News and Weather Briefing for Friday, January 29, 2021

OUTLOOK

This is an abbreviated news and weather briefing.

Canadian high pressure will return dry and cold conditions to the region through Saturday, before a moist cold front and associated precipitation arrive from the west Saturday night into Sunday, with some wintry precipitation possible once again. Cold high pressure builds in through Wednesday before another cold front approaches from the west on Thursday.


News Highlights



• Governor Cooper extended the Modified Stay at Home Order earlier this week, including the evictions moratorium and to-go and delivery sales for mixed beverages. These Orders are inteneded to help struggling families and businesses during the pandemic. [LINK]

• Robinhood: What you need to know about the app at the center of the GameStop drama [CNET]

• GameStop short squeeze (this Wikipedia article is a good explainer article with lots of links to where you can find out even more information about what has happened and why this is happening [CNBC]



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General forecast through Sunday Night


Franklin area

Today

Sunny, with highss near 50. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Calm winds.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with highss near 50. Calm winds in thge morning increasing to come out of the south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Rain, mainly after 1am. Lows in the mid-30s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday

Rain, mainly before 4pm. Highs near 50. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night

A chance of rain showers before 4am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Highlands area

Today

Sunny, with highs near 40. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming light and variable before midnight.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with highs in the upper 30s. Light and variable winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Sleet likely before 3am, then rain likely, then rain or freezing rain after 4am. Lows around 30. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as highs as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday

Rain, mainly before 4pm. highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night

A chance of rain showers before 2am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 30. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Otto area

Today

Sunny, with highs near 48. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Calm winds.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of rain after 4pm. Partly sunny, with highs in the upper 40s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the south around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Rain, mainly after 1am. lows in the mid-30s. Winds out of the sSoutheast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday

Rain, mainly before 4pm. highs near 50. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night

A chance of rain before 7pm, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Nantahala area

Today

Sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the northwest 3 to 6 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. Light and variable winds.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of thesouthwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Rain, mainly after 1am. Lows in the mid-30s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as highs as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday

Rain, mainly before 4pm. Highs near 50. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night

A chance of rain showers before 4am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows around freezing. Chance of precipitation is 40%.



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not anticipated today.



COVID-19 BRIEFING

• Governor Cooper extended the Modified Stay at Home Order earlier this week, including the evictions moratorium and to-go and delivery sales for mixed beverages. These Orders are intended to help struggling families and businesses during the pandemic. [LINK]

See the Biden Administration COVID-19 Plan [LINK]

COVID-19 in the Schools (January 25th Video)



At the January 25th school board meeting, Superintendent Dr Baldwin informed board members that 158 students and 22 staff out of school due to either being tested positive for COVID-19, or having to be isolated due to possible exposure.

NEW POSITIVE COVID-19 PUBLIC SCHOOL CASES (January 28th)

Mountain View Intermediate School-2
Franklin High School-2
Iotla Valley Elementary School-1


Here are the latest COVID-19 Numbers and Demographics Report from Macon Public Health, along with a couple of charts by Macon Media to show you the long-term trends since April 17th. The health department has started releasing information about vaccine delivery, so those numbers will be included here also, as well as charted.

VACCINE DELIVERY
(The health department received its first shipment on December 30th)

Vaccines Given Thursday 90, Wednesday 92, Tuesday 95, Monday 100
Current Inventory Thursday 50, Wednesday 140, Tuesday 230, Monday 120
Total Vaccines Given Thursday 2455, Wednesday 2365, Tuesday 2273, Monday 2178
(note--these numbers are on the day reported, not necessarily given since some shots may be given after the daily report is published)

Cases

2632 Detected
(+19 from Tuesday and +1667 from last Wednesday and +1018 from four weeks ago)

527 Active
(-14 from Tuesday and -51 last Wednesday and +98 from four weeks ago)

2101 Recovered
(+33 from Tuesday and +216 last Wednesday and +914 from four weeks ago)

18 Deaths
(unchanged from Tuesday and +1 from last Wednesday and +6 from four weeks ago)

Testing

8684 by MCPH
+913 from Tuesday and +322 from last Wednesday and +854 from four weeks ago)

