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/sep/15/climate-change-hurricane-sally-wildfires-donald-trump-us-election-joe-biden-us-politics-live

The article has changed 27 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 19 Version 20
Israel, UAE and Bahrain sign deals to normalize diplomatic relations – live Israel, UAE and Bahrain sign deals to normalize diplomatic relations – live
(32 minutes later)
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the foreign ministers of the UAE and Bahrain each signed copies of the agreements, as did TrumpIsrael’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the foreign ministers of the UAE and Bahrain each signed copies of the agreements, as did Trump
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Sam Levin, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed agreements to normalize relations. Speaking shortly before the agreements were signed at the White House, Trump said, “We’re here this afternoon to change the course of history. After decades of division and conflict, we mark the dawn of a new Middle East.”
The mayor of Louisville announced the family of Breonna Taylor would receive a $12 million settlement. Mayor Greg Fischer also outlined reforms to the city’s police force amid ongoing outcry over the death of Taylor, who was shot and killed by officers as they carried out a no-knock warrant in March.
Trump claimed a coronavirus vaccine would be available “within weeks,” contradicting experts. Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, has said he is cautiously optimistic a vaccine will be developed by the end of the year or early next year. But even if that happens, the vaccine will likely not be widely distributed until well into 2021.
The justice department has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into the publication of John Bolton’s book, which was released in June. The Trump administration previously claimed the former national security adviser had illegally disclosed classified information in the book, but Bolton’s publisher has dismissed those allegations as politically motivated.
A new poll showed Joe Biden opening up a small lead in the crucial swing state of Florida. According to the new Monmouth University poll, Biden leads Trump by 5 points among Florida’s registered voters, 50%-45%. Among likely voters in Florida, Biden has a 3- to 5-point lead depending on the level of voter turnout.
Sam will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris traveled to California today to see some of the damage from the recent wildfires.
Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom toured the area surrounding Pine Ridge Elementary School in Auberry. The school still stands, but the building is now surrounded by burned trees and a destroyed playground.
Speaking at the site, Harris praised the firefighters who have worked to control the blazes, and she said, “It is incumbent on us, in terms of the leadership of our nation, to take seriously these new changes in our climate, and to do what we can to mitigate against the damage.”
On a lighter note, when Newsom greeted Harris, he delivered this severe understatement: “What a year, you guys.”
Ahead of Trump’s ABC News town hall in Philadelphia tonight, Joe Biden released a statement condemning the president’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on Pennsylvania.Ahead of Trump’s ABC News town hall in Philadelphia tonight, Joe Biden released a statement condemning the president’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on Pennsylvania.
“After four years of failed leadership and broken promises from President Trump, Philadelphians see this president for what he is,” Biden said in the statement.“After four years of failed leadership and broken promises from President Trump, Philadelphians see this president for what he is,” Biden said in the statement.
“Long before COVID-19 spread to Philadelphia, President Trump’s failed leadership was felt in every corner of the city. Pennsylvanians deserve better.”“Long before COVID-19 spread to Philadelphia, President Trump’s failed leadership was felt in every corner of the city. Pennsylvanians deserve better.”
Biden is scheduled to hold his own town hall in the pivotal swing state later this week. CNN will host the event with the Democratic nominee in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Thursday.Biden is scheduled to hold his own town hall in the pivotal swing state later this week. CNN will host the event with the Democratic nominee in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Thursday.
Trump won Pennsylvania by less than 1 point in 2016, and Democrats hope Biden will be able to flip the state in November. A recent Marist College poll of Pennsylvania showed Biden leading by 9 points among the state’s likely voters, 53%-44%.Trump won Pennsylvania by less than 1 point in 2016, and Democrats hope Biden will be able to flip the state in November. A recent Marist College poll of Pennsylvania showed Biden leading by 9 points among the state’s likely voters, 53%-44%.
Trump is en route to Philadelphia, where he will participate in an ABC News town hall with voters in the key swing state of Pennsylvania.Trump is en route to Philadelphia, where he will participate in an ABC News town hall with voters in the key swing state of Pennsylvania.
Before boarding Marine One, the president took some questions from reporters on climate change and the wildfires devastating the west coast.Before boarding Marine One, the president took some questions from reporters on climate change and the wildfires devastating the west coast.
Trump doubled down on his previous comments blaming the wildfires primarily on poor forest management. Climate experts have said the surge in deadly wildfires in recent years is due to record levels of heat and drought, which have been attributed to climate change.Trump doubled down on his previous comments blaming the wildfires primarily on poor forest management. Climate experts have said the surge in deadly wildfires in recent years is due to record levels of heat and drought, which have been attributed to climate change.
