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Trump reportedly expected to sign executive order for Covid relief today – live Trump reportedly expected to sign executive order for Covid relief today – live
(32 minutes later)
Trump expected to announce signing of order at press conference this afternoon, after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreementTrump expected to announce signing of order at press conference this afternoon, after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer traveled to Delaware on Sunday to meet with Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee continues to weigh potential running mates ahead of the November election, the Associated Press reports, citing two high-ranking state Democrats who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The meeting, which Whitmer’s office declined to confirm or deny, is thought to be Biden’s first in-person sitdown with a potential vice president.
The 48-year-old Lansing native has been tipped as a rising figure in the party since delivering the Democrats’ response to Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in February, but her national profile has soared amid the coronavirus pandemic. Whitmer’s strict stay-at-home order was implemented to lower one of the nation’s highest Covid-19 rates and drew strong criticism from some conservatives. However, it successfully flattened the curve of new cases and fatalities.
Continued aggressive steps to curb the outbreak and withering criticism of the federal response made her the target of attacks from the White House and placed her at the center of a storm of protest by armed groups, some of whom brought their weapons right into the state capitol.
Biden has pledged to select a woman and has conducted an expansive search, including US senators Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, California representative Karen Bass and former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice.
Reuters reports that Donald Trump is almost certain to announce an executive order to provide economic relief for those who have suffered economically during the pandemic when he gives a press conference at 3.30pm ET today.Reuters reports that Donald Trump is almost certain to announce an executive order to provide economic relief for those who have suffered economically during the pandemic when he gives a press conference at 3.30pm ET today.
“Amid congressional inaction, POTUS will be taking action to help Americans in need,” the official told Reuters.“Amid congressional inaction, POTUS will be taking action to help Americans in need,” the official told Reuters.
Republicans and Democrats have failed to reach agreement over a new package, with the sides around $1tn apart in the amount of money they want to spend (the Republicans want a lower outlay).Republicans and Democrats have failed to reach agreement over a new package, with the sides around $1tn apart in the amount of money they want to spend (the Republicans want a lower outlay).
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has announced a campaign called Fight the Spread, which encourages residents to wear masks, get tested for Covid-19 and practice social distancing. The state reported 67 new deaths from the virus on Saturday. South Carolina has a 15.9% positivity rate among those tested according to the state’s department of health, in comparison, New York’s is 0.93%.The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has announced a campaign called Fight the Spread, which encourages residents to wear masks, get tested for Covid-19 and practice social distancing. The state reported 67 new deaths from the virus on Saturday. South Carolina has a 15.9% positivity rate among those tested according to the state’s department of health, in comparison, New York’s is 0.93%.
The Kansas City Star reports that Covid-19 deaths in the city rose by 60% over two weeks in late July and early August (22 July to 5 August). The number of new cases and hospitalizations also rose steeply over the same time period.The Kansas City Star reports that Covid-19 deaths in the city rose by 60% over two weeks in late July and early August (22 July to 5 August). The number of new cases and hospitalizations also rose steeply over the same time period.
“Our deaths have been very significantly increasing,” Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department, said on Friday.“Our deaths have been very significantly increasing,” Rex Archer, director of the Kansas City Health Department, said on Friday.
My colleague Ed Helmore has news of the large gathering of bikers taking place in South Dakota, and how it has caused conflict with the Great Sioux Nation:My colleague Ed Helmore has news of the large gathering of bikers taking place in South Dakota, and how it has caused conflict with the Great Sioux Nation:
Thousands of bikers heading to South Dakota’s 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will not be allowed through Cheyenne River Sioux checkpoints, a spokesman for the Native American group said on Saturday.Thousands of bikers heading to South Dakota’s 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will not be allowed through Cheyenne River Sioux checkpoints, a spokesman for the Native American group said on Saturday.
The decision to prevent access across tribal lands to the annual rally, which could attract as many as 250,000 bikers amid fears it could lead to a massive, regional coronavirus outbreak, comes as part of larger Covid-19 prevention policy. The policy has pitted seven tribes that make up the Great Sioux Nation against federal and state authorities, which both claim the checkpoints are illegal.The decision to prevent access across tribal lands to the annual rally, which could attract as many as 250,000 bikers amid fears it could lead to a massive, regional coronavirus outbreak, comes as part of larger Covid-19 prevention policy. The policy has pitted seven tribes that make up the Great Sioux Nation against federal and state authorities, which both claim the checkpoints are illegal.
