US President Joe Biden attended "Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World" event at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California and urged people to get vaccinated. "The vaccines are safe. I promise you. They work," said Biden, who was accompanied in a video message with first lady Dr Jill Biden. Both appeared as part of the "We Can Do This" initiative to increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines.

Biden continued, "We are working with leaders around the world to share more vaccines and boost production to make sure every country has the vaccines they need. If we get this done, we will not have to miss another moment."

Other major public figures like Prince Harry, Jennifer Lopez, and others joined forces over the weekend to encourage coronavirus vaccine equity at a massive concert in California. According to Fox News, the collection of stars and leaders gathered Sunday night as part of Global Citizen`s massive "Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World" event at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.&nbsp;Media and production staff needed to show a negative COVID-19 test before entering the stadium.

Many commented that the large event was the `first of its kind` in Southern California since the pandemic closed&nbsp;large gatherings down in March of 2020.

The taped fundraising event will air May 8 on ABC, ABC News Live, CBS, YouTube and iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations. The concert included performances by Lopez, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, J Balvin and H.E.R. Ben Affleck, Chrissy Teigen, Jimmy Kimmel, Sean Penn and David Letterman appeared as special guest speakers.Everyone in the audience was fully vaccinated.

The event was part of a growing chorus seeking wider, more equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. USD 53.8 million in philanthropic and corporate commitments helped procure nearly 10.3 million doses, exceeding the goal for the Vax Live campaign.Prince Harry said providing vaccines across the globe is imperative, particularly those in the poorest countries. He said that he is standing in solidarity with India, which is experiencing a "devastating" second wave of the virus.

"The vaccine must be distributed to everyone everywhere," the Duke of Sussex said. He along with his wife Meghan are leading an effort to raise money for the vaccine-sharing program COVAX, which hopes to produce USD 19 billion to pay for the vaccines for medical workers.

He said, "We cannot rest or truly recover until there is fair distribution to every corner of the world. The virus does not respect borders and access to the vaccine cannot be determined by geography."The event also highlighted first responders and health care workers efforts during the pandemic.

Selena Gomez, the show`s host, called essential and frontline workers "reliable" and "brave." The singer said, "Many of us had to stay home, but you all didn`t have a choice. You set an example for all of us, both in how you stayed on the job and that we need to get vaccinated as soon as possible."

Each musical performance made things seem almost like normal with attendees standing at their seats side-by-side while others danced with their masks on. Some hugged each other with enthusiasm. H.E.R. performed on a small stage outside the stadium with a group of people playing their guitars.

US President Joe Biden attended "Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World" event at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California and urged people to get vaccinated.

US President Joe Biden attended "Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World" event at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California and urged people to get vaccinated. "The vaccines are safe. I promise you. They work," said Biden, who was accompanied in a video message with first lady Dr Jill Biden. Both appeared as part of the "We Can Do This" initiative to increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Biden continued, "We are working with leaders around the world to share more vaccines and boost production to make sure every country has the vaccines they need. If we get this done, we will not have to miss another moment." Other major public figures like Prince Harry, Jennifer Lopez, and others joined forces over the weekend to encourage coronavirus vaccine equity at a massive concert in California. According to Fox News, the collection of stars and leaders gathered Sunday night as part of Global Citizen`s massive "Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World" event at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Media and production staff needed to show a negative COVID-19 test before entering the stadium. Many commented that the large event was the `first of its kind` in Southern California since the pandemic closed large gatherings down in March of 2020. The taped fundraising event will air May 8 on ABC, ABC News Live, CBS, YouTube and iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations. The concert included performances by Lopez, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, J Balvin and H.E.R. Ben Affleck, Chrissy Teigen, Jimmy Kimmel, Sean Penn and David Letterman appeared as special guest speakers.Everyone in the audience was fully vaccinated. The event was part of a growing chorus seeking wider, more equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. USD 53.8 million in philanthropic and corporate commitments helped procure nearly 10.3 million doses, exceeding the goal for the Vax Live campaign.Prince Harry said providing vaccines across the globe is imperative, particularly those in the poorest countries. He said that he is standing in solidarity with India, which is experiencing a "devastating" second wave of the virus. "The vaccine must be distributed to everyone everywhere," the Duke of Sussex said. He along with his wife Meghan are leading an effort to raise money for the vaccine-sharing program COVAX, which hopes to produce USD 19 billion to pay for the vaccines for medical workers. He said, "We cannot rest or truly recover until there is fair distribution to every corner of the world. The virus does not respect borders and access to the vaccine cannot be determined by geography."The event also highlighted first responders and health care workers efforts during the pandemic. Selena Gomez, the show`s host, called essential and frontline workers "reliable" and "brave." The singer said, "Many of us had to stay home, but you all didn`t have a choice. You set an example for all of us, both in how you stayed on the job and that we need to get vaccinated as soon as possible." Each musical performance made things seem almost like normal with attendees standing at their seats side-by-side while others danced with their masks on. Some hugged each other with enthusiasm. H.E.R. performed on a small stage outside the stadium with a group of people playing their guitars.

Joe Biden urges everyone to get vaccinated at 'Vax Live' concert event

Kamala Harris is set to create history by becoming the first US vice president to have her wax statue on display at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in Times Square, New York.

Harris, who is the first woman vice president, as well as the first Black person and first person of Asian descent to hold the office, has been replicated into a wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York — a first for a U.S. vice president.

Both Biden and Harris's wax figures will be displayed in the museum's "Oval Office experience."

"I'm hugely honoured to be sculpting Kamala Harris," sculptor Vicky Grant said in a video shared on Twitter.

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Careful, there’s glass on the floor again...<a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> will be the FIRST vice president to be immortalized by Madame Tussauds Wax Museum! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Achievements?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Achievements</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/president?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#president</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/politics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#politics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlassCeiling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlassCeiling</a> <a href="https://t.co/7t4tFUN1X0">pic.twitter.com/7t4tFUN1X0</a>
— Madame Tussauds USA (@TussaudsUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TussaudsUSA/status/1387466297450041359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I feel like the most important features of Kamala Harris to get right are not only her lovely, warm and welcoming smile but also her eyes," Grant said, "because I feel like she's so engaging when she smiles. She smiles with her eyes as well."

According to CNN, the figures will wear replicas of the outfits that Biden, 78, and Harris, 56, donned during Inauguration Day on January 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris is set to create history by becoming the first US vice president to have her wax statue on display at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in Times Square, New York.

Kamala Harris is set to create history by becoming the first US vice president to have her wax statue on display at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in Times Square, New York. Harris, who is the first woman vice president, as well as the first Black person and first person of Asian descent to hold the office, has been replicated into a wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York — a first for a U.S. vice president. Both Biden and Harris's wax figures will be displayed in the museum's "Oval Office experience." "I'm hugely honoured to be sculpting Kamala Harris," sculptor Vicky Grant said in a video shared on Twitter. Careful, there’s glass on the floor again...@KamalaHarris will be the FIRST vice president to be immortalized by Madame Tussauds Wax Museum! #VP #VIP #Achievements #president #politics #GlassCeiling pic.twitter.com/7t4tFUN1X0 — Madame Tussauds USA (@TussaudsUSA) April 28, 2021 × "I feel like the most important features of Kamala Harris to get right are not only her lovely, warm and welcoming smile but also her eyes," Grant said, "because I feel like she's so engaging when she smiles. She smiles with her eyes as well." According to CNN, the figures will wear replicas of the outfits that Biden, 78, and Harris, 56, donned during Inauguration Day on January 20. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris becomes first US vice president to get a wax figure in Madame Tussauds

US President Joe Biden made his first joint address to Congress, outlining his vision for the country and speaking to what he sees as his administration's initial accomplishments as he nears 100 days in office.

'US provided 220 million covid shots in 100 days, that's a milestone': Joe Biden

President Joe Biden in his first address to Congress Wednesday will urge following up the fight against Covid-19 with a no less epic battle for a fairer United States, where the rich do more to help end inequality. 
 
Speaking to a joint session of Congress on the eve of his 100th day in office, Biden will likely hail what on Tuesday he called "stunning" success in vaccinating Americans -- a national effort that has dragged the country from coronavirus catastrophe to leader in global recovery. 
 
But with solid approval ratings and a Democratic majority -- albeit razor thin -- in Congress, Biden feels he has momentum on his side to take on new challenges. 
 
Speaking on primetime television, he will promote what he touts as a plan of massive government spending to get the United States not just back on its feet but striding forward in a new direction. 
 
In the foreign policy segment of the speech, Biden "will talk about his commitment to reengaging with the world, taking America's seat back in the world," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. 
 
At the centre&nbsp;of his domestic agenda will be the unveiling of the American Families Plan, an expected $1.8 trillion spending splurge that Psaki termed "a historic investment in education and childcare." 
 
The goal is giving "help to American families, making transformative investments to rescue and rebuild our economy, and fundamentally showing the government can deliver for people," Psaki said. 
 
The families plan alone -- which Biden wants to pay for with tax hikes on the most wealthy -- would represent a giant ask of Congress. 
 
But this comes after Congress already approved a $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, injecting stimulus into almost every corner of the US economy, and is now debating a proposed $2 trillion-plus American Jobs Plan aimed at rebuilding national infrastructure. 
 
The speech will also run through the rest of a lengthy Democratic wish list, including police reform, pro-immigrant reforms and gun control -- some of the most sensitive issues in US politics and ones where Biden insists he can deliver. 
 
Biden, as he likes to say, wants to "go big." 
 
On Thursday, his 100th day, Biden will follow the speech by launching what Psaki called a "Getting America Back on Track" tour, starting with trips to Georgia and Philadelphia. 
 
Vice President Kamala Harris will be taking the message to Baltimore and Ohio. 
 
Psaki said Biden had been working on the speech for "weeks" and was now down to the final edits.

Extraordinary times 
The setting for Biden's maiden address to Congress as president will reflect the crisis times in which he was elected last November, ending four chaotic years under Donald Trump. 
 
