House Build Back Better vote, COVID booster meeting, Adele's '30': 5 things to know Friday
House pushes back vote on Build Back Better bill after McCarthy speech
The House is expected to vote Friday morning on President Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill after a marathon speech by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., delayed the vote. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., had wanted to vote on the bill Thursday night after the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office released its full cost estimate of the bill Thursday. Democrats had been waiting on that release to appease moderates who were weary of the multi-trillion dollar price tag. But the vote was held up by a fiery hours-long speech on the House floor by McCarthy that lasted into Friday. McCarthy unleashed a tirade of grievances that morphed into complaints over what's wrong with the country and the Democrats who control Washington. Pelosi issued several news releases in response to McCarthy's prolonged speech. In one, she called it a "temper tantrum" and pushed back on several points McCarthy raised.
- Biden wants to give the IRS more money to chase wealthy tax cheats. Will it work?
- Build Back Better bill would give young people jobs to fight climate change. What would a new CCC look like?
- Potential retaliation: Kevin McCarthy said if Republicans retake House, Greene and Gosar may get 'better' committee assignments
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COVID-19 boosters for all US adults closer with panel meeting set
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's influential Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Friday to discuss lifting restrictions on COVID-19 booster shots and making them available to any adult who wants them. Some cities and states already allow all adults to get boosters of Pfizer's vaccine, but it is not yet official U.S. policy. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to sign off on Pfizer's application before the advisory panel meets Friday. Politico reported Thursday the FDA will also authorize Moderna's booster shot for all adults – a move that would come in tandem with the clearance of the Pfizer booster for widespread use. The final step – CDC's official recommendation – could come soon after the ACIP meeting. The Biden administration has said it pre-purchased enough doses for every American to get a booster at no cost. "Vaccinations work and boosters optimize vaccination," presidential advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said at a White House news conference Wednesday.
- COVID-19 updates: Pediatricians warn of virus' impact on kids, urge parents to vaccinate them
- Attempted vigilance: NFL to intensify COVID-19 protocols around Thanksgiving
- Fact check: Vaccines protect against contracting, spreading COVID-19
Kamala Harris to visit Ohio, talk $1.2 trillion infrastructure deal
Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Columbus on Friday to tout the Biden administration's $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Harris will discuss how the package will "benefit Ohioans, drive the creation of good-paying union jobs, and create a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure," a White House official said. Under the legislation, Ohio is projected to receive $9.2 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $483 million to repair and replace bridges over a five-year period. It will get an estimated $100 million to expand broadband access, $253 million for airports, $1.2 billion for public transportation and $1.4 billion dedicated to water infrastructure projects.
- 'We're finally getting this done': Biden signs landmark infrastructure package in major win for domestic agenda
- 13 House Republicans voted to pass the infrastructure bill. Here's what their states, districts stand to get.
- What happened this week? Test your knowledge with the USA TODAY news quiz.
MLB's team in Cleveland officially changes name to Guardians
The Cleveland Indians officially transitioned to become the Cleveland Guardians early Friday, completing a name change that has been in the works over the past few months. Cleveland's Major League Baseball team has been known as the Indians since 1915. But after years of protests and following the club dropping its contentious Chief Wahoo logo, the Indians decided to change to Guardians, a name inspired by eight massive, art-deco statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge near the ballpark. On Tuesday, the American League Central franchise cleared a final hurdle in the makeover as a lawsuit filed by a local roller derby team called the Guardians was resolved. The sides agreed to move forward with both teams using Guardians.
- Changes in Cleveland: Progressive Field construction begins with script 'Indians' sign being taken down
- Team to stay put: Franchise extends lease with city, Progressive Field to at least 2036
Review: Adele's '30' not at all the divorce album you'd expect
After "Easy on Me," people might've thought they had Adele all figured out. But the lead single was somewhat of a red herring for what's to come on "30," writes USA TODAY's Patrick Ryan. Instead, Adele's fourth studio album, which was released Friday, demonstrates "it’s never too late to switch things up and fall in love with yourself for a change." During the run-up to the release of "30," Adele has talked plenty about the songs originating during her split from husband and Angelo's dad, Simon Konecki. But in "30," Adele turns the focus almost squarely on herself as she tries to find her identity outside of romantic and personal relationships.
- Adele stuns with devastating new songs, tells Oprah, 'It's not my job to validate' body image
- Adele isn't a huge pop star because she's hip. It's because she's sincere.
Contributing: The Associated Press