What you need to know today about the virus outbreak

As Brazil and India struggle with surging coronavirus cases, a top health expert is warning that the world is still smack in the middle of the pandemic, dampening hopes for a speedy global economic rebound and renewed international travel. “Right now, we’re not in the second wave. We’re right...

The Latest: Biden keynote speaker at virtual convention

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. TOP OF THE HOUR: — President Trump says to “always be safe" as country...

Trump's convention demand comes amid Charlotte virus surge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s demand for a full-capacity Republican convention in August is putting pressure on North Carolina health officials — and local Republicans — as coronavirus cases surge in the host county and statewide. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's...

Biden to keynote Minnesota Democrats' online convention

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will be the keynote speaker when Minnesota Democrats hold a virtual state convention under the theme “Minnesota Together” this weekend. The former vice president will address the delegates online Sunday, along with Sen. Amy...

Deadlocked Congress shifts virus focus to small business aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — Deadlocked over the next big coronavirus relief bill, Congress is shifting its attention to a more modest overhaul of small business aid in hopes of helping employers reopen shops and survive the pandemic. Bipartisan legislation that would give small employers more time to take advantage...

GOP govs offer states as alternative RNC convention host

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two GOP governors are offering up their states to host the Republican National Convention — a day after President Donald Trump threatened to pull the convention out of North Carolina if that state’s Democratic governor doesn't assure him that the August gathering can go...

Kansas’ Democratic governor vetoes GOP bill that would have limited her emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ Democratic governor vetoes GOP bill that would have limited her emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic.

GOP leader pulls support for California candidate over posts

MODESTO, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. House's top Republican on Tuesday withdrew his support for a Central California congressional candidate over derogatory online posts about Muslims and Hillary Clinton that the candidate says he did not write. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy rescinded his support for...

Parties target control of state legislatures, redistricting

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drowned out by the coronavirus and national politics, Republican and Democratic operatives are quietly preparing for a battle of state legislative supremacy later this year that could have a profound effect on political power for the next decade. The November ballot will feature...

Nancy Pelosi to speak at Texas Democrats' virtual convention

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be a headliner of Texas Democrats' virtual convention, which was moved online over fears of the coronavirus. The announcement Tuesday gives Texas Democrats one of their most prominent convention speakers in recent years. Democrats have been shut out of...