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1. Coronavirus
More than 150,000 people in the US have now died of Covid-19, and global cases have topped 15 million. The US has the most cases, with nearly 4.5 million, followed by Brazil (2.5 million) and India (1.6 million). Australia and Japan recorded their highest single-day case numbers yet, and places like Italy, which were hit hard at the beginning of the pandemic, are extending emergency measures into the next few months. The medical community has also expressed concern about the state of African countries. The International Rescue Committee says cases there are much higher than official numbers suggest, due to lack of testing, stigma, and damaged medical infrastructure. The World Health Organization has also warned that there has been an acceleration of cases in sub-Saharan Africa, an area initially thought to be spared from the worst of the pandemic.
2. Police
The Justice Department is sending more federal agents and investigators to Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee as part of an initiative aimed at helping local and state authorities tackle a spike in violent crime. Past administrations have done the same thing, and it typically isn’t controversial. But given the Trump administration’s stance on current nationwide unrest, and the President’s renewed “law and order” persona, local and state leaders have been pushing back on his deployment of federal efforts. The administration just reached an agreement with Oregon to withdraw federal officers from parts of Portland after they were sent there earlier this month to allegedly protect federal assets amid prolonged protests for racial justice and police accountability.
3. Stimulus
Congress has doled out trillions in coronavirus relief aid, but a new report from the Treasury Department finds states and localities have used less than 25% of that money so far. That number underscores a common complaint – that the money has come with so many restrictions and has been distributed so slowly that local leaders can barely use it. It also could complicate the next round of relief. House Democrats want to send an additional $1 trillion in support to states, while the Republican plan contains no additional funding, but changes the flexibility of existing relief rules. By the way, Congress is reportedly no closer to agreeing on a final deal, and the clock is running out on the $600 weekly unemployment enhancement. Some economists say that extra boost is helping keep the economy afloat, and when it expires at the end of the month, unemployed Americans won’t be the only ones in trouble.
4. Hong Kong
Three key relief programs have either lapsed or are about to expire as Congress continues to debate the next round of coronavirus aid. The $600 unemployment enhancement ends today. A federal moratorium on evictions ended last Friday, leaving more than 12 million renters at risk for homelessness. And the Paycheck Protection Program, which still has $130 billion intended to help small businesses, is set to expire August 8. It doesn’t help that, after several days of negotiations following the Republican Senate stimulus proposal, GOP and Democratic leaders are reportedly no closer to an agreement on what to do next.
5. Germany
The US will withdraw nearly 12,000 troops from Germany, making good on a controversial Trump administration plan that will cost billions of dollars over the next few years to execute. The withdrawal has been criticized by bipartisan US leaders and international allies, since many think the move will weaken the US’ strategic position regarding Russia and undermine relations with Germany, NATO and Europe. Republican Sen. Mitt Romney even said the move was “a gift to Russia.” The President has justified the decision by saying Germany doesn’t spend enough on defense. The NATO target for defense spending is 2% of a member country’s GDP. Germany spends about 1.38%, and the US spends about 3.4%. However, a 2019 NATO report revealed only seven of its 29 member countries were meeting the 2% threshold.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
They were probably just … emusing themselves.
And teams that played last night sent a strong message: Black Lives Matter.
Here are your 2020 MTV VMA nominations
It’s a good day to be a Lady Gaga or Ariana Grande fan.
Garth Brooks explains why he removed himself from the CMA Entertainer of the Year category
In short, let someone else have a chance!
Dunkin’ is closing 800 locations
Things aren’t so sweet for the morning commute staple.
Sales of Dawn and Bounty paper towels are soaring
We are all trapped in an endless daily cycle of cooking from home, cleaning up our cooking from home, and then cooking from home again.
TODAY’S NUMBER
2024
That’s the year global air travel will finally recover from the Covid-19 crisis, according to the International Air Transport Association. The group says lack of consumer confidence, a decline in business travel, and fresh coronavirus spikes around the world will contribute to a sluggish recovery.
TODAY’S QUOTE
T Gonzales, a member of Louisville, Kentucky, Mayor Greg Fischer’s administration. Fischer has recommended that the city’s Metro Council pass a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. His administration says racism contributes to poverty and other disadvantages that affect health and wellbeing.
The late Rep. John Lewis, in an essay published by The New York Times on the day of his funeral. Lewis, inspired by the waves of social justice reform and activism sweeping the country, intended the essay to be published after his death.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
It only takes three minutes for a guy and this very lost shark to become good buds.
These are definitely NOT the kind of face masks you wear to the grocery store. (Although they certainly do encourage social distancing!) (Click here to view)