There are over 1.7 million cases of coronavirus in the United States and over 102,000 deaths.
President Trump delivered a new blow to the World Health Organization (WHO), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) weighed in on the next round of relief legislation, and New York City made steps toward reopening.
Here are 10 things to know today.
In the Trump administration
-
President Trump announced Friday that the United States is “terminating” its relationship with the WHO over its response to coronavirus, arguing it is controlled by China. The move by the president shows a following through on a threat issued by the administration earlier this month. Morgan Chalfant reports.
In Congress
-
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that the next potential relief bill will be the final coronavirus stimulus legislation, adding it will be “narrowly crafted.” Jordain Carney reports.
-
A surge in coronavirus-related workplace complaints is fueling criticism from unions and Democratic lawmakers that the Labor Department is ill-equipped to ensure workers are safe as more businesses reopen. Alex Gangitano reports.
-
House Democrats looking to deliver another round of $1,200 relief checks to Americans are encountering skepticism from an unexpected source — fellow Democrats in the Senate, who say aid might need to be more targeted. Alexander Bolton reports.
-
Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) said Friday that he had tested positive for coronavirus antibodies, becoming the second senator in as many days to disclose that they had likely contracted the virus. The news follows an announcement from Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) made on Thursday. Jordain Carney reports.
In the states
-
New York City is on track to start reopening the week of June 8, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced, saying data in the city has improved significantly. Peter Sullivan reports.
-
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) said voters who don’t feel safe because of the coronavirus pandemic shouldn’t vote in person in next week’s elections for city council, school board and local ballot measures. Read more here.
-
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he is looking at allowing for larger indoor services in houses of worship by June 12 as the state eases restrictions put in place to fight the coronavirus. Tal Axelrod reports.
Other news
-
Consumer spending dropped by a record 13.6 percent in April amid the economic fallout of coronavirus, according to data released by the Department of Commerce, a decrease of $1.89 trillion in personal consumer spending. J. Edward Moreno reports.
-
Consumer data shows shifts in grocery store buying practices amid the pandemic. Sales are rising in what the grocery industry calls its center store, the aisles where cereals, baking products and cooking staples are found. On the other hand, deli sales are down, and products like store-prepared meals have dropped sharply. Reid Wilson reports.