After the American citizenry ushered in a new reign of the Democratic Party in the recent elections, Cornell Law School graduates are taking on leadership roles in our nation’s policies.

President Barack Obama announced more members to the Office of the White House Counsel last Thursday. Among the newly appointed counsels, Alison J. Nathan ’94 will be an Associate Counsel to the President. Nathan received her bachelor’s degree and J.D. from Cornell. During her time at the Law School, Nathan served as editor-in-chief of the Cornell Law Review.

Over the weekend, President Obama urged Congress to “move swiftly and boldly” to help pull the country out of the current recession by passing his stimulus bill. Yesterday, the House passed the proposed $819 billion package. The plan represents a commendable step toward ending the financial crisis; however, because of concessions made by House Democrats, its passage was considerably more swift than bold.

The portions of the bill that went through provide several key tools to help jump start the economy.

Last Tuesday in Paris, I was at last psyched and actually kind of proud to be an American. After spending nearly two weeks trying hard to cloak my accent and telling all the lecherous dudes that I was vacationing from South Africa because I wanted to experience the cold (and no, I’m really not interested in grabbing a cup of coffee with you), January 20th might have been the only day during my whole abroad experience that I am allowed — and almost encouraged — to speak in full-blown American English (i.e. pronouncing all of my R’s).

President Barack Obama pledged to improve schools, colleges and universities to meet new technological standards and accessibility in his Inaugural address on Tuesday. This pledge, which upholds Obama’s promise during his campaign, marks a shift in funding for research, financial aid, college accessibility and preparedness.

Students across campus witnessed the momentous inauguration of Barack Obama yesterday through live broadcasts inside and outside of the classroom. Although yesterday marked the first day of class for many courses, some were cancelled or dismissed early so students could watch the first transition of power in eight years. In other cases, professors traded their PowerPoint slideshows for live streams of the ceremony.A standing "O": Students pack Bailey Hall to capacity yesterday to watch Obama's inaugural speech live.

It has been months since fireworks were set off in Collegetown to celebrate Obama’s election, but the excitement remained for some.

President Barack Obama announced the appointment of four members to his science and technology team, a group charged with crafting science policy regarding the life sciences, the environment, health and technology.

“It’s about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It’s about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it’s inconvenient,” Obama stated on his website. The newly elected president emphasized that government officials must provide necessary resources to scientists and work hand-in-hand with them to design effective legislation.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Stepping into history, Barack Hussein Obama grasped the reins of power as America's first black president on Tuesday, declaring the nation must choose "hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord" to overcome the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

In frigid temperatures, an exuberant crowd of more than a million packed the National Mall and parade route to celebrate Obama's inauguration in a high-noon ceremony. Waving and cheering in jubilation, they stretched from the inaugural platform at the U.S. Capitol toward the Lincoln Memorial in the distance.

Today is a day for new beginnings. As the Cornell community comes back to life with the start of spring semester, an estimated 2 million people from all around the country and the world descend on our nation’s capital to celebrate another beginning — the inauguration of the 44th president, Barack Obama. Over 100 of this throng will be Cornellians, looking to take part in the making of lifetime memories and of history.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in could be a boon for Said Rangbar, among hundreds of people hoping to cash in on Inauguration Day.

The Washington street hot dog stand vendor plans to stock up his cart with food and drinks for the throngs of people expected to pack the nation's capital for Obama's swearing-in.

He's among dozens who have applied for a limited number of vending spaces in a D.C. government lottery and some are already grumbling about the scheduling of the lottery. Each space is only 10 feet by 10 feet, but carries the promise of a big payback.

"I hope the lottery gives me a good spot," said Rangbar, who's been vending in downtown D.C. for several years.