Washington (AFP) – President-elect Joe Biden will propose injecting $1.9 trillion into the US economy when he takes office next week, as evidence mounts that the recovery from the sharp downturn caused by Covid-19 is flagging. With his fellow Democrats narrowly controlling both houses of Congress, Biden has a shot at passing what would be
Biden unveils $1.9 tn economic plan as US recovery buckles Read More »
USA
The Jewish stars aligned, politically speaking, on Nov. 3 and Jan. 5. A case can be made that the Jewish vote swung six statewide races to elect Joe Biden as president, hand Democrats control of the Senate and elevate Chuck Schumer as the first Jewish majority leader of the Senate. Strangely enough, the margins in these elections corresponded with the likely size of the Jewish vote in three states – Biden’s race against President Trump in Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania and three Senate elections in Arizona and Georgia. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Jewish vote provided majorities in battleground states Read More »
Bruce Ticker, USA
Lady Gaga will sing the US national anthem at Joe Biden’s inauguration. The 34-year-old pop star is set to perform ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ when Biden and Kamala Harris are sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States respectively on January 20. Gaga will join the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato,
Lady Gaga to perform US anthem at Joe Biden’s inauguration Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, USA
New York (AFP) – President Donald Trump’s former personal doctor — who claimed Trump had dictated a letter insisting he would be the “healthiest” president ever — has died, reports said Thursday. Harold Bornstein passed away last Friday at the age of 73, according to the New York Times. No cause of death was given.
Doctor who declared Trump ‘healthiest’ president ever dies Read More »
USA
The purchase of the ammonium nitrate that fuelled a deadly explosion at Beirut’s port in August last year has been linked to three Syrian businessmen with alleged ties to Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Media reports and UK government filings connected Syrian-Russian dual nationals George Haswani and brothers Imad and Mudalal Khuri with the 2013 purchase of
Syrian businessmen linked to purchase of devastating Beirut explosives Read More »
Middle East
Washington (AFP) – The center of Washington was on lockdown Thursday as more than 20,000 armed National Guard troops were being mobilized due to security concerns ahead of the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden. Washington Police Chief Robert Contee said the US capital was facing “a major security threat”, one week after supporters of outgoing
Washington on lockdown as security threats mount Read More »
USA
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he is inclined to wait until after Joe Biden is inaugurated before he begins the second impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. By that time, the two senators from Georgia are likely to have been sworn in. Once the state certifies the results of the Jan. 5
Ossoff, Warnock likely to be sworn in before Senate impeachment trial Read More »
USA
The death a few months ago of Israeli author, Joshua Kenaz, led to renewed interest in his work, and impelled me to read this book (published by Am Oved in 1986). For me, reading a novel in Hebrew involves embarking on an enterprise that I know in advance will tax my patience and ability to persevere, especially as in this case the book comprises some six hundred pages of closely-printed Hebrew text. However, I decided to stick the course and acquaint myself with the writing of someone who is considered to be a bulwark of contemporary Israeli literature. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Book Review: ‘Inflitration’ by Joshua Kenaz Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle East
January 13, 2021 was an extraordinary day in the history of the United States. President Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for the second time. The House acted with blazing swiftness, something they almost never do. It had only been one week from when a huge mob of demonstrators attacked, penetrated, and threatened the Capitol. As Congress voted to impeach President Trump for inciting insurrection, President Trump continued his presidential duties. He signed last-minute legislation that would positively impact the fight against antisemitism, for women’s and human rights, education, the environment, and more. One of the bills the President signed was HR 3250. It is known as the Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools Act of 2020. [Jerry Klinger]
National Trust to Honor Rosenwald Schools Read More »
Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, USA
SAN DIEGO – Following are Jewish-interest programs intended for academic and lay audiences that may be accessed via the Internet All times are Pacific Standard Time. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Streaming Jewish Programs (January 17-23, 2021) Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
San Francisco (AFP) – Image-centric social network Snapchat on Wednesday said it has permanently banned US President Donald Trump from the platform, as voices are raised against keeping him off the internet stage. Trump’s access to social media has been largely cut off since a violent mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol in Washington
Snapchat permanently bans Donald Trump from site Read More »
USA
Washington (AFP) – US lawmakers who refuse to go through metal detectors installed at the House of Representatives after last week’s Capitol riot will be fined, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said late Wednesday. The fine for the first offense will be $5,000, and $10,000 for the second, Pelosi said in a statement. Fines will be docked
Fines for US lawmakers who refuse to walk through metal detectors Read More »
USA
ATLANTA — President Donald Trump has signed the bill that will upgrade the status of locales in Plains tied to former President Jimmy Carter. What was formerly called the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is now the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. The park will include the farm where Carter grew up, the train depot
Trump signs bill upgrading Carter sites in Plains to national historic park Read More »
USA
Days after insurrectionists violently took over the nation’s capitol, threatening lives of legislators and resulting in five deaths including a police officer, statements made by East County Assemblyman Randy Voepel are drawing sharp criticisms, including calls for his resignation or expulsion from the Legislature. [Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine]
Legislator from Santee under fire for comments about Capitol assault Read More »
Miriam Raftery, San Diego County, USA