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Biden tells Americans he believes 'there isn't anything we can't do it if we do it together'

President Biden addressed the nation during the "Celebrating America" inaugural special Wednesday night, saying that to "overcome the challenges in front of us," the country must find "the most elusive of all things in a democracy: Unity." Speaking from the Lincoln Memorial, Biden said the United States has learned that "democracy is precious, and because of you, democracy has prevailed." Americans are "good people," Biden said, and he called on...

Rishi Sunak has called this Covid crisis wrong time and again, Labour says

Labour is to launch an attack on Rishi Sunak’s handling of the economy during the pandemic, saying his policies have cost jobs and left the UK with Europe’s highest death toll. Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds will accuse her Tory opposite number of repeatedly taking the wrong policy options, with the Government setting up a “false choice” between protecting public health and the economy. “The Chancellor has called this crisis wrong time and...

White House website mentions climate change again, reversing Trump’s info blackout

Admitting is the first step. The White House is officially acknowledging the existence of climate change on its website again under the Biden administration, after president Trump scrubbed any mention of greenhouse gas emissions on his first day in office four years ago. “President Biden will take swift action to tackle the climate emergency,” the site’s “Priorities” section reads. “The Biden Administration will ensure we meet the demands of...

Pence moves out and Harris moves in: This is the official home of the Vice President

Mike Pence and his family have left the Vice President's residence at the Naval Observatory in Northwest Washington, DC and Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff are moving in – although not necessarily quite yet. Mr Pence's daughter Charlotte Pence Bond posted an image on Instagram of Mr Pence and wife Karen Pence leaving the residence. She wrote: "America, thank you for this privilege. I love you. I believe in you. Congratulations to our...

Amanda Gorman’s books are now Amazon best-sellers: ‘Now more than ever, the United States needs an inaugural poem’

Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman is now a best-selling author. “I AM ON THE FLOOR MY BOOKS ARE #1 & #2 ON AMAZON AFTER 1 DAY!,” the 22-year-old National Youth Poet Laureate wrote on Twitter after reading her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony. “Thank you so much to everyone for supporting me and my words. As Yeats put it: “For words alone are certain good: Sing, then,” she concluded. I AM ON THE FLOOR MY BOOKS ARE...

Amir Khan's mother diagnosed with cancer as boxer posts heartwrenching message

Amir Khan posted the heavyhearted message to his Twitter page, opening up over his mother's pancreatic cancer diagnosis and asking fans to send their prayers

Trump news: Romney attacks former president as children get secret service protection

Senator Romney is calling for reform after Donald Trump gave clemency to 143 people before leaving office. Donald Trump arrived in Palm Beach, Florida, on Air Force One shortly to resume civilian life at Mar-a-Lago after departing the White House for the final time on Wednesday morning. "It was a privelege to be your president," he told the small his farewell event at Joint Base Andrews before boarding Air Force One with wife Melania for the...

Vaccines become latest frontline in China's campaign to win hearts of Taiwanese

Vaccines become latest frontline in China's campaign to win hearts of Taiwanese

Turkey's COVID-19 vaccinations may quicken after elderly are inoculated - coordinator

Turkey's COVID-19 vaccinations may quicken after elderly are inoculated - coordinator

Joe Biden says Donald Trump wrote him a ‘very generous’ letter that was left in Oval Office

US President Joe Biden has said Donald Trump wrote him a “very generous” letter that was left in the Oval Office ahead of the transfer of power . Despite breaking with tradition and not attending his successor’s inauguration, Mr Trump did decide to leave Mr Biden a letter in the historic Resolute desk. But Mr Biden, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office hours after being sworn in, said he would not publicly share its contents until he had a...

PM hits out at Cricket Australia over national day marketing

PM hits out at Cricket Australia over national day marketing

Inauguration Day schedule: Full list of timings by hour

Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th president of the United States will take place on Wednesday, 20 January. Amid the ongoing pandemic and following the insurrection at the US Capitol, this year's celebrations will look starkly different from previous inaugurations. The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has announced a flurry of events set to be broadcast on Inauguration Day that Americans can watch virtually after urging people to refrain...

The star-packed inauguration special: a dull yet competent plea for unity

It goes without saying that Wednesday’s smooth, benignly star-studded inauguration for President Joe Biden was a startling change of pace for Washington – the stark, horrifying images of teargas and Maga rioters storming the nation’s Capitol two weeks ago replaced with masked celebrities, odes to American diversity, and earnest, if likely unreciprocated, calls for healing. Capping this secure (thanks to nearly 25,000 national guardsmen),...

