Nov 29, 2017

Sen. Ron Johnson will vote yes on procedural tax vote today

Caitlin Owens

Sen. Ron Johnson Photo: Susan Walsh / AP

Republican Senators coming out of lunch on Wednesday told Axios that Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) was very positive about the tax bill now that the small business deduction has been increased from 17.4% to 20% and will vote yes this afternoon to starting debate on the bill. This is a big improvement from yesterday.

Why it matters: Johnson was one of the first to say he would vote "no" on the tax plan when it was first proposed, but Republicans seem to have managed to appease his concerns.

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Instacart workers set to strike during heart of coronavirus crisis

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

Some Instacart workers plan to go on strike today, arguing that the grocery delivery unicorn's recent increases in pay and safety equipment are insufficient.

Why it matters: Instacart has become a lifeline for many Americans either unable or unwilling to leave their homes, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 10:30 a.m. ET: 741,030 — Total deaths: 35,097 — Total recoveries: 156,838.
  2. U.S.: Leads the world in cases. Total confirmed cases as of 10:30 a.m. ET: 143,527 — Total deaths: 2,572 — Total recoveries: 4,865.
  3. Federal government latest: The White House will extend its social distancing guidelines until April 30.
  4. Trump latest: The president brushed aside allegations that China is spreading misinformation about the origin of the coronavirus on "Fox & Friends."
  5. Public health updates: Hospital ship the USNS Comfort arrives in Manhattan — White House COVID-19 response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said the 100,000 to 200,000 U.S. coronavirus death toll estimate is based on the presumption that citizens follow social-distancing guidelines "almost perfectly."
  6. World updates: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will self-isolate after an aide tested positive for coronavirus.
  7. What should I do? Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — Q&A: Minimizing your coronavirus risk
  8. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

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Alaska becomes latest state to issue coronavirus stay-at-home order

Data: Axios reporting; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

All Alaskans in the state are under a mandate to "remain at their place of residence and practice social distancing" except for those engaged in essential services, including health care and government functions.

The big picture: This is the latest state to announce policies to enforce social distancing. More than 1.5 billion people worldwide were asked to stay home Monday.

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