Monday morning news - June 8, 2020

National Guard withdrawing from DC, NY curfew lifted » President Trump announced Sunday that the National Guard would begin withdrawing from Washington D.C. in his words—“Now that everything is under perfect control.” But he added that the troops “can quickly return, if needed.”

The use of force in Washington became a flashpoint last week after troops cleared protesters out of a park near the White House. 

On Sunday, more retired military leaders spoke out. Former Navy Admiral James Stavridis told NBC’s Meet the Press…

STAVRIDIS: This is a moment when I think many of us watched the use of active duty military to clear peaceful protesters out of Lafayette Square. And it rang echoes of what the founders feared more than anything, which was the use of armed active duty military against citizens. 

And former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Martin Dempsey condemned President Trump’s threats to use military force to quell violent protests across the country. On ABC’s This Week, Dempsey explained…

DEMPSEY: The military is given enormous power by the people of the United States. And they’re given that power because the people of the United States trust them that they’ll be both a force for order and stability overseas, if necessary in extremes at home. 

He said that trust must be guarded. 

Chauvin makes first court appearance » Meantime, Derek Chauvin will face a judge today for the first time. He’s the former police officer pictured in video footage with his knee on George Floyd’s neck. 

He faces murder and manslaughter charges, both in the second degree. 

Chauvin was a 19-year veteran and the senior officer on the scene. He claimed in his police report that Floyd had resisted arrest—though none of the video evidence made public supports that claim. 

Three former officers at the scene are behind bars on charges of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter. A judge conditionally set bail at $750,000 each. 

New York City lifts curfew, governor urges protesters » Protests over the death of George Floyd continued over the weekend, but most were peaceful. With that in mind, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he’s easing restrictions in the Big Apple. 

DE BLASIO: Because we got each day a better and better situation, more and more peaceful protesters coming out, better situation overall each day, fewer and fewer arrests, I made the decision to end the curfew.

Many restrictions remain in place over coronavirus concerns. And as New York City continues preparations to reopen, Governor Andrew Cuomo is urging anyone who participated in protests to get tested. 

CUOMO: I would act as if you were exposed, and I would tell people who I’m interacting with, assume I am positive for the virus, because you could be infecting other people. 

Cuomo said his state performed 60,000 tests on Saturday, with fewer than 800 people testing positive. That’s the lowest total since March 16th. 

But the world passed a grim milestone on Sunday: 400,000 confirmed deaths related to the coronavirus—amid some 7 million infections. Experts say both totals likely underestimate the real impact of the virus, since many countries have sparse testing, while others have not accurately reported their numbers.

Brazil over the weekend announced it will no longer publish death and infection numbers in the country. Brazil is currently one of the hardest-hit nations in the world and one of the few places where the crisis is worsening. 

Tropical storm Cristobal hits Gulf Coast » Tropical Storm Cristobal slammed the Gulf Coast on Sunday, with strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge. Thousands lost power along the coasts of Mississippi and Louisiana—before the storm made landfall. 

Forecasters said some parts of those states could get up to 12 inches of rain. And Eric Blake with the National Hurricane Center said the threat isn’t over. 

BLAKE: On Monday the storm should be moving from north Louisiana into Arkansas. The heavy rain threat will continue, along with some possible tornadoes [SIC]. 

President Trump signed an emergency declaration for Louisiana on Sunday to help mobilize relief after the storm passes. 

Last week, the storm brought heavy rains and triggered mudslides in Mexico and South America. It later spawned a tornado in central Florida. No injuries were reported. 

Tim Keller announces cancer diagnosis » Christian author and pastor Tim Keller announced Sunday that he’s been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

He tweeted that he’ll receive additional testing before beginning chemotherapy next week. He said he feels good and currently has no symptoms. Keller added—quote— “It was what doctors call an ‘incidental pickup,’ otherwise known as providential intervention.” 

The 69-year-old was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002 and wrote a book about faith in times of suffering. 

KELLER: There’s no better place to learn about the grace of God than in dark times. And also there’s no better place to become a person of greatness than in dark times. 

Keller heard there in a 2018 sermon. 

He asked Twitter followers to pray for healing, comfort for his family, and the strength to continue writing and speaking during his treatment. 

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Protesters march through the streets of Manhattan, New York, Sunday, June 7, 2020. 

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