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US politics: Delaware and New Jersey vote as coronavirus cases approach 3 million - live updates US politics: Delaware and New Jersey vote as coronavirus cases approach 3 million - live updates
(32 minutes later)
Primaries take place as Fauci says country still “knee-deep in the first wave” of the coronavirus pandemicPrimaries take place as Fauci says country still “knee-deep in the first wave” of the coronavirus pandemic
Pete Buttigieg has just tweeted out a link to the video of the alleged assault on Vauhxx Booker at the weekend, which authorities are currently investigating.
Buttigieg describes the incident as a “violent show of racism” that is “absolutely sickening”.
Booker, a local civil rights activist and member of the Monroe County Human Rights Commission, posted the video on Facebook after the men assaulted him and pinned him to a tree at Lake Monroe, south of Booker’s hometown of Bloomington.
Local media have reported that at least two protesters were struck by a vehicle last night towards the end of a protest in Bloomington demanding arrests over the attack on Booker.
Graphic video clips posted on social media appear to show a red car driving at speed with at least one person being carried on the hood.
Geoff Stewart, one of the people apparently struck, told local news outlet RTV6 what happened:
My colleague Joanna Walters, who will be taking over from me here later on today, has been looking at a holiday weekend of gun violence in the US, and talking to people about what can be done. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms made an impassioned plea for the violence to stop after an eight year old girl was shot and killed in her city over the weekend.
Researchers have also suggested there might be a potential link between the rise in violence and a surge in gun-buying during the coronavirus pandemic. 2.1 million more guns than usual were sold between March and May this year.
Read it here: Gun violence kills 160 as holiday weekend exposes tale of ‘two Americas’
Here’s one from the “Well, this is awkward” files…Fox News has apologised after cropping Donald Trump out of a photo in which he appeared with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
In a statement Fox News said: “On Sunday, 5 July, a report on Ghislaine Maxwell during Fox News Channel’s America’s News HQ mistakenly eliminated President Donald Trump from a photo alongside then Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell. We regret the error.”
There’s more here: Fox News apologises for cropping Trump out of Epstein and Maxwell photo
The coronavirus pandemic is placing a strain on the trust people hold in federal government, according to new figures from NBC News/SurveyMonkey weekly tracking poll.The coronavirus pandemic is placing a strain on the trust people hold in federal government, according to new figures from NBC News/SurveyMonkey weekly tracking poll.
NBC report that 7 out of 10 Americans say they trust their governors more than the president to decide when to re-open businesses in their area.NBC report that 7 out of 10 Americans say they trust their governors more than the president to decide when to re-open businesses in their area.
Partisanship is certainly at work again over coronavirus fears though (see 7:50). The survey finds that 63% of Americans overall said they feared that businesses were opening “too quickly”. But if you ask just Republicans, 61% said the re-openings were, in fact, too slow.Partisanship is certainly at work again over coronavirus fears though (see 7:50). The survey finds that 63% of Americans overall said they feared that businesses were opening “too quickly”. But if you ask just Republicans, 61% said the re-openings were, in fact, too slow.
But they aren’t all backing their man in the White House. Just over half of Republicans say they trust the president’s judgment on re-opening over their governors. NBC note though that the president’s overall job rating has remained consistent throughout the pandemic at 43%.But they aren’t all backing their man in the White House. Just over half of Republicans say they trust the president’s judgment on re-opening over their governors. NBC note though that the president’s overall job rating has remained consistent throughout the pandemic at 43%.
Read it here: NBC - Americans trust governors more than Trump on coronavirus, new poll findsRead it here: NBC - Americans trust governors more than Trump on coronavirus, new poll finds
CNN this morning have an analysis from Ronald Brownstein about how Trump’s unpopularity in suburbia could sink the Republicans in the House.CNN this morning have an analysis from Ronald Brownstein about how Trump’s unpopularity in suburbia could sink the Republicans in the House.
Brownstein identifies that in recent weeks, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other party groups have publicly released or privately circulated polls showing Trump losing to Biden by substantial margins in a wide array of well-educated districts, including many that Trump carried in 2016. Brownstein notes that Republicans have dismissed the figures - but produced none of their own to refute them.Brownstein identifies that in recent weeks, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other party groups have publicly released or privately circulated polls showing Trump losing to Biden by substantial margins in a wide array of well-educated districts, including many that Trump carried in 2016. Brownstein notes that Republicans have dismissed the figures - but produced none of their own to refute them.
Read it here: CNN - Trump could sink the House GOP in suburbiaRead it here: CNN - Trump could sink the House GOP in suburbia
Axios has now completed 15 waves of surveys of the US public’s reaction to the coronavirus between 13 March and 29 June and their conclusion today is that partisanship is the main driver of behaviour when it comes to concern about the virus.Axios has now completed 15 waves of surveys of the US public’s reaction to the coronavirus between 13 March and 29 June and their conclusion today is that partisanship is the main driver of behaviour when it comes to concern about the virus.
