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Elon Musk reacts to Gov. Greg Abbott’s feedback

Elon Musk reacts to Gov. Greg Abbott's comments

Elon Musk declined to take Texas abortion law directly into account on Thursday after Governor Greg Abbott said the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX endorsed his state’s “social policy” after implementing the severely restrictive measure.

“In general, I believe the government should seldom impose its will on people while trying to maximize their cumulative happiness,” Musk told CNBC in a tweet.

“But I’d rather stay out of politics,” said Musk, whose companies and private foundations are expanding their businesses in Texas.

Abortion rights advocates and vendors say the law sets the precedent for abortion protection set in 1973 under Roe v. Wade was set to effectively cancel. President Joe Biden and others in his administration, as well as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, have vowed to do so after the Supreme Court refused to block the law from going into effect.

Earlier Thursday, Abbott told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” that the new law and other politically divisive laws on social issues will not make his state any less attractive to businesses or individuals.

“You need to understand that there are a lot of companies and a lot of Americans who like the social positions of the state of Texas,” Abbott said.

“This is not slowing down the companies coming into the state of Texas at all. In fact, it is speeding up the process of companies coming into Texas,” Abbott said.

He added that Musk “had to get out of California because of California’s welfare policy, and Elon keeps telling me that he likes Texas welfare policy.”

Musk personally moved to Texas from California last year, which could save him billions of dollars in taxes. He had not shared his thoughts on the Heartbeat Abortion Act, which also empowers private individuals to sue anyone who “aids” and “incites” most abortions.

Musk has shown little reluctance to meddle on political issues in the past.

For example, in early 2020, amid the early waves of the pandemic, Musk slapped government stay-at-home orders, calling them “fascist” in a text over Tesla’s earnings call for the first quarter of 2020.

Under his direction, Tesla then filed a lawsuit against California’s Alameda County and eventually withdrew it, alleging its health ordinances were in conflict with state policy on business closings.

Last year, Musk donated to three Republican anti-abortion lawmakers and four Democratic lawmakers who support abortion law, giving $ 2,800 each, according to money-in-politics tracker OpenSecrets.org.

Both Tesla and SpaceX have sizable operations in Texas. Tesla is currently building its second US auto plant outside of Austin. And SpaceX has been operating in the state since 2003.

Musk said on March 31 that the company will need to hire more than 10,000 people for the new Texas facility by 2022.

Tesla’s headquarters are currently still in Palo Alto, California, and Tesla operates its first U.S. auto assembly plant nearby in Fremont. But last May, Musk threatened to move these headquarters and future development to Texas and Nevada in protest of pandemic-related restrictions in the Golden State.

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Health

Idaho Gov. Brad Little urges residents to get Covid vaccine

Long-haul Covid symptoms should be a 'wake-up call' for young people, Texas Children's doctor says

Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Friday called on the state’s residents to get vaccinated against Covid, citing concern about the delta variant and its potential to hinder economic progress.

“We’re just urging everybody to get vaccinated,” Little said on CNBC’s “The Exchange.”

Little said his biggest concern and “one of the most detrimental things” to the economy would be if children do not attend in-person school full-time in the fall and and parents stay home with them. “That will slow down the economy, so we want the vaccination rate to get up and protect our Idaho citizens,” said Little, a Republican who took office in 2019. He previously served as lieutenant governor.

Idaho has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the nation, with about 46% of residents ages 12 and up fully vaccinated and nearly 51% having at least one dose, according to the state’s public health division. Both figures lag the national rate.

For the U.S. overall, 58% of Americans ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated while 68% have had at least one dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Half of the total American population is now fully vaccinated against Covid, a White House official tweeted Friday before the CDC posted the data on its website.

The number of daily cases is also on the rise in Idaho as the highly contagious delta variant ravages largely unvaccinated parts of the country. 

