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Coronavirus US live: Protesters chant 'lock her up' against Michigan governor following Trump criticism Coronavirus US live: Protesters chant 'lock her up' against Michigan governor following Trump criticism
(32 minutes later)
Protest planned to create gridlock in response to stay home order issued by Gretchen Whitmer, who Trump has repeatedly attackedProtest planned to create gridlock in response to stay home order issued by Gretchen Whitmer, who Trump has repeatedly attacked
Former president Jimmy Carter criticized Trump for halting US funding to the World Health Organization in the middle of a pandemic.
In a newly released statement, Carter said he was “distressed” by Trump’s decision. “WHO is the only international organization capable of leading the effort to control this virus,” Carter said.
The former president joins a number of world leaders and congressional Democrats, including House speaker Nancy Pelosi, in criticizing the move, which Trump announced at his press conference yesterday.
The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:
A Michigan effort to rein in excessive partisan gerrymandering survived another GOP attack on Wednesday.
A federal appeals court declined to step in and halt a process already underway in Michigan to create an independent commission to draw electoral districts, a loss for Republicans challenging it.
Michigan Republicans filed two lawsuits challenging the commission in 2019, saying it unfairly discriminated against them because it bars anyone with political ties from serving on it. A federal judge ruled in November that argument was unlikely to ultimately succeed in court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th circuit upheld the ruling on Wednesday.
Michigan voters approved creating the commission through a referendum -- organized by political novices -- in 2018 to limit gerrymandering in the state. It will draw district lines for the first time next year and is expected to produce districts that are fairer than the ones currently in place.
Republicans controlled the redistricting process in Michigan in 2011 and drew districts that gave them a severe advantage throughout the decade.
Stacey Abrams made clear in a new Elle interview that she would like to serve as Joe Biden’s running mate now that the former vice president has secured the presidential nomination.
“I would be an excellent running mate,” Abrams told Elle magazine. Abrams, who narrowly lost the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race to Brian Kemp amid accusations of voter suppression, rattled off a list of her qualifications in the interview.
“I have the capacity to attract voters by motivating typically ignored communities,” Abrams said. “I have a strong history of executive and management experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. I’ve spent 25 years in independent study of foreign policy. I am ready to help advance an agenda of restoring America’s place in the world. If I am selected, I am prepared and excited to serve.”
Abrams has been frequently cited as a potential running mate to Biden, especially after the candidate explictly said last month that he would choose a woman to join his ticket. Senators Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar, as well as Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, are also frequently named as possible running mates.
The Supreme Court has announced it will hear two cases on disclosures of Trump’s financial records on May 12.The Supreme Court has announced it will hear two cases on disclosures of Trump’s financial records on May 12.
The court announced Monday it would start holding hearings via teleconference next month after delaying hearings that were originally scheduled for March and April.The court announced Monday it would start holding hearings via teleconference next month after delaying hearings that were originally scheduled for March and April.
Trump is seeking to block his financial records from being shared with New York prosectuors and congressional Democrats, who both subpoenaed the records for investigations of the president.Trump is seeking to block his financial records from being shared with New York prosectuors and congressional Democrats, who both subpoenaed the records for investigations of the president.
The blockbuster cases were originally set to be heard in late March and early April, but the court said in a statement that oral arguments would now take place on May 12.The blockbuster cases were originally set to be heard in late March and early April, but the court said in a statement that oral arguments would now take place on May 12.
Trump considered starting a talk radio show as coronavirus started to spread across the country last month, according to a report from the New York Times.Trump considered starting a talk radio show as coronavirus started to spread across the country last month, according to a report from the New York Times.
The president quickly abandoned the idea because he didn’t want to compete with right-wing radio personality Rush Limbaugh, who recently (and controversially) received a presidential medal of freedom from Trump.The president quickly abandoned the idea because he didn’t want to compete with right-wing radio personality Rush Limbaugh, who recently (and controversially) received a presidential medal of freedom from Trump.
The Times reports:The Times reports:
If Trump had gone through with the idea, it’s likely he would have faced severe criticism for spending two hours a day hosting a call-in show as the country struggled through a growing pandemic.If Trump had gone through with the idea, it’s likely he would have faced severe criticism for spending two hours a day hosting a call-in show as the country struggled through a growing pandemic.
A protest is underway outside the Michigan State Capitol, organized by a conservative group opposed to the state’s stay at home order.A protest is underway outside the Michigan State Capitol, organized by a conservative group opposed to the state’s stay at home order.
The protest, in Lansing, MI, is organized by the Michigan Conservative Committee, who have dubbed the effort “Operation gridlock”.The protest, in Lansing, MI, is organized by the Michigan Conservative Committee, who have dubbed the effort “Operation gridlock”.
As the name suggests, their plan is to create gridlock in response to Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer implementing a strict stay at home order.As the name suggests, their plan is to create gridlock in response to Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer implementing a strict stay at home order.
“She’s driving us out of business. We’re driving to Lansing,” is the natty slogan the MCC has come up with for the event.“She’s driving us out of business. We’re driving to Lansing,” is the natty slogan the MCC has come up with for the event.
Pictures posted by the Michigan Conservative Committee do indeed show widespread gridlock surrounding the capital. Chants of “lock her up” have been witnessed.Pictures posted by the Michigan Conservative Committee do indeed show widespread gridlock surrounding the capital. Chants of “lock her up” have been witnessed.
According to reporter Dave Weigel, the protest has been marked by chants which will be familiar to anyone who has ever witnessed a Donald Trump rally. (Weigel also urges people to subscribe to the Detroit Free Press, in these hard times - on top of years of hard times - for local media).According to reporter Dave Weigel, the protest has been marked by chants which will be familiar to anyone who has ever witnessed a Donald Trump rally. (Weigel also urges people to subscribe to the Detroit Free Press, in these hard times - on top of years of hard times - for local media).
The committee posted a series of rules for gridlockers on its Facebook page. Among them: “Don’t drink lots of liquids. There may not be restrooms.”The committee posted a series of rules for gridlockers on its Facebook page. Among them: “Don’t drink lots of liquids. There may not be restrooms.”
It’s surely no coincidence that Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Whitmer, a popular Democratic governor, in recent days as she requested emergency medical supplies for Michigan.It’s surely no coincidence that Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Whitmer, a popular Democratic governor, in recent days as she requested emergency medical supplies for Michigan.
Parts of Michigan have been hard hit by coronavirus, especially the Detroit area.Parts of Michigan have been hard hit by coronavirus, especially the Detroit area.
Talking of Bezos...Talking of Bezos...
The chief executive of Amazon, Washington Post owner and oft-times Trump nemesis, Jeff Bezos took part in a White House conference call just earlier. It’s not know if the president was on the call...The chief executive of Amazon, Washington Post owner and oft-times Trump nemesis, Jeff Bezos took part in a White House conference call just earlier. It’s not know if the president was on the call...
Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg took part in the call, too, Reuters reports. The discussion was about how to reopen the US economy in light of the coronavirus pandemic, company spokespeople said.Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg took part in the call, too, Reuters reports. The discussion was about how to reopen the US economy in light of the coronavirus pandemic, company spokespeople said.
The phone call followed an announcement Tuesday by Donald Trump about the formation of an advisory council on how to open up the country, which includes other top US executives such as Apple CEO Tim Cook.The phone call followed an announcement Tuesday by Donald Trump about the formation of an advisory council on how to open up the country, which includes other top US executives such as Apple CEO Tim Cook.
As you see from today’s Guardian piece, below, Bezos has done very well financially in recent times, what with everyone online shopping from lockdown. However, in terms of worker relations, things have been as sour as his windfall has been sweet.As you see from today’s Guardian piece, below, Bezos has done very well financially in recent times, what with everyone online shopping from lockdown. However, in terms of worker relations, things have been as sour as his windfall has been sweet.
