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Articles by Don Johnson
House Democrats propose $547 billion infrastructure plan
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) speaks at a press conference to introduce infrastructure legislation, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on June 18, 2020. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo June 4 (UPI) -- House Democrats released their version of an infrastructure plan on Friday that calls for spending $547 billion over the next five years. Rep.
U.N. suspends Iran's voting rights over $16.2 million in unpaid dues
Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the removal of voting rights was "fundamentally flawed, entirely unacceptable and completely unjustified." File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI | License Photo Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks at the 74th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City on September 25, 2019. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo Iran owes $16.2 million in U.N. dues, a spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz visits U.S. for support against Iran
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz (R), pictured here during a ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem in Israel on April 12, met at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.
U.S. economy added 559,000 jobs in May; well short of expected labor rise
Friday's report came after a disappointing economic performance in April, when the jobs report missed expectations by about 700,000 jobs. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. economy added more than 550,000 jobs during the month of May, the Labor Department said in its monthly report Friday -- marking the second straight month the figure did not meet expectations. The report showed an addition of 559,000 jobs and a decline in the unemployment rate to 5.8%.
Trump White House counsel Don McGahn to testify in Congress after 2019 no-show
A name tag for then-White House counsel Don McGahn is seen on the witness table after he failed to appear at a House hearing on the Russia investigation, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2019. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo Questions for McGahn Friday will be limited to information he provided Mueller and whether the public version of Mueller's report reflects his statements correctly.
HIV/AIDS at 40: Progress has been plentiful, but vaccine still elusive
June 4 (UPI) -- Forty years ago, the AIDS epidemic arrived when the first cases were officially reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But while monumental progress fighting the virus since then, questions remain about why there still is no HIV vaccine. The development of a COVID-19 vaccine, in record time last year, has intensified questioning why an HIV vaccine remains elusive.
Ford announces new small pickup truck: Maverick
A worker inspects a car at the Ford Assembly Plant in Chicago on Jan. 26, 2010. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI. | License Photo June 3 (UPI) -- Ford announced Thursday it will add a new small pickup called Maverick to its truck lineup. The Maverick will be smaller than Ford's midsize Ranger and its full-size F-150. The truck will debut Tuesday on Ford's new U.S. TikTok channel. The truck is expected to go on sale by the end of the year.
Biden ramps up efforts against corruption, 'bad actors' who target democracy
President Joe Biden speaks to reporters Wednesday in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo June 3 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden issued a memorandum Thursday directing federal agencies to find ways to combat "all forms of illicit finance" in the United States and international fiscal systems. The memo says it establishes fighting corruption as a "core" U.S. national security interest.
Unemployment claims in U.S. fall to lowest level in more than a year
The Labor Department report Thursday showed the fewest number of first-time jobless claims since the middle of March 2020. File Photo by Gary C. Caskey/UPI | License Photo June 3 (UPI) -- For the first time since COVID-19 pummeled the U.S. economy last year, the number of American workers filing new unemployment claims has fallen below 400,000. The Labor Department said in its report Thursday that 385,000 new claims were filed last week, a decline of about 20,000 from the prior week.
ADP-Moody's: U.S. economy added almost 1 million jobs in May
Workers are seen at the Metropolitan Sewer District Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Louis, Mo., on May 10. Thursday's report said the trade and utilities sector added 118,000 jobs last month. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo June 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. economy added close to a million jobs during the month of May, according to a private monthly report Thursday from ADP and Moody's Analytics. The ADP-Moody's jobs report says companies hired 978,000 workers last month.
Federal court rules CDC's national eviction ban can remain for now
The ban was ordered last year by the CDC as a measure to avert mass evictions of renters who've been devastated economically by the coronavirus crisis. File Photo by Pixabay/MrRick June 3 (UPI) -- A federal appellate court has ruled that a national COVID-19-related eviction ban ordered by government regulators can remain in effect, for now -- which comes as a victory for renters following a series of prior legal defeats.
U.N. groups say world must unite to prevent runaway ecosystem collapse
June 3 (UPI) -- If it wants to avert an ecosystem collapse, the world must move to restore a large area of land to its natural state, an environmental report published Thursday concludes. The analysis by the United Nations Environment Program and Food and Agriculture Organization says governments worldwide need to restore about 2.4 billion acres of land by 2030. To that end, it also recommends a similar commitment for marine and coastal areas.
Tesla recalls 6,000 Model 3, Model Y vehicles over loose brake bolts
Tesla Motors' offices in Fremont, Calif., are seen on May 10. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo Tesla Motors' offices in Fremont, Calif., are seen on May 10. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo Vehicles are seen on a Tesla Motors parking lot in Fremont, Calif., on May 10. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo Vehicles are seen on a Tesla Motors parking lot in Fremont, Calif., on May 10.