Little has refrained from imposing a statewide mask mandate, although a few counties and about a dozen cities in Idaho have issued local requirements in efforts to curb the spread of the virus. In late May, Little rescinded an executive order barring mask mandates that Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin issued while he was away at a conference.

“I believe in empowering businesses and local government to do the right thing,” Little told CNBC. “We’re advocates of vaccination and doing whatever health protocols to keep the spread down, but we are very concerned about” the delta variant.

Little said he hopes more residents getting vaccinated demonstrates the benefits to those who are hesitant to get the shot. “Every day that goes by that more people are vaccinated and protected means that their neighbors, friends, family members are aware of that,” he said.

Despite the near-term Covid worries, Little said economic activity in Idaho remains strong. He noted that Idaho’s population is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S.

“We are concerned about the new variant and some more positivity rates, but we just got a great booming economy here right now,” he said.

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Illinois Gov. Pritzker introduces masks mandate for colleges as Covid circumstances surge

Illinois Gov. Pritzker introduces mask mandate for schools as Covid cases surge

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

Brian Cassella | Chicago Tribune | Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced a mask mandate for all state students regardless of their vaccination status at a news conference Wednesday, requiring facial coverings in all indoor settings from preschool through high school.

Pritzker noted that the new order would impact 1.8 million unvaccinated children under the age of 12. In addition to requiring masks in schools, Pritzker mandated facial coverings in all long-term care facilities in state, as well as in state-run corrections facilities, veterans homes, psychiatric hospitals and developmental centers.

“Preventing outbreaks from the start also prevents kids from having to stay home because they’re sick or in quarantine,” Pritzker said.

The move comes as the coronavirus delta variant spreads rapidly across the state and the nation.

Illinois experienced a 46% increase in cases last week, a seven-day average of almost 1,669 new coronavirus cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Pritzker’s announcement also comes as state and local governments continue to introduce health measures to mitigate the spread of the infectious disease. On Monday, seven counties in Northern California issued a mask mandate for all indoor settings, elevating a facial covering advisory issued in July to a requirement.

That same day, Louisiana issued a new statewide mask mandate for residents in public indoor settings until at least Sept. 1, a measure that includes students from kindergarten to college. Nevada revived its mask mandate for indoor public spaces on July 27, though it applies only to counties with elevated Covid transmission rates.

And on Tuesday, New York City mandated vaccinations for employees and patrons of the city’s restaurants, gyms, and entertainment centers, an order that will take effect in September. Mayor Bill de Blasio also said in June that city schools would keep their mask mandates in place.

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Politics

Pelosi amongst prime Democrats calling for NY Gov. Cuomo’s resignation

Pelosi among top Democrats calling for NY Gov. Cuomo's resignation

Governor Andrew Cuomo holds press briefing and makes announcement to combat Covid-19 Delta variant at 633 3rd Avenue.

Pacific Press | LightRocket | Getty Images

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats called on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign on Tuesday, following the release of a bombshell report alleging that the governor sexually harassed 11 women.

Pelosi expressed her belief that Cuomo should resign, a shift from the spring when she declined to call on the governor to step down from office.

“Recognizing his love of New York and the respect for the office he holds, I call upon the Governor to resign,” Pelosi said in a statement. 

President Joe Biden also called on Cuomo to step down. “He should resign,” Biden told reporters at the White House.

Asked whether Cuomo should be removed from office if he refuses to resign, Biden said, “I understand the state legislature may decide to impeach, I do not know that for a fact.”

Shortly after Biden’s response, New York State House Speaker Carl Heastie (D) announced the launch of an impeachment inquiry.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, both Democrats from New York, issued a joint statement calling the allegations against Cuomo “profoundly disturbing” and demanding his resignation.

“Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories — and we commend the women for doing so,” the senators said.

“No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign,” Schumer and Gillibrand said. The senators had originally called for Cuomo’s resignation back in March.

Gillibrand on Tuesday called the report “very serious and damning.”

“My heart goes out to the women who have come forward … and I thank them for their courage,” she told reporters in the Capitol.

Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania released a joint statement asking Cuomo to resign: “We are appalled at the findings of the independent investigation by the New York Attorney General. Governor Cuomo should resign from office.”

Three Democratic congressmen from New York, Reps. Tom Suozzi, Gregory Meeks and Hakeem Jeffries, none of whom had previously called on Cuomo to step down, did so on Tuesday.

“The time has come for Governor Andrew Cuomo to do the right thing for the people of New York State and resign,” the lawmakers said in a statement.

Jeffries is the House Democratic Caucus chairman, the fifth highest-ranking Democrat in the House.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House’s message to Cuomo’s accusers is that all women who “have lived through this type of experience … deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.”

“I don’t know that anyone could have watched [James’ press conference] this morning and not found the allegations to be abhorrent — I know I certainly did,” said Psaki.

Heastie, the state House Speaker, said the report made it impossible for Cuomo to continue to lead the state.

“It is abundantly clear to me that the Governor has lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority and that he can no longer remain in office,” Heastie said in a statement.

“We will move expeditiously and look to conclude our impeachment investigation as quickly as possible.” 

U.S. Senate Majority Chuck Schumer (D-NY) looks up after reading a statement calling for the resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, August 3, 2021.

Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

The report is the product of a monthslong probe by independent investigators working for state Attorney General Letitia James’ office. It concluded that Cuomo “sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so violated federal and state law,” James said at a press conference.

A somber but defiant Cuomo strongly denied some of those allegations later Tuesday and said that other examples of his alleged misconduct had been mischaracterized or misinterpreted.

News of the report’s findings landed like a grenade in Albany and in Washington, where the powerful Democratic governor has earned a reputation as a bare-knuckle political brawler.

The 165-page report also said that Cuomo’s office was riddled with fear and intimidation and was a hostile work environment for many staffers. The women Cuomo harassed included members of his own staff, members of the public and other state employees, one of whom was a state trooper, the report found.

“The Governor must resign for the good of the state,” said Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Democratic majority leader of the New York State Senate. “Now that the investigation is complete and the allegations have been substantiated, it should be clear to everyone that he can no longer serve as Governor.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the “abhorrent behavior” outlined in the report disqualifies Cuomo from remaining in office, renewing his call for the governor to resign or be impeached.

“My first thoughts are with the women who were subject to this abhorrent behavior, and their bravery in stepping forward to share their stories,” de Blasio said in a statement. “The Attorney General’s detailed and thorough report substantiates many disturbing instances of severe misconduct. Andrew Cuomo committed sexual assault and sexual harassment, and intimidated a whistleblower. It is disqualifying.”

One of the women allegedly sexually harassed by Cuomo was a New York state trooper.

Thomas H. Mungeer, president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, said he was “outraged and disgusted that one of my members, who was tasked with guarding the governor and ensuring his safety, could not enjoy the same sense of security in her work environment that he was provided.”

“The NYSTPBA also applauds the bravery of our member, who when called upon during this investigation was truthful and had the courage to share her experiences,” said Mungeer.

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NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed a number of girls, Lawyer Common James says

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, Attorney General James says

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually molested several women and then retaliated a former employee who publicly complained about his behavior, according to a bombshell report released Tuesday by Attorney General Letitia James.

The month-long investigation concluded that Cuomo “sexually molested several women in violation of federal and state laws,” James said at a press conference.

The 165-page report, which includes interviews with 179 witnesses and a review of tens of thousands of documents, also stated that Cuomo’s office was steeped in fear and intimidation and was a hostile work environment for many employees.

Cuomo molested 11 women, including members of his own staff, members of the public and other government employees, one of whom was a state trooper, the report said.

The results show “a deeply troubling but clear picture,” said James, describing Cuomo’s office as a “toxic workplace”.

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The announcement came about two weeks after Cuomo was interviewed by investigators hired by James’ office to investigate. Cuomo was reportedly interviewed for 11 hours.