Security has been at top level around the Capitol building since the January 6 riot when Trump supporters went on the rampage against what the Republican falsely claimed was a stolen election. 
 
Ahead of his speech, Biden will be meeting staff who were trapped in the building during the terrifying incident, the White House said. 
 
Although Covid-19 is on the back foot -- vaccinated Americans were told Tuesday they can now do most things outside without wearing a mask -- the pandemic will loom heavily.&nbsp; 
 
Instead of looking out onto a House chamber crammed with the usual 1,600 or so politicians and guests, Biden will be greeted by a select group of around 200. 
 
According to Republican Senator John Thune, Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi is allowing just 40 representatives from each of the two parties and 30 senators each. 
 
Usually all nine members of the Supreme Court are in attendance, but this time only Chief Justice John Roberts will be there. 
 
Of the cabinet, only the secretaries of defence and state will be in the room, meaning that the tradition of nominating a "designated survivor" -- someone who could take over the country if the entire government died while inside the Capitol -- is not necessary. 
 
There "does not need to be a designated survivor because the cabinet will be watching&nbsp;from their offices or homes," Psaki said. 
 
Biden has brought an old-fashioned, sunny optimism to Washington, often choosing to ignore the noisy rancour that Trump deliberately stoked and appeared to relish. 
 
But that doesn't mean he has brought his opponents on side. 
 
His big picture appeal for more government spending will likely get no applause from half the chamber and his expected plan to announce tax increases for America's most wealthy will likely stir Republican fury. 
 
"President Biden ran as a moderate, but I'm hard pressed to think of anything at all that he's done so far that would indicate some degree of moderation," senior Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said Tuesday.

President Joe Biden in his first address to Congress Wednesday will urge following up the fight against Covid-19 with a no less epic battle for a fairer United States, where the rich do more to help end inequality.

President Joe Biden in his first address to Congress Wednesday will urge following up the fight against Covid-19 with a no less epic battle for a fairer United States, where the rich do more to help end inequality. Speaking to a joint session of Congress on the eve of his 100th day in office, Biden will likely hail what on Tuesday he called "stunning" success in vaccinating Americans -- a national effort that has dragged the country from coronavirus catastrophe to leader in global recovery. But with solid approval ratings and a Democratic majority -- albeit razor thin -- in Congress, Biden feels he has momentum on his side to take on new challenges. Speaking on primetime television, he will promote what he touts as a plan of massive government spending to get the United States not just back on its feet but striding forward in a new direction. In the foreign policy segment of the speech, Biden "will talk about his commitment to reengaging with the world, taking America's seat back in the world," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. At the centre of his domestic agenda will be the unveiling of the American Families Plan, an expected $1.8 trillion spending splurge that Psaki termed "a historic investment in education and childcare." The goal is giving "help to American families, making transformative investments to rescue and rebuild our economy, and fundamentally showing the government can deliver for people," Psaki said. The families plan alone -- which Biden wants to pay for with tax hikes on the most wealthy -- would represent a giant ask of Congress. But this comes after Congress already approved a $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, injecting stimulus into almost every corner of the US economy, and is now debating a proposed $2 trillion-plus American Jobs Plan aimed at rebuilding national infrastructure. The speech will also run through the rest of a lengthy Democratic wish list, including police reform, pro-immigrant reforms and gun control -- some of the most sensitive issues in US politics and ones where Biden insists he can deliver. Biden, as he likes to say, wants to "go big." On Thursday, his 100th day, Biden will follow the speech by launching what Psaki called a "Getting America Back on Track" tour, starting with trips to Georgia and Philadelphia. Vice President Kamala Harris will be taking the message to Baltimore and Ohio. Psaki said Biden had been working on the speech for "weeks" and was now down to the final edits. Extraordinary times The setting for Biden's maiden address to Congress as president will reflect the crisis times in which he was elected last November, ending four chaotic years under Donald Trump. Security has been at top level around the Capitol building since the January 6 riot when Trump supporters went on the rampage against what the Republican falsely claimed was a stolen election. Ahead of his speech, Biden will be meeting staff who were trapped in the building during the terrifying incident, the White House said. Although Covid-19 is on the back foot -- vaccinated Americans were told Tuesday they can now do most things outside without wearing a mask -- the pandemic will loom heavily. Instead of looking out onto a House chamber crammed with the usual 1,600 or so politicians and guests, Biden will be greeted by a select group of around 200. According to Republican Senator John Thune, Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi is allowing just 40 representatives from each of the two parties and 30 senators each. Usually all nine members of the Supreme Court are in attendance, but this time only Chief Justice John Roberts will be there. Of the cabinet, only the secretaries of defence and state will be in the room, meaning that the tradition of nominating a "designated survivor" -- someone who could take over the country if the entire government died while inside the Capitol -- is not necessary. There "does not need to be a designated survivor because the cabinet will be watching from their offices or homes," Psaki said. Biden has brought an old-fashioned, sunny optimism to Washington, often choosing to ignore the noisy rancour that Trump deliberately stoked and appeared to relish. But that doesn't mean he has brought his opponents on side. His big picture appeal for more government spending will likely get no applause from half the chamber and his expected plan to announce tax increases for America's most wealthy will likely stir Republican fury. "President Biden ran as a moderate, but I'm hard pressed to think of anything at all that he's done so far that would indicate some degree of moderation," senior Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said Tuesday.

Biden to celebrate Covid gains, urge spending spree in Congress address

US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that limits the ability of a US president to impose travel ban on the basis of religion. The bill is informally known as the No Ban Act. It has come as a response to former US President Donald Trump's decision to bar travel from several Muslim-majority countries.

It was passed in US House of Representatives by a 218-208 vote. In order to become a law, the bill must pass in US Senate.

Passage of the bill has invited praise from the right groups.

Donald Trump had issued the ban shortly after assuming presidency in 2017. Most people from Syria, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya, as well as from North Korea and Venezuela were barred from travelling to US.

The ban was considered discriminatory and punitive. Joe Biden had struck down these provisions as soon as he became president earlier this year.

US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that limits the ability of a US president to impose travel ban on the basis of religion. The bill is informally known as the No Ban Act.

US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that limits the ability of a US president to impose travel ban on the basis of religion. The bill is informally known as the No Ban Act. It has come as a response to former US President Donald Trump's decision to bar travel from several Muslim-majority countries. It was passed in US House of Representatives by a 218-208 vote. In order to become a law, the bill must pass in US Senate. Passage of the bill has invited praise from the right groups. Donald Trump had issued the ban shortly after assuming presidency in 2017. Most people from Syria, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya, as well as from North Korea and Venezuela were barred from travelling to US. The ban was considered discriminatory and punitive. Joe Biden had struck down these provisions as soon as he became president earlier this year.

US House passes bill limiting president's power to bar travel based on religion

Former President George W. Bush has stepped into the US debate on immigration, saying migrants are "a force for good" and arguing for a gradual process to allow undocumented immigrants to earn legal status.

Bush, a past governor of Texas — a border state heavily impacted by migration — made his points in an op-ed article in the Washington Post previewing his new book "Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants."

The book, whose name comes from the nation's Latin motto "E Pluribus unum," features portraits of immigrants done by Bush himself, who self-deprecatingly says he knows his paintings "may not set the art world stirring."&nbsp;

But he says that by sharing the portraits of immigrants, each with "a remarkable story," he hoped "to humanize the debate on immigration and reform."

His pro-immigrant message comes as President Joe Biden, who had promised to ease Donald Trump's severe immigration crackdown, has struggled with an uncontrolled surge of migrants coming through Mexico.

The immigrant portraits drawn by Bush range from those of the unknown — like a young French man who became an American soldier and won the country's Medal of Honor — to the much better-known stories of two migrants, Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger, who fled prewar Europe and rose to become US secretaries of state.

Bush asks in his op-ed how it is that "in a country more generous to new arrivals than any other, immigration policy is the source of so much rancor and ill will."

The short answer, he adds, brings "little credit to either party."

While offering no specific policy prescriptions, the former president advocates several "good-faith" steps: a path to citizenship for those brought to the US as children; greater securing of the southern border; a modernized asylum system; and increased legal immigration to allow "talented people (to) bring their ideas and aspirations here."

As for the millions of undocumented migrants living in the US, Bush says that a grant of amnesty would be "fundamentally unfair" to those trying to come legally, but he adds that "undocumented immigrants should be brought out of the shadows through a gradual process in which legal residency and citizenship must be earned."

Applicants should have to pay a fine and back taxes, document their work history, demonstrate English proficiency and knowledge of US history and civics, and provide a clean background check.&nbsp;

After all, he adds, their determination to come to the US "is an affirmation of our country and what we stand for."

Former President George W. Bush has stepped into the US debate on immigration, saying migrants are "a force for good" and arguing for a gradual process to allow undocumented immigrants to earn legal status.

Former President George W. Bush has stepped into the US debate on immigration, saying migrants are "a force for good" and arguing for a gradual process to allow undocumented immigrants to earn legal status. Bush, a past governor of Texas — a border state heavily impacted by migration — made his points in an op-ed article in the Washington Post previewing his new book "Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants." The book, whose name comes from the nation's Latin motto "E Pluribus unum," features portraits of immigrants done by Bush himself, who self-deprecatingly says he knows his paintings "may not set the art world stirring." But he says that by sharing the portraits of immigrants, each with "a remarkable story," he hoped "to humanize the debate on immigration and reform." His pro-immigrant message comes as President Joe Biden, who had promised to ease Donald Trump's severe immigration crackdown, has struggled with an uncontrolled surge of migrants coming through Mexico. The immigrant portraits drawn by Bush range from those of the unknown — like a young French man who became an American soldier and won the country's Medal of Honor — to the much better-known stories of two migrants, Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger, who fled prewar Europe and rose to become US secretaries of state. Bush asks in his op-ed how it is that "in a country more generous to new arrivals than any other, immigration policy is the source of so much rancor and ill will." The short answer, he adds, brings "little credit to either party." While offering no specific policy prescriptions, the former president advocates several "good-faith" steps: a path to citizenship for those brought to the US as children; greater securing of the southern border; a modernized asylum system; and increased legal immigration to allow "talented people (to) bring their ideas and aspirations here." As for the millions of undocumented migrants living in the US, Bush says that a grant of amnesty would be "fundamentally unfair" to those trying to come legally, but he adds that "undocumented immigrants should be brought out of the shadows through a gradual process in which legal residency and citizenship must be earned." Applicants should have to pay a fine and back taxes, document their work history, demonstrate English proficiency and knowledge of US history and civics, and provide a clean background check. After all, he adds, their determination to come to the US "is an affirmation of our country and what we stand for."

