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/2021/mar/08/george-floyd-derek-chauvin-black-lives-matter-trial-joe-biden-covid-coronavirus-live

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

Version 9 Version 10
George Floyd killing: trial of police officer Derek Chauvin delayed until Tuesday – live George Floyd killing: trial of police officer Derek Chauvin delayed until Tuesday – live
(32 minutes later)
Minneapolis judge delays start of trial of the former police officer who killed George FloydMinneapolis judge delays start of trial of the former police officer who killed George Floyd
White House press secretary Jen Psaki is now holding her daily briefing with reporters, and she kicked off the event by wishing everyone a happy International Women’s Day.
Psaki noted that Joe Biden signed two executive orders today to mark the occasion.
One of the orders will establish the White House gender policy council, and the second will direct the department of education to review its policies on protecting students from sexual violence.
Julissa Reynoso, a co-chair of the gender policy council and chief of staff to the first lady, said the panel would help to “ensure we build a more equal and just democracy”.
Dr Marcella Nunez-Smith, a senior advisor to the White House coronavirus response team, noted that African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian Americans are still underrepresented among those who have been vaccinated.
This disparity is occurring as African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian Americans are dying of coronavirus at disproportionately high rates.
Nunez-Smith said the Biden administration is working to “bend the vaccination process toward justice”.
The health expert noted that the administration will be prioritizing pharmacies in its pharmacy vaccination program that do a better job addressing equity in administering vaccines.
Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, summarized the new guidance from her agency on best practices for Americans who have been fully vaccinated.
Walensky emphasized that “fully vaccinated” meant those who are at least two weeks out from receiving their final vaccine dose.
The CDC director reiterated that those who have been fully vaccinated can visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors, without wearing masks or practicing physical distancing.
Fully vaccinated people can also visit with unvaccinated people from a single household, as long as everyone in that household is low risk and healthy.
Walensky added that those who have been fully vaccinated can refrain from quarantining after a known exposure to coronavirus, as long as they are asymptomatic.
The CDC director described the latest guidance as “an important first step” to paving a path out of this pandemic, but she emphasized there would be additional guidance as health experts gain more information about the protection that vaccines provide.
“It is not our final destination,” Walensky said of today’s guidance.
The White House coronavirus response team is now holding its briefing, to provide an update on the vaccine distribution process.The White House coronavirus response team is now holding its briefing, to provide an update on the vaccine distribution process.
According to senior White House adviser Andy Slavitt, the US administered an average of 2.2 million vaccine doses a day over the past week.According to senior White House adviser Andy Slavitt, the US administered an average of 2.2 million vaccine doses a day over the past week.
On Saturday alone, the US administered 2.9 million vaccine doses, setting a new single-day record.On Saturday alone, the US administered 2.9 million vaccine doses, setting a new single-day record.
The pace of vaccinations means Joe Biden is ahead of his goal to administer 100 million doses over his first 100 days in office.The pace of vaccinations means Joe Biden is ahead of his goal to administer 100 million doses over his first 100 days in office.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its long-awaited guidance on best practices for Americans who have been fully vaccinated.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its long-awaited guidance on best practices for Americans who have been fully vaccinated.
According to the CDC, those who have been fully vaccinated can visit indoors with others who are fully vaccinated without wearing masks.According to the CDC, those who have been fully vaccinated can visit indoors with others who are fully vaccinated without wearing masks.
Additionally, those who have been fully vaccinated can safely gather indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household without wearing masks, the CDC said.Additionally, those who have been fully vaccinated can safely gather indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household without wearing masks, the CDC said.
That second point will likely be a huge relief for older Americans, many of whom have already been vaccinated and have gone months without visiting their children, grandchildren and other relatives because of the coronavirus pandemic.That second point will likely be a huge relief for older Americans, many of whom have already been vaccinated and have gone months without visiting their children, grandchildren and other relatives because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:
Today I’ll be watching the Georgia legislature, where the state senate will vote on several measures on Monday that could significantly restrict voting rights.Today I’ll be watching the Georgia legislature, where the state senate will vote on several measures on Monday that could significantly restrict voting rights.
The proposals are being considered after Georgia saw record turnout, including surging turnout among Black voters, in the 2020 elections. Many of the proposals under consideration would harm Black voters, according to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice.The proposals are being considered after Georgia saw record turnout, including surging turnout among Black voters, in the 2020 elections. Many of the proposals under consideration would harm Black voters, according to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice.
