Jeff Zients to Replace Ron Klain , as Biden’s Chief of Staff.
Jeff Zients to Replace Ron Klain , as Biden’s Chief of Staff.
'The Hill' reports that President Biden confirmed the transition on Jan.
27.
'The Hill' reports that President Biden confirmed the transition on Jan.
27.
The president recounted achievements
his administration made
while Klain was chief of staff.
The president recounted achievements
his administration made
while Klain was chief of staff.
Such achievements include progress in
fighting the pandemic, economic gains, climate change strides, appointing close to 100 federal judges and confirming the first African-American woman to the Supreme Court.
He knows how government works, how politics works, how Congress and the White House works, President Joe Biden, via statement.
He assembled the most diverse and the most talented White House team in history and leaned on them to solve impossible challenges, President Joe Biden, via statement.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also praised Klain's efforts as chief of staff.
I’m grateful for everything Ron has done — for the White House and for America.
Congratulations and thank you for your service to our country, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, via Twitter.
Biden went on to share his confidence in Zients, who led Biden's COVID response team the first year of his presidency and also worked with Biden during the Obama administration.
Biden went on to share his confidence in Zients, who led Biden's COVID response team the first year of his presidency and also worked with Biden during the Obama administration.
When I ran for office, I promised to make government work for the American people.
That’s what Jeff does.
, President Joe Biden, via statement.
I’m confident that Jeff will continue Ron’s example of smart, steady leadership, as we continue to work hard every day for the people we were sent here to serve, President Joe Biden, via statement
Gladys Knight is furious that President Biden has invited the likes of BTS to The White House, yet her repeated requests for a sit-down with the President over a.. TMZ.com
The US has opened its first permanent military garrison in Poland. It follows last year’s pledge by President Joe Biden to establish a permanent base – America’s first on NATO’s eastern flank – in Poland following Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. The new facility, considered the eighth US permanent military base in the European continent, will be located near Poznan, on the banks of the Varta River in western Poland. The garrison at Camp Kościuszko, is named after the 18th-century hero who fought for both Polish and US independence.
#USbasePoland#CampKościuszko#Poland
US President Joe Biden quipped that he is seeking a "back-to-back" term in the White House while honouring famous figures including Bruce Springsteen and Vera.. Sky News
Joe Biden has vowed his administration will "declassify" as much information about the origins of COVID-19 as possible - including any potential links to a.. Sky News
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre began a press conference with a slip of the tongue as she mentioned the name of President Barack Obama instead of President Joe Biden. Jean-Pierre made the mistake as she was making announcements at the start of the briefing.
#KarineJeanPierre #WhiteHousePressSecretary #PresidentBarackObama
White House Announces , Investigation of Recent, 'Unidentified Aerial Phenomena'.
On February 14, the Biden administration announced that
it is forming an interagency group to address a recent
string of "unidentified aerial phenomena" over the U.S.
On February 14, the Biden administration announced that
it is forming an interagency group to address a recent
string of "unidentified aerial phenomena" over the U.S.
The president, through his national security
adviser, has today directed an interagency
team to study the broader policy implications
for detection, analysis, and disposition
of unidentified aerial objects that pose
either safety or security risks, John Kirby, National Security Council spokesman, via CBS.
Every element of the government
will redouble their efforts to
understand and mitigate these events, John Kirby, National Security Council spokesman, via CBS.
On February 4, the U.S. shot down
what it claimed was a Chinese spy balloon
after tracking it across the country. .
Since then, three other objects have been shot
down - two over U.S. airspace and another one
over Canada, which was also shot down by the U.S. .
National Security Council spokesman
John Kirby said that the U.S. is still
determining the nature and origin of the objects. .
According to White House press secretary
Karine Jean-Pierre, there is "no indication" that
the objects are of an extraterrestrial origin. .
I don't think the American people
need to worry about aliens
with respect to these crafts, John Kirby, National Security Council spokesman, via CBS.
