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CDC director: Covid-19 'brought this nation to its knees' - live CDC director: Covid-19 'brought this nation to its knees' - live
(32 minutes later)
Travelers from US would not be permitted when borders reopen on 1 July, as nearly half of US states report increase in coronavirus casesTravelers from US would not be permitted when borders reopen on 1 July, as nearly half of US states report increase in coronavirus cases
In Phoenix, more false claims from Trump:
Trump on healthcare: “We will always protect people with pre-existing conditions.”
Fact check: Trump tried to weaken protections for patients with pre-existing conditions provided by Obamacare through repeal and replace proposals that didn’t make it through Congress. The White House is also championing a federal lawsuit to repeal Obamacare.
Trump: “We passed VA Choice... Nobody thought we were going to get that one done.”
Fact check: The Veterans Choice Program was started in 2014 by Obama, following a scandal over wait times at veterans health facilities. Trump signed legislation to continue the program.
More from voting rights reporter Sam Levine:
Kentucky voters banged on shut doors demanding to be able to vote at the Kentucky Expo center in Louisville after the official poll time in Kentucky.
Voters are entitled to vote as long as they are in line when the polls close, but the local county clerk had argued that people had to be physically inside the Expo center, not outside on the pavement, to vote at 6 p.m. That left about 100 voters locked outside the expo doors on the pavement demanding to be let in.
A judge then granted a request from Charles Booker, a state representative seeking the Democratic nomination for a US senate seat, and the doors were briefly opened until 6:30.
In addition to the voters just outside the expo center, there were also reports that voters were lined up in their cars waiting to get into the Expo center so voters could cast a ballot. It’s unclear if those voters will get to vote.
The Louisville cop who fired 10 rounds into Breonna Taylor’s home has been fired, according to the police department.
In a termination letter, the police chief Robert Schroeder wrote that officer Brett Hankison “blindly” fired into Taylor’s apartment, creating a “substantial danger of death and serious injury.”
“I find your conduct a shock to the conscience,” he wrote. “I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion.”
Hankison can still appeal his termination, because of “due process rights granted to police officers under Kentucky state law and the collective bargaining agreement between the police union and city” the Louisville Courier-Journal reports.
Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was killed more than two months ago, after officers forced their way into her apartment with a “no-knock” warrant. Activists have been calling for those that killed her to be arrested.
Trump has repeated one false claim after another.
Trump: Democrats “get everybody even if they’re not registered, if they’re not citizens if they’re here illegally” to vote.
Fact check: This is not true. Trump has repeatedly undermined efforts to expand voting by mail by spreading misinformation about potential cheating.
Trump: California admitted that 1m or more people voted illegally.
Fact check: This is not true. The settlement that Trump is referencing concerned inactive voters on registration rolls in a case that had to do with updating old records.
In Phoenix, Donald Trump appears pleased with the packed house, a few days after seeing thousands of empty seats in Tulsa.In Phoenix, Donald Trump appears pleased with the packed house, a few days after seeing thousands of empty seats in Tulsa.
As his opponent’s fundraiser with Barack Obama winds down, Trump derided Biden. “It only took [Obama] how long? A year and a half to endorse him?” he mocked. Obama — who avoided picking favorites among the Democratic primary candidates — endorsed Biden in mid-April, a day after Biden’s last remaining Democratic rival Bernie Sanders endorsed the former vice president.As his opponent’s fundraiser with Barack Obama winds down, Trump derided Biden. “It only took [Obama] how long? A year and a half to endorse him?” he mocked. Obama — who avoided picking favorites among the Democratic primary candidates — endorsed Biden in mid-April, a day after Biden’s last remaining Democratic rival Bernie Sanders endorsed the former vice president.
In Louisville, Charles Booker, who is vying to be the Democratic challenger to Senate leader Mitch McConnell in November, had filed an injunction to keep polls open until 9pm local time due to long lines at Kentucky Expo Center, the county’s only in-person election day polling place.In Louisville, Charles Booker, who is vying to be the Democratic challenger to Senate leader Mitch McConnell in November, had filed an injunction to keep polls open until 9pm local time due to long lines at Kentucky Expo Center, the county’s only in-person election day polling place.
He urged voters to stay in line, even after the polling place officially closed at 6pm.He urged voters to stay in line, even after the polling place officially closed at 6pm.
