Louisiana Republican elected as Speaker of US House of Representatives

Tennessee Passes Bill Allowing Teachers to Carry Guns

Tennessee Passes Bill , Allowing Teachers to Carry Guns. The Tennessee House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 68-28 on April 23, CBS News reports. The legislation would grant some teachers and staff the right to carry concealed handguns at public schools. The bill will now be sent to Republican Gov. Bill Lee to either sign or veto. . If signed into law, the legislation would represent the largest expansion of gun access in Tennessee since the deadly shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville last year. Teachers and staff carrying guns would only be known to administrators and police. Teachers and staff carrying guns would only be known to administrators and police. Other teachers and students' parents would not be privy to the information. . If a school worker wants to carry a handgun, they'd have to have a "permit and written authorization from the school's principal and local law enforcement," CBS News reports. . If a school worker wants to carry a handgun, they'd have to have a "permit and written authorization from the school's principal and local law enforcement," CBS News reports. . School districts would need to grant permission as well. A background check and 40 hours of training would also be mandatory. However, school staff would be prohibited from carrying their guns during events at stadiums, gymnasiums or auditoriums. . Protesters shouted "Blood on your hands" after the bill was passed by the House on April 23

Senate Passes $95 Billion Foreign Aid Package

Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package. On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted 79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. . Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Make no mistake, America will deliver on its promise to act like a leader on the world stage, to hold the line against autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. A provision to ban TikTok after the election if ByteDance refuses to sell the platform is also included. The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, . with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.". A lot of people inside and outside the Congress wanted this package to fail. But today those in Congress who stand on the side of democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement. Today’s action is overdue, but our work does not end here. Trust in American resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding and restocking the arsenal of democracy doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement

Title IX Regulations Add Protections for Transgender Students

Title IX Regulations Add Protections , for Transgender Students. Title IX prohibits "sex-based discrimination at government-funded schools," 'The Hill' reports. . On April 19, the Biden administration revealed the last of its changes to the federal civil rights law. . The new regulations expand how sex discrimination is defined, now including sexual orientation and gender identity. . These final regulations build on the legacy of Title IX by clarifying that all our nation’s students can access schools that are safe, welcoming, and respect their rights. , Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, via statement. The update also reinstates "protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment" which were changed under President Trump, 'The Hill' reports. Catherine Lhamon, the Education Department’s assistant secretary for civil rights, . says the new rules will help schools respond to "all sex discrimination, not limited to sexual harassment.". Biden's final changes to Title IX are sure to be condemned by Republicans who view transgender protections as failing to protect cisgender women and girls. The new changes will take effect Aug. 1. The Biden administration has not yet finalized an additional rule pertaining to sports eligibility. . Since 2021, 24 states have passed laws prohibiting transgender student-athletes from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity

Deadly Storms Forecast to Cross 1,000 Miles of the US

Deadly Storms , Forecast to Cross , 1,000 Miles of the US. 'Newsweek' reports meteorologists have warned that a life-threatening storm could impact millions of people across the central United States this week. On April 23, AccuWeather issued a warning regarding , "one of the most widespread severe weather events so far in 2024.". According to AccuWeather, the incoming storm , "will unleash tornadoes, hard-hitting hail and damaging winds across a dozen states.". On April 25, the first storm of the system is set to arrive, closely followed by subsequent storms expected to last throughout the weekend. AccuWeather warned the storms are expected to pose a , "significant risk to lives and property.". All modes of severe weather are likely with the multiple-day event in the central U.S, Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist, via 'Newsweek'. Two storms, off the Pacific coast on Tuesday, will swing across the West and cause moisture to surge northward from the Gulf of Mexico while, at the same time, temperatures surge, Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist, via 'Newsweek'. 'Newsweek' reports that the states at greatest risk are:, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. According to AccuWeather, the storm is expected to cross an estimated 1,000 miles on April 26, passing into central Texas all the way from southern Minnesota. . In addition to dangerous storm conditions, the National Weather Service has warned that critical fire weather conditions, "will also be present across parts of the Southwest into the southern High Plains."

