Tony Blinken in confirmation hearing says realistic chance of Israel-Palestinian agreement unlikely in near term

Acting Defense Secretary Miller says vetting of troops securing ceremony continues; Pentagon has found no intelligence so far that would indicate an insider threat

Over 20,000 National Guard troops roam area where president-elect will be sworn in; ceremony will see modest participation due to pandemic and fears of right-wing attacks

'It is easier to stand up to someone who is seen as a foe, as opposed to someone who's seen as a friend,' says David Elhayani, citing the Trump plan for a Palestinian state

Rachel Levine is one of the few transgender Americans serving in elected or appointed positions nationwide

US president-elect has vowed to overturn travel ban from Muslim-majority countries; Syrian woman: 'I'm probably more impatient for Biden to become president than he is himself'

First lady has been criticized for refusing to invite Bidens for traditional visit to Oval Office and White House before transfer of power

Outgoing president says entry curbs from much of Europe and Brazil to be lifted from Jan. 26, but spokesperson for Biden says plans are actually to tighten restrictions

Despite objections by Israel, other countries, and many US lawmakers, president-elect wants to avoid escalation in Middle East so he can focus on America's challenges

Fire in a homeless encampment sparks fears, temporary evacuation, as Washington remains on edge ahead of Biden's swearing-in