WASHINGTON (AP) — Addressing a concerned nation and anxious world, President Joe Biden vowed in his first State of the Union address Tuesday night to check ...
He called to “fund the police with the resources and training they need to protect our communities.” And as gun violence rises, he returned to calls to ban assault weapons, a blunt request he hadn’t made in months. In an interview with CNN and Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Biden to deliver a strong and “useful” message about Russia’s invasion. “It’s time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again,” he declared. But there was evidence of ongoing tension as well: The Capitol was newly fenced due to security concerns after last year’s insurrection. Biden pivoted in his speech from the troubles abroad to those at home. “Too many families are struggling to keep up with the bills,” Biden said. And, the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising.” “Inflation is robbing them of the gains they might otherwise feel. His vice president and Cabinet members will fan out around the country to amplify the message. He acknowledged costs to the American economy, as well, but warned ominously that without consequences, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression wouldn’t be contained to Ukraine. This time, it’s a wrought-iron bridge that connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, across the St. Louis Bay.