Margaret Talev’s analysis, published this morning, states that:Margaret Talev’s analysis, published this morning, states that:
Race and ethnicity are major predictors both of employment status and whether you know someone who’s tested positive for or died from the virusRace and ethnicity are major predictors both of employment status and whether you know someone who’s tested positive for or died from the virus
Younger, working-class, Republican-voting men take the pandemic the least seriouslyYounger, working-class, Republican-voting men take the pandemic the least seriously
There’s plenty more detail where that came from, including that the overall share of Americans feeling extremely or very concerned about coronavirus has settled at 58% after climbing, peaking, falling, and rising again during the course of the pandemic.There’s plenty more detail where that came from, including that the overall share of Americans feeling extremely or very concerned about coronavirus has settled at 58% after climbing, peaking, falling, and rising again during the course of the pandemic.
It’s an essential read to understand how people are thinking about Covid-19: Axios-Ipsos coronavirus poll - there is no new normalIt’s an essential read to understand how people are thinking about Covid-19: Axios-Ipsos coronavirus poll - there is no new normal
Deputy secretary of state Stephen Biegun has arrived in South Korea for discussions on stalled nuclear diplomacy - but may find he doesn’t have as many people to talk to as he hoped.Deputy secretary of state Stephen Biegun has arrived in South Korea for discussions on stalled nuclear diplomacy - but may find he doesn’t have as many people to talk to as he hoped.
In a statement released through North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency a few hours ago, senior North Korean foreign ministry official Kwon Jong Gun reiterated that North Korea would not take part, saying “Explicitly speaking once again, we have no intention to sit face to face with US.”In a statement released through North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency a few hours ago, senior North Korean foreign ministry official Kwon Jong Gun reiterated that North Korea would not take part, saying “Explicitly speaking once again, we have no intention to sit face to face with US.”
With a rhetorical flourish typical of North Korean’s pronouncements, he also criticised “nonsensical” South Korean attempts to mediate between North Korea and the US, saying: “They seem to have a bad ear or are guided by the habit of always talking in their own favour.”With a rhetorical flourish typical of North Korean’s pronouncements, he also criticised “nonsensical” South Korean attempts to mediate between North Korea and the US, saying: “They seem to have a bad ear or are guided by the habit of always talking in their own favour.”
Biegun’s arrival was met by a small protest near the US embassy in Seoul.Biegun’s arrival was met by a small protest near the US embassy in Seoul.
Donald Trump’s attempts at diplomacy with North Korean were recently savaged in John Bolton’s book, where Bolton suggested the president cared more about photo opportunities that would make him look good for his re-election campaign, than he cared about advancing American national interests in the region.Donald Trump’s attempts at diplomacy with North Korean were recently savaged in John Bolton’s book, where Bolton suggested the president cared more about photo opportunities that would make him look good for his re-election campaign, than he cared about advancing American national interests in the region.
Reuters are reporting that the US government has awarded Novavax a $1.6 billion contract to cover the testing, commercialisation and manufacturing of a potential coronavirus vaccine in the US. The aim is to deliver 100 million doses by January 2021.Reuters are reporting that the US government has awarded Novavax a $1.6 billion contract to cover the testing, commercialisation and manufacturing of a potential coronavirus vaccine in the US. The aim is to deliver 100 million doses by January 2021.
It is the highest award yet from the so-called “Operation Warp Speed” White House program which is aimed at accelerating access to vaccines and treatments to fight the coronavirus.It is the highest award yet from the so-called “Operation Warp Speed” White House program which is aimed at accelerating access to vaccines and treatments to fight the coronavirus.
“What this Warp Speed award does is pays for production of 100 million doses, which would be delivered starting in the fourth quarter of this year, and may be completed by January or February of next year,” Novavax Chief Executive Stanley Erck told Reuters. It will also cover the cost of running a large Phase III trial - the final stage of human testing, which could begin as early as October.“What this Warp Speed award does is pays for production of 100 million doses, which would be delivered starting in the fourth quarter of this year, and may be completed by January or February of next year,” Novavax Chief Executive Stanley Erck told Reuters. It will also cover the cost of running a large Phase III trial - the final stage of human testing, which could begin as early as October.
More than 140 teams of researchers are racing to develop a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine.More than 140 teams of researchers are racing to develop a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine.
In another development, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc said the US government has granted the drugmaker a $450 million contract to make and supply its double antibody cocktail that is being tested against Covid-19.In another development, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc said the US government has granted the drugmaker a $450 million contract to make and supply its double antibody cocktail that is being tested against Covid-19.
