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US ‘concerned’ Russia preparing for an invasion in Ukraine – live US ‘concerned’ Russia preparing for an invasion in Ukraine – live
(32 minutes later)
White House says feared invasion ‘may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes, should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives’White House says feared invasion ‘may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes, should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives’
During her White House briefing today, Jen Psaki also addressed the situation in Ukraine, as fears intensify over a potential Russian invasion.During her White House briefing today, Jen Psaki also addressed the situation in Ukraine, as fears intensify over a potential Russian invasion.
US officials have now accused the Kremlin of planning a false flag operation to justify an invasion, despite recent efforts to deescalate tensions in the region.US officials have now accused the Kremlin of planning a false flag operation to justify an invasion, despite recent efforts to deescalate tensions in the region.
“We are concerned that the Russian government is preparing for an invasion in Ukraine that may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes, should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives,” Psaki said.“We are concerned that the Russian government is preparing for an invasion in Ukraine that may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes, should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives,” Psaki said.
Following the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision to strike the state’s new congressional districts on Friday, questions remain about what the next steps are for the legislative maps.
Here’s an article from Jessie Balmert of the Columbus Dispatch that breaks down the next steps following the court’s decision:
Read the full article here.
The Ohio supreme court ordered the state’s general assembly to redraw more maps that complied with the partisan fairness requirements in the Ohio constitution. It also denounced the consequences of gerrymandering.The Ohio supreme court ordered the state’s general assembly to redraw more maps that complied with the partisan fairness requirements in the Ohio constitution. It also denounced the consequences of gerrymandering.
“Gerrymandering is the antithetical perversion of representative democracy. It is an abuse of power,” Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat,. “Its singular allure is that it locks in the controlling party’s political power while locking out any other party or executive office from serving as a check and balance to power.” “Gerrymandering is the antithetical perversion of representative democracy. It is an abuse of power,” Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat. “Its singular allure is that it locks in the controlling party’s political power while locking out any other party or executive office from serving as a check and balance to power.”
“When the dealer stacks the deck in advance, the house usually wins,” he also wrote. “That perhaps explains how a party that generally musters no more than 55 percent of the statewide popular vote is positioned to reliably win anywhere from 75 percent to 80 percent of the seats in the Ohio congressional delegation. By any rational measure, that skewed result just does not add up.”“When the dealer stacks the deck in advance, the house usually wins,” he also wrote. “That perhaps explains how a party that generally musters no more than 55 percent of the statewide popular vote is positioned to reliably win anywhere from 75 percent to 80 percent of the seats in the Ohio congressional delegation. By any rational measure, that skewed result just does not add up.”
Ohio Republicans had insisted that the districts they drew were competitive, but the majority of justices said that requirement appears nowhere in the constitution.Ohio Republicans had insisted that the districts they drew were competitive, but the majority of justices said that requirement appears nowhere in the constitution.
The Ohio supreme court struck down the state’s new congressional districts on Friday, saying they were so egregiously distorted to benefit Republicans that they violated the state’s constitution.The Ohio supreme court struck down the state’s new congressional districts on Friday, saying they were so egregiously distorted to benefit Republicans that they violated the state’s constitution.
The 4-3 ruling marked the first time during the 2021 redistricting cycle where new congressional districts have been blocked. Republicans had been poised to win 12 of the state’s 15 congressional districts, in a state where Republicans usually win a little more than half of the statewide vote.The 4-3 ruling marked the first time during the 2021 redistricting cycle where new congressional districts have been blocked. Republicans had been poised to win 12 of the state’s 15 congressional districts, in a state where Republicans usually win a little more than half of the statewide vote.
Writing for the majority, Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat, wrote that the map violated a provision of the state’s constitution that says districts can’t be drawn in a way that “unduly favorsor disfavors a political party or its incumbents.” The districts also violated a provision that says districts can’t “unduly” split counties.Writing for the majority, Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democrat, wrote that the map violated a provision of the state’s constitution that says districts can’t be drawn in a way that “unduly favorsor disfavors a political party or its incumbents.” The districts also violated a provision that says districts can’t “unduly” split counties.