6967 by Others
(+24 from Tuesday and +345 from last Wednesday and +1852 from four weeks ago)

15651 total
(+115 from Tuesday and +667 from last Wednesday and +2706 from four weeks ago)

240 tests pending results
(+2 from Tuesday and +71 from last Wednesday and +168 from four weeks ago)

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Published at 5:00am on Friday, January 29, 2021

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News and Weather Briefing for Thursday, January 28, 2021

OUTLOOK

This is an abbreviated news and weather briefing.

Wintry precipitation will linger across the mountains of western North Carolina this morning as a strong and cold upper disturbance crosses the area. Canadian high pressure will return dry, cold conditions Thursday through Saturday, before a moist cold front and associated precipitation arrives from the west Saturday night into Sunday.

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News Highlights



• Nantahala School is on a two-hour delay this morning. The transportation team will evaluate the bus/commuter routes in the morning between 8:15 and 8:45. If the road conditions are good, we will proceed with just the two-hour delay. However, if the road conditions are not safe a decision will be made at that time to have a Virtual Day. 

• Governor Cooper extended the Modified Stay at Home Order yesterday afternoon, the evictions moratorium and to-go and delivery sales for mixed beverages. These Orders are inteneded to help struggling families and businesses during the pandemic. [LINK] 

• GameStop Mania Reveals Power Shift on Wall Street—and the Pros Are Reeling [WSJ] 

• GameStop jumps more than 130% even as hedge funds cover short bets, scrutiny of rally intensifies [CNBC] 

• Nasdaq CEO Suggests Halt to Trading to Allow Investors to ‘Recalibrate Their Positions’ After GameStop Surge [MEDIAITE] 

Older News

• PRESS RELEASE: Moderna Provides U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Supply [LINK]

• Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance (Tuesday, January 26, 2021) [LINK]

• January 2021 Macon County Board of Education Meeting [LINK]
• Macon County Public Health Has Streamlined Vaccine Registration and Appointment Scheduling [LINK]
• Representative Gillespie Appointed to House Committees [LINK]

• NC State Senator Calls Out NCDHHS For Diverting COVID-19 Vaccine for Mass Vaccination Events [LINK]

• Rumor Control: If someone tells you the CDC has changed the way they test or classify COVID-19 Cases, you can fack check them by refering to the What's New Section of the CDC website, where new updates are listed in chronological order. [LINK]

• Macon County Reports Additional Death Related to COVID-19 [LINK]

• HCA Healthcare Helps Bring Surgical and Procedure PPE Mask Manufacturing to Asheville LINK] 

• Video and supporting documents from the January 2021 meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners [LINK]




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General forecast through Saturday Night


Franklin area

Today

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs near 40. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 

Tonight 

Mostly clear, with lows around 20. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph becoming calm after midnight. 

Friday 

Sunny, with highs near 50. Light winds out of the northwest. Friday Night Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Calm winds. 

Saturday 

 A 20 percent chance of rain after 1pm. Partly sunny, with highs near 50. 

Saturday Night 

 Rain, mainly after 10pm. lows in the mid-30s. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Highlands area

Today

Sunny, with highs in the mid-30s. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. 

 Tonight 

 Mostly clear, with lows around 20. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 

 Friday 

 Mostly sunny, with highs near 40. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. 

 Friday Night 

 Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Light and variable winds. Saturday Mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 30s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. 

 Saturday Night 

 Snow before 1am, then rain and snow between 1am and 3am, then rain after 3am. Lows around 30. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Otto area

Today

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs near 40. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 

 Tonight 

 Mostly clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph. 

 Friday 

 Sunny, with highs near 50. Light winds out of the north.  

Friday Night 

 Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Calm winds. 