“I’m a big believer in forest management,” Trump said. “When you let the floors of the forest build up with leaves and build up with broken timber that’s dry as a bone, you’re causing forest fires.”“I’m a big believer in forest management,” Trump said. “When you let the floors of the forest build up with leaves and build up with broken timber that’s dry as a bone, you’re causing forest fires.”
He added, “So I believe in a lot of things, but I definitively believe in forest management.”He added, “So I believe in a lot of things, but I definitively believe in forest management.”
Receiving a wildfire briefing in California yesterday, Trump suggested (with no evidence) that climate change would soon subside. When a California official noted science does not support that claim, Trump said, “I don’t think science knows.”Receiving a wildfire briefing in California yesterday, Trump suggested (with no evidence) that climate change would soon subside. When a California official noted science does not support that claim, Trump said, “I don’t think science knows.”
A new poll shows Joe Biden with a small lead in the swing state of Florida, which is considered a must-win state for Trump.A new poll shows Joe Biden with a small lead in the swing state of Florida, which is considered a must-win state for Trump.
According to the new Monmouth University poll, Biden leads Trump by 5 points among Florida’s registered voters, 50%-45%. Among likely voters in Florida, Biden has a 3- to 5-point lead depending on the level of voter turnout.According to the new Monmouth University poll, Biden leads Trump by 5 points among Florida’s registered voters, 50%-45%. Among likely voters in Florida, Biden has a 3- to 5-point lead depending on the level of voter turnout.
The results should provide some relief to Biden’s team, considering an NBC News/Marist poll released last week showed the Democratic nominee tied with the president among the state’s likely voters, 48%-48%.The results should provide some relief to Biden’s team, considering an NBC News/Marist poll released last week showed the Democratic nominee tied with the president among the state’s likely voters, 48%-48%.
Interestingly, the Monmouth poll also found that Biden has a 16-point lead among Florida’s Latino voters, while the NBC survey indicated Trump had an advantage with that demographic. The new Monmouth poll also showed the president performing better with senior voters than other recent surveys had indicated.Interestingly, the Monmouth poll also found that Biden has a 16-point lead among Florida’s Latino voters, while the NBC survey indicated Trump had an advantage with that demographic. The new Monmouth poll also showed the president performing better with senior voters than other recent surveys had indicated.
Trump carried Florida by 1 point in 2016, and election experts say the president has virtually no path to reelection unless he can carry the Sunshine State again.Trump carried Florida by 1 point in 2016, and election experts say the president has virtually no path to reelection unless he can carry the Sunshine State again.
Democrats are clearly aware of the significance of Florida in the presidential race. Biden traveled to Florida today for a roundtable with veterans and a celebration of Hispanic heritage month.Democrats are clearly aware of the significance of Florida in the presidential race. Biden traveled to Florida today for a roundtable with veterans and a celebration of Hispanic heritage month.
The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:
Ohio’s top election official acted “arbitrarily” and unlawfully when he issued an order in August only allowing each of the state’s 88 counties to offer a single drop box for voters to return their absentee ballot, a judge in the state ruled Tuesday in a significant decision for this fall’s presidential election.Ohio’s top election official acted “arbitrarily” and unlawfully when he issued an order in August only allowing each of the state’s 88 counties to offer a single drop box for voters to return their absentee ballot, a judge in the state ruled Tuesday in a significant decision for this fall’s presidential election.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, acted unreasonably when he issued an August directive blocking county election officials from setting up absentee ballot drop boxes at locations other than the board of elections, Judge Richard Frye of the Franklin Court of Common Pleas.Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, acted unreasonably when he issued an August directive blocking county election officials from setting up absentee ballot drop boxes at locations other than the board of elections, Judge Richard Frye of the Franklin Court of Common Pleas.
Election officials around the country are turning to ballot drop boxes as an alternative for voters to return their ballots amid an expected surge in mail-in balloting and expected mail delays. Ohio is one of a handful of key battleground states in America that could swing the presidential election.Election officials around the country are turning to ballot drop boxes as an alternative for voters to return their ballots amid an expected surge in mail-in balloting and expected mail delays. Ohio is one of a handful of key battleground states in America that could swing the presidential election.
“The factual record contains no evidence from which one can reasonably question the wisdom of allowing local boards of elections to consider additional ballot drop boxes, or perhaps other ways that permit voters to safely deliver absentee ballots,” Frye wrote.“The factual record contains no evidence from which one can reasonably question the wisdom of allowing local boards of elections to consider additional ballot drop boxes, or perhaps other ways that permit voters to safely deliver absentee ballots,” Frye wrote.
