This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/jul/23/trump-coronavirus-live-portland-protests-federal-agents-latest-updates

The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
DoJ watchdog opens investigation into federal agents' actions in Portland – live DoJ watchdog opens investigation into federal agents' actions in Portland – live
(32 minutes later)
Inquiry to be conducted with homeland security department’s inspector general office in response to congressional requests and complaintsInquiry to be conducted with homeland security department’s inspector general office in response to congressional requests and complaints
It took only 15 days for the total number of coronavirus cases in the US to go from 3 million to 4 million.
In contrast, the number of US coronavirus cases surpassed 1 million 99 days after the country’s first case was confirmed.
The rapid escalation underscores the severity of the recent surge in new cases across dozens of US states.
The US currently accounts for about a quarter of all confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide, according to the data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
The number of coronavirus cases in the US has now surpassed 4 million, as dozens of states report increases in new infections.
According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, the US has confirmed 4,005,414 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. Of those cases, 143,820 Americans have died of the virus.
The US hit the alarming milestone a day after Fox News aired an interview with Trump in which the president argued coronavirus tests are “overrated.”
“To me, every time you test a case it gets reported in the news, we found more cases,” Trump said. “If instead of 50 we did 25, we have half the number of cases. So I personally think it’s overrated, but I am totally willing to keep doing it.”
But public health experts have actually blamed the recent surge in cases on states reopening and Americans abandoning social distancing practices because the rate of new infections is outpacing the expansion of testing.
Trump urged the “Suburban Housewives of America” to read a negative op-ed about Joe Biden, as the president seeks to turn around his plummeting polling numbers in suburban communities.
“The Suburban Housewives of America must read this article,” Trump said in a tweet linking to a New York Post op-ed. “Biden will destroy your neighborhood and your American Dream. I will preserve it, and make it even better!”
Surveys indicate the president has lost serious ground with suburban voters since his 2016 victory, and pollsters blame much of Trump’s sinking reelection fortunes on that erosion of support.
The president is clearly aware of this trend, and he has sought to scare suburban voters back into supporting him by warning Biden’s policies “will totally destroy the beautiful suburbs.”
But many commentators were more focused on Trump’s use of the outdated term “housewives” to describe women living in American suburbs.
The interior department inspector general announced an investigation into the forceful dispersal of protesters from Lafayette Square last month.The interior department inspector general announced an investigation into the forceful dispersal of protesters from Lafayette Square last month.
Justice department inspector general Michael Horowitz said his office would coordinate with the interior department’s team in their investigation of the actions taken against the DC protesters.Justice department inspector general Michael Horowitz said his office would coordinate with the interior department’s team in their investigation of the actions taken against the DC protesters.
The Trump administration received intense criticism after federal agents used tear gas to remove anti-racism protesters near the White House shortly before the president’s photo op at St John’s Church.The Trump administration received intense criticism after federal agents used tear gas to remove anti-racism protesters near the White House shortly before the president’s photo op at St John’s Church.
The justice department inspector general has announced an investigation into the actions taken by federal agents against protesters in Portland.The justice department inspector general has announced an investigation into the actions taken by federal agents against protesters in Portland.
“In response to Congressional requests, complaints received by the OIG, and a referral from the U.S. Attorney in Oregon, the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has opened an investigation into use of force allegations involving DOJ law enforcement personnel in Portland, Oregon in July 2020,” inspector general Michael Horowitz announced in a statement.“In response to Congressional requests, complaints received by the OIG, and a referral from the U.S. Attorney in Oregon, the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has opened an investigation into use of force allegations involving DOJ law enforcement personnel in Portland, Oregon in July 2020,” inspector general Michael Horowitz announced in a statement.
Horowitz said the investigation would be conducted with the department of homeland security’s inspector general office.Horowitz said the investigation would be conducted with the department of homeland security’s inspector general office.
Horowitz announced his office would also be “initiating a review to examine the DOJ’s and its law enforcement components’ roles and responsibilities in responding to protest activity and civil unrest in Washington, DC, and in Portland, Oregon over the prior two months.”Horowitz announced his office would also be “initiating a review to examine the DOJ’s and its law enforcement components’ roles and responsibilities in responding to protest activity and civil unrest in Washington, DC, and in Portland, Oregon over the prior two months.”
The statement specifically references “events in Lafayette Square on June 1, 2020,” when federal agents teargassed peaceful protesters near the White House.The statement specifically references “events in Lafayette Square on June 1, 2020,” when federal agents teargassed peaceful protesters near the White House.
Washington’s football team will be known as (wait for it) the Washington Football Team this season, after management bowed to pressure to change the team’s former racist name.Washington’s football team will be known as (wait for it) the Washington Football Team this season, after management bowed to pressure to change the team’s former racist name.