Bush, in op-ed and book, steps into US migration debate

US President Joe Biden has sign a order to keep refugee cap at historically low 15,000 cap set. The plan he had been considering is to allows 62,500 refugee in US.

US President Joe Biden signs order to keep Refugee cap at Historic low

The Biden administration announced Thursday the U.S. is expelling 10 Russian diplomats and imposing sanctions against dozens of companies and people, holding the Kremlin accountable for interference in last year's presidential election and the hacking of federal agencies.

US President Joe Biden expels 10 Russian diplomats

UK's Foreign Ministry said it has summoned Russian envoy Andrei Kelin over Moscow's "pattern of malign activity".

UK summons Russian Ambassador over 'Malign activity'

'Fast &amp; Furious'&nbsp;star Dwayne Johnson said on Monday that he would run for US&nbsp;President if he felt he had enough support from Americans. 
 
Johnson, 48, one of the highest-paid and most popular actors in the United States, has been flirting with a possible White House bid for several years. 
 
"I do have that goal to unite our country and I also feel that if this is what the people want, then I will do that,” Johnson said when asked about his presidential ambitions in an interview broadcast on the 'Today' show on Monday. 
 
The former professional wrestler did not say which party he would represent or when he might launch any bid for the White House. 
 
His remarks follow an online public opinion poll released last week by consumer trends company Piplsay that found some 46% of Americans would consider voting for Johnson. 
 
Johnson, known as 'The Rock,'&nbsp;said he was humbled by the poll. 
 
"I don’t think our Founding Fathers EVER envisioned a six-four, bald, tattooed, half-Black, half-Samoan, tequila drinking, pick-up truck driving, fanny-pack wearing guy joining their club - but if it ever happens it’d be my honor to serve you, the people," he said in an Instagram posting. 
 
Johnson, whose work includes the rebooted 'Jumanji'&nbsp;movie franchise and the TV show 'Young Rock,'&nbsp;joins a long list of American celebrities who have run for political office, including former 'Apprentice'&nbsp;star Donald Trump. 
 
'Magic Mike'&nbsp;actor Matthew McConaughey and former Olympic champion Caitlyn Jenner are reported to be weighing potential runs for governor in Texas and California respectively. 
&nbsp;

'Fast & Furious' star Dwayne Johnson said on Monday that he would run for US President if he felt he had enough support from Americans. Johnson, 48, one of the highest-paid and most popular actors in the United States, has been flirting with a possible White House bid for several years.

'Fast & Furious' star Dwayne Johnson said on Monday that he would run for US President if he felt he had enough support from Americans. Johnson, 48, one of the highest-paid and most popular actors in the United States, has been flirting with a possible White House bid for several years. "I do have that goal to unite our country and I also feel that if this is what the people want, then I will do that,” Johnson said when asked about his presidential ambitions in an interview broadcast on the 'Today' show on Monday. The former professional wrestler did not say which party he would represent or when he might launch any bid for the White House. His remarks follow an online public opinion poll released last week by consumer trends company Piplsay that found some 46% of Americans would consider voting for Johnson. Johnson, known as 'The Rock,' said he was humbled by the poll. "I don’t think our Founding Fathers EVER envisioned a six-four, bald, tattooed, half-Black, half-Samoan, tequila drinking, pick-up truck driving, fanny-pack wearing guy joining their club - but if it ever happens it’d be my honor to serve you, the people," he said in an Instagram posting. Johnson, whose work includes the rebooted 'Jumanji' movie franchise and the TV show 'Young Rock,' joins a long list of American celebrities who have run for political office, including former 'Apprentice' star Donald Trump. 'Magic Mike' actor Matthew McConaughey and former Olympic champion Caitlyn Jenner are reported to be weighing potential runs for governor in Texas and California respectively.

Dwayne Johnson would run for US President if people want him

The Biden administration plans to request $715 billion for the Pentagon this coming year, a modest increase from the current level but below the level projected by the Trump administration in its final budget, according to three people familiar with the proposal.

US military spending is $1.25 trillion per year across numerous departments. US military spending has been climbing for years, including during the Trump years, and is the equivalent of many of the world’s top military spenders combined, most of which are US allies, NATO members, and US weapons customers.

The Pentagon-only budget doesn’t include defence-related spending that goes to other agencies, primarily to the Energy Department, which maintains the nation’s nuclear weapons.

By comparison, what other countries pay their armed forces is often a fraction of the support provided to U.S. military members and their families.

The pay and benefits of American servicemen and women represent about a fourth of annual defence budgets.

Though a slight increase from the current level, the top line would still be less than the $722 billion forecast by the Trump administration in its final budget submission.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration plans to request $715 billion for the Pentagon this coming year, a modest increase from the current level but below the level projected by the Trump administration in its final budget, according to three people familiar with the proposal.

The Biden administration plans to request $715 billion for the Pentagon this coming year, a modest increase from the current level but below the level projected by the Trump administration in its final budget, according to three people familiar with the proposal. US military spending is $1.25 trillion per year across numerous departments. US military spending has been climbing for years, including during the Trump years, and is the equivalent of many of the world’s top military spenders combined, most of which are US allies, NATO members, and US weapons customers. The Pentagon-only budget doesn’t include defence-related spending that goes to other agencies, primarily to the Energy Department, which maintains the nation’s nuclear weapons. By comparison, what other countries pay their armed forces is often a fraction of the support provided to U.S. military members and their families. The pay and benefits of American servicemen and women represent about a fourth of annual defence budgets. Though a slight increase from the current level, the top line would still be less than the $722 billion forecast by the Trump administration in its final budget submission. (With inputs from agencies)

US President proposes $715 billion for the Pentagon, a slight increase from last year

US President Joe Biden's special envoy Ricardo Zuñiga said on Tuesday that the White House is looking to create legal ways for Central American migrants to reach the country.

White House aiming to create legal ways for Central Americans to migrate

US President Joe Biden has unveiled a $2,000,000,000,000 Infrastructure plan to 'modernise' his country. How much is $2 Trillion? Where will the money come from? What do Americans have to say?

Gravitas: Joe Biden's $2,000,000,000,000 Infra-Plan

United States President Joe Biden is set to let a proclamation barring temporary foreign workers from coming into the country expire on Wednesday. The proclamation was put in place by his predecessor, Donald Trump and prevented temporary foreign workers from entering the States.

Reuters reported that Biden is set to let it expire. Biden has staunchly reversed many policies of Donald Trump especially in terms of immigration. After taking office on January 20, Biden has also revoked a proclamation which prevented applicants of permanent residency from entering the country.

Trump’s first directive against foreign workers was issued in June 2020 and later extended upto March 31, claiming it was necessary to protect American workers as unemployment rates soared during the pandemic.

In mid-March, jobless claims in the US dropped to a one-year low. Even then, a report by the US Labor Department claims that 19 million people are still receiving unemployment cheques.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/former-top-us-virus-official-slams-trumps-pandemic-response-citing-needless-deaths-374033" hreflang="en">Former top US virus official slams Trump’s pandemic response, citing needless deaths</a>

Those affected by the expiration of the proclamation are foreign workers in the country on H-1B visas whereby American employers hire people in specialised occupations, and for companies big on outsourcing services.

Recently, Trump spoke at a wedding ceremony at Mar-a-Lago. He used the moment to attack Biden over multiple issues, ranging from the border with Mexico, to China, and even Iran.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/miss-me-yet-donald-trump-shocks-everyone-by-making-wedding-speech-about-himself-374257" hreflang="en">'Miss me yet?': Donald Trump shocks everyone by making wedding speech about himself</a>

"We were ready to make a deal [with Iran], they were ready to do anything, they would have done anything. And this guy [Biden] goes and drops the sanctions and then he says we'd like to negotiate now," Trump is heard saying in the video.

"What's happening to the kids? They are living in squalor, they are living like nobody has ever seen," Trump said, while referring to the kids at border. "The border is not good. It's the worst that it has ever been," he said.

United States President Joe Biden is set to let a proclamation barring temporary foreign workers from coming into the country expire on Wednesday. The proclamation was put in place by his predecessor, Donald Trump and prevented temporary foreign workers from entering the States.

United States President Joe Biden is set to let a proclamation barring temporary foreign workers from coming into the country expire on Wednesday. The proclamation was put in place by his predecessor, Donald Trump and prevented temporary foreign workers from entering the States. Reuters reported that Biden is set to let it expire. Biden has staunchly reversed many policies of Donald Trump especially in terms of immigration. After taking office on January 20, Biden has also revoked a proclamation which prevented applicants of permanent residency from entering the country. Trump’s first directive against foreign workers was issued in June 2020 and later extended upto March 31, claiming it was necessary to protect American workers as unemployment rates soared during the pandemic. In mid-March, jobless claims in the US dropped to a one-year low. Even then, a report by the US Labor Department claims that 19 million people are still receiving unemployment cheques. Also read: Former top US virus official slams Trump’s pandemic response, citing needless deaths Those affected by the expiration of the proclamation are foreign workers in the country on H-1B visas whereby American employers hire people in specialised occupations, and for companies big on outsourcing services. Recently, Trump spoke at a wedding ceremony at Mar-a-Lago. He used the moment to attack Biden over multiple issues, ranging from the border with Mexico, to China, and even Iran. Also read: 'Miss me yet?': Donald Trump shocks everyone by making wedding speech about himself "We were ready to make a deal [with Iran], they were ready to do anything, they would have done anything. And this guy [Biden] goes and drops the sanctions and then he says we'd like to negotiate now," Trump is heard saying in the video. "What's happening to the kids? They are living in squalor, they are living like nobody has ever seen," Trump said, while referring to the kids at border. "The border is not good. It's the worst that it has ever been," he said.

