The Washington Post
(Video: Jon Gerberg/The Post; photo: Courtesy of the Twist family)

‘The Cursed Platoon’

Clint Lorance had been in charge of his Army platoon for only three days when he ordered his men to kill three Afghans stopped on a dirt road. A second-degree murder conviction and pardon followed.
Today, Lorance is hailed as a hero by President Trump. His troops have suffered a very different fate.
  • By Greg Jaffe
CORONAVIRUS

June’s nearly 50 percent rise in cases led by states that reopened first

More than 800,000 new cases were reported across the country, led by Florida, Arizona, Texas and California.
President Trump leaves the BOK Center in Tulsa on June 20. (Jabin Botsford/The Post)
President Trump leaves the BOK Center in Tulsa on June 20. (Jabin Botsford/The Post)

In wake of Trump’s Tulsa rally, his campaign is still contending with the fallout

President Trump insisted on holding the June 20 rally inside the Tulsa arena, despite the adamant warnings of health officials about the rising risks of the novel coronavirus in Oklahoma.

June jobs data to show U.S. economy at a crossroads

Many analysts expect today’s report to lower the official unemployment rate of 13.3 percent. But a coronavirus surge is complicating an already fraught recovery.
RACE AND RECKONING

Stonewall Jackson monument removed in Richmond

A spokesman for Richmond’s mayor said the three other city-owned Confederate monuments along the avenue — honoring Jefferson Davis, J.E.B. Stuart and Matthew Fontaine Maury — will be dismantled next.

Trump says painting ‘Black Lives Matter’ on New York’s Fifth Avenue would be ‘symbol of hate’

The president appeared to suggest that the painting could be stopped by New York police, whom he said were “scorned” by the city’s mayor.
Morning Mix
(Screen grab via YouTube)
(Screen grab via YouTube)
‘They’re trying to cancel Columbus Day’: Tucker Carlson slams GOP proposal to replace federal holiday with Juneteenth
Opinions
Republicans are biting the Democrats’ helping hand
I’ve watched in alarm as my fellow Republicans shun masks. It’s selfish.
  • By Karen Hughes
The Fourth of July can be a virus reset. Here’s exactly what we need to do.
Joe Biden used to agree with Trump on flag burning. Where does he stand now?
Trump is beating Biden on the most important factor in this campaign
  • By Brad Parscale
Stories You’ll Want to Hear

Why would Russia pay the Taliban to kill U.S. troops?

What we know about the Russia-backed bounties on American troops in Afghanistan. What a mutation in the novel coronavirus actually means. And a year of ups and downs for the fireworks industry.
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More Top Stories

Explosive book by Trump’s niece can be published, judge rules

A New York court lifted a temporary restraining order against the publication of an insider account by Mary L. Trump, clearing the way for its printing and distribution.

White House does not plan immediate response over bounties reports

President Trump does not believe the reports are true or “actionable,” two senior administration officials said.
Supporters of Yes on 802, the group seeking to pass a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid, carry petitions to the Oklahoma secretary of state last year. (AP)
Supporters of Yes on 802, the group seeking to pass a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid, carry petitions to the Oklahoma secretary of state last year. (AP)

Voters in deep-red Oklahoma approve Medicaid expansion

The state is the fifth to see a grass-roots movement bypass GOP leaders opposed to the program.
Don’t Miss

Correlation between income and happiness has steadily risen over the years. study finds

The virus didn’t stop a socialite from throwing a backyard soiree. Then tests came back positive.

After George Floyd’s killing, a mother asks: What about my daughter?

Biden tops Trump in fundraising, as both announce big June hauls

The former vice president outraised the president for the second month in a row.
Trump set to headline high-dollar fundraising dinner at a private Florida home next week

House Republican leaders support GOP nominee open to QAnon conspiracy theory

President Trump speaks at a rally in Tulsa on June 20. (Jabin Botsford/The Post)
President Trump speaks at a rally in Tulsa on June 20. (Jabin Botsford/The Post)
Election 2020
Analysis

Trump said ‘experience’ was his edge over Biden. Poll shows voters disagree by a remarkable margin.

