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US passes 600,000 deaths from coronavirus – live US passes 600,000 deaths from coronavirus – live
(32 minutes later)
America’s death toll from Covid-19 highest in the world – follow all the day’s politics news liveAmerica’s death toll from Covid-19 highest in the world – follow all the day’s politics news live
From the Guardian’s Kari Paul and agencies:
Joe Biden reportedly plans to name Lina Khan, an antitrust researcher who has focused on the immense market power of big tech, as chair of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a key win for progressives who have pushed for tougher laws to tackle monopolies and growing corporate power.
The Senate confirmed Khan as a commissioner to the FTC earlier on Tuesday, with strong bipartisan support. Biden intends to tap her as chair of the commission, sources told Reuters, a decision that follows the selection of fellow progressive and big tech critic Tim Wu to join the National Economic Council.
The appointment comes as the federal government and groups of states have issued an array of lawsuits and investigations into the tech giants. The FTC has sued Facebook and is investigating Amazon while the justice department has sued Alphabet’s Google.
Khan is highly respected by progressive antitrust thinkers who have pushed for tougher antitrust laws or at least tougher enforcement of existing law.
She most recently taught at Columbia Law School, but was on the staff of the House judiciary committee’s antitrust panel, and helped write a report that sharply criticized Amazon, Apple Facebook and Alphabet for allegedly abusing their dominance.
In 2017, she wrote a highly regarded article, “Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox”, for the Yale Law Journal which argued that the traditional antitrust focus on price was inadequate to identify antitrust harms done by Amazon.
Read more:
Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland announced the end of the Covid-19 “state of emergency” in the state.
“Thanks in large part to the hard work, the sacrifices, and the vigilance of the people of Maryland, we have finally reached the light at the end of that long tunnel,” he said in a statement. “Each and every one of you—your actions—have made this day possible. I am so proud of our state, and I’m grateful to have had this honor to serve as your governor. Thank you all for being Maryland Strong.”
All emergency mandates and restrictions, including mask requirements in schools, camps and childcare facilities, will lapse on 1 July. The state’s moratorium on evictions and some other policies including flexibility on driver’s license renewals will remain until 15 August.
The state has a test-positivity rate under 1%, and new cases and deaths have declined sharply. But young children, who currently cannot get vaccinated, remain at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that unvaccinated individuals continue to wear masks.
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:
The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 600,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The country’s coronavirus death rate has significantly declined in recent months, as vaccines have become widely available, but hundreds of Americans are still dying of the virus each day.The US coronavirus death toll surpassed 600,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The country’s coronavirus death rate has significantly declined in recent months, as vaccines have become widely available, but hundreds of Americans are still dying of the virus each day.
Joe Biden has arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, where he will meet tomorrow with Vladimir Putin. The summit will mark Biden’s first in-person meeting with the Russian president since he took office in January. Biden also held a bilateral meeting with Swiss president Guy Parmelin earlier today.Joe Biden has arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, where he will meet tomorrow with Vladimir Putin. The summit will mark Biden’s first in-person meeting with the Russian president since he took office in January. Biden also held a bilateral meeting with Swiss president Guy Parmelin earlier today.
Newly released emails showed Donald Trump tried to enlist senior administration officials to help him overturn his defeat in the 2020 election. The documents show that the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, repeatedly instructed justice department officials to investigate false allegations of voter fraud. One senior justice department official described the requests as “pure insanity”.Newly released emails showed Donald Trump tried to enlist senior administration officials to help him overturn his defeat in the 2020 election. The documents show that the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, repeatedly instructed justice department officials to investigate false allegations of voter fraud. One senior justice department official described the requests as “pure insanity”.
The EU and the US resolved a 17-year trade dispute over aircraft subsidies for Boeing and Airbus, which had been going on for nearly 17 years. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Biden announced the deal this morning, after meeting for the EU-US summit in Brussels. The agreement involves suspending tariffs on Boeing and Airbus for five years and working to guarantee an even playing field for the two companies.The EU and the US resolved a 17-year trade dispute over aircraft subsidies for Boeing and Airbus, which had been going on for nearly 17 years. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Biden announced the deal this morning, after meeting for the EU-US summit in Brussels. The agreement involves suspending tariffs on Boeing and Airbus for five years and working to guarantee an even playing field for the two companies.
The White House unveiled its first ever national strategy to fight domestic terrorism. The framework, released today by the national security council, emphasized that domestic terrorism must be addressed in an “ideologically neutral” manner. The announcement comes five months after a violent, pro-Trump mob attacked the US Capitol, resulting in five deaths.The White House unveiled its first ever national strategy to fight domestic terrorism. The framework, released today by the national security council, emphasized that domestic terrorism must be addressed in an “ideologically neutral” manner. The announcement comes five months after a violent, pro-Trump mob attacked the US Capitol, resulting in five deaths.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Fourteen US states and DC have hit Joe Biden’s goal of having 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4, according to the White House pandemic response team.Fourteen US states and DC have hit Joe Biden’s goal of having 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4, according to the White House pandemic response team.
In a tweet, the response team celebrated the milestone while urging all eligible and unvaccinated Americans to get their shots as soon as possible.In a tweet, the response team celebrated the milestone while urging all eligible and unvaccinated Americans to get their shots as soon as possible.
Biden has planned July 4 festivities at the White House to commemorate US Independence Day and celebrate the country’s reopening as more pandemic-related restrictions are relaxed because of the availability of vaccines.Biden has planned July 4 festivities at the White House to commemorate US Independence Day and celebrate the country’s reopening as more pandemic-related restrictions are relaxed because of the availability of vaccines.
However, it is still unclear whether the US will hit Biden’s goal of getting 70% of all American adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4.However, it is still unclear whether the US will hit Biden’s goal of getting 70% of all American adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4.
Southern states in particular are lagging in vaccination rates, and Kamala Harris has launched a tour to encourage unvaccinated Americans to get their shots.Southern states in particular are lagging in vaccination rates, and Kamala Harris has launched a tour to encourage unvaccinated Americans to get their shots.
Donald Trump has insisted he is writing “the book of all books” – even though major figures in US publishing said on Tuesday no big house is likely to touch a memoir by the 45th president because it might stoke “a staff uprising” and it would be “too hard to get a book that was factually accurate”.Donald Trump has insisted he is writing “the book of all books” – even though major figures in US publishing said on Tuesday no big house is likely to touch a memoir by the 45th president because it might stoke “a staff uprising” and it would be “too hard to get a book that was factually accurate”.
When Trump left the White House in January, the Washington Post said he made 30,573 false or misleading claims while in power. The comments by publishing insiders were reported by Politico.When Trump left the White House in January, the Washington Post said he made 30,573 false or misleading claims while in power. The comments by publishing insiders were reported by Politico.
Former presidents traditionally turn to their memoirs when they leave office after two terms, like Barack Obama, or are kicked out of it after one, like Trump.Former presidents traditionally turn to their memoirs when they leave office after two terms, like Barack Obama, or are kicked out of it after one, like Trump.
Ever since the Guardian broke news of Michael Wolff’s first White House tell-all, Fire and Fury, in January 2018, books about Trump and his presidency have proved a goldmine.Ever since the Guardian broke news of Michael Wolff’s first White House tell-all, Fire and Fury, in January 2018, books about Trump and his presidency have proved a goldmine.
Full story is here.Full story is here.
An in-depth look at what Trump books say about Trump, meanwhile, is … here:An in-depth look at what Trump books say about Trump, meanwhile, is … here:
Joe Biden’s announcement of nine nominees for key ambassadorships comes as he wraps up his first international trip as president.Joe Biden’s announcement of nine nominees for key ambassadorships comes as he wraps up his first international trip as president.
Over the past several days, the president has attended the G-7 summit in Cornwall before participating in Nato and EU-US summits in Brussels. Biden is now in Geneva, where he will meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow.Over the past several days, the president has attended the G-7 summit in Cornwall before participating in Nato and EU-US summits in Brussels. Biden is now in Geneva, where he will meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin tomorrow.
However, despite Biden’s week in Europe, the latest list of ambassador nominees does not include many Europe-based posts.However, despite Biden’s week in Europe, the latest list of ambassador nominees does not include many Europe-based posts.
Julianne Smith, one of Biden’s former foreign policy advisers, has been nominated to serve as US ambassador to Nato, but no other European ambassadorships are mentioned in the announcement.Julianne Smith, one of Biden’s former foreign policy advisers, has been nominated to serve as US ambassador to Nato, but no other European ambassadorships are mentioned in the announcement.
Joe Biden has just announced nine of his nominees to key ambassadorships around the world, including Israel, Mexico and Nato.Joe Biden has just announced nine of his nominees to key ambassadorships around the world, including Israel, Mexico and Nato.
Pilot C. B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III, who famously landed a US Airways flight in the Hudson River with no fatalities in 2009, is among the nominees. Biden has nominated Sullenberger to serve as the US representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, which carries the rank of ambassador.Pilot C. B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III, who famously landed a US Airways flight in the Hudson River with no fatalities in 2009, is among the nominees. Biden has nominated Sullenberger to serve as the US representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, which carries the rank of ambassador.
The president has also selected Ken Salazar, a former interior secretary, to serve as ambassador to Mexico. Julianne Smith, a former foreign policy adviser to Biden, would represent the US as its ambassador to Nato if confirmed. Former deputy secretary of state Tom Nides has also been tapped as the next US ambassador to Israel.The president has also selected Ken Salazar, a former interior secretary, to serve as ambassador to Mexico. Julianne Smith, a former foreign policy adviser to Biden, would represent the US as its ambassador to Nato if confirmed. Former deputy secretary of state Tom Nides has also been tapped as the next US ambassador to Israel.
Here is the full list of nominees:Here is the full list of nominees:
Julie Chung, nominee for US ambassador to Sri Lanka.Julie Chung, nominee for US ambassador to Sri Lanka.
Sharon L. Cromer, nominee for US ambassador to Gambia.Sharon L. Cromer, nominee for US ambassador to Gambia.
Troy Damian Fitrell, nominee for US ambassador to Guinea.Troy Damian Fitrell, nominee for US ambassador to Guinea.
Thomas R. Nides, nominee for US ambassador to Israel.Thomas R. Nides, nominee for US ambassador to Israel.
Marc Ostfield, nominee for US ambassador to Paraguay.Marc Ostfield, nominee for US ambassador to Paraguay.
Ken Salazar, nominee for US ambassador to Mexico.Ken Salazar, nominee for US ambassador to Mexico.
Julianne Smith, nominee for the US representative to Nato, with the rank of ambassador.Julianne Smith, nominee for the US representative to Nato, with the rank of ambassador.
C. B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III, nominee for US representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, with the rank of ambassador.C. B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III, nominee for US representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, with the rank of ambassador.
Dr. Cynthia Ann Telles, nominee for US ambassador to Costa Rica.Dr. Cynthia Ann Telles, nominee for US ambassador to Costa Rica.
Donald Trump tried to enlist top US law enforcement officials in a conspiracy-laden and doomed effort to overturn his election defeat, a campaign they described as “pure insanity”, newly released emails show.Donald Trump tried to enlist top US law enforcement officials in a conspiracy-laden and doomed effort to overturn his election defeat, a campaign they described as “pure insanity”, newly released emails show.
The documents reveal Trump and his allies’ increasingly desperate efforts between December and early January to push bogus conspiracy theories and cling to power – and the struggle of bewildered justice department officials to resist them.The documents reveal Trump and his allies’ increasingly desperate efforts between December and early January to push bogus conspiracy theories and cling to power – and the struggle of bewildered justice department officials to resist them.
“These documents show that President Trump tried to corrupt our nation’s chief law enforcement agency in a brazen attempt to overturn an election that he lost,” said Carolyn Maloney, chair of the House of Representatives’ oversight committee, which released the emails on Tuesday.“These documents show that President Trump tried to corrupt our nation’s chief law enforcement agency in a brazen attempt to overturn an election that he lost,” said Carolyn Maloney, chair of the House of Representatives’ oversight committee, which released the emails on Tuesday.
At least five times, the documents show, the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, instructed justice department officials to investigate false allegations of voter fraud, including a conspiracy theory called “Italygate” which claims electoral data was changed from Europe by means including military satellites and with the knowledge of the CIA.At least five times, the documents show, the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, instructed justice department officials to investigate false allegations of voter fraud, including a conspiracy theory called “Italygate” which claims electoral data was changed from Europe by means including military satellites and with the knowledge of the CIA.