 Saturday 

 Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Calm winds becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. 

 Saturday Night 

 Rain, mainly after 10pm. lows in the mid-30s. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Nantahala area

Today

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 7am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the mid-30s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high 25 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected. 

 Tonight Mostly clear, with lows around 20. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. 

 Friday 

Sunny, with highs near 42. Light winds out of the northwest.  

Friday Night 

 Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Calm winds. 

 Saturday A 20 percent chance of rain after 1pm. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. 

 Saturday Night 

 Rain, mainly after 10pm. Lows in the mid-30s. Chance of precipitation is 90%.



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not anticipated today for most locations below 3500, except perhaps in the Nantahala Community, where some snow may have fallen or overnight rain froze. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for locations above 3500 until noon today.

The following is for the Nantahala Community and locations above 3500 feet in Macon County: 

 Recent precipitation and snowmelt will combine with sub-freezing temperatures this afternoon through tonight and create patchy black ice on area roadways tomorrow morning. Black ice is hard to see and drivers are urged to use caution through the early morning hours Friday.



COVID-19 BRIEFING

• Governor Cooper extended the Modified Stay at Home Order yesterday afternoon, the evictions moratorium and to-go and delivery sales for mixed beverages. These Orders are intended to help struggling families and businesses during the pandemic. [LINK]

See the Biden Administration COVID-19 Plan [LINK]


COVID-19 in the Schools (January 25th Video)



At the January 25th school board meeting, Superintendent Dr Baldwin informed board members that 158 students and 22 staff out of school due to either being tested positive for COVID-19, or having to be isolated due to possible exposure.

NEW POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES (January 26th)

Mountain View Intermediate School-1
Franklin High School-2
East Franklin Elementary School-1
Highlands School-1
IOtla Valley School-2
Macon Middle School-3


Here are the latest COVID-19 Numbers and Demographics Report from Macon Public Health, along with a couple of charts by Macon Media to show you the long-term trends since April 17th. The health department has started releasing information about vaccine delivery, so those numbers will be included here also, as well as charted. 

VACCINE DELIVERY
(The health department received its first shipment on December 30th)

Vaccines Given Wednesday 92, Tuesday 95, Monday 100
Current Inventory Wednesday 140, Tuesday 230, Monday 120
Total Vaccines Given Wednesday 2365, Tuesday 2273, Monday 2178
(note--these numbers are on the day reported, not necessarily given since some shots may be given after the daily report is published)

Cases

2613 Detected
(+36 from Tuesday and +147 from last Wednesday and +1079 from four weeks ago)

527 Active
(+8 from Tuesday and -37 last Wednesday and +159 from four weeks ago)

2068 Recovered
(+28 from Tuesday and +183 last Wednesday and +914 from four weeks ago)

18 Deaths
(unchanged from Tuesday and +1 from last Wednesday and +6 from four weeks ago)

Testing

8593 by MCPH
+23 from Tuesday and +231 from last Wednesday and +764 from four weeks ago)
6943 by Others
(+51 from Tuesday and +321 from last Wednesday and +1863 from four weeks ago)

15536 total
(+74 from Tuesday and +552 from last Wednesday and +2627 from four weeks ago)

238 tests pending results
(-48 from Tuesday and +69 from last Wednesday and +148 from four weeks ago)

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Published at 4:45am on Thursday, January 28, 2021

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President Biden to Join Interfaith Leaders for 59th Inaugural National Prayer Service

Washington National Cathedral. Photo Credit: Public Domain 

President Biden will participate in an interfaith service scheduled to begin at 10:00am this morning (Thursday, January 21st). Details from the 59th Inauguration Committee about the service are posted below.

  A video player will be added once the event starts.

59th Inaugural National Prayer Service 

Bishop William J. Barber II to Deliver Homily, Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle, The Clark Sisters to Perform

WASHINGTON — Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and Washington National Cathedral announced the Virtual Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service on Thursday, January 21, at 10:00 AM ET. Then-President Joe Biden will join the virtual event hosted by the Washington National Cathedral, and the service will be livestreamed at https://bideninaugural.org/watch and https://cathedral.org with closed captioning and ASL provided. 