EPA Takes Aim at US Chemical Emissions That Are Likely Carcinogens

EPA Takes Aim at, US Chemical Emissions, That Are Likely Carcinogens. 'The Independent' reports that over 200 chemical plants in the United States will be required to reduce toxic emissions under a new rule. . The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the new rule regarding toxic emissions likely to cause cancer on April 9. The rule is meant to deliver critical health protections for communities faced with industrial pollution from dangerous chemicals, such as chloroprene and ethyl oxide. The rule will significantly reduce emissions from the Denka Performance Elastomer facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. The facility is the largest producer of chloroprene emissions in the U.S., according to EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Every community in this country deserves to breathe clean air. That’s why I took the Journey to Justice tour to communities like St. John the Baptist Parish, where residents have borne the brunt of toxic air for far too long, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via 'The Independent'. We promised to listen to folks that are suffering from pollution and act to protect them. Today we deliver on that promise with strong final standards to slash pollution, reduce cancer risk and ensure cleaner air for nearby communities, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via 'The Independent'. According to officials, the changes are meant to reduce ethylene oxide and chloroprene emissions in the U.S. by nearly 80%. 'The Independent' reports that the rule updates several regulations on chemical plant emissions that have not been altered in nearly 20 years. The EPA said that the new rule will reduce a total of over 6,200 tons of toxic air pollutants annually in an effort to address health risks in neighboring communities

Biden and Trump win Louisiana's presidential primary having already clinched nominations | Oneindia

In Louisiana's presidential primary on Saturday (Mar 23), both US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump secured victories, further solidifying their positions after securing their respective party nominations. With no races hanging in the balance, the outcome merely reaffirmed their dominance over their major competitors. Biden collected the 48 delegates up for grabs for Democrats, and former President Donald Trump collected the 47 delegates for Republicans. #Biden #Trump #LouisianaPrimary #PresidentialElection #ElectionVictory #PartyNominations #USPolitics #DemocraticParty #RepublicanParty #PoliticalContest #PrimaryElection #ElectionResults #CampaignTrail #PresidentialNominees #VoteCount #PoliticalLeadership #VictorySpeech #PoliticalMilestones #PoliticalSuccess #DemocraticProcess ~PR.152~ED.101~

House GOP Advances Aid Bills for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan

House GOP Advances Aid Bills , for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. The foreign aid bills were advanced by a 9-3 vote, thanks to the help of four Democrats on the committee, CBS News reports. . Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Conservatives who voted against the bills, because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. . Conservatives who voted against the bills, because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. . A final vote on the foreign aid package will take place on April 20. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . $9.1 billion of the Israel package would go toward Palestinian humanitarian efforts. . A fourth bill seeks to allow the sale of Russian oligarchs' assets that have been frozen in order to continue funding Ukraine. possibly "force the sale of TikTok and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. . possibly "force the sale of TikTok and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. . Some far-right Republicans have threatened to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position for supporting additional Ukraine funding. Johnson defended his actions, calling lethal aid for Ukraine "critically important.". If I operated out of fear over a motion to vacate, I would never be able to do my job, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement. Look, history judges us for what we do. This is a critical time right now critical time on the world stage. , House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement. I could make a, you know I can make a selfish decision and do something that, that's different. But I'm doing here what I believe to be the right thing, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement

Zelensky Says Ukraine ‘Will Lose the War’ if US Doesn’t Approve More Aid

Zelensky Says Ukraine ‘Will Lose the War’ , if US Doesn’t Approve More Aid. The president of Ukraine made the remarks on April 7 during a video meeting with UNITED24, a Ukrainian fundraising group, CNN reports. . It’s important to specifically address the Congress: if the Congress doesn’t help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war, Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, via video meeting with UNITED24. If Ukraine loses this war, other countries will be attacked. This is a fact, Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, via video meeting with UNITED24. Zelensky's statement comes as Congress has failed to pass an aid package for the war-torn nation in months, CNN reports. . A $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, which contained aid for both Ukraine and Israel, was passed by the Senate in February. but House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet held a vote on it. According to Franz-Stefan Gady of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Ukraine has entered a "transitional phase" of the war. Russia is conducting probing attacks along the front line. It is trying to advance where it can. And it is preparing what seems to be a future offensive down the road, Franz-Stefan Gady, an associate fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, to CNN. This year, Ukraine really needs U.S. support. There’s certain weapons systems, certain logistical support which the European countries simply cannot provide to Ukraine, Franz-Stefan Gady, an associate fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, to CNN

Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism of Trans Visibility Day ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’

Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism , of Trans Visibility Day , ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’. This year, Trans Day of Visibility coincidentally fell on Easter Sunday. President Joe Biden was attacked by Conservatives for making a declaration about the day, as he does every year, because it fell on the Christian holiday. One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous and abhorrent" attack on the religion. . One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous and abhorrent" attack on the religion. . Senator Raphael Warnock, a reverend, has denounced GOP criticism, calling it the "opposite of the Christian faith," 'The Hill' reports. . Apparently, the Speaker finds trans people abhorrent, and I think he ought to think about that, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. This is just one more instance of folks who do not know how to lead us trying to divide us, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. This is the opposite of the Christian faith. Jesus centered the marginalized. He centered the poor, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. And in a moment like this, we need voices, particularly voices of faith, who would use our faith not as a weapon to beat other people down but as a bridge to bring all of us together, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. The White House also issued a statement. As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement. Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement

Officials Say US Is Preparing Another Military Aid Package for Ukraine

Officials Say US Is, Preparing Another Military, Aid Package for Ukraine. Reuters reports that the United States is getting ready to send another military aid package to Ukraine with an estimated value as high as $400 million. . Reuters reports that the United States is getting ready to send another military aid package to Ukraine with an estimated value as high as $400 million. . According to two anonymous U.S. officials, an official announcement for the aid package is expected later on March 12. . One of the unnamed officials claim that the package is expected to contain more artillery. . One of the unnamed officials claim that the package is expected to contain more artillery. . Reuters reports that the news comes as the U.S. military has been making massive purchases of munitions and vehicles to replenish stockpiles. Reuters reports that the news comes as the U.S. military has been making massive purchases of munitions and vehicles to replenish stockpiles. At the same time, the Biden administration has been scrambling to find a way to send more military assistance to Ukraine amid Republican hardline resistance. . Mike Johnson, the Republican House of Representatives Speaker, has refused to call a vote on a bill aimed at providing an additional $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. Mike Johnson, the Republican House of Representatives Speaker, has refused to call a vote on a bill aimed at providing an additional $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. On March 11, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russian troops have stopped advancing after capturing the eastern city of Avdiivka last month. On March 11, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russian troops have stopped advancing after capturing the eastern city of Avdiivka last month. In an interview with France's BFM television, Zelenskiy said that despite weapon shortages, Ukraine has improved its strategic position. The Ukrainian leader went on to warn that Russia is preparing a new offensive expected to begin in late May or early summer. . The Ukrainian leader went on to warn that Russia is preparing a new offensive expected to begin in late May or early summer. . Other countries have continued to fund Ukraine's military efforts, including Denmark, who will provide an aid package that includes Caesar artillery systems. . Other countries have continued to fund Ukraine's military efforts, including Denmark, who will provide an aid package that includes Caesar artillery systems. . The military aid package will also include ammunition with an estimated value of around $336.6 million, according to the Danish Defense Ministry.

Zelenskyy thanks US after House passes aid bill

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders have applauded the US for passing a vital €89 billion aid bill which has been struggling to make it through the House of Representatives for months.

U.S. House Passes Billion Dollar Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan | Oneindia News

Catch up on the latest news as the US House of Representatives approves a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel. Learn more about the details and implications of this significant decision. #USNews #USA #USBill #USHouse #USAidPackage #USAidBill #USUkraineRelations #USIsraelRelations #USTaiwanRelations #IsraelIranConflict #RussiaUkraineWar #ChinaTaiwanTensions #JoeBiden #Oneindia ~PR.274~ED.103~GR.125~HT.96~

This Day in History: The United States Officially Enters World War I (Sat., April 6)

This Day in History: , The United States Officially Enters World War I. April 6, 1917. War against Germany was declared in both the Senate and House of Representatives by votes of 82-6 and 373-50, respectively. President Woodrow Wilson had called for the declaration of war four days earlier. The U.S. had been preparing for war since the passage of a $250 million arms appropriations bill in Feb. Though initially against joining the war in Europe, American public opinion shifted as German attacks on ocean liners escalated. The first U.S. troops landed in France in late June. The arrival of fresh and well-supplied forces proved to be a turning point in the war after four years of bloody combat