Jan 2, 2018

Michele Bachmann mulls run for Al Franken's Senate seat

Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Former Minnesota congresswoman and 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann said she is considering a run for Al Franken's Senate seat.

Background: Franken is officially resigning from Congress on Tuesday following a string of sexual misconduct allegations, with Minnesota's Democratic Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to take over the seat on Wednesday. Smith plans to run for the remaining two years of Franken's term in a special election in November.

Bachmann told televangelist Jim Bakker last week that she has received calls about the race and is praying on whether to return to Washington at a time when "the swamp is so toxic."

Key quote: "There's also a price you pay and the price is bigger than ever because the swamp is so toxic ... My husband and I aren't money people. And that's the thing."

Go deeper: Every allegation against Al Franken

Go deeper

Orion Rummler

9 hours ago - Health

15 states broke single-day coronavirus records this week

Data: Compiled from state health departments by Axios; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

At least 15 states broke their single-day novel coronavirus infection records this week, according to state health department data reviewed by Axios.

The big picture: The number of coronavirus cases increased in the vast majority of states over the last week, and decreased in only two states plus the District of Columbia, Axios' Andrew Withershoop and Caitlin Owens report.

Go deeper (1 min. read)

Axios

Updated 10 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 11,143,945 — Total deaths: 527,681 — Total recoveries — 6,004,593 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 2,818,588 — Total deaths: 129,584 — Total recoveries: 883,561 — Total tested: 34,213,497 — Map.
States: Photos of America's pandemic July 4 — ICU beds in Arizona's hot spot reach near capacity.
Public health: U.S. coronavirus infections hit record highs for 3 straight days.
Politics: Trump extends PPP application deadline — Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive.
World: Mexican leaders call for tighter border control as infections rise in U.S.
Sports: 31 MLB players test positive as workouts resume.
1 📽 thing: Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)

Rashaan Ayesh

10 hours ago - Health

In photos: America celebrates July 4 during global pandemic

Photo: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The U.S. has already celebrated Easter, graduations and so much more during the coronavirus pandemic, and now it can add July 4 to the list.

The state of play: Axios' Stef Kight writes public parades and fireworks displays around much of the country are being canceled to prevent mass gatherings where the virus could spread. Hot-dog contests and concerts will play to empty stands and virtual audiences — all while American pride treads an all-time low.