3 Things To Know Today

1 VP Pence At Forefront Of Inauguration Preps

Vice President Mike Pence says the Trump administration is committed to an orderly transition and the safe Inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden next week. As such, Pence visited FEMA headquarters for a briefing on security ahead of the Inauguration yesterday. With a far more threatening situation on the horizon, there are unprecedented levels of security being implemented in Washington, DC – and as we told you before, that includes a massive military presence. Acting FEMA administrator Pete Gaynor said Americans should have confidence in a safe and orderly transfer of power next week. FBI Director Chris Wray noted that federal officials are closely watching for any individual or group who may be aiming to attack the Capitol. The FBI is monitoring a lot of online chatter about violence surrounding next week’s inauguration anad Wray says agents are trying to sort through "what's aspirational versus what's intentional."

2 President-elect Biden Unveils Stimulus Plan

President-elect Joe Biden has unveiled a huge COVID-19 stimulus proposal to further jump start the nation's sputtering economy. The estimated one-point-nine-trillion-dollar plan includes stimulus checks of 14-hundred dollars to supplement the 600-dollar checks already passed. But the plan is also expected to include funding for vaccine distribution and state and local aid. It will also ask to raise the federal minimum wage to 15-dollars an hour. Also on tap? Reopening schools as quickly as possible. He believes it's an achievable goal as long as schools and local governments are armed with clear guidance and resources to do it safely. Biden said that requires adequate coronavirus testing and reliable and safe transportation, as well as resources for schools to disinfect properly. Biden has laid out a nearly two-trillion-dollar coronavirus relief package.

3 Tech Giants, Health Organizations Create “Vaccination Passport

As everyone works to get our lives back to the “old normal,” health and tech companies are banding together to create a digital vaccination passport to prove the holder was immunized against COVID-19. Big names like Microsoft, Oracle and the Mayo Clinic are part of the Vaccination Credential Initiative, which is developing the tool. Anyone without a smartphone could still get a printed QR code with their information. V-C-I has already made the digital CommonPass proving the holder had a negative COVID test. Some airlines started accepting the CommonPass last month. Meanwhile, New York City Congressman Adriano Espaillat says he's quarantining and resting at home after receiving a positive COVID test. Why is that interesting? Because he received his second dose of the vaccine last week. Does that mean the vaccines don’t work? Nope. Experts remind that the vaccine is intended to prevent symptomatic covid infection, but also that it needs time to be fully effective.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content

News Radio 1200 WOAI Podcasts

See All