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The Nasdaq topped 10,000 for the first time ever, proving that during this period of economic uncertainty, America still has faith in tech stocks like Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Netflix.
Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
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1. Police reform
Protests over the death of George Floyd have spread through the US for six straight days now, culminating in both peaceful demonstrations and violent, fiery clashes between police and civilians. Over the weekend, ugly scenes unfolded in cities from coast to coast. Video from New York City appears to show a New York City Police Department truck plowing into a crowd. In Minnesota, a man who drove a tanker truck through a crowd of protesters has been charged with assault. Journalists in multiple cities have been arrested or assaulted while covering the protests. Businesses and buildings have gone up in flames. Widespread injuries have been reported, including at least seven police officers hurt in Boston. In Detroit, a 21-year-old man was shot and killed during a protest, though police couldn’t confirm the victim was participating at the time. As a result, at least 40 cities have imposed curfews, and National Guard members have been activated in 15 states and Washington, DC.
Meanwhile, the former officer who was shown on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck before he died has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter – two felonies where intent is a key element. Derek Chauvin’s first court appearance is scheduled for June 8.
3. Election 2020
In response to the widespread protests, President Trump tweeted the United States will designate Anifa as a terrorist organization. Antifa, which stands for anti-fascist, is a broad, decentralized group of people with liberal-leaning beliefs that do not conform with the traditional Democratic Party platform. There are several issues with this. Chiefly, current and former government officials have said it would be unconstitutional to designate First Amendment-protected activity inside the US as terrorism. The law does allow foreign groups to carry the designation, because they don’t fall under the same protections. Many experts see the President’s claim as posturing rather than policy.
THURSDAY
A South Dakota Sioux tribe is refusing to end coronavirus checkpoints along roads leading to through tribal land even though the state’s government has deemed them illegal. Leaders of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe say the checkpoints, which are designed to monitor and track possible coronavirus exposure, are the best tool the tribe has to stop an outbreak. However, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says the checkpoints interfere with traffic on US and state highways, and are thus against the law. The Cheyenne River Sioux and the nearby Oglala Sioux tribes have both issued strict stay-at-home orders and curfews for their communities even though there are no similar statewide restrictions.
5. Nigeria
Things are getting more complicated for President Trump in the run-up to November’s election. Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is holding a steady polling lead over the President, and a new contender could eat into a key Republican base. Michigan Rep. Justin Amash announced last week that he was exploring a run for the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination. The politician famously left the Republican Party and and supported Trump’s impeachment. While Amash’s candidacy has prompted lots of shrugs among Republicans, he could do damage in his home state of Michigan. Trump won the swing state in 2016 by just 10,000 votes.
Employers added 3.1 million jobs in May, giving an unexpected boost to a battered labor market. But state and local governments are still cutting jobs, which could kill any real economic momentum. Among the growth last month, these two levels of government actually slashed more than half a million jobs. One analytics firm predicts 3 million more state and local jobs could be at risk in coming months, including first responders and in areas like social services, sanitation, health care, education and municipal services like libraries and parks. And while the economy might be doing better now, there may be more bad news around the corner. Economists believe a second wave of infections could deaden a rebound and put the American economy in new danger.
5. Ahmaud Arbery
Maritime and military experts are worried that China is adopting increasingly forceful tactics in the South China Sea. The Asia Maritime Transparency Institute revealed Chinese and Malaysian ships were locked in a high-stakes standoff in the highly-contested area earlier this year. Beijing claims it was conducting “normal activities in waters under Chinese jurisdiction,” but Chinese vessels have been accused for years of hounding countries who try to explore in the areas of the South China Sea that China claims as its own. The Malaysia standoff was also one among many confrontational moves from the Chinese government in the region this year. The AMTI says these incidents could lead to larger conflicts with other powers in the area, including Malaysia or Indonesia.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
People are ditching their beauty routines as they work from home, and makeup companies are taking the hit
There won’t be any parades or big gatherings, but Pride will go on.
Fishermen in Hawaii caught two yellowfin tuna totaling 220 pounds – and used them to feed health care workers
Now that’s sharing your bounty.
A 103-year-old woman beat Covid-19, and had an ice cold beer to celebrate
When you’re 103 and kick Covid to the curb, you can drink whatever you want.
The pandemic isn’t the only thing that’s shaken the world this year
UFC Champion Conor McGregor is retiring
TODAY’S NUMBER
That’s how many coronavirus vaccines health care giant Johnson & Johnson is looking to produce for next year.
2.6 million
TODAY’S QUOTE
New York Times CEO Mark Thompson, who says the coronavirus crisis is an opportunity for news organizations to highlight the essential role of journalism.
“For those of you who feel invisible: Please know that your story matters. Your ideas matter. Your experiences matter. Your vision for what our world can and should be matters.”
TODAY’S WEATHER
AND FINALLY
A BBC sports commentator calls Australia’s penguin parade