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US passes 150,000 coronavirus deaths amid surge in cases – live US passes 150,000 coronavirus deaths amid surge in cases – live
(30 minutes later)
US surpassed another tragic threshold, as Johns Hopkins University’s Covid-19 tracking system reported 150,034 Americans deathsUS surpassed another tragic threshold, as Johns Hopkins University’s Covid-19 tracking system reported 150,034 Americans deaths
For updates on how the coronavirus pandemic is playing out around the world, follow The Guardian’s live global coverage: For updates on how the coronavirus pandemic is playing out around the world, follow the Guardian’s live global coverage:
Brazil confirmed nearly 70,000 coronavirus cases in new daily record. The country recorded 69,074 new confirmed cases and 1,595 related deaths, as the world’s second-worst outbreak accelerates toward the milestone of 100,000 lives cut short.Brazil confirmed nearly 70,000 coronavirus cases in new daily record. The country recorded 69,074 new confirmed cases and 1,595 related deaths, as the world’s second-worst outbreak accelerates toward the milestone of 100,000 lives cut short.
Guatemala is burying dozens of unidentified Covid-19 dead. Hospitals say they have had to bury dozens of Covid-19 victims who have never been identified, with one hospital creating archives in hopes that once the pandemic passes relatives will come looking for them.Guatemala is burying dozens of unidentified Covid-19 dead. Hospitals say they have had to bury dozens of Covid-19 victims who have never been identified, with one hospital creating archives in hopes that once the pandemic passes relatives will come looking for them.
France saw its highest daily increase in cases in more than a month. The number of new coronavirus infections in France rose by 1,392 on Wednesday, a figure likely to fuel fears of a second wave despite officials downplaying such a scenario.France saw its highest daily increase in cases in more than a month. The number of new coronavirus infections in France rose by 1,392 on Wednesday, a figure likely to fuel fears of a second wave despite officials downplaying such a scenario.
The Catalan government eased lockdown in city of Lleida. 160,000 people had been ordered to stay home following a spike in infections.The Catalan government eased lockdown in city of Lleida. 160,000 people had been ordered to stay home following a spike in infections.
Lebanon reported its highest single-day infection tally. The country reporter 182 new coronavirus cases, ahead of fresh lockdown measures that go into effect at midnight.Lebanon reported its highest single-day infection tally. The country reporter 182 new coronavirus cases, ahead of fresh lockdown measures that go into effect at midnight.
Barack Obama is expected to eulogize John Lewis at the civil rights icon and Georgia congressman’s funeral in Atlanta tomorrow, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Barack Obama is expected to eulogize John Lewis, the civil rights icon and Georgia congressman, at the funeral in Atlanta tomorrow, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Obama awarded Lewis the presidential medal of freedom in 2011. The former US president first met the venerated civil rights leader when Obama was in law school. “When I was elected President of the United States, I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made,” Obama said when Lewis died. “And through all those years, he never stopped providing wisdom and encouragement to me and Michelle and our family. We will miss him dearly.”Obama awarded Lewis the presidential medal of freedom in 2011. The former US president first met the venerated civil rights leader when Obama was in law school. “When I was elected President of the United States, I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made,” Obama said when Lewis died. “And through all those years, he never stopped providing wisdom and encouragement to me and Michelle and our family. We will miss him dearly.”
More than five hours after they commenced, the historic Congressional hearing of the biggest tech companies in the world over antitrust concerns have come to an end. Here are some highlights from the long day.More than five hours after they commenced, the historic Congressional hearing of the biggest tech companies in the world over antitrust concerns have come to an end. Here are some highlights from the long day.
Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon were represented by their CEOs at the hearing with the House antitrust subcommittee.Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon were represented by their CEOs at the hearing with the House antitrust subcommittee.