Joe Biden set to end Trump-era ban on temporary foreign workers

Wondering what Donald Trump is up to? On Saturday, he gatecrashed a wedding & instead of toasting the couple, Trump used the opportunity to make political attacks

Gravitas: Trump is back, at a wedding

The trip to Mexico will include Roberta Jacobson, the White House’s lead adviser on the border, and Juan González, the National Security Council’s senior director for the Western Hemisphere.

US President Biden's envoys head to Mexico & Gautemala

Biden, who took office on January 20, has faced criticism from Republicans for reversing some of the hard-line policies of his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Joe Biden to visit Mexican border ‘at some point’

With a promise of "shots in arms and money in pockets," President Joe Biden on Monday kicked off a week of promotion and travel for the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill he signed into law last week to help the country move past the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Biden and other advocates including Vice President Kamala Harris and first lady Jill Biden are being deployed to various states and to television as part of what the White House is calling the "Help Is Here Tour." 
 
The package, one of the largest economic stimulus measures in U.S. history, provides $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments, an expansion of the child tax credit and increased funding for vaccine distribution. 
 
"Help is here, and hope is here, in real and tangible ways," Biden said in remarks from the White House. 
 
The legislation was Biden`s first legislative priority on taking office in January. His fellow Democrats used narrow majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate to pass a large measure of what Biden originally proposed without Republican support. 
 
The Democratic president said his administration would reach two important goals over the next 10 days: 100 million coronavirus shots in people`s arms and 100 million checks in people`s pockets or bank accounts. 
 
"Shots in arms and money in pockets. That`s important. The American Rescue Plan is already doing what it was designed to do: make a difference in people`s everyday lives. And we`re just getting started," Biden added. 
 
The White House has said it does not believe former President Barack Obama`s administration, in which Biden served as vice president, did enough to promote its more than $800 billion 2009 economic rescue program. Democrats went on to lose control of the House to Republicans the next year. 
 
Taking their case directly to the people, Harris traveled to Las Vegas on Monday, while Biden goes to Pennsylvania on Tuesday and Atlanta on Friday. He will also do an interview on Wednesday on ABC`s "Good Morning America" program. 
 
"We want to avoid a situation where folks are unaware of what they`re entitled to and then this moment passes and they don`t get the full relief," the vice president told reporters in Las Vegas. 
 
POPULAR SUPPORT 
 
Democrats regard the bill as good policy and good politics. Opinion polls show majorities supporting efforts to shore up the coronavirus vaccination campaign, prepare schools to reopen and ease poverty after a year-long pandemic that has killed more than 535,000 Americans and put millions of people out of work. 
 
Republicans, who broadly supported coronavirus relief early in the crisis when Republican Donald Trump was president, have called the latest measure an overpriced collection of pet projects unrelated to the pandemic. 
 
Harris said she visited Nevada because of the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on the state`s hospitality industry. Speaking with workers and labor unions about the legislation`s benefits, she urged people to file their taxes so they can receive such relief faster. 
 
She will visit Colorado on Tuesday. Both there and in Nevada, Democrats will be defending U.S. Senate seats in elections next year that could be critical in helping the party maintain narrow control of that chamber.

With a promise of "shots in arms and money in pockets," President Joe Biden on Monday kicked off a week of promotion and travel for the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill he signed into law last week to help the country move past the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a promise of "shots in arms and money in pockets," President Joe Biden on Monday kicked off a week of promotion and travel for the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill he signed into law last week to help the country move past the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden and other advocates including Vice President Kamala Harris and first lady Jill Biden are being deployed to various states and to television as part of what the White House is calling the "Help Is Here Tour." The package, one of the largest economic stimulus measures in U.S. history, provides $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments, an expansion of the child tax credit and increased funding for vaccine distribution. "Help is here, and hope is here, in real and tangible ways," Biden said in remarks from the White House. The legislation was Biden`s first legislative priority on taking office in January. His fellow Democrats used narrow majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate to pass a large measure of what Biden originally proposed without Republican support. The Democratic president said his administration would reach two important goals over the next 10 days: 100 million coronavirus shots in people`s arms and 100 million checks in people`s pockets or bank accounts. "Shots in arms and money in pockets. That`s important. The American Rescue Plan is already doing what it was designed to do: make a difference in people`s everyday lives. And we`re just getting started," Biden added. The White House has said it does not believe former President Barack Obama`s administration, in which Biden served as vice president, did enough to promote its more than $800 billion 2009 economic rescue program. Democrats went on to lose control of the House to Republicans the next year. Taking their case directly to the people, Harris traveled to Las Vegas on Monday, while Biden goes to Pennsylvania on Tuesday and Atlanta on Friday. He will also do an interview on Wednesday on ABC`s "Good Morning America" program. "We want to avoid a situation where folks are unaware of what they`re entitled to and then this moment passes and they don`t get the full relief," the vice president told reporters in Las Vegas. POPULAR SUPPORT Democrats regard the bill as good policy and good politics. Opinion polls show majorities supporting efforts to shore up the coronavirus vaccination campaign, prepare schools to reopen and ease poverty after a year-long pandemic that has killed more than 535,000 Americans and put millions of people out of work. Republicans, who broadly supported coronavirus relief early in the crisis when Republican Donald Trump was president, have called the latest measure an overpriced collection of pet projects unrelated to the pandemic. Harris said she visited Nevada because of the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on the state`s hospitality industry. Speaking with workers and labor unions about the legislation`s benefits, she urged people to file their taxes so they can receive such relief faster. She will visit Colorado on Tuesday. Both there and in Nevada, Democrats will be defending U.S. Senate seats in elections next year that could be critical in helping the party maintain narrow control of that chamber.

Promising people vaccine shots and cash payments, Biden kicks off stimulus tour

So far, President Joe Biden has made only a passing comment on the crises that have engulfed Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and he seems to be hoping to avoid getting pulled in any further.

But as a longtime friend of the New York governor, Biden is one of the very few people in the nation with the potential to prevent a protracted standoff between an increasingly isolated Cuomo and the rest of the Democratic Party. That has strained Biden’s efforts to stay firmly on the sidelines as the governor faces a fusillade of calls to resign.

Cuomo is confronting a spiraling set of allegations and investigations involving sexual harassment, a toxic workplace, the manipulation of the number of deaths at New York nursing homes and perceived loyalty tests from the governor’s vaccine czar.

Biden and Cuomo have not spoken, people close to both men said. Asked on Sunday night whether Cuomo should resign, Biden said only, “I think the investigation is underway, and we should see what it brings us.”

The governor and his allies have urged people to wait for the results of the investigations to buy time, in the hope of stabilizing Cuomo’s support. And Biden appears inclined to give him that time — at least for now.

But a prolonged period of intraparty sparring over Cuomo’s future could be problematic for Biden. It threatens to distract from his early initiatives, including mass vaccination efforts and his party’s imperative to sell the public on the nearly $2 trillion stimulus package Biden signed into law last week.

The New York Times and Washington Post reported over the weekend that Larry Schwartz, the governor’s vaccine czar and a longtime lieutenant, had tried to assess the loyalty of county executives to Cuomo during phone calls about vaccine distribution — drawing particular attention at the White House on Monday.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that the reports were “concerning” and that Schwartz’s calls were “inappropriate reported behavior.”

The calls prompted one executive to file a preliminary complaint with the state attorney general office’s public integrity bureau. Schwartz denied that he discussed vaccines in a political context.

Psaki insisted there were “checks” in the system to prevent the vaccine from being distributed based on favoritism.

On Tuesday, the White House will hold its weekly call on the coronavirus with the National Governors Association, which Cuomo typically leads as chair of the group. Psaki said she expected Cuomo would join the call, adding, “We’ll leave that up to him.”

Both of New York’s senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, called on Cuomo to resign Friday, along with most of the state’s Democratic congressional delegation. One factor in the timing for members of Congress who made their announcements in quick succession was the desire not to overshadow Biden’s signing of the pandemic relief package, according to people involved in the discussions.

Cuomo was surprised by the statement from Gillibrand and Schumer; he had believed earlier that day that they would not join the calls against him, according to someone familiar with his thinking.

Still, the governor has flatly refused to contemplate resignation while questioning the motives of the women who have accused him of sexual harassment, invoking “cancel culture,” a favorite Republican talking point, as he dug in Friday.

“There’s a job to do, and New Yorkers elected the governor to do it,” Richard Azzopardi, a senior adviser to Cuomo, said Monday. “He remains focused on vaccine distribution and a state budget that’s due in two weeks, and we’re thankful for the help that the White House has provided on both those fronts.”

A senior administration official said Biden’s desire to stay away is driven partly by his personal relationship with Cuomo and partly by pragmatism.

Should he eventually become drawn into the issue, Biden’s options range from encouraging Cuomo to resign to asking him not to run for office again in 2022, as the governor has indicated he still plans to do.

“Biden has a long friendship with Cuomo, and I think he and [Nancy] Pelosi and others are clearly hoping the situation will resolve itself through this investigative process, and they’re giving him that much leash, but how tenable that will be over time is very questionable,” said David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama.

Already, a majority of state legislators — and more than 40% of Democratic lawmakers in Albany — have called for Cuomo’s resignation. The state Assembly has launched an impeachment inquiry, and beyond Biden, the politician with the most control over Cuomo’s fate is the Assembly speaker, Carl E. Heastie, who will determine if and when to proceed.