Officials release police body camera video of San Jose shooting attack
Mourners attend a memorial vigil last Thursday for nine slain transit workers who were killed in a shooting attack at a transit yard in San Jose, Calif. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo Mourners attend a vigil at San Jose City Hall last Thursday for nine slain transit workers who were killed in a shooting attack at a transit yard in San Jose, Calif.
Royals unveil historic Platinum Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II in 2022
June 2 (UPI) -- The British royal family unveiled plans Wednesday for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee next year, which will mark her 70th year as Britain's monarch. Buckingham Palace said the four-day celebration will be held from June 2-5, 2022, and will include a concert on June 4 with the "the world's biggest entertainment stars." The Platinum Jubilee Pageant will be held in front of Buckingham Palace on the final day.
Amazon holding Prime Day earlier this year -- June 21 & 22
Traditionally, Prime Day is usually held sometime in July. Amazon said it decided on June this year because July is a busy vacation period. File Photo by Friedemann Vogel/EPA-EFE Last year, Amazon postponed Prime Day for three months due to COVID-19. File Photo by Thomas Frey/EPA Prime Day will not be held in India and Canada in June due to rising coronavirus cases and greater risk for delivery drivers.
Isaac Herzog elected as Israel's 11th president, will take office in July
June 2 (UPI) -- Isaac Herzog was elected on Wednesday as Israel's 11th president in a secret ballot of 120 lawmakers in the Knesset and will succeed Reuven Rivlin next month. Herzog received 87 votes to opponent Miriam Peretz's 27. Herzog will replace Rivlin on July 9, when he will begin a seven-year term. Herzog's father Chaim Herzog was Israel's sixth president between 1983 and 1993. "I will be president of everyone," he said, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Supreme Court rejects Johnson & Johnson appeal over $2B award given to 22 women
June 1 (UPI) -- The Supreme Court refused Tuesday to hear and appeal from Johnson & Johnson to a verdict for women who said the company's talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, a move that allows a $2.1 billion award to stand. In its appeal, the pharma company argued that it didn't receive a fair trial thee years ago. In 2018, a Missouri jury awarded 22 women who'd used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products about $4.7 billion. The women claimed the powder was contaminated with asbestos.
Moderna begins process for full FDA approval for COVID-19 vaccine
Full FDA approval for a vaccine typically requires at least six months of data, Moderna said Tuesday. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo To date, Moderna said more than 124 million doses of its vaccine have been administered nationally. File Photo by CJ Gunther/EPA-EFE People queue to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif., on March 8.
'Potentially hazardous' asteroid expected to safely pass by Earth Tuesday
This composite image made from six frames shows the International Space Station, with a crew of seven aboard, in silhouette as it transits the sun at roughly 5 miles per second on April 23, 2021, as seen from Nottingham, Md. Aboard are: NASA astronauts Shannon Walker, Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover, Mark Vande Hei; Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Novitskiy, Pyotr Dubrov; and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi.
100 years after Tulsa massacre, President Joe Biden to unveil new efforts for racial equity
June 1 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden will travel to Oklahoma Tuesday to mark the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre and announce new measures intended to narrow the racial wealth gap on the notorious milestone. During his visit Tuesday afternoon, Biden will outline actions to expand access to two key wealth creators -- homeownership and small business ownership -- in communities of color and disadvantaged communities, the White House said.
Illegal bitcoin mine found in Britain after police raid on cannabis farm
May 28 (UPI) -- A bitcoin mine that was stealing thousands of dollars worth of electricity has been found by police near the British city of Birmingham. West Midlands police were looking for a cannabis farm in an industrial unit when they stumbled across the bitcoin mine, according to a police report released Thursday. Police said there were indications that the unit was being used as a cannabis farm so they initiated the May 18 search of the Great Bridge Industrial Estate in Sandwell.
GOP senators oppose efforts to create Jan. 6 Capitol riot commission
Pro-Trump rioters breach the security perimeter and penetrate the U.S. Capitol to protest against the Electoral College vote count that would certify President Joe Biden as the winner in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6.
Rising inflation trend continues as prices rose 3.6% in April, data shows
Higher gas prices are posted at the Marathon refinery in Carson, Calif., on April 21. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Shoppers wear masks at the FIG at 7th mall in downtown Los Angeles on May 8, 2020. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Shoppers wear masks at the FIG at 7th mall in downtown Los Angeles on May 8, 2020. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Shoppers enter a store in Plano, Texas on March 9.
Watch live: Kamala Harris gives commencement speech at U.S. Naval Academy
Naval Academy midshipmen wait for the start of the U.S. Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony in Annapolis, Md., on Friday. Vice President Kamala Harris will give the commencement address. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo Vice President Kamala Harris arrives via Marine 2 to deliver the keynote address for the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2021 graduation and commissioning ceremony in Annapolis, Md., on Friday.