Voters amended the state constitution to add those provisions in 2018 along with a new procedure meant to foster bipartisanship in redistricting. This is the first redistricting cycle that they are in effect.Voters amended the state constitution to add those provisions in 2018 along with a new procedure meant to foster bipartisanship in redistricting. This is the first redistricting cycle that they are in effect.
Republicans made little attempt to abide by them. The decision comes days after the court struck down new GOP-drawn state legislative districts for similar reasons.Republicans made little attempt to abide by them. The decision comes days after the court struck down new GOP-drawn state legislative districts for similar reasons.
The Republican senator who Anthony Fauci called a “moron” in a congressional hearing wants to introduce a bill both targeting and named after Joe Biden’s chief White House adviser.The Republican senator who Anthony Fauci called a “moron” in a congressional hearing wants to introduce a bill both targeting and named after Joe Biden’s chief White House adviser.
Roger Marshall of Kansas will introduce the “Financial Accountability for Uniquely Compensated Individuals [Fauci – geddit] Act”, after claiming Fauci’s financial records were not readily accessible to the public.Roger Marshall of Kansas will introduce the “Financial Accountability for Uniquely Compensated Individuals [Fauci – geddit] Act”, after claiming Fauci’s financial records were not readily accessible to the public.
The senator attacked Fauci on Tuesday.The senator attacked Fauci on Tuesday.
“I don’t understand why you’re asking me that question,” said Fauci, 81. “My financial disclosure is public knowledge and has been so for the last 37 years or so.”“I don’t understand why you’re asking me that question,” said Fauci, 81. “My financial disclosure is public knowledge and has been so for the last 37 years or so.”
He also said: “All you have to do is ask for it. You’re so misinformed, it’s extraordinary.”He also said: “All you have to do is ask for it. You’re so misinformed, it’s extraordinary.”
Fauci was then heard on a “hot mic” to say: “What a moron. Jesus Christ.”Fauci was then heard on a “hot mic” to say: “What a moron. Jesus Christ.”
In a statement, Marshall repeated attack lines pursued by Rand Paul of Kentucky – producing another confrontation with Fauci, and said: “Calling me a moron during a Senate hearing may have alleviated the stress of the least trusted bureaucrat in America, but it didn’t take away from the facts.”In a statement, Marshall repeated attack lines pursued by Rand Paul of Kentucky – producing another confrontation with Fauci, and said: “Calling me a moron during a Senate hearing may have alleviated the stress of the least trusted bureaucrat in America, but it didn’t take away from the facts.”
The Center for Public Integrity subsequently said Marshall was wrong, but that Fauci’s records were not easy to obtain.The Center for Public Integrity subsequently said Marshall was wrong, but that Fauci’s records were not easy to obtain.
Another House Republican who voted to impeach Donald Trump will retire at the next election.Another House Republican who voted to impeach Donald Trump will retire at the next election.
John Katko of New York follows Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio in deciding to step down rather than take on a Trump-endorsed challenger for his seat.John Katko of New York follows Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio in deciding to step down rather than take on a Trump-endorsed challenger for his seat.
Seven other House Republicans voted to impeach Trump for inciting the insurrection at the Capitol on 6 January, around which five people died and over which more than 725 people have been charged, 11 of them, yesterday, with sedition.Seven other House Republicans voted to impeach Trump for inciting the insurrection at the Capitol on 6 January, around which five people died and over which more than 725 people have been charged, 11 of them, yesterday, with sedition.
That made it the most bipartisan impeachment. Trump escaped conviction, however, when only seven Republican senators could be convinced to vote for his guilt.That made it the most bipartisan impeachment. Trump escaped conviction, however, when only seven Republican senators could be convinced to vote for his guilt.
The most prominent among the 10 members of the House who voted for impeachment is Liz Cheney, like Kinzinger a member of the select committee investigating 6 January, thereby confronting and infuriating pro-Trump party leaders. Cheney faces a Trump-backed primary challenger in Wyoming.The most prominent among the 10 members of the House who voted for impeachment is Liz Cheney, like Kinzinger a member of the select committee investigating 6 January, thereby confronting and infuriating pro-Trump party leaders. Cheney faces a Trump-backed primary challenger in Wyoming.