Lawmakers cited “millions” of pages of evidence from years of antitrust investigations into these companies. Throughout the hearing, they brought up information gleaned from internal documents and conversations with anonymous sources in side the tech companies.Lawmakers cited “millions” of pages of evidence from years of antitrust investigations into these companies. Throughout the hearing, they brought up information gleaned from internal documents and conversations with anonymous sources in side the tech companies.
Democratic lawmakers remained largely focused on antitrust issues, including market share and anti-competitive business practices while Republican lawmakers often zeroed in on perceived biases against conservatives on big tech platforms.Democratic lawmakers remained largely focused on antitrust issues, including market share and anti-competitive business practices while Republican lawmakers often zeroed in on perceived biases against conservatives on big tech platforms.
Facebook faced most intensive criticism over its acquisition of Instagram.Facebook faced most intensive criticism over its acquisition of Instagram.
Apple faced most intensive criticism over its App store and whether it blocks competitors from using it.Apple faced most intensive criticism over its App store and whether it blocks competitors from using it.
Google faced most intensive criticism over its advertising policies and its treatment of competitors.Google faced most intensive criticism over its advertising policies and its treatment of competitors.
Amazon faced most intensive criticism over how it treats third-party brands on its site and whether it collects information from them and uses it to develop competing products (a practice that was reported on in April by the Wall Street Journal).Amazon faced most intensive criticism over how it treats third-party brands on its site and whether it collects information from them and uses it to develop competing products (a practice that was reported on in April by the Wall Street Journal).
Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat of Rhode Island, closed the hearing with a dramatic statement that seemed to suggest legislative action would be coming for the companies who participated today. “These companies as they exist today have monopoly power,” he said. “Some need to be broken up, all need to be properly regulated and held accountable.”Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat of Rhode Island, closed the hearing with a dramatic statement that seemed to suggest legislative action would be coming for the companies who participated today. “These companies as they exist today have monopoly power,” he said. “Some need to be broken up, all need to be properly regulated and held accountable.”
A federal judge in New York has stopped the Trump administration from implmenting its “public charge” rule, which stipulates that immigrants who use public benefits could be denied green cards.A federal judge in New York has stopped the Trump administration from implmenting its “public charge” rule, which stipulates that immigrants who use public benefits could be denied green cards.
Judge George Daniels said the police discourages immigrants from seeking coronavirus testing and could threaten efforts to contain and suppress the pandemic. He blocked the administration from implementing the policy during the health crisis.Judge George Daniels said the police discourages immigrants from seeking coronavirus testing and could threaten efforts to contain and suppress the pandemic. He blocked the administration from implementing the policy during the health crisis.
“Any policy that deters residents from seeking testing and treatment for COVID-19 increases the risk of infection for such residents and the public. Adverse government action that targets immigrants, however, is particularly dangerous during a pandemic,” Daniels wrote in his ruling.“Any policy that deters residents from seeking testing and treatment for COVID-19 increases the risk of infection for such residents and the public. Adverse government action that targets immigrants, however, is particularly dangerous during a pandemic,” Daniels wrote in his ruling.
The case could now go to the Supreme Cout, which previously denied requests from states to block the policy while legal challenges played out in lower courts.The case could now go to the Supreme Cout, which previously denied requests from states to block the policy while legal challenges played out in lower courts.
Several months ago, I reported that the rule has had a “chilling effect” - discouraging immigrants from seeking healthcare and other essential benefits out of fear that it will affect their ability to remain in the US:Several months ago, I reported that the rule has had a “chilling effect” - discouraging immigrants from seeking healthcare and other essential benefits out of fear that it will affect their ability to remain in the US:
California state lawmakers are considering a plan to continue a $600 weekly unemployment benefit for state residents if Congress does not extend the emergency funding this month.California state lawmakers are considering a plan to continue a $600 weekly unemployment benefit for state residents if Congress does not extend the emergency funding this month.
“We have millions of Californians that are on a financial cliff,” said Phil Ting, a Democratic state lawmaker from San Francisco. “They really need that money to pay rent, to buy food, to pay for everyday living expenses.”“We have millions of Californians that are on a financial cliff,” said Phil Ting, a Democratic state lawmaker from San Francisco. “They really need that money to pay rent, to buy food, to pay for everyday living expenses.”
