May 30, 2018

Truckers' strike sparks political crisis in Brazil

Soldiers take part in an operation to clear a highway close to Sao Paulo. NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images

What started as a strike by truckers against rising gas prices has developed into a nationwide protest and political crisis in Brazil. Ten days after the start of the protest, the country is still paralyzed and economic losses are estimated in billions, per the NY Times.

Why it matters: Brazil is the biggest economy in South America, and is heading into unpredictable presidential elections this fall. The government of president Michel Temer already has rock bottom approval ratings, and after pushing a program of fiscal responsibility has now had to capitulate and offer fuel subsidies. That doesn't seem likely to satisfy the millions of Brazilians who are now protesting not just gas prices, but government ineffectiveness and corruption.

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Mike Allen

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Postal slowdown threatens election breakdown

In 24 hours, signs of a pre-election postal slowdown have moved from the shadows to the spotlight, with evidence emerging all over the country that this isn't a just a potential threat, but is happening before our eyes.

Why it matters: If you're the Trump administration, and you're in charge of the federal government, remember that a Pew poll published in April found the Postal Service was viewed favorably by 91% of Americans.

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Axios

Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 21,280,608 — Total deaths: 767,422— Total recoveries: 13,290,879 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 5,335,398 — Total deaths: 168,903 — Total recoveries: 1,796,326 — Total tests: 65,676,624 — Map.
Health: The coronavirus-connected heart ailment that could lead to sudden death in athletes — Patients grow more open with their health data during pandemic.
States: New York to reopen gyms, bowling alleys, museums.
Podcasts: The rise of learning pods — Special ed under pressure — Not enough laptops — The loss of learning.

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Mike Allen

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

USPS pushes election officials to pay more for mail ballots

Protesters gather in Kalorama Park in D.C. today before demonstrating outside the condo of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Photo: Cheriss May/Reuters

The Postal Service has urged state election officials to pay first class for mail ballots, which Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says could nearly triple the cost.

Why it matters: Senate Democrats claim that "it has been the practice of USPS to treat all election mail as First Class mail regardless of the paid class of service."