Aug 25, 2018

DNC votes to strip power from "superdelegates"

Democratic National Headquarters. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

The Democratic National Committee voted to reduce the power of "superdelegates" in the presidential nomination process at a meeting on Saturday, reports NPR.

Why it matters: Superdelegates were previously free to vote for whichever candidate they wanted to support — even if it was a vote contrary to primary results. Now, under new rules, superdelegates can no longer vote on primary ballots unless the vote is deadlocked. Superdelegate votes became a point of controversy in the 2016 Democratic primary with supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders rallying against Hillary Clinton and the party's establishment.

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Orion Rummler

22 mins 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 40 mins 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.

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Rashaan Ayesh

1 hour 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.