Biden, Scholz to discuss Ukraine in White House meeting

Ukraine will be on the agenda when President Biden hosts Germany’s chancellor at the White House. White House officials say the war in Ukraine will be “a prime topic of discussion” between the president and German Chancellor Scholz. Before traveling to Washington, the chancellor called on China to refrain from sending weapons to Russia and instead use its influence to press Moscow for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

Biden to sign GOP bill to override new DC laws

President Biden will sign a bill that overrides new Washington, DC crime laws.  Joe Biden has long supported DC statehood. But the president said he will sign a Republican-sponsored resolution blocking the city’s new crime law. At the White House, spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre struggled to explain that Mr. Biden still believes Washington, DC should govern itself. In a tweet, the president said he doesn’t support a move by DC to lower penalties for carjackings.

Justice Dept: Trump can be sued for Jan 6 actions

The Justice Department has determined that Donald Trump can be sued over the January 6th riot. DOJ lawyers say that even though a president enjoys broad legal latitude to communicate to the public, Donald Trump can be held liable in court for the riot at the U-S Capitol. At the same time, the Justice Department cautioned that the court must not saddle a president with meritless lawsuits. Two Capitol police officers and 11 Democratic House members have filed conspiracy lawsuits against the former president. Trump’s lawyers have argued that he is protected by absolute immunity.

Blinken, Russia’s Lavrov talk in a rare meeting

For the first time in months, Secretary of State Blinken met face-to-face with his Russian counterpart.
At a G-20 conference of diplomats in India, Blinken talked briefly with Russia’s foreign minister, chatting for roughly 10 minutes. According to a senior U-S official, Blinken told Sergey Lavrov that the U-S would support Ukraine for as long as it takes, that Russia should reverse its decision to suspend participation in a nuclear arms treaty, and that Moscow should release detained American Paul Whelan.

Biden requests $1.6B for COVID fraud measures

The Biden administration is requesting one-and-a-half billion dollars to fight COVID relief fraud. It’s estimated that billions of taxpayer dollars were stolen or lost when the government approved trillions of dollars in coronavirus pandemic relief programs. And now, the White House is asking Congress for money to help clean up the mess. The administration wants the resources to prosecute fraudsters, establish new protections, and help people whose identities were stolen. It’s unclear if lawmakers will approve the funding.

White House has no student loan relief backup plan

The White House says it does not have a backup plan if the Supreme Court strikes down the student debt forgiveness program. The Biden administration is telling borrowers not to worry about the fate of the president’s student loan plan. But press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged that the administration has no back-up strategy to help borrowers if the debt relief is struck down. Conservative Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism this week about the president’s authority to promise 400-billion dollars in cancelled debt.

Intel agencies: No sign adversaries behind ‘Havana syndrome’

U.S. intelligence agencies cannot link a foreign adversary to any of the incidents associated with so-called “Havana syndrome.” For years, it was suspected that Russia or another country may have been using a form of directed energy to harass or attack Americans. There were hundreds of cases of brain injuries and other symptoms reported by American personnel around the world. But U-S intelligence officials say they have not found a single explanation. Instead, officials say, there is evidence that foreign countries were not involved.In 2021, President Biden signed into law an act that provides injured Americans with compensation.

Trump planning first Iowa trip since announcing 2024 bid

Former President Trump is planning to visit Iowa later this month. Trump’s upcoming visit to Iowa will be his first to the leadoff caucus state since announcing his 2024 re-election bid. He told WHO radio that he’s “planning something very soon,” though a Trump aide declined to provide details about the location or specific date. The former president has been notably absent in Iowa, where Republican candidate Nikki Haley and potential rivals Mike Pence and Senator Tim Scott have visited after a slow start to campaigning in the state.

Biden nominates Su to be next Labor Dept. secretary

President Biden has formally announced his pick to lead the Labor Department. The president selected Su to succeed outgoing Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. As the department’s deputy secretary, she played a key role in negotiations between labor and freight rail companies to avert a nationwide strike. Two years ago, Su was confirmed by the Senate along a narrow party-line vote with no Republicans supporting her. Once again, she will need to win Senate confirmation.

Supreme Court majority skeptical of Biden student loan plan

Conservative Supreme Court justices seemed skeptical of President Biden’s plan to wipe away or reduce millions of student loans. At the high court, Justice Neil Gorsuch asked about the fairness of the president’s plan and those not receiving debt forgiveness. The Biden administration defended the legal authority in canceling student loans, but Chief Justice John Roberts suggested that the administration had exceeded its authority.

Fewer top Republicans to appear at CPAC this week

Fewer high-ranking Republicans are attending this year’s CPAC event than in the past. For many years, the Conservative Political Action Conference attracted top-tier GOP leaders. But this week’s event near Washington will feature fewer of them. Among the no-shows are the top two congressional Republicans — Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy, and likely 2024 presidential candidates Mike Pence and Ron DeSantis. However, Donald Trump and Nikki Haley are scheduled to address the conference.

