There are 1.27 million cases of coronavirus in the United States, and over 76,000 deaths. Figures released Friday showed that 20.5 million people lost their jobs in April amid the pandemic, bringing the unemployment rate to 14.7 percent.
The coronavirus has gotten closer to home in the White House with a staffer testing positive, a federal watchdog is recommending that the former vaccine chief who filed a whistleblower complaint be temporarily reinstated, and GOP senators are lukewarm on new stimulus checks.
Here are 12 things to know today.
White House and Congress
-
The White House is pushing back on reporting casting Jared Kushner’s coronavirus response efforts in a negative light, saying his team is “unconventional,” but ultimately a success. Niall Stanage reports.
-
A member of Vice President Pence’s staff has tested positive for coronavirus, a day after a valet working for President Trump tested positive. Morgan Chalfant reports.
-
A federal watchdog said it has “reasonable grounds” to believe former top Trump administration vaccine official Rick Bright was retaliated against, and recommended that he be reinstated while an investigation takes place. Nathaniel Weixel reports.
-
GOP senators say they aren’t sold on the need for another round of stimulus checks, despite support from the White House and Democrats. Jordain Carney reports.
State by state
-
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) said that sporting events with audiences likely won’t return until October at the earliest, when there is a reliable treatment or vaccine. Marty Johnson reports.
-
Almost three out of four Americans are worried that the U.S. is reopening the economy too fast, according to a new poll. Read more here.
-
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said the first community spread of the virus in the state occurred in a nail salon, which he called worrying as the state starts to reopen. Nail salons will remain closed, while lower risk businesses like sporting goods stores and other retailers can reopen with safety precautions. Read more here.
-
Newsom also announced he has signed an executive order to send a mail-in ballot to every registered voter in the state to allow for safe voting during the pandemic. Tal Axelrod reports.
Other news
-
The unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent as 20.5 million people lost their jobs in April. Sylvan Lane reports.
-
Among the staggering job losses announced Friday are 1.4 million lost jobs among health care workers, a sector usually resistant to recessions. Read more here.
-
The National Institutes of Health is launching a study into the impacts of coronavirus in children, who seem less susceptible to serious illness from the disease. Reid Wilson reports.
- Researchers are looking into the possibility of using llama antibodies to treat coronavirus, publishing a paper in the journal Cell this week. Kaelan Deese reports.