“The decision to use ‘Washington Football Team’ for this season allows the franchise the ability to undertake an in-depth branding process to properly include player, alumni, fan, community and sponsor input,” the team said in a statement.“The decision to use ‘Washington Football Team’ for this season allows the franchise the ability to undertake an in-depth branding process to properly include player, alumni, fan, community and sponsor input,” the team said in a statement.
“To date, we have been pleased to see so many people putting forward their vision of what the new name and design should be on their social media channels and we look forward to including their feedback as this process progresses.”“To date, we have been pleased to see so many people putting forward their vision of what the new name and design should be on their social media channels and we look forward to including their feedback as this process progresses.”
The team’s owner, Dan Snyder, resisted calls to change the team’s name for years, despite persistent criticsm that the former name was blatantly offensive to Native Americans.The team’s owner, Dan Snyder, resisted calls to change the team’s name for years, despite persistent criticsm that the former name was blatantly offensive to Native Americans.
But Snyder had a change of heart earlier this month, as protests against racism and police brutality put more pressure on the team to change its name.But Snyder had a change of heart earlier this month, as protests against racism and police brutality put more pressure on the team to change its name.
Three out of four Americans, including a majority of Republicans, are in favor of requiring people to wear face coverings while outside their homes due to concerns over spiking coronavirus cases, a new poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has found.Three out of four Americans, including a majority of Republicans, are in favor of requiring people to wear face coverings while outside their homes due to concerns over spiking coronavirus cases, a new poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has found.
The AP reports that the survey also found that “about two-thirds of Americans disapprove of how President Donald Trump is handling the outbreak, an unwelcome sign for the White House in an election year shaped by the nation’s battle with the pandemic.”The AP reports that the survey also found that “about two-thirds of Americans disapprove of how President Donald Trump is handling the outbreak, an unwelcome sign for the White House in an election year shaped by the nation’s battle with the pandemic.”
Facing dire poll numbers, surging cases and sharp criticism for lack of leadership, Trump reversed his previous stance on masks this week, and publicly urged Americans to wear them.Facing dire poll numbers, surging cases and sharp criticism for lack of leadership, Trump reversed his previous stance on masks this week, and publicly urged Americans to wear them.
“Get a mask, whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact. They’ll have an effect, and we need everything we can get,” the president said at a White House press conference on Tuesday, after months of refusing to wear a mask in public.“Get a mask, whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact. They’ll have an effect, and we need everything we can get,” the president said at a White House press conference on Tuesday, after months of refusing to wear a mask in public.
“I carry the mask ... I have the mask right here. I carry it and I will use it gladly.”“I carry the mask ... I have the mask right here. I carry it and I will use it gladly.”
Democrats are already signaling their dissatisfaction with the Republican coronavirus relief bill, which has not yet been released.Democrats are already signaling their dissatisfaction with the Republican coronavirus relief bill, which has not yet been released.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats expected the bill to lack money for child food assistance, rental assistance and hazard pay for frontline workers.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats expected the bill to lack money for child food assistance, rental assistance and hazard pay for frontline workers.
“It won’t get the job done,” Schumer said.“It won’t get the job done,” Schumer said.
Meanwhile, Republicans are struggling to even reach a final decision on what their proposal will look like.Meanwhile, Republicans are struggling to even reach a final decision on what their proposal will look like.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell was supposed to release the text of the bill this morning, but that was pushed back.Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell was supposed to release the text of the bill this morning, but that was pushed back.
McConnell instead met with treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows this morning, but he has not yet unveiled the legislationMcConnell instead met with treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows this morning, but he has not yet unveiled the legislation
All of the delays do not inspire much confidence that Congress will be able to pass a bill by next week, when additional unemployment benefits are set to expire.All of the delays do not inspire much confidence that Congress will be able to pass a bill by next week, when additional unemployment benefits are set to expire.
Congresswoman Liz Cheney reacted to Trump’s tweet this morning criticizing her after several of the president’s closest congressional allies called on her to step down as chairwoman of the House Republican conference.Congresswoman Liz Cheney reacted to Trump’s tweet this morning criticizing her after several of the president’s closest congressional allies called on her to step down as chairwoman of the House Republican conference.
“It’s no secret the president and I disagree on some foreign policy issues,” the Republican congresswoman told a Politico reporter.“It’s no secret the president and I disagree on some foreign policy issues,” the Republican congresswoman told a Politico reporter.
Trump tweeted this morning, “Liz Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars.”Trump tweeted this morning, “Liz Cheney is only upset because I have been actively getting our great and beautiful Country out of the ridiculous and costly Endless Wars.”
But Cheney said her top priority, as a member of the House armed services committee, is to “provide for the defense of the nation.”But Cheney said her top priority, as a member of the House armed services committee, is to “provide for the defense of the nation.”
