5 things to know for June 9: White House, Covid-19, Congress, Myanmar, Uyghurs
The richest people in the world reportedly have been paying shockingly little in US federal income taxes. And it’s all perfectly legal.
Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
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1. White House
President Biden has ended infrastructure talks with a group of Republican senators after the two sides failed to reach an agreement, saying their proposal did not meet the country’s needs. The administration is now shifting its efforts to a coming proposal from a bipartisan group of senators led by Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. But some Senate Democrats are frustrated that any deal reached by that group is unlikely to satisfy the majority of their caucus, and they are prepared to go it alone. While his legislative efforts stall at home, Biden is preparing to leave today for his first foreign trip as President — where he’ll meet with the UK Prime Minister, Turkish President and other world leaders.
2. Coronavirus
Americans can travel safely to more countries now, per CDC guidance. The agency issued new travel advice for more than 120 countries, moving 33 countries — including Israel, Iceland and Singapore — into its lowest risk category. Travel within Europe is set to become easier as well, with the European Union’s launch of its EU Digital Covid Certificate. But just as we’re beginning to emerge safer from the coronavirus, we now have to watch out for other infections. Experts say this coming flu season could be a doozy.
3. Congress
Democrats and Republicans in the Senate finally agreed on something: the need to keep the US competitive on the global stage. The Senate passed legislation aimed at countering China’s growing economic influence by investing more than $200 billion in American technology, science and research. The bill includes more than $50 billion for the semiconductor industry, as well as investments in cybersecurity and biotechnology. It now must pass the House before going to Biden’s desk for his signature.
4. Myanmar
The United Nations estimates 100,000 people in Myanmar’s borderlands have been displaced by fighting that includes attacks by security forces in civilian areas. The country has been in a state of unrest since a military coup in February, with daily protests and fighting between the military and ethnic minority militias. People who have fled Kayah state, which borders Thailand, urgently need shelter, food, water and health care, according to the UN, and the organization urged security forces to let aid workers and supplies through. Thailand, which fears a flood of refugees, is concerned about the fighting and is urging the military government to restore democracy, as per a plan agreed upon by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
5. China
Uyghurs, a mostly Muslim ethnic group from northwest China, are allegedly being detained and deported at China’s request in three major Arab countries: Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Rights groups have documented several cases of Uyghur disappearances in the last few years, and families of those deported fear their loved ones have ended up among the estimated 2 million Uyghurs who have been sent to internment camps. Even as Western nations condemn China’s treatment of Uyghurs, activists fear that countries in the Middle East and beyond will be willing to acquiesce to Beijing’s crackdown on members of the ethnic group.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
These are the world’s most livable cities
Now feels like a good time to relocate to New Zealand, Japan or Australia.
Millions of people can’t stop watching a pack of wandering elephants
There’s just something compelling about watching these adorable creatures try to find their way in the world.
A Florida high school paused distribution of its yearbook because of 2 pages that focused on the Black Lives Matter movement
Teachers and parents had reportedly complained that the BLM pages didn’t include any opposing views.
Chris Harrison is leaving ‘The Bachelor’ franchise for good
The longtime host’s departure comes after he defended a contestant who was reportedly photographed at an antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018.
Kim Kardashian tells Kanye West in a birthday post she’ll love him for life
They may be divorcing, but the couple seems to be on decent terms.
TODAY’S NUMBER
$18.9 million
That’s how much a rare 1933 gold coin known as the “Double Eagle” sold for at auction, setting a record. The coin is worth $20 at face value.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“At the time of the shooting, my focus was very narrow. It was: If we can just get this person elected or if we can just get this piece of legislation over the finish line, then we’ll have done the 49 victims proud. But as I get further and further into the work, I realize that we have so much more to do.”
Pulse nightclub shooting survivor Brandon Wolf, on how best to honor those killed in the 2016 massacre. He spoke to CNN’s Brandon Tensley for the upcoming edition of Race Deconstructed, a newsletter on race in America and the role it plays in culture, politics and more. Sign up here for Race Deconstructed to read more of their conversation.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY
Take it from a pro
Why do movies always feature that same cello piece? Why do cellists move their heads so much? Yo-Yo Ma has answers. (Click here to view.)