In a statement, Katko said he was retiring so he could “enjoy my family and life in a fuller and more present way”.In a statement, Katko said he was retiring so he could “enjoy my family and life in a fuller and more present way”.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
The White House warned Russia is preparing a false flag operation to justify an invasion of Ukraine. “We are concerned that the Russian government is preparing for an invasion in Ukraine that may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes, should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.The White House warned Russia is preparing a false flag operation to justify an invasion of Ukraine. “We are concerned that the Russian government is preparing for an invasion in Ukraine that may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes, should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.
Joe Biden announced the federal government will pay 100% of the costs to repair small bridges in communities with limited funds to do so. The policy is part of the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which Biden signed in November. The law includes $27.5bn to repair the nation’s bridges.Joe Biden announced the federal government will pay 100% of the costs to repair small bridges in communities with limited funds to do so. The policy is part of the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which Biden signed in November. The law includes $27.5bn to repair the nation’s bridges.
Biden acknowledged this has been a disappointing few weeks for Democrats, after the party suffered defeats on a voting rights bill and the Build Back Better Act. “There’s a lot of talk about disappointments on things we haven’t gotten done,” Biden said. “We’re going to get a lot of them done.” His comments came one day after Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin indicated they would not support changing the filibuster to pass a voting rights bill, killing any hope of a swift passage for the legislation.Biden acknowledged this has been a disappointing few weeks for Democrats, after the party suffered defeats on a voting rights bill and the Build Back Better Act. “There’s a lot of talk about disappointments on things we haven’t gotten done,” Biden said. “We’re going to get a lot of them done.” His comments came one day after Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin indicated they would not support changing the filibuster to pass a voting rights bill, killing any hope of a swift passage for the legislation.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Joe Biden touted that the bipartisan infrastructure law includes funding for the largest investment in the country’s bridges since the creation of the interstate highway system.Joe Biden touted that the bipartisan infrastructure law includes funding for the largest investment in the country’s bridges since the creation of the interstate highway system.
The president noted there are currently 45,000 bridges in the US that are in poor condition and need repairs, resulting in longer commutes for millions of Americans.The president noted there are currently 45,000 bridges in the US that are in poor condition and need repairs, resulting in longer commutes for millions of Americans.
As part of the infrastructure law, the federal government will spend $27.5bn to repair those bridges. Biden also announced that the federal government will pay 100% of the costs to repair small bridges in communities with limited funds to do so.As part of the infrastructure law, the federal government will spend $27.5bn to repair those bridges. Biden also announced that the federal government will pay 100% of the costs to repair small bridges in communities with limited funds to do so.
“With this investment, we’re sending a message to those communities and to the people who call them home: you matter,” Biden said. “These investments are consequential, and we’re just getting started.”“With this investment, we’re sending a message to those communities and to the people who call them home: you matter,” Biden said. “These investments are consequential, and we’re just getting started.”
The president then concluded his prepared remarks, and he walked away from the podium without taking any questions from reporters.The president then concluded his prepared remarks, and he walked away from the podium without taking any questions from reporters.
Joe Biden emphasized that the bipartisan infrastructure law will help to create good-paying jobs for Americans, in addition to improving roads and bridges.Joe Biden emphasized that the bipartisan infrastructure law will help to create good-paying jobs for Americans, in addition to improving roads and bridges.
“When we invest in infrastructure, we’re really investing in opportunity,” the president said. “These are investments that will build a better America. It sounds like hyperbole, but it’s real.”“When we invest in infrastructure, we’re really investing in opportunity,” the president said. “These are investments that will build a better America. It sounds like hyperbole, but it’s real.”
Biden noted that many Americans have written to him explaining how the country’s failing infrastructure has personally impacted them.Biden noted that many Americans have written to him explaining how the country’s failing infrastructure has personally impacted them.