German government apologizes for genocide in occupation of African nation
May 28 (UPI) -- The German government apologized Friday for committing genocide during its occupation of what it is now Namibia, officially acknowledging the slaughter of two ethnic groups in the early 20th century. Germany's foreign minister made the announcement following five years of negotiations between the German government and Namibian officials. Germany has promised more than $1 billion in development projects in communities where the killings occurred.
Biden administration decides U.S. won't rejoin Open Skies treaty with Russia
May 28 (UPI) -- The Biden administration has decided it will not rejoin an arms control deal with Russia that allows unarmed flights over dozens of countries that participate in the deal. The Department of State said the Open Skies Treaty has been "undermined by Russia's violations," an allegation that Russia has denied. In 2002, 30 nations began participating in the treaty.
Blinken visits Egypt on Middle East tour to bolster Israel-Hamas cease-fire
Palestinians inspect their destroyed homes following the cease-fire between Gaza and Israel in Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo Gazans tried to piece back their lives, after a devastating 11-day conflict with Israel that killed more than 240 people and made thousands homeless in the impoverished Palestinian enclave. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo A child rides a bicycle past destroyed homes in Beit Hanun.
Reports: Manhattan DA convenes grand jury to weigh evidence against former President Donald Trump
The grand jury could indict Trump, company executives or the Trump Organization itself if prosecutors present the grand jury with criminal charges. File Photo by Erin Schaff/UPI | License Photo President Donald Trump waves as he boards Marine One for the final time on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 20.
Officials say emergency brake disabled before Italy cable car crash; 3 arrested
May 26 (UPI) -- Three people were arrested Wednesday for the crash of a cable car in Italy last weekend that killed 14 people, after prosecutors said the car's emergency brake had been deactivated. The three people arrested include the owner of the firm that manages the Stresa-Mottarone cable car, the company's director and the service's operational chief, Ansa reported. Police said one of the three admitted responsibility for deactivating the emergency brake.
D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine sues Amazon on antitrust grounds
District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine delivers remarks while joining attorneys general during the announcement of a multistate antitrust investigation into Google, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 23, 2019. File Photo by Michael Reynolds/EPA-EFE. Warehouse workers, who say they haven't been adequately protected from the coronavirus are seen at an Amazon facility in Hawthorne, Calif. on Dec. 15.
U.S. President Joe Biden to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 16 in Switzerland
President Joe Biden, seen here during a briefing at FEMA headquarters on Monday, will meet with the Russian leader in the middle of June. Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI | License Photo Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken by phone with Biden since he took office, but the two have not met in person. File Photo by Emmanuel Dunand/UPI | License Photo An American flag hangs across the street from the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New York City on April 15.
U.S. to spend $4.8 billion to cover COVID-19 tests for uninsured Americans
May 25 (UPI) -- The Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday that it will spend an additional $4.8 billion so uninsured Americans will have more access to COVID-19 testing. Money from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan will go to pay for the additional testing. "As we vaccinate the country, let's continue taking the preventive measures necessary to keep the virus under control and prevent it from spreading," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
European court says British surveillance program violated privacy laws
May 25 (UPI) -- The European Court of Human Rights ruled Tuesday that a British intelligence agency unlawfully collected phone calls, text messages and online communications from citizens over the course of years. The court methods used by the Government Communications Headquarters to intercept online communications violated privacy and fundamental human rights. The Strasbourg, France-based court is an international court that interprets the European Convention on Human Rights.
Antony Blinken meets Benjamin Netanyahu, vows U.S. aid for Israeli security and Palestinians
Palestinians inspect their destroyed homes following the cease-fire between Gaza and Israel in Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo Gazans tried to piece back their lives, after a devastating 11-day conflict with Israel that killed more than 240 people and made thousands homeless in the impoverished Palestinian enclave. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo A child rides a bicycle past destroyed homes in Beit Hanun.
Supreme Court says no to firing squad for epileptic death row inmate
May 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a bid by a death row inmate to be executed by firing squad because he fears lethal injection might induce seizures. Missouri death row inmate and epileptic Ernest Johnson is seeking to avoid lethal injection over fears he'll have an epileptic seizure during execution. Lethal injection in Missouri involves the drug pentobarbital, which can cause seizures.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Middle East to follow up Gaza cease-fire
Palestinians inspect their destroyed homes following the cease-fire between Gaza and Israel in Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo Gazans tried to piece back their lives, after a devastating 11-day conflict with Israel that killed more than 240 people and made thousands homeless in the impoverished Palestinian enclave. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo A child rides a bicycle past destroyed homes in Beit Hanun.
Iran, U.N. watchdog agree to 1-month extension for nuclear plant inspections
An IAEA inspector examines equipment inside the uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, Iran, in 2014. File Photo by Kazem Ghane/IRNA/UPI | License Photo IAEA inspectors are seen at the Natanz uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, Iran, in 2014. File Photo by Kazem Ghane/IRNA/UPI | License Photo IAEA inspectors examine equipment inside the uranium enrichment plant in Natanz, Iran, in 2014.