However, on February 13, Air Force General Glen VanHerck
said that authorities will "continue to assess" the situation,
when asked if extraterrestrials had been ruled out. .
However, on February 13, Air Force General Glen VanHerck
said that authorities will "continue to assess" the situation,
when asked if extraterrestrials had been ruled out. .
CBS reports that the general told reporters at the time, , "I haven't ruled anything out at this point."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Wants to Increase Tax Rate , on High Earners to Save Medicare.
'The Hill' reports that Medicare funding
is on track to run out in 2028.
On March 7, President Biden unveiled a plan that would keep the program going for another 25 years.
He suggests increasing the tax rate for households that make over $400,000 a year from 3.8% to 5%.
Since Medicare was passed, income and wealth inequality in the United States have increased dramatically. , White House, via statement.
By asking those with the highest incomes to contribute modestly more, we can keep the Medicare program strong for decades to come, White House, via statement.
Those who have both "earned and
unearned income" over $400,000 would
be susceptible to the tax increase.
High-income people are supposed to pay a 3.8 percent Medicare tax on all of their income, , White House, via statement.
... but some high-paid professionals and other wealthy business owners have managed to shield some of their income from tax by claiming it is neither earned income nor investment income, White House, via statement.
Biden's plan would also require pharmaceutical
companies to contribute to Medicare when
they raise prices quicker than inflation.
Additionally, Medicare Part D cost-sharing for some generic drugs would be capped at
$2 per prescription each month.
Medicare would also have more negotiating power to decrease drug prices and "eliminate cost-sharing for three mental health or other behavioral health visits per year."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Starbucks Committed , ‘Egregious and Widespread’ Labor Violations , Against Unions, Judge Says.
'The Hill' reports that Judge Michael A. Rosas made the ruling on March 1.
He ordered Starbucks to provide back pay
and damages to employees who launched organizing efforts around the country. .
The case included 33 labor complaints
from 21 Starbucks stores in New York. .
In his ruling, Rosas determined that the coffee giant showed "a general disregard for the employees' fundamental rights.".
Starbucks has also been ordered to post a
"Notice to Employees" in all of its U.S. facilities alerting staff that "the National Labor Relations Board has found that we violated Federal labor law.".
The company must also reopen
a Buffalo, NY, store and rehire workers
who were fired for forming unions.
Additionally, Starbucks must cease and desist from several unlawful actions such as telling staff they'll have more benefits if they don't join a union, among other things.
A Starbucks spokesperson issued a statement.
We believe the decision and the remedies ordered are inappropriate given the record in this matter and are considering all options to obtain further legal review, Starbucks spokesperson, via statement.
Starbucks currently has 281 unionized stores, and more locations around the U.S.
continue to seek unionization
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Mike Pence to Fight , Special Counsel Subpoena.
Former Vice President Pence was recently subpoenaed to provide documents and testify as part of a DOJ special counsel investigation into the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
A source has confirmed to 'The Hill' that
Pence plans to fight the subpoena. .
He intends to assert that he does not have to comply since he was the former president of the Senate and therefore a member of the legislative branch.
Those circumstances would invoke the Constitution's "speech and debate" clause, protecting him from the subpoena. .
'The Hill' reports that Pence's
noncompliance could culminate in a
legal battle in front of the Supreme Court.
In an interview with CBS News in November, Pence said Congress was not entitled to his testimony. .
We have a separation of powers
under the Constitution
of the United States, Mike Pence, former U.S. vice president, via CBS News.
And I believe it would establish
a terrible precedent for the Congress
to summon a vice president of the
United States to speak about deliberations that took place at the White House, Mike Pence, former U.S. vice president, via CBS News.
Pence is expected to announce
in the next few months whether he will run
for the nation's highest office in 2024
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Amazon Workers Hold , First-Ever UK Strike.
'The Hill' reports that Amazon warehouse workers in Britain went on strike on Jan. 25.