The investigation into numerous allegations of sexual harassment by Cuomo began in March after the State Executive Chamber granted James’ inquiries.

Later that month, dozens of the state’s Democratic lawmakers – including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, with whom Cuomo has long had a strained relationship – called on the governor to resign.

New York Congregation spokesman Carl Heastie, also a Democrat, authorized a panel in mid-March to open an impeachment investigation into allegations of harassment and other allegations of wrongdoing by Cuomo, including whether his staff tried to gather data on coronavirus deaths in New to hide or change York nursing homes.

Cuomo has defended himself against all allegations, repeatedly rejecting requests to resign, despite apologizing for making some women feel uncomfortable.

“I never molested anyone, I never attacked anyone, I never abused anyone,” Cuomo said in March. “I will not resign.”

This is the latest news. Please check again for updates.

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Health

Texas Gov. Abbott doubles down towards Covid well being limits

Texas Gov. Abbott doubles down against Covid health limits

Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks in Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Lucas Jackson | Reuters

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday, reiterating his opposition to mask mandates, Covid-related business restrictions and vaccination requirements and issuing fines of up to $1,000 on those who fail to comply.

The governor also called on state hospitals to deliver daily reports on their capacity to the Texas Department of State Health Services to send to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The new Executive Order emphasizes that the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates,” Abbott said in a statement. Abbott’s order reiterates and extends previous orders he’s issued penalizing local officials and others for enforcing various Covid safety protocols.

The measure bans government agencies from requiring individuals to get vaccinated or provide proof of vaccination. Public and private entities receiving state funding are prohibited from denying entry to individuals based on their vaccination status, but all nursing homes and living facilities can still require inoculations for their residents.

Abbott incorporated an executive order he first implemented on May 18, which forbade local governments and school districts from issuing mask mandates. Abbott’s updated order adds that state hospitals, living centers and jails can “continue to use appropriate policies regarding the wearing of face coverings.”

The order emphasizes the removal of all public health limits on Texas businesses as well, encouraging the use of masks in areas with elevated coronavirus transmission rates.

“Texans have mastered the safe practices that help to prevent and avoid the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott’s statement said. “They have the individual right and responsibility to decide for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks, open their businesses, and engage in leisure activities.”

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Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Recall Election Set for Sept. 14.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Recall Election Set for Sept. 14.

The Republican-led, pandemic-fueled campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom received an official election date Thursday when the state lieutenant governor announced that voters would vote on the matter on September 14.

The date, just 75 days away and the earliest that district officials said they could manage to hold a special election, was released shortly after the California Secretary of State officially confirmed the recall request. And it came after Mr Newsom’s Democrats in the state legislature decided to speed up the process.

California is overwhelmingly Democratic and Mr Newsom is widely expected to get his way, especially as the state is out of the coronavirus crisis. The common wisdom of his advisors and allies was that he would benefit from a quick decision while Californians still bask in relief from the state’s economy reopening and before the fall forest fire season begins.

The schedule, put forward by another Democrat, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, also severely restricts the ability of potential challengers to take part in the vote, leaving them only about two weeks to compete in the race to succeed Mr. Newsom. More than 50 candidates are already on the ballot, and a handful of wealthy Republicans are campaigning seriously.

The special election is expected to cost about $ 276 million and marks the second time in the state’s history that Californians have voted on the removal of an incumbent governor. The first led to the removal of Gray Davis and the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2003.

Mr Newsom and his supporters, who mocked the recall as the final act of right-wing extremist relevance, said Thursday that they applauded voters’ decision.

“This Republican recall is a bare attempt by Trump Republicans to take control of California – fueled by the same Republicans who refused to accept the presidential election results,” said Juan Rodriguez, head of the governor’s campaign organization.

Kevin Faulconer, former San Diego mayor and a Republican candidate, countered that “this movement is being driven by Californians from every community – Democrats, Republicans and Independents.”

