Los Angeles Times - Near East

• newFor members of a migrant caravan, Biden's immigration plan means little right now
  Biden has abandoned many of Trump's hard-line immigration policies. But none of the policy changes do much for people fleeing Central America now.
  - 9 hours ago 23 Jan 21, 8:36pm -
• newWashington gets whiplash in shift from Trump to Biden
  Changes at 1600: Days don't begin and end with tweets. The press secretary hasn't lied or insulted media. Policy papers are back. The president stays on message.
  - 16 hours ago 23 Jan 21, 1:00pm -
• newColumn: You thought McConnell was tough as majority leader? Wait until you see him as minority leader
  Get ready for the same tough-as-nails obstructionist we saw when Obama was in office.
  - 17 hours ago 23 Jan 21, 12:00pm -
• Arizona surpasses California as state with the worst coronavirus infection rate
  Arizona, which has not mandated masks and shutdowns, has surpassed California as the state with the worst rate of coronavirus infections.
  - 1 day ago 23 Jan 21, 12:23am -
• Family, co-workers, old FB friends helped catch Capitol intruders, records show
  While bold admissions and digital forensics played a key role in the fast effort to bring Capitol rioters to justice, so too has an army of tipsters.
  - 2 days ago 21 Jan 21, 9:51pm -

• COVID-19 patients struggle to get highly touted yet elusive antibody treatments
  Monoclonal antibody treatment is now available to COVID-19 patients, but only about 30% of the delivered doses have been administered.
  - 3 days ago 21 Jan 21, 2:00pm -
• Twin suicide bombings hit Baghdad, killing 32 and sparking fears of Islamic State comeback
  The bombings, thought to be the work of Islamic State extremists, were the first such attack to hit Baghdad in years.
  - 3 days ago 21 Jan 21, 1:51pm -
• Trump put migrants in border limbo. So far Biden has left them there
  Few along the border, from asylum seekers to U.S. agents, have answers for how President Biden will confront the challenge left to him by Trump, with about 30,000 migrants waiting in limbo and thousands more heading north.
  - 3 days ago 21 Jan 21, 7:51am -
• Rejecting Biden's message of unity, Portland's self-described anarchists target a Democratic Party building
  About 150 demonstrators march in Portland and smash windows; police report multiple arrests.
  - 3 days ago 21 Jan 21, 3:54am -
• 'Grim and beautiful,' Biden's inauguration a day of jarring juxtapositions
  President Biden's inauguration marked a return to a more traditional, unifying politics. But it was a surreal experience amid a pandemic and waves of political violence, which the ceremonies were forced to reflect.
  - 3 days ago 20 Jan 21, 10:36pm -
• For some Americans, Biden-Harris inauguration reassures: 'We're going to be OK'
  Many Americans express hope and see the 'start of healing' with Biden-Harris swearing-in. Others are less than enthusiastic.
  - 3 days ago 20 Jan 21, 9:06pm -
• Watch and read L.A. native Amanda Gorman's inauguration day poem
  The national youth poet laureate read her galvanizing poem, 'The Hill We Climb,' just after Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th U.S. president.
  - 3 days ago 20 Jan 21, 7:08pm -
• Photos: History made as Kamala Harris is sworn in as the nation's vice president
  Kamala Harris was sworn in Wednesday as vice president — the first woman, first Black American and first Asian American in the position.
  - 3 days ago 20 Jan 21, 6:49pm -
• Braced for clashes, Washington is mostly empty and quiet for Biden inauguration
  Washington, D.C., was prepared for the worst ahead of Inauguration Day. But the worst stayed home.
  - 3 days ago 20 Jan 21, 6:27pm -
• In speeches and with champagne toasts, many across the world bid Trump 'good riddance'
  As President Biden takes office, the rest of the world watches closely, some less focused on Biden's ascension than on Trump's departure.
  - 3 days ago 20 Jan 21, 5:56pm -
• Inauguration 2021: Howard University celebrates alumna Harris becoming vice president
  The Howard University community celebrated one of its own, Kamala Harris, becoming vice president with a flurry of online activity.
  - 3 days ago 20 Jan 21, 5:37pm -
• Trump pardons Lil Wayne and commutes Kodak Black, but snubs Joe Exotic
  In his final hours as president, Trump pardoned Lil Wayne and commuted the sentence of Kodak Black. No such luck for "Tiger King" star Joe Exotic.
  - 4 days ago 20 Jan 21, 4:11pm -
• Photos: Historic Inauguration Day | Trump leaves office, Biden becomes 46th president
  During today's inauguration ceremony, Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States.
  - 4 days ago 20 Jan 21, 2:43pm -
• Biden becomes the 46th president, vowing to heal and unite a nation in crisis
  After half a century as a senator and vice president, Biden assumes the presidency at a time when the country faces health, economic and societal crises.
