBC reports that the positive test results may impede Democrats from having enough votes to confirm nominees this week.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
‘The Price Is Right’ Is Going , on Tour To Celebrate Its 50th Season.
‘The Price Is Right’ Is Going , on Tour To Celebrate Its 50th Season.
Come on down! You could be the next contestant on the 'The Price Is Right.'.
NPR reports the longest-running game show in television history is hitting the road to celebrate its 50th season.
The "Come On Down Tour" will make
50 stops across the United States, .
giving fans everywhere
a chance to win big.
'The Price is Right' has been changing lives and touching hearts for 50 years. , Mike Benson, president of CBS, via news release.
'The Price is Right' has been changing lives and touching hearts for 50 years. , Mike Benson, president of CBS, via news release.
The tour is scheduled to kick off at
Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles on March 25, .
The tour is scheduled to kick off at
Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles on March 25, .
and will make stops in
New Orleans, Denver, New York,
Dallas and many other cities.
and will make stops in
New Orleans, Denver, New York,
Dallas and many other cities.
and will make stops in
New Orleans, Denver, New York,
Dallas and many other cities.
and will make stops in
New Orleans, Denver, New York,
Dallas and many other cities.
According to CBS, fans will have the opportunity to win prizes from local businesses, and one lucky person from each city will have a chance to win $50,000.
According to CBS, fans will have the opportunity to win prizes from local businesses, and one lucky person from each city will have a chance to win $50,000.
Drew Carey, the current host of the show, says he believes
'The Price Is Right' has lasted due to being innovative
while maintaining an original feel.
Drew Carey, the current host of the show, says he believes
'The Price Is Right' has lasted due to being innovative
while maintaining an original feel.
I think that's the great thing about the show. It's able to, within a framework, evolve. , Drew Carey, host of 'The Price Is Right,' via AP.
'The Price Is Right' premiered on Sept. 4, 1972, with Bob Barker as host. Carey took over in 2007.
'The Price Is Right' premiered on Sept. 4, 1972, with Bob Barker as host. Carey took over in 2007
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