Impeaching and removing a governor is a serious undertaking, and Cuomo can hope that it is too big a leap even for those who signed a letter urging his resignation.

“Calling the Legislature’s bluff on an impeachment vote, he recognizes casting a vote for impeachment is a heavy vote for many to make,” said Bakari Sellers, a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, who voted to impeach then-Gov. Mark Sanford in 2009. (Sanford was eventually censured.)

“The state is about to be flush with COVID cash,” Sellers said. “Better days ahead for constituents. Hang on until you become everyone’s favorite bank.”

Biden and Cuomo have been relatively close politically in recent years. In 2015, when Biden was considering a belated run for president, they met in New York; though Cuomo was formally backing Hillary Clinton at the time, he did not discourage Biden from a White House run.

In 2018, when Cuomo faced a primary challenge of his own from Cynthia Nixon, the actress and activist, Biden offered a full-throated endorsement of Cuomo at the New York Democratic Party convention.

Biden’s fondness for Cuomo does not necessarily extend to the staff level. The governor’s sharp-elbowed political operation has jabbed at many people in his path over the years.

Biden tapped Cuomo for a prime-time speech on the first night of the Democratic convention last year at the height of the governor’s popularity. The prerecorded address, which did not mention Biden by name until near the end, was thrust on convention organizers with little opportunity for revision, according to people involved in the process; they said the Cuomo team was among the most difficult to work with in planning the entire four-day event.

Cuomo’s political operation also submitted a production bill that far exceeded other similar convention videos; convention officials declined to pay the full amount.

So far, President Joe Biden has made only a passing comment on the crises that have engulfed Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and he seems to be hoping to avoid getting pulled in any further.

So far, President Joe Biden has made only a passing comment on the crises that have engulfed Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and he seems to be hoping to avoid getting pulled in any further. But as a longtime friend of the New York governor, Biden is one of the very few people in the nation with the potential to prevent a protracted standoff between an increasingly isolated Cuomo and the rest of the Democratic Party. That has strained Biden’s efforts to stay firmly on the sidelines as the governor faces a fusillade of calls to resign. Cuomo is confronting a spiraling set of allegations and investigations involving sexual harassment, a toxic workplace, the manipulation of the number of deaths at New York nursing homes and perceived loyalty tests from the governor’s vaccine czar. Biden and Cuomo have not spoken, people close to both men said. Asked on Sunday night whether Cuomo should resign, Biden said only, “I think the investigation is underway, and we should see what it brings us.” The governor and his allies have urged people to wait for the results of the investigations to buy time, in the hope of stabilizing Cuomo’s support. And Biden appears inclined to give him that time — at least for now. But a prolonged period of intraparty sparring over Cuomo’s future could be problematic for Biden. It threatens to distract from his early initiatives, including mass vaccination efforts and his party’s imperative to sell the public on the nearly $2 trillion stimulus package Biden signed into law last week. The New York Times and Washington Post reported over the weekend that Larry Schwartz, the governor’s vaccine czar and a longtime lieutenant, had tried to assess the loyalty of county executives to Cuomo during phone calls about vaccine distribution — drawing particular attention at the White House on Monday. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that the reports were “concerning” and that Schwartz’s calls were “inappropriate reported behavior.” The calls prompted one executive to file a preliminary complaint with the state attorney general office’s public integrity bureau. Schwartz denied that he discussed vaccines in a political context. Psaki insisted there were “checks” in the system to prevent the vaccine from being distributed based on favoritism. On Tuesday, the White House will hold its weekly call on the coronavirus with the National Governors Association, which Cuomo typically leads as chair of the group. Psaki said she expected Cuomo would join the call, adding, “We’ll leave that up to him.” Both of New York’s senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, called on Cuomo to resign Friday, along with most of the state’s Democratic congressional delegation. One factor in the timing for members of Congress who made their announcements in quick succession was the desire not to overshadow Biden’s signing of the pandemic relief package, according to people involved in the discussions. Cuomo was surprised by the statement from Gillibrand and Schumer; he had believed earlier that day that they would not join the calls against him, according to someone familiar with his thinking. Still, the governor has flatly refused to contemplate resignation while questioning the motives of the women who have accused him of sexual harassment, invoking “cancel culture,” a favorite Republican talking point, as he dug in Friday. “There’s a job to do, and New Yorkers elected the governor to do it,” Richard Azzopardi, a senior adviser to Cuomo, said Monday. “He remains focused on vaccine distribution and a state budget that’s due in two weeks, and we’re thankful for the help that the White House has provided on both those fronts.” A senior administration official said Biden’s desire to stay away is driven partly by his personal relationship with Cuomo and partly by pragmatism. Should he eventually become drawn into the issue, Biden’s options range from encouraging Cuomo to resign to asking him not to run for office again in 2022, as the governor has indicated he still plans to do. “Biden has a long friendship with Cuomo, and I think he and [Nancy] Pelosi and others are clearly hoping the situation will resolve itself through this investigative process, and they’re giving him that much leash, but how tenable that will be over time is very questionable,” said David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama. Already, a majority of state legislators — and more than 40% of Democratic lawmakers in Albany — have called for Cuomo’s resignation. The state Assembly has launched an impeachment inquiry, and beyond Biden, the politician with the most control over Cuomo’s fate is the Assembly speaker, Carl E. Heastie, who will determine if and when to proceed. Impeaching and removing a governor is a serious undertaking, and Cuomo can hope that it is too big a leap even for those who signed a letter urging his resignation. “Calling the Legislature’s bluff on an impeachment vote, he recognizes casting a vote for impeachment is a heavy vote for many to make,” said Bakari Sellers, a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, who voted to impeach then-Gov. Mark Sanford in 2009. (Sanford was eventually censured.) “The state is about to be flush with COVID cash,” Sellers said. “Better days ahead for constituents. Hang on until you become everyone’s favorite bank.” Biden and Cuomo have been relatively close politically in recent years. In 2015, when Biden was considering a belated run for president, they met in New York; though Cuomo was formally backing Hillary Clinton at the time, he did not discourage Biden from a White House run. In 2018, when Cuomo faced a primary challenge of his own from Cynthia Nixon, the actress and activist, Biden offered a full-throated endorsement of Cuomo at the New York Democratic Party convention. Biden’s fondness for Cuomo does not necessarily extend to the staff level. The governor’s sharp-elbowed political operation has jabbed at many people in his path over the years. Biden tapped Cuomo for a prime-time speech on the first night of the Democratic convention last year at the height of the governor’s popularity. The prerecorded address, which did not mention Biden by name until near the end, was thrust on convention organizers with little opportunity for revision, according to people involved in the process; they said the Cuomo team was among the most difficult to work with in planning the entire four-day event. Cuomo’s political operation also submitted a production bill that far exceeded other similar convention videos; convention officials declined to pay the full amount.

Can Biden stay on the sidelines of the Andrew Cuomo saga?

President Joe Biden declined on Sunday to call on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual misconduct allegations, saying he wanted to await the outcome of an investigation into the matter.&nbsp;

Asked on returning from Delaware if Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, should step down, Biden told reporters: "I think the investigation is underway and we should see what it brings us."&nbsp;

Cuomo faces accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct levelled by at least seven women, including former aides, and has come under pressure from disclosures that his administration withheld the number of nursing home residents killed in the state by Covid-19.&nbsp;

On Friday, New York's two Democratic US senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and most of the state's congressional delegation, including leading progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, urged Cuomo, now in his third term as governor, to resign.&nbsp;

Cuomo, 63, who is divorced, repeated his denial of the allegations on Friday and said it was 'reckless and dangerous' for politicians to ask him to resign before they have all the facts.&nbsp;

"Women have a right to come forward and be heard, and I encourage that fully. But I also want to be clear: There is still a question of the truth. I did not do what has been alleged, period,” Cuomo said on a call with reporters.&nbsp;

Asked if he ever had consensual romantic relationships with any of the women, Cuomo said he never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, and was sorry if he did.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Democratic US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi declined to join the call for Cuomo's resignation, telling ABC's "This Week" programme the allegations must be investigated.&nbsp;

"What these women have said must be treated with respect. They are credible and serious charges," Pelosi said. "The governor should look inside his heart - he loves New York - to see if he can govern effectively."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Joe Biden declined on Sunday to call on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual misconduct allegations, saying he wanted to await the outcome of an investigation into the matter.

President Joe Biden declined on Sunday to call on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual misconduct allegations, saying he wanted to await the outcome of an investigation into the matter. Asked on returning from Delaware if Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, should step down, Biden told reporters: "I think the investigation is underway and we should see what it brings us." Cuomo faces accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct levelled by at least seven women, including former aides, and has come under pressure from disclosures that his administration withheld the number of nursing home residents killed in the state by Covid-19. On Friday, New York's two Democratic US senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and most of the state's congressional delegation, including leading progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, urged Cuomo, now in his third term as governor, to resign. Cuomo, 63, who is divorced, repeated his denial of the allegations on Friday and said it was 'reckless and dangerous' for politicians to ask him to resign before they have all the facts. "Women have a right to come forward and be heard, and I encourage that fully. But I also want to be clear: There is still a question of the truth. I did not do what has been alleged, period,” Cuomo said on a call with reporters. Asked if he ever had consensual romantic relationships with any of the women, Cuomo said he never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, and was sorry if he did. On Sunday, Democratic US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi declined to join the call for Cuomo's resignation, telling ABC's "This Week" programme the allegations must be investigated. "What these women have said must be treated with respect. They are credible and serious charges," Pelosi said. "The governor should look inside his heart - he loves New York - to see if he can govern effectively." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to await outcome of sexual misconduct probe for Cuomo's resignation

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with top Chinese officials on March 18 in Alaska, the White House said on Wednesday.

This will be the first high-level in-person contact between the two sparring countries under the administration of the new US president, Joe Biden. The meeting will come amid what is shaping up to be a major US diplomatic push to solidify alliances in Asia and Europe to counter China.

