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Vladimir Putin had grand plans for the spring, including a constitutional change that would let him remain in power into his 80s. Then the coronavirus hit. Now, Russia has more cases than any country except the US. From Moscow, journalist Michele A. Berdy breaks down how the pandemic got so bad in Russia — and how it could turn the tide against Putin. Plus, Trump threatens to pull the GOP convention from North Carolina. And the WHO pauses its study of hydroxychloroquine.Michele A. Berdy is a journalist at The Moscow Times.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: How Russia’s Coronavirus Crisis Got So Bad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Jakarta to Vancouver, POLITICO brings you an on-the-ground look at how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyday life in cities across the globe.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.We want to hear how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting your life. Send a voice memo recording to audio@politico.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 40,000 National Guard troops are deployed across the US to help respond to coronavirus. But thousands are set to miss out on key federal benefits by ONE DAY if the White House doesn’t extend their deployment. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein explains how she broke the story. Plus, the number of coronavirus cases worldwide tops 5 million. And GOP leaders distance themselves from a congressional candidate over social media posts demeaning Muslims.Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School's out for ... well, no one really knows how long. POLITICO's Nicole Gaudiano explains why it's such a difficult question — and how schools are going to look very different when the doors are open again. Plus, the CDC quietly releases detailed reopening guidance for businesses and public institutions. And McConnell cries foul on the Michael Flynn case.Nicole Gaudiano is an education reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump is threatening to permanently pull U.S. funding from the World Health Organization. China, on the other hand, is pledging $2 billion to fight the virus. POLITICO’s Ryan Heath explains how the WHO has become a proxy war between the two world powers — and why China is expanding its reach within the organization. Plus, experts sound the alarm over Trump’s decision to take hydroxychloroquine. And Steven Mnuchin and Jerome Powell testify before congress.Ryan Heath is a senior editor at POLITICO and author of the Global Translations newsletter.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House passed a $3 trillion relief package on Friday. But the measure is almost certainly dead upon arrival in the Senate. California Rep. Jackie Speier explains why Dems aimed high in their bill — and why she thinks lawmakers should be banned from living out of their Capitol offices. Plus, the Fed chairman warns unemployment could hit Depression-era levels. And Japan officially enters a recession.Jackie Speier is a US Congresswoman representing California's 14th Congressional DistrictJeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It's like hitting conspiracy bingo." That's how coronavirus has flung open the door to conspiracy theories and misinformation, according to one expert. POLITICO's Steven Overly explains how fringe groups and extremists are seizing this moment to peddle dangerous messages online. Plus, Pelosi is pushing a vote on a $3 trillion relief bill. And the CDC releases previously withheld guidance for reopening — kind of.Steven Overly covers technology policy and politics for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more: Conspiracy theorists, far-right extremists around the world seize on the pandemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Rick Bright, the vaccine expert turned whistleblower who claims he was unfairly ousted from his position at the Health Department, testifies before Congress today. His claims are explosive, but colleagues say some of his complaint leaves out key context. POLITICO's Dan Diamond and Sarah Owermohle break down the complicated case of Dr. Bright. Plus, a federal judge is tossing cold water on the Justice Department's efforts to drop the case against Michael Flynn. And Trump splits with Dr. Fauci on how quickly schools should reopen.Sarah Owermohle is a health care reporter for POLITICO.Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.Read more:Colleagues paint a mixed picture of ousted vaccine chiefTop Trump critic will testify before a chairwoman who is a close ally  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlike most industries, cannabis sales have been booming during the coronavirus pandemic. And for the states where the drug is legal, that means more tax revenue during a financial crisis. POLITICO's Natalie Fertig explains how that could spur a push for legalization at the federal level. Plus, Wuhan plans to test all 11 million of its residents. And the UN chief is urging religious leaders to actively challenge hate speech and reject xenophobia during the pandemic.Natalie Fertig is a cannabis policy reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump had a "mission accomplished" moment in the Rose Garden on Monday as he touted an increase in testing and pushed for lifting restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus. But at the same time, the White House itself was instituting new internal restrictions to prevent its own outbreak. POLITICO's Nancy Cook breaks down the "split screen" view from the West Wing. Plus, some of the nation's top doctors are videoing into a Senate hearing on the pandemic. And the WHO is warning countries not to reopen too quickly.Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices