An appeals court has ordered a judge to drop the case against Michael Flynn, a former aide to Donald Trump who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2018. Mr Trump boasted the good news on social media following the announcement and asked former FBI Director James Comey if he would release an apology to his former aide.
Hours later, the president attended a press briefing in the White House's Rose Garden with Poland President Andrezj Duda. He accused protesters across the country of trying to tear down statues of prominent figures such as Jesus Christ, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson. This accusation came after a day of unrest in DC on Monday where protesters attempted to pull down a statue of former President Andrew Jackson
Mr Trump's top infectious diseases expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, has issued a warning to Congress about the “disturbing” resurgence of the coronavirus in southern states that moved quickly to re-emerge from shutdown like Texas and Florida, saying the next few weeks will be “critical” to tackling the virus. New York's tri-state area announced a travel advisory on Wednesday against nine states with increased coronavirus cases, and the advisory included Texas and Florida.
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Trump revives unproven conspiracy theory that Obama administration 'spied' on his campaign
Reviving his so-far unproven "Obamagate" conspiracy theory, Donald Trump on Wednesday again contended the Obama administration "spied" on his 2016 campaign.
"The Obama administration spied on a campaign," the president said several times during brief remarks alongside his Polish counterpart in the Oval Office.
Reviving his so-far unproven "Obamagate" conspiracy theory, Donald Trump on Wednesday again contended the Obama administration "spied" on his 2016 campaign.
"The Obama administration spied on a campaign," the president said several times during brief remarks alongside his Polish counterpart in the Oval Office.
John T Bennett reports:
Trump revives unproven conspiracy theory that Obama administration 'spied' on his campaign
President congratulates Michael Flynn after judge ruled Justice Department must drop its case against him
Trump suggests protesters want to pull down statues of Jesus Christ
The president held a briefing in the White House's Rose Garden on Wednesday with Poland President Andrzej Duda.
The president held a briefing in the White House's Rose Garden on Wednesday with Poland President Andrzej Duda.
At one point, Mr Trump suggested protesters wanted to tear down statues of figures such as Jesus Christ, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.
Protesters have targeted statues of figures largely in connection with the Confederate Army. But other statues have also faced criticism if they honoured someone who previously owned slaves.
One statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington DC also sparked backlash because of how a former slave was imagined in the statue. There have been no reports of people tearing down statues of Jesus Christ.
Letters of immigrants detained by ICE during coronavirus made public: 'We may die and are afraid'
During a three-month lawsuit seeking their release from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in South Florida, the US District Court received personal missives from about 100 detainees.
"We may die and are afraid," their collective note said, according to The Miami Herald.
Justin Vallejo reports:
Almost 200 pages of handwritten letters have opened a window into the alleged living conditions of illegal immigrants held in US federal detention centres during the coronavirus pandemic.
During a three-month lawsuit seeking their release from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in South Florida, the US District Court received personal missives from about 100 detainees.
"We may die and are afraid," their collective note said, according to The Miami Herald.
Justin Vallejo reports:
ICE detainee letters made public: 'We may die and are afraid'
'They also ignored deliberately the symptoms we suffer from the Covid-19 pandemic’
Biden leads Trump in Ohio among registered voters, new poll states
Ohio will be a key battleground state for the 2020 election, according to a Quinnipiac University poll of the state's registered voters.
Ohio will be a key battleground state for the 2020 election, according to a Quinnipiac University poll of the state's registered voters.
It found former Vice President Joe Biden was leading President Donald Trump at 46 per cent to 45 per cent of the votes.
Among Democrats, Biden received 93 per cent of the vote. Mr Trump won with Republicans by 92 per cent of the vote. Independents still remained divided in the state, with 44 per cent of votes going to Mr Trump and 40 per cent going to Mr Biden.
The poll also broke down the voters based on the issues they supported. Mr Trump lead when it came to the economy, with 53 per cent saying they trusted him compared to 43 per cent for Mr Biden.
