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Oklahoma governor tests positive for coronavirus as US cases set new record – live Oklahoma governor tests positive for coronavirus as US cases set new record – live
(32 minutes later)
Trump’s trade adviser says ‘Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on’Trump’s trade adviser says ‘Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on’
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt tested positive for coronavirus, making him the first governor to contract the virus. That announcement came after the US set another record for new coronavirus cases in a single day, with more than 67,000 cases reported yesterday.
The White House is distancing itself from Peter Navarro’s op-ed criticizing Dr Anthony Fauci. The president was asked moments ago about Navarro’s op-ed, which raised doubts about the credibility of Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert. “Well, that’s Peter Navarro. But I have a very good relationship with Dr Fauci,” Trump said.
Walmart announced it would require masks at all of its stores. The CEO of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, said the new policy would take effect on Monday.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
New body camera footage viewed by CNN shows George Floyd’s last words, said while a police officer kept his knee on Floyd’s neck, were, “I can’t breathe.”
CNN reports:
Previously released transcripts of Floyd’s final moments showed he said “I can’t breathe” more than 20 times as Chauvin kept his knew on Floyd’s neck. Floyd also called out for his mother and his children before dying.
During the Oval Office event, Trump also said he would make an announcement next week on cities like Seattle and Chicago that are “out of control.”During the Oval Office event, Trump also said he would make an announcement next week on cities like Seattle and Chicago that are “out of control.”
“They’re like war zones,” Trump said of the cities, criticizing “liberal, left-wing Democrats” for failing to crack down on violence.“They’re like war zones,” Trump said of the cities, criticizing “liberal, left-wing Democrats” for failing to crack down on violence.
“We’re not going to put up with that. We’re not going to put up with that. So that’s for our next discussion,” Trump said.“We’re not going to put up with that. We’re not going to put up with that. So that’s for our next discussion,” Trump said.
However, as the president saw at the start of the George Floyd protests, he has limited power to send federal law enforcement officers to specific cities unless governors in those states request them.However, as the president saw at the start of the George Floyd protests, he has limited power to send federal law enforcement officers to specific cities unless governors in those states request them.
If Trump tried to overrule local leaders, the policy would almost certainly be immediately challenged in court, making it unclear how the president plans to act against these “out of control” cities.If Trump tried to overrule local leaders, the policy would almost certainly be immediately challenged in court, making it unclear how the president plans to act against these “out of control” cities.
Meanwhille, at the White House, Trump called reporters in to the Oval Office to make an announcement with attorney general William Barr on MS-13.Meanwhille, at the White House, Trump called reporters in to the Oval Office to make an announcement with attorney general William Barr on MS-13.
During the Oval Office event, Trump took a question on his relationship with Dr Anthony Fauci, as some administration officials raise doubts about the infectious disease expert’s credibility.During the Oval Office event, Trump took a question on his relationship with Dr Anthony Fauci, as some administration officials raise doubts about the infectious disease expert’s credibility.
“I get along very well with Dr Fauci,” the president told reporters.“I get along very well with Dr Fauci,” the president told reporters.
Trump was then specifically asked about an op-ed by White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, which was entitled, “Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on.”Trump was then specifically asked about an op-ed by White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, which was entitled, “Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on.”
The president said, “Well, that’s Peter Navarro. But I have a very good relationship with Dr Fauci.”The president said, “Well, that’s Peter Navarro. But I have a very good relationship with Dr Fauci.”
However, Trump has expressed similar doubts about Fauci in recent days. For example, he said in an interview last week that he disagreed with Fauci’s assessment of how the country is weathering the coronavirus crisis.However, Trump has expressed similar doubts about Fauci in recent days. For example, he said in an interview last week that he disagreed with Fauci’s assessment of how the country is weathering the coronavirus crisis.
“Dr Fauci said don’t wear masks and now he says wear them. And he said numerous things. Don’t close off China. Don’t ban China. I did it anyway,” Trump said at the time.“Dr Fauci said don’t wear masks and now he says wear them. And he said numerous things. Don’t close off China. Don’t ban China. I did it anyway,” Trump said at the time.
“I didn’t listen to my experts and I banned China. We would have been in much worse shape. You wouldn’t believe the number of deaths more we would have had if we didn’t do the ban.”“I didn’t listen to my experts and I banned China. We would have been in much worse shape. You wouldn’t believe the number of deaths more we would have had if we didn’t do the ban.”
