Donald Trump has arrived to the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday to witness the historic moment Nasa will launch the SpaceX rocket into space. This will be the first time American astronauts are launched into space from American soil since 2011.
The president attending the historic event comes as the US coronavirus death toll surpassed 100,000 people. Previously, health officials thought the US would not pass the grim milestone when most of America was shut down, but the virus has continued its deadly toll with all 50 states now in phases of reopening.
In other news, Mr Trump has threatened social media platforms with tougher restrictions or even closure after accusing Twitter of meddling in this year’s election and “completely stifling FREE SPEECH” by adding a link to one of his posts - spreading baseless fear-mongering over postal voting - that led his followers to a page where they could “get the facts” on the issue instead.
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BREAKING NEWS: Nasa postpones historic SpaceX launch due to bad weather
Bad weather has postponed the first launch of the SpaceX rocket holding two Nasa astronauts.
The rocket launch as scheduled for Wednesday afternoon but tornado warnings and other bad weather forced Nasa to postpone the launch.
This was expected to be the first rocket launch from American soil in nine years after the space programme was initially disbanded.
President Donald Trump and his family even flew out to Florida on Wednesday to visit the Kennedy Space Centre and watch the historic launch.
The launch has now been postponed to 30 May.
Bad weather has postponed the first launch of the SpaceX rocket holding two Nasa astronauts.
The rocket launch as scheduled for Wednesday afternoon but tornado warnings and other bad weather forced Nasa to postpone the launch.
This was expected to be the first rocket launch from American soil in nine years after the space programme was initially disbanded.
President Donald Trump and his family even flew out to Florida on Wednesday to visit the Kennedy Space Centre and watch the historic launch.
The launch has now been postponed to 30 May.
Trump says Nasa astronauts are 'the best there is' for their 'dangerous business' ahead of SpaceX launch
A pool reporter asked Donald Trump what he would want to tell Nasa astronauts ahead of their historic SpaceX shuttle launch in Florida on Wednesday.
"God be with you. It's a dangerous business, but they're the best there is," the president said, according to The New York Times.
A pool reporter asked Donald Trump what he would want to tell Nasa astronauts ahead of their historic SpaceX shuttle launch in Florida on Wednesday.
"God be with you. It's a dangerous business, but they're the best there is," the president said, according to The New York Times.
The president arrived to the Kennedy Space Centre with most of his family in attendance, including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Eric Trump, Lara Trump, Donald Trump Jr, and Kimberly Guilfoyle.
This will be the first time American astronauts are launched into space from US soil since the space programme was disbanded in 2011.
This will be the first time American astronauts are launched into space from US soil since the space programme was disbanded in 2011.
Ivanka Trump and her children wear masks at Kennedy Space Centre
Ivanka Trump was spotted with two of her three children and husband, Jared Kushner, on a tour of the Kennedy Space Centre ahead of the historic SpaceX rocket launch.
She and her three children were pictured wearing face masks while Mr Kushner went without.
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not wearing face masks while on the tour.
Ivanka Trump was spotted with two of her three children and husband, Jared Kushner, on a tour of the Kennedy Space Centre ahead of the historic SpaceX rocket launch.
She and her three children were pictured wearing face masks while Mr Kushner went without.
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not wearing face masks while on the tour.
Trump arrives to Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida for SpaceX launch
Donald Trump arrived in Florida on Wednesday for a historic day as Nasa prepares to launch two American astronauts into space. First Lady Melania Trump is also with the president to witness the historic moment.
The launch comes after the space programme was shuttered in 2011, forcing Nasa to rely on Russia to shuttle their astronauts to and from space.
But now the resurgence of the space programme in the US will allow Nasa to get their astronauts out to space directly from American soil.
Donald Trump arrived in Florida on Wednesday for a historic day as Nasa prepares to launch two American astronauts into space. First Lady Melania Trump is also with the president to witness the historic moment.
The launch comes after the space programme was shuttered in 2011, forcing Nasa to rely on Russia to shuttle their astronauts to and from space.
But now the resurgence of the space programme in the US will allow Nasa to get their astronauts out to space directly from American soil.
How US coronavirus deaths compare to other great tragedies
The death toll from the Covid-19 coronavirus in the US has passed 100,000, just four months after the first confirmed case of the deadly virus was reported in the country.
The official figure of deaths is more than double what President Donald Trump estimated during a press conference in late April, when he said "we're going towards 50 [thousand deaths]."
It is also significantly higher than his revised prediction from early May, when he estimated that the death toll would only reach 80,000 to 90,000.
Anthony Cuthbertson with the full report:
The death toll from the Covid-19 coronavirus in the US has passed 100,000, just four months after the first confirmed case of the deadly virus was reported in the country.
The official figure of deaths is more than double what President Donald Trump estimated during a press conference in late April, when he said "we're going towards 50 [thousand deaths]."
It is also significantly higher than his revised prediction from early May, when he estimated that the death toll would only reach 80,000 to 90,000.
Anthony Cuthbertson with the full report:
More people in the US have now died from coronavirus than the Vietnam War, 9/11 and all mass shootings combined
More people have now died from coronavirus in US than Vietnam War, 9/11 and all mass shootings combinedThe right-wing conservative snowflakes have come for Kathy Griffin - again. We deserve better than this
Clémence Michallon with her take:
Opinion: The right-wing conservative snowflakes have come for Kathy Griffin — again
The IndependentYou don't have to condone what Griffin said to realize that this kind of bad-faith posturing doesn't do our political discourse any good at all
US coronavirus death toll surpasses 100,000 people
The breaking news comes as all 50 states are in phases of reopening.
The breaking news comes as all 50 states are in phases of reopening.
US coronavirus deaths pass 100,000
More than 100,000 Americans have died following the nation's coronavirus outbreak, accounting for more than a quarter of all Covid-19-related deaths amid a global pandemic that has infected more than 5 million people, according to reports. Within only four months from the onset of the US outbreak, more Americans have died from coronavirus-related illness than from decades
Trump makes Obamagate theory centre stage in chaos over FISA authorisation
House Democratic leaders are in scramble mode to patch up a deal by the end of the day Wednesday to reauthorise crucial US surveillance authorities that lapsed some three months ago, as Donald Trump and stakeholders from both parties this week criticised current proposals on how to move forward.
Mr Trump has threatened to hold up the process while Senate Republicans investigate his unsubstantiated "Obamagate" theory, which maintains that the former president and his intelligence brass sought in 2016 and 2017 to undermine Mr Trump's incoming administration with sham investigations into Russian election interference and possible ties between the country and Mr Trump's 2016 campaign.
Griffin Connolly reports:
Trump puts Obamagate theory centre stage in chaos over FISA reauthorisation
Analysis: Mr Trump is threatening to hold up FISA reforms over Senate investigations that are already underway
Cuomo calls conversation with Trump 'good' while still waiting for more federal funding
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called it a "good conversation" after seeing with President Donald Trump about needing the federal government to assist in the state "supercharging" infrastructure projects.
As regions in the state start to reopen, government officials decided it was a good time to fast-track necessary infrastructure projects that would provide jobs and boost the economy. But some of these projects, like the reconstruction of Hudson River train tunnels, require federal government approval.
“It was not about politics," Mr Cuomo said on Wednesday about the meeting. "It was not about any of that. It was about how do we supercharge the reopening, especially in New York, which has been hardest hit. How do we take some of these big infrastructure projects that have been sitting around for a long time, which if we were all smarter and better, we would have done 30 years ago, and actually get them up and running because we have to do this work anyway, and because we need the jobs now more than ever."
The governor said that Mr Trump was receptive to his position on federal help for these projects, but the state was still waiting on the "green light" from the administration.
Mr Cuomo also slammed Congress for not providing state's hit the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic with more federal funding to assist in recovery.
“Do you really think we should starve state governments?” Mr Cuomo asked. “What is the national economy but for a function of the states, there is no nation without the states?"
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Senator Rick Scott of Florida took the brunt of the governor's criticism because their states receive more federal aid per capita than New York.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called it a "good conversation" after seeing with President Donald Trump about needing the federal government to assist in the state "supercharging" infrastructure projects.
As regions in the state start to reopen, government officials decided it was a good time to fast-track necessary infrastructure projects that would provide jobs and boost the economy. But some of these projects, like the reconstruction of Hudson River train tunnels, require federal government approval.
“It was not about politics," Mr Cuomo said on Wednesday about the meeting. "It was not about any of that. It was about how do we supercharge the reopening, especially in New York, which has been hardest hit. How do we take some of these big infrastructure projects that have been sitting around for a long time, which if we were all smarter and better, we would have done 30 years ago, and actually get them up and running because we have to do this work anyway, and because we need the jobs now more than ever."