But Mr Biden lead in all other areas, which included handling a crisis, coronavirus, race relations, and healthcare.
The voters were also polled on Mr Trump's job approval rating, as just 44 per cent approved of the job he was doing while 53 per cent disapproved.
Trump calls for James Comey to 'apologise" to Michael Flynn
Donald Trump celebrated today the news of the appeals court ordering a judge to dismiss the case against Michael Flynn.
In a recent tweet, the president asked if former FBI Director James Comey was going to apologise to Mr Flynn following the news.
Mr Flynn pleaded guilty to "wilfully and knowingly" making false statements to the FBI in 2019. He then later attempted to withdraw that guilty plea.
Donald Trump celebrated today the news of the appeals court ordering a judge to dismiss the case against Michael Flynn.
In a recent tweet, the president asked if former FBI Director James Comey was going to apologise to Mr Flynn following the news.
Mr Flynn pleaded guilty to "wilfully and knowingly" making false statements to the FBI in 2019. He then later attempted to withdraw that guilty plea.
Democrats ask for Sergeant of Arms to remove Republican representative from Barr hearing
The House-led Democrats have asked for the Sergeant of Arms to remove Representative Louie Gohmert, a Republican of Texas, from the House Judiciary Committee's hearing about Attorney General Bill Barr.
During the hearing, the committee called former Attorney General Donald Ayer to testify about Mr Barr and his performance in his position.
Mr Gohmert decided to rap incessantly on his desk to deter the witness from him statement and cause a distraction.
Democrats threatened to remove Mr Gohmert from the hearing if the behaviour continued.
The House-led Democrats have asked for the Sergeant of Arms to remove Representative Louie Gohmert, a Republican of Texas, from the House Judiciary Committee's hearing about Attorney General Bill Barr.
During the hearing, the committee called former Attorney General Donald Ayer to testify about Mr Barr and his performance in his position.
Mr Gohmert decided to rap incessantly on his desk to deter the witness from him statement and cause a distraction.
Democrats threatened to remove Mr Gohmert from the hearing if the behaviour continued.
Coronavirus 'spiralling out of control' in US as 26 states report increase in average daily cases
The coronavirus pandemic in the US is "spiralling out of control," experts have warned, with at least 26 states recording an increase in cases compared to last week.
California recorded 5,019 new cases on Monday, a record rise of the state's daily case number for the fourth time in a week. In Florida, officials announced 3,289 confirmed new cases in a day as infections surpassed 100,000.
Meanwhile, the governor of Texas urged people to stay home and to wear masks if they leave the house as state's infections tally also rose.
Louise Hall with the report:
The coronavirus pandemic in the US is "spiralling out of control," experts have warned, with at least 26 states recording an increase in cases compared to last week.
California recorded 5,019 new cases on Monday, a record rise of the state's daily case number for the fourth time in a week. In Florida, officials announced 3,289 confirmed new cases in a day as infections surpassed 100,000.
Meanwhile, the governor of Texas urged people to stay home and to wear masks if they leave the house as state's infections tally also rose.
Louise Hall with the report:
US 'spiralling out of control' as 26 states report increase in average daily coronavirus cases
The Independent'It is snowballing. We will most certainly see more people die as a result of this spike'
WHO expects global coronavirus case numbers to reach 10 million by next week
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has updated its estimated coronavirus case numbers as countries continue to report increased numbers.
"More than 9.1 million cases of Covid-19 have now been reported to WHO, and more than 470,000 deaths. In the first month of this outbreak, less than 10,000 cases were reported to WHO. In the last month, almost 4 million cases have been reported," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a briefing Wednesday.
He added the WHO now expects cases to reach 10 million by next week at the current infection rate.
"This is a sober reminder that even as we continue research into vaccines and therapeutics, we have an urgent responsibility to do everything we can with the tools we have now to suppress transmission and save lives," he added.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has updated its estimated coronavirus case numbers as countries continue to report increased numbers.