A duty officer for the Cheyenne River Sioux told the Guardian Saturday that only commercial and emergency vehicles will be let through the checkpoints onto reservation land.A duty officer for the Cheyenne River Sioux told the Guardian Saturday that only commercial and emergency vehicles will be let through the checkpoints onto reservation land.
A number of bikers that had tried to enter but had been turned back, they said. Other reservations in the region, including the Oglala Sioux, were also turning away bikers that had attempted routes to Sturgis that pass through sovereign land.A number of bikers that had tried to enter but had been turned back, they said. Other reservations in the region, including the Oglala Sioux, were also turning away bikers that had attempted routes to Sturgis that pass through sovereign land.
Under Cheyenne River tribal guidelines non-residents driving non-commercial out-of-state vehicles are never allowed through the reservation. During the rally, non-commercial vehicles with South Dakota plates are also not allowed through.Under Cheyenne River tribal guidelines non-residents driving non-commercial out-of-state vehicles are never allowed through the reservation. During the rally, non-commercial vehicles with South Dakota plates are also not allowed through.
You can read the full story below:You can read the full story below:
In a sign that the pandemic is easing in Florida, the state’s Agency for Health Care Administration says 6,836 people are currently in hospital due to Covid-19, down from 7,942 last Saturday.In a sign that the pandemic is easing in Florida, the state’s Agency for Health Care Administration says 6,836 people are currently in hospital due to Covid-19, down from 7,942 last Saturday.
A total of 30,251 people in Florida have been admitted to hospital due to Covid-19 since the pandemic started, according to the state’s department of health. According to the New York Times, 7,926 have died from the disease in Florida.A total of 30,251 people in Florida have been admitted to hospital due to Covid-19 since the pandemic started, according to the state’s department of health. According to the New York Times, 7,926 have died from the disease in Florida.
While professional sports have returned to the US with varying degrees of success in recent weeks, the picture for college sports looks murkier as the new school year comes into view. Students are, of course, not under contract for their sporting services and (most but certainly not all) college athletics departments do not have the resources of leagues such as the NBA and NFL to conduct widespread testing of their players.While professional sports have returned to the US with varying degrees of success in recent weeks, the picture for college sports looks murkier as the new school year comes into view. Students are, of course, not under contract for their sporting services and (most but certainly not all) college athletics departments do not have the resources of leagues such as the NBA and NFL to conduct widespread testing of their players.
Last week, UConn football team became the first major program to say it would not participate in the upcoming season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On Saturday, the Mid-American Conference said it is postponing all fall sports – including football, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s volleyball. They will now be contested in spring 2021.Last week, UConn football team became the first major program to say it would not participate in the upcoming season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On Saturday, the Mid-American Conference said it is postponing all fall sports – including football, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s volleyball. They will now be contested in spring 2021.
“The Council of Presidents unanimously voted to take this action with the health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches and communities as its top priority,” the MAC said in a statement. “It is the intention of the membership to provide competitive opportunities for the student-athletes in these sports during the spring semester of 2021.”“The Council of Presidents unanimously voted to take this action with the health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches and communities as its top priority,” the MAC said in a statement. “It is the intention of the membership to provide competitive opportunities for the student-athletes in these sports during the spring semester of 2021.”
The New York Times has reported on rumours that South Dakota governor Kristi Noem was a possible replacement for Mike Pence as vice president. Although the Times reports that those rumours are most likely nonsense, the story does contain a great detail: Donald Trump had ambitions to have his image etched on South Dakota’s Mt Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.The New York Times has reported on rumours that South Dakota governor Kristi Noem was a possible replacement for Mike Pence as vice president. Although the Times reports that those rumours are most likely nonsense, the story does contain a great detail: Donald Trump had ambitions to have his image etched on South Dakota’s Mt Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
According to the Times:According to the Times:
That then led to a gift from Noem:That then led to a gift from Noem:
My colleagues Daniel Strauss and Lauren Gambino have reported on the wave of progressive victories by people of color in recent months:My colleagues Daniel Strauss and Lauren Gambino have reported on the wave of progressive victories by people of color in recent months:
Progressive Democrats are enjoying a wave of victories in federal primaries across the country with some especially notable triumphs for Black activist candidates.Progressive Democrats are enjoying a wave of victories in federal primaries across the country with some especially notable triumphs for Black activist candidates.
