U.S. CAPITOL building, the seat of Congress, in Washington, D.C. (Wikipedia photo).

Congress on Friday easily overrode the veto by President Donald Trump of a military spending bill. In an unusual New Year’s Day session, the House of Representatives voted 322-87 in favor of defeating the president’s action. The Senate then voted 81-13.

According to the Associated Press, Trump disapproved of the $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act in large part because it did not include something he wanted: stripping social media organizations such as Facebook of certain immunities for material they posted.

The bill, which is typically not controversial, contained funding for the nation’s military operations, as well as a 3 percent pay increase for America’s armed forces personnel.  Friday’s action was the first veto override of the president’s administration.

News: Record highs of coronavirus

The year 2020 ended with big numbers of new cases and deaths from COVID-19 infections. Hospitalizations over the last two days of the year hit over 125,000 and overall new cases were more than 220,000, according to United Press International.

In California, more than 21,000 coronavirus cases are taking up hospital beds in 4,500 intensive care units.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the worldwide total of COVID-19 cases was at 83,832,334 with 20,085,400 in the U.S. Worldwide deaths are at 1.8 million, with 347,202 of them Americans.

In California, more than 21,000 coronavirus cases are taking up hospital beds in 4,500 intensive care units.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the worldwide total of COVID-19 cases was at 83,832,334 with 20,085,400 in the U.S. Worldwide deaths are at 1.8 million, with 347,202 of them Americans.

Sports: They’re semi-tough

The College Football Playoff semifinals are today (Friday). In the early game, Notre Dame is facing Alabama in the transplanted Rose Bowl. That will be followed by the Clemson-Ohio State clash in the Sugar Bowl. Alabama won 31-14 and Ohio State won 49-35.

In the NBA, the Lakers (3-2) will visit San Antonio (2-2) and the Clippers (4-1) visit Utah (2-2).