Kevin Stitt has celebrated the steps Oklahoma has taken to reopen its economy as other states have started to roll back their reopenings because of the recent surge in cases.Kevin Stitt has celebrated the steps Oklahoma has taken to reopen its economy as other states have started to roll back their reopenings because of the recent surge in cases.
In March, as many states started to shut down because of the virus, Stitt tweeted and then deleted a picture of himself and his sons in a crowded Oklahoma City food hall, and his spokesperson urged residents to “keep living life.”In March, as many states started to shut down because of the virus, Stitt tweeted and then deleted a picture of himself and his sons in a crowded Oklahoma City food hall, and his spokesperson urged residents to “keep living life.”
After announcing his positive coronavirus test result, Stitt was asked if he was considering reclosing some businesses, but the Republican governor said it was “way, way premature” to discuss such measures.After announcing his positive coronavirus test result, Stitt was asked if he was considering reclosing some businesses, but the Republican governor said it was “way, way premature” to discuss such measures.
Infections have recently been on the rise in Oklahoma, and the state reported a new daily record yesterday, with 993 new cases confirmed.Infections have recently been on the rise in Oklahoma, and the state reported a new daily record yesterday, with 993 new cases confirmed.
Kevin Stitt attended an in-person meeting of Oklahoma’s Commissioners of the Land office yesterday and did not wear a mask.Kevin Stitt attended an in-person meeting of Oklahoma’s Commissioners of the Land office yesterday and did not wear a mask.
The Republican governor’s attendance at the meeting raises concerns about the possible spread of the virus to other officials who were present.The Republican governor’s attendance at the meeting raises concerns about the possible spread of the virus to other officials who were present.
Stitt dodged a question about whether the other attendees were quarantining, but Oklahoma health commissioner Lance Frye noted contact tracing is already underway to warn those who may have been exposed.Stitt dodged a question about whether the other attendees were quarantining, but Oklahoma health commissioner Lance Frye noted contact tracing is already underway to warn those who may have been exposed.
Kevin Stitt appears to be the first governor to test positive for coronavirus, although several members of Congress have contracted the virus.Kevin Stitt appears to be the first governor to test positive for coronavirus, although several members of Congress have contracted the virus.
Stitt’s announcement comes about a month after Trump held a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was criticized for ignoring public health guidance on large events.Stitt’s announcement comes about a month after Trump held a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was criticized for ignoring public health guidance on large events.
The Republican governor, who is a close ally of the president’s, stood by Trump’s decision to move ahead with the rally.The Republican governor, who is a close ally of the president’s, stood by Trump’s decision to move ahead with the rally.
A Tulsa health official has since said the event “likely contributed” to the city’s recent rise in cases, although Stitt would have contracted the virus elsewhere because of the time frame.A Tulsa health official has since said the event “likely contributed” to the city’s recent rise in cases, although Stitt would have contracted the virus elsewhere because of the time frame.
Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt announced he has tested positive for coronavirus, making him the latest lawmaker to contract the virus.Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt announced he has tested positive for coronavirus, making him the latest lawmaker to contract the virus.
Stitt said he is periodically tested for the virus, and the test he took yesterday afternoon came back positive.Stitt said he is periodically tested for the virus, and the test he took yesterday afternoon came back positive.
The Republican governor said he was overall well, but he noted he felt “a little bit achy” yesterday.The Republican governor said he was overall well, but he noted he felt “a little bit achy” yesterday.
Stitt said he was isolating at home and would continue to work remotely until it was safe to return to his office.Stitt said he was isolating at home and would continue to work remotely until it was safe to return to his office.
The Trump campaign’s ad warning Americans will not be safe in Joe Biden’s America includes images from recent news stories involving gun violence and protests against police brutality.The Trump campaign’s ad warning Americans will not be safe in Joe Biden’s America includes images from recent news stories involving gun violence and protests against police brutality.
But as an ABC News noted, the campaign’s message about the dangers of a Biden presidency seemed contradictory, considering those events shown in the ad are taking place right now with Trump as president.But as an ABC News noted, the campaign’s message about the dangers of a Biden presidency seemed contradictory, considering those events shown in the ad are taking place right now with Trump as president.
The Trump campaign is doubling down on its strategy to accuse Joe Biden of being soft on crime, with a new ad warning Americans would not be safe if the Democrat becomes president.The Trump campaign is doubling down on its strategy to accuse Joe Biden of being soft on crime, with a new ad warning Americans would not be safe if the Democrat becomes president.
