Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday

Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday

Jan 4, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Georgia runoffs: 3 things to watch

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris campaigns today in Savannah, Ga., with Senate candidates Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Photo: Mike Segar/Reuters

Attention is turning to Tuesday's twin runoffs in Georgia to decide control of the U.S. Senate.

These are three things to watch, from a conversation I had with Patricia Murphy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, who's covering the race...

Republicans don't trust the election, potentially dampening turnout. Not one Republican voter Murphy has spoken to since Election Day believes that President-elect Biden won. "Not one, not a person," she said. "And many of them don't even think he'll be inaugurated on January 20."
Tying Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff together has been effective for the two Democrats — they even share a Warnock-Ossoff campaign sign. The pairing gives Warnock a boost from the younger voters expected to come out for Ossoff, and gives Ossoff the benefit of the African American voters who are expected to come out for Warnock.
Keep your eyes on Gwinnett County in suburban Atlanta— the former Newt Gingrich territory that's now a stronghold for Democrats. "These are the suburban districts where you can just feel the movement of the ground under your feet,” Murphy said as she drove through the county. "Eight years ago, it could not be more Republican." Today, signs for Warnock and Black Lives Matter dot the area.

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Jan 21, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Avril Haines confirmed as director of national intelligence

Haines. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Image

Avril Haines was quickly confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday as the director of national intelligence (DNI) in a vote of 84-10.

Why it matters: Haines is the first of President Biden's nominees to receive a full Senate confirmation and she will be the first woman to serve as DNI. She's previously served as CIA deputy director from 2013 to 2015 and deputy national security adviser from 2015 to 2017.

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24 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Merrick Garland: Domestic terror is "still with us"

Photo: Kevin Dietsch/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In his first major speech, Attorney General Merrick Garland warned the nation Monday to remain vigilant against the rising threat of domestic extremism.

Why it matters: Domestic terrorism poses an "elevated threat" to the nation this year, according to U.S. intelligence. Garland has already pledged to crack down on violence linked to white supremacists and right-wing militia groups.

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Updated 43 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

Health: Global COVID-19 death toll surpasses 3 million — Telehealth brings moms-to-be improved care.
Vaccines: All U.S. adults now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine — CDC says half of U.S. adults have received one COVID-19 vaccine dose — Fauci expects decision on resuming J&J coronavirus vaccine by Friday.
Political: Watchdog says agency infighting increased health and safety risks at start of pandemic — When vaccine hesitancy becomes political
World: Zimbabwe releases hundreds of prisoners to reduce COVID risk — Head of world's largest vaccine maker urges Biden to lift export ban on raw materials.
Food: COVID-19 smell loss leads to culinary experimentation.
Variant tracker: Where different strains are spreading.

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