On 1 January Meadows, a fierce Trump loyalist, sent Jeffrey Rosen, then acting attorney general, a link to a YouTube video detailing the “Italygate” theory. Rosen forwarded the email to the then acting deputy attorney general, Richard Donoghue, who replied: “Pure insanity.”On 1 January Meadows, a fierce Trump loyalist, sent Jeffrey Rosen, then acting attorney general, a link to a YouTube video detailing the “Italygate” theory. Rosen forwarded the email to the then acting deputy attorney general, Richard Donoghue, who replied: “Pure insanity.”
The documents also show that Trump pressured Rosen to make the justice department take up election fraud claims.The documents also show that Trump pressured Rosen to make the justice department take up election fraud claims.
Chuck Schumer’s announcement came hours after two Senate progressives, Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, said they would not support an infrastructure bill that did not adequately address the climate crisis.Chuck Schumer’s announcement came hours after two Senate progressives, Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, said they would not support an infrastructure bill that did not adequately address the climate crisis.
“There has to be an absolute unbreakable guarantee that climate has to be at the center of any infrastructure deal that we cut,” Markey said at a press conference.“There has to be an absolute unbreakable guarantee that climate has to be at the center of any infrastructure deal that we cut,” Markey said at a press conference.
Merkley added, “If there is no climate, there is no deal.”Merkley added, “If there is no climate, there is no deal.”
Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the Senate budget committee, has similarly urged the Biden administration to focus on passing an infrastructure bill with only Democratic support via reconciliation, but it’s unclear whether Schumer has the votes for that.Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the Senate budget committee, has similarly urged the Biden administration to focus on passing an infrastructure bill with only Democratic support via reconciliation, but it’s unclear whether Schumer has the votes for that.
Two of the most moderate members of the Democratic caucus, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, have indicated they want to pursue bipartisan negotiations on infrastructure. And Schumer needs all 50 Senate Democrats on board to move forward with reconciliation.Two of the most moderate members of the Democratic caucus, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, have indicated they want to pursue bipartisan negotiations on infrastructure. And Schumer needs all 50 Senate Democrats on board to move forward with reconciliation.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer has just announced that he will convene a meeting tomorrow with the budget committee to begin crafting a budget resolution for an infrastructure bill.Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer has just announced that he will convene a meeting tomorrow with the budget committee to begin crafting a budget resolution for an infrastructure bill.
The resolution will be the vehicle to pass an infrastructure bill using reconciliation, meaning Senate Democrats would not need any assistance from their Republican colleagues to get the proposal approved.The resolution will be the vehicle to pass an infrastructure bill using reconciliation, meaning Senate Democrats would not need any assistance from their Republican colleagues to get the proposal approved.
Schumer insisted that senators are still pursuing a two-track plan on infrastructure, meaning they will continue to work on advancing the bipartisan $1.2 trillion proposal while also laying the groundwork for a separate bill that would theoretically pass with only Democratic support.Schumer insisted that senators are still pursuing a two-track plan on infrastructure, meaning they will continue to work on advancing the bipartisan $1.2 trillion proposal while also laying the groundwork for a separate bill that would theoretically pass with only Democratic support.
The majority leader’s announcement came after several progressive senators indicated they would only support the bipartisan bill if they received a guarantee that additional funds would be approved in a separate reconciliation package.The majority leader’s announcement came after several progressive senators indicated they would only support the bipartisan bill if they received a guarantee that additional funds would be approved in a separate reconciliation package.
But Schumer will need all 50 Democratic senators on board to pass a bill via reconciliation, and it’s unclear whether moderates like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema will be on board for this two-track plan.But Schumer will need all 50 Democratic senators on board to pass a bill via reconciliation, and it’s unclear whether moderates like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema will be on board for this two-track plan.
The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:
Joe Biden is officially tapping a leading voting rights lawyer for a role on a federal appellate court.Joe Biden is officially tapping a leading voting rights lawyer for a role on a federal appellate court.