The antiviral cocktail, REGN-COV2, is in separate clinical trials both for treating and preventing Covid-19, the company saidThe antiviral cocktail, REGN-COV2, is in separate clinical trials both for treating and preventing Covid-19, the company said
Michael H Fuchs, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, has written for us today addressing the scandal of the Trump administration’s reaction - or lack of it - to intelligence that suggested Russia might be paying a bounty to Taliban fighters for attacks on US military personnel.Michael H Fuchs, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, has written for us today addressing the scandal of the Trump administration’s reaction - or lack of it - to intelligence that suggested Russia might be paying a bounty to Taliban fighters for attacks on US military personnel.
Read it here: Russia is killing US soldiers. Trump’s response is a shameful dereliction of dutyRead it here: Russia is killing US soldiers. Trump’s response is a shameful dereliction of duty
Over at Politico, Marianne Levine and James Arkin have been looking at what lies in store in November for the women who represent the Republicans in the Senate. Current projections suggest the Republicans could lose nearly half of the women currently in their caucus.Over at Politico, Marianne Levine and James Arkin have been looking at what lies in store in November for the women who represent the Republicans in the Senate. Current projections suggest the Republicans could lose nearly half of the women currently in their caucus.
Levine and Arkin suggest that out of nine Senate Republican women currently serving, four face highly competitive races in Arizona, Maine, Georgia and Iowa.Levine and Arkin suggest that out of nine Senate Republican women currently serving, four face highly competitive races in Arizona, Maine, Georgia and Iowa.
The piece goes on to say:The piece goes on to say:
It is an interesting read about how Donald Trump’s potential unpopularity at the polls this November could end up having a significant impact on the gender balance of the Republican party, in an area where even their critics can see that some progress had been made.It is an interesting read about how Donald Trump’s potential unpopularity at the polls this November could end up having a significant impact on the gender balance of the Republican party, in an area where even their critics can see that some progress had been made.
Read it here: Politico - Republicans in danger of losing huge portion of their female senatorsRead it here: Politico - Republicans in danger of losing huge portion of their female senators
A judge yesterday set a $1.2 million bail for the man accused of driving a Jaguar on to a closed Seattle freeway and hitting two protesters, killing one and seriously injuring the other.A judge yesterday set a $1.2 million bail for the man accused of driving a Jaguar on to a closed Seattle freeway and hitting two protesters, killing one and seriously injuring the other.
Dawit Kelete drove the car around vehicles that were parked on Interstate 5 to protect a group of Black Femme March demonstrators, part of the Black Lives Matter movement protesting racial inequality and police violence. The car hit two people and sped away about 1:40 a.m. Saturday, police said.Dawit Kelete drove the car around vehicles that were parked on Interstate 5 to protect a group of Black Femme March demonstrators, part of the Black Lives Matter movement protesting racial inequality and police violence. The car hit two people and sped away about 1:40 a.m. Saturday, police said.
Over the weekend, a judge found probable cause to hold Kelete on an investigation of vehicular assault. But the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has yet to file charges against Kelete. It says it’s waiting for additional required information from the State Patrol.Over the weekend, a judge found probable cause to hold Kelete on an investigation of vehicular assault. But the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has yet to file charges against Kelete. It says it’s waiting for additional required information from the State Patrol.
“A charging decision is expected by Wednesday afternoon,” spokesman Casey McNerthney said.“A charging decision is expected by Wednesday afternoon,” spokesman Casey McNerthney said.
Kelete’s lawyer, John Henry Browne, said the crash was a “horrible, horrible accident” and was not intentional. “There’s absolutely nothing political about this case whatsoever,” Browne told Associated Press. “My client is in tears. He’s very remorseful. He feels tremendous guilt.”Kelete’s lawyer, John Henry Browne, said the crash was a “horrible, horrible accident” and was not intentional. “There’s absolutely nothing political about this case whatsoever,” Browne told Associated Press. “My client is in tears. He’s very remorseful. He feels tremendous guilt.”
Kelete is originally from Eritrea and is a US citizen, Browne said. He lives with his family in Seattle, and they’re very religious, he said.Kelete is originally from Eritrea and is a US citizen, Browne said. He lives with his family in Seattle, and they’re very religious, he said.
Summer Taylor, a 24-year-old veterinary clinic worker, suffered critical injuries in the incident and died Saturday night.Summer Taylor, a 24-year-old veterinary clinic worker, suffered critical injuries in the incident and died Saturday night.
Diaz Love, 32, from Portland, Oregon, was left in a serious condition. “I’m alive and stable,” Love posted on Facebook late Sunday. “In a lot of pain. I cannot believe Summer was murdered. If they thought this murder would make us back down, they are very wrong. Very wrong.Diaz Love, 32, from Portland, Oregon, was left in a serious condition. “I’m alive and stable,” Love posted on Facebook late Sunday. “In a lot of pain. I cannot believe Summer was murdered. If they thought this murder would make us back down, they are very wrong. Very wrong.
Love also said: “My FB is filled with death threats, that and only being able to use one hand has me going slow. I deeply appreciate and feel all the love y’all are sending me.”Love also said: “My FB is filled with death threats, that and only being able to use one hand has me going slow. I deeply appreciate and feel all the love y’all are sending me.”
Last night in a Fox News interview secretary of state Mike Pompeo floated the idea that the US might ban social networking video app TikTok.Last night in a Fox News interview secretary of state Mike Pompeo floated the idea that the US might ban social networking video app TikTok.
He said “I don’t want to get out in front of the President, but it’s something we’re looking at”He said “I don’t want to get out in front of the President, but it’s something we’re looking at”
Pompeo went on to link the app to other Chinese technology companies that the US has taken action over, saying:Pompeo went on to link the app to other Chinese technology companies that the US has taken action over, saying:
Asked if he would recommend people to download TikTok, Pompeo said “Only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.”Asked if he would recommend people to download TikTok, Pompeo said “Only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.”
In response to his comments, TikTok issued a statement to deny that it has never provided user data to China: “We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked.”In response to his comments, TikTok issued a statement to deny that it has never provided user data to China: “We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked.”
US lawmakers have previously raised national security concerns over TikTok’s handling of user data, saying they were worried about Chinese laws that require domestic companies “to support and cooperate with intelligence work controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.”US lawmakers have previously raised national security concerns over TikTok’s handling of user data, saying they were worried about Chinese laws that require domestic companies “to support and cooperate with intelligence work controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.”
Overnight TikTok announced it is to withdraw its app from Hong Kong app stores. It was recently banned in India - despite having a huge user base - over security concerns.Overnight TikTok announced it is to withdraw its app from Hong Kong app stores. It was recently banned in India - despite having a huge user base - over security concerns.
Any move to shut it down in the US would undoubtedly have political ramifications, not least because many commentators have spoken about teenage TikTok activism having an impact on the attendance at Donald Trump’s disastrous Tulsa rally.Any move to shut it down in the US would undoubtedly have political ramifications, not least because many commentators have spoken about teenage TikTok activism having an impact on the attendance at Donald Trump’s disastrous Tulsa rally.
Good morning, welcome to our live coverage of US politics for the day. Here’s a catch-up on the key points from yesterday and overnight, and a little of what we can expect todayGood morning, welcome to our live coverage of US politics for the day. Here’s a catch-up on the key points from yesterday and overnight, and a little of what we can expect today
Joe Biden can expect a resounding win in the primary in his home state of Delaware today. New Jersey also votes - though with much of the election being conducted as vote-by-mail, results will not be known for some timeJoe Biden can expect a resounding win in the primary in his home state of Delaware today. New Jersey also votes - though with much of the election being conducted as vote-by-mail, results will not be known for some time
Dr. Anthony Fauci said the country was still “knee-deep in the first wave” of the coronavirus pandemic. Cases in the US are nearing three million, with deaths in excess of 130,000Dr. Anthony Fauci said the country was still “knee-deep in the first wave” of the coronavirus pandemic. Cases in the US are nearing three million, with deaths in excess of 130,000
Virginia, though, has reported that no known coronavirus-related deaths were recorded on Monday - the first time for more than three monthsVirginia, though, has reported that no known coronavirus-related deaths were recorded on Monday - the first time for more than three months
The US government said it will not allow international students to enter or stay in the United States if they are enrolled in schools that are fully online during the fall semesterThe US government said it will not allow international students to enter or stay in the United States if they are enrolled in schools that are fully online during the fall semester
A white woman who called police and falsely accused an African American man of threatening her life after he asked her to leash her dog in New York city’s Central Park is being criminally charged over the incident.A white woman who called police and falsely accused an African American man of threatening her life after he asked her to leash her dog in New York city’s Central Park is being criminally charged over the incident.
Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said he will not attend the Republican National Convention for the first time in 40 years, citing his concerns about coronavirus. Meanwhile the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, has pleaded with Republicans to cancel a three-day convention scheduled to be held there on 16 July.Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said he will not attend the Republican National Convention for the first time in 40 years, citing his concerns about coronavirus. Meanwhile the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, has pleaded with Republicans to cancel a three-day convention scheduled to be held there on 16 July.
Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has tested positive for coronavirus, but says she has no symptomsAtlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has tested positive for coronavirus, but says she has no symptoms
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former unpaid adviser to first lady Melania Trump, is planning an ‘explosive’ book about their friendshipStephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former unpaid adviser to first lady Melania Trump, is planning an ‘explosive’ book about their friendship
I’ll be with you for the next couple of hours - you can get in touch with me at martin.belam@theguardian.comI’ll be with you for the next couple of hours - you can get in touch with me at martin.belam@theguardian.com