Pair jailed for terror crimes could have minimum terms increased

Appeal judges are due to rule after Attorney General Suella Braverman said Fatah Abdullah and Safiyya Shaikh had been given lenient sentences.

Spectacular fireworks display over D.C. closes out Inauguration Day

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' inauguration celebrations ended with a bang. WATCH: Fireworks shower Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of #InaugurationDay. pic.twitter.com/LnvyPwuwHT — NBC News (@NBCNews) January 21, 2021 To cap off the 90-minute Celebrating America inaugural special on Wednesday night, Katy Perry sang her hit "Firework," as pyrotechnics exploded behind her, lighting up Washington, D.C. Biden, first lady Dr....

Wanted: Communist Party leadership to keep Vietnam in sweet spot amid U.S.-China tensions

Wanted: Communist Party leadership to keep Vietnam in sweet spot amid U.S.-China tensions

Final tally of lies: Analysts say Trump told 30,000 mistruths – that’s 21 a day – during presidency

Donald Trump made more than 30,000 false or misleading statements during his four years as president of the United States, analysis suggests. The astounding figure, which roughly equates to 21 false statements per day (or 20.94 to be precise) of his tenure at the White House, comes after a tumultuous post election period in which he spent weeks falsely alleging that the 2020 election was “stolen”, in remarks that spurred on his supporters to...

Biden signs executive order repealing Trump's 'Muslim ban'

Indonesia aims to start general public COVID-19 vaccinations late April to May

Indonesia aims to start general public COVID-19 vaccinations late April to May

Overhaul of skills and vocational education to focus on employability

The government is to publish its long-promised overhaul of skills and vocational education in England, which will give employers a direct role in designing new qualifications but without any commitments over long-term funding for the further education sector. The white paper will seek to align courses with the needs of employers, and encourage the growth of new higher-level vocational and technical qualifications sitting between school leaving...

Biden administration will pause some U.S. deportations for 100 days - DHS

Biden administration will pause some U.S. deportations for 100 days - DHS

Storm Christoph: Major rivers burst banks as hundreds told to flee their homes

Leeds City Council issued an urgent message to people living near the River Aire after its banks burst, while Great Manchester has also been hit with bad flooding

Joe Biden gives Al Roker a fist bump on Parade Across America route

Newly inaugurated President Joe Biden broke from his Parade Across America route to give a fist bump to NBC anchor Al Roker on his way to the White House. “Mr President! Dr Biden! How are you feeling?” Roker called from the media area, prompting President Biden to run over and give a fist bump to the NBC anchor. “It feels great,” Biden responded. "Well, got a fist bump! There you go!" Roker said afterward. “It's a pretty nice feeling,” he told...

Herculean challenges of COVID, the economy and division face Biden on his first day in office

President Joe Biden starts his first full day in office pledging to unify the country and heal divisions after four turbulent years.

Biden rejoins Paris Agreement, reverses Trump immigration policies in first-day executive orders

President Joe Biden is moved swiftly to dismantle Donald Trump’s legacy on his first day in office, signing a series of executive actions that reverse course on immigration, climate change, racial equity and the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The new president signed the orders just hours after taking the oath of office at the Capitol, pivoting quickly from his pared-down inauguration ceremony to enacting his agenda. With the stroke of a...

China sanctions Pompeo, Trump officials over Xinjiang statements

'Because of you democracy has prevailed'

President Joe Biden spoke at the Lincoln Memorial during "Celebrating America," a broadcast special to honour his inauguration.

A new generation greets Biden with poetry

National poet Amanda Gorman honours Joe Biden by highlighting America's struggles and redemption in a poem at his inauguration.

Anti-establishment group in Portland protest Biden inauguration

An anti-establishment group marched in Portland protesting the Joe Biden inauguration. Several people were arrested.

Trailblazer Kamala Harris: America's first woman vice president

Harris, 56, enters the post having already forged a unique path, as California's first Black attorney general and the first woman of South Asian heritage elected to the US Senate.

Chinese rescuers hope to drill shaft to bring trapped miners out

Chinese rescuers hope to drill shaft to bring trapped miners out

Biden revokes KXL permit in blow to Canada's oil sector, Ottawa disappointed

Biden revokes KXL permit in blow to Canada's oil sector, Ottawa disappointed

UK reports record Covid death toll for second day running

The government said a further 1,820 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 – the highest number of UK deaths reported on a single day since the outbreak began. The increase to the number of fatalities observed in official figures breaks a record set the previous day – with Tuesday’s numbers standing at 1,610. The Department of Health’s total figure for deaths attributed directly to the virus now stands at 93,290 since...

