US president makes fresh appeal for Americans to get vaccinated, urges return of indoor masking to help slow any spread of Omicron

Bidens to host COVID-curtailed Hanukkah gathering on Wednesday at the White House; Emhoff addresses lighting ceremony of National Menorah

Defense minister says Israel building up 'military force' needed for a strike on the Iranian nuclear program, while hoping for improved deal

Menorah lighting event to be held on December 1; invitations went out just a week in advance

Beijing seethes over Taiwan's invitation, Moscow says guest list shows US aiming to label countries as 'good' or 'bad;' Israel, Iraq only Mideast nations invited to December event

US also extends invitation to Taiwan, Brazil and Poland, but not to China, Russia or Hungary, with 110 countries slated to participate in virtual conference

Republican senators continue to block confirmation to the top position of noted Holocaust scholar Deborah Lipstadt

Speculation has mounted in recent days that US president, who just turned 79 and is suffering from low popularity numbers, will not seek reelection

White House physician says president, 78, 'healthy and vigorous' after 1 hour and 25 minute colonoscopy, during which VP became 1st woman to hold presidential power in US history

'Another chapter in that history for many women, young girls across the country,' says White House after hour-long transfer of authority while Biden was under anesthesia