National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about the surge in positive cases in some states and the nation's reopening process at a virtual health care summit hosted by the The Hill. He added that states with the spiking cases should pause reopening efforts as oppose to instituting a complete shutdown. He also discussed vaccines, reopening schools, making sure to have consistent public health messaging, and lessons learned from this pandemic.
A House Financial Services subcommittee held a virtual hearing on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on jobs and protecting workers' pay. Witnesses included several economic academic scholars and the president of the National Education Association. Members asked about safely reopening schools, extending the unemployment insurance deadline which expires July 31, 2020, and support for small businesses.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and the organization's executive director, Lucinda Guinn, talked about Democrats' strategy to win House seats in the 2020 election. The conversation was hosted by American University's Women & Politics Institute and moderated by the organization's executive director, Betsy Fischer Martin. The women talked about the Democratic Party's strategy for Congressional races in 2020, including the role of women as candidates and fundraising strategy. They also talked about some specific candidates running in key districts across the country.
During remarks in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, Joe Biden, the presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee, said President Trump has "given up" on the coronavirus crisis, adding "his failures come with terrible human cost and deep economic toll." He unveiled his new campaign slogan "Build Back Better," and his "Buy American" plan to reinvest and revive the economy.
Flolrida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis held a briefing today on the pandemic situation in his state. He was at the Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, FLorida
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Mark Milley testifed before the House Armed Services Committee on Defense Department authorities related to civilian law enforcement. They discussed the role of the military, the rights of citizens to protest, and military's involvement during the protests around the country, stressing that no active duty U.S. military or National Guard had laid laid hands or threw tear gas on protestors. When asked about military bases named for Confederate soldiers, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Mark Milley said "The Confederacy, the American Civil War was fought, and it was an act of rebellion, an act of treason at the time against the Union, against the Stars and Stripes, against the U.S. Constitution. And those officers turned their back on their oath."
The National Constitution Center hosted a virtual event with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) on efforts to improve policing. They outlined the police reform proposals in their respective states and were also asked about use of force policies and the qualified immunity doctrine for police officers. National Constitution Center President & CEO Jeffrey Rosen moderated the conversation.
The Atlantic Council hosted a virtual event to discuss Russia under President Vladimir Putin, who revently signed into law a move that would allow him to stay in power until 2036. Among the speakers were former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, who served during the Obama administration. Topics focused on the implication of this law, new opinion polls showing President Putin's declining popularity, and his foreign policy agenda in the West. Panelists agreed that Mr. Putin's recent actions were a sign of weakness and decline, and not a sign of strength.
President Trump spoke with reporters when departing the White House to visit Walter Reed Medical Center. When asked by reporters about the commuted sentence of Roger Stone, the president said he was very happy about his decision and that Roger Stone "was treated horribly."
The Hudson Institute hosted a virtual discussion on foreign policy with former Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken., who is currently a chief foreign policy adviser to former Vice President Joe Biden's presidential campaign. They discussed U.S. foreign policy, relations with Russia, climate change, President Trump, and how a Biden administration would approach world affairs and global challenges. When discussing President Trump and China, Mr. Blinken said "China, as a result of the last three and a half years, is in a stronger position, and we're in a weaker position," and that the "Trump administration has helped them advance their interests."
The American Enterprise Institute held a virtual discussion on the impact of the coronavirus on the European Union economy. Maarten Verwey, director-general of economic and financial affairs for the European Commission, spoke about various policy measures member states have taken.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus held a virtual discussion on systemic racism and also talked about the 2020 election. Due to technical issues, here's a portion of the event, starting wtih CBC chair Karen Bass of California.
Flolrida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis held a briefing today on the pandemic situation in his state. He was at the Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, FLorida
President Trump spoke with reporters when departing the White House to visit Walter Reed Medical Center. When asked by reporters about the commuted sentence of Roger Stone, the president said he was very happy about his decision and that Roger Stone "was treated horribly."
Andrew Cohen talked about two successive days in JFK's presidency that defined his response to the nuclear arms race and civil rights. Mr. Cohen is the author of "Two Days in June: John F. Kennedy and the 48 Hours That Made History." The White House Historical Association provided this video.
Christian Brose, former staff director of the Senate Armed Services Committee, talked about the future of high-tech warfare. This virtual discussion was hosted by the Hudson Institute.
National Security Archive director Tom Blanton talked about the battle over the publication of John Bolton's "The Room Where It Happened" and the process by which former government officials have to adhere to have their books published.
New York Times journalist Nikita Stewart reported on Girl Scouts Troop 6000 which was started for girls living in a homeless shelter in New York City and sparked the creation of similar troops around the country. This was a virtual event hosted by Greenlight Bookstore in New York City.
Melville House co-publisher Dennis Johnson talked about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the independent publishing industry with Jenn Risko, John Mutter, and Bob Gray of Shelf Awareness, a trade publication that covers the industry.
Salve Regina University English professor Donna Harrington-Lueker looked at the concept of summer reading that was popularized in the 19th century. This was a virtual event hosted by the Massachusetts Historical Society.
Journalist Jim Newton discussed the career of former California Governor Jerry Brown, including his impact on national politics and his thoughts about America's future. . Jerry Brown joined in this conversation. This virtual program was sponsored by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall and WritersBloc Presents.