“No evidence has been produced that allowing additional boxes or other new means for delivery of ballots will result in a partisan advantage to one party over another.”“No evidence has been produced that allowing additional boxes or other new means for delivery of ballots will result in a partisan advantage to one party over another.”
Frye added LaRose’s decision was “unreasonable and unlawful.” While he noted there was no legal requirement in Ohio that counties offer just one ballot drop box, he stopped short of striking down LaRose’s August directive entirely.Frye added LaRose’s decision was “unreasonable and unlawful.” While he noted there was no legal requirement in Ohio that counties offer just one ballot drop box, he stopped short of striking down LaRose’s August directive entirely.
While he suggested he may do so in the future, he noted that LaRose had previously said he supported allowing additional drop boxes in counties, if a court clarified he had the authority to do so.While he suggested he may do so in the future, he noted that LaRose had previously said he supported allowing additional drop boxes in counties, if a court clarified he had the authority to do so.
But on Tuesday, a LaRose spokeswoman, suggested LaRose would appeal the ruling.But on Tuesday, a LaRose spokeswoman, suggested LaRose would appeal the ruling.
“Today’s ruling didn’t change anything and the Secretary’s Directive remains in place. The law is clear: absentee ballots must be delivered by mail or personally deliver[ed] to the director’ of their county board of elections and ‘in no other manner’,” she said in an email. “Ohioans are fortunate that the judicial branch offers the opportunity to appeal a single trial judge’s opinion.”“Today’s ruling didn’t change anything and the Secretary’s Directive remains in place. The law is clear: absentee ballots must be delivered by mail or personally deliver[ed] to the director’ of their county board of elections and ‘in no other manner’,” she said in an email. “Ohioans are fortunate that the judicial branch offers the opportunity to appeal a single trial judge’s opinion.”
The ruling is a victory for the Ohio Democratic Party, who sued the state in August over LaRose’s restriction. Had the restriction remained in place, it would have meant only allowing a single drop box for hundreds of thousands of voters in some of the state’s most populous counties.The ruling is a victory for the Ohio Democratic Party, who sued the state in August over LaRose’s restriction. Had the restriction remained in place, it would have meant only allowing a single drop box for hundreds of thousands of voters in some of the state’s most populous counties.
LaRose had also said the drop boxes could only be located at board of election offices, which are not always located in convenient locations. This week, LaRose blocked a plan in Cuyahoga County, home of Cleveland, to allow drop boxes at county libraries.LaRose had also said the drop boxes could only be located at board of election offices, which are not always located in convenient locations. This week, LaRose blocked a plan in Cuyahoga County, home of Cleveland, to allow drop boxes at county libraries.
Charles Booker has said that Breonna Taylor’s family “has endured more pain than most of us can imagine”, in comments on the settlement with Taylor’s family over her fatal shooting by police in Louisville, Kentucky.Charles Booker has said that Breonna Taylor’s family “has endured more pain than most of us can imagine”, in comments on the settlement with Taylor’s family over her fatal shooting by police in Louisville, Kentucky.
The progressive politician who surged through and ran Amy McGrath to a close finish in the Democratic primary for the chance to challenge Senate majority leader and leading Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell for his seat, issued a statement a short time ago.The progressive politician who surged through and ran Amy McGrath to a close finish in the Democratic primary for the chance to challenge Senate majority leader and leading Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell for his seat, issued a statement a short time ago.
Booker said of the Taylor family:Booker said of the Taylor family:
Booker said that justice is still sought for Breonna Taylor and the federal and state investigations into her killing continue.Booker said that justice is still sought for Breonna Taylor and the federal and state investigations into her killing continue.
He added that being Black in America:He added that being Black in America:
Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, briefly spoke at the press conference in Louisville, where the mayor confirmed a financial settlement for the family and police reforms in response to the shooting of Taylor.Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, briefly spoke at the press conference in Louisville, where the mayor confirmed a financial settlement for the family and police reforms in response to the shooting of Taylor.
Palmer said, “It is time to move forward with the criminal charges because she deserves that and much more.”Palmer said, “It is time to move forward with the criminal charges because she deserves that and much more.”
Taylor was fatally shot by police in March, while officers were carrying out a no-knock warrant. No criminal charges have yet been filed in the case.Taylor was fatally shot by police in March, while officers were carrying out a no-knock warrant. No criminal charges have yet been filed in the case.