Those successes, candidates and strategists say, are due to a mixture of broad energy from the Black Lives Matter movement, failure of conventional policy remedies to meet the moment and a rock-solid infrastructure of progressive organizations.Those successes, candidates and strategists say, are due to a mixture of broad energy from the Black Lives Matter movement, failure of conventional policy remedies to meet the moment and a rock-solid infrastructure of progressive organizations.
The latest victory came in Missouri on the same night the state voted to expand Medicaid – a longtime liberal goal. Cori Bush, a liberal activist and registered nurse, defeated the 10-term congressman William Lacy Clay in the Democratic primary.The latest victory came in Missouri on the same night the state voted to expand Medicaid – a longtime liberal goal. Cori Bush, a liberal activist and registered nurse, defeated the 10-term congressman William Lacy Clay in the Democratic primary.
A few days later Marquita Bradshaw, an environmental justice activist, became the first Black woman to win the Democratic party’s nomination in Tennessee. In the process of Bradshaw’s surprise victory she defeated James Mackler, the preferred candidate of Senate Democrats’ national campaign arm.A few days later Marquita Bradshaw, an environmental justice activist, became the first Black woman to win the Democratic party’s nomination in Tennessee. In the process of Bradshaw’s surprise victory she defeated James Mackler, the preferred candidate of Senate Democrats’ national campaign arm.
Both candidates ran on positions familiar to the progressive community: racial justice, Medicare for All and environmental justice. The victories by the candidates, both Black women, are the latest in a strong of upsets liberals have enjoyed this year.Both candidates ran on positions familiar to the progressive community: racial justice, Medicare for All and environmental justice. The victories by the candidates, both Black women, are the latest in a strong of upsets liberals have enjoyed this year.
You can read the full story below:You can read the full story below:
A total of 74,857 people were tested for Covid-19 across New York state on Friday, and 0.93% of those, or 703, proved to be positive for the virus.A total of 74,857 people were tested for Covid-19 across New York state on Friday, and 0.93% of those, or 703, proved to be positive for the virus.
“Despite increasing infection rates across the country and in our region, we continue to see our numbers hold at low levels, all thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers to change their behavior and our data-driven, phased reopening,” New York governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement on Saturday.“Despite increasing infection rates across the country and in our region, we continue to see our numbers hold at low levels, all thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers to change their behavior and our data-driven, phased reopening,” New York governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement on Saturday.
There were five reported deaths from Covid-19 in New York on Friday, and 25,195 people have died from the virus in the state since the pandemic began.There were five reported deaths from Covid-19 in New York on Friday, and 25,195 people have died from the virus in the state since the pandemic began.
Susan Rice, the former national security adviser who is now a potential running mate for Joe Biden in November’s presidential election, has spoken to the Atlantic about how female politicians are judged differently to their male counterparts.Susan Rice, the former national security adviser who is now a potential running mate for Joe Biden in November’s presidential election, has spoken to the Atlantic about how female politicians are judged differently to their male counterparts.
“I am accused of using profanity. I cop guilty to that. I do occasionally use profanity,” Rice said in an interview with Edward-Isaac Dovere. “Does anybody talk about Dick Cheney’s foul mouth? Or does that in any way define him as the vice president of the United States? I think it’s sexist; that’s what it is.”“I am accused of using profanity. I cop guilty to that. I do occasionally use profanity,” Rice said in an interview with Edward-Isaac Dovere. “Does anybody talk about Dick Cheney’s foul mouth? Or does that in any way define him as the vice president of the United States? I think it’s sexist; that’s what it is.”
Daniel Strass and Lauren Gambino looked at the sexism that has overshadowed Biden’s search for a female vice-presidential candidate.Daniel Strass and Lauren Gambino looked at the sexism that has overshadowed Biden’s search for a female vice-presidential candidate.
“Even in this moment of women ascending to heights that we never have in our country’s history, it’s still really being talked about and debated through the lens of a man,” said Jess Morales Rocketto, the executive director at Care in Action, told the Guardian this week.“Even in this moment of women ascending to heights that we never have in our country’s history, it’s still really being talked about and debated through the lens of a man,” said Jess Morales Rocketto, the executive director at Care in Action, told the Guardian this week.