Trump puffs UPS, shuns USPSTrump puffs UPS, shuns USPS
The president’s apparent vendetta against the US Postal Service, which is an independent government agency, has been brought to light again with Trump tweeting praise for UPS a little earlier, a private delivery company that competes with the Postal Service.The president’s apparent vendetta against the US Postal Service, which is an independent government agency, has been brought to light again with Trump tweeting praise for UPS a little earlier, a private delivery company that competes with the Postal Service.
Trump retweeted a video originally posted by UPS thanking the company’s delivery workers.Trump retweeted a video originally posted by UPS thanking the company’s delivery workers.
“#ThanksForDelivering @UPS!” Trump wrote. US Postal Service says that the covid-19 crisis has put them in dire financial trouble: the agency told lawmakers last week that it would “run out of cash” by September if it does not receive aid.“#ThanksForDelivering @UPS!” Trump wrote. US Postal Service says that the covid-19 crisis has put them in dire financial trouble: the agency told lawmakers last week that it would “run out of cash” by September if it does not receive aid.
The Postal Service estimated that they would see a $13bn revenue loss because of the Covid-19 crisis.The Postal Service estimated that they would see a $13bn revenue loss because of the Covid-19 crisis.
But the White House has so far been unsympathetic to the Postal Service’s pleas for help. When negotiating the stimulus package, White House officials reportedly told Congress that the president would block any bill that comes with support for the Postal Service.But the White House has so far been unsympathetic to the Postal Service’s pleas for help. When negotiating the stimulus package, White House officials reportedly told Congress that the president would block any bill that comes with support for the Postal Service.
Trump’s harshness toward the US Postal Service traces to his fury toward Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who owns the Washington Post – a newspaper that Trump sees as one of his critics.Trump’s harshness toward the US Postal Service traces to his fury toward Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who owns the Washington Post – a newspaper that Trump sees as one of his critics.
In April 2018, Trump furiously tweeted that Amazon costs the post office “massive amounts of money for being their Delivery Boy.”In April 2018, Trump furiously tweeted that Amazon costs the post office “massive amounts of money for being their Delivery Boy.”
Trump cited a report that said Amazon used US Postal Service for last-mile delivery to get packages to residents, but the author of the report said the company was taking advantage of the agency’s low pricing model, not getting special treatment by the service.Trump cited a report that said Amazon used US Postal Service for last-mile delivery to get packages to residents, but the author of the report said the company was taking advantage of the agency’s low pricing model, not getting special treatment by the service.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Cuomo said New York is controlling the spread of coronavirus but warned that the state is not yet out of the woods. The state’s daily coronavirus death toll remains high, with 752 New Yorkers dying of the virus yesterday, but hospitalizations are slightly down.Cuomo said New York is controlling the spread of coronavirus but warned that the state is not yet out of the woods. The state’s daily coronavirus death toll remains high, with 752 New Yorkers dying of the virus yesterday, but hospitalizations are slightly down.
Nancy Pelosi criticized Trump’s decision to halt funding to the World Health Organization. The House speaker said the president’s decision is “dangerous, illegal and will be swiftly challenged.”Nancy Pelosi criticized Trump’s decision to halt funding to the World Health Organization. The House speaker said the president’s decision is “dangerous, illegal and will be swiftly challenged.”
Elizabeth Warren endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential bid. The Democratic senator and former presidential candidate said in a video announcing the endorsement, “We can’t afford to let Donald Trump continue to endanger the lives and livelihoods of every American.”Elizabeth Warren endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential bid. The Democratic senator and former presidential candidate said in a video announcing the endorsement, “We can’t afford to let Donald Trump continue to endanger the lives and livelihoods of every American.”
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said his executive order would require residents to wear masks whenever six feet of distance cannot be maintained.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said his executive order would require residents to wear masks whenever six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
Cuomo named public transportation as one example of a place where masks must now be worn. The governor said a face covering is not required if a New Yorker is going for a walk in an isolated area, but it would be required if the person was going to be walking on a street with other people nearby.Cuomo named public transportation as one example of a place where masks must now be worn. The governor said a face covering is not required if a New Yorker is going for a walk in an isolated area, but it would be required if the person was going to be walking on a street with other people nearby.