After a bipartisan agreement between the Republican secretary of state Michael Adams and Democratic governor Andy Beshear, all registered voters in Kentucky had the option to vote by mail. More than 883,000 ballots were requested, and 452,000 were returned by Monday afternoon, according to officials.After a bipartisan agreement between the Republican secretary of state Michael Adams and Democratic governor Andy Beshear, all registered voters in Kentucky had the option to vote by mail. More than 883,000 ballots were requested, and 452,000 were returned by Monday afternoon, according to officials.
Joe Biden and Barack Obama raised $7.6m at a virtual fundraiser today, which was virtually attended by 175,000 people, according to the Biden campaign. This is the most money raised by a single Biden event so far in this cycle.Joe Biden and Barack Obama raised $7.6m at a virtual fundraiser today, which was virtually attended by 175,000 people, according to the Biden campaign. This is the most money raised by a single Biden event so far in this cycle.
Obama criticized the Trump administration, noting that the president has broken long-held norms. “What we have seen over the last couple of years is a White House enabled by Republicans in Congress and a media structure that supports them that has not just differed in terms of policy, but has gone at the very foundations of who we are and who we should be,” he said, according to the pool report.Obama criticized the Trump administration, noting that the president has broken long-held norms. “What we have seen over the last couple of years is a White House enabled by Republicans in Congress and a media structure that supports them that has not just differed in terms of policy, but has gone at the very foundations of who we are and who we should be,” he said, according to the pool report.
The Trump administration is one that, “suggests facts don’t matter, science doesn’t matter. That suggests that a deadly disease is fake news. That sees the justice department as simply an extension and arm of the personal concerns of the president. That actively promotes division. And considers some people in this country more real as Americans than others,” he continued.The Trump administration is one that, “suggests facts don’t matter, science doesn’t matter. That suggests that a deadly disease is fake news. That sees the justice department as simply an extension and arm of the personal concerns of the president. That actively promotes division. And considers some people in this country more real as Americans than others,” he continued.
The Trump campaign has so far been ahead in fundraising, with $265m in cash at the end of May. Biden and the Democrats had a combined $122m, Reuters reported, though the former vice-president’s fundraising efforts appear to have picked up in recent weeks.The Trump campaign has so far been ahead in fundraising, with $265m in cash at the end of May. Biden and the Democrats had a combined $122m, Reuters reported, though the former vice-president’s fundraising efforts appear to have picked up in recent weeks.
Here’s more from my colleague Sam Levine, on the primaries today:Here’s more from my colleague Sam Levine, on the primaries today:
Don’t expect to know the results of the primary contests in New York and Kentucky after the polls close on Tuesday.Don’t expect to know the results of the primary contests in New York and Kentucky after the polls close on Tuesday.
Both states have dramatically expanded mail-in voting because of the Covid-19 pandemic and will continue to accept ballots that are postmarked by election day. (In New York ballots are counted if they arrive within 7 days, in Kentucky until Saturday) Because a significant chunk of voters are expected to vote by mail, it will likely take a while to know the result. In New York, absentee ballots won’t be counted until next week and it could take weeks to know the winners of races.Both states have dramatically expanded mail-in voting because of the Covid-19 pandemic and will continue to accept ballots that are postmarked by election day. (In New York ballots are counted if they arrive within 7 days, in Kentucky until Saturday) Because a significant chunk of voters are expected to vote by mail, it will likely take a while to know the result. In New York, absentee ballots won’t be counted until next week and it could take weeks to know the winners of races.
There is growing concern over how similar delays across the country will play out in November. An increase in mail-in balloting will mean that states across the country will need more time to count the results. The uncertainty during that waiting period could allow one candidate to claim the election is being tainted by fraud.There is growing concern over how similar delays across the country will play out in November. An increase in mail-in balloting will mean that states across the country will need more time to count the results. The uncertainty during that waiting period could allow one candidate to claim the election is being tainted by fraud.
The New York City Bar Association wrote to Congressional leaders after the Trump administration ousted Geoffrey Berman, the US attorney for the southern district of New York that oversaw investigations of the president’s allies.The New York City Bar Association wrote to Congressional leaders after the Trump administration ousted Geoffrey Berman, the US attorney for the southern district of New York that oversaw investigations of the president’s allies.