Cuts in federal emergency assistance would probably put more California residents in danger of losing their housing, and could make California’s homelessness crisis even worse, Ting said.Cuts in federal emergency assistance would probably put more California residents in danger of losing their housing, and could make California’s homelessness crisis even worse, Ting said.
“The number one way you prevent the spread of Covid is you keep people in their homes,” he said.“The number one way you prevent the spread of Covid is you keep people in their homes,” he said.
Nancy Pelosi has announced that Congressmembers and their staff will be required to wear face masks while on House floor.Nancy Pelosi has announced that Congressmembers and their staff will be required to wear face masks while on House floor.
The requirement comes after Louie Gohmert of Texas, one of several Republican lawmakers who resisted wearing masks in recent weeks, tested positive for Covid-19.The requirement comes after Louie Gohmert of Texas, one of several Republican lawmakers who resisted wearing masks in recent weeks, tested positive for Covid-19.
All the state-run testing sites will close on Thursday evening and won’t reopen until at least Tuesday, according to officials. The National Hurricane Center is predicting that a looming tropical weather system will develop into a storm, and the state’s emergency management division is closing sites as a precaution, officials said in an email sent to testing site managers, per local station WCTV.All the state-run testing sites will close on Thursday evening and won’t reopen until at least Tuesday, according to officials. The National Hurricane Center is predicting that a looming tropical weather system will develop into a storm, and the state’s emergency management division is closing sites as a precaution, officials said in an email sent to testing site managers, per local station WCTV.
Florida is currently a major coronavirus hotspot, with more than 451,000 cases.Florida is currently a major coronavirus hotspot, with more than 451,000 cases.
The administration and Republicans have yet to reach a deal with Congressional Democrats for an economic relief package. “We are still very far apart on a lot of issues,” treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at the capitol. “We’re far from an agreement.”The administration and Republicans have yet to reach a deal with Congressional Democrats for an economic relief package. “We are still very far apart on a lot of issues,” treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at the capitol. “We’re far from an agreement.”
The administration floated a short-term extension for a $600-a-week unemployment benefit for tens of millions of Americans, which is set to expire on Friday. Democrats want to extend that $600 per week benefit, which Congress first approved in March as part of the CARES Act, and a provision halting eviction through the end of the year. Republicans have opposed the aid, which they say disincentivizes workers.The administration floated a short-term extension for a $600-a-week unemployment benefit for tens of millions of Americans, which is set to expire on Friday. Democrats want to extend that $600 per week benefit, which Congress first approved in March as part of the CARES Act, and a provision halting eviction through the end of the year. Republicans have opposed the aid, which they say disincentivizes workers.
After the president announced that he will recall federal officers from Portland, Mijente, a Latinx & Chicanx advocacy group, denounced the Department of Homeland security:After the president announced that he will recall federal officers from Portland, Mijente, a Latinx & Chicanx advocacy group, denounced the Department of Homeland security:
“The federal agents who descended on the city, uninvited and unwelcome, in unmarked vehicles, disappearing people with little to no regard for civil liberties, come from the Department of Homeland Security. This agency is bloated, overfunded, and it operates with impunity,” co-founder Marisa Franco wrote in a statement shared with The Guardian.“The federal agents who descended on the city, uninvited and unwelcome, in unmarked vehicles, disappearing people with little to no regard for civil liberties, come from the Department of Homeland Security. This agency is bloated, overfunded, and it operates with impunity,” co-founder Marisa Franco wrote in a statement shared with The Guardian.