The diverse program will include prayers, readings, blessings, and hymns from interfaith leaders, celebrated artists, and other inspiring voices who will come together to mark the beginning of a new national journey that restores the soul of America, brings the country together, and creates a path to a brighter future.  

“The National Prayer Service is an important tradition for our nation and for President Biden, who has always been a man guided deeply by his faith. The program announced today will honor the role of faith in our country, and provide a moment to reflect on the unprecedented challenges we face, as we enter this new American chapter of healing to beat the pandemic, build back our economy better, and unify our country,” said PIC CEO and Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen.

The customary interfaith service, which dates back to the first inauguration of President George Washington, will be entirely virtual this year to engage Americans safely. Bishop William J. Barber II will deliver the homily, and the program will feature remarks from leading religious voices representing all walks of life and musical performances from Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle and The Clark Sisters. 

“This Cathedral is a House of Prayer for All People and a sacred space where America gathers in moments of deep significance, and we are honored to welcome the nation to pause, give thanks and seek God’s help in the hard work ahead. We thank President Biden, Vice President Harris and all our leaders for beginning this work in prayer as we strive to become the people God calls us to be,” said the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of Washington National Cathedral. 

Additional participants in the service include: 

• The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church
• The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Diocesan Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
• The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean, Washington National Cathedral
• His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
• Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah
• Rabbi Sharon Brous, Senior Rabbi, IKAR
• Jonathan Nez, President, Navajo Nation
• Phefelia Nez, First Lady, Navajo Nation
• The Rev. Jim Wallis, Founder and Ambassador of Sojourners
• Sr. Carol Keehan, Former President and CEO, Catholic Health Association 
• The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ
• Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Senior Advisor, Emgage NY and President, Muslim Community Network
• Imam Azhar Subedar, Imam, IACC
• The Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra, Assistant Professor of Mission and Global Transformation, Fuller Theological Seminary
• Barbara Satin, Faith Work Director, The National LGBTQ Task Force
• Anuttama Dasa, Global Minister of Communications, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
• Valarie Kaur, Sikh American Activist, Author of “See No Stranger”   
• The Rev. Dr. Gregory Knox Jones, Senior Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church
• Bishop Vashti McKenzie, African Methodist Episcopal Church
• The Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams, Author and Pastor, Left Hand Church
• The Rev. Fred Davie, Executive Vice President, Union Theological Seminary
• The Rev. Robert W. Fisher, Rector, St. John’s, Lafayette Square
• The Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, Presiding Bishop, The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries 
• Emma Petty Addams, Executive Director, Mormon Women for Ethical Government 
• The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, Senior Pastor, Ray of Hope Christian Church
• The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kuan, President, Claremont School of Theology
• Bishop Leah Daughtry, Presiding Prelate, The House of the Lord Churches and Principal, On These Things, LLC
  
• First Lady Robin Jackson, Brookland Baptist Church
• The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Senior Minister, Middle Collegiate Church 
• The Revd. Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan, Canon for Worship, Washington National Cathedral
• The Rev. Robert W. Lee, Pastor, Unifour Church
• Sr. Norma Pimentel, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
• Jen Hatmaker, NYT Bestselling Author, Podcast Host, and Speaker

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US Senate Session for January 20, 2021

Image of the US Senate Floor. Photo Credit: Public Domain

Summary

The US Senate met after the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States, and elected Patrick Leahy to replace the outgoing Chuck Grassley as the President pro tempore. Vice President Kamala Harris, the President of the US Senate, administered the Oath of Office to three new US Senators: Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff (winners of the recent runoff election in Georgia), and Alex Padilla (selected by California Governor Gavin Newsome to replace Kamala Harris). This flipped the US Senate from the control of the Republican Party to the Democratic Party, with Vide President Kamala Harris breaking any tie votes in the chamber.