"More than 9.1 million cases of Covid-19 have now been reported to WHO, and more than 470,000 deaths. In the first month of this outbreak, less than 10,000 cases were reported to WHO. In the last month, almost 4 million cases have been reported," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a briefing Wednesday.
He added the WHO now expects cases to reach 10 million by next week at the current infection rate.
"This is a sober reminder that even as we continue research into vaccines and therapeutics, we have an urgent responsibility to do everything we can with the tools we have now to suppress transmission and save lives," he added.
Dr Mike Ryan, WHO executive director of the health emergencies program, also spoke during the briefing and said countries in the Americas were not showing a decline in cases.
"Unfortunately, the pandemic for many countries in the Americas has not peaked. They are not reaching a low level of transmission within which we can achieve a sustainable exit from public health and social measures," Dr Ryan said.
"Unfortunately, the pandemic for many countries in the Americas has not peaked. They are not reaching a low level of transmission within which we can achieve a sustainable exit from public health and social measures," Dr Ryan said.
Trump attorney general to testify before House panel investigating him for Flynn and Stone decisions
Attorney General William Barr has agreed to testify on 28 July before the House Judiciary Committee, which is investigating him for the "unprecedented politicization" of the Justice Department.
It will be the first time Mr Barr, who assumed office last February after being picked by Donald Trump, has appeared before the panel tasked with overseeing his actions.
Griffin Connolly with the breaking news:
Trump attorney general to testify before House panel investigating him for Flynn and Stone decisions
Announcement of Mr Barr's hearing before Judiciary Committee comes as panel grills whistle blowers about his alleged misconduct
Obama rebukes 'shambolic' Trump in rare open criticism – while raising millions for his presumptive opponent
"What we have seen over the last couple of years is a White House enabled by Republicans in Congress and a media structure that supports them that has not just differed in terms of policy but has gone at the very foundations of who we are and who we should be," the former president said while denouncing Mr Trump's "disorganised" administration.
Chris Riotta reports:
Former President Barack Obama slammed President Donald Trump's "shambolic" and "mean spirited approach to government" during a rare, fiery rebuke of his successor while speaking at former Vice President Joe Biden's virtual fundraiser on Tuesday.
"What we have seen over the last couple of years is a White House enabled by Republicans in Congress and a media structure that supports them that has not just differed in terms of policy but has gone at the very foundations of who we are and who we should be," the former president said while denouncing Mr Trump's "disorganised" administration.
Chris Riotta reports:
Obama rebukes ‘shambolic’ Trump in rare open criticism
The IndependentFormer president says current White House 'actively promotes division' and 'considers some Americans in this country more real than others'
Yesterday marks the third highest number of new coronavirus cases in US
The United States reported its third-highest day of new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
At least 34,720 new people tested positive for the coronavirus and were reported on Tuesday. The second highest day, which reported 34,756, were on 9 April. The highest day since the state of the pandemic was reported on 24 April with 36,291 coronavirus cases.
The United States reported its third-highest day of new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
At least 34,720 new people tested positive for the coronavirus and were reported on Tuesday. The second highest day, which reported 34,756, were on 9 April. The highest day since the state of the pandemic was reported on 24 April with 36,291 coronavirus cases.
This all comes as New York, which was long the epicentre for Covid-19, reported its lowest new coronavirus cases. The state now has a 1.1 per cent infection rate, which is lower than most other states in the country.
AOC says Wall Street money 'can't buy a movement' after triumphing over billionaire-backed opponent
Oliver O'Connell reports:
Oliver O'Connell reports:
AOC says Wall Street money 'can't buy a movement' after triumphing over billionaire-backed opponent
'Here’s to speaking truth to power' — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Young Trump supporters roar approval as president uses racist phrase 'kung flu'
Donald Trump said it again, using a derogatory phrase for the coronavirus that some call offensive to Asian people -- and an audience of young supporters roared with laughter.