Mr. Faulconer added, “Change is coming for California and retirement is coming for Gavin Newsom.”

Recall attempts are not uncommon in California, with every governor since 1960 faced with at least one. But getting a recall on the ballot is rare.

The campaign against Mr Newsom languished for months before a string of pandemic-induced missteps, court decisions and voter anger sent the governor – a liberal in a democratic state who was landslide-elected in 2018 – into a perfect political storm.

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Health

New Jersey has totally vaccinated 4.7 million individuals, Gov. Murphy says

New Jersey Gov. Murphy defends eligibility criteria

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) speaks at the coronavirus press conference in Trenton, New Jersey.

Michael Brochstein | Barcroft Media | Getty Images

New Jersey has achieved its goal of fully vaccinating more than 4.7 million people living, working and studying in the state about two weeks before its original target date, June 30, Governor Phil Murphy said Friday.

The milestone comes after an aggressive vaccination campaign that included door knocking and incentives for the state’s residents like free beer and wine, free tickets to state parks, and even a dinner with Murphy and his wife.

The state also exceeded President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 70% of adults with at least one dose by July 4th. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Jersey vaccinated about 77% of its adults with at least one dose.

“With the millions of you who have stepped forward today to protect yourself, your families and our communities, we are proud to announce that we have exceeded our original goal now and 12 days before our self-appointed deadline “said Murphy Friday at a press conference.

The New Jersey outbreak, which peaked in January with a seven-day average of more than 6,000 new cases per day, has since declined to a daily average of around 260 cases per day over the past week. New Jersey has seen more than 1 million Covid cases and 26,000 Covid deaths since data collection began.

Covid deaths in the state peaked in April 2020 with a seven-day average of 345 deaths per day. The number has since fallen to an average of 6 deaths per day.

The state previously defied the CDC’s recommendations to allow vaccinated people to wear a mask indoors, but passed the CDC guidelines two weeks later.

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Texas Gov. Abbott defends resolution to finish Covid unemployment enhance

Texas Gov. Abbott defends decision to end Covid unemployment boost

Texas governor Greg Abbott on Friday defended his decision to end the state’s unemployment surge after thousands of people signed a petition urging the Republican official to reverse his step.

“We have the demand for a workforce that people can return to work and the numbers in our state are safe enough for people to return to work,” Abbott said on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street.

“It’s time for America to get back to work,” said the Republican governor.

Abbott announced earlier this month that effective June 26, the state would reject the federally signed federal unemployment assistance programs in an effort to ease the economic burden of the Covid-19 pandemic.

These programs included a weekly $ 300 supplement to state unemployment benefits. At least 23 states have restricted use of federal unemployment programs.

Abbott said he had “the math behind this reasoning”.

“We have more vacancies than people in unemployment insurance, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. In addition, 18% of jobless claims submitted have been found to be fraudulent,” Abbott said.

A majority of Americans support the state’s efforts to end the rise in unemployment at the federal level, a recent Quinnipiac University poll found.

In Texas, the decision has caused some setbacks among those who say stopping the extra help will cause more pain to those already suffering. A petition asking Abbott to reverse his move has received approximately 8,000 signatures.

Abbott said Friday that ending the federal boost was critical to opening the state fully.

“The biggest challenge I hear from employers is that Texas is 100% open, employers are trying to hire, but restaurants and shops and other types of businesses can’t open as much as they want because they can’t win Access to the staff who need to open them, “he said.

“One of the biggest challenges is making sure employers can get workers there so we can truly be a fully open economy,” said Abbott.

Economists are unsure whether the rise in federal unemployment is causing potential workers to remain unemployed longer.

A working paper released earlier this month by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco suggested that the $ 300 increase could have little impact on job seekers’ willingness to take up jobs.

President Joe Biden, a Democrat, said he doesn’t think the $ 300 surge is causing individuals to turn down jobs.

“Americans want to work,” he said earlier this month.