The professional membership organization for lawyers said they were writing, “in response to continuing actions by attorney general William P Barr that raise the most serious questions about Mr Barr’s fitness for the high office that he holds”.The professional membership organization for lawyers said they were writing, “in response to continuing actions by attorney general William P Barr that raise the most serious questions about Mr Barr’s fitness for the high office that he holds”.
Barr had Berman removed from office amid what appeared to be an ongoing purge of officials who could threaten his re-election. Berman’s office had put Trump’s former personal lawyer in prison and is investigating his current lawyer Rudy Giuliani.Barr had Berman removed from office amid what appeared to be an ongoing purge of officials who could threaten his re-election. Berman’s office had put Trump’s former personal lawyer in prison and is investigating his current lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
“To summarily remove a US attorney in a context in which associates of the president (and possibly the president himself) are reported to be under active investigation by that office suggests political interference and undermines confidence in the integrity of our justice system,” the bar association wrote. “For this reason, we believe it essential that Congress examine closely Mr Barr’s motives for taking this precipitous action and whether or not he communicated with the president before, during or after doing so.”“To summarily remove a US attorney in a context in which associates of the president (and possibly the president himself) are reported to be under active investigation by that office suggests political interference and undermines confidence in the integrity of our justice system,” the bar association wrote. “For this reason, we believe it essential that Congress examine closely Mr Barr’s motives for taking this precipitous action and whether or not he communicated with the president before, during or after doing so.”
Berman initially refused to confirm his resignation following an unexpected announcement from Barr refusing the attorney of his position. This prompted Barr to announced that he had Trump fire Berman.Berman initially refused to confirm his resignation following an unexpected announcement from Barr refusing the attorney of his position. This prompted Barr to announced that he had Trump fire Berman.
In a statement, the FBI said that “no federal crime was committed” when a noose was left at Bubba Wallace’s garage at Talladega Superspeedway.In a statement, the FBI said that “no federal crime was committed” when a noose was left at Bubba Wallace’s garage at Talladega Superspeedway.
According to the FBI, evidence, including video, showed that the noose found at the garage was there last October before Wallace and his team were assigned to the space. “The decision not to pursue federal charges is proper after reviewing all available facts and all applicable federal laws,” the agency said in a joint statement with US attorney Jay E Town.According to the FBI, evidence, including video, showed that the noose found at the garage was there last October before Wallace and his team were assigned to the space. “The decision not to pursue federal charges is proper after reviewing all available facts and all applicable federal laws,” the agency said in a joint statement with US attorney Jay E Town.
The noose was reported after Wallace, Nascar’s only full-time Black driver, led a successful campaign to ban the Confederate flag at events. In a statement on Twitter, Wallace called the noose incident a “despicable act of racism and hatred”.The noose was reported after Wallace, Nascar’s only full-time Black driver, led a successful campaign to ban the Confederate flag at events. In a statement on Twitter, Wallace called the noose incident a “despicable act of racism and hatred”.
Hi there, it’s Maanvi Singh blogging from the West coast.Hi there, it’s Maanvi Singh blogging from the West coast.
Donald Trump has just landed in Phoenix, where he is expected to speak at a student for Trump event. The crowd that awaits has reportedly eschewed masks, as expected.Donald Trump has just landed in Phoenix, where he is expected to speak at a student for Trump event. The crowd that awaits has reportedly eschewed masks, as expected.
The Democratic mayor of Phoenix, Kate Gallego, had expressed concerns about the risks of holding a large indoor event in a state that has seen cases surge. She urged Trump to wear a mask. “Everyone attending tomorrow’s event, particularly any elected official, should set an example to residents by wearing a mask,” she said. “This includes the president.”The Democratic mayor of Phoenix, Kate Gallego, had expressed concerns about the risks of holding a large indoor event in a state that has seen cases surge. She urged Trump to wear a mask. “Everyone attending tomorrow’s event, particularly any elected official, should set an example to residents by wearing a mask,” she said. “This includes the president.”
Robert Redfield, director of the federal agency the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told Congress at a hearing this afternoon that Covid-19 has “brought this nation to its knees”.Robert Redfield, director of the federal agency the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told Congress at a hearing this afternoon that Covid-19 has “brought this nation to its knees”.
