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Saudi Arabia to host more than 2 million Muslims for Hajj

Photo: Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images

More than 2 million Muslims have begun the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Islam's holiest city, in Saudi Arabia, Al Jazeera reports.

Why it matters: Every able-bodied Muslim is required to take part in the five-day pilgrimage at least once in their life to visit the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building considered the holiest site in Islam, and perform a series of other holy rituals.

Go deeper

Ursula Perano
9 mins ago - Politics & Policy

A new Washington

Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Getty Image

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Friday that the city should expect a "new normal" for security — even after President-elect Biden's inauguration.

The state of play: Inaugurations are usually a point of celebration in D.C., but over 20,000 troops are now patrolling Washington streets in an unprecedented preparation for Biden's swearing-in on Jan. 20.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Shawna Chen
1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Mike Pence calls Kamala Harris to offer congratulations and help

Mike Pence. Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty

Vice President Mike Pence called Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Thursday to congratulate her and offer assistance in the transition, the New York Times first reported.

Why it matters: The belated conversation came six days before the inauguration after a contentious post-election stretch. President Trump has neither spoken with President-elect Joe Biden, nor explicitly conceded the 2020 election.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Marisa Fernandez
Updated 2 hours ago - Health

The coronavirus variants: What you need to know

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

New variants of the coronavirus circulating globally appear to increase transmission and are being closely monitored by scientists.

Driving the news: The highly contagious variant B.1.1.7 originally detected in the U.K. could become the dominant strain in the U.S. by March if no measures are taken to control the spread of the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow