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Biden says US ‘ready to move immediately’ if vaccine approved for young teens – live Biden says US ‘ready to move immediately’ if vaccine approved for young teens – live
(32 minutes later)
FDA likely to authorize Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 to 15 as Biden targets 70% of US adults vaccinated by Fourth of July – follow the day’s politics newsFDA likely to authorize Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 to 15 as Biden targets 70% of US adults vaccinated by Fourth of July – follow the day’s politics news
Florida’s Ron DeSantis said an election for the race to succeed the late congressman Alcee Hastings will take place on 11 January.
That means that Hastings’ seat will remain vacant for the next eight months, narrowing Democrats’ majority in the House. Hastings, a Democrat, died last month. He will likely be replaced by another Democrat in the Blue district he represented.
“I am going to be doing an executive order to set the special election for Congressional District 20, Alcee L Hastings’s seat,” Desantis, a Republican, said at a press conference. “I know there’ll be a lot of folks that want to run for it. So hopefully, that gives them enough time to be able to get on the ballot and do whatever they need to do to be competitive.”
The businessman John Cox lost California’s last governor’s race to Gavin Newsom by 24 points. Now he’s back, and this time, he’s got a bear.The businessman John Cox lost California’s last governor’s race to Gavin Newsom by 24 points. Now he’s back, and this time, he’s got a bear.
As Newsom faces a recall election, the Republican has launched a new campaign against him, attempting to portray the well-groomed governor as a “beauty” and himself as a “beast”. To drive home this message, he has employed some nonhuman staff, including an enormous bear – an apparent homage to the California flag.As Newsom faces a recall election, the Republican has launched a new campaign against him, attempting to portray the well-groomed governor as a “beauty” and himself as a “beast”. To drive home this message, he has employed some nonhuman staff, including an enormous bear – an apparent homage to the California flag.
The bear appeared at a press event on Tuesday in Sacramento. The campaign had hyped the moment by promising the 1,000lb creature as a “special guest”. As part of his Meet the Beast Bus Tour, Cox appeared at a podium in front of a vehicle emblazoned with his face next to that of a ferocious-looking bear. In reality, however, the animal appeared fairly uninterested in politics, lumbering around a few feet behind Cox before flopping on to the ground, panting heavily. It did not offer an endorsement, unless not eating the candidate counts as support.The bear appeared at a press event on Tuesday in Sacramento. The campaign had hyped the moment by promising the 1,000lb creature as a “special guest”. As part of his Meet the Beast Bus Tour, Cox appeared at a podium in front of a vehicle emblazoned with his face next to that of a ferocious-looking bear. In reality, however, the animal appeared fairly uninterested in politics, lumbering around a few feet behind Cox before flopping on to the ground, panting heavily. It did not offer an endorsement, unless not eating the candidate counts as support.
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Lawyers for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who last month was found guilty of murdering George Floyd, are asking for a new trial.Lawyers for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who last month was found guilty of murdering George Floyd, are asking for a new trial.
Chauvin’s legal team is asking for a new trial on multiple grounds, including jury misconduct.Chauvin’s legal team is asking for a new trial on multiple grounds, including jury misconduct.
“The jury committed misconduct, felt threatened or intimidated, felt race-based pressure during the proceedings, and/or failed to adhere to instructions during deliberations, in violation of Mr. Chauvin’s constitutional rights to due process and a fair trial,” wrote attorney Eric Nelson in the filing requesting a new trial.“The jury committed misconduct, felt threatened or intimidated, felt race-based pressure during the proceedings, and/or failed to adhere to instructions during deliberations, in violation of Mr. Chauvin’s constitutional rights to due process and a fair trial,” wrote attorney Eric Nelson in the filing requesting a new trial.
A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to release a legal memo cited as justification for clearing Donald Trump of obstruction of justice charges following the Mueller investigation.A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to release a legal memo cited as justification for clearing Donald Trump of obstruction of justice charges following the Mueller investigation.
The 2019 memo was cited by former attorney general Bill Barr, who said that Trump was cleared of obstruction based on “consultation with the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) and other department lawyers”. A liberal watchdog group Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to have the OLC’s memo released.The 2019 memo was cited by former attorney general Bill Barr, who said that Trump was cleared of obstruction based on “consultation with the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) and other department lawyers”. A liberal watchdog group Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to have the OLC’s memo released.
Following the Mueller investigation, which looked into Russian interference in the 2016 US elections, Barr sent Congress a four-page summary of the investigation which has been widely criticized for spinning its findings. At the time, he also told Congress he had consulted with the OLC and concluded there was no justification for obstruction of justice charges against Trump.Following the Mueller investigation, which looked into Russian interference in the 2016 US elections, Barr sent Congress a four-page summary of the investigation which has been widely criticized for spinning its findings. At the time, he also told Congress he had consulted with the OLC and concluded there was no justification for obstruction of justice charges against Trump.
The memo has been partially released, with redactions. The DOJ said the redacted portions should remain so due to attorney-client privilege.The memo has been partially released, with redactions. The DOJ said the redacted portions should remain so due to attorney-client privilege.
Judge Amy Berman Jackson disagreed. In her decision, she said: “not only was the attorney general being disingenuous then, but DOJ has been disingenuous to this court with respect to the existence of a decision-making process that should be shielded by the deliberative process privilege.”Judge Amy Berman Jackson disagreed. In her decision, she said: “not only was the attorney general being disingenuous then, but DOJ has been disingenuous to this court with respect to the existence of a decision-making process that should be shielded by the deliberative process privilege.”
Jack Herrera reports:Jack Herrera reports:
Just months after ICU capacities were at zero in Los Angeles, the county has made a turnaround. But officials advise caution, and warn that vaccine hesitancy is catching up.Just months after ICU capacities were at zero in Los Angeles, the county has made a turnaround. But officials advise caution, and warn that vaccine hesitancy is catching up.
In January, LA buckled under the weight of a monumental Covid-19 surge: ambulances circled from emergency room to emergency room in search of empty beds, and ICU capacity in the county plunged to zero. With morgues overloaded, the national guard was mobilized to aid with the handling of bodies. Now, less than four months later, the county has reached a proud milestone. For two days in a row, LA reported zero Covid-19 related deaths.In January, LA buckled under the weight of a monumental Covid-19 surge: ambulances circled from emergency room to emergency room in search of empty beds, and ICU capacity in the county plunged to zero. With morgues overloaded, the national guard was mobilized to aid with the handling of bodies. Now, less than four months later, the county has reached a proud milestone. For two days in a row, LA reported zero Covid-19 related deaths.
Sunday became the first day since March 2020 that county officials reported no daily Covid-19 deaths. The welcome news repeated itself on Monday, when the county again reported no daily deaths.Sunday became the first day since March 2020 that county officials reported no daily Covid-19 deaths. The welcome news repeated itself on Monday, when the county again reported no daily deaths.
LA officials cautioned that the reporting of Covid-19 fatalities can lag behind actual deaths: reporting delays over the weekends have meant that Sundays and Mondays regularly show lower tallies of deaths than other days of the week. But caveats aside, the atmosphere in the city was celebratory. After a brutal winter – when it regularly saw more than 200 people die each day – LA has entered spring with a steadily declining death rate.LA officials cautioned that the reporting of Covid-19 fatalities can lag behind actual deaths: reporting delays over the weekends have meant that Sundays and Mondays regularly show lower tallies of deaths than other days of the week. But caveats aside, the atmosphere in the city was celebratory. After a brutal winter – when it regularly saw more than 200 people die each day – LA has entered spring with a steadily declining death rate.
At the root of the turnaround is a successful vaccine rollout, officials say. Los Angeles county alone has administered more than 7.8m doses of the vaccine. According to the county’s department of public health, almost 54% of residents over the age of 16 had received at least one dose of a vaccine before the end of April.At the root of the turnaround is a successful vaccine rollout, officials say. Los Angeles county alone has administered more than 7.8m doses of the vaccine. According to the county’s department of public health, almost 54% of residents over the age of 16 had received at least one dose of a vaccine before the end of April.