Activist Tamika Mallory also spoke at the press conference, and she demanded that the mayor of Louisville, Greg Fischer, fire the officers involved in the shooting if they are not indicted.Activist Tamika Mallory also spoke at the press conference, and she demanded that the mayor of Louisville, Greg Fischer, fire the officers involved in the shooting if they are not indicted.
Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, another lawyer representing Breonna Taylor’s family, said the $12 million settlement was the largest ever distributed in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a black woman killed by police.Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, another lawyer representing Breonna Taylor’s family, said the $12 million settlement was the largest ever distributed in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a black woman killed by police.
Crump said the settlement and the police reforms announced by Louisville officials were “very significant,” but he reiterated demands for Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron to “immediately” bring charges against the officers involved in the shooting of Taylor.Crump said the settlement and the police reforms announced by Louisville officials were “very significant,” but he reiterated demands for Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron to “immediately” bring charges against the officers involved in the shooting of Taylor.
Crump emphasized that African Americans are currently suffering from the coronavirus pandemic as well as “the 1619 pandemic,” referring to the year when the first enslaved Africans were brought to America.Crump emphasized that African Americans are currently suffering from the coronavirus pandemic as well as “the 1619 pandemic,” referring to the year when the first enslaved Africans were brought to America.
“Breonna Taylor is a light to help heal what is happening in America,” Crump said.“Breonna Taylor is a light to help heal what is happening in America,” Crump said.
The mayor of Louisville confirmed the family of Breonna Taylor would receive a financial settlement of $12 million after the 26-year-old African American woman was fatally shot by police.The mayor of Louisville confirmed the family of Breonna Taylor would receive a financial settlement of $12 million after the 26-year-old African American woman was fatally shot by police.
During a press conference today, Mayor Greg Fischer also outlined reforms to the city’s police force amid ongoing outcry over Taylor’s death in March.During a press conference today, Mayor Greg Fischer also outlined reforms to the city’s police force amid ongoing outcry over Taylor’s death in March.
Specifically, Fischer said search warrants would be subject to a higher level of scrutiny, a warning system would be established for officers who engage in misconduct and officers would be allowed to be paid for two hours of community work each week.Specifically, Fischer said search warrants would be subject to a higher level of scrutiny, a warning system would be established for officers who engage in misconduct and officers would be allowed to be paid for two hours of community work each week.
Attorney Lonita Baker, who is representing the Taylor family, celebrated the reforms, but she made clear that the Taylors would not give up efforts to hold the officers involved in the shooting accountable.Attorney Lonita Baker, who is representing the Taylor family, celebrated the reforms, but she made clear that the Taylors would not give up efforts to hold the officers involved in the shooting accountable.
“Justice for Breonna Taylor is multi-layered,” Baker said, adding that Taylor’s legal team has faith an indictment will soon be coming in the case.“Justice for Breonna Taylor is multi-layered,” Baker said, adding that Taylor’s legal team has faith an indictment will soon be coming in the case.
Taylor was shot and killed by Louisville police while officers were carrying out a no-knock warrant. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed in the case.Taylor was shot and killed by Louisville police while officers were carrying out a no-knock warrant. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed in the case.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed agreements to normalize relations. Speaking shortly before the agreements were signed at the White House, Trump said, “We’re here this afternoon to change the course of history. After decades of division and conflict, we mark the dawn of a new Middle East.”Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed agreements to normalize relations. Speaking shortly before the agreements were signed at the White House, Trump said, “We’re here this afternoon to change the course of history. After decades of division and conflict, we mark the dawn of a new Middle East.”
Trump claimed a coronavirus vaccine would be available “within weeks,” contradicting experts. Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, has said he is cautiously optimistic a vaccine will be developed by the end of the year or early next year. But even if that happens, the vaccine will likely not be widely distributed until well into 2021.Trump claimed a coronavirus vaccine would be available “within weeks,” contradicting experts. Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, has said he is cautiously optimistic a vaccine will be developed by the end of the year or early next year. But even if that happens, the vaccine will likely not be widely distributed until well into 2021.
The justice department has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into the publication of John Bolton’s book, which was released in June. The Trump administration previously claimed the former national security adviser had illegally disclosed classified information in the book, but Bolton’s publisher has dismissed those allegations as politically motivated.The justice department has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into the publication of John Bolton’s book, which was released in June. The Trump administration previously claimed the former national security adviser had illegally disclosed classified information in the book, but Bolton’s publisher has dismissed those allegations as politically motivated.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Rockets were fired from Gaza during the White House normalization signing ceremony with Israel, the Untied Arab Emirates and Bahrain, reportedly injuring at least two Israelis.Rockets were fired from Gaza during the White House normalization signing ceremony with Israel, the Untied Arab Emirates and Bahrain, reportedly injuring at least two Israelis.
