United States of America eSeries: Biden's been busy

Wednesday, April 28

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about updated CDC mask guidance on the North Lawn of the White House on April 27, 2021.

Joe Biden has a big speech, and even bigger legislation, on tap today. Meanwhile, Rudy Giuliani's apartment was raided. It's Wednesday's news.

With a landmark day approaching in Joe Biden's presidency, the chief executive is set to make an important speech and unveil significant legislation tonight. Meanwhile, Rudy Giuliani's back in the spotlight, but not by choice: The FBI raided his apartment.

It's Julius. Here's Wednesday's news to know.

But first, breaking news: Three men have been charged with hate crimes for the death of Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot and killed just two miles from his Georgia home in February 2020. The Justice Department indicted the men for targeting and threatening Arbery because of his race.

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Biden's 'investments in our future'

President Joe Biden is set to introduce the next part of his "Build Back Better" economic plan — this time with an emphasis on family care. His $1.8 trillion initiative, named the American Families Plan, aims to provide national paid family leave, universal pre-kindergarten, free community college and subsidized child care. The plan would include $1 trillion in spending over the next 10 years and an additional $800 billion to cover targeted tax credits for the middle class, according to senior Biden administration officials. The plan was also described by officials as "generation investments in our future" to outcompete China and transform the U.S. economy.

•	Biden's 'families plan' would also raise taxes on wealthy Americans for the first time in nearly a decade. The proposal would hike the capital gains tax for people earning more than $1 million a year to 39.6%, nearly double the current rate.
•	How's the economy looking under Biden? With increased vaccinations and additional stimulus payments, the economy seems to be accelerating. Here are seven charts showing how the economy has performed during the first 100 days of Biden's term.
•	Joe Biden's approach in his first 100 days as president has been surprising. During the early days of his term, Biden has done less talking and proposed bolder policies, from climate to the economy.

President Joe Biden speaks about COVID-19, on the North Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, April 27, 2021, in Washington.

Evan Vucci, AP

**It's not a State of the Union**

On Wednesday night, Biden will address both houses of Congress as president for the first time. His speech, which will take place nearly 100 days into his presidency, comes after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi invited his to address the House earlier this month. He's expected to address his administration's progress on key issues. Although the format of the speech is similar to the State of the Union, it technically isn't. Biden is continuing a tradition dating back to 1981, where presidents do not deliver a State of the Union the same year they leave office or are inaugurated.

•	History will be made during Biden's speech with Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker behind him. It will be the first time ever two women will occupy the dais behind the president. Here's what other female lawmakers have said ahead of the moment.
•	Joe Biden made these promises for his first 100 days as president. This is where he stands.
•	📺 Do you want to tune in to Biden's speech? Here's when and where you can stream it.

What everyone's talking about

•	Let's talk Oscars: Join us on Clubhouse at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday to chat about the Oscars and diversity in the entertainment industry.
•	Justin Bieber is being accused of cultural appropriation over new dreadlocks.
•	Girl Scout cookies delivered by drone? A Virginia troop teamed up with Google Wing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
•	The world's glaciers are melting faster than ever because of global warming, a study says.
•	Anthony Mackie, the new Captain America, said getting his own movie 'would be everything.'

Bodycam footage showing fatal shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. won't be immediately released

The bodycam footage of North Carolina sheriff's deputies fatally shooting Andrew Brown Jr. won't be released for at least a month, a judge ruled. The decision not to release the video will allow state authorities to complete an investigation into the shooting, according to Judge Jeffery Foster. However, Foster ruled that Brown's family will be allowed to view additional footage of the incident, while also noting that certain segments may still be redacted. Brown was shot five times, including once in the back of his head, by deputies serving warrants at his home last week, an independent autopsy commissioned by his family showed.

•	Independent autopsy: Andrew Brown Jr. shot 5 times, once fatally in back of his head

Demonstrators gather in Elizabeth City, N.C., on Tuesday to demand accountability and justice after sheriff's deputies fatally shot Andrew Brown Jr. last week.

Rachel Berry, USA TODAY Network

Rudy Giuliani's apartment was raided by federal authorities

Federal authorities raided Rudy Giuliani's apartment amid a continuing investigation into the former New York mayor's dealings in Ukraine, a person familiar with the matter said. The move is the highest-profile action yet as part of the inquiry into former President Donald Trump's personal lawyer's lobbying efforts in Ukraine. Federal investigators have been examining Giuliani since at least early 2019, as part of his business dealings with Ukranian-born Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman of Belarus, who had been indicted in the fall of 2019 on campaign finance charges.

Real quick

•	The Real ID deadline has been extended again due to COVID-19. Here's what that means for travelers.
•	A Bodycam video shows police pinning California man for more than 5 minutes before his death.
•	Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins, who orbited the moon, has died at age 90.
•	Employees at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Texas say they have been targeted.
•	A CEO in Tennessee has been fired after video shows him involved in an altercation with a teen who wore a prom dress.

Vaccination outreach in Louisiana shows efforts to address barriers

In parts of New Orleans, doctors are going door-to-door to innoculate residents who face barriers to vaccine access. Public health experts say door-to-door vaccination outreach to underserved neighborhoods is needed to protect vulnerable communities of color who have suffered disproportionate deaths and hospitalizations linked to COVID-19. For residents who face logistical challenges, such as the lack of access to transportation or trouble taking time off work, it can be complicated to get to the doctor or clinic for a shot. "If we didn't, the likelihood that they would be able to get the services, get the vaccines, is limited," nurse practitioner Sophia Thomas said, while explaining the approach.

•	Updated CDC guidelines: Not sure whether you need to wear a mask? Follow along on the flowchart below to determine how the CDC's new guidance applies to you.

Do I need to wear a mask? Follow along this flowchart to determine how the CDC's new guidance applies to you.

Teresa Lo

A break from the news

•	📱 Phone addiction: Rewards keep us coming back, but they rarely satisfy.
•	💰 Tax returns are averaging almost $3,000 in 2021. Here's where to check on yours.
•	🛋️ Here are the 50 best deals to shop from Wayfair's biggest sale of the year.

This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for The Short List newsletter here.