“If this is what they do to mostly white US citizens in front of the media, imagine what they are doing to people in their custody, to people who are seeking refuge in isolated parts of the border,” she said. “Trump must be defeated in November. Trumpism must be defeated as well. That means dismantling agencies like DHS, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol.”“If this is what they do to mostly white US citizens in front of the media, imagine what they are doing to people in their custody, to people who are seeking refuge in isolated parts of the border,” she said. “Trump must be defeated in November. Trumpism must be defeated as well. That means dismantling agencies like DHS, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol.”
Alexandra Villarreal reports from Hidalgo county, Texas:Alexandra Villarreal reports from Hidalgo county, Texas:
The coronavirus pandemic haunts almost everything in this part of the Rio Grande valley, where more than 92% of the almost 900,000 strong population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.The coronavirus pandemic haunts almost everything in this part of the Rio Grande valley, where more than 92% of the almost 900,000 strong population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
Hand-sanitizing machines and big bins with masks and gloves surround shoppers at the regional grocery store. Outside of Nomad Shrine Club, a rundown event space turned drive-thru pop-up, residents join a long line of people in cars in search of a Covid-19 test with rapid results. Even Tex Mex, a gentlemen’s club, has a somber message for patrons: “Clothed Again.”Hand-sanitizing machines and big bins with masks and gloves surround shoppers at the regional grocery store. Outside of Nomad Shrine Club, a rundown event space turned drive-thru pop-up, residents join a long line of people in cars in search of a Covid-19 test with rapid results. Even Tex Mex, a gentlemen’s club, has a somber message for patrons: “Clothed Again.”
“The Rio Grande Valley has become the hotspot of a hotspot of a hotspot,” said Ivan Melendez, Hidalgo county’s health authority and a practicing clinician. “We’re at the epicenter of the coronavirus in the United States.”“The Rio Grande Valley has become the hotspot of a hotspot of a hotspot,” said Ivan Melendez, Hidalgo county’s health authority and a practicing clinician. “We’re at the epicenter of the coronavirus in the United States.”
Melendez recalled recently encountering a critically ill patient with an alarmingly low pulse. He tried to warn someone, but nurses informed him that a different doctor had already decided not to intervene because they “didn’t expect for [the patient] to survive”.Melendez recalled recently encountering a critically ill patient with an alarmingly low pulse. He tried to warn someone, but nurses informed him that a different doctor had already decided not to intervene because they “didn’t expect for [the patient] to survive”.
In the United States, where the prevailing mantra for physicians is “do no harm”, that kind of ruthless calculation strikes deep, especially when so many of the lives at stake are medically vulnerable and easily exploited.In the United States, where the prevailing mantra for physicians is “do no harm”, that kind of ruthless calculation strikes deep, especially when so many of the lives at stake are medically vulnerable and easily exploited.
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy made a Freudian slip, it seems.House minority leader Kevin McCarthy made a Freudian slip, it seems.
Donald Trump, in Texas, has signed several permits for the energy industry, including one allowing the export of oil from Texas to Mexico.Donald Trump, in Texas, has signed several permits for the energy industry, including one allowing the export of oil from Texas to Mexico.
The oil industry has been ailing, and the pandemic has made things worse. Today, Trump has been touting his rollback of environmental regulations and deriding Democrats’ plans to combat climate change.The oil industry has been ailing, and the pandemic has made things worse. Today, Trump has been touting his rollback of environmental regulations and deriding Democrats’ plans to combat climate change.
He called Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez’s environmental plan the “Green New Deal Disaster.” “I added the fourth word,” the president helpfully told reporters.He called Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez’s environmental plan the “Green New Deal Disaster.” “I added the fourth word,” the president helpfully told reporters.
Barack Obama on Wednesday spoke out in continued support of the Black Lives Matter protests and expressed hope that they will inspire greater community cooperation in America while warning things could go either way.Barack Obama on Wednesday spoke out in continued support of the Black Lives Matter protests and expressed hope that they will inspire greater community cooperation in America while warning things could go either way.