Biden to nominate Julie Su as next U.S. labor secretary

President Biden is nominating Julie Su as his next labor secretary. Su is a civil rights attorney and the current deputy Labor secretary. Late last year, she played a key role in negotiations between labor and freight rail companies to avert a nationwide strike. Two years ago, Su faced stiff opposition from Senate Republicans when she was confirmed 50 to 47 for the deputy position. No GOP senators voted for her.

White House: No more TikTok on gov’t devices within 30 days

The clock is ticking on TikTok. The White House is giving all federal agencies 30 days to remove the Chinese-owned social media app from all government devices. The Office of Management and Budget calls the guidance a “critical step forward in addressing the risks presented by the app to sensitive government data.” Some agencies already have TikTok restrictions in place, including here at the White House.

Supreme Court hears student debt relief case

The Supreme Court heard arguments in a legal fight over President Biden’s plan to wipe away or reduce student loans. During oral arguments, Chief Justice John Roberts pointed to the wide impact and expense of the program, which is estimated to cost 400 billion dollars. But Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, arguing for the Biden administration, said the debt forgiveness plan is well within the federal government’s authority. A decision is expected by late June.

Adviser: Room for VA Gov. Youngkin in GOP 2024 race

A political adviser to Virginia’s Republican governor clarifies his remarks about the 2024 presidential race. Over the weekend, Jeff Roe, a strategist for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, said the GOP contest for the White House was a “two-person race between Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis.” But on Monday, Roe insisted that there’s room for the Virginia governor to enter the Republican presidential primary. The adviser said the current race shows two strong front-runners, but that “a year in politics in a lifetime.” He said if Youngkin decides to run for president, “he will make a lane for himself.”

Supreme Court takes up Biden’s student loan plan

President Biden’s student loan cancellation plan is heading to the Supreme Court this week. Justices will hear arguments concerning the president’s student debt relief plan, which has been put on hold until the high court issues a ruling. The court has scheduled two hours of arguments in the case. The president’s plan to canel up  to 20-thousand dollars in federal student loans is being challenged by two students and by six Republican-led states: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Carolina.

Jill Biden: President is ready to run for reelection

First lady Jill Biden says Joe Biden is all but ready to run for reelection. For some time now, the president has said that it’s his intention to seek reelection. He has yet to make it official, but his wife says it’s “pretty much” a done deal. Jill Biden tells the AP that all they need to do is figure out the time and place for the announcement. The 80-year-old president has faced questions about his age and fitness — even among Democrats.

U.S. skeptical of China’s call for Ukraine-Russia peace talks

American officials are skeptical about China’s outreach to Ukraine. On Friday, China called for a cease-fire and peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in a vaguely worded proposal. Some analysts say Beijing was unlikely to deliver results. In fact, the U-S recently said China may be preparing to provide Russia with military aid. China’s proposal comes as U.S.-China relations have hit a historic low over Taiwan, disputes over trade and technology, human rights, and China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

GOP to hold 1st presidential debate in August

Republicans will hold their first presidential primary debate in August. RNC officials announced that Milwaukee will hold the GOP’s first presidential debate of the primary season. The party is considering between 10 and 12 debates between August and its 2024 national convention, which will be held in Milwaukee. It’s likely to be a crowded primary season. Two high-profile Republicans have already formally launched campaigns — Donald Trump and Nikki Haley — and many others, including Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, Mike Pompeo, and Tim Scott, are expected to enter the race.

“I’m healthy” says Jill Biden after skin cancer diagnosis

First Lady Jill Biden is speaking about her recent skin cancer diagnosis. After having multiple basal cell lesions removed in January, the first lady is grateful. She tells the AP that she’s “so lucky” doctors caught it. “They removed it,” she says, “and I’m healthy.” For years, Jill Biden has raised awareness about cancer screening. Following her diagnosis and treatment, she says she’s “extra careful” about sunscreen, especially when she’s at the beach, which she describes as “one of my favorite places in the world.”

U.S. announces new Russia sanctions 1 year into Ukraine war

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions on Russian companies and individuals. One year into Russia’s war against Ukraine, the U-S is taking fresh aim at Russian firms, banks, manufacturers, and people. Officials are seeking to punish those who aided the war effort and helped Russia evade sanctions over the past year. The action was announced in coordination with Group of Seven allies, The Biden administration will also further restrict exports to Russia and raise tariffs on some Russian products imported to the U-S.

Poll: Majority of Americans concerned about China

China is a major concern for most Americans. A new poll shows that 60 percent of U-S adults are anxious about Beijing’s global influence. Tensions with China spiked after government officials discovered and shot down a Chinese spy balloon two weeks ago. The survey by the AP and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research also finds that just 4 in 10 respondents approve of how President Biden is handling relations with China.

One year after Ukraine invasion, G7 leaders to announce new sanctions

Amid criticism, Biden admin defends train derailment response

The Biden administration continues to defend its response to the train derailment in Ohio. At her daily press briefing, the White House spokeswoman was repeatedly pressed about President Biden’s failure to visit East Palestine, Ohio. Karine Jean-Pierre insisted that the administration has responded appropriately. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg visited East Palestine on Thursday, one day after former President Trump traveled there.