National security advisor Jake Sullivan will join the meeting in Anchorage with China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and State Councillor Wang Yi, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, adding that the administration would approach its relations with China "in lockstep" with its partners. Blinken will join the meeting post his return from his first overseas trip to key US allies Japan and South Korea.

Blinken has already signalled next week's meeting would not be a return to regular senior-level dialogues used under past US administrations, which had been increasingly criticised in Washington for yielding little progress on US grievances with Beijing.

Biden's administration has committed to reviewing elements of US policies toward China, as the world's two largest economies navigate frosty relations that sank to their lowest depths in decades during Donald Trump's presidency.

Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, held their first phone call as leaders last month and appeared at odds on most issues, even as Xi warned that confrontation would be a "disaster" for both nations.

Blinken has also said that if China insists it is not violating the human rights of Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region, it should provide the world access to the area.

The talks will follow the visit by Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to Japan and South Korea next week, as well as an online summit on Friday between Biden and the leaders of Japan, India and Australia.

That will be the first leader-level meeting of the four-country group, known as the Quad, seen as part of US efforts to boost its diplomacy in Asia to balance China's growing military and economic power.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with top Chinese officials on March 18 in Alaska, the White House said on Wednesday. This will be the first high-level in-person contact between the two sparring countries under the administration of the new US president, Joe Biden.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with top Chinese officials on March 18 in Alaska, the White House said on Wednesday. This will be the first high-level in-person contact between the two sparring countries under the administration of the new US president, Joe Biden. The meeting will come amid what is shaping up to be a major US diplomatic push to solidify alliances in Asia and Europe to counter China. National security advisor Jake Sullivan will join the meeting in Anchorage with China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and State Councillor Wang Yi, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, adding that the administration would approach its relations with China "in lockstep" with its partners. Blinken will join the meeting post his return from his first overseas trip to key US allies Japan and South Korea. Blinken has already signalled next week's meeting would not be a return to regular senior-level dialogues used under past US administrations, which had been increasingly criticised in Washington for yielding little progress on US grievances with Beijing. Biden's administration has committed to reviewing elements of US policies toward China, as the world's two largest economies navigate frosty relations that sank to their lowest depths in decades during Donald Trump's presidency. Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, held their first phone call as leaders last month and appeared at odds on most issues, even as Xi warned that confrontation would be a "disaster" for both nations. Blinken has also said that if China insists it is not violating the human rights of Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region, it should provide the world access to the area. The talks will follow the visit by Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to Japan and South Korea next week, as well as an online summit on Friday between Biden and the leaders of Japan, India and Australia. That will be the first leader-level meeting of the four-country group, known as the Quad, seen as part of US efforts to boost its diplomacy in Asia to balance China's growing military and economic power.

Top US, China diplomats to hold first in-person talks of Biden presidency

The new policy marks a dramatic shift from Trump and Obama administration protocols where families could be detained for up to 21 days.

Biden's new immigration policy raises hopes

More than 90% of Americans think the United States could have its first woman president within a decade, a poll has showed, as Vice-President Kamala Harris is increasingly tipped as a favourite for the Democratic Party nomination in 2024.

A&nbsp;Gallup&nbsp;poll conducted in 74 countries showed Americans were the most likely to say they thought a woman could lead their nation by 2030.

The majority of respondents in only three countries - Mauritania, Belarus and Sri Lanka - said they did not expect to see a woman leader in the years ahead, found the poll conducted from 2019 to 2020 and released for International Women's Day.

Women serve as heads of state or government in only 22 countries and 119 nations have never had a woman leader, UN Women data showed in January, while on average women hold just over a quarter of seats in parliaments worldwide.

But Harris's election as the first female U.S. vice president last year was a significant boost for efforts to boost women's political representation and help young women see themselves in top jobs, according to campaigners.

"We all believe (Harris) is going to run for president again very, very soon," said Sara Guillermo, executive director of California-based young women's political leadership organisation IGNITE, describing Harris's election as a "huge cultural shift".

"That is really huge, not just for the little girls of the world but for the little boys, to be able to fully understand that both genders can serve in the highest leadership role," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a video call.

Harris, 56, who also made history by becoming the first Black American and first Asian American to win the second highest U.S. office, is seen as an obvious contender for her party's 2024 candidacy should Biden, 78, decide not to run.

Monday's poll findings follow a warning last week that despite recent high-profile appointments of women globally, wider progress towards equality in political representation and other key areas is faltering.

A report by the Equal Measures 2030 partnership found half of the 129 countries it examined were lagging behind a target to reach gender equality by 2030 in five key areas including ministerial roles and workplace equity laws.

Progress is "limping along" globally but "rapid change on gender equality is possible", said Alison Holder, director of the organisation, which assesses progress on an ambitious set of global goals against inequality set by world leaders in 2015.

More than 90% of Americans think the United States could have its first woman president within a decade, a poll has showed, as Vice-President Kamala Harris is increasingly tipped as a favourite for the Democratic Party nomination in 2024.

More than 90% of Americans think the United States could have its first woman president within a decade, a poll has showed, as Vice-President Kamala Harris is increasingly tipped as a favourite for the Democratic Party nomination in 2024. A Gallup poll conducted in 74 countries showed Americans were the most likely to say they thought a woman could lead their nation by 2030. The majority of respondents in only three countries - Mauritania, Belarus and Sri Lanka - said they did not expect to see a woman leader in the years ahead, found the poll conducted from 2019 to 2020 and released for International Women's Day. Women serve as heads of state or government in only 22 countries and 119 nations have never had a woman leader, UN Women data showed in January, while on average women hold just over a quarter of seats in parliaments worldwide. But Harris's election as the first female U.S. vice president last year was a significant boost for efforts to boost women's political representation and help young women see themselves in top jobs, according to campaigners. "We all believe (Harris) is going to run for president again very, very soon," said Sara Guillermo, executive director of California-based young women's political leadership organisation IGNITE, describing Harris's election as a "huge cultural shift". "That is really huge, not just for the little girls of the world but for the little boys, to be able to fully understand that both genders can serve in the highest leadership role," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a video call. Harris, 56, who also made history by becoming the first Black American and first Asian American to win the second highest U.S. office, is seen as an obvious contender for her party's 2024 candidacy should Biden, 78, decide not to run. Monday's poll findings follow a warning last week that despite recent high-profile appointments of women globally, wider progress towards equality in political representation and other key areas is faltering. A report by the Equal Measures 2030 partnership found half of the 129 countries it examined were lagging behind a target to reach gender equality by 2030 in five key areas including ministerial roles and workplace equity laws. Progress is "limping along" globally but "rapid change on gender equality is possible", said Alison Holder, director of the organisation, which assesses progress on an ambitious set of global goals against inequality set by world leaders in 2015.

Madam President? 90% of Americans expect to see a woman at White House by 2030

Newly elected President of The Unites States Joe Biden's popularity takes a hit. The latest govt has left Joe Biden with some real challenges ahead i.e Nuclear Deal with Iran, Paris Climate Agreement. So is it an end to Biden's honeymoon period?

Biden's honeymoon phase comes to an end

Former US President Donald Trump making his very first public speech in Florida after his white house exit. Republican top brass will be closely following Donald Trump's speech as he expected to talk about GOP's future and his own political future.

Former US President Donald Trump to address a summit in Florida

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday made his international debut in an unusual setup befitting extraordinary times — with virtual "trips" made a short walk from his office via video.

From the relative safety of the State Department, Blinken "traveled" to Mexico and then Canada, looking to revive ties with neighbors after President Donald Trump's turbulent tenure.

With President Joe Biden discouraging travel to prevent the spread of Covid-19, his top diplomat went abroad for the first time virtually via a video of entering Mexico over the busy bridge between El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez.

"Let's go," Blinken said with a smile as officials on both sides gave him a tour in a sometimes crackly pre-recorded video.

Blinken, accompanied by the handful of aides who would normally travel with him, then strolled into the State Department's ornate Benjamin Franklin Room and -- under chandeliers and with Mexican and US flags behind him -- began talks with his counterparts on three facing screens.

"I wanted to 'visit' -- in quotation marks -- Mexico first to demonstrate the importance that we attach, President Biden attaches, to the relationship," Blinken told his Mexican counterpart, Marcelo Ebrard, who hailed the "new technologies" that made the meeting possible.

"I guess the benefits of doing the virtual visit are no jetlag. On the other hand, no frequent flyer miles either, so it's a little bit of a tradeoff," joked Blinken, who is expected to pay similar virtual visits soon to capitals that have more than the one-hour time-zone difference between Washington and Mexico City.

Blinken voiced hope that he could soon see counterparts in person.&nbsp;

Biden on Friday was taking his third official trip outside the Washington area, but has not gone overseas amid his administration's concerted effort to fight the pandemic that has claimed more than 500,000 lives in the United States.

- No substitute -

Blinken's predecessor Mike Pompeo mostly went ahead with travel during the pandemic but under Biden even most senior State Department officials have been grounded -- a rare exception being Tim Lenderking, the new envoy seeking to end the war in Yemen.

Brett Bruen, a former diplomat who served as director of global engagement under former president Barack Obama, understood the Biden administration's intentions but said there was no substitute for eventual in-person contact.

In virtual encounters, "diplomats are not able to have conversations in hushed tones where they feel more at ease, no matter how close the allies might be," said Bruen, who heads the Global Situation Room consulting firm.

He noted that the State Department was still sending rank-and-file diplomats overseas who can meet counterparts.

"I think we just have to have a balance because cutting ourselves off from face-to-face contact is not a viable alternative," he said, also pointing to security risks of virtual communication.

Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton -- who similarly took office with vows of restoring US prestige after an unpopular Republican president -- had at this point in her tenure already been on a lengthy trip to Asia and was about to head on a tour that included the Middle East and a meeting with her Russian counterpart.

- Mending ties -

Trump had a tense relationship with many allies including Canada, needling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over trade policy.&nbsp;

Biden on Tuesday held his first summit -- also virtually -- with Trudeau, a center-left ally he hailed as a partner.