The governor said that Mr Trump was receptive to his position on federal help for these projects, but the state was still waiting on the "green light" from the administration.
Mr Cuomo also slammed Congress for not providing state's hit the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic with more federal funding to assist in recovery.
“Do you really think we should starve state governments?” Mr Cuomo asked. “What is the national economy but for a function of the states, there is no nation without the states?"
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Senator Rick Scott of Florida took the brunt of the governor's criticism because their states receive more federal aid per capita than New York.
Will Trump turn SpaceX rocket launch into a swing state rally?
John T Bennettwith his analysis ahead of the SpaceX rocket launch today:
Analysis: Will Trump turn SpaceX rocket launch into a swing state rally?
Obama administration ended Space Shuttle program, but entered into first contracts with SpaceX in 2011
Pompeo declares Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reported to Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong was no longer autonomous from China.
"No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China, given facts on the ground," Mr Pompeo said in a statement.
"Hong Kong and its dynamic, enterprising, and free people have flourished for decades as a bastion of liberty, and this decision gives me no pleasure. But sound policy making requires a recognition of reality," Mr Pompeo added. "While the United States once hoped that free and prosperous Hong Kong would provide a model for authoritarian China, it is now clear that China is modelling Hong Kong after itself."
The State Department was forced to make a determination about the status of Hong Kong autonomy after a law passed last year. |
This determination by the Trump administration could jeopardise the US' trading relationship with Hong Kong.
Beijing moved to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong in recent days, which encouraged the decision made by Mr Pompeo and his department. The national security legislation, to be reviewed by the National People’s Congress (NPC), would criminalise anti-government movements, like the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong last year.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reported to Congress on Wednesday that Hong Kong was no longer autonomous from China.
"No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China, given facts on the ground," Mr Pompeo said in a statement.
"Hong Kong and its dynamic, enterprising, and free people have flourished for decades as a bastion of liberty, and this decision gives me no pleasure. But sound policy making requires a recognition of reality," Mr Pompeo added. "While the United States once hoped that free and prosperous Hong Kong would provide a model for authoritarian China, it is now clear that China is modelling Hong Kong after itself."
The State Department was forced to make a determination about the status of Hong Kong autonomy after a law passed last year. |
This determination by the Trump administration could jeopardise the US' trading relationship with Hong Kong.
Beijing moved to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong in recent days, which encouraged the decision made by Mr Pompeo and his department. The national security legislation, to be reviewed by the National People’s Congress (NPC), would criminalise anti-government movements, like the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong last year.
This is one move of others made by Beijing to impede on the liberties residents of Hong Kong enjoy.
The State Department as determined Hong Kong "does not continue to warrant treatment under United States laws in the same manner as U.S. laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1997."
Lockdown critic Hannity says Ozarks pool party 'could be a disaster' for vulnerable Americans
The Fox News host, who tends to support the views of Donald Trump, also implored viewers to wear masks to protect others.
Full story:
Even lockdown critic Hannity appalled by 'disaster' Ozarks pool party
‘If they get the virus and then are in contact with older and more vulnerable Americans, that could be a disaster for others’
Mitt Romney calls out 'vile' Donald Trump murder accusations against Joe Scarborough
"Never Trumper" Mitt Romney stepped in to defend his friend and former Republican congressman Joe Scarborough on Wednesday after the president renewed his Twitter feud against the MSNBC host.
The Utah senator called the accusations vile and baseless after Donald Trump escalated his campaign against "psycho Joe" over the death of a former staffer Lori Klausutis, who died in Mr Scarborough's office when he was a Florida congressman, also empathising with Klausutis' husband.
"I know Joe Scarborough. Joe is a friend of mine. I don't know TJ Klausutis. Joe can weather vile, baseless accusations but TJ? His heart is breaking. Enough already," Mr Romney said.
Justin Vallejo reports:
"Never Trumper" Mitt Romney stepped in to defend his friend and former Republican congressman Joe Scarborough on Wednesday after the president renewed his Twitter feud against the MSNBC host.
The Utah senator called the accusations vile and baseless after Donald Trump escalated his campaign against "psycho Joe" over the death of a former staffer Lori Klausutis, who died in Mr Scarborough's office when he was a Florida congressman, also empathising with Klausutis' husband.
