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Governor signs historic bill to remove Confederate emblem from Mississippi flag – as it happened Governor signs historic bill to remove Confederate emblem from Mississippi flag – as it happened
(about 8 hours later)
Coalition of legislators passed a bill to change flag, which features Confederate battle emblemCoalition of legislators passed a bill to change flag, which features Confederate battle emblem
Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease expert, told senators that the US is “going in the wrong direction” in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He warned that the death toll “is going to be very disturbing” unless officials intervene, and urged Americans to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces.Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease expert, told senators that the US is “going in the wrong direction” in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He warned that the death toll “is going to be very disturbing” unless officials intervene, and urged Americans to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces.
The US has bought up virtually all the stocks of remdesivir, one of two drugs that appear to work against Covid-19, for the next three months leaving almost none rest of the world. The Trump administration has bought more than 500,000 doses – all of what the drug’s producer Gilead will make in July and 90% of what it expects to produce in August and September.The US has bought up virtually all the stocks of remdesivir, one of two drugs that appear to work against Covid-19, for the next three months leaving almost none rest of the world. The Trump administration has bought more than 500,000 doses – all of what the drug’s producer Gilead will make in July and 90% of what it expects to produce in August and September.
Speaking in Delaware, Joe Biden said the pandemic is unlikely to have subsided by January 2021, and if he’s elected. “On the day I’m sworn in, I’ll get right to work implementing all aspects of the response that remain undone,” he said.Speaking in Delaware, Joe Biden said the pandemic is unlikely to have subsided by January 2021, and if he’s elected. “On the day I’m sworn in, I’ll get right to work implementing all aspects of the response that remain undone,” he said.
Former combat pilot Amy McGrath has won the Democratic primary race in Kentucky to face off against Senate majority leader and pro-Trumpian Mitch McConnell. McGrath faced a tough challenge from progressive Charles Booker.Former combat pilot Amy McGrath has won the Democratic primary race in Kentucky to face off against Senate majority leader and pro-Trumpian Mitch McConnell. McGrath faced a tough challenge from progressive Charles Booker.
Democratic leaders said they want a full congressional briefing on alleged Russian bounties on the heads of US troops in Afghanistan. The House’s No. 2 Democrat, Steny Hoyer, said he believes that Russia “remains involved in a negative way in Afghanistan”.Democratic leaders said they want a full congressional briefing on alleged Russian bounties on the heads of US troops in Afghanistan. The House’s No. 2 Democrat, Steny Hoyer, said he believes that Russia “remains involved in a negative way in Afghanistan”.
Colorado, Utah and Oklahoma are having primaries today.Colorado, Utah and Oklahoma are having primaries today.
Here’s what we’re watching:Here’s what we’re watching:
In Colorado, former governor and 2020 presidential candidate John Hickenlooper is facing off against former state House speaker Andrew Romanoff for a chance to take on Republican senator Corey Gardner. Gardner, Colorado’s first-term Republican senator, is a vulnerable incumbent in a state that’s trending toward blue.In Colorado, former governor and 2020 presidential candidate John Hickenlooper is facing off against former state House speaker Andrew Romanoff for a chance to take on Republican senator Corey Gardner. Gardner, Colorado’s first-term Republican senator, is a vulnerable incumbent in a state that’s trending toward blue.
In Utah, the Republican primary for governor has former governor Jon Huntsman in a close race against Lt. governor Spencer Cox for the Republican (bear with me - that’s a lot of governors to keep track of, I know). Huntsman has been attacked by Cox for leaving his previous post as Utah’s governor to serve as ambassador to China during the Obama administration (he later served as an ambassador to Russia during the Trump administration).In Utah, the Republican primary for governor has former governor Jon Huntsman in a close race against Lt. governor Spencer Cox for the Republican (bear with me - that’s a lot of governors to keep track of, I know). Huntsman has been attacked by Cox for leaving his previous post as Utah’s governor to serve as ambassador to China during the Obama administration (he later served as an ambassador to Russia during the Trump administration).
In Oklahoma, voters will decide State Question 802, a ballot measure that would expand Medicaid for an estimated 200,000 eligible Oklahomans. Nine Republicans are also vying for the chance to face off against Democratic representative Kendra Horn. Horn flipped her Oaklahoma City-based district in 2016, and Republicans see a chance to take it back in November.In Oklahoma, voters will decide State Question 802, a ballot measure that would expand Medicaid for an estimated 200,000 eligible Oklahomans. Nine Republicans are also vying for the chance to face off against Democratic representative Kendra Horn. Horn flipped her Oaklahoma City-based district in 2016, and Republicans see a chance to take it back in November.