Speaking on the debut podcast of his wife, Michelle Obama, in a dialogue between the two, the 44th president did not talk explicitly about Donald Trump but agreed that some voters are discouraged from exercising their rights when they see a government in dysfunction.Speaking on the debut podcast of his wife, Michelle Obama, in a dialogue between the two, the 44th president did not talk explicitly about Donald Trump but agreed that some voters are discouraged from exercising their rights when they see a government in dysfunction.
Michelle Obama said: “The thing that I worry is that I hear, I think, too many young people who question whether voting, whether politics is worth it.”Michelle Obama said: “The thing that I worry is that I hear, I think, too many young people who question whether voting, whether politics is worth it.”
Barack Obama pointed out that “the only time they know about what government is doing is when...” with his wife interjecting “…is when it doesn’t work, right?”Barack Obama pointed out that “the only time they know about what government is doing is when...” with his wife interjecting “…is when it doesn’t work, right?”
The former president agreed, saying: “So we’re getting a good lesson in that right now.”The former president agreed, saying: “So we’re getting a good lesson in that right now.”
He spoke of his hope that the kind of societal efforts that led to greater prosperity in the fifties, sixties and seventies come around again, but with greater advocacy for all.He spoke of his hope that the kind of societal efforts that led to greater prosperity in the fifties, sixties and seventies come around again, but with greater advocacy for all.
“This time let’s do it in a way that genuinely includes everybody,” he said. “If you take the blinders of racism, sexism, homophobia... All those things off. And say really our tribe is everybody.”“This time let’s do it in a way that genuinely includes everybody,” he said. “If you take the blinders of racism, sexism, homophobia... All those things off. And say really our tribe is everybody.”
But he warned of the forces of division.But he warned of the forces of division.
“It could still go both ways in this country just like it’s teetering one way or the other in countries all around the world,” he said.“It could still go both ways in this country just like it’s teetering one way or the other in countries all around the world,” he said.
Johns Hopkins University’s Covid-19 tracking project reported 150,034 people in America have died of Covid-19 at about 4pm ET Wednesday.Johns Hopkins University’s Covid-19 tracking project reported 150,034 people in America have died of Covid-19 at about 4pm ET Wednesday.
America’s terrible milestone comes as 21 states reach the “red zone” for potential Covid-19 outbreaks.America’s terrible milestone comes as 21 states reach the “red zone” for potential Covid-19 outbreaks.
The news came as Donald Trump traveled to Texas today, not to visit hospitals, doctors or patients, but to attend a fundraiser and visit an oil rig.The news came as Donald Trump traveled to Texas today, not to visit hospitals, doctors or patients, but to attend a fundraiser and visit an oil rig.
He also spent time tweeting about the “Suburban Lifestyle Dream,” which he said would be free of low-income housing projects, because his administration rolled back protections on racial housing discrimination. The tweet has been condemned as racist and classist.He also spent time tweeting about the “Suburban Lifestyle Dream,” which he said would be free of low-income housing projects, because his administration rolled back protections on racial housing discrimination. The tweet has been condemned as racist and classist.
Segregated housing is a major driver of health disparities that have placed black, Latino and Native American people at disproportionate risk for Covid-19 infection and death.Segregated housing is a major driver of health disparities that have placed black, Latino and Native American people at disproportionate risk for Covid-19 infection and death.
US Republican Representative Louie Gohmert tested positive for coronavirus today, as did a Texas Republican running for office who was meant to greet the president. Gohmert has refused to wear a mask. Aides in Gohmert’s office said they were goaded when they wore masks.US Republican Representative Louie Gohmert tested positive for coronavirus today, as did a Texas Republican running for office who was meant to greet the president. Gohmert has refused to wear a mask. Aides in Gohmert’s office said they were goaded when they wore masks.
US Representative Francis Rooney became the first Republican to vote by proxy today, despite Republican leadership’s attempts to end the practice brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.US Representative Francis Rooney became the first Republican to vote by proxy today, despite Republican leadership’s attempts to end the practice brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here is one image from just outside McAllen, Texas, where nurses treated a patient in one of several Covid-19 wards this month.Here is one image from just outside McAllen, Texas, where nurses treated a patient in one of several Covid-19 wards this month.