She added that she would continue to speak out on matters of foreign policy, virtually ensuring future dust-ups with the president.She added that she would continue to speak out on matters of foreign policy, virtually ensuring future dust-ups with the president.
The White House has released a readout from Trump’s call today with Russian President Vladimir Putin.The White House has released a readout from Trump’s call today with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. President Trump and President Putin discussed efforts to defeat the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to reopen global economies,” the readout says.“Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. President Trump and President Putin discussed efforts to defeat the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to reopen global economies,” the readout says.
“The two leaders also discussed critical bilateral and global issues. President Trump reiterated his hope of avoiding an expensive three-way arms race between China, Russia, and the United States and looked forward to progress on upcoming arms control negotiations in Vienna.”“The two leaders also discussed critical bilateral and global issues. President Trump reiterated his hope of avoiding an expensive three-way arms race between China, Russia, and the United States and looked forward to progress on upcoming arms control negotiations in Vienna.”
The readout makes no mention of Trump pressing Putin on reports that Russia offered bounties to Taliban insurgents to kill American troops.The readout makes no mention of Trump pressing Putin on reports that Russia offered bounties to Taliban insurgents to kill American troops.
The US president also does not appear to have asked his Russian counterpart about allegations that Kremlin-backed hackers targeted coronavirus vaccine researchers in the US, the UK and Canada.The US president also does not appear to have asked his Russian counterpart about allegations that Kremlin-backed hackers targeted coronavirus vaccine researchers in the US, the UK and Canada.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Another 1.4 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week. The figure marks a slight uptick from the week before, ending four months of declines in the country’s weekly unemployment claims. Additional unemployment benefits are set to expire next week.Another 1.4 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week. The figure marks a slight uptick from the week before, ending four months of declines in the country’s weekly unemployment claims. Additional unemployment benefits are set to expire next week.
The mayor of Portland was teargassed last night during protests against the presence of federal agents in the city. The incident occurred hours after Trump announced plans to send federal troops to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well.The mayor of Portland was teargassed last night during protests against the presence of federal agents in the city. The incident occurred hours after Trump announced plans to send federal troops to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well.
A federal judge ruled Michael Cohen should be released from prison. US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein said the president’s former lawyer should be allowed to return to home confinement, concluding that Cohen’s imprisonment was “retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights.” Cohen announced earlier this month that he was nearing completion of his book on the president.A federal judge ruled Michael Cohen should be released from prison. US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein said the president’s former lawyer should be allowed to return to home confinement, concluding that Cohen’s imprisonment was “retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights.” Cohen announced earlier this month that he was nearing completion of his book on the president.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Trump incorrectly placed the blame squarely on Democrats for quashing his effort to add a payroll tax cut to the next coronavirus relief bill.Trump incorrectly placed the blame squarely on Democrats for quashing his effort to add a payroll tax cut to the next coronavirus relief bill.
“The Democrats have stated strongly that they won’t approve a Payroll Tax Cut (too bad!). It would be great for workers,” Trump said in a tweet.“The Democrats have stated strongly that they won’t approve a Payroll Tax Cut (too bad!). It would be great for workers,” Trump said in a tweet.
“The Republicans, therefore, didn’t want to ask for it. Dems, as usual, are hurting the working men and women of our Country!”“The Republicans, therefore, didn’t want to ask for it. Dems, as usual, are hurting the working men and women of our Country!”
In reality, many Republican lawmakers made clear they were against a payroll tax cut and would not support adding it to the next relief bill.In reality, many Republican lawmakers made clear they were against a payroll tax cut and would not support adding it to the next relief bill.
A number of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle argued it did not make sense to provide a tax cut to working Americans when the unemployment rate is in double digits.A number of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle argued it did not make sense to provide a tax cut to working Americans when the unemployment rate is in double digits.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin confirmed in an interview this morning that the tax cut would not be in the “base bill” of the next relief package.Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin confirmed in an interview this morning that the tax cut would not be in the “base bill” of the next relief package.
“The president’s preference is to make sure that we send out direct payments quickly, so that in August, people get more money,” Mnuchin said.“The president’s preference is to make sure that we send out direct payments quickly, so that in August, people get more money,” Mnuchin said.
The Guardian’s Valerie Yurk reports:The Guardian’s Valerie Yurk reports:
Forty states lack mandates to fully protect citizens from electricity, gas and water disconnections as leniency measures for paying bills expire, making Americans affected by the economic downturn vulnerable to one of the hottest summers on record and the continued spread of the coronavirus, according to a report from Senate Democrats.Forty states lack mandates to fully protect citizens from electricity, gas and water disconnections as leniency measures for paying bills expire, making Americans affected by the economic downturn vulnerable to one of the hottest summers on record and the continued spread of the coronavirus, according to a report from Senate Democrats.