Just 37 percent say President Trump has the right experience for the job — despite his having served nearly a full term — while 67 percent say the same of Joe Biden.
People are detained by riot police during a march against national security law at the anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China from Britain in Hong Kong on Thursday. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)
People are detained by riot police during a march against national security law at the anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China from Britain in Hong Kong on Thursday. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Countries prepare to take in Hong Kong refugees fleeing China’s crackdown

Britain, Australia and the United States are among the countries that proposed measures to help, even as they risk blowback from Beijing.
Today's WorldView
Analysis

Putin’s term-limit win suggests stagnation, not strength

“Who is there to replace him today?” Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a close Putin ally, said. “There’s no political leader like that on a global scale.”

Landslide at Myanmar jade mine kills at least 113 people

  • By Associated Press
  • 4 hours ago
Some treatment centers and addiction clinics have begun closing programs. (Salwan Georges/The Post)
Some treatment centers and addiction clinics have begun closing programs. (Salwan Georges/The Post)

‘Cries for help’: Drug overdoses are soaring during the pandemic

Emerging evidence suggests the surge is fueled by isolation, economic devastation and disruptions to the drug trade brought on by the pandemic.

Pfizer reports encouraging early vaccine data

Early results suggest the vaccine is safe, although it caused fevers in most patients given an intermediate dose.

Commerce IG at impasse with Ross over NOAA ‘Sharpiegate’ report

The inspector general is accusing Secretary Wilbur Ross of holding up a report on the 2019 “Sharpiegate” scandal at NOAA.

California begins enforcing digital privacy law, despite calls for delay

The California privacy law took effect in January, but the attorney general had to wait until July to enforce it.

Remains of missing soldier Vanessa Guillén likely found, family says, as suspect kills himself

Army Pfc. Vanessa Guillén was last seen April 22. Her disappearance was punctuated by allegations that she had been sexually harassed by a superior.
There are sharp divisions among Republicans about whether to approve a second round of $1,200 payments, and the president’s aides haven’t reached a consensus. (AP)
There are sharp divisions among Republicans about whether to approve a second round of $1,200 payments, and the president’s aides haven’t reached a consensus. (AP)

Trump appears to back another round of stimulus checks, though jumbled remarks make plan unclear

In comments to Fox Business, President Trump said he wants to offer bigger payments than Democrats envision but that he doesn’t want it to deter employment. A White House spokesman declined to clarify what the president meant on Wednesday.

Nearly 2.4 million private-sector jobs added in June, ADP reports

The leisure and hospitality sector powered the gains, adding 961,000 to their payrolls, new data from the payroll services firm shows.

Administration makes it easier for companies to profit from publicly funded virus drugs, group says

In its race to control covid-19, the U.S. government is spending billions in agreements with drugmakers to subsidize development of medicines. But it is using a looser standard of contracting that avoids some rules that protect taxpayer investments, Knowledge Ecology International said.
RFK Stadium is scheduled to be razed in 2021. (Jonathan Newton/The Post)
RFK Stadium is scheduled to be razed in 2021. (Jonathan Newton/The Post)

Unless Daniel Snyder changes Redskins’ name, RFK site is off the table, officials say

Local and federal authorities agreed that the nickname is a roadblock to getting a new building at the team’s most desired location.

Bradley Beal is on the fence about playing as Wizards prepare for NBA restart

The Wizards’ all-star guard cited concerns over potential injuries as a primary factor in his decision.

As MLB players report to summer camps, the sport braces for more positive tests

With initial workouts set to begin Friday, players and staff are undergoing intake screening as baseball tries to navigate a pandemic.

NFL analyst says Chase Young could help transform Redskins into a Super Bowl contender

The Nationals are starting summer training camp. Here’s what you need to know.

CORONAVIRUS
Lines are short during the soft opening Wednesday of Six Flags in Prince George’s County. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Post)
Lines are short during the soft opening Wednesday of Six Flags in Prince George’s County. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Post)

Virginia enters next recovery phase, while Maryland’s Six Flags reopens

Amid worries over rising coronavirus infections, the D.C. region is getting a head start on the Fourth of July weekend.

Fourth of July celebration on the Mall will feature fireworks and masks

More than 300,000 cloth face coverings will be available and distributed to visitors.

Maryland cuts $413 million in state budget but delays pay cuts for workers

Layoffs, pay cuts and furloughs for state workers — plus deeper cuts to services — are on the horizon for as soon as next month, said Gov. Larry Hogan (R).