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Vice President Kamala Harris administers the Oath of Office to new Senators



In keeping with Macon Media's goal of making video or audio of entire meetings available to the public, a video and copy of the floor session has been added below.

US Senate Session for January 20, 2021



Here is a copy of the Floor Proceedings of the US Senate in the interest of transparency:

Senate Floor Activity - Wednesday, January 20, 2021

The President pro tempore called the Senate to order at 4:30 p.m., the Chaplain offered a prayer, and the President pro tempore led the Senate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

The Journal

Pursuant to the order of yesterday, the Journal of the proceedings of the Senate was deemed approved to date.

Certain Procedures Dispensed With

Pursuant to the order of yesterday, the morning hour being deemed expired, and the times for the recognition of the two leaders being reserved.

Transaction of Morning Business

The following transactions of morning business occurred on today .

Legislative Business (Wednesday, January 20)

S.Res. 6 (Sen. Schumer): A resolution to elect Patrick J. Leahy, a Senator from the State of Vermont, to be President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States.

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 7 (Sen. Schumer): A resolution expressing the thanks of the Senate to the Honorable Chuck Grassley for his service as President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate and to designate Senator Grassley as President Pro Tempore Emeritus of the United States Senate.
-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 8 (Sen. Schumer): A resolution notifying the President of the United States of the election of a President pro tempore.
-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 9 (Sen. Schumer): A resolution notifying the House of Representatives of the election of a President pro tempore .
-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 10 (Sen. Schumer): A resolution electing Gary B. Myrick, of Virginia, as Secretary for the Majority of the Senate.
-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 11 (Sen. Schumer): A resolution electing Robert M. Duncan, of the District of Columbia, as Secretary for the Minority of the Senate .
-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

Executive Business (Wednesday, January 20)

PN78-10: Avril Danica Haines, of New York, to be Director of National Intelligence
-- Received in the Senate and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence
-- Senate Select Committee on Intelligence discharged by Unanimous Consent.
-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 1/20/2021.
-- Confirmed by the Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 10. Record Vote Number: 3 

NC Senators

Burr Voted Yes

Tillis Did Not Vote (absence due to foot surgery)

Voting No:

Vote State Party Representative
Nay ID R Risch, James
Nay IN R Braun, Mike
Nay IA R Ernst, Joni
Nay KS R Marshall, Roger
Nay KY R Paul, Rand
Nay MO R Hawley, Josh
Nay TN R Blackburn, Marsha
Nay TN R Hagerty, Bill
Nay TX R Cruz, Ted
Nay UT R Lee, Mike


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Published at 6:00am on Thursday, January 21, 2021
Edited at 6:22am to add Burr and Tillis votes

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59th Inauguration Highlight Reel: Amanda Gorman recites 'The Hill We Climb' at Biden Inauguration

Here is a highlight Reel from the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

Amanda Gorman recites 'The Hill We Climb' at Biden Inauguration



Read more about Amanda Gorman at the following links:

How a 22-year-old L.A. native became Biden’s inauguration poet [LA TIMES]

CBS NEWS

Wikipedia Article [LINK]

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Published at 12:50pm on Wednesday, January 20, 2021

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The Inauguration of Joe Biden as President

Today, at noon, the United States of America will observe the peaceful transition of power from one Presidential administration to another.

Below is a schedule of planned events for the 59th Presidential Inauguration and embedded video players where you can watch the inauruagtion ceremonies that will be taking place today and tonight if you have no other means. A transcript of the Inaugural Address of the new President will be added after it has been released and it will be placed below the videos of the live coverage with a clip of just the Inaugural Address.

Inaugural Ceremonies

President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will be sworn in on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol building. After they take their oaths of office, President-elect Biden will deliver an inaugural address laying out his vision to defeat the pandemic, build back better, and unify and heal the nation.