Bernie Sanders wants lawmakers to cut the US military budget by 10%. In an opinion piece published in the Guardian, he writes:Bernie Sanders wants lawmakers to cut the US military budget by 10%. In an opinion piece published in the Guardian, he writes:
According to Mike Pence’s financial disclosure report, donors contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover legal expenses from special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 elections.According to Mike Pence’s financial disclosure report, donors contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover legal expenses from special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 elections.
Donors including the Indiana Pacers owner Herbert Simon and California developers Michael Hayde and Laura Khouri contributed nearly $480,000, the AP reports, to a trust fund that James Atterholt, Pence’s former chief of staff during his tenure as Indiana governor, started to cover the vice-president’s legal bills.Donors including the Indiana Pacers owner Herbert Simon and California developers Michael Hayde and Laura Khouri contributed nearly $480,000, the AP reports, to a trust fund that James Atterholt, Pence’s former chief of staff during his tenure as Indiana governor, started to cover the vice-president’s legal bills.
The annual report states that the money was used to cover a bill from McGuireWoods LLP, which represented Pence in the Mueller probe. Atterholt terminated the trust on 12 August 2019. Many government officials have turned to legal defense funds over the years to finance their legal representation.The annual report states that the money was used to cover a bill from McGuireWoods LLP, which represented Pence in the Mueller probe. Atterholt terminated the trust on 12 August 2019. Many government officials have turned to legal defense funds over the years to finance their legal representation.
The report states that every contributor had to certify that they are US citizens, the money came from personal funds and that Pence did not solicit the contribution, among other requirements. The report was filed with the US Office of Government Ethics.The report states that every contributor had to certify that they are US citizens, the money came from personal funds and that Pence did not solicit the contribution, among other requirements. The report was filed with the US Office of Government Ethics.
The 75-year-old Buffalo protester who seriously injured after being pushed to the ground by two police officers has been released from the hospital nearly four weeks after being admitted.The 75-year-old Buffalo protester who seriously injured after being pushed to the ground by two police officers has been released from the hospital nearly four weeks after being admitted.
Martin Gugino will be recovering at an undisclosed location to protect his privacy, according to his attorney Kelly Zarcone. “Martin wants to thank the entire hospital staff for their exceptional dedication and professionalism,” Zarcone said. “He received truly outstanding care and for that, he is grateful.”Martin Gugino will be recovering at an undisclosed location to protect his privacy, according to his attorney Kelly Zarcone. “Martin wants to thank the entire hospital staff for their exceptional dedication and professionalism,” Zarcone said. “He received truly outstanding care and for that, he is grateful.”
Gugino was one of many protesters across the US beaten, tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed and arrested amid nationwide demonstrations against police brutality.Gugino was one of many protesters across the US beaten, tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed and arrested amid nationwide demonstrations against police brutality.
With a signature, the Republican Governor Tate Reeves retired the state’s 126-year-old flag, immediately removing its official status.With a signature, the Republican Governor Tate Reeves retired the state’s 126-year-old flag, immediately removing its official status.
“This is not a political moment to me but a solemn occasion to lead our Mississippi family to come together, to be reconciled, and to move on,” Reeves said in a statement. “We are a resilient people defined by our hospitality. We are a people of great faith. Now, more than ever, we must lean on that faith, put our divisions behind us, and unite for a greater good.”“This is not a political moment to me but a solemn occasion to lead our Mississippi family to come together, to be reconciled, and to move on,” Reeves said in a statement. “We are a resilient people defined by our hospitality. We are a people of great faith. Now, more than ever, we must lean on that faith, put our divisions behind us, and unite for a greater good.”
A coalition of legislators passed a bill to change the flag, which features the Confederate battle emblem – a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars. White supremacist lawmakers put the emblem on the Mississippi flag in 1894. Critics have asked for it to be changed for decades, arguing that the hateful symbol has no place on the flag of a state where 38% of the population is Black.A coalition of legislators passed a bill to change the flag, which features the Confederate battle emblem – a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars. White supremacist lawmakers put the emblem on the Mississippi flag in 1894. Critics have asked for it to be changed for decades, arguing that the hateful symbol has no place on the flag of a state where 38% of the population is Black.
A commission will now design a new flag, which voters will be asked to approve in the 3 November election.A commission will now design a new flag, which voters will be asked to approve in the 3 November election.
Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease expert, told senators that the US is “going in the wrong direction” in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He warned that the death toll “is going to be very disturbing” unless officials intervene, and urged Americans to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces.Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease expert, told senators that the US is “going in the wrong direction” in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He warned that the death toll “is going to be very disturbing” unless officials intervene, and urged Americans to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces.
The US has bought up virtually all the stocks of remdesivir, one of two drugs that appear to work against Covid-19, for the next three months leaving almost none rest of the world. The Trump administration has bought more than 500,000 doses — all of what the drug’s producer Gilead will make in July and 90% of what it expects to produce in August and September.The US has bought up virtually all the stocks of remdesivir, one of two drugs that appear to work against Covid-19, for the next three months leaving almost none rest of the world. The Trump administration has bought more than 500,000 doses — all of what the drug’s producer Gilead will make in July and 90% of what it expects to produce in August and September.
Speaking in Delaware, Joe Biden said the pandemic is unlikely to have subsided by January 2021, and if he’s elected. “On the day I’m sworn in, I’ll get right to work implementing all aspects of the response that remain undone,” he said.Speaking in Delaware, Joe Biden said the pandemic is unlikely to have subsided by January 2021, and if he’s elected. “On the day I’m sworn in, I’ll get right to work implementing all aspects of the response that remain undone,” he said.
Former combat pilot Amy McGrath has won the Democratic primary race in Kentucky to face off against Senate majority leader and pro-Trumpian Mitch McConnell. McGrath faced a tough challenge from progressive Charles Booker.Former combat pilot Amy McGrath has won the Democratic primary race in Kentucky to face off against Senate majority leader and pro-Trumpian Mitch McConnell. McGrath faced a tough challenge from progressive Charles Booker.
Democratic leaders said they want a full congressional briefing on alleged Russian bounties on the heads of US troops in Afghanistan. The House’s No. 2 Democrat, Steny Hoyer, said he believes that Russia “remains involved in a negative way in Afghanistan”,Democratic leaders said they want a full congressional briefing on alleged Russian bounties on the heads of US troops in Afghanistan. The House’s No. 2 Democrat, Steny Hoyer, said he believes that Russia “remains involved in a negative way in Afghanistan”,
Bail for the former Atlanta police officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks has been st at $500,ooo, by a Fulton County superior court judge. Garrett Rolf, who was fired from the police department after shooting and killing Brooks on 12 June, will be required to turn in his passport, wear an ankle monitor, observe a curfew and refrain from contacting any current Atlanta police officers, members of Brooks’ family or any witnesses.Bail for the former Atlanta police officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks has been st at $500,ooo, by a Fulton County superior court judge. Garrett Rolf, who was fired from the police department after shooting and killing Brooks on 12 June, will be required to turn in his passport, wear an ankle monitor, observe a curfew and refrain from contacting any current Atlanta police officers, members of Brooks’ family or any witnesses.
Prosecutors said that Rolfe would try to skip out on future court proceedings, but the judge, Jane Barwick, ruled that “ he does have sufficient ties to the community and he is not a flight risk.”Prosecutors said that Rolfe would try to skip out on future court proceedings, but the judge, Jane Barwick, ruled that “ he does have sufficient ties to the community and he is not a flight risk.”
Rolfe faces a possible life sentence or the death penalty if he is convicted. He faces felony murder and 10 other charges for killing 27-year-old Brooks.Rolfe faces a possible life sentence or the death penalty if he is convicted. He faces felony murder and 10 other charges for killing 27-year-old Brooks.
Hi there, it’s Maanvi Singh, blogging from the West Coast.Hi there, it’s Maanvi Singh, blogging from the West Coast.
South Dakota governer Kristi Noem has said the state won’t be enforcing social distancing at the Mouth Rushmore independence day celebration, even as coronavirus cases climb across the country. The event with Donald Trump, which will take place on 3rd July, could draw around 7,500 participants, according to the website detailing logistics.South Dakota governer Kristi Noem has said the state won’t be enforcing social distancing at the Mouth Rushmore independence day celebration, even as coronavirus cases climb across the country. The event with Donald Trump, which will take place on 3rd July, could draw around 7,500 participants, according to the website detailing logistics.
Free face masks will be available for those who “choose to wear one”, Noem, a Republican said in an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham. “We won’t be social distancing, we’re asking them to come, be ready to celebrate the freedoms and the liberties we have in this country.”Free face masks will be available for those who “choose to wear one”, Noem, a Republican said in an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham. “We won’t be social distancing, we’re asking them to come, be ready to celebrate the freedoms and the liberties we have in this country.”