Trump, however, had a surprisingly productive relationship with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a populist from the left, who under threat of sanctions agreed to assist the former US president in cracking down on Central American migration.

Blinken said that Biden was committed to immigration reform and addressing the "heartbreaking reasons why people are risking their lives" to flee to the United States.

But Blinken also warned would-be migrants: "To anyone thinking about undertaking that journey, our message is -- don't do it."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday made his international debut in an unusual setup befitting extraordinary times — with virtual "trips" made a short walk from his office via video.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday made his international debut in an unusual setup befitting extraordinary times — with virtual "trips" made a short walk from his office via video. From the relative safety of the State Department, Blinken "traveled" to Mexico and then Canada, looking to revive ties with neighbors after President Donald Trump's turbulent tenure. With President Joe Biden discouraging travel to prevent the spread of Covid-19, his top diplomat went abroad for the first time virtually via a video of entering Mexico over the busy bridge between El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez. "Let's go," Blinken said with a smile as officials on both sides gave him a tour in a sometimes crackly pre-recorded video. Blinken, accompanied by the handful of aides who would normally travel with him, then strolled into the State Department's ornate Benjamin Franklin Room and -- under chandeliers and with Mexican and US flags behind him -- began talks with his counterparts on three facing screens. "I wanted to 'visit' -- in quotation marks -- Mexico first to demonstrate the importance that we attach, President Biden attaches, to the relationship," Blinken told his Mexican counterpart, Marcelo Ebrard, who hailed the "new technologies" that made the meeting possible. "I guess the benefits of doing the virtual visit are no jetlag. On the other hand, no frequent flyer miles either, so it's a little bit of a tradeoff," joked Blinken, who is expected to pay similar virtual visits soon to capitals that have more than the one-hour time-zone difference between Washington and Mexico City. Blinken voiced hope that he could soon see counterparts in person. Biden on Friday was taking his third official trip outside the Washington area, but has not gone overseas amid his administration's concerted effort to fight the pandemic that has claimed more than 500,000 lives in the United States. - No substitute - Blinken's predecessor Mike Pompeo mostly went ahead with travel during the pandemic but under Biden even most senior State Department officials have been grounded -- a rare exception being Tim Lenderking, the new envoy seeking to end the war in Yemen. Brett Bruen, a former diplomat who served as director of global engagement under former president Barack Obama, understood the Biden administration's intentions but said there was no substitute for eventual in-person contact. In virtual encounters, "diplomats are not able to have conversations in hushed tones where they feel more at ease, no matter how close the allies might be," said Bruen, who heads the Global Situation Room consulting firm. He noted that the State Department was still sending rank-and-file diplomats overseas who can meet counterparts. "I think we just have to have a balance because cutting ourselves off from face-to-face contact is not a viable alternative," he said, also pointing to security risks of virtual communication. Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton -- who similarly took office with vows of restoring US prestige after an unpopular Republican president -- had at this point in her tenure already been on a lengthy trip to Asia and was about to head on a tour that included the Middle East and a meeting with her Russian counterpart. - Mending ties - Trump had a tense relationship with many allies including Canada, needling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over trade policy. Biden on Tuesday held his first summit -- also virtually -- with Trudeau, a center-left ally he hailed as a partner. Trump, however, had a surprisingly productive relationship with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a populist from the left, who under threat of sanctions agreed to assist the former US president in cracking down on Central American migration. Blinken said that Biden was committed to immigration reform and addressing the "heartbreaking reasons why people are risking their lives" to flee to the United States. But Blinken also warned would-be migrants: "To anyone thinking about undertaking that journey, our message is -- don't do it."

Blinken starts 'international' travel by walking down hall

The US president of the United States has always had the sole authority to order nuclear warfare or respond in kind to an enemy attack. But lawmakers of President Joe Biden’s own party are now asking him to surrender that unilateral power.

The Democrats have sent Biden a letter according to which, “past presidents have threatened to attack other countries with nuclear weapons or exhibited behaviour that causes other officials to express concerns about the president's judgment.”

The letter, signed by 31 Democratic lawmakers and led by Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Ted Lieu, both from California, calls for officials, such as the vice president and speaker of the House, to concur with a launch order before it can be issued.

The letter, which was sent to the White House on Monday, “proposes several alternatives to investing the president with the sole, unchecked and final authority to order the use of nuclear weapons,” Jeffrey Lewis, a professor and a director at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, California, told VOA. “Any of the alternatives would be better than the current arrangement.”

Does former US president Donald Trump have a role to play in this?

Well, the letter to Biden from the Democratic lawmakers, including two members of the House Armed Services Committee, mentions Trump by name only in the footnotes, as well as referring to concerns about the mental stability of President Richard Nixon shortly before he resigned in August 1974.

Also, Trump, during a period of feuding with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, boasted that his nuclear button was “much bigger” and “more powerful” than the one possessed by Kim.

But apparently, there is no nuclear button.

The US president has a briefcase -- that's known as nuclear football. In theory, it never leaves the president's side.

The football has communication tools, and books with prepared war plans, and is expected to help the president make a quick decision.

The US president also has something called a biscuit. It's a card with certain codes.

The president is supposed to carry it all the times. When he wants to order a nuclear strike, he uses the codes to identify himself to the military.

Bill Clinton reportedly lost the codes while in office.

And we do not know if any US president has ever shared the codes.

But here's some trivia. When Trump refused to attend Biden's inauguration, the US was faced with an unprecedented nuclear challenge.

An outgoing president is supposed to discretely hand over the codes to his successor. But Trump left for Florida three hours before Biden's swearing in.

Since he was technically still the president, he took the nuclear football and the biscuit with him.

So for the first time, there was a second active football -- one that was handed over to Biden after his oath.

Biden, currently, still is the only person in the US with the command and control of America's nuclear arsenal.

In India, the launch codes of the nuclear weapons are with the prime minister. They are handed over to the new prime minister after his swearing in.

He is also given a presentation on the location of the nuclear warheads and their strength.

In the UK too, only the prime minister can order a nuclear strike.

In Russia, the power of ordering a nuclear strike lies with its president. It's the same with France.

Little or nothing is known about China though.

And also, North Korea... We assume the control is with Kim Jong-un.

The US president of the United States has always had the sole authority to order nuclear warfare or respond in kind to an enemy attack. But lawmakers of President Joe Biden’s own party are now asking him to surrender that unilateral power.

The US president of the United States has always had the sole authority to order nuclear warfare or respond in kind to an enemy attack. But lawmakers of President Joe Biden’s own party are now asking him to surrender that unilateral power. The Democrats have sent Biden a letter according to which, “past presidents have threatened to attack other countries with nuclear weapons or exhibited behaviour that causes other officials to express concerns about the president's judgment.” The letter, signed by 31 Democratic lawmakers and led by Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Ted Lieu, both from California, calls for officials, such as the vice president and speaker of the House, to concur with a launch order before it can be issued. The letter, which was sent to the White House on Monday, “proposes several alternatives to investing the president with the sole, unchecked and final authority to order the use of nuclear weapons,” Jeffrey Lewis, a professor and a director at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, California, told VOA. “Any of the alternatives would be better than the current arrangement.” Does former US president Donald Trump have a role to play in this? Well, the letter to Biden from the Democratic lawmakers, including two members of the House Armed Services Committee, mentions Trump by name only in the footnotes, as well as referring to concerns about the mental stability of President Richard Nixon shortly before he resigned in August 1974. Also, Trump, during a period of feuding with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, boasted that his nuclear button was “much bigger” and “more powerful” than the one possessed by Kim. But apparently, there is no nuclear button. The US president has a briefcase -- that's known as nuclear football. In theory, it never leaves the president's side. The football has communication tools, and books with prepared war plans, and is expected to help the president make a quick decision. The US president also has something called a biscuit. It's a card with certain codes. The president is supposed to carry it all the times. When he wants to order a nuclear strike, he uses the codes to identify himself to the military. Bill Clinton reportedly lost the codes while in office. And we do not know if any US president has ever shared the codes. But here's some trivia. When Trump refused to attend Biden's inauguration, the US was faced with an unprecedented nuclear challenge. An outgoing president is supposed to discretely hand over the codes to his successor. But Trump left for Florida three hours before Biden's swearing in. Since he was technically still the president, he took the nuclear football and the biscuit with him. So for the first time, there was a second active football -- one that was handed over to Biden after his oath. Biden, currently, still is the only person in the US with the command and control of America's nuclear arsenal. In India, the launch codes of the nuclear weapons are with the prime minister. They are handed over to the new prime minister after his swearing in. He is also given a presentation on the location of the nuclear warheads and their strength. In the UK too, only the prime minister can order a nuclear strike. In Russia, the power of ordering a nuclear strike lies with its president. It's the same with France. Little or nothing is known about China though. And also, North Korea... We assume the control is with Kim Jong-un.

Democrats want Biden to give up sole authority for nuclear launches

President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he would seek $37 billion in funding for legislation to supercharge chip manufacturing in the United States.

Biden to press for $37 billion to boost chip manufacturing

New York prosecutors investigating former president Donald Trump's finances have finally received his tax returns following a marathon legal battle.

According to a report in AFP, District Attorney Cyrus Vance's office obtained the returns after the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a last-ditch bid by Trump's lawyers to block the release of the records.

The prosecutor is investigating hush payments made to two women who allege they had affairs with Trump and possible fraud.

Vance, a Democrat, fought for over a year to obtain the eight years of returns.

He issued a subpoena to Trump's accountants Mazars USA in August 2019 ordering the company to furnish documents stretching back to 2011.

Vance's probe was initially focussed on payments made before the 2016 presidential election to two women who claim they had affairs with Trump.

The state-level investigation, however, continued with examining possible allegations of tax evasion, and insurance and bank fraud.

Trump, who left the White House last month, called the investigation "a continuation of the greatest political witch hunt in the history of our country."