D.C. school system and teachers clash ahead of school reopening

The union is telling its members to ignore a school system’s letter asking teachers to select whether they plan to teach in person or stay home in the fall.
Perspective

In 1918, Americans were asked to wear masks. Some refused — and paid the price.

Known deaths and cases
Rehan Staton, 24, was accepted to Harvard Law School after working as a sanitation worker in Bladensburg. (Crishaun Thomas)

This Maryland man was a sanitation worker. Now he is accepted to Harvard Law School.

When there was no time to shower between work and class, Rehan Staton would sit at the back of the lecture hall to avoid inevitable glares from his peers.
  • By Sydney Page
  • 1 day ago

Mark Cuban on his feisty interviews with Sean Hannity: ‘It’s good TV’

On Parenting
Perspective

The coronavirus turned my anxious 9-year-old into a shut-in. Then his teacher stopped by.

  • By Heather Osterman-Davis
  • 19 hours ago
Top row: Lena Waithe, Ashley Nicole Black, Zahir McGhee, Monica Macer. Bottom row: Michelle Amor, Prentice Penny, Melody Cooper, Cord Jefferson. (Illustration by Katty Huertas for The Post; based on Getty Images, handout photos)
Top row: Lena Waithe, Ashley Nicole Black, Zahir McGhee, Monica Macer. Bottom row: Michelle Amor, Prentice Penny, Melody Cooper, Cord Jefferson. (Illustration by Katty Huertas for The Post; based on Getty Images, handout photos)

Black TV writers have often felt like ‘diversity decoration.’ Now they’re braced for another round of promises.

As Hollywood decries anti-black racism, writers remain cautiously optimistic about whether this time will be different.
Book Review

‘Mexican Gothic’ is a creepy, intoxicating mystery that’s almost impossible to put down

  • By Carol Memmott
  • 1 day ago
Review

‘Hamilton’ jumps from stage to Disney Plus: A leap that shows just how brilliant this show really is

A woman eats a deep-fried Oreo at the Iowa State Fair in 2019. (Alex Edelman/AFP/Getty Images)
A woman eats a deep-fried Oreo at the Iowa State Fair in 2019. (Alex Edelman/AFP/Getty Images)

Local fairs are open for drive-up takeout this summer, so we ranked their 5 best classic foods

With a few social-distancing-friendly tweaks, a number of fairs are making sure Americans can experience a favorite summer staple.
Chat Trancript

Ask Tom: What it's like to eat inside restaurants now

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema entertains your dining questions, rants and raves.
  • By Tom Sietsema

Mozzarella and marinara turn grilled chicken and vegetables into a summertime hit

Passengers wearing face masks walk past the Southwest Airlines ticket counter earlier this month at the Tampa International Airport. (AP)
Passengers wearing face masks walk past the Southwest Airlines ticket counter earlier this month at the Tampa International Airport. (AP)

With few rules in place, airlines and airports adopt their own strategies for combating the coronavirus

Several months after the novel coronavirus pandemic devastated the nation’s aviation industry, there still is no uniform strategy for managing the virus as travelers begin to return to the skies.
U.S. airlines will ask travelers to submit to covid- 19 health questionnaires at check-in

The future of travel, according to ‘Amazing Race’ host Phil Keoghan

Travel brands rushed to post #BlackLivesMatter but are slow to share how they’re taking action

  • By JD Shadel
  • 1 day ago
Visual Stories
(Luis Antonio Rojas)In Sight
(Luis Antonio Rojas)
A photographer in Mexico uses an imperfect camera to document an uncertain time
(Patrick Semansky/AP)Graphic
(Patrick Semansky/AP)
The Supreme Court just struck down another law limiting abortion access. Here are other restrictions that could be affected.
(The Washington Post)Graphic
(The Washington Post)
Who should Joe Biden choose for VP? Narrow your shortlist with this quiz.
Visual Story
Surviving on, and maybe losing, a contested land
(Ricky Carioti/Post)Story
(Ricky Carioti/Post)
As opioids flooded tribal lands across the U.S., overdose deaths skyrocketed
(Evelyn Hockstein for The Post)Photos
(Evelyn Hockstein for The Post)
Here are 14 of the week’s best photos
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