  - 4 days ago 20 Jan 21, 1:26pm -
• McManus: Yes, Biden is a 78-year-old Washington insider. Here's why that's a good thing
  Improbable as it sounds, this politician of modest talents and limited eloquence may have exactly the gifts he needs to succeed.
  - 4 days ago 20 Jan 21, 12:00pm -
• Trump is throwing a wrench into what is usually a seamless transfer of power
  As he exits the White House President Trump is disrupting many of the most critical and cherished traditions of handing power from one president to another.
  - 4 days ago 20 Jan 21, 11:00am -
• Biden to offer legal status to 11 million immigrants, plans to stop border wall construction
  The overhaul would prioritize three categories of people to receive green cards: farm workers, those with temporary protected status and Dreamers
  - 4 days ago 20 Jan 21, 10:00am -
• McConnell slams Trump for 'lies' to angry mob as Guard roots out threats among inauguration troops
  Tens of thousands of National Guard troops are protecting the city, but there's tension in the air and Inauguration Day attendees are feeling it.
  - 4 days ago 20 Jan 21, 1:14am -
• Pre-inaugural snapshot: Americans voice anguish and hope as Biden prepares to take office
  American presidential inaugurations have often come against the backdrop of momentous events — the Civil War, the Great Depression, the war in Vietnam, the civil rights era. For Biden, the burdens are great.
  - 4 days ago 20 Jan 21, 1:13am -
• After Homeland Security nominee's hearing, Hawley slows down process
  As Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas would oversee immigration as well as counter-terrorism, emergency management and cybersecurity.
  - 4 days ago 19 Jan 21, 10:16pm -
• Lincoln Memorial lights honor COVID-19 victims. Buildings nationwide glow amber in tribute
  Lights at the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial honor those who have died from COVID-19. Buildings across the U.S. glow amber in tribute too.
  - 4 days ago 19 Jan 21, 10:06pm -
• No Mall crowd. No Pennsylvania Avenue stroll. Biden's inauguration will be different in several ways
  COVID-19, security threats and a boycott by the sitting president will make for an unusual inauguration ceremony this year.
  - 4 days ago 19 Jan 21, 7:56pm -
• 3 Beverly Hills residents, including a doctor, arrested in U.S. Capitol attack
  The FBI arrests three Beverly Hills residents in connection to the U.S. Capitol rampage. More than 100 people have been charged with federal crimes so far.
  - 4 days ago 19 Jan 21, 7:07pm -
• The National Guard often responds to natural disasters. It's seeking to prevent a man-made one at the Capitol
  Nearly 25,000 National Guard troops are in Washington to provide security after the Capitol attack and to protect President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
  - 4 days ago 19 Jan 21, 6:50pm -
• Lawmakers question Biden's Pentagon nominee on civilian control of the military
  Joe Biden's pick for Pentagon chief, retired Gen. Lloyd J. Austin, needs a waiver from Congress; he hasn't been out of the Army long enough for the top civilian job.
  - 5 days ago 19 Jan 21, 4:00pm -
• He condemned journalists and hailed Trump's achievements: A look at Pompeo's Twitter victory lap
  Five takeaways from Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo's Twitter victory lap. The Tweet-a-Thon says as much about Trump foreign policy as Pompeo's political ambitions. He is thought to be considering a run for the presidency in 2024.
  - 5 days ago 19 Jan 21, 11:00am -
• As Trump's approval rating plummets, tens of millions stick by him
  Since the U.S. Capitol insurrection, President Trump has suffered greater losses in support than ever before. Still, his popularity among his base is unwavering.
  - 5 days ago 19 Jan 21, 10:00am -
• Iranians demand a COVID-19 vaccine, not politics, from their leaders
  Iran's top leader has banned Western-made COVID-19 vaccines but is facing mounting fury from a populace devastated by the coronavirus.
  - 5 days ago 19 Jan 21, 9:00am -
• Tense Virginia gun rally draws everyone from Proud Boys to Black Panthers — many armed
  Despite security concerns on the eve of the inauguration, armed Virginia gun rights advocates staged rally
  - 5 days ago 19 Jan 21, 1:25am -
• FBI seeks woman accused of taking Pelosi laptop in Capitol siege; Washington security tightens
  A manhunt was underway for a Pennsylvania woman suspected of stealing a laptop from the offices of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the Capitol attack.
  - 5 days ago 18 Jan 21, 5:45pm -
• Photos: Nationwide protests of Trump supporters fail to materialize
  Security remained tight around state houses throughout the country as fears of major protests by armed, far-right supporters of President Trump outside the Capitol and at state capitols Sunday proved unfounded, with only small groups, some carrying w…
  - 6 days ago 18 Jan 21, 4:08am -
• Nationwide protests authorities feared by Trump supporters fail to materialize
  Protests by armed right-wing groups erupted at some state capitols, but remained small and peaceful
  - 6 days ago 18 Jan 21, 12:46am -
• Feeding an army in D.C.: Chef José Andrés steps in to help feed huge influx of National Guard
  World Central Kitchen's Nate Mook and José Andrés realized their expertise in feeding large groups at a moment's notice could help feed the Guard at the Capitol.