"I know Joe Scarborough. Joe is a friend of mine. I don't know TJ Klausutis. Joe can weather vile, baseless accusations but TJ? His heart is breaking. Enough already," Mr Romney said.
Justin Vallejo reports:
Mitt Romney calls out 'vile' Trump murder accusations against 'psycho' Joe Scarborough
President escalates his campaign against MSNBC host and Twitter
Republican congresswoman implores Trump to stop tweeting conspiracy theories
US Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming spoke out against the president for continuously tweeting conspiracy theories that MSNBC host Joe Scarborough previously murdered a former staff member.
“I do think the president should stop tweeting about Joe Scarborough," she told reporters. "We’re in the middle of a pandemic. He’s the commander in chief of this nation. And it’s causing great pain to the family of the young woman who died.”
US Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming spoke out against the president for continuously tweeting conspiracy theories that MSNBC host Joe Scarborough previously murdered a former staff member.
“I do think the president should stop tweeting about Joe Scarborough," she told reporters. "We’re in the middle of a pandemic. He’s the commander in chief of this nation. And it’s causing great pain to the family of the young woman who died.”
The Republican representative's statement was important because she was not asked about Donald Trump's conspiracy tweets, according to a Politico reporter. Instead, she was asked about people wearing masks and decided to use her time with reporters to condemn the president.
Washington officials warn Trump's 4th of July 'vanity project' would 'needlessly risk' American lives
President Donald Trump's plan to hold celebrations on the Fourth of July at the National Mall would have "detrimental impacts" and "needlessly risk" American lives amid the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers in Washington, DC have warned.
In a letter to Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, 10 Democrats representing Maryland, Virginia and the District wrote: "Given the current COVID-19 crisis, we believe that such an event would needlessly risk the health and safety of thousands of Americans."
The letter continued: "Further, this event would come at the cost of millions of taxpayer dollars while we are facing an unprecedented economic downturn due to the pandemic."
President Donald Trump's plan to hold celebrations on the Fourth of July at the National Mall would have "detrimental impacts" and "needlessly risk" American lives amid the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers in Washington, DC have warned.
In a letter to Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, 10 Democrats representing Maryland, Virginia and the District wrote: "Given the current COVID-19 crisis, we believe that such an event would needlessly risk the health and safety of thousands of Americans."
The letter continued: "Further, this event would come at the cost of millions of taxpayer dollars while we are facing an unprecedented economic downturn due to the pandemic."
Chris Riotta reports:
Officials warn Trump’s 4th of July party would ‘needlessly risk’ lives
'The administration, including your agencies, should be focusing on helping American families, not on a vanity project for the president'Washington DC to lift its stay-at-home order
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she will sign a mayoral order today that would lift the district's stay-at-home order on Friday.
Although the order would be lifted, gatherings of 10 people or more would still be prohibited. The mayor also strongly recommended for residents to maintain social distancing measures and wear masks when out.
In threatening to shut down Twitter, Trump was most honest he's ever been with the American people
Hannah Selinger for her take on the president's latest threat:
Hannah Selinger for her take on the president's latest threat:
Opinion: In threatening to shut down Twitter, Trump was the most honest he's ever been with the American people
When someone tells you they don't like truth, believe them
Will Trump destroy opposition research or will it destroy him?
For Indy Premium, Richard Hall goes long on the dark arts and the post-truth politics era.
For Indy Premium, Richard Hall goes long on the dark arts and the post-truth politics era.
Only half of Americans say they would definitely get a Covid-19 vaccine
Here's James Crump on a suprising, not to say alarming, poll result revealing an unexpected US indifference towards finding a means of tackling the coronavirus.
Here's James Crump on a suprising, not to say alarming, poll result revealing an unexpected US indifference towards finding a means of tackling the coronavirus.
'What you should actually take from Biden's "You ain't black" remark'
For Indy Voices, Ahmed Baba has this on the faux outrage of white Republicans against the Democratic challenger following his (admittedly questionable) remark in his interview with Charlemagne tha God and why African Americans should get out there and vote for Biden regardless.
For Indy Voices, Ahmed Baba has this on the faux outrage of white Republicans against the Democratic challenger following his (admittedly questionable) remark in his interview with Charlemagne tha God and why African Americans should get out there and vote for Biden regardless.