You can read that story in full here:You can read that story in full here:
Edward Helmore has news on racial disparities among young Covid-19 patients:Edward Helmore has news on racial disparities among young Covid-19 patients:
Hispanic and black children are far more likely to be hospitalized with Covid-19 than white children, a new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found.Hispanic and black children are far more likely to be hospitalized with Covid-19 than white children, a new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found.
While the study acknowledged that most pediatric incidents of Covid-19 are asymptomatic or mild, and hospitalization rates among children of all ethnicities remain low, it found that rates of hospitalization among Hispanic children were around eight times higher than for white children. Black children were hospitalized at rates five times higher those for white children.While the study acknowledged that most pediatric incidents of Covid-19 are asymptomatic or mild, and hospitalization rates among children of all ethnicities remain low, it found that rates of hospitalization among Hispanic children were around eight times higher than for white children. Black children were hospitalized at rates five times higher those for white children.
The report – which was released on Friday – focused on data from 14 states. It found that 42% of children studied had one or more underlying medical conditions. Of those, obesity was found to be the most prevalent, a condition that affects almost one in five US children and is more common in black and Hispanic populations.The report – which was released on Friday – focused on data from 14 states. It found that 42% of children studied had one or more underlying medical conditions. Of those, obesity was found to be the most prevalent, a condition that affects almost one in five US children and is more common in black and Hispanic populations.
“Reasons for disparities in Covid-19-associated hospitalization rates by race and ethnicity are not fully understood,” the authors of the study wrote, and called for greater understanding of social forces that affect health.“Reasons for disparities in Covid-19-associated hospitalization rates by race and ethnicity are not fully understood,” the authors of the study wrote, and called for greater understanding of social forces that affect health.
“Continued tracking of Sars-CoV-2 infections among children is important to characterize morbidity and mortality,” it added. “Reinforcement of prevention efforts is essential in congregate settings that serve children, including childcare centers and schools.”“Continued tracking of Sars-CoV-2 infections among children is important to characterize morbidity and mortality,” it added. “Reinforcement of prevention efforts is essential in congregate settings that serve children, including childcare centers and schools.”
But the report also noted that hospitalization rates related to Covid-19 for children across all ethnicities remains low (8 per 100,000 population) compared with that among adults (164.5 per 100,000). Those under age two had the highest pediatric hospitalization rate.But the report also noted that hospitalization rates related to Covid-19 for children across all ethnicities remains low (8 per 100,000 population) compared with that among adults (164.5 per 100,000). Those under age two had the highest pediatric hospitalization rate.
You can read the full report below:You can read the full report below:
The White House has announced Donald Trump will hold a press conference at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey at 3.30pm ET today.The White House has announced Donald Trump will hold a press conference at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey at 3.30pm ET today.
The president will presumably follow up on his pledge to use executive orders to extend Covid-19 relief measures while Congress remains deadlocked on the measures. The president said on Friday that “if Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need.”The president will presumably follow up on his pledge to use executive orders to extend Covid-19 relief measures while Congress remains deadlocked on the measures. The president said on Friday that “if Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need.”
Trump is expected to defer payroll taxes and extend enhanced unemployment benefits through to the end of the year.Trump is expected to defer payroll taxes and extend enhanced unemployment benefits through to the end of the year.
Here’s the Associated Press on how doctors are hoping to increase voter registration ahead of November’s elections:Here’s the Associated Press on how doctors are hoping to increase voter registration ahead of November’s elections:
An emergency room doctor in Boston is assembling thousands of voter registration kits for distribution at hospitals and doctor’s offices.An emergency room doctor in Boston is assembling thousands of voter registration kits for distribution at hospitals and doctor’s offices.
Later this month, students at Harvard and Yale’s medical schools are planning a contest to see which of the Ivy League rivals can register the most voters.Later this month, students at Harvard and Yale’s medical schools are planning a contest to see which of the Ivy League rivals can register the most voters.
And a medical student in Rhode Island has launched an effort to get emergency ballots into the hands of patients who find themselves unexpectedly in the hospital around election day.And a medical student in Rhode Island has launched an effort to get emergency ballots into the hands of patients who find themselves unexpectedly in the hospital around election day.
