The second couple settles in after a stressful start to their life in Washington
By Kate Bennett Three months into her historic vice presidency, Kamala Harris and her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, have finally unpacked their suitcases and are enjoying the comforts of their official residence. The unseasonably warm temperatures and sunny spring skies in Washington over the last week have led them on most recent evenings to walk around outdoors and relax on the veranda at One Observatory Circle — something they weren’t able to do as easily at Blair House, the presidential guest home across the street from the White House, where they spent the chilly early days of their life
Biden and Obama to appear in TV special to promote Covid-19 vaccinations
By Kate Sullivan President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama will appear in an hour-long NBC special on Sunday aimed at promoting Covid-19 vaccinations as they hope to convince hesitant Americans to get shots. The special comes as the Biden administration races to get shots in arms and combat vaccine hesitancy, particularly after it was recommended that the US pause the use of Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine over six reported US cases of a “rare and severe” type of blood clot. The “Roll Up Your Sleeves” special will air at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday on NBC, according
Biden will address a joint session of Congress on April 28
By Devan Cole and Daniella Diaz President Joe Biden will address lawmakers in a joint session of Congress later this month, delivering his first remarks to both chambers nearly 100 days after taking office. Biden was formally invited on Tuesday to speak to Congress on April 28 by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who wrote in a letter to the President that she was extending the invitation so he could “share your vision for addressing the challenges and opportunities of this historic moment.” He accepted her invitation later Tuesday evening. The address will come as his administration continues to respond to
Beshear signs bill in support of Kentucky’s HBCUs
Gov. Andy Beshear signed bill 270 in support of HBCUs and postsecondary education. The bill will increase student services for Kentucky’s HBCUs and create a partnership between Simmons College and Kentucky State University (KSU). The bill allows students attending HBCUs to receive Kentucky tuition grants. In partnership with Simmons College, KSU will now be able to bring its academic offerings to West Louisville, meeting additional students where they are. In addition, KSU can now accept transfer credits from Simmons College. “For generations, Kentucky’s HBCUs have been meeting the need to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education,” said
Biden administration stands down on policing commission, focuses on legislative route instead
By Betsy Klein The Biden administration is standing down on a campaign promise to create a White House-led commission and instead moving forward with its efforts toward passing police reform through legislative channels. “The Biden-Harris Administration strongly supports the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and is working with Congress to swiftly enact meaningful police reform that brings profound, urgently needed change,” Domestic Policy Council director Susan Rice said in a statement. Rice continued, “Based on close, respectful consultation with partners in the civil rights community, the administration made the considered judgment that a police commission, at this time, would
Tishaura Jones becomes first Black female mayor of St. Louis
In a contest between two St. Louis Democrats, City Treasurer Tishaura Jones defeated Alderwoman Cara Spencer to become the city’s first Black female mayor. A Hampton University graduate, Mayor Jones faces multiple challenges. “Making history as the first Black woman mayor is not lost on me,” Jones said. “I’m also looking at how little girls will look at this going forward and see that they have a mayor that looks like them.” Like everywhere, St. Louis is enduring tense times. With COVID-19 variants a troublesome X factor, public health is an immediate priority. Yet this doesn’t put rising violent crime-
‘We cannot go back to normal’: Boston’s Mayor Kim Janey sees a mandate for racial equity in post-Covid era
By Abby Phillip and Jeff Simon For 200 years, Boston has been led by an unbroken string of White men — until now. Kim Janey, a Black woman who traces her roots in the city back generations, and even further to ancestors who fled slavery in the South, is now the city’s mayor. Janey’s ascension to the role leading one of America’s oldest cities seems the result of a series of fortuitous events. She was first elected to her city council seat in 2017 but went on to become City Council president. She is now acting Boston mayor because President
Top Black Democrats condemn GOP election bills as grave threat to voting in America
By Chandelis Duster The highest-ranking Black lawmaker in Congress and a top Black state leader took aim Sunday at nation-wide Republican efforts to restrict voting access as a move that will suppress minority voting and imperil democracy in America. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn blasted bills aimed at restricting ballot access in all but three states as “a new Jim Crow,” while Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said Republican lawmakers are working in a “coordinated national strategy” to curb easy access to the ballot box. “What Republicans in Michigan are doing to try to limit access to the freedom to
Congress faces jam-packed agenda as Democrats confront divisions over legislative policy and strategy
By Ted Barrett, Daniella Diaz and Manu Raju Congress will return to Washington this week with a host of problems to address — but no clear legislative paths to resolve any of them. On immigration, the two parties are at sharp odds over what to do about the growing crisis at the Southern border. On mass shootings, there are discussions about a possible bipartisan approach to expand background checks and other gun legislation, but whether a deal can be reached that can pass Congress remains doubtful. Advancing a centerpiece of President Joe Biden’s agenda — the $2 trillion-plus infrastructure and
Tishaura Jones elected St. Louis’ first Black female mayor
By Veronica Stracqualursi Tishaura Jones on Tuesday was elected mayor of St. Louis and will become the city’s first Black woman to hold that office after running on a progressive platform and a promise to reform and revitalize the city. Jones, the city’s treasurer, beat Alderwoman Cara Spencer by 2,280 votes, according to the final unofficial election results posted online by the city’s election board. Jones will be sworn into office on April 20. In her victory speech Tuesday, Jones reflected on her historic win. “This campaign can unequivocally say that we’ve begun breaking down the historic racial barriers and