The most sweeping of the bills mirrors a proposal that passed the Georgia House last week. It would require voters to show identification information when they vote by mail, only allow local election officials to offer one Sunday of early voting and limit the use of absentee ballot drop boxes among other provisions.The most sweeping of the bills mirrors a proposal that passed the Georgia House last week. It would require voters to show identification information when they vote by mail, only allow local election officials to offer one Sunday of early voting and limit the use of absentee ballot drop boxes among other provisions.
But the senate is also considering even more changes. One of those would only allow voters who have a valid excuse or are 65 and older to cast an absentee ballot, eliminating the no-excuse system Georgia Republicans passed in 2005. It’s unclear, however, if Republicans have the votes to adopt that proposal and top Republicans in the state have signaled that Georgia should leave no-excuse absentee voting in place.But the senate is also considering even more changes. One of those would only allow voters who have a valid excuse or are 65 and older to cast an absentee ballot, eliminating the no-excuse system Georgia Republicans passed in 2005. It’s unclear, however, if Republicans have the votes to adopt that proposal and top Republicans in the state have signaled that Georgia should leave no-excuse absentee voting in place.
Another provision would eliminate a Georgia policy of automatically registering to vote anyone who interacts with the state’s motor vehicle agency, unless they opt out.Another provision would eliminate a Georgia policy of automatically registering to vote anyone who interacts with the state’s motor vehicle agency, unless they opt out.
Monday is important because it is the deadline for bills to be passed out of either house in the legislature.Monday is important because it is the deadline for bills to be passed out of either house in the legislature.
A Minneapolis judge has delayed the start of the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former police office who killed George Floyd.A Minneapolis judge has delayed the start of the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former police office who killed George Floyd.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Minneapolis has been on edge as it awaits the start of the trial, with many of the city’s African Americans residents dreading the prospect of justice yet again not being served.Minneapolis has been on edge as it awaits the start of the trial, with many of the city’s African Americans residents dreading the prospect of justice yet again not being served.
Roy Blunt is the chairman of the Senate Republican policy committee, so his departure will leave an opening in the caucus’ leadership team.Roy Blunt is the chairman of the Senate Republican policy committee, so his departure will leave an opening in the caucus’ leadership team.
The Missouri senator had also been viewed as a potential successor to Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, raising more questions about the future of Senate Republican leadership.The Missouri senator had also been viewed as a potential successor to Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, raising more questions about the future of Senate Republican leadership.
Blunt’s departure, in combination with the retirements of four of his Republican colleagues, will also likely spark more questions about the direction of the party, as it remains closely tied to Donald Trump.Blunt’s departure, in combination with the retirements of four of his Republican colleagues, will also likely spark more questions about the direction of the party, as it remains closely tied to Donald Trump.
Senator Roy Blunt, a Republican of Missouri, has announced that he will not run for reelection next year.Senator Roy Blunt, a Republican of Missouri, has announced that he will not run for reelection next year.
“After 14 general election victories -- three to county office, seven to the United States House of Representatives and four statewide elections -- I won’t be a candidate for reelection to the United States Senate next year,” Blunt said in a video announcing the decision.“After 14 general election victories -- three to county office, seven to the United States House of Representatives and four statewide elections -- I won’t be a candidate for reelection to the United States Senate next year,” Blunt said in a video announcing the decision.
Blunt offered his thanks to his family, his team and Missourians for “giving me the chance to work for you” over the past 10 years.Blunt offered his thanks to his family, his team and Missourians for “giving me the chance to work for you” over the past 10 years.
“Another lesson I learned here: finish strong. And I intend to,” Blunt added.“Another lesson I learned here: finish strong. And I intend to,” Blunt added.
Blunt is now the fifth Senate Republican to announce he will not seek reelection in 2022 -- after Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Richard Shelby of Alabama did the same.Blunt is now the fifth Senate Republican to announce he will not seek reelection in 2022 -- after Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Richard Shelby of Alabama did the same.
That number could soon increase to six, if Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who is 87, chooses not to seek another term.That number could soon increase to six, if Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who is 87, chooses not to seek another term.
The retirements mean the Republican party will be defending many seats with non-incumbent candidates as they seek to flip control of the Senate next year.The retirements mean the Republican party will be defending many seats with non-incumbent candidates as they seek to flip control of the Senate next year.
Representative Ro Khanna, a deputy whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said he believed that the coronavirus relief bill has enough votes in the House to pass.Representative Ro Khanna, a deputy whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said he believed that the coronavirus relief bill has enough votes in the House to pass.