The following participants will join the 59th Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremony:

Invocation – Father Leo J. O’Donovan
Pledge of Allegiance – Andrea Hall
National Anthem – Lady Gaga
Poetry Reading – Amanda Gorman
Musical Performance – Jennifer Lopez
Benediction – Reverend Dr. Silvester Beaman

Following the ceremony, the President-elect, First Lady, Vice President-elect, and Second Gentleman will participate in a Pass in Review on the East front with members of the military. Pass in Reviews are a long-standing military tradition that reflect the peaceful transfer of power to a new Commander-in-Chief.

Live video from C-SPAN



Live Video from the Biden Inaugural Committee



Joe Biden Takes the Oath of Office



Inaugural Address

Transcript:

Chief Justice Roberts, Vice-President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice-President Pence. My distinguished guests, my fellow Americans.

This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested a new and America has risen to the challenge. Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause, a cause of democracy. The people – the will of the people – has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded.

We’ve learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile and, at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed. So now on this hallowed ground where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the Capitol’s very foundations, we come together as one nation under God – indivisible – to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.

As we look ahead in our uniquely American way, restless, bold, optimistic, and set our sights on a nation we know we can be and must be, I thank my predecessors of both parties. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night who cannot be with us today, but who we salute for his lifetime of service.

I’ve just taken a sacred oath each of those patriots have taken. The oath first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On we the people who seek a more perfect union. This is a great nation, we are good people. And over the centuries through storm and strife in peace and in war we’ve come so far. But we still have far to go.

We’ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility. Much to do, much to heal, much to restore, much to build and much to gain. Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now. A once in a century virus that silently stalks the country has taken as many lives in one year as in all of World War 2.

Millions of jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice, some 400 years in the making, moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear now. The rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront and we will defeat.

To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America, requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy – unity. Unity. In another January on New Year’s Day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper the president said, and I quote, ‘if my name ever goes down in history, it’ll be for this act, and my whole soul is in it’.

My whole soul is in it today, on this January day. My whole soul is in this. Bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause. Uniting to fight the foes we face – anger, resentment and hatred. Extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness, and hopelessness.

With unity we can do great things, important things. We can right wrongs, we can put people to work in good jobs, we can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome the deadly virus, we can rebuild work, we can rebuild the middle class and make work secure, we can secure racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world.

I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal, that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism, nativism and fear have torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never secure.

Through civil war, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setback, our better angels have always prevailed. In each of our moments enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward and we can do that now. History, faith and reason show the way. The way of unity.

We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace, only bitterness and fury, no progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge. And unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America.

If we do that, I guarantee we will not failed. We have never, ever, ever, ever failed in America when we’ve acted together. And so today at this time in this place, let’s start afresh, all of us. Let’s begin to listen to one another again, hear one another, see one another. Show respect to one another. Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path. Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war and we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.

My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. We have to be better than this and I believe America is so much better than this. Just look around. Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome. As mentioned earlier, completed in the shadow of the Civil War. When the union itself was literally hanging in the balance. We endure, we prevail. Here we stand, looking out on the great Mall, where Dr. King spoke of his dream.

Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote. And today we mark the swearing-in of the first woman elected to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris. Don’t tell me things can change. Here we stand where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace.

And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. It did not happen, it will never happen, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever. To all those who supported our campaign, I’m humbled by the faith you placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear us out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart.

If you still disagree, so be it. That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent peacefully. And the guardrail of our democracy is perhaps our nation’s greatest strength. If you hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you. I will be a President for all Americans, all Americans. And I promise you I will fight for those who did not support me as for those who did.

Many centuries ago, St. Augustine – the saint of my church – wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love. What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans? I think we know. Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honor, and yes, the truth.

Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility as citizens as Americans and especially as leaders. Leaders who are pledged to honor our Constitution to protect our nation. To defend the truth and defeat the lies.

