The ACTUAL NEWS: Wednesday, November 13th 2024 Recap
Everything except the unsettling nominees selected by DJT.
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Today, President Biden met with President-elect Trump in the Oval Office, with both the incoming and outgoing Chiefs of Staff in attendance.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre shared some details about the meeting.
First Lady Jill Biden gave Trump a handwritten letter for Melania Trump, who did not accompany her husband on his visit to Washington, D.C. However, Melania wished him 'great success' in a post on Twitter.
Readout of President Biden’s Meeting with Families of Americans Taken Hostage by Hamas
President Joe Biden met this afternoon with families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas. The President provided an update on U.S. efforts to secure the release of all hostages, and reaffirmed the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to getting the hostages home to their loved ones and families. The Administration has worked tirelessly to get a deal done as soon as possible to bring the hostages home, and the President also assured the families those efforts will continue.
First Lady Jill Biden Celebrates American Ideals at Philadelphia250 Gala, Reflects on Hometown Roots
First Lady Jill Biden gave a heartfelt address at the third annual Countdown to the 250th gala, hosted by PHILADELPHIA250, on Wednesday, November 13, at Girard College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Held in anticipation of the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026, the event welcomed corporate and community partners, leaders, and dignitaries to Girard College’s historic Founder’s Hall.
Girard College, a preparatory school serving students from first through twelfth grade, provided a fitting setting for the gala, honoring the ideals of education and equality that underpin the nation’s founding principles.
The evening began with remarks from former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who praised First Lady Biden for her commitment to education and service. “I think history will show that there's never been a better First Lady than Jill Biden,” he said, citing her accomplishments as both an educator and a public figure. Rendell also commended President Biden, noting his leadership through the pandemic and his role in economic recovery, predicting that “Joe Biden will be rated among the 10 best presidents in the United States” within a decade—a statement met with applause.
When Dr. Biden took the stage, she expressed gratitude for Rendell’s remarks and shared reflections on her roots in nearby Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Recalling her formative years visiting historic Philadelphia sites like the Betsy Ross Museum and Independence Hall, she credited these experiences with shaping her worldview and appreciation for the nation’s founding ideals.
“Everyone in this room reminds me to keep us reaching for those promises on which our nation was founded,” Biden said, emphasizing the enduring principles of equality and inalienable rights. Her words resonated with the audience as she spoke of the “grit” and resilience embodied by Philadelphians—a quality she believes defines not only her city but also the nation. “Yes, we are tough. We're fierce. When we get knocked down we get back up and we never stop fighting,” she said, to laughter and applause.
The evening closed on a personal note, with Biden calling her role as First Lady “the honor of this Philly girl’s lifetime.” The event underscored both the local pride and national aspirations that will guide the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
First Lady Jill Biden Celebrates Culinary Diplomacy and Reflects on White House Farewell
At the Culinary Arts in Diplomacy Reception, First Lady Jill Biden highlighted the power of food to build connections, drawing on personal memories and recent experiences in Asheville, N.C., where she worked alongside Chefs Jose Andres and Katie Button to feed hurricane victims. She emphasized that food is central to diplomacy, representing “people-to-people, heart-to-heart” relationships. Reflecting on her Italian-American roots, she spoke about how food has always been a source of love, unity, and hope in her life.
Biden honored former White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford, who recently retired, acknowledging her role in promoting American values through cuisine. “In America, we play Jazz,” she quoted Comerford, celebrating the diversity and improvisational spirit of American chefs. The evening, set to live jazz by the Marine Band, took place in the East Room with a festive atmosphere as guests enjoyed food, drinks, and warm exchanges with the First Lady, who also marked her upcoming departure from the White House.
After her remarks, Dr. Biden mingled with guests, sharing a final toast: “We can have a drink now.”
Biden-Harris Administration Launches "Classroom to Career" Summit to Expand Access to High-Paying Jobs
The Biden-Harris Administration's “Classroom to Career” Summit today at the White House focused on expanding career pathways to good-paying jobs, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. The Summit, which brought together education and workforce leaders from across the country, marked a significant step in the Administration's efforts to create millions of jobs that do not require a four-year college degree.
Key announcements from the Summit include:
$80 billion in workforce investments: More than $80 billion from the American Rescue Plan has been committed to strengthening the workforce, expanding high-quality community college programs, and increasing Registered Apprenticeships.
Free community college programs: First Lady Jill Biden will announce that 34 states and Washington, DC now have free community college programs, totaling over 400 participating institutions, a significant increase from the 50 programs in 2015.
Broadband and semiconductor workforce development: The Department of Commerce will announce over $300 million in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding for workforce development. Additionally, 80 community colleges across 22 states are expanding semiconductor training programs, spurred by the CHIPS and Science Act.
Scholarships and aid for underrepresented students: New partnerships will launch a national emergency aid program to assist financially distressed students, including single mothers, and support solar panel training for youth through YouthBuild.
Registered Apprenticeships and workforce programs: The Department of Labor will announce that over one million Americans have started a Registered Apprenticeship under President Biden’s leadership, with significant growth in female participation.
