As Joe Biden prepares to mark 100 days in office, the US President delivered his first joint address to Congress.
Making his way to the podium, Biden was ushered in with applause from the limited number of distinguished guests who were in attendance.
WOMEN IN POWER
Biden began his 1.5 hour address by thanking Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.
“Madam speaker, madam vice president. No president has ever said those words from this podium. No president has ever said those words. And it’s about time.”
It is the first time in history that two women in leadership positions have stood behind a sitting President during a joint address.
Biden applauded his administration for its Covid-19 response, which includes having over 200 million vaccine doses administered to date.
He says “we are marshaling every federal resource. We’re getting vaccinations to nearly 40,000 pharmacies and over 700 community health centres where the poorest of the poor can be reached.”
“Go get vaccinated, America. Go and get the vaccination. They’re available. You’re eligible now.”
The President spoke of inheriting “a nation in crisis” but the administration has already begun to turn it around and the country is “on the move again”.
CLIMATE ACTION & JOB CREATION
Speaking about his new American Jobs Plan, the President believes it will “put engineers and construction workers to work, allowing them to build more energy-efficient buildings and homes.”
He says “the American Jobs Plan will help millions of people get back to their jobs and back to their careers.”
“Two million women have dropped out of the workforce during this pandemic… and too often, because they couldn’t get the care they needed to care for their child or care for an elderly parent who needs help.”
AMERICAN FAMILIES PLAN
On top of this, Biden has also confirmed details of his 1.8 trillion dollar federal investment in education, childcare and paid family leave.
The package is part two of an effort to kickstart the country’s economy back into action in the wake of Covid-19.
It aims to help families with the costs associated with childcare, make community college free, provide grants to students in need, allow paid medical leave and invest heavily in early childcare.
TAXING THE WEALTHY
In regards to taxes, the President promises “to not impose any tax increases on people making less than $400,000,” but the wealthiest have to pay their fair share.
“It’s time for corporate America and the wealthiest 1% of Americans to begin to pay their fair share.”
US, RUSSIA TENSIONS
Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin was also thrown into the spotlight, with Biden standing firm his stance against the nation.
Biden says he has “made it very clear to President Putin that the US doesn’t seek escalation… but their actions will have consequences if they turn out to be true, and they turned out to be true.”
This follows the administration imposing sweeping sanctions on a number of Moscow officials earlier this month, for their interference in the 2020 Presidential election.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Biden is urging lawmakers to use the conviction of Derek Chauvin as a catalyst for change when it comes to reforming policing.
“We have all seen the knee of injustice on the neck of Black Americans. Now is our opportunity to make some real progress.”
He says “the vast majority of men and women in uniform wear their badge and serve their communities honorably. I know they want to help meet this moment as well.”
THE WAR ON IMMIGRATION
Biden wants America to end the country’s “exhausting war over immigration” and calls for lawmakers to stop talking about reform and finally act.
Immigration has always been essential to America.
For more than 30 years, politicians have talked about immigration reform and done nothing about it.
The administration has already moved to reverse many of the regulations and measures that were imposed by former President Trump.
Reports suggest backlogs at immigration centres are at least 50% higher than they were four years ago, with the Covid-19 pandemic also having an impact.
William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment.
With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'.
A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.
Emmilia O’Sullivan’s inspiring journey highlights resilience in overcoming life-threatening health challenges and her mission to help others.
In Short
Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, has faced severe health challenges since childhood but remains resilient and determined to inspire others through her book, podcast and beyond. She emphasises a positive mindset and actively engages with her medical team while supporting her family during her journey.
Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, shared her journey through numerous health challenges starting from childhood.
Born with kidney disease, she had a kidney removed by age two and lived on one kidney until major complications arose at seventeen, requiring a bladder reconstruction and a kidney transplant at twenty-one.
However, shortly after her transplant, she faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at twenty-two. Following remission, she discovered rare EBV-driven smooth muscle tumors.
Over the years, Emmilia dealt with various medical issues, including a tumour requiring a craniotomy and a severe bout of sepsis that led to a coma.
Despite these obstacles, Emmilia demonstrates remarkable resilience, emphasising a positive mindset and a strong desire to survive. She actively engages with her medical team, focusing on treatments and timelines, determined to keep moving forward.
Her support system includes her husband and family, and she also plays a reassuring role for them despite her struggles.
Emmilia views her health challenges not as defining elements but as aspects of her life alongside her ambition to inspire younger individuals facing similar issues.
Through her book, & podcast she aims to provide guidance and support for others.
You can find her podcast on social media platforms and her website, ammeliaosullivan.com. Emmilia’s story is a testament to fighting spirit and the pursuit of life goals despite adversity.
Mental health support needs increased funding and resources to combat stigma and ensure affordability in Australia.
In Short
Demand for mental health support is rising in Australia, hindered by affordability, resource shortages, and stigma. Shehara Fernando, CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, calls for equal prioritisation of mental health services and systemic changes to improve access and reduce stigma.
The demand for mental health support continues to rise as affordability, resource shortages, and societal stigma present significant hurdles.
Shehara Fernando, founder and CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, highlighted the pressing need to prioritise mental health services on par with physical health care in Australia. High out-of-pocket costs hinder access, with current Medicare rebates often inadequate for ongoing therapy and specialised treatment.
Resource shortages, particularly of psychologists and psychiatrists, must be addressed through increased training of healthcare professionals and the expansion of telehealth options, which can reach rural populations effectively. Fernando emphasised the need for tailored services for diverse groups facing unique mental health challenges.
Overcoming societal stigma, especially among men, remains critical. Statistics reveal only 15% of Australian men with mental health conditions seek help, with a substantial number dropping out of treatment. Fernando urged public figures to speak openly about mental health, fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
Crowned Cross Healthcare aims to deliver quality mental health services and encourages individuals to connect through their website and social media for support and resources. More systemic changes and discussions are vital for improving mental health care access.
Trump and Netanyahu warn of renewed conflict if hostages are not freed by deadline.
Hamas has confirmed it will release three more Israeli hostages as originally planned, reversing an earlier threat to delay their release.
The terror group had warned that it would withhold the captives unless Israel provided compensation for what it claimed were unmet entitlements.
However, under mounting international pressure, Hamas has agreed to proceed with the release.
The announcement comes amid growing tensions, as both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have made it clear that a failure to release all remaining hostages by Saturday at noon could result in the collapse of the current ceasefire.
Trump, during a press conference, stated that if the deadline is not met, Israel should “cancel it and … let hell break out.”
Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing that Israel would take decisive action if Hamas did not comply.
In a recent meeting, Trump and Netanyahu also discussed the possibility of resettling Palestinians outside of Gaza and even suggested U.S. control over the region—a proposal that has sparked debate among international leaders.
Josh Hasten a Middle East correspondent for JNS, and the co-host of the JNS podcast “Jerusalem Minute” joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.