Guardian voting rights reporter Sam Levine gives us this dispatch on franchise:Guardian voting rights reporter Sam Levine gives us this dispatch on franchise:
Kentucky’s mail-in voting ballots appear to have a “major design flaw,” according to an analysis of state data obtained by the Guardian. Kentucky officials rejected 32,349 mail-in ballots during the state’s June primary election, more than one-quarter of which were rejected because of a missing perforated flap.Kentucky’s mail-in voting ballots appear to have a “major design flaw,” according to an analysis of state data obtained by the Guardian. Kentucky officials rejected 32,349 mail-in ballots during the state’s June primary election, more than one-quarter of which were rejected because of a missing perforated flap.
Even though the number is a fraction of the more than 1 million votes cast in Kentucky’s on June 23, they illuminate a problem for the general election in November. The state has a closely-watched US Senate race between Democrat Amy McGrath and Republican Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader and one of the most powerful men in Washington.Even though the number is a fraction of the more than 1 million votes cast in Kentucky’s on June 23, they illuminate a problem for the general election in November. The state has a closely-watched US Senate race between Democrat Amy McGrath and Republican Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader and one of the most powerful men in Washington.
Among those rejected, a significant chunk were because of a problem with an inner envelope on the absentee ballot, according to an analysis of the data by University of Florida professor Michael McDonald. Kentucky requires voters to fill out and sign both an inner envelope – which they put their actual ballot in – and then an outer envelope, which they put the inner envelope in.Among those rejected, a significant chunk were because of a problem with an inner envelope on the absentee ballot, according to an analysis of the data by University of Florida professor Michael McDonald. Kentucky requires voters to fill out and sign both an inner envelope – which they put their actual ballot in – and then an outer envelope, which they put the inner envelope in.
The inner envelope contains a perforated flap voters have to sign, but 3,932 ballots were rejected because the flap was unattached when it was returned. Another 3,332 ballots were rejected because the inner envelope was unsealed and 1,484 more ballots went uncounted because they didn’t have a signature on the inner envelope. In total, 27% of rejected ballots in Kentucky were because of an inner envelope problem.The inner envelope contains a perforated flap voters have to sign, but 3,932 ballots were rejected because the flap was unattached when it was returned. Another 3,332 ballots were rejected because the inner envelope was unsealed and 1,484 more ballots went uncounted because they didn’t have a signature on the inner envelope. In total, 27% of rejected ballots in Kentucky were because of an inner envelope problem.
“Over a quarter of the ballots that are being rejected [are] for some issue that seems to be a major design flaw with this inner envelope,” McDonald said. “We’re already at 9,000 ballots that are being rejected now. We could be looking at close to 20,000 if that US senate race is close, that could be determinative of the election outcome.”“Over a quarter of the ballots that are being rejected [are] for some issue that seems to be a major design flaw with this inner envelope,” McDonald said. “We’re already at 9,000 ballots that are being rejected now. We could be looking at close to 20,000 if that US senate race is close, that could be determinative of the election outcome.”
McDonald noted the inner envelope issue could have caused even more ballots to be rejected. Another 11,670 ballots were rejected because of a signature issue, but local election officials did not include whether the signature defect was on the inner or outer envelope.McDonald noted the inner envelope issue could have caused even more ballots to be rejected. Another 11,670 ballots were rejected because of a signature issue, but local election officials did not include whether the signature defect was on the inner or outer envelope.
A handful of other states use inner envelopes to ensure the secrecy of a voter’s ballot, but McDonald said in most other states the voter did not have to do anything with the inner envelope and just had to sign the outer one.A handful of other states use inner envelopes to ensure the secrecy of a voter’s ballot, but McDonald said in most other states the voter did not have to do anything with the inner envelope and just had to sign the outer one.
