The First Lady embraces her mission to connect with communities and support recovery amid national challenges.

Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, has described her journey over the past year as an unexpected shift into a role of “healing” a divided nation. Her husband, President Joe Biden, campaigned on the promise of unity, but Jill Biden has found herself at the forefront of comforting communities affected by natural disasters, the pandemic, and political polarisation.

Speaking to the Associated Press, she noted, “I didn’t expect to take on this healing role, but it’s been necessary given everything the country has faced.” The interview took place in Las Vegas, shortly after she and the President visited Louisville, Colorado, to console families devastated by wildfires. Biden offered hugs and sympathised with survivors standing amid the ruins of their homes.

Jill Biden’s numerous trips over the past year have positioned her as an ambassador between the administration and citizens across the United States, bridging political divides. From visiting victims of a Christmas parade tragedy in Wisconsin to touring tornado-ravaged Kentucky, she emphasised the importance of “showing up” during tough times. “If I had experienced a tragedy, I’d want to know my president and first lady cared,” she explained.

At 70 years old, Jill Biden balances her duties as First Lady with her career as an English and writing professor at Northern Virginia Community College, making her the first First Lady to hold a paying job outside the White House. She has travelled to 35 states over the past year, often surpassing the President’s domestic travel schedule, while encouraging vaccinations, meeting military families, and advocating for education.

Despite setbacks, such as the removal of a tuition-free community college proposal from a legislative package, Jill Biden remains committed to her focus areas, including supporting military families through initiatives like Joining Forces. She also plans to expand her advocacy in 2022, with hopes of increasing access to education and promoting arts at the White House.

Reflecting on her experience, Jill Biden called the White House “a magical place” but said she never allows herself to take the platform for granted. “Every day, I ask myself, ‘What can I accomplish today?’”

Looking forward, she expressed optimism for the coming year, believing it must be better. “We all need hope for a brighter future,” she concluded.

Deputy First Minister warns unilateral action on protocol checks would violate the law.

A heated political and legal standoff has arisen in Northern Ireland over Brexit-related port checks, with Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill warning that any unilateral attempt by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to halt these checks would be unlawful.

Mr Poots has indicated his intention to stop the checks mandated by the Northern Ireland Protocol unless they receive explicit approval from the Stormont Executive. However, Ms O’Neill stated that the responsibility to implement the checks, as agreed by the Executive, rests firmly with the Agriculture Minister.

The controversy intensified after a legal challenge by Unionist Voice Policy Studies argued that the ongoing checks were unlawful without broader Executive approval. In response, Mr Poots plans to present a paper to the Executive seeking a formal decision on their continuation.

Deputy First Minister O’Neill dismissed Mr Poots’ interpretation, emphasising that the legal obligation to enforce the checks remains. She also highlighted that senior civil servants in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) are required to uphold the law, even if instructed otherwise by the minister.

“There is a clear legal responsibility on Edwin Poots to implement these checks,” Ms O’Neill said, accusing the DUP of political posturing instead of addressing critical issues such as health waiting lists and pandemic recovery.

First Minister Paul Givan, a DUP colleague of Mr Poots, countered by asserting that there is a “sound legal basis” for halting the checks without Executive consensus. He insisted the current situation is controversial and requires collective approval under Stormont’s rules.

Justice Minister Naomi Long sided with Ms O’Neill, stating that Mr Poots is bound by his legal obligations. She pointed out that similar attempts by Mr Poots in the past had failed, with the UK government affirming the requirement to implement the checks.

“This is not a new issue,” Ms Long stated. “Edwin Poots knows the legal obligation exists. Any move to halt the checks without proper Executive approval would breach the law.”

The DUP’s stance has drawn criticism for exacerbating tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol, a component of the Brexit deal designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.

As the debate unfolds, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges of implementing the protocol amid political divisions and legal uncertainties in Northern Ireland.

Leaked email reveals PM’s attendance as public adhered to strict Covid-19 restrictions.

A leaked email has exposed an alleged lockdown-breaking party at Downing Street on 20 May 2020, with over 100 staff invited to “bring your own booze.” The event has placed Boris Johnson under intense scrutiny, with reports claiming he attended the gathering for about an hour.

The email, sent by Martin Reynolds, the Prime Minister’s principal private secretary, invited staff to enjoy “socially distanced drinks” in the No. 10 garden. Around 30-40 people, including Johnson and his wife Carrie, reportedly participated.

This event occurred while strict Covid-19 restrictions were in place across England. On the same day, Cabinet Minister Oliver Dowden reminded the public they could only meet one person from another household outdoors, maintaining two metres of distance.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are in contact with the Cabinet Office regarding alleged breaches of health regulations. Senior civil servant Sue Gray is investigating this and other potential rule-breaking events at Downing Street during the pandemic.

Asked about his attendance, Johnson deflected, stating, “All that is the subject of a proper investigation by Sue Gray.” No. 10 has denied speculation that Martin Reynolds will be removed from his role.

Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister’s former chief adviser, alleged he warned against holding the gathering, deeming it against the rules. He claimed Johnson’s endorsement of such events exemplifies a disregard for the regulations.

Reacting to the revelations, Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner criticised Johnson for showing “no regard for the rules he imposed on others,” while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described the incident as “a kick in the teeth” to those who sacrificed during the pandemic.

Sue Gray’s inquiry is expected to cover this event and any additional gatherings that come to light. Meanwhile, calls for accountability are growing as the public and opposition leaders demand clarity on the government’s actions during the lockdown.