Biden is nominating Myrna Pérez, the director of the voting rights and elections program at the Brennan Center for Justice, to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd circuit, the appellate courts that oversees New York, Connecticut, and Vermont.Biden is nominating Myrna Pérez, the director of the voting rights and elections program at the Brennan Center for Justice, to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd circuit, the appellate courts that oversees New York, Connecticut, and Vermont.
If confirmed, Pérez would be the only Latina jurist serving on the 2nd circuit, the White House noted in a press release earlier today.If confirmed, Pérez would be the only Latina jurist serving on the 2nd circuit, the White House noted in a press release earlier today.
Here’s one of her recent tweets.Here’s one of her recent tweets.
Pérez is widely respected among voting rights attorneys, and has been involved in some of the most high profile voting cases in recent years, including the fight over Texas’ voter ID law and restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions in Florida.Pérez is widely respected among voting rights attorneys, and has been involved in some of the most high profile voting cases in recent years, including the fight over Texas’ voter ID law and restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions in Florida.
She has led efforts to push back on overly-aggressive efforts to remove people from the voter rolls, a process often called voter purging, and has been outspoken about the damage of the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision striking down a critical provision of the Voting Rights Act.She has led efforts to push back on overly-aggressive efforts to remove people from the voter rolls, a process often called voter purging, and has been outspoken about the damage of the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision striking down a critical provision of the Voting Rights Act.
Pérez was among five people the White House nominated for judgeships today. Hers is the latest of a number of voting rights experts Biden has put in key roles across government.Pérez was among five people the White House nominated for judgeships today. Hers is the latest of a number of voting rights experts Biden has put in key roles across government.
Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke, two longtime civil rights attorneys, are currently serving in top roles at the Justice Department. Justin Levitt, a well-respected scholar, was hired as a senior White House adviser to work on voting rights issues.Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke, two longtime civil rights attorneys, are currently serving in top roles at the Justice Department. Justin Levitt, a well-respected scholar, was hired as a senior White House adviser to work on voting rights issues.
More may be coming: Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer has also recommended Dale Ho, the ACLU’s top voting rights lawyer, for a position on the federal bench.More may be coming: Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer has also recommended Dale Ho, the ACLU’s top voting rights lawyer, for a position on the federal bench.
“With voter suppression laws on the rise, we need strong voting rights and civil rights champions on the federal bench who are committed to equal justice under law. Myrna Pérez is an exceptionally qualified attorney and has an unassailable record when it comes to protecting the fundamental right to vote,” Damon Hewitt, the president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.“With voter suppression laws on the rise, we need strong voting rights and civil rights champions on the federal bench who are committed to equal justice under law. Myrna Pérez is an exceptionally qualified attorney and has an unassailable record when it comes to protecting the fundamental right to vote,” Damon Hewitt, the president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
Read more on the issues involved in “the fight to vote” in the US in our special section.Read more on the issues involved in “the fight to vote” in the US in our special section.
Donald Trump will resume his rallies next week in Cleveland, Ohio, according to a Washington Post reporter. The former president also plans to hold a rally in Tampa, Florida, on July 3.Donald Trump will resume his rallies next week in Cleveland, Ohio, according to a Washington Post reporter. The former president also plans to hold a rally in Tampa, Florida, on July 3.
Trump’s team had indicated for weeks that he would soon start holding his infamous rallies again, but the schedule for those events had been unclear.Trump’s team had indicated for weeks that he would soon start holding his infamous rallies again, but the schedule for those events had been unclear.
The former president has been issuing a number of endorsements for Republican candidates, and he has signaled he wants to be closely involved in the party’s campaign efforts for next year’s midterms as he weighs another presidential bid in 2024.The former president has been issuing a number of endorsements for Republican candidates, and he has signaled he wants to be closely involved in the party’s campaign efforts for next year’s midterms as he weighs another presidential bid in 2024.
According to a CNN reporter, Trump will appear at the Cleveland rally with Max Miller, a former aide who has launched a primary challenge against Republicans congressman Anthony Gonzalez.According to a CNN reporter, Trump will appear at the Cleveland rally with Max Miller, a former aide who has launched a primary challenge against Republicans congressman Anthony Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was one of 10 House Republicans who voted in January to impeach Trump for inciting the Capitol insurrection.Gonzalez was one of 10 House Republicans who voted in January to impeach Trump for inciting the Capitol insurrection.