Start your day here: After Republicans block voting rights, Democrats return to Build Back Better

Published January 20, 2022 at 8:12 AM EST
The word Democracy is seen in lights with the U.S. Capitol in the background at night.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
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AFP
Voting rights activists hold signs near the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Good morning,

Here's what we're following today:

Returning to Build Back Better: Two Democratic senators joined Republicans to preserve the filibuster, allowing the minority party to block two bills that would expand voting rights. Democrats now plan to revive President Biden's domestic policy and spending plan.

Three things Biden wants to change in 2022: The president took questions from reporters for nearly two hours in his first formal news conference of the year. He mentioned three things he hopes to do differently and talked about his presidential style.

Aid arrives in Tonga: The first flights landed Thursday in the island nation hit by last week's massive volcano, bringing bottled water, shelters, generators and communications equipment.

🎧 Also on Up First, our daily podcast, Biden insists he won't send U.S. forces to Ukraine if Russia invades.

— The Morning Edition live blog team

(Carol Ritchie, Rachel Treisman, Nell Clark and Chris Hopkins)