Haaretz reports:Haaretz reports:
Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have now signed agreements to formally normalize diplomatic relations.Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have now signed agreements to formally normalize diplomatic relations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the foreign ministers of the UAE and Bahrain each signed copies of the agreements, as did Trump.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the foreign ministers of the UAE and Bahrain each signed copies of the agreements, as did Trump.
The White House has not yet released the exact text of the agreements, but officials have said that will be released later today.The White House has not yet released the exact text of the agreements, but officials have said that will be released later today.
Speaking at the White House, the foreign minister of Bahrain said the normalization deal represented a “historic step on the road to genuine and lasting peace” in the Middle East.Speaking at the White House, the foreign minister of Bahrain said the normalization deal represented a “historic step on the road to genuine and lasting peace” in the Middle East.
The foreign minister, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, thanked Trump and his advisers, such as Jared Kushner, for helping to craft the deal.The foreign minister, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, thanked Trump and his advisers, such as Jared Kushner, for helping to craft the deal.
“Your tireless efforts brought us here today and made peace a reality,” Al-Zayani said.“Your tireless efforts brought us here today and made peace a reality,” Al-Zayani said.
Trump predicted the normalization deal would “serve as the foundation for a comprehensive peace across the entire region —something which nobody thought was possible.”Trump predicted the normalization deal would “serve as the foundation for a comprehensive peace across the entire region —something which nobody thought was possible.”
Taking the podium, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for “unequivocally” standing by Israel’s side since taking office.Taking the podium, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for “unequivocally” standing by Israel’s side since taking office.
The prime minister discussed being wounded in battle and losing his brother to war to underscore the importance of the agreement.The prime minister discussed being wounded in battle and losing his brother to war to underscore the importance of the agreement.
Trump is delivering remarks at the White House, congratulating Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on the “outstanding achievement” of agreeing to normalize relations.Trump is delivering remarks at the White House, congratulating Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on the “outstanding achievement” of agreeing to normalize relations.
The US president said he was “honored to welcome to the White House” leaders from the three nations, as they signed the normalization deal.The US president said he was “honored to welcome to the White House” leaders from the three nations, as they signed the normalization deal.
“We’re here this afternoon to change the course of history,” Trump said. “After decades of division and conflict, we mark the dawn of a new Middle East.”“We’re here this afternoon to change the course of history,” Trump said. “After decades of division and conflict, we mark the dawn of a new Middle East.”
While presenting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a “key to the White House,” Trump described it as a “special token of affection given by myself and the first lady.”While presenting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a “key to the White House,” Trump described it as a “special token of affection given by myself and the first lady.”
“It’s a key, we call it a key to the White House. And it’s a key to our country and to our hearts,” Trump said shortly before the normalization signing ceremony between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.“It’s a key, we call it a key to the White House. And it’s a key to our country and to our hearts,” Trump said shortly before the normalization signing ceremony between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Before the normalization signing ceremony, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office and presented him with a “key to the White House.”Before the normalization signing ceremony, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office and presented him with a “key to the White House.”
Netanyahu responded by telling Trump, “You have a key to the hearts of the Jewish people.”Netanyahu responded by telling Trump, “You have a key to the hearts of the Jewish people.”
The US president claimed that the White House was “very far down the road” with five additional countries ready to join the normalization agreement. He declined to name those countries.The US president claimed that the White House was “very far down the road” with five additional countries ready to join the normalization agreement. He declined to name those countries.
During his presidency, Trump has taken a number of steps to cozy up to Netanyahu, including moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.During his presidency, Trump has taken a number of steps to cozy up to Netanyahu, including moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Guests are starting to take their seats at the White House for the normalization singing ceremony between the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Bahrain.Guests are starting to take their seats at the White House for the normalization singing ceremony between the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Bahrain.
The chairs on the South Lawn appeared to be closely packed together, in violation of recommendations on physical distancing to limit the spread of coronavirus. Many of the guests were also not wearing face masks.The chairs on the South Lawn appeared to be closely packed together, in violation of recommendations on physical distancing to limit the spread of coronavirus. Many of the guests were also not wearing face masks.
The event comes less than a month after Trump hosted roughly 1,500 guests on the South Lawn for his nomination acceptance speech to close out the Republican convention.The event comes less than a month after Trump hosted roughly 1,500 guests on the South Lawn for his nomination acceptance speech to close out the Republican convention.