Jul 28, 2017

Paul Ryan fails to reassure skeptical GOP senators on health bill

J. Scott Applewhite / A

House Speaker Paul Ryan hasn't yet reassured skeptical Republican senators that their health care bill won't become law — which means they might not be willing to pass it. Ryan said earlier tonight he would be willing to proceed to a conference committee with the Senate if the upper chamber passes its "skinny" repeal bill, but he did not rule out bringing the bill to the floor if that process fails.

Sen. John McCain said Ryan's letter was "not sufficient" to address his fear that the Senate bill could become law if they pass it.
Sen. Lindsey Graham also wasn't on board, at least not yet. "I want to make sure I understand" what Ryan's committing to, Graham said, according to The Hill.
Sen. Ron Johnson said he was happy about Ryan's pledge to conference the House and Senate bills, but didn't answer questions about what would happen if that effort failed.

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Axios

Updated 6 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 10:30 p.m. ET: 20,532,835 — Total deaths: 747,845— Total recoveries: 12,743,275 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 10:30 p.m. ET: 5,193,266 — Total deaths: 165,934 — Total recoveries: 1,714,960 — Total tests: 63,252,257 — Map.
Politics: Pelosi says Mnuchin told her White House is "not budging" on stimulus position.
Business: U.S. already feeling effects of ending unemployment benefits.
Public health: America's two-sided COVID-19 response — America is flying blind on its coronavirus response.
Education: New Jersey governor allows schools to reopen — Gallup: America's confidence in public school system jumps to highest level since 2004.

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Axios

Updated 25 mins ago - Health

World coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Axios Visuals

France reported more than 2,500 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours — the largest single-day number since May. French officials said the situation was "clearly worsening," per France 24.

By the numbers: Over 745,600 people have died of the novel coronavirus globally and over 20.4 million have tested positive, per Johns Hopkins. Almost 12.7 million have recovered from the virus.

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Jacob Knutson

36 mins ago - Health

U.S. reports 1,485 coronavirus deaths in a single day

Healthcare workers handling coronavirus tests in Los Angeles on August 11. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

The U.S. reported 1,485 deaths due to the coronavirus on Wednesday, COVID Tracking Project data shows.

Why it matters: It's the highest single-day COVID-19 death toll since May 15, when the country reported 1,507 deaths. The U.S. has seen a total of 157,758 deaths from the virus.