  - 7 days ago 17 Jan 21, 3:18pm -
• On social media, amateur digital sleuths try to help track violent Capitol rioters
  Amateur detectives working to identify violent rioters that stormed the U.S. Capitol don't want the process to turn into an online witch hunt.
  - 7 days ago 17 Jan 21, 1:00pm -
• Kamala Harris says nation will 'find a moment' to celebrate inauguration amid pandemic grief
  Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said in an interview with The Times that she would resign her Senate seat Monday.
  - 7 days ago 17 Jan 21, 12:00pm -
• Make America California Again? That's Biden's plan
  President Trump tried to marginalize California. He failed. Now, with Joe Biden and Democrats taking power, no state is more influential in setting a policy agenda.
  - 7 days ago 17 Jan 21, 11:00am -
• Police and National Guard scramble to secure D.C. and state capitols
  Ahead of right-wing protests planned for Sunday, law enforcement stepped up security at capitols around the nation.
  - 7 days ago 17 Jan 21, 3:27am -
• Fleeing the pandemic and two hurricanes, thousands of migrants walk toward the U.S.
  Biden's election has raised hopes in Central America — devastated by hurricane-driven floods, in addition to chronic issues of poverty and gang violence — that the incoming administration may ease policies for asylum seekers.
  - 7 days ago 16 Jan 21, 11:54pm -
• Photos: Security measures heightened at U.S. and state capitols ahead of possible protests
  Michigan, Virginia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Washington are among the states that have activated their National Guards to strengthen security.
  - 8 days ago 16 Jan 21, 4:19pm -
• U.S. rebukes Mexico for releasing evidence in drug case against former defense minister
  The U.S. Department of Justice said Mexico violated a treaty by releasing evidence the U.S. collected in a drug case against a former Mexican defense minister.
  - 8 days ago 16 Jan 21, 4:14pm -
• How the new COVID-19 vaccine rules could help the pandemic end sooner
  Health officials set aside carefully considered plans for rolling out COVID-19 vaccines and made the shots widely available. That may hasten the pandemic's end.
  - 8 days ago 16 Jan 21, 2:00pm -
• Column: There's no need to hurry Trump's impeachment trial — accountability is a dish best served cold
  If Senate Democrats want to have any serious hope of convicting Trump, their best strategy is to slow the process down.
  - 8 days ago 16 Jan 21, 12:00pm -
• A small narcotic leaf brings big comfort — and big business — to war-weary Yemenis
  Chewing qat, a green narcotic leaf, is so widespread and ritualistic that even the fighting in Yemen's civil war can fall silent in the afternoons.
  - 8 days ago 16 Jan 21, 9:00am -
• Biden plans early legislation to offer legal status to 11 million immigrants without it
  During his first days in office, President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a legislative proposal that would include a path to citizenship for 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally, according to activists in communication with his transition te…
  - 8 days ago 16 Jan 21, 7:50am -
• Capitol rioters aimed to 'capture and assassinate' officials, federal prosecutors allege
  Prosecutors allege rioters planned to "capture and assassinate" lawmakers in Jan. 6 insurrection at U.S. Capitol.
  - 8 days ago 16 Jan 21, 1:07am -
• This Blackwater guard pleaded guilty. He atoned. But didn't get a pardon
  Jeremy Ridgeway, a former Blackwater guard, pleaded guilty to the massacre in 2007 in Nissor Square in Baghdad. He testified against the other guards. He accepted responsibility. But he didn't get a pardon.
  - 8 days ago 15 Jan 21, 7:01pm -
• Mexican president accuses U.S. of fabricating drug case against ex-defense chief
  Mexico's president accuses the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration of fabricating drug allegations against ex-defense chief Salvador Cienfuegos.
  - 9 days ago 15 Jan 21, 4:08pm -
• Some workers don't want a COVID-19 vaccine. Can their bosses make them get it anyway?
  Many teachers, grocers and even some hospital employees are wary of the COVID-19 vaccine and don't want it. The question of mandatory vaccine requirements by employers is complicated.
  - 9 days ago 15 Jan 21, 2:00pm -
• Why veterans of the military and law enforcement joined the Capitol insurrection
  Why so many military veterans and former and current police officers support — and take part in — far-right groups and protests, including the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
  - 9 days ago 15 Jan 21, 11:00am -
• Facebook banned Trump but has failed to react quickly to other leaders who incited violence
  Activists see a double standard in social media companies' response to the Capitol attack and their tolerance for violent rhetoric abroad.
  - 9 days ago 15 Jan 21, 10:00am -