“I hear you,” Biden said. “You do matter to me, and we are going to get it done.”“I hear you,” Biden said. “You do matter to me, and we are going to get it done.”
Joe Biden is now delivering remarks on the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which he signed in November.Joe Biden is now delivering remarks on the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which he signed in November.
“There’s a lot of talk about disappointments on things we haven’t gotten done. We’re going to get a lot of them done, I might add,” Biden said at the top of his remarks.“There’s a lot of talk about disappointments on things we haven’t gotten done. We’re going to get a lot of them done, I might add,” Biden said at the top of his remarks.
“But this is something we did get done, and it’s of enormous consequence to the country,” he said of the infrastructure law.“But this is something we did get done, and it’s of enormous consequence to the country,” he said of the infrastructure law.
Biden’s speech comes one day after he acknowledged Democrats may not be able to pass a voting rights bill, after Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin said they would not support changing the filibuster to do so.Biden’s speech comes one day after he acknowledged Democrats may not be able to pass a voting rights bill, after Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin said they would not support changing the filibuster to do so.
During her White House briefing today, Jen Psaki also addressed the situation in Ukraine, as fears intensify over a potential Russian invasion.During her White House briefing today, Jen Psaki also addressed the situation in Ukraine, as fears intensify over a potential Russian invasion.
US officials have now accused the Kremlin of planning a false flag operation to justify an invasion, despite recent efforts to deescalate tensions in the region.US officials have now accused the Kremlin of planning a false flag operation to justify an invasion, despite recent efforts to deescalate tensions in the region.
“We are concerned that the Russian government is preparing for an invasion in Ukraine that may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes, should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives,” Psaki said.“We are concerned that the Russian government is preparing for an invasion in Ukraine that may result in widespread human rights violations and war crimes, should diplomacy fail to meet their objectives,” Psaki said.
Joe Biden will soon deliver remarks at the White House on the bipartisan infrastructure law, which the president signed in November.Joe Biden will soon deliver remarks at the White House on the bipartisan infrastructure law, which the president signed in November.
The White House said Biden would be joined by Mitch Landrieu, the former New Orleans mayor who is overseeing implementation of the infrastructure law.The White House said Biden would be joined by Mitch Landrieu, the former New Orleans mayor who is overseeing implementation of the infrastructure law.
According to Biden’s official schedule, his remarks will focus on “how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will rebuild America’s bridges, which are critical for getting to school and work, moving commerce, and connecting communities”.According to Biden’s official schedule, his remarks will focus on “how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will rebuild America’s bridges, which are critical for getting to school and work, moving commerce, and connecting communities”.
Stay tuned.Stay tuned.
Jen Psaki was asked for the White House’s message to Joe Biden’s supporters who are disappointed that they have not seen significant progress made on voting rights, climate change and student debt, among other issues.Jen Psaki was asked for the White House’s message to Joe Biden’s supporters who are disappointed that they have not seen significant progress made on voting rights, climate change and student debt, among other issues.
“Our message to them is that we’re still fighting for absolutely every component of what you just listed,” the White House press secretary said.“Our message to them is that we’re still fighting for absolutely every component of what you just listed,” the White House press secretary said.
“Right now we’re dealing with the realities of the fact that we have a very slim majority in the Senate and in the House. That makes things more challenging than they have been in the past.”“Right now we’re dealing with the realities of the fact that we have a very slim majority in the Senate and in the House. That makes things more challenging than they have been in the past.”
Psaki argued the administration had seen major successes on a variety of other fronts, including boosting coronavirus vaccination rates and helping schools reopen safely.Psaki argued the administration had seen major successes on a variety of other fronts, including boosting coronavirus vaccination rates and helping schools reopen safely.
“So the message from the president to them is, he is committed to continuing to fight,” Psaki said. “He’s going to stay at it.”“So the message from the president to them is, he is committed to continuing to fight,” Psaki said. “He’s going to stay at it.”
Biden will likely reiterate that message next Wednesday, when he holds a formal press conference to mark one year since he took office.Biden will likely reiterate that message next Wednesday, when he holds a formal press conference to mark one year since he took office.