The president was addressing young Republicans in Phoenix on Tuesday when he pivoted from talking about his southern border barrier and California's Democratic leaders to slamming Tijuana, Mexico for its coronavirus infection rate. Then he started riffing about the disease's name -- rather, its names.
And the youngsters loved it.
Donald Trump said it again, using a derogatory phrase for the coronavirus that some call offensive to Asian people -- and an audience of young supporters roared with laughter.
The president was addressing young Republicans in Phoenix on Tuesday when he pivoted from talking about his southern border barrier and California's Democratic leaders to slamming Tijuana, Mexico for its coronavirus infection rate. Then he started riffing about the disease's name -- rather, its names.
And the youngsters loved it.
John T Bennett with the report:
Young Trump supporters roar approval as president uses racist phrase 'Kung flu'
Kellyanne Conway has called phrase 'highly offensive', but is defending president
Senate confirms Trump-appointed circuit judge
The US Senate has confirmed Cory T Wilson to be the US Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit in a 52 to 48 vote.
The US Senate has confirmed Cory T Wilson to be the US Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit in a 52 to 48 vote.
This will be the 200th judge President Donald Trump has appointed since he first took office, CNN reports.
BREAKING: New York's tai-state area announces travel advisory against states with high coronavirus infections
Breaking news here:
Breaking news here:
Visitors to New York from areas with high coronavirus rates must quarantine for 14 days
New York's tri-state area has announced a travel advisory against states with higher coronavirus infection rates starting Wednesday at midnight. Governor Andrew Cuomo made the travel advisory announcement in partnership with Connecticut's Ned Lamont and New Jersey's Phil Murphy, with all three states showing a decline in Covid-19 cases.
Republican state legislator says Black Lives Matter protesters ‘at war with western culture’
Step forward Minnesota GOP representative Jim Hagedorn, who made this bright and helpful remark on Facebook, that home of measured debate.
Step forward Minnesota GOP representative Jim Hagedorn, who made this bright and helpful remark on Facebook, that home of measured debate.
'You know what Trump is most afraid of? A black man with power'
Here's Chris Riotta on the extraordinary Jaamal Bowman, a middle school teacher from the Bronx who looks set to oust 16-term Democrat Eliot Engel in New York's 16th congressional district.
Here's Chris Riotta on the extraordinary Jaamal Bowman, a middle school teacher from the Bronx who looks set to oust 16-term Democrat Eliot Engel in New York's 16th congressional district.
Michael Flynn case dropped after appeals court sides with Justice Department
A US appeals court has directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case.
Here's Trump's reaction:
In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US district judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty.
The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a 16 July hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case.
"In this case, the district courtâs actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branchâs exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump.
"The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion," she added.
Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented.
Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak.
He switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge.
Here's Griffin Connolly's report.
A US appeals court has directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case.
Here's Trump's reaction:
In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US district judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty.
The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a 16 July hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case.
"In this case, the district courtâs actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branchâs exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump.
"The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion," she added.
Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented.
Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak.
He switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge.
Here's Griffin Connolly's report.
Biden ahead of Trump by 14 points with strong advantage among women and minority voters, new poll shows
Gino Spocchia has the latest polling update, with The New York Times's latest making even bleaker reading for the president than last week's Fox survey.
Gino Spocchia has the latest polling update, with The New York Times's latest making even bleaker reading for the president than last week's Fox survey.
Trump administration places restrictions on four more Chinese news organisations
State Department officials said they were taking the action to make it clear to American citizens that the organisations - China Central Television, China News Service, People’s Daily and Global Times - are viewed by the US government as propaganda organs for a foreign government.
The groups will be asked to send to the department a complete roster of employees in the United States and a list of their real estate holdings.
China can be relied up to retaliate.
State Department officials said they were taking the action to make it clear to American citizens that the organisations - China Central Television, China News Service, People’s Daily and Global Times - are viewed by the US government as propaganda organs for a foreign government.
The groups will be asked to send to the department a complete roster of employees in the United States and a list of their real estate holdings.
China can be relied up to retaliate.