Look, I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs. I understand like their dad they lay in bed at night staring at the ceiling thinking: ‘Can I keep my healthcare? Can I pay my mortgage?’ Thinking about their families, about what comes next. I promise you, I get it. But the answer’s not to turn inward. To retreat into competing factions. Distrusting those who don’t look like you, or worship the way you do, who don’t get their news from the same source as you do.

We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts, if we show a little tolerance and humility, and if we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes, as my mom would say. Just for a moment, stand in their shoes.

Because here’s the thing about life. There’s no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days you need a hand. There are other days when we’re called to lend a hand. That’s how it has to be, that’s what we do for one another. And if we are that way our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future. And we can still disagree.

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us we’re going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We’re entering what may be the darkest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation, one nation. And I promise this, as the Bible says, ‘Weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning’. We will get through this together. Together.

Look folks, all my colleagues I serve with in the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching. Watching all of us today. So here’s my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we’ve come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances, and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday’s challenges but today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. And we’ll lead not merely by the example of our power but the power of our example.

Fellow Americans, moms, dads, sons, daughters, friends, neighbours and co-workers. We will honor them by becoming the people and the nation we can and should be. So I ask you let’s say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives, those left behind and for our country. Amen.

Folks, it’s a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy, and on truth, a raging virus, a stinging inequity, systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America’s role in the world. Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways. But the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the greatest responsibilities we’ve had. Now we’re going to be tested. Are we going to step up?

It’s time for boldness for there is so much to do. And this is certain, I promise you. We will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era. We will rise to the occasion. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must and I’m sure you do as well. I believe we will, and when we do, we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story.

A story that might sound like a song that means a lot to me, it’s called American Anthem. And there’s one verse that stands out at least for me and it goes like this:

‘The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day, which shall be our legacy, what will our children say?

Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you.’

Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children’s children will say of us: ‘They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land.’

My fellow Americans I close the day where I began, with a sacred oath. Before God and all of you, I give you my word. I will always level with you. I will defend the Constitution, I’ll defend our democracy.

I’ll defend America and I will give all – all of you – keep everything I do in your service. Thinking not of power but of possibilities. Not of personal interest but of public good.

And together we will write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity not division, of light not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us. And the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history, we met the moment. Democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrive.

That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forbearers, one another, and generations to follow.

So with purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time. Sustained by faith, driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts. May God bless America and may God protect our troops. Thank you, America.

Our White House: An Inaugural Celebration for Young Americans
10:00 AM-12:30 PM



The Presidential Inauguration Committee will host a first-ever curated livestream for young Americans before and during the Inaugural Ceremonies. The livestream, hosted by award-winning entertainer and advocate Keke Palmer, will feature a special message from Dr. Jill Biden; commentary from historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Erica Armstrong Dunbar; a segment on presidential pets produced by Nickelodeon; excerpts of student voices from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs “We the Young People” programming; trivia questions, including some asked by Doug Emhoff; segments produced by the Library of Congress; and other special features.

Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
Coverage starts after 2 PM

The President-elect, Dr. Biden, the Vice President-elect, and Mr. Emhoff will visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will be joined by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, and President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Presidential Escort
Coverage starts after 3 PM 

President-elect Biden will receive a Presidential Escort from 15th Street to the White House with every branch of the military will be represented in the escort, including The U.S. Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard, and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and Fife and Drum Corps from the 3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard.”

Celebrating America Primetime Special
8:30 PM

Hosted by Tom Hanks, this 90-minute prime-time program will feature remarks from President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and include remarks and performances that represent the rich diversity and extensive talent America offers. Celebrating America will feature Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Eva Longoria, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, and Kerry Washington.

The Presidential Escort to the White House will be followed by a “Parade Across America,” which will be televised for the American people and feature diverse, dynamic performances in communities across the country.

On Inauguration Eve, the President-elect and Vice President-elect participated in a Memorial to those who have lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a video of that event, followed by a few screenshots taken from the video.

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Published at 6:35am on Wednesday, January 20, 2021

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