World News: June 2020

Tuesday, June 30

Dr. Anthony Fauci (R), director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks about coronavirus vaccine development in the Rose Garden of the White House on May 15, 2020 in Washington, DC.

New coronavirus cases could hit 100,000 daily. We're one-third of the way to a coronavirus vaccine, experts say. It's Tuesday's news.

Is the possibility of 100,000 coronavirus cases a day enough to convince people to wear masks? Asking for everyone I've seen without a mask out and about in Los Angeles.

It's Ashley. Let's talk news, shall we?

But first, what really killed the dinosaurs: It was the asteroid after all. A new study confirmed that an asteroid smacking into Earth 66 million years ago took out the dinos – not volcanic eruptions. 🦖☄️🦕

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Coronavirus cases in the USA 'could get very bad'

Dr. Anthony Fauci shared an alarming prediction Tuesday: New coronavirus infections could balloon up to 100,000 a day if America doesn't get the surge in COVID-19 cases under control, the nation's leading infectious disease expert told Congress. "We've really got to do something about that, and we need to deal with it quickly," Fauci said. "It could get very bad." New cases have increased by about 40,000 a day. What's causing the surge in infections? Fauci pointed a finger at two things: Some areas reopened too quickly, and people aren't following guidelines.

Give it to me straight: The number of confirmed cases globally is nearly 10.4 million, and the death toll is more than 508,000. There are more than 2.6 million cases in the USA and more than 127,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.

How are we doing on that vaccine?

Fauci has repeatedly said he hopes a vaccine could be available by the end of 2020 or early 2021. In an effort to dive deeper into a potential timeline, USA TODAY created a panel of experts to discuss how far we are from when a safe (important) and effective (also important) vaccine will be ready for all Americans. The estimate: We're about one-third of the way there – possibly a year away, they say.

What's everyone talking about? It's coronavirus

•	More states tighten restrictions aimed at tamping down the alarming boom in coronavirus cases. Here's the latest on your state.
•	A coronavirus baby boom may actually be a "baby bust" as experts see a spike in birth control requests.
•	A new swine flu strain found in Chinese pigs has "pandemic potential," experts say.
•	A USA TODAY analysis of COVID-19 infection rates shows how the virus has spread rapidly, but unevenly, across the USA.

The countdown is on: There are 126 days until the presidential election

President Donald Trump is falling further behind Democrat Joe Biden in the race for the White House, a new USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll found – but the president's real opponent seems to be himself. Opposition to Trump is by far the biggest factor propelling support for Biden, including those who are lukewarm to the presumptive Democratic nominee. Biden leads Trump by 12 percentage points, 53%-41%, the nationwide survey shows. But Trump continues to hold a significant edge when it comes to enthusiasm among his supporters, an important factor in turning out voters.

•	Kentucky U.S. Senate primary: Former fighter pilot Amy McGrath won the Democratic primary to challenge Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell in a slim victory over state Rep. Charles Booker.
•	Are you registered to vote? Check your status or register online to make sure your vote counts. Go to vote.usatoday.com.
•	Want more election coverage? We've got a newsletter just for that. Subscribe to OnPolitics.

President Donald Trump's supporters remain committed, though former Vice President Joe Biden leads in a new poll.

USA TODAY Network

Pump the brakes on that dream Euro trip

Europe is not quite ready for U.S. tourists to frolic through the bloc again. The European Union said Tuesday that it will ban Americans when it opens to international visitors July 1. Travelers from 14 countries will be welcomed to the EU, but those from the countries with the highest infection rates – the USA, Brazil and Russia – will not be allowed in. So … it's not them, it's us.

Real quick

•	The Supreme Court ruled that religious schools are eligible for state aid in some circumstances.
•	LA Dodgers' Andrew Toles, in and out of mental health centers in the past year, is homeless and hospitalized.
•	Stocks notched their best quarter in decades, surging nearly 18% in the past three months.
•	Illinois, Nevada and Oregon are set to raise their minimum wages.
•	The former Atlanta police officer charged with fatally shooting Rayshard Brooks can be released on bond, a judge ruled.
•	"A threatened bison may charge": A California woman was gored at Yellowstone National Park while trying to get a photo.
•	Another dust storm from the Sahara is going to hit the USA this week.

'Carl Reiner was comedy genius'

Carl Reiner, the veteran comedian, actor and director known for starring in "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and the "Ocean's" films, died at 98. The comedian was one of those rare entertainers who never fell out of favor or out of sight, busily maintaining his career and popularity from the day he joined Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows" in 1950 right up to his role as Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer's stepfather on "Two and a Half Men." Celebrities flooded social media with tributes to Reiner, including "Seinfeld" actor Jason Alexander, who called Reiner a comedy genius. "His contributions to comedy are eternal."

•	Remembering Carl Reiner: Here are some of his most memorable quotes.

Reiner holds his honorary lifetime membership award at the 59th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards on Feb. 3, 2007, in Los Angeles.

Matt Sayles, AP

A break from the news

•	💰 Tax day is coming in hot: File those tax returns by July 15.
•	👩‍🍳 It's grilling season: Here's the one thing you should never do when grilling.
•	✈️ 5 flights in 4 weeks: What it's really like to fly during the pandemic.

This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for The Short List newsletter here.