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...]
California opens civil rights probe into Los Angeles sheriff’s office
California District Attorney Xavier Becerra announced Friday he's opening a civil rights investigation into the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in response to allegations of excessive force and other examples of unconstitutional policing. He accused the LASD of a having an absence of "sustained and comprehensive oversight." "There are serious concerns and reports that accountability and adherence to legitimate policing practices have lapsed at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's … [Read more...]
Baseball’s legendary home run king Hank Aaron dies at 86
Legendary baseball star and onetime home run king Hank Aaron, who captivated the nation almost 50 years ago when he broke the mark held by Babe Ruth, died Friday at the age of 86. Aaron's family said he died at his home. "Mr. Aaron passed away peacefully in his sleep," his assistant said. "The family asks for privacy at this time." "We are devastated by the passing of 'Hammerin'' Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game," Major League Baseball … [Read more...]
Report: Existing home sales hit 14-year high in 2020
Existing home sales in 2020 increased 5.6% from 2019, the largest increase since the Great Recession, and the median home sales price went up nearly 13%, the National Association of Realtors reported Friday. Helped by record-low interest rates, home sales rose in December and for 2020 as a whole. Volume of existing home sales reached 5.64 million in 2020 while the median price of $309,800 was 12.9% above 2019. Inventory fell to a record low, with a 1.9-month supply, down from 2.3 months in … [Read more...]
Children much more likely to spread COVID-19 to others
While children are less susceptible to illness with the new coronavirus, they are nearly 60% more likely than adults over 60 to infect other family members when they are sick, a new study shows. The findings show the need to conduct COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy studies in children, according to co-senior study author Yang Yang, an associate professor of biostatistics and member of the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida. "We also need to take into account the … [Read more...]
Woman charged with stealing Pelosi’s laptop released on house arrest
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
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...]
Philonise Floyd to Congress on police reforms: ‘Stop the pain’
Philonise Floyd told House lawmakers Wednesday that it's their responsibility to ensure the death of his brother last month results in meaningful reforms to policing in the United States. George Floyd's brother, one of 12 witnesses who appeared before the House judiciary committee for an oversight hearing on "policing practices and law enforcement accountability," pleaded with lawmakers to end police brutality. "I couldn't take care of George the day he was killed, but maybe by speaking … [Read more...]
U.S. consumer prices down for 3rd month in a row
The U.S. Consumer Price Index, the gauge that measures change in the costs of goods and services, fell for the third month in a row in May. The Labor Department said in its monthly report the index declined by 0.1 percent, after an 0.8 percent drop in April. The figure added up to an overall 0.1 percent index increase over the past 12 months, it noted. The department said it's the first time ever the non-food and energy index has declined for three months in a row. All items not including … [Read more...]
Pointer Sisters singer Bonnie Pointer dies
Singer Bonnie Pointer died Monday, her family said. She was 69 years old. Pointer's family notified Variety and People of her passing but no cause of death was released. Pointer was a member of the Pointer Sisters and released four solo albums after leaving the group. "It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of the Pointer Sisters that my sister Bonnie died this morning," sister Anita Pointer said a the statement. "Our family is devastated. On behalf of my siblings … [Read more...]
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