Khanna acknowledged that there has been some “frustration” among caucus members over many progressive provisions of the bill, including the $15 minimum wage proposal, being stripped out or narrowed in the Senate bill.Khanna acknowledged that there has been some “frustration” among caucus members over many progressive provisions of the bill, including the $15 minimum wage proposal, being stripped out or narrowed in the Senate bill.
“But overall, no one wants to play games with people’s lives. People are suffering,” Khanna said. “So I believe it will have the votes to pass.”“But overall, no one wants to play games with people’s lives. People are suffering,” Khanna said. “So I believe it will have the votes to pass.”
The House is expected to take up the bill tomorrow, and Democrats will move toward a quick passage. If the bill passes, Joe Biden could sign the legislation as early as tomorrow night.The House is expected to take up the bill tomorrow, and Democrats will move toward a quick passage. If the bill passes, Joe Biden could sign the legislation as early as tomorrow night.
Joe Biden has released a statement celebrating Pope Francis’ recent trip to Iraq, which marked the first-ever papal visit to the country.Joe Biden has released a statement celebrating Pope Francis’ recent trip to Iraq, which marked the first-ever papal visit to the country.
“Pope Francis’ visit was a historic and welcome first for the country. It sent an important message, as Pope Francis said himself, that ‘fraternity is more durable than fratricide, that hope is more powerful than death, that peace more powerful than war,’” Biden said.“Pope Francis’ visit was a historic and welcome first for the country. It sent an important message, as Pope Francis said himself, that ‘fraternity is more durable than fratricide, that hope is more powerful than death, that peace more powerful than war,’” Biden said.
“I congratulate the Government and people of Iraq for the care and planning that went into organizing this monumental visit, and continue to admire Pope Francis for his commitment to promoting religious tolerance, the common bonds of our humanity, and interfaith understanding.”“I congratulate the Government and people of Iraq for the care and planning that went into organizing this monumental visit, and continue to admire Pope Francis for his commitment to promoting religious tolerance, the common bonds of our humanity, and interfaith understanding.”
During the trip, the pope visited churches destroyed by the Islamic State, and he urged the region’s Christians to forgive the injustices that drove them into exile.During the trip, the pope visited churches destroyed by the Islamic State, and he urged the region’s Christians to forgive the injustices that drove them into exile.
This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.This is Joan Greve in Washington, taking over for Martin Belam.
The Senate passed Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package on Saturday, after a long vote-a-rama session, as Republicans attempted to derail the bill.The Senate passed Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package on Saturday, after a long vote-a-rama session, as Republicans attempted to derail the bill.
The bill will now go back to the House, which is expected to pass the final version of the legislation as early as tomorrow.The bill will now go back to the House, which is expected to pass the final version of the legislation as early as tomorrow.
That means that Biden will likely sign the bill, marking his first major legislative victory as president, later this week.That means that Biden will likely sign the bill, marking his first major legislative victory as president, later this week.
The blog will have more details on that coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more details on that coming up, so stay tuned.
Mike Allen at Axios has a write-up this morning of his own TV interview with Sen Joe Manchin, who he describes as “America’s ultimate swing voter”. Allen writes:Mike Allen at Axios has a write-up this morning of his own TV interview with Sen Joe Manchin, who he describes as “America’s ultimate swing voter”. Allen writes:
Read more here: Axios – Manchin’s next power playRead more here: Axios – Manchin’s next power play
Sonia Elks reports for Reuters on International Women’s Day that 90% of Americans think the United States could have its first woman president within a decade, according to a new poll.Sonia Elks reports for Reuters on International Women’s Day that 90% of Americans think the United States could have its first woman president within a decade, according to a new poll.
A Gallup poll conducted in 74 countries showed Americans were the most likely to say they thought a woman could lead their nation by 2030. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in 2016, but was denied the presidency by the Electoral College system that the US uses to choose the president.A Gallup poll conducted in 74 countries showed Americans were the most likely to say they thought a woman could lead their nation by 2030. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in 2016, but was denied the presidency by the Electoral College system that the US uses to choose the president.
Kamala Harris’s election as the first female vice president last year was a significant boost for efforts to boost women’s political representation and help young women see themselves in top jobs, according to campaigners.Kamala Harris’s election as the first female vice president last year was a significant boost for efforts to boost women’s political representation and help young women see themselves in top jobs, according to campaigners.