Amid the dual public health crises of Covid-19 and racism, some in the medical community are prescribing a somewhat nontraditional remedy: voting.Amid the dual public health crises of Covid-19 and racism, some in the medical community are prescribing a somewhat nontraditional remedy: voting.
Hospitals, doctors and healthcare institutions across the country this month are committing to efforts to engage Americans in the election process as part of Civic Health Month, a nationwide campaign that kicked off 1 August.Hospitals, doctors and healthcare institutions across the country this month are committing to efforts to engage Americans in the election process as part of Civic Health Month, a nationwide campaign that kicked off 1 August.
Hospital networks in Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin and elsewhere are among more than 60 institutions participating, along with thousands of individual physicians.Hospital networks in Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin and elsewhere are among more than 60 institutions participating, along with thousands of individual physicians.
You can read the full story below:You can read the full story below:
Fox News’s Chad Pergram reports Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order later today on unemployment benefits as Congress remains stalled in its efforts to agree on an economic relief package.Fox News’s Chad Pergram reports Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order later today on unemployment benefits as Congress remains stalled in its efforts to agree on an economic relief package.
Pergram quotes a senior White House official as saying: “The unemployment insurance measure is one of several [executive orders] the President will sign to provide relief ... in the face of Democrat inaction”.Pergram quotes a senior White House official as saying: “The unemployment insurance measure is one of several [executive orders] the President will sign to provide relief ... in the face of Democrat inaction”.
Democrats want a sizable aid package to address the surge in Covid-19 across the US, mass unemployment and the poverty threatening the millions of Americans who now find themselves without jobs. They say the White House has rejected an offer from Democrats to reduce their demands by about a trillion dollars – from $3tn to $2tn.Democrats want a sizable aid package to address the surge in Covid-19 across the US, mass unemployment and the poverty threatening the millions of Americans who now find themselves without jobs. They say the White House has rejected an offer from Democrats to reduce their demands by about a trillion dollars – from $3tn to $2tn.
While millions of Americans are suffering economic hardship during the pandemic, many of the wealthiest in the country have become richer. For example, in the 12 weeks between 18 March and 11 June, the combined wealth of all US billionaires increased by more than $637bn to a total of $3.581tn. Shares in their companies haven’t done badly either: Tesla’s share price is up 83% in the last three months and Amazon’s is up 33%.While millions of Americans are suffering economic hardship during the pandemic, many of the wealthiest in the country have become richer. For example, in the 12 weeks between 18 March and 11 June, the combined wealth of all US billionaires increased by more than $637bn to a total of $3.581tn. Shares in their companies haven’t done badly either: Tesla’s share price is up 83% in the last three months and Amazon’s is up 33%.
Bernie Sanders tweeted on Saturday morning that this vast wealth should be used to help all Americans.Bernie Sanders tweeted on Saturday morning that this vast wealth should be used to help all Americans.
“We are going to tax Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and the other billionaires’ outrageous pandemic wealth accumulation so we can provide health care to all our people,” he wrote on Twitter.“We are going to tax Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and the other billionaires’ outrageous pandemic wealth accumulation so we can provide health care to all our people,” he wrote on Twitter.
That followed a video posted by the senator on Friday night, in which he outlined how he would tax billionaires.That followed a video posted by the senator on Friday night, in which he outlined how he would tax billionaires.
“At a time when so many are hurting, the very, very, very rich should not be getting much richer. By taxing the wealth gains made by just a few hundred billionaires during this pandemic, we can provide health care for all,” he said.“At a time when so many are hurting, the very, very, very rich should not be getting much richer. By taxing the wealth gains made by just a few hundred billionaires during this pandemic, we can provide health care for all,” he said.
CNN has reported from Seagoville prison and camp in Texas. Covid-19 has spread rapidly through America’s prison system, and Seagoville, a federal correctional facility, is the hardest hit of them all. More than 1,300 of the 1,750 inmates at the prison, many with underlying conditions, have tested positive for Covid-19 and three have died.CNN has reported from Seagoville prison and camp in Texas. Covid-19 has spread rapidly through America’s prison system, and Seagoville, a federal correctional facility, is the hardest hit of them all. More than 1,300 of the 1,750 inmates at the prison, many with underlying conditions, have tested positive for Covid-19 and three have died.
