Mar 16, 2017

Ryancare is on its way to becoming Trumpcare

Mike Allen, author of AM

White House officials have been telling us that the repair-and-replace bill is more fluid than House leaders are portraying, and now we know what they mean.

  • Trump, interviewed by Fox's Tucker Carlson in Detroit yesterday, said: "It's very preliminary ... A lot of things aren't consistent [with his campaign message of helping struggling workers]. But these are going to be negotiated. We've got to go to the Senate."
  • Axios' Jonathan Swan pointed out that the remarks are striking because Speaker Ryan regards the package as a nearly finished product, although aides say some tweaks were always planned.
  • Asked about a Bloomberg analysis with the headline, "Trump's Counties Lose Out to Clinton's in GOP Health Tax Cuts," Trump replied: "We will take care of our people or I'm not signing it, OK? Just so you understand. This is very preliminary."
  • "I'm, in a little way, I'm an arbitrator. ... We got a lot of fighting going on."

Be smart: Trump sees and fears the rising unpopularity of the Ryan plan and will gladly accept whatever changes needed to get it through Congress — or drop the entire thing if looks like a political loser weeks or months from now.

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Orion Rummler
10 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.

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Axios
Updated 10 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 11,143,945 — Total deaths: 527,681 — Total recoveries — 6,004,593 — Map.
  2. 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.
  3. States: Photos of America's pandemic July 4 — ICU beds in Arizona's hot spot reach near capacity.
  4. Public health: U.S. coronavirus infections hit record highs for 3 straight days.
  5. Politics: Trump extends PPP application deadline — Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive.
  6. World: Mexican leaders call for tighter border control as infections rise in U.S.
  7. Sports: 31 MLB players test positive as workouts resume.
  8. 1 📽 thing: Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback.
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Rashaan Ayesh
11 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.

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