“We all believe Harris is going to run for president again very, very soon,” said Sara Guillermo, executive director of California-based young women’s political leadership organisation IGNITE, describing Harris’s election as a “huge cultural shift”.“We all believe Harris is going to run for president again very, very soon,” said Sara Guillermo, executive director of California-based young women’s political leadership organisation IGNITE, describing Harris’s election as a “huge cultural shift”.
“That is really huge, not just for the little girls of the world but for the little boys, to be able to fully understand that both genders can serve in the highest leadership role,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a video call.“That is really huge, not just for the little girls of the world but for the little boys, to be able to fully understand that both genders can serve in the highest leadership role,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a video call.
Harris, 56, is seen as an obvious contender for her party’s 2024 candidacy should Biden, 78, decide not to run.Harris, 56, is seen as an obvious contender for her party’s 2024 candidacy should Biden, 78, decide not to run.
A journalist will face trial in Iowa today on charges arising from her arrest while covering a Black Lives Matter protest last year, in a case condemned by Amnesty International and news organizations across the US as an assault on press freedom.A journalist will face trial in Iowa today on charges arising from her arrest while covering a Black Lives Matter protest last year, in a case condemned by Amnesty International and news organizations across the US as an assault on press freedom.
Andrea Sahouri, a public safety reporter for the Des Moines Register, is charged with “failure to disperse and interference with official acts, misdemeanors”. If convicted, she could face a fine and 30 days in jail. She has pleaded not guilty.Andrea Sahouri, a public safety reporter for the Des Moines Register, is charged with “failure to disperse and interference with official acts, misdemeanors”. If convicted, she could face a fine and 30 days in jail. She has pleaded not guilty.
Sahouri was arrested at the protest in Des Moines on 31 May, six days after the killing of George Floyd by officers in Minneapolis, which touched off months of international protests against police brutality and for racial justice.Sahouri was arrested at the protest in Des Moines on 31 May, six days after the killing of George Floyd by officers in Minneapolis, which touched off months of international protests against police brutality and for racial justice.
She says she identified herself as a member of the press several times. But police pepper-sprayed and zip-tied her and her then boyfriend. Both were taken to Polk county jail.She says she identified herself as a member of the press several times. But police pepper-sprayed and zip-tied her and her then boyfriend. Both were taken to Polk county jail.
A Des Moines police officer, Luke Wilson, has said he believed Sahouri was a protester because she was not wearing press credentials. Because Wilson did not turn on his body camera as he was supposed to, there is no video footage of the incident. Sahouri did film herself recounting what happened, while detained in a police car.A Des Moines police officer, Luke Wilson, has said he believed Sahouri was a protester because she was not wearing press credentials. Because Wilson did not turn on his body camera as he was supposed to, there is no video footage of the incident. Sahouri did film herself recounting what happened, while detained in a police car.
The judge in the case, Lawrence McLellan, has declined to drop the charges but has ordered police to give body camera training materials to Sahouri’s defense team.The judge in the case, Lawrence McLellan, has declined to drop the charges but has ordered police to give body camera training materials to Sahouri’s defense team.
Sahouri was one of many journalists targeted by police amid the wave of protests that followed the killing of Floyd. The trial of the officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck, Derek Chauvin, is scheduled to begin on Monday.Sahouri was one of many journalists targeted by police amid the wave of protests that followed the killing of Floyd. The trial of the officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck, Derek Chauvin, is scheduled to begin on Monday.
The CNN journalist Omar Jimenez, and his crew were arrested live on camera while covering a protest in Minneapolis. The NBC journalist Ali Velshi was shot in the leg with a rubber bullet, also live on camera. Donald Trump called what happened to Velshi “the most beautiful thing”.The CNN journalist Omar Jimenez, and his crew were arrested live on camera while covering a protest in Minneapolis. The NBC journalist Ali Velshi was shot in the leg with a rubber bullet, also live on camera. Donald Trump called what happened to Velshi “the most beautiful thing”.
According to the US Press Freedom Tracker, 127 journalists were arrested or detained in 2020, compared with nine arrested or detained in 2019. Sahouri is one of 13 to face criminal charges.According to the US Press Freedom Tracker, 127 journalists were arrested or detained in 2020, compared with nine arrested or detained in 2019. Sahouri is one of 13 to face criminal charges.
Read more of Erum Salam’s report here: Case of reporter facing trial over BLM coverage seen as attack on press rightsRead more of Erum Salam’s report here: Case of reporter facing trial over BLM coverage seen as attack on press rights