“It came through here so fast that it’s out of control,” one inmate, Bobby Williams, told CNN. “We’re packed like sardines.”“It came through here so fast that it’s out of control,” one inmate, Bobby Williams, told CNN. “We’re packed like sardines.”
Many have argued that ill and older patients should have been released from jails to ease outbreaks and protect vulnerable patients. However, CNN reports progress on that front has been slow.Many have argued that ill and older patients should have been released from jails to ease outbreaks and protect vulnerable patients. However, CNN reports progress on that front has been slow.
“It’s been disappointing because most of these people were elderly and sick and now they’re the most at risk from this disease,” Kevin Ring, president of criminal justice reform group Families Against Mandatory Minimums, told CNN.“It’s been disappointing because most of these people were elderly and sick and now they’re the most at risk from this disease,” Kevin Ring, president of criminal justice reform group Families Against Mandatory Minimums, told CNN.
You can read the full report here.You can read the full report here.
My colleague Ed Pilkington has had a wide-ranging look at the failure to contain Covid-19 in the US. Here’s an extract:My colleague Ed Pilkington has had a wide-ranging look at the failure to contain Covid-19 in the US. Here’s an extract:
A letter landed on the desk of the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, this week that given the public health catastrophe swirling all around him might give him pause. His state is one of 21 across the US that have been placed by the White House coronavirus taskforce in the “red zone”, indicating the disease is now so prevalent that immediate restrictions must be imposed to avoid dire consequences.A letter landed on the desk of the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, this week that given the public health catastrophe swirling all around him might give him pause. His state is one of 21 across the US that have been placed by the White House coronavirus taskforce in the “red zone”, indicating the disease is now so prevalent that immediate restrictions must be imposed to avoid dire consequences.
Kemp, a Republican governor and Donald Trump ally, has adopted a controversial approach to Covid-19. Since early July the virus has roared across his state, with new infections rising sharply to top a devastating tally of 182,000.Kemp, a Republican governor and Donald Trump ally, has adopted a controversial approach to Covid-19. Since early July the virus has roared across his state, with new infections rising sharply to top a devastating tally of 182,000.
Deaths too have ticked dramatically upwards, with new daily peaks pushing the toll close to 4,000. Yet Kemp continues to expend much of his political energy fighting local officials rather than the microbe.Deaths too have ticked dramatically upwards, with new daily peaks pushing the toll close to 4,000. Yet Kemp continues to expend much of his political energy fighting local officials rather than the microbe.
For weeks he has been suing the Democratic mayor of the largest city, Atlanta, to stop her mandating masks. Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is African American, as is more than half of her city, has decried the move by Kemp, who is white, as an act of “personal retaliation”.For weeks he has been suing the Democratic mayor of the largest city, Atlanta, to stop her mandating masks. Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is African American, as is more than half of her city, has decried the move by Kemp, who is white, as an act of “personal retaliation”.
in packed dance floors. Yet Kemp continues to allow clubs, bars and indoor restaurants to carry on with abandon.in packed dance floors. Yet Kemp continues to allow clubs, bars and indoor restaurants to carry on with abandon.
Social media images show high school corridors crammed with non-mask-wearing pupils on the first day of the new school year. Yet Kemp persists on passing the buck on whether to open classrooms to individual school districts. In Atlanta alone, 260 staff tested positive for the virus, or exposure to it, even before classes began.Social media images show high school corridors crammed with non-mask-wearing pupils on the first day of the new school year. Yet Kemp persists on passing the buck on whether to open classrooms to individual school districts. In Atlanta alone, 260 staff tested positive for the virus, or exposure to it, even before classes began.
It is against this backdrop that the letter dropped on Kemp’s desk. Signed by almost 2,400 doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other public health workers at the coalface of the pandemic response, it paints a devastating picture of mortally ill people stretching hospitals to breaking point right across the state under Kemp’s watch.It is against this backdrop that the letter dropped on Kemp’s desk. Signed by almost 2,400 doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other public health workers at the coalface of the pandemic response, it paints a devastating picture of mortally ill people stretching hospitals to breaking point right across the state under Kemp’s watch.
