Senate confirms Austin as US’ first Black secretary of defense

With minimal objection, the Senate voted 93-2 in favor of confirming retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as secretary of defense.

Cesar Chavez bust in Oval Office symbolizing new era for Latinos

At the request of the White House, the bust of Cesar Chavez sits with President Joe Biden’s personal and family pictures by his Oval Office desk.

National Guard troops forced out of Capitol, relocated to nearby parking garage

A day after President Joe Biden’s inauguration went off with only a handful of minor arrests and incidents, more than 15,000 National Guard members are preparing to leave Washington, D.C. and head home.

Senate OKs waiver allowing Biden's secretary of defense pick, Gen. Lloyd Austin, to serve in role

The Democratic-controlled Congress easily passed legislation Thursday required to confirm retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as President Joe Biden’s secretary of defense, brushing aside concerns that his retirement occurred inside the seven-year window that safeguards civilian leadership of the military.

Fauci cites ‘liberating feeling’ in pandemic update during 2nd Biden White House press briefing

After President Joe Biden signed 10 executive orders Thursday aimed at getting the worsening coronavirus pandemic under control, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who was scheduled to hold her second daily press conference, relinquished the podium in the White House press briefing room to Dr. Anthony Fauci.

‘A more perfect union’: Bush, Clinton, Obama echo Biden’s calls for unity on Inauguration Day 2021

Speaking during the televised broadcast “Celebrating America” after the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden’s and Vice President Kamala Harris, three former presidents shared advice for the incoming administration and echoed Biden’s calls for unity among all Americans.

Mitch McConnell seeks to push Trump's impeachment trial to February

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is proposing to push back the start of President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial by a week or more to give the former president time to review the case.

Wisconsin Senate grappling with COVID-19 vaccine questions

Can employers force employees to get vaccinated? Should the state prioritize vaccine distribution to inmates? The Wisconsin Senate is wrestling with issues like those and others.

With photo of late son Beau behind him, President Joe Biden begins work at White House

With Beau's photo behind him, Biden began his term signing 17 executive orders on Wednesday — and it is likely that Beau's legacy will continue to be an influence on the president's decisions over the next four years.

Jaime Harrison formally elected as DNC party chairman

The Democratic National Committee has formally elected Jaime Harrison of South Carolina as chair, signifying an early alignment between President Joe Biden and state party leaders around the country.

Georgia congresswoman files Articles of Impeachment against Biden

Newly-elected Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she made good on her promise to file Articles of Impeachment against President Joe Biden on his second day of office.

Student loan payment pause extended through Sept. 30 by Biden executive orders

After an executive order by President Joe Biden, the U.S. Department of Education will extend the pause on student loan payments and collections until Sept. 30, 2021.

Governor Evers defends vaccine distribution as eligible group expands

Gov. Tony Evers defended Wisconsin's vaccination efforts in the face of increasing Republican criticism Thursday while urging patience because the number of people eligible will expand exponentially next week.

President Biden proposes 5-year extension of Russian nuclear arms treaty

The Biden administration is proposing to Russia a five-year extension of the New START treaty limiting the number of U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons, U.S. officials said Thursday.

Biden signs 10 executive orders on pandemic, warns things will ‘get worse before they get better’

On his second day as commander in chief, President Joe Biden signed 10 executive orders aimed at getting the COVID-19 pandemic under control, but issued a stark warning to Americans: “Things are going to continue to get worse before they get better.”

Biden to keep FBI Director Christopher Wray

The White House press secretary says President Joe Biden has confidence in FBI Director Chris Wray and plans to keep him in the job.