What A Day

A leaked government projection shows the US daily death toll from Covid-19 reaching 3,000 by June, which would almost double the current rate. Both the model's creator and the White House say that number shouldn’t be taken at face value. The FDA announced that companies selling antibody tests have to submit data that proves their accuracy within the next 10 days or face the possibility of getting removed from the market. And in headlines: a former VP at Amazon resigns over the company’s treatment of whistleblowers, Costco limits meats, and former Governor Matt Bevin predicts a Pulitzer prize.

As dozens of states reopen, Senator Mitch McConnell wants liability protections for businesses, so that employers won't face the possibility of lawsuits if an employee gets COVID-19. Critics say that puts the economic wellbeing of businesses over the health and safety of workers.Presumptive democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden responded directly to an allegation of sexual assault made by Tara Reade, a former junior staffer in his senate office.And in headlines: the return of Kim Jong-Un, man versus murder hornet, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to say what’s up to an eel.

It’s the first of the month, which means rent is due for millions of Americans, workers are going on strike, and more states are reopening. We bring you the latest on strikes from renters and workers. Plus, what’s up with Trump pushing intel agencies for dirt on China. And we’re joined by comedian Whitmer Thomas for headlines: Elon Musk hates fascism, ventilator grifters make out, and Switzerland tells grandparents to hug their grandchildren.

New GDP data show the economy shrank at a 4.8% annual rate in January, February and March. That’s the worst quarterly decline since the 2008 recession, and unfortunately, the current quarter is probably going to be worse. There’s an experimental drug called Remdesivir that the FDA is reportedly planning to approve for emergency use in treating symptoms of Covid-19. It’s not a cure, but some early trial data show that it reduces the length of the disease for some patients. And in headlines: a 1-mile asteroid picks the wrong time to scare Earth, NCAA to allow athletes to make money, and "Trolls World Tour" brings equal parts pain and pleasure.

Trump signed an executive order aimed at keeping meat-processing plants open by designating them as “critical infrastructure.” The union representing workers at these plants is concerned about being compelled to stay open without proper safety equipment, worker protections, and enforcement. We interview Ed Yong, science writer at The Atlantic, about what we know about the virus so far, and what we're still learning.And in headlines: YouTube to ramp up fact-checking, Kentucky governor Andy Beshear v. Kentucky resident Tupac Shakur, and one reporter goes full Daffy Duck on Good Morning America.

Scientists at Oxford University have developed at Covid-19 vaccine that’s safe and effective in monkeys. Now, they’re moving into wide-scale human trials, and are hoping to test thousands of people by the end of May. In the US, the small business loan program had an imperfect relaunch. Plus, we’re joined by Crooked’s own Jon Favreau for a politics update. We talk about the next relief bill, what Trump’s daily press conferences are doing for his re-election prospects, and more. And in headlines: Florida puts voting rights on trial, Belgium calls on its citizens to eat frites, and the Pentagon releases footage of UFOs.

President Trump might be doing away with his hour-plus daily coronavirus briefings, which is a relief for so-called “privately concerned Republicans” who think they might scare away voters in November. The White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Birx hit the Sunday shows this weekend in Trump’s absence. In states like Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota, a mix of Republican and Democratic governors are preparing to ease some restrictions on businesses starting this week. And in headlines: Hungary may pass a new law to end the legal recognition of trans people, Taiwan’s “Home Alone” baseball games, and the end of horse-drawn carriages in Chicago.

Senator Mitch McConnell thinks states should declare bankruptcy rather than get bailed out by the federal government. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp gives the green-light to reopen some essential businesses today, including bowling alleys. Some northern regions of China are being subjected to new limitations on movement in response to Covid-19 outbreaks. China is also giving the World Health Organization a much-needed 30 million dollars now that the US has withdrawn funding. And in headlines: tornadoes batter the south, virus-sniffing dogs, and bikers descend on a sandy skatepark.

The doctor in charge of US government’s effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine was dismissed this week. He says it has to do with his opposition to untested treatments for Covid-19 pushed by President Trump. School closures nationwide have created a massive disruption for students, parents, and teachers. We talk to Monise Seward, a 6th grade special education teacher in Georgia, about the difficulties of taking the classroom online. And in headlines: Trump pops off about boats in Iran, Netflix sees big numbers under lockdown, and M.I.A.’s Vogue feature gets pulled due to very questionable takes.

Trump is preparing an executive order that will suspend the issuing of green cards for 60 days. We speak to Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, who says following through on Trump’s order would amount to turning our backs on the same people who are fighting Covid-19 on the front-lines.The Senate passed the interim relief deal yesterday. It funds small businesses, hospitals and testing, but doesn’t address hazard pay or vote-by-mail -- issues that Dems have been pushing for.And in headlines: Joe Biden’s fundraising numbers, Idris Elba’s bad quarantine idea, and a major comedy theatre closes its doors in NYC.