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Welcome to another edition of FT Now! This was obviously a big week for Washington and the nation, so let’s get straight down to business! Who’s ready for some more "do as I say, not as I do" from Democratic governors when it comes to COVID guidelines? If you just let out a massive sigh, you’re not alone. President Joe Biden hit the ground running with his anti-energy agenda by cancelling the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline. And in even crazier news, California has paid $10 billion in fraudulent unemployment claims - not great for a state hit hard by the pandemic. Read below for more!
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| Dem Govs Flout Own COVID Restrictions to Attend Biden Inauguration |
| What Happened: |
| In a plot twist that should surprise...exactly no one, several Democratic governors defied their own COVID guidelines to attend this week’s inauguration in Washington, D.C. |
| Why You Should Care: |
| It seems the hypocrisy around COVID restrictions is never-ending. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, for instance, traveled to D.C. despite the fact that her most recent order states that outdoor gatherings for Michiganders should be limited to 25 people. Governors Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania and Phil Murphy of New Jersey also attended festivities. |
| What Happens Next: |
| Likely just more of the same. |
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| Republicans from western states pan Biden order to revoke Keystone XL Pipeline permit |
| What Happened: |
| One of Joe Biden’s first acts as president this week was to revoke the permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline, eliminating thousands of jobs with just the stroke of a pen. |
| Why You Should Care: |
| Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said it best: "Keystone XL is a critical part of putting together an all-of-the-above strategy for North American energy independence. Failure to construct the pipeline would mean more dependence on overseas energy sources as well as fewer jobs and less property tax relief for Nebraskans." |
| What Happens Next: |
| A group of Republican senators are fighting back and planning to introduce legislation that would reverse Biden’s order. |
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| California estimated to have sent $10B in fraudulent COVID-19 unemployment claims, including foreign crime organizations |
| What Happened: |
| Apparently, the state of California possibly sent out $10 billion in fraudulent unemployment benefits - even to organized crime groups in China and Russia. |
| Why You Should Care: |
| With so many Californians struggling during COVID-19 lockdowns ordered by Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, fraud of this nature can be particularly devastating. |
| What Happens Next: |
| The news comes amid a statewide effort to recall Gov. Newsom over, among other things, his handling of the COVID crisis. |
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Thank you for reading this week’s edition of FT Now.
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