The ad, similar to others recently released by the president’s campaign, features an emergency phone call going unanswered. “Who will be there to answer the call when your children aren’t safe?” the ad’s narrator says.The ad, similar to others recently released by the president’s campaign, features an emergency phone call going unanswered. “Who will be there to answer the call when your children aren’t safe?” the ad’s narrator says.
The ad seeks to directly tie Biden to the defund the police movement, even though the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has said he does not support defunding police departments.The ad seeks to directly tie Biden to the defund the police movement, even though the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has said he does not support defunding police departments.
The Trump campaign’s strategy to paint Biden as soft on crime does not appear to paying off yet. A poll taken last month showed 61% of American voters say Biden would do a better job of handling issues related to race and policing, compared to 39% who said the same of Trump.The Trump campaign’s strategy to paint Biden as soft on crime does not appear to paying off yet. A poll taken last month showed 61% of American voters say Biden would do a better job of handling issues related to race and policing, compared to 39% who said the same of Trump.
Fox News announced it will air an interview with Trump on Sunday. The interview will be conducted by Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace.
Trump has participated in several one-on-one interviews in recent weeks, as he weathers criticism on his responses to the coronavirus pandemic and the protests over the police killing of George Floyd.
Some of the interviews have caused trouble for Trump because of his controversial answers. In a CBS News interview that aired yesterday, Trump sparked outrage when he responded to a question about Floyd’s death by emphasizing that white people are also killed by police, even though studies have shown black Americans are more likely to be killed by law enforcment.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell expressed “total” faith in Dr Anthony Fauci while speaking to reporters in his home state of Kentucky.
McConnell cited Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as a crucial source of information and advice on the pandemic.
When asked what his current level of confidence in Fauci is, McConnell replied, “Total.”
That answer from the Republican Senate leader comes as the White House seeks to distance itself from an op-ed written by trade adviser Peter Navarro, which raises doubts about Fauci’s credibility.
The White House also recently circulated an unsigned memo casting Fauci’s past comments about coronavirus in a negative light.
Walmart has announced it will require all customers to wear masks while shopping, becoming the latest company to mandate face coverings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Walmart, which is the world’s largest retailer, said the requirement would go into effect on Monday to allow time to inform customers of the change.
The company noted in a statement announcing the new policy that about two-thirds of its stores are in areas with existing mask requirements. The company-wide mandate will set the same standard for all stores.
The CEOs of Walmart and Sam’s Club, which is operated by Walmart, said in the statement, “While we’re certainly not the first business to require face coverings, we know this is a simple step everyone can take for their safety and the safety of others in our facilities.”
The US has once again broken its record for the highest number of new coronavirus cases reported in a single day, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The university’s data indicates 67,417 new cases were confirmed yesterday, breaking the record of 66,627 cases set on Friday.
Since the start of the crisis, the US has confirmed 3,432,307 cases of coronavirus and recorded 136,463 deaths linked to the virus.
The US accounts for about a quarter of all coronavirus cases reported around the world, as many states struggle to get their caseloads under control.
Joe Biden is likely sighing in relief at this news: Kanye West has reportedly scrapped plans to enter the 2020 presidential race.
New York magazine reported yeterday that West’s short-lived plans to get on the ballot in a handful of states had come to an end:
The news brings an end to about a week and a half of speculation over whether West would actually try to launch a presidential bid, which started when the celebrity tweeted about his intent to do so.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
The White House is trying to distance itself from a op-ed written by trade adviser Peter Navarro, which raises questions about the credibility of Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert.
However, it’s worth noting that Donald Trump has shared views quite similar to those expressed in Navarro’s op-ed in recent days.
When asked last week about Fauci’s comment that the status of the US coronavirus crisis is “really not good,” Trump said, “I disagree with him. Dr. Fauci said don’t wear masks and now he says wear them. And he said numerous things. Don’t close off China. Don’t ban China. I did it anyway.
“I didn’t listen to my experts and I banned China. We would have been in much worse shape. You wouldn’t believe the number of deaths more we would have had if we didn’t do the ban.”
You may have seen that USA Today published an op-ed from Peter Navarro which appeared to continue the Trump administration’s attacks on Dr Anthony Fauci. Titled ‘Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on’, in it Navarro, one of Trump’s trade advisers, said:
However, this morning the administration appears to have made a conscious effort to dissociate itself from his comments. Alyssa Farah, White House director of strategic communications has tweeted that the piece “didn’t go through normal White House clearance processes and is the opinion of Peter alone.”
She added that: “Donald Trump values the expertise of the medical professionals advising his administration.”