Tom Hanks addresses ‘our American ideal’ while hosting Inauguration Day special

Tom Hanks hosted the “Celebrating America” primetime special that wrapped up a busy day of Biden-Harris inauguration events. Standing in front if the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, Hanks, 64, told viewers, “In the last few weeks, and the last few years, we've witnessed deep divisions and a troubling rancour in our land." "But tonight," the A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood actor said, “we ponder the United States of America, the practice...

Inauguration Day 2021: Obama, Bush and Clinton give message to Biden as Oval Office gets a revamp

Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton spoke in a taped message during the Celebrating America concert. “Joe, I'm proud of you,” said Mr Biden’s former boss, Barack Obama. Mr Biden called for American unity as he spoke at the Lincoln Memorial during a celebration concert. “It is humbling to stand here in this place in front of these sacred words. Humbling out of respect to President Lincoln and the office we now share and humbling because...

AOC spends inauguration day in Costco buying supplies for NYC strikers

Instead of participating in the pomp and circumstance of Joe Biden’s inauguration in DC, congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spent her afternoon at Costco, buying supplies for hundreds of striking New York City grocery workers. “Hundreds are on strike at Hunts Point Market in the Bronx for a $1 raise,” Ms Ocasio-Cortez, a former food worker herself, wrote on Twitter “They need our support! Check out their story & thank a food worker today.”...

Trump reportedly extended 24-hour Secret Service protection to his 4 adult children

One of former President Donald Trump's last acts in office was issuing a directive extending free Secret Service protection to his four adult children and two of their spouses for the next six months, three people with knowledge of the matter told The Washington Post. It's not just his adult children benefiting — Trump also directed that former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and former National...

What the papers say – January 21

The nation’s front pages are wholly dedicated to Joe Biden’s inauguration.

World welcomes U.S. return to Paris climate accord, readies wish-list for Biden

World welcomes U.S. return to Paris climate accord, readies wish-list for Biden

The Bidens watch inauguration fireworks display from WH balcony

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden watch inauguration fireworks display from the White House balcony.

Biden wastes no time undoing Trump's work, but it's how he handles the future that will count

Joe Biden spent his inaugural address preaching unity in a country riven with division.

Biden administration calls China sanctions on Trump officials 'unproductive and cynical'

Biden administration calls China sanctions on Trump officials 'unproductive and cynical'

'We are bold, fearless and ambitious'

US Vice President Kamala Harris said that "a great experiment takes great determination" in a speech after her inauguration.

'Will we meet the moment?' Biden speaks before Inaugural Ball

President Joe Biden spoke at the Lincoln Memorial, just before the Inaugural Ball.

Biden inauguration concert - live: Katy Perry, John Legend and more perform at celebration hosted by Tom Hanks

Joe Biden is officially America’s 46th president, with a host of famous faces helping to welcome him to the White House. Inauguration Day began 11.30am ET (4.30pm GMT) with Lady Gaga’s performance of the US national anthem. This was followed by a traditional invocation, delivered by Reverend Father Leo Jeremiah O'Donovan. Jennifer Lopez then sang “This Land is Your Land”, and 22-year-old poet Amanda Gorman gave a moving recitation of her poem...

Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says

UK-OLYMPICS-2020-CORONAVIRUS-EXPERTS:Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says

Senate approves Avril Haines for intelligence chief in first Biden confirmation

Shortly after Joe Biden officially took office, the Senate voted on Wednesday to seat Avril Haines as director of national intelligence, marking both the first Senate confirmation of a nominee from the incoming administration and the first time a woman has held the top post in US intelligence. She promised during her confirmation hearing the day before to “speak truth to power.” The final vote tally was 84-10 for Ms Haines, 51, who previously...

Biden news - live: Press secretary gives first White House briefing as president signs executive orders OLD

Joe Biden has gotten to working the Oval Office of the White House by signing several executive orders after being sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. The first order he signed was a federal mask mandate, which would require the face shield on federal property and during interstate travel. His other two executive orders involved revoking Donald Trump’s Muslim travel ban and rejoining the Paris Climate Accords. Vice President...

India's Bharat Biotech seeks emergency use approval for vaccine in Philippines

India's Bharat Biotech seeks emergency use approval for vaccine in Philippines

Biden offers a message of resilience in America's 'winter of peril'

Once a dashing young senator, now a lion in winter, Joe Biden walked up the presidential lectern he could finally call his own after half a century of striving. The message that the 46th US president wanted to send a pained nation was the one that has defined his own life in the face of incalculable personal and political loss: resilience. “We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and...