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That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden said his administration is “ready to move immediately” if coronavirus vaccines are approved for young teenagers. The president’s comments come as the Food and Drug Administration is expected to soon authorize administering Pfizer’s vaccine to those between the ages of 12 and 15.Joe Biden said his administration is “ready to move immediately” if coronavirus vaccines are approved for young teenagers. The president’s comments come as the Food and Drug Administration is expected to soon authorize administering Pfizer’s vaccine to those between the ages of 12 and 15.
The president set a goal of administering at least one vaccine shot to 70% of American adults by 4 July. Biden added that he hopes to see 160 million Americans fully vaccinated by the time America celebrates its independence day. “In two months, let’s celebrate our independence as a nation and our independence from this virus,” Biden said in remarks this afternoon. “The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter.”The president set a goal of administering at least one vaccine shot to 70% of American adults by 4 July. Biden added that he hopes to see 160 million Americans fully vaccinated by the time America celebrates its independence day. “In two months, let’s celebrate our independence as a nation and our independence from this virus,” Biden said in remarks this afternoon. “The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter.”
The White House told states it will implement a new system to create a federal pool for unclaimed vaccine doses. If a state does not claim all of the coronavirus vaccine doses available to its residents, other states will have the opportunity to request unused shots. The change comes amid declining vaccination rates in many states.The White House told states it will implement a new system to create a federal pool for unclaimed vaccine doses. If a state does not claim all of the coronavirus vaccine doses available to its residents, other states will have the opportunity to request unused shots. The change comes amid declining vaccination rates in many states.
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy signaled openness to ousting Liz Cheney from her leadership position. “There’s no concern about how she voted on impeachment. That decision has been made,” McCarthy said of Cheney this morning. “I have heard from members concerned about her ability to carry out the job as conference chair, to carry out the message.” McCarthy’s comments come amid efforts by some House Republicans to remove Chenery as conference chairwoman.House minority leader Kevin McCarthy signaled openness to ousting Liz Cheney from her leadership position. “There’s no concern about how she voted on impeachment. That decision has been made,” McCarthy said of Cheney this morning. “I have heard from members concerned about her ability to carry out the job as conference chair, to carry out the message.” McCarthy’s comments come amid efforts by some House Republicans to remove Chenery as conference chairwoman.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Donald Trump is expanding his website to include a “new communications platform” to help him speak directly to his supporters.Donald Trump is expanding his website to include a “new communications platform” to help him speak directly to his supporters.
The platform, titled From the Desk of Donald J Trump, includes tweet-length statements with some of the former president’s thoughts on US politics.The platform, titled From the Desk of Donald J Trump, includes tweet-length statements with some of the former president’s thoughts on US politics.
However, as tech reporter Charlie Warzel pointed out, the interface could use ... a little bit of work.However, as tech reporter Charlie Warzel pointed out, the interface could use ... a little bit of work.
Trump lost access to his Facebook and Twitter accounts after the deadly 6 January insurrection, and this new system appears to be his attempt to circumvent those bans.Trump lost access to his Facebook and Twitter accounts after the deadly 6 January insurrection, and this new system appears to be his attempt to circumvent those bans.
Facebook is scheduled to announce tomorrow whether it will allow Trump to rejoin its platform, although Twitter executives have indicated that its ban is permanent.Facebook is scheduled to announce tomorrow whether it will allow Trump to rejoin its platform, although Twitter executives have indicated that its ban is permanent.
Elise Stenafik has been making calls to fellow House Republicans to push for the conference chair job if Liz Cheney is ousted, according to Politico.Elise Stenafik has been making calls to fellow House Republicans to push for the conference chair job if Liz Cheney is ousted, according to Politico.
Stefanik’s name had already been floated for the job as more House Republicans have called for Cheney to be removed from her leadership position over her criticism of Donald Trump’s lies about widespread fraud in the presidential election.Stefanik’s name had already been floated for the job as more House Republicans have called for Cheney to be removed from her leadership position over her criticism of Donald Trump’s lies about widespread fraud in the presidential election.
Stefanik became a fierce defender of Trump during his first impeachment inquiry, and she is seen by many Republicans as a rising star in the party.Stefanik became a fierce defender of Trump during his first impeachment inquiry, and she is seen by many Republicans as a rising star in the party.
