U.S. Senate’s McConnell says to assess impact on debt before considering helping states
U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said on Wednesday he would like to pause and assess the effects of the trillions of dollars in coronavirus stimulus spending so far before considering assistance to state and local governments.
California Governor says hospitals in state can schedule surgeries again
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Wednesday during a news conference that hospitals and health care facilities in his state can begin scheduling surgeries again after they were postponed due to the spread of COVID-19.
Trump plans to reopen U.S. national parks, details to come
The Trump administration’s plans to reopen the country’s national parks and other public lands in line with coronavirus guidelines, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, with more details to be announced on specific parks in coming days.
Coronavirus to accelerate Social Security, Medicare depletion dates, U.S. officials say
Job and revenue losses prompted by the coronavirus will likely accelerate the depletion of Social Security and Medicare reserves, U.S. officials said on Wednesday as they released reports showing little change in the federal benefit programs’ pre-pande…
Coronavirus circulated in U.S. weeks earlier than thought, mistaken for flu, health official says
The novel coronavirus circulated in January in California, weeks earlier than thought, and early deaths were likely mistaken for the flu, a county health official said on Wednesday.
Explainer: Trump’s virus-linked immigration crackdown in line with long-term goals
President Donald Trump said he will sign an executive order temporarily barring some immigrants from seeking permanent residency in the United States, saying it will protect Americans seeking to regain jobs lost due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Joe Biden wins climate change campaigner Al Gore’s endorsement on Earth Day
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden won the support of two of his party’s most prominent climate change campaigners, including former presidential candidate Al Gore, on Wednesday.
U.S. House expects to pass $500 billion coronavirus bill, avoids fight over remote voting
The U.S. House of Representatives expects to pass a nearly $500 billion coronavirus relief bill on Thursday but will put off any decision on changing its voting rules during the pandemic, avoiding a potential partisan fight.
U.S. CDC reports 802,583 coronavirus cases, 44,575 deaths
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday reported 802,583 cases of the novel coronavirus, an increase of 26,490 from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 2,817 to 44,575.
Trump may push back signing of immigration order amid legal review, aide says
President Donald Trump might delay approving a plan to temporarily halt giving foreigners permanent residence in the United States which he says will protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic, an aide said on Wednesday.
