Jan 5, 2018

Trump may be backing off welfare reform

Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images

President Trump is beginning to back off the idea of taking on welfare programs this year, per a new Washington Post report. Apparently he's heard from White House advisers and even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that it wouldn't be possible without Democratic support.

Why it matters: This could come as a disappointment to Republicans who want to reduce spending on programs like food stamps and housing, WaPo notes. But with other legislative items like immigration, infrastructure and government spending looming, advancing welfare reform could be difficult.

  • House Speaker Paul Ryan has said reducing spending on welfare programs is a priority, but per the Post, some House Republicans have said "they would welcome the push — but that it is going nowhere."
  • With immigration, the DACA deadline is on March 5, and Ryan has said that "he wants it done," the Post reports.
  • With infrastructure, the Post reports that Trump is worried Republicans won't support an infrastructure plan.

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Minneapolis unrest as hundreds protest death of George Floyd

Tear gas is fired as police clash with protesters demonstrating against the death of George Floyd outside the 3rd Precinct Police Precinct in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Minneapolis police used tear gas during clashes with protesters demanding justice Tuesday night for George Floyd, an African American who died in police custody, according to multiple news reports.

Driving the news: The FBI is investigating Floyd's death after video emerged of a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for several minutes, ignoring protests that he couldn't breathe. Hundreds of protesters attended the demonstration at the intersection where Floyd died, per the Guardian.

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U.S. coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios. This graphic includes "probable deaths" that New York City began reporting on April 14.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced plans Tuesday to make wearing face coverings mandatory statewide for most people over the age of 10 when inside public places like retailers, on public transportation and government buildings. He announced the measure, effective Friday, as coronavirus case numbers increased to 39,342.

By the numbers: More than 98,900 people have died from COVID-19 and over 1.6 million have tested positive in the U.S. Over 384,900 Americans have recovered and more than 14.9 million tests have been conducted.

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World coronavirus updates

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

Japan is preparing a second coronavirus stimulus package worth $1.1 trillion, or about 40% of the country's gross domestic product, Reuters first reported Tuesday night.

Zoom in: The new measure will be funded by government bonds and will include "a raft of loan guarantees and private sector contributions," per Bloomberg.

Go deeper (2 min. read)ArrowUpdated 1 hour ago - Health