US presidents are not required by law to release details of their personal finances but every US leader since Richard Nixon has done so. Trump repeatedly said he would release them pending an audit but ultimately broke with the tradition.

Vance's investigators have so far interviewed Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.

If Trump were charged and convicted he could face a possible jail term. Unlike federal offences, state crimes are not subject to presidential pardons.&nbsp;

It is unclear if and when it will lead to a prosecution, which would be the first of a former US president.

(with inputs from AFP)

New York prosecutors investigating former president Donald Trump's finances have finally received his tax returns following a marathon legal battle. According to a report in AFP, District Attorney Cyrus Vance's office obtained the returns after the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a last-ditch bid by Trump's lawyers to block the release of the records.

New York prosecutors investigating former president Donald Trump's finances have finally received his tax returns following a marathon legal battle. According to a report in AFP, District Attorney Cyrus Vance's office obtained the returns after the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a last-ditch bid by Trump's lawyers to block the release of the records. The prosecutor is investigating hush payments made to two women who allege they had affairs with Trump and possible fraud. Vance, a Democrat, fought for over a year to obtain the eight years of returns. He issued a subpoena to Trump's accountants Mazars USA in August 2019 ordering the company to furnish documents stretching back to 2011. Vance's probe was initially focussed on payments made before the 2016 presidential election to two women who claim they had affairs with Trump. The state-level investigation, however, continued with examining possible allegations of tax evasion, and insurance and bank fraud. Trump, who left the White House last month, called the investigation "a continuation of the greatest political witch hunt in the history of our country." US presidents are not required by law to release details of their personal finances but every US leader since Richard Nixon has done so. Trump repeatedly said he would release them pending an audit but ultimately broke with the tradition. Vance's investigators have so far interviewed Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen. If Trump were charged and convicted he could face a possible jail term. Unlike federal offences, state crimes are not subject to presidential pardons. It is unclear if and when it will lead to a prosecution, which would be the first of a former US president. (with inputs from AFP)

New York prosecutors finally obtain Trump's tax records

The first time the nation saw Biden in the Oval Office, hours after he was sworn in, he sat behind the Resolute Desk with a mask on his face.

Inside Joe Biden's major policy decisions in a month

One month into the job, President Joe Biden is on the cusp of securing a bigger economic rescue package than during the 2009 financial crisis. He has wiped out his predecessor Donald Trump`s policies from climate change to travel bans, while the U.S. daily COVID-19 vaccine distribution rate grew 55%.

That may have been the easy part.

The White House`s broad strategy - avoid unwinnable political fights, focus on policies with mass voter appeal, and mostly ignore Republican attacks - will be increasingly difficult in the months ahead, Democrats and Republicans say, even as millions more are vaccinated and the economy rebounds.

"They`ve got some problems right around the corner," said Jim Manley, once a top aide to former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Biden has made many of the changes he has clear authority to do by executive action. Landmines going forward include pushing laws on which the Democratic Party is divided, such as college debt relief, tax hikes and curbs on the energy industry.

Then there are the intractable policy fights that have defined American politics for a generation, including who can become a citizen, how easy it should be to vote, whether the government should pay for healthcare, and who should carry a gun.

Meanwhile, many tricky issues, from trade tariffs to China policy to tech oversight, are still under review at the White House.

DEMOCRATS UNITED?

Democrats are working to pass their economic stimulus package with or without Republican support before a critical mid-March deadline when expanded unemployment insurance expires.

The bill only needs a majority vote, because it will be passed as part of a process called reconciliation, but that requires every Democrat to side with the White House. Doubts are growing that the bill will include a provision raising the federal minimum wage to $15, which would sorely disappoint liberal Democrats.

"I`ve been shocked at how disciplined the Left has been; I`m not sure how much that`s going to last," Manley said. "I can see there`s some fissures developing."

Those cracks were on display when some Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, criticized Biden after he said told a Feb. 16 CNN town hall he disagrees with members of his party who want to forgive $50,000 in student debt.

A comprehensive White House-backed immigration bill unveiled on Feb. 18 is not expected to pass the Senate; the second-ranked Democrat, Dick Durbin, is among those suggesting a less-ambitious effort that focuses on immigrants brought to the United States as children.

Republicans are reshuffling after the Trump years, said Paul Shumaker, a Republican strategist behind Senator Thom Tillis` hard-fought re-election in North Carolina.

Biden could unite them by overreaching on taxes and spending, he noted, while doing too little on these issues will disappoint some of his Democratic base.

"He`s enjoying a honeymoon period, but everyone knows that honeymoon`s going to come to an end," Shumaker said.

ELUSIVE REPUBLICAN SUPPORT

White House aides say the policy agenda they plan to push in the coming months has bipartisan voter appeal, and they believe Republicans in Congress could ultimately be forced to support it by their constituents.

"Is he going to be focused on winning every last Republican over? No, of course not," said White House communications director Kate Bedingfield, a longtime Biden confidant.

"But is he going to reach out and speak to people on both sides of the aisle – is he going to work to put forward plans that meets the needs of people of both parties – yes, he absolutely is."

Biden`s early polling numbers suggest that will be a challenge. Some 56% of Americans approve of his performance as president, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in mid-February, but just 20% of Republicans.

The White House`s bipartisan hopes lie in an infrastructure plan, still in the embryonic stages of development, that is expected to exceed the scale, scope and price tag of the roughly $1.9 trillion stimulus bill.

The measure is almost certainly going to both expand the deficit and require some tax increases, measures expected to spur opposition. It is likely to be peppered with measures on climate change, and could also include Biden`s proposed subsidies for college, according to several people briefed on early conversations.

Putting the pieces together will be tough without a full senior staff, including Biden`s pick for budget director, Neera Tanden, whose confirmation has run into Democratic opposition from Senator Joe Manchin, who also opposed including the minimum wage in the stimulus bill.

Nonetheless, the Left`s expectations for Biden remain high.

"The administration came out bold and strong," said Luis Hernandez, a youth gun violence prevention activist who met with senior administration officials last week. "There`s much more to be done."

One month into the job, President Joe Biden is on the cusp of securing a bigger economic rescue package than during the 2009 financial crisis. He has wiped out his predecessor Donald Trump`s policies from climate change to travel bans, while the U.

One month into the job, President Joe Biden is on the cusp of securing a bigger economic rescue package than during the 2009 financial crisis. He has wiped out his predecessor Donald Trump`s policies from climate change to travel bans, while the U.S. daily COVID-19 vaccine distribution rate grew 55%. That may have been the easy part. The White House`s broad strategy - avoid unwinnable political fights, focus on policies with mass voter appeal, and mostly ignore Republican attacks - will be increasingly difficult in the months ahead, Democrats and Republicans say, even as millions more are vaccinated and the economy rebounds. "They`ve got some problems right around the corner," said Jim Manley, once a top aide to former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Biden has made many of the changes he has clear authority to do by executive action. Landmines going forward include pushing laws on which the Democratic Party is divided, such as college debt relief, tax hikes and curbs on the energy industry. Then there are the intractable policy fights that have defined American politics for a generation, including who can become a citizen, how easy it should be to vote, whether the government should pay for healthcare, and who should carry a gun. Meanwhile, many tricky issues, from trade tariffs to China policy to tech oversight, are still under review at the White House. DEMOCRATS UNITED? Democrats are working to pass their economic stimulus package with or without Republican support before a critical mid-March deadline when expanded unemployment insurance expires. The bill only needs a majority vote, because it will be passed as part of a process called reconciliation, but that requires every Democrat to side with the White House. Doubts are growing that the bill will include a provision raising the federal minimum wage to $15, which would sorely disappoint liberal Democrats. "I`ve been shocked at how disciplined the Left has been; I`m not sure how much that`s going to last," Manley said. "I can see there`s some fissures developing." Those cracks were on display when some Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, criticized Biden after he said told a Feb. 16 CNN town hall he disagrees with members of his party who want to forgive $50,000 in student debt. A comprehensive White House-backed immigration bill unveiled on Feb. 18 is not expected to pass the Senate; the second-ranked Democrat, Dick Durbin, is among those suggesting a less-ambitious effort that focuses on immigrants brought to the United States as children. Republicans are reshuffling after the Trump years, said Paul Shumaker, a Republican strategist behind Senator Thom Tillis` hard-fought re-election in North Carolina. Biden could unite them by overreaching on taxes and spending, he noted, while doing too little on these issues will disappoint some of his Democratic base. "He`s enjoying a honeymoon period, but everyone knows that honeymoon`s going to come to an end," Shumaker said. ELUSIVE REPUBLICAN SUPPORT White House aides say the policy agenda they plan to push in the coming months has bipartisan voter appeal, and they believe Republicans in Congress could ultimately be forced to support it by their constituents. "Is he going to be focused on winning every last Republican over? No, of course not," said White House communications director Kate Bedingfield, a longtime Biden confidant. "But is he going to reach out and speak to people on both sides of the aisle – is he going to work to put forward plans that meets the needs of people of both parties – yes, he absolutely is." Biden`s early polling numbers suggest that will be a challenge. Some 56% of Americans approve of his performance as president, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in mid-February, but just 20% of Republicans. The White House`s bipartisan hopes lie in an infrastructure plan, still in the embryonic stages of development, that is expected to exceed the scale, scope and price tag of the roughly $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. The measure is almost certainly going to both expand the deficit and require some tax increases, measures expected to spur opposition. It is likely to be peppered with measures on climate change, and could also include Biden`s proposed subsidies for college, according to several people briefed on early conversations. Putting the pieces together will be tough without a full senior staff, including Biden`s pick for budget director, Neera Tanden, whose confirmation has run into Democratic opposition from Senator Joe Manchin, who also opposed including the minimum wage in the stimulus bill. Nonetheless, the Left`s expectations for Biden remain high. "The administration came out bold and strong," said Luis Hernandez, a youth gun violence prevention activist who met with senior administration officials last week. "There`s much more to be done."

Biden's first month was a 'honeymoon,' but bigger challenges loom ahead

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