This would effectively require residents of New York City to wear masks at all times when they are outdoors, considering the city has a population of 8 million people.This would effectively require residents of New York City to wear masks at all times when they are outdoors, considering the city has a population of 8 million people.
Cuomo said there would be no civil penalty for violating the order, but it is possible that could change.Cuomo said there would be no civil penalty for violating the order, but it is possible that could change.
In another sign of New York flattening the curve, governor Andrew Cuomo said the state would give 150 ventilators to other states.In another sign of New York flattening the curve, governor Andrew Cuomo said the state would give 150 ventilators to other states.
Cuomo announced New York would send 100 ventilators to Michigan and 50 to Maryland, as the two states see a surge in coronavirus cases.Cuomo announced New York would send 100 ventilators to Michigan and 50 to Maryland, as the two states see a surge in coronavirus cases.
Cuomo previously asked states to send medical equipment and staff to New York as it experienced its surge, promising to return the favor once the curve flattened, and it now appears he is.Cuomo previously asked states to send medical equipment and staff to New York as it experienced its surge, promising to return the favor once the curve flattened, and it now appears he is.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would issue an executive order on wearing masks in places where social distancing cannot be maintained.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he would issue an executive order on wearing masks in places where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Cuomo said all New Yorkers must have a face covering, and it must be worn when six feet of distance cannot be maintained, such as on subways.Cuomo said all New Yorkers must have a face covering, and it must be worn when six feet of distance cannot be maintained, such as on subways.
A number of state and local leaders have now issued orders on wearing face coverings, particularly at essential businesses like grocery stores.A number of state and local leaders have now issued orders on wearing face coverings, particularly at essential businesses like grocery stores.
As New York looks toward a “phased reopening” of the economy, governor Andrew Cuomo established criteria for determining when businesses could reopen.As New York looks toward a “phased reopening” of the economy, governor Andrew Cuomo established criteria for determining when businesses could reopen.
Cuomo said decisions about reopening would be made based on how essential the business is and whether the business poses a high risk of infection spread.Cuomo said decisions about reopening would be made based on how essential the business is and whether the business poses a high risk of infection spread.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said medical professionals and other essential employers serving on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis would receive priority once a system for antibody testing is developed.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said medical professionals and other essential employers serving on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis would receive priority once a system for antibody testing is developed.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo emphasized that the federal government needs to play a pivotal role in expanding testing capacity.New York governor Andrew Cuomo emphasized that the federal government needs to play a pivotal role in expanding testing capacity.
“The states cannot develop national testing,” Cuomo said. “We need the federal government to be part of this.”“The states cannot develop national testing,” Cuomo said. “We need the federal government to be part of this.”
After spending weeks emphasizing the need to obtain more ventilators, the governor said the focus now must turn to expanding testing capacity to move toward reopening state economies.After spending weeks emphasizing the need to obtain more ventilators, the governor said the focus now must turn to expanding testing capacity to move toward reopening state economies.
“The answer on testing isn’t what happened on ventilators,” Cuomo said, once again criticizing the lack of national coordination on getting ventilators to the hardest hit states.“The answer on testing isn’t what happened on ventilators,” Cuomo said, once again criticizing the lack of national coordination on getting ventilators to the hardest hit states.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the state would have a “phased reopening” as it looks toward relaxing social distancing.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the state would have a “phased reopening” as it looks toward relaxing social distancing.
But the governor emphasized the priority would be public health as the state takes steps to start reopening the economy.But the governor emphasized the priority would be public health as the state takes steps to start reopening the economy.
Cuomo said New York could see a surge of new coronavirus cases once social distancing is relaxed, so the state needs to be prepared for that by scaling up its testing capacities.Cuomo said New York could see a surge of new coronavirus cases once social distancing is relaxed, so the state needs to be prepared for that by scaling up its testing capacities.