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Chris Cuomo Suggested Gov. Andrew Cuomo After Sexual Harassment Allegations

Chris Cuomo Advised Gov. Andrew Cuomo After Sexual Harassment Allegations

Prime-time CNN presenter Chris Cuomo gave public relations advice to his brother, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, after a series of sexual harassment allegations threatened the governor’s political career earlier this year, an unusual break from traditional Barriers between legislators and journalists.

CNN said Thursday that the talks were “inappropriate” and that Chris Cuomo would not have similar talks with the governor’s staff. However, the network said it would not take disciplinary action against the anchor, whose program was CNN’s top-rated show in the first quarter of the year.

The episode has again raised questions about Chris Cuomo’s ability to host a flagship cable news show while his brother is a key figure in several major political stories. In addition to allegations of harassment from several women who worked on his staff, Governor Cuomo has been criticized for covering up the number of coronavirus deaths in New York state nursing homes. Last year, before the scandals broke news, Governor Cuomo commanded a national audience with his daily news of the pandemic.

Governor Cuomo’s office said Thursday that Chris Cuomo had joined several strategy calls with the governor and some of his top advisors to confirm an earlier Washington Post report. “There were some phone calls with friends and advisers who gave advice to the governor,” said Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for Governor Cuomo.

Chris Cuomo apologized to viewers and colleagues at the start of the show on Thursday for the calls to the governor’s staff, saying, “It won’t happen again. It was a mistake. “But he also defended himself, saying that he” naturally “gave advice to his brother and that he was” family first, job second “.

“I know where the line is,” he said of the balance between journalist and politician as a brother. “I can respect it and still be there for my family, what I have to.”

Earlier this year, CNN blocked Chris Cuomo from reporting on allegations of harassment against his brother, who has denied any wrongdoing.

“Chris was not involved in CNN’s full coverage of the allegations against Governor Cuomo – either in the air or behind the scenes,” CNN said in a statement. “Partly because, as he said on his show, he could never be objective. But also because it often serves as a sounding board for his brother. However, it was inappropriateness to have conversations that included governor staff, which Chris acknowledges. “

“Cuomo Prime Time”, which airs on the east coast at 9 p.m., is a news and commentary hour with the colorful monologues of its namesake and tournament interviews with guests. In cable news, the code of ethics is often looser for commentators than for reporters. However, offering strategic advice to a high profile politician is frowned upon. MSNBC, for example, stopped paying presidential historian Jon Meacham last year after he helped write speeches for Joseph R. Biden Jr., who was then a presidential candidate.

Several Fox News opinion leaders have actively advised President Trump during his tenure. Sean Hannity even performed with Mr. Trump at a boisterous campaign event. But the CNN leadership often criticized Fox News for those blurry lines. Jeff Zucker, the CNN president, described Rupert Murdoch’s Fox as “state television”.

After joining CNN in 2013, Chris Cuomo largely refrained from interviewing his brother on television. (An early exception resulted in some setbacks.) That changed last year after Governor Cuomo’s coronavirus updates became a national phenomenon. The brothers conducted extensive prime-time interviews about the emotional pressures of the pandemic. Viewers were thrilled, especially after Chris Cuomo tested positive for the coronavirus and started speaking to his brother from isolation in a basement.

CNN leaned into the moment. “You get trust through authenticity, relativity and vulnerability,” Zucker told the New York Times last year. “This is what the Cuomo brothers are giving us right now.”

The duo’s on-air appeal eased after Governor Cuomo faced criticism of New York State’s response to the coronavirus. That year, it was also reported that Chris Cuomo was among the governor’s friends and family who were given special access to government-run coronavirus testing facilities, including a police escort for samples so they could be processed quickly.

At the time, a CNN spokesperson defended the host, arguing that Mr. Cuomo had the virus and “went to anyone he could for advice and assistance, as any human would do”.

Luis Ferré-Sadurní contributed to the coverage.