Biden to visit FEMA for briefing on hurricane season that's already underway
May 24 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden will visit the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Administration on Monday and receive a briefing on the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season -- which officially begins in a week, but is already underway. Hurricane season officially opens June 1, but the first-named storm of the season formed over the weekend -- Subtropical Storm Ana, which took shape in the Atlantic east of Bermuda.
Ford unveils electric F-150 as President Joe Biden tours electric plant
May 18 (UPI) -- Ford unveiled its new all-electric F-150 pickup truck Tuesday during President Joe Biden's visit to the company's electric vehicle assembly plant in Dearborn, Mich. The public got its first look at the F-150 Lightning ahead of its expected debut, though Ford declined to release specifics about the electric model of its most popular truck. It's expected to go on sale in mid-2022.
IMF pitches $50B plan to ramp up vaccinations, end COVID-19 pandemic
Homeless and migrant laborers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown queue up to receive free cooked food distributed by Sikh volunteers in New Delhi, India, on May 18, 2021. Photo by Abhishek/UPI | License Photo People affected by the COVID-19 lockdown wait for food. Photo by Abhishek/UPI | License Photo A volunteer distributes food in New Delhi. Photo by Abhishek/UPI | License Photo A child prepares to eat.
Greece forest fire destroys 4,000 acres; towns, monasteries evacuated
Firefighters are seen Thursday while battling a forest fire in Schino, Loutraki, Greece. The towns of Schinos, Aghia Sotira, Vamvakes, Mavrolimni, Mazi and Paraskevas were evacuated, as well as the Aghios Ioannis Makrinos and Aghia Paraskevi monasteries.
Unconditional cease-fire between Israel, Hamas takes effect in Gaza
Palestinians celebrate in the streets following a cease-fire brokered by Egypt between Israel and Hamas following days of fighting, in Gaza on Friday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo Palestinians gather around a destroyed house hit during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Thursday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo Palestinian rescuers work on a building following an Israeli airstrike.
President Joe Biden to host South Korean President Moon Jae-in at White House Friday
Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi walk at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to deliver remarks at her offices. Pool Photo by Chip Somodevilla/UPI | License Photo President Joe Biden delivers remarks Thursday in the Cross Hall at the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo South Korean President Moon Jae-in removes his mask before speaking at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.
Biden to sign bill aimed at stopping hate crimes against Asian Americans
May 20 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden will sign legislation Thursday that aims to stop hate crimes against Asian Americans that have seen a sizable increase since the start of the COVID-19 era. Biden will sign the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law during a ceremony at the White House Thursday afternoon. The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. EDT. "Hate has no place in America -- and I look forward to making that clear." Biden tweeted earlier Thursday.
Ford to make EV batteries in U.S. with South Korea innovation firm
May 20 (UPI) -- Ford announced on Thursday that it will partner with South Korean battery maker SK Innovation to manufacture electric vehicle batteries in the United States. The joint venture will be called BlueOvalSK and production is expected to begin in a few years. "It's a key part of our plan to vertically integrate key capabilities that will differentiate Ford far into the future," said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said in a statement.
WHO says international travel should still be avoided to avert COVID-19 surge
Homeless and migrant laborers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown queue up to receive free cooked food distributed by Sikh volunteers in New Delhi, India, on May 18, 2021. Photo by Abhishek/UPI | License Photo People affected by the COVID-19 lockdown wait for food. Photo by Abhishek/UPI | License Photo A volunteer distributes food in New Delhi. Photo by Abhishek/UPI | License Photo A child prepares to eat.
Massive iceberg 4 times the size of NYC breaks off in Antarctica
May 20 (UPI) -- The world's largest iceberg, estimated to be 80 times the size of Manhattan, has broken off from Antarctica. The iceberg, called A-76, measures about 105 miles in length and is over 15 miles wide. It broke from the western side of Ronne Ice Shelf in Antarctica's Weddell Sea, the European Space Agency said. The iceberg is slightly larger than the Spanish island of Majorca and four times the size of New York City, the ESA said.
Study: U.S. saw record rise in pedestrians killed by vehicles in 2020, despite COVID-19
At a March 19 rally outside the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles, Calif., relatives and community members call for justice in the death of Monique Munoz, a 32-year-old woman who was killed by a speeding vehicle on her way home from work a month earlier.
President Joe Biden tells Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu he expects quick de-escalation of attacks in Gaza
Smoke billows following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo Palestinians react to stun grenades fired by the Israeli police outside the Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem during a protest in solidarity with the people in the Gaza Strip and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood on Tuesday. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo Palestinians wave the Palestinian flag outside the Damascus Gate.
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