Susan Davis

NPR's science and political correspondents discuss challenges that states are facing as they attempt to reopen their economies amid the coronavirus outbreak.

It is the fourth measure approved by Congress in less than two months to combat the pandemic. This one, totaling $484 billion, will supply fresh funding to a new small business lending program.

Top GOP and Democratic strategists say the global pandemic is shifting the calculations in this November's House and Senate races and could make for an unpredictable year.

State coffers have been wiped out by a loss of income and sales tax revenue and the cost of fighting the coronavirus. States are begging the federal government to help with massive budget shortfalls.

The Democratic proposal has two main components: up to a $25,000 pay increase for essential workers, and a one-time $15,000 incentive to help recruit new health care workers.

The $350 billion small business program created in the massive coronavirus relief package is popular, and multiple senators say more money is needed to keep it afloat.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell agree that Congress will have to pass more legislation to combat the pandemic, but they disagree on what to do next, and when.

The CARES Act offers relief to state and local governments, individuals, small and large businesses, and hospitals affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The emergency relief package includes direct payments to Americans, expanded unemployment insurance, aid to large and small businesses, and significant funding for the health care industry.

The House speaker said a Senate agreement could be "done in the next few hours." The remarks are a boost for an approximately $2 trillion deal to revitalize an economy hobbled by the outbreak.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer negotiated late into the night with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and spoke hopefully of a deal coming together on Tuesday.

The future of a coronavirus aid package that's likely to top $1 trillion is in limbo following the failure of a necessary procedural vote in the Senate. Senators aim to vote again Monday.

The bill, which still needs to be negotiated with Senate Democrats, provides direct cash payments, loan guarantees for impacted businesses and more resources for testing and development of vaccines.

The Senate passed an emergency aid package and the president signed it. An even larger stimulus package is also in the works. Meanwhile, two members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Senate approved a new package earlier Wednesday providing paid sick leave and boosting testing for the coronavirus.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said discussions included payments to small businesses, loan guarantees for industries like airlines and hotels, and a stimulus package for workers.

The House is in recess, but senators return to Washington this week to take up the House-passed financial aid bill to address the economic threat to workers posed by the coronavirus.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Wednesday suspended his campaign for the White House and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg spent more than $500 million to wage a national campaign, starting with the 14 states that held primaries on Tuesday. He lost all of them.

Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg faces voters for the first time today — a true test of whether his campaign has built real strength off of the massive sums of money he's spent so far.