With 2.3 million confirmed coronavirus cases and 121,000 deaths so far, and a surge in cases in almost half of US states in recent weeks as they try to get back to business, the US is struggling to control the virus. The economy has cratered.With 2.3 million confirmed coronavirus cases and 121,000 deaths so far, and a surge in cases in almost half of US states in recent weeks as they try to get back to business, the US is struggling to control the virus. The economy has cratered.
“We’ve all done the best that we can do to tackle this virus,” Redfield told House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing.“We’ve all done the best that we can do to tackle this virus,” Redfield told House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing.
Donald Trump is seen by many to have mismanaged the pandemic, after dismissing the dangers of the virus early on as it hit the US.Donald Trump is seen by many to have mismanaged the pandemic, after dismissing the dangers of the virus early on as it hit the US.
Redfield did not speak of that but did point to the pandemic having exposed decades of underspending on the “core capabilities of public health data”, and he called for the fix of a broken system.Redfield did not speak of that but did point to the pandemic having exposed decades of underspending on the “core capabilities of public health data”, and he called for the fix of a broken system.
“This needs to be a partnership. It’s not all the burden of the federal government to invest in public health at the local level. If your funding of CDC was to go away tomorrow, public health infrastructure across this nation would just crash,” he said.“This needs to be a partnership. It’s not all the burden of the federal government to invest in public health at the local level. If your funding of CDC was to go away tomorrow, public health infrastructure across this nation would just crash,” he said.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
The European Union is reportedly considering denying entry to Americans once borders reopen, due to the US response to the coronavirus pandemic. The move would be a sharp rebuke of Trump and his administration’s handling of the crisis, which has already claimed more than 120,000 American lives.The European Union is reportedly considering denying entry to Americans once borders reopen, due to the US response to the coronavirus pandemic. The move would be a sharp rebuke of Trump and his administration’s handling of the crisis, which has already claimed more than 120,000 American lives.
Rayshard Brooks’ funeral was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Family members and friends offered fond remembrances of Brooks, who was fatally shot in the back by a white police officer earlier this month.Rayshard Brooks’ funeral was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Family members and friends offered fond remembrances of Brooks, who was fatally shot in the back by a white police officer earlier this month.
Senate Democrats signaled they would block the Republican police reform bill from being taken up for debate. Three Democratic senators said in a letter to majority leader Mitch McConnell that the legislation was “not salvageable,” leaving many lawmakers pessimistic about police reform passing Congress before the November elections.Senate Democrats signaled they would block the Republican police reform bill from being taken up for debate. Three Democratic senators said in a letter to majority leader Mitch McConnell that the legislation was “not salvageable,” leaving many lawmakers pessimistic about police reform passing Congress before the November elections.
Trump said he would soon sign an executive order on monuments. The president said the order would be aimed at punishing “vandals” and “hoodlums” who have defaced or tried to take down controversial monuments since the start of the George Floyd protests. However, it’s unclear what impact the order would have, considering it’s already a federal crime to deface federal property.Trump said he would soon sign an executive order on monuments. The president said the order would be aimed at punishing “vandals” and “hoodlums” who have defaced or tried to take down controversial monuments since the start of the George Floyd protests. However, it’s unclear what impact the order would have, considering it’s already a federal crime to deface federal property.
Senior health officials, including Dr Anthony Fauci, testified on Capitol Hill. Fauci said he was “cautiously optimistic” a coronavirus vaccine would be made available by early next year. The health officials also said Trump never told them to slow down coronavirus testing, contradicting the president’s comments this morning.Senior health officials, including Dr Anthony Fauci, testified on Capitol Hill. Fauci said he was “cautiously optimistic” a coronavirus vaccine would be made available by early next year. The health officials also said Trump never told them to slow down coronavirus testing, contradicting the president’s comments this morning.
A former federal prosecutor said the sentencing of Roger Stone was politicized by senior officials. Former prosecutor Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, who withdrew from the Stone case after justice department leaders overrode prosecutors’ initial sentencing recommendation in order to recommend a more lenient sentence for the former Trump associate, will testify before the House judiciary committee tomorrow.A former federal prosecutor said the sentencing of Roger Stone was politicized by senior officials. Former prosecutor Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, who withdrew from the Stone case after justice department leaders overrode prosecutors’ initial sentencing recommendation in order to recommend a more lenient sentence for the former Trump associate, will testify before the House judiciary committee tomorrow.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The Trump family is reportedly requesting a temporary restraining order to block publication of a tell-all memoir by the president’s niece, Mary Trump.The Trump family is reportedly requesting a temporary restraining order to block publication of a tell-all memoir by the president’s niece, Mary Trump.
The New York Times reports:The New York Times reports:
According to Simon & Schuster, the book will describe “a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse” that created “one of the world’s most powerful and dysfunctional families”.According to Simon & Schuster, the book will describe “a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse” that created “one of the world’s most powerful and dysfunctional families”.
While touring a section of the border wall in Arizona, Trump also addressed the recent supreme court decision on Daca. He said he would resubmit paperwork to end the Obama-era program.While touring a section of the border wall in Arizona, Trump also addressed the recent supreme court decision on Daca. He said he would resubmit paperwork to end the Obama-era program.
The president told reporters, “Good things are happening with Daca. We’ll resubmit, but we’ll work it out.” He added, “I’ll get it done.”The president told reporters, “Good things are happening with Daca. We’ll resubmit, but we’ll work it out.” He added, “I’ll get it done.”
Specifically addressing Daca receipients, also known as “dreamers,” Trump said, “Put your chin up. Good things are going to happen.”Specifically addressing Daca receipients, also known as “dreamers,” Trump said, “Put your chin up. Good things are going to happen.”
The supreme court ruled last week to block Trump’s effort to end the program, sparking outrage from the president and his Republican allies.The supreme court ruled last week to block Trump’s effort to end the program, sparking outrage from the president and his Republican allies.
If Trump tried to end the program again, it would almost certainly prompt another lengthy legal battle that would not be settled before November’s election.If Trump tried to end the program again, it would almost certainly prompt another lengthy legal battle that would not be settled before November’s election.
The president is currently touring a section of the border wall in Arizona, after hosting a roundtable discussion on border security in Yuma.The president is currently touring a section of the border wall in Arizona, after hosting a roundtable discussion on border security in Yuma.
Trump added his signature to a plaque on the border wall as he and his administration celebrated the 200th mile of new wall construction between the US and Mexico.Trump added his signature to a plaque on the border wall as he and his administration celebrated the 200th mile of new wall construction between the US and Mexico.
The president told reporters who joined him for his trip to Arizona that the border wall is “really foolproof.” His administration has pledged to build 450 miles of border wall by the end of the year.The president told reporters who joined him for his trip to Arizona that the border wall is “really foolproof.” His administration has pledged to build 450 miles of border wall by the end of the year.
Asked about his executive order freezing some employment-based visas through the end of the year, Trump said, “So we want to give jobs to Americans right now.”Asked about his executive order freezing some employment-based visas through the end of the year, Trump said, “So we want to give jobs to Americans right now.”
However, a number of US businessowners have said they rely on the visas and warned the order will negatively impact their companies.However, a number of US businessowners have said they rely on the visas and warned the order will negatively impact their companies.
Republican senator Lamar Alexander called for “dramatically expanding” coronavirus testing, as nearly half of US states report rises in new positive cases.Republican senator Lamar Alexander called for “dramatically expanding” coronavirus testing, as nearly half of US states report rises in new positive cases.
Alexander, the Republican chairman of the Senate committee on health, education, labor and pensions, emphasized that increased testing was crucial for a safe reopening.Alexander, the Republican chairman of the Senate committee on health, education, labor and pensions, emphasized that increased testing was crucial for a safe reopening.
“We need the tests,” Alexander said in a Senate floor speech moments ago. “They help us contain the disease, and they build confidence, so we can go back to work, back to school.”“We need the tests,” Alexander said in a Senate floor speech moments ago. “They help us contain the disease, and they build confidence, so we can go back to work, back to school.”
His comments come as four senior health officials, including Dr Anthony Fauci, testify before the House energy and commerce committee.His comments come as four senior health officials, including Dr Anthony Fauci, testify before the House energy and commerce committee.
All four officials commited to increasing testing in the weeks and months to come, even though Trump has claimed he told his administration to slow down testing in order to limit the number of positive results. The health officials said they never received that directive.All four officials commited to increasing testing in the weeks and months to come, even though Trump has claimed he told his administration to slow down testing in order to limit the number of positive results. The health officials said they never received that directive.