“There is no clear purpose for signing the inner envelope other than to trip up voters and provide an excuse to reject their absentee ballots,” he wrote in his analysis. “Election officials should provide voters with an inner envelope where the flap does not detach. Kentucky should not require a second signature, which is unnecessary to establish a voter’s identity.”“There is no clear purpose for signing the inner envelope other than to trip up voters and provide an excuse to reject their absentee ballots,” he wrote in his analysis. “Election officials should provide voters with an inner envelope where the flap does not detach. Kentucky should not require a second signature, which is unnecessary to establish a voter’s identity.”
The rejections underscore a worry that many voters could have their ballots rejected this fall for technical reasons, even though they are eligible voters. States can disqualify ballots for a number of reasons, including problems with a signature, or if a voter forgets to include information.The rejections underscore a worry that many voters could have their ballots rejected this fall for technical reasons, even though they are eligible voters. States can disqualify ballots for a number of reasons, including problems with a signature, or if a voter forgets to include information.
Mail-in ballot rejections typically don’t get a lot of attention, but as more people vote by mail for the first time because of the Covid-19 pandemic, more people will have their ballots thrown out. Research has shown that first time voters, young people, and minorities are more likely to have their mail-in ballots rejected.Mail-in ballot rejections typically don’t get a lot of attention, but as more people vote by mail for the first time because of the Covid-19 pandemic, more people will have their ballots thrown out. Research has shown that first time voters, young people, and minorities are more likely to have their mail-in ballots rejected.
The United States has surpassed another tragic threshold, as Johns Hopkins University’s Covid-19 tracking system reported 150,034 Americans died of Covid-19. The threshold was passed at about 4pm ET Wednesday.The United States has surpassed another tragic threshold, as Johns Hopkins University’s Covid-19 tracking system reported 150,034 Americans died of Covid-19. The threshold was passed at about 4pm ET Wednesday.
Since the first case of Covid-19 in January, the United States has emerged as an outlier, representing one-sixth of the 662,000 worldwide deaths from Covid-19 and so far failing to contain the spread of coronavirus.Since the first case of Covid-19 in January, the United States has emerged as an outlier, representing one-sixth of the 662,000 worldwide deaths from Covid-19 and so far failing to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The center of the pandemic has moved from the American northeast, where widespread shutdowns began in New York City in March, to the sun belt region stretching from Florida to Southern California this summer, and as 21 more states are declared red zones for Covid-19 outbreaks.The center of the pandemic has moved from the American northeast, where widespread shutdowns began in New York City in March, to the sun belt region stretching from Florida to Southern California this summer, and as 21 more states are declared red zones for Covid-19 outbreaks.
It also comes just one day after Trump praised a doctor who spread misinformation online and who believes alien DNA is used in medical treatments, and weeks before schools were set to reopen, a milestone many thought would be safe and achievable this spring.It also comes just one day after Trump praised a doctor who spread misinformation online and who believes alien DNA is used in medical treatments, and weeks before schools were set to reopen, a milestone many thought would be safe and achievable this spring.
Today, Trump is in Texas, one of the worst-hit states in the nation, but not to visit hospitals, doctors or patients.Today, Trump is in Texas, one of the worst-hit states in the nation, but not to visit hospitals, doctors or patients.
Instead, he is attending a fundraiser and visiting an oil rig.Instead, he is attending a fundraiser and visiting an oil rig.
Representative Francis Rooney from Florida becomes the first Republican Congressman to vote by proxy, saying the Capitol is not safe.Representative Francis Rooney from Florida becomes the first Republican Congressman to vote by proxy, saying the Capitol is not safe.
Texas Representative Louie Gohmert tested positive for Covid-19 today.Texas Representative Louie Gohmert tested positive for Covid-19 today.
Here’s more perspective on Trump’s move to pull troops out of Germany from Guardian reporter Julian Borger:Here’s more perspective on Trump’s move to pull troops out of Germany from Guardian reporter Julian Borger: