Jun 7, 2018

Trump hosts first iftar dinner

President Trump hosted a number of diplomats from Muslim countries on Wednesday night for the administration's first iftar, an evening meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan.

Guests include, per Bloomberg's Jennifer Jacobs: Ambassadors from Yemen, Jordan, Kuwait, UAE, Bangladesh, Sudan, and more.

The Islamic Society of North America and the Council on American-Islamic Relations said they were not invited, the Huffington Post reported.
Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said there would be between 30 and 40 people attending, per the AP.

The practice of hosting iftar at the White House has been observed since Bill Clinton's administration, but Trump declined to do so in the first year of his administration.

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Axios

Updated 16 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

27 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.

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Rashaan Ayesh

3 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Biden campaign raises $26 million in 24 hours after announcing Harris as running mate

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Joe Biden's campaign announced on Wednesday that it raised $26 million in the 24 hours after revealing Sen. Kamala Harris as his vice presidential pick.

Why it matters: The cash influx signals that Harris has helped the Democratic presidential campaign pick up steam. Nearly 150,000 contributors were first-time donors, according to the campaign statement.