![]() Wednesday 07.01.20
![]() ![]() Coronavirus
Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned that new Covid-19 cases in the US could soar to 100,000 a day if the country can’t get a handle on the virus’ resurgent spread. At least some people are getting the message. More and more Republican leaders are publicly pushing for face mask use, which medical experts agree is one of the best lines of daily defense. Among them is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said there should be no stigma about covering up in public. Other GOP lawmakers have connected mask use to reducing the risk of another round of economic shutdowns. However, President Trump remains notably silent -- and unmasked -- on the issue. Meanwhile, in Beijing, the Chinese government has approved the use of an experimental Covid-19 vaccine called Ad5-nCoV among the country’s military. It’s a hopeful step forward in a global race to end the pandemic threat. ![]() Hong Kong
The passage of China’s new national security law in Hong Kong has already sparked protests and led to the first arrests under the brand new legislation. Demonstrators turned out by the hundreds in Hong Kong city centers, and at least 70 were arrested. Two of those people -- a man holding a black independence flag and a woman with a sign reading, “Hong Kong Independence” -- were apprehended on suspicion of violating the new law. It’s also important to note that today is the 23rd anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from British rule to China. The date is traditionally a day of protests in the city, but for the first time since the handover, police did not let protesters hold peaceful demonstrations. ![]() School choice
The Supreme Court handed down a ruling that could open the door for more public funding for religious education. The case concerned a group of parents in Montana who wanted to use a state scholarship program to send their children to religious schools. The court sided in favor of the parents, 5-4. In his ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that if a state chooses to fund private education, like the Montana tax credit program in question did, it could not exclude religious schools. The decision is a huge win for supporters of school choice programs, a hallmark of the Trump administration, and one that will likely encourage other states to push for similar programs. ![]() NAFTA
NAFTA is no more. Starting today, the North American Free Trade Agreement will be eclipsed by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a new deal signed by President Trump and his Mexican and Canadian counterparts in 2018. Much of USMCA simply updates the 25-year-old agreement it’s replacing. It also adds incentives to build cars and trucks in North America, strengthens labor laws in Mexico, provides sweeping new benefits for the technology sector, and includes $600 million to address environmental problems in the region. It also provides a certain measure of comfort to businesses that worried Trump would bow out of NAFTA, which he’s called “the worst trade deal ever made,” without another deal in place. ![]() Economy
The Senate eked out an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program mere hours before the small business lifeline was set to expire. The program will now run until August 8, giving businesses a chance to apply for the remaining $130 billion in emergency relief loans it offers. However, some businesses say they need loans with more flexible terms, since it’s not clear what the full economic consequences of the pandemic will be. As cases continue to rise, many such businesses fear another round of shutdowns could be irrevocably destructive. In the meantime, the PPP’s extension date lines up with the end of the next Senate work period -- the same time line Senate Republicans have set to complete the next round of stimulus. ![]() Sponsor Content by CuriosityStream Smart TV for your SmartTV Entertain and enlighten the whole family by streaming thousands of documentaries and nonfiction series on any device. History, Science, Space, Nature and more. Use code CNN to sign up for just $14.99 for the whole YEAR. ![]() ![]() People are talking about these. Read up. Join in. The 2020 Minor League Baseball season has been canceled
Delta is bringing back beer and wine on its flights
Tokyo Disneyland is reopening after a 4-month closure
The MTV Video Music Awards will happen as planned in New York City
Snakes can glide through the air. Here's how On second thought, maybe we don't want to know how. ![]() ![]() Russia could hit the reset button for Putin $19 million That's about how much women who experienced sexual abuse and harassment by imprisoned former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein will receive as part of a settlement announced by the New York attorney general's office. ![]() ![]() If we didn't force Black Americans into white America's box, think of how much we could thrive.
MLB star Ian Desmond, who opted out of the 2020 MLB season in a widely shared Instagram post that also discussed race inequity in the US and in the baseball world ![]() ![]() Brought to you by CNN Underscored Expert-approved tips for the safest road trip possible Considering taking a road trip this summer? There are still safety precautions you should take, whether you're heading to a nearby mountain for a camping trip or renting a seaside Airbnb. We spoke with doctors and travel experts to put together the ultimate safety guide for hitting the road. ![]() ![]()
The surprising origin of Dippin' Dots
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