You can read the full article below:You can read the full article below:
Good morning. With Congress still apparently no closer to agreeing to a package to help those Americans whose finances have been hit by the economic impact of Covid-19, Donald Trump says he intends to step in. Here’s more from my colleague David Smith in Washington DC:Good morning. With Congress still apparently no closer to agreeing to a package to help those Americans whose finances have been hit by the economic impact of Covid-19, Donald Trump says he intends to step in. Here’s more from my colleague David Smith in Washington DC:
Donald Trump has promised unilateral action to provide economic relief for millions of Americans hit by the coronavirus pandemic, but he offered few specific details and admitted the move is likely to face legal challenges.Donald Trump has promised unilateral action to provide economic relief for millions of Americans hit by the coronavirus pandemic, but he offered few specific details and admitted the move is likely to face legal challenges.
The president’s pledge to rescue people from poverty and homelessness took place against the unlikely backdrop of his luxury golf club, where annual fees run to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, with members in T-shirts not physically distancing as they watched and applauded him.The president’s pledge to rescue people from poverty and homelessness took place against the unlikely backdrop of his luxury golf club, where annual fees run to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, with members in T-shirts not physically distancing as they watched and applauded him.
Trump called the sudden press conference at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Friday evening after the collapse of talks between White House and Democratic negotiators in Washington. “If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need,” the president said.Trump called the sudden press conference at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Friday evening after the collapse of talks between White House and Democratic negotiators in Washington. “If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need,” the president said.
He vowed to suspend payroll tax and extend unemployment benefits until the end of the year, defer student loan payments indefinitely and forgive interest, and extend a moratorium on evictions.He vowed to suspend payroll tax and extend unemployment benefits until the end of the year, defer student loan payments indefinitely and forgive interest, and extend a moratorium on evictions.
Asked when the executive orders would be ready, Trump said it “could be by the end of the week. They’re being drawn by the lawyers right now.”Asked when the executive orders would be ready, Trump said it “could be by the end of the week. They’re being drawn by the lawyers right now.”
Meanwhile, my colleague Dominic Rushe tells the story of one American feeling the effects of the delay in agreeing a new package of benefits:Meanwhile, my colleague Dominic Rushe tells the story of one American feeling the effects of the delay in agreeing a new package of benefits:
Karen L, who did not wish to give her last name, was furloughed by American Airlines in April. The resident of Miami has been struggling to get her unemployment checks ever since. Florida and other states have been overwhelmed by the number of claims.Karen L, who did not wish to give her last name, was furloughed by American Airlines in April. The resident of Miami has been struggling to get her unemployment checks ever since. Florida and other states have been overwhelmed by the number of claims.
“They owe me 15 weeks,” she said. “I just keep calling but it’s a futile effort. Every day, three or four hours, sending emails. I am losing hope.”“They owe me 15 weeks,” she said. “I just keep calling but it’s a futile effort. Every day, three or four hours, sending emails. I am losing hope.”
Her partner, who also lost his job, was receiving the extra $600 but is now qualified for just $125 a week. His payments have stopped and the couple have no idea why. “We have maxed out our credit cards,” she said. “I had to tell my landlord we couldn’t pay the rent.”Her partner, who also lost his job, was receiving the extra $600 but is now qualified for just $125 a week. His payments have stopped and the couple have no idea why. “We have maxed out our credit cards,” she said. “I had to tell my landlord we couldn’t pay the rent.”
Rodgers said inaction from Congress was causing “unnecessary strain and stress” and that the money was needed for as long as the pandemic continued. His research shows that the states with higher coronavirus rates have the highest unemployment claims. “I would be more sympathetic to the Republican view if we had stronger job creation,” he said.Rodgers said inaction from Congress was causing “unnecessary strain and stress” and that the money was needed for as long as the pandemic continued. His research shows that the states with higher coronavirus rates have the highest unemployment claims. “I would be more sympathetic to the Republican view if we had stronger job creation,” he said.
Without more aid to states and local government, a new wave of layoffs is likely for federal employees. Those losses would disproportionately affect women and people of color who have already been hit hardest by the recession, said Rodgers. “The public sector is where many women and minorities got their toehold in the middle class. If these jobs aren’t supported, we will see an expansion in gender and racial income inequality.”Without more aid to states and local government, a new wave of layoffs is likely for federal employees. Those losses would disproportionately affect women and people of color who have already been hit hardest by the recession, said Rodgers. “The public sector is where many women and minorities got their toehold in the middle class. If these jobs aren’t supported, we will see an expansion in gender and racial income inequality.”