Speaking of the reopening of the Florida economy, Jessica Glenza has been reporting for us on the stop-start nature of the economic reopening plans across the states as coronavirus numbers have continued to rise.
As Miami mayor Francis X Suarez put it to the Republican Florida governor Ron DeSantis at a public roundtable on Tuesday: “The reopening plan was great if everything went well. But I think the fact is things have not gone according to plan.”
Florida nurses from three hospitals are planning a protest tonight about what they claim are “an explosion of unsafe conditions at their hospitals”.
The nurses will gather in a socially-distanced demonstration at St. Petersburg General hospital to warn that conditions are rapidly deteriorating with multiple safety problems since Florida’s economy re-opened.
“Protecting our patients is our priority. But rushing from patient to patient because of inadequate staffing is a recipe for disaster which doesn’t allow us to properly monitor our patients when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Barbara Murray, a former union nurse representative at St. Petersburg General Hospital in a statement. “It also increases the danger of mistakes, including the spread of virus to other patients.”
Their concerns include claims that there is short staffing with nurses having to care for more patients than is safe, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for nurses, improper isolation of patients who are confirmed or suspected of being infected with Covid-19, and a failure to inform nurses who may have been exposed to positive infected patients.
The protest comes as Florida’s coronavirus situation worsens. According to figures produced by Nephron Research, of the top twenty metropolitan areas in the US seeing the highest growth in daily new coronavirus cases, nine of them are in Florida, with Miami the worst affected.
Lilian Abbo, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Miami, earlier this week described scenes in the state as like “Wuhan five or six months ago”.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, DC, has imposed two injunctions this morning prohibiting the federal Bureau of Prisons from moving forward with the execution Wesley Ira Purkey. The Justice Department filed immediate appeals in both cases. A separate temporary stay was already in place from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Purkey, who is next on the list to be executed by the federal government after a nearly 20-year hiatus, may have a better chance of avoiding lethal injection because he suffers from dementia and so, his lawyers say, can no longer grasp why he is slated to die.
He was convicted of a 1998 kidnapping and killing, and had been scheduled for execution today at the US Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, where Daniel Lewis Lee was put to death Tuesday after late legal bids failed to prevent the first federal execution since 2003.
Purkey, 68, of Lansing, Kansas, would be the second, but his lawyers were still expected to press for a ruling from the supreme court on his competency.
This competency issue is a very strong issue on paper, said Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. The supreme court has halted executions on this issue in the past. At a minimum, the question of whether Purkey dies is going to go down to the last minute, report Michael Balsamo and Michael Tarm for the Associated Press.
The issue of Purkeys mental health arose in the run-up to his 2003 trial and when, after the verdict, jurors had to decide whether he should be put to death in the killing of 16-year-old Jennifer Long in Kansas City, Missouri.
Prosecutors alleged that he raped and stabbed her, dismembered her with a chainsaw, burned her, then dumped her ashes 200 miles (320 kilometers) away in a septic pond in Kansas. Purkey was separately convicted and sentenced to life in the beating death of 80-year-old Mary Ruth Bales, of Kansas City, Kansas.
But the legal questions of whether he was mentally fit to stand trial or to be sentenced to die are different from the question of whether he is mentally fit enough now, in the hours before his scheduled execution, to be put to death.
Purkey’s lawyers argue he clearly is not, saying in recent filings that he suffers from advancing Alzheimers disease.He has long accepted responsibility for the crime that put him on death row, one of this lawyers, Rebecca Woodman, said. But as his dementia has progressed, he no longer has a rational understanding of why the government plans to execute him. Purkey believes his planned execution is part of a vast conspiracy involving his own attorneys.
While various legal issues in Purkey’s case have been hashed, rehashed and settled by courts over nearly two decades, the issue of mental fitness for execution can only be addressed once a date is set, according to Dunham, who also teaches law school courses on capital punishment. A date was only set last year.In a landmark 1986 decision, the US supreme court ruled that the Constitution prohibits putting someone to death who lacks a reasonable understanding of why he is being executed. It involved the case of Alvin Ford, who was convicted of murder but whose mental health deteriorated behind bars to the point where, according to his lawyer, he believed he was pope.The mother of the teen Purkey killed, Glenda Lamont, told the Kansas City Star last year she planned to attend the execution.
“I don’t want to say that I’m happy,” Lamont said. “At the same time, he is a crazy mad man that doesn’t deserve, in my opinion, to be breathing anymore.”