Noem said she’s asked residents to focus on “personal responsibility.” “We told those folks that have concerns that they stay can home,” she said.Noem said she’s asked residents to focus on “personal responsibility.” “We told those folks that have concerns that they stay can home,” she said.
Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt has added his voice to a chorus of elected Republicans now calling on people to wear masks in public.Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt has added his voice to a chorus of elected Republicans now calling on people to wear masks in public.
Top congressional Republicans on the mask wagon include Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and House minority leader Kevin McCarthy, and senior Republican senators such as Lamar Alexander of Tennessee. A Fox News host and a growing list of Republican governors are all spreading the word about masks.Top congressional Republicans on the mask wagon include Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and House minority leader Kevin McCarthy, and senior Republican senators such as Lamar Alexander of Tennessee. A Fox News host and a growing list of Republican governors are all spreading the word about masks.
So are senior Republican statesmen such as former vice president Dick Cheney. So is CDC director Robert Redfield, who pleaded with young Americans to wear masks at a hearing today.So are senior Republican statesmen such as former vice president Dick Cheney. So is CDC director Robert Redfield, who pleaded with young Americans to wear masks at a hearing today.
There remains one prominent voice missing from the chorus, and it’s not vice president Mike Pence, who finally at a Sunday appearance in Dallas called on the public to wear mask. There remains one prominent voice missing from the chorus, and it’s not vice president Mike Pence, who finally at a Sunday appearance in Dallas called on the public to wear masks.
California recorded more than 8,000 coronavirus infections on Monday, smashing the state’s daily record for the third time in eight days. Yesterday saw the state record more than 6,000 cases attributed to the virus.California recorded more than 8,000 coronavirus infections on Monday, smashing the state’s daily record for the third time in eight days. Yesterday saw the state record more than 6,000 cases attributed to the virus.
And California is bracing for more bad news. Across the Golden State, cases have steadily risen alongside admissions to hospitals and ICUs.And California is bracing for more bad news. Across the Golden State, cases have steadily risen alongside admissions to hospitals and ICUs.
But the trends are applying uneven pressure to the state’s regions. As of Saturday in Southern California’s Riverside County, 99% of ICU beds were in use, leaving just 5 available for new admissions.But the trends are applying uneven pressure to the state’s regions. As of Saturday in Southern California’s Riverside County, 99% of ICU beds were in use, leaving just 5 available for new admissions.
Imperial County, which borders Mexico, has in recent weeks sent 500 patients to neighboring regions because hospital capacity had been maxed, California governor Gavin Newsom said Monday.Imperial County, which borders Mexico, has in recent weeks sent 500 patients to neighboring regions because hospital capacity had been maxed, California governor Gavin Newsom said Monday.
In hard-hit Los Angeles County, new cases topped 3,000 on Monday alone and raised fear that infections could spike further in the week ahead. LA Health officials say the surge is likely the result of businesses and restaurants not following guidelines, even weeks after reopening, and Californians letting down their guard.In hard-hit Los Angeles County, new cases topped 3,000 on Monday alone and raised fear that infections could spike further in the week ahead. LA Health officials say the surge is likely the result of businesses and restaurants not following guidelines, even weeks after reopening, and Californians letting down their guard.
The metrics have 19 counties, home to 72% of the state’s population on a “watch list”, monitored closely by public health experts. Four additional counties are expected to join the list by day’s end, said Newsom, fueling concern that family gatherings over Independence Day weekend could send cases upward.The metrics have 19 counties, home to 72% of the state’s population on a “watch list”, monitored closely by public health experts. Four additional counties are expected to join the list by day’s end, said Newsom, fueling concern that family gatherings over Independence Day weekend could send cases upward.
It’s been enough for Newsom to encourage certain counties to “toggle back” reopening plans and consider issuing new stay-at-home orders — and he indicated he’s willing to use a heavier hand to make sure the measures are enforced.It’s been enough for Newsom to encourage certain counties to “toggle back” reopening plans and consider issuing new stay-at-home orders — and he indicated he’s willing to use a heavier hand to make sure the measures are enforced.
“If you’re not going to stay home, if you’re not going to wear masks in public, we have to enforce”, he said, adding that additional details can be expected later in the week.“If you’re not going to stay home, if you’re not going to wear masks in public, we have to enforce”, he said, adding that additional details can be expected later in the week.
While data on Monday can be inflated from reporting delays over the weekend, writes Mercury News, Monday’s 8,000 new cases is 25% higher than any previous Monday.While data on Monday can be inflated from reporting delays over the weekend, writes Mercury News, Monday’s 8,000 new cases is 25% higher than any previous Monday.