Taking questions from reporters after his prepared remarks, Joe Biden acknowledged the next phase of US vaccination efforts will present unique challenges because most adults who want the vaccine have already gotten it.Taking questions from reporters after his prepared remarks, Joe Biden acknowledged the next phase of US vaccination efforts will present unique challenges because most adults who want the vaccine have already gotten it.
The president said the next phase of his administration’s vaccination strategy will focus on “convincing the American people, rather than guaranteeing them we’d have the supply for them”.The president said the next phase of his administration’s vaccination strategy will focus on “convincing the American people, rather than guaranteeing them we’d have the supply for them”.
“I think at the end of the day, most people will be convinced by the fact that their failure to get the vaccine may cause other people to get sick and maybe die,” Biden said.“I think at the end of the day, most people will be convinced by the fact that their failure to get the vaccine may cause other people to get sick and maybe die,” Biden said.
He added, “It’s easier because I don’t have to put together this massive logistical effort, but in the other sense, it’s harder [because] it’s beyond my personal control.”He added, “It’s easier because I don’t have to put together this massive logistical effort, but in the other sense, it’s harder [because] it’s beyond my personal control.”
In his remarks that concluded moments ago, Joe Biden confirmed his administration is aiming to have 70% of American adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4. He also set a goal of having 160 million Americans fully vaccinated by then.In his remarks that concluded moments ago, Joe Biden confirmed his administration is aiming to have 70% of American adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4. He also set a goal of having 160 million Americans fully vaccinated by then.
As of today, 246,780,203 vaccine shots have been administered in the US, according to the Bloomberg vaccine tracker. About 44% of the US population has received at least one shot, and 32% are fully vaccinated.As of today, 246,780,203 vaccine shots have been administered in the US, according to the Bloomberg vaccine tracker. About 44% of the US population has received at least one shot, and 32% are fully vaccinated.
According to the White House pandemic response team, the US will need to administer about 100 million shots over the next two months to meet Biden’s goals.According to the White House pandemic response team, the US will need to administer about 100 million shots over the next two months to meet Biden’s goals.
Joe Biden took a handful of questions from reporters after concluding his prepared remarks on the coronavirus pandemic and vaccine distribution.Joe Biden took a handful of questions from reporters after concluding his prepared remarks on the coronavirus pandemic and vaccine distribution.
Asked about whether he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin while in Europe next month, Biden said he hoped to do so.Asked about whether he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin while in Europe next month, Biden said he hoped to do so.
“That is my hope and expectation,” Biden said. “We’re working on it.”“That is my hope and expectation,” Biden said. “We’re working on it.”
The US president is currently scheduled to attend the G-7 summit in Cornwall, England, next month, followed by a visit to Brussels.The US president is currently scheduled to attend the G-7 summit in Cornwall, England, next month, followed by a visit to Brussels.
Joe Biden noted today marks two months until July 4, when America celebrates its independence day.Joe Biden noted today marks two months until July 4, when America celebrates its independence day.
By that point, 70% of adult Americans will hopefully have received at least one of their vaccine shots, Biden said. The president also set a goal of having 160 million Americans fully vaccinated by then.By that point, 70% of adult Americans will hopefully have received at least one of their vaccine shots, Biden said. The president also set a goal of having 160 million Americans fully vaccinated by then.
“In two months, let’s celebrate our independence as a nation and our independence from this virus,” Biden said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter.”“In two months, let’s celebrate our independence as a nation and our independence from this virus,” Biden said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is actually growing brighter and brighter.”
The president acknowledged it will “take time to get everything back to normal,” and he urged every American to get vaccinated as quickly as they are able to.The president acknowledged it will “take time to get everything back to normal,” and he urged every American to get vaccinated as quickly as they are able to.
The Biden administration has launched a website, www.vaccines.gov, to help Americans locate a coronavirus vaccine near them.The Biden administration has launched a website, www.vaccines.gov, to help Americans locate a coronavirus vaccine near them.
Joe Biden confirmed his administration will be winding down mass vaccination sites to shift its focus to smaller sites that are closer to communities with lower vaccination rates.Joe Biden confirmed his administration will be winding down mass vaccination sites to shift its focus to smaller sites that are closer to communities with lower vaccination rates.