Among the states offering no protection for its residents are Texas and other southern states that have seen a rise in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. Most states only partially protect citizens from utility shut offs – meaning utility companies have voluntarily agreed to suspend disconnections but are not mandated to do so.Among the states offering no protection for its residents are Texas and other southern states that have seen a rise in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. Most states only partially protect citizens from utility shut offs – meaning utility companies have voluntarily agreed to suspend disconnections but are not mandated to do so.
Some state utility shutoff moratoriums don’t apply to publicly-owned utilities, which, in Ohio, accounts for 70% of residential water sources, according to the report.Some state utility shutoff moratoriums don’t apply to publicly-owned utilities, which, in Ohio, accounts for 70% of residential water sources, according to the report.
Greer Ryan, energy policy analyst for the Center for Biological Diversity, said this particularly impacts communities of color, who were not only more vulnerable to utility insecurity before the pandemic, but also are more likely to get Covid-19 and suffer from the effects of rising temperatures.Greer Ryan, energy policy analyst for the Center for Biological Diversity, said this particularly impacts communities of color, who were not only more vulnerable to utility insecurity before the pandemic, but also are more likely to get Covid-19 and suffer from the effects of rising temperatures.
“Most people who have their utilities disconnected don’t know when they’re coming back on,” Ryan said. “Add that to the stress of the economic crisis, this is extra horrifying for families.”“Most people who have their utilities disconnected don’t know when they’re coming back on,” Ryan said. “Add that to the stress of the economic crisis, this is extra horrifying for families.”
Senator Tom Carper, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, is urging Congress to consider offering financial assistance to those struggling with utility bills due to unemployment or illness while also requiring utilities stay connected during the COVID-19 crisis. More than 830 organizations, 113 members of Congress and hundreds of thousands of people have joined Carper’s call.Senator Tom Carper, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, is urging Congress to consider offering financial assistance to those struggling with utility bills due to unemployment or illness while also requiring utilities stay connected during the COVID-19 crisis. More than 830 organizations, 113 members of Congress and hundreds of thousands of people have joined Carper’s call.
“I would ask my colleagues to imagine what it’s like to manage a fever without access to air conditioning on a 100-degree day. I would ask my colleagues to imagine what it’s like to go without running water at a time when we’re being encouraged to wash our hands with soap and clean water to slow the spread of this deadly virulent disease,” Carper said. “This is not just about ensuring a fair and basic quality of life in our country, this is also a public health imperative.”“I would ask my colleagues to imagine what it’s like to manage a fever without access to air conditioning on a 100-degree day. I would ask my colleagues to imagine what it’s like to go without running water at a time when we’re being encouraged to wash our hands with soap and clean water to slow the spread of this deadly virulent disease,” Carper said. “This is not just about ensuring a fair and basic quality of life in our country, this is also a public health imperative.”
US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein said Michael Cohen should be released from prison by 2 pm tomorrow.US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein said Michael Cohen should be released from prison by 2 pm tomorrow.
Trump’s former lawyer was taken back into federal custody on July 9, a week after he tweeted that he was nearing completion of his book on the president.Trump’s former lawyer was taken back into federal custody on July 9, a week after he tweeted that he was nearing completion of his book on the president.
Probation officials said Cohen’s home confinement was revoked after he refused to sign a form banning him from publishing his book or publicly communicating in other forums.Probation officials said Cohen’s home confinement was revoked after he refused to sign a form banning him from publishing his book or publicly communicating in other forums.
In May, Cohen was released from prison early due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus among inmates.In May, Cohen was released from prison early due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus among inmates.
A federal judge has ruled Michael Cohen, the president’s former lawyer and fixer, should be released from prison.A federal judge has ruled Michael Cohen, the president’s former lawyer and fixer, should be released from prison.
US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein said Cohen should be allowed to return to home confinement, concluding that his imprisonment was “retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights.”US District Judge Alvin K Hellerstein said Cohen should be allowed to return to home confinement, concluding that his imprisonment was “retaliatory because of his desire to exercise his First Amendment rights.”
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the administration earlier this week, arguing Cohen had been imprisoned because of his plans to write a book about Trump.The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the administration earlier this week, arguing Cohen had been imprisoned because of his plans to write a book about Trump.
“He is being held in retaliation for his protected speech,” the ACLU lawsuit said, “including drafting a book manuscript that is critical of the president – and recently making public his intention to publish that book soon, shortly before the upcoming election about President Trump.”“He is being held in retaliation for his protected speech,” the ACLU lawsuit said, “including drafting a book manuscript that is critical of the president – and recently making public his intention to publish that book soon, shortly before the upcoming election about President Trump.”