Skills-based hiring: The Summit also emphasized the Administration’s push for employers to adopt skills-based hiring practices, removing unnecessary degree requirements and valuing workers' skills instead of formal educational credentials.
Workforce Hubs: Several Workforce Hubs, established in key cities like Columbus, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh, are making strides in connecting local communities to good jobs, particularly in construction, clean energy, and the semiconductor industry.
These efforts align with the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader “Investing in America” agenda, designed to expand access to high-paying jobs and create more inclusive pathways for workers. The “Classroom to Career” Summit is not only an opportunity to highlight these achievements but also a call to action for employers and educational institutions to further contribute to workforce development.
Biden to Meet With Xi
Earlier this morning, the press was briefed on President Biden's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting will take place on Saturday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru. This will be their third in-person meeting since Biden took office and is expected to be their last meeting during his presidency. Their previous in-person meeting was held one year ago in Woodside, California.
National Security Adviser Sullivan previewed President Biden’s trip to Latin America as well as the meeting with Chinese President Xi.
Statement from National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard on the October 2024 Consumer Price Index
Today’s report shows CPI inflation was 2.6% in October, close to its pre-pandemic rate. This has been a hard-fought recovery, but we are making progress for working families, with gas prices down to $3.08 per gallon, insulin prices down from as much as $400 to $35 per month for seniors, and household incomes up by $4,000 more than prices during this Administration. We will keep fighting to lower costs for families on key items like housing and health care, and against policies that would undermine our progress on bringing inflation down.
U.S. to Impose Fines on Oil and Gas Firms for Methane Leaks
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the introduction of the first-ever national fee aimed at curbing methane emissions. The new policy will levy fines on oil and gas companies for releasing methane above a certain threshold and offer incentives to repair leaky pipelines. The announcement was made during a climate summit in Baku. At the summit, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods urged the Trump administration not to dismantle methane regulations or withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, warning that such actions could undermine efforts to combat climate change and create policy uncertainty.
Federal Agents Raid Polymarket CEO’s New York Home Following Election Betting Surge on Trump
Federal law enforcement agents conducted a raid on the SoHo apartment of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan early Wednesday morning, seizing his phone and electronic devices. The company confirmed the raid, which follows heightened scrutiny surrounding Polymarket, an offshore crypto-based betting platform that allows users to wager on events like elections.
The raid comes shortly after the recent U.S. presidential election, during which Polymarket’s betting odds notably diverged from public opinion polls. For weeks, the platform had shown markedly higher odds for Donald Trump’s victory compared to those for Vice President Kamala Harris, despite polling data indicating otherwise. The investigation reportedly stems from concerns over Polymarket’s practices and its offshore operations, with federal authorities scrutinizing the legality of its gambling activities and the potential influence on public perception.
This action by law enforcement reflects increasing regulatory interest in online betting platforms, particularly those based in cryptocurrency, as questions arise around their influence, operations, and compliance with U.S. law.
U.S., Canada, and Finland Strengthen Arctic Security with Icebreaker Partnership
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a statement highlighting the progress of a partnership between the United States, Canada, and Finland, announced in July, to advance the production of polar icebreakers. This collaboration aims to bolster national security and ensure peaceful cooperation in the Arctic and polar regions. The partnership will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources, enhancing the capabilities of the shipbuilding industry while supporting international security and upholding global rules in these critical regions.
Russia’s Escalation Against Ukraine: Military Enlistments, Threats, and Repurposed Resources
In recent developments surrounding Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, prominent figures and institutions in Russia have taken steps that signal increased commitment and rhetoric. Notable among these actions are the enlistment of local politicians, stern warnings from Russian officials, and an unusual mobilization of resources from Russia’s cultural sector to support the military.
Zakhar Endzhiyevsky, a Siberian politician, announced his enlistment with the Russian army, expressing intent to join the front lines against Ukraine. His decision reflects a rising trend among Russian public figures to publicly support the war effort. Endzhiyevsky’s enlistment comes amid heightened rhetoric from Moscow, which has been firm in its opposition to NATO's support for Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova delivered a stern warning, stating that Moscow would view NATO permission for Kyiv to strike deep into Russian territory as an act of direct armed conflict. "The response," Zakharova emphasized, "will be imminent and devastating to the West."
Meanwhile, Russian propaganda targeted Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, in yet another televised segment, mocking Trump’s appearance and referring to him as “ginger” and “Donya.”
Adding to these measures, Mosfilm, Russia’s renowned film studio, has repurposed vintage military equipment from its archives. The studio's director proudly informed President Vladimir Putin of this contribution, stating, “We provided charitable support of eight million rubles this year, including six million for the SMO needs. By the way, in 2023, we handed over to the armed forces 28 T-55 tanks, eight PT-76 tanks, six APCs, and eight tractor units, which we had stored at the military-technical base." Putin responded by praising Mosfilm’s efforts: “We are proud of Mosfilm.”
