The Austin Times

A Multicultural News Source

Biden signs orders for $15 minimum wage, aid for low-income families

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On his second full day in the White House, President Joe Biden signed two executive orders Friday that direct his administration to provide more economic help to millions of Americans. One order directs federal agencies to increase the minimum hourly wage for federal workers to $15 per hour and provide them emergency paid leave. The directive is a companion to Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package proposal, in which he calls for an increase in the national minimum wage to $15 -- … [Read more...]

Woman charged with stealing Pelosi’s laptop released on house arrest

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A woman accused of stealing Nancy Pelosi's laptop during the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol building was released on house arrest Thursday. Riley June Williams, 22, was released into the custody of her mother and ordered to remain confined in the Harrisburg, Pa., home they share. She was also fitted with a GPS monitoring device pending further proceedings in her case. On Monday, the FBI said it was investigating Williams after a tipster said she stole the laptop with the intention of sending … [Read more...]

Senate confirms retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as defense secretary

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Lloyd J. Austin III was confirmed by the Senate as defense secretary on Friday, allowing the retired general to become the first Black Pentagon chief. The floor vote of 93 to 2 came after the Senate and the House waived a rule keeping retired military personnel from the position for at least seven years, a provision intended to reinforce civilian control of the military. Austin retired from the military, after 41 years, in 2016 as a four-star Army general. James Mattis, former president … [Read more...]

Netflix has launched a new hub in support of the Black Lives Matter movement

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On Wednesday, the streaming service announced a curated collection of films, TV series and documentaries to help educate people about racial injustice and the black experience in America. "When we say 'Black Lives Matter,' we also mean 'Black storytelling matters,'" Netflix said on Twitter. "With an understanding that our commitment to true, systemic change will take time -- we're starting by highlighting powerful and complex narratives about the Black experience." "When you log onto … [Read more...]

Trump announces delivery of stimulus funding for Native Americans

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President Donald Trump said the federal government on Tuesday began distributing funds allocated to Native American tribes as part of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill signed in March. He made the announcement during his most extensive trip since the COVID-19 crisis began in mid-March -- to Arizona. "This is the largest investment in Indian country in our history. You deserve it, you've been through a lot," Trump said during a roundtable. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and … [Read more...]

House sends revised coronavirus response bill to Senate

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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a revised coronavirus relief bill on Monday night with unanimous consent as Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced a third multi-billion-dollar COVID-19 package. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act package initially passed 363 to 40 on Saturday following intense negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and Mnuchin hashed out technical … [Read more...]

Ricky Gervais mocks PC culture, Netflix domination at Golden Globes

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Controversial comedian Ricky Gervais kicked off his fifth gig hosting Hollywood's Golden Globe Awards gala with jokes about diversity, celebrity activism and Netflix. "We were going to do an 'in memorium' this year, but when I saw the list of people that had died, it wasn't diverse enough. It was mostly white people and I thought, 'Nah, not on my watch,'" he quipped. "Maybe next year. Let's see what happens." Gervais also teased his fellow celebrities for starring in TV shows and movies … [Read more...]

Advocacy group: Dozens of Iranian-Americans detained at U.S-Canada border

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Dozens of Iranians and Iranian-Americans were detained for hours at the Washington state-Canada border over the weekend, a Muslim rights and advocacy group said. In a statement Sunday, the Washington chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said more than 60 Iranians and U.S. citizens of Iranian descent were detained "at length and questioned" at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine while others were refused entry. "Those detained reported that their passports were … [Read more...]

Pelosi: Whistle-blower in impeachment case will be protected

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she will strongly defend the whistle-blower who first expressed concerns about President Donald Trump's conduct and ultimately spawned a congressional impeachment investigation. Pelosi told reporters the whistle-blower's identity should be protected, even though some Republicans have argued Trump has the right to confront his accuser. The whistle-blower, known only as a U.S. intelligence official, reported concerns about Trump's July phone call with … [Read more...]

Remain in Mexico’ immigration policy expands along Texas border

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Trump administration has expanded a controversial immigration policy to another Texas port of entry. The Migrant Protection Protocols is now in effect in the Maverick County town of Eagle Pass, which borders the Mexican state of Coahuila. The policy requires most asylum seekers to wait for their court hearings in Mexico after being processed by U.S. immigration officials. The expansion marks the sixth port where the program is in effect after it was announced in late 2018 and implemented … [Read more...]

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