“Now we’re going to have to bring the vaccine to people who are less eager,” Biden said. “We also know that there are millions of Americans who just need a little bit of encouragement to get the shot.”“Now we’re going to have to bring the vaccine to people who are less eager,” Biden said. “We also know that there are millions of Americans who just need a little bit of encouragement to get the shot.”
Biden pledged that his administration would look at “creative ways to make it easier and more fun to get vaccinated” for reluctant Americans, particularly younger citizens.Biden pledged that his administration would look at “creative ways to make it easier and more fun to get vaccinated” for reluctant Americans, particularly younger citizens.
“Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk when you have a safe, free and convenient way to prevent it?” Biden said. “This is your choice, it’s life or death.”“Even if your chance of getting seriously ill is low, why take the risk when you have a safe, free and convenient way to prevent it?” Biden said. “This is your choice, it’s life or death.”
Joe Biden is now delivering remarks on the coronavirus pandemic and his administration’s vaccine distribution.Joe Biden is now delivering remarks on the coronavirus pandemic and his administration’s vaccine distribution.
The president celebrated that more than 220 million shots had been administered by his 100th day in office, which occurred last week. About 150 million Americans now have at least one shot, and 105 million Americans are fully vaccinated. Cases and deaths have also declined significantly since he took office in January.The president celebrated that more than 220 million shots had been administered by his 100th day in office, which occurred last week. About 150 million Americans now have at least one shot, and 105 million Americans are fully vaccinated. Cases and deaths have also declined significantly since he took office in January.
Biden described the trend in coronavirus cases and vaccination rates as a “dramatic turnaround from where we were in January”.Biden described the trend in coronavirus cases and vaccination rates as a “dramatic turnaround from where we were in January”.
The president also acknowledged that the federal government’s vaccination program is pivoting to a “new phase” as vaccination rates fall in many states.The president also acknowledged that the federal government’s vaccination program is pivoting to a “new phase” as vaccination rates fall in many states.
“As anticipated, the pace of vaccination is slowing,” Biden said. “Soon, we’ll have reached the adults who are most eager to get vaccinated. And at that point, this effort will shift to a new phase.”“As anticipated, the pace of vaccination is slowing,” Biden said. “Soon, we’ll have reached the adults who are most eager to get vaccinated. And at that point, this effort will shift to a new phase.”
The president noted the Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing data to determine if and when to authorize vaccine shots for those between the ages of 12 and 15.The president noted the Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing data to determine if and when to authorize vaccine shots for those between the ages of 12 and 15.
Although that decision will be entirely up to the FDA, Biden said his administration is “ready to move immediately” if the vaccines are approved for young adults.Although that decision will be entirely up to the FDA, Biden said his administration is “ready to move immediately” if the vaccines are approved for young adults.
The president said his administration would quickly move to make 20,000 pharmacies across the country ready to vaccinate adolescents if the approval comes through. Vaccine shots will also be shipped directly to pediatricians.The president said his administration would quickly move to make 20,000 pharmacies across the country ready to vaccinate adolescents if the approval comes through. Vaccine shots will also be shipped directly to pediatricians.
The US is currently administering first doses of coronavirus vaccine at a rate of about 965,000 per day.The US is currently administering first doses of coronavirus vaccine at a rate of about 965,000 per day.
That is half the rate of three weeks ago, but nearly twice as fast as needed to meet Joe Biden’s target that he’ll be officially discussing at the White House moments from now of vaccinating 70% of adults in the US by Fourth of July.That is half the rate of three weeks ago, but nearly twice as fast as needed to meet Joe Biden’s target that he’ll be officially discussing at the White House moments from now of vaccinating 70% of adults in the US by Fourth of July.
Biden’s new move to shift vaccine supply from states where demand is falling short of supply to other states where demand is high and unfulfilled is now a key priority.Biden’s new move to shift vaccine supply from states where demand is falling short of supply to other states where demand is high and unfulfilled is now a key priority.
Governors were informed of the chance by the White House this morning, and the adjustment was first reported by the Washington Post.Governors were informed of the chance by the White House this morning, and the adjustment was first reported by the Washington Post.