Polish President Duda Refuses Photo with Belarusian Leader at COP29; Meets with NATO Chief in Warsaw
At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Polish President Andrzej Duda made a pointed statement by refusing to join a group photo due to the presence of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenka, whom the world views as a dictator. Duda’s stance underscores ongoing tensions between Poland and Belarus amid Belarus's close ties with Russia and its policies toward neighboring European nations.
Meanwhile, Duda returned to Poland for a significant diplomatic meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. In the meeting, Rutte commended Poland’s pivotal role in NATO’s defense strategy, particularly on the alliance’s eastern flank. He highlighted Poland’s leadership in defense spending among NATO Allies, recognizing its commitment to regional security.
"Poland stands as a key security provider on NATO’s eastern border," Rutte stated, underscoring Poland's strategic importance in countering regional threats.
Secretary Blinken and NATO Chief Rutte Discuss Support for Ukraine and Global Security Partnerships
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels to address continued support for Ukraine amid its defense against Russian aggression. During the meeting, Blinken strongly condemned the actions of both Russia and North Korea, noting their role in escalating the ongoing conflict. The discussions also covered key objectives for the upcoming NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting, where leaders will focus on concrete support measures for Ukraine.
In addition to Ukraine, Blinken and Rutte reviewed strategies to strengthen NATO’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and the Southern Neighborhood. Both emphasized the need for unified action to ensure security and stability across the Euro-Atlantic region, underscoring NATO's commitment to maintaining a robust response to emerging global threats.
"This is a time for collective strength," Blinken stated, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to security in Europe and beyond.
Palau President Accuses China of Violating Maritime Borders
This week, Surangel Whipps Jr. was reelected as President of Palau. On Thursday, he stated that Chinese vessels have been entering Palau's exclusive economic zone "without invitation." He also pointed out that earlier this year, Chinese officials named two underwater mountains that belong to Palau. Notably, Palau is one of the few nations that maintains formal diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.
China’s Deadliest Attack in Recent Months: President Xi Calls for Strong Measures After SUV Plows Into Crowd
In a tragic incident in China, a man drove an SUV into a crowd at a sports stadium, resulting in the deaths of 35 people. This attack marks the deadliest in a string of violent incidents that have alarmed communities across the country in recent months.
In response, President Xi Jinping issued an uncommon public statement, urging authorities across China to “strictly prevent extreme incidents” and prioritize social stability. Xi’s directive underscores the government’s concern over the rise in violent attacks and signals a call for stricter measures to address public safety.
The incident has sparked calls for increased security measures at public venues as officials investigate the motive behind the attack. President Xi's message emphasizes the importance of safeguarding public spaces and preventing further tragedy.
India’s Supreme Court Bans ‘Bulldozer Justice’: Demolition Without Due Process Ruled Unconstitutional
India’s Supreme Court has ruled that government authorities cannot demolish the properties of individuals accused of crimes without judicial due process, delivering a significant verdict against the practice known as "bulldozer justice." This decision comes in response to recent actions by various state governments, which have faced criticism for demolishing the homes and businesses of alleged offenders without prior legal proceedings.
The court’s ruling emphasizes the fundamental right to due process, asserting that individuals must be granted the opportunity for a fair hearing before any property-related penalties are enforced. The judgment is widely seen as a rebuke to policies that have led to immediate property demolitions in response to criminal allegations, often in cases that have yet to go to trial.
This decision is expected to shape how state governments address allegations of crime moving forward, reinforcing legal protections and upholding constitutional principles.
U.S. Sticks to Policy on Israel Despite Gaza Aid Deadline Passing
Despite the deadline passing for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, the U.S. has stated that it will not alter its policy toward Israel. Eight aid organizations had called attention to Israel's failure to meet the U.S.'s 30-day deadline for easing the blockade, but a State Department spokesperson emphasized that Washington does not view Israel as violating U.S. law and that some progress has been observed. This suggests that, for now, U.S. policy will remain unchanged, even as humanitarian concerns persist.
U.S. Contractor Found Liable for Abu Ghraib Torture, Ordered to Pay $42 Million in Damages
A U.S. jury has held government contractor CACI International liable for torture committed at the Abu Ghraib detention center near Baghdad during 2003–2004, ordering the company to pay $42 million in damages. This marks the first time a civilian contractor has been held legally responsible for abuses at the notorious facility.
German Politicians Set Timeline for Confidence Vote and Potential Snap Elections
German lawmakers will hold a confidence vote on Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government on December 16, following the collapse of his three-party coalition last week. If Scholz loses the vote and the president calls for new elections, political parties agree that the elections should take place on February 23. The country's finance minister has indicated that it is unlikely a 2025 budget would be passed before the snap election, and the political turmoil is raising concerns about the stability of German foreign policymaking during this period of uncertainty.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Resigns Amid Abuse Scandal Report
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has resigned following the release of a report which found that he failed to properly investigate allegations of widespread abuse at Christian summer camps in the 1970s and 1980s. The report raised serious questions about the Church of England’s handling of the abuse claims, prompting Welby’s decision to step down.
That’s it from me for now. Thank you for reading.
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