Union members at Amazon's fulfillment center in Coventry are upset over pay and working conditions.
Amazon says it offers "competitive pay"
starting at 10.50 to 11.45 pounds and hour,
which is about $13 to $14 dollars in American money.
But amid the current cost-of-living crisis, many workers feel those wages just aren't enough. .
'The Hill' reports that Amazon has felt the harsh reality of the changing economy just as other tech companies have recently.
Amazon announced 18,000 layoffs this month. .
'The Hill' reports that Amazon workers in other parts
of Europe, like Spain and Germany, often protest in demand
of higher wages and improved working conditions.
Last year, unions and advocacy groups in over
30 countries staged walkouts on Black Friday as part
of their campaign called "Make Amazon Pay.".
In New York, dozens of workers were suspended after refusing to return to work following a trash compactor fire
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The White House on Monday refused to confirm a news report that the United States provided crucial intelligence to the Indian military last year that helped it.. IndiaTimes
The formal state visit is a sign of the deepening US-India relationship as the administration advances policies and initiatives for a free and open Indo-Pacific.. IndiaTimes
Remembering
Aretha Franklin.
Aretha Louise Franklin was born on
March 25, 1942, and died on August 16, 2018.
Here are five facts
to celebrate the
“Queen of Soul.”.
1. She was the first woman inducted
into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2. Franklin taught
herself how to play
the piano by ear.
3. She performed for
Presidents Jimmy Carter,
Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
4. Franklin's single, "Respect,"
was a civil rights anthem.
5. NASA named an
asteroid after her.
Happy Birthday,
Aretha Franklin!
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:48Published
This Day in History: , Trayvon Martin
Is Shot and Killed.
February 26, 2012.
17-year-old Martin was shot and
killed by 28-year-old George Zimmerman as
he was walking home from a Sanford, FL, convenience store.
After reporting Martin
as suspicious, Zimmerman
followed the unarmed teenager
despite police dispatch advice to stop.
After the shooting, Zimmerman claimed to have
acted in self-defense during a physical altercation.
He was questioned but not arrested by arriving police.
Martin had no criminal record.
His murder sparked nationwide protests, prompting
President Barack Obama to say,
“If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon.”.
Zimmerman was eventually charged with
second-degree murder by a special prosecutor
appointed by Florida’s governor.
Following a month-long trial,
a jury of six women found
Zimmerman not guilty
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:01Published
Mike Pence’s Indiana Home , Is Searched by FBI.
'The New York Times' reports that
the FBI began its search on Feb. 10.
According to an
adviser to Pence, .
... the former vice president was in Washington for the March for Life as the FBI conducted its search.
The search occurs after a Pence aide discovered classified documents at his home in January.
The report of the FBI's search also comes a day after Pence was served a subpoena...
... by the
special counsel
investigating former
President Donald Trump.
The special counsel's investigation is focused on Trump's attempt to overturn his loss in the 2022 presidential election.
Aides for Pence searched his IN home for classified documents...
... after aides for President Joe Biden discovered such documents in Biden's PA home.
The documents found in Biden's home date to his time as vice president during the Obama administration.
The discovery of documents in Biden's home follows the discovery of a trove of classified documents in Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in FL.
The Justice Department and spokespersons for Pence have yet to respond to news of the report
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Covid-19 claimed three lives in neighbouring Thane even as 343 people tested positive for the viral infection across Maharashtra, said the state Covid update on.. IndiaTimes
The Supreme Court on Friday directed that all prisoners, who were released on parole during the Covid-19 pandemic to decongest jails, to surrender within 15 days.. IndiaTimes
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COVID-19 infections in the UK have climbed to their highest level since the beginning of the year, final official estimates of the prevalence of the virus have.. Sky News
The Covid vaccines in use in India are providing cover for the original Wuhan strain but if the need for another booster dose is felt as new variants emerge, it.. IndiaTimes