JOE BIDEN and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the new president and vice president of the United States on Tuesday.

Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States today at noon,  promised “democracy has prevailed” and called for unity in this “winter of peril.”

“I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization have long torn us apart,” Biden said. “This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward and we must meet this moment as the United States of America.”

Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president, making her the first woman, the first woman of color, and the first South Asian to be elected to nationwide office. The ceremony was conducted in front of the U.S. Capitol, where two weeks ago a mob of extremists claiming to be acting for President Donald Trump stormed the building

Because of coronavirus conditions and security concerns, the ceremony was scaled down and the nation’s capital secured by 25,000 troops, as well as law enforcement personnel. There were no reported incidents of violence or disorder.

Musical performances were offered by Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks.
In attendance were former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Mike Pence, the outgoing vice president was there but Trump was not, having flown out of Washington this morning.

On taking office, Biden, 78, became the oldest president ever to be inaugurated.

News: Biden’s orders on 1st day

Newly-installed President Joe Biden swept into the White House on Wednesday and signed 17 executive orders, including several aimed at undoing executive orders signed by Donald Trump.

Among the orders were having the nation rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change and stopping the withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization.

Additionally, he will require that face coverings be required for all persons inside federal buildings for the next 100 days. State and local governments will be asked to adopt similar regulations. He is also expected to appoint an executive to oversee the coronavirus response and take action on evictions and foreclosures.

Sports: Philip Rivers hangs up his cleats

Philip Rivers, starting quarterback for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers for 16 seasons, is retiring from professional football after completing one more season with the Indianapolis Colts.

“I am grateful to the Chargers for 16 seasons and the Colts for the 17th season,” he said.   In his career, he played 244 games, passing for 63,440 yards and 421 touchdowns.

Rivers